King Country News | May 16, 2024

King Country

Food bank funding to end

By Paul Charman

Families may go hungry following the announcement this week the Ministry of Social Development funding for food parcels finishes in six weeks.

“It’s going to be devastating actually,” Ōtorohanga Support House manager Dot Ngarotata said.

“We’ve been told that from next term the Government will be taking all the funding and putting it into (creating) employment, with the rationale being that if people have jobs they can buy their own food.

“That’s great if you live in an area that has jobs, but our community, especially Ōtorohanga, is very much a farming district and our township doesn’t have a big capacity at all to offer employment.”

Foodbanks in Ōtorohanga and Te Kūiti have been feeding more than 200 people a month, with the bulk of their supplies paid for by the ministry since 2020.

“I’m not blaming MSD for the changes, because they are following a Government directive,” Ngarotata said.

“Now, without this support we will be more dependent than ever upon the compassion and caring attitude of people in the community.

“We wouldn’t be able to manage without the support of people who bring in veggies from their gardens; farmers who donate meat and families who will come in to donate like a box of canned fruit. Without that sort of stuff we could not run this service – we don’t have any other options.”

News of the funding cut did not come as a complete surprise to Te Kūiti Korowai Aroha Charitable Trust chair Antonio (Shane) MangioniAshby.

He and his trust board had been looking for ways of making their service more sustainable following a reduction in the funding several months ago.

“The needs (for food) have not fallen away – it is now related to the cost of living.”

Ashby said a significant number of Te Kūiti residents were not working, or on very limited hours, such as at one of the freezing works.

The food parcels were designed to help out a person who was short this week to get through,

Ashby said. They were not intended as social welfare, and if people were constantly running out of food, the foodbank could only refer them to Work and Income.

Journey Church pastor Terry Bradley said the Te Kūiti Food Bank had already been tightening up on what it could provide.

“The cost of living is really high . . . we can’t be expected to bridge the gap, not when the pot to enable us to do so has been diminishing and now will disappear altogether.”

Te Kūiti Korowai Aroha Charitable Trust sent out between 45 and 50 food parcels in the last month.

These range in size with some feeding as few as about two adults and three children, while others may feed

as many as five children and five adults. They feed 80 to 109 people a month.

The Ōtorohanga Support House distribute between 80 and 104 food parcels per month. These may feed anywhere from about 238 to 348 people depending on family size.

The Te Kūiti Food Bank, based at Journey Church, sent out 53 food parcels in April. Their food parcels feed from one to five or more people, but the number of recipients is not recorded.

Korowai Trust chair Shane Mangioni-Ashby and shop manager Mihi Hete in the organisation’s food bank storeroom.

18 Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga 07 873 7325 info@baileyingham.co.nz

Breast cancer message at breakfast

By Sigrid Christiansen

Mahinārangi Davis had hoped to speak at last week’s Pink Ribbon breakfast in Te Kūiti but when the time came, it felt too emotionally raw for her.

She is a team leader at Hillview Home - which hosted the breakfast - and came through cancer just 10 months ago.

There were 120 residents and families who attended including Mahinārangi’s daughters Porsche Mahinārangi Thompson and Levi Santana Thompson, who live in Hamilton but travelled for the breakfast.

“It’s still quite a sensitive subject, and so a really big thing that my daughters came today.”

Mahinārangi shared a “close to home” message for wāhine in the community afterwards.

“All women need to get a mammogram done. It will save their lives. I just want every woman to realise it’s so important,” she said.

“We’ve come to support our mum. We are very lucky and very blessed to have her here with us; some people don’t get that,” Porsche and Levi said.

The family’s story is a very recent one.

The King Country App is FREE Download it from the App Store or Google Play TODAY!

Mahinārangi, a Te Kūiti resident since age 11, said it was “definitely” important to support other women going through breast cancer; the reason she is speaking out despite the challenges.

“It’s a really scary and frightening journey to go through.”

“My youngest mokopuna, Porsche’s daughter Cyrah-Raye was playing

on me. She leant on my breast. And then I felt something, some discomfort, so I checked. I’d never had a mammogram.”

The toddler was two at the time.

“We otherwise wouldn’t have found it. I was too busy with my work, my children and my grandchildren to go and do all those sort of things (have mammograms).

“I was very lucky. She was my little lifesaver really.”

She had a mastectomy surgery last August – but luckily there was no need for radiation.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Kiwi women, and 650 women in New Zealand die from the disease every year.

“By hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast for your friends, whānau or workmates, you can help change that,” the Breast Cancer foundation says on its website.

“Together, you’ll raise funds for lifesaving education, life-changing patient support and ground-breaking medical research. And bring us closer to a day when there are zero deaths from breast cancer.”

Hillview had a head start on the Pink Ribbon message – many Kiwi breakfasts will be happening on May 24, according to the Breast Cancer foundation.

Manager Katie Payne said staff had spent a month planning the breakfast. Guest speaker Danielle Kennedy also spoke about her own connection with breast cancer.

Mahinārangi said she had been very lucky with the support shown to her by the team at Hillview.

Brooke Park

YOUR LETTERS

Could someone please confirm why the subdivision / sale of the three sites on (or near) Brooke Park has been approved by council (May 9).

When I last checked, we were fortunate enough to live in a democracy. Under such a democracy, our mayor and our councillors were elected by us (the people of our district) to serve us, by representing, facilitating and administering the interests and reasonable wishes of the people, for our, the people’s benefit – not their own.

Your story regarding the abovementioned subdivision / sale, states that 13 out of 17 of the submissions presented, opposed the mayor’s development / sale proposal. This represents 76.46 per cent (being a significant majority) of those submissions, which under a democracy, should not be ignored. Had I submitted an objection, this percentage would have been higher.

Whilst our mayor may have approved this subdivision, it is not, nor was not his place to force his preferences or will over any other person, and particularly, not against the will of the People (or at least those who made submissions on behalf of us who did not.

The status quo regarding these sites must prevail. This land must be left as it is, as part of Brooke Park, as it is the will of the majority of the People. It should not be lost forever.

The 50 ha that makes up Brook Park is land under reserve status. This reserve land remains untouched by council’s decision.

David Dickinson.

Te Kūiti

Waitomo mayor John Robertson:

The approximately 0.2 hectares of land that council is to subdivide into three sections comes from freehold land next to Eketone Street. This land was acquired by council in 1982, most of which has been turned into housing - the original Parkside subdivision now called Robin Azariah Place.

Elected members considered the views of those who represented various positions - from subdividing all the remaining freehold block through to not subdividing anything.

The decision to make three sections available was made at the council table by democratically elected members.

Heartfelt thanks

A heartfelt thumbs up to the Piopio vet clinic, for their kindness and caring. My young dog Sam had to go into the clinic and sadly I had to leave without him. It turned out that despite his age, he had a serious heart condition. During our appointment I was touched by how much the staff cared; the emotion was written on their faces. Much appreciation also for the thoughtful card they sent me afterwards.

Graeme Denize, Mangaotaki (Piopio).

Levi and Porsche Thompson, with mother Mahinārangi Davis outside Hillview. Photo: Sigrid Christiansen

Proud dad shares foodie story

By Sigrid Christiansen

Glenville Knap is the inspiration behind two of this year’s My Kitchen Rules television show contestants.

He was thrilled to see daughter Piki Knap and her cousin Michael Murray’s “bubbly” appearance on the show, and reflected on his love of family and cooking together.

The winners of the show were Emily Heeney and Nathan Loo of Auckland.

Glenville is a descendent of Ngāti Ranginui and describes himself as an ‘honorary Maniapoto’. He and his late wife raised Piki and Michael in rural King Country.

“I feel very proud to be the dad of Piki and the uncle of Michael,” he said. “They were ambassadors for Te Kūiti and for Māori.”

He spoke with The News to talk about the family food culture, which began in a homestead where food was cooked on a coal range.

