Cent Central Hawke’s Bayy FOCUS ON
December 2025
Connecting our local communities
Welcome to Focus on Central Hawke’s Bay
W
elcome to the December edition of Focus on Central Hawke’s Bay presented to you by Hawke’s Bay Today, part of New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME). This is a monthly publication distributing in Waipawa, Waipukurau and Ōtāne on the last Thursday of the month. We aim to bring residents of CHB information about community activities and a potpourri of articles such as local sport, education, events, clubs, council news and so on. We’d be pleased to receive suggestions on topics you’d be keen to read or news you’d like to share. Please note that if you do have news to share, we will need it well in advance – at least two full weeks before publication. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a query or wish to advertise. We wish you all a safe and happy Christmas. Please direct advertising and editorial queries to shirley. randell@nzme.co.nz Cover photo courtesy of Hawke’s Bay Tourism, credit Kirsten Simcox.
Central Hawke’s Bay’s Local Alcohol and Gambling policies open for consultation Central Hawke’s Bay residents are being asked for their input on two policies - the Local Alcohol Policy and the Class 4 Gambling and TAB Venue Policy.
T
he proposed changes are designed to balance community expectations and community well-being. Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Will Foley said the review was an important opportunity for the community to input into how alcohol and gambling are managed in the district. “These policies are a pragmatic balance, and we need to hear if we’ve got that balance right. I’m really hoping that people will take a few minutes to tell us what they think,” Foley said. “The proposed policy changes on gambling venues aim to balance the potential for harm with avoiding unfair impact on existing businesses. And the Local Alcohol Policy gives us the tools to manage the availability
and supply of alcohol in a way that makes sense for our community. “Please have your say and help councillors more effectively represent our community’s values in our decisions.” Consultation is from 1 December 2025 to 23 February 2026. Proposed Changes: Local Alcohol Policy: This policy sets local rules for the sale and supply of alcohol, which the District Licensing Committee must follow when considering new licence applications. The community is being asked for its views on the proposed policy, including: • Trading Hours: Potential changes to standard operating hours for licensed premises. Currently they are 7am to 11pm. We are consulting on four options for hours: 7am to
9pm, 9am to 9pm, staying status quo, or removal of LAP entirely. • Bottle Store Density and Location: Rules governing where new bottle stores can open and how many are permitted in specific areas – here we are proposing to limit the number of bottle stores. Class 4 Gambling and TAB Venue Policy: • A gambling machine cannot be relocated to a new venue, or new location even if the venue is moving. Have Your Say These policies are vital tools to manage the impact of alcohol and gambling, helping to make Central Hawke’s Bay a better place to live. Share your feedback before Monday 23 February 2026.
CLAAS SCORPION TELEHANDLER f
Powerful working hydraulics, and a robust telescopic arm, with side support, delivers outstanding torsion resistance and load capacity
f
Optional precision control for the working hydraulics
f
High-torque 4-cylinder engines, feature 4-valve technology and turbocharger, leave plenty of power in reserve
f
40km/h max speed transmission
f
4 steering modes for every application
claasharvestcentre.com
READY FOR ANY JOB 7 Cook St, Waipukurau
R E G I ST E R E D DA N C E S C H O O L
HAWKES BAY 1320-1322 Omahu Road, Hastings
Glenn Dear 027 226 3623 Ken Scholfield 021 272 0606 Grant Blackberry 027 539 6103
NZAMD Jazz – from 4 years ars BATD Highland - from 4 years ars Email or message our Facebook page for all enrolment enquiries. office@ppchb.co.nz.
MTSOD - teaching life skills to build confident and upstanding young people for our community and beyond.
• Examinations • Competitions • Performances • Public Events • Workshops • Training • Dance classes
• Discipline • Expression • Confidence • Friendship • Consideration • Poise • Resilience • Fun
Keeping the cash flowing for Central Hawke’s Bay businesses A 12-month trial for Central Hawke’s Bay businesses and community groups will provide a local and convenient solution for withdrawing cash and exchanging notes and coins.
