Cambridge News | July 24, 2025

Clocking off, yet again...

By Mary Anne Gill

Cambridge’s historic Town Clock is causing trouble once more, despite Waipā District Council spending more than $720,000 on restoration works last year.

The clock stopped twice last week.

The first incident followed a power cut, which resulted in the weights running to the end of their cables. After rebalancing the weights, the clock was restarted. However, it stopped again just days later, prompting the council to call in a specialist clockmaker.

Staff believe the second interruption may have been caused by weather or atmospheric conditions affecting the power supply.

Last year’s restoration involved a range of specialist trades, including plastering, concrete and steel work, scaffolding, electrical upgrades, and clock maintenance.

At the time, the council projected annual savings of $17,000 in maintenance costs, plus an additional $7500 from eliminating manual rewinding.

Originally installed atop the Post Office in 1908, the clock was moved to its current site in 1934, following the Hawke’s Bay earthquake three years earlier.

While the clock continues to challenge engineers, there’s better news for the adjacent Town Hall. The second phase of its upgrade has now been completed, bringing improvements to the Victorian and Edwardian rooms.

The works, which began in January, included roof repairs and replacements, as well as upgrades to catering facilities. The project was delivered on time and within budget last month.

Built in 1909, the Town Hall is a heritage-listed building that anchors Cambridge’s civic piazza. It shares the space with the Town Clock, a cenotaph, memorial walls, gardens and a Mare and Foal statue - making it a central part of the town’s historical and cultural identity.

Our French links

O’Regan’s last stand

By Mary Anne Gill

Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan launched her re-election campaign this week, announcing that if elected, it would be her final term in office.

She revealed she nearly decided not to stand again due to the toll abuse and threats had taken on her and her family.

“I was frightened for them at times over the last three years,” she said, confirming she only made the final decision to run at the Local Government New Zealand conference in Christchurch last week.

“To contemplate going through that again really rocked my confidence.

It affected me in ways I don’t think people fully appreciated.”

Despite those challenges, O’Regan has chosen to run again and will face long-serving councillors Mike Pettit and Clare St Pierre in the mayoral race.

“I made a commitment to drive the change that’s needed, and I’ve started that work. There’s still more to do.”

She said she would not promise any “short term wins” during the campaign.

As mayor, she would continue to focus on making the right decisions to keep the district moving forward with “clarity, credibility and purpose”.

O’Regan, 53, is the daughter of the

late National Party MP Katherine O’Regan. She was born and raised in Rukuhia, owns a dairy farm in Judge Valley with her husband John Hayward and they have a blended family of five children.

“I feel really deeply connected with the Waipā community. I’ve been here my whole life. I felt I made a promise, a commitment. I feel like it’s only half done.

She was first elected to Waipā’s Kakepuku ward in 2016, re-elected unopposed three years later and appointed chair of the council’s Strategic Planning and Policy committee.

Senators Philippe Folliot (chair) left and Sébastien Pla (deputy-chair) of the France-New Zealand Interparliamentary Friendship Group of the French Sénat lay a wreath at the Cenotaph while other members of the delegation including from left Florian Grill, French Federation of Rugby president, Lauren Beau, Ambassador of France to New Zealand and the Cook Islands and Raphaël Ibañez, general manager of the French Federation of Rugby prepare to lay a wreath and present a signed French rugby team jersey. See story Page 7.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Lights on at Te Awa

By Mary Anne Gill

editor@goodlocal.nz

maryanne@goodlocal.nz

The third edition of Te Awa River Ride’s Light Night will take place next month, as artists continue to add new sculptures along the popular trail.

Te Awa River Ride Charitable Trust trail

manager Sarah Ulmer said more than 1000 people attended last year’s ride, which runs from Cambridge’s Gaslight Theatre to the Velodrome.

“We want to give the community a great excuse to get out moving together in winter and experience Te Awa in a completely

unique way,” she said.