It’s not hard to see where Piki and Michael got their inspiration – Glenville specialises in desserts: from his ‘flying saucer’ giant pancakes, banana cakes, and the steamed pudding served to thousands in the wharekai at Te Kūiti Pā over the years.

“He does the best pudding in Maniapoto, up at the marae,” friend Patrick Maikuku added, with enthusiastic support from Maniapoto FM’s Te Aroa Pou.

He also enjoys making bully beef and flatbread. At first, his late wife Marlene Potahi Wikio cooked it for the family, but eventually she asked him to take over. So Piki and Michael’s cooking skills came

from both parents, he said.

“Their mother would have shown them a lot, but they got a bit of an input from me as well.”

He remembers first showing Piki how to make banana cake:

“And from then on, hers were always better than mine.”

Glenville put their elimination from the show down to a mismatch.

“To me, I think it was just the food they cooked didn’t suit the environment. They ended up with one of the lower scores, but overall, I think they were the bubbliest personalities on the show.”

“It was lovely to see Piki’s personality to come out on the screen – lovely to watch.”

“I find her a loving daughter, very much,” he said.

“She always rings up to see how I’m getting on – she comes down and takes me out to dinner or lunch or whatever.”

When it comes to food he doesn’t believe in being fussy.

“Whatever’s in front of you, on your plate, you eat it.”

And to Glenville, cooking itself is a responsibility, rather than an interest.

“It’s not a passion – it’s what you do,” he said.

Speedy student job options

By Sigrid Christiansen

A smorgasbord of 19 local employers talked careers with 100 Ōtorohanga College year nines at an event nicknamed “careers speed dating” on Monday.

A daycare, district council staffers, a trucking company, a barrister, photographers, beauty therapists, nurses, Inframax construction and an artist: those were just a few who gifted hours of their time to support the kids.

With school pathways liaison kaimahi Kristofer Elkholm ringing the bell every five minutes, it was a buzzing atmosphere as students and businesses connected.

There had been some adult fears that the day might turn out one-sided, with just employers talking and students quiet, but no.

“They’re really participating and asking questions,” Ōtorohanga pathways coordinator Melanie Wilken said.

Why offer it to Year 9s? To help them decide which school subjects would best lead towards their future dreams, Mel said. They

would do this next year, in Year 10.

Careers Speed Dating was the brainchild of the Ōtorohanga business development board’s Katrina Christison. She told The News she’d been inspired by a similar event in Te Kūiti, organised by the team at Number 12.

“I thought it was a really cool concept, so I got hold of Mel and said, ‘Can we do it here?’

Katrina said it had been important for businesses to send people who were ex-students of the school.

She didn’t know where the name ‘career speed dating’ came from, but agreed it was fun and definitely got people’s attention.

One of the things that thrilled Katrina was knowing that she was helping build relationships between the businesses and the college.

“We are really showing businesses that there are really cool kids here,” she said.

Students Kennedy Cruickshank and her friend Sophie Parkes,

both aged 13, enjoyed taking part.

“I liked learning about all the new jobs, especially in law and accounting,” Kennedy said. She was leaning towards law at this point.

“Those careers are more

technical than you might think from the movies.”

“It was a good idea. It helps you think about what’s possibly out there for your career,” she said.

Principal Lyndsay Kurth offered her thanks to Katrina, saying “she pulled it all together.”

“For me, it was a fantastic opportunity for the students. We opened our doors to the businesses and they were nothing but supportive. Today is a classic example, and it’s just amazing.”

Glenville Knap (right) on Rora, St Te Kūiti with Patrick Maikuku (left) and Maniapoto FM’s Te Aroa Pou.

Photo Sigrid Christiansen

Melanie Wilkin, Sophie Parkes, Kennedy Cruickshank and Katrina Christison outside Ōtorohanga College.

Photo: Sigrid Christiansen

Growing Aurora mystery

By Andy Campbell

A legion of newbie aurora watchers scanned the space weather pages this week looking for a repeat event following Saturday night’s stunning display of the aurora Australis.

At least one shock wave was still on its way, produced by an x5.8 flare, but there was no repeat of Saturday’s vermillion skies.

More experienced aurora observors are suspicious. They are expecting a number of after effects on planet earth over the next week from such a massive influx of power, which could include weather anomalies and an uptick in siesmic activity.

Solar flares produce coronal mass ejections (CMEs) which have been described as ‘the sun expelling a big chunk of ionised matter’, except it’s not matter, it’s plasma - electrically charged. Moving charged particles generate electric currents, and any movement of a charged plasma particle affects and is affected by the fields created by the other charges. A CME is like a vast wave of electricty washing against the planet’s magnetic field.

That’s what creates aurorae. Except Saturday’s CMEs had an effect out of all proportion to their size and intensity.

In the US the aurora was seen in Puerto Rico for the first time in 103 years. That was in 1921, it was the result of an x50 flare with a dst (disturbance storm time index) of -900. Last weekend’s aurora was caused by an x3 flare with a dst of -250.

The storm over the weekend was big, but not so big it should have driven the aurora to Puerto Rico – or Piopio, Te Kūiti, Tauranga - and all the other places that

flooded social media this week with red sky pictures.

It used to take major x class solar flares, extreme speed plasma striking earth, and top level geomagnetic storms, yet Earth experieinced low latitude aurorae five times in 2023.

In september a solar storm that was not major, not triggered by an extreme speed shock wave or x class solar flare, caused auroral activity to be visible from Arizona in the USA, which lies roughly between 3237 degrees latitude.

New Zealand is slightly higher in latitude

starting at about 35 degrees at Awanui Northland, 40 degrees Whanganui, and 45 degrees at Oamaru.

The same thing happened in August. No x-class flares, the solar wind was moderately strong at best, and the geomagnetic storm was below kp7. But the aurora was visible in Arizona. An April 2024 storm was fairly strong but not at the top level of disruption, no mega level CME, yet the aurora was visible in Mexico and southern Texas between latitude 15 and 25 north.

The implication is uncomfortable. Its not

that the sun is breaking records, it’s that earth is in trouble in a geomagnetic way. Earth’s magnetic field is weaker.

“There has never been any year where far southern aurora were seen as many times as we have just had,” Ben Davidson at the Suspicious Obserers channel said. “This is a record and the year is not over yet.

“What’s worse is the geomagnetic storms have not hit the top level of disruption and the solar activity that triggered them was moderately strong at best. The earth is becoming more and more vulnerable to solar activity.”

The aurora as seen from Piopio.

Photo: Sigrid Christiansen

Airman’s medal finally found

Lost war medals turn up in the most unlikely places as historian and freelance journalist Chris Gardner found recently.

Dennis Dempsey’s New Zealand Memorial Cross has been found more than 80 years after it was lost during his final training exercise.

Medals Reunited New Zealand director Ian Martyn returned the medal to the airman’s niece Denise Jones in Te Awamutu last month after it fell out of a sideboard in Hamilton.

The sideboard belonged to Dennis’ brother, Leo, and was sold when he moved into Hillview Rest Home and Hospital in Te Kuiti about two years ago.

After the medal fell out of the dresser the new owner sent it to Martyn who contacted me.

In 2016, I had been researching SergeantPilot Dennis James Dempsey’s death in 1941.

A sergeant pilot was a non-commissioned officer who had undergone flight training and was a qualified pilot

Martyn contacted military historian and Waitomo Caves Museum and Discovery Centre education officer Ross O’Halloran who found the family for him.

“That was an amazing round about way of returning it,” said Dempsey’s niece Denise, who was named after him.

“Dad died in August. He would have loved this story. The medal was attached to a photo of my uncle which we gave to a cousin, but then the medal fell out of Dad’s old sideboard in Hamilton.”

Dennis Dempsey was born in Piopio on September 18, 1919, and educated at Piopio District High School. He represented Maniapoto in rugby, played tennis and was a keen runner.

He was a Post and Telegraph Department cadet when he enlisted at the Initial Training Wing, Levin, on December 22, 1940.

