Almost all the 347 submissions received by Waipā District Council oppose a planned sand quarry on the southern outskirts of Cambridge – but there are two surprises.
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce is not one of them, but New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is.
The chamber, which represents 400 businesses, says it does not oppose the RS Sand Ltd application to establish and operate a sand quarry in Newcombe Rd but wants the resulting truck traffic kept out of Cambridge township.
It is appealing for on-off ramps to allow trucks to go straight on or off Waikato Expressway into and out of Newcombe Rd.
NZTA – which has resisted calls for additional on and off ramps south of Cambridgesays the application should be denied because the impacts on the state highway and its infrastructure have not been sufficiently addressed.
The government roading agency is responsible for the stretch of road from the intersection of Tīrau and Newcombe roads onto SH1.
Principal planner Mike Wood said sightlines at the intersection were unacceptable for the volume of heavy vehicles proposed.
“Heavy vehicles leaving
Newcombe Road turning left will also have an impact on the through traffic on Tīrau Road given that sand quarry heavy vehicles will be accelerating from the ‘Stop’ control at the Newcombe Rd intersection.”
That would slow down other traffic heading from Tīrau Rd, past the golf course and onto SH1, he says in the submission.
NZTA have consistently said it will not consider installing on-off ramps near Newcombe Rd because it considered the interchange at Hautapu, was sufficient to service Cambridge for decades when the Expressway opened in 2015.
It says a state highway should not be used to take traffic off and on local roads to bypass the towns.
Waipā Plan and Growth manager Wendy Robinson said of the 347 submissions made, eight supported the quarry proposal, five were neutral and the rest were against.
Five of the submissions were from organisations – Fish and Game, Waikato Sustainability Society, NZ Forest and Bird, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and NZTA.
A sixth submission came from Waikato Sustainability Society, a group formed by neighbour Rhys Powell, a mining expert who maintains the project would have huge
health, environmental and cultural problems if allowed to go ahead.
Fish and Game oppose it because the Karāpiro Stream is a trout spawning waterway and supports eels, kākahi freshwater mussels and carp.
Forest and Bird are concerned about the impacts of silica discharge on local biodiversity, particularly the long tail bat which are listed in and around the proposed site.
Waikato Regional Council received 257 submissions opposing the quarry, five in support and two neutral.
While building on off ramps at Newcombe Rd appears an easy solution – a formed road already runs up towards the expressway – NZTA would have to buy land owned by Glenys Miller under the Public Works Act.
Miller featured in The News last month saying she did not support plans for a quarry next door to her and had made a submission to both the district and regional councils.
The chamber’s support of the quarry is echoed by Windsor Park Leasing, a company owned by racing legend Nelson Schick which owns property across the road on SH1 which it plans to develop into a quarry.
Both parties submitted it did not support the trucks going through Cambridge
Continued on page 2
Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day has been observed in Waipā in recent days and in Cambridge RSA president Tony Hill, left, and Cambridge Community Board chair Jo Davies-Colley were pictured during a service at the Cenotaph on Monday. Read Mary Anne Gill’s report on Page 7 today.
Waitomo Waipā
Women’s Refuge supporting women, children and whānau to be safe from violence
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 include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.
Hug me, Mum! Twists in quarry bid
On the beat with
Looking back on the week CONTACTS
News/Editorial
Roy Pilott editor@goodlocal.nz
027 450 0115
Mary Anne Gill maryanne@goodlocal.nz
021 705 213
Viv Posselt viv@goodlocal.nz
027 233 7686
Chris Gardner chris@goodlocal.nz
027 231 7007
Advertising Director
Janine Davy janine@goodlocal.nz
027 287 0005
Owner/Publisher
David Mackenzie david@goodlocal.nz
Office/Missed Deliveries
07 827 0005 admin@goodlocal.nz
I am starting this week with a snapshot of some of the jobs with which I have been involved.
Last Wednesday, we received a call from a concerned member of the public who was following a vehicle heading to Cambridge from Te Kawa. The vehicle was weaving back and forward across the road and centre line - and at times appeared to brake randomly. It also pulled in front of a truck, risking a crash. I located the vehicle as it was coming into Cambridge. The elderly driver was stopped and spoken to with the result that she was forbidden to drive until gaining medical clearance.
On Thursday evening I joined Neighbourhood Support for a rural community meet up in Maungakawa. Approximately 60 local residents joined us, along with Cambridge Community Patrol, Fire and Emergency NZ, Civil Defence, Farmgate and Rural Support. It was great to give some crime prevention advice, information about the different services and generally encourage connection within Maungakawa village.
On Saturday, Rural Support Officer
Constable Corley and I conducted foot patrols at the Great Kwi Summer Festival. It was good to see so many of you out and enjoying the displays and activities on offer. This was a good family environment for all with no incidents reported.
Twice in the past week, Cambridge staff have responded to a youth who was
breaching court bail and threatening others with a knife. Luckily no one was injured during these events. The young person was arrested both times and has appeared in the Youth Court facing additional charges.
On Monday, we received a few calls from the public about a family harm incident between a male and female near Commerce Street, Cambridge. They were located when a member of the public further pointed them out near Victoria Bridge. It turned out they had also come to the attention of Hamilton Police just the day before. The male was arrested and faced court for breaching of a Police Safety Order (PSO). The female was warned for breach of bail.
A final note on car interference and theft. While we are making good progress in identifying and holding offenders to account, their car crime is continuing. Cars are mostly being stolen in the early hours and driven around before being dumped –often locally. At times the thieves are driving in ways that are extremely dangerous not only to themselves but to other members of the public. While roads can be quiet in the wee hours of the morning, there are always shift workers and other commercial drivers out and about.
If you are one of these night owls and see youths driving vehicles dangerously, especially if they are travelling in tandem, call 111 immediately.
Continued from page 1 township and wanted on off ramps built to counter that.
“Haulage companies have indicated a preference for travelling through Cambridge due to shorter travel distances and lower operating costs. This could significantly increase the number of trucks in residential areas, posing safety risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and school zones,” says the chamber.
“This anticipated influx of heavy vehicles through Cambridge could degrade the town’s pedestrian-friendly character and pose noise, safety, and pollution concerns, not to mention costly damage to our roading networks.”
The chamber argues NZTA’s opposition to the extra ramps because of its proximity to Hautapu was in contradiction to other areas in Te Puke and Papamoa East.
The agency recently opened an interchange especially for the Rangiuru Business Park –about 4kms and 6kms from other SH2 ramps. And a new Papamoa East interchange has gone in 6kms from an earlier one, the chamber says.
Cambridge resident Ray Talbot, a retired chartered professional engineer, said in his submission there would be serious safety concerns if trucks were allowed to enter and exit the quarry via Newcombe and Tīrau roads. Echoing NZTA’s concerns, Talbot said the unavailability of sight distance for truck drivers and other road users was critical.
The submissions are being collated at both the district and regional councils – 44 from Waipā would like to be heard and 34 from the regional council – and a hearing panel appointed for a hearing early next year.
Senior Constable DEB HANN
Millie Walker, snapped by her mother Christie, completes the obstacle course at Roto-o-Rangi School’s carnival and fun run on Saturday. The fun run sent participants around a field, over hay bales, through a tunnel, across a slime pit and down a slip ‘n’ slide as they were drenched with water and splattered with vibrantly coloured powder, cheered on by parents, teachers and community members. The carnival was hosted by the school’s PTA to raise funds for new playground swings. Christie said the sheer enthusiasm and community spirit on display made it a day to remember.
Crisis support available 24/7 0800 Refuge (0800 733 843)
Trust support
Two Waipā recreational reserves are getting a $30,000 boost between them, thanks to the WEL Energy Trust.
Leamington Domain and Tūrāta Reserve in Kihikihi will each see projects completed under the trust’s capital beneficiaries project funding. Parking spaces will be installed at Leamington Domain and signs at Tūrāta.
Road
works
Nearly 100 roads around the district, including 50 rural roads, will be repaired and resurfaced between now and March by Waipā’s maintenance contractor, Downer. There will be fewer road cones used, said Transportation manager Bryan Hudson aimed at minimising driver frustration and saving money.
Sheila’s cup
Former Cambridge trainer
Sheila Laxon notched up her second Melbourne Cup victory last week – 23 years after her first when Ethereal won the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double. Knight’s Choice ridden by Irish jockey Robbie Dolan paid $63.50 on the TAB for the win. The best placed New Zealand horse was Sharp ‘N’ Smart in 16th, who beat fellow kiwis Trust in You and Cambridge’s own Positivity home.
Resthaven donation
Friends of Resthaven Foundation yesterday presented diversional therapy equipment for the Cambridge retirement facility’s two care centres. The Omi Vista mobile interactive system is award-winning technology designed to help those living with dementia and the team at Resthaven say it will increase physical participation, positive interactions and enjoyment.
Clarification
Jack Sharman of Cambridge’s letter to the editor (7 November 2024) referred to the community board not checking its facts properly around fluoridation. He was referring to Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board, not Cambridge.
Transport to double up
By Mary Anne Gill
Two years ago, Sandra Sesto-Dekic took on the job of boosting the numbers of Waikato people catching public transport.
But when Government subsidies for age-based public transport fares ended on June 30 and fares increased by 20 per cent, her job became much tougher.
Four months in, the stats tell a heartening story, particularly in Waipā where the introduction of more services and electric buses have seen records tumble.
In August, 14,622 passengers caught the Te Awamutu-Kihikihi service and if you add in the 424 who hopped on the Te Kūiti Connector, that’s more than 15,000 punters, or an average
of 485 people a day.
Across the district in Cambridge, August was also a record with 13,371 people catching the number 20 service and 177 flagging down the Tokoroa Connector on its speedier way into Hamilton. That is an average of 437 passengers a day.
And just in time for SestoDekic’s second anniversary in February as Team Leader Customer Focus at Waikato Regional Council’s regional transport connections department, expect to see double-decker buses on the busier routes to bolster
numbers.
The February figures when Waipā-based SestoDekic started in 2023 were 7630 passengers on the Cambridge 20 service – an average of 273 a day – and Te Awamutu 24 had 8243 –average 294.
Other regional services are also building patronage – up 27 per cent from Waitomo and 54 per cent from Ōtorohanga.
Even the beleaguered Te Huia train service – funded through to June 30, 2026 – is seeing an increase with the addition of Pukekohe as a stop and half price fares
Celebrating Life - Your Way
for children. Scrapping free Gold Card fares at peak times seems to have made little difference to the service’s popularity.
Public transport was always going to struggle post Covid as the close contact put many punters off.
Bringing out the excuses was also popular – not enough services, it was too expensive, bus stops offered little in the way of comfort and cover and for those who travelled all the way to the Transport Centre in Hamilton – the destination was dirty and unsafe.
“The 40 per cent increase for Waipā is exceptional and it’s looking great. We are doing another push to promote the service now that we know the double deckers are coming,” said SestoDekic who points to higher frequency and smoother rides for the uplift.
The drivers are happier too – they now have depots in Kihikihi and Leamington – a partnership between the regional council and Waipāto pick up their electric buses and relax in comfort for the next trip to start rather than wait on the side of the road.
It is a sensible time to consider public transport during the celebrations
season.
“Sometimes you know you might be having a few drinks, and it might be a better idea to grab the bus than take a car,” she said.
The regional council will partner with Waipā council for the Olympic champions parade in Cambridge on December 13.
People from Hamilton, Kihikihi, Te Awamutu and Leamington will be able to catch a free bus into Cambridge for the parade.
There will also be extra communication targeting those who are unaware of cross-town services – from Leamington to Cambridge and return, and from Kihikihi/ Ōhaupō to Te Awamutu. Buses provide a viable opportunity when parking is at a premium in the towns’ central business districts.
So how pleased is SestoDekic? Very, because of the big changes she and the transport team had to deal with both on the network itself and with tariffs.
“We’ve carried those and I think we’ve done really well in communicating them and educating our passengers now with a very clear customer experience. We are setting ourselves in the right way for the future.”
Sandra Sesto-Dekic
When it’s raining, there is plenty of cover for passengers in the bus stops, as with this one opposite Cambridge Town Hall.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
The revamped Hamilton Transport Centre.
