Cambridge News | December 4, 2025

New racing home eyed

By Mary Anne Gill

The search for a greenfield site to house Waikato’s racing industry appears to have narrowed to land immediately south of Hamiltonand an announcement understood to be only days away.

Waikato Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Andrew “Butch” Castles declined to comment citing the sensitivity of ongoing negotiations.

“I can’t be clearer — it is very delicate and I am not in a position to comment,” he said.

Industry sources suggest agents acting for the club have identified flat land near the Waikato Expressway, capable of accommodating a single, purposebuilt hub for racing and training.

This move follows a landmark decision at last year’s annual meeting, where members of the newly merged Waikato Thoroughbred Racing - formed from Te Rapa, Cambridge, and Waipā racing clubs - endorsed a grand plan to sell existing assets and secure a “super site” of between 125 and 200 hectares.

The preferred site needed to sit in a triangle from Hamilton north, down to Te Awamutu, and across to Cambridge, they decided. It needed good access to water, with the right kind of topography and non-peaty.

A new site would eventually replace the racing and training venues in Hamilton, Cambridge and Te Awamutu.

If the purchase proceeds, it would trigger a cascade of property sales, beginning with the 34ha site in Te Awamutu where the Waipā club raced from 1915 until the 2020-21

season and where around 100 horses still train.

Cambridge with 61ha and Te Rapa with 50ha would have to remain operational until the new hub was completed, thought to be by 2035.

The News understands the proposal has high-level government support and would be largely selffunded.

Cambridge – which celebrated its centenary in 2019 - is home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest thoroughbred training centre, with 1300 horses regularly working on its 13 tracks.

That includes the country’s first synthetic all-weather horse racing track. The Polytrack surface is made from a mixture of silica, sand, carpet fibres, rubber and wax. Its $13 million cost was partly funded by the Provincial Growth Fund and was opened by racing minister Winston Peters in July 2021.

Te Rapa in Hamilton, meanwhile, is Waikato’s premier racecourse and event centre, once spanning more than 150ha during racing’s heydays when thousands of punters flocked to race days. Racing first started on the course in 1924.

Urban expansion in both Hamilton and Cambridge has steadily encroached on both venues, making the land increasingly valuable for residential and commercial development.

The club is hoping to secure a private plan change to rezone 6ha for medium-density housing.

Board chair Bruce Harvey said after last year’s annual meeting a greenfield site would centralise operations and future proof Waikato’s racing industry.

Challenges at Cambridge - where new housing has added traffic to roads used by horses - and the need to bring Waikato’s racing fraternity under one roof were key considerations.

For Waikato Thoroughbred Racing, the solution lies in creating a modern super hub - a facility that secures the industry’s future, provides world-class infrastructure,

venues – such as

and ensures the region remains a powerhouse of New Zealand racing.

Trainers would be able to either hire or lease land at the super hub while there would be an opportunity for racing-related ancillary businesses. The main racetrack would be sand-based but there would also be options for synthetic racing and training tracks. While officials remain tightlipped, industry insiders describe the proposal as “exciting” and potentially transformative. With racing already contributing more than $500 million to the Waikato economy and supporting 3800 full-time jobs, a centralised hub could be the game changer that secures the industry’s future.

Rates cap ‘no surprise’

By Chris Gardner

Waipā District Council is already working towards striking rates within new Government guidelines to be introduced in 2029.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts announced on Monday the Government has agreed to progress a rates cap. Under the plan, rates increases would be limited to a maximum of four per cent.

“Rates are taking up more of household bills, and some communities have faced double-digit increases year after year. This is unsustainable and is only adding to the cost of living for many Kiwis.

Councils would not be permitted to increase rates

beyond the upper end of the range, unless they had permission from a regulator appointed by central government.

Waipā mayor Mike Pettit was not surprised to hear of the cap but was surprised to hear how it would be implemented.

The cap will apply to general and targeted rates, and uniform annual charges but exclude water charges and other non-rates revenue.

“We have got some time to implement this,” he said. “In 2029/30 we are sitting at just over four per cent which we will need to bring down slightly and in the current Long Term Plan sitting at 2.2 per cent for the remaining four years.”

Urban expansion is encroaching on racing

Cambridge’s synthetic track in Racecourse Rd.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

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In business… Wintec’s fightback

By Mary Anne Gill

After years of upheaval under Te Pūkenga, Hamilton’s Wintec - the regional polytechnic serving Waikato, Waipa and King Country -

is reclaiming independence.

Once burdened by $19.4m losses and fading identity, it now promises a bold reset: locally led, flexible, and built on iwi and industry partnerships.

With Waikato’s ageing Pākehā workforce and fastgrowing young Māori and Pacific population, the stakes are high.

Operations lead Warwick Pitts told Waikato Chamber of Commerce members last month, even 250 more graduates could inject $300 million into local households.

The story about Wintec’s comeback, lead in this month’s Waikato Business News, is about more than survival - it’s positioning itself as a cornerstone of regional prosperity.

Elsewhere in the Good Local Media business publication’s December issue are several award winners including Pirongia Sports Club, a police officer, Waikato Chamber of Commerce members, former MP Martin Gallagher and Community and Enterprise Leadership Foundation graduates.

The gift with a risk

With the festive season approaching and Christmas lists eagerly being assembled, a word of caution for parents considering an E-scooter for their children.

Riding an E-Scooter comes with risks and responsibilities for which not every child or young person may be ready. We have had reports of irresponsible riding, including a youth doubling their friend on an E-scooter at speed downhill, with neither wearing helmets - a risky combination. Some E-scooters can reach speeds equal to or exceeding traditional (motorised) scooters. This means that younger children may not be able to react in time to avoid a crash, due to their speed simply outrunning their ability.

E-Scooters should be ridden in a considerate manner; speeds should be kept low out of consideration for pedestrians, leaving a good distance between the scooter and other pavement users. People and cars on pavements and driveways can be unpredictable. For safety reasons, it is strongly recommended that all riders wear helmets (clipped up) to reduce the risk of injury.

In police catches this week, Cambridge police recently received two reports of indecent behaviour at lakeside reserves. With the assistance of local community, the alleged offender’s vehicle was reported to police when it returned to one of the locations later. Staff responded quickly and arrested the male without problem. He will be appearing in court. Such intervention

Summer

is important to prevent escalation of offending.

Another male was seen by another member of the public in the process of attempting to steal a car in Leamington. Police arrived to find him continuing his actions. The person was found to be in breaching court bail conditions in addition to his attempted unlawful taking of the vehicle. He was arrested with Police opposing bail, appeared in court and was remanded in custody until his next hearing.

In Te Awamutu, staff terminated an investigation into multiple residential burglaries where outdoor and garden equipment were taken. A female was successfully arrested and faced five charges in court.

Te Awamutu has also had a spate of construction site burglaries reported. Builders’ tools, paint and construction materials were targeted. As always, we encourage tradies to secure their vehicles and tools whenever left on site. Mark your tools with an identifier (such as your driver’s licence number) and record details such as make, model and serial numbers. If storing equipment in a shipping container onsite, invest in high quality locks, install motion activated audible alarms inside the container and CCTV inside and out. If you do discover a theft, be sure to preserve the scene for forensic opportunities and report it to Police immediately. As indicated by the burglary arrest above, one offender is usually responsible for a series of offences.

We were also in Hamilton at the unveiling of Mesh’s fifth piece of public art in Hayes Paddock and we hear from former Hamilton mayor Margaret Evans who wants to see some Dollars and Sense from local body politicians.

Over the Kaimai Range, sister publication the Bay of Plenty Business News asks questions about the Marine Precinct’s future. Tauranga City Council sold the prime harbour real estate and local MP Sam Uffindell says that is “a terrible outcome for ratepayers.”

And there are glimmerings of an upturn, economists say.

All in Waikato Business News and Bay of Plenty Business News, out now goodlocal.nz

Online checks

After the heady numbers our Cambridge News website experienced during the local government election period, last month’s statistics settled down.

Most visited news story was the November 14 edition of News in Brief subsequently updated in the days afterwards.

A bid to establish a managed fill in Leamington being put on hold by the council came in at second, Cambridge High School’s award winners was next followed by Jo Davies-Colley’s appointment as deputy mayor. Fifth was our front page confirming the Newcombe Rd quarry appeal had been settled.

The two most visited pages are Home and the e-Editions, where the full Cambridge News edition can be found.

Builds, Renovations, Indoor/Outdoor Tiles, Swimming Pool Tiles.

with Senior Constable DEB HANN

Robbery follow

Police have recovered three stolen vehicles used in the robbery of the Cambridge Z service station in the town centre on November 25. They say they have confirmed five offenders were involved and are following “positive lines” of enquiry. Thieves made off with a till in the morning raid which prompted police to encourage the public to provide information via phone on 105 or through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Dining out

Plenty of theories have arisen as to why actor and comedian Simon Helberg who plays aerospace engineer-astronaut Howard Wolowitz in CBS sitcom Big Bang Theory was in the Waipā on Sunday.

