King Country News | October 31, 2024

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Volunteers rally around school

The Targa Rally can be a winwin for motor sport fans and the local communities who host it, says Maihiihi Primary School deputy principal Katie Robinson.

The Labour Weekend timing didn’t work in Waitomo district where road closure applications were declined – but it did work in the Ōtorohanga district.

While organising a team of 18 volunteer marshals from the school, Robinson said the school appreciated the opportunity to both serve a community event and generate some much-needed income.

“Our marshals looked after a 30 km stretch of road, from Otewa Rd to Mangatutu Rd, with our people taping off gates, driveways and openings along that section of the rally.

“I was touched at how our people were prepared to give their time over the long weekend to help the school in this way. It’s the kind of good-natured support you often find

in country areas - and we certainly have that here,” she said.

The volunteers themselves told The News that they were more than happy to help.

“It was this or look after kids for the day – I knew which one I was going to choose,” one man said.

“I have a lot of time for the Targa,” one woman added.

“As share milkers we have lived in seven locations and each one of them has been in an area where the rally went past our gate. We’ve found it to be well run and absolutely no inconvenience. If anything, it just adds a bit of spice to life.”

The four-day 570km rally, completed on Monday, took in roads in and around Ōtorohanga, Kāwhia Harbour and finished in Rotorua.

Top honours in the rally went to Marcus van Klink and his co-driver Matt Richards – who also won the 2023 rally.

Classic Porsche well ‘doctored’

A Wellington surgeon and his sister said the King Country-Waipā leg of the Targa Rally felt like a homecoming at the weekend.

The News caught up with Dynes McConnell and his sister and co-driver Melody McConnell, as their classic car was being examined by scrutineers at the Ōtorohanga Rugby Club grounds.

Melody, who lives in Hawke’s Bay, has driven alongside her brother since the two were teenagers growing up on a dairy farm at Tuhikaramea, near Pirongia.

“I know Dynes is completely level-

headed and careful when driving; he has been like that ever since we were young,” Melody said.

“That’s why I can just concentrate on my job as a co-driver and not worry too much about the prospect of crashing.”

The two race a Porsche 930, a turbocharged variant of the 911 sports car manufactured from 1975 and 1989.

“At the time of its introduction, this was the fastest production car available in Germany, with a turbo so vicious that when it cut in, it was notorious for spinning cars out on the racing tracks of the day,” Dynes said.

“The 930 was designed to clean up at Monte Carlo and it did just that.

But it was involved in so many crashes that it got the nickname ‘widow maker’.”

He added that the vehicle they were racing had been owned by another doctor, John Elliot, the son of eye surgeon Sir Randall Elliot.

Such had been the sportscar’s involvement with medical people over the years that it has been give the number plate MD 930 (short for medical doctor).

“It’s incredible fun racing this thing. If classic racing’s in your blood a day out contesting the Targa Rally, driving a car like this on these beautiful country roads is about as good as it gets,” Dynes said.

Some of the 18 volunteers from the Maihiihi community who acted as marshals for their section of the Targa Rally on Saturday, . Back row from left, Katie Robinson, Deb Druce, Aaron Robertson, Mathew Szytkiel, Steph Berge, Lyall Carr, Duncan Roobottom and Zach Walsh. Front, Kohen Henry, Joeli Henry, Shekinah Henry and Amanda Roobottom.
Photo: Paul Charman
Dynes McConnell and his sister and co-driver Melody McConnell beside their classic Porsche 930.

Time to clear the sludge

Both Ōtorohanga and Waitomo District Councils expect to begin desludging their sewage treatment ponds this summer.

Otorohanga expects to begin removing about 300 tonnes of dried sludge to a landfill – once the track is built across farmland to enable large trucks to access the plant, which will reduce use of the existing track past residents homes on Harper Ave.

At Te Kūiti the council proposes bagging the sludge from its ponds. A foundation will be formed before the geobags are placed and filled. There is a correlation between this project and the future of the Waitomo district landfill.

The disposal issue affects both councils.

Ōtorohanga was previously able to dispose to land, but this was no longer an option with the council’s disposal area already topped out at consent disposal levels.

Ōtorohanga’s sludge must be disposed of at a Class 1 landfill – which is what Te Kūiti has.

But Te Kūiti is sitting on its sludge decision awaiting expected changes to waste legislation next year. In its long term plan the WDC decided to hold off a final decision on the future of its landfill until 2026.

It means $3.7 million budgeted for the landfill’s expansion, new cell development and gas flaring equipment project, is also on hold pending the landfill operation review.

Te Kūiti tip’s income dropped over recent years as out-of-district wastes from South Waikato and Ruapehu district councils went

elsewhere. Waste flows are price-sensitive and are not constrained by district or regional boundaries. Variance in regional gate fees, preferential pricing for commercial operators, acceptance of special wastes, all influence where rubbish is eventually tipped.

Waste disposed at the Waitomo District Landfill does not represent all waste generated in Waitomo District, nor is it comprised only of waste generated within the district, it emerged during discussion of the Long Term Plan.

In the financial year 2022-23 the two main sources were industrial commercial and institutional waste (3,133 tonnes) and construction and demolition waste (1,970 tonnes). Of the total disposed, 37 per cent (2,893 tonnes) was from out-of-district.

It’s judge Jock presiding…

Jock is a St Joseph’s Catholic School Te Kūiti pet day hero… but since he’s been showing up as a pet day judge for 40 years, he’s among the heroes of pet day at lots of other schools too.

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He is a judge at seven pet days around the Ōtorohanga area, Te Awamutu and Hamilton North, and was in action this month at St Josephs.

The retired farmer, who lives in Ōtorohanga, believes in judging lambs, for example, on their quality rather than size, because “a well reared mutton sheep will always be bigger… we must compare like with like”.

Pet days are a big responsibility for families, he says.

“It’s a lot of work to get an animal to the point where it will be friendly, and walk with you.”

He used to judge at the Waikato show, but not now – “there are plenty of young people who want to do that kind of thing”.

Jock said the biggest pet day event in the district would be the upcoming group Ag Day, in Ōtorohanga.

Jock Gollan thought the pupils at St Joseph’s Catholic School worked very hard this year – and so did their mums.
Photo Sigrid Christiansen

Who can make the boat come in?

Lifetime modeller Harry Hessell wants to put his pride and joy ship project into a new pair of hands.

The 83-year-old says his coordination has deteriorated to the point that he knows he now can’t finish his replica of the greatest warship of the 17th Century, the HMS Sovereign of the Seas.

The 90-gun warship is part of a collection of models in Harry’s room at Hillview Home and Hospital in Te Kūiti. Harry has more models he would like to bring into his small room – and when the Sovereign goes, he intends to do just that.

“It’s taken me two years to get her to this point and I’ll hate to see her go,” he says. “But it’s clear I won’t be finishing her. Quite recently I could make several of her tiny cannons in one day but recently I spent all day trying to make just one - and couldn’t. It was then I saw I’d have to hand her over to another modeler to finish.”

The project comes with a caveat, however.

“If somebody just rocks up here and says ‘I’m a modeler give me the ship’, I’ll say, ‘no way – prove to me first that you can handle a project

like this one.”

And as well as seeing some examples of previous work, Harry is hoping to be included in future progress on the Sovereign.

“It won’t take much to take a cell phone image now and again and fire it off to me. I’d really like to follow some of the progress as she is finished off.”

The son of sharemilker parents, Harry spent his early years in Te Awamutu and several other Waikato farming communities.

He says that he was conceived just before his dad went to World War II in 1941, and since his dad was then overseas for five years the two never bonded.

“It had one good effect to have an emotionally distant father. If I ever wanted something I had to make it myself because dad wasn’t interested in helping me. So, for example, when I wanted to build a treehouse, I had to fashion my own hammer out of what I could find on the farm.”

Quite early in life Harry found he was gifted with an aptitude for both engineering and woodwork.

He began making model ships and aircraft aged 12 and has been “fiddling about with models ever since.”

As well as a successful career as a heating engineer, among many other jobs Harry managed the airfield at the Museum of Transport and Technology (Motat) and has restored historic houses all over the country.

On the classic machinery side, he has restored between 20 and 30 Massey Fergusson tractors and a similar number of Morris Minor cars and vans.

“When I was courting my first wife, Barbara, in Maungaturoto, I decided I’d hire the latest, greatest and most modern car available to take her out in. It was the Morris Minor – we just went everywhere in one of those cars and I’ve been stuck on them ever since.”

Persia signs up for public transport

Persia Trainer say she feels “a little bit giddy” when she sees her artwork displayed in central Hamilton.

The Wintec and former Te Kūiti High student excelled in a challenge to produce a poster which promoted the benefits of public transport and now three copies of her work adorn central Hamilton sites, including one at the Transport Centre in Anglesea St.

