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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
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Back from the brink By Chris Gardner
Two years after a cashflow crisis threatened its future, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari has been recognised in four major business and tourism award categories. The operator of the world’s largest predator-proof enclosure in the middle of Waipā has been shortlisted in two categories at both the New Zealand Tourism Awards and the Waikato Business Awards, marking a remarkable turnaround for one of New Zealand’s most significant conservation projects. The recognition comes after a turbulent period in 2024 when mounting financial pressures raised concerns about the long-
term viability of the sanctuary. Operating costs of around $5000 a day, combined with ongoing funding challenges, forced the organisation to confront a difficult financial reality. Community support, fundraising efforts and a renewed focus on sustainability helped the sanctuary navigate the crisis and secure its future. Chief executive Helen Hughes said she was “unbelievably proud and honoured” the attraction had been acknowledged among some of New Zealand’s leading organisations. “The high calibre of our fellow finalist organisations reflects the breadth of inspirational mahi being undertaken across the rohe and motu, and being included is
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari board member Graham Scott, volunteer coordinator Jenny Collie, head of tourism and marketing Rebecca Evans, and operations manager Dan Howie at the announcement of this year’s business award finalists. Photo: Stephen Barker.
The predator-proof fence surrounding Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari has helped protect the world’s largest fenced ecological restoration project. Photo: Lucy Schultz.
a testament to the work taking place here at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari,” Hughes said. The New Zealand Tourism Awards received a record 177 entries this year, with Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari named in the Tourism Environment Award and the Community Engagement Award. The Tourism Environment Award recognises organisations demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship, while the Community Engagement Award celebrates those creating meaningful and lasting impacts within their communities. Meanwhile Waipā organisations dominate the Waikato Business Chamber’s Sustainability Award category, claiming three of the four finalist spots through Hamilton
Airport, New Zealand National Fieldays Society and Sanctuary Mountain. Cambridge-based Restore Native, which supplies native plants and restoration services throughout Waikato and Bay of Plenty, is a finalist in the Community Contribution Award. Sanctuary Mountain is also a finalist in the Innovation Award, while Hamilton Airport features in the Business Growth & Strategy category. New Zealand National Fieldays Society is up for both Marketing and Sustainability awards, and JetPark Hamilton is a finalist in Service Excellence. “This regional and national recognition reflects the dedication, passion and integrity of everyone involved in caring for the maunga, our staff, volunteers, mana whenua
partners, funders, supporters and community,” said Hughes. “It also speaks to the strength and impact of the conservation, cultural and community-centred work taking place on Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, from 25 years of conservation leadership and best-practice care for more than 730 native species to education programmes shaping New Zealand’s future kaitiaki, impactful cultural initiatives, the warm manaakitanga offered to visitors, community outreach that fosters connection, and thousands upon thousands of volunteer hours.” Winners of the New Zealand Tourism Awards will be announced on November 4, while the Waikato Business Awards winners will be revealed on November 6.
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Letters… Water costs
I read your excellent article (26 August) and was frankly appalled, though not surprised, to see that the projected cost has already increased by 40 per cent. This sort of transition seems to create an environment where spending grows rapidly with little regard for those who ultimately have to pay for it. The breakdown of costs is also concerning. Given that elected councillors approved the proposal, it again raises questions about decision-making and accountability. Consultant fees appear to make up a significant portion of the expenditure. I struggle to understand why so many national and local government decisions require consultant involvement when elected representatives and staff are already well remunerated. Too often there appears to be little accountability when advice proves flawed. The need to resurface parts of the Waikato Expressway is one example where questions have been raised about planning, construction and oversight.
The model being applied to water services in the Waikato was introduced in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s. Since then, only one major reservoir has been built. Meanwhile, water costs have risen significantly and concerns remain about the resilience of water supplies during droughts. It would have been interesting to see figures showing how much Waipā rates might decrease as water functions are transferred to Waikato Water and its expanding bureaucracy. I would not be surprised if water charges doubled within two years while rates saw little or no reduction. Please keep up the investigative journalism. Bill Vincent Cambridge
Debt warning
In April 2000, Australia was debt free. By April 2026, Australian government debt had exceeded $1 trillion for the first time. In addition, the Australian states owed a further $650 billion.
On the beat Licence changes ahead with Senior Constable DEB HANN
I was invited to speak at the Whitehall Garden Club meeting on the topic of scams last week. It was great to connect with the community, share insights and spread the prevention word to help reduce the risk of harm. On Sunday, Cambridge Blue Light then took 31 local yr 7 and 8 students up for some fun at the annual Blue Light Rainbow’s End Day. Many of the young people had not been to the theme park before and it was a good opportunity for them to challenge themselves on some of the more adventurous rides. All had a great time. This week I would like to talk about the restricted driver licence, which is the second stage of the graduated driver licence process. Currently, a learner driver must have held their learner’s licence for six months and pass a practical driving test to achieve restricted driver licence status. From January 25 next year, the rules are changing. From that date, the time a person under 25 years old will need to have held a learner licence will increase to 12 months, unless they have completed a learner course or logged supervised driving hours, in which case it remains six months. (Only hours logged after 25 January are applicable). Another change relates to the effect
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How did this happen? The LiberalNational Coalition blames Labor and Labor blames the Coalition. In reality, both sides share responsibility. The explanation is straightforward. Governments have spent more than they earned and borrowed to cover the difference. New Zealand faces similar challenges. Government debt is now substantial and the interest bill alone absorbs money that could otherwise be spent on improving public services and infrastructure. There are many complex economic reasons for increasing debt, but one factor is the expectation that governments should solve every problem and fund every demand. How often do we hear that something is the government’s fault or that the government should simply pay? This sense of entitlement has become increasingly common throughout society. On November 7, voters will choose the next government. In my view, New Zealand needs leaders prepared to resist unsustainable spending pressures and make difficult decisions rather than relying on higher borrowing. As President John F. Kennedy famously said: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” Max Brown Cambridge
of demerit points on a restricted licence. Currently if any driver accrues 100 demerit points within a two year period, their licence will be suspended for three months. Common offences that incur demerit points include speeding and driving contrary to the conditions of the licence that you hold. For restricted drivers, this includes driving outside of your restricted hours 10pm-5am (without a suitably qualified supervisor) and carrying passengers (excluding dependents). Both examples carry a penalty of a $100 fine and 35 demerit points. Under the changes coming into effect, if a restricted licence holder has active or pending demerit points on their licence, the period of time they will need to remain on that licence before being able to progress to their full licence, extends by six months each time. This will create a direct link between driving behaviour and licence progression. As many of our senior high school students hold restricted licences, it is important that they are aware of the conditions with which they must comply and the consequences now and, in the future, should they fail to do so. Please have the discussion with your teenagers.
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 3
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Briefs… Runway future
Hamilton Airport has secured 15-year extensions on three land designations protecting space for a future runway expansion. While any major project remains some way off, the decision keeps options open for larger aircraft and new international services. Airport chief executive Mark Morgan said the move provides time to explore development opportunities with airlines, government and regional stakeholders.
Past wins
The Past Te Awamutu College First XV won the fifth annual match for the Bruce Bain Memorial Shield. It was a hard-fought game from start to finish as the Past XV pushed past the current side 36-29 at Te Awamutu College. Plenty of running, plenty of physicality and plenty of tired bodies by the end of it.
Chiefs draw
Chiefs fans will enjoy seven home games in the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, including an Easter Sunday showdown with the Hurricanes in New Plymouth. Six matches will be played in Hamilton, while the team will also feature in Super Round in Christchurch as part of a schedule designed to bring top-level rugby closer to regional supporters.
Space crunch
Growing demand for sport and recreation is putting pressure on Cambridge’s northern Town Belt, prompting Sport Waikato and local clubs to consider long-term solutions. With participation surging across multiple sports, planners are exploring shared facilities and future development options to ensure the precinct can meet the needs of a rapidly growing community.
Masters mission
Waipā cyclists Colin Claxton, 78, and Denise Claxton, 76, are preparing to compete at the World Masters Track Cycling Championships in London.
Kāwhia bus service proposed By Chris Gardner
Kāwhia residents could get a weekly or fortnightly bus service to Te Awamutu as part of a new push to improve public transport links for the isolated west coast community. Ōtorohanga District councillor and Kāwhia Community Board member Kit Jeffries sought Waikato Regional Transport Committee support on Monday for a 12-seater service connecting Kāwhia with larger centres. A trial of at least 12 months was proposed to test demand and gauge the level of support for the service. Preliminary estimates put the annual cost of a weekly Kāwhia-Te Awamutu service at about $40,000, although more detailed costing would be needed because of uncertainty around fuel prices. A fortnightly service would cost less, depending on passenger numbers. Kāwhia has a permanent population of about 350 to 400 people, but that can swell to more than 2000 during peak holiday periods and summer
events. It is known for its fishing, hot water beach and relaxed coastal lifestyle. Jeffries said many residents were older people or single-parent families on fixed incomes and facing financial pressure from rising living costs. Kāwhia sits at Decile 10 on the NZ Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation placing it in the most deprived 10 per cent of area across Aotearoa New Zealand. “The cost of owning and running a vehicle is unaffordable for a number of residents. A regular weekly bus service would significantly ease this burden.” He said Kāwhia and Aotea residents often needed to travel to Te Awamutu for medical, dental and WINZ appointments, as well as essential shopping. A regular service would also help rangatahi travel to Te Awamutu to sit driving licence tests and attend driving lessons, Jeffries said. Major public events, including the New Year’s Regatta, the Waitangi Day Kai Festival and annual Poukai at
This smaller bus runs between Tamahere and Waikato University and is the type advocated for Kāwhia. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Maketu, Waipapa and Mokau Kainga marae, could provide further demand for bus operators, he said. “These events attract thousands of visitors and could provide additional opportunities for bus operators.” Ōtorohanga District Council endorsed either a weekly or fortnightly bus service between Kāwhia and Ōtorohanga, or Kāwhia and Te Awamutu. It will also consider making provision in its Long-Term Plan to help
subsidise the service. Jeffries said the Waikato Regional Public Transport Plan 2022 identified Kāwhia as a route “considered for coverage” which strengthens the case for a trial. The proposal was backed by Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger, who said a regular bus service would make a meaningful difference to residents. Kuriger said the lack of reliable public transport contributed to social isolation, missed medical care, financial
hardship and reduced quality of life. An affordable scheduled service would improve access to healthcare, shopping, government agencies, employment, education and community services, while increasing independence and safety for non-driving residents. “Reliable transport is not simply a convenience for rural communities; it is an essential service that supports health, wellbeing and social connection,” she said.
