King Country News | May 9, 2024

King Country

A giant step forward

Māhoenui’s very own wētā are thriving in Ōtorohanga – and last weekend a centre just for them was o cially opened. Sigrid Christiansen was there.

Ngatai and Marina Rauputu didn’t choose wētā life – wētā life chose them.

The insects living in gorse on the Rauputu family farm at Māhoenui, near Piopio, were identified as significant nearly seven decades ago, when Ngatai was a schoolboy.

“I’d known about them ever since I was a child. It was no different to any other thing, a snail or a frog.”

Then in 1962, a cousin took a wētā to school in a box. The headmaster pursued it, and had it identified.

“Prior to that, it had just been a thing we saw,” he said.

“It was identified in the sense that it was unidentified – it was a wētā but it didn’t have a name. It was distinct, it was unique,” Marina added.

Outside agencies started coming to the farm, saying the species was significant, unique and at risk of extinction.

The insect had not been found anywhere else, it turned out – to acknowledge where it was found, it was named the Māhoenui giant wētā.

The Rauputu family’s response was to ask: “what can we do to preserve this?”.

After Marina became part of the family she became familiar with the farm’s most distinctive residents, who lived in a patch of gorse at the back of the farm.

The wētā’s survival was a matter of luck: “all these great things happen by mistake,” as Ngatai put it.

His parents had never let goat hunters in. The patch of land where the wētā lived, right of the back of the farm, had been written off until they could develop it, and the goats kept the gorse under control. The goats trimmed the gorse bushes, as far as they could reach. That created a cage effect – keeping the wētā safe.

“It actually was a big help for the wētā. Because the predators, the cats, the stoats and so forth, don’t come up the base of the gorse

because it’s short and prickly.

Ngatai and Marina were at the opening of the new facility at the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House on Saturday to see the progress of 22 weta taken from their farm and given a new ‘home” in Ōtorohanga. They feel more hopeful than ever about the future of the wētā.

Marina described the insects as a national treasure, which would have been “on the way out, if nothing were done”.

Ngatai welcomed outside

agencies getting involved, saying they had brought great potential to the survival the rare and endangered insects.

“Before, it was just a pie-in-the sky idea. Now we have Government agencies, DoC, interested people, capable people. People who have spent a long period of time studying things – they can bring it all together and make it happen.

“This is what my parents wanted too.”

•More stories, see pages 8 and 9.

Show time for Waipā

It’s the show where you can buy everything from items for the home to sheep. And, if you like, take a jetboat ride.

The three day Waipā Home and Leisure Show at Karāpiro is a first for the district and opens tomorrow (Friday) morning. The domain is well used to having thousands of people converging on it for major events – and this is a new one. Almost 80 retailers have booked stands in the Sir Don Rowlands Centre. The event is being brought to Waipā by Good Local Media – publishers of the Cambridge News, Te Awamutu News, King Country News and Waikato Business News.

The company’s advertising director Janine Davy – no stranger to organising major home and leisure expos, says response to the event has been so good she is already planning a bigger event in 2025.

Carly Hill passes Ngatai Rauputu a wētā in the new facility. Behind them are containers housing the hatching insects.

Photo: Sigrid Christiansen

Coffee? We’ll have wool please…

By Sigrid Christiansen

Some mums and their adult daughters bond over brunch.

Holly and Linda Tarrant prefer meeting

up at shearing shows as a pair of woolhandling judges.

“We go away and do all these shows together,” Linda said. “We live so far apart now, but we’re always meeting up with each other at these events, a weekend here and there together at a shearing show.

Holly is a wool trader based in Napier, and Linda lives in Owhango; the family came from Taumarunui originally.

Linda competed as a woolhandler and worked in the shearing sheds.

“When I felt my time competing was done, I thought, why not give back to the industry and become a woolhandling judge,” she said.

“It’s really cool to see some competitors come up through novice, junior, senior and into open – seeing how they have progressed and how much better they get.”

When Holly started work as a wool trader, Linda suggested she join her in judging.

Next issue

May 23

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CONTACTS

News/Editorial

Roy Pilott editor@goodlocal.nz

027 450 0115

Andy Campbell andy@goodlocal.nz 021 0232 1666

Paul Charman paul@goodlocal.nz 027 405 9038

Sigrid Christiansen sigrid@goodlocal.nz 022 080 6141

Advertising Director Janine Davy janine@goodlocal.nz 027 287 0005

Owner/Publisher David Mackenzie david@goodlocal.nz Office 07 878 1188 reception@goodlocal.nz

“I’ve always been around the shows, I used to do timekeeping and things when I was younger. It was a natural progression.”

The two are distantly related to the

Māhoenui Tarrant family, featured in the Black Boots and Button Hooks books written by Phyllis Johnston.

Part of the reason for coming to Te Kūiti for the recent shearing championships was to learn more about that side of the family, Linda said.

“I’d like to go back there and actually see where they farmed,” she said.

“I’ve read the books and I’ve driven past the road, thinking ‘it must be up there,’ but I’ve never gone and had a look.”

“Mum used to read us those books when we were younger – a chapter each night, that sort of thing.”

Encore! Council wants more

The supply of trained choristers available for events such as the Carols in the Caves has been assured for another year with a repeat council grant for the not-forprofit Encore Academy in Ōtorohanga

The encore Academy applied for $2500 from the Ōtorohanga district council’s community grants scheme to continue training singers.

Vocal training for 20 singers over seven Saturdays has been delivered by Beatrice Hofer and Glenys George to support vocal competence in the wider community. The

Awamutu areas both as a singer and as a singing teacher. Originally from Switzerland, she studied at the Bern Conservatoire for a double degree as a singing teacher and in vocal performance.

Beatrice moved to

concerts in a wide range of styles throughout the Waikato and King Country. Beatrice is also the convenor for the Te Awamutu Vocal Competitions.

The grant enables the academy to offer another

YOUR LETTERS

Too valuable to lose

For 20 years I was a volunteer ‘on the road’ ambulance officer who also ran public first aid courses when required. Plus, for five years I was also on the Te Kūiti St John area committee. I was in total disbelief to read the front page article of King Country News last Thursday – ‘Are we facing cuts?’. Around the clock ambulance coverage could be under threat in our area.

I cannot understand why St John would even consider that our experienced Te Kūiti based staff could be moved north to Ōtorohanga or Te Awamutu and making Te Kūiti Station an ambulance ‘hub’ and an unmanned station. The few ambulance personnel we have here are residents who live in our town. If our ambulance personnel have to travel to man another station, do they get compensated for their fuel? Why would they want to travel away from this area to go to work each day? Does it make sense that they may also have to travel all the way back to Te Kūiti maybe to transfer a patient from our hospital to Waikato?

Te Kūiti district has a huge catchment area. An hour’s travel to the coast (Marokopa/ Taharoa) south towards Benneydale, Pureora and out past the Eight Mile Junction to Mapiu or either Piopio. Te Kūiti has a well-established hospital with very capable doctors and efficient staff. Neither of the other two areas have this facility. Why jeopardise the residents of this district who already have a long wait for an ambulance to come from further afield if ours is not available?

My understanding is that the ambulance station, training hall and garage all belong to this district. Many years back they raised funds to build a permanent building to replace the old rented garage. Not so long ago the community again dug deep into their pockets to build a three bedroom flat so that any relief ambulance crew could stay there while on rostered standby duty.

