The Chatter Newspaper by Raglan Ink

SUMMER BOOST

On the cover: We chat to Liz Tupuhi, passionate about wetlands. Full story on page 4.

Councillor’s Corner

Marlene Raumati Waerenga-Whitikahu General Ward Councillor

With the Christmas and New Year festivities and holiday period now truly a matter of history, Council is back in session and has hit the ground running. The pressure to submit against the deluge of current legislative reform is considerable.

Tim’s News

The long-awaited construction of the Cambridge to Piarere (C2P) section of the Waikato Expressway will start later this year. I’m proud to be part of the Government which has prioritised economic growth and invested in this vital transportation infrastructure for our region.

Chatter Community Newspaper is published fortnightly on a Wednesday and circulated throughout the North Waikato.

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Contributions will only be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s name and surname, telephone number and residential address.

All reasonable steps are taken to ensure accuracy. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher.

Contact Jacqui

Phone: 021 428 808

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Determining our position with your mandate at the forefront of our minds, your Council from the outset is clear, that challenging central government, concerning the tsunami of prescriptive reforms currently on the table, where appropriate, is a stance we as your representatives are prepared to take.

Local Government Systems Improvement, Local Waters Done Well, Targeted Rate Model, Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill; and Funding Tools: Infrastructure Funding and Financing and Development Levies, are the suite of statutory changes being imposed upon Councils. Without any financial support from central government, notwithstanding the rates capping directive, and due to serious legislative ambiguity, we do not know what our baseline is. The cost to implement these directives is unknown. System-wide changes will impact Councils form and functionality, capacity and capability, scope of decision making with unknown implications against our mandate, revenue, performance and compliance, cost of transitioning and of course the regional changes with the imminent establishment of the Combined Territories Boards (“CTB’s”).

The intent however, of the proposed changes from Development Contributions to Development Levies is to improve how infrastructure is funded and financed, and to ensure support for housing and urban growth. Key features of the Development Levies Bill seek to maintain a “growth for growth” approach, that will utilise development levies to recover capital-costs of growth serving infrastructure. Whilst Council is agnostic to some of these changes, Council supports the developers should fund infrastructure principle and supports the goals of consistency and alignment with the forthcoming planning system changes.

The intent of the National Environment and Planning Bills is to streamline planning and systems. The Bills will establish a framework for the use, protection and enhancement of the natural environment, and to establish a framework for planning and regulating the use, development and enjoyment of land. The current RMA is overly complex which has created significant debate and litigation over the past three decades. The new system provides concise policy direction with standards to support implementation. For system users, this means fewer consents and permits with some flexibility for local circumstances with limited ability to relitigate issues that have been settled further up the system. It is envisaged that at a central government level, the system will be fully operational by 2029 with national e-plans and e-consenting systems in place, and for local authorities, the remaining chapters of regional plans will be decided.

With our children now back at school I urge our road users to be mindful of our school pedestrians. Notwithstanding the speed limits directly outside our schools, from time to time, safety matters, from concerned parents and caregivers, are raised with me. Your compliance would be appreciated.

Additionally, several business owners have brought to my attention increasing concerns about the suitability of the Main Rd speed cushions. Discussions with Council’s led engineer are underway. Whilst the process involves both Council and the Te Kauwhata Community Committee, as decision makers, there seems to be a clear desire to have these removed. Striking a balance between pedestrian and building safety requires a considered approach and will require road users to be extremely compliant and cognisant of pedestrian users and the 30km speed limit on Main Rd.

If you have a council concern, please feel free to contact me either by email at marlene.raumati@waidc.govt.nz or by phone on 020 – 40012548.

The project’s cancellation in 2018 by the Labour-led Government at that time stymied our region’s ability to expand, develop, and operate efficiently. Now prioritised by my colleagues and I in Government, this road of national significance is in the final stages of pre-construction planning. The benefits of constructing this major roading network for businesses and families here in Waikato are multi-faceted, bringing faster travel times, increased efficiency, and much needed road safety improvements for both commercial and private users.

Huntly and North Waikato locals travelling to work or social activities, local businesses transporting freight across Waikato and to other regions, and commercial operators driving through the current State Highway One section between Piarere and Cambridge know all too well the frustration of high traffic volumes and safety concerns this trip entails. Ensuring we maintain and develop our roads to be fitfor-purpose, efficient, and safe, fosters our ability to progress as our societal needs change. The decades old state highway layout has not kept pace. My colleagues and I in Government understand the need for infrastructure development, including this road of national significance, to keep our economy moving and growing for Waikato families and businesses.