A Ngāruawāhia version – first held last year – will take place this weekend. Participants are encouraged to walk, run, cycle, scoot, or use mobility scooters along the 2km Cambridge section of the trail.

At the Gaslight Theatre hub, attendees can enjoy food trucks, live music, and activities. A new addition this year will be Wag the Dog, a corten steel sculpture by artist James Wright, depicting a dog catching a frisbee. Originally located midway along the trail, it is being moved to the off-leash dog area near the theatre on Waipā District Council land.

This week I have a cautionary scam tale that the victim is happy for me to share.

In March 2025, an elderly member of our community was contacted by an unknown person on Facebook messenger. From that, an online conversation evolved. The man told her he was a Canadian cancer specialist.

His messages were friendly, becoming affectionate over the weeks and he even shared family photos. Communication moved from Facebook messenger, to Whatsapp and email, including a phone call. The man made plans to meet the victim when she was holidaying in Australia, however he did not arrive, saying he’d been stopped at the airport. He also sent the victim a personalised heart necklace with his and hers photos as a gift.

Eventually, the man asked the victim to help pay for things. By this time, feeling he was her good friend, she agreed.

Ultimately, the victim would purchase and provide iTunes card to him with a total value of around $3000. Finally this month, the man said he would be flying to New Zealand to be with the victim. When he was due to depart however, the victim received a distressing email from gangsters saying they had kidnapped the man and beaten him. It contained a photo of the man with tape over

his mouth, visible injuries and restrained on a seat.

A ransom request was to follow. Police were contacted by the victim’s family.

This is an example of how scammers can be convincing and groom their victims over months. A reverse google photo search showed that the kidnap photo was manipulated from one originally posted on the Internet by the West Seneco Police Department in America. The head of the man had been swapped for that of the photo the scammers had used to communicate with our victim.

The tape and injuries had been digitally added. Otherwise, clothes, the background and seat remained identical to the original. A similar search showed the personalised heart pendant was readily available on Alibaba for US$8. It is certain that the man the victim thought she was talking to never existed, except as a means to take money from her.

The lesson from this story is to be suspicious of any unsolicited approaches online. Anyone can set up a profile using whatever details and photos they like. If anyone you are talking to asks you to loan or gift them money using prezzy cards or iTunes cards, don’t. It will be a scam.

The trust has also commissioned artist Jeremy Shirley to paint a mural on the side of the theatre, part of its vision to make Te Awa one of New Zealand’s great bike rides.

More sculptures are in progress as part of the Art on Te Awa initiative. One existing piece, also by Wright - a sculpture of a longfin eel, New Zealand’s top freshwater predator— has been installed below the Velodrome for over a year.

The longfin eel has lived in New Zealand for 80 million years and plays a vital role in the biodiversity of the Waikato River. Conservationists warn that the species is under threat due to habitat loss and lack of awareness.

“The eel is hugely important to our waterways, but it’s been so undervalued that it may soon be extinct,” said Ulmer.

Needs not wants

Waipa District Council has more than $330 million in largely capricious debt. We don’t need town clock renovations, new toilets, cycleways, town hall upgrades, to lose carparks to PC “traffic calming” or to replace park timber bollards with recycled plastic ones. Nor do we need a new library. Country town Cambridge didn’t ask to be grotesquely distorted through growth, in order to fund council spending addictions. Similarly, rate payers didn’t ask for the extra books that came with the traffic jams and a larger population. Simply sell/dispose of the 5000 least used books and make do - like the rest of us in the real world.

Shaun Robinson Cambridge

The stilt walkers were popular at the start last year along with the food trucks and stalls. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Medical passed

The Government has approved a business case and $83m in funding for a new Waikato University medical school as part of a plan to strengthen the health workforce. The medical school is expected to add 120 doctor training places annually from 2028, offering a graduate-entry programme providing a flexible new pathway into medicine that helps attract a broader range of students and build a stronger, more diverse workforce.