Waipā takes $57m hit
By Mary Anne Gill
The cost to upgrade wastewater treatment plants in Te Awamutu and Leamington have soared to an unbudgeted $57 million.
News the costs for Te Awamutu Wastewater Treatment Plant had gone up from $19 million to $48 million and the Leamington wastewater reticulation upgrade from nothing to $9 million came at a public workshop on Monday.
The projects had been “reshaped” Business Support group manager Ken Morris told councillors and there would clearly be implications for rates.
The curveball for councillors came near the end of the workshop and visibly affected councillors Roger Gordon and Mike Montgomerie beaming in by Zoom for the workshop.
Gordon shook his head at the bombshell announcement while Montgomerie’s furrowed brow was enough to suggest he was shell shocked too.
The workshop started controversially when Gordon put a point of procedure to the meeting
saying councillors had been told to restrict contact with staff and respect their weekends.
Yet the agenda for the workshop went to councillors at 5.07pm on Friday for a Monday 1pm meeting. It went online during the workshop.
Nothing in the papers hinted at the $57 million surprise.
Chair Claire St Pierre seemed to close the workshop at the one hour 36 minute mark before Strategy group manager Kirsty Downey and Ken Morris gave their verbal update about the emerging issue related to the Long Term Plan.
“What’s good for the goose is good for the gander,” Gordon said in seeking to delay discussion earlier arguing it had given him little time to prepare. Other councillors agreed but wanted the workshop to continue as they were all – bar Gordon, Montgomerie, Andrew Brown and mayor Susan O’Regan – in the chamber anyway.
An unwell O’Regan listened in, chipping in towards the end with a croaky voice.
Three Waters copped the blame for the increases. Before the government repealed the reforms last year, the costs for the country’s water supplies, storm and wastewater management systems would have been picked up by the new water service entities.
So Waipā had not reviewed the Te Awamutu and Leamington wastewater projects since 2018, Service Delivery group manager Dawn Inglis told the workshop.
While inflation had been applied, a more forensic drill down had not happened until recently.
“It’s not an easy call to front up,” said O’Sullivan but it was important to do it honestly. Staff came to councillors “early and upfront,” she said.
The workshop’s intention was to give councillors the opportunity to provide feedback on a draft financial strategy which increases debt, sets higher rates to pay debt down faster, reduces interest costs, makes the Long Term Plan a nine year one rather than nine oneyear plans and provide rates predictability.
Closure on State Highway 1 in Taupō
East Taupō Arterial section of SH1 will be closed in both directions from Monday 11 November until 6 Friday December 2024 for road rebuild.
There will be pressure on Taupō highways and local roads with many events and road works. Please use official detour as per map.
Those travelling to destinations above or below Taupō may prefer using other state highway routes such as SH3, SH4, SH32 and SH49.
More closures are planned on SH1 in next 12 months as part of our accelerated maintenance project between Tīrau and Waiouru.
Election turnout sparks review
By Mary Anne Gill
A dismal voter return and a worsening database has newly elected Waipā Networks Trust members so worried they have called for an investigation into how to improve things for the next election in three years.
When polling closed on October 1, the voter return was 14.80 per cent – 4312 votes.
A total of 1532 voting papers were returned as “gone, no forwarding address.”
The cost to run the election was $88,149.48 – or about $20 per vote.
Waipā District Council had 230 of those votes which mayor Susan O’Regan and chief executive Steph O’Sullivan used on behalf of ratepayers.
The News raised the database issue with Waipā Networks Ltd after discovering some individual voting papers were sent to the wrong addresses.
A total of 40,000 customers in Waipā, Waikato and Kāwhia were eligible to vote for six members of the trust.
The coverage area runs from Tamahere in the north, to Pukeatua and Kiokio in the south across towards the Kāwhia coast and includes the main settlements of Pirongia, Ōhaupō, Te Awamutu, Kihikihi,
Kāwhia and Cambridge.
New trustees elected were Jarrod Godfrey and Philip Coles who joined incumbents Sarah Matthews, Marcus Gower, Dave McLean and Ray Milner on the trust last month,
The trust owns 7.2 million shares worth more than $194 million in Waipā Networks.
Trust manager Kayla Heeringa said address information was sourced from electricity retailers who hold the customer data and provide the compiled database to its election provider Electionnz.com
“Unfortunately, we have minimal control over the data provided from the retailer and also what information customers provide to their retailers.
“Widespread use of email and direct debit payments has meant the database has worsened over time, which is why the trust implemented the additional control of sending emails - on top of the required postal voting method outlined in our Trust Deed,” said Heeringa.
When trustees debriefed after the election, they asked about the database challenges.
Voter returns have been consistently poor – 16.11 per cent in 2018 and 15.86 per cent in 2021.
Ken Morris
Roger Gordon
Remembering with a wreath of rosemary
Dianne Murphy picked up a useful skill during the first Covid lockdown and now her mastery is on show at every significant war time remembrance.
She makes wreaths from the rosemary in her garden - wrapping the cuttings around cane frames and then adding poppies.
They held centre stage at the low-key Armistice Day service at 11am on November 11 itself and also the day before at the Remembrance Sunday ceremony and earlier in the month for the Le Quesnoy commemorations.
Murphy, who describes herself as “half Australian” from her father’s side, uses rosemary because it has become a traditional
symbol of remembrance in Australia. It grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey and in the 1980s, cuttings of plants from Gallipoli were planted in nurseries throughout Australia to support Avenues of Honour.
RSA president Tony Hill and Cambridge Community Board chair Jo Davies-Colley laid one shortly after 11am on Monday while Christine Barbour and Heather Wellington lay a floral display on behalf of the Cambridge-Le Quesnoy Friendship Association.
Armistice Day commemorates the ending of World War 1 at 11am, on the 11th day of the 11th month.
Dianne Murphy made four of the wreaths laid at both the Remembrance Sunday ceremony and on Armistice Day itself. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Lest we forget: Members of the Cambridge RSA at the Armistice Day ceremony, from left: Dave Reid, Joe Fraser, Pete Lang, Bob Elliston and Bill McMillan.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Mighty way to celebrate summer
It was billed as the biggest celebration of summer and the 15,761 people – not counting exhibitors and participants - who attended over two days at the weekend were happy to endorse that.
Organisers have plenty to mull over from the inaugural Great Kiwi Summer event at Lake Karāpiro, said Mighty River Domain chief executive Liz Stolwyk who was already looking 12 months ahead with three hours still to go.
The Light and Sound Show on Saturday night was the highlight although waiting for it to get dark made for a long day for families of young children who had been there since the gates opened at 11am.
Having Armistice in Cambridge there made for a poignant weekend as various war battles were re-enacted with surprising accuracy.
But there was plenty to keep everyone interested, water bottle stations, sunscreen, food outlets and in usual Karāpiro Domain fashion, clean toilets!
Senior writer Mary Anne Gill was at Lake Karāpiro to capture some of the action.
Alys Antiques & Fine Art
CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE C ALLS OVER
CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE CALLS OVER THE LAST WEEK
early 19th C, good condition.
Small Oak Side Table, Jacobean style, very good condition, one drawer.
The Best Heat Pump Solution
WEDNESDAY
TUESDAY
10:12pm, Assist St John, Ariki Street
THURSDAY
9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street 1:09pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Ruakura Road 11:56pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Hautapu Road
12:31am, Tree blocking road, Kaipaki Road FRIDAY
FRIDAY 8:42am, Building Alarm and evacuation. Maungatautari Road
1:42pm, Pylon fire, Kaipaki Road 10:18pm, Building Alarm and activation, Oliver Street MONDAY
6:00am, Single car MVA, Arnold Street
SUNDAY 3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road
Olympic gold medallist Ellesse Andrews was one of the medal winners from Paris – the others were Rebecca Petch, Ally Wollaston and Shaane Fulton – and posed for plenty of selfies.
Briefing time: one of the lifeguards at Waterworld briefs participants before they board the inflatable waterpark.
Pep talk for participants playing American soldiers at D-Day on the lower battlefield.
Dad’s Army: Telling the story of New Zealand’s Home Guard were, from left Philip Hobbs (Hamilton), Mark Purdy (Morrinsville), Mike Bourke (Hamilton), Brett Curtis (Whakatane), Mark Naudé (Te Aroha).
Kiwi BMX star Jed Mildon of Taupō – the first person in the world to do a quad backflip on a BMX bike – was part of the Big Air champs at the Great Kiwi Summer Festival.
Armistice in Cambridge’s reenactment of the New Zealand Land Wars of the 1800s provided a valuable lesson for onlookers on the brutal action that took place in Waipā.
Ben’s game for a scholarship
By Mary Anne Gill
There must be thousands of parents who urged their children to get off the
gaming screen because they see it as an ill-spent way to spend adolescence.
Cambridge’s Ben Redder, 30, is proof his gaming and historical skills have borne fruit with confirmation he has secured a two-year Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science postdoctoral research scholarship at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan.
Redder is one of the few scholars in New Zealand dedicated to historical game research, a field within the digital humanities primarily based in Europe and North America.
His studies will look at Japanese historical use of games to tell stories.
Redder’s passion for history began when he was at school, firstly at Cambridge Primary, then St Peter’s Catholic and Cambridge Intermediate.
Three teachers - Gail Macmillan, Marlene Mepham and Angela Moeke encouraged his pursuit of history and when he learned Japanese at Cambridge High School, Redder’s journey was set.
He started gaming when he was 10 and his interest in history began when he played Dynasty Warriors 4 on the PlayStation 2 console. It was a game set during the Three Kingdoms in China between 180-280.
“As soon as I finished playing, I spent immense time researching everything about this history. I read and memorised the dates of births and deaths of the Chinese historical figures, what happened during the battles, names of cities and different factions, reasons for the historical events to have surfaced, and even read some primary sources,” he said in his thesis.
He studied a Bachelor of Arts at Waikato University from 2012 while also doing a Bachelor of Teaching.
By then his interest in gameplay was thriving.
“Other historical games would follow during my life, but the same element always resonated with me – that these games were transporting us into the past by allowing us to experience the stories of real people, events, beliefs, and conflicts.”
He decided to do a PhD in history at Waikato over six years and examined the representations of the past through the act of playing the game as the medium of historical games via two medieval game case studies.
“The number of historical games produced and consumed in the digital game market since the late 20th century has demonstrated the growing commercial success and popularity of integrating and communicating history in a wide variety of historical periods, settings, and cultures for generations of players around the world, as well as a popular resource for creativity, storytelling, and traversable settings for video game developers,” said Redder.
Total War: Three Kingdoms, released in 2019, sold more than one million copies in its first week. Historical games, long after their release, are still widely played.
Since completing his doctorate, Redder has worked at the university as an academic skills tutor and online teaching technology technician which piqued his interest in the Japanese scholarship.
He leaves for Japan later this month.
Letters…
More on fluoride
I suggest Jack Sharman (Letters, November 7) read the Community Board Agenda item on fluoridation from the October 2024 meeting. The most recent scientific research is laid out in detail. The latest science is the NTP fluoride neurotoxicity report published in August 2024, the Cochrane Collaboration report published in October 2024 and the US Federal Court Ruling September 2024 which ruled that fluoride “poses an unreasonable risk of reduced IQ in children”.
It is obvious now that fluoridation is unsafe and ineffective. Not one country in continental Europe fluoridates their water supply for good reason. The Ministry of Health have been wrong about plenty of health issues over the years. Fluoridation is yet another one of these sad cases where they have failed to remain current on the latest science. It’s beyond time that fluoridation is stopped. Cambridge is facing mandatory medication and it needs to be stopped.
Kane
Titchener, Deputy Chair, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board
Mind your own business
I strongly support Jack Sharman (letters, November 7) and his comments, but suggest the entire [fluoride] topic needs a much wider review with more than one set of views.
What I object to most firmly is that the Te Awamutu [and Kihikihi] Community Board, in my opinion had, and continues to have, no right to involve itself in activities beyond its defined geographic boundaries. Especially as they chose to take action with no reference to the local Cambridge Community Board.