New trees destroyed By Chris Gardner
Vandals have damaged all 19 trees newly planted across Pirongia, just months after Waipā District Council installed them as part of its district-wide street and park planting programme. Waipā arborist planner James Richardson told the Pirongia Ward Committee that 10 of the trees were planted in Pirongia parks and nine alongside streets, at a cost of $4600. Community services manager Brad Ward said the trees were planted across four sites in Pirongia. “Some were completely removed from the ground, others snapped off near ground level, and some had all their side branches broken off,” he said. The trees were a mix of native and non-native species, including titoki, London plane, claret ash and Algerian oak. Ward said there was no funding to replace all the damaged trees this year, but Rangimarie Reserve would be treated as the priority site. The vandalised trees formed part of the council’s
district-wide street and park planting programme, which saw 286 trees planted across Waipā, including 209 in parks and 77 in streets. A total of 37 different species were used throughout the district. Council staff are unaware of any other newly planted trees elsewhere in the district being vandalised this year, making the Pirongia incidents an isolated but significant concern. The vandalism has prompted council staff to develop an education campaign aimed at building public support for urban trees and encouraging residents to take a greater role in protecting new plantings. A tree care flyer is also being rolled out with practical advice for residents on how to help newly planted trees establish and survive. Staff are also working with mana whenua to identify future planting opportunities, including around the Matakitaki Pā site. Meetings with Tai Huata and Te Ao Apaapā are intended to strengthen community stewardship One of 19 newly planted trees vandalised in Pirongia, of public spaces and help protect future planting where all new street and park plantings were damaged within months of being installed. Photo: Supplied. projects from similar damage.
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4 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
A DVE R TO R I A L
Easy rider surprise trip By Dan Tasker
Many hands make light work! Recently I spent the morning community tree planting in Inglewood.Thanks to the local residents, community organisations & school students who all made their contribution.
The Heartland Is Humming By Barbara Kuriger MP for Taranaki/King Country Can you hear it? There’s a real buzz in rural New Zealand. In our towns, villages, farms, and schools, people are talking, sharing stories, and feeling the energy. There is optimism—a sense that things are coming right. There is hope. And there’s good reason to feel hopeful. Even with challenges overseas and tough tariffs, our rural sector is holding strong. Prices are up, Fieldays was bustling, and farming is still the engine room of New Zealand. But that buzz comes from something deeper. It is not new—it is you, the people who make these communities strong. Rural New Zealand is at the heart of who we are and keeps our economy ticking. Farming, horticulture, forestry, fishing, tourism, and food production all depend on the land and the people who work it. So much of what we eat, export, and celebrate starts right here. One of rural life’s greatest strengths is the way people look out for each other. In small towns and on farms, neighbours know when someone needs a hand. Schools, sports clubs, fire brigades, marae, churches, halls, markets, and agricultural events bring us together. Out here, you are not
just another face. You are part of the family. Rural life also keeps us close to the land. We notice the seasons: spring lambs, summer haymaking, misty winter mornings, and autumn colours. Rivers, hills, coastlines, dark skies, birds, and wide-open views are part of daily life and good for the soul. For us, life isn’t always easy. Getting to a doctor, catching a bus, finding a school, or even getting decent internet can be a challenge. But for most of us, the good far outweighs the tough bits: open spaces, strong friendships, hard work, and pride in where we live. There’s still work to do. Rural communities need good roads, reliable internet, practical health services, and policies that understand distance, weather, and what it really takes to run a business on the land. When decisionmakers listen to the people who live here, rural New Zealand doesn’t just get by—it leads. So yes, the heartland really is humming. It’s humming with resilience, opportunity, and people who believe in their place and their future. If we keep backing them, that buzz will only get stronger—for our regions, our economy, and for all of New Zealand. Can you hear it?
Long-time Ōtorohanga businessman John Haddad celebrated his 80th birthday recently with a surprise ride around town on a Harley Davidson motorbike. But it wasn’t the first surprise birthday blast on a Harley the Ōtorohanga icon has had – Haddad unwrapped the exact same present 20 years earlier for his 60th birthday. On September 1, 2006, the staff at he and his brother Karam’s ‘Haddad’s Menswear and Womenswear’ shop had presented Haddad with a voucher for a free ride on the next Harley to pull up at the shop – not suspicious at all – a fitting present for a selfconfessed lover of Harleys. Shortly after, the Ōtorohanga mayor of the time Dale Williams rolled up on his recently imported white Harley Davidson Fat Boy, ready to give Haddad the ride of his life. “The girls knew I’d bought (the Harley Davidson), and they called me up and said, ‘Would you? Do you think you could?’, because John had always said he’d never been on a Harley and he’d like to,” Williams said. “He chatted the whole way, and we just had a little scenic tour of the village,” he said. It went off so well, Haddad’s long-time employee Kathleen Radke and her mates at the shop once again plotted how to pull it off for his 80th birthday. “He is so special to us girls in so many ways, we just had to mark such a special occasion for him. We had to give him an experience rather than a gift, because he loves continuity and we knew he really enjoyed it 20 years ago when we did it for his 60th,” Radke said on behalf of the staff. After arriving at the shop for a made-up
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story from his staff, wouldn’t you know it but Williams once again arrived on his Harley with an extra helmet in hand. “You know what, I’ve still got the helmet and I’ve got the jacket on board John, the only thing missing is you,” Williams said. “20 years went past like nothing aye, who can believe it? (Those girls are) bloody good schemers aye, I wonder where they got that from?,” Haddad replied. So for a rare moment, Haddad replaced his infamous hat for a motorcycle helmet, pulled on his leathers and hopped aboard for another ride around the block with his old mate. Haddad said “it was a very special surprise” after a difficult few years following his brother Karam’s passing in 2022 and fending off bladder cancer recently, and thanked his “naughty” staff and Williams for organising it. “Very special, absolutely special. It makes me realise I’m still alive,” Haddad said. “(It’s) magnificent, very powerful. I probably would have fell off it if that bit at the back wasn’t holding me in,” he said. Williams, whose friendship with the Haddad brothers stretched back more than four decades, said after all the support they had shown him as mayor, “anything I can do to repay that, it’s a pleasure”. “I’d do anything for Johnny. He’s such a wonderful man, a wonderful personality and identity,” Williams said. “He’s been a big part of my life for more than 40 years and if you get asked to contribute something towards something that makes them happy or makes people happy, well there’s no way I wouldn’t do it. “We hope he lives forever because he’s as much of Ōtorohanga as anybody,” he said.
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 5
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Warm welcome for citizens
By Viv Posselt
A hum of excitement rippled through Cambridge Town Hall last Friday as 63 newly-minted New Zealand citizens celebrated their changed status. The 63, who have come from 16 different countries, were officially welcomed as new Kiwis at the latest Waipā citizenship ceremony led by Waipā mayor Mike Pettit. Also at the event were Waipā ward councillors Roger Gordon (Cambridge) and Dale-Maree Morgan (Waipā Māori). Describing the occasion as an important milestone, Pettit said reaching this point in their journeys was a proud moment for each new citizen. “For many of you, New Zealand is not new, and Waipā has already been home for a long time. You have built lives here, raised families here, worked here, studied here, volunteered here, and become part of the fabric of our community. At moments like this we pause to recognise commitment, belonging, and the choice each of you has made to call New Zealand home.” He said our community was constantly being renewed by the people who choose to be part of it. “Becoming a New Zealand citizen is more than filling out forms. It’s about choosing to be part of a community, joining in its life and sharing in its future. That’s a choice worth celebrating. “You’ve come from many different places. You bring your skills, your experiences, and your cultures. Each of you makes our district stronger, livelier, and more connected. You help make our towns, schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods better places to live. I want Waipā to be a
place where everyone feels welcome.” The countries from which they originate include South Africa, the United Kingdom, Fiji, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Germany, France, the Philippines, the United States of America, Ireland, Chile and the Czech Republic. Reet and Rocky Thakur, who have two daughters, came to New Zealand from India 14 years ago and settled in Cambridge a few years later. Cambridge resident Lenette Castro, originally from the Philippines, came to New Zealand in 2015. Te Awamutu resident Paul Josling moved from England 22 years ago and has lived in Waipā with his wife Marcella for 17 years. Also from Te Awamutu is the Tamani family who came to New Zealand from Fiji 14 years ago, spending time first in Ōtorohanga before settling in Te Awamutu about four years ago. Each of the families celebrated at Friday’s ceremony received a native pikopiko fern, symbolising the roots they have put down in Waipā. Several people with close connections to Waipā were among those receiving their citizenship, including parks and reserves supervisor Mike Tobin and his family, who took their oath in Te Reo. “Being Irish, we had to be different,” Mike told The News. Another was Ali Ferguson, a parks operator at council. Pettit noted that Tobin and Ferguson are among the staff who usually help deliver the pikopiko seedlings gifted to families during citizenship ceremonies. He also acknowledged former employee Laura Hill. Waipā District Council holds citizenship ceremonies four times a year, alternating between Cambridge and Te Awamutu.