The posters can been seen by Waitomo and Ōtorohanga residents who use the Te Kūiti Connector bus service – number 26 - which runs on weekdays.

Her work borrows from the style of the London Transport schematic map produced by Harry Beck in 1931.

“What we had to do was ask a retired person for a piece of advice that they could give for the people of New Zealand. I asked my grandma and she gave me the quotes.”

Those quotes from Opal Gordon – words in praise of public transport

invite the viewer to stop and read – but ironically the clever placing of them to appear like bus stop or train station names was an afterthought, Persia said.

The poster is a representation, not an actual schematic of the city’s bus routes, she said.

“I didn’t really know too much about it until I started to make the poster. So I researched into the old transport map. It

was a critical design you don’t usually see around that much to be honest. Persia, now 19, left Te Kuiti High after year 13 in 2022 and began studying at Wintec last year. The talented young artist also produced work which her former school shows on social media. She plans to take a year off from study in 2025 before resuming with a goal to earn a master’s degree in art.

Sevens up for rugby

Just two weeks after their Lochore Cup triumph in Te Kūiti, the King Country Rugby Union hosts its annual club sevens tournament as a season finale this weekend. A total of 19 teams are entered and up to 40 games are scheduled.

Eight clubs will compete for the men’s trophy spearheaded by defending champions Waitete. Champion club side Taumarunui Districts will field two teams while Bush United, Taupō Marist, Piopio,

Tongariro United and Waitomo should provide a competitive scenario. The women’s draw has a distinct local flavour as Bush United, Coast and Waitomo will field teams looking to halt the dominance of the Tongariro United and Waitete clubs along with a combined Taumarunui side.

An Under-18 grade features Taupō Marist, Taupō United, Taupō Sports and Waitomo.

Harry Hessell with his two-thirds completed model of the Sovereign of the Seas.
Te Kūiti High School was proud to post this picture of Persia with one of her transport promotion signs in Hamilton.

Life in the country suits Heather

Sigrid Christiansen catches up with Heather Dallas who is in her first term at Rangitoto School.

Heather Dallas is there “for the foreseeable future. No plans to move on.”

The experienced principal sees the country school as its own destination, not as a lily pad on which to leapfrog across the career pond. She started at the beginning of term.

“I’m very lucky to be here. I already feel like I’ve been around for ages; the staff, students and community have all been so welcoming. I wanted to be somewhere I would enjoy coming to school every day.”

“I love the area. It’s got that traditional rural feel.”

At Rangitoto, 15 minutes from Te Kūiti to the east, there are 30 children, one full time teacher and one part time, plus a student teacher, teacher aide, and admin staff.

On Thursday and Fridays Heather is in the classroom, Monday to Wednesday she is in the office, with her principal’s hat on.

For most of the last few years, since returning from overseas in 2017, she had led country schools.

The first was nine-pupil Ngāmatapouri just on the Taranaki side of the “border” with the Whanganui province, and an hour and a half, 76km winding journey from the town of Whanganui itself, which is both her and husband James’ hometown.

Later she spent two years as principal of Ngakonui Valley school in Taumarunui, with a roll of 70 when she left, and before that also briefly taught at Ōtorohanga

South School.

The former meant living away, during the week, from the lifestyle block she shares with her husband in Waitomo.

He’s doing up an old villa for the couple; “he’s not a builder, just a really practical man,” she said.

“On the block we have a couple of beefies and the chooks.

It’s just the two of them, as their three adult children have left home, and live in various places around the Waikato and King Country.

“Sort of” just the two of them – Heather says their new puppy, one-week-old cocker spaniel Boki is “reminding me of what it’s like to be a new mum again”.

His name means something like “a bundle of happiness” in several languages.

After leaving Taumarunui, and before starting at Rangitoto, Heather took a semester off to visit old friends in Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and China.

She made those friends through nearly a decade’s overseas teaching– in Brunei Darussalam, a tiny tropical Sultanate on the island of Borneo, and its capital, the city of Bandar Seri Begawan.

She worked in a long running English language project which started around 1980, believed to be one of the oldest in the world.

“It was incredible seeing the progress in second language learners.”

She’s a supporter of phonics and the new structured literacy and maths curriculum coming into schools, but hopes it isn’t being rushed in, because teachers need a chance to get comfortable with it.

“Just like we need to set up children to do their best, we need to do the same with teachers.”

New partner for EDMONDS JUDD

To be a successful litigator, you need persuasive oratory skills, the ability to work long hours and perhaps most of all, a passion for research that leads you to the indefinable something that will either help your opponent see reason - or win your case.

For Te Awamutu-based Edmonds Judd’s lawyer and soon-to-be newest partner, Joanne Dickson, all those things are an everyday part of her life along with a genuine desire to help people navigate what can be a very difficult issue or life event.

Yet being a litigator wasn’t a choice she’d made early on.

“About 20-odd years ago, I was working in accounts roles; I didn’t enjoy them and decided to go to university,” Joanne says.

A chance decision saw her choose law school.

A helpful recruitment agent put Joanne’s CV in front of the partners at top tier law firm, Simpson Grierson, “they decided they liked the look of my CV and took me on”.

“I love everything about this work. Working out our arguments, drilling down into the facts and the law, working out what clients want and need. I just love it, it’s in my blood,” she says. Being a commercial and civil litigator doesn’t always mean she and her clients end up in court.

“It’s important to try and facilitate an agreement between parties outside of the courtroom. So, we use negotiation,

or mediation or other methods to try to help the parties reach a resolution,”

Joanne says.

“But, if court is what is needed, then that’s where we go.”

For the past 15 years, Joanne has worked hard, moving to Edmonds Judd about three-and-a-half years ago to lead their litigation team. She works on diverse matters including relationship property, employment, trust and estate issues, copyright, and company, commercial and contractual disputes.

“I love Te Awamutu, it’s a friendly, busy community. You don’t have to go to Auckland to get great legal advice and results,” she says.

“The other partners have strong knowledge in each of their respective areas of expertise. That means I have great resources for the litigation side of the practice – if we need specialised information, I can have a chat with another partner and get the information I need.”

Joanne has several successful cases behind her, and one of her favourites is the successful court hearing of Christian v Bain in the Auckland High Court in 2022.

“That was really challenging, both legally

and physically.”

She remembers the last day, all she got sleep-wise was about an hour in an armchair in the office.

“I’d worked all night to be sure I was ready to give my closing submissions in front of the judge. One of our defencesresponsible communication on a matter of public interest - was relatively new.”

The case paid off. “I am so happy that our client was able to achieve closure, and I was a part of that.”

The shift to law firm partner is a natural progression.

“Offering Joanne a role as a partner of the firm was an easy decision” recalls Chris Grenfell, the firm’s managing partner at the time.

“Joanne is an excellent lawyer, considers the practical outcomes, and is a highly empathetic and caring person. She embodies the values of Edmonds Judd, and the partners are excited to be part of her journey in the law.”

In becoming a partner, Joanne says “It means the buck stops with you; you are fully responsible as a business owner.”

She says she is focused on growing her team to be the best they can be.

“I have a great team, bright and very capable. A large part of what I want to do

is grow the litigation practice,” she says. “I am excited to ensure that the firm’s diverse client base and the wider Te Awamutu and Ōtorohanga communities are well served with excellent specialist litigation practitioners for many years to come”.

NEW PARTNER Joanne Dickson
New Rangitoto principal Heather Dallas with pupils Ryder Wilson and Harleigh Whitehead

School’s hostel is good to go

Ōtorohanga College thinks demolition would be a horrible, wasteful and sad fate for its old hostel buildings, which served the community for nearly 50 years before their closure last year.

So this month the college board decided to auction them on a social media platform.

“We’re literally going to put them for a $1 reserve per building on TradeMe,” board co-chair Kim Ingham said.

“Everyone hopes they’ll stay local. There are so many exstudents doing amazing things in the community and running businesses.”

It’s hoped one, or several, will be the buyer or buyers.

“The buildings have made an incredibly valuable contribution to the lives of so many.”

The quirky sale was a suggestion from board co-chair Duncan Coull earlier this month.

“He wanted them to be offered to the community.” The rest of the board soon agreed.

Ōtorohanga College Principal Lyndsay Kurth said the buildings had a connection with the coastal community for some time – “it would be great if they end up down there”. “To me, the bottom line is that they’re loved and looked after. They’re too good to be demolished.”

There are eight buildings: five

sleeping dormitories, three of which have bathroom facilities.

There are also two ablution blocks, and a kitchen/dining room with a commercial kitchen fitout.

The college will keep the hostel staff accommodation and the recreation room.

The complex arrived from the Ardmore Teacher Training College, near Auckland, and was opened on

2 May 1975 by the then Minister of Education, Phillip Amos.

Amos was born in Wanganui, educated at Ōtorohanga District High School, later renamed Ōtorohanga College.