Email: info@chatternews.co.nz www.chatternewspaper.co.nz Wishing you

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Waikato’s central location, in the Golden Triangle with Auckland and Bay of Plenty, puts us in the prime position to maximise our potential for economic progress. We understand the Waikato Expressway C2P project is essential for the region and have also committed to extending the four-lane expressway from Piarere through to Tauranga. With Ports of Tauranga now the country’s busiest port, this connection is a vital next step in our Government’s infrastructure future planning. Connecting a new four-lane expressway with the Bay of Plenty will be a complex undertaking, given the geographic barrier of the Kaimai range. From an economic, safety, and social perspective, the best solution for our region is constructing a tunnel through the Kaimai range. This would come with a significant price tag, with feasibility under consideration to ensure we make the right choices as we move forward. It’s of paramount importance we continue to prioritise regional growth and development generally, across roading and other infrastructure projects, to meet the current and future needs of our communities and to foster the economic growth, resilience building, and development we need to keep Waikato, and New Zealand moving ahead.

Should you wish to share your views on an issue, or reach out for my support, please feel welcome to contact my Waikato Electorate Parliamentary Service team on 0800 GET TIM (0800 438 846) or email Tim.vandeMolenMP@ parliament.govt.nz. I’m regularly in all the communities around the electorate and look forward to connecting with you. Tim van de Molen – MP for Waikato.

Tim van de Molen MP for Waikato

Tim.vandeMolenMP@parliament.govt.nz

0800 GET TIM (0800 438 846) TimvandeMolenWaikato

TimvandeMolen timvandemolen.co.nz

Authorised by Tim van de Molen, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

Liz Tupuhi - Making A Difference

TeKauwhata resident and environmental scientist Liz Tupuhi leads the charge for a cleaner Lake Waikare and Whangamarino wetlands. Here’s what drives her- and what you can do to help.

Our lake and wetland’s water quality has been a long standing concern for Te Kauwhata- how did you get involved?

The Waikato Regional Council asked me to take on the role of community and rangitahi/youth co-ordinator to develop the Whangamarino, Waikare Action Plan. I’d worked with WRC managing their science teams and department, then moved to manage the DairyNZ science team for a couple of years until Covid hit and I took early retirement.

I then got involved with teaching placed-based science in schools working with Kiri Pengelly, HOD science at TK College. I really value this relationship and always enjoy working with Kiri, the

science teachers, Jade the lab technician and students at the College.

Having these experiences made me a good fit for the work in developing the Whangamarino, Waikare Action Plan. This is the first plan that’s enabled rangitahi and community to be involved in what happens with our lake and wetland.

What can we reasonably - and potentially achieve- within the next 10 – 30 years?

It really depends on what people want. Changing the state of our lake and wetland is going to be hard and will require lots of work – and it certainly isn’t a ‘one shot, one action’ solution.

The action plan aims to identify what we need to do as a community to make the biggest environmental difference and when those actions should be taken. It’s the start of a long process aligning with previous work and will involve developing an implementation framework, business cases and work programmes that are likely to take many years to fulfil.

Good achievements would be to control sediment entering Lake Waikare and for koi to be caught in large numbers (with financial return). It’d be great to have places enhanced, allowoing native species to thrive, and for the community to have access to the lake and wetland.

We’re unlikely to be able to swim in it by this stage but it could look a lot better.

What can we do – will it make any difference?

Everyone has a role to play in restoring our environment; the more community members want to get involved, no matter how small, the bigger the difference we will make.

For example, getting involved in restoration work such as tree planting, thinking about how you use water on your garden or farm; are there more efficient ways, less polluting ways? Being vigilant about rubbish and litter also helps.

Can you break that down into action for us?

In an ideal world, we’d see farmers in the catchment using best management practices

for their land and water management. Ideally, we’d like to see effluent discharge out of the lake, and good stormwater treatment systems in all new developments.

We need entrepreneurs to take on koi, and scientists who know what to do with algae; engineers to redesign the flood system to bring a more natural hydrology without risking infrastructure. We need to deepen the lake in some way and improve native habitat. Community members with the right skills and a can do rather than a no way attitude would make a huge difference.

What led to your interest and involvement?

I’m an environmental scientist, but this current project arises through having a BSc, Postgraduate Diploma and 30+ years of experience. I didn’t do a PhD, but have been involved in water quality, biodiversity, planning, compliance, restoration of polluted sites and marine oil response (plus much more) over those 30 years.

What’s the Liz Tupuhi backstory?

I came to Aotearoa/New Zealand in 1973 with my parents as 10pound poms- working on dairy farms (why is it Kiwis don’t want to work on dairy farms?).

One of the farms we worked on was adjacent to the Tarawera River, flowing through Kawerau. Upstream of Kawerau it’s a beautiful crystal clear, deep fast-flowing river but downstream it was black and stinking in the late 1970s and 80s.

I hated the change and knew it was because of the mills in Kawerau. This, and having my daughter, is what led me to going to university and becoming who I am.