As a voter in Leamington I strongly object to people, who I had no opportunity to vote for, advocating on matters on my behalf without me having an opportunity to comment. Council management and councillors should tell them to worry more about what is going on in their patch and let us worry about ours.
Murray Reid
Leamington
Open 7 days 9am – 4.30pm
Fresh organic blueberries in season now. Available from Café Irresistiblue.
156 Turkington Road, Monavale, Cambridge
Signposted off the Cambridge-Te Awamutu Road
Only 15-minute drive from central Te Awamutu bookings@cafeirresistiblue.conz www.cafeirresistiblue.co.nz
Looking for a great place to have your Christmas function? Café Irresistiblue have great Day & Evening options available. Visit www.cafeirresistiblue.co.nz for more details.
156 Turkington Road, Monavale, Cambridge
Signposted o the Cambridge - Te Awamutu Road
Only 10 minute drive from central Cambridge P 027 834 3501 E bookings@cafeirresistiblue.co.nz Open Daily, 9am-4.30pm
www.cafeirresistiblue.co.nz
Ben Redder of Cambridge following his PhD graduation last year. Photo: Supplied.
Heat goes on dairy industry
By Chris Gardner
The Don’t Burn Waipā lobby group has asked the dairy industry to speak out against plans for a waste-toenergy plant in Te Awamutu.
Don’t Burn Waipā spokesperson Eoin Fitzpatrick has written to dairy co-operative Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell, Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) chief executive David Chin, DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker and Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland asking them to join the fight against the building of the plant.
Hamilton-based Global Contracting Solutions’ application to build and operate a wasteto-energy plant called Paewira in Racecourse Road was called in to the Environment Protection Agency by Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds at the request of Waikato Regional Council in August, meaning the decision will be made by a board of inquiry.
“I am sure you are aware that a new round of submissions has been announced,” Fitzpatrick wrote in an email to the
rural leaders. “I would like to encourage your organisations to lodge submissions and share with your employees, customers, suppliers, and shareholders as if this goes ahead it will be detrimental for all of us.
“I feel we have been let down by local, regional and national governments - who despite continued pleas have allowed this process to continue - causing economic and social damage in our community.”
Fitzpatrick told The News he was concerned with the dioxins the waste-to-energy plant would produce and suggested its proposed location on land zoned for dairy industrial use was ludicrous, being close to residential properties, Te Awamutu College, Te Wananga Aotearoa, The Barnyard pre-school, Fonterra, and Manuka Health.
“I am genuinely concerned about the lack of opposition to this from the people we pay to look after our best interests,” he said.
“What kind of government focuses on road cones when we have foreign companies trying to push their dirty and poisonous industries into our environment when we
are in the midst of a climate crisis and talking about trying to leave the world in a better place for future generations?”
The company has painted a completely different picture, saying the plant would create 60 jobs and “unlock opportunities to educate future generations
about waste minimisation, clean up the nearby Mangapiko Stream, and celebrate the people of Ngāti Apakura and their connection to the land”.
Hamilton based Craig Tuhoro said his company processes up to 100,000 tonnes of scrap metal a year, but the 18,000 tonnes of
waste floc it send to landfill was too much, so he looked for a solution and found one used successfully in Europe.
Fonterra is opposing the application, and The News understands DairyNZ is joining the opposition.
Don’t Burn Waipa secretary Nick Cantlon asked Te Awamutu-Kihikihi
A special garden feature
Community Board to nominate a person with community knowledge to serve on the board of inquiry. The board is drafting a notice of motion opposing the application. Submissions close December 18 with the Environmental Protection Authority.
A Slice of History: Paul and Lynne Garland relax on the porch of Trecarne House – built by William Reynolds in 1877 – their Pukekura home which was one of 11 gardens to feature in the Rotary Club of Cambridge’s garden festival on Sunday. Getting the old-fashioned garden ready was a dress rehearsal for the couple who will host their daughter’s wedding on the grounds in January. Rotary sold about 1150 tickets for the one-day event while the Passion for Art over two days – featuring 13 artists – was also a success according to organisers.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Rock stars reveal Karioi facts
By Roy Pilott
A come-and-go lake near Raglan has been declared the oldest in New Zealand.
Lake Disappear – Mokaikaraka – is in a valley near Bridal Veil Falls dammed by lava flow 2.33 million years ago. It can be two kilometres long and 15 metres deep at one time of the year – and the drain to present as just a small stream And nearby, timber which is older than Karioi itself and with bark attached is regularly found on the maunga.
The nuggets of information came out in an engaging presentation at Te Awamutu Library last week.
Oliver McLeod, from the Waikato Regional Council, was joined by Janine Krippner, who writes On Shaky Ground for the Cambridge News and Te Awamutu News, to discuss the geology of Karioi volcano – the title of his new book – and the field extending from it including Pirongia, Kakepuku and Te Kawa.
The pair are rock stars of a different type. McLeod explained that studying rocks enabled geologist to trace the history. Karioi as Ankaramite, Olivine basalt, Plagioclase-basalt, Andesite and Peridotite.
Ankaramite is McLeod’s favourite.
“My life’s mission is to share Ankaramite. My mum says it looks like concrete, but think it’s just beautiful, full of crystals and
growth rings.”
McLeod’s four-year work, which was helped by sponsorship and crowd funding - follows the geological mapping of Karioi to show how it evolved – eruption by eruption - and changed in shape over millions of years. It follows a similar work on the younger Mt Pirongia.
His map of Karioi shows in different colours flows from each of a series of eruptions and the book’s illustrations include rock profiles where he identified layers which predate the maunga.
Another nugget was that Whale Bay – Te Marae o Mōkī - at Raglan is a lagoon – an unusual feature on the west coast - formed by a significant landslide.
Mt Taranaki today looks like Karioi and Pirongia would have 2.5 million years ago. Pirongia is the youngest of the four maunga – Te Kawa and Kakepuku are dated back 2.3 to 2.7 million years – but more work is required to determine the accuracy of that estimate.
Karioi had also gone through collapses similar to the Mount St Helens, south of Seattle, eruption in the US in 1980. Mt St Helens, not unlike Taranaki in profile, literally blew its top.
The work carried out by McLeod has also underlined similarities between what the Waipā maunga were like millions of year ago and what Auckland had with Rangitoto and its own field of volcanoes.
Krippner, who did the introduction by explaining she liked her volcanoes hot, said understanding those that were not enabled volcanologists to better understand active fields and how
they might change.
At any one time 40 to 60 volcanoes would be erupting around the world, and 90 per cent are in the Pacific’s ring of fire –which includes New Zealand.
Thursday’s gathering attracted about 30 people – including one The News reader who arrived with a selection of Krippner’s weekly columns in a folder.
WAIPĀ DOUBLE DECKER EV
Oliver McLeod and Janine Krippner, pictured at last week’s presentation which included a book signing.
TOWNHOUSES SELLING NOW
Located on the outskirts of Cambridge, Patrick Hogan Village provides a picturesque retirement setting.
Available now, these two and three bedroom homes are light and inviting with spacious open plan living. Complete with a contemporary kitchen and bathroom, and your own patio, they offer the perfect blend of comfort and style.
Enjoy an easy, low-maintenance lifestyle, with the added security and companionship of a growing village community.
Don’t miss out, call David on 0800 600 446 for more details.
HOGAN
23 Hugo Shaw Drive, Cambridge
Briefs…
No bikes please
The bike racks might still be on the buses but a new national order from the Bus and Coach Association prevents passengers putting their bikes on them. It follows a safety alert recently published by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi stating that operators with bike racks on the front of buses are not complying with safety rules at night. While no bike racks will be physically removed from buses, bus users will not be permitted to use them the matter is resolved.
Karāpiro review
A review of the Lake Karāpiro Reserve Management Plan will look at the management and development of the 19ha reserve and guide future decisions. A reserve management plan is required under the Reserves Act to guide the use of and protect reserve land and includes its legal status and classification. Waipā council will also develop a separate masterplan for more detailed visual guidance on the reserve developments. Feedback is open until December 8.
Miss Daisy tops
Driving Miss Daisy, which has a strong Waipā presence with its companion transport service, has won the Supreme Franchise system of the year at the Westpac New Zealand Franchise awards.
AGE OF REASON
The calm after the storm
In the heady aftermath of the US election, one could be forgiven for being a bit bored with the whole everlasting muddle thrown at us by the media. Especially American media with its overlay of false news. They were totally wrong in forecasting the result of the key vote would take several days to emerge. It was all over without a whimper overnight.
Recriminations will abound, most from within the Democrat camp. The elderly lady congresswoman from California –Nancy Pelosi - who refuses to ‘go quietly’. still clings on to her (own) perception that she is the powerhouse of the party and has the status of (very) wise old person. Yet this same VWOP is the one and the same that commandeered an American government plane and transported herself and her notneeded views onto the shores of Taiwan. If ever there is a hot simmering potato in the vegetable patch that is the China Sea, then it is the highly successful nation that emerged in 1949. And a piece of rock that China has a high desire to own.
Earlier this year we cruised the China Sea from end to end starting at Shanghai. And had to make an unplanned call off the coast of Taiwan to transfer a sick passenger
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY • FARMING EMPLOYMENT PERSONAL
By Peter Carr
to a Taiwanese coastguard vessel. All pretty simple really except on looking only a mile away we observed, sitting quietly on the water, a Chinese destroyer. Which brought home that the two nations – the bloodline of both going back to the original Chinese mainland - are, one day, to become a hotspot that will make the Ukraine conflict look like a kindergarten.
For all his blustering rhetoric and often misplaced observations the new Presidentelect of the US is here to stay. He is not going to cause the Ukraine conflict to cease ‘in 24 hours’ nor is he going to successfully bulldoze what may be up to 11 million illegal immigrants across the border back into Mexico. Witness the Latino vote this time swung behind Trump - the power of which he will be well aware.
His blustering on trade tariffs is only good until he realises (or is persuaded by the saner members of his cabinet) that the wider US public will wake up and understand that tariffs work two ways –the greater effect being an increase on retail costs and a rapidly rising inflation.
Trump alone did not cause the swing that bounced him and his MAGA movement back into the White House. The US
experienced a notable shift to the right that has emerged in most western states except for the UK.
But the Prime Minister there is finding it very hard to make a worthwhile footing and one should not be surprised to see yet another election on those politically battered and bewildered islands soon.
Previous PM John Key was criticised for stating that Trump as President would be good for the US, world trade and New Zealand. Sometimes standing back from the fray leads to wise counsel and sensible words.
What was interesting on Sunday was to hear a well-respected American political observer heaping praise on Winston Peters for his handling of diplomatic matters and focused selling of the New Zealand cause. But back here on LaLa Land we will have to be ready to be bombarded from our TV screens with pro and anti Māori blathering while the Act party attempts to undertake the impossible – with not a single other party in the House to support them.
Well at least we beat the Irish!
SPRING IS HERE
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY • FARMING EMPLOYMENT PERSONAL
Experienced professionals. Local specialists. Quality advice.
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
Greenwaste dumping I’ll tell you where 60 Hautapu Road the place that is near
Lions like Leos
The Cambridge Lions Club has celebrated the hard work done by their Leos over the past year.
The support given to Lions by their junior members was praised at the recent end-of-year prizegiving evening held at Cambridge High School.
The Leos club is based there under the steerage of the school’s youth advisor and Leo advisor, Judy Costello. She said the Leos meet with her once a week during their lunchtimes.
“They generously give up their own time to fundraise for a wide range of local charities and they also offer their service at many school events. The Cambridge Lions are so proud of their achievements this year, and of the support they offer the club,” she said.
“Some of the Leos can be seen regularly helping in the Lions Food Caravan. They also join us at the Christmas Parade and help at the Children’s Christmas function. The club truly values this group of students and we offer them fully sponsored places on Hillary Outdoor Camps.”
The event saw the 2024 Leos office
bearers acknowledged, including outgoing Leos president Liam Dobson whose dedication and organisational skills were particularly noted.
Year went to Pippa Owsley.
The Lions Leo of the Year went to Kaitlin McGuire for her contribution to the Leos, and for her support in the food caravan.