Would it not be more practical to send an ambulance crew here to cover Te Kūiti and surrounding areas and draw down staff from the larger towns to cover the likes of the Ōtorohanga and Te Awamutu region? I sincerely hope that this impending situation is looked into further and Te Kūiti gets to keep its 24 hour ambulance service.

JN Crosland

Te Kūiti

Editor’s note, see story Page 3.

Māori ward issue

Nothing personal, but it is Waipā mayor Susan

Mother and daughter wool handling judges Holly and Linda Tarrant.

Photo Sigrid Christiansen

Many choristers in the Caves Choir have been trained a tutored at the Encore Academy

Let the king be seen

Another push is being made to have the name King Country acknowledged on maps and road signs. Paul Charman reports.

The small lobby group intent on seeing the name of the King Country given official status on maps may receive a boost from a play about the origins of the Kīngitanga.

On Stage Te Kūiti is evaluating a play called Wellspring of tears, which traces the origins of the Kīngitanga and playwrite Russell Armitage says he is 100 per cent behind seeing the words “King Country” on road signs in the area.

“The name of the King Country in Maori is “Te Rohe Pōtae” - the land of the hat. When the media is inclined to file news reports saying things have happened in, ‘a Waikato town’, when the locality was in the ‘King Country’, this needs to be pushed and almost insisted upon, in my view.

“The first thing is that you have to have signs up when you are entering it. Every locality in the world makes use of its history on its road signs, such as when you are entering Somerset in England a sign will say, ‘you are now entering Shakespeare Country’”.

Waitomo resident Colin Payne and his supporters have made two submissions to the Waikato Regional Council in recent years asking that the name King Country be added to road signs, but he said the approaches, “just fell on deaf ears”.

“The history and geography of the King

Country must be acknowledged. It’s a very special part of New Zealand, right from when you enter it at Mōkau till you leave just this side of Te Awamutu.

“What I like is all the trees, vegetation and lime stone formations; the fact that it's still in its infancy in some ways. Taranaki is beautiful but it can’t compete with what we have here. Waikato is just farm paddocks.

“We have a distinct part of the country with its caves, rivers, forests and mountains; we beat anything the Waikato has when it comes to tourism.”

Payne said he was surprised that efforts to get the name King Country and Te Rohe Pōtae on maps had not received more support from Māori.

“I am surpised Māori have not stepped up because its been mainly pakeha that have supported our (previous) representations to Waikato Regional Council on this matter and there’s a lot of people around who feel exactly as I’m saying to you today.”

The concept of putting King Country on signs on the border of the historic region has a supporter in Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger.

“I am totally on board with the idea of Welcome to the King Country signs,” Kuriger said.

“King Country is a place that carries pride and mana. It has many unique features, great communities, and awesome attractions such as Waitomo Caves and

the Kiwi House. I grimace every time King Country is referred to as the Waikato. As the local MP, I will put every effort required behind the movement.”

Kīngitanga play considered

A play called Wellspring of Tears, which recalls the formation of the Kīngitanga, and events leading up to the invasion of the Waikato in 1863, is being evaluated by OnStage Te Kūiti Inc.

The author, Hamilton playwright Russell Armitage, met and delivered a copy of the script to On Stage president Mary McNaughton on Monday.

McNaughton said the prospect of performing the play in Te Kūiti was exciting and she was keen to discuss it with members of the group.

“This looks like an excellent project for us but were it to go ahead we couldn’t perform it till next year. Russell would have to shorten and adapt the script it to make it feasible for us to put on, but he’s prepared to do that for us,” McNaughton said.

Much of the dialogue is based upon verbatim newspaper reports of public meetings held in town halls and on marae during the 1860s.

The work has been accepted as a resource to be used in Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum.

It was launched in 2020 during the Pandemic, which severely restricted performances, and so far there have only been two, which have been readings rather than full productions.

“There’s no way I would have attempted to write of these events without the support of Māori,” Armitage said.

“I was mentored during the writing of the play by Dr Tom Roa of the faculty of Māori and indigenous studies at the University of Waikato. And Maniapoto leaders are among those who have also given their blessing.

“One of the reasons I have been encouraged to write and research this work is probably that I am a great great grandson of the Wesleyan missionary William Gittos, who was active at the time of the formation of the Kīngitanga.”

Russell Armitage and Mary McNaughton beside the monument on SH3 commemorating the formation of the Kīngitanga. The monument, at a rest area about equidistant between Te Kūiti and Ōtorohanga, is close to spot where a meeting was held in 1857 which led to the decision to support Pōtatau Te Wherowhero as the first Maori King.

Colin Payne says the history and geography of the King Country must be acknowledged.

St John ‘staying put’

By Paul Charman

St John says there have never been plans to reduce the staffing of the ambulance service at Te Kūiti.

Hato Hone St John wrote to the King Country News on Tuesday denying recent reports that the organisation was about to reduce the number of staff at Te Kuīti and instead cover town with staff based at either Ōtorohanga or Te Awamutu.

But a union leader says St John must address staffing issues in rural areas – and could consider buildng onsite accommodation for staff.

The Waitomo area operations manager for St John Craig Scott said: “We wish to reassure you that there is not – nor has there ever been – a proposal to close the Te Kuīti Ambulance Station or to reduce available ambulance resourcing to the Te Kuīti community.”

He added St John representatives would be meeting with TaranakiKing Country MP Barbara Kuriger next week and Waitomo Mayor John Robertson, at a time yet to be dermined, to give this assurance to them in person.

The reports of a possible reduction in ambulance

services at Te Kūiti came from the division chairman for the NZ Ambulance Association, a union representing 2000 ambulance officers and communications staff.

Mark Quin said he was informed the move was being considered by his members.

“Yes, management mentioned the possibilty to staff; you could say it was the worst kept secret in the Waikato,” he said.

Last week St John’s general manager, ambulance operations - north, Stu Cockburn, admitted the organisation had challenges attracting and retaining personnel at Te Kuiti which at times had resulted in less than optimal ambulance coverage

“We have good ambulance staffing in the surrounding communities and are planning to discuss with staff in these areas what we could do to better ensure coverage in Te Kuiti.”

Quin said difficulties attracting ambulance staff to work in more isolated rural areas was a now a major problem nationwide.

“It is about time the service followed the example of the police which pays extra for staff to work

in these areas.

“I can see real problems on the horizon unless they (St John) start to think outside the box. We have permanent staff in rural areas who are now in their late 50s, sixties and even early seventies. When they retire it will leave a gap as younger people tend to be less willing to live in these areas. I know there is likely to be a real problem in Taumarunui toward the end of this year.”

Quin said one answer for Taumarunui, which had a large head quarters, was to build accommodation onsite to house staff who were based there. Ambulance stations across the country which were in a position to do so, were looking at this as a possible solution to the problem.

Statue to be fleeced…

The first of three time capsules placed in the moccasin of the Te Kūiti shearer statue in 1994 are to be ceremonially opened, beginning Friday May 24.

The unencapsuling will begin at 10am with a karakia at the Shearing Statue at the southern end of Te Kūiti.

The first capsule will be retrieved from the shearer statue’s foot and guests will then be invited to the Les Munro Centre at 11am for the opening and presentation of the capsule contents, and for contributors to share their memories.

Two other time capsules also entombed in 1994 when the completed statue was unveiled, are scheduled to be opened in 2054 and 2084.

