Lamason-Buchenwald project to be launched
By Leanne Warr
Phil Lamason didn’t share his story until he was near the end of his life
But when he did, the World War II airman had a harrowing tale to tell
The Dannevirke farmer, who was born in Napier, joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force early in the war and was serving with the Royal Air Force when his plane was shot down over France in 1944
While he was able to hide with the Resistance, eventually he was caught by the Gestapo, but instead of being treated as a prisoner of war, he was treated as a criminal.
Phil, along with 167 other captured Allied airmen, was taken to Buchenwald, a concentration camp near Weimar in Germany.
Conditions were harsh, but Phil rounded up the men and made sure they continued to follow military dis-
cipline
The men spent two months at the camp but not before Phil came dangerously close to being shot by a firing squad
His story is the subject of a book and a documentary looks at the experience of all 168 airmen.
Now, years after his death, a Dannevirke trust is officially launching a project to acknowledge Phil’s courage and leadership in a memorial.
The Phil Lamason Heritage Trust chairman Mike Harold says the trust has been working to raise the money for the memorial and is now at a stage where they have a design, with the hope of the memorial being placed in Dannevirke Domain mid-2026
He says the launch will allow the trust members to acknowledge the people involved, especially the stakeholders, and will provide an explana-
tion of the reasons behind the project
It will also give others the opportunity to express an interest in the project
While Phil’s story provided the impetus for the memorial, Mike says it’s also acknowledging specifically the airmen of Buchenwald.
“Because for 35 years their story was doubted and denied.”
However, extensive research validated the story was “absolutely bona fide”.
It’s a story that continues to intrigue people, Mike says, noting that he has been contacted by other media and has also spoken on a podcast about Phil’s experience
“It’s still very much alive in different parts of the world,” he says
“We’re privileged to be able to bring this unique opportunity to Dannevirke.”
While the project could have been
taken to a bigger centre and lodged with other memorials, Mike says they chose to do it in Dannevirke because Phil had spent 60 years of his life there He says Phil’s family still live in the Dannevirke area and it was a way of honouring that commitment
“We’re also honouring the commitment the family gave in vesting the story with our trust for the benefit of Dannevirke ”
Mike says the trust has undertaken several initiatives, but this project is “the big one ” .
“This is the one that makes a fairly big statement about a World War Two international story ”
He says the enormity of what happened was something we should never lose sight of.
“Never again is the statement we hear [but] we know that it does still happen in the world”
Phil Lamason Heritage Centre Trustees Terry Hynes (left) and John Lamason (centre) meet to discuss possibilities with artist Matt Gauldie (right) on the memorial site at Dannevirke Domain in 2023.
Flying Officer Phil Lamason (wearing flying cap) with his Wellington bomber crew at RAF No. 218 Squadron in late 1941.
Photo/Phil Lamason Heritage Trust.
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New Tararua District citizens sworn in
Making a commitment to become a citizen in New Zealand doesn’t diminish the importance of a homeland
Just some of the words spoken by Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis to those who came from other countries to live in New Zealand and were about to be sworn in at special ceremonies held in Dannevirke and Pahiatua
There were 10 who pledged their allegiance to King Charles III at the Dannevirke chambers of Tararua District Council and eight at the Pahiatua chambers, watched over by the mayor and deputy mayor Erana Peeti-Webber
One of them was Louiza Marks, who moved to New Zealand from the Philippines in 2018
She took a bridging course to gain her New Zealand qualifications in nursing and worked at Hawke’s Bay hospital, before moving to the Tararua District in 2021
Louiza now lives with her husband Richard and their daughter in Woodville.
Tracey reminded those about to be sworn in of their responsibilities as new New Zealand citizens
She spoke about the history of the Tararua District, from Maori legend to the importance of the rivers through the district and the various reserves
The new citizens came from United Kingdom, Philippines, India, Sweden, Thailand, South Africa, Namibia and Germany
The new citizens at the Dannevirke council chambers.
The new citizens at the Dannevirke council chambers.
Teamwork makes the marriage work
By Leanne Warr
Cath
Redward
believes the success of a marriage lies in teamwork
She should know, since she and her husband, Mark, have just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary
“We lived together and worked together 24 hours, seven days a week ”
They worked together on the farm, with Mark shearing the sheep until his 60s, and Cath doing the wool-handling
“That’s hard yakka,” Mark says, adding they would be up at a quarter to five, ready to start work, stopping only to have breakfast
“It was bloody hard, but we did it,” he says Cath grew up in Napier and at the age of 17 went to teacher’s training college.
After her training, she taught at Taradale School, where she achieved her teaching certificate before moving on to Awariki School
That school closed when it was merged with Norsewood to become Norsewood and Districts School.
Mark grew up in Tiratu and attended Tipapakuku School until that closed in 1946, then went on to Dannevirke South School
At the time they met, Cath had been boarding with a family and their daughter, Jenny, wanted to go to a dance, but her mother refused unless Cath went with her Cath, after much pestering from Jenny, agreed to go
Mark, meanwhile, was with some friends on what was a “boring Saturday night and it was drizzly and cold”
He says they didn’t want to go to the dance or the pictures, and as they weren’t drinkers, didn’t go to the local hotel.
“So we rested in the front seat of my ute and we contemplated what our prospects were ”
Around 9 30pm they decided to go to the dance, which was being held in the Oddfellows Hall (where Property Brokers is now).
“We stood inside, like kiwi boys used to, near the door to see who was what ”
Mark asked Cath to dance, while his two friends asked Jenny and another friend to dance
By eighteen months later, each of the three couples was married.
Over the 60 years they’ve been together, the couple have travelled, both together and separately
While they can’t remember any particular anecdotes, Mark recalls being part of the Jaycees and the chapter hosting a regional conference in Dannevirke in the early 1970s
A ball was planned for the evening, to be held in the town hall
Mark approached local dance teacher Joan Irvine and suggested some “special entertainment” during the dinner.
“’I’d like for us to put on a male ballet’,” he told her
Joan chose a track from Swan Lake, and the men performed, complete
with tutus and white stockings
The couple say the entertainment was a hit in the packed town hall.