Board Elections

Triennial School Board elections in September will come a month ahead of local body polls. Parents and caregivers at state and stateintegrated schools vote for parent representatives to govern their schools and students at schools with pupils above year 9 will have student representatives.

Careers Expo

Cambridge High School, St Peter’s Cambridge and Te Awamutu College are teaming up to run a community careers expo in Cambridge later this month.

Cambridge crash

A woman was taken to hospital after her car ploughed through the Victoria and Duke St roundabout and into the Central Court building last week

Library rethink

Te Kuiti’s cramped library could be moved to the under-used Les Munro Centre if a community facilities rethink spurs action. The Waitomo council would look to replicate what has been done in Takanini which blends traditional library services with community spaces, a kitchen, play area and meeting rooms. Cambridge has a similar space issue with its library.

‘News’ prompts call for change

By Mary Anne Gill

A local government electoral reform group recommendationendorsed by councils nationwide - can be traced back to The News article published after the 2022 election, which revealed Waipā ratepayers paid a Christchurch company $9.23 for every vote cast.

ElectionNZ was paid $145,000 to run the election which, netted 15,703 votes for a 39.65 per cent return.

Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan, a member of the working group, helped present its final position and 20 recommendations at the Local Government New Zealand conference last week.

One key recommendation was that local government elections should be run and promoted by the Electoral Commission.

In the group’s early discussions, O’Regan shared a copy of The News’ December 15, 2022 article to highlight the cost of outsourcing elections.

Currently, local bodies are responsible for running their own elections, and most contract that work out to private firms.

The Public Service Association which represents more than 11,000 local government workers and has a total membership of more than 96,000 people agreed with the recommendation.

“Private companies should not be running local body elections, it is not appropriate for something so important to the functioning of local democracy,” said PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.

“The Electoral Commission is publicly accountable and already has a track record for delivering Parliamentary elections, we call

on central government to give the Electoral Commission this role, with the proper resourcing to do it.”

The working group’s main recommendation, outlined in the Refreshing Our Grassroots Democracy paper, was to return to polling-booth voting and move away from postal voting.

Group chair and Nelson mayor Nick Smith, a former MP, said it was inefficient for 78 councils to run their own elections.

“The current situation, where most councils contract out their election management to two private companies, is very unusual internationally,” he wrote in the paper’s foreword.

O’Regan agreed saying there was consensus within the group – including elected members from across the country and an Otago University academic – that outsourcing democratic services was inappropriate.

She told the News: “When we were talking about the costs per vote… I pulled out and shared with everybody the work your article did around the cost per vote in our area.”

That sparked further research into the cost of using the Electoral Commission’s “orange man” branding and services.

The commission’s orange man does not appear in adverts in Good Local Media’s Waipā publications – despite the fact the Cambridge News and Te Awamutu News are the only publications which provide independent coverage of local body politics.

O’Regan also presented at the conference on how local government could better communicate its value to voters and improve civic

Ten go to conference

Waipā District Council told The News it was sending one staff member – chief executive Steph O’Sullivan - to last week’s local government conference in Christchurch.

engagement.

“I talked broadly about engagement that we do well or not well enough, through to civic education, how can we promote understanding and active citizenship,” she said.

The group also recommended retaining the Local Democracy Reporting scheme, noting that the decline of local media poses a threat to local democracy.

“While central government funding is no panacea, investment in the Local Democracy Reporting scheme has ensured those communities receive local government news,” the paper said.

“Local media could be supported in a range of ways, including initiatives that encourage other local media providers to start up or that directly support existing local media providers.”

O’Regan noted that the scheme had not benefited Waipā directly, as Good Local Media - publisher of Cambridge News, Te Awamutu News, and King Country News - was not part of it.

Two newspapers that were part of Stuff and NZME who were in the scheme - Te Awamutu Courier and Cambridge Edition - have closed or are in the process of closing.