Cambridge High School Educa onal
Outgoing vice-president Zak Neville, treasurer Alyssa Eady, and secretaries Evie Axcell and Georgia Betrand, were also acknowledged.
During 2024, Leos raised $4730 funds for six charities – up considerably on the $2450 raised last year.
The award for Best Attendance at meetings went to Zak Neville and Yuka Yokos, Best Attendance Award at events went to Evie Axcell, and the award Leo of the
“We see her as a leader in the future,” said Costello.
Incoming Leo leaders for 2025 are Evie Axcell as president, Zak Neville as vice-president, Alyssa Eady as treasurer and Pippa Owsley as secretary.
Cambridge High School Educa onal Trust Congratula ons to the following winners
Attending the event alongside the Leos and their families was Cambridge Lions president Brent Montgomerie, Cambridge High School assistant principal Marcel Kuijpers, Leos advisor Judy Costello and her husband Tony Costello.
Cambridge High School Educa onal Trust Congratula ons to the following winners
Cambridge High School Educa onal Trust Congratula ons to the following winners
Leos leaders for 2025, from left, president Evie Axcell, vice-president Zak Neville, treasurer Alyssa Eady, and secretary Pippa Owsley. Photo: supplied
Lauren Wood
Ally Smith Katrina Waters Rachel Waterton Chiara Woodford
Mikaela Davidson Hannah Gordon Luke Huggins Madeleine Jago Sasha Sergiychuk
Jessie Armstrong
(incorpora ng the Tom & Rose Milnes Trust award)
Bev Smale Food Technology Award
Bev Smale Tex Technology Award
Zoe Green
Hannah Robinson
Lauren Wood
Ally Smith Katrina Waters Rachel Waterton Chiara Woodford
Mikaela Davidson Hannah Gordon Luke Huggins Madeleine Jago Sasha Sergiychuk
Jessie Armstrong
SCHOLARSHIPS (incorpora ng the Tom & Rose Milnes Trust award)
Bev Smale Food Technology Award
Bev Smale Tex les Technology Award
Zoe Green Hannah Robinson
Lauren Wood Ally Smith Katrina Waters Rachel Waterton Chiara
Mikaela Davidson Hannah Gordon Luke Huggins Madeleine Jago
Tom & Rose Milnes Trust award)
Bev Smale Food Technology Award
Bev Smale Tex Technology Award
Zoe Green Hannah Robinson
Lauren Wood
Ally Smith Katrina Waters Rachel Waterton Chiara Woodford
Mikaela Davidson Hannah Gordon Luke Huggins Madeleine Jago Sasha Sergiychuk Jessie Armstrong
Green
Ally Smith Katrina Waters Rachel Waterton
Mikaela Davidson Hannah Gordon Luke Jessie Armstrong SCHOLARSHIPS
Tom & Rose
Bev Smale Tex les Technology Award
Zoe Green
Lauren Wood Ally Smith Katrina Waters Rachel Waterton Chiara Woodford Mikaela Davidson Hannah Gordon Luke Huggins Madeleine Jago Sasha Sergiychuk
Armstrong
Bev Smale
Robinson
Lauren Wood
Smith Katrina Waters Rachel Waterton Chiara Woodford Mikaela Davidson Hannah Gordon Luke Huggins Madeleine Jago Sasha
Bev Smale Food Technology Award
Bev Smale Tex les Technology Award
Zoe Green Hannah Robinson
Cambridge High School
Neve Keightley Chamber of Commerce Senior Oratory Cup
Sophie Laurent University of Waikato Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences prize
Prize and the Langsford Cup for the Top Year 12 in 2024
Ashlin Long Cambridge Accountants Ltd Commerce Award
Riley Mitchell Senior Oratory Cup for Speech making
Jessica Thomas The McCreery Trophy for Recognition of Special Achievement during a students time at Cambridge High School
Luke O’Brien Archie Shaw Cup for Best all Round Year 13 Boy
Anna Jago Ziman Cup for Best all Round Year 13 Girl
Adriana Cook University of Waikato Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences prize
Sarai-Eden Egan Cambridge Glass prize and the Keith Robinson First in Gateway Trophy for outstanding tenacity and hard mahi
Rachel Waterton Cambridge High School Board
Ben Bonetti Pukeroro House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Thomas Senior Waipa District Council Award for Service to the Community
Hayden Rhoda Cambridge Accountants Ltd Commerce Award
Orla Anderson-Scott Cambridge High School Award and Cambridge Business and Professional Womens
Bella Peacocke Cambridge High School Educational Trust Prize for Service to the School
Trophy
Neve Keightley Te Koo Utu House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Jessie Armstrong Horotiu House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Organisation and Management
Anaya Omundsen Ngaa Poutiaki Award for Top Academic Year 11 Maaori Student
Lizzie Loynes C.A Moroney Science Scholarship for a student who shows the most promise in an area of Science continuing onto a tertiary institution.
Rose Pham Cambridge High School International Ambassador Award Best International Student
Te Kore Poka Maaori Women’s Welfare League Cup for a fine Senior Maaori Student
Jesse Armstrong Waipa District Council Award for Service to the Community
Daniel Plant Te Koopu Maania House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Te Kore Poka Parawhau House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Isla Te Weehi Ti Kiwa Graham Trophy for Excellence
Ally Smith Lions Club for Service to the Community
Cynthia Chen Cambridge High School Award Top All Round International Student based on academic results Jakob Millar Penobscot Paddle Outstanding contribution and leadership in Outdoor Education
Jacob D’Ath Te Oko Horoi House Cup for Leadership and House Spirt
Chiara Woodford Cambridge High School Educational Trust Prize for Service to the School
David Cameron The Prime Ministers Vocational Excellent Award
Penny Lang Ngaa Poutiaki Award for Top Academic Year 11 Maaori Student
Junhao Cai Best International Student based on academic performance
Bella Peacocke Principal’s Head Girl 2023
Luke O’Brien Principal’s Head Boy 2023
Kunthiti
Iritana Vega Maaori Women’s Welfare League Cup for a ne Senior Maaori Student
Libby Griffin Cambridge Community Trust Award a student who has conducted themself in a exemplary fashion while on Gateway and are now set to further their pathway
Anna Jago
Wanichjaroenporn Best International Student Ambassador
Saoirse Herewini Ti Kiwa Graham Trophy for Excellence
Ethan Carr Cambridge Community Trust Award a student who has conducted themself in a exemplary fashion while on Gateway and are now set to further their pathway
Tran Gia Huy Best International student based on academic performance
Emily Wilson Jennings Cup for Courage for a student who has overcome difficulties in pursuit of their goals
Levi
Amy Lindsey Cannon Homeroom Cup for having the courage to succeed
Charot Sophonamnuaikit Best International Student Ambassador
Taela Marsh Cambridge Community Trust Award a student who has conducted themself in a exemplary fashion while on Gateway and are now set to further their pathway
Ella Higgins Cambridge High School Educational Trust Award incorporating the Tom
Adriana Cook Jennings Cup for Courage for a student who has overcome di culties in pursuit of their goals
Luke Hazelwood Altrusa International Club of Cambridge Award for a student who has overcome challenges in literacy to find success
Somya Kant Jamie Moore Cup for Services to the Library
Kate Elliott Cannon Homeroom Cup (donated by Thomas Cannon) for having the Courage to Succeed
Maia Franklyn Altrusa International Club of Cambridge Award for a student who has overcome challenges in literacy to nd success
Somya Kant C.A Moroney Science Scholarship for a student who shows the most promise in an area of Science continuing onto a tertiary institution
Hannah Paterson The Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellent Award
Eliza Hobby Jamie Moore Cup for Services to the Library
Anke van de Merwe Bev Smale Textiles Technology Award - with acknowledgement to Cambridge Educational Trust
Lachlan McKnight Education to Employment Excellence Award
Rachel Waterton Nathalie Roy Rotary Scholarship Award for an All-Round Year 13 Student who has been an ambassador for the
Georgiana Reynolds The Bev Smale Food Technology (or Catering & - with acknowledgement to Cambridge Hospitality) Award Educational Trust
Thomas Hocking Nathalie Roy Rotary Scholarship Award for an All-Round Year 13 Student who has been an ambassador for the School and fully involved in school life
Ben Bonetti Terry Sullivan Cup for Leadership and School Spirit
Neve Keightley Cambridge High School Award for Leadership, Organisation and Management Skills
ARTS AWARDS
Music - Junior Orpheus Award - Diligence in Music
CHS Outstanding Junior Musician
Music - Open Vagg Cup - Instrumental Music
Calvert Cup - Outstanding Vocalist
Jed Smith
Nicole Van Der Maazen
Hunter Davis
Eliza Hobby and Grace Vivian
Te Puna Auaha Trophy - Outstanding Original Music Hunter Davis
Top Musical Group/Duo Clean Up
Music - Senior Daniel Peters Cup - Outstanding Contribution to Music Kingston Harrop
Sullivan Award - All-Round Excellence in Music Grace Gillanders
Dance - Junior Outstanding Contribution to CHS Dance Caitlin Anselmi
CHS Cup for Diligence in Dance Bella Walker
Outstanding/Top Dancer Millie Davis
Dance - Open Thornton Cup for Outstanding Contribution to Dance Ivy Oldershaw
Dance - Senior Thornton Trophy for Diligence in Dance Ayana Kilian
Alana Wells Cup for Outstanding Contribution to CHS Dance Indie Cowan
Outstanding/Top Dancers
Elise Carr and Evelyn Winter
Arts - Junior Diligence in Visual Art Luciana Mudge
All-Round Excellence in Visual Art Juliet Phyn
SUMMER AWARDS
Athletics Herbert Smith Cup - Senior Girls Champion
Martin Byrne Cup - Senior Boys Champion
CHS Cup - Outstanding Performance in 2024
Swimming Herbert Smith Cup - Senior Girls Champion
Speight Cup - Senior Boys Champion
CHS Cup - Outstanding Performance in 2024
Cricket CHS Cup - Outstanding Contribution to Girls Cricket
Thomas Cup - Services to CHS Cricket
Hunt Cup - 1st XI Boys Player of the Year
Equestrian
CHS Cup - Outstanding Contribution to CHS Show Jumping
CHS Cup - Outstanding Equestrian Performance
Vervoort Trophy - Outstanding Achievement in Eventing
Golf Penrose Cup - Golfer of the Year
Rowing George Family Cup - Outstanding U16 Boy
Balsom Family Cup - Outstanding U16 Girl
CHS Rowing Club Cup - Outstanding Service and Contribution to CHS Rowing
CHS Cup - Girls Rower of the Year
CHS Cup - Boys Rower of the Year
Sevens Hudson Trophy - Girls Player of the Year
Tennis CHS Cup - Boys Singles Champs
Volleyball
CHS Trophy - Outstanding Contribution to Volleyball
CHS Cup - Senior Girls Player of the Year
CHS Cup - Senior Boys Player of the Year
Waterpolo CHS Cup - Girls Player of the Year
Rose Family Trophy - Outstanding Service and Contribution
CHS Cup - Boys Player of the Year
Water Skiing CHS Cup - Most Outstanding Water Skiier
CHS Cup - Most Outstanding Water Skiier
WINTER AWARDS
Cross Country Head Trophy - Senior Girls Champion
Hart Cup - Senior Boys Champion
CHS Cup - Outstanding Performance in 2024
Basketball Haig Trophy - Service and Leadership in Basketball
CHS Cup - Premier Boys Player of the Year
Rock Climbing CHS Trophy - Climber of the Year
Outstanding Contribution to
Outstanding/Top Visual Artist Jasmine Wilson
Drama - Junior Diligence in Junior Drama Betsy-Scarlett Ingram
All Round Excellence in Dramatic Performance Eleanor Whittaker
Drama - Open Michael Garrett Memorial Cup - O -stage Contribution to Drama Vinnie Proebstel
Michelle Loye Memorial Cup for Drama Production Lyra Slaughter
Drama - Senior Larissa Peters Award for Outstanding Contribution to Drama Adriana Cook
Outstanding/Top Dramatic Performer Liam Dobson
MAJOR ARTS AWARDS
SPORTS AWARDS
CHS Trophy - Male Road Rider of the Year
Stirling Kraakman
Bronwen Rees-Jones
Matthew Sinclair
Maya Tebbutt
Olivia Emmett
Corne Diener
Olivia Emmett
Mia Guzzwell
Hamish Copeland
Ashton Wallace
Mei Chin
Polly Chiplin
Polly Chiplin
Penny Lang
Ben Gillanders
Mackenzie Lawton
Maddy Peacocke
Tegan O’Dwyer
Jesse West
Hannah Gordon
Cameron Hill
Jessie Armstrong
Natalie Thomas
Nathan Hills
Katrina Waters
Katrina Waters
Charlie Harper
Luke Runciman
Maddy Hancock
Bronwen Rees-Jones
Hunter Ward
Bronwen Rees-Jones
Aaron Ryburn
Caleb Seebeck
Jamie Cross
Cycling CHS Trophy - Outstanding Service and Contribution to CHS Cycling Caitlin Cotter
McDonnell Cup - Exemplifying CHS Values
CHS Trophy - Female Road Rider of the Year
Rylan van der Loo
Emma Cotter
MTB
Football
Colin Dixon Cup - Female Track Rider of the Year Pearl Brodie
Grant Ackerman Cup - Male Track Rider of the Year Tom Choi
Ackerman Trophy - Senior Cyclist with Outstanding Potential Alex Schuler
CHS Cup - Best Mountain Bike Rider
Oscar Newnham
Peter Wilkinson Cup - Services to CHS Football Noah Maloney
Peter Wilkinson Cup - Services to CHS Football Georgia Mantell
Hollis Trophy - 1st XI Girls Player of the Year
Vic Butler Cup - 1st XI Boys Player of the Year
Brooke Suisted
Blake Taylor
Hockey Bichan Cup - Services to CHS Hockey Liam Wells
Lyburn Cup - 1st XI Girls Player of the Year
Mills Cup - 1st XI Boys Player of the Year
Inline Hockey
Lacrosse
Netball
CHs Trophy - Most Valuable Player
Georgie Brown
Lochie Wood
Mikaela Davidson
CHS Cup - Service to CHS Lacrosse Molly Harvey
Forman Trophy - Girls Player of the Year
CHS Trophy - Boys Player of the Year
Annelies Banks
Preston Bowler
Windsor Nissan Trophy - Dedication to Netball Anja Leander
Mary Scott Trophy - Premier Girls Player of the Year Bella Hancock
Bear Family Trophy - Most Improved Premier Player Emily Bacon
Rugby Landers Cup - Girls Player of the Year
Addy Abbott
Bodle-Coates Trophy - Outstanding Achievement in Girls Rugby Biankah Montford
Peter Bodie Memorial Cup - Upholding High Values Dalton Hunt
Voyle Cup - Services to 1st XV Rugby Liam Adam
Rugby Club Trophy - Most Valuable Senior Player Jesse West
BOS Trophy - 1st XV Player of the Year
Squash
Edmunds Cup - Boys Player of the Year
Edmnds Cup - Girls Player of the Year
Shooting CHs Trophy - Smallbore Shooter of the Year
Brad Meek
Chloe Hopson
James Seath
Annabel Goodrich
MAJOR SPORTS AWARDS
Filmmaker shoots for the stars
By Steph Bell-Jenkins
Zach Macaskill-Smith, whose original film ‘The Case’ raised $2000 for charity this year, has won St Peter’s Cambridge’s International Baccalaureate (IB) dux award.