“People were laughing until they were crying,” Cath says Cath was also part of the Viking Choir and helped out in the Fantasy Cave
She recalls standing by the stairs where the children would line up to see Father Christmas
Around midday, they had a change of Santa, and the first one was a tall man, but his replacement was a much smaller man
The children never even noticed
Cath says they’ve had their ups and downs, and Mark’s health has not been great lately, but they deal with it
So Mark, who professes a love of music, pipes up: “My theme song is Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees ”
Cath and Mark Redward, at their rural Dannevirke home. They celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary with a dinner at High St Bistro.
This show gave me goose bumps –
must watch ‘tick,tick…..Boom’
A preview by Dave Murdoch
I had the absolute privilege to experience a dress rehearsal of the rock musical “tick,tick…Boom” put on by the Dannevirke Theatre Company on Sunday, July 20
Two weeks out from opening night in the Fountain Theatre on August 6 it was mind-blowing, constantly giving me goose-bumps and amazing me at the capacity of three local actors and a four-piece band’s ability to produce such a performance
It was written by Jonathan Larson a ground-breaking American composer, lyricist, and playwright best known for revolutionizing musical theatre with his rock-inspired, emotionally raw storytelling and his huge musical hit Rent
“tick tick Boom” is a semi-autobiographical show in which Jon plays himself as the narrator and expresses his early increasing anxieties (the tick ticks) about turning 30 without achieving success With a performance workshop looming he interacts with his two best friendsgirlfriend Susan and mate Michael - expressing his lack of progress through powerful song and brilliant narrative.
Elijah Graham plays Jon brilliantly in this hugely challenging role mixing narrative with song, dance with angst and humour He is total-
ly in role and fully displays his talent which is great to witness after some time off stage in Dannevirke
Jon’s two best friends Susan played by Tania McKay and Michael played by Horowai Puhata-Makarini are an equally talented match for Jon both in song and narrative They each have their ambitions which add stress to Jon’s situation but also provide heart-felt love and support. They also play other parts – Jon’s dad, his agent, another girlfriend
The stage is constructed of scaffolding in three levels, the top level accommodating a four-piece band which provides constant backing for the many great songs written and backing Jon on his keyboard
The band has been sourced locally and from afar and the performance shows the search is worth it
The Show is directed by Davina Graham, the Musical Director’s role being shared by Davina and Elijah.
“The Dannevirke Theatre Company is privileged to share Larson’s work with our audience,” Davina says “His music is vibrant, his message enduring, and his story deeply human. Through tick, tick Boom!, we celebrate Larson’s voice, passion, and the timeless questions he posed about art, purpose, and life ”
On the cast, Davina says it’s been a huge privilege directing such an “in-
credibly talented bunch”.
“I hope everyone who comes will be blown away by the amazing music and talent on stage in our little town ”
The show runs from August 6-16 and tickets can be obtained from iticket co nz or the Dannevirke Information Centre located at the TDC Service Centre in Gordon Street.
PS Larson is best known for his ground-breaking musical Rent, a reimagining of La Bohème set in New York’s East Village Tragically, Jonathan Larson never lived to see Rent’s success; he died suddenly of an undiagnosed aortic aneurysm in 1996, the night before its first Off-Broadway preview. He was just 35.
Jon with his girlfriend Susan and best friend Michael sing of their friendship.
As at 10am on 24 July 2025, the number of candidates standing for election is as follows:
Audit & Risk Committee meeting held on 22 July 2025
The agenda included:
• Financial Risk Reports
• Sensitive Expenditure Policy
• Assurance Management Report
TAMAKI-NUI-A-RUA MĀORI WARD COUNCILLOR
nomination
BOARD
1 nomination
HORIZONSTARARUA CONSTITUENCY
1 nomination
HORIZONSTONGA MĀORI CONSTITUENCY
0 nominations
Watch the meeting recording at: https://www youtube.com/@LandOfRanges/streams
Read the agenda and minutes at: https://tararua.infocouncil.biz/
Native wetlands filtering Eketāhuna's wastewater
The Eketāhuna wetlands were blessed and commissioned last week, marking the start of a natural and sustainable approach to treating the town’s wastewater What was once a rubbish dump on the edge of Eketāhuna is now playing a vital role in cleaning the town’s wastewater thanks to a clever system that uses soil, native plants, and microorganisms to filter the wastewater before it flows into the Makakahi River
"This was a real team effort,” says Hamish Featonby, Council’s Group Manager Operations “It took collaboration between Council, Rangitāne o Tamaki nui-ā-Rua, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, Horizons Regional Council, the Eketāhuna Golf Club, and engineers of Max Tarr, HES and Tonkin&Taylor to bring this project to life “By using a natural solution to treat the wastewater, we’re reducing costs as there’s less reliance on expensive chemicals, and we’re also supporting native plant and animal life at the same time,” he explains
As part of the new system, a floating pontoon pump was installed on the Eketāhuna wastewater pond, with underground pipes leading to the wetlands. The water is moved through a combination of pumping (rising main) and gravity, allowing it to flow from the treatment pond into the wetlands before it goes into the Makakahi River For the project, land was purchased off the Eketāhuna Golf Club
Mike Dunn, Council’s Three Waters Manager explains that “the wetlands project is part of a bigger push to improve Eketāhuna’s wastewater system. Along with the wetlands, work is underway to stop excess stormwater from entering the wastewater system. These improvements will help the whole system run more efficiently, especially during heavy rain.”
Applications are invited from community organisations for funding from the Eketāhuna Community Board's General Assistance Grants Scheme. Printed copies are available to collect from the Eketāhuna Library and Service Centre.
Eketāhuna applications close on 22 August 2025.
Spicer-Kendrick, Caitlin Murphy, Amy Seattor, and Leah Bray
The Dannevirke Community Board invites all supporters, families, students, teachers, coaches and friends to attend the presentation of the Wackrow Memorial Youth Award. This will be held at the Hub, Dannevirke on Tuesday 5 August 2025 at 7:00pm.
Dannevirke Community Board
Applications are invited from community organisations for funding from the Dannevirke Community Board’s General Assistance Grants Scheme Printed copies are available to collect from the Dannevirke Service Centre.