He flew Corsairs in the Pacific as a pilot in 1944 and attended teachers’ training college and Auckland University in 1946 and later teaching across the North Island.

On his return from war he joined the Labour Party and became Labour MP for Manurewa, 19631975. Minister of Education, 19721975. He died in 2007.

Falloon House is named after a former principal. Most of the boarders came from Taharoa, Kāwhia, Marokopa and outlying coastal areas, and were both boys

and girls.

“The buildings are the right size to go on a truck, because that’s how they got here in the first place,” Kurth said.

The board had engaged a builder to, in layman’s terms, safety check the buildings, and certify they were suitable to be moved by truck. There was also “destructive testing” to work out the methodology for separating the buildings. Several former students were involved in the above processes.

Film costumes to go on show

Waipā will share a touch of movie magic when costumes from the recent New Zealand film Ka Whawhai Tonu go on show at the Te Awamutu Museum from tomorrow.

It’s the first time costumes from the historical drama, which stars Cliff Curtis and Temuera Morrison and retells the 1864 battle of Ō-Rākau Pā, will be showcased to the public.

Museums and heritage director Anne Blyth said museum visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the story and events leading up to the siege at Ōrākau, one of the most infamous conflicts of the New Zealand Land Wars, through costumes and images from the film. The exhibition will run until April 30, 2025.

Lyndsay Kurth and Kim Ingham (right) at the Falloon House buildings that will be sold on Trademe – hopefully to one of the many former hostel residents.

Amio

OCTOBER 2024 ISSUE

RURAL TRAVEL FUND SUCCESS

The Ōtorohanga Sports Club recently wrapped up a fantastic season for their Junior Rugby programme, made possible in part by a $1,150 grant from the Sport Rural Travel Fund. This funding helped cover travel costs, allowing the young players to attend practices and competitions throughout the region. We’re proud to have supported these rising rugby stars and look forward to seeing them continue to thrive in the sport!

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY CELEBRATION

ŌTOROHANGA COMMUNITY GRANTS

We’re pleased to announce the successful recipients of the Ōtorohanga Community Grants for Round 1 of 2024/2025! This $100,000 fund supports community initiatives, including $3,554 awarded to the Pacifika Dance Group at Ōtorohanga College for new performance uniforms.

LIBRARY

Did you know that the library offer way more than just books? See below some of the amazing programmes and spaces you can join to learn new skills.

STEM

On 8th October 2024, we proudly hosted a citizenship ceremony, welcoming new citizens to the Ōtorohanga District. It was a wonderful celebration of unity and diversity, as we embraced individuals from various backgrounds into our community. The ceremony marked an important milestone in the lives of our new citizens, with each person publicly declaring their commitment to New Zealand through an oath or affirmation of allegiance. We thank everyone who attended and helped make this event special. Welcome to Ōtorohanga.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

Ōtorohanga Community Board Monday 4 November 4.00 pm

Kāwhia Community Board Thursday 7 November 4.00 pm

Are your children interested in science, technology, engineering, or maths? Do they want to try new things in a hands-on, fun environment? Do they just love making stuff? Then they’ll love our Term 4 STEM sessions!

Ozobot, for ages 8+ - Mondays 3.30pm – 4.30pm Code the movements of our Ozobots!

KEVA Contraptions, for ages 7+ - Thursdays 3.30pm – 4.30pm

Build structures with “the world’s most captivating construction toy”

MAKERSPACE

SEW ME HOW – Saturday, 16th November 10:00am

- 12:00 noon

Got a sewing project that needs a little guidance? Our sewing expert is here to help!

Marker Mark: Badge edition - Tuesday, 19th November 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Get creative and try out our Badge Maker at this hands-on workshop! $5.00 per person – please register in advance.

DIGITAL PLATFORMS

Appy Hour!

Want to know how to use the apps the library has? Join us at one of our ‘appy hours’ where we can teach you how to get the most out of these apps.

13th November

• 10–11am Bolinda – online ePlatforms reading

• 1-2pm eWheelers - brings eBooks & Audiobooks to you wherever you are

11 December

• 10–11am Beanstack - earn badges, start your reading streak and be in to win amazing prizes!

• 1–2pm Beamafilm - a streaming service for film lovers to enjoy

Questions / Registrations?

Phone 07 873 7175 | Email library@otodc.govt.nz

ON THE ROAD TO A SAFER COMMUNITY

NEW MARAE SIGNAGE FOR OUR DISTRICT

You may start noticing some new signs popping up around our district in the coming days. As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our roads and community safe, we’ve reached out to local Marae to update and signpost these important gathering places. Marae are central hubs for the community, often hosting large gatherings such as tangihanga (funerals), wananga (educational gatherings), and celebrations. Ensuring that drivers are aware of nearby driveways, cars and pedestrians is crucial for maintaining safety around these spaces. Our roading team, together with our contractors, have begun installing updated Marae signs throughout the district, just in time for Labour weekend! The new signs will replace older versions and feature the latest designs that comply with NZTA standards, which were identified in our Speed Management Plan as an effective way to enhance driver awareness.

Installation began in early October 2024, with signs clearly marked with “Marae” or “Pā” and the relevant names where appropriate. This initiative is part of our wider effort to ensure the safety of our community and visitors, especially during busy times.

ROAD MAINTENANCE ON SCHEDULE FOR NGUTUNUI ROAD

Road construction has started on Ngutunui Road, as crews work to repair the failing road surface that has been under speed restrictions since June. The project is expected to take 12 weeks to complete, with road closures in place for the majority of the works. We are running to schedule with sealing on the first section now complete, allowing the team to move to the next section.

The road will be closed from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, to ensure the safety of both workers and the public. A detour route has been established, directing traffic via SH39 and SH31 to minimise disruption. We appreciate your patience as these necessary repairs are carried out.

SPEED MANAGEMENT PLAN 2024: NEW SIGNAGE INSTALLATION

The Speed Management Plan 2024, adopted by the Ōtorohanga District Council in March 2024, marks a significant step towards enhancing road safety in our community. After several years of effort to align with changing Government directives, we are pleased to announce that the plan has been officially endorsed by the Director of Land Transport as of October 2024.

As part of this initiative, we will be installing new speed limit signage on several key roads: Huiputea Drive, Mangauika Road, Ouruwhero Road, Old Te Kūiti Road, Phillips Avenue and Waitomo Valley Road.

In the words of our roading team, “We are excited to be finally installing these signs to make our communities a little safer.”

We encourage all residents to stay informed about these changes and to observe the new speed limits as they are implemented. Together, we can contribute to safer roads for everyone.

Lines Co celebrates silver

The Lines Company has returned from their national lines championships with four awards and a second place in the national rankings.

Its line mechanics team finished second overall in the three day annual Connection Competition in Te Awamutu, behind Top Energy. They also picked up two event awards – the Goldpine Softwood Pole Award and the LV Underground Cable Install award.

Richard Bishop represented TLC in the cable jointing competition and returned home a winner for the second year in a row, winning the HV Outdoor Termination Award.

Taumarunui-based TLC team leader Wiremu Te Tawhero won the Connexis Leadership Trophy. It recognised Wiremu as the most outstanding crew leader throughout the competition and also took into account his individual scores.

He was honoured by a haka from his teammates at the awards dinner.

TLC Chief executive Mike Fox said he was “fizzing with pride” watching the TLC team perform.

“Wiremu has a remarkable ability to connect with anyone inside or outside of our organisation, and his genuine care for people makes him an outstanding leader. It was great to see this recognised by the competition judges.

“It was just fantastic. During the competition itself, there was so much support for our team from the TLC whānau; it was special to be part of.”

“I’m incredibly proud of our team and the results they achieved. The competition gave them an opportunity to showcase what they do every day to keep our customers connected. Receiving recognition like this,

where they’re competing against the best in the country is truly inspiring,” Fox said.

The Waipa Networks team comprised Gary Muraahi of Te Awamutu, Jamie Milne of Kihikihi, Leighton Butler Hemara, Otorohanga, and trainee Ashton Pullinger of Cambridge.

“The biggest challenge is the heat,” Butler Hemara told The News on the final day as

Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger said the event presented a unique opportunity each year to raise the profile of the electricity supply industry and its work

keeping New Zealand connected.

“The event shows off the value this work brings to their local communities to ensure our lives can be healthy and prosperous,” he said.

“This year’s event has been a huge success. It was an intensely fought competition this year, with all competitors demonstrating just how good they are.”

temperatures hit 21 degrees.
The Annual Connections event was run by infrastructure sector training provider Connexis and hosted by Waipā Networks and The Lines Company.
Lines Company team members in action in Te Awamutu – from left, Anaru Etana, Wiremu Te Tawhero and Topia Walker.