The American actor, 45 on December 9, dined at Fahrenheit, a restaurant and bar on the main street of Te Awamutu.

On parade

Organisers of the Cambridge Christmas parade are expecting a full house of floats on Sunday. Vicki Ewing told The News 50 entries had been received by the end of last week.

Remembering them

Remembrance services are being held across the district to remember loved ones. Rosetown Chapel in Ōhaupō Road, Te Awamutu, is holding a remembrance service on Sunday, December 7. Trinity St Paul’s Union Parish in Queen Street, Cambridge, is hosting one on Wednesday, December 10.

Film Festival

The Italian Film Festival opened this week at the Tivoli Cinema in Cambridge and runs through to next week.

Christmas Time

St Stephens Tamahere is holding its Christmas Festival through to December 20 and has a twilight market on Saturday.

Two sides to the story

By Chris Gardner

The Waikato River has been compared to a wall which divided a German city in the way it separates Cambridge from Leamington. The comparison was made by

Waipā District Council Cambridge Connections Transport Plan Community Reference Group cochair Peter Carr.

“That river is like the Berlin Wall,” he said. “More than half the population lives the other side of the river.”

Carr said the Leamington side of the river was woefully under supported by schools and supermarkets. The problem added to the number of people who crossed the river each day and it contributed to congestion.

“There’s some discussions that need to be had outside of our control,” said co-chair Chris Flatt.

Thar conversation involved building more schools and supermarkets to keep up with population growth and decrease the number of river crossings.

Flatt lives in the area defined by Waipā District Council as the blue blob, the river crossing corridor identified by the council that caused a public outcry.

“When we are talking about Cambridge, are we also talking about Leamington, as to me they are both the same. If we don’t have a discussion on this, we are not going to come up with a holistic solution,”

Flatt said.

Carr and Flatt joined The News for coffee in Cambridge.

Both men are a month into their

roles as co-chairs of the group established as part of the council’s reset Cambridge Connection project.

The News columnist Carr, a former National Fieldays Society president, is a retired seaman who lives in Leamington and moved to the area 20 years ago, while Flatt is the national secretary of the NZ Dairy Workers’ Union and deputy chair of Trust Waikato.

Their job, with fellow forum members, is to ensure community perspectives are heard during the planning and decision-making process on the project. Their role is advocacy, but they have no decisionmaking power.

They have already collected enough feedback to fill a room.

“It’s valuable. Some of it is gems,” Flatt said.

“There’s a whole bunch of disproportionate views out there, some absolutely incompatible,” Carr said.

“There’s a whole bunch of stuff that can be done, some of which could be done today, some in a couple of years, some long-term stuff.”

New look at town’s history

By Viv Posselt

A new book outlining the story of the establishment of the military-settler town of Camp Cambridge in the mid-1800s has been penned by former Cambridge Historical Society president Grant Middlemiss.

His new book, The Siege of Maungatautari: The Final Stand of the Waikato Land War 1864, is described by Middlemiss as an historical narrative that leads up to the establishment of the town on confiscated Māori land in July 1864.

“Today, it is hard to imagine that a huge, fortified Māori Pa existed along Maungatautari Road, just before you descend to Lake Karāpiro,” he said. “It was established by legendary Māori leader Wiremu Tamihana to block the British and colonial forces

from using the Waikato River to enter the rich farmlands of the Waikato interior.”

Middlemiss has long had a fascination of the region’s history. The longtime police inspector first came to Cambridge in 1990 when, as part of the New Zealand Police’s Diplomatic Protection Service, he accompanied the visiting Queen Elizabeth as her personal protection officer. He settled here with his wife Vicki Jacobsen in 2007 and joined the Cambridge Historical Society soon afterwards. He was the society’s president for five years, and served on Waipā District Council’s heritage committee for five years, working tirelessly in support of a major extension to the existing Cambridge Museum. He told The News a few years ago that he was

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deeply disappointment at the failure of that venture.

In April 2014, Middlemiss self-published a book entitled The Waikato River Gunboats – New Zealand’s First Navy, to coincide with the 150th anniversary of some of the region’s most pivotal battles. He was transfixed by the story of the eight purpose-built river gunboats that deployed in 1863 and the role they played in the Waikato land war.

“I’ve been gathering stories of early Cambridge for the last 10 years,” he said, adding that he was particularly focused on telling this town’s history.

“This book is about the almost unknown story of why the British commander, Lieutenant General Duncan Cameron, and his 3000 troops were setting up camp just outside today’s

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Peter Carr, left, with Chris Flatt.

Photo: Chris Gardner.

Cambridge to lay siege to Tamihana’s fortress pa.”

Middlemiss latest offering is also self-published.

Cambridge’s Grant Middlemiss with his new book covering the story of the town’s early settlement.

Blindsided by responsibility

By Chris Gardner

Waipā mayor Mike Pettit says he was blindsided by the government announcement that a mayoral board would take on the role of regional councillors.

“I expected something along the lines that the regional councils were going,” Pettit said.

“What blindsided me was the responsibility of the mayors.”

Pettit would join nine other Waikato mayors on a combined territorial board which would assume the role of regional

councillors while developing a regional reorganisation plan.

“That came as a surprise,” Pettit said.

Mayors could be allocated votes based on the population of the city or district they represented.

Pettit, yet to hear directly from the government regarding the proposal announced last week by Local Government minister Simon Watts and Resource Management Act Reform minister Chris Bishop, said its implications needed unpacking.

He had no issue with what the government was trying to achieve, and he wanted what was best for the region.

“I am conscious that I stood as mayor of being out and about in the community. I am wondering how that is going to affect that.”

Pettit said the region’s mayors were already working together through a mayoral forum which had instructed their chief executives to collaborate more efficiently.

Waikato Regional Council Waipā-King Country councillor Garry Reymer, a former Waikato Federated Farmers finance spokesman, said he was not opposed to local government reform as he campaigned on amalgamating regional and district councils.

“What will be important is what, when how,” he said.

“We know why.”

leaving it up to a mayoral forum was the right answer.

“I would imagine that at the very least they will include the chair of the Waikato Regional Council Warren Maher and maybe our chief executive Chris McLay. This I think is vital because the Waikato Regional Council has some key roles that the district councils will have low knowledge levels of.”

He favoured keeping urban centres such as Cambridge and Hamilton separate from other catchments.

“That would mean Hamilton and Cambridge would become one entity leaving the rural areas with some strong rural towns like Te Awamutu Ōtorohanga and Te Kūiti in our region to run their own programme.

“Same towards the east with the likes of Matamata and Morrinsville central but the catchment will be more spread out including other towns.”

Reymer said he looked forward to seeing what proposals the Waikato Territorial Board came up with.

Reymer’s fellow ward councillor Liz Stolwyk said change was needed in local government.

“I say bring it on, but it must be done well. Communities should be at the centre of designing any new model, armed with good information and a clear understanding of what will best serve Waipā-King Country and Waikato. I genuinely welcome the

DECEMBER 14TH FROM

opportunity to improve outcomes for our communities,” Stolwyk said.

“Over the past few months I have strongly advocated for meaningful change and reform in local government, so I am pleased to see momentum and leadership in this space. At the same time, we must ensure the delivery of essential services continues smoothly throughout any transition.”

Stolwyk said regional councillors played a crucial role in environmental management, flood protection, biosecurity, public transport and long-term regional

planning.

“These are not optional responsibilities – they are core to the wellbeing and resilience of our communities.”

Long time local government amalgamation campaigner Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief executive Don Good said it was too early to say whether the government’s proposal would deliver on his hopes.

“It’s too early to be definitive,” he said. “There’s a lot of devil in the detail.”

“I look forward to seeing an amicable conversation being had by all parties.”

Waipā mayor Mike Pettit was blindsided by the form of the Government’s local

Waipa-King Country regional councillors Liz Stolwyk, left, and Garry Reymer are welcoming local government reform. Reymer even campaigned on it. r

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Feral cat call gets support

By Jesse Wood

Waipā has welcomed the announcement that feral cats will be added to New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 strategy.

Last week conservation Minister Tama Potaka confirmed feral cats will join possums, rats, stoats, weasels and ferrets on the national target species list.

The announcement comes ahead of the Predator Free 2050 strategy review results, expected early next year.

Following strong public support and a submission from the Waipā District Council in June to the Department of Conservation - reflecting community concerns about the threats posed by feral cats - it’s a boost for native wildlife and local communities.

Feral cats prey on birds, bats, lizards, frogs, and insects such as wētā, and have contributed to the extinction of several native bird species.

District growth and regulatory services group manager Wayne Allan said the inclusion gives communities and councils stronger support to manage feral cats.

“It gives local efforts the

support they need, with legal backing, guidance and funding to ensure they are coordinated and effective,” Allan said.

“Currently, there is no national law for cat management, limiting councils’ ability to respond to public concerns.”

A national framework will help clarify responsibilities, promote responsible ownership, and distinguish clearly between pet, stray, and feral cats.

Taiea te Taiao Ecological Corridor project coordinator Bexie Towle said she’s supportive of this initiative “which will help us to move towards an Aotearoa where people and nature can thrive together”.