The IB Diploma is an NCEA alternative which allows students to achieve an “esteemed international qualification that fosters the development of the whole person”.
Zach won the Colleen Eager Award for English literature at senior prizegiving, and was top of IB physics, chemistry, geography, English and Spanish.
Acting head of school Julie Small described him as one of the most outstanding students she had come across in her career.
“Zach is a young man who’s got huge insight into people, and a significant emotional intelligence alongside this lovely, kind manner, which is very humble,” she said.
“He has involved himself in the full life of everything that’s on offer, despite being an international baccalaureate student, which already is a mean feat of its own.”
Zach, who has lived just outside Hamilton all his life, juggled his studies this year while directing and producing The Chase, a 52-minute murder mystery film shot in and around Cambridge.
The 18-year-old co-wrote the screenplay with friend Emma Gray, telling the story of a detective who stumbles across a time machine while investigating a murder case.
“It was a lot of work, and very much a challenge about bringing people together to achieve a sheer creative vision,” he said.
About 40 students worked on the movie, which screened locally in August, attracting more than 200 viewers and raising $2000 for Cure Kids Cancer Foundation and Women’s Refuge.
Zach was head boy of Swears House this year. He represented St Peter’s at the Model United National Youth Conference and the New Zealand Engineering Science Competition.
He is applying for scholarships to universities in the United States and the United Kingdom and would like to study mathematics at the University of Cambridge in England.
“I’m looking at different options,” he said.
“I don’t have a favourite subject – I like different aspects of all of them. I feel like maths is a good fit for studying at Cambridge – it’s general in a way but specialist at the same time. It’s useful in so many fields; it doesn’t pigeonhole you into doing one specific thing, like medicine or engineering.”
Asked how he had managed to achieve so much in one year, Zach said the secret was to “strive for really aspirational things”.
“And some things people will say you can’t do, like making a film… they might say it’s not realistic and it might not all turn out okay… but through that act of stretching yourself you can really go beyond where you might think you’d be able to,” he said.
St Peter’s International Baccalaureate proxime accessit was Tim Qian, a keen table tennis and basketball player who represented St Peter’s at the University of Waikato’s Analytical Chemistry Competition and the New Zealand Engineering Science Competition this year.
NCEA dux was Gabrielle Hill and NCEA proxime accessit was head girl Keana Woodfield.
Zach Macaskill-Smith with his awards.
Bayly’s early heads up
By Mary Anne Gill
Local authorities and small business owners who invoice government agencies can expect quicker payment from January, Port Waikato MP Andrew Bayly let slip at a luncheon fixture four days before the official announcement last week.
In a wide-ranging speech to Waikato Chamber of Commerce members in Newstead, Bayly covered off activities in his portfolios and revealed he wanted to see the government pay its own invoices within five days.
He also wanted compulsory business surveys streamlined by getting rid of redundant questions and using existing data more effectively.
“All that garbage at the front,” including questions about where the business was located would go
“We already know all that because we have your business number.”
Bayly, 62, was first elected to Parliament as the National member for Hunua in 2014.
The electorate has since changed to Port Waikato. He is the minister for Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Small Business and
Manufacturing and Statistics.
His background in business and farming endeared him to the crowd which included business owners, lawyers, accountants, bankers, manufacturers, consultants, engineering and construction companies.
Chamber chief executive Don Good told The News the address showed Bayly was all over his portfolios.
“This is a minister who is getting sensible stuff done to make it easier to do good business.”
The invoice revelation came after Bayly spoke about the need for economic growth through stimulating innovation, opening up connections and improving New Zealand’s business environment.
“Internally we’ve got a whole focus around getting the right parameters in place to support businesses,” he said.
The Waipā businesses in the room perked up when they heard about manufacturing sector initiatives and plans to align New Zealand’s regulations with Australia to facilitate easier exporting and reduce bureaucratic burdens.
Changes to the Companies Act and financial sector reforms were also planned,
said Bayly, who is a chartered accountant and has worked in the banking sector.
He is an advocate for open banking to foster competition and make financial services more accessible and efficient.
The invoicing initiative means the 33 central government agencies who send and receive 1.6 million invoices annually will move to an e-invoicing system from January. It would require them to pay within five business days.
It would be rolled out into other government agencies and local government by January 2026.
“Government agencies are a large client for businesses up and down the country, supplying everything from stationery and furniture, through to services such as software, security and research.
“Prompt payment is especially important for small businesses which have limited cash reserves – an unpaid or late invoice can be the difference between being able to pay staff on time or not.
“Given 97 per cent of all businesses in New Zealand are small businesses, it is crucial for our broader economic success that government agencies pay their invoices
quickly,” said Bayly.
Estimates suggest that adopting e-invoicing could generate productivity savings of $4.4 billion over the next 10 years and reduce instances of human error and fraud.
Andrew Bayly
Money for key events
Waipā event organisers will benefit from $75,000 in funding to support 27 domestic events.
The funding, which aims to strengthen community connections and boost economic activity, includes $6000 each for the National Waka Ama Sprint Championships and the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rowing Championships (Maadi Cup Regatta), $5600 for Balloons visit Waipā, and $5000 each for the Cambridge Cycling Festival and Dragon Boat National Championships.
Events that demonstrated strong local interest or showcased unique and innovative experiences, such as the Stragglers Charity Car Show, Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder NZ Series, and Whakamaumahara – Rangiaowhia Commemoration Day, also secured support.
Devoy talk
Former world champion squash champion and Race Relations commissioner Susan Devoy is guest speaker at Cambridge Rotary Club’s president’s breakfast on Sunday. Funds raised will benefit Days for Girls, an organisation that provides sanitary products for women and girls in the Pacific.
Looking at magma kitchens
There were some great questions at the Karioi talk in the Te Awamutu Library last week after a fantastic presentation by Dr Oliver McLeod. Thank you for all who came and said hello, I always love to meet those of you who enjoy this column.
There were mentions of ‘subduction zones’, so this week we will explore what that is and why it is important for volcanoes in particular. We also happen to live above one – the Hikurangi Subduction zone, and I think it’s pretty neat understanding what’s below our feet.
Subduction zones are where two tectonic plates, the massive slabs of crust that make up the Earth’s surface, are moving together and one is pushed down below the other – it is subducted. Below the Waipā, the top of the subducting Pacific plate is very roughly 250km deep. This crust is made up of many, many layers of rocks, and those rocks are made up of many different minerals or crystals.
We have volcanoes because we have magma, a mix of molten rock with solid crystals or minerals, that moves from deep below to the surface. These huge systems are complex and evolving through time.
This is one of those times where geology
By Janine Krippner
requires us to think of the very large – the subducting slab, alongside the very small – the chemical makeup of the minerals within the rock.
A very important way of making magma is adding water to hot rock, lowering the temperature that is required for that rock to melt. One term for this is ‘fluid-fluxed melting’. The rock is already hot and under pressure, but it is solid. This added water is a key for making it melt. So where does that water come from? It comes from even deeper below.
Trapped within the minerals that make up the subducting slab is water, but not in the liquid form we would fill a glass with. The enormous temperatures and pressures experienced by the subducting plate causes the release of this water, which moves upwards into the hot rock above it. There are chemical processes going on through all of this, which change across different pressures and temperatures. This continues as the blebs of magma form and begin to move upwards because the nowmelted rock is less dense than the solid rock – like pouring oil (lower density) into water (higher density).
Over time these magma blebs become
larger magma reservoirs, mixtures of the melt plus solid chunks. Once there is enough fluid rock within the mixture, we are heading in the right direction for a possible eruption.
This is why we have a high proportion of volcanoes alongside subduction zones, and an important reason why we have volcanoes in Aotearoa. There is, of course, more complexity to our story. There are other ways of generating magma and different locations where we get volcanoes, but subduction zones are the most popular place for volcanoes to form. The outer edge of the Pacific tectonic plate has a lot of subduction zones, which is why we have the “ring of fire” with the highest concentration of active volcanoes on Earth.
The next time you see an eruption in the news, large or small, you might like to consider the long journey that the magma took to get there. The journey that began long before we were born and will continue to shape our landscapes well into the future.
‘World order is changing’
By Chris Gardner
Trade tariffs of up to 20 per cent on all imported goods could follow the re-election of Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States.
In a report going to Federated Farmers Waikato Executive this week, Economic and Finance chair Garry Reymer warns of the far-reaching implications Trump’s re-election could have on New Zealand’s primary sector. Agricultural, horticultural and viticultural producers will all be impacted Reymer, the owner of
two dairy farms at Cambridge and Kaipaki, warns.
“Our wine and meat exports to the US are significant and if they get hit with tariffs that Trump is proposing it will really be felt here at home,” he warned.
Trump’s protectionist policies could impact the whole order of international trade, including New Zealand’s key trading partners across the Asia Pacific region.