Other recommendations to the council were four-year terms, greater engagement in schools and the community to understand how local government works and what it does and provide an outlet for candidates to promote themselves online and by video.

But a day after The News was published, the council released a cropped photo showing two other staff members – Vanessa Honore and Kirsty Downey - at the conference awards’ ceremony where the council won the “Super Engaged Tū Hononga Award for its ‘Ahu Ake, Waipā Community Spatial Plan’ consultation.

The announcement caught The News by surprise and prompted a swift editing of its preview of the event which had quoted the council saying only one staff member was attending the conference.

In response, a communications spokesperson told The News it had limited its response on numbers to conference attendees.

“The staff members pictured did not attend the conference, just the awards dinner.”

However, the awards ceremony and a gala dinner were published in the conference programme on LGNZ’s website.

Cropped out of the council’s photo but seen in the same LGNZ version were councillors Dale-Maree Morgan and Marcus Gower, another iwi representative and the contracted communications staffer.

The cost of attendance for Morgan and Gower came from the budget allocated for elected members’ professional development and was approved by mayor Susan O’Regan. The News asked who had paid for the other attendees. The council had not responded by the time we went to press.

The council recently revealed, through a Local Government and Official Information Meetings Act (LGOIMA) request, that Ahu Ake had cost more than $1.71 million, including almost $1.5 million in consultancy fees.

That did not include staff costs. The World Café workshops, which were instrumental in Waipā winning the award, cost $186,000.

O’Regan’s last stand

In 2022, she defeated Jim Mylchreest to become Waipā’s first female and fifth mayor.

“My first term as mayor was focussed on much needed, considerable change within council before we could make real progress. We’ve started making big strides in the right direction and there is more to do,” O’Regan said in a media statement yesterday (Wednesday).

She said now was not the time for a change in leadership, a new direction or a different strategy.

“With once-in-a-generation reforms underway in water, planning, and infrastructure, plus all of the pressures that councils around New Zealand are facing, right now is not the time to risk instability or return to shortterm thinking.”

She said the next three years under her leadership and with fresh talent and energy in some senior council roles – a reference to chief executive Steph O’Sullivan and an experienced leader for the Cambridge Connections reset - promised strong performance and positive change for the community.

O’Regan told The News she did not take the challenges from Pettit and St

Pierre personally.

“That’s democracy. When you do put your hand up, people will stand against you. You have a right to a different point of view. They will have their perspectives on things.”

She noted that all major decisions during the term were made unanimously by the council, which she said reflected strong collective decision-making.

“I helped lead work that got the single largest piece of reform across the line. There are mayors up and down the country that would be gagging for that.”

She praised the work of council staff in establishing the Waikato Water Done Well council-controlled organisation (CCO), a collaboration between Waipā, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, Ōtorohanga, South Waikato, and Waitomo district councils.

The council confirmed its involvement last week and also adopted the 2025-34 Long Term Plan which includes an average rates increase of 15.5 per cent in year one.

“It’s not something we take any delight in doing,” she said.

“I’m a ratepayer too and so are (most of) our staff.”

Continue from page 1

Once the two waters – drinking and waste –transition to the CCO, she said the financial picture would change.

“So much of the financial pressure as a tier-one growth council rests in that water space. We’re hoping this will relieve some pressure from our organisation.

It was, she said in the statement, an affirming week for the district.

Waipā won a national award for Ahu Ake – the Waipā Community Spatial Plan.

“(I am) immensely proud of the council team for their exceptional work which saw us genuinely connecting with our communities in ways we had never done before. I’m humbled that we’ve achieved this under my leadership. We have a strong, innovative and appropriate plan for our future, and this can only be good for our district.”

Names trickle in

By Mary Anne Gill and Chris Gardner

With just over a week remaining before nominations close for the local body elections, returning officers are growing concerned about a potential shortage of candidates.