T
he initiative is a partnership between the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Te Pūtea Matua and the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, responding to a long-standing challenge for local entities that have had to travel outside the district for these essential banking services. The trial provides a secure, accessible, and free service to manage cash flow within the community. A cash withdrawal unit and coin exchange machine have been installed in a secure, purposebuilt area in the Te Huinga Wai Knowledge and Learning Hub building, Waipukurau, with access from the carpark. “We heard from the community about the importance of cash and the impact bank closures and restricted hours were having on the ability to just get on with business,” said Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Chief Executive Doug Tate. “This trial is a great example of the innovative and smart approach we are taking to address community and business pain points – ultimately
saving time and money and keeping services local.” The partnership with RBNZ began in 2022 when a survey of local businesses identified the lack of local cash facilities as a significant hurdle. This trial and subsequent successful application to be a trial town is the direct result of that community feedback. “This will be a game changer, we’re constantly having to manage our float, exchanging cash for coins with businesses up and down the street, this trial will make life a lot easier,” said Goat Horn Café owner Josh Renall. Local businesses, sports clubs and community groups are encouraged to apply for access to the cash depot by registering on the Reserve Bank’s website, noting that this service is not available to members of the public. This project is fully funded by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The results from the trial will help the Reserve Bank inform future policy around cash access and how cash is used.
From all of us at Tremains Central Hawke’s Bay, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Here’s to the good moves we made together this year.
As the year winds down, we’re taking a moment to thank our community for your trust, your conversations, and your belief in what we do. Whether we helped you find a new home, sell an old one, or simply offered guidance, you’ve made 2025 truly meaningful.
Kathie Davies 027 325 6162
Ellen Hunt 027 2086 5478
Dom Michau 022 421 7153
Always a Good Move.
In Central Hawke’s Bay, we know the value of connection. That’s why at Tremains, we’re more than a real estate team. We’re your neighbours, your advocates, and your biggest supporters when it comes to life’s big moves. We’re proud to be by your side. And we’ll be here in 2026, ready when you need us. Licensed Real Estate Agent REAA 2008.
Ruahine Animal Rescue volunteers recognised among NZ’s Local Heroes
A
ABOVE: Carma Anderson was a founding committee member of Ruahine Animal Rescue and is now Chair | INSET: Gaye Campbell has spent a lifetime caring for people and animals and this year received an ASB Good as Gold award.
t Ruahine Animal Rescue, we often say that our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. Every life we save, every frightened animal we comfort and every family we support is possible because ordinary people choose to give extraordinary amounts of their time, compassion and energy. Most of this mahi happens quietly, without applause, which is why moments like this feel especially meaningful. Seeing two of our own, Gaye Campbell and Carma Anderson, recognised as recipients of the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award | Te Pou Toko o te Tau is not only an honour for them, but a reflection of the kindness and commitment that defines our rescue. As a fully volunteer-run organisation, we witness remarkable acts of care every single day. From middle-of-the-night puppy and kitten feeds to early-morning shelter checks, our volunteers show up no matter the weather or the challenge. They foster animals in their homes, handle vet visits and medication, support behavioural rehabilitation, check in with foster families, manage food runs, and carry out all the behind-thescenes work that keeps the rescue running. Whether it is weeks spent rehabilitating traumatised dogs or comforting scared kittens, every volunteer contributes something vital, and together they make Ruahine Animal Rescue possible. Gaye and Carma being named among only 100 Local Hero medallists nationwide fills us with immense pride and highlights
the strength of our rescue whānau. Carma Anderson has long been someone the community can rely on. Through her work with the Red Cross Disaster Response and Welfare Team, she has supported countless families during major emergencies, offering calm and steady leadership during difficult times. She also helped establish the FENZ Recovery Team, New Zealand’s only dedicated post-emergency recovery group. Carma has been part of Ruahine Animal Rescue since day one as a founding committee member, foster carer and now our Chair. She has supported more than 20 foster dogs, coordinated rescues and stood beside people and animals during some of their hardest moments. In 2025 she was recognised as Volunteering Hawke’s Bay Volunteer of the Year. Gaye Campbell has spent her retirement continuing a lifetime of caring for people and animals. As the founding Chair of Ruahine Animal Rescue and now our Dog Team Leader, she has helped rescue, rehabilitate and rehome countless dogs while supporting the families who love them. Beyond the rescue, she volunteers with Red Cross, has driven vulnerable residents to essential appointments through community transport services and cooked for the Koha Pantry. This year she received the ASB Good as Gold Award for her outstanding service to the community. Gaye and Carma now move forward as nominees for the 2026 Tower Local Hero of the Year Award. Whatever the outcome, they are already heroes to us and to every animal and person whose life they have changed. www.ruahineanimalrescue.co.nz
Mike Butterick MP for Wairarapa
Central Hawke’s Bay, Tararua and Wairarapa Carterton Crier
95mm wide x 135mm deep
Come and say hello!
Waipukurau Drop-in CHB Budget Services, 43 Ruataniwha St, Waipukurau Every first and third Monday, 10am-2pm Next dates: 6 and 20 October
Monday-Friday 10-4pm Regular drop-in clinics at: Pahiatua, Eketahuna, Greytown, Featherston Carterton, Martinborough,Dannevirke
Mike.ButterickMP@parliament.govtt.nz national.org.nz/team/mikebutterick 0800 MP MIKE
Authorised by Mike Butterick, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.