“Communities both rurally and in our towns have struggled to find an agency that can support feral cat control,” Towle said.

“When I have received enquiries through Predator Free Te Awamutu, I have been unable to offer advice or support for landowners trying to deal with feral cats.

“I have spoken to vets and agencies both locally and nationally and often end up with ‘sorry I can’t help’, when asking for advice. We hope that we can encourage

responsible pet ownership in Aotearoa. She said with new technology and techniques for predator control, such as microchipsensing automatic traps, there would always be ways to ensure safe pets and safe wildlife.”

Bernard Westerbaan aired his concerns to the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board earlier this year.

The Kihikihi resident and “cat lover” hopes that it’s not too late for the initiative.

“I would like to see a limit of cats on a property. But you have to be registered as a breeder to have more than, say, three cats on the property,” Westerbaan said.

“We adopted a cat. We had her spayed, microchipped and everything else, and she’s doing really well.

“We caught another one, that went to another home as

well. But there’s still a lot of scruffy ones floating around.

“But the other thing I don’t want is more council staff to monitor the cats. Because it’s a waste of money.”

He said the fewer feral cats would be better for the environment, but was sceptical the results would be 100 per cent, even by 2050.

“Ideally there’s a limit on the number of cats people can have. But how do you monitor that?” Westerbaan said. “If you do it by registration, I know for sure people are going to say, well, we don’t own that cat.

“They’re different than dogs and a piece of paper called a bylaw does not make much difference. People own dogs, but cats have owners.

“They come and go as they please. They go everywhere.”

Feral cats – recently cited as an issue in Kihikihi – will be added to the predator free 2050 strategy.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Law rm acquisition heralds

The acquisition this month by Vosper Law of the business formerly known as Cooney Law Limited brings together two long-established law practices, creating a strengthened and industry-leading legal presence to town.

The combined team will swell to around 30, creating an alliance set to leverage decades of trusted expertise built by both businesses over the decades, while futureproofing and broadening their provision of legal services to Cambridge’s rapidly growing population.

The company will continue to o er clients a professional suite of services across commercial, family, property and

AMANDA VOSPER:

conveyancing, employment, and equine law, as well as in wills, trusts and estates.

The move towards a consolidation was initiated by Marc van den Heuvel a director of Cooney Law Limited, in anticipation of the retirement of Cooney Law Limited founder Jocelyn Cooney. Discussions incorporating Vosper Law’s leadership team – comprising Amanda Vosper, Vernon Woodhams and Dale Houghton – and Marc, centred on a merger that would create a strategic legal presence in town that looked to the future while complementing a past that is unique to Cambridge.

Both law firms have a long and valued

Amanda, who has spent 46 years as a lawyer, leads a team of qualified legal experts who between them can account for more than a century of combined experience. Her own start came at a time when women were a rarity in the legal world. After completing her LLB/BA degrees at Auckland University she started working as a solicitor in Cambridge, and apart from a brief stint overseas, has been here ever since. She enjoys many di erent aspects of the law but has a special interest in rural and commercial law, trusts and asset planning, and equine law – something that is a particularly good fit with this region.

As the years have progressed, her first generation of clients has evolved into a second and third generation, and her community involvement across the board has deepened through the years.

VERNON WOODHAMS:

A director at Vosper Law, Vernon is another Cambridge native. He was born and raised here, and this is where he and his family settled after time spent in New Plymouth and abroad following his 2006 graduation from the University of Waikato.

He joined Vosper Law part-time in 2010 while studying for his Masters, shifting to a full-time role in early 2011. He was awarded his Master of Laws with First Class Honours in May of the same year, becoming a director in April 2020.

He practices as a general practice solicitor, covering a cross section of legal services. Outside work, Vernon is an avid cricketer. He plays for the Cambridge Cricket Club and is the chairman of the Cambridge Cricket Association.

history in Cambridge, even operating as a single entity at one stage.

Amanda Vosper, whose ties to Cambridge go back four generations, started working as a barrister and solicitor here in 1979.

Amanda overcame the prejudices of the day that saw females considerably underrepresented in the legal world, but have put in enough years to witness shifting norms that see today’s legal industry employing far more women than men.

The two businesses operated independently until the early 1990s when they joined forces to create Cooney Vosper. That partnership was dissolved in 2004 and both went on to re-establish

DALE HOUGHTON:

the successful practices still with distinctly Cambridge roots.

The prospect of adding to a team that is already 18-strong has necessitated some practical adjustments to Vosper Law’s Alpha Street premises.

Vosper Law has operated out of there since they started and will spend the next few months undergoing renovations that will see a reconfiguration of the space to accommodate Marc and his team. Until those renovations are completed in the New Year, Marc and his colleagues will continue to operate from their current location at 22 Dick Street across Victoria Square.

Senior Associate Dale Houghton is another member of Vosper Law’s senior leadership team.

The University of Waikato graduate was admitted to the bar in November 2015. She then worked as a Judge’s Clerk in Hamilton before gaining experience in general practice in Matamata before joining Vosper Law in April 2020.

Dale also practices as a general practice solicitor, with a particular interest and expertise in relationship property work.

MARC VAN DEN HEUVEL:

Marc also brings a high level of expertise with him to Vosper Law.

After graduating from Otago University in 1999, he worked in Tauranga and Auckland before heading overseas where he re-qualified as a solicitor of the High Court of England and Wales, and practised law in a leading London firm, Forsters LLP. Heading back to New Zealand as the global financial crisis was approaching, he undertook managerial roles in businesses before rejoining the legal fraternity in Hamilton for a while before taking up a partnership opportunity with Cooney Law Limited just over five years ago.

His experience lies predominantly in commercial business and property law.

Outside work, he extends his legal assistance to both the Hautapu Sports Club and the Cambridge Cosmopolitan Club.

The leadership lineup at the newly-launched Vosper Law, from left, Vernon Woodhams, Dale Houghton, Amanda Vosper and Marc van den Heuvel.

Willis on growth and reform

By Mary Anne Gill

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has outlined her vision for council funding, banking competition, and women’s leadership, while celebrating New Zealand’s export success and future growth.

Speaking after a Waikato Chamber of Commerce business luncheon last week, Willis said the government is working to give councils more tools to fund growth without relying solely on rate hikes.

She acknowledged concerns about steep increases in Tier One growth councils - Hamilton, Waipā, and Waikato - and promised further policy announcements before Christmas.

Key measures include the National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Entity, which provides new instruments for major developments, and an overhaul of development levies to give councils greater flexibility.

From there, Willis turned to Waikato’s rapid expansion, praising the region’s momentum and pointing to projects such as the new regional theatre, commercial developments,

Waikato Medical School, and major roading upgrades, including the Southern Links and Cambridge to Piarere.

She said these developments reflect the wider economic story - one of resilience through Covidera challenges and cautious optimism as inflation eases and growth forecasts improve.

The economy grew strongly from October through March, faster than many other countries, but slowed in the second quarter after US President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements created uncertainty.

Reserve Bank forecasts now point to lower inflation, accelerating growth, and stable interest rates - “the fundamentals you need in place for growth.”

Willis addressed the loss of several prominent women in recent local body elections - including the mayors of Waipā, Waikato, and Matamata-Piako – and urged more women to step forward.

“I really want to see women succeeding in public life… it’s tough, but it is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” she said.

On a lighter note, Willis

referenced her bright pink trouser suit, saying one advantage of being a woman in politics was “getting to wear colour.”

“Because if you’re a man putting on a suit today, you’re probably choosing between navy and charcoal. I’ve got the whole rainbow and so today was a pink day.

“I almost have a uniform, it’s either a dress or a suit, a bright colour and put on some lippie and hope for the best.”

Willis said there were strong informal networks of support available to women across all political parties, stressing the importance of strong female leadership in Parliament and local government.

On banking, Willis rejected calls for legislation forcing banks to pass on interest rate cuts, saying commercial independence was vital. Instead, she emphasised the need for greater competition and easier switching between banks.

“Banks should be fighting for your business,” she said, encouraging customers to shop around for better deals.

The Finance and Expenditure Select Committee recently recommended improved

comparison and switching services, which banks have agreed to implement.

Willis confirmed proposals to scrap regional councils in favour of streamlined governance arguing that fewer layers would reduce duplication, cut costs, and make local government more effective.

“Ultimately we’ve got to make it simpler to govern our communities,” she said.

“Many people don’t even know who their regional councillors are and yet they are responsible for big decisions,” she said.

structures that best suit their regions.

Overhauling the Resource Management Act would reduce by 40 per cent the number of projects requiring consent.

Under the plan, local mayors would be empowered to design

THE DENTURE MAN

All dentures are designed and manufactured in-house. Types of denture treatment:

• Injection Moulded Dentures: Precision processing that results in a

• Traditional Dentures: Basic, affordable comfort dentures.