He would be dead within a year.

Having completed initial training, the young aviator was posted to flying training at Whenuapai and Ohakea in February 1941, where he was awarded the flying badge and promoted to sergeant. He left for the United Kingdom on July 22, 1941, aboard the Dominion Monarch and reached Bournemouth on September 3. He continued operational training in Hertfordshire - where he lost his life on his final night cross-country training flight.

Dempsey was the second pilot of a Wellington bomber which crashed into a ploughed field at Upwood, Huntingdonshire. He was 21.

He was buried in the Bassingbourn Cum Kneesworth Cemetery. News of his death reached his family in Te Mapara, 11.7 km southwest of Te Kuiti, via a telephone call from the Piopio postmaster.

Now the family is researching what other medals Dempsey earned, with a view to finding replicas.

Auckland Museum’s online cenotaph lists Dempsey as a recipient of the War Medal 1939-1945 and the New Zealand War Service Medal.

“Ian’s advice was to put all of my uncle’s memorabilia together,” Denise Jones said.

Female members of his family can wear the New Zealand Memorial Cross.

“If there was a mother and a grandmother the family could get two crosses,” said Martyn. “If the mother was

Heads up, we’re flying by

dead, it could be worn by her daughter.”

Martyn has returned more than 550 medals to the families of service members since 2014.

“It keeps me off the streets and out of the bars and gives me an interest,” he said.

“It’s taken over my life now.”

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

Te Awamutu’s Denise Jones has been reunited with her late uncle’s New Zealand Memorial Cross.

Dennis Dempsey

Waitomo Caves museum refresh

By Chris Gardner

Visitors to New Zealand’s only speleological museum are being invited to go deeper into the social and natural history of the district’s caves through a $220,000 refresh.

Waitomo Caves Museum and Discovery Centre director Bridget Mosley started reviewing the attraction in Waitomo Caves Village shortly after her appointment in 2019 and developing a plan to add more context around the exploration and study of caves.

Then the Covid-19 pandemic hit, international visitors stopped, and the museum had to lay off eight staff.

“International people are 86 per cent of our visitors,” she said.

But Mosley continued with her research, rebuilt her team after the pandemic and the museum celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023.

“We have had a bit of thinking time.”

Mosley has been in deep thought around the context the museum and discovery centre provides for learning, local perspectives and the tens of thousands of visitors arriving at the small King Country community every year.

Mosley is brimming with fun facts about the district, such as the time Waitomo set up its

“Things like that will give a lot

more ideas to visitors about our community,” she said.

“We have skeletons of extinct birds and animals on display, but we do not have the context of how and why they are in the museum.

Provenance of the finds will be highlighted with the installation of a shaft of light to help visitors get the feeling of being underground and appreciate that these animals had been found after falling down a tomo.

“We will be doing something similar with our stalactites and stalagmites collection, just to remind people that they are formed by dripping water. The water carries minerals and environmental information from the past.”

The parallels between Kaitiakitanga and the monitoring of carbon dioxide levels in the cave system will be explored and between the Māori god of earthquakes and volcanoes Rūaumoko and tectonic plate movements.

While work is already underway, the charitable trust that runs the museum and discovery centre hopes to raise $220,000 to see it to completion.

The centre’s 43-seat movie theatre is used by mostly North Island school groups to learn about the caves and the conservation work of Ōtorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park.

own postal system, built a flying fox from the hotel to the pub, invented blackwater rafting

and used carrier pigeons to fly memory cards with photos back to base for digital processing

tourists arrived back from their adventures.

Part of Waitomo Caves Museum and Discovery Centre’s palaeofaunal collection: a subfossil bat skeleton excavated from a cave oor deposit in the 1980s.

All go for Mt Messenger?

By Andy Campbell

An North Taranaki couple’s failed attempts to stop the Mt Messenger project from splitting their farm has cost taxpayers an estimated $37 million and delayed the work since 2017.

In an Environment Court decision released last week, Tony and Debbie Pascoe’s attempt to stop the massive roading project going through their 256ha farm was rejected by Judge Brian Dwyer.

The Pascoes wanted an

alternate route considered, but their choice wasn’t viable the judge said in approving the land’s removal under the Public Works Act.

“Nothing we heard remotely suggested that (the Alliance design team) acted arbitrarily or gave only cursory consideration to alternatives. The evidence was to the contrary. We find that the design team comprised persons with a wide range of applicable skills and that their considerations of

the various options were detailed and systematic,” Judge Dwyer ruled.

The Pascoes contended the project did not adequately manage environmental effects through route and alignment selection or highway design.

The project will bypass Mount Messenger with a new six kilometre section of highway through the floor of the Mangapēpeke valley (the valley) east of the mount.

The Pascoe farm home block contains 155 ha at the northern end of the valley where the proposed new section of highway will connect with the existing highway. Construction of the highway will split the valley and the Pascoes’ farm.

Judge Dwyer said it was not the court’s role to determine if the project team chose the best option.

“In any event, we are satisfied that the report recommending that outcome was fair, accurate and adequate, that all relevant options had been identified and properly considered and a reasoned determination had been made as to which route

would be recommended.”

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi welcomed the ruling supporting the final block of 11 hectares of land required for the 6km Mt Messenger Bypass to be compulsorily purchased through the Public Works Act.

NZTA general manager Transport Services Brett Gliddon says the ruling supports the approach and

actions taken by NZTA and the Crown.

“This is the last parcel of land needed at the northern end of the Bypass. It is always our preference to purchase property by agreement rather than compulsory acquisition. In good faith, and in compliance with the legislation, since 2017 we have made extensive efforts to acquire land by agreement.”

He said the cumulative impact of the legal process delays on the project was estimated at $37 million alone for the bypass project being unable to start work on the land in question during the 2023/2024 summer construction season.

Tony Pascoe did not return a call from King Country News.

Tony Pascoe points across the Mangapēpeke Valley. Photo: Paul Charman

Work in progress on the Mt Messenger project. Photo: Supplied.

Making ‘King Country’ official

By Paul Charman

When King Country towns are labelled as being

in the Waikato it “kind of rankles” with Professor Tom Roa because, he says, it ignores the rich history of

the region.

Roa, the professor of Māori and indigenous studies at the University of Waikato, adds that “King Country is just the English of Te Rohe Pōtae, (the place of the hat), “which has a greater and longer history for many of us.”

Both names were of enormous significance to Maniapoto.

“When the invasion of the Waikato took place our Waikato relations with the Māori King, Tawhiao, came into the Rohe Potae, the Nehe-nehe-nui (great forest) and took refuge with their Maniapoto relations in that space,” Roa said.

“In English the region became known as ‘The King Country’ because of the Māori King’s residence there.

“This history is particularly significant to us because in that Maniapoto region, in the Nehenehenui , Maniapoto never at any time ceded its power (mana motuhake), or independence to the British Crown. And that continues through to today.”

The continuing inclusion of towns like Te Kūiti or Ōtorohanga in the Waikato in media reports may be able to be changed.

The names “King Country” and “Te Rohe Pōtae” can be made official for this region, if enough people want to make them so.

A successful proposal to the NZ Geographical Board would be required to enable them to be used on maps, though even then doing so would be optional.

Despite being gazetted in 1884, the region covers four district councilsŌtorohanga, Waitomo, Ruapehu and Taupō - and two regional councilsWaikato and Horizons, and is rarely used on road signs or on maps.

The process to make the two historical names official would require making a proposal to the NZ Geographic Board, one containing support for the idea from all the councils concerned, plus the iwi represented across the region.

NZ Geographic Board secretary Wendy Shaw said the body did not automatically decide on proposals made to it. Its consideration was careful and measured, based on research, evidence, consultation and by applying good naming

Check your power bill for your

standards.

If initially accepted, the proposal would then be opened up for public submissions for and against.