I married Glen Tupuhi in 2014 and have learnt so much about this area and what it is to be mana whenua of an area; he has enriched my life incredibly. I am also now the proud Nana of 14 moko, every one of them an amazing young person.

How would your (mythical) magic wand change the current situation of the lake and wetlands?

If I could wave a magic wand, I’d turn back time and get our forefathers to leave forests on the ridges and gullies of our hill country and not drain wetlands alongside streams and lakes. I’d then move forward about 100 years and not create the flood scheme as it exists today.

I’d ensure a more natural water flow and finally - coming forward another 30 or so years (to the 1990s) - tell farms they didn’t need to apply as much fertiliser as companies were pushing and that it wasn’t cheaper in bulk, just wasteful.

If it was a powerful wand, I’d also ensure koi and catfish weren’t introduced.

These four things are the main reasons why our lake and wetland are like they are today. The wastewater treatment plant and discharges from our industries haven’t helped, but they’re not main drivers.

Best takeout message for Te Kauwhata? Get involved. As they say, don’t just sit there– do something! Keep an eye on Facebook and the Chatter for upcoming events. We’d love to see you – and your family- there helping to create a better future by Claire Simpson

One of the quiet privileges of working in local media is seeing what happens after a story is published.

Following the article in the 28 January edition of Chatter about Rick Henderson and his decades-long contribution to informal biking spaces in Ngaruawahia, something small but significant occurred. A reader reached out, not to comment on the writing but to ask how they might connect with Rick. Their interest was practical and hopeful – they wanted their children to be active, to be part of something local, and they had recognised a pathway through the story.

Rick, too, got in touch to share that the piece had moved him deeply, bringing back memories of a time when building trails, welcoming riders and creating space for others was done quietly and without expectation. What stood out to him was not the attention but the realisation that the community had been listening all along.

This exchange captures the role Chatter aims to play. Beyond reporting events or profiles, local stories can reconnect people to one another. They can surface shared histories, spark conversations and open doors that might otherwise remain unnoticed.

In this case, a story about past contribution became a prompt for future engagement – linking generations, interests and a shared sense of place. These moments rarely appear in metrics or headlines, yet they are the clearest indicators of impact. Local journalism matters most when it reflects a community back to itself and, in doing so, helps people find each other again.

Sometimes, that is where the real story begins.

Waikato District Council –Community Boards Update

Raglan, Tuakau and Ngaruawahia community boards have had their first meeting for 2026. The CCTV installation at Papahua in Raglan is nearing completion and multiple stormwater upgrades are underway across town. In Tuakau, new sports lighting has been completed with plans progressing for school access improvements and a satellite dog kennel.

Upcoming Meetings

1. Rural–Port Waikato Community Board meets Thursday, 12 February 2026

2. Taupiri Community Board meets Monday, 16 February 2026

3. Huntly Community Board meets Tuesday, 17 February 2026

4. Tuakau Community Board meets Monday, 17 March 2026

5. Raglan Community Board meets Wednesday, 18 March 2026

6. Ngaaruawaahia Community Board meets Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Meet the Owners Behind Ngāruawāhia’s Breaking Bread Café

he Chatter chats with Kamal and Mandeep, the owners of Breaking Bread Café in Ngāruawāhia, about their journey into café ownership as well as their passion for food and community.

When did you purchase and start to run the Breaking bread cafe?

We took over in may 2024 but it is running from 2019

What excited you about the decision ?

The decision excited me because it aligned with my values—using food as a way to connect people and build community.

Do you have a background in hospitality?

Yes, I have a hospitality background and am a qualified chef with 10+ years of handson experience in professional kitchens.

What have you changed to make it what it is today?

Over time, Breaking Bread Café has evolved with intention. We refined our menu to focus on quality, comfort, and consistency—food that feels familiar but thoughtfully made. We improved our sourcing, streamlined our kitchen processes, and invested in better training so every guest gets the same warm experience, every visit.

Beyond the food, we shifted our focus toward community. We created a space

where people feel welcome to slow down, connect, and share a meal. That meant rethinking everything from service style to atmosphere—prioritizing kindness, accessibility, and genuine hospitality.

What makes Breaking Bread Café what it is today isn’t one big change, but many small, deliberate ones: listening to our guests, learning from mistakes, and choosing growth over convenience.

What kind of menu choices do you offer?

We offer an all-day menu with breakfast and lunch options, cabinet food for quick

bites, and a catering menu for events, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Is there a specialty dish that is a favourite?

Yes, one of our café favourites is our garlic turkish eggs which is loved for its fresh ingredients and unique flavour.

What kind of feedback do you get from your customers?

Feedback is consistently positive, with customers appreciating our fresh, flavoursome food, friendly service, and welcoming café atmosphere.