Events Otāne Village Artisan Market Otāne Hall. Sunday 21 December 2025 and 18 January 2026 Just off the beaten track and it happens on the third Sunday of the month.
St Andrews Porangahau Road, Waipukurau Christmas Eve 24 December Candlelight Service 8pm Christmas Day 25 December - 9.30am Services streamed online: www.standrewschb.co
Christmas lunch St Andrews 25 December, 1pm, St Andrew’s Church Hall This is an open invitation to anyone who would like some company on Christmas
heritage train for a delightful family outing during Art Deco Weekend! Enjoy a short return journey from Waipukurau to Takapau, designed with families in mind. Book through Eventfinda.co.nz
Day. We would also welcome anyone wanting to help on the day, or with donations of food and money. If you would like more information, please contact Gael Riddiford 0273690952.
Waipukurau Vintage Fair 2026
Senior Chef
Friday 2 January to Sunday 4 January, 10am-4pm Waipukurau Memorial Hall, Waipukurau, Central Hawke’s Bay Wonderful days of adventure shopping through a wonderful collection a variety of stalls, selling Vintage Wares & Collectables. Entry is by Door donation.
Takapau Steam Express Sunday 22 February 12.35-1.40pm, Waipkurau Train Station, 4 Bogle Brothers Esplanade, Waipukurau Step aboard Steam Incorporated’s red
This is a short course for the over 60’s. Held under the umbrella of the Anglican Diocese Waiapu, it’s free of charge and designed to help men and women gain confidence and motivation with basic cooking as well as meeting new friends and having fun. The course runs once a week for three hours and continues for eight weeks. The next class will start on February 13 at 9.30am. Numbers are kept to a maximum of nine. For further information please contact Viv Paton 021 671 516.
! ! " "
!
!
! ! " !
Elsthorpe Artisans back for a sixth year T he brainchild of Kerry Scheele, Barbara Golden and Nicola Wall, the Elsthorpe Artisans gallery started life as a fun family craft activity to help keep spirits up during lockdown. The gallery was later opened up to the community and organisers were staggered by the positive response received from locals. Housed in an old maids quarters, originally from Waipuna Station, the building has had several uses including housing a shearing gang. Now, every summer the building hosts arts and crafts for sale, many of them made by locals. The gallery is halfway between Elsthorpe and Kairakau Beach making it perfect for travellers to take a break while on their way to or from the beach. The lockdown project has blossomed, and this is the sixth year the shop is open to the public. It brings together local makers, creatives and craftspeople to showcase and sell their handmade
VASCULAR SURGERY SPECIALIST
It may be more affordable than you think Procedures performed by Mr Albert Lo. Hawkes Bay’s only Vascular Surgeon *Affiliated provider of Southern Cross Health Society for Varicose Veins.
We can treat your Varicose Veins and artery problems.
Minimally invasive techniques. Call our friendly team at Unity for advice regarding your vein treatment options.
HERNIA REPAIR -MESH FREE
• Competitive rates. • Southern Cross affiliated. • Referrals welcome from GP’s, Specialists and Physiotherapists. • Self referrals welcome * Affiliated provider of Southern Cross Health Society for Hernia repair.
MESH FREE groin hernia repair performed under local anaesthetic in our purpose designed Day Surgery Unit. Overall costs are minimal making the procedure much more affordable than you may think. If you have a hernia that is bothering you give us a call and ask our friendly team for details, costings and availability. Procedure performed by Mr Bertrand Jauffret, General Surgeon at Unity Specialists, 102 Queen Street East, Hastings 4122.
UNITY SPECIALISTS AND ULTRASOUND LTD
To contact us Phone (06) 281 2797 | Email:office@unityclinic.co.nz | www.unityclinic.co.nz 102 Queen St East, Hastings 4122
goods, fostering a vibrant local economy and celebrating rural artistry. Browse a range of handicrafts such as knitting, dried flowers, paintings, garden pieces, flax arrangements, wooden toys, pottery, jewellery and so on. The photos give a good idea of the range of treasures to be found and there’s something to suit all tastes and pockets. “We don’t charge commission to our artists because we feel it important to encourage local artists to participate and to keep the artwork affordable,” Kerry says. The store has already opened for summer and work from 30 artists and craftspeople is on sale. Kerry, Barbara and Nicola take turns in looking after the shop at 299 Kairakau Road which is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm. The gallery will close when school term resumes. Visitors can pay cash or pay by internet banking. EFTPOS isn’t available.