Rat music for the festival

A father and son who whakapapa to the western King Country are doing their bit to put Waitomo on the map.

Aaron Milne and his son Waylon,10, are “The Cave Rats”, a two-piece band playing covers and original material in about equal measure

“Waylon must have got a taste for performing when he was aged about three, sitting on my lap while I played some gigs,” Aaron Milne reflected.

“I started to teach him the drums when he was about six and later got him some professional lessons to learn theory, but he’s gone way beyond anything I taught him.”

like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.

Young Waylon seems to know a huge number of old-time classic rock and pop songs too, singling out Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” as a favourite.

But he has gone well beyond his dad’s favoured material, teaching himself new rhythms from YouTube and songs he hears here and there over the radio.

The harder it is to play a song, the more this 10-year-old seems to relish the challenge of learning it.

The family is grateful to the Waitomo Caves Choir, which helped-out by funding part of Waylon’s drum kit.

Waylon has now mastered a wide range of drumming styles, including rock, funk, blues and country.

And while the “Cave Rats” will stick to the arty-end of their repertoire at ArtBeat next month, young Waylon is well capable of rocking out to the latest metal and rock.

The “Rats” play mainly at family gatherings and charity shows –never pubs and clubs.

Their material has been heavily influenced by Aaron Milne’s love of southern American rockers, like Lynyrd Skynyrd, and country greats

The Rats have a unique sound and though they use a bass player from time-totime, for now they’re quite happy to stick to being a two-piece.

“We’re not aiming at the big time – just enjoying life and having fun with our music,” Milne adds.

And both agree that music isn’t everything.

Waylon says he enjoys playing basketball and going fishing with his family at Marokopa, almost as much as playing.

“Yes, I’d like to be a professional musician - I really like the atmosphere when we’re up on stage,” he says.

As for the band name – it came to

Aaron Milne on a particularly hot day last summer when the father and son were having a cooling dip in the river at Waitomo.

“I saw Waylon come up out of the water and climb up onto some rocks; he was so agile he just

Finished

reminded me of a water rat. Waylon wasn’t too thrilled with the name initially, but now he’s gotten used to it.”

Aaron Milne said he and Waylon are happy to “carry the flag for Waitomo” when they play gigs.

“Waylon’s got links to Waitomo and the Coast through both his mum and his dad. In fact, we’ve got tour guide and early cave explorer Tāne Tinorau among our ancestors – you can’t get more Waitomo than that.”

The Cave Rats comprise Aaron Milne and his 10-year-old son Waylon.

POLICE DESK

Police attended two family harm incidents during the week.

October 20-21: A fence surrounding a Chorus tower was intentionally cut and damaged at the corner of Ahurei and Tahuri Streets.

October 20-22: Fishing rods and alcohol were stolen from a garden shed on Kaora St.

October 23-26: A burglary in which gardening tools are thought to have been taken, was reported at a holiday home on Amopo St.

October 27-28: A quadbike stolen from a house on SH30 at Kōpaki was found discarded at the side of the road.

Police attended seven family harm incidents.

October 20-21: A ute taken from a property on SH3 was later found abandoned in New Plymouth.

October 22-25: Electrical equipment and power tools were taken in a burglary at an address on Newman Rd.

October 21: Police attended a self-harm incident involving a person who made threats and showed signs of having a breakdown on the railway tracks behind Maniapoto St. They were assessed by a mental health team.

October 24-25: A vehicle was taken from a property on Ngutunui Rd. It was found located in Ōtorohanga and returned to the owner.

October 25: At 7.49am a car travelling east toward Te Awamutu on Ōtorohanga Rd, slid off the left side of the road as it was approaching Ostern’s Quarry. The driver was no hurt.

Police attended eight family harm incidents.

October 22: Two men were reported to be drinking alcohol on Rora St at 9.15pm. The men, aged 69 and 71, were both intoxicated. One of the men was issued with an alcohol infringement notice.

October 23: At 2.50pm a 25-year-old Te Kūiti man, who is a disqualified driver, was stopped on King St East. He was also found to be in possession of cannabis. His car was impounded and he was bailed to appear at the next sitting of the Te Kūiti District Court.

October 23-24: Old tools and mowers were taken when the Te Kūiti Museum, Rora St, was broken into.

October 24: At 11pm police arrested a man whose car side swiped another vehicle in William St, after he slowed down to take a closer look at a house fire. A breath test showed the man had 600mg of alcohol per litre of breath. He will appear to answer a drink driving charge at the next sighting the Te Kūiti District Court.

October 27-28: A Mitsubishi Lancer taken from a property on Hill St was found nearby.

October 27-28: A ute and some hunting gear was taken from an address on the Esplanade. The vehicle was later found burnt out on SH30.

Coroner rules on killings

An inquest into the death of a mental health patient who had killed three people in 2016, concluded last month without finding anyone involved in treating him responsible.

Coroner Michael Robb concluded that Ross Bremner, 35, who suffered from schizophrenia, “was simply not presenting with symptoms of acute decline until his tragic actions…”

On October 4, 2016, Bremner killed his mother Clare Bremner and seriously wounded his father Keith Bremner at the home he shared with them in Ōtorohanga. Keith Bremner died in July.

Three days later he killed Mona Tuwhangai and Maurice O’Donnell, at their Kinohaku home. Bremner did not know the couple.

The bodies were found in the Kinohaku) house a further three days later.

The facts of the case, reviewed in Hamilton by coroner Robb, showed that eight days before the killings Bremner had attacked a man in the street at Te Awamutu.

After this incident police and community mental health services became involved and Bremner was seen by a psychiatrist, but it was decided he did not need to be committed.

The coroner said he had looked carefully at this decision but could not lay the blame at the

feet of the mental health services.

“There is an understandable temptation to determine that because Ross Bremner was responsible for each death when he was actually unwell then this must have been the consequence of inadequate care allowing him to become unwell,” Robb said.

“However, on a review of the available medical evidence and the expert advice I am left in agreement that Ross Bremner becoming as acutely unwell as he did on October 4, 2016, was fundamentally a consequence of the unpredictable nature of his illness.

In those circumstances I do not consider it appropriate to make formal comments or recommendations.”

“If Ross was showing symptoms supportive of an ongoing decline, I consider it highly likely that his attentive parents would have voiced their concerns about this as their previous communications had demonstrated.

Te Kūiti
Ross Bremner

on for wool drives Piopio doyen Positively PIOPIO

70-year-old photo mystery solved

A photo found at the Piopio Mustard Seed op shop has been returned to Jean Dickinson, who is the sister of Alan Rattenbury, the only boy in the photo.

Last week, it was reported in the King Country News that the picture was “looking for its family” after falling out of a donated painting, volunteer Wendy Weinberg had explained.

Now, Jean has solved the mystery.

“It looks to have been taken on the hill behind Māhoenui Hall, in an orchard belonging to our father,” she said.

The father of Jean and Alan, and their siblings Rae and Rex, was called “Uncle Wilfred” by the township’s children. Their mother, real name Olive, was known as “Abie,” derived from her maiden name Abraham.

They lived on a sheep and beef farm surrounding the Māhoenui village.

The roughly 70-year-old photo shows youngsters Alan Rattenbury, two friends Jacki and Marie Avery of the six Avery children, and Doreen Tubman. The Averys lived behind the garage next to the hall, and the Tubman family owned the general store.

“Everybody played together like one big happy

family.”

“We all went to school at Māhoenui, but there wasn’t a bus to Piopio at that time, so after that I went to New Plymouth for high school.

The earlier story was a bit out with the dates.

“It would have been taken in the mid-1950s, not the 60s,” Jean said.

“Alan was born in 1947. From his age in the photo, you would know it’s the midfifties or earlier.”

It wasn’t an especially emotional moment to see the photo in the King Country News.

“You often see things that bring back memories.”

None of them still live in Piopio.

“The Averys moved to Kāwhia when we were all still children, and we lost touch.”

Doreen Tubman lives in

Melbourne now. Alan Rattenbury is now 76. He became an accountant and moved to Mandurah, Western Australia, where he lived with his family including late wife Dawn and two children.

He left New Zealand as a young married man after travelling the world on his OE.

He doesn’t know about the photo yet.

“I’ll have to ring him, won’t I?” Jean mused. There’s now a new mystery – how did the photo end up at the Mustard Seed? It’s known that it fell out of a “lovely painting of a girl in a yellow dress.”

The painting has sold, but luckily there was something else the Mustard Seed could gift to Jean – a second by the same artist, showing a toddler on the beach.

Jean Dickinson of Piopio with a clipping from last week’s King Country News – and the photograph which includes brother Alan Rattenbury, now 76 and living in Mandurah, Western Australia.

Reserves plan underway

The Ōtorohanga reserves plan that has been parked up for about six months emerged from a lot of the community consultations that were part of the Ōtorohanga Town Concept Plan. It was put on hold in June and adopted by the Ōtorohanga District Council for public consultation last week. Consultation begins tomorrow.

