‘Jokes about tumbleweed’ – The highway breathing new life into a Tararua District town
Scott Gilmore spoke of the energy in Woodville since the opening of Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatu-Tararua highway
By Leanne Warr
“Woodville is busier and there’s a real energy in the town with smiles everywhere you look ”
The opening of Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatu-Tararua highway has opened up the district, according to Scott Gilmore.
The councillor and Woodville resident spoke at a celebration of the open-
ing of the highway, built to replace the Manawatu Gorge road, closed in 2017 due to slips
He said it was an opportunity for the community to reflect and mark the completion of the road
Opened just over two weeks ago, the local cafés and shops in Woodville have reported increased patronage, not only from people driving the high-
way but also cyclists and walkers
Gilmore said the people of Woodville, and the district had suffered for eight long years following the gorge closure and deserved to reap the rewards.
“This road isn’t just a way through. It’s a way forward
“Let’s keep that momentum going and make sure that the whole district benefits from this once-in-a-generation project ”
Mayor Tracey Collis talked of the heartbreak of losing the gorge.
“It was a place that was so significant to us and [it is] hard to describe the feeling within the community ”
She said the whole district was impacted
“We’d lost a journey through both our maunga, the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges ”
She spoke of the lengthy consultation to decide on the design and the route the road would take, including the ideas to build a tunnel
“Everybody had a view which route was better.
“I’ve actually learnt that we ’ ve got more engineers in this country than we know what to do with ” Collis said the highway was “ more than a road for our district”
“But for Woodville it was just everything.
“We’ve had jokes about tumbleweed coming down the road and it was pretty tough
“When I look at it now, it is hard to
keep the smile off your face ”
Collis said community group Positively Woodville had come up with creating a slogan for the town and the slogan ‘It’s all good in the Wood’ was put on a sign which was then embraced by the team working on the road.
“Today we know that all is good in the Wood ”
She thanked the team on the road for not only building it but “for being part of our family, understanding Woodville.”
Since the road’s opening, there had been cyclists and walkers as well as drivers coming through which had led to Woodville’s streets bustling, just as they did 150 years before when Woodville was first built
“This town has always had such incredible people with incredible foresight,” Collis said
“They looked after the town, they made sure that it had everything it needed to succeed
“And now you have the road that will take you into the future and ensure that Woodville forever more thrives and with it the Tararua District as we watch a new eco-tourism take place ” Gilmore said they would continue to promote Woodville with hanging baskets, created by Positively Woodville chair Joy Kopa, to provide colour on the main street and council would be working on the Lindauer Arts Trail, connecting walkways to give people more options over the highway and potentially through the old Gorge
Your local community newspaper — delivered free every Monday!
EDITORIAL
Editor Leanne Warr
leanne.warr@delessepsmedia.nz 027 279 2970
COMMERCIAL
ADVERTISING
Nikki O’Leary
nikki.oleary@delessepsmedia.nz 021 736 453
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING classads@delessepsmedia.nz
VIEW ONLINE bushtelegraph.co.nz/
The Bush Telegraph is part of DE LESSEPS MEDIA LIMITED.
NZ MEDIA COUNCIL
This newspaper is subject to NZ Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing, within one month of publication, to leanne.warr@ delessepsmedia.nz. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council. More details at www.mediacouncil.org.nz.
Pahiatua Pool moving ahead
The Pahiatua Pool project continues to move ahead with great community engagement and exciting developments
We’re pleased to share that the first stage Expressions of Interest for the main contractor have now closed.
We’ve received a substantial number of competitive submissions from construction companies
We will next invite shortlisted main contractors to the second stage for a full proposal.
At this point, we ’ re reaching out to see if you might be able to assist in any way We can offer opportunities for work in kind contributions, particularly in areas such as earthmoving and related services.
If you can help or would like more information, please contact Louise Powick at bushaquatictrust@gmail com.
This marks a significant milestone as we move closer to bringing this much-needed facility to life Fundraising efforts are still going strong, and we want to remind everyone that the “Buy a Block” fundraiser remains open
This is a fantastic way to be part of something lasting for our town Each block purchased brings us closer to our goal while offering locals the chance to have their name (or a loved one ’s) proudly acknowledged as part of the pool’s legacy another exciting development, we recently hosted a group of Ameri-
can agricultural students from South Dakota State University as part of a unique fundraising initiative
These students stayed with generous host families from Pahiatua and Woodville, gaining a real taste of Kiwi rural life while contributing to the pool fundraising efforts
A huge thank you to all the host families who opened their homes and hearts - it was a cultural exchange to remember and a great example of the
Pahiatua and Woodville community spirit in action
As always, we are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from local businesses, families, and individuals
This pool is a project for everyone, and it’s inspiring to see so many people getting involved
Keep an eye out for more updates, and if you haven’t yet, don’t miss your chance to Buy a Block and be part of Pahiatua’s future
Tararua
Bat Students from South Dakota State University got a taste of rural life.
Tararua District Council to roll out universal water metering
By Leanne Warr
New water meters to be rolled out in the Tararua District over the next three to four years will cost an estimated $4 98 million
A council spokesperson said the project to install water meters at residential properties would be funded through the council’s Long-Term Plan (LTP), funded by a loan and repaid through rates over time
“Not by individual up-front charges ” The funding was already included in
current budgets and there was no new funding that hadn’t been consulted on as it was agreed to in the LTP
The council announced the project earlier this month noting that the meters would be installed only on those properties connected to the council water supply.
Mayor Tracey Collis said it was a big step towards “smarter, fairer water use ”
The council was currently investigating hardware and software, water charge options and working on back-
flow prevention so dirty water couldn’t come back into the drinking water network
“There’s clear evidence from councils in our region and nationally that installing water meters leads to meaningful savings in some cases, reducing water use by around 30%,” Collis said
“It shows that when people can see how much water they’re using, they make smarter choices and that benefits everyone. ”
Only around 11 4% of water users in the Tararua District had a meter, equating to 658 out of 5787 connected properties
By measuring water usage, it meant people would be able to track water consumption more closely, helping to avoid wasting water and spotting problems such as leaks
The council spokesperson said residents would pay only for the water they had actually used, which was fairer than the current system where everyone paid the same amount.