Business and Professional Women CHB Educational Scholarships 2025
CHB women’s group awards three $1,000 continuing-education scholarships
S
Jenny Green President of BPW CHB, left, with recipient Jennifer Mackie.
Jenny Green with recipient Sonya Churchward.
onya Churchward from Takapau, training to be a nurse and Jennifer Mackie from Waipukurau, studying Lifestyle Medicine, both attended BPW CHB’s dinner meeting on 19 November at Latitude 40 Café, Waipukurau to receive their scholarships. Shayne Hansen, the third recipient, was unable to attend. Sonya started her health career as a receptionist at Takapau Health Centre two years ago, after finding herself newly single and most of her five children having left home. Encouraged by Jo Ward from the centre to train as a nurse, she completed her EIT study and career preparation course with flying colours last year. She has overcome some serious health issues to start her nursing degree later this year. Sonya is looking forward to returning to the health centre as a qualified nurse and contributing to improving the health outcomes of her community.
Thinking about installing solar? We have a passion for energy efficient homes and business that cost less to run and minimise their impact on the environment, and specialise in solar installs. -
Grid-connected & off-the-grid systems Highest-quality products Fully monitored via app
Dan McIntyre
-
Reduce your electricity bills Electricity in a power cut (with battery) Add value to your home
“Right from our inquiry about solar to installation to post-install follow up, the team at DMAK Electrical were absolutely amazing to deal with. They dealt with all the necessary paperwork making the whole process stress-free and easy. The system is compact and unobtrusive and the app is great to track your usage habits and monitor the battery level. If you’re thinking about installing solar, give Dan and his team a call - you won’t regret it!”
Managing Director
- Hayden and Tess Le Compte
Solar installation & maintenance | Residential & commercial electrical services Heat pumps & air conditioning Contact us for a no-obligation quote Phone: 06 858 5252 28 Takapau Road, Waipukurau 509 Warren Street North, Hastings www.dmakelectrical.co.nz
Jennifer Mackie is an experienced physiotherapist and busy mother of three, now embarking on a new chapter of her career studying to be a Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner. Lifestyle Medicine is an evolving branch of medicine that is evidence-based and aimed at preventing, managing, and even reversing chronic conditions by addressing their root causes. Jen is committed to using her skills to empower people local to live healthier, more balanced, and more fulfilling lives. A third scholarship was awarded to Shayne Hansen who is enrolled with Otago Polytechnic for a Vet Nursing distance learning course. Shayne is excited to be able to combine her love of animals with her love of learning and the distance learning will enable her to arrange her study around her three children’s busy lives. She was not able to attend the dinner meeting, but BPW CHB members are looking forward to
meeting her next year. The funds for the scholarships were raised through events run by BPW CHB during the year. These included a fundraiser with Little Theatre, Waipukurau. The Camelia Breakfast, held on NZ Suffrage Day 19 September, with local author Charity Norman as guest speaker, attended by 80 people. The BPW CHB Garden Ramble, through 10 gardens in Central Hawkes Bay earlier this month, was another fundraiser. BPW CHB was also awarded a CVOS grant from CHB District Council toward the costs of running the Camelia Breakfast. BPW CHB is a local club that meet once a month for dinner and to listen to a guest speaker. They are a volunteer organisation that aim to provide members with networking, leadership, advocacy and personal development opportunities. For more information go to our Facebook page or email us on BPW.CHB@gmail.com.
Experience art on your floor, table and walls with Persian Rug Gallery HB. Let’s have a quality life with a Stunning Persian Rug and create a luxury floor. • Authentic Rugs • Kilim • Table Cloths • Genuine Leather Products • Hand-Crafted Goods & more ...
WWW.BRIDGEPATRIANGLE.NZ
View of Bridge Street Ongaonga, looking east.
150 years of community & change MOBILE ELECTRICAL TESTING AND TAGGING Prevention, Protection & Compliance Without Compromise Jim’s Test & Tag is proudly 100% New Zealand owned and operated. AII our technicians are highly trained and up to date wlth the latest electricaI safety regulations. Our fully mobile service means dependable experts aire always within reach, ensuring that your business always runs safely and efficiently.
• Test & Tag Electrical Appliances • Safety Switch (RCD) Testing • 3 Phase Testing • All testing carried out to AS/NZS 3760 Contact us today for more details
SERVICE AND REPLACE
EXISTING FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIRE HOSE REELS to NZS 4503
0800 454 654
www.jimstestandtag.co.nz / www.jimsfiresafety.co.nz
To challenge, inspire and enable the potential of tomorrow today
CENTRAL HAWKES BAY COLLEGE 2025 WRAP UP & WELCOMING
ABOVE: View of Bridge Street Ongaonga, looking east.