The strategy includes options for future development of the main

playing fields at the Island Reserve and The Domain, plus further development of the Huipūtea Reserve. Community Projects Lead Sahndra Cave, in her report said a key issue from the town concept plan and reflected in the reserves plan is the long standing issue of a safe pedestrian crossing over the North Island Main Trunk railway line, linking the town with the Huipūtea Reserve. Discussions with KiwiRail to address this risk and provide for a safer, more effective connection across

the rail corridor resulted in Kiwirail stating it did not support a level crossing.

An overbridge is preferred, referring to their current policy for no new level crossing other than in ‘exceptional circumstances’. Kiwirail provided guidance for next steps, which was to assess the current risk and need for a crossing.

The stop bank walkways are part of the Ōtorohanga town flood protection network, and the development of a Reserves Management Strategy/

Plan will ensure any future changes to these spaces are not contrary to their purpose, Cave said.

The purpose of the strategy is to provide a framework and direction for the future development of areas that also include Rotary Park, Bob Horsfall Reserves and the Kiwi House. The Island Reserve, Huipūtea Reserve, Reg Brett Reserve, Memorial Park, Windsor Park, Bert McKenzie/Road Reserve (Kiwi Sculpture), Te Ara a Waiwaia – Waipā River Park, and the proposed Westridge

2741 Ngakonui-Ongarue Road, Taumarunui

Farmer King Country

Reach a targeted rural and lifestyle audience each month by advertising your business in King Country Farmer: featured inside the King Country News as its own liftout.

Distributed across the wider Waitomo and Otorohanga districts.

Recreation & Stormwater Reserves, Te Kanawa Stream Reserve.

There are mixed land ownership issues affecting both the Huipūtea reserve area and Island Reserve, Cave said.

There is mana whenua, ŌDC and private ownership across the Huipūtea reserve area and historical ownership issues affecting Island Reserves. Work on securing consistency of tenure will

need to be progressed for both areas.

Huipūtea Reserve is culturally and historically significant, and in parallel with the development of the reserves strategy, Cave said staff worked with mana whenua to prepare a plan supporting their aspirations for the future of Huipūtea. This includes planting saplings that have been grown from the Huipūtea kahikatea tree.

Messenger work continues

Maintenance crews will be continue resurfacing work on SH3 over Mt Messenger in November.

There will be a series of overnight road closures from November 10 to 22.

A construction team working on the Mt Messenger bypass project is excavating to create access for a 125-metre bridge - construction work on that is expected to begin in the new year. At the same time work will start on creating a base for a tunnelling team ahead of work starting on the southern entrance of a 235-metre tunnel.

Waka Kotahi/ NZTA’s has removed a 43-metre-tall crane on the south side of Mt Messenger. A cableway on the north side has been carrying equipment into Fill 12, a 660,000 square metre worksite that extends 500 metres from the future northern exit of the tunnel.

A pest management team completed a rat control operation in the western Parininihi area ahead of the bird breeding season. Kiwi have started breeding and ecologists recently collected eight eggs from four nests. They were taken to Gallagher Kiwi Burrow at Wairakei, where they will be hatched, and the chicks raised until they’re big enough to fight off stoats. The young birds will then be released in the pest-controlled part of Parininihi.

Mana Whenua representatives, Ōtorohanga district councillors and staff came together in late August 2024 when eight kahikatea saplings found their new home underneath Huipūtea - a 300 year old kahikatea tree. Photo: Ōtorohanga District Council.

GARDENING

FOR BLOOMING BEAUTIES AND PLANTS THAT THRIVE

Small sections

When clients come to me with small sections, I ask them what they actually use their lawn for. Nine times out of ten, the answer is that it’s just there to mow. So, I suggest turning it all into a garden instead. Here are the benefits of this:

It not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space but also promotes biodiversity, reduces maintenance, and can be more environmentally friendly.

A garden filled with a variety of plants offers a rich tapestry of colours, textures, and forms. From vibrant flowers to lush foliage, your outdoor space will become a visual delight.

Mix plants with different textures and forms to add depth and interest. Combine largeleafed plants with fine-textured ones and mix upright plants with spreading or cascading varieties.

Lawns require regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing. In contrast, a well-planned garden with native or drought-resistant plants can thrive with minimal care.

Plants improve air quality, provide habitats for wildlife, and can reduce the urban heat island effect.

They also require less water compared to lawns, especially if you choose native species

adapted to your local climate.

A diverse garden supports a wider range of insects, birds, and other wildlife, promoting a healthier ecosystem.

Things to think about:

Good soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. Improve your soil by adding organic matter such as compost.

This enhances soil structure, drainage, and nutrient content.

Use stepping stones though the garden to get from A to B.

Use repetition to create a sense of rhythm and unity in your garden. Repeating certain plants, colours, or textures throughout the space helps tie the design together and leads the eye smoothly from one area to another.

Follow proper planting techniques to ensure your plants thrive. Dig holes that are twice the width of the plant’s root ball but no deeper and add your compost here for each plant.

Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Use cardboard over the soil in and around plants and then apply a layer of mulch around your plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Organic mulches like wood chips or bark also break down over time, so does the cardboard, adding nutrients to the soil.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1

JOIN US

ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 2024

Dealing with depression and mental health challenges is like walking through mud every day.

During our national campaigns, we ask you to show your support, put your gumboots on, give a gold coin, and remind our rangatahi that with support, they CAN get through the mud. While we now receive both government and public funding, the demand for free counselling is rising. So, Gumboot Friday continues to be an important day where the whole country can get involved and be part of the solution for youth mental health.

Discover our charming one- and two-bedroom cottages at Cambridge Resthaven, where you can enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere in the heart of our retirement village.

These classic brick cottages, built in the 1970s and 1980s, are available to occupy under an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) basis, starting from $360,000. There is 50/50 shared capital gain benefit if the ORA value has increased when you leave.

Contact: Sandra Fairhurst 07 827 6097

E: sales@resthaven.org.nz 6 Vogel Street, Cambridge

www.resthaven.org.nz/resthaven-gardens

Across 1. Look casually through a book or magazine (6) 5. Running from justice (6) 8. Spoil (3) 9. Soak up (6) 10. Swallow (6)

11. Witty remark (4)

13. Increased (8)

14. Peculiarly (5)

Last week

15. Eccentric (5)

19. Negligent (8) 21. Long tale (4) 22. Frugality (6) 23. Light (6)

25. Possesses (3)

Mourn (6)

Dictator (6)

2. Rise again (7)

Romance (3) 4. Symbol (6)

Scare (6) 6. Talented and inventive (9)

Undue speed (5) 12. Crush (9) 16. Constrict (7) 17. Boil with anger (6) 18. Help (6) 20. Loathe (5) 24. Neither (3)

Across: 1. Habit, 4. Scrape, 7. Opt, 8. Slogan, 9. Unsure, 10. Humpback, 12. Lieu, 13. Tissue, 15. Pretty, 16. Daze, 17. Position, 19. Fiasco, 20. Limpid, 22. Rut, 23. On edge, 24. Yacht. Down: 1. Hallucination, 2. Bag, 3. Tonga, 4. Stuck-up, 5. Resilient, 6. Perfectionist, 11. Possessed, 14. Explore, 18. Salty, 21. Mac.

Photo

THYME TOTEM TOUGH ULTRA UMBER UNDER VERSE VISIT

YACHT YARDS YEMEN YOUNG

2 entry categories- Student 17 years and below, Open 18 years and above. Photos can be taken anytime within the last year.

MAIN PRIZE – winner from each category will see their winning photo blown up and printed onto boards and displayed in shop windows.

RULES, GUIDELINES AND ENTRY follow the links on our Facebook page or Waitomo District Council homepage, school students can access it all through their school. https://forms.gle/DFcibnAjsncvBXHw6 link to entry form.

Super Tidy Lifestyle

Located only five minutes from the busy little town of Otorohanga, this lovely lifestyle property of close to 1 hectare in size has been lovingly tidied and renovated to present an awesome opportunity for a buyer looking to pursue their lifestyle dream. Lovely lawns, gardens and new post and rail fencing catch the eye as you pull in to the ample parking area. Fully refreshed, the warm and cosy ambience is obvious as you step inside the fully insulated three bedroom, one bathroom bungalow that boasts new carpet, drapes, a heatpump and gas hot water. Lovely rural views of the surrounding countryside present themselves from most windows.

A separate triple garage, a carport and two garden sheds provide ample storage for vehicles and other outdoor essentials whilst the added bonus of a sleepout in the garage complete with a sink and

heat pump provides extra accommodation options for teens or visitors. Then there’s also the cute little cattery, ideal for keeping the moggies or a wee poochie or two safe, warm, dry and secure in their own little environment.