Dannevirke applications close on 29 August 2025
Tararua District Council has had to suspend all work on the Proposed District Plan Review in accordance with the Government’s Plan Stop Policy Announcement on 15 July 2025
Minister Chris Bishop announced the policy at the Local Government New Zealand conference on Wednesday 15 July 2025
The transcript of his speech can be read at: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/speech-2025-lgnz-conference
The speech includes the announcement to stop the following:
• notification of new plan or regional policy statement reviews, changes or variations
• proposed plans or regional policy statements that are already notified but haven’t reached the hearings stage
A detailed fact sheet on the Plan Stop Policy can be viewed by scanning this QR Code or at the following website: http://bit.ly/418v5qx
Planting underway to protect Tararua's rural roads
Planting has kicked off on a new resilience project aimed at protecting rural roads by strengthening vulnerable roadside land. The first site to get underway was on Mangatuna Road, with another 65 sites around the district scheduled for planting this winter
A planting team of three, supervised by Taiao Ora Contracting with support from Horizons Regional Council, is busy putting around 1,500 willows and poplars into the ground. Tararua Alliance Network Manager Andrew Desmond says a test site on Route 52, planted last year, is holding up well, however only time will tell how effective each intervention is, as these trees take time to establish “We’ve identified around 100 spots across the district for stability planting, so it’s exciting to see this rolling out”
This project is a collaboration between Horizons Regional Council, the Ministry of Social Development, and Tararua Alliance. Its goal is to boost roadside resilience and cut down on costly roading repairs.
“The team will also be tackling other resilience work, like removing wilding pines, that if left to grow will turn into hazardous roadside trees, and planting low-height natives along the roadside,” Andrew adds; “By identifying vulnerable road sections and carrying out low-cost improvements, we’re aiming to reduce the risk of expensive storm damage for future generations”
Tararua’s roading network is particularly vulnerable to damage from heavy rainfall After Cyclone Gabrielle, the Tararua Alliance recorded 435 dropouts The planting initiative was developed in response to this, aiming to lessen the impact of future storms and minimise disruption to local communities.
The project also supports social and economic outcomes by partnering with the Ministry of Social Development to provide planting work opportunities for locals who aren’t currently in employment, education, or training To find
The nominees for this year’s award are Jamie Kennington, Zachariah Welsh, Casey Mitchell, Andreas Jackson, Kyle Strydom, Adena Green, Cecelia
Photo: Eketāhuna wetlands project
Photo: The planting team at one of the 100 sites being planted
Woodville’s been getting a facelift
Equestrian receives Honorary Life Membership
When Sue Hobson was presented with an Honorary Life Membership, it came as something of a surprise
Chris Souness demonstrates the flag trax system, putting up the first flag in Woodville
Woodville is looking brighter thanks to new flower baskets and new flags
Part of a project by Positively Woodville, the flags use a flag trax system, which uses banner arms on lampposts
The flags can be changed when needed if there is a particular promotion Flag Trax New Zealand spokesman Chris Souness was in Woodville to help
members of the committee install the flags and giving them a demonstration on how it works.
Twenty-two have been installed around Woodville in the hope of promoting the town and building on the increase in visitors following the opening of Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatu-Tararua Highway
“It was an award I had presented in the past but it didn’t cross my mind [that] I would receive it myself,” she says
The Pahiatua resident was presented with the award at the 2025 Equestrian Sports New Zealand 75th Anniversary and Hall of Fame Awards held in Wellington last month.
Sue’s involvement in equestrian sports dates back to the late 1970s, and in her time she undertook a diverse range of roles at local, national and international level
In the citation at the awards, it stated that Sue’s “connection to the sport has in turn reached very corner of the sport in both the discipline and ESNZ NSO framework”
She is the immediate past President of Dressage New Zealand, a role she served from 2020 until it was dissolved in 2024.
She has also been Dressage NZ Chair, Dressage NZ Judges Officer, an FEI judge in Dressage and Young Horse and a New Zealand judge educator and mentor
Sue has been a sponsor for 33 years with her husband Brian through their company Hobson Horse Coaches
Sue has been involved in equestrian sports for 48 years, embracing a diverse range of roles at local, national and international levels
She says it was great to receive the life membership as she had known the originator of the award, Kaye Fissenden years ago and many of equestrian sport’s top sportspeople had achieved it over the years.
“I was very honoured and my name will be added to the many names of previous winners who have made our sport what it is today ” Sue says she has known all of them over the years and their contributions have been invaluable
“We all work voluntarily because we love the sport and we want to see it progress ”
Equestrian Sue Hobson
Last Dannevirke Lions booksale sells nearly 10,000 books
By Dave Murdoch
Dannevirke Host Lions netted nearly $10,000 at their 36th and final book sale
They started queueing at 8 30am on Friday and finished at 2pm on Sunday when readers were invited to fill a box for one dollar or a donation. That drew a great response many making a donation up to $20 or more
With most books just $1 each, sales exceeded $5500 on Friday alone as many booksellers were there to get the specials which were priced accordingly, jigsaws ranging up to $4 being in strong demand and a pleasing number of children/teenagers there taking advantage of the last of the school holidays
There was a huge range of fiction and some rare editions, one lady getting the last Bryce Courtenay to complete her set and a young man treasuring several Footrot Flats editions
Non-fiction sections had keen interest as cooks and gardeners, techies and historians vied for specialised tomes and by the end of Friday all the overflow of books in boxes below the tables had been emptied and there were bare spaces
It was almost shoulder to shoulder at the 36th and final Dannevirke Lions Club booksale.
To add to the ambience on stage musical groups played as readers both Friday and Saturday browsed By 3pm on Sunday the Lions, Cactus members and friends had the books left over all packed into a truck bound for the Napier bookstore which traditionally has taken the surplus and did so again
Many of the better books have been taken to the Lions Den where the plan is to make a much larger supply available in the Lions Tale. Donations of books can still be made to the Lions Den but not magazines nor encyclopaedias
All the signage and markers have been stored under the stage free to an-
yone who might like to run a book sale in the future
Lions are hugely grateful for the support over the 36 years. It has been a challenge to operate both the book sale and the Den on Saturday but club members have been very busy and project chairman Mike Brock said he is proud of his team
Experience the magic of male voices and the joy of a mixed voice choir
SPONSORED CONTENT
A choir that has entertained audiences nationally and internationally will be coming together with Dannevirke’s Viking Choir on August 2
The New Zealand Male Choir has been performing for 25 years and is an auditioned choir with more than 30 members from Southland to North Auckland
A spokesman for the choir says it will be conducted by Joe Christensen from Hawke’s Bay, and the choir sing a range of music including classical, folk, waiata, gospel, operatic, popular, jazz and contemporary
The choir will also be supported by Hawke’s Bay pianist Paul Carnegie-Jones
The spokesman says last year they toured Europe with six concerts in Singapore, Nördlingen, Innsbruck, Marostica, Florence and Rome, plus attending the four day Alta Pusteria Music Festival where an additional six performances were given
He says it is understood the New Zealand Male Choir was the first New
Zealand choir to attend this prestigious festival held in the Italian Dolomites.