The time capsules were the idea of the statue’s sculptor Dennis Hall. Te Kūiti residents came together to create a container of history, memories, and aspirations, buried inside the foot of

the six metre glass reinforced cement symbol of the King Country’s heritage in sheep farming and shearing. Plans of the statue, photographs of its unveiling and other memorabilia were also included.

The Shearing Statue was unveiled in March 1994. The shearer’s moccasin was opened in May 1994 and three capsules made from eight-inch watermain pipe secured at both ends, were placed inside.

Loading the capsules was marked by ceremony which included attendance by then 102-year-old Dame Rangimarie Hetet, a renowned weaver whose presence added a touch of magic to the occasion. She was given the task of closing the giant statue and sealing the time capsules.

A kahikatea tree was also planted nearby to mark the occasion.

Mark Quin

A time capsule will be removed from the shearer statue’s foot on May 24.

Recording dies as park decision made

There’s no public record of the discussion that led to Waitomo District Council deciding to proceed with a subdivision of three sections on Brook Park.

The livestream failed before the discussion began. In a social media post on Sunday mayor John Robertson said he supported the decision to subdivide three sections of the Eketone boundary in Te Kūiti, but nothing about the vote – who else was in favour and who opposed it.

Cr Janette Osborne opposed it, and Cr Janene New was absent, council staff later said.

Plenty of people outside the council opposed the decision including Eketone Street residents, other park users, and the public. There was so much opposition the council was moved to hold a drop-in session at the Les Munro Centre – on the same afternoon that submissions closed.

Of 17 submissions 13 were opposed to the subdividing,

only two submitters supported the three section option, one supported subdividing the entire lot into 12 sections and one submission favoured no particular option.

Andrea Hanna submitted the consultation process was badly managed. It should have been publicly notified, but only selected neighbouring households were consulted and there were some Facebook messages.

The nationally popular

disc golf course in the park will have to be altered, while the plots could remain unsold for years, she submitted.

As part of the land has a hazard B classification there will be considerable cost involved in bringing the land up to standard. The developer would be liable, and the cost will be added to the section price. With the current high building costs the plots could remain unsold for years.

Brook Park committee

Visiting artist thinks big

By Sigrid Christiansen

Graeme Hoete –known as Mr G – led a workshop at Te Kūiti Pā on Tuesday as 25 students discussed plans for a mural.

Hoete and wife Milly plan to help students create murals across country communities including Wairoa and Kawerau. Te Kūiti is also on the list – but the Papamoa artist wants to find a site.

He produces largescale murals and says he loves bringing art to young people to give them something uplifting and positive.

Part of his motivation comes from the hardest time in his life – 12 years ago, while living in Sydney, he battled anxiety and depression. Coming out of it, he wanted to help others. He is also concerned about the mental health of young people in small country towns.

He also says it is possible to make a living from the arts, whatever others might say.

Te Kūiti High School student Tamorangi Lake said the artist’s words had been like reading her mind.

“It was so cool to see someone succeeding like that in the art world.”

Another of her favourite parts had been the history shared by Te Kūiti Pā committee member, Isaiah

Wallace. Tamorangi had especially appreciated learning more about the whare itself.

Te Kūiti High School art teacher Bex Stubbs took eight students to the workshop and said it had been a valuable

experience for them.

Hoete and his wife hope the community can help them find a space for the creation.

“If you have a blank wall that needs a mural on it get in touch with us,” Milly Hoete said.

chair Guy Whitaker said stormwater issues raised by council in media release should be addressed regardless. Brook Park’s significant catchment area feeds down into the residential area where events have caused damage in the past.

Three sections will not address housing shortage, this should be left to the private sector.

Whitaker was among several submitters to question the council’s recent

decision to refuse funding for the Maru Energy Trust despite the council’s own Housing Strategy objectives. Stormwater and flooding issues should be dealt with urgently, and the Brook Park committee would like to input into how that would affect the park, he submitted.

Robertson said he supported the decision because it released more land for housing, and the sections should have high demand.

Mobile alert planned

A nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system will be carried out on May 26.

The Emergency Mobile Alert system sends messages about emergencies via mobile phones and is designed to be a lifeline during critical situations.

The alerts are geo-targeted, so recipients only receive them if the emergency affects their area.

“While we aim to keep everyone informed and safe, we understand that some individuals may have concerns

about receiving the test alert,” Ruapehu Emergency Management Officer Andy Chambers said.

Users can’t “opt out” of the alerts, which use a channel permanently enabled on all capable devices.

“If you have health concerns or are worried about the alert causing distress, you can switch off your phone or activate flight mode during the test period,” Chambers said.

Students from several schools enjoyed planning a mural with artist Graeme Hoete Photo Sigrid Christiansen

Andy Chambers

O-Rākau handover draws closer

By Sigrid Christiansen

What will be an historic hand over to Māori of a battle site has taken another significant step.

The first reading of the Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara, or the Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill, went through Parliament on April 30.

The bill seeks to formalise an undertaking from the Crown to return the Ō-Rākau battle site –five kilometres west of Kihikihi – to Māori descendants of those who fought, and to mana whenua.

Māori Crown relations minister

Tama Potaka – who attended the 160th commemorations of the battle in April, acknowledged that the Crown, together with Maniapoto, Raukawa, and Waikato-Tainui, signed a deed of agreement relating to the Ō-Rākau site last October.

“That deed set out that the Crown would transfer Ō-Rākau site to ngā tūpuna Ō-Rākau, the ancestors of Ō-Rākau who were either present during the battle or had prior connections to the whenua,” he said.

He called Ō-Rākau “a pivotal moment in Māori resistance to Crown military action and a significant event in New Zealand history.

Council mum on dog pound raid

The bill is expected to enjoy cross-party support.

Māori Party

“When Ō-Rākau was encircled by 1400 British troops, 300 iwi defenders occupied it… the attack lasted three days.”

MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke told parliament she recalled being an 11 year old at the 150year commemoration at Ō-Rākau, standing, doing the haka as Prime Minister John Key arrived.

“Ten years on, I am honoured to be speaking on the first reading of Ō-Rākau in Paramata on behalf of Te Pati Māori and as a member of the Māori Affairs Committee, but, most importantly, a mokopuna of Raukawa and Waikato,” she said. She told Parliament that the Crown had also confiscated 12,000 square kilometres of land.

Māori Affairs Committee chair, Dan

Bidois, who is Ngāti Maniapoto, told the gallery at Parliament he encouraged submissions on the bill “so that myself and other members from across the House can learn your stories and your tūpuna stories and the significance of the battle of Ō-Rākau and what this bill means to you”.

“…We want this bill to go as quickly through the House as possible, but we also want to hear from you.”

Waitomo District Council staff are refusing to discuss a raid on the district pound late last month which resulted in two dogs being taken from the facility overnight.

Police provided the King Country News with basic details of the incident at the William St facility, which they are still investigating.

The King Country News wanted further details – and to ask questions about the safety of dogs impounded but we have twice been given a flat no comment from council communications officer Jenelle Burnell. She said she could not comment because a police investigation was underway.

The King Country News does not accept a police investigation precludes the council from providing details about a break-in at a council owned building.

The burglary followed an unrelated incident dating back to March, which a member of the

public says involved another two dogs which had been trapped following complaints of sheep worrying in the district.

This week The King Country News was told that a man who disputed that the dogs were to blame for the sheep worrying verbally abused council staff and damaged an animal control officer’s car.

As well as the dispute over whether the dogs were to blame for sheep worrying, it is understood no agreement could be reached on paying the fees owing for the dogs to be released. It is understood the trapped dogs were eventually put down and

staff given leave not to come to work that day in case of further trouble.