Water meters would provide data that would help identify areas where water was being wasted or lost and would help avoid expensive infrastructure upgrades
Council could also better plan and allocate resources.
“If we can show that we ’ re using our
DANNEVIRKE LIONS
FINAL BOOK SALE
th , 12th , 13th JULY
Friday / Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 2pm
After 36 years of book sales, this year’s sale will be our last. Books will still be on sale at our Lion’s Den at very reasonable prices.
The Lions Club thank all those who have supported our book sales over the years.
Thank you for making it possible for us to give back to our community.
water more efficiently, we may avoid needing to apply for consent for bigger takes in the future,” Collis said
“That means less cost to ratepayers and less pressure on our water sources. ”
Some comments on social media have already raised concerns on the project
The council spokesperson said they were aware residents would have questions and concerns
“That’s why we ’ re being up front with information and trying to answer questions to our best ability
“At the heart of it, we ’ re talking about fairness: those who use more water will pay more and those who use less will no longer be subsidising high users. ”
The spokesperson said the current focus was on properties connected to the council’s reticulated water supply and some rural properties already paid for a set allocation of water through supply schemes
“In the future, we’ll look at how volumetric charging can be applied more broadly but any changes for rural properties will involve further engagement and planning ”
More information can be found on the council website under projects: https://www.tararuadc.govt.nz/services/projects
Tararua District Council is preparing to roll out universal water metering.
Crashed plane returns to the air
Plane on a pole produces its own energy
By Dave Murdoch
When Trevor Beale saw a pile of what looked like plane parts on the back of Hamish Schmidt’s truck, back in September 2023, he contacted him pretty quickly
Trevor has always liked to fly in light aircraft having been taught to fly when younger.
Hamish was planning to crush these aerial remnants for scrap having acquired them from a farm near Whetukura about a year ago
But Hamish was happy to donate his load so that Trevor could build one plane from the best survivor using scraps from the others
The survivor was a French Morane Saulnier-Rallye which had crashed on take-off at Lake Rotoiti in April 1974
Trevor was able to acquire its records and details: Wingspan 9 6 metres, height 2.7 metres, maximum cruising speed 174kms/hr
With all the parts stored in his workshop Trevor began re-creating the plane working just when he felt like it but putting in some pretty long hours. He did not have all the parts -espe-
cially the engine but Trevor was able to adapt items from other vehicles and smooth out the rest
He has no idea of the number of hours he spent on the project but last week his long-term plan came to fruition when it was lifted onto a tall pole above his workshop in Miller’s Road
A PlaceMakers Hi Ab driven by Riki Karena carefully hoisted the plane onto the pole which was fitted at the top with a pivot to allow the plane to change direction with the wind Trevor rose up in his moving bucket to secure the plane which was then released by the Hi Ab
The plane might be from the 20th century but it contains some modern additions including a wind pump driven by the propeller powering a generator and solar panels on the wings to add more energy because Trevor wants to light the plane up at night.
Proudly showing the Trevor Beale logo on one side of the fuselage and R&L Beale after family Ray and Louise on the other with sponsor Schmidt Scrap and Transfer on the cowling, the new plane can be seen from a distance responding to the weather under the control of two blond female pilots (if you believe that) It even has its original registration of ZKC62
Trevor is highly delighted “The day went without a hitch,” he said Now he is looking for another challenge.
Dave Murdoch is a freelance writer
Trevor Beale and his restored Morane Saulnier-Rallye plane.
As the Hi Ab crane rests the plane on the top of the pole Trevor in his mobile bucket gets ready to secure it.
MONDAY // 30 June // 2025
Food Business Levy
Food Through the careful and hard work of food producers over many years, New Zealand has a strong reputation for safe and suitable food This strong reputation is underlined by a robust regulatory system, which is based on international best practice and scientific evidence
No matter how big or small the business, customers rightly expect that the food sold to them is safe and suitable Our food safety system is critical to ensuring food businesses can deliver to those expectations everyday
Food safety and suitability challenges have always existed, and the New Zealand food safety system adapts and assists businesses in managing these Food businesses are also working in more innovative ways, trying new business models and production methods, and consumer preferences are diversifying This has created new risks that need to be identified and managed by New Zealand's food safety system
In 2024, the Government agreed to enhance core food safety services under the Food Act 2014 through the Food Business Levy
Collectively, these food safety services will help food businesses and Local Councils improve the provision of safe food to New Zealanders The levy will ensure regulatory support for innovation while strengthening the food safety system
• Better education and support to meet food safety and suitablity requirements
• Increased monitoring and taking prompt intervention to ensrue the food safety system is working well
• more support for providing a fair, consistent and risk-appropriate level of verification, registry and enforcement services to food businesses that do not follow the rules
• regular national campaigns to tackle systemic food safety or suitability issues
• More effective, efficient and up-to-date rules and standards with input from businesses
For more information on providing safe and suitable food within the Tararua district please visit our food licensing pages at:
www tararuadc govt.nz/services/food-andhealth-licensing
Applying for a New Address or Replacement RAPID Number Plate
As part of our commitment to streamlining Council services and improving accessibility, we’ve launched a new online application process to apply for:
• A new urban address number
• A new rural RAPID number
• A replacement RAPID number plate to be posted to you
Contact us at: propertynumbering@tararuadc.govt.nz
Paper applications are still available at all our service centres if you’d rather apply in person
Universal water metering - Making water charges flow fairly in the future
We're launching a Universal Water Metering project rolling out water meters to all properties connected to council water schemes over the next 4–5 years. This is a big change and we understand that you may have a lot of questions about this. Visit the Council’s website for full details, including FAQs and next steps: www.tararuadc.govt.nz/projects
• Meters help you track your use, spot leaks early, and encourage smarter water habits—some councils have seen usage drop by up to 30% once meters were installed
• Currently everyone pays a fixed rate. With meters, charges will be based on actual usage—fairer for low users and motivators for high users to conserve water
• It's estimated that the full roll out of the water meter installation will take 4-5 years to complete There are several steps involved with roll out (see our website to learn more).
• Council is testing hardware/software, developing its backflow prevention policy, working out charging models—and will consult the public on water charging options later this year
• There’s no direct installation charge for the meter that’s covered in the Council’s Long-Term Plan, funded by loans and spread across ratepayers over 20 years.