Musical director Joe Christensen says he’s been working with the choir for nearly nine years
“[I] have really enjoyed the challenge of working with the men and melding the four voice parts to produce a quality sound
“They worked hard for the European tour and were rewarded with standing ovations, with the highlight being the final concert at Teatro di Marcello in Rome ”
Dannevirke’s Viking Choir has been a cornerstone of the community for 38 years
It was set up by John Botting (now with the NZ Male Choir) and first performed in 1987 along with Dannevirke High School Choir and the Dannevirke Orchestra
Each choir will perform songs both separately and combined.
Zena and Darren Rogers of Kumeroa had bags with wheels especially made by Zena for the sale.
The New Zealand Male Choir. Ross McDonald from Dannevirke (top left) is a member.
Rua Roa Women’s Institute celebrate 90th birthday
By Dave Murdoch
Back in 1935
starting Women’s Institutes
was very much the rage in rural areas of New Zealand Life had been tough for all New Zealanders recovering from World War One and then the Great Depression particularly rural women who found farm life very lonely and challenging.
The solution nationwide was to create local women ’ s institutes with the emphasis on local self-help and friendships and in 1935 Rua Roa formed its version with Edna Bernsten as its first president
The club flourished as more and more young women joined and greatly benefitted from the support older members could give at regular meetings showing them “what you did ”
Initially meetings were held in the Rua
Roa School but when Ruahine School was built the Rua Roa Hall was constructed from the remains of the old school and existed until recently as the Women’s Institute meeting venue It now uses the Hearing Association hall every third Wednesday in the month
On June 18 the Rua Roa Women’s Institute held its 90th birthday and its oldest member Ann Hardie (91) cut the cake after a catered lunch and fellowship
By great coincidence Ann was at the first meeting of the Rua Roa Women’s Institute back in 1935 because her mum Edna Bernsten was president and Ann was one-yearold From then on Ann was a regular visitor at these meetings, she thinks until she was about 13
She remembers they were friendly affairs
and mums gained great knowledge about living, from simple tips to major demonstrations of equipment and techniques
Going off to high school, then training as a nurse Ann returned from overseas and eventually married into the Hardie family re-joining the Rua Roa Women’s Institute in 1961.
She has been a member ever since participating in all the activities over the years from “kitchen teas” where members swapped ideas and gifts to Christmas parties in the Rua Roa Hall and picnics at Timber Bay every New Year’s Day
She says the Rua Roa branch is still active with many members now resident in town She tries to attend the monthly meetings and was delighted to have the privilege to cut the birthday cake
Exciting Growth In Dannevirke Community Garden
By Dave Murdoch
In probably the worst time of the year to grow a garden, things are progressing at a remarkable rate on the northwest corner of the A&P Showgrounds
Given permission by Tararua District Council to set up a Community garden in November last year a group of very keen gardeners got cracking and planted sunflowers from donated seeds along the High Street fence-line which put on a magnificent show thanks to benign weather Not only did the flowers look great but they were sold making $1000 to reinvest in more plants and seeds
Huge amount of support has come from the community in terms of equipment like a rotary hoe, funding and labour Native Woodcraft has donated carved panels for windbreaks and this has been bolstered by the Tararua District Council and Horizons Regional Council Climate Change division which donated money for trees
Co-ordinator Tracy Winther says research has shown the environment is bet-
ter suited to shrubs than trees and a berry garden is being planted which will have a 50-shrub blueberry hedge along its inner boundary, raspberries and many other fruits, vegetables and flowers with the idea that it is a sensory garden where people can experience different types of plants from garlic to dahlias, parsley to poppies and more
The garden has expanded across High Street to a site next to the Hozanna Seventh Day Adventist Church where a house burnt down last year The Church made the land available and the plan is to make this into a food-producing garden
Already a tunnel house sponsored by Dannevirke Host Lions has been erected, a group of local youth tidied up the site then spread wood chips and 40 kinds of seeds have been sown in the tunnel house which is under the direction of volunteer Maryanne Vella They will be to transplanted into the main garden in front when they harden off
This garden will be fully fenced and food
from it will be distributed to those in need Volunteers meet up to twice a week on Mondays from 3-5pm and Saturdays 10-
'
Oldest member of the Rua Roa Women’s Institute Ann Hardie about to cut the birthday cake.
12am and if you would like to join just come along Maryanne says it is a great way to meet really nice people
Community Garden co-ordinator Tracy Winther stands by the High Street roadside garden with lupin, calendula, daffodils and amaranth plants planted to provide continuous colour for passing visitors.
RURAL R
‘I’ve had a lot of fun’ – Grant Duff set to retire
By Leanne Warr
When Grant Duff first started at Vet Services Dannevirke, the retail section was a relatively new thing.
He’s seen some changes, both in the types of products offered and in the technology used
And he’ll be leaving that behind in October when he retires, entering what he says is a new chapter of his life.
It was June 1988 when Grant was employed by Drs Peter McNeil and Klaas van der Oord as their retail manager
Grant says it was a bit of an adjustment as he’d come from a stock and station industry background, and his bosses were a lot more “chill”
Back then, they had a small range of products available, and the Bush and Southern Hawke’s Bay vet club had its own drench
Change was on the horizon with a New Zealand company called Ancare, which began distributing their range of products solely through veterinary clinics
“That changed the landscape completely, for the good of the farming community, because there was a lot of innovative new products that came onto the market ”
Grant says in those days drenching lambs was easy, with the farmers using a drench such as Systamex, before Christmas, then after Christmas they’d use Nilverm, but if they were having a good year, they might buy a drum of Ivomec
“Which was very expensive in those days ”
New lamb drenches came out which were specifically designed for lambcare and that was the start, he says.