Waiting for the ceremony to start are, from left, Te Awamutu’s Isimeli, Nanise and Timoci Tamani with little Nanise Hadassah and Sali Bukalidi. They were among the wider family who came to Waipā from Fiji about 14 years ago. Photos: Viv Posselt
Waipā parks and reserves supervisor, Mike Tobin, and his family Ellie, Sarah and Catherine impressed Waipā mayor Mike Pettit by taking the oath in Te Reo.
6 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Medieval garden beckons By Mary Anne Gill
Visitors from Cambridge, Te Awamutu and the King Country continue to make the trip to Hamilton Gardens despite paid entry, and a remarkable new Medieval Garden opening this month is expected to give them another reason to return. Featuring a monastery-inspired cloister, bell tower, covered walkways, medicinal herbs and plants once used for healing, the garden opens to the public next week. Hamilton Gardens director Lucy Ryan says the move to paid entry has achieved its goal of reducing the burden on Hamilton ratepayers while maintaining strong visitor numbers. Around 70 per cent of visitors are now paying customers, reversing the situation that existed before charges were introduced. Importantly for communities outside Hamilton, Ryan says domestic visitors remain a key part of the audience. “We definitely have our drivetime audience,” she said, identifying Auckland, Tauranga and the wider Waikato as significant visitor markets. Visitors are also arriving from further afield, including Christchurch, helped by direct flights to Hamilton. The latest addition to the internationally acclaimed gardens is a carefully researched recreation
of a medieval European monastery garden. Years in the making, it features a cloister, covered walkways and a bell tower inspired by medieval monasteries and involved the handcrafting of more than 10,000 masonry pieces and about 280 tonnes of concrete. The garden tells the story of a challenging period in history when monasteries became places of healing, hospitality and refuge. Visitors may first be drawn to the bell tower, cloisters and centuriesold European styling recreated in concrete and stone. Yet according to Hamilton Gardens horticultural and operations manager Gus Flower, some of the garden’s most intriguing stories are found much closer to the ground, among the medicinal herbs and healing plants cultivated by medieval monks. Medieval monastery gardens were effectively early hospitals, with monks cultivating herbs and plants believed to have medicinal properties. Mint was used to combat bad breath, lavender and rosemary helped freshen indoor spaces, while plants such as chamomile and fennel were valued for a range of ailments. For Flower, the garden also highlights a connection that stretches far beyond Europe. When discussing traditional plant knowledge, he noted that indigenous cultures around
the world relied heavily on understanding their natural environment. “Any indigenous people, their knowledge of their environment and the plants and the whole wildlife scene was immense,” he said. “That was whether you lived or died.” Flower said the same principle applied in New Zealand, where Māori also relied on an extensive knowledge of plants and their medicinal properties. The Medieval Garden demonstrates how people across different cultures and continents turned to plants for healing long before the arrival of modern medicine. Even today, many medicines are derived from plant compounds, showing the continuing relevance of that knowledge. The garden is a place where architecture, plants and history combine to create a sense of peace and tranquillity, he said. By summer, the space will be filled with colour, scent and insect life, adding another dimension to the visitor experience. As the Medieval Garden becomes the 19th garden in the site’s planned timeline of 30 gardens, it offers another reason for visitors to make the trip, whether for the architecture, the history or simply to discover how people around the world once relied on plants to stay alive.
Hamilton Gardens director Lucy Ryan and horticultural and operations manager Gus Flower in the new Medieval Garden, which opens to the public next week. The garden features a monastery-style cloister, medicinal plantings and a medieval-inspired bell tower. Photo: Mary Anne Gill P PR RO OU UD D LY LY P PR RE ES SE EN NT TE ED D B BY Y P R O U D LY P R E S E N T E D B Y P RO UD LY P RE SE NT ED BY P T PR RO OU UD D LY LY P PR RE ES SE EN NGREY TE ED D B BY Y
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SENIORS EXPO Thursday 1st October 2026 Presbyterian Centre, 80 Mutu Street, Te Awamutu
Connect with local health, support and community services, all in one place.
ALL WELCOME! »
FREE ENTRY
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10.00am – 4.00pm
With thanks to our sponsors Rosetown Funerals, Arvida Whai Mauri Ora, Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board
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EX�IBITORS EX�IBITORS EX�IBITORS EX�IBITORS �ato �one �t �ohn �ato �one �t �ohn EX�IBITORS
Comm�a�e Te Awamutu �n�ormation Centre Comm�a�e Te Awamutu �n�ormation Centre �ia�etes ���t �ohn Te Awamutu �oli�e C�T Care �ome �ato �one Comm�a�e Te Awamutu �n�ormation Centre �ia�etes �� Te Awamutu �oli�e C�T Care �ome �ato �one �one �t �t �ohn �ohn Comm�a�e Te Awamutu Awamutu �n�ormation �n�ormation Centre Centre �ato Comm�a�e Te M�ori Women�s Wel�are �ea�ue Te Awamutu �rey �ower �os�i�e Waikato �ato �one �t �ohn Comm�a�e Te Awamutu �n�ormation Centre �ia�etes �� Te Awamutu �oli�e C�T Care �ome M�ori Women�s Wel�are �ea�ue Te Awamutu �rey �ower �os�i�e �ia�etes �� �� Te Awamutu Awamutu �oli�e �oli�e C�T CareWaikato �ome �ia�etes Te C�T Care �ome Waikato R�A Co-ordinator �olunteerin� Waikato Te AtaCare Rest�ome �ome �ia�etes �� �u��ort Te Awamutu �oli�e C�T M�ori Women�s Wel�are �ea�ue �rey �ower �os�i�e Waikato Waikato R�A �u��ort Co-ordinator �olunteerin� Waikato Te Ata Rest �ome M�ori Women�s Women�s Wel�are Wel�are �ea�ue �ea�ue Te Awamutu Awamutu �rey �rey �ower �ower �os�i�e Waikato M�ori Te �os�i�e Waikato �an Mi�hele � �u��ort Camelia �ouse Wai�� �istri�t�rey Coun�il Arvida Whai Mauri Ora �illa�e M�ori Women�s Wel�are �ea�ue Te Awamutu �ower Waikato R�A Co-ordinator �olunteerin� Waikato Te Ata Rest �os�i�e Waikato �an Mi�hele � Camelia �ouse Wai�� �istri�t Coun�il Arvida Whai �ome Mauri Ora �illa�e Waikato R�A R�A �u��ort �u��ort Co-ordinator Co-ordinator �olunteerin� Waikato Waikato Te Ata Ata Rest Rest �ome �ome Waikato �olunteerin� Te Altrusa ��s �lus �rou� Civil �e�en�e Waikato Waikato R�A �u��ort Co-ordinator �olunteerin� Waikato Te Ata Rest �ome �an Mi�hele � Camelia �ouse Wai�� �istri�t Arvida Whai Mauri Ora �illa�e Altrusa ��s �lus �rou�Coun�il Civil �e�en�e Waikato �an �� Camelia Wai�� Coun�il Arvida Mauri Ora �illa�e �an Mi�hele Mi�hele Camelia �ouse �ouse Wai�� �istri�t �istri�t Coun�il Arvida Whai Whai Mauri Ora �illa�e Raukawa Trust Continuin� �du�ation Windsor Court CareOra �ome �an Mi�hele � Camelia �ouse Wai�� �istri�t Coun�il Arvida Whai Mauri �illa�e Altrusa Trust ��s �lus �rou� Civil �e�en�e Raukawa Continuin� �du�ation Windsor CourtWaikato Care �ome Altrusa ��s �lus �rou� Civil �e�en�e Waikato AltrusaAdmission Avoidan�e �ervi�e ��s �lus �rou� �rou� Civil �e�en�e �e�en�e Waikato Frailty Te Awamutu �ions �ementia �orth Altrusa ��s �lus Civil Waikato Raukawa Trust Avoidan�e �ervi�e Continuin� Windsor Court Frailty Admission Te Awamutu�du�ation �ions �ementia �orthCare �ome Raukawa Trust Continuin� �du�ation Windsor Care Raukawa TrustWaikato Continuin� �du�ation Windsor Court Court Care �ome �ome A�e Con�ern �troke Foundation �i�h�eld Retirement �illa�e Raukawa Trust Continuin� �du�ation Windsor Frailty Admission Avoidan�e �ervi�e Te Awamutu �ions �ementiaCourt �orthCare �ome A�e Con�ern Waikato �troke Foundation �i�h�eld Retirement �illa�e Frailty Admission Avoidan�e �ervi�e Te Awamutu �ions �ementia �orth Frailty�n�ury Admission Avoidan�e �ervi�e �ervi�e Te Awamutu Awamutu �ions �ions �ementia �orth Rotary Kokiri Trust �Wh�nau �ai� Brain Waikato Frailty Admission Avoidan�e Te �ementia �orth A�e Con�ern Waikato �troke Foundation �i�h�eld �illa�e Rotary Kokiri TrustRetirement �Wh�nau �ai� Brain �n�ury Waikato A�e Waikato �troke Foundation �i�h�eld Retirement A�e Con�ern Con�ern Waikato �trokeWomen�s Foundation �i�h�eld�illa�e Retirement �illa�e �illa�e Citi�ens Advi�e Bureau Wai�� �u� Rosehill A�e Waikato �troke Foundation �i�h�eld Retirement �illa�e RotaryWomen�s Kokiri Trust �Wh�nau �ai� BrainCon�ern �n�ury Waikato Citi�ens Advi�e Bureau Wai�� �u� Rosehill �illa�e Rotary Kokiri �Wh�nau Brain �n�ury Waikato Rotary�hed Kokiri Trust Trust�ye�are �Wh�nau �ai� �ai� Brain �n�ury Waikato Te Awamutu R�A Men� Matthews Rotary Kokiri Trust �Wh�nau �ai� Citi�ens Advi�e Wai���hed Women�s �u� Brain �n�ury Waikato Rosehill �illa�e Te Awamutu R�ABureau Men� Matthews �ye�are Citi�ens Advi�e Bureau Wai�� Women�s �u� Rosehill �illa�e Citi�ens Advi�e Bureau Wai�� Women�s �u� Rosehill �illa�e Te Fire �ervi�e Kee� Awamutu Beauti�ul Citi�ens Advi�e Wai�� Women�s �u� Rosehill �illa�e Te Awamutu Museum Te Awamutu Awamutu R�ABureau Men�Te �hed Matthews �ye�are Te Awamutu Fire �ervi�e Kee� Te Awamutu Beauti�ul Te Awamutu Museum Te Awamutu R�A Men� �hed Matthews �ye�are Te Men� �hed Matthews �ye�are Fo�used �hysio Beauti�ul West�a� BankR�A - Online Bankin� �enealo�y �rou� Te Awamutu Awamutu R�A Men� �hed Matthews �ye�are Fire �ervi�e Kee� Te Awamutu Fo�used �hysio West�a� Bank Online Bankin� Te Awamutu Museum �enealo�y �rou� Te Awamutu Fire �ervi�e Kee� Te Awamutu Beauti�ul Te Awamutu Awamutu Museum Museum Te Awamutu Fire �ervi�e Kee� Te Beauti�ul Te Awamutu Funeral �ervi�es R�A Women�s �ivision Te Te Awamutu Fire �ervi�e Kee� Te Awamutu Awamutu Beauti�ul Fo�used �hysio West�a� Bank - Online Bankin� Te Awamutu�rou� Museum �enealo�y Te Awamutu Funeral �ervi�es R�A Women�s �ivision Fo�used �hysio West�a� Bank -- Online Bankin� �enealo�y �rou� Fo�used �hysio West�a� Bank Online Bankin� �enealo�y �rou� Fo�used �hysio West�a� Bank �ivision - Online Bankin� Te Awamutu Funeral �ervi�es �enealo�y �rou� R�A Women�s Te Funeral �ervi�es R�A Women�s �ivision Te Awamutu Awamutu Funeral R�A Awamutu Funeral �ervi�es �ervi�es R�A Women�s Women�s �ivision �ivision Thursday 1 OctoberTe2026 � 10.00am – 4.00pm � FREE ENTRY