• Following positive results in other districts, more and more councils are installing water meters. Areas like Masterton, Carterton, Horowhenua, Kāpiti, and New Plymouth have already adopted them with encouraging outcomes.
Council adopts Annual Plan and sets the rates for 2025/26
Tararua District Council has adopted a 7.29% average rates increase for 2025-2026, along with new fees and charges effective from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026
Of the average rates increase, 4 19% is to help cover the costs of water, wastewater, and stormwater services Without water services included, the draft average rates increase would have been 3 10%, which is the total increase of council services except water
The 7.29% average rates increase is a lot lower than the 11 79% which was forecast in the Long Term Plan. It is also lower than the 771% which was proposed in the draft Annual Plan that was consulted on between 14 April 2025 and 15 May 2025 A total of 45 formal submissions were received. The new fees and charges will be on Council’s website and come into effect as of 1 July 2025
The Mayor and Councillors commended the Council team on their hard work to push the rates increase down as much as possible. “Council is committed to reducing costs and providing the right services for our community Some services may be delivered differently, but they are necessary doing nothing would end up costing more in the long run,” says Mayor Tracey Collis.
Following community feedback and public hearings in May, Council has gone back to basics and cut spending to focus only on essential work. Projects have been reviewed, with some being changed, delayed, or pushed to a later year to save money
For example, the running costs for the new Pahiatua Pool have been moved from year two to year three, as outside funding is still being sourced. The pool is now expected to open after the 2025/2026 year Bringing kerbside recycling in-house also led to significant savings, reducing the average rate by 19 63%.
Following funding cuts from NZTA, and after hearing the community’s concerns during the consultation, Council has chosen to allocate $150,000 from existing depreciation reserves to carry out some renewal work on footpaths, focusing on safety and high-priority areas. This approach means essential maintenance work can still go ahead without adding pressure to this year’s rates increase.
Among others, Council asked the community for feedback on a proposal to help solve long-standing parking and safety issues at the Waisplash Community Aquatic Centre in Dannevirke. Council asked for feedback on buying land at York Street to extend the parking area. Following strong public support during the consultation, Council will investigate purchasing the land using the General-Purpose Fund, which won’t affect rates or add costs for ratepayers
A review of council-owned properties; making smarter use of resources
We’re making sure that the properties owned by Council are being used in the best way possible
In 2024, following community direction to reduce spending and make smarter use of resources, Tararua District Council commenced a review of community buildings, reserves, and council-owned land The review focused on identifying opportunities for cost savings, including reducing future rates, maintenance, and insurance costs, through the assessment of underused properties and non-operational land across the district.
Of the current 7.29% average rates increase, 2 7% relates to cost increases in maintenance and insurance costs of facilities such as buildings, parks and reserves.
We asked independent experts to take a fresh look at how these properties are used, and they’ve worked with our teams to assess 28 properties, excluding key facilities like Domain Board-managed buildings, public conveniences, and sports pavilions.
We discovered that some properties are not used very much, or they cost more to maintain than they give back to the community.
What is going to happen next?
First, we’re having a conversation with people who are MOST impacted by this proposal –that’s people who use the spaces and our iwi partners.
Then, after we’ve checked in with these groups, we will invite our communities to join the conversation by asking for feedback. We’ll announce when feedback opens and how people can take part
There will be no sale of these properties until we have heard community feedback. What are the 4 properties proposed for change of use or sale?
• 39 Ransom Street - Dannevirke (leased land)
• 39 Gregg Street - Dannevirke (leased land)
• 16 Bengston Street (land parcel behind the museum) - Eketāhuna
• 53 Denmark Street - Dannevirke (rural bus depot building).
This project was previously referred to as “Rationalisation of Council Buildings” or “Land Rationalisation” – we’ve simplified the name as we move to having conversations with our communities.
Please keep this in mind if you are keenly interested in this subject and plan to seek further information by searching council minutes and agendas Visit: https://tararua.infocouncil.biz/ or www.tararuadc.govt.nz / publications / agenda, minutes and meetings videos
Community Turns Out for Ruahine School Fundraiser at Dannevirke Sports Club
The Dannevirke Sports Club was the place to be as the community gathered for an entertaining evening at Stars in Their Eyes
The event, held earlier this month, is Ruahine School’s major fundraising event for the year
Organised by the school’s Parents for Kids (PFK) committee, it featured 10 outstanding performances by local stars who took to the stage as iconic music legends
Stealing the show was Hana Mae Pilkington, whose performance as Whitney Houston earned her first place, along with roaring applause and praise from the judges
Brian Te Huki claimed second with a smooth rendition of Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, which had the entire sell-out crowd singing along
Rounding out the top three was Kevin White, who brought the house down as Tony Orlando, securing not just third place but also the coveted audience vote
Melanie Silver was the night’s host as MC. She kept the night rolling and the crowd engaged, stepping into her role as “Weird Barbie ” Ruahine School’s Parents for Kids (PFK) Committee is grateful to the many local businesses who supported the event and stocked the raffle tables with amazing prizes
Dannevirke Tigers, acting as the evening’s security, made sure everyone had a fun and safe night
And judges Davina, Brian and Amy, had the hardest job of the night
The success of the night wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless work of the PFK members, an army of parent helpers and dedicated staff and teachers from Ruahine School who contributed to what was a successful and enjoyable night, raising vital funds for the school
Barney Mabey came as Elvis
A Star is Born – Gemma-Kay Gregory and James Hooper Smith were Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
Kirsten Prenter, Alice Franklin and Melanie Silver from the PFK committee.
Brian Te Huki’s turn as Bob Marley earned him second place.
Hana Mae Pilkington was Whitney Houston, winning first place
PFK member Isaac Kelsen and Gold Sponsor Hamish Pankhurst (Dannevirke Pharmacy) enjoying the night
Touring largest windfarm in New Zealand
By Leanne Warr
Wind farms might be a bit of a talking point in the Tararua District
With at least three projects in the pipeline – Mt Munro near Eketahuna, Puketoi and near the Pahiatua Track, there are plenty of opinions about them
than 35km of roads over about 700 hectares
On arrival, we ’ re first shown the system and it’s explained that each wind turbine is scheduled for service once a year.