A connection to to trickle feed town water means that the water supply is consistent and not reliant on regular rainfall, and this gives certainty for year around supply of water for the household and any stock that may be running on the property. The extra land that is outside of the immediate section is divided into two paddocks and is ideal for a beefy or two, sheep or other pets.

Be sure to come and check this lovely offering out, it’s worth a visit and has appeal that is difficult to look past. Ph Noldy or Tharaen for more info and plan to get to an open day.

LOCATION | 342 Mangawhero Road, Ōtorohanga

LAND | 9,371 m2 (2.32 acres)

HOUSE | 97m

,

1

2

| $749,000 LICENSED AGENT | Ray White Te Awamutu LICENSED SALESPERSON | Noldy Rust, Email: noldy.rust@raywhite.com Mob: 027 255 3047 Tharaen Fearon, Email: tharaen.fearon@raywhite.com 027 512 1290

WEB ID | www.rwteawamutu.co.nz/TEA30910

Azariah Place, Te Kūiti

Te Kuiti 1211 State Highway 4

Breeding, finishing and grazing

Consisting of 244.39 hectares (more or less) 23 km south of Te Kuiti on State Highway 4. A 2016 modern brick home, large living areas, three bedrooms plus an office and internal two car garaging. The second dwelling is an older home, four bedrooms with separate two car garage. Ample shedding, good balance of contour, 1077 sheep and 220 cattle wintered all grass and in a normal year 3000 lambs finished and 250 cattle traded. Fenced into over 40 paddocks reliable reticulated water - all gravity fed. Excellent fertiliser history, four sets of yards and a three stand woolshed. Two purchase options available;

1. Entire property (244.39 ha)

2. 199 ha (more or less) excluding homes and woolshed

Size, Scale and Scenic

pb.co.nz/OHR192115

Blackburn M 027 203 9112 E alan.blackburn@pb.co.nz

Tender 28 November at 1.00pm at Ray White

This 238ha (approx) dairy farm provides scale and opportunity and has milked up to 520 cows with some beef and youngstock carried as well. Why move to Canterbury if you want a farm with scale and opportunity? Up to date infrastructure includes a 40 aside dairy, plus a feedpad and up to date effluent system. Excellent water and races with an adjacent 90ha lease block also available by negotiation with the owners. Delightful views out to kawhia harbour. Price will be + GST (if any).

Te Kuiti 5 Sturgess Terrace

MAHOENUI 164 Gribbon Road

It's Time for a Change - Mahoenui Haven

If you have been searching for that tranquil sanctuary that offers privacy and a property where the vendors have prioritised sustainable farming practices and the opportunity to harvest from the 580 chestnut trees, this is the property for you. Further income comes from dairy graziers and an ewe flock. The vendors have been leasing 40 hectares of neighbouring farmland. This 46-hectare haven offers a four bedroom homestead with fantastic views over the property and to the north and east. The access and water system is excellent throughout. The property borders the Awakino River.

pggwre.co.nz/TEK40235

Peter Wylie

E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

TE KUITI 386 Troopers Road

Ruanui Farm - 414 hectares (more or less)

$6.25M

Dual purpose dairy and support property. Wintering approximately 525 cows, and normally 280 R2 Heifers for export - maximum 485 cows milked under current ownership. Last four years production ranges from 120717kg MS to 139803kg MS. This year’s production is up 36%. 170 hectares dairy platform, 194 hectares support and 50 hectares bush including QEII. The dairy platform is primarily on the plateau country and the dairy support to the north of the farm. Good water, races, three houses, 40 ASHB and feed pad. This farm has been faithfully fertilised over the years.

pggwre.co.nz/TEK40171

Peter Wylie

M 027 473 5855

E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

TE MAPARA 65 Arapae Road

Dairy Property - Piopio

Very well located 248 hectare (more or less) flat to easy to medium contoured dairy farm.

High input generated from other two supporting properties have let the vendors achieve good production however this farm is at the size it can easily be a production standalone dairy farm.

42 ASHB shed, feed pad, 10 bay calf shed, one dwelling. Milking 670 cows - 150 of which are winter milkers. Three year average -231826kg MS.

Easy access throughout this farm, including across the road via the underpass. Good soils throughout. Predominately easy rolling contour. Located halfway between Te Kuiti and Piopio.

Note: We are also marketing the other two properties that support this farm. See you at the Open Days.

pggwre.co.nz/TEK40441

NEW LISTING

TE MAPARA Nohonoa Road

Supplement Growing Property - 141 Hectares

Located 9km northeast of Piopio, this property is solely used for supplement growing and winter cow grazing. All feed is transported to the vendors dairy farm at Arapae Road which we are also marketing. Maize is grown on approximately 135 hectares and two cuts of silage are cut and carried. It is bare land with cattle feed pad, yards and load-out facilities. Water is from a legal easement across the Tikirau Road. Contour and location is very good here. See you at the Open Days. TENDER

pggwre.co.nz/TEK40442

TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Thursday 5 December VIEW 10.00-12.00pm Wednesday 6, 13 & 20 November

Peter Wylie

M 027 473 5855

E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

NEW LISTING

TE MAPARA 37 Napinapi Road

Supplement Growing Property

• 20 hectares (more or less)

Three bedroom single storey dwelling Two log burners and central heating

& 13

• Double garaging

• All flat contour

Combination of maize and oats has been grown then transferred to the vendors dairy farmlocated on nearby Arapae Road

• House water is ex roof and ex river for farm

• Well located just off State Highway 3, north of Piopio

pggwre.co.nz/TEK40443

Wylie

3 1 2 TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Thursday 5 December VIEW 10.00-12.00pm Wednesday 6, 13 & 20 November E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz M 027 473 5855

Ōtorohanga 829 Honikiwi Road

Open Homes This Week:

Sunday 3 November

Te Pahu

Ngahinapouri

Kawhia

Ōtorohanga

2.00 - 2.30pm 21 Haerehuka Street $660,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22532

2.45 – 3.15pm 63 Haerehuka Street $585,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22524

3.30– 4.00pm 38 Gradara Avenue $695,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22522

Te Kūiti

1.15 – 1.45pm 29 Ailsa Street $372,500 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22483

2.00 - 2.30pm 6 Ngatai Street $739,000 4 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22494

Benneydale

12.00 - 12.30pm 20 Ellis Road $397,000 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22447

Te Awamutu

11.30– 12.00pm 28 Wikaira Road By Neg 4 3 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23647

11.45 - 12.15pm 3/746 Mahoe Street $515,000 2 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23634

12.15 - 12.45pm 22 Te Aranui Drive $998,000 4 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23682

12.30– 1.00pm 2/70 Fred Parsons Court $449,000 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23595

12.30– 1.00pm 2/105 Douglas Avenue $525,000 2 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23674

12.30– 1.00pm 360 Racecourse Rd By Neg 4 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23683

1.00 – 1.30pm 902 Pakura Street By Neg 4 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23679

1.00 – 1.30pm 73 Raikes Avenue By Neg 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23579

1.15 - 1.45pm 52 Tui Crescent $869,000 4 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23673

1.30 – 2.00pm 390 Young Street By Neg 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23559

1.45 - 2.15pm 277 Churchill Street $495,000 2 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23585

2.00 - 2.30pm 9B Ballance St, Kihikihi $789,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23678

2.00 - 2.30pm 19 Hiskens Place $620,000 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23549

2.15 - 2.45pm 94 Princess Street Deadline 6 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23689

2.15 - 2.45pm 5A McAndrew St, Kihikihi By Neg 4 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23667

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

Mike & Allana 027 350 0836 info@handy-man.co.nz Trades & Services

HANDYMAN

Property maintenance and construction Lawns, trees, stump grinding, sections, moss & mould treatments, Chemwash, waterblasting, gutter vac, water tank and trough cleaning fences, retaining, odd jobs and more. References available GST registered.

Anything too big for a shovel - give me a call • Vegetation removal • Driveway prep - Auger • Landscaping • Trenching • Water tanks Manga Roach Ph 027 431 9959

GRAZING AVAILABLE NOW. Good to rolling contour. Well fenced and watered. Summer safe (eczema free). Experienced dairy support farmers for over 30 years. Have two blocks available. Come and visit us! Contact 027 487 7854 or 07 878 7703.