Thursday 1 October 2026 � 10.00am – 4.00pm � FREE ENTRY Presbyterian Centre, 80 Mutu Street, Te Awamutu • All welcome Presbyterian Centre,2026 80 Mutu Street, Te Awamutu • All� welcome Thursday 1 October � 10.00am – 4.00pm FREE ENTRY Thursday 11 October 2026 �� 10.00am – 4.00pm �� FREE ENTRY Thursday October 2026 10.00am 4.00pm FREE ENTRY Presbyterian Centre, 80 Mutu Street, Te – Awamutu • All welcome Thursday 1 October 2026 � 10.00am – 4.00pm � FREE ENTRY Presbyterian Centre, 80 Mutu Mutu Street, Street, Te Te Awamutu Awamutu • All All welcome welcome Sponsors� Arvida Whai Mauri OraCentre, � Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board � Rosetown Funerals Presbyterian 80 • Sponsors� Arvida Whai Mauri OraCentre, � Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board � Rosetown Funerals Presbyterian 80 Mutu Street, Te Awamutu • All welcome Sponsors� Arvida Whai Mauri Ora � Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board � Rosetown Funerals Sponsors� Sponsors� Arvida Arvida Whai Whai Mauri Mauri Ora Ora �� Te Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Community Board Board �� Rosetown Rosetown Funerals Funerals
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 7
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
OBITUARY – SHARNI BUDD: May 7, 1977 – September 6, 2026
Legacy of loving arms By Jesse Wood
Thousands of Waikato and King Country families received help through the vision, determination and compassion of Sharni Budd, founder of the Te Awamutu charity Loving Arms, who died at home
on September 6 after living with Motor Neurone Disease. She was 49. For more than a decade, Budd dedicated herself to helping parents and caregivers facing difficult circumstances, building what became one of the district’s most respected charitable organisations.
Sharni’s legacy continues to live on through Loving Arms.
Photo: Rosetown Lions
The idea that grew into Loving Arms began with a simple act of kindness. When a teenage expectant mother needed help preparing for her baby, Budd reached out through social media and gathered clothing and essential items. More families soon followed, and what started as one family’s response to a need became a charity that would touch thousands of lives. Founded in 2014 and later established as a charitable trust, Loving Arms provided clothing, bedding, nappies, toiletries and equipment such as cots, prams and car seats to families across the Waikato and King Country. By this year, the organisation had helped more than 6000 babies and their families and distributed millions of dollars’ worth of clothing and equipment. Budd stepped back from the day-to-day running of the organisation in 2024 because of declining health, but not before ensuring the charity was in capable hands. Longtime volunteer Zelda Nortje took over operational leadership, allowing Loving Arms to continue supporting families throughout the region. Although originally from Hawke’s Bay, Budd made Te Awamutu her home and became widely known for her commitment to community service. Together with husband Jamie Budd, she was involved in projects that focused on helping others and strengthening community connections. Her contribution was formally recognised in 2024 when Te Awamutu Rotary presented Sharni and Jamie with a Community Service Award, acknowledging the work they had done through Loving Arms. Friends and supporters describe Budd as a woman whose Christian faith shaped both
her family life and her service to others. Even after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease two years ago, she remained determined to encourage and support those around her. In announcing her death, Loving Arms described her as “kind, caring and compassionate” and said her legacy would continue through the countless lives she touched. That legacy endures not only through the charity she founded, but through the thousands of young families who received practical help, dignity and hope during some of the most challenging times in their lives. Budd is survived by husband Jamie, their eight children and grandson Beau. A memorial service celebrating her life was held in Te Awamutu last week.
GET ONBOARD WITH NEW AND FUTURE FARES For new fare information and to have your say on changes to the fare policy* please visit busit.co.nz/fare-changes
*Waikato Regional Public Transport Plan fare policy review consultation is open until 5 October 2026.
New fares from 28 September 2026
8 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
ON SHAKY GROUND
The biggest shakes By Janine Krippner
Many of us remember being horrified while glued to the news about the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake and tsunami, also known as the Boxing Day tsunami. Those who were much less fortunate have memories of fighting for their lives, or the devastating losses that were incurred. An earthquake occurs when rock breaks or ruptures, causing rock to move past other rock along a fault, usually very quickly. How big an earthquake is depends on the length of the fault rupture, how much two sides of a fault move past each other, and the properties of the rock. This breaking and movement of rock releases energy and we experience this as seismic waves that move through the earth, causing the ground to shake. There are different ways to report magnitude, the old and outdated one being the Richter Scale. Magnitude is how seismologists convey the size of an earthquake, while how we experience it at different locations is the intensity. An increase in the magnitude number means a big increase in energy released. A couple of weeks back I was wobbled by a magnitude 4.9 earthquake. The Boxing Day earthquake was a magnitude 9.1-9.3, one of the largest ever recorded. To create an earthquake this enormous, around 1,300 km of rock ruptured. For comparison, the length of New Zealand is about 1,600 km. The breaking along the fault line started at the hypocentre, with the point above this on the surface being called the epicentre, then at a speed of about 2-3 kilometres per second it shot northwards along the fault. This took about 8 minutes from start to finish.
This earthquake occurred along the Sumatra-Andaman subduction zone where the India Plate subducts beneath the Burma microplate. This means that there is a massive area of rock locked up under strain and available for rock to rupture. The 2004 event is what we call a megathrust earthquake, where some areas of the seafloor rose in elevation, while others lowered. This enormous displacement of the seafloor triggered the heartbreaking tsunami that took around 230,000 lives across 14 countries. Not every fault is capable of producing earthquakes this large. The fault that produces it needs to be capable of this much movement, and then the conditions need to be in place for a rupture that large. Having a large amount of movement means there is a lot of adjustment afterwards, and that is how we get aftershocks. This adjustment can continue for years for such a large event. Often our Earth’s crust moves in much smaller amounts and at more frequent intervals. The impact to us doesn’t just depend on the size. It depends on where an earthquake occurs, its depth (hundreds of kilometres below, or near the surface?), how close it is to us, the rock or sediments we are on top of, and the safety of our buildings and infrastructure. Small earthquakes like the M 4.9 I felt a couple of weeks back can be fascinating to experience (though not for everyone!). I sincerely hope that none of us have to live through anything at the M 9 end of that scale.
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FAITH IN WAIPĀ
Seeing local good
By Luke East
“In my previous piece for this column I reflected on: the parable of the Good Samaritan, the often self-centered consumerist world we live in, and urged more people to take on the mantle of being a Good Samaritan within their daily lives. In the intervening weeks I feel the Lord has opened a window through which I have seen examples of the love of Christ being shared in our community (regardless of faith or belief). When I was doing my regular rounds of the local op shops a little while ago one was filled with customers but with no signs of being open. It seemed that somehow the door had become unlocked and people had assumed the store was open. Not wanting the situation to go awry, a handful of us determined to stay in the store until someone could be reached to respond properly. A less scrupulous bunch could have taken advantage of the situation but I believe that the Lord brought the four of us together that day for a reason. Between us we managed to secure the shop, alert the police and eventually contact a member of staff. The Lord moved in that moment. On another occasion I saw a group of local boys outside The Warehouse stop to share their candy with someone in-need. A small gesture but on what was such a frigid and rainy day as people bustled passed without a word, their actions showed the love of Christ. Life is made up of moments and these are just two moments of love that I witnessed recently. These were moments where through the goodness I believe is imbued in every human heart by the Holy Spirit, individuals set aside their own time and
desires to show kindness and care without any expectation of reward. Elsewhere in our community, amongst other things, the Keep Te Awamutu Beautiful team have been out cleaning up graffiti and revitalising parts of our town, local members of the Pay It Forward Fairies are spreading joy and brightening peoples’ day, and a Te Awamutu College student is petitioning the council for a crossing so that students can get to and from school safely. Te Awamutu does not have a generosity problem, we have a perception problem. Too often we focus on the negatives but as Paul tells us in his letter to the Philippians, we should focus on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable”. As I have discovered in recent weeks, when we do this the Lord gives us a new appreciation for things which are right in front of us.”