This comes despite recent reversals from three high-profile elected members: Waikato regional councillor Clyde Graf, Hamilton city councillor Andrew Bydder, and Te AwamutuKihikihi Community Board member Kane Titchener.

Graf and Titchener, who had previously told The News they would not restand, have now submitted their nominations.

Meanwhile, Bydder has opted not to stand in Cambridge, despite earlier indicating he would contest seats there and in Hamilton.

Gaylene Kanawa and Helen Williams, representing the Waikato and Ōtorohanga districts respectively, warned that a byelection - costing approximately $15,000 - would be required if there are insufficient candidates.

In Waikato’s Tamahere-Woodlands ward, there are no issues so far, with two nominations received at press time: incumbent Crystal Beavis and newcomer Gurpreet Bassan, filling the two available council seats.

However, in Waipā, only two nominations have been received for the Cambridge and Te Awamutu-Kihikihi community boards.

In Te Awamutu, the worst kept secret was confirmed on Monday in Te Awamutu when veteran councillor Lou Brown lodged his nomination.

Rumours that Clare St Pierre would withdraw from the mayoral race were dispelled when she submitted her nomination. St Pierre is also standing for one of two vacancies in the Pirongia and

Kakepuku ward.

Ōtorohanga District Council had only four confirmed candidates for 18 council and community board seats. Business enablement manager Graham Bunn said nominations were down on the same time last election.

“There are a number of people who said they are standing who haven’t put nominations in yet. A lot of candidates leave it to the last week, so it’s really hard to say where we will end up.”

Graf’s decision to restand follows three controversial council decisions: voting against returning a $2.5 million surplus to ratepayers, shifting from co-management to co-governance, and withdrawing from Local Government New Zealand.

A notice of motion to reverse the latter was scheduled for consideration yesterday (Wednesday), after The News went to press.

Long time fellow Waipā-King Country representative Stu Kneebone has submitted his nomination, but as of Tuesday, Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk had not.

Meanwhile pre-election reports completed by chief executives for candidates in Waikato region, Waikato, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo and Waipā paint a challenging picture one that may discourage potential candidates from standing.

• The News will update this story online.

• See Ticking the Boxes by Peter Carr – p8

STALLIONS’

Gallops into Cambridge!

Once a charming Old English pub (PRINCE ALBERT) where tales flowed as freely as the ale—now reborn as STALLIONS, the boldest bar & grill in town! Experience the perfect blend of classic warmth and modern flair with live music on weekends, exclusive Senior Night special on every Monday for the age 50 and above enjoy 10% discount on the food, thrilling quiz nights on every Thursday evening, karaoke nights on every second Friday from 7pm onwards and a menu that fires up your taste buds like never before.

“Old soul, new fire – that’s STALLIONS!

To make a booking give us a call on 07 827 7900 We are open 7 days a week from 10:30 am till late.

Susan O’Regan

Andrew Bydder – out Clyde Graf – in Stu Kneebone – in

No matter what your level of ACC funding, Resonate will fit you with the very best-quality hearing aids:

No matter what your level of ACC funding, Resonate will fit you with the very best-quality hearing aids:

ReSound’s Vivia 9. And you won’t have to pay a cent more than your ACC funding.

No matter what your level of ACC funding, Resonate will fit you with the very best-quality hearing aids: ReSound’s Vivia 9. And you won’t have to pay a cent more than your ACC funding.

ReSound’s Vivia 9. And you won’t have to pay a cent more than your ACC funding.

Only Resonate fits such high-quality hearing aids, in such a simple and straightforward way.

Only Resonate fits such high-quality hearing aids, in such a simple and straightforward way.

Only Resonate fits such high-quality hearing aids, in such a simple and straightforward way.

For our help to get you wearing the best hearing aid technology at no cost to you, give us a call, check out our website or visit one of our 29 local hearing health studios.