“If we overlay that with the growing power of the BRICs (Brazil Russia India China) grouping which is picking up new members all the
time like South Africa, Iran and some other mid-east countries, the world is truly moving in a very different direction that we saw through the 70s 80s and 90s,” Reymer said.
“Our government, especially trade and foreign affairs, is going to have to fight hard to keep our ag exports in front of the world at good prices ensuring good returns to our farmer producers,” said.
Reymer said producers could add trade tariffs to a list of big issues threatening their business such as the behaviour of banks
and the drive to decrease carbon emissions.
“The banking inquiry has a few key issues for me, one being the pricing of risk both by the trading banks themselves but also by the Reserve Bank. Two different risk assessments but both add cost to what we pay. The Reserve Bank being the biggest culprit here. Another question needs to be asked and that is why our banks are getting involved with scope three emissions? They sell money, they do not trade with other countries and do not produce goods. What is the rational of them demanding
that we reduce our emission to remain bankable?”
“The world order is changing, free trade has peaked, and we are rapidly moving to an isolationist’s world where the rules of trade are being rewritten or just ripped up, but New Zealand can work and prosper in that world because we produce quality food at a competitive price. Energy security, border security and food security will be the drivers for the foreseeable future.”
Federated Farmers Waikato Executive members will discuss Reymer’s report on Tuesday.
Garry Reymer says we are rapidly moving to an isolationist’s world
Call to return to ‘old school’
By Chris Gardner
Bring back local discussion groups.
That’s the message dairy farmers have for DairyNZ’s new chief executive Campbell Parker and chair Tracy Brown. The industry good organisation took local discussion groups online during the pandemic and scrapped them all together afterwards.
Dairy farmers are invited to larger regional eventsone is the Pokeno field day on November 13 on Jamie Lyons’ farm.
Federated Farmers Waikato Provincial Dairy Chair Matthew Zonderop said he had got used to a 15-minute drive to discussion groups,
but regional events were more than an hour away.
“I would like to go back to the old school local discussion groups,” he said.
“I don’t want to drive up to Pokeno where I will stand out like a sore thumb.”
Ōhaupō dairy farmer Andrew Reymer echoed Zonderop’s sentiments.
“The only real farmer connection that DairyNZ had was the discussion group,” he said.
Sharefarming Consultants founder Louise Gibson said her clients also wished for the local discussion groups to return.
DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker said in a statement the organisation had delivered 27 events with an average of 30 attendees
after calving and 72 per cent said they liked the new format focussing on putting scientists and experts in front of farmers.
Kiwifruit consent granted
A retrospective resource consent has been granted to Kiwifruit Investments Ltd to construct crop protection structures and vegetated shelterbelts at 1278 Kaipaki Rd.
Public notification was unnecessary, Waipā District Council ruled, because no person is adversely affected. Neighbours Grant and Margaret Walker disagree saying the shelterbelt is right on their boundary while posts are five metres from it. “We have been led to believe all through the process we would be kept informed and when the application would be lodged,” said Grant. The consent was granted to Parmvir Singh Bains who struck opposition last year when he was granted retrospective resource consent for a kiwifruit orchard in Parallel Rd,
The tax debate
By Clyde Graf, Waipā-King Country Councillor
My neighbour Michael was telling me about his rental properties and how the tenants are paying them off.
The discussion raised some questions.
The Bright Line Test – is it a legitimate investment policy - or a discriminative, taxavoidance vehicle? Here’s their situation, with permission.
Diana is a high school teacher, and a single mum in her late 20s. She rents a house that belongs to Michael, one of several houses that Michael owns on our street.
Jack and Jane are a hard-working, middleaged couple living across the road from me. They have three teenage children.
Jane is a nurse, and Jack drives a truck.
Jack’s also a volunteer fireman. They’re saving to purchase a rental property. Michael retired at the age of 50.
He owns six houses, plays golf three times a week, and spends three months a year overseas holidaying. Life’s pretty good for Michael.
After paying the mortgage and bills, there’s never much money left for Jack and Jane to invest, so any excess goes into their savings account.
They’ve now accumulated $25,000, well off the deposit required to purchase a rental property. Each year they’re required to pay income tax on the interest generated on their savings. The extra income also accrues to their overall annual income, meaning an increase in ACC levies.
Diana saves all she can spare, trying to accumulate enough money for a house deposit.
As a single mum, renting is a slog. Diana tried to buy a house two years ago, using her $100,000 in savings as a deposit. She
was told by the bank to go away and save some more. Because Diana didn’t have enough money to invest in houses she bought gold, while trying to accumulate a larger deposit. The price of gold has risen by 55 per cent over the last two years.
Any profit generated by Diana’s home deposit investment is liable for income tax. If she was wealthy, she would have been able to invest in property and avoid paying any tax at all.
Over the last five years, Michael has sold two of his houses, for a profit of $700,000. He says it’s not worth investing in businesses because of the risk, and the share market means tax on profits.
He’s not required to pay any tax on the handsome profits generated from speculating on houses he says, because The Bright Line Test means he can avoid tax, legally, if he waits at least two years before selling.
People without the money required to purchase investment property are taxed on all the earnings they generate, including interest. Perhaps it’s time to introduce a policy that allows people without investment properties to retain their investment and savings earnings, tax-free, just to even the playing field.
The Bright Line Test and the absence of a Capital Gains Tax on investment property benefits only the wealthy and effectively legalises tax avoidance. It’s time to address this unethical policy conundrum. This is my view, not necessarily that of council.
Waipā District Council is ignoring Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board’s request to push back against the Director General of Health’s directive to introduce fluoride to Cambridge water.
Board deputy chair Kane Titchener asked the council to seek an interim order, or some other appropriate legal remedy, to put fluoridation on hold until the end of a new court case involving Health New Zealand at the board’s October meeting. His motion was
approved three votes to one.
“Contravening the directive is an offence under the Health Act 1956,” said council service delivery group manager Dawn Inglis in a statement.
Titchener’s motion also asked the council to liaise and work with one or more of the 13 other directed councils to push back against the directive and acknowledge to the community that the US Federal Court had ruled that adding fluoride to the water supply at 0.7 to 1ppm is an unreasonable risk relating to neurotoxicity.
Amazing Grace
By Steph Bell-Jenkins
For Grace Gillanders, committing to a career in the music industry is as terrifying as it is exhilarating.
“Sometimes I have self-doubt,” the 17-year-old bass guitarist said.
“I think, am I good enough to be doing this? Is this a smart thing to be doing? Am I going to be poor? Is this a reliable path?”
But there’s nothing else in the world she can picture herself doing.
“My absolute dream would be to perform on a stage for my whole life,” she said.
“I don’t care what music I’m playing, I don’t care where I’m playing, I just want to perform on a stage. If that doesn’t work out, I’d be totally stoked to do anything else in the music industry.
Grace, who plans to study a Bachelor of Commercial Music at Victoria University of Wellington next year, is this year’s winner of Cambridge High School’s prestigious Rob May Scholarship.
The $1000 prize goes to gifted to a graduating student continuing their career in the arts.
“I was very shocked but so, so happy that I shed a couple of tears,” she said.
“It solidifies my dreams. It says other people also believe in me and that I can succeed. It’s quite huge for me as a confidence booster – it gives me that extra push to know this is the right thing.”
Grace also won the Sullivan Award for All Round
“The Ministry of Health makes all decisions around fluoride,” Inglis said.
“Waipā District Council was directed by the Ministry to add fluoride to the Cambridge water supply in July 2022, and was advised it would receive funding to help pay for the work required. We are continuing to work with the Ministry of Health with respect to the funding agreement, in line with this directive.”
Inglis could not say when fluoride would be introduced.
“There is no funding agreement
in place, and as the work required to comply with the fluoridation directive would take around nine months, any change is still some way off,” she said.
“Waipā District Council is reviewing the future delivery of its drinking water, wastewater, and storm water (three waters) in line with the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation. This may involve a potential collaboration with other Waikato councils. Any further action on the fluoride directive will be considered within this wider overview of our water services.”
Excellence in Music and her band, Clean Up, took out the Top Musical Duo or Group award.
Clean Up was a top 10 finalist in Smokefree Tangata Beats, an original youth music event celebrating Aotearoa and the South Pacific’s unique cultural influences, in September.
Principal Greg Thornton said Grace had been deeply involved in music inside and outside of school and contributed significantly to Cambridge High’s jazz band, guitar ensemble, concert band and Clean Up.
In March she won a $1000 scholarship commemorating Cambridge and New Zealand country and rock legend Ritchie Pickett.
The passionate musician also plays bass guitar for local band Pineja, which formed at Cambridge High School.
“Playing gigs with them is my favourite thing to do in the world,” she said. “It’s just my ultimate happy place.”
Top award for Evelyn
By Steph Bell-Jenkins
For Evelyn Winter, dance is an adrenaline rush.
“Backstage, sometimes I feel so nervous I feel like I’m going to be sick,” she said. “But when they call your name, your mind kind of goes blank and it’s just muscle memory. You don’t even think about facial expressions and emotions; they just happen.”
The talented 16-year-old, who won top year 11-13 duo with Elise Carr at the Dance NZ Made national final earlier this year, has been named Cambridge High School’s Senior Arts Person of the Year.
She and Elise also won the Top Dancer award and shared Best Art Group or Team of the Year with The Hunter Davis Quintet, a Cambridge High jazz group.
“Elise taught me a lot,” Evelyn said. “We have similar ideas, but
we still have different styles. We are literally in every single class together and we’re very good friends.”
Arts faculty head Zane Holton said Evelyn had made a massive contribution to dance in 2024 and shown leadership by supporting other students.
“She is a triple threat, consistently brilliant in all areas of performing arts, and she has the brightest of futures ahead of her.”
Adding musical strings to her bow, Evelyn also plays the cornet and trumpet and is a drummer in her family band, Flat Out Fred.
One of eight children, she also enjoys Bohemian dance in her spare time.
Her ambition is to study dance and drama after finishing high school.
• See: All that Jazz, page 42.
Titchener told The News he was disappointed with the council’s response as his motion was to seek an interim order, or some other appropriate legal remedy and work with other councils who are pushing back against the order.
“I disagree with what they have said,” he said.
He was expecting an invitation to speak at the council’s Service Delivery committee meeting on November 19.
“If I don’t get that, it will be quite a big deal,” he said.
Deeper than you think
By Murray Smith, Bridges Church
A friend who is a respected neurologist specialises in understanding the brain and its functionsespecially as it relates to strokes. Often we’ve discussed the human brain’s wonders and its mysteries, including the question of where human consciousness originates. Is it ‘with the brain, or does consciousness exist without the brain?’ These are issues long postulated by medical scientists.
Attempting to understand what is meant by ‘consciousness’ isn’t straightforward. Explanations vary but it’s generally described as ‘awareness of yourself and the world around you’, or ‘having perceptions, thoughts and feelings.’ One medical writer expressed it as ‘the subjective experience of being aware; to have a sense of self.’
A contributor for the publication Scientific American described how over a quarter of a century ago, he and an academic colleague decided to set aside philosophical discussions on consciousness and instead identify its ‘physical footprints’. The fact that scholars since at least the time of Aristotle had engaged with this subject philosophically provoked their determination to show that specific parts of the brain give rise to consciousness. Their efforts to narrow down the ‘seat of consciousness’ were predictably inconclusive. The origins of consciousness continue to challenge medical explanation.
How might it be accounted for? ‘Unconscious’ people in apparent brain dead vegetative states have woken in some cases years later, able to finely detail such things as clinical discussions, family happenings, all ‘gathered’ from bedside conversations. Their consciousness remained intact in spite of being evaluated brain dead.
Today with abounding credible evidence of ‘near death experiences,’ or NDE’s, it is widely accepted that consciousness does not accompany a body to the grave - but where does it go?
A Dutch cardiologist, Dr Pim van Lommel has reported studies in The Lancet medical journal stating 29 percent of his patients with NDE’s (presenting as having died, then revived ), reported later that their consciousness ‘journeyed into alternative dimensions, returning with vivid experiences’. Lommel also describes a 44-year-old man having a cardiac arrest and falling into a coma. During resuscitation, a nurse removed his dentures and put them in a drawer. The medical team restarted the man’s heart hours later but a week passed before the patient regained consciousness. To the team’s astonishment he identified the nurse who’d removed his dentures, accurately recalling her putting them into the sliding drawer of a medical cart.