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 9
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Walking builds connections
By Jesse Wood
For Te Awamutu’s Lawrence Wilkinson, Walk to Talk is about more than covering kilometres. The annual 12-hour relay in Ōhaupō later this month brings families, friends and neighbours together for a day of connection, activity and community support, while raising funds for local causes and encouraging positive role models. Whether walking, running or just supporting, it’s about “creating a family vibe” and bringing people together through connection and activity. Wilkinson said the event started from an urge to help adults become positive role models. “I was a PE teacher in my past life and I still work in an active lifestyle role. Healthy, active living is important for me,” Wilkinson said. “I saw an opportunity for our parents, our grandparents and our adults in our community to be positive role models for the kids. “I wanted to set it up in a way that it wasn’t confrontational, so you didn’t have to do a marathon. “This opportunity can help you to hang out with your family for the whole day, connect with other families, have some fun and challenge yourself.” “There will be challenges throughout the day that families and kids can take part in.
Participants of all ages take part in the Walk to Talk charity event in Ōhaupō.
“They don’t have to walk around a track. Come when you want. Leave when you want. “The field’s open early so that people can drive tents on. Some
families bring the kitchen sink. They set themselves up for the day.” This year’s financial recipient will be Kids in Need Waikato and
Rural Support will be the advocacy recipient. In previous years, the event raised funds for Gumboot Friday and I Am Hope.
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“We moved to a local charity this year because we want to ensure that the people raising the funds are seeing some benefits within our community,” Wilkinson said. “Rural Support wants to be more present in the community. “They want to share how they can support people because we live in a rural environment. It’ll be awesome to have them there. “They were also really receptive to Kids in Need being the financial recipient. “We don’t raise huge amounts but we are recognising the charitable work they’re doing, and that really counts.” Individuals have even challenged themselves, some running 60km and others walking for 12 hours. “We’ve got a group that joined last year, the Waipā Women’s Club. They were so emphatic about joining again. They were the first team that signed up this year,” Wilkinson said. “They were excited about seeing so many families being active. In their words, ‘it’s what it used to be like’. “The event has grown and grown. People constantly come back and say, ‘I really loved the day because I got to hang out with my grandmother’. “It’s an organic growth that I’m really proud of because the community have made this event their own.”
10 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Live entertainment
Food stalls
Over 200 stalls
Sunday September 27
Ample parking
9am to 3pm Free Admission
Annual Pirongia Craft Day
Pirongia Craft Day is an annual event which has been operating for the last 48 years.
How did it all begin? The Pirongia Cottage Crafts Festival Day began in 1978. A group of local crafters who had been involved in the relocation and preservation of the original Pirongia School building – which is now Pirongia Playcentre – planned a festival day. Initially this was for local stall holders only and a donation was made from the festival organisers to Playcentre each year.
Eventually, Playcentre took over the provision of food for the day as their fundraiser. It is organised by a volunteer committee of dedicated local arts and craftspeople who endeavour to keep the original theme of ‘NZ Handmade or Homegrown’ thereby ensuring only quality NZ items are sold. The road is closed on Franklin Street from 6.00am to 4.00pm.
Stall holders are ‘open for business’ from 9.00am to 3.00pm creating a unique vibrant, friendly village atmosphere. You will see over 200 stalls containing quality NZ made items including arts, crafts, plants, pots, clothing, jewellery, pottery, woodwork etc. There is live entertainment and food stalls too. There is ample parking around the village.
Sunday, September 27 • 9.00am - 3.00pm • FREE ADMISSION PLEASE leave your dogs at home • If it’s raining bring your umbrella There is NO cash out facility this year. PLEASE BRING CASH 24 Hour Emergency call out
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022 361 8102
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132 Sainsbury Road, Pirongia, RD6, Te Awamutu
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 11
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Tell us how you want us to inform, involve and hear from you How does Council hear from you? Is it through surveys, drop-in sessions, social media, community meetings, newsletters, or a chat at a local event? We know everyone likes to have their say in different ways, and we want to make sure our engagement works better for more people across Waipā. That is why we’re launching a new community consultation survey, asking how you want to be informed, involved and heard when Council is making decisions that affect our district. Your feedback will help shape the way we talk with our communities, from the information we share and the channels we use, to the opportunities people have to give feedback on projects, plans and services.
Waipā dogs get a second chance as rehoming hits record highs Waipā dogs are finding homes in record numbers, while fewer are being euthanised, according to the district’s latest Dog Policy Annual Report.
Council is also looking at improving its facilities, with a new Cambridge dog pound in the pipeline and detailed design work expected to begin in 2026/27.
Of the 227 dogs impounded at Waipā’s Cambridge and Kihikihi facilities over the past year, 117 were reunited with their owners and 85 found new homes.
And because not all dog news needs to be serious, Waipā is also getting creative about what happens after dogs do their business. A trial at five parks will see dog poo collected for composting.
That’s a 75 percent increase in rehoming from the previous 12 months – the highest number Waipā has recorded. Just 16 dogs were euthanised, 59 percent fewer than in 2023/24.
Council has also invested in agility equipment at Legers Grove in Te Awamutu and Wordsworth Street Dog Park in Cambridge.
Whether you already take part in Council consultations or have never filled in a survey before, we would love to hear from you. Your ideas can help make future engagement easier, clearer and more meaningful for everyone. Have your say by completing the survey on the Let’s Talk Waipā website. It will only take a few minutes, and your feedback will help us better connect with the people, places and communities that make Waipā a great place to call home letstalk.waipadc.govt.nz/communityconsultation-survey. Feedback closes on Wednesday, September 30.
Despite tough financial times for many people right now, most Waipā dogs are registered and microchipped, with more than 9000 dogs on the district’s register.
Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund closing on September 30
The report also showed improvements in some of the more common complaints. Wandering dog complaints fell seven percent, while barking complaints dropped 27 percent.
The Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund will close on Wednesday, September 30. The fund was set up after the severe weather event in February 2026, which affected many people across Waipā, especially in the western and southern parts of our district.
There is still work to do, with 105 menacing and three dangerous dogs on the register. Reported dog attacks increased, including a serious attack on a six-year-old child. The incident resulted in a prosecution.
Your Elected Members
Mike Pettit Mayor
Jo Davies-Colley
Deputy Mayor
0800 WAPADC (924 723)
Since then, it has helped many in our community through a difficult time. A big thank you to everyone who contributed. Your generosity has made a real difference. If you still need support, there is still time to find out more and apply through the Waipā District Council website waipadc.govt.nz/relieffund.
Get in touch: waipadc.govt.nz/our-council/our-team/mayor-and-councillors
Dale-Maree Morgan
waipadc.govt.nz
Mike Montgomerie
Clare St Pierre
/WaipaDistrictCouncil
Marcus Gower
Aidhean Camson
Roger Gordon
Dean Taylor
Shane Walsh
Pip Kempthorne
Les Bennett
12 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Candidates face local questions
By Dan Tasker
More than 80 people attended a candidates’ debate at Waitete Rugby Football Club in Te Kūiti last Wednesday, hearing from candidates contesting the Taranaki-King Country and Te Tai Hauāuru electorates ahead of November’s general election. Waitete RFC president Jamie Maarhuis said the club was proud to host the event to give locals a chance to hear from all candidates. “It was great to see a good crowd turn up to listen to everyone standing in the elections coming up in November,” Maarhuis said. “We wanted to run an event where locals could turn up to hear from everyone at the one place and have a good yarn to them. Lots of that was happening and it seemed like everyone had a good night,” he said. Former New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd emceed the evening, which saw candidates give their perspectives across four sections – cost of living, infrastructure, primary industries and local communities. ACT’s Taranaki-King Country candidate Ivana Jovicic said her party would
All local election candidates attended a candidates’ forum at Waitete Rugby Football Club in Te Kūiti last week. From left are Te Pūoho Kātene, David Pattemore, Barbara Kuriger, Coral Raukawa, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Lee Smith and Ivana Jovicic. Photo: Laura Adams.
continue to fight the cost of living through controlling government spending, no new taxes and increasing productivity. Te Pāti Māori co-leader and Te Tai Hauāuru candidate Debbie NgarewaPacker highlighted their wealth tax, which would tax wealth over $2m at between 1.5 and 2.5 per cent to help put more money in people’s pockets. “The whole purpose of that is to be able to make those three million that are earning less than $60,000 a year in New Zealand have some ability to have more room to put kai on the table,” Ngarewa-Packer said.
“The other part of that is to be able to use the money that we are able to save to reinvest in the public services, so we don’t believe that education and health should be cut,” she said. The infrastructure section focused on the continuing issues with State Highway 3 around the Awakino Gorge, with candidates in agreement that more investment was needed. “I believe it can’t be a temporary fix, it needs proper investment,” New Zealand First Taranaki-King Country candidate Lee Smith said. “We need to build our infrastructure for the long-
term, so let’s build these things for 50 years not five years. We need to focus on doing things right the first time instead of temporary fixes,” she said. “We need to get our heads together and put some egos in the corner and get something long-term going,” National Taranaki-King Country candidate Barbara Kuriger said. When discussing the primary industries, Greens and Labour TaranakiKing Country candidates Phil McCabe and David Pattemore respectively highlighted the importance of New Zealand’s global brand for farmers.
“That international reputation is absolutely critical for the premium price we get for our products. That’s the edge that we have, that brand of Aotearoa New Zealand, we can’t lose that,” Pattemore said. “Anything that we do that undermines that, undermines the value of the primary industries that are working so hard. Changing laws for big emitters makes an impact on our global reputation,” McCabe said. Candidates were divided on whether Waitomo and Ōtorohanga District Councils should come together under the government’s Headstart amalgamation programme.