“We’re really getting into what slows things down so that we can speed up development and growth,”

• Digital Dentures: Offering the latest technology for enhanced accuracy, comfort, and fit.

or Text Mobile: 027 347 3246 Auckland Office: 09 972 2545 Hamilton Office: 07 595 0251

Nicola Willis in that bright pink trouser suit speaking to a Waikato business audience.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

A new triennium

By Mike Keir, councillor, Tamahere Woodlands Ward

First, thanks to all those who voted for me, I had a strong win which indicates what I have been saying resonates with voters. Now I have to deliver on that commitment.

To recap, in my last column I quoted a Waikato District Council management statement about value for money.

“This trend highlights increasing dissatisfaction with the costs of fees, rates, and water charges. Considering the current economic climate, this downward trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.”

They were talking about ratepayer satisfaction with council. We need to reverse this trend, not just blindly accept it. Things need to change. Voters have given us a mandate.

My question: Is this possible? I asked you to vote for the right people. You’ve done your part, we have a new Mayor who campaigned on change. Let’s see what we can do.

I admit it will not be easy. Local government is not an agile speedboat, it is a super tanker, cumbersome and hard to turn.

Councils are risk averse, with good reason as central government has made them the fall guy for all sorts of issues, leaky buildings, poorly administered consents, health and safety issues among others. The culture is focused on steady as she goes, not innovation and new ideas. However, there are some exceptions, for instance roading is trialling some good initiatives within the new contract model.

Local government is mandated to take responsibility for all manner of things, one of the more ridiculous being climate change. As I have said before the best we can do

here is run an efficient, resilient organisation.

The peat fires in the north Waikato released many more tonnes of carbon than WDC could limit in 100 years and we are seeing the United States experience its earliest and coldest winter since well before climate change became a thing.

This issue is not for council to lead and waste money on, we need to stick to core business. As an aside, I am personally nearly 50,000 trees in credit. These will never be harvested, forming a permanent carbon sink.

Local Government New Zealand is another area of concern, while it does not directly cost us a lot of money it is a poor lobby group for the sector.

Government does not take them seriously for good reason. We need to stand up ourselves and align with like-minded councils to tell government to back off the mandates they are putting on us. If they want cooperation with their agenda then they need to help us too. Government is supportive of this approach.

Council needs to start communicating more honestly and transparently but I am already seeing that this will be difficult, the culture of presenting a smiley face is hard to change. I am concerned about the direction of our waters reforms and that they will not deliver what is needed.

However I am hopeful this triennium will be different from the extremely frustrating last one, that in three years’ time our council is able to point to meaningful change and deliver on what you have asked for.

Once again thank you for your support on this.

Wednesday 17 December

Town open till 8pm

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Exchange rates and interest rates

By Peter Nicholl

I asked my computer the question ‘what determines a country’s exchange rate?”

The answer from AI overview was ‘a country’s exchange rate is determined by a combination of factors, including interest rates, inflation rates, trade balances, political stability and investor sentiment’. I have no idea who AI Overview is but the answer was a sensible one.

As an example of the impacts, they said ‘higher interest rates… can strenghten a currency’. The inverse also holds true – lower interest rates can weaken a currency, especially if your interest rates are significantly lower than they are in your trading partners.

Official interest rates in New Zealand and Australia were very similar at the beginning of 2025: 4.25 per cent in New Zealand, 4.35 per cent in Australia. Since then, the Reserve Bank has lowered its Offocial Cash Rate six times, the latest on November 26 by 25 basis points to 2.25 per cent. Australia has lowered its official interest rate three times this year, by 25 points each time. Their official rate is 3.6 per cent. The gap is now significant.

The exchnage rate has gone from our dollar being worth 93c in Australia on June 13 to 87.6c on November 28, a devaluation of almost 6 per cent. Given what has happened to our relative interest rates, this devaluation against the Australian dollar should surprise no-one.

It should be good for New Zealand’s economic growth as it’s good for export industries and inward tourism. Tourist numbers are growing and the fastest growth is from Australia. But New Zealanders wanting to holiday in Australia will find it costs a lot more today than it did just six months ago.

•

•

The devaluation won’t be good for inflation. Prices of imports will rise. I was surprised when I read the Reserve Bank’s cash rate decision last week that the only mention made of the exchange rate was that ‘the exchange rate has fallen supporting exporters’ income.’

Given that the Reserve Bank now has a sole target of inflation, I expected them to also talk about the inflationary effects that can follow devaluation. The bank still expects inflation to reduce from its current level of three per cent - the top of their target range – to two per cent (he middle of their target range) by the middle of next year. Despite the recent falls in the value of our dollar, they haven’t changed their optomistic outlook.

The tone of their statement last week however was more cautious than previously. They listed seven possible risks to the inflation outlook, including rising house prices, the big capital return to dairy farmers and continued inflationary pressures overseas. But the inflationary effects of a falling exchange rate wasn’t mentioned amongst their risks.

This is very surprising given that New Zealand interest rates are now significanly below those in Australia – and in most of our other main trading partners too. By the time this column appears the Reserve Bank will have a new governor. It said in its recent decision that it has reduced interest rates as low as they can go in this cycle. They have therefore left the new governor, Anna Breman, with only a one-way option – up. Hopefully, she won’t have to do that for some time.

• 24/7 emergency alarm system (monitored off site)

• Care Home located on site (subject to availability)

Michelle Rolley

Sam Blatchford Andrew Flexman Nick Kavanagh, CFA

Fatigue: a killer on the road

By Roy Pilott

Coroner Rachael Schmidt-McCleave has issued a warning to motorists ahead of the festive season about driver fatigue.

Scania Rangi Te Whare of Te Kūiti died from injuries suffered in a crash at Ngāhinapōuri in November 2022.

“I consider that, on the balance of probabilities, this death could have been prevented had Mr Te Whare not driven while in a likely fatigued state,” she said.

Te Whare, who had a learner’s licence, worked in Hamilton and had completed 10hour shift.

“He commuted from Te Kūiti, about an hour and a half commute, but sometimes would sleep in his car or at a friend’s house rather than driving home. Mr Te Whare had been putting in a large amount of overtime in the weeks before his death,” the corner reported.

“On the night of October 31, 2022, Mr Te Whare worked a night shift and left to drive home to Te Kūiti.”

At 7.37am the car he was driving along Kakaramea Road, State Highway 39, crossed the centre line and collided with a school bus.

The 27-year-old father of two suffered “nonsurvivable” impact injuries.

Schmidt-McCleave said the Serious Crash Unit recommended education continue regarding the risks of driving fatigued and she found “on the balance of probabilities”, the cause of the crash was Te Whare crossing the centre line in his vehicle, likely due to being in a fatigued state after working a 10hour shift.

“I recommend that the New Zealand public remember and heed the advice of the New Zealand Transport Agency with respect to driver fatigue.

“The NZTA advises that fatigue does not just mean falling asleep at the wheel. That is an extreme form of fatigue. Fatigue can also mean tiredness, weariness or exhaustion and a driver can be fatigued enough for it to impair driving long before the driver “nods off” at the wheel.

“As a driver, fatigue can cause several problems, including reducing attentiveness and alertness to dangers, slowing reaction time and decision-making ability, poor lane tracking and maintenance of speed, and decreasing tolerance for other road users.”

She said being tired could cause a driver to drift in and out of sleep without knowing it - a “microsleep”. Those naps could last between three and five seconds and were the main cause of fatigue-related crashes where

Coming Soon Coming Soon

Tired signs

the driver ran off the road.

Shift workers were a recognised category of drivers who were more likely to suffer from driver fatigue because they were more likely to have disrupted sleep patterns.

She said the measures recommended by NZTA to counter tiredness should not be relied upon on a regular basis.

“Changes to lifestyle should be considered to enable drivers to get the sleep they need. Measures such as drinking caffeine, getting out of the vehicle to stretch legs, opening the window or turning up the radio volume do not work and will refresh a driver only for a short while. Once fatigue has set in, no amount of willpower will keep a driver awake.

“The only answer is sleep and the driver should stop for a short nap or seek assistance to get home.”

NZTA identifies the following signs that a driver is entering, or is in, the ‘fatigue danger zone’ for driving:

• Beginning to blink.

• Not being able to stop yawning.

• Having trouble keeping head up.

• Eyes closing for a moment or going out of focus.

• Having wandering, disconnected thoughts.

• Not remembering driving the last few kilometres.

• Missing a gear.

• Missing a road sign or exit.

• Slowing unintentionally.

• Braking too late.

• Drifting over the centre line or onto the other side of the road.

To reduce the risk of having a fatigue-related crash, NZTA recommends preparing a journey properly and planning where to take a safe break from driving and stopping in a safe place when feeling tired, trying to have a short nap of no more than 15 to 30 minutes (having more than this can lead to waking feeling groggy) and not being tempted to keep driving when tired just because a destination is close.

Scania Te Whare had been driving home along SH39 at the time of the crash. Photo: Google Maps.

Driver fatigue. Photo: Sinitta Leunen, pexels.com

Award winner

The Safer Cambridge Trust won an “Inspiring Community Leadership” award at this year’s Neighbourhood Support Conference.