Friday, Nov 1, 2024

A/c RD & L Oliver 20 Aut-Born 18mnth Hfrd Frsn x Steers

Contact Len Sheeran 027 4735 859 Grazing Available LONG TERM

TE KŪITI

CATTLE SALE Friday, November 1

Start 12 noon 550 Cattle comprising:

3yr Hereford hfrs

2yr Angus strs

GOATS WANTED

Will buy or muster feral goats

Prompt pick up Ph Gavin 027 877 7512 or 07 877 7512 Livestock Wanted

2yr H/F, A/F, Ang/Sth Devon x strs

18 mth H/F x strs

2yr beef H/F x hfrs 140 1yr Angus,

Grazing Wanted GRAZING WANTED for weaner and dairy heifers. Contact Bryan 027 4154 122 NZ GRAZING COMPANY

ANY JUNK VEHICLES CONDITIONS APPLY CARS, TRUCKS, SUVs,

Become a Health Shuttle volunteer and support your community

Are you interested in a volunteering role, and have a passion for helping people? We’d love to hear from you. We have driving and non-driving roles.

Call our local office to find out more: 0800 846 9992 or email wakaora@stjohn.org.nz

Hato Hone St John’s purpose:

To make life-changing differences with our communities Ka whai tātou i te pikinga o te ora

Services

Academy Director

Te Kūiti High School

Fulltime leadership of our Services Academy with a maximum of 20 students.

Desired programme outcomes are that students will achieve educational success and are well prepared to transition into tertiary education or employment.

A teaching qualification is preferred. A military background is ideal although not compulsory. The ideal candidate must be enthusiastic, have sound leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, an understanding of the services and an ability to develop constructive learning relationships with students.

Anticipated start date for the role is term 1, 2025.

Apply with CV (must include referees) and covering letter to principal@tkhs.school.nz.

Applications close November 6, 2024.

Ongarue School

A vacancy has arisen for an Office Administrator starting February 2025. The purpose of this position is to create a welcoming and caring environment for students and their families while providing efficient administrative support. The role entails working collaboratively with the principal, teachers, Board of Trustees and finance team.

Experience is not necessary as on site training will be given prior to the job commencing. Excellent organisational skills, initiative, and the ability to connect positively with a range of people is essential.

For more information and to apply for this role please contact Ongarue School on 07 894 5992 email office@ongarue.school.nz

Join our team - Mechanical Treatment Plant Technician

If you’re looking for your next challenge, thrive on being part of a great team and want to deliver the best possible service to our community, this could be the role for you.

You will be someone who will revel in the day-to-day operational management of our water and wastewater treatment plants. Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, delivering agreed levels of service to our customers and contributing to plant optimisation and process enhancements will keep you very busy.

You will also carry out preventative and scheduled maintenance, along with troubleshooting, on our mechanical assets to ensure optimal performance.

To be successful in the role you’ll have:

• Tertiary qualification in relevant field, or equivalent level of learning through experience

• Experience in reticulation and mechanical maintenance

• Full NZ Drivers Licence

• General understanding and knowledge of hydraulic, mechanical and electrical workings

• Ability to quickly assimilate new knowledge

• Strong health and safety practices

Previous experience working at a water/wastewater treatment plant along with the knowledge and skills to identify, isolate and solve mechanical asset problems would be advantageous.

Please note this role will require you to be on a rostered afterhours/on call arrangement.

To apply for this job, please visit our website www.joinourteam.co.nz

Applications close 13 November 2024

Public Notice

ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER

A position is available as an Assistant to our Senior Property Managers in Te Awamutu/Ōtorohanga/Te Kūiti.

Duties will include, but are not limited to, property and maintenance inspections, house viewings with potential tenants, tenancy agreement processing, liaising with tenants and landlords.

You will need strong attention to detail, excellent English and admin skills, be diligent and accurate, be honest and have integrity, be timeline focused and have a full NZ driver license. Company vehicle and phone supplied.

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm. Salary by negotiation depending on experience. Our preference is for a local person from any of our towns who has good local knowledge.

Please email CV to melanie.barker@harcourts.co.nz Applications close: 5pm Thursday 7th November 2024.

Public Notice

Waitomo District Council Bylaw Review and Policies Consultation

Waitomo District Council is currently reviewing its Land Transport Bylaw. The purpose of the Bylaw is to regulate the use of our local roads to ensure that acceptable standards of safety, accessibility, and convenience are maintained for the wellbeing and enjoyment of residents, visitors and businesses within the district.

WDC is responsible for regulating activities that can be carried out on local roads which includes the carriageway, berm, and footpaths. One way Council does this is through the Land Transport Bylaw, which covers matters such as use of local roads, vehicles on local roads and animals and stock on local roads.

FURTHER TRUST DEED AMENDMENTS 2024

On 12 September 2024, the trustees of the Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (“WESCT”) gave notice that they proposed, in accordance with clause 15 of the trust deed in respect of WESCT dated 25 March 1993 (as amended) (the “Trust Deed”) to amend the Trust Deed. The trustees have now determined to propose to make further amendments to the Trust Deed, in addition to or substitution for those notified on 12 September 2024. A document showing those proposed further amendments, the reasons for them, and their likely effect can be inspected:

(a) at the following places during normal business hours: Waitomo District Library, 28 Taupiri Street, Te Kūiti, Ōtorohanga District Library, 27 Turongo Street, Ōtorohanga, Te Awamutu Library, Selwyn Lane, Te Awamutu, Mangakino Library, 71 Rangatira Drive, Mangakino and Mōkau Museum, 22 North Street, Mōkau;

(b) on the WESCT website, wesct.org.nz, via a link in the “2024 Trust Deed Amendments” tab.

Customers of The Lines Company Limited in the WESCT district (see below) are invited to comment on the proposed further amendments. Comments should be made in writing and addressed to PO Box 209, Te Kūiti 3941 or info@wesct.org.nz and should be made no later than 2 December 2024. Comments must be accompanied by the name and address of the customer and the customer’s ICP number, which can be found on the customer’s electricity bill.

The WESCT District is shown on the boundary map of the district, which can be found on the WESCT website, wesct.org.nz

Dated 31 October 2024

William Oliver on behalf of the Trustees

We’re suggesting some changes to improve how the Bylaw meets this purpose. Your feedback is essential in making sure it reflects the current needs of our community.

WDC is also seeking feedback on three roading related policies, two of which are enacted by the Land Transport Bylaw. They are: Road Encroachment Policy and Stock Underpass Policy.

Road Encroachment Policy

Describes when encroachment on a road or road reserve will be permitted and under what circumstances.

Stock Underpass Policy

Outlines conditions and requirements that must be met when installing a stock underpass.

Road Naming Policy

This new draft Road Naming Policy outlines the process and requirements for naming new roads when they are established, and provides for circumstances where an existing road may be renamed.

Council is interested in hearing from those who reside in the Waitomo District and those who use our local roads.

Consultation opens on Friday 1 November. Submissions close at 5pm on Monday 2 December 2024

Visit our website to read the Consultation Document and the Statement of Proposal for our Bylaw review. www.waitomo.govt.nz/council/ haveyoursay

Ōtorohanga Lions Club

Laurie Harnett Scholarship

Students and apprentices living within the Ōtorohanga District are invited to apply for the Ōtorohanga Lions Club

Laurie Harnett Scholarship for 2024.

Students about to start a university degree or a trades apprenticeship that requires a minimum of three years study or training are eligible. Training or study is to commence in 2025.

The scholarship is now open to second year students and apprentices who have done well in their first year.

$6000 will be payable in two instalments.

$3000 will be paid in January 2025 with the second $3000 in January 2026.

Please request an application form from…

The Laurie Harnett Scholarship Committee Ōtorohanga Lions Club PO Box 63, Ōtorohanga or from drmawilliams@gmail.com or from The Ōtorohanga Lions Shop or from the Ōtorohanga Library

Applications are to be received by Friday, December 6 with the successful applicant notified by December 31

Situations Vacant

Business Opportunity Ōtorohanga College Canteen Management

We are looking for an experienced and passionate individual or business to manage the Ōtorohanga College canteen. This is a great opportunity to provide healthy, delicious meals and snacks to students and sta , while running a vibrant and essential part of our College community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preparing and serving a range of nutritious meals and snacks

• Ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene standards

• Providing friendly and e icient service to students and sta

• O ering a ordable and appealing menu options for all age groups

• Ability to work during College hours

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please contact the Principal, Lyndsay Kurth at kurthl@otocoll.school.nz by Thursday, November 14.

Sport New Zealand Rural Travel Fund for Waitomo District

We are inviting rural school teams and sporting groups to apply for financial assistance through the Sport New Zealand Rural Travel Fund. The fund is designed to help subsidise rural travel for junior teams aged between 5-18 years. It helps school and club sports teams participate in local sporting competitions. Please note: The Rural Travel Fund is not for the purpose of travel to regional or national events or available for individual athletes or players.

The online application form and further details outlining the fund are available on our website www.waitomo.govt.nz or by contacting the Customer Services Team on 0800 932 4357.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 8 November 2024.