National Te Tai Hauāuru candidate Coral Raukawa, a current Rangitikei councillor, said she had experienced the process first-hand. “We will lose our rural voice. What will happen to the Rangitikei when we are overwhelmed by the six people who could outvote us?,” Raukawa said. “I would ask that the community here also go back to the people – we’ve done consultation – and see what it is that they want, what is best for you,” she said. “The best answer for Waitomo sits in Waitomo. What we’ve seen is a constant barrage from Wellington telling you what you should be doing locally and that’s what’s happened with the Headstart,” Labour Te Tai Hauāuru candidate Te Pūoho Kātene said. “We think that the power needs to go back into the hands of the communities and localism is the way to go. Because at the end of the day, in three years time we might have a new government, you’ll all still be here and you have to live with the decisions being made,” he said. The evening ended with an opportunity for the public to ask candidates questions about a range of national and local issues.
Hawkes looks at Te Awamutu district news from 1920. Divisional dynasty continues Meghan Roads, lights and revelry
News
By Jesse Wood
Waikato Divisional XV head coach Wayne “Boots” Bootten and his team have done it again. The self-funded Waikato Divisional side, selected from the 11 division one clubs, have won back-to-back Northern Region Divisional XV men’s championships with the Leamington coach at the helm. There couldn’t have been a more Waipā grassroots rugby celebration than Saturday. It was a big final day of 2026 representative rugby at Ōhaupō Rugby Sports Club – and possibly Leamington’s final involvement with the team as they permanently move up to the premier division next year. The Waikato Divisional Under 21s lost 42-17 to a Waikato Colts Barbarians team in the curtain raiser clash, before the Divisional XV dealt to King Country Development (Big Horns) 35-5 to finish top of the table. The under 21 team boasted nine Waipā players – Ambrosio Reidel, Will Lord, Frank Hughes (Leamington), Dylan McDonald (Ōhaupō), Matt Henderson, Jeffrey Rich, Corbin Fleming, Marc Walton and Jayden Darby (Pirongia). The management was all Waipā based in Pirongia coaches Carl Finlay and Peter Walter, alongside Leamington’s Bob Aitken and manager Kylie Mitchell. Plenty of Waipā talent was also scattered across the championship winning divisional side. Ōhaupō representatives Chris Ferguson, Dean Fullerton and co-captain Bronson Wilson-Beech all played on home soil. First five-eighth Fullerton kicked a perfect five from five off the tee. Converting five
All the club colours together during the divisional warm-up at Ōhaupō. Photo: Julie Gibson
halfback tries – Ryan Johnston (4), Jayden Watene (1). Co-captain Josh Evans, Robert Day, Apirana Hongara, James Knowles and Thomas Medley were also in the matchday 23. Fellow club men Evear Hayward and James Nelson were in the wider squad. Olympian and Leamington trainer Eddie Dawkins was on hand to put the players through their paces throughout the season – ultimately making them physically and mentally stronger. Pirongia players in the divisional kit were Daniel Belk, Mathew Findsen, Austin Frederick, Jason Hill and Sunia Ragede. The five-week campaign consisted of wins against Thames Valley Development (41-22), Counties Divisional XV (38-16), a 50-14 loss against Counties Manukau Māori and a 31-17 win in a friendly clash with a Northern Invitational XV at Tahuna. Fittingly, Bootten’s night ended with receiving the Waikato Club Coach of the Year award at Leamington’s prizegiving that same evening.
Motorists and motor cyclists were rushing through Ōhaupō at breakneck speed requiring the Town Board to arrange for large hoardings to be erected in conspicuous places at each of the town boundaries cautioning ‘Speed through town - 15 miles per hour.’ Progress at Ōhaupō, however, had stalled – a barber’s shop and chemist were needed and several trades and businesses were unrepresented. There was no resident doctor or district nurse. A rumour was circulating that one or two folk were likely to build on a section rather than buy an old house, and it was hoped that once the building spirit was started others would follow. The Harapepe Social Club was fortunate in getting a beautifully fine night for one of their events. It was in every way a great success, visitors attending from all the surrounding districts. The music was excellent, Mr Moeller of Pirongia adding greatly to the pleasure of the evening with his violin. Mr Pheasant and his bride were also present and gave a pianoforte duet which was much enjoyed, while Mrs Hayes charmed all with her singing of ‘Mother Machree’ and was heartily applauded. Supper was handed round at midnight by a willing band of ladies and gentlemen, and was done full justice to, after which dancing was again resumed and continued with much zest till 2am. The dream of a good flat road from
Te Awamutu to Kihikihi was dreamed again at a meeting of the Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce when Mr Wynyard who had been asked to make certain investigations made his report. The present road was hilly, bumpy, and unpleasant at all times. It was a long series of heavy grades with many sharp curves and the maintenance was considerable. A flat road had now been metalled at the Te Awamutu end by the Borough Council and further on by the Rangiaowhia Road Board. The president of the Auckland Good Roads Association had informed Mr Wynyard that the Government would shortly circulate a proposed Bill for the Public Works Department to take control of the main roads. Despite drizzly weather a large and interested crowd gathered at the Pirongia hotel to witness the ceremony of switching on the new electric lights. It had been intended to hold the ceremony elsewhere, but the weather made the hotel verandah the most suitable spot. Festoons of coloured lights had been artistically hung about by the Power Board staff. When Mrs A Aubin, the township’s oldest resident, switched on the current for the first time the town lights brightened up the familiar streets wonderfully. The crowd then went across to the Pirongia hall, where dancing was carried on till a late hour.
CountryLife
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 13
COUNTRYLIFE FEATURE
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
SEPTEMBER 2026
Chasing sustainability honours Fonterra Te Awamutu is improving its environmental performance while increasing production, cutting energy intensity, reducing coal use and pursuing further sustainability gains, writes Chris Gardner. Fonterra Te Awamutu site operations manager Hannah Bryden has set her sights on winning the co-operative’s Sustainability Cup after the Alexandra St plant finished runnerup in the latest competition. The site employs about 330 people and processes up to 3 million litres of raw milk a day at peak. “I think we are in a really good place,” Bryden told The News at last week’s annual environmental community meeting attended by half a dozen members of the public at the plant. “We are hoping to win the next Sustainability Cup.” The Te Awamutu site improved its energy efficiency by 11 per cent during the past year while increasing production by 11 per cent and limiting water use growth to just 1.3 per cent. The plant produces more than 90,000 tonnes of milk powder a year and is Waikato’s main buttermilk producer. A 60-strong team runs its three driers, while more than 100 people work in the cream plant. Its products are sent to more than 100 markets, including Europe, the Middle East, the United States, China and Japan. On average, the site loads 616 pallets a day and sends about 22 truckloads of product from the plants to the distribution centre. The site also has more than 16,500 tonnes of dry storage and 12,000 tonnes of cool storage. Fonterra Te Awamutu environmental manager Caitlyn Poole said the scale of the operation gave the site both a responsibility and an opportunity to reduce its environmental footprint. Poole outlined the site’s latest performance across water, energy and waste. The site’s move from coal to wood pellets has cut Fonterra’s national coal consumption by almost 10 per cent and saves more than 84,000 tonnes of carbon emissions a year, the equivalent of taking 32,000 cars off the road. Poole said engineers had become more efficient at matching steam demand with supply from the wood pellet boiler, gas boiler and steam turbine. Waste to landfill rose to 100 tonnes from 93.8 tonnes the previous year. Poole said the increase was mainly linked to higher production volumes, butter rework from another site and construction waste from capital projects, while recyclable metals and other materials were separated where possible. Starting from
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Fonterra Te Awamutu site operations manager Hannah Bryden, left, and environmental manager Caitlyn Poole at the site’s annual environmental community meeting. Photo: Chris Gardner.
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14 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
COUNTRYLIFE
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Hut opening delayed Where’s the value? REGIONAL COUNCIL COMMENT
Tongariro Northern Circuit trampers will have to wait two months to use the new Oturere Hut after construction delays caused by poor weather. The hut and campsite,
closed after last year’s fires, were expected to open next month, but the Department of Conservation (DOC) has pushed the booking date back to December 18 because contractors are still
working on the hut. Visitors with affected bookings can change their booking or receive a full refund. “We appreciate this is disappointing for those who had booked to stay in the brand-new hut, but unfortunately it has been unavoidable,” said DOC principal ranger Jenny Hayward. “When you do book the hut, you’ll now be able to include it as part of the full Great Walk circuit.” Hayward said visitors could complete a full circuit this season. “Mangatepopo Track is a critical link between Whakapapa Village and Mangatepopo Hut, and without it the Tongariro Northern Circuit hasn’t been a circuit.” Progress has been made in repairing structural damage on Mangatepopo Track, impacted by fires in late 2025. “People who’ve walked the Mangatepopo Track in recent years will know it has not been in a condition we’d expect for a Great Walk.” The Tongariro Northern Circuit is a three or four-day hike through varied volcanic landscapes including parts of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
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By Liz Stolwyk
September is the month when Waikato Regional Council rates notices arrive, so it seems a good time to ask a fairly simple question: what do we actually get for our rates? It is a reasonable question. Every household and business is watching costs, and as councillors we have a responsibility to make sure every dollar collected is being spent wisely. Regional council rates can sometimes be harder to understand than district council rates because much of what we pay for isn’t something we see on a daily basis. You don’t necessarily see the flood protection infrastructure keeping water away from our communities. You may not notice the work going on to control invasive weeds and pests until they threaten your farm, lake or river. You may not think about regional biosecurity until something like gold clam arrives in our waterways. And you may only think about public transport when you actually need it. These are some of the less visible but very important jobs of our regional council. Our regional rates help fund flood protection and river management, environmental monitoring, biosecurity and pest control, public transport, regional planning and emergency management, among other responsibilities. Council’s work programme is built around balancing legal responsibilities, environmental risks, community priorities and the resources available to us. For 2026/27, councillors agreed to a 0.9 per cent increase in rates revenue from existing ratepayers. That is considerably lower than the 4.2 per cent increase
signalled in the previous Long-Term Plan and was achieved partly by using an unallocated prior-year surplus and making changes through the budget process. I think that is important — but I also think the conversation needs to be bigger than the percentage increase. For me, the real test is whether ratepayers can see a clear connection between what they pay and what council delivers. Are we concentrating on the things regional government genuinely needs to do? Are we protecting our communities from flooding? Are we dealing with biosecurity threats before they become much more expensive problems? Are our public transport services delivering value? Are environmental regulations practical and achieving the outcomes we want? And perhaps most importantly, are we constantly asking whether there is a better, more affordable way of doing something? Being a regional councillor isn’t simply about deciding whether rates should go up or down. It is about making choices about what we do, what we don’t do, and what represents good value for the people who pay the bill. I don’t expect ratepayers to agree with every decision we make. But I do believe they should be able to understand why we made it. So when that rates notice arrives this month, have a look at it. Ask what your regional rates are paying for — and, just as importantly, ask us whether we are delivering enough in return.