After considering these, the board would make a final decision, though this would still be subject to approval from the Minister for Land Information NZ, Chris Penk.

But even if the names “King Country” and “Te Rohe Pōtae” were given official status, cartographers would still not be required to put them on maps, and neither could councils be forced to put them on road signs.

“What they show on their products is over to the agency concerned. However, if they do reference place names, then they must use the official place name,” Shaw said.

All that said, the process of making the names official did not require the potentially contentious idea of changing existing names.

“It is possible to add a name to an area, which is already recognised by people living there, without changing the names which already exist there,” Shaw said.

“Examples included the names “Paekākā” in Wellington and “Seventy Bush” in the Wairarapa, both of which have now been given official status, though neither replaced existing names. Other official names in this way included, “the Catlins”, “Awarua” and “Fairchilds Garden.”

The standards required for a name change, various steps required and the method of making a name change proposal could all be found on the Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).

• What do you think? Let us know editor@goodlocal. nz

The origin of the name “Te Rohe Pōtae” is recalled in an inscription at Memorial Park, Ōtorohanga.

Tom Roa

Ōtorohanga

Police were called to four family harm incidents.

May 9: At 12.30 pm a man was seen shoplifting from two shops on Main Road but he has not yet been located.

May 6: A burglary was investigated after a house on Kakamutu Rd was broken into and property taken.

May 8: At 10:10am police dealt with a minor disorder incident at the Caltex Service Station.

May 9: At 9.30 pm driver stopped on Maniapoto St was found to be driving with excess breath alcohol. The driver susequently had their licence suspended for 28 days and were summonsed to appear in court

Police were called to seven family harm inidents.

May 6: At 10.05 police attended a noninjury single vehicle crash on King St. Some property was damaged and the driver spoken to by police.

May 7: At 5.15pm police arrested a man following an incident which involved threatening behaviour.

May 8: At 8.30am the driver of a ute was doing burnouts on the Esplanade when his vehicle bogged down on the grass bank beside the river. The grassed area was damaged by the activity. The man walked off after his vehicle became stuck, but was later traced and arrested.

May 9: At 9pm a person stopped at a checkpoint on SH3 and found to be driving with excess breath alcohol.

May 10 –11: Between 7.30 pm and 5 am items were removed from a house in Rimu St during a burglary.

May 11: At 3.10 am an addess on SH3 at Waitomo was entered and property taken.

At 12.55pm a driver stopped for not wearing a seat belt was found to a disqualified. His vehicle was impounded and the driver summosed to appear in court.

May 12: Between 12pm and 9pm items were removed from a residential address in Waitomo Valley Rd during a burglary.

Shortly after 6pm police were called to Te Kuīti New World where they arrested a man for shoplifting. The man, described as a recidivist offender, was spoken to in relation to a number of other thefts from the same shop during the previous week.

Kawhia

April 25 – May 11: At some point between these dates an incident of wilful dmamage was carried out an urupa in Kāwhia.

brigade was called out after a car went into a ditch at Aria. They were turned back on the way.

Ōtorohanga

May 10: At 4.34 pm the brigade was called to the scene of a head-on collision between two vehicles on SH 3, just north of Ōtorohanga. There were no major injuries. Then at 8.30pm the brigade was called to a two-storey log house on Waikeria Rd. The fire was seated in the roof cavity and may have been caused by failure to sweep the chimney.

At the scene Ōtorohanga’s tanker and fire truck were joined by machines from Te Awamutu, Chartwell and Hamilton.

“We are getting quite a few chimey fires at present so it is a good reminder for people to get their chimeys cleaned,” fire chief Darren Cathie said.

May 11: At 11.33 pm the brigade was called to a rubbish fire in Merrin Ave.

May 13: At 2.57pm rescue fire trucks from Ōtorohanga and Pirongia were called to Nutenui Rd, where a van had rolled.

Piopio

Te Kūiti

May 11: At 7.15pm the brigade was summoned to the Warehouse following an automatic fire alarm activation but no cause was discovered. At 9.15 pm the

May 11: At 9.13 pm crews from Piopio and Te Kūiti were called out after a car crashed into a ditch on Aria Rd. Te Kūiti was stood down before its machine arrived at the scene. The occupants, who were uninjured, were out of the vehicle when the Piopio brigade arrived and no further action was required. Piopio

‘Snap’ those burnout merchants

Police have appealed for assistance from Te Kūiti and Ōtortohanga residents to help track down the drivers doing burnouts.

“We have seen a lot of this kind of poor driving in recent weeks, which I would describe as anti-social behaviour,” acting sergeant Gary Anderson said.

Three cars had been impounded for erratic driving since late April, two of them following drivers doing burnouts.

“We’re aware members of the public witness these incidents a d we really want their cooperation, especially around providing registration numbers. That would enable us to follow up and take firm action against these offenders.

“We know people are sick and tired of this behaviour which puts everyone at risk.”

Acting sergeant Anderson said it would be ideal to receive images as soon as possible after incidents took place; he encouraged witnesses to send in photos or videos of the offending vehicles. They could be texted to 105; the winess could call the police and be given an internet link to send images to; or the witness could come into the station and speak to police directly.

“As well as the risk of injuries, damage done to the roads from this activity is a concern. We’re aware that the council has limited funds to fix roads and we all know how bad the roads in this area are to start with. They may think it’s fun to go round-and-round doing a burnot, but its the integrity of the road after that which becomes an issue.”

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 or email apply@otojobs.co.nz

Home & Leisure Show a success

Exhibitors want to be back for next year’s Waipā Home & Leisure Show following the success of the first version at Lake Karāpiro. And there were plenty of King Country visitors including Cecil and Dianne Hickman from Te Kūiti who were there to check out the electric bikes and walked out having bought two of them. They visited with friends Jim and Jan Crosland. “We had a great day at the expo and caught up with so many faces from the past,” said Jan.

It took them less than an hour to get to the venue and it was far more relaxed than going to Hamilton, the couples said.

Organisers Good Local Media – owner of King Country News - were thrilled with the turnout over three days. Owner David Mackenzie said his “leap of faith” that Waipā and King Country needed its own show was proven accurate. Mary Anne Gill was there to capture some of the highlights.

Heads up, we’re flying by

Over the coming weeks we’ll be undertaking an aerial survey of TLC-owned lines and equipment using drones.

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 video footage of equipment, not of private property, people or livestock.

There were 80 stallholders and hundreds of visitors at the inaugural Waipā Home & Leisure Show over three days at Lake Karāpiro.

Jim and Jan Crosland and Cecil and Dianne Hickman from Te Kūiti travelled north to Karāpiro for a day trip.

Kim Fagan from Shoppington – a cluster of shops in Te Kūiti - discussed some outdoor ideas with Le Vonne Pilott (left).

Sextortion a growing concern

By Steph Bell-Jenkins

Sexual exploitation, exposure to objectionable pornographic material and internet-based abuse are the biggest threats to children’s safety online, says a cyber safety expert.

John Parsons delivers child protection training around Aotearoa alongside the Police, Oranga Tamariki, health professionals and schools.

The risk assessment consultant visited Cambridge last week to run school workshops for local students, parents, caregivers and teachers.

Parsons said “sextortion” – where children were targeted for naked images – was a growing area of concern across New Zealand.

“Children think they’re building a romance with somebody online, they send the naked images and then they’re often blackmailed for money or more revealing images,” he said.

“I’m about to work with a family whose child sent hundreds of dollars to the criminals in an attempt to limit exposure of the picture that had already been sent.”

He said the most effective thing parents could do to keep children safe online was to be confident in their parenting, trust their gut instincts, know who their children

were talking to over the internet, and keep technology out of bedrooms until at least age 13.

He urged parents of children aged 0-13 to commit to “giving their children a childhood”.

“They need to be children,” he said. “And they need very good, regular sleep patterns. Sleep is the single biggest contributor to their health and wellbeing.”