Since nothing substantiates that one’s consciousness originates in physical organs of the body, be it brain, heart or kidney, is there another explanation?
I believe the answer is deeper than many realise, existing in the fact that human beings are much more than flesh and blood. Our bodies will someday die but consciousness remains apart from anything physical about our make-up. We are body, soul, and spirit and it is in our spiritual dimension that consciousness eternally exists.
The fact that we are essentially a spiritual being having an earthly experience in our temporary ‘earth suit’ carries implications that warrant careful consideration. The Bible frequently mentions an eternal destiny awaiting everyone - it describes existence beyond the grave and a personal choice to make which determines our destination. Believing Jesus’ words, “I’m going to prepare a place for you,” I’ve chosen heaven.
FAITH IN WAIPĀ
Cambridge High School student Grace Gillanders has won a $1000 scholarship to help her pursue her dream of a career in the music industry.
Evelyn Winter has been recognised for her contribution to the arts at Cambridge High School.
Local rural expert!
Growing up on a farm in Puketaha, in the heart of the Waikato, David was always going to be involved in the farming sector. He has spent the last 30 years involved in farming, farm consultancy and for the past 8 years, rural real estate. David is passionate about the rural industry and thrives on the challenge of helping farmers achieve their farm ownership goals. David prides himself in having great marketing skills, excellent negotiation skills, along with regular communication and honest feedback so his clients can make informed decisions and achieve the best possible results. With over $100m in real estate sales over the last 5 years with Property Brokers, the results speak for themselves.
If you are looking for a real estate agent with a proven track record who has your best interests at heart, look no further, contact David today.
David McGuire
Rural/Lifestyle Sales Consultant
M 027 472 2572
E david.mcguire@pb.co.nz
W davidmcguire.co.nz
David.McGuire.PB
Tamahere 316 Hooker Road
Best street - best buy
You put the work in and watch your equity grow. This four bedroom home offers the opportunity of the year for buyers looking for a project. The 210m2 classic villa features beautiful high ceilings that give the sense of extra space, and the stained glass windows throw a warm light around the home. It has a separate dining room off the kitchen area, a large, separate lounge, and the convenience of a family bathroom and a separate toilet. The master bedroom has an adjacent space begging to become the master ensuite. It has a DVS system in place - with a wood burner for winter. The garden is mature and provides the quintessential opportunity to turn it into an outdoor space that you and your family can enjoy. The property includes a fenced paddock perfect for the pet sheep, alpaca or pony. The double garage provides added storage or workspace.
Te Miro 1/369 Flume Road
Income generating lifestyle
Located just 8 kilometers from charming Cambridge, this property spans 12.96 hectares and features two distinct dwellings, providing multiple avenues for income generation. The main residence features four spacious bedrooms, along with an office and a modern kitchen equipped with a scullery. A cozy log burner ensures the home stays warm during the colder months. It includes a family bathroom, while the master bedroom boasts its own ensuite. The flooring showcases a blend of carpet and Matai timber flooring. The generous deck seamlessly incorporates the open plan living with the mature landscaped gardens, providing an ideal space for outdoor relaxing. Additionally, a charming 60 m2 cottage with two bedrooms generates a rental income of $535 (including power) per week. With 6 hectares of flat land leased for maize and rolling contours perfect for rearing beef cattle, this property offers excellent agricultural potential.
E david.mcguire@pb.co.nz
(unless sold prior)
Sun 17 Nov 12.00 - 12.30pm
Tamahere 286 Pencarrow Road
Country Comfort
Enjoy the penultimate country lifestyle close to town. This European style home sits happily a little out of Hamilton on approximately 2 ha with a lovely gully aspect. Part of Tamahere's Golden Mile community, the Pencarrow property has it alla four-bedroom double-glazed home, a circa 80 sq m barn, manicured grounds, three well-fenced paddocks, and much more, including the perks of solar water heating, quality school zones and proximity to Tamahere village, Hamilton Airport and Waikato Expressway. Options to work from home, indulge in favourite pastimes and hobby farm are superb. Comfy and inviting, the split-level home has wrap-around verandas from which to survey the countryside, two ensuite bedrooms, airconditioning/heat pumps, an open fire and a modern kitchen in the central hub upgraded around six years ago, along with the bathrooms, carpet and paintwork, inside and out. There is a great back-to-nature aesthetic, the freedom of abundant open space, and friendly village vibe.
SWEEPING RIVER VIEWS
Elevate your lifestyle with this stylish, elegant and spacious family home in a sought-after Tamahere enclave. Delivering uncompromising quality, space, and style on a well-manicured block, it provides a perfect escape for families. Impressive in every way, this large, five-bedroom residence raises the bar on relaxed, quiet lifestyle living. It boasts stunning river views, a superb indoor-outdoor mindset, and plenty of space for family and friends. The striking home offers next-level entertainment with a swimming pool, barbecue area, and inviting loggia for all-year-round enjoyment. Its spacious 439 sqm (mol) interior encompasses high ceilings throughout, formal and informal living areas balanced by a suite of bedrooms, two bathrooms, a powder room, laundry, and double internal garaging. There is ample sociable and personal space. Designed to harmonise with its surroundings, the thoughtfully crafted home is the idyllic spot to recharge. It lies on a peaceful, no-exit country road,
Russell Thomas M 020 4004 0360 E russell.thomas@pb.co.nz
Angela Thomas M 020 4004 0368 E angela.thomas@pb.co.nz
5 2 2 3
For Sale By Negotiation View By appointment
Web pb.co.nz/CBL190795
Russell Thomas M 020 4004 0360 E russell.thomas@pb.co.nz
Angela Thomas M 020 4004 0368 E angela.thomas@pb.co.nz
Scan for more
Tamahere 1/60 Lowe Road
Could Be Chic, Could Be Homely!
- This chic 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom dazzling gem sits in the Heart of Cambridge, offering a low maintenance lifestyle ideal for couples, retirees or busy professionals.
- Set on a tidy, super easy care 130m² (more or less) freehold site.
- Enjoy a bespoke kitchen; open plan layout; an ‘all-you-need’ bathroom with heated towel rail.
- Outdoor, private living with huge deck; garden shed storage and everything you need at your doorstep.
- Here is a 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home that offers the perfect blank canvas for those ready to roll up their sleeves and unlock its full potential.
- Positioned to capture plenty of sunlight, the home promises a warm and bright aspect.
- Primely nestled in a quiet, this property presents an outstanding opportunity for first home buyers, renovators and investors alike.
- It is guaranteed that there’s work to be done but reap the rewards of the investment of your choice of comforts, décor and next step.
Buy - Quiet, Private & Handy!
- Set across an expansive 1.3187 hectares (more or less), this property includes a two-level barn stay (currently set up as an Airbnb), a cozy cabin, shedding, two paddocks & an Olive orchard.
- Barn Stay: A stylish open-plan ground floor featuring a polished concrete floor, stylishly modern bathroom, fireplace (unconsented), plus a spacious upper loft with beautiful views and a private deck.
- Container Cabin: cozy studio retreat, ideal as a drum room/sleepout
- Three-bay enclosed garage/ workshop (concrete floor), woodshed, chicken coop and an arboretum filled with specimen trees.
- Beautiful, brick home built by reputable GJ Gardner Homes, generous 5-bedroom nestled on a 741m² (more or less) section.
- Enjoy a large, open plan kitchen with a window which opens out to the entertainment area.
- Two expansive living areas ensuring comfort and flexibility.
- Superb floorplan with plenty of indoor/ outdoor flow to the private, sun-filled, relaxing backyard.
- Good sized bedrooms; two bathrooms including master ensuite and internal access double garage with storage loft.
Brick On Browning - First Home Buyers
- Separate office/sleepout: This flexible space can serve as a home office, guest room, or a private retreat for extended family members or visitors and has a heat pump for year round comfort.
- 3 comfortable bedrooms: Ideal for family living, offering ample space and natural light.
- 1.5 bathrooms: A shower over bath for daily use and a separate WC for convenience of guests, Plus a room upstairs with its own WC.
- Modern kitchen: With contemporary appliances, generous counter space, and plenty of storage.
- Stylish three-bedroom plus office, two-bathroom home is a sanctuary for those seeking a sophisticated and
- On the ground floor, an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area flows seamlessly onto a deck that showcases rich, fiery sunsets.
- Deck connects directly to the master suite, which features a beautifully tiled & renovated bathroom & a large walk-in wardrobe.
- First-floor features two double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes that share a beautifully appointed family bathroom.
- Heat pump systems and a cozy gas fire, comfort in every season.
- Living area is open plan with easy access through a slider to a private & sunny deck, privately overlooking picturesque gardens.
- All 3 bedrooms are of a good size, with the master at the rear of the home having a walk-in robe.
- A great family bathroom boasting shower and bath, and the toilet is separate.
- Double garaging is internally accessed and the sealed drive has ample turnaround space for ease of exiting.
- Nestled on a sprawling property of 4.1 acres (more or less) this lovingly maintained 4-bedroom set on beautifully landscaped grounds with ten paddocks, a cattle yard, and a loading bay.
- Two outdoor entertaining areas await, including one with a charming portico, perfect for gatherings year-round.
- Stay warm in winter with a wetback log burner and heat pump, complemented by double-glazed windows.
- Modern kitchen, Four Bedrooms - two upstairs and two downstairs. Country Living - Minutes
Hayes Paddock, Dress Circle Position
The epitome of central city sophistication, 2A Jellicoe Drive offers elevated and easy living without compromise. Soaking in uninterrupted views of the Waikato River from its spot on the reserve - the location of this home is unbeatable. This property beautifully marries modern living with a sense of heritage charm, offering a unique opportunity to secure a stunning residence in a highly desirable neighbourhood. You are also in zone for high performing schools, including the prestigious Hamilton Boys High School. With its clever design and proximity to local schools, parks, and the Wellington Street Beach, this home is perfect for families seeking both convenience and a sense of community.
bayleys.co.nz/2316243
Laid Back Cul-de-sac Living
This modern three bedroom, two bathroom home is tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac. Its low-maintenance 545sqm (more or less) freehold section and open-plan layout are perfect for those seeking simplicity. You are welcomed into the light and bright open-plan living, with a modern kitchen featuring a generous breakfast bar, ideal for gatherings. This home offers year-round comfort with great indoor/outdoor flow and has three generously proportioned bedrooms, the master with an ensuite and walk-in robe. The fully fenced backyard provides a private, secure playground for children and pets. It is low maintenance and easy to love with all the convenience of Te Awamutu and local schools.
Explore the inviting atmosphere of 10 Burns Street, a cozy home ideally positioned in Cambridge. Set on a 617sqm (more or less) lot, this residence features a comfortable, open living and dining area that's perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. The kitchen is efficiently designed, equipped with an oven, stove with rangehood, and ample storage space. The home includes three well-proportioned bedrooms, each filled with natural light and equipped with built-in wardrobes for excellent storage and organization. Ensuring year-round comfort, the house is insulated to the latest Healthy Homes standards and boasts two heat pumps that maintain optimal temperatures in any season. The backyard is fenced for privacy and includes a large lawn and mature fruit trees, creating a perfect spot for outdoor activities or simply enjoying the outdoors. bayleys.co.nz/2350829
44 Pengover Avenue
Sophisticated Living with Park Views
Cambridge 110 Tennyson Street
Tirau 115 Puketirau Road
Matamata 228 Pond Road
immerse yourself in the outdoor oasis,
The sections are conveniently equipped with new fencing and a concrete driveway, making access simple and e icient.Approved Land Use Consent for a duplex dwelling, each unit being 109m2 (218m2 total dwelling footprint) as per approved concept plans with each unit having 2 bedrooms plus an o ice. The combined soakage system for lots 2 & 3 has already been constructed. Both titles are required to be purchased together.