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 15
COUNTRYLIFE
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Even winners struggle… From the outside, 2025 looked like a perfect year for Waikato farmer Hugh Jackson. After years of competition, the 27-year-old achieved a long-held goal when he won FMG Young Farmer of the Year, one of the country’s most prestigious farming titles. The win brought media appearances, speaking engagements and recognition from across the industry. But Jackson says the reality behind the achievement was more complicated. Speaking at this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final, Jackson admitted the title came with unexpected pressure. “Imposter syndrome definitely played a part,” he said. “On numerous occasions I’ve caught myself thinking, ‘Now you’re the Young Farmer of the Year, you better make a good job of taking the family farm through another generation. What would people think if things went pear-shaped?’” Jackson works on his family’s Te Akau farm, north of Raglan. The farming business has been in the family since his great-grandfather bought land there after returning from World War II in 1947. Today, the operation spans about 1800 hectares, finishes around 2000 bulls annually and runs 2500 ewes. As a fourth-generation farmer, Jackson says he feels a strong responsibility to continue building on what previous generations created. That pressure was heightened after winning the national title. “When I look back over my life, there have been benefits from having high expectations and pushing myself,” he said. “But it has also driven me to breaking point when I’ve needed support from friends, family and health professionals.” Jackson believes many farmers can relate to balancing ambition with wellbeing.
He said people often look at successful farmers and assume they have everything sorted, when in reality everyone faces struggles at different stages of life. A turning point came after reading farmer Doug Avery’s book Resilient Farmer. One of the lessons that resonated was learning to spend less time on day-to-day operational work and more time on leadership and strategic thinking. Returning to the family farm meant stepping into a management role rather than trying to do everything himself. “There are not enough hours in the day for me to carry out all the operational tasks that need doing,” Jackson said. Instead, he has focused on building a strong team culture and improving his leadership skills. That includes taking a more proactive approach to checking in with staff. Rather than simply asking team members how they are, Jackson asks them to rate their energy levels out of 10. “If somebody says five or six out of 10, it gives us an opportunity to catch up afterwards and figure out what’s going on,” he said. Jackson says one of the biggest lessons he has learned is that tough times are normal and farmers should not be afraid to talk about them. “We all go through tough times and it’s just a case of making sure we’re open and honest with ourselves and others around us when we’re feeling rough,” he said. “Everyone has those times and you’ve got to admit when you’re not feeling great and try and figure things out.” For Jackson, winning Young Farmer of the Year remains a career highlight. But he hopes the message people take from his story is not about trophies or titles. It’s that even the winners sometimes need help.
A memorial stone on the Jackson family’s Te Akau farm commemorates John and Margaret Jackson, whose purchase of the property in 1947 laid the foundations for four generations of farming. Alongside it is FMG Young Farmer of the Year 2025 Hugh Jackson and one of the farm’s working dogs. Photo: Supplied
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16 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
COUNTRYLIFE
Legacy on the hill
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
More than 120 years after the Wallis family first farmed Rockhill, a Century Farms Award is recognising six generations who helped shape the Roto-o-Rangi property, writes Chris Gardner. Bruce and Andra Wallis are weighing up building a hut on the highest point of Rockhill - a Roto-o-Rangi lookout where family history, hard work and the wider district stretch out below. The hilltop sits near the remains of an old redoubt, where trenches are still visible above the 115-hectare farm the Wallis family has worked since 1905. For Bruce Wallis, the summit is more than a view. It is a marker of generations
of graft - from his greatgreat-grandfather Joseph Stanley Wallis, who began farming Rockhill, to the family members now shaping its future. In the early days, about two-thirds of the property was unbroken peat swamp, thick with blackberry, rushes, tea tree and large stumps. The rest was rolling hill country. The family’s long 120year tenure was recently recognised with a Century
Bruce Wallis with the Century Farms plaque recognising more than 120 years of family ownership at Rockhill. His shed is also home to a collection of John Deere models and memorabilia reflecting a lifelong interest in farm machinery. Photos: Chris Gardner
Farms Award. Bruce’s great-grandfather, Stanley, helped break in the peat after World War I. Dairying followed with the first cowshed in 1920, and for the next century a Jersey herd milked once a day was the backbone of Rockhill. That changed in 2020, when the family sold the dairy herd and shifted into beef. “We just wanted to do something different, and get more of a balance, and the beef has allowed that to happen,” Bruce said. It was a major decision for a farmer who has spent almost his whole life on the property, apart from a short stint at Massey University where he earned a Bachelor of Agriculture degree. “It was a big call to sell the cows. We were milking about 240.” The farm now runs 260 Charolais beef cattle and produces about 2000 bales of hay and haylage each year. “I think we can be very proud,” Bruce said. “There’s a saying that it takes about four generations
to make a peat farm conversion, and I am the fourth generation.” The next generation is already involved. Bruce and Andra’s son, Jack, works on the farm with his wife, Rosanna, and their 14-monthold son, Cooper Jack. “He wants to drive everything,” Bruce said of Cooper, the sixth generation connected to Rockhill. Their daughter, Cassandra, lives in Australia but hopes to return home one day. “I think she will be back,” Bruce said. “She would like to live on the farm.” Rockhill is also home to a quarry, operating since 1960 and supplying basecourse for farm races and tracks across the district and beyond. It usually runs five days a week, Bruce Wallis admires the view from the summit of Rockhill Farm. with seasonal peaks and quieter spells. agricultural trade show was it now, we will leave it too The family has also found cancelled because of the late,” Bruce said. “They have time for community events. pandemic. all got the same passion.” In 2010, they recreated the Bruce and Andra travelled For Bruce, the award is Field of Dreams, complete to Lawrence, in the South more than a milestone. It with a baseball grandstand, Island, to receive the plaque, recognises the generations and operated it for a couple which he plans to hang in the who turned swamp and of seasons. farmhouse hallway. hill country into a working They later hosted a They were encouraged to farm — and the generations 100-tractor rally during the enter by other recipients. still finding their place on year the national Fieldays “I thought if we don’t do Rockhill.
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 17
COUNTRYLIFE
Harvest beats frost By David Porter
New Zealand’s avocado industry faces a challenge many exporters would welcome: finding enough fruit to meet demand. Despite damaging winter frosts in some orchards, growers are forecasting one of the largest harvests in recent years, supported by strong demand from Australia, Asia and North America. “The industry in general doesn’t have a problem with demand,” says New Zealand Avocado chief executive Brad Seibert. “It is making sure we have enough fruit to supply our offshore markets.”
By late last month, about 733,000 trays had been packed for export and 788,000 for the New Zealand market, while weekly packing volumes had climbed to around 255,000 trays. The crop was initially estimated at close to eight million trays, with export volumes expected to approach five million trays. Frosts have affected some orchards, damaging fruit, foliage and developing flowers, including blocks nearing harvest. However, Seibert says it is still too early to determine the full impact on crop volumes. Demand is being driven by export programmes across Australia, Asia and
North America. More than 100,000 trays were shipped in a single week to destinations including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, China, Malaysia and Japan. Australia has returned as New Zealand’s largest avocado export market this season, although diversification remains a key strategy. During 2025-26, 78 per cent of exports were shipped outside Australia, with Canada emerging as an important growth market. Seibert says New Zealand’s advantage lies in quality, consistency and timing rather than scale as competition intensifies
Commercial Leases: Rights Brad Seibert
from larger South American producers. Despite frost damage in some regions, the industry remains confident the season will rank among its strongest in recent years.
and Responsibilities for Tenants
Whether you’re opening a rural retail store, leasing a workshop, or expanding your farming support business into commercial premises, signing a commercial lease is a significant commitment. Unlike residential tenancies, commercial leases generally offer fewer statutory protections, so it’s important to understand exactly what you’re agreeing to before you sign. At its heart, a commercial lease is simply a contract between landlord and tenant. The lease will set out the rent, term, renewals, maintenance obligations, insurance requirements, and what happens if things go wrong. However, many tenants focus on the rent and renewals and overlook the fine print. How rent reviews work is important. Tenants may not realise the lease includes additional annual percentage increases or “ratchet” clauses that prevent rent from ever decreasing. The breadth of outgoings can surprise. Many assume they’re only contributing to rates and utilities but, depending on the lease, tenants may be responsible for insurance premiums, maintenance / repair of expensive systems, building WOF costs, management fees, and more. It’s important to understand how these costs may increase over time. Maintenance and repairs are another common source of disagreement. Some leases require tenants to keep the entirety of the premises in good repair, redecorate & repaint the full interior, contribute to exterior painting and replace floor coverings at the end of the lease. Knowing who is responsible for what can avoid costly surprises.