Technology-wise, Grant says it’s come a long way
“When I first started everything was done manually We only had one com-
a lot of changes in products sold through Vet Services puter in the clinic ”
Patient histories were kept track of on cards and now that’s all computerised
Even the clinic itself has changed, as 13 years ago the clinic was still in Gordon St.
Grant says the retail side is now huge and great for the farmers
He takes the view that he wants people to come in and enjoy their experience, with staff offering the right advice.
“We all pride ourselves [on making] sure the customer/client enjoys that experience and feels comfortable to
ask questions ”
It’s that experience that has brought back past clients who have moved away from the area, even just to pop in and say hello
Grant believes options in products are far better than what they were 37 years ago and there are companies always working on new products for the farming community
He says the biggest issue is an ongoing problem with resistance, but that’s when the vets get involved, and Vet Services has a great team with a wealth of knowledge
Grant plans to just take a few months
and spend more time with family, or get back into playing golf, once he finally retires
But he’ll miss the farming community, as well as the “townies” and the staff.
“For me, it’s been the best 37 years I’ve had here because Tararua District has got a fantastic farming community
“I’ve certainly had a lot of fun doing what I’m doing and every day it’s enjoyable coming to work ”
He says he’s learnt a “tremendous” among of knowledge over the years.
“I’ve been very fortunate that I have worked with some amazing people ”
Grant Duff has seen
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Puketoi collective focused on resilience
Community-led Puketoi to the Pacific Catchment Collective (PPCC), in the Tararua district, is one of the newest collectives in the North Island and is focused on building environmental and economic resilience for future generations
The area is home to traditionally extensive hill country sheep and beef farms with a strong focus on breeding Starting at the headwaters in the Puketoi Range, the Akitio, Owahanga and Wainui Rivers flow through a 118,000-hectare catchment to the Pacific Ocean.
The Collective takes in four catchment groups, the Upper Akitio, Lower Akitio, Owahanga and Wainui, each of which is led by a nominated farmer from the area
When the group was formed in mid-2024 the main focus was to protect and enhance the local rivers Assisting fish passage and carrying out water testing were pinpointed as two key areas of interest, as well as information and data collection.
The Collective has hit the ground running, with very little to no data on water quality in the catchment on record, monthly water testing is now being carried out at eight sites
along the rivers to monitor freshwater health This will help establish a baseline for water quality in the area
PPCC chairman, Simon Hales, says freshwater was a big motivator for the group. “For me, it was genuinely around freshwater policy and the lack of data and testing We recognised there was a big gap out there and a lack of information pertaining to our area in eastern Tararua,” he says “Groups were forming around us, but we had no representation in that space ” Community was also a big driver With a shrinking population base, the Collective was seen as a way to unite people for social benefit. The group believes it can help add value for the farming businesses that form
the backbone of the community by exploring ways to utilise technology and stay ahead of the game
“For an area like ours, having strong, healthy communities and resilient farming businesses is important, to safeguard these farming systems ”
The PPCC recently supported a Horizons Regional Council project to remove the historic rabbit weir at Waione, opening up 440km of habitat for fish in the Akitio River Pieces of the weir will be handed over to community groups to help preserve the history of the weir.
The weir was built in the 1880s as part of the Southern Hawke’s Bay Rabbit Fence to try to stop the north-
ward migration of rabbits (it slowed them down but couldn’t stop them)
Horizons notes that, while built with good intentions, the weir had stopped fish from accessing 440km of river and tributary habitat. Removing the weir opens the upper reaches of the river for fish passage, giving native fish such as tuna (longfin eel), common bully and redfin bully, as well as introduced trout, more habitat for breeding, feeding and living Offering value for farmer members, the PPCC has partnered with CarbonCrop to understand our catchment, identify priority areas for new planting and map existing native forest to be entered into the ETS, diversifying income streams and helping create
sustainable farming businesses for the long-term
Other recent activity from the PPCC includes free First Aid courses for members, hosting Government Minister Andrew Hoggard and Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, and an Ag Innovation event showcasing the latest in on-farm technology
The PPCC has also funded an Enviroschools co-ordinator and is proud to work alongside the two local schools, Pongaroa and Weber, who are part of the Enviroschools initiative.
Website: www.ppcc.org.nz
Facebook: https://www. f a c e b o o k c o m / p r o f i l e php?id=61558988733009
The Hon Andrew Hoggard visits the PPCC, pictured with chair Simon Hales
Removal of the historic rabbit weir at Waione will help enable fish passage in the Akitio River
Enviroschools is running in both local schools, Pongaroa and Weber
Why tractor numbers are dropping
SPENDING: NZ has passed ‘peak tractor’ but it’s not necessarily a bad economic indicator, writes Gianina Schwanecke of RNZ
New Zealand has fallen from “peak tractor” with bigger machinery rising on-farm costs and farmers becoming more efficient, driving sales down Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen said, as a key piece of farm equipment, tractors had long been thought of as a good economic indicator of farm spending and investment.
The more tractors the more spending, and in turn the better the health of the primary sector but this was changing, he said Recent Infometics analysis of data from Stats NZ and the New Zealand Transport Agency showed the country hit “peak tractor in 2022
It showed the number of active tractors registered in New Zealand reached a peak of 34 549 in March 2022 By March this year, it had dropped 4.4% to 33,044.
The decline in tractor numbers is largely due to the low number of new tractor registrations over time In the 12 months to April this year, there were 1925 new tractors registered in New Zealand, down 17% from a year ago and the smallest annual total since mid-2001.
Both the actual number of registered tractors and the 12-month moving average have now fallen below 33,000, the first time tractor numbers have been beneath this threshold since 2017
Olsen said the drop was being driven by a range of factors, including changes in technology and farming practices.
“Particularly the likes of larger tractors coming on stream, larger farms meaning you don’t need quite as many tractors because of larger parcels of land, and also a bit more corpritisation of farming in New Zealand where people are using contractors and similar to ensure whatever they’re buying tractors and otherwise are most efficiently used.”