Twin Willow Close
Stokes M 021 351 112
Cassie Emmett M 027 215 9334
Rebekah Bloodworth M 022 361 9879
3 1 1 1
Cambridge 14/2 Grace Avenue Set
lifestyle. With highly regarded Cambridge schools just a short distance away, families will find the location perfect for easy daily routines. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the proximity to the stunning Lake Karapiro, o ering a range of recreational activities, from rowing to leisurely lakeside walks.
Cassie
Cambridge 201/14 Terry Came Drive
Cambridge
26 Whakahaumako Road
This exceptional property o ers a modern design and functional living, beautifully cra ed by local builders, Hill Homes. Situated on a sunny corner site, this high-spec residence o ers both elegance and comfort in one of Cambridge’s newest neighbourhoods. This home is designed to cater to modern lifestyles while o ering a sense of security and community. Whether you’re looking for a family home or a space to entertain, this property has it all.
2 2 2 Cassie Emmett M 027 215 9334
Cambridge 33a Isobel Hodgson Drive
Discover your ideal living space in Cambridge with our exclusive two-storey townhouse, perfectly positioned for modern family living. Scheduled for completion in early 2025, this sought-a er location o ers convenience and tranquility. The lower level boasts a spacious kitchen, dining, and living areas, designed for comfort and functionality. Your upstairs retreat is where you can enjoy four bedrooms, including a master bedroom with ensuite, and a separate family bathroom for added convenience. 4 2 1 2
Rebekah Bloodworth M 022 361 9879 For Sale $1,399,000 View by
Cassie Emmett M 027 215 9334
Rebekah Bloodworth M 022 361 9879
Leamington 62a/b Thompson Street
Rerenga Terrace
9 Scott Street PBN 11.00-11.30am 31A Goldsmith Street $885,000 11.00-11.30am
Corner of Queen and Bryce Street
“A
All that jazz
Spiritual iPod”
A DAY WITHOUT FEAR.
Deep in our hearts.
Sunday service at 10am will be lead by Re v. Alistair McBride.
Sunday Service at 10am will be led by Rev. Mohu Lolohea.
Sunday Service at 10am will be led by Rev. Mohu Lolohea
Cogswell Surveys, a trusted name in land development since 1965, is looking for an Administration Manager to support our friendly, local team.
What You’ll Do:
• Financial Administration: Manage payroll, invoicing, budgets, and reconciliations (Xero and Excel).
• Project Coordination: Help keep projects and workflows on track.
• Communication: Provide updates and manage team requests.
• Tech-Savvy: Comfortable with Microsoft 365 suite and open to learning new software.
Skills Required:
• Financial Expertise: Experience with payroll, invoicing, and reconciliations, ideally using Xero and Excel.
• Strong Organisational Skills: Ability to coordinate multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fastpaced work environment.
• E ective Communicator: Confident in managing updates, triaging requests, and collaborating with various stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Willingness to learn new tools and can identify and improve processes.
• Team-Oriented Attitude: A positive, can-do approach that supports a collaborative team environment.
• People Person: Adept at connecting with colleagues and clients alike, ensuring a positive experience for everyone.
Why Join Us?
• Work Locally: Skip the long commute.
• Work-Life Balance: Full-time hours with weekends o .
• Meaningful Work: Support projects that benefit our Clients the Waipā community.
Learn more at www.cogswell.co.nz Applications Close: 5:00 pm, Friday, 22nd of November 2024.
Apply today by emailing your CV to reception@cogswell.co.nz. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Candidates must be legally entitled to work in NZ and pass credit and criminal record checks.
By Steph Bell-Jenkins
Hunter Davis was so wary of overcommitting himself, he almost declined an invitation to join Cambridge High School’s junior jazz band as a year 9 student in 2022. Now, he’s so glad he took the plunge.
“It was one of the best musical decisions I’ve made,” said the 15-year-old guitarist, who has since moved on to the school’s senior jazz band and is passionate about the genre. Hunter has excelled in music this year, winning the Vagg Cup for Instrumental Music at Cambridge High’s 2024 Arts Awards.
The year 11 student also took home the Te Puna Auaha Cup for Outstanding Original Music for his song, ‘The Seeker’, recorded by The Hunter Davis Quintet.
He is quick to point out his band members – Reuben Stevens, Finnian Thomas-Fleming, Camerson Diprose and Kingston Harrop – chose the group’s name.
“We would not have got anywhere without those guys; they are just phenomenal, amazing players,” he said.
‘The Seeker’, “smashed out in one weekend”, won the quintet a ticket to perform at the Young Jazz Band-It New Zealand Jazz Composition Competition in Wellington last month, where they were “super happy” to place third.
That achievement saw them share the Cambridge High School Best Arts Group or Team of the Year award with senior dance duo Elise Carr and Evelyn Winter.
Just two weeks earlier, Hunter’s school band Clean Up was a top 10 national finalist in Smokefree Tangata Beats, an original youth music event celebrating Aotearoa and the South Pacific’s unique cultural influences.
Clean Up was also recognised at the Arts Awards, winning Top Musical Duo or Group.
Hunter, a committed student, was top of his music and French classes in 2023 and is studying chemistry and maths a year ahead of his age level this year.
There’s a lot on his plate, but he tends not to get too stressed about it.
“It’s a lot of hard work, but that just makes it all the more enjoyable when you get to the end goal,” he said.
“It’s a great experience to play with all these extremely talented musicians from school.”
Hunter Davis.
Cambridge Veterinary Club Inc. Scholarships
The Cambridge Veterinary Club invites applications from residents of the Cambridge area who are undertaking study in 2025 in the fields of Veterinary medicine/nursing, Agriculture or practical farming courses. These scholarships are intended to assist with course fees/ travel and/or accommodation expenses.
Applications can be made by December 1, 2024 by email to office@shelleytweedy.co.nz
Please include a C.V. and covering letter. Any question to 027 244 1548
Leamington Rugby Sports Club Incorporated
Annual General Meeting
Leamington Rugby Sports Club Incorporated AGM will be held at 7.00pm on Wednesday the 27th November 2024 at Leamington Rugby Clubrooms, Carlyle Street, Cambridge. Nominations for President, Treasurer and Secretary should be forwarded to the club email below by 26th November 2024.
To be held in the Clubrooms, Laurent Road, Cambridge on Wednesday 27 November 2024, commencing at 6.00pm
AGENDA
1. Apologies
2. Minutes of Previous Annual General Meeting
3. Matters Arising from the Minutes
4. Presentation of President Report
DEATH NOTICES
PATI, Saulo, (Paul) –Suddenly passed away at home on Wednesday, 30th October 2024. Aged 37 years. Dearly loved partner of Nakoia and devoted father to Katelle, Curtis, Kilani-Grace, Karter-Lau, and Kirvana.
DEATH NOTICES
A celebration of Paul's life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Higgins Road, Dinsdale, Hamilton, on Thursday, 7th November 2024 at 11:00am followed by the burial at The Whatawhata Public Cemetery. All communications to the Toti Family, c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.
WORTHINGTON, Elizabeth
Anne, (Anne) – On Tuesday, 5th November 2024. Aged 74 years. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mum. Now resting peacefully after a long battle with cancer.
Pursuant to section 74(2) of the Reserves Act 1977 Nga Pae Whenua proposes to grant a licence to occupy over part of the land at Koroki Kahukura Ki Hinuera Scenic Reserve to Albert John Welsh and Sandra Mary Welsh for a term of five (5) years. The proposed licence requires the land to be used for the purposes of harvesting of grass, or grazing of cattle, sheep and/or horses. The annual rent is proposed to be set at $1,457.00 plus GST.
The land proposed to be leased comprises of approximately 7,286 ha and is located on Tirau Road, Karapiro and forms part of the Koroki Kahukura Ki Hinuera Scenic Reserve, which is held in Record of Title 687764 and described as Section 152, 157 Block XVI Cambridge Survey District. The land is owned by the trustees of the Taumatawiiwii Trust and administered by Nga Pae Whenua as a scenic reserve under the Reserves Act 1977.
For more information, please contact Waipa District Council on 0800 0800 924 723 or email info@waipadc.govt.nz.
Anyone wishing to make a submission or objection may do so in writing by post or by email, to be received no later than 5 pm Monday, 16 December 2024. Please state in your submission if you wish to be heard in person.
Address all correspondence to: Nga Pae Whenua, c/- Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840. Email: info@waipadc.govt.nz
Privacy Statement: Any personal information you provide as part of your submission or objection will be used for the purpose of the engagement process, including informing you of the outcome of the consultation. All objections/submissions (including names and contact details) may be made available to the public as part of the consultation and decision-making process, All information collected will be held by Nga Pae Whenua, c/- Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840. Submitters have the right to access and/or correct personal information. PROPOSAL TO
5. Presentation of Annual Financial Report
6. Election of Officers
7. Confirmation of Subscriptions
8. General Business
Olivia Scott Secretary
WANTED to purchase Benz 2005/06/08/09 280 – CLS350. Details to private buyer: planpacengineer@yahoo.com
A wonderful mum to Toni, Kirsti, and Gavin, mother-inlaw to the late Dean, Barney and Candice. The best nana to Liam, Finley, Eden, Enzo, Clare, and Lara. Companion to Mo and bestie to her many sister-friends. Mum, you harnessed immense strength and courage that we will always remember and admire. With Annie gone, whose eyes to compare with the morning sun? Not that I did compare, But I do compare now that she’s gone. (Leonard Cohen) The service for Elizabeth has been held. All communications to the Worthington Family, c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.
CARAVAN 180 XL 6.5 metres, C.I. Munro, all aluminium frame, cert, self-contained with fully enclosed awning, double glazed, tinted windows, sleeps 5, microwave, Thetford cassette toilet, 3-way automatic fridge/ freezer (90ltrs), 5 good steel belted radials (8 ply), 90ltrs fresh water, 102ltrs grey, gas cooker & grill, 2 gas bottles, 230 volt & 12 volt lighting, fire extinguisher, excellent storage, galvanised chassis, no rust, only one devoted owner, beautiful condition.
$40,000 or near offer Cambridge telephone 07 823 3576
BAX, Mayne James Kenneth – ran his last race on 4th November 2024. Mayne the young colt was born and bred in Hikutaia, Thames Valley. As a young colt he galloped around the Hauraki Plains and Waikato showing plenty of promise with a zest for work and play. Whilst traveling Australia, Mayne meet a classy young filly, Marie Corboy - from Mulwala, NSW, Australia. Mayne and Marie were married on the 8/2/1964. Returning to the greener pastures of NZ they formed the MayMar Stud in Horahora, under the shadows of Maungatautari Mountain. Mayne toiled away on the land for 50 years, creating a beautiful herd of Friesian cows. Mayne had a great love of horse racing, cricket, tennis, golf, cards and the Warriors. His biggest love of all was his family. Mayne and Marie had 2 colts; Phillip and Gavin, and 2 fillies; Debbie and Michelle. Their offspring produced 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Mayne was very proud of the increasing size of his stable. He showed a great interest in their endeavours and achievements and backed them all as winners in life. The last 8 years Mayne stabled up with a proven stayer from Taranaki, Fiona Maxwell. Together they made a formidable team, galloping around on many adventures and proving you can still have a lot of fun on the home straight. Mayne hit the finish line well clear of the field with a twinkle in his eye knowing he had made every post a winner. A true champion to us all. Time for a spell, rest easy Mayne. The family would like to thank Fiona and the team at Waikato hospital for guiding Mayne over the last few tricky hurdles. A private cremation has been held. In lieu of flowers, Mayne would like you to back the Warriors in 2025. Please send any correspondence to P & T Bax, 2083 Maungatautari Road, RD2 Cambridge, 3494.
MARTIN A H – Passed away peacefully at Metlife Care, St Andrews Village, Cambridge on Sunday 10 November 2024, aged 88 years. Much loved and loving wife of the late Roly. Adored mother and mother-in-law and Nanna of Dave, Dale and Alex, Christine and Greg, Lynette and Lejf, Kim and Gary, and their families.
“Absent from the body, Present with the Lord” A service to celebrate Heather’s life will be held at Cambridge Baptist, 58 Queen Street, Cambridge on Saturday 16 November at 10:00am