However, each turbine also gets visits a few times each year to check they are running to specifications
An on-call team checks for faults and monitoring can be done from the main building
While there have been incidents at other wind farms such as fires, the team say the ones at Turitea are newer and have systems such as fire suppression which can help prevent such issues
The turbines at Turitea are provided by Vestas, which is an international company that designs, manufactures, installs and services projects all over the world
We are driven through the wind farm on a foggy day, so there isn’t much to see other than low cloud until it lifts.
We stop at a wind turbine and there’s enough room at the bottom of the main housing for five of us
safety rules at all times
From the ground, the turbine looks daunting and according to Mercury, is about 125m from ground to blade tip
The best performing turbine on the site has generated 55,000 mw/h, enough to supply electricity for around 8000 homes in one year and in total for the entire site, around 1600 GWh which is enough for 100,000 homes per year
It’s well known that the area of the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges is a good site for wind generation, but even the wind turbines have their limits – wind speeds can average around 130km/h with wind gusts up to 180km/h, and while the turbines can operate in 110km/h, they must be shut down if there’s anything higher to avoid being damaged
Mercury also makes an effort to ensure the local environment isn’t negatively impacted by the wind farm and a total of 30,000 native plant species have been planted around the site, with another 40,000 underway and there is ongoing removal of pest plants and weeds throughout the site
Rongotea Saleyards
Drystock SpecialistClint Worthington 021 209 2236 Dairy Specialist –Matt Muggeridge 027 237 8661
According to an information pack provided by Mercury Energy the Turitea Wind Farm achieved full site commissioning on May 14, 2023
It’s the biggest in New Zealand with 60 wind turbines connected by more
So when the opportunity came up for the Bush Telegraph to get a firsthand look at Turitea Wind Farm, we took it
Letters to the Editor
One of the crew shuts down the turbine so the blades aren’t spinning for the twenty or so minutes we ’ re there so we can all get a good look.
Only one of us is brave enough to take the lift up to the top
Before she does so, she is equipped with a harness and various safety gear, with a warning that it’s fairly windy up top and she’ll have to climb a ladder the last few metres – observing
A programme of water quality monitoring has been going on since construction began in 2019 and Mercury says it has shown excellent outcomes. Finally, Mercury are working with the community, with the Manawatu Community Fund set up last year, providing grants to support local schools, scouts, choirs and community support groups
Turitea is one of several wind farms on the ranges currently in operation.
or write to the Editor, Bush Telegraph, 120 Main Street, Pahiatua 4940.
A foggy day on the hill but we can still see the turbines at Turitea wind farm.
A ladder up the inside of the turbine housing There is also a lift which takes the crew member up to almost the top of the turbine.
Looking up at the massive blades which are 55m long and weigh 150 tonnes
Fonterra Pahiatua wraps up season with Quality wins
Fonterra Pahiatua has won the Greater China Quality Star Award.
Recognising sites with excellent product quality and commitment to customer engagement, the award was presented at the annual Best Site Cup, held earlier this month
The Pahiatua site was also the runner-up for the Compliance Cup and was celebrated for their exceptional quality standards and strong consistent approach to compliance
Plant manager Arun Rajeev says it has been a great season for Pahiatua thanks to the team’s hardwork.
“It’s been a standout year for us, marked by exceptional quality, overall performance and teamwork
“This reward is a recognition and reflection of great work done by all our staff - from our tanker operators and plant crews to our maintenance, distribution centre, and environmental teams
The site wrapped up the season have produced about 120,000 metric tonnes of milk powder, exported to markets all around the world including China and Southeast Asia.
It also started producing specialty milk powder for confectionery applications for the first season
Arun says community engagement is a big part of Pahiatua’s culture
“We have three powder plants which are led by two local legends:
Brian Hutchins, who brings 32 years of experience and serving as Chief of the Woodville Fire Brigade, and Corey Hartley, with 28 years under his belt and a volunteer at the Pahiatua Fire Brigade
“Their leadership and community spirit are a huge part of our culture
“Our site is also committed to supporting our community through events like the Pahiatua Christmas Parade, Relay for Life, and contributing to cooking initiatives for those in need,” he adds
Fonterra Pahiatua was established in 1976 and specialises in producing milk powder that is exported to markets all over the world.
The plant employs more than 200 staff and a fleet of 23 tankers, processing more than 600 million litres of milk a season
Dubbed the ‘Oscars of Manufacturing’ the Best Site Cup awards are held annually to celebrate the successes of Fonterra’s manufacturing sites across the country
Fonterra’s manufacturing sites em-
ploy nearly 7000 people throughout the country in a range of roles from factory processors to tanker operators, food safety and quality experts and environmental managers – all of them working to turn our farmers milk into products that end up in more than 100 countries around the world
Now in their 19th year, the awards spark a bit of friendly competition with the opportunity to win in a range of areas, from sustainability and innovation to efficiency
The Fonterra Pahiatua team with the award.
What’s the river looking like? We’ve got the data.
We’ve upgraded our environmental data network – but what does it
mean for you?
After Cyclone Gabrielle hit Tararua in 2023, we took some time to review many of our systems and processes This review included a look at our environmental data monitoring network – sites across the region which measure rainfall, river heights and flows, and more The review found there was room to expand and improve our network, making it more resilient to severe weather events
We applied for, and secured, $3 645 million of government co-investment from the Cyclone Recovery Flood Resilience Co-investment Fund for a range of initiatives across the region to build resilience and recover from Cyclone Gabrielle A large proportion of this was invested into improving our environmental data network, enabling us to do eight years ’ worth of upgrades in just two years
This upgrade work had a specific focus on the Tararua District We have installed multiple new rain gauges, many of those east of the Puketoi Range, giving us more points of data River level sites initially installed with a focus on water quality data were upgraded to be more flood resilient This included updating our flood forecasting models for the three east coast rivers, helping our Civil Defence team with better information to inform planning before and during flood events
Scan the QR code to learn more about environmental data at Horizons or visit envirodata.horizons.govt.nz to view our data
All sites now have a minimum of five days’ backup power available, and solar and voltage monitoring We increased the automatic data transfer timing (the time it takes data to get from site to office) to every 5 minutes, giving us an even clearer picture of what is happening as it happens The internal software systems we use to bring in, store and process raw data were also updated
This data also feeds into our automated River Alert System, which is a free phone call alert system that can help you to manage your property’s flood risk When you sign up, you’ll indicate which locations and river heights you would like to be notified of, and the service will call you when the river reaches your chosen level(s) Visit our website at horizons govt nz to sign up for free
We are proud to have delivered these extensive upgrades, especially for people in the Tararua District Improving our environmental data network will help to make our region more resilient against flood events, and assist our Civil Defence team when the weather does turn This all plays a part in helping us achieve our vision: Tō tātou whenua ora – mauri wai, mauri whenua, mauri ora Our region – a healthy environment where people are thriving
Young farmer looking to change perceptions of agriculture
For 25-year-old James Robbie, farming is deep in his DNA.