What can visitors expect in 2026?

In 2026, guests can expect a vibrant café experience with fresh, flavourful food, attentive service, and a space designed for connection—whether enjoying a quick bite, a relaxed meal, or catering for an event.

What are your opening hours?

We’re open 7 DAYS from 8AM to 3 PM—come by anytime for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack from our cabinet or all-day menu.

Where are you and how do people get in touch?

Breaking Bread Café is at 2 Newcastle Street, Ngaruawahia 3720, and you can reach us by phone 07 949 8141, email thebreakingbreadcafe@gmail.com, or via our social media facebook or instagram.

Te Kauwhata Bowling Club Twin Highlights

Following the popularity of the Bowling Club’s 2025 Twilight event, an additional series has been scheduled this year.

On Tuesday and Friday evenings, the Club on Waerenga Road is bustling with positive energy, along with the highs and lows that are all part of learning the game of lawn bowls.

So far, we have managed to dodge the inclement weather, largely thanks to the new state-of-the-art, all-weather bowling green that opened in October 2025. Several sponsored teams are among those entered, and it is hoped they can see the results of

their generosity, with many participants – most of whom are not TKBC members – enjoying and appreciating the excellent facilities now available.

The Tuesday group will soon hold their final play-offs and prize-giving, while the Friday series has been extended until 20 February due to Waitangi Day falling on a Friday.

Keen new (or rusty) bowlers who would like to continue their bowling journey are being offered half-price subscriptions.

Linda Secretary, TKBC www.sporty.co.nz/tekauwhatabowls

A Playground Written in the Stars Opens at Lakeside

After four years of vision, collaboration and community effort, Lakeside in Te Kauwhata is set to celebrate the official opening of its new Matariki-themed playground on Saturday 21 February, from 10am to midday.

Located on the corner of Scott Road and Whites Way, the park has been carefully designed as a place where culture, play and community come together. The project began with early concept work in consultation with mana whenua Ngā Muka, and was further shaped by the voices of rangatahi from Te Kauwhata College, Te Kauwhata Primary School and Waerenga Primary School.

The theme of the park is based around Matariki, the Māori New Year, which symbolises reflection, connection and new beginnings. Each element of the playground draws inspiration from the stars of the Matariki cluster – Ururangi, Matariki, Tupuarangi, Tupuanuku, Pōhutukawa, Waitī, Waitā, Hiwa-i-te-rangi and Waipuna-a-rangi –weaving cultural meaning into the landscape and the play experience.

The result is an impressive and inclusive play space for all ages. The park boasts a wide range of outdoor play options including a basketball court, an inclusive carousel, Eagle Claw basket swing, Cocowave rope swing, Kaebel leisure net climb, timber stepping stilts, double timber seesaw, Vortex tunnel net, quadtramp, one-seat swing, toddler tree

Surrounding the play areas are plenty of picnic tables, bench seating and thoughtfully designed planting, creating a welcoming environment for whānau, friends and neighbours to spend time together. It is a space designed not just for play, but for connection – a true community hub where people of all ages can gather, relax and feel a sense of belonging.

Programme Manager for Placemaking at Lakeside, Mareet Carley, says the park reflects what can happen when a community works together with purpose.

“This playground has been shaped by many voices and many hands. From mana whenua to our local schools and young people, this has been a collective journey. It’s a space our community can be proud of, and one that will be enjoyed for generations.”

The official opening will take place on Saturday 21 February, 10am–12pm, and the whole community is invited to attend.

There will be free coffee from the renowned Samaori coffee cart, free vegetable planting station where participants take home their seedlings, a basketball challenge, free ice blocks, an impressive giant bubble display with 2 x interactive bubble stations, food trucks and free face painting.

Whānau are encouraged to come along, explore the new space and celebrate a playground that is quite literally written in the stars.

Half price pool entry helping Waikato district communities stay safe in the water this summer

Communities across Ngaaruawaahia and Tuakau are making the most of summer thanks to half price entry for all pool users at council swimming pools, supported by the Ngaaruawaahia and Tuakau Community Boards.

This initiative is available to everyone across the Waikato district and encourages families and whaanau to swim where it’s safest at council pools with trained lifeguards rather than in local rivers, which can be unpredictable and dangerous, particularly during the warmer months.

This summer alone, over 3,500 visits have already been made using the reduced entry price, with many families returning regularly to cool off, build confidence in the water and enjoy time together.

At Ngaaruawaahia Pool, children can swim for $1.50 and adults for $2.50, while at Tuakau Pool entry is $1 for children and $2 for adults.

Ngaaruawaahia Community Board Chair Kiri Morgan says the initiative helps remove barriers for families while keeping safety front of mind.