To coincide with Ongaonga’s 150th anniversary of European settlement the Central Hawke’s Bay Museum is hosting an exhibition that follows the fortunes of the village and its founding families.
L
aurence Gordon, a resident of Ongaonga, is one of the organisers of the exhibition. Gordon and his family have lived in Ongaonga since 1994, and he is a member of the Ongaonga Historical Society. Gordon is a former teacher of Ongonga School, and his wife Penelope is currently a teacher at the school. Gordon volunteers at the museum and works there one weekend a month. Last year he was working on a thesis for his master’s degree and happened to mention it to museum curator Jana Uhlirova. The thesis ‘Te Rua oTe Taniwha’- Pākehā settlement of Ruataniwha Plains took three years to complete and investigates in considerable depth the settler world on Ruataniwha Plains. His thesis published with Massey University includes stories about local families who put down roots in Central Hawke’s Bay and became the heart of small communities.
Much of the exhibition focuses on seven families/individuals but there’s also mention of local businesses such as the flour mill, the dairy factory, Coles Bros Joinery factory and the UEB Lucerne plant. Gordon’s research highlighted in the exhibition includes James and Sarah Newman (nee Glenny), Henry Hamilton Bridge, the Coles family, the Fletcher family, the Mackie family, the Hobbs family and Rosa Smith, the local midwife. There are plenty of historical photographs to illustrate the exhibition. There’s information about the naming of Ongaonga, text panels including information on the Ongaonga Historical Society and much more to absorb. For those interested in local history a visit is highly recommended. Admission to the museum is free and the exhibition runs until January 21. Opening hours are 10am-4pm daily.
Senior Prizegiving Wednesday 26 of November saw us as a collective celebrating the academic success of our senior students at the Senior Prizegiving held in the School Hall. A big congratulations to all prize winners – a special mention to Manaro Davoren who was awarded the Bowman Cup for Sportsboy of the Year and Caitlin Kirk who was awarded the Brisco Cup for Sportsgirl of the Year and the Sherwood Cup for Outstanding Sporting Achievement. Year 11 2000 Prefects’ Cup for General Excellence – Juan Macalalad Fiona Bourke Cup for Academic Excellence – Euan Cruise Year 12 McLean Gibbs Cup for General Excellence – Paige Franklin Bishop Cup for Proxime Accessit – Wal Slavin Sarah Bronte Cup for Year 12 Dux – Paige Franklin Year 13 O’Dowd Cup for General Excellence (Boys) – Hamish Ganley Cuthbert Cup for General Excellence (Girls) – Sheridan Linklater Ballantyne Family Rosebowl for Proxime Accessit – Hamish Ganley
Dux 2025 Central Hawke’s Bay College 25th Jubilee Trustees’ Rosebowl Award and Scholarship for Dux Litterarum 2025 Greta Minehan Heads of School 2026 Congratulations to the 2026 Heads of School team that was named at Senior Prizegiving.
Head Students are Alice Jamieson and J D Mananes and their Deputy Heads of School are Taylah Annand, Aaron Benson, Paige Franklin, Leila Heremaia, Luke Madsen, and Max Mooney.
We wish them all the best for the 2026 school year as they work together for their college and for their peers. Central Hawke’s Bay College Partners We would like to extend our upmost gratitude to the following “Central Hawke’s Bay College Partners” who work with the College and our students, creating pathways for all to succeed: Complete Coaching Hawkes Bay; JOBS in Central Hawkes Bay; CONNECT Youth & Community Trust; Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga; Connect Driver Safety and Licensing; EPIC Youth Services; Capital Training; Te Rima Orau Charity Trust
ABOVE: One of the oldest photos of Ongaonga, showing Bridge & Russell’s Flour Mill with the Sandford hotel in the background. c1880. | BELOW: Sandford Hotel, Bridge Street Ongaonga c1899. George Staunton publican, John Beazley coach driver.
We thank you all for your commitment, and look forward to the continuation of our work together in 2026 Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi
Wishes from our Principal
Another year of great achievements inside and outside the classroom has produced many highlights over the year. Our students have worked hard to make the most of their opportunities in their academic, cultural and sporting endeavors. Thank you to all our supporters, parents, coaches and community supporters who work together to make the college such a rich and vibrant place for our students. On behalf of the students, staff and Board at the college we wish everyone a Safe and Happy Christmas.
Central Choice – First Choice – Best Choice
Ph 06 858 9203
EMAIL OFFICE@CHBC.SCHOOL.NZ
www.chbc.school.nz