For our help to get you wearing the best hearing aid technology at no cost to you, give us a call, check out our website or visit one of our 29 local hearing health studios.

For our help to get you wearing the best hearing aid technology at no cost to you, give us a call, check out our website or visit one of our 29 local hearing health studios.

Contact Resonate

Contact Resonate

Contact Resonate

0800 327 360 resonatehealth.co.nz

0800 327 360 resonatehealth.co.nz

0800 327 360 resonatehealth.co.nz REGISTERED

The best hearing technology ReSound Vivia 9™

technology

• The world’s smallest rechargeable, AIdriven hearing aid.

• The world’s smallest rechargeable, AIdriven hearing aid.

ReSound Vivia 9™

• No fiddly batteries to buy

• No fiddly batteries to buy

• The world’s smallest rechargeable, AIdriven hearing aid.

• Easy to fit and light and comfortable to wear

• No fiddly batteries to buy

• Easy to fit and light and comfortable to wear

• Easy to fit and light and comfortable to wear

• Four directional mics and AI processors manage background noise and help you focus on what you need to hear

• Four directional mics and AI processors manage background noise and help you focus on what you need to hear

• Connects with your other digital devices

• Connects with your other digital devices

• Four directional mics and AI processors manage background noise and help you focus on what you need to hear

• Connects with your other digital devices

Les Bleus’ Cambridge tribute

French rugby and political leaders honoured New Zealand’s wartime sacrifice in Cambridge, reports senior writer Mary Anne Gill

French politician Philippe Folliot paid tribute to New Zealand’s contributions to European war efforts during a visit to Cambridge on Saturday, ahead of the All Blacks v France rugby test in Hamilton.

Speaking at the Le Quesnoy Memorial Statue, Folliot acknowledged New Zealand’s enduring support for global peace, including its recent commitment of an additional $16 million in aid to Ukraine.

Earlier in the day, he laid a wreath at the Cambridge Cenotaph, honouring those from the region who lost their lives in the two world wars.

“War is knocking on our door again,” Folliot said, referencing the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the ongoing conflict.

Folliot chairs the French Sénat’s France New Zealand InterParliamentary Friendship Group and had visited Parliament earlier in the week.

He was accompanied in Cambridge by fellow senator and deputy chair Sébastien Pla, French ambassador to New Zealand Laurence Beau, French Rugby Federation president Florian Grill, team manager Raphaël Ibañez, and high performance manager JeanMarc Lhermet.

The delegation was welcomed at a

morning tea hosted by Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan and Cambridge Community Board chair Jo DaviesColley. Folliot described the visit to Cambridge as one of the most meaningful parts of the group’s New Zealand itinerary.

Community board member Alana Mackay pulled the itinerary together after the French Embassy contacted her last month.

Cambridge has had a formal sister city relationship for 25 years with Le Quesnoy, the town in France liberated by New Zealand troops in the final days of World War I.

The poignant connection was renewed at a ceremony in northern France alongside Anzac Day commemorations in April at the New Zealand Liberation MuseumTe Arawhata in Le Quesnoy.

“It was an honour to host such an important group of people in Cambridge,” said Mackay. “That’s one of the benefits of our sister city relationship.”

O’Regan said the Le Quesnoy link was deeply moving.

“It’s a story of bravery, respect and enduring friendship.”

During the wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph, Ibañez -former French captain, hooker and current general manager - presented a signed Les Bleus jersey from the 2025 touring squad.

Among others present were Taupō

MP Louise Upston, French Embassy staff, Heather Wellington of the Cambridge-Le Quesnoy Friendship Association and community board members Philip Coles and Sue Milner.

The delegation also visited St Andrew’s Anglican Church to view a stained glass window depicting New Zealand soldiers liberating Le Quesnoy by scaling its walls with ladders. They then toured the French Garden, which commemorates Franco-New Zealand ties across both world wars and into modern times.