“We know how important it is for people of all ages to have access to safe places to swim. By supporting half price entry for everyone, we’re helping families choose pools where lifeguards are on duty and they can enjoy the water safely.”

Tuakau Community Board Chair Chris Betty says affordability plays a big role in encouraging safe swimming.

“For many families, cost can be a barrier. Half price entry makes it easier for everyone to enjoy the pool and helps encourage safe swimming habits at every age.”

The initiative supports national water safety advice, which encourages people to swim in supervised environments and reminds parents and caregivers that rivers can change quickly due to weather, currents and underwater hazards.

Waikato District Council encourages families to make the most of local pools this summer and to always prioritise water safety. For pool locations, opening hours and all pricing, visit: www.waikatodistrict.govt. nz/recreation/swimming-pools

castle, toddler rocker, double flying fox, and a series of stepping and balance logs.

Hapori Whānau Classes Support Local Parents and Tamariki

Hapori Whānau Classes are returning this February and March, offering a warm, supportive space for parents and caregivers to build confidence, share experiences, and gain practical tools to support whānau and tamariki wellbeing. Held at Friendship House 55 William Street Huntly.

These parenting sessions focus on reducing stress, strengthening positive family relationships, and providing simple, practical ideas that can be used at home. Each session includes expert guidance and opportunities to ask questions in a relaxed environment.

All sessions start at 10.00am and include access to a Waikato Family Centre nurse, who will be available at every session to chat about any concerns and provide growth and health checks. Whānau are also invited to stay for lunch afterwards.

Term 1 Programme:

13 February – Whānau Routines

Learn why routines are important for young families and how they help tamariki and pēpē feel safe and secure. This session will share ideas and guidance to help whānau create routines that work for them.

20 February – Circle of Security

Kathy Thomasen will introduce the Circle of Security, explaining how it supports babies and toddlers to feel safe while exploring the world, and how whānau can provide this security at home.

27 February – Fire Safety

Fireman Dave from the Huntly Fire Station will talk about practical steps families can take to reduce risks and keep whānau safe. This session will be held at the Huntly Fire Station.

6 March – Self Care

Maewa from Waahi Whaanui will lead a kōrero on self-care and how modelling self-care supports both adult and whānau wellbeing.

13 March – Reading and Books

Held at the Huntly Library, this session explores the importance of reading to babies and toddlers and how it supports language development, imagination, emotional growth, and a lifelong love of learning.

20 March – Infant Movement

Polley from Neuromove will talk about the importance of play and movement for infant and toddler development, sharing ideas to encourage healthy movement and play.

27 March – Toilet Training

A relaxed and practical session covering every stage of toilet training, with simple strategies, helpful tips, and reassurance for parents and caregivers.

Hapori Whānau Classes are open to all parents and caregivers wanting to connect, learn, and support their whānau’s wellbeing.

To book:

Visit eventspronto.co.nz or rpcct.huntly.co.nz

Or call 07 828 7559 for more information.

Community Muraling Workshop & Bee

Waikato is dipped near head to toe in paint and this month the Huntly community will get their chance to add to the canvas.

The growing mural collection stretching across the district, helped along by initiatives such as BOON Arts, has gained national attention for the Waikato and provided a timeless, boundless platform for artists to strut their stuff.

Now a brick wall is waiting at Hakanoa Lake with the Huntly community’s name all over it. This February, the public will be invited to put their mark on the mural map with a new work of art.

Led by muralist Richard Rio, participants of this muraling workshop and bee will learn first-hand how to create their own spray-paint stencils before getting to work as a team on a blank wall outside the Huntly Tennis Pavillion.

Attendants will plan a design together and work collaboratively throughout the project under the guide of Rio.

Creative Huntly’s Muraling Workshop and Bee will kick off at 12pm on Saturday February 28 and run until 4pm. Participants are advised to bring latex gloves and a face mask, although both will also be available on the day.

Meet at 17 Park Avenue, Hakanoa Lake. Open to all ages; koha entry

Splash’n Dash 2026

T he first Sunday in March is celebrated as Children’s Day all across the country. Te Kauwhata has been celebrating our local kids with a free family event named Splash’n Dash, since 2013.

Each year volunteers from many local organisations combine forces to transform the Te Kauwhata Domain into a watery wonderland. Families are invited to enjoy four hours of slippery slides, dunk tank, inflatables, team games, art station, preschool area and more.

What is unique about this event is that it is free entry and there is nothing for sale. You can leave your wallet at home and all families can enjoy the same opportunities.

“It has been wonderful to watch a generation of children grow up with this event”, says organiser Lauren Hughes.

“We are now starting to see some of those children bring their own children to the event. There are many new residents in the community and we look forward to introducing them to the joy that is Splash’n Dash. Splash’n Dash is also a great draw card for past residents. Splash’n

Dash draws families back to their old community to rekindle old friendships and enjoy a nostalgic day in their old neighbourhood.”