New sculpture

Rock, a striking bronze sculpture by artist Francis Upritchard, has been unveiled at Hayes Paddock in Hamilton. The artwork – donated by Tamahere’s Dallas Fisher and Helen Gleeson in memory of their late friend Glennis du Chatenier who lived nearby - has already captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Cycle trails

A new funding arrangement to support the management and maintenance of New Zealand’s 23 Great Rides will enable Kiwis and international visitors to get out to the regions, says Tourism minister Louise Upston. The announcement was made at Little Waipā Reserve on the Waikato River Trails with South Waikato mayor Gary Petley and Waikato River Trails Trust general manager Glyn Wooller.

12:01pm, Building Alarm and Evacuation, Victoria Road

4:00pm, Assist Ambulance, Bruntwood Road WEDNESDAY

8.50am, Cardiac Arrest, Dallas Place

3:13pm, Vegetation Fire, Thirlwall Lane

9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street

THURSDAY

Hall is lauded at farewell

By Viv Posselt

David Hall’s legacy at Cambridge Resthaven will long be remembered, but several anecdotes teased at his farewell last week suggest he may be remembered for more besides.

Emcee Jon Broadley and Cambridge Resthaven Trust Board chairman Greg Liddy revealed the facts cementing his legacy over a quarter century.

said Sarah Barns Graham, who was chairperson when Hall joined Resthaven.

The DHB man, who went on to gain his master’s in health management through Auckland University, gave himself three years in the job, then applied for another.

1:09pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Ruakura Road

1.43am, Medical Incident, Shelley Street

9:41am, Car Fire, Waikato Expressway

11:56pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Hautapu Road

8:52am, Single Car MVA, Waikato Expressway

FRIDAY

2:07pm, 2 Car MVA, Waikato Expressway 4:38pm, Building Alarm and Evacuation, Cambridge Road

SATURDAY

4:04am, Assist Police, Dominion Ave

8:42am, Building Alarm and evacuation. Maungatautari Road SUNDAY

3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road

SUNDAY

5:47pm, Single Car MVA, Tirau Road

PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY

When Hall arrived in 2001, Cambridge Resthaven employed 55 staff to assist around 110 residents at the Vogel St site, 60 residents in the rest home, and 50 residents in the cottages and apartments. Under his stewardship, this grew to 145 staff supporting around 260 residents across the two sites (Resthaven on Vogel and Resthaven on Burns), and 150 residents in the apartments, cottages, and villas in Vogel St. Another 21 apartments are on the way. That growth, plus his ‘foresight and drive’ and team-building ability was lauded by Liddy. He said Hall had driven Resthaven’s growth, including the expansion of the village in Vogel St, the inclusion of Resthaven on Burns, and the completion in 2024 of Stage One of a multi-million-dollar development that included the Hanlin Building. Stages 2 and 3 of that development are ongoing.

Hall is stepping down after almost 25 years as Cambridge Resthaven chief executive. He was the first male manager in the role,

“I got ready for the interview, then thought ‘what the hell am I doing here’ … so I stopped the process and came back. That was a good decision. I’ve been able to develop the place and the team in the way I wanted to.

“I had three key themes I wanted to develop. One was to build a leadership team where individuals felt they were left to do the job they were employed to do while I worked on the business. I wanted to work with people in partnerships so we could support each other in delivering what was needed in terms of aged care, and I wanted to get to the stage when I never said no to a request, mainly because I trusted the team wouldn’t bring me a request that wasn’t essential. They’re not a ‘yes’ team and I’ve been

happy with that.”

Hall stated his aversion to following budgets, claiming they were ‘backward looking’ and there would never be enough resources anyway to do everything he wanted to do.

He joked about the three Rachels in his life, having to make sure he remembered which one he was dealing with – Rachael his wife, Rachel at work or Rachel the bank manager. “Only once have I mixed them up, and that was just for a coffee appointment.”

Hall isn’t retiring but will take the summer off before looking for something new.

“It’s time for me…I need to slow down a bit.”

His send-off was addressed by nurse Sue Crowe, who retired recently from Resthaven after 34 years.

She said Hall had quickly adapted to the ‘outspoken women’ he faced when new to the job and didn’t ruffle too many feathers as he introduced his own management style.

Cambridge Resthaven differs from most retirement

villages in that it is fully community-owned and is run by a volunteer-led Cambridge Resthaven Trust Board.

Taupō MP Louise Upston thanked Hall for his tenacious advocacy for the wider Cambridge community.

“I started my role in 2008, and of anyone in any leadership role in the electorate, David Hall is probably one who has been here the longest and who has probably knocked on my door the most often. At just about every meeting, he would be there wanting to show me his next project.

“It has been extraordinary… more so because Resthaven is community-owned.

“He made me understand the difference and made sure the voice of retirement villages was heard by government.

“I am enormously proud of the work he has done at the helm of Cambridge Resthaven to ensure that every effort has been made to make the lives of residents better.”

David Hall, centre, with former Resthaven nurse Sue Crowe, his wife Rachael Hall, Taupō MP Louise Upston, former board chair Sarah Barns Graham, and Cambridge Resthaven Trust Board chairman Greg Liddy. Photo: Viv Posselt

Connection timing was out

By Chris Gardner

Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick failed to get tonight’s board meeting rescheduled.

FitzPatrick had hoped the board could meet before yesterday’s Waipā District Council Strategic Planning and Policy Committee meeting to provide input into three problem statements drafted to inform the reset Cambridge Connections Transport Plan.

The timeframe was tricky, FitzPatrick told a council meeting last month, when asked for input.

But governance staff were unable to reschedule the board meeting

“The timing is unfortunate,” FitzPatrick told The News.

“But the Cambridge Community Board has been invited to provide individual feedback on the problem statements.

“Comms around this have been good. No major issues.”

FitzPatrick hoped to attend yesterday’s council committee meeting to provide feedback on the problem statements. They concern high growth

and impacts on transport network; through and across town traffic and freight vehicles accessing through residential areas and the town centre; and limitations and resilience of river crossings.

“We generally agree with the problem statements, but we will want to see more detail as we move forward in the project, for example, how we’re going to retain the town’s character, parking, traffic flow, and the overall network,” FitzPatrick said.

“We’re interested in the community’s feedback and concerns, and that will be important throughout the Cambridge Connections project.”

FitzPatrick said the board would continue to strongly advocate and gather all viewpoints from community stakeholders.

The public can attend board meetings and speak in the public forum.

Cambridge Connections executive director Katie Mayes said, in a report that went before councillors yesterday, Cambridge Connections was a priority project under the Waipā Transport Strategy and supports delivery of the

Ahu Ake Waipā Community Spatial Plan.

Mayes came onboard, and the project was reset, after a public outcry against the way the council handled the announcement of a potential corridor for a new river crossing dubbed “The Blue Blob”.

Cambridge Connections will set out how Cambridge’s transport network should evolve in the short, medium, and long term to support growth and reflect community aspirations. The plan is due for completion by December 2026.

“The plan aligns with the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) business case requirements to enable NZTA funding to be sought for future activities including infrastructure, services and further planning,” Mayes said.

“The draft problem statements are an important step in forming part of the draft Strategic Case that includes the background evidence and context for the development of the proposed solutions.”

Mayes also presented the template for a draft strategic case - an update of the original version prepared

as part of earlier Cambridge Connections work.

“As a draft document, the Strategic Case will be updated as data becomes available and finalised as part of the final Cambridge Connections Transport Plan, due to be completed by December 2026,” she said.

Waipā deputy mayor Jo Davies-Colley said she welcomed a wider discussion on the timing of council meetings.

It’s a top shot

Waikato photographer Lucy Schultz has been highly commended in this year’s Oceania photography contest run by The Nature Conservancy for a photo she took on Sanctuary Mountain. Her image ‘Moa Hunter’ (pictured) shows Bodie Taylor (Ngāti Hauā) leading a cultural experience group tour in the wild forest on Mount Maungatautari. Nearly 1000 photographers entered the contest. which celebrates the power of photography to connect people with nature and inspire conservation action.

Katie Mayes. Charlotte FitzPatrick

Words that bring life

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

An old saying goes “Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you…”

I don’t believe this because of having seen the damage caused by careless and thoughtless words recklessly released over people’s lives.

soul.

There’s astonishing power in spoken words. They can influence other’s lives for good, building them up and bringing encouragement - equally they may wreak devastation and set in motion deep wounding and painful destruction in a person’s life.

I can recall words that were spoken to me years ago, which have been an enduring ‘guiding light’ and stabilising strength to me. “Life and death are in the power of the tongue,” the Bible says. Words of faith, offering hope, will significantly determine the trajectory that our lives take. By contrast, the power of negative words spoken over a person can cause lasting injury that restrains them from ever reaching their potential.

In my earlier years pastoring, I sat in a gathering where a speaker called me out from the front, saying that to ‘survive well’ I needed to learn about ‘being like a duck.’ The crowd laughed but he explained his meaning in a way that’s provided a life-time strategy for ‘processing’ negative words. A duck’s ability to let water just run off its back, means it never gets water-logged and never sinks through saturation… it remains buoyant, afloat. Unkind, negative words inevitably take us down if we brood on them. That lesson of ‘getting over’ potentially harmful words quickly and shedding them just like a duck sheds water, has meant a lot to me.