ADVERTISEMENT OF APPLICATION FOR PUTTING COMPANY INTO LIQUIDATION

This document notifies you that —

1. On 23 September 2024, an application for putting KING COUNTRY SCAFFOLDING LIMITED into liquidation was filed in the High Court at Hamilton. Its reference number is CIV-2024-419-301. The application is to be heard by the High Court at Hamilton on 25 November 2024 at 10.45am.

2. A person, other than the defendant company, who wants to appear at the hearing of the application must file an appearance not later than the second working day before that day.

3. The statement of claim and the verifying affidavit may be inspected at the registry of the court or at the plaintiff’s address for service.

4. The plaintiff is NORTH KING COUNTRY DEVELOPMENT TRUST, whose address for service is Level 1, 127 Alexandra Street, Hamilton 3204. The plaintiff’s solicitor is Kevin Ian Bond, whose address is as noted above.

Dated this 31 day of October 2024

This newspaper is subject to NZ Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing, within one month of publication, to the editor’s email address.

If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P O Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www. mediacouncil.org.nz

Please be advised that the OHURA AGRICULTURAL PASTORAL HORTICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION

is incorporated under the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act 1908 and is not responsible for any contracts or debts entered into with other groups bearing a similar name .

• All enquiries by email to: linway@xtra.co.nz

L Mackinder, Secretary

Proposal for Temporary Closure of Road/Street To Ordinary Vehicular Traffic

PURSUANT to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is hereby given that the Waitomo District Council, for the purpose of the Waitomo District Christmas Parade 2024 proposes to temporarily close the following roads/streets to ordinary vehicular traffic for the periods indicated:

Date: Friday, 13 December 2024 Period of Closure: 4.30pm to 8pm.

Streets/Roads:

- Rora Street (from Ward Street to South End Loop)

- King Street East (from Rora Street to Taupiri Street)

Any person objecting to the proposal is called upon to lodge notice of objection and grounds thereof in writing, before 5pm Friday 15 November 2024 at the office of Waitomo District Council, Queen Street, Te Kūiti.

Public Notices

To whom it may concern

Please be advised that Ototoika block A18 (Urupa) cemetery is now under new management and entry now to Urupa is Ototoika Rd. New fences have been erected so absolutely NO boundry fences are to be moved or cut for any reason.

Further enquires please contact Mere 044 903 7571 Christine 045 530 3546.

Consultation - Available for Review and Feedback Reserves Management Strategy

Ōtorohanga District Council has prepared a draft Reserves Management Plan in accordance with the requirements of the Reserves Act 1977. The draft Plan covers the following reserves:

• Island Reserve

• Huipūtea Reserve

• Ōtorohanga Domain incorporating all reserves including Rotary Park, Bob Horsfall Reserve and Ōtorohanga Kiwi House

• Ōtorohanga War Memorial Park

• Windsor Park

• Te Ara o Waiwaiā – Waipā River Park

• Reg Brett Reserve

• Westridge Recreation & Stormwater Reserves (proposed)

• Te Kanawa Stream Reserve

A non-statutory draft Strategy, including concept plans, has also been developed to guide the future development of these reserves.

Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.

Council invites feedback on the draft Strategy and Management Plan. This is available online at https://engage.otodc.govt.nz/reserves-management-strategy, where feedback can be provided.

Copies can be viewed at Council reception, 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga during office hours, Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm and at the Ōtorohanga Library during operating hours. Consultation opens November 1 and closes January 24, 2025.

Any person wishing to speak in support of their submission must signal that and they will be given the opportunity to do so in February 2025 (date and time to be confirmed).

All enquiries can be made to Sahndra Cave by calling 0800 734 000 or emailing by sahndra@otodc.govt.nz

Coast Sports and Athletics Club AGM was well attended.

Working meeting is November 6, 2024... this is the planning meeting for the Sports Day which is January 17, 2025. Because a number of committee members will not seek re election in 2025, the AGM will be held July 16, 2025. Join us and be part of this fun committee.

Ph Mary 07 876 7543 for more info.

King Country Hunt Incorporated AGM

Wednesday, November 13 7pm at the Piopio Senior Citizens Hall 5 Weka St, Piopio All current and new members welcome Enquires to Cathrine Hurley secretary - 027 772 1333

MARKET DAY

This Saturday, November 2 8am-12 noon Carpark 85 Esplanade, Te Kūiti $10 per space - Sellers and buyers welcome Please phone to book a Stall 021 201 0355 / 027 243 6312

Movie this Wednesday, for the 'young at heart'

Morning tea 10am at the Journey Church, Te Kūiti, movie 10.30am All seniors welcome

King St East, Te Kūiti

Melbourne Cup Day

Tuesday,November 5

Big Screen for all Races TAB open from 7.30am Bar from 11am, Bistro from 12 noon

Raffles, spot prizes, sweepstakes

All welcome to enjoy the day. Club Liquor Laws apply for alcohol sales.

King St East, Te Kūiti HALLOWEEN

Friday, November 1 from 8pm

Back to the 80s

Halloween Party

Entertainment by Paul Madsen

Prizes for best dressed

Notice of upcoming meetings of Ōtorohanga District Council

Details of upcoming meetings of Ōtorohanga District Council can be found at www.otodc.govt.nz/ about-council/meetings

www.otodc.govt.nz

TAINUI KAWHIA INCORPORATION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT The Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024

At the Distinction Hotel and Conference Centre, 100 Garnett Avenue, Te Rapa, Hamilton, at 10:30am Registrations open at 9:30am

The agenda for this meeting has been sent to all Shareholders whoseaddresses are known.

For further information or if you have any pātai, please feel free to contact the Secretary.

Secretary’s Office: Deloitte, Pukeroa Oruawhata House, 2/1176 Amohau St, Rotorua PO Box 12003, Rotorua Ph: (07) 343 1050

Email: nzrotoruaenquiries@deloitte.co.nz

Wayne Brewer Chairperson

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Monday, November 25, 2024

10am

Te Kūiti Fire Station Meeting Room, 52 Taupiri Street, Te Kūiti

Agenda:

• Apologies

• Chair’s annual report

• Financial statements

• Election of committee members

• Incorporated Societies Act 2022

• Re-registration

• Ratification of new Constitution

• General Business

We meet every second or third month. Meetings are held in Te Kūiti. Look forward to seeing you there.

Letters to the Editor

• Letters should not exceed 200 words

• They should be opinion based on facts or current events

• All letters to be emailed to editor@goodlocal.nz

• No noms-de-plume

• Letters will be published with names

• Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only

• Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the editor’s discretion

• The editor’s decision on publication is final.

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING

The Committee Members of the Ohura Agricultural Pastoral Horticultural and Industrial Association (‘Ohura A&P’) being the majority of the committee have called a general meeting. The general meeting will be held on November 21, 2024 at 7pm, in the Matiere Hall, Matiere.

All existing members of the Ohura A&P are invited to attend and vote.

Business – The business of the special general meeting is to:

a) remove the existing committee members; and

b) appoint new members to the committee. All enquiries by email to: linway@xtra.co.nz

L Mackinder, Secretary

OPARURE MARAE AGM 2024

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Oparure Marae will be held Saturday, November 23, 10am at Oparure Marae, Te Kūiti.

Agenda

1. Karakia and mihi

2. Minutes of 2023 AGM

3. Chair’s report

4. Financial report

5. TT Whare report

6. Election of up to 2 trustees

7. Appointment of 2 replacement Tangata Kaitiaki – Fisheries NZ

8. General business

9. Karakia and kai

Trustee nominations and interested persons in the role of Tangata Kaitiaki – Fisheries NZ must be received in writing or email by 5pm Sunday, November 17, 2024.

In addition, we ask nominees and interested persons to submit a bio and photo, and why they wish to take on the role. These will be posted to the marae Facebook page and in person attendance at the AGM is expected. Eligible voters must be present in person to exercise that right.

Address pātai and nominations to the secretary, Kelly Tregoweth, at oparuremarae@gmail.com

Celebrating the life of Bill Potter 15/7/29 – 29/8/24

A memorial service for Bill Potter will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 1pm at St Luke’s Anglican Church, Te Kūiti. Please join us as we gather to remember and celebrate his 95 remarkable years. In lieu of flowers, Bill requested donations to Hillview Rest Home.

All communications to the Potter Family, c/PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ.

COLES, Heather: 12/01/1945 - 15/10/2024. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a loving mum and nana who passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Heather was a beautiful, strong and caring lady - A lover of the land and all its critters Rest in Peace mum Always in our hearts Rob, Michelle, Samantha, Joshua, Zachary and Lukey.

THOMASEN, Noel George: Peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Windsor Court Rest Home, Ohaupo with his loving daughters by his side. Aged 91 years. Loved husband of Lois and the late, Lynette. Much loved and cherished father and father-in-law of Christine; Susan; Rosemary and John Moreland. Admired and loved Grandad to his four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. A celebration of Noel’s life has been held. All communications to the Thomasen Family c/PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

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