Bring togs, towel, sunscreen and a water bottle. We will have a free sausage sizzle but you are also welcome to bring a picnic and blanket or outdoor chair. We know dogs are important part of many families but for safety we insist that this is a dog free, smokefree, drug free and alcohol free event.

This event is possible thanks to event partners Te Kauwhata Water Association, Kainga Ora, Te Kauwhata Lions, Te Kauwhata Community Committee, Tindall Rural Events, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and our amazing volunteers Te Kauwhata Fire Service, Te Kauwhata Community Patrol, Te Kauwhata Community House, Toi Ako Artspace, Te Kauwhata Playcentre, Te Kauwhata Library and many more.

If you would like to volunteer at this event please contact Lauren@tekauwhata.org.nz. We look forward to seeing you at Te Kauwhata Domain on Sunday 1 March, 10am to 2pm.

Unity Hoops Street Basketball Event

Te Kauwhata’s annual street basketball event is back in 2026 but at a new time and location. Avoid the hot sun and join us on the evening of Friday 13 March for free family fun from 5pm to 7pm.

Held at Lakeside, Te Kauwhata’s brand new half court, alongside a fabulous new playground, we will be hosting heaps of basketball inspired games and creative experiences.

Come to play or bring a chair and watch the action. There are heaps of prizes to be won and a free sausage

sizzle. This event is a partnership between Toi Ako, Kainga Ora and New Zealous Music.

For more information contact: Lauren@tekauwhata.org.nz.

Te Kauwhata Post Shop to Remain Open After NZ Post Error

T he Te Kauwhata community will keep its only post shop after NZ Post acknowledged it had mistakenly included the Te Kauwhata service on a list of sites scheduled for closure.

Earlier this week, NZ Post announced plans to remove 142 service counters located in partner convenience stores, pharmacies and libraries across New Zealand by the end of the year. The organisation confirmed that 567 post shops would remain nationwide and that rural post shops were not part of the planned closures.

However, the Te Kauwhata post shop was initially listed, causing confusion and concern for the local convenience store owner who operates the service, as well as for residents who would have faced a round trip of more than 15 kilometres to access the nearest postal outlet.

On Wednesday 4 February, NZ Post confirmed the Te Kauwhata site is not closing and said its inclusion on the list was an error.

“Their name appeared on our website in error. We’ve now corrected this and spoken with them directly. We remain available and will continue to engage with them as needed,” an NZ Post spokesperson said.

\While confirming the service will remain for now, NZ Post indicated the site could be reviewed in the future as part of longer-term planning.

“We’ve been transparent that, over time, NZ Post services in the area may change as we develop a future retail network with the right services in the right places,” the spokesperson said.

NZ Post stressed that the planning process is focused on maintaining postal services in communities, rather than withdrawing them entirely

Issue 30 of Rex Hohaia History of Rugby League: The Waikato Country Fare Cougars

Prior to the introduction of the new kaupapa known as the Lion Red Cup, Waikato representative teams were selected from North v South, Māori v Pākehā, or Married v Singles trial games. The Davies Park trials produced some rather surprising names. Alongside the stock-standard Waikato club personnel were a trio of current rugby players, a renowned Auckland whānau name (Ropati), and a New Zealand representative hammer thrower, Phil Jensen.

Head Coach Joe Gwynne had been signed to begin his contract on 1 November 1993, and local players — although super keen — were in for a rather large shock when called to assemble on 14 November. With the Lion Red Cup set to begin in February 1994, a squad of 30 players were about to embark on a gruelling training regime at the newly acquired Hopuhopu Sports Park, complete with numerous training fields, a gym, assault course and hills.

Ably led by rising Hamilton City Tigers star Tukere Barlow, and with only one of the aforementioned ‘outsiders’ included (Melville Rugby player George Kaiwhare), the squad was comprehensively “upskilled”. Time trials, strength testing and endurance runs were all new to everyone.

Local clubs quickly realised that their best players would not be available come the 1994 season. Coach Gwynne also recognised that to be competitive, he would need to recruit ‘JAFAs’. Francis Leota, Arron Tucker, Gavin Welsh, Mike Thompson and Darryl Beazley were promptly signed, with Kiwis Tea Ropati and Tawera Nikau also in his sights. Nikau was with UK Super League club Castleford at the time, playing year-round as the UK season ran during our summer. Local Huntly South junior Martin Moana was among the first players signed to the Winfield Cup DB Bitter Auckland Warriors — a significant achievement.