Waitomo Mayor John Robertson has spoken up for animal control staff, saying they do an important job in an environment where emotions can run high.

“The council has an excellent pound facility to house dogs and stock that are impounded, supported by staff who are well qualified to care for them,” Robertson said.

“Staff engage as best they can with owners of roaming dogs that are removed. At times emotions run high, but our staff work through such situations professionally.”

The animal control facility in William St, Te Kūiti.

Dan Bidois

Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke

Much better the for wētā

By Sigrid Christiansen

Ōtorohanga’s Kiwi House celebrated the opening of a wing last weekend, and was able to highlight a successful breeding programme which is saving a giant wētā.

The Māhoenui giant wētā –which by 1962 was marooned on gorse on a Māhoenui farm – is now thriving in the new Kiwi House wing in an environment designed to help it multiply.

The wētā is one of the world’s largest insects, measuring up to 7cm and weighing approximately 15 grams. Its new home features an automated data system which provides up to the moment statistics and controls temperature.

Kiwi House manager Jo Russell explained there was “quite a trick” that happens in nature to get the wētā to reproduce.

“They need a period of really hot nights, and then a barometric pressure drop.

“It’s warm enough, and it’s going to rain, so the soil will be soft enough for the eggs to hatch. Those are the triggers we are seeing with this species.

That’s what we needed to replicate.

“When we didn’t get results in the first year, we began to experiment, and we varied one

factor at a time until we got it right.”

The facility feels chilly – it is intended to replicate conditions at Māhoenui.

The opening last weekend was attended by conservation minister Tama Potaka and King CountryStratford MP Barbara Kuriger.

Also present were, iwi representatives including Tom Roa, historian Rovina Maniapoto, Pera Macdonald and Marina and Ngātai Rauputu, on whose land the Māhoenui giant wētā was originally identified.

Giant wētā numbers have plummeted as a consequence of the introduction of mammals and possums into New Zealand and their conservation status is listed as threatened – nationally critical.

It is thought they were once present throughout lowland forests in Waikato – so the discovery of a population the Rauputu family farm at Māhoenui in 1962 was regarded as significant.

The Conservation Department subsequently bought the land and turned it into a reserve where goats and gorse are protected.

Gorse – another introduced pest – provides a sanctuary from rats, hedgehogs and possums and browsing goats encourages regrowth.

Marae in the Piopio, Āria and Māhoenui areas - the Mōkau

Heads up, we’re flying by

ki Runga hapū – gifted the name Taonga o Kawakawa - the treasure of Kawakawa - to the new wing.

Kawakawa is the name of the land on which the Māhoenui Giant Wētā Scientific Reserve is sited. The originally discovered

population holds the genetic diversity of wētā that once ranged throughout the Waikato.

Yet at the reserve, wētā face threats from introduced predators and fire – so the new facility will help future proof the species.

Mōkau ki Runga hapū, and the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House began working together with the conservation department three years ago on a plan to protect the insects. A first group of wētā of 12 adult wētā were the moved to the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House to begin a breeding programme. In May last year they were joined by another 10.

Over the coming weeks we’ll be under taking an aerial sur vey of TLC-owned lines and equipment using helicopters.

The footage will help identify areas needing maintenance, repairs or even replacement of structures and equipment — keeping your lights on. It will also help us to keep our community and workers safe.

The survey is weather dependent. The aircraft will rapidly fly over TLC-owned lines and infrastructure — only taking visual footage of equipment, not of private property, people or livestock.

More information thelinescompany.co.nz

0800 367 546

MPs Barbara Kuriger and Tama Potaka with, right, Tom Roa and Ngatai Rauputu at the opening.

Photo: Sigrid Christiansen

Tikanga gets it right

By Sigrid Christiansen

Giant wētā stole the show at the opening of the new Kiwi House wing on Saturday – but they weren’t the only stars.

Wildlife manager Mat Ronaldson also showed off Tikanga the kiwi.

She was hatched from the last egg laid in Ōtorohanga by bird matriarch Anahera and her partner Nouveau.

Tikanga was artificially incubated so her parents could be released her parents in Wellington, in late 2022.

The young North Island Brown is a year and five months old this year – and Kiwi House manager Jo Russell and Mat are already “working on finding her a boyfriend.”

What’s Tikanga like? Jo and Mat said she has an interesting lightness of feather – more of a caramel than a dark brown. Anahera’s colouring was similar, they said.

And like mum, she’s a friendly little thing.

“When we used to check in the morning, the outdoor birds would lift the lid of their nest box. Tikanga would always stick her head up and have a look at who was doing the check,” Mat said.

At Saturday’s opening, Tikanga didn’t enjoy being lifted – and Kiwi House staff say that’s because every effort is made to make sure the birds are still “technically wild.”

“We do as little intervention as possible,” Jo said.

“We want them to be tough on release.”

Both of Tikanga’s parents are “doing great – they have put on weight on release and are feeding well.

Anahera has already laid another egg, which was incubated by dad and hatched, but without a transmitter.

Why is that? Jo said transmitters are only put on the birds which had been recently released. The new kiwi hatched from Anahera’s eggs will be completely wild.

And Anahera herself also does not wear a transmitter.

“It’s a hard thing to let go of your animals –transmitters are quite costly, and you only have them on the birds for a purpose. If they are thriving – there is no need,” Jo said.

“All they need from us is predator control, to ensure they’ve got a safe area to rear their young.”

After Anahera laid the egg that was to become Tikanga, the 42-year-old kiwi who was the first bird in the Kiwi House programme in 1980 was released near Wellington.

Many off her other offspring have been released to the wild or have populated kiwi sanctuaries in the Waikato and Taranaki area.

Saving a species

The wētā breeding programme has enjoyed an excellent survival rate, Ōtorohanga Kiwi House general manager Jo Russell says.

“We have now hatched 140 wētā offspring from the first cohort, of which 120 have survived reaching to the fifth instar (halfway through their life stages) – an 85% survival rate.

“The second cohort are breeding well. Females can lay up to 300 eggs so we expect to be very busy when they begin to hatch next year.”

One of her biggest delights was that schoolchildren from across Ōtorohanga and the Waitomo districts – always able to visit the Kiwi House for free – could now see wētā in person and in an accessible location, unlike the original Māhoenui gorse block.

As well as breeding wētā, the new facilities will also allow Kiwi House staff to quarantine animals, train birds to fly as they would in nature, and otherwise manage small animals in an intensive way.

The facility is intended to be portable – it can be picked up and put on a truck if there is a disaster like Cyclone Gabriel, it can be taken to animals at risk.

“We could pick up the last of a species of skink before their beach is washed away, for example,” Russell said. It was built by an in-house team.

Jo Russell

Mat Ronaldson shows off Tikanga at the opening of the new wing at the Kiwi House on Saturday. Photos Sigrid Christiansen

Remembering Waitomo Anzacs

Tourists travelling on SH3 between New Plymouth and Hamilton have been checking out Mōkau Museum’s Anzac exhibition.

The exhibition, which has another four weeks to run, features photos of Waitomo men who served in the armed forces during both World Wars.

“We have quite a few short biographies of the World War I soldiers,” museum volunteer Jennifer Topless said. “The photos and biographies have been popular with travellers who have called in ask for information about relatives from the area who served in the military.

“It’s great when we can help them.”