Olsen acknowledged that challenging conditions in recent years, including increased on-farm costs and higher interest rates had put pressure on farmers and limited opportunities for new investment, with many running tractors for as long as possible
He said a level of continued concentration in farms across the country into larger farm operations may have also contributed to a rationalisation of tractor assets nationally.
Farmers also seemed to be investing differently, as was evident at the recent Mystery Creek Fieldays near Hamilton
“People are starting to increasingly embrace a much wider, more diverse set of technology in the primary
No remorse over record $161k bull
Elite Angus now settling into his new Wairarapa home, writes Penny Miles of RNZ
The bidder who smashed a national price record at the recent Angus bull sales is showing no signs of buyer’s remorse.
Elite bull Tangihau U418 is getting settled into his new surroundings in rural Wairarapa and is busy having artificial insemination collection at the local breeding centre.
The “totally happy” owner, Keith Higgins of Oregon Angus near Masterton, paid a massive $161,000 for the prized bull, setting a new national price record in the process. And while the price for Lot 16 at
the Tangihau Angus sale in Rere set the recent East Coast Angus sales alight, Higgins said there was no hint of regret creeping in.
The purchase was worth every cent because it lifted the stud’s genetics to the next level, according to the proud owner.
And what were the characteristics that underpinned this exceptional bull?
“The day of the sale was the first time I saw him,” Higgins said.
“Just one of those bulls that hits you when you walk past the pen.
“Tremendous muscle, tremendous top line, phenomenal nature very structurally sound and correct when he walks, beautifully put together.
“I had to think to myself, ‘this bull might suit us’ and he’s very much to the mould of what our cattle are.
“And I think he will fit in very well.”
The bull came from Tangihau Angus near Gisborne, with a long line of cows in the paddock at Oregon Angus east of Masterton waiting to be bred.
On the long drive back home from the North Island’s East Coast last month, Higgins said he felt extremely satisfied with the purchase and remained that way to this day.
“The bull has come home and he’s having some tests done to head up to the Tararua Breeding Centre for AI [artificial insemination] collection,” he said. “Hopefully, a fair bit of that will be going into Australia.
“Then he’ll be used in the paddock with a big line of cows.
“We might even do a bit of AI. We want to utilise him as much as we can in that first season.
“We possibly won’t sell any semen into New Zealand in the first year.”
New Zealand reached a peak of 34,549 registered tractors in March 2022.
I think we’re just in a little bit of a holding pattern.
Jaiden
sector,” Olsen said.
“You know, there were a lot more drones at Fieldays this year, a lot of talk about wearables and the importance of the productivity gains that those sort of options bring.”
Tractor sales at Fieldays seemed to have been buoyed, though, by the Government’s new tax incentive for farm machinery.
Tractor and Machinery Association president Jaiden Drought said Fieldays had been “fantastic”.
“Everyone went into the Fieldays very buoyant, and the show was certainly a success
“Everyone had significantly higher inquiry they thought that even day one of the show was better than all the days combined last year.
Drought felt the drop-off since 2022 related to post-Covid conditions, which included farmers using tractors for longer and more jobs onfarm
He said some of this market uncertainty remained, especially given the current geopolitical outlook.
“I think the trend will see an upswing in machinery sales
“I think we’re just in a little bit of a holding pattern.
He expected sales to improve in the spring. ■
You’d expect the highest bidder setting a record price to be feeling the heat during the auction or its aftermath
Was that the case? “I had no problem with what I did,” Higgins said with a chuckle. “I was totally relaxed during the auction system and totally happy with the bull that I’ve got at this end.” ■ – RNZ
Photo / RNZ, Marika Khabazi
Drought, Tractor and Machinery Association
Gisborne bull Tangihau U418 sold for $161,000 to Oregon Angus in Masterton.
Shared Services are the fix, not
Opinion By Scott Gilmore, Tararua District Councillor
There’s been a lot of talk lately about the future shape of local government in New Zealand What concerns me is how easily that talk could drift toward amalgamation something I’m firmly opposed to While it might look efficient on paper, in practice it often strips smaller communities of real influence and makes local decision-making harder, not easier
Yes, councils are facing rising costs. Yes, we need to get smarter. But there’s a way to do that without giving up our local voice, and it starts with embracing shared services
New Zealand has 67 district and city councils We don’t need all 67 running the same back office tasks in slightly different ways Finance, IT, HR, communications these are areas where we could absolutely work together Shared services give us access to better tools, systems and expertise, without each council having to pay full price
This isn’t about handing over control It’s about getting routine work done more efficiently, so councils can focus more on what really matters to their communities Just as importantly, it’s about doing things in a more affordable and sustainable way because the current model isn’t.
Take finance systems A small council like ours doesn’t have the budget to run top-of-the-line platforms or maintain large teams But the risk of billing mistakes and outdated systems is real,
as we all know. By sharing a finance platform with other councils, we could improve accuracy, efficiency and service, while lowering the cost
The same thinking applies to communications Councils around the country are posting similar messages, tweaking the wording, and paying separate teams to do the same jobs Why not collaborate more formally? We could share templates, tools and even staff time That would lift the quality and reduce the spend a better outcome for ratepayers.
And it doesn’t stop there. Procurement, HR, IT support, legal advice all of these could be streamlined through shared service arrangements That would free up more time, energy and money to spend on the things that are different in each district, rather than the things that are the same
Let’s be clear: shared services aren’t a stepping stone to amalgamation In fact, they’re the best alternative to it
They provide the efficiencies we need, without sacrificing local identity or local decision making. That’s why we should be pursuing them not just to save money, but to protect our independence
To go a step further, I’d like to see more real decision-making given to community boards and local committees These are the people who know their areas best They can help set priorities for things like footpath repairs, garden maintenance and local projects the kind of things that matter day
to day If we shift some of the behindthe-scenes work into shared arrangements, we can bring more of the decision-making closer to home
That, to me, is a far better future than a mega-council trying to run everything from a distance Once you centralise decisions, it’s very hard to get them back as our own district knows all too well. Local issues are easily overlooked, and communities lose their voice
The truth is, we don’t need forced reform from Wellington to make progress The Local Government Act already allows for shared services We just need to use the tools we ’ ve got. If
we don’t take the lead, central government may well do it for us and that could mean losing the very local control we ’ re trying to protect
This is a time for leadership The councils that act early and choose collaboration over duplication will come through this stronger not just financially, but democratically They’ll be able to balance the books, deliver better services, and preserve the character of their communities all at the same time
We can’t afford to wait for change to be forced on us We need to lead it ourselves in a way that works for the people we serve.