Over-indulgence and large Christmas dinners became a thing of the past for the 30 squad members (management were exempt — haha) as the 1994 season beckoned. Three mid-summer games against the Manukau Magpies, Māngere East Hawks and Ōtara whittled the squad down to a playing 17 for the opening game in Waitara against the Taranaki Rockets. This Pepsi Max pre-season three-round knockout competition carried a hefty first prize, which we didn’t collect — ouch — going down 28–22. Paul Rishworth scored the Cougars’ first try — in fact, he scored all four — but the kickers had an off day. James Koopu (RIP) was appointed the first Cougars captain.

Excitement built as the Country Fare Cougars neared the official start of the 1994 Lion Red Cup. A home game at the headquarters of Waikato Rugby League, established in 1937, was scheduled for Sunday 20 March at 2.30pm. For years prior (geez, this is going to get deep), New Zealand lived by the mantra that the Good Lord toiled for six days and rested on the seventh. Sunday was traditionally regarded as a day of rest — yet here was this brandnew competition (rugby league, at that — ouch!) set to unleash 204 physically supreme athletes to bash the living daylights out of each other every Sunday for 25 weeks.

Unheard of! Saturday was New Zealand sport’s day.

But as Bob Dylan sang back in the 1960s, ♫ The times they are a-changin’ ♫.

New Zealand Rugby Football League President Trevor Maxwell officially welcomed everyone to the new competition, extending thanks and best wishes to the teams, district leagues and clubs, while acknowledging “our great sponsors for their commitment”.

Auckland Vulcans v Wellington Dukes opened Round 1 with a Friday night clash at Carlaw Park on 18 March. Other fixtures included Christchurch Shiners v North Harbour Sea Eagles at Addington Showgrounds; Bay of Plenty Stags v Waitakere Raiders at Rotorua Stadium; Taranaki Rockets v Canterbury Cardinals at Pukekohe Domain, Waitara; Hutt Valley Fire Hawks v Counties-Manukau Heroes at Fraser Park, Lower Hutt; and Waikato Cougars v Hawke’s Bay Unicorns at Davies Park, Huntly — all on Sunday at 2.30pm.

Sports betting was another new phenomenon introduced, and match results had to be precise and relayed to headquarters

immediately after full time — a task handled by the Business Manager.

Tukere Barlow was anointed captain for the season and was handed the match ball by my 94-year-old grandfather, Wetere Paki, as a symbolic passing of the baton to the next generation.

The team was:

Fullback — James Koopu

Wings — George Kaiwhare, Mark Erikson

Centres — Hekewaru Muru, Paul Rishworth

Halves — Beaumont Dawson, Aaron Tucker

Front Row — Gavin Hill, Tukere Barlow, Mike Thompson

Second Row — Francis Leota, Gavin Welsh

Loose Forward — Martin Moana

Reserves: Dean Hemopo, Blake Gilbert, Stuart Heslop, Cliff Rapira.

I began writing a column in the local “rag”, originally The Huntly Press (later The New Tatler), and editor Pamela Ferla was fairly receptive to the descriptions and anecdotes I penned. Nicknames are a form of flattery, and nearly every player had one — from “The Boss” Joe Gwynne and his sidekick “Yappy” Billy Kells, to “Bam Bam” Stuart Heslop, the baby of the squad.

James Koopu was “Go Gas” (he worked at the Mobil service station), Aaron Tucker was “Mouse” due to facial features and stature, Mike Thompson was “Bucket” (having carried the Auckland forward pack against Australia, Great Britain and France), and Tukere Barlow was “Duke” from his City Tigers days. Dean Hemopo was “Nugget” (not acceptable to some nowadays, but I still call him that), Gavin Hill was “Benny” after the TV comedian, and Mark Erikson was “Tanalised” — as in needing preservation. Others included “Inga” Martin Moana, “Spider” Darryl Beazley, “Chainsaw” Tony Waikato, Eru “Mansion” Whare, “Asphalt” Cliff Rapira (hard as nails, worked in roading), Beaumont Dawson — “Phoenix” (palm tree hairstyle), Blake Gilbert — “SAS” (self-appointed), “Portrait” Paul Rishworth (covered in tattoos), “Flash” Hekewaru Muru, “Chukka” Shane Hill, “Robocop” Glenn Boyd, “Twinkletoes” Tama Hohaia, and the grandaddy of all nicknames — “Restaurant” George Kaiwhare. There were also the adaptive nicknames: “Franco” Francis Leota, “Coona” Terry Clune, “TJ” Tony Hemana, “Gavvy” Gavin Welsh, “Softly” Nathan York, “Tarzan” Tahanga Raumati, “Porsche” Paul Morrison, and last — but by no means least — “Doongy” Mark Rota… which I won’t elaborate on. So stay tuned, whānau — there’s much more to come.