Many years ago, a farmer was working with his son on a tractor repair. An argument broke out between them over what the problem was and the best strategy for fixing it. It got heated with the father aggressively claiming superior knowledge and experience in a shouting match stating, “You will never be half the farmer I am!”

The son ‘incubated’ those words. Decades later, long after the father was deceased, that son remained fiercely driven at a subconscious level to prove his father wrong - to show that he was ‘twice the farmer,’ his dad had been. That burdensome, broken motivation originated in reckless, injuring words getting imprinted on a young man’s

In the 18th Century, John Wesley’s influence as the founding father of the Methodist ministry helped save England from the kind of revolution that France underwent. His life became a powerful force for good across society of that day. It began with words his mother spoke to him at five years old, when one night the family home was burning to the ground. It seemed their large household had all escaped safely until five year old John’s frightened little face appeared at the window of an upstairs bedroom. It seemed hopeless until brave men formed a human ladder to rescue Johnburning beams crashing onto the place he’d just been standing. Clinging to his relieved mother, her inspiring words sealed forever a little boy’s sense of destiny, “Thou art a brand plucked from the burning. God must have some special purpose for thee.”

It’s worth considering - are our words ‘making’, or ‘breaking’ people?

Briefs…

Water checks

Waikato Regional Council’s weekly monitoring of popular rivers, lakes and coastal sites is underway to check they are safe for swimming and other recreational activities. The annual programme involves mostly weekly collecting and testing of freshwater and sea water at 45 sites.

More hornets

Almost 30 queen yellow legged hornets have now been found in the Glenfield and Birkdale areas of Auckland – prompting more calls to widen the search area for the pest. Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner Mike Inglis said genetic testing indicates the hornets are closely related, “suggesting a small, contained population”.

Scholarship coup

Waikato University honours student Naianga Tapiata (Te Arawa, Waikato, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou) has become the university’s fifth Rhodes Scholar, making history as the first graduate of kura kaupapa Māori to be awarded the honour. He will join the University of Oxford’s Class of 2026 to complete a fully funded two-year Master of Philosophy in Social Anthropology.

Hobbiton tops

Hobbiton Movie Set’s Bagshot Row, opened in December 2023, has won the prestigious 32nd Annual Themed Entertainment Association Thea award at an event in Orlando, Florida for an attraction that exemplifies outstanding achievement in creating a compelling place and visitor experience.

Cheap parking

On-street all-day parking rates at selected central city locations are set to become cheaper making it more cost-effective for workers and other long-stay visitors to park in Hamilton. Data showed that some all-day paid parking areas were not getting the number of users expected. The reduction will help make better use of available parking space while supporting workers, long-stay visitors, and local businesses.

Festival returns

The Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa will return next year from February 20 and will bring together international performers, New Zealand favourites, an expanded literary weekend and an eclectic mix of theatre, music, dance, comedy and whānau-friendly events. This year’s event featuring more than 800 performers and was the largest regional arts festival in the country. It attracted 47,000 people and injected an estimated $14 million into the economy.

Amelia makes a difference

By Steph Bell-Jenkins

Karāpiro School student Amelia Seath-Boyte has been celebrated as one of nine finalists in the national Fred Hollows Humanity Awards.

The annual award, open to 9-11 year-olds, recognises young New Zealanders who make a positive difference in their communities. The national winner will be announced this week.

Amelia was nominated by her teacher Johanna Buckley who described her as a “quietly exceptional young person, who lives the values of compassion, integrity, and kindness every day”.

Outside school, the 10-year-old volunteers with the Salvation Army and the Tourette’s Association.

Amelia said helping others and pitching in at school made her feel happy.

At school, the year 5 student gives her time to set up Chromebooks, prepare PE gear, look after the class worm farm, volunteer as a school librarian and run errands.

“She checks in with me every day to ask what needs doing and completes every task with quiet pride and maturity,” Buckley said.

“She never seeks recognition – but her

consistent, gentle actions make her a true role model and a shining example of humanity in action.”

The young student was also known for comforting new entrants and students with complex needs, and making sure no one was left out.

“Amelia often notices what others miss,” Buckley said. “When a junior falls or is upset, she’s the first to respond - offering comfort, getting help, and calmly fetching plasters or ice packs from the office.

“She leads not with words, but through consistent, thoughtful care. It’s this quiet humanity that makes her stand out.”

Amelia was selected from dozens of nominations nationwide and received a finalist certificate and goodie bag at a special school assembly.

Fred Hollows Foundation NZ chief executive Dr Audrey Aumua said stories like Amelia’s showed there was “plenty of hope for the future”.

“It’s inspiring to read about the many young humanitarians across Aotearoa who are showing compassion, kindness and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference,” she said.

Message received

By Viv Posselt

Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick and board member Chris Minneé took an early step towards explaining the board’s work to the wider public when they addressed last week’s final meeting for 2025 of the Cambridge Prostate Support Group.

The pair addressed the 21-strong group on what the Community Board does on behalf of Cambridge residents, then added their own messages of support to those living with a prostate cancer diagnosis.

The group’s Ron Greenwood said 21 people were at the gathering, held at the Cambridge Cossie Club. He said the year had been successful in supporting support men with prostate cancer and their families.

Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick and board member Chris Minneé, right, with Cambridge Prostate Support Group member Ron Greenwood at last week’s meeting. Photo: Viv Posselt

Karāpiro School student Amelia Seath-Boyte celebrates being named a finalist in the Fred Hollows Humanity Awards with her teacher Johanna Buckley.

Evans keeps lifting her game

By Jesse Wood

It’s been a big year for Pirongia-based raw bench press specialist Delwyn Evans, 61, travelling around the globe and breaking records on the way.

The former Cambridge High School student has been to Norway, Japan and Christchurch in the last six months and is preparing for events in Poland and Canada events in 2026.

She trains at Zero Limits in Te Awamutu and travels over the Kaimai Range once a week to see trainer Mike Jones in Tauranga.

At the world bench press championships in Norwary in May, Evans gained a fourth placing.

“There were nine in my class and the winners were benching 95kg. I broke my Commonwealth record, came home and then I competed in Japan in July, at the Asian African Pacific champs,” Evans said.

“I got second with an 80kg bench, I lost my Commonwealth record by one, because the Australian lifter weighed in before me – that was out of my control.

“I’ve just come off the Oceania regional powerlifting and bench press championships in Christchurch, where I had the best competition I’ve ever had.

“I got my records back and benched 83kg. It’s been a good year, that was my 64th competition overall.”

Evans is always looking ahead to an event and there’s no sign of stopping.

“I love it. There are days where training is harder than normal, but then it’s meant to be. If it wasn’t, why would I be there?”

“You’ve got to get used to that and be

adaptable.”

Every time Evans lifts, she reads a bit of former All Black captain Richie McCaw’s book to draw some inspiration.

One of her pearls of wisdom is about being more process-focussed. It’s not all about the end result.

“I think we get too caught up in that winning process, the outcome, whereas we should be more processed-focused,” she said.

“People don’t actually see what goes into competing. They see you on the podium, but they don’t see the back story.

“The years of training, four or five days a week, nutritionists, sports psychologythere’s a whole lot that goes on. You don’t just rock up.”

Although bench press has taken her to new countries and experiences, Evans said the most rewarding part of the year was in her own backyard.

She spoke to the Continuing Education group in Te Awamutu.

“I went along thinking there’d be about 20 people, there were 70. They turned up to listen to me speak.

“They’re all over the age of 60. I found it really rewarding. People need to know that age shouldn’t be a barrier.

“They were all quite inspired and wanted to go and try new things.”

Evans said when she started at the gym in 2011, it was a male dominated sport.

“There were hardly any women lifting, but now it’s certainly turned, there’s more women and older women,” Evans said.

“I think whatever you do - it doesn’t matter what it is - it’s got to be a lifestyle, something you’re doing for enjoyment, not because you have to do it.”

Delwyn Evans with her son Rhys in Norway.

Across 1. Accumulate (5)

4. Hypnotic state (6)

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Sizing up the challenge…

By Chris Gardner

Scouts have renamed their annual Lake Arapuni capsize camp to honour a late leader.

The camp, held annually at Bulmer’s Landing in Wharepapa South for nearly 30 years, has been renamed the Kahawai Capsize Camp after St Peter’s Scout Group leader Alan “Kahawai” Batey who died last month.

Kahawai was part of a cohort of leaders who organised the first capsize camp at the turn of the millennium to coincide with the fruiting of a peach tree in the vicinity.

With a few exceptions, the camp has been held at Bulmer’s Landing every year since it started.

Kahawai served St Peter’s Sea Scout Group for 42 years and gave Kirikiriroa and St Peter’s Scout Group another three. One of his proudest moments was receiving the Royal New Zealand Navy Recognition Badge earlier in the year after the group was recognised with 14 others nationally for the highest standards of scouting and seamanship.