Scott Gilmore, Tararua District Councillor
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Public Notices
The Phil Lamason Heritage Centre Trust (Inc), Dannevirke Extends an invitation to interested local people to attend the public launch and information evening for THE LAMASON-BUCHENWALD MEMORIAL PROJECT for Dannevirke Domain to be held at The Hub in Allardice Street, Dannevirke, 7-9pm on Wednesday, 6 August 2025
July 2025 Grant Round
Applications are invited from interested parties to apply for a Grant from the Waireka CommunityTrust Grants are awarded six monthly.
Under the Trust Deed dated 11 June 2008 the Trustees have the discretion to consider the allocation of funds for Charitable purposes which will benefit the community comprising the districts known as the counties and boroughs of Pahiatua, Eketahuna and Woodville.
All applications must reach our office by Friday, 8 August 2025 no later than 5:00pm on the official application form
To lodge an application please go to www.wairekacommunitytrust.org.nz and complete the online application form –alternatively please contact: Waireka Community Trust
C/o BDO Manawatu Limited
32 Amesbury Street PO Box 1242, Palmerston North 4440 Phone (06) 358 4163
Email: manawatu@bdo.co.nz
“Gentleguidance withcareandcompassion”
NOTICE OF AGM
Calling all members and prospective members to attend Join us for the Annual General Meeting of the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce
18 AUG 2025
TARATAHI DAIRY FARM
ASSISTANT POSITION
We require an experienced dairy farm assistant for the 2025-2026 dairy season at the Taratahi Dairy Training Farm. The farm policy is based on:
Milking around 450 cows through a 46 aside herringbone cowshed; Milking roster of 8:2 and 8:3; Rearing 160 dairy heifer calves
The farm is located 5 minutes from Masterton.
Accommodation of a three-bedroom house is available if required
Applicants need to provide their CV and References in addition to their application letter to:
Jim Mancer – Dairy Farm Manager Email: mancer@inspire.net.nz
Please reply by 1st August 2025. If appointed, then applicant can start immediately
Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 Keedwell Holdings Ltd, 42 Main St, Eketahuna 4900, has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Dannevirke for the renewal of an On-Licence, in respect of the premises situated at 42 Main Street, Eketahuna, known as Eketahuna Inn
The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Restaurant/Bar
The days on which, and the hours during which alcohol is intended to be sold under the licence are Monday to Sunday 8am to 2am the following day. The applicant seeks to vary the following conditions: Designation of premises (part); Requesting catering endorsement
The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Tararua District Licensing Committee at the Dannevirke Service Centre, 26 Gordon Street, Dannevirke
Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the date of the publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at Tararua District Council, PO Box 115, Dannevirke 4942.
No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in Section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
This is the first publication of this notice
Bush Telegraph editor, Leanne Warr
For those whom I haven’t managed to catch up with, it’s time for me to say goodbye
I came back to journalism a little over four years ago, after being out of it for a few years, not for lack of trying, mind you. I started at the Hawke’s Bay Today in June 2021, amidst the chaos of Covid – we had our second lockdown just two months later - and very quickly found my feet
It wasn’t easy coming to a new town where I didn’t know anybody, but I can safely say that it wasn’t long before I felt part of the community
As a friend has said to me, you aren’t considered a local until the last person that remembers you arriving has gone. I would like to think that’s not strictly true
I’ve loved being part of this community and there are some members of this community that I will remember for their kindness, and for the support I’ve had especially since last year ’ s annus horribilis For me, anyway
I took over as editor of the Bush Telegraph in June 2023 and it’s been quite a challenge, but a good one. It took a great deal of trust in myself but I am proud of what I’ve managed to achieve in two years
Leaving is going to be hard I know I won’t be able to resist picking up a paper and critiquing the stories, but when you have a passion for something, it’s hard to let go
I am moving on to greener pastures, but am continuing to work on my fiction writing as well and hope to have some new works out very soon Fingers crossed
I wish Virginia the best in her new role and everyone standing for local elections, I wish you all good luck
To everyone else in the community, thank you for your contributions, and for allowing me to write your stories
You are all amazing people and I will miss you
Your departing editor, Leanne
Notices
DANNEVIRKE BASED
Trades and Services
Dannevirke men’s football find it tough going in Manawatu
By Dave Murdoch
Dannevirke Sports Club men ’ s footballers are finding it tough against Manawatu this season playing in the third and fourth divisions but finding match play is a great teacher as they come up against some pretty strong opposition
The top Dannevirke football team Vikings playing in the Third Division encountered Takaro winners of the grade
last year and lying second this season
It is a very steep learning curve; half the team having played secondary school football last year and despite learning good skills last season the challenge of playing experienced men is tough
Without player coach Calder Woodfield who was refereeing the first half, the team struggled against a well co-ordinated attack and conceded three
Dannevirke Ranger’s Ray Kingsman shows good ball skills against Takaro in Division Four.
goals before half-time but scored one It rallied in the second half but went down 5-1 by full-time
Dannevirke has tasted victory beating Feilding 2-0 several weeks ago on their home field at Rugby Park. Coach Woodfield hopes this will encourage more wins as the losses have been by narrow margins until now
Meanwhile the Dannevirke Sports Club social team called Rangers play-
ing in the Fourth Grade also against Takaro losing 7-1 in pretty wet conditions but like the Vikings they showed patches of teamwork which suggest progress will be made in this fairly long season. Both teams play at Rugby Park this year when playing at home as the Dannevirke Sports Club uses this venue for rugby and football (women too on a Sunday)
Dannevirke Viking mid-fielder Matthew Ellis is about to pass to winger Caleb McCutcheon who scored the Viking’s only goal against Takaro in Division Three.
This Viking attack nearly scored a second goal.
Dannevirke Rangers were keeping an eye on the ball in a fast-moving match against Takaro in Division Four.