An avocado orchard at first light. Despite damaging frosts in parts of New Zealand’s growing regions, the industry is forecasting one of its largest harvests in recent years, with growers supplying domestic and export markets across Australia, Asia and North America. Photo: New Zealand Avocado.
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It is also worth checking permitted use, assignment provisions, and make-good requirements. These terms affect whether you can change the nature of your business, sell it later, or leave the premises without unexpected reinstatement costs. If circumstances change and a business is struggling, tenants should seek advice early. Falling behind in rent or breaching lease obligations can have serious consequences including cancellation and lockout. The good news is that many leasing problems can be avoided with proper advice before signing and proactive management during the lease term. Thinking about signing a commercial lease? A legal review before you commit can identify risks and help negotiate more favourable terms. Already facing a leasing dispute? Early legal advice may resolve issues before they become expensive and disruptive. Our team regularly advises landlords and tenants throughout New Zealand on commercial leasing, lease negotiations, renewals, rent reviews, and disputes. If you have questions about your rights or obligations under a commercial lease, we’d be happy to help.
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 19
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
with Jan Bilton
Cooked in one pan
The beauty of one-pan cooking is that almost anything goes. Saucepans, woks, frying pans, electric frypans and oven trays all get a workout in my kitchen. Tray bakes are a family favourite — especially marinated chicken drumsticks with colourful vegetables and fresh herbs. The trick is to give everything enough space to cook evenly. Pop the hardy vegetables like potatoes and carrots in first, then add quicker-cooking vegetables like capsicums and spinach towards the end so they stay vibrant and fresh. Many of my favourite casseroles also adapt perfectly to the slow cooker. You’ll just need to cut back on the liquid by about onethird to one-half, as slow cookers hold onto moisture so well. They’re also brilliant for classics like pickled pork or corned beef, which become wonderfully tender after a long, slow cook. And while I love cooking from scratch, I’m not afraid to let a few convenience foods lend a helping hand. Prepared pasta sauces, stocks and canned or frozen vegetables can make busy days much easier. Simmer sauces are another great shortcut. Add extra vegetables like diced potatoes, sweetcorn, courgettes, carrots or mushrooms to stretch the meal, boost the nutrition and make it your own. Kumara & Chicken Cacciatore A complete meal. Meat: 500g skinned and boned chicken breast 2 tablespoons rice flour freshly ground black pepper to taste 120g streaky bacon 1-2 tablespoons olive oil Vegetables: 400g purple-skinned kumara 1 large onion, thinly sliced 3 cloves garlic, crushed 8 button mushrooms, sliced 1 cup vegetable stock 400g can diced tomatoes 2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 fresh bay leaf 8 pitted Kalamata olives Topping: 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Kumara & Chicken Cacciatore
Seafood Pilaff
2 tablespoons chopped parsley Cut the chicken into serving-sized pieces. Dust with the rice flour and season. Chop the bacon into 3cm pieces. Heat half the oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Pan-fry the chicken in batches until lightly coloured on all sides. Place aside. Pan-fry the bacon for 3-4 minutes. Place aside. Peel and cut the kumara into 2cm dice. Add the remaining oil to the pan. Pan-fry the kumara and onion until the onion is softened. Add the mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes. Pour in the stock and tomatoes. Add the oregano, bay leaf, chicken, and bacon. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Uncover, add the olives and continue cooking until slightly thickened. Serve topped with the parmesan and parsley. Serves 4. Seafood Pilaff 1 tablespoon each: olive oil, butter 1 onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 cup long grain rice 1 1/2 cups fish or chicken stock 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 400g can cherry tomatoes 1 cinnamon stick 1/4 cup sultanas 8 shelled raw prawns 4 squid rings Melt the oil and butter in a medium non-stick frying pan. Pan-fry the onion until tender, then add the garlic. Stir in the rice until it is coated with the oil/butter mix. Boil the stock and add the saffron. Stir into the rice and bring
to a simmer. Add the tomatoes, cinnamon stick and sultanas. Stir carefully. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is cooked. Add the prawns and squid and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes until cooked. Serves 2. Anise Pulled Pork 1.5.kg pork shoulder 8 large shallots 2 tart apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce freshly ground black pepper to taste 3/4 cup orange or apple juice 1 teaspoon whole cloves 1 star anise 1/2 cup raisins Place the pork in a large slow cooker. Add the shallots and apples. Combine the mustard, brown sugar, hoisin sauce and pepper with the fruit juice. Pour over the pork. Sprinkle with the cloves, star anise and raisins. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, until very tender. Remove the pork to a chopping board. Reserve the liquid. Using two forks, shred the pork into small pieces. Place in a bowl and add a little of the juice to moisten. Serve in hamburger buns or tacos with coleslaw. Or serve on cooked rice topped with shaved fennel and diced oranges. Serves 8.
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Proudly helping Te Awamutu property owners achieve outstanding results. With a proven track record of achieving outstanding results for our Te Awamutu clients across residential, lifestyle, rural, and commercial real estate, we are proud to specialise in this exceptional part of the Waikato. Supported by a strong greater Waikato network, Bayleys Te Awamutu offers unrivalled local expertise and market reach when it comes to selling your property.
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 21
Ohaupo 1270 Paterangi Road Auction
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Blue chip farm, prime location A substantial rural holding with scale, versatility and serious potential. Set across 38.6 ha of flat to gently rolling, highly productive land, 1270 Paterangi Road is an outstanding opportunity in a sought-after location. Currently operated as an organically certified runoff, the property boasts free-draining Mairoa ash soils, reliable bore water and excellent infrastructure, making it ideally suited to horticulture, cropping, dry stock, horses or lifestyle living. The wellequipped property includes a large lockable workshop, four-bay implement shed, hay barn, disused cowshed and cattle yards with loading race. The well-presented four bedroom, two-bathroom brick home delivers comfortable family living, with spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living, separate lounge, two heat pumps and double internal-access garage. Established gardens, post-and-rail fencing and stunning views towards Mount Pirongia add to the appeal.
Auction 12.00pm, Thu 15th Oct, 2026, (unless sold prior), Property Brokers, 141 George Street, Te Awamutu View Tue 22 Sep 11.00 - 12.00pm Web pb.co.nz/TWR235152
David McGuire M 027 472 2572 E david.mcguire@pb.co.nz Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 | pb.co.nz
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Notice is hereby given that the 2026 Annual General Meeting of Ruapuha Uekaha Hapū Trust will be held on Saturday, 03 October 26, at Te Korapatu Pā, 102 Hangatiki East Road Te Kuiti 3986. Starting at 10am.
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
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DEATH NOTICES
WEST, Christina Dawn (formerly Harris, née McCullum) – Suddenly passed away at home on Monday, 7 September 2026, aged 86 years. Dearly loved wife and soulmate of Trevor (Trev) for 37 wonderful years, and previously the muchloved wife of the late Ray Harris. Cherished mother and mother-in-law of Kay & David Gauld, and Glenn & Karen Harris, and a loving stepmother to Trev’s children. A very special and muchloved Grandma to her three grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. At Christina’s request, a private farewell has taken place. Messages to the West/Harris Family may be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800, or left in Christina’s online tribute book at www.rosetown.co.nz.
CONWAY, Janice Margaret (née Smith) – Passed away after a brief illness at Te Whare Manaaki O Tamahere on Thursday, 10th September 2026, aged 70 years. Beloved wife and soulmate of Don for 41 amazing years. Muchloved mother and mother-inlaw of Brendan, and Gareth & Paula. A treasured Nana to her six grandchildren. A service to celebrate Jan’s life will be held at Te Awamutu Presbyterian Centre, Mutu Street, Te Awamutu, on Friday, 18th September 2026 at 1.00pm, followed by a private cremation. Messages to the Conway Family may be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800, or left in Jan’s online tribute book at www. rosetown.co.nz.
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DEVINE, Dawn Rosella (formerly Richardson, née James) – Passed away peacefully on her 86th birthday, Thursday, 10th September 2026. Loved wife of the late Peter Devine and the late Milton Richardson. Much-loved mother and mother-in-law of Dennis & Bianca Richardson, and Barry & the late Joy Wenzlick. Treasured Nana of Courtney, Jessica, Ricky and Shontel, and a dear friend to many. Dawn will be remembered for her love of country music and for the friendship and joy she shared with those around her. Now reunited with her beloved daughter, Joy. A celebration of Dawn’s life has been held. Messages to the Devine/ Richardson family may be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800, or left in Dawn’s online tribute book at www.rosetown.co.nz.
MAIHIIHI SCHOOL
We’re looking for a caring, positive, and reliable Teacher Aide to join our friendly rural school team. • This is a term-time, school-hours position of approximately 12–18 hours per week, supporting students with their learning, health needs, and participation at school. Days and hours may be negotiated for the right person. • Previous experience is an advantage, but not essential – what matters most is someone who enjoys working with children, builds great relationships, and is willing to learn. • Pay negotiable, dependent on skills and experience, in accordance with the Teacher Aide pay scale.
For more information or to apply, contact Principal Lisa Smith at principal@maihiihi.school.nz or 07 873 2887.
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HERON, Cecilia Margaret – Peacefully at Waikato Hospital on 8 September 2026, with loving family at her side. Devoted wife of Russell. Much loved and adored Mother and Mother-in-law of Rebecca and Gary, Lisa, and Sonia. Treasured Nana of Joelle, Brianna, Shania, Daniel, Jesse, Taliah, Lochlan, Cooper, Austin, Emjay and Indy. Great Nana of Ezra and Henry. Cherished sister and friend to MANY. Grateful thanks to friends and family for their love and support throughout Ces’s illness. An informal celebration of life, after a private burial, will be held at the Waipa Workingmen’s Club, 139 Albert Park Drive, Te Awamutu on Tuesday 15 September at 1.30pm.
24 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2026