What they didn’t need, he said, was to be immersed in social media and television programmes like The Bachelor, Geordie Shore, Love Island, Married at First Sight and Naked Attraction, which exposed them to “relationships that are not real” and could inform how they related to others when they were older.

Parsons also warned of the dangers of letting children play R18 video games, which could contain swearing, sex scenes and graphic violence, and expose them to online predators.

He spoke about a 24-year-old woman haunted by intrusive thoughts she blamed on playing an R18 game when she was 10.

“When she often drives a car she imagines driving onto the pavement, which she’d never do…she saw a young boy swinging a plastic golf club but she thought she saw a

baseball bat being used in an horrific manner,” he said.

The woman was now “deeply aware of nurturing and protecting” her own children and keeping them away from violent computer games so they didn’t “carry the same traumas”.

“If we marinate children in love and compassion in childhood, we have a very strong chance that that child will become loving and compassionate,” Parsons said.

“But if we raise that child in violence, in aggression, then we reduce that particular chance.”

Goodwood School principal David Graham said it was a parent’s right to be able to see how their children were interacting online.

“You’re not their friend, you’re their parent, so it’s your job to protect them,” he said.

Historic eruption photos faked

By Chris Gardner

Volcanologist Dr Janine Krippner has made an explosive discovery.

Century old views of Mount Ngāuruhoe on the Central Plateau in eruption held by the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington are a smouldering sham.

Krippner, a Waikato University honorary research associate based in Taupō but born in Te Awamutu, was studying the impact of Mount Ngāuruhoe eruptions throughout history.

She noticed not all was it seemed with two views captured on March 29, 1909 by postcard photographer William A. Price.

“Having studied photography in high school I recognise that the burn technique has been used to create a fake ash plume,” Krippner said.

In the photographic development process in the darkroom light exposure had been increased in part of the images to make the photograph darker.

“This is very clearly not an ash plume.

“My guess is someone was having a laugh and or were disappointed that they didn’t capture an eruption that day.”

Photographic curator Louise Garrett was not surprised to learn the copy negatives produced by the photographic studio had been manipulated as the process had been around since the invention of photography.

“The photographer probably thought he needed to make it more interesting,” she said. “We will add Janine’s discovery to the records.”

Scott Mouat (B.Chiro)

Dr. Alana Sherman (B. Chiro)

Mount Ngāuruhoe supposedly in eruption,

Photo: Alexander Turnbull Library.

John Parsons Photo: Steph Bell-Jenkins

Women take hat trick at Pureroa hunting

Three women have taken the top three places in the annual Pureora Hunting Competition at the prize

giving at Pureora DOC field base recently. The annual event is a free competition for wild

deer and pigs taken from Pureora Forest Park during the roar. It has been running for more than 30 years and

Consultation over oak trees

The fate of two Ōtorohanga oak trees causing problems to buildings in the town will be decided by the community.

The five metre tall trees have ‘outgrown their space’ and are causing maintenance issues at the medical centre and an adjacent property.

Plumbers called to fix flooding at the medical centre found tree roots had infiltrated and blocked stormwater pipes. Leaf litter also blocked drains, gutters and created slip hazards for medical centre staff and patients.

Plumbers were also called to fix a broken stormwater pipe for the museum and found that the tree’s root system had broken the pipe. Further investigation found the roots of the museum tree were beginning to crack the sealed drive. Its leaf litter was also

Residents at neighbouring 3 William St also wanted the tree near their boundary removed.

Because of their height the trees triggered the requirement their fate be considered by the community board to determine if public consultation was required.

Ōtorohanga District Council community services manager Jared le Fleming recommended the three weeks public consultation as the trees may have unknown historic significance.

Community Board chair Katrina Christison asked that the contractors be pencilled in, so there would be no delay should the consultation find the public had no objections to removing the trees.

is open to all hunters with a valid permit for Pureora Forest Park.

Entries included 55 measured deer heads (with about 70 entered), seven boar/barrows, seven sows.

And 10 entries in the competition’s new junior pest categories – mustelids, rats, goat tails.

DOC senior community ranger Julie Taylor thanked all the hunters, measurers, weighers, sponsors and

other volunteers for making the competition a ‘roaring’ success.

She said the department also thanked the NZ Deerstalkers Association and the NZ Pig Hunting Association for giving up their time to weigh and measure the entries.

Kiwi aversion trainer Willy Marsh had a very successful day putting at least 20 dogs through the training, which was free for

Hockey underway

dog owners thanks to the Otorohanga Kiwi House which covered the cost of having Willy on-site for the day.

“We also thank the 13 recording centres who volunteered to sight entries taken earlier in the competition so we can keep the competition period open throughout the roar,” Taylor said.

The competition ran during March and April.

blocking gutters at the museum and Girl Guide Hall.

Top 5 Douglas score deer heads – (from left) Richard Yanko (for Adam Packer 4th), Charlotte Amos (3rd), Charlotte Waghorn (2nd), Rebecca Rix (1st) and Liam Johnson (5th)

St Joseph’s and Āria Wildcats do battle in the second round of Waitomo’s junior hockey season. Āria won 6-0.

Photo: Sigrid Christiansen.

In the pink for bullying awareness

PINK Shirt Day is on in the King Country this Friday. The anti-bullying initiative is being acknowledged at schools, community groups and businesses, which will raise money and awareness for the cause.

Ōtorohanga College learning support kaiako Mickey Carr described plans at her kura.

“[We’re having] a pink shirt mufti day, and we have a gold coin donation. We’ve got a whole school photograph, and best dressed awards for juniors and seniors. There will be a bake sale for morning tea.

“It’s just [intended to] teach the kids to be aware. If we have these days, then it creates a good environment for our kids. Where they can feel safe, valued and respected.”

Ruby Brownlie, a 12-year-old Piopio College student, gave the King Country News a few of her suggestions for how to handle bullying situations.

She said first of all, people should call out the o ender. Then after that, show friendship to the person getting bullied – let them know that others care.

“If you’re getting bullied over social media, you need to screenshot it, so that you have evidence. And then you need to block the person … immediately, do not reply.

“They’ll be like, oh, ‘I’m not getting a reaction out of this person. What am I going to do?’ And if they keep hassling you, get more screenshots and show an adult.”

In terms of mental attitude, she said to “push through and be strong” because bullying was a common part of life.

She suggested that people targeted by bullies use the experience to learn about themselves.

“What they [bullies] are trying to do is they are trying to build a fire that they can

the fire, feeding and warming it up. If you don’t react, you cut out that fire.”

Adults were here to help, Ruby said.

“If it gets to a really, really tough point … talk to your mum. Talk to your dad. And if it gets really horrible, try and sort it out through a teacher or a principal, or just through each other’s parents.”

“Go and hang out with them for the day. And make sure they’re okay, and let them know they have someone that’s a friend.”

Ruby said bullying among King Country kids could be “anything” in 2023.

Pink Shirt Day originated in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobia, after a peer was bullied for wearing a pink shirt.

“Over social media, in person, through friends. It’s horrible.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Pink Shirt Day encouraged schools, workplaces, communities and whānau where everyone felt respected.

In the pink for bullying awareness

PINK Shirt Day is on in the King Country this Friday. The anti-bullying initiative is being acknowledged at schools, community groups and businesses, which will raise money and awareness for the cause.

Ōtorohanga College learning support kaiako Mickey Carr described plans at her kura.

“[We’re having] a pink shirt mufti day, and we have a gold coin donation. We’ve got a whole school photograph, and best dressed awards for juniors and seniors. There will be a bake sale for morning tea.

be aware. If we have these days, then it creates a good environment for our kids. Where they can feel safe, valued and respected.”

College student, gave the King Country News a few of her suggestions for how to handle bullying situations.

She said first of all, people should call out the o ender. Then after that, show friendship to the person getting bullied – let them know that others care.

“If you’re getting bullied over social media, you need to screenshot it, so that you have evidence. And then you need to block the person … immediately, do not reply.