Another highlight of the visit was to the late Fred Graham’s six-metre high sculpture, inspired by the Eiffel

Cycling events confirmed

Waipā will be centre stage when Cycling New Zealand signals the start of the campaign towards the 2026 Commonwealth Games with two key track events in December.

Cambridge’s Grassroots Trust Velodrome will host the Omnium and Madison National Championships on December 10 and 11 as standalone national events. Organisers are hoping to also confirm a UCI Class 2 international track competition to follow on from the championships.

Tower and the silver fern. Its 43 leaves represent the Rifle Brigade soldiers who lost their lives at Le Quesnoy.

The sculpture stands on a plinth shaped like the town’s historic fortifications.

“Thousands of men and women, across generations, lost their lives in both wars,” Folliot reflected at the sculpture.

“We hoped war would never happen again.”

The delegation wrapped up its tour with a visit to Cambridge Museum and later attended the test match in Hamilton won by the All Blacks 29-19.

“With the omnium and madison to run as part of a standalone event, we thought it was an ideal opportunity for the Grassroots Trust Velodrome to play host,” said Craig Rodger, Grassroots Trust Velodrome Head of Programmes & Coaching.

“The omnium and madison races usually attract our best riders, especially at that time of year leading up to the international track season early in the year. Both track events are novel and exciting and we believe will prove popular with everyone in Cambridge.”

Former French captain and hooker Raphaël Ibañez, left, played 98 times for his country including the Rugby World Cup quarter final in 2007 with French Rugby Federation president Florian Grill at the Mare and Foal Statue in Cambridge.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

A change of direction

The ever-patient editor of this worthy news sheet has asked me to pause my freely wandering opinion piece programme for several weeks to allow me to concentrate on matters pertaining to the forthcoming local body elections.

There are some who may feel that I have a critical bias towards council-like organisations but let me first declare that I experienced 12 years as an elected representative in Wellington in my thirties and forties. I learned to live with, suffer from, become frustrated with etc etc the bureaucratic systems and historical prejudice that abounded at that time.

That is well behind me now, my hair is much thinner, totally grey and hopefully I have become wiser along the way. Perhaps the next few months will measure that!

The local bodies (for us Waipā district and Waikato region) are bound by very strict rules during the leadup to an election.

The first is that nominations for prospective candidates do not close until August 1. So, at this stage I will

By Peter Carr

refrain from mentioning any one person – either elected or hoping to be elected – together with professional officers.

District, regional and city councils are at a crossroads. The current government appears to be rushing a bill through the House that waters down their main operational targets while capping their mainstream income. One can feel some sympathy for both governance and management currently.

Secondly most councils appear to be moving towards combining their water-related activities onto a group (shared) basis. They will be able to markedly reduce their staff numbers and free up buildings for optional uses.

Thirdly there are public discussions relating to the professional governance inability of many elected members around the board tables. In fact, one local (ex-MP) mayoral candidate for the nearby city suggesting a small (and apparently wiser) over-arching board sitting above a smaller number of councillors.

And lastly a growing number

Alys Antiques & Fine Art

of councils are tearing themselves away from their advisory bodyLocal Government New Zealand - while questioning its effectiveness and cost. Curiously as I write this that body’s annual conference is just concluding in Christchurch. More on them in the next opinion piece. In the minister’s conference speech (now known as ‘Bish’s Bash’) he was hugely critical of, in his view, the uncooperative and stultifying culture that prevails within councils.

Moving forward I will regularly beseech all our readers to take up their rightful place as voters. A voting number well on the south side of 40 per cent is not only abysmal - but reeks of lack of interest - until the council makes a decision that affects you directly.

So… please vote. There is a very simple postal system that will land in your letterbox. Your views, your choice of candidate, your clear message to the council tables sets the scene for balanced and honest government.