Meanwhile, the museum is preparing for its next exhibition, which will be on the life and times of the late June Opie, a Kiwi woman who became disabled after contracting polio in England in 1947. She returned to New Zealand and in 1957 wrote “Over My Dead Body”, an international best seller. This book is regarded as a classic text on one woman’s journey in overcoming disability.

She earned a degree in philosophy and campaigned for disabled rights internationally. June is buried in the Mokau Cemetery.

POLICE DESK

May 1: At 10.30 pm a road rage incident took place on SH4 at Kopaki. The matter being investigated by the road policing team.

Ōtorohanga

Six family harm and five public disorder incidents were reported to police last week.

April 26 - April 30: A trailer was reported to have been stolen from an address in Gradara Ave.

May 1: At 7.30 pm two cars collided headon at the South Bridge on SH3. One of the vehicle’s occupants was injured and received medical attention. The road policing team is investigating.

May 3: A driver was stopped at 3.30am on SH3, and processed for driving without a licence.

Te Kūiti

Two family harm incidents were attended.

May 1: Te Awamutu CIB are investigating an assault allegation which involved a group of people and took place at 3pm.

May 4: At 1.10am a driver fled after being signalled to stop. Police did not give chase but a short time later found a crashed vehicle which had been abandoned in Te Kumi Rd. Kawhia

April 29: At 3pm a person at a residential address was assaulted by two males who were known to them. A short time later at another residential address in Kawhia, police discovered a large amount of cannabis and arrested two men.

Check your power bill for your

Te Kūiti

May 1: At 3am the brigade was called out after an automatic fire alarm activated at Te Kūiti Meats. No cause was found. That evening, at 5.05pm, they assisted St John following a medical call to Carroll St.

May 3: At 10.08 am the brigade was called out after a power box caught fire in George St. They waited until Lines Company staff cut off the power then put out the fire, which had partially destroyed a fence.

May 4: At 1.13 am the brigade attended a crash involving one car in Te Kumi Station Rd. Police were at the scene and no action was required.

May 5: At 12.53 am firefighters assisted St John at a medical call in Hospital Rd.

May 6: At 10.04 pm the brigade attended a non-injury single car crash in King St. The scene was secured and handed over to police.

Ōtorohanga

May 1: At 4.14pm the brigade attended a rubbish fire at a house in Merrin Ave. Nobody was home and staff put the fire out with a garden hose. Later that day – at 7.33pm – the brigade was called to a two-car collision of the south bridge, which resulted in minor injuries. Staff secured the scene then handed over to police.

Piopio

May 3: At 5.32 pm the Piopio brigade was called to Awakino, along with brigades from Mōkau and Urenui, after a car crashed on SH3. Piopio and Urenui brigades were turned back before arriving at the scene.

Mōkau Museum volunteer Jennifer Topless.

The year of the Rams

King Country will go in as underdogs when they take on Hawke’s Bay for the Ranfurly Shield on June 26 – today Paul Charman takes us back to a time when Ross Flinto played in a team that went an entire season unbeaten.

Nineteen sixty-five is the year the King Country won every game of the season, becoming the first ever provincial rugby side to do so.

It was an experience one of the few surviving players, Ōtorohanga’s Ross Flintoff, will never forget.

Weighing just over 76kg (12 stone) and standing 175 cm (5ft 9in) tall, the No 8 was a relentless tackler who scored many tries.

But much of this success was due to, he says, to playing alongside “giants of the game”, his fellow forwards including locks Colin and Stan Meads and a front row comprising Maori All Blacks Bill Wordley, Howard Paiaka and Rocky Parr.

Legendary rugby writer Terry McLean said in the Meads brothers King Country had the best locks in the world and probably its “ugliest front row”.

“Actually Bill, Howard and Rocky were good looking men; what Terry was referring to was their ability to ‘get ugly’, when opposing sides tried to push the Meads brothers around,” Ross said.

Ross captained the Taumarunui High School 1st XV, played club rugby for Ongarue and got into the King Country team aged 22-23.

The wiry little Number 8 put in big tackles but never head-high ones. Opposing forwards under-estimated him at their peril.

As a ball carrier prepared to run over the top of him, Ross would drop down in the last fraction of a second, taking the surprised oncomer down with

both arms thrown around his legs, just below the knees.

What was rugby like back then?

“Well, way better - because we had rucking,” Ross said.

“Since they outlawed rucking the game’s just gone backwards; its just become a game for big overweight men who just love to smash into little backs.

“In my time we had a solid forward tight five who were always very quick to the breakdown. It was my job to get there first and Pinetree would say ‘we’re no good at running back so if you get the ball on the ground behind us and hang onto it; we’ll get there (soon enough)’.

“So I did. I’d grab the ball and run into the opposition, get tackled and just hang onto it, which you could do a lot longer in those days.

“My team would get there, walk over the top of me, ruck me out the back of the thing, and as I was coming out I just gave the ball a little flick and the halfback would grab it and away we’d go again.

“All I ever got was a few scrapes on the body. In eight years playing for King Country I only got kicked badly once (in the leg), playing Thames Valley.

“The game flowed better with rucking. Now they just have these big thickies charging and, boof, it’s on the ground and they have fellows diving over it. The ref doesn’t seem to know who to penalise; whether the guy diving on, or the one hanging onto the ball.

“It’s a lottery.

“But, of course, all this frees up all the other tight forwards and so they just spread out along the backline, in front of the backs, and if the other side win the ball then they have to run through a brick wall of big over-weight tight forwards.

“Also, they always tackle too high and that’s where you’re getting a lot of head injuries. Head injuries are the worst thing about modern game; I don’t know why the powers that be can’t see that and do something about it.”

Each of the games in King Country’s record-breaking season were hard, and only won by close margins.

The game that sticks in the mind for Ross was against a side made up of the best players from Thames Valley, Counties and Bay of Plenty.

“This side wanted to play us as a warm-up for their match against the Springboks, who were then touring. Against such classy opposition, sports writers predicted the end of our unbeaten record – but they were wrong.”

Ross made the try saving tackle for King Country by pushing a winger into touch just before the whistle blew.

“Old Curley, our selector, rushed up and, to my great embarrassment, gave me a hug.

“Players didn’t hug in those days; if anyone had tried to hug Colin Meads he would have punched them in the head, but I put it down to the emotion of the moment.”

The following year, 1966, King Country combined with near neighbours Wanganui to defeat the British Lions 12–6 in one of the biggest triumphs for rugby in the region.

“They thought the little guy at the end of the lineout was nothing, but if you go low enough and just tie their feet together, they’re just top heavy – they just come down. It’s simple physics.

“We made sure they virtually got no ball from lineouts. I think we were the first combined team in New Zealand to beat a touring international side.”

For the record

McIlroy, H Paiaka, R Paki, R Parr, G Peake, G Rumble, S Rush, L Shephard, T Spry, H Tapsell, J Turner, W Wordley. Coach Neil Neilsen. Results: Thames Valley 16-3, Thames Valley 14-11, Wairarapa 11-0, Horowhenua 51-3, Wanganui 9-8, Waikato 16-9, Poverty Bay 15-6, Northland 8-3, Counties 20-8, Taranaki 14-5, Combined XV 9-8.

Source: www.rugbyhistory.co.nz

Club rugby

Last weekend’s club rugby saw Waitete record their first win of the campaign – 17-12 over Tongariro in a King Country competition encounter marked by an outstanding performance from Baven Brown Junior and a dominant effort from the forwards.