Dannevirke 20 George Street
WOW Renovated affordable dream home
Open Home
Move right into this beautifully renovated home featuring a modern kitchen with walk-in pantry, cosy lounge with wood burner, and full insulation for year-round comfort Enjoy two spacious double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, a luxurious bathroom with wet-floor shower and free-standing bath, and a sleek laundry with dual access. Convenient access includes a ramp and carport with a lockable shed. Relax or entertain on the private patio. Close to town park, childcare, Four Square, and sports facilities Do not miss this rare find, call now to view or visit our next open home12.45 to 1.15pm 27th July, 10th and 24th August
lntroducing Tyler Rosvall
We are pleased to welcome Tyler Rosvall as the newest member of our sales team A proud Dannevirke local, Tyler brings a genuine passion for people and a commitment to making your real estate journey smooth, exciting, and stress-free With a strong belief that every property has a story and every client a unique journey, Tyler takes the time to understand your needs whether you ’ re purchasing your first home or planning your next move
Pop into our office to say hello or give Tyler a call She’s here to guide you every step of the way.
Tyler Rosvall Residential Sales Consultant
027 276 1865 | tyler.rosvall@pb.co.nz
| Q021786
E natalie.hales@pb.co.nz
Pahiatua 5 Churchill Street
Open Home
Renovator's dream - let your imagination take over Now here is a fantastic opportunity for investors renovators, first-time buyers or someone with vision that is ready to roll up their sleeves and take on a challenge. Inside, you'll find three bedrooms, two with double wardrobes, one with a stunning bay window. The bathroom offers a great opportunity for you create your dream escape The lounge/dining is open plan with another bay window in keeping with the style of the home and free-standing log fire will keep you snug in the cooler months. The galley kitchen is functional and offers potential for the resident chef to personalise the space according to their preferences. Outside, the property features a great sized section - ideal for kids or pets - and a separate large single garage with workbench and shelving. You'll love the location with the local college at the end of the street Shopping and primary schools are also in close proximity Vendor instructions are clear - this property needs to be sold Don't miss out on this chance to make it your own - contact us for more information or to book a viewing today!
Situated down a no exit street in a quiet neighbourhood, the unit provides an ideal combination of comfort and convenience. This cosy home occupies the central section of three units on a freehold title. Built in 1974, the home includes an open plan kitchen and lounge area, a bathroom with a shower and separate toilet, as well as a separate laundry. Each of the two bedrooms is generously sized and fitted with wardrobes. You will be snug as a bug with a free standing logfire and the convenience of a heat pump and HRV. Additionally, the property includes a single garage with plenty of storage and a private easy care back garden that is fully fenced. You will need to view what is on offer here.
View Sun 27 Jul 12.15 - 12.45pm Sun 3 Aug 12.15 - 12.45pm Web pb.co.nz/PU207937 Ali Hemi M 027 375 8306 E ali.hemi@pb.co.nz Patrick Baker M 027 599
2 1 1 1 For Sale Buyers $275,000+ View Sun 3 Aug 1.00 - 1.30pm Web pb.co.nz/PU207063
Ali Hemi M 027 375 8306 E ali.hemi@pb.co.nz
Patrick Baker M 027 599 8141 E patrickb@pb.co.nz
Pahiatua 17B Cambridge Street
Pahiatua 3 Crewe Street
Move in ready - just add your final touches
Open Home
Welcome to this warm and cosy two-bedroom home, in a great location in Pahiatua close to schools and an easy walk to Pahiatua's main street. Constructed in brick, hardiplank and aluminium, this home offers fantastic buying for firsthome buyers downsizers or savvy investors who are ready to add value Step inside to find a newly modernised open plan living and dining area, warmed year-round by a heat pump and wall heater - providing comfort no matter the season. Two good sized bedrooms, the master with double wardrobe and sunroom with external access. A lot of the hard work has been done with fresh paint, new carpets and drapes The good-sized bathroom with full bath and shower presents the perfect opportunity to modernise and make your own. The internal access garage with hand basin is also a practical bonus for the keen gardener. Pahiatua has a great rental market supporting local industry. This is your chance to secure a lovely home with real potential to make it your own. Contact us today to arrange your private viewing or find out open home times - properties like this don't last long!
Woodville 16 Ross Street
Hemi M 027 375 8306 E ali.hemi@pb.co.nz Patrick Baker M 027 599 8141 E patrickb@pb.co.nz
Woodville 40 Bowman Road
Flat and fertile - 39 ha STS
This highly productive bareland property offers a rare opportunity for finishing cropping or dairy support, in a sought after location.
Located between the townships of Woodville and Pahiatua and an easy commute over the new highway, some of the best soil types in the Lower North Island are on offer. The sought after soil types are perfect for a variety of agricultural uses including cropping, finishing and dairy support A central race leads to all paddocks on the property which all have troughs from a reliable reticulated water supply. The former dairy shed features a near new set of Te Pari cattle yards. With an intensive land use history this property provides the ultimate add on or standalone opportunity.
*Subject to Survey.
Woodville 23 Vogel Street
Roll up your sleeves and reap the rewards
This classic weatherboard home offers a standout start with character for those chasing a first home/lifestyle opportunity that is less than 20 minutes to Palmerston North. Built in the 1930s, this two-bedroom home is loaded with beautiful native timber and remains relatively untouched At 156m2, the bedrooms and living areas are large and well laid out. You can feel the warmth of the timber finishings and the tradesman skill set of this era. Situated on 1.02ha (more or less) of mixed zoned prime residential and rural land in multiple titles, this is where the opportunity lies. Plus you have the added bonus of the house being connected to town services. Location is another tick with the community pool and sports fields across the road as well as a sealed footpath that has you in town and at the local primary school within minutes. There is no denying that some elbow grease is required here but the potential is huge! This is an estate property and the executor's instructions are clear, get it sold! Opportunities like this in up-and-coming towns don't come along that often you need to see what is on offer here.
M 027 449 5496 E jared@pb.co.nz
2 1 1 2
Auction 3.00pm, Sat 23rd Aug, 2025, 23 Vogel Street, Woodville 4920
View By appointment
Web pb.co.nz/WOL208565
Patrick Baker M 027 599 8141 E patrickb@pb.co.nz