Five generations of it, in fact
“Otapawa Station, the family farm and where I work, has been the ancestral home since the land was settled here,”
James says
Set in the steep and rugged foothills of the Puketoi Range, he spends his days mustering sheep, handling stock, and getting stuck in to where his passions lie – on the family Hereford stud
“I’ve always been brought up in a classic sort of way, a typical rural upbringing I grew up outside and in the sheep yards, really,” he laughs
and dad have always been big on thinking how you represent yourself as a person.
I run aspects of the business at the stud, and I think because of that, I’m very marketing focused across all the work”
Not always a farmer, he had a short stint in the corporate world in Wellington after graduating with a degree in International Relations and Political Science
After his primary school closed down, James was sent to boarding school
Though raised in a close-knit rural community, he says his parents consistently exposed him and his sister to the wider world
“It’s just how we were raised My mum
“I’d always been told growing up that you’ve got to go out and do something different and challenge yourself The farm will always be there But after a few months in an office, the farm is where I wanted to be”
Moving from Wellington back to the Wairarapa, James has spent the last few years seizing opportunities in New Zealand’s cattle industry
From working on his family’s sheep and beef station, to being invited to judge cattle in Mexico, living on a ranch in the US, and volunteering in his local fire brigade, the young farmer has a lot on his plate
Adding FMG Young Farmer of the Year to the mix is nothing he can’t handle, he says.
“I give my all to everything, and I’m not afraid of that. I think that’s what makes me a bit of an underdog
“But as for the competition, I’ve genuinely got no idea what to expect, so I need to school myself up and get some pointers from past contestants.”
Chair of the Puketoi Young Farmers Club, James channels his energy into giving fellow farmers a leg up in the local industry
“We have so many amazing farmers coming out of this region, and every time we meet up, they humble me so much with their skills and knowledge. I really hope the other members feel inspired to put their hat in the ring in the future and have a go at their own Grand Final.”
If he won FMG Young Farmer of the Year, the first thing he would do is help change the wider perception of agriculture
“I want to live in a New Zealand where the primary sector is really celebrated, where farmers are our champions and we look after the industry as such.”
His mission statement since university has been to increase awareness on “the good stuff we do” and help shape the food and fibre sector
“I want to promote the fantastic job all the farmers and growers do up and down the country Yeah, there are challenges at times, and things that set us back. But I think on the whole, there’s room for a lot more good stories and education that can inspire the next generation to get involved” Story credit: Young Farmers
“I’d always been told growing up that you’ve got to go out and do something different and challenge yourself.”
• Export Stock • Store Stock
• Wholesale Stock • Valuations
• Clearing Sales • Advice Proud to be supporting Otapawa Station in all livestock transactions For a prompt and reliable service Contact Craig Nelson Mobile 021 457 127 • Office 06 377 7105 Email craig@crnelson.co.nz • www.crnelson.co.nz
Tararua Vets proudly supports FMG Young Farmer of the Year Regional Winners James Robbie and Jock Bourke and we wish them success in the Grand Final
James and his sister Anna fencing during the school holidays.
Working with the tractor during school holidays.
With Oki the dog.
At 19, Jock was the youngest contestant in the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Taranaki Manawatu Regional.
Youngest contestant to win regionals steps up to battle it out
Jock Bourke is a man of few words, but out on the farm he packs a punch.
At just 19-years-old, he was the youngest contestant in the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Taranaki Manawatu Regional Final, claiming the win for his chance at national glory
How did he feel about this? “Yeah, pretty stoked”
The third-year Agricultural Science student grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Hamua, Eketahuna, learning the ropes from his parents.
“You get a lot more of the business and science side of things that maybe everyday farmers don’t get to learn a lot about,” he says.
As he studies towards a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University, Jock gives kudos to his high school agriculture teachers, who encouraged him to enrol in the first place
His father, he says, is his biggest mentor in the field
“I’ve always enjoyed working with animals and with my parents We’d feed out hay bales from the back of an old trailer and I learnt how to drench alongside my old man”
Although becoming a Grand Finalist came as “a bit of a surprise”, Jock felt it was his university studies that gave him that extra leg up
3 Boys to the Acre
Rathkeale College is tailored for boys and has an outstanding boarding community for young men accustomed to life in the rural heartland of New Zealand Congratulations to Rathkeale Old Boy Jock Bourke, Young Farmer of the Year Finalist 2025
The magnificent 120-acre campus encompasses:
• The Land Lab, a 22-acre production, research, and teaching facility
• Three boarding houses catering for 180 boys
• 14 acres of native bush and eco trails flanked by the Ruamāhanga River
“They kept pushing me to study at Massey, and I’m glad I did, because it’s turned out to be a very supportive environment.”
During the university breaks, Jock manages to get out on the farm to brush up on his practical skills and put his knowledge to the test.
He says it was his upbringing on the farm that gave him the necessary skills to be a successful competitor and hopes this will give him an advantage in the upcoming Grand Final.
We offer:
• Agricultural and Horticultural Science, and Agri Business up to Year 13
• Co-educational classes in Years 12 and 13 with girls from St Matthew’s Collegiate School
• Compulsory summer and winter sports and arts programmes for a well-rounded education
• Excellent academic results
Winners of the Rural Games Clash of the Colleges 2024 and 2025
Enrol Now
“While I like uni, I still prefer a more ‘hands on’ approach, and I get the best of both worlds when I can put my knowledge to practice, and problem solve with what I’ve learnt on farm and in class.”