Brown, called in to the King Country squad last week was in top form as he returned from injury.

The writing was on the wall early as props Ryan Joyes and Livai To’ofohe and hooker Michael Lea destroyed the first scrum Tongariro packed down.

Further north, Ōtorohanga’s win over University – a mammoth come from behind effort – kept them joint top of the Waikato rugby competition with Hamilton Marist after five unbeaten games.

Custom built service truck, fully fitted with the latest

approved technology and equipment. Lyall Carr has more than 20 years experience as a motorcycle technician and is your authorised Honda mechanic.

On-farm servicing, covering the King Country and Waikato regions – convenience to farmers by bringing the workshop to the farm gate.

Honda

Squad: S Anderson, R Co n, B Cressy, H Flavell, W Flinto , A Gage, G Grant, R Hall, G Hill, I Ingham, G Jamieson, C Meads (captain), S Meads, J

Ross Flinto and daughter Karen Gibson.

King Country’s unbeaten team of 1965; Ross Flinto is middle row far left.

Heart of the

community our local businesses

• Quality, professional advice to farmers and businesses

• Expert taxation and business structure planning

• Family trust management • Friendly and personalised service

We are proficient in the use of • Xero • MYOB

Bank Link • Farm Focus

Contact us for a FREE NO OBLIGATION INTERVIEW to discuss your financial requirements

Proudly local

Bailey Ingham Ltd has been part of the local community for well over 30 years.

Bailey Ingham’s five directors are all locally raised with three (David Bailey, Cheyne Waldron and Kelly Bair) attending Ōtorohanga College, while Bridget Boshier attended Te Kūiti High School and Layne Kerr attended Te Awamutu College.

Many of our associate directors and

other staff are born and bred locals as well.

Our firm employs local staff and we shop locally.

We are a huge supporter and sponsor of local sports clubs, charitable trusts and other non profit organisations in the King Country. We are proud to be part of this community and to call the King Country home.

Protect your business: Quality insurance advice from locals

Businesses face exposure to risks every day. That’s why it’s important to have the right insurance in place, to help mitigate risks and enhance your financial resilience for business success.

Contact Rothbury Insurance Brokers for a free, no obligation second opinion today.

Rothbury Insurance Brokers has been in business for over 70 years and we’re a majority New Zealand owned company. Rothbury insurance brokers are locals

who live and work in your community and understand the challenges your business is up against. They’ve got the local knowledge and insurance expertise to tailor your insurance cover to meet your needs, securing the right combination of risk, coverage and cost.

We are proud of our success in helping our clients navigate the challenges they face while best protecting their assets. Please contact Pat, Sheryl or Ben today.

Supporting community wellbeing for 30+ years

Located at 120 Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga Support House Whare Āwhina is here to help our community. From Family Support to Community Health Transport to Foodbank to everything in between.

Our mission is to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and families within the Ōtorohanga District.

Our dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to being supportive of your

journey in a non-judgemental manner. Confidentiality and professionalism is of great importance to us and we strive to provide an accessible environment for all. Call us on 07 873 8156.

Our door is always open (between 9am – 4pm, Monday to Friday) so pop in and say hello.

We love meeting members of our amazing community, and we will do our very best to assist you.

Community care is our strength

Providing quality care and a well-loved environment is a point of pride for Beattie Community Trust Inc.

Our 35-bed rest home offers a wonderfully caring environment for our elderly residents, and our new dementia home caters for 20 permanent residents, plus two dedicated respite rooms.

The strength of our home is its staff, with fully qualified nurses and carers. Alongside is a wonderful group of volunteers.

Our services available are: long or

short-term care, respite care, emergency respite care, day stays, including dementia care and Meals on Wheels.

All care, respite and day stay services could be available fully funded. If you require emergency respite, please contact us.

Contact us for an information pack and prices for any of our services. Inspections by appointment only.

07 873 8789 • 8.30am-4pm • MondayFriday • gm@beattiehome.co.nz 172 Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga 3900

Protecting your jewellery

We frequently have people come into our store who have lost their precious jewellery, or had it stolen. When making an insurance claim, your insurance company will more than likely ask you for proof of ownership, the item’s value, a receipt, an up-todate valuation or a photo of your precious items.

WE CAN HELP!

DM Jewellery Design provides comprehensive replacement insurance valuations. If the worst should happen to your precious jewellery, you have peace of mind. You also have an up-to-date record to provide to your insurance company or the police. Come and see us for FREE expert advice.

Warm welcomes and cold drinks

also always available.

Quota Club Te Kūiti is your friendly local club, offering a range of activities for members including 8-ball, darts, bowls, euchre, fishing, poker and shooting. There’s always something happening at the Quota Club. Upcoming events include quiz nights, Matariki celebrations, karaoke, 8-ball competitions to raise funds for prostate cancer and breast cancer awareness, and a charity poker run.

Our restaurant is open on Thursday nights, providing a set menu main course for $20 and dessert for $5. Bar snacks are

Door draws and membership draws take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with a range of other draws and raffles also taking place on Thursdays.

Sky TV is available for sports fans.

Our courtesy van operates Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 5 pm, and at other times by prior arrangement.

If you’re looking for a friendly local watering-hole, pop into the Quota Club where you’ll find a warm welcome and cold drink waiting for you.

We’ve got you covered

At WASS Equipment, our utmost priorities are customer satisfaction and supporting the local community.

We are committed to serving our customers in the area, while providing a range of top-notch products in our stores.

At our Ōtorohanga branch, we have store manager Aaron, plus Mike and our apprentice Shivaan.

They are all working all fulltime to offer a diverse selection of products, as well as a full workshop for equipment repairs and maintenance.

Aaron has a wealth of knowledge and dedication to help customers find the

right tools and information.

At our Te Kūiti branch, we have manager Lisa, front of house Carly and mechanic Keith, also all full time and ready to share knowledge and support.

We strive to be a one-stop shop for all work, safety, and industrial supply needs, offering a comprehensive range of products and full workshop. Both shops aim to meet the evolving needs of our customers and contribute to the growth of the local economy.

Thank you for your continued support as we continue on this exciting journey.

TRADE PROFESSIONALS

HOME MAINTENANCE

Behind the white picket fence Spotlight

You will be amazed at what you will find behind the white picket fence. A truly quintessential kiwi bach.

With two double bedrooms, a large kitchen/dining/ family room, separate lounge, updated bathroom with shower/ vanity/ toilet and a separate toilet, your family will be making fabulous new beach memories.

The laundry is combined with the pantry and is located off the kitchen for your convenience. The kitchen features a large stove with good sized oven and five burner gas top.

Lovely leadlight windows and barn door into the pantry add to the character.

Access to the outside entertaining areas is by way of

three sets of French doors so this family friendly house is ready to welcome you in.

Our vendor is happy to leave the house ready for you to move into so not only do you get the proverbial kitchen sink you will have linen, kitchen utensils and appliances, cutlery, plates, beds and most of the furniture.

As well as the long carport there is also a double garage at the rear of the property to store all the fun stuff needed for a great beach holiday.

The ocean views from this property are really very special so if you would like to own your own piece of the West Coast give us a call to find out more. You won’t want to leave.