“They’ll be like, oh, ‘I’m not getting a reaction out of this person. What am I going to do?’ And if they keep hassling you, get more screenshots and show an adult.”

“Go and hang out with them for the day. And make sure they’re okay, and let them know they have someone that’s a friend.”

In terms of mental attitude, she said to “push through and be strong” because bullying was a common part of life.

Ruby said bullying among King Country kids could be “anything” in 2023.

“Over social media, in person, through friends. It’s horrible.

She suggested that people targeted by bullies use the experience to learn about themselves.

“What they [bullies] are trying to do is they are trying to build a fire that they can feed. So if you react, that is putting fuel on the fire, feeding and warming it up. If you don’t react, you cut out that fire.”

Adults were here to help, Ruby said.

“If it gets to a really, really tough point … talk to your mum. Talk to your dad. And if it gets really horrible, try and sort it out through a teacher or a principal, or just through each other’s parents.”

Pink Shirt Day originated in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobia, after a peer was bullied for wearing a pink shirt.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Pink Shirt Day encouraged schools, workplaces, communities and whānau where everyone felt respected.

In the pink for bullying awareness

PINK Shirt Day is on in the King Country this Friday. The anti-bullying initiative is being acknowledged at schools, community groups and businesses, which will raise money and awareness for the cause. Ōtorohanga College learning support kaiako Mickey Carr described plans at her kura.

“[We’re having] a pink shirt mufti day, and we have a gold coin donation. We’ve got a whole school photograph, and best dressed awards for juniors and seniors. There will be a bake sale for morning tea.

“It’s just [intended to] teach the kids to be aware. If we have these days, then it creates a good environment for our kids. Where they can feel safe, valued and respected.”

“If you’re getting bullied over social media, you need to screenshot it, so that you have evidence. And then you need to block the person … immediately, do not reply.

“They’ll be like, oh, ‘I’m not getting a reaction out of this person. What am I going to do?’ And if they keep hassling you, get more screenshots and show an adult.”

Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga 07 873 8156

Ruby Brownlie, a 12-year-old Piopio College student, gave the King Country News a few of her suggestions for how to handle bullying situations.

She said first of all, people should call out the o ender. Then after that, show friendship to the person getting bullied – let them know that others care.

“Go and hang out with them for the day. And make sure they’re okay, and let them know they have someone that’s a friend.”

Ruby said bullying among King Country kids could be “anything” in

“Over social media, in person, through friends. It’s horrible.

In terms of mental attitude, she said to “push through and be strong” because bullying was a common part of life.

She suggested that people targeted by bullies use the experience to learn about themselves.

“What they [bullies] are trying to do is they are trying to build a fire that they can feed. So if you react, that is putting fuel on the fire, feeding and warming it up. If you don’t react, you cut out that fire.”

Adults were here to help, Ruby said.

“If it gets to a really, really tough point … talk to your mum. Talk to your dad. And if it gets really horrible, try and sort it out through a teacher or a principal, or just through each other’s parents.”

Pink Shirt Day originated in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobia, after a peer was bullied for wearing a pink shirt.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Pink Shirt Day encouraged schools, workplaces, communities and whānau where everyone felt respected.

Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga 07 873 8387 | hellosoulhair@gmail.com

Moa St, Piopio 07 877 8822 fatpigeon@xtra.co.nz

Waipa Women’s Refuge Inc

Spotlight

PROPERTY YOUR REAL ESTATE GUIDE TO THE KING COUNTRY

Slick executive lifestyle close to town

Lifestyle living in a class of its own awaits buyers at this stylish two year new Downey Designer home with a ten year Masterbuild Guarantee, only two minutes’ drive from Ōtorohanga town.

Offering the perfect blend of rural and urban living, the flat section (approx.) with a peaceful rural outlook includes an enviable selection of young fruit trees, low maintenance landscaping and hedging to offer privacy. Hobbyists will love escaping to the insulated and lined detached workshop; a den for creative hearts and hands.

The four bedroom plus office, home built with exquisite detail in mind, boasts a sophisticated Mastercraft designer kitchen, a large scullery with an oversized soft slide barn door and quality appliances including two ovens. Offering even more space to this magnificent home is the 2.7m stud in the main living areas.

Both bathrooms are elegantly and thoughtfully appointed with tiled showers and underfloor heating.

The property’s abundant and lavish living extends to its

many storage offerings, including an over garage/attic storage space and a triple bay garaging. The alfresco outdoor entertaining space is attractive and inviting with its pitched roof, and for added entertainment value is the outdoor heater and speaker system.

You will be the host with the most on the deck that wraps around from the dining area to the master bedroom.

With its double glazing, underfloor heating and a centrally ducted air conditioner and heat pump your summers will be as cool as your winters warm. The darling playhouse will captivate your babies or grandbabies for hours of imaginative play.

The property is coming to you in pristine condition and with too much to mention about this luxuriously special offering, I invite you to view it for yourselves. This is a property that will catch the eye of buyers looking for exemplary living; don’t miss out.

Open homes Saturday, May 18, 10am - 11am & Sunday, May 19, 11am - 12 noon.

LOCATION | 65D Mangawhero Rd, Ōtorohanga

LAND I 5657m2approx BUILDING I 263m2

HOUSE | 4 bedrooms,2 bathrooms, triple internal access garage

PRICE | Deadline Sale closes: June 12, 2024 at 12 noon at Ray White Otorohanga, 64 Maniapoto St, unless sold prior

LICENSED AGENT | Ray White Ōtorohanga

LICENSED SALESPERSON | Lorraine Fox 027 664 4087

WEBSITE | rwotorohanga.co.nz

WEB ID | OTO30197

Cul-de-sac location

Drive on in to this property to the carport to ensure you're not getting wet when taking the groceries out of the car. The 80 m2 footprint is generously set out in an open plan format, with viewing and conversations to be had from the dining room to the lounge or kitchen areas and ample space for family or visitors.

Three bedrooms with a decent sized master bedroom for the head of the household. Great porch for your boots and ample clothes space in the laundry. Picturesque views from every aspect of the home and a well landscaped, free draining 1,113 section. Deadline sale (unless sold prior), vendor looking at offers over $380,000.

Well positioned opportunity

Three bedroom, weather board home set on a flat, low maintenance, 1,012 m2, fully fenced section. Built in 1938 the home is set back from the road behind a low rise, concrete art deco style fence, an attractive property with great street appeal. All bedrooms are of double size as is the lounge, bathroom and laundry and storage in every room. A single garage/workshop with power and concrete floor plus oodles of room for the kids to play safely in the fully enclosed garden. Alternatively develop the yard with raised garden beds, fruit trees or additional shedding. The rear corner of the property adjoins Kiwi Street and a second access would be ideal for rear section development.