Jock joined his NZ Young Farmers club three years ago when he began his studies and says it’s helped teach him how to collaborate with people and facilitate events that Massey young farmers members would be interested in.
“It would be great to see more people getting involved, even those who are a bit hesitant to join. It’s a great culture to be around and there’s heaps of opportunities for learning and meeting new people
“The change from Junior Farmers to Young Farmer of the Year was definitely a big step up but the support and encouragement from past contestants and farmers alike has made the transition easier,” he says.
“Lots of past contestants have offered to help me with their resources. People in the region have also been really supportive and offered to help in the lead up to the final.”
When asked what his dream is, Jock doesn’t hesitate to say he’d like to return to the family farm.
“Whether I’m owning it or managing it, that would be pretty cool. That’s a goal I’m always working towards.”
Story credit: Young Farmer
“I still prefer a more ‘hands on’ approach, and I get the best of both worlds when I can put my knowledge to practice, and problem solve with what I’ve learnt.”
Jock represented Rathkeale College in a number of events in his college years.
Jock grew up on his family farm at Hamua, near Eketahuna.
Back from hunting.
East Coast Regional Final Masterton 8 March 2025
Ruahine School AgriKids prepare for national finals
When three boys from Ruahine School competed in the junior AgriKids competition in this year’s Young Farmer regional finals they had only a week to prepare.
Grayson Cammock, George Baxter and Cooper Charmley were a late entry into the annual contest as one of the other 27 entrants had pulled out.
The competition, held in Masterton in March, began at 8am with seven modules including identifying parts on a New Holland tractor and doing a pre-ride set of safety tests on a Honda motorbike
in a separate FMG Young Farmer of the Year Region-off competition which combines the Young Farmer, Junior and AgriKids working to help the community by earning points.
Among the many tasks the three boys carried out following suggestions from a competition advice sheet were cleaning the school cenotaph, scrubbing its water fountain, hosting the Board of Trustees and PFK to separate dinners, feeding Origin Studios with muffins and biscuits in exam week, chatting with 98-year old Frank Cave at an afternoon tea and farm work for the likes of Kintail Honey
Ruahine was one of seven teams that made it through to the Race-off in the afternoon during which they had to identify breeds of sheep, cows, dogs and pigs, build an irrigation system, tag a cardboard cow blindfolded, measure a drench for a 10kg lamb and race go-carts.
All the time they were accumulating points and they came second just three points behind the winners and qualified for the finals in Invercargill July 3-5.
Since then they have spent not only many hours learning about the modules they will encounter but they have also been heavily involved
Teacher Mrs Cammock who coordinated both the AgriKids and Region-Off says while the whole community was very supportive but the success of the team was really down to the boys themselves “who really wanted to do everything.”
Now it is over to the boys in Invercargill to do it all over again competing in uniforms they have funded from their prize and a mufti day
All Tararua District wishes them the be t of fortune
The Ruahine School AgriKids National Finalists ready for the challenge. From left Grayson Cammock, George Baxter, Cooper Charmley
Financial mentoring now offered in Pahiatua
By Leanne Warr
Getting budget advice isn’t easy for some people.
Tararua REAP’s newly-trained financial mentor Trish McKay says people get to a point where they don’t know what to do or where to turn
The Pahiatua resident will be helping people needing some mentoring on Thursdays at Heartlands from 10am to 2pm.
She used to work as a secondary school teacher and says one part she enjoyed was one-on-one mentoring with her students
“I’ve learnt heaps about budgeting for myself,” she adds.
“It’s going to stand me in good stead ”
Initially, Help N Hand was providing a budget service but were unable to continue offering it, so REAP, not wanting Pahiatua to miss out, took on the contract
Financial mentors also work out of the Dannevirke office and Rozanne Jensen says their mentoring helps people put things in perspective
There are times when someone will walk in and they will be at crisis point
Elaine Reilly, the general manager at REAP, says she often observes people walking in with their heads down
But by the time they leave again, “they’re always a little taller than when they walked in”.
The mentors believe that for peo-
Katrina Webster
ple experiencing financial hardship, having a free service makes a huge difference.
“Something that they know they don’t have to pay for is really important ”
Elaine adds that a budgeting mentor having neutrality is just as important, as sometimes people can find it difficult to talk to their families about their situation.
“For many people, talking about their finances is something they’re not used to doing and it’s a very personal thing,” Trish adds Rozanne says their mentoring is strength-based, in the sense that they focus on what a person is able to do rather than what they can’t do
For instance, they would never tell someone they should sell one of their assets.
“We’re there to assist their journey,” Rozanne says “We assess the situation and then we look at options ” They are also non-judgemental, preferring not to tell the person seeking advice that they need to give up something.
“The way we word things is we actually put it back on them to think about the situation, think what’s going to be best for them, because we don’t live their journey They do ” For more information on financial mentoring, contact Tararua REAP on 06 374 6565
Tararua
Trish McKay (right) with Roz Jensen, has finished her training and can now offer financial mentoring in Pahiatua.
We’ve all heard it Rest homes are expensive.
But what if they’re not?
When it comes to the time of life where our loved ones might need a bit of extra help there are a lot of things we’d need to weigh up
What if they have a few health issues which means they can’t take care of themselves?
Or what if they’ve lived all their life having someone take care of everything for them, such as finances or food shopping
Retirement villages have different options, from independent living to hospital care and costs can often vary They are usually means-tested, so there may be financial options available
But there are other things to consider when the family of a loved one chooses not to go down that route.
Aging isn’t fun – by the time most people reach their 70s, they are finding out there are things they just can’t physically do anymore
Aside from that, perhaps their brain doesn’t retain information as
well as it used to – it’s not the same for everyone, but dementia is on the rise
According to Dementia NZ, this illness isn’t just one disease, but can describe around 100 different illnesses
More than 70,000 Kiwis live with the condition and it’s more likely to affect adults over 65 and as the population ages, the numbers of people with dementia are expected to rise
Dementia can affect more than just memory and, in some cases, that means an elderly person is incapable of handling day-to-day tasks.