LOCATION | 8 Point Road, Mōkau

LAND I Half share of 971m2

HOUSE | 2 bedrooms,1 bathroom, 2 lounges, 2 garages, double carport

PRICE | By Negotiation

LICENSED AGENT | Property Brokers Te Kūiti

LICENSED SALESPERSON | Lynne Aldridge 021 0224 4700 Sean Jeffares 020 4195 9250

WEBSITE | propertybrokers.co.nz

WEB ID | TEU180274

Tapu M 027 474 9869 E mary.tapu@pb.co.nz

Te Kuiti 1 Hinerangi Street

We’re giving away a sleek TOYOTA HILUX SR5

To enter, simply book a FREE property appraisal. List or sell with us for even more chances to win.*

Call 07 878 8266 today and get

Doug Wakelin M 027 321 1343 dougw@pb.co.nz

Lynne Aldridge M 021 022 44700 lynne.aldridge@pb.co.nz

Colin Old M 027 870 4434 colin.old@pb.co.nz

Sean Jeffares M 0204 195 9250 sean.jeffares@pb.co.nz

Tapu M 027 474 9869 mary.tapu@pb.co.nz

M 027 554 2227 di.janett@pb.co.nz Storm

M 027 606 8587 storm.harris@pb.co.nz

sections (sizes are approximate)

3 Honikiwi Road, Otorohanga, 5736sqm flat

9 Sunset Close, Otorohanga, 750sqm in popular

12 Merrin Avenue, Otorohanga, 2104sqm, no

16 Merrin Avenue, Otorohanga, 1459sqm, no covenants on

163 Old Te Kuiti Road, Lots 1, 3 & 4, 5517-8932sqm, easy covenants.

Lot 1, 627 Waitomo Valley Road, Otorohanga, 8105sqm rural lifestyle section. Phone Julie $370,000 Lots 90-108 Harpers Avenue, 486sqm to 962sqm, Westridge II subdivision. Phone John From $220,000ea

Te Kūiti sections (sizes are approximate)

54A Ailsa Street (Lot 1), Te Kuiti, 2159sqm, end of a cul de sac, STT. Phone Buzz By Negotiation

54A Ailsa Street (Lot 2), Te Kuiti, 1707sqm, end of a cul de sac, STT. Phone Buzz By Negotiation

Other sections (sizes are approximate)

0 Raglan Road, Kawhia, 2648sqm lifestyle section, no covenants, completely off grid. Ph Julie $340,000 neg

147 Maukutea Drive, Kawhia, 600sqm, covenants apply, services at drive, water tank on site. Ph Julie $375,000

20C Parihoro Road, Pirongia, 5004sqm (STT), 4 bay shed wired for power, bore water. Ph Cherie $450,000

254B Pekanui Rd, Pirongia, 1.9225ha, 12min drive to Pirongia village, covenants. Ph Cherie or Noldy $295,000

194E Pekanui Rd, Pirongia, 1.9973ha, 12min drive to Pirongia village, covenants. Ph Cherie or Noldy

171 Ngahape Road, Te Kawa, 5001sqm, power at boundary, some covenants. Ph Cherie

Robin

Kūiti

Team Kerry & Karen

Whether

Don’t

GARDENING

FOR BLOOMING BEAUTIES AND PLANTS THAT THRIVE

Veggie Garden – remove any remaining summer crops & give your garden a good weed if it needs it and dig in some compost, animal manure and plant your winter crops. If you don’t use all your space in winter I like to grab a bale of Pea Straw from Apperley’s and spread it over any bare soil and in and around any plants.

This is like putting a blanket on your garden for winter, not only does it keep the soil a little warmer it also helps supress weeds.

When you are weeding and if you are like me you let things go to seed keep an eye out for self-seeded edibles – in my garden I always let my

parsley flower and seed as I love their seed heads.

Not only are they pretty in a bouquet of flowers the insects love them too, so while weeding last weekend I found lots of new babies.

So I won’t be buying parsley this season and there will be enough to add to the Kai garden in Ōtorohanga below the Police Station.

Garden

Keep on top of the weeding, mulch as you go, keep collecting leaves, pot some winter annuals in to add some pops of colour, trim back perennials, divide perennials and re-plant, plant new roses, shrubs and trees.

May in the Garden

with just the right amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium.

Citrus

With your Citrus putting lots of their energy into their producing and ripening fruit at the moment, now is the time to give them some extra love. Pop into your local garden centre and pick up some Citrus fertiliser. The reason I suggest a specialised citrus fertiliser is that it will have been mixed

The other option you can give them a boost by grabbing some Epsom’s salts with is also Magnesium.

When your Citrus has a magnesium deficiency it will show signs of tough yellowing of its leaves.

You can either mix ywo Tablespoons per litre of water or sprinkle it around the drip line of your tree and water in.

This week’s column proudly sponsored by

KIWITOWN

Cnr Ballance St, Ōtorohanga 07 873 7465

Katrina Christison Tidy Gardens

FARMERS

Public Notices

Ph

Wanting a lifestyle block right in town? 2.8549 ha (By negotiation)

THREE Bdrm house Te Kūiti. $400 per week.

Plenty of scope to build that dream home Lies to the north. 7 paddocks, 3 bay implement shed (which could be used as a workshop), yards and loading race.

Calf Milk Pump

Bianco stainless $143.75 incl gst Hynds Pipes, 17 Waitete Rd, Te Kūiti P 07 877 8326 Te Kūiti Branch only LAND FOR SALE

GRAZING AVAILABLE for up to 50 R2 Dairy grazers. Experienced grazier. Refs available. May to May ongoing. Based south of Te Kūiti. Ph or Text Jason 027 6200 893

ACCOUNTANT

We are looking for a person to join our team either fulltime or part-time, who has a people first attitude and understands the importance of delivering in a positive, timely manner. You will be joining an accountancy firm with a large farming client base along with many progressive businesses. Flexibility to work from either our Hamilton and/or Ōtorohanga office as well as from home as our offices are cloud based.

Qualifications & experience

• Minimum of 2 years experience in a New Zealand chartered accountant’s office.

Benefits

• Flexible working environment

• Offices in Hamilton and Otorohanga

• Payment of professional membership fees

• Staff savings scheme and paid day off for birthday

• Fun progressive team environment

• Being totally cloud based the team are all able to work remotely from home

Send your CV and covering letter to Osbornes Chartered Accountants Ltd, PO Box 1, Otorohanga 3940 or email jeni@osbornesca.co.nz.

Sick of having things stolen? Need somewhere secure to store chemicals?

Purchase a 10, 20 or 40 foot container. Contact PGF Transport for details. Phone 07 878 3622 or 027 223 9246 or email o ice@pgftransport.co.nz

Te Kuiti & Districts

Highland Pipe Band

Celebration Céilidh

4.30pm, Saturday 25 May 2024

Les Munro Civic Centre, Te Kuiti Doors open 3.45pm, be seated by 4.15pm Concert only:

$20 Adult / $5 Child (under 14) door sales and ticket entry Concert & Dinner:

$60 Adult / $30 Child (under 14) tickets only

Tickets available until Sunday 19 May from juliehwards@gmail.com Ph 027 527 1744

Section 101 Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012

TL Otorohanga Limited, a private company having its registered address at 32 Swayne Road, Cambridge, has made application to the Ōtorohanga District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an off-licence in respect of the premises situated at 144 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga and known as Thirsty Liquor Ōtorohanga. The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Bottle Store. The days and hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are Monday to Sunday, 9am to 10pm.

The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the District Licensing Committee at Ōtorohanga District Council, Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga.

Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the renewal of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the date of the first publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at Ōtorohanga District Council, PO Box 11, Ōtorohanga 3940. 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. Filed on behalf of the applicant by Harkness Henry Lawyers, Private Bag 3077, Hamilton 3240.