Almost 50 scouts, venturers and kaiārahi (leaders) from Kirikiriroa and St Peter’s Scout Group and

Te Awamutu Scout Group participated in the three-day capsize camp at the weekend. They learned fundamental seamanship including recovering from a capsized scout standard cutter and sunburst.

Venturer Hamish Smith, 15, became a scout shortly after Kirikiriroa and St Peter’s scout group partnered in 2022, and he benefitted from some of Kahawai’s knowledge.

“I think adding Kahawai’s name to the capsize camp is a fantastic addition,” said Hamish. “I was always mesmerised by his immense knowledge of boats and knots and his attitude towards scouting.”

As well as boating, Hamish learned fishing from Kahawai.

“I remember him showing us how he put his bait onto his hook and various other fishing skills that helped us optimise our fishing experience.”

Hamish served the scout section as a senior team (or patrol) leader after earning his Chief Scout’s Rimu Award. He is also the recipient of the Scouts Aotearoa Bravo Award for serving the Scout section as a sailing coach. Hamish is working on his bronze Duke of Edinburgh International Hillary Award.

Set

Scout Kaiārahi Matthew ‘Kākatai’ Kemp also received a Bravo Award for his work restoring two scout standard

cutters used by Kahawai for use by scouts. Cutter 210 failed its swamp test three years ago at

Bulmer’s Landing, but was ready for use this season, - 129 is yet to be surveyed for use. Te Awamutu scouts will

Over and over: Hamish Smith teaches scout Samuel Moore how to right a sunburst after capsizing at Lake Arapuni.

Photos: Becky Kemp.

join Kirikiriroa and St Peter’s Scouts for the 24th Scouts Aotearoa Scout Jamboree at Mystery Creek.

Gordonton

- Tidy three-bedroom home – calm, light-filled & ready to be lived in.

- It’s the kind of place that suits so many stages of life – first step into homeownership, lock-up-and-leave base or an investment.

- Modern kitchen flows into the open-plan dining and lounge, a sunny spot where mornings start happily and evenings feel relaxed.

- A huge deck offers private outside enjoyment - fully fenced section wraps around the home with lovely gardens.

- Family bathroom with separate toilet, and newly painted laundry.

A Private Entertainer - Stunning Views

- At the heart of the home lies a light-filled open plan

and living area with sleek polished concrete floors.

- Outdoors - alfresco kitchen and automatic louvres offer the perfect setting for summer evenings, spark up the BBQ, stoke the pizza oven while overlooking the heated saltwater pool.

- Three separate living spaces, there’s room for everyone—whether it’s movie night, quiet reading, or a kids’ play zone.

- Four spacious bedrooms provide comfortable retreats for all, supported by two ducted air conditioning units.

- Three versatile living areas to suit every occasion-first adjoins the kitchen and dining area; the second is a generous lounge with French doors opening onto a sunny patio; and the third—located upstairs—offers a private retreat with balcony views across the established 948m² (more or less) section.

- Impressive four-car tandem garage is a standout, providing excellent workshop potential and highly coveted storage space.

- New ovens, near-new carpet and underlay, partial double glazing with updated window fixtures, and refreshed lighting.

- Resort-style in-ground pool – your ultimate summer sanctuary.

- Four bedrooms, including a luxurious master retreat with ensuite and walk-in robe.

- Expansive 1,343m² (more or less) section offering privacy & space.

- Seamless indoor–outdoor flow across multiple entertaining zones.

- 280m² of refined, low-maintenance living.

- Elegant design, quality finishes, and thoughtful detail throughout.

- Design is thoughtful, the flow seamless, and every detail whispers quality.

$499,000

$599,000 $585

Contact

Contact

Contact Rachael

Contact Eilish, Kevin or

Contact Eilish, Amy or Kevin

Contact Debbie or Trevor

Contact Paulette or Kane

Contact Kevin, Eilish or

Contact Paulette or

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact Eilish, Amy or Kevin

Contact Graham

Contact Eilish, Amy or Kevin

Contact Eilish, Amy or Kevin

Contact Graham

Contact Eilish, Amy or Kevin

Contact Lenie

Contact Paulette or Kane

Contact Rachael

Contact Graham Contact Paulette or Kane

Market Appraisal

Turnkey quality and designer comfort

Discover the perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience at 93A Thompson Street, a brand-new home crafted by highly regarded Downey Designer Homes. Freshly completed and finished to an exceptional standard, this turnkey residence promises effortless modern living from day one. Positioned on a private rear section, the home offers peace, privacy, and a sense of seclusion while remaining just moments from everyday essentials. Adjacent to a local park and within an easy stroll of nearby shops, cafés, and amenities, the location delivers exceptional lifestyle appeal. A short drive connects you to Cambridge’s vibrant town centre, known for its boutique shopping, welcoming eateries, weekend markets, and picturesque tree-lined streets. This is a town with a strong community spirit and an enviable reputation as one of the Waikato’s most desirable places to live. bayleys.co.nz/2313266

Cambridge 141 King Street

Superior home, Designer's own!

Privately tucked behind stunning cedar gates, this is a beautifully landscaped home in an iconic Cambridge East location. With four bedrooms, and an extra studio in the private garden, it is a true oasis of calm. The open plan living and galley style kitchen, with a second lounge spilling out onto the large sun-filled deck, offer room to spread out. The master with ensuite and cedar doors overlook the garden and invite you to retreat and relax. A clever renovation by the vendors own firm, respected LAD Architecture, it assures you of luxury and attention to detail. After 24 happy years, our vendors want you to imagine a future here! bayleys.co.nz/2351018

(unless sold prior) 11am, Thu 18

2025 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View by appointment

Michael Parker 027 607 4552 michael.parker@bayleys.co.nz

Rachel Waldegrave 021 748 001 rachel.waldegrave@bayleys.co.nz

4 3 3 2

Asking Price $1,380,000

View 11-11.30am Sun 7 Dec or by appointment

Karen Rutherford 027 279 5930

karen.rutherford@bayleys.co.nz

Rachael Paine 021 574 710

rachael.paine@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS

Cambridge 93a Thompson Street

Every property has its own energy, from the warmth that makes a house feel like home, to the legacy of a family farm, the rhythm of a retail precinct or the potential of a brand-new development.

At Bayleys, we’re relentless about bringing out that energy in every property we sell, lease or manage, and bring our own unique energy to every detail, every conversation, every interaction.

Of course, success takes more than energy. It also calls for an unwavering commitment to service from the first handshake until the deal is done. As a result, more people take notice, the right people show up, and more value is achieved.

Talk to the team at Bayleys Cambridge today.

Cambridge

Low maintenance and seriously selling!

With the owner relocating overseas, this property is seriously for salean opportunity not to be missed. Ideal for downsizers, first-home buyers, or anyone seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle, this immaculate home offers comfort, privacy, and charm in a quiet and safe cul-de-sac, surrounded by quality homes.

Built in 2008 and thoughtfully designed, it offers 114sqm (approx) of well-planned living. The north-facing open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge enjoy natural light throughout the day, opening seamlessly to a peaceful patio and garden - your own private retreat.

Modern, stylish, close to town

Discover effortless modern living in this recently

3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, designed for those who value comfort and style but require low maintenance living. Enjoy the perfect layout and contemporary finishes throughout. This also complemented by a serene outdoor alfresco area - ideal for relaxed dining, entertaining, or simply unwinding to the sound of birds.

Set in a peaceful street and surrounded by established trees, the home offers quiet living and a friendly neighbourhood. If you're a dog owner there is even the added convenience of a farm walk at the end of the street.

Cambridge 33B Isobel Hodgson Drive

Newly built opportunity you won't want to miss

This

Step inside to discover a thoughtfully

Swayne Road

20/2 Grace Avenue

Cambridge 1A Fairburn Place

Thinking

Spreading the News around

Barbecue Bliss with Jan Bilton

Happiness is the tantalising barbecue aroma wafting across the backyard..

Gas barbecues have become the popular choice. They are advantageous because they cook at the flick of a switch. Many barbecue fanatics tend to think gas barbies do not provide the same flavour or atmosphere as the charcoal barbie. But charcoal is odourless and flavourless. The socalled ‘charcoal flavour’ is imparted to the meat by the flareup and smoke resulting from the dripping meat juices and fat on the hot charcoal. The same kind of flare-up results from the meat juices that drop onto the hot rocks provided at the base of many gas barbecues.

Roaring flames can ruin good meat, charring the outside while the inside remains raw. Cooking on a flat barbecue plate is the least demanding for the barbecue chef because it is similar to frying. Meat can be pre-cooked on the hot plate and finished on the grill if necessary to give it that ‘barbecue’ flavour.

To reduce or eliminate excess flaming, first trim the surplus fat from the meat. Use lean minced meat for burgers. If the food has been marinated, wipe off the excess marinade, start the cooking process, then baste with the marinade close to serving time. If the flames jump up, douse with a little water from a spray bottle. Turn the food with tongs rather than a fork to prevent juices from escaping.