Piopio 13 Kuku Street

Te Kuiti 15 Ngarongo Street

Te Kūiti 1.00 – 1.30pm 18 Awakino Road $199,000 1022sqm blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/KC6564 1.30 – 2.00pm 14 John Street $435,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/KC6486

Te Awamutu

1.00 – 1.30pm 18 Hall Street, Kihikihi $695,000 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23496

2.00 – 2.30pm 1/561 Ohaupo Road $635,000 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23553

Sunday 19 May

Ōtorohanga

2.45 – 3.15pm 4 Sargent Place $749,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23566

3.00 – 3.30pm 105 Mangaorongo Road $849,000 3 2 5900m² blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22459

4.00 – 4.30pm 916 Rangiatea Road Deadline 3 1 4047m² blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22454

Te Kūiti

11.00 – 11.30am 63 Waitete Road $385,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23569

Benneydale

12.00 – 12.30pm 20 Ellis Road $420,000 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22447

Te Awamutu

11.30 – 12.00pm 3/439 Fraser Street $525,000 2 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23497

12.00 – 12.30pm 965 Hazelmere Crescent $585,000 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23539 12.15 – 12.45pm 6/324 Rewi Street $399,000 2 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23533 12.30 – 1.00pm 14 Ballance Street $719,000 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23572 12.30 – 1.00pm 22 Galloway St, Kihikihi By Neg 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23558

1.00 – 1.30pm 1/794 Kihikihi Road $525,000 2 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23583 1.00 – 1.30pm 390 Young Street $810,000 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23559

1.00 – 1.30pm 2/294 Mutu Street $690,000 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23549 1.00 – 1.30pm 2 Oak Ridge Drive $1,095,000 5 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23537

1.15 – 1.45pm 1650 Te Rahu Road $859,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23437 1.15 – 1.45pm 97 Rangiaowhia Road $1,170,000 4 2 4020m² blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23423

1.30 – 2.00pm 1/121 Bond Road Deadline 3+1 1+1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23577

1.45 – 2.15pm 88 Kacey Avenue Deadline 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23575 1.45 – 2.15pm 73 Raikes Avenue Deadline 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23579 1.45

MAKOMAKO 152 Makomako Road

Cattle and Sheep Grazing

Located just minutes away from Aotea harbour you will find this long-established 265 hectare (more or less) sheep and beef grazing farm. The contour runs from river flats to medium, and steeper hills leading to plateau country, it is subdivided into 15 paddocks. There is approximately 50 hectares of virgin bush located near the middle of the farm. Historically the vendors have run 45-50 big MA cows and 1000-1200 sheep, mixture of ewes and hoggets. Older threebedroom dwelling with sleepout is located on the river flats. Bountiful natural water. Please bring own bike to Open Days.

pggwre.co.nz/HAM39647

E

10.00-12.00pm,

is definitely a home you need to view to appreciate the quality, finish and size, as this home is surprisingly larger that it appears. Mangaorongo Road has always been a desirable location for those wishing to be just north of town and this exceptional property delivers on style, location, presentation and the bonus of a large two bay shed with workshop/studio/hobby

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

grow the country

Piopio 0 Hunt Road

GARDENING

FOR BLOOMING BEAUTIES AND PLANTS THAT THRIVE

as dock, dandelions & fennel. So you could just make a weed fertiliser.

As my container has a tap and I don’t want it to get blocked with the goodies that I will be using for my liquid fertiliser I am going to place them in old Chook food sacks first.

Gather your ingredients – comfrey, docks, dandelions, fennel, kitchen scraps but not dairy or meat, horse, sheep, chook, cow manure, grass clippings, weeds, seaweed you can use some of the above all that you can get your hands on.

Place in your container and cover with water, seal your container with its lid, leaving it slightly ajar to allow the gases to escape.

Stir your brew once a week, this will oxygenate it helping the ingredients to

DIY Liquid fertiliser

Katrina Christison Tidy Gardens

What better way to feed your garden in Spring than to start preparing now. I am recycling a 1000lt plastic tank from a farmer, but you could use any big container that has a lid or even some buckets.

There are lots of recipes around and I am going to make my liquid gold

Quick crossword

with a combination of what I have on hand.

Comfrey – is rich in all sorts of minerals like silicon, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, iodine and more because it has a tap root which accumulates these goodies from deep in the soil.

So, in saying that there are weeds that also are rich in these goodies because they have tap roots, such

Wordsearch

break down, this could take anywhere from two weeks to a few months depending on the size of your mixture, temperature and which ingredients you used.

When your mixture smells yummy and earthy, and the ingredients have mostly broken down.

You can now strain your ingredients which haven’t completed broken down out or in my case take the stock bags out and your free fertiliser is ready to use.

But you must dilute it as it will be way to strong, so the perfect dilution is one part liquid fertiliser to ten parts water.

You can either use this directly on the soil around your plants or as a spray on the leaves liquid fertiliser.

Sudoku

Across 1. From one side to another (6) 5. Quell (6)

8. Restrict (3) 9. Unhealthy complexion (6)

10. Out of date (3-3)

11. Omit (4)

13. Item of make-up (8)

14. Plait (5)

15. Confess (5)

Last week

19. Mouth (colloq) (8)

21. Require

22. Noiseless

23.

25.

26.

27.

4. Filter (6)

5. Said (6)

6. Incapacitated (9)

7. Accepted practice (5)

12. Beyond value (9)

16. List one by one (7)

17. Laudable (6)

18. Do-over (6)

20. Stand up (5)

24. Unprocessed (3)

WFRUSSELLPHCGQZWGNS TMNMLSEEECMTOSWEORL ALLENAQCNPWNZBCSNOY RXUCNUKYDEJIRKNOOQD AKPAHILVNHTKEEZFTYQ NCNRNUODRRHBHLWWRTS TOSPVZEOUDROTHEEUCC ICAEORECEOKFIOGIBCO NHMNSGCDARDIHGPKGFR OCBTRNEGWROKIMOVYHS NTEEKPIAEOPOTSLECUE OIRRALRILONAMULHDSS SHGLLHBTLKCGCLAORTE KZMIORLAEULAACCWOOL CAALOCNSSBSNMZKAFNL AMNOHSOTMRDUMEXRDPI JAKBKSTUZIDHUHRDEPM ISDIPEFMSCTLOJEORZE SPIELBERGKCHAPLINRD

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1

Across: 1. Ultra, 4. Septic, 7. Pep, 8. Timber, 9. Arrive, 10. Stickler, 12. East, 13. Alumni, 15. Weevil, 16. Hike, 17. Mousepad, 19. Meteor, 20. Forbid, 22. Ski, 23. Statue, 24. Thorn. Down: 1. Unintelligent, 2. Tub, 3. April, 4. Sparrow, 5. Persevere, 6. Investigation, 11. Competent, 14. Immerse, 18. Unfit, 21. Roo.

(4)

(6)

Scared (6)

Turned edge of cloth (3)

Spirited (6)

Dust (6)

Thin dry biscuit (7)

Night bird (3)

Property For Sale

LAND FOR SALE ŌTOROHANGA

Wanting a lifestyle block right in town?

2.8549 ha

(By negotiation)

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.

Town water and power at boundary.

Wonderful views

Enquiries welcomed P 027 476 9559

For Sale

Calf Milk Pump

Bianco stainless $143.75 incl gst

Hynds Pipes, 17 Waitete Rd, Te Kūiti P 07 877 8326

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 Kūiti Branch only

PAINTING

Painting interior/exterior

Exterior house washing

Small jobs welcome

Contact Steve 022 676 1839

No obligation free quotes

Need a Decorator - Call Now

Dave Rowe Painter & Decorator 027 290 8776 - 07 873 9104 decorator@daverowe.co.nz

Servicing the Waipa and Waitomo districts for over 20 years

Email your classified ads to reception@goodlocal.nz phone 07 878 1188 or drop into our office 18 King St East, Te Kuiti

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

SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

Servicing Ōtorohanga and Waitomo districts

Call Steve and Marilyn 021 111 3911

Code of Compliance operators Waitomo Liquid Waste Disposal Trades & Services

SEAN CURRAN

ROOFING

Specialising in re-roofing, roof maintenance, spouting, downpipes and light commercial work and roof leaks Ph 027 493 2502

27th ANNUAL FARMERS EVENT & OTO EXPO

Come and Celebrate 27 Years of this Event!

SAVE THE DATE

WEDNESDAY 26th JUNE 2024

Held at the Otorohanga Club

ALL FARMERS & BUSINESS PEOPLE WELCOME

All New Farming Families Especially Welcome

If you wish to become a Sponsor or have any other enquiries Contact Teresa Cooper at Bailey Ingham Limited on 07 873 7325 Or email teresa@baileyingham.co.nz

NEED A QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED

Need a qualified and experienced trades-

Ph Nigel 07 878 7877 027 674 3396

Email: nigel@npg.co.nz

Your news,wherever you are.

OPEN DAY AT THE ŌTOROHANGA EMPLOYMENT HUB!