We’re hiring

We’re looking for a People and Capability Advisor to join our team and provide strategic HR guidance and support.

• Are you a passionate and experienced People and Capability Advisor?

• Do you have at least 3 years of experience in a generalist HR role or a similar position?

• Do you have excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills?

• Do you want to work for an organisation that values enhancing the capability of people, developing culture, and driving performance excellence?

Then a career as a People and Capability Advisor could be for you. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality HR services and solutions, with a focus on enhancing the capability of our people and driving performance excellence. You will also be involved in providing advice and guidance on HR policies, procedures, and best practices, supporting the development and implementation of HR initiatives and projects, also facilitating learning and development programmes and activities.

Public Notices

Rating Information Database Available For Public Inspection

Pursuant to Section 28 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, Waitomo District Council gives notice that the district valuation roll and rates records are available for public inspection at the Customer Service Centre at 160 Rora Street, Te Kūiti during opening hours.

The rating information is also available on our website at www.waitomo.govt.nz (under Our Council – Rates Information –Rating Information Database).

The Rating Information Database contains information required by the Council for setting and assessing rates on each rating unit within the Waitomo District. The owners’ names and postal addresses of the properties are available for inspection unless Council has received a request in writing to withhold the owner’s names and postal addresses from the database.

All requests for suppression of names and postal addresses must be made in writing and addressed to Waitomo District Council, PO Box 404, Te Kūiti 3941 or emailed to rates@waitomo.govt.nz.

Ben Smit Chief Executive www.waitomo.govt.nz

Email your classified ads to reception@goodlocal.nz

Don’t forget to include your billing details, name, address & daytime contact phone number

We’re looking for a Senior Management Accountant to join our Finance and Pricing team, providing strategic financial guidance and analysis to senior management.

• Are you a Chartered Accountant or equivalent with at least 5 years of experience in management accounting or a similar role?

• Do you have excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills?

• Do you want to work for an organisation that values health and wellbeing, innovation, and customer focus?

Then a career as a Senior Management Accountant could be for you. You will be responsible for preparing and discussing monthly management and financial reports, assisting with the annual budgeting and forecasting process, supporting the General Managers with financial insights and decision making, and leading financial inquiries and projects as required.

You will also be involved in regulatory reporting and analysis, group reporting, and finance systems support. You will work closely with various departments and external stakeholders to ensure accurate and reliable financial information and services.

Meetings

Te Kūiti Branch of NZ Society of Genealogists

EGM to ratify constitution followed by AGM

Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 1.30pm Held at the Te Kūiti Museum All welcome

PAPAKAINGA RESIDUE TRUST

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:

Notice is herby given that the Annual General Meeting of owners will be held at Te Ihingaarangi Pa on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 10am

AGENDA: Opening Karakia: Apologies: Previous minutes: Financial report: Kaitiaki report: Chairperson report: Lunch: General business: Appoint (2) new trustees Closing karakia:

Contact Chairperson Darron Reti – if you require additional information. 021 1427 112

Public Notice

Are you looking for a job that makes a difference in the community? Do you want to be part of a team that has a true purpose? Do you have what it takes to become a Police Officer.

New Zealand Police are on the lookout for new recruits from the Ōtorohanga and surrounding districts. You must be at least 17 years old to apply and 18 when you start at police college. There’s no upper age limit

The Ōtorohanga Employment Hub will be hosting local police, recent graduates and their recruitment team to talk to the role and the application process.

The information evening will be held at The Business Collective, 12 Hinewai Street Ōtorohanga on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 5.30pm

To save your spot call 0800 OTOJOBS (0800 686 5627) to register your interest

Waitomo Club

King St East, Te Kūiti

Dates to remember

Friday, May 10 – $900 Members draw

Sunday, May 12, 12 noon – Mother’s Day

buffet & entertainment Jan & Al

Friday, May 17 7.30pm – Just B

Sunday, May 19 – 4pm

Jersey Boys/Grease Tribute show

Tuesday, May 21, 12pm –Pension Day Lunch $15

Saturday, May 25 – Darts club singles

Sunday, May 26

3pm Blues & Jazz Open Mic

Monday, May 27 – 6pm Quiz night

ON-STAGE TE KUITI

ON-STAGE AUDITIONS

SUNDAY, MAY 12, at the Little Theatre King St West from 3- 5pm Cast required for 2 one-act plays 3 females aged 30 plus years. Contact : Mary 021 133 2799 or Victoria 027 216 8722

Waitomo District CouncilOpening Hours Tuesday 21 May 2024

The WDC Customer Service Centre, Library and Admin Building will be closed on Tuesday 21 May 2024 until 11am.

We will still be available by phone on 0800 932 4357.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

welcome

PIOPIO COSMOPOLITAN CLUB INC, 42 Moa St, Piopio has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Te Kuiti for the renewal of a club licence in respect of premises situated at 42 Moa St, Piopio and known as Piopio Cosmopolitan Club Inc. The general nature of the business to be conducted under the licences is that of a club. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is to be sold under the licence are Monday to Sunday 9am to 1am the following day.

The application may be inspected during the ordinary office hours at the office of the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, Queen Street, Te Kuiti. Any person who is entitled to and wishes to object to the issue of the licences 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 Waitomo District Council, P. O. Box 404, Te Kuiti 3941. No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specitied in Section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 This is the first publication of this notice

New Exhibition Opening May 2024

Come and view art and crafts by the Waitomo Society of Arts members, and guest artist, Carol Fagan.

Displays of quilts, water colours and paintings

NIKORA, Willie: Passed away May 9, 1987. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. Willie those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Remembered with love always Bernie, Renee, Rob, grandsons and great grandsons, Ollie, Nikora and Levi.

Church Notices

HISCOX, Alan Douglas (Hizzy): Passed away peacefully at home on May 2, 2024. Adored husband to Arlene. Cherished father of Nathan and Kelly. Beloved poppa to Cooper, Lochy, Flynn, Remy, Sebastian, Elliott and Quinn and muchloved brother to Paul, Megan and Michael In accordance with Alan’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place. A memorial service for Alan will be held at The Cosmopolitan Club Lower Lounge, Taumarunui on Tuesday May 14, 2024 at 2pm with refreshments at the Taumarunui Rugby and Sports Club (Eels) afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hato Hone St John would be appreciated and can be left at the service or online stjohn.org.nz/support-us/ donate/healthshuttle/ To view the service or leave a tribute please see this link taumarunuifunerals.co.nz/tribute/alan-hiscox All communications to the Hiscox family C/Taumarunui Funeral Services, 34 Huia St, Taumarunui.

SICELY, Peter Graham: After a good fight on Monday, May 6, 2024 at Waikato Hospital, peacefully surrounded by his family. Much loved husband of Carol. Dearly loved Dad, grandad and great grandfather. A service for Peter will be held at the Ōtorohanga Club on Thursday, May 9 at 1pm followed by burial at the Ōtorohanga Cemetery. All communications to Sicely Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941 VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

Bereavements

BECK, John Kevin: The Beck and Hutching families wish to thank you most sincerely for your expressions of kindness and sympathy during our recent loss. We also wish to acknowledge the staff of Beattie Home for their outstanding care of our precious Father and Poppa. Many thanks to V J Williams & Sons for their help and guidance. To view the recording of the funeral service please go to the tributes page on the V J Williams website and click on the link there.