That can create an extra burden on a family who are dealing with a loved one who on their worst days doesn’t recognise them, or worse
There are plenty of other age-related issues, such as falls, or perhaps they’re not eating right.
From the age of 65, according to statistics, one in three people experience at least one fall each year, which can lead to a loss of independence, reduced mobility, and an increased risk of a further decline in their health.
SUPER SENIORS R SUPER SENIORS
Why a rest home might be worth considering
things can take an emotional toll on relatives who are trying their best but because of other commitments, such as family or work, they can’t always be there when they’re needed
When considering whether a rest home might be a better option, weigh it up Is the extra financial cost worse
than the burden of wondering if your loved one is getting everything they need, or if you might have to drop something at a moment’s notice?
If you are considering a retirement village, and have concerns or questions, it’s always a good idea to do some thorough research Talk to staff or some of the residents
These
Waireka Lifecare is one of three resthomes and retirement villages in Tararua District
Photo by Harry Borrett on Unsplash
As we age, some of us may lose confidence in driving on the roads
When it comes to driving, most of us with a few miles under our belts
would probably think we know the Road Code cover to cover
But as we get older, and cars get more powerful, some of us may find ourselves losing a bit of confidence.
However, it’s not just the cars that are changing, it’s also the roads, and learning to navigate those changes as we age can become a bit more of a challenge
Over the years some of us develop some habits in our driving that aren’t necessarily good ones
So a refresher course can make a huge difference in helping us feel safer on the roads
Age Concern has Staying Safe driver refresher courses
The free classroom-based driving refresher workshops, developed and funded by Waka Kotahi (NZTA) provide information and refresh senior drivers on what might have changed since they first sat their licence
Topics include thinking about driving safety, building your knowledge of safe driving skills and managing road situations
Thinking of preplanning your funeral, or would you like to know more, call in and talk to us
SUPER SENIORS SE S SUPER SENIORS
Staying safe on the roads
The AA also provides senior driving coaching sessions, which allows for personalised coaching in your own car with a qualified instructor
The lessons are designed for drivers who have a full licence and are aged 65 and over, focusing on what the person requires from safety checks to managing slower reflexes
Refresher driving courses help seniors with up-to-date information on any changes in road rules and vehicle technology while also recognising that as we age, we also have to deal with problems such as vision, mobility and our reflexes
Not to mention the various medications some people might be on, which can also impact our ability to drive safely
But if there comes a time when you have to give up your driver’s licence, there are workshops that can help you navigate this as well
For more information on Staying Safe, contact your local Age Concern office, or for the AA senior driver coaching, contact your nearest AA
Litepaceisagentleaerobicclass forover50sandisgoodforstrength,fitness balanceandcore Mondays&Thursday'sat9am Sitandbefitisaseniorsseatedclass,andisgood forcoordination,strength,fitnessandstability Monday'sat11am Bringinthisadverttogetacomplimentaryclass
Farewell from the Dannevirke Information Centre
After 25 years of service to locals and visitors alike it saddens us to say that our doors in the Town Hall building will be closed for good as of June 27
This has been the result of the Tararua District Council withdrawing funding for the operation of providing a community service to not only locals but for visitors to Dannevirke and the passing traffic
The Committee was left with no alternative but to close the venture as very little other financial assistance can be obtained by way of trade in this type of business Furthermore, Council also requested that we vacate the premises by Monday 30th June 2025
We would like to thank the Tararua District ratepayers for funding and supporting us over many years and hope our service has been invaluable to all that have visited the centre, phoned, or enquired about anything and everything.
In departing we would like to wish you all the very best for the future and hope the service we have provided will be found elsewhere
Best wishes
Staff and Committee of the Dannevirke Information Centre Inc.
Editor’s note:
Bookings and tourist information will still be available via the council service centre in Gordon St
Letters to the editor
Mahi Toi, Te Ahu Turanga
Standing sentinel at the eastern roundabout (Woodville end) of the new highway Te Ahu Turanga is a magnificent mahi toi (artwork)
Congratulations to those whose decision it was to select such an emblematic work
And such an honour for that work to come from the hands of Dr Sandy Adsett
The mahi toi will remind us that this is the gateway not only to the Tararua District but also to Hawke’s Bay and Te Tairawhiti
A magnificent tribute from a master in the visual arts, indeed I hope that a title for the sculpture is yet to be revealed
Toi Koru, a survey exhibition of
Adsett’s work, is making the rounds of galleries at present (I saw it at MTG, Napier)
Dare to visit it and gain some understanding of this artist and his work
Visual arts works that represent the best standards in execution and
thinking have truly spiritual resonance and this one stands in that territory
My thanks go to those who had the vision to make this installation possible
ELSPETH ATKINSON
The Group 24
Sandy
Local Classifieds
Firewood for Sale
FIREWOOD, mac, pine & mixed woods, 2 cubes $250, WINZ approved Phone Ian 027 507 3776
REAR yard for lease, 7x15 metres Phone Reg 0210 823 8329, email
TARARUA ST JOHN HEALTH SHUTTLE
Doorstep to doorstep service, for Eketahuna, Woodville, Pahiatua Phone 0800 589 630
Church reopened with blessing
Advertise your AGM notice in Bush Telegraph Email to classads@ delessepsmedia.nz
High Street, Dannevirke Interested community members welcome
Wanted to Rent
Retired woman with dogs, cats, chickens looking to rent older house/ cottage, semi or rural area preferred, Woodville area, verbal references available Large yard for dogs (all small breeds), non smoker
If you can give me and my animals a home please phone 0210 901 8823.
A number of places have become available for new patients to join the enrolment waiting list
Please phone Andrea Short for more information about Dr Short s practice and policies
The Statement of Corporate Intent is now available for public viewing Copies may be obtained from: Scanpower Head Office Oringi Business Park 9 Oringi Road, Dannevirke
Alternatively, the document can be viewed online at: www.scanpower.co.nz
PART-TIME REPORTER
A position has become available on the Bush Telegraph, 24 hours weekly, for an energetic person to cover stories in the Tararua District and to take photographs. Some rostered weekend work will be required.