Come and celebrate Youth Week with us on Tuesday, May 21, from 9am to 5pm at the ŌEH, 75 Maniapoto Street! Try out the VR driving simulator, have an go at some fun activities and go in a draw to win awesome prizes!

Come and meet the team! Can’t wait to see you there!! Public Notice

Beatrice Hofer and ENCORE with Glenys George invite you to join us as we celebrate the end of our first year of the Encore Academy.

2 pm, Sunday, 26th May St Bride’s Church Otorohanga Entr y by Donation “It’s Not Quite a Concer t”

The Encore Academy was created with vision, passion and a desire to support vocal competence by increasing musical knowledge and skill. It is a unique concept catering for the needs of the individual participants and open to anyone who wishes to join and held on eight Saturdays through the year.

The showcase will include: Introduction to the Academy

• Teaching music skills with Glenys George

• An open lesson

• Group singing performances Afternoon tea & Academy cookies

Thank you to Trust Waikato and Otorohanga Creative Communities It’s a glimpse at an Academy day and a chance to hear the pieces we have learned during the past year.

CALF REARER

required on a 600 cow dairy farm, 4 kms from Piopio. This is a fixed term position from mid-July to October. Experience not necessary, full training will be given. Phone 027 424 0828

Hillview – Te Kūiti HILLVIEW IS HIRING

A permanent part-time (20 hours per week) administrator with:

• Proven experience in an administrative role

• Competency in Xero accounting package

• Experience with payroll systems and basic human resources policies and procedures

• Solid working knowledge of general office systems and procedures

• Understanding and experience in managing accounts

• Main responsibilities are fortnightly payroll, debtors, creditors & GST filing.

Please submit your application (forms available at Hillview reception) together with your CV to reception@hillviewtk.co.nz

For further information, contact our reception on 07 878 6904 weekdays between 9am and 4.30pm

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.

Administration work got you frustrated?

We provide stress-free administration services for Farmers, Contractors, Māori Land Trusts, Incorporations, Partnerships, Sole Traders, Clubs and other businesses

• Monthly financial reporting

• Creditor payments

• Debtor invoicing

• Livestock reconciliations

• GST returns

• Fringe benefit tax returns

• Fuel excise duty refunds

• Payroll and PAYE returns

• Shareholder register

• Shareholder dividend distributions

• Annual General Meetings

• Newsletters

• Word processing

• Electronic filing

• Assist with employment contracts

• Assist with health and safety

• Printing, scanning, photocopying

• Minute taking

• Boardroom facilities • Other administrative duties

Rating

Call into our King St East, Te Kūiti office today to view them and place your order!

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

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 second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on 9 May 2024. Filed on behalf of the applicant by Harkness Henry Lawyers, Private Bag 3077, Hamilton 3240.

Te

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 second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on May 9, 2024.

In accordance with the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974, notice is hereby given that the Ōtorohanga District Council, for the purpose of allowing the annual Hamilton Car Club Rally Sprint, proposes to close the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic for the period indicated hereunder:

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2024:

HODDLE ROAD – From intersection with Maihihi Rd to intersection with Tauraroa Valley Rd

TAURAROA VALLEY ROAD – From intersection with Hoddle Rd to intersection with Maihihi Rd

PERIOD OF CLOSURE: 9am to 5pm

IThere will not be any detour in place.

Access for emergency vehicles will be allowed in the event of an emergency.

Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, any person objecting to the proposal is called upon to lodge notice of their objection and grounds thereof in

Public Notices

PIOPIO COSMOPOLITAN CLUB INC, 42 Moa St, Piopio has made application to the District Licensing Committee at

Kuiti for the renewal

Comedians campaign in Waitomo

Mairoa

your FREE Garage Sale sign when you place your garage sale classie ad in the King Country News. Ask our friendly receptionist.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Lemon Meringue Pie competition.

Winners were 1st Nicola Oats, 2nd Jessica Buckley and 3rd Rose de Haan.

Thanks to our sponsors and their gifts:

Thanks to our Judge Kerry Bisley from Stand Easy Coffee and also the Knitting Crew for Smoko.

Peter and Bev Neustroski – Clay Pot , Mitre 10 Oto – set of three pots, Viands Bakery – vouchers $120, Woolworths Oto – luxury hamper, Bailey Ingham – donation, Unichem Chemist Oto – Cooking sets, Fat Kiwi Café – cookbook I-Site – Flyers. Thank you all very much.

Waitomo Club

Thanks King St East, Te Kūiti

Friday 17

$1000 Must go draw

Friday 17

Entertainment 7.30pm Saturday 18

Bistro opens 5pm

Sunday 19

4pm Jersey Boys & Grease Tribute Show, Free Entry

Sunday 19

4.30pm Roast Buffet Club liquor laws apply

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.

Pohatuiri Pā Charitable Trust Trustees Hui-ā-Tau 2024 11am

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Pohatuiri Pā, Ngatapuwae Rd, Waitomo

AGENDA

11am Mihimihi / karakia / apologies

Minutes from last AGM – matters arising.

Financial report

Chairmans report

Approval of updated charter 1pm Karakia whakamutunga Kaitahi – we welcome contributions to the table.

1.30pm General Meeting

A. Pā Development

B. Pā working committee.

Enquires please contact trustee secretary Dawn Magner on 027 449 4145 Nau mai haere mai

Harvest Church Ōtorohanga

Sunday Service 10.30am Kids Club 11am Youth 12.30pm-3pm Evening service 7pmWatching ‘The Chosen’

The Harvest Centre, 5 Tuhoro St, Otorohanga 07 873 8890 I 027 493 0117 • harvest.pc@xtra.co.nz

Pastors Peter & Carole Coventry (An Assemblies of God Church)

Broken things can become blessed things when you let God do the mending (Toby Mac)

WILLISON, Jason (Sid): April 29, 1983May 19, 2006. I heard you voice in the wind today and I turned to see your face. The warmth of the wind caressed me as I stood silently in place. I felt your touch in the sun today and it’s warmth filled the sky. I closed my eyes for your embrace and my spirit soarded high. I saw your eyes in the window pane, as I watched the falling rain. It seemed as each raindrop fell, it quietly said your name. I held you close in my heart today, it made me feel complete. You may have died but you are not gone, you will always be a part of me. As long as the sun shines, the wind blows the rain falls, you will live inside me forever, for that is all my heart knows.

HOWELL, Patricia Verna QSM: On Saturday, May 11, 2024 with her family by her side at Waikato Hospital. Dearly loved wife of Bruce for 69 years. Much loved mother of Jeff, Debbie, Brett (dec) and Lisa. Special grandma to Andrew, Mark, Melissa, Kendall, Ben, Indiana and Jed. Great-grandma to Tai, Aria, Quinn, Hugo, Cooper, Blake, Isabella, Maicey and Charlie. A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at V J Williams and Sons Chapel on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 1pm followed by the burial at Te Kūiti Cemetery, Te Kūiti. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to IHC King Country. Tributes can be left on our website vjwilliams. co.nz/funerals-tributes. All communications to Howell Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. In the care of VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

HOUGHTON, Daphne Eleanor (nee Clark): Passed away peacefully at Matamata Country Lodge on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Aged 83. Dearly loved wife of the late Stuart. Cherished mother and motherin-law to Susan and Paul, Michelle, James and Carolyn. Granny to Sven, Joelle, Reuben, Caleb, Bailee, Great grandmother to nine and friend to Chonnie. Special thanks to the staff of Beattie Home and Matamata Country Lodge for the love and care shown to Daphne over the past years. The service for Daphne has been held. All communications to the Houghton Family, C/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.

STRAWBRIDGE, Rosalind Frances (nee Wood): Passed away peacefully at home on May 9, 2024. Adored wife to Bob, beloved mother to Morgan and Brianna.

“Leaving a big hole in all our hearts and lives. We will miss you forever.’’ A private service was held at the family home on 12 May. Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ.

Don’t forget to include your