Researched by Rex Hohaia 21 October 2025

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Life Uncomplicated:

Reflections on work, life, and the little things that make a difference

This column explores the subtle truths we live by – unpacking ordinary experiences to find shared meaning. It won’t always have answers, but it hopes to offer clarity, comfort, or at least company in the thinking.

How Assumptions Cancelled a Course

Word gets around. And sometimes, it gets around faster than the truth can catch up.

A while ago, I was preparing to run a course for a local group in the community – something that had been long anticipated by many in this group who had expressed interest. But as days turned into weeks, registration numbers trickled in far slower than expected. Eventually, the course had to be called off despite the initial interest.

I assumed that the group as a whole had a change of mind and left it at that. It was only later that I found out the real reason.

Among the group, one individual hadn’t received a place. Unbeknownst to them, eligibility criteria tied to funding meant they couldn’t be included in the course. But instead of asking, they assumed they had been singled out. That they’d been excluded unfairly. And perhaps out of hurt, they shared that view with friends. One conversation turned into many and naturally the interest quietly fizzled. And what could have been a shared learning experience never took flight.

A Thought to Carry With Us?

I don’t share this to point fingers. In truth, I’ve probably done the same. We all have. We see someone’s expression and assume they’re upset with us. We get left out of a meeting and assume it means we’re not valued. We don’t hear back from someone and assume the worst. Sometimes, we even assume our assumptions are the kinder version of the truth. But assumptions carry weight. They shape narratives. And they often live in the silence of what was never clarified.

I’ve since learned to be more explicit when communicating decisions, especially when they’re not easy ones. But I’ve also learned the value of what I now call the Just Ask principle. If something feels off, if something doesn’t make sense, just ask. It may not change the outcome, but it could change everything else.

Ganga Sudhan enjoys finding small insights in everyday moments and sharing them as reflections on work, life, and the in-betweens. You can reach him at ganga@rte.co.nz or find him on LinkedIn via the QR Code to follow his latest musings.

Caring for dogs makes our communities safer

It’s not ok to have roaming dogs in our communities. While some may seem friendly and harmless, roaming dogs can be dangerous to themselves, other people, and the environment.

Dogs roam for many reasons, such as poor fencing, lack of training, or boredom. When dogs roam freely, they can be injured by cars, become sick and spread diseases, have unwanted puppies, or cause harm to other animals and people.

Responsible dog ownership helps prevent these problems and keeps dogs safe and well cared for. This includes keeping dogs in a secure, fenced area, providing food, water and shelter, and giving them daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Spaying your dog is important too. Desexing helps prevent unplanned breeding and reduces a dog’s urge to wander.

Regulatory Services Manager, Rochelle Deane, says “Owning a dog comes with responsibility, making sure your dogs is secure, cared for, and is not roaming is a part of being a good pet owner and neighbour”.

When people take good care of their dogs, communities become safer and happier to everyone.

Call us ASAP on 0800 492 452 so we can help. If no one reports it, we won’t know it’s there.

Waikato District Council welcomes World Surf League Championship Tour event at Raglan

Waikato District Council welcomes the announcement that Raglan will host a stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour in May 2026.

The New Zealand Pro event will take place at Manu Bay and will be the fourth stop on the 2026 Championship Tour, bringing the world’s top male and female surfers to one of the sport’s most iconic locations.

The event will be the first combined men’s and women’s Championship Tour event held in New Zealand, and will take place during the 50th anniversary year of the Championship Tour.

Mayor Aksel says the event recognises Raglan’s global standing in surfing and the wider opportunities it brings for the district.

“Raglan is one of the world’s great surf breaks, so it’s fitting to see it recognised on the WSL Championship Tour. Events of this scale help lift the profile of our district on a global stage, and we look forward to working with organisers as planning progresses.”

Whaaingaroa General Ward Councillor Lisa Thompson says the announcement will resonate strongly with the local community.

“Surfing is part of Raglan’s identity, and Manu Bay holds real significance for locals. It’s exciting to see the town recognised in this way, and it will be important that the event reflects the values of the community and the environment that make Raglan special.”

Council will continue working alongside event organisers, partners, and the local community as further details are confirmed.

The event window is scheduled for 15 – 25 May 2026.

Huntly Bowling Club Hosts Successful February Tournament

he Huntly Bowling Club held its February tournament on Thursday 5 February, welcoming teams from Taupiri, Te Kauwhata, Papakura, Morrinsville, Beerescourt, Raglan and the Morrinsville RSA, along with seven teams from Huntly.

A great day was had by all, with Neil Rollos’ Taupiri team taking out the tournament

after recording three wins. Jenny Welch from Huntly placed second, followed by Drew McDonald’s team in third. The Huntly prize was won by Bernie Strawbridge’s team.

The tournament was generously sponsored by CLR Plumbing and Thorburn Builders, and the Club extends its thanks to both sponsors for their support.