This is a worthwhile opportunity to join Tararua’s leading and much loved community newspaper
Extra hours could be available for feature writing if interested. There are options to work from home or our Pahiatua office, or both. Own transport would be required with a mileage allowance and mobile/broadband allowance payable. The position will be available from July 28. Please send CV to: General Manager, Bush Telegraph, email: steve.carle@delessepsmedia.nz
It was a special day at St Brigid’s Catholic Church last Sunday
The church has been undergoing a bit of renovation for the past few months and a blessing was held on the new extension before mass, conducted by Bishop John Adams.
David Lea, who was part of the original committee, says about 11 years ago, the church had been dealing with a leaking roof, so they fundraised for a new roof replacing the flat roof with a pitched one.
However, due to requirements from Tararua District Council, there were also facilities that needed to be
Catholic Church.
extended
That included earthquake strengthening, modern kitchen facilities, meeting rooms and new washrooms
David says they were given permission by the council to hold off on those requirements until the money was raised
Once they had the money, the church was deconsecrated so the renovations could be completed
The extension also included the addition of two stained glass windows which once belonged to the chapel of the old convent
Elf City a hit at Gallery
Pania has been building up a bit of a collection of elves But they were taking up a bit of room at home So her art teacher helped her come up with an idea on how to create an Elf City display at the Yellow Plane Gallery in Pahiatua. So Pania has had a mid-winter Christmas-themed Elf City, complete with miniatures, on display, much to the delight of the students who come along to the gallery for their weekly lessons.
Bishop John Adams conducts the blessing before cutting the ribbon at St Brigid’s
Pink Ribbon events raise more than $3000
Two Pink Ribbon events held in the Tararua District raised more than $3000
Tracey Friend, from Tararua Funerals, held a Pink Ribbon Breakfast in late May aiming for a target of $1250.
“We blew that out of the water,” she says She raised $2785 on her page but a few donations also went to the national page, giving her a total of more than $3000
Tracey is grateful for the sponsors, including Dannevirke New World, which supplied ingredients for the Acai Bowls
More than 60 bowls were made and delivered around Dannevirke
Ingrid de Graaf from Bisset Honda in Pahiatua also held a Pink Ribbon Breakfast last month.
She sold 42 tickets and raised $553 65 for the Breast Cancer Foundation
The fundraiser also included raffles, with prizes sponsored by local businesses
Many who came to the Pahiatua Pink Ribbon Breakfast got into the spirit of it by dressing in pink
There were goodie bags as well as raffle prizes, sponsored by local businesses.
More than 60 Acai bowls were distributed.
The spread at Tracey Friend’s Pink Ribbon Breakfast held at Tararua Funerals
Tracey (right) with Lindy from Dannevirke New World
Dannevirke judo success at Wellington tournament
By Dave Murdoch
Seven Dannevirke Judo Club members came away with four medals when they competed in a North Wellington Judo tournament
division
One of the coaches Jonathon Boblea won a silver in his Veteran weight division while Braxton Mason won a bronze in the Junior division and Ryan Boblea matched that in the Senior Boy’s division
The club has been training in the Knox Church Hall for the last five years every Wednesday night from 7pm until 8pm. There are usually 2225 youngsters per week coached by Jonathon and Lisa Boblea and Matthew Chapman
Their results in the tournament, which was held earlier this month, was all the more meritorious because several were in their first competition
Tiwene Dysart was one of those, winning a gold medal in the Cadet
It was a great weekend for fighters and parents hosted at Kapiti College in Raumati, a very full-on experience with adults and teenagers on Saturday and children on Sunday All the Dannevirke competitors put on their best fights and drew compliments for their skills, determination and friendliness
On Wednesday June 11 they held a “Fight Night” in front of their parents and friends which was quite an exhibition of skills
The next regional tournament is in Rotorua on August 2-3 and training is building for it. The judo season runs all year so there are lots of opportunities to test their progress
Excellent finishing property with purchase options
Six of the seven competitors from the Dannevirke Judo Club who took part in the North Wellington competition over King’s Birthday Weekend. Front from left: Bryan Smith. Braxton Mason, Ryan Boblea. Back from left: Jonathon Boblea, Samantha Boblea, Jack Smith. (Absent Tiwene Dysart).
The entire Judo Club lines up for a picture
They start small – Mela and Reuben
They vary in size and weight –Reid Gibbard and Kath Smith
Seniors really get into it - Jacob and TK.
Pahiatua 67 Wakeman Street
Timeless elegance
Welcome to your dream home, a timeless classic with modern day luxury Hidden away in a very private and peaceful location this 1936 home named 'The Barrington' has unparalleled views across Pahiatua. The grandeur of and workmanship reflect a level of craftsmanship rarely seen today. The thoughtfully designed floor plan provides both space and versatility, featuring five bedrooms three bathrooms and living areas that cater to both relaxed family living and formal entertaining. The dining and entertaining areas are an absolute dream with a modern kitchen and tiled floors. All the hard work is done here, from new carpet, a complete new repaint and the added convenience of being on town services. Steeped in history and set within 8464m2 (approx) of established grounds, this exceptional residence is a rare find. Every detail of this home has been carefully preserved and enhanced, offering an elegant blend of character and modern comfort. A home of this calibre is truly special - an opportunity not to be missed.
Pahiatua 223 Tutaekara Road
Pongaroa 5035 Pahiatua Pongaroa Road
Pahiatua
Pahiatua 37 Tawera Road
Dannevirke 581 Maunga Road Tender
Ben Nevis - 167 ha*STS
Located just 15 km east of Dannevirke Ben Nevis offers a superb balance of contour and functionality across 167 ha*STS
With approximately 20 ha of flats and the remainder in easy to medium hill country the farm presents a practical platform for a range of finishing or breeding operations The property is well equipped with extensive infrastructure including reticulated water to troughs, a six-stand woolshed, and sound deer fencing A spacious four-bedroom, twobathroom home provides comfortable living with an option to purchase a further three-bedroom cottage as well, making this an ideal all-round family farming unit
Whether you re looking to scale up or secure a foothold in a proven farming district, Ben Nevis is a property well worth your consideration
*Subject to Survey
closes 2.00pm Fri 25th Jul, 2025
Stanley Street Dannevirke. View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/PR207468
Brock M 027 449 5496 E jared@pb.co.nz
E sam.mcnair@pb.co.nz
Woodville Bluff Road
Pahiatua