Barbecued

Fish With Herbs

A favourite barbecue treat

800g skinned and boned fish fillets or steaks, about 2cm

thick

spray olive oil

freshly ground salt and black pepper to taste

3/4 cup chopped fresh mixed herbs eg basil, marjoram, chives, parsley, dill, fennel fronds

1 long red chilli, seeded and diced

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 teaspoons lime juice

Cut the fish into four serving-sized pieces. Cut four pieces of

Keeping you informed

baking paper and four pieces of foil large enough to wrap each fish portion.

Spray the baking paper with oil. Place the fish in the centre of the paper, season with salt and pepper and top with herbs and sesame oil. Wrap the fish in the paper then wrap each serving in the foil.

Refrigerate until ready to cook. Place the fish packets on the grill. Barbecue for 5-6 minutes, until sizzling and cooked. Serves 6.

Bbq Kumara Patties

An excellent vegetarian BBQ option.

400g red-skinned kumara, peeled and chopped

1 medium onion, diced

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 medium carrot, grated

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

1/2 cup finely grated tasty cheddar cheese

3/4 dried breadcrumbs or panko crumbs

Steam or boil the kumara until tender. Drain well. The kumara should be fairly dry. Mash and cool a little.

Sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon of the oil until softened. Using a large fork, combine with the mashed kumara, carrot, egg, hoisin, parsley and cheese. Mix well. Divide into four equal portions. Form into patties.

Spread the breadcrumbs on some baking paper or a chopping board and coat the kumara patties with the crumb. Chill until ready to cook.

Brush the patties with the oil. Barbecue on a flat plate for about 5 minutes each side until hot.

Excellent served with sour cream. Serves 4.

Frankfurters With Warm Tomato Salsa

Salsa: 1 tablespoon olive oil

1 red onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

4 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped

2 tablespoons sherry or balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

Franks: 8 Frankfurters

spray olive oil

freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan and add the onion and garlic. Sauté on low heat until softened. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, sugar and fennel seeds. Simmer until reduced by about a half.

Meanwhile, spray the Frankfurters with oil and sprinkle with black pepper. Grill over medium-low heat until cooked, about 5 minutes, turning often. Serve the warm salsa with the Frankfurters. Excellent popped into hot long rolls. Serves 4.

Barbecued Fish With Herbs

Bbq Kumara Patties

King Country

ELSMORE, Brian Thomas –

Reg. No. 339890, Craftsman, NZ Army Passed away peacefully at Cambridge Life on Monday, 24th November 2025, aged 90 years. Loved husband of the late Joyce. Father and father-in-law of Michael; Murray; Paul; Kevin & Debbie; Sherrie; and the late Nigel. Popa to his 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In keeping with Brian’s wishes, a private service has been held. Messages for the Elsmore family may be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434, or left in Brian’s online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz

PLUCK, Shirley Eleanor –Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. Adored wife of Sam. Much-loved mother and mother-in-law of Terry & Penny, Brent & Renee. Cherished grandmother to Hamish, Luca, Oscar, William and Harry. In accordance with Shirley’s wishes, a private service has been held. Messages to the “Pluck” family may be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434, or left in Shirley’s online tribute book at www. grinters.co.nz.

CALL FOR TRUSTEE

The Waipa Community Facilities Trust have a current board vacancy and are calling to the public for registrations of interest for a new Trustee.

The Charitable Trust was established to enhance the health and well-being of Waipa District communities by promoting the effective and efficient provision, development and operation of community facilities (Te Awamutu Events Centre) and Perry Aquatic Centre) and programmes throughout the District. The position is voluntary and trustees are expected to attend 11 meetings per year, as well as the Trust AGM.

Please send your CV and cover letter to the Secretary ruby@offsiteadmin.co.nz

Applications close Friday December 19th 2025.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Leamington Rugby Sports Club Inc. will be held.

Wednesday 10 December 2025

6.30pm at the LRSC Clubrooms

Agenda for the AGM is available on the LRSC website (www.lrsc.co.nz) and includes a proposal to adopt a revised Constitution incorporating amendments required by the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. All members are encouraged to attend. leamingtonrugbysportsclubnz @outlook.com

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Waipā District Council will consider an application to close the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic to enable organisers to hold the Head and Stokes Roads Bent Sprint:

On Sunday 8 March 2026, from 9am to 5pm

• Stokes Road - between Maungatautari Road and Head Road

• Head Road - between Stokes Road and Maungatautari Road

The application will be considered under the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974.

Emergency Services will have complete right of way at all times during closure.

Any objections to the proposal must be lodged with Waipā District Council, in writing, to events@waipadc.govt.nz, before 4.00pm on Friday 19 December 2025. Please include the nature of the objection and the grounds for it. See the Privacy Statement on the Council’s website for further information.

For more information, please contact Waipā District Council on 0800 924 723.

Steph O’Sullivan CHIEF EXECUTIVE

All options considered. Good references available. Ph 022 0844 349 WANTED TO RENT

Professional business owning couple, wanting rural home with garaging/shedding. All options Good references available. Ph 022 636 0501

Professional business owning couple, wanting a rural home with garaging/shedding.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER TEMPORARY

ROAD CLOSURE

to ordinary vehicular traffic for Waipā Fun Run.

Road(s): Alpha Street - between Victoria Street and Bryce Street Dick Street - between Queen Street and Duke Street Duke Street - between Victoria Street and Hallys Lane

Date: Sunday 8 March 2026

Time: 6:00am to 12:30pm

There will be no detours in place during the proposed road closure. Access for emergency vehicles will be permitted in the event of an emergency.

Any person who wishes to object to the proposed closure may do so in writing to events@waipadc.govt.nz or Events Team, Waipā District Council, 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu, no later than 4pm Friday 18 December 2025. See the Privacy Statement on Council’s website for further information.

Steph O’Sullivan CHIEF EXECUTIVE

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Waipā District Council will consider an application to close the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic, to enable organisers to hold the Kairangi Loop Bent Sprint:

On Sunday 19 April 2026, from 9am to 5pm

• Kairangi Road - from start of Robinson Road to end of Robinson Road

• Robinson Road - entire Road

Hewson Road, Rahiri Road, Dillion Road and Griggs Road will be affected by the road closures.

The application will be considered under the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974.

Emergency Services will have complete right of way at all times during road closure.

Any objections to the proposal must be lodged with Waipā District Council, in writing, to events@waipadc.govt.nz, before 4.00pm on Friday 19 December 2025. Please include the nature of the objection and the grounds for it. See the Privacy Statement on the Council’s website for further information.

For more information, please contact Waipā District Council on 0800 924 723.

Steph O’Sullivan CHIEF EXECUTIVE

CAMBRIDGE OPEN HOMES

D

CIT Y WIDE C ROOF

Coming out to play…

A Waipā playground which attracted an average of six children a week underwent a renewal – and attendance leapt to more than 100 a week.

That was the Kings Garden playground. In Te Awamutu, War Memorial Park playground saw users jump from 83 to 156 a week after improvement work.

Waipā District Council Community services manager Brad Ward says the numbers illustrate the value of playground renewals

The council is asking residents to share their thoughts to help shape the future of play spaces across the district via an annual survey.

“The data we receive from our annual surveys help us learn from each project - what’s popular, what isn’t, and how many children are using the playground after its upgraded. It all helps us plan smarter for the next renewal,” Ward said. Through to early February council’s data collectors will visit Cambridge’s Leamington Domain, Papatakohe, Kings Garden and Terry Came Drive playgrounds and the War Memorial Park, Hiskens Reserve and Turere Reserve in Te Awamutu and Franklin Street in Pirongia.

Trust springs into action

By Mercy Chepkoech

A newly formed trust has launched its first restoration project in Cambridge

Aroha Cambridge

Charitable Trust is working with Waipā District Council to clear invasive weeds from the public path area connecting Resthaven retirement village to the Te Awa River Trail.

Native planting for the Moon Spring Extension project will begin in autumn and plans are underway for more restoration initiatives around Cambridge.

The Trust was set up in July to focus on pest plant control, native replanting and water quality restoration.

The urban-focused land care group says it is building on the success of Predator Free Cambridge. It has also aligned with the Aroha Kaikorai Valley (AKV) trust in Dunedin.

Predator Free Cambridge removed over 8000 possums, rats, mice and mustelids from the town. The new trust was established due to the need to have a formal entity for funding applications.

Krissy Barnes, biodiversity team leader at GoEco, the Waikato Environment Centre in Hamilton, said hubs will provide education, network opportunities, and facilitate conversations to enable place-based leadership within the rural and Māori communities.

“We connect people to projects, opportunities, and learning experiences across the central Waikato, underpinned by a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Barnes said.

Aroha Cambridge Trust co-chair Di Tocker said it was time to take more of a big-picture view, “enhancing the native flora and fauna in and around our town”.

“The removal of over 8000 pests has started to make a difference in bird numbers, but a core group of us felt there was more that could be done. We also want to get our community involved. Not everyone wants to handle dead animals, but many people love planting and maintaining new areas of native bush.”

• Mercy Chepkoech is a Wintec journalism student

Kings Garden Cambridge.