REVITALISE WITH EXERCISE

Upston lobbied over ramps

By Mary Anne Gill

Cambridge Chamber of Commerce has intensified its support for on-off ramps at Tīrau Road, south of the town, and is urging Taupō MP Louise Upston to join the campaign. Chamber chief executive Kelly Bouzaid sent letters of support to Upston on Monday, telling The News that the landscape had changed dramatically since the chamber first advocated for the ramps.

“Growth across multiple sectors - industrial, residential, infrastructure, and events - is converging to put unprecedented pressure on local transport networks,” she said.

Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan, Cambridge Community Board chair Jo Davies-Colley, developer 3Ms, Profile Group, Shaws Quarries Ltd and Stevenson Aggregates have all written to Upston asking her to support the chamber’s call to have the ramps included in the Waikato Expressway’s four laning of Cambridge to Piarere.

“Without this infrastructure in place, Cambridge’s town centre is forced to bear the brunt of growing transport demands. In particular, the Victoria Street/Hamilton Road and Victoria Street/Queen Street roundabouts are now primary choke points for traffic movements,” Bouzaid told Upston.

She argued Cambridge’s compact central business district layout is ill-suited to safely accommodate the high volumes Continued on page 13

CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE CALLS OVER THE LAST WEEK

WEDNESDAY:

6:25am, Tree across road, Oreipunga Road 11:12pm, Powerline sparking, Pencarrow Road

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY:

9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street

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

5:44am, Tree blocking road, Tauwhare Road 8:44am, Child stuck in door, Addison Street 2:28pm, Car vs building, Duke Street

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

3:35pm, Car vs truck MVC, Bruntwood Road 4:47pm, Garage fire, Raleigh Street

FRIDAY:

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

5:42pm, Building alarm activation, Hannon Road

SATURDAY: 10:35pm, Car fire, Goldsmith Street

SUNDAY 3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road

SUNDAY: 9:40pm, Smoke logged house, King St

Jules Duffart, French, 1924- French Town View, Oil on Board, Signed

Chest of Drawers, Mahogany, Finely moulded Ogee Feet, 104cm high, 119 wide, 52 deep, End 18th, early 19th C, good condition.

ManfredButzmann(*1942)Berlin. SmokingPubinBerlin-Potsdam. OriginalLinolcut.Signed.Artist’sproof. ConservationFraming.

87A Victoria St, Cambridge P: 07 827 6074 Mob: 021 65 19 49 W: www.alysantiques.co.nz

Training for community searches

By Mary Anne Gill

Urban search operations are becoming increasingly vital in Waipā, especially for locating vulnerable individuals such as those with dementia, autism, or at risk of suicide.

In response, Cambridge Community Patrol has partnered with several organisations to enhance their search and rescue capabilities through specialised training.

The volunteer group, which already plays a vital role in local safety, has participated in several recent search operations. This prompted training officer David Morey to organise a dedicated urban search and rescue training session.

Recognising the need for specialised training, the team gathered on a cold winter’s night when most people were at home in the warm, these community stalwarts, Neighbourhood Support and the Safer Communities Trust met at Taylor Made in Cambridge to hear from Waikato Search and Rescue about urban search techniques.

Neighbourhood Support Community Engagement lead

Eileen Hawkins said the patrol provided a cornerstone of security by working closely with police and private security firms to extend the town’s safety net.

“Their tireless efforts and willingness to learn and adapt

make them an invaluable asset to the community,” she said.

The team is one of the few patrols in the country to operate seven nights a week into the early morning and attend regular training to ensure they maintain a high standard.

During the event Waikato Search and Rescue experts Lynette Horn, Aarad Russell and Kip Mandeno provided insights into the behavioural patterns of missing

persons - particularly those with dementia, intellectual disabilities, autism, and children.

“These insights are proving increasingly vital, as the patrol is often called upon to assist in locating vulnerable individuals who may be wandering due to illness or emotional distress,” said Hawkins.

The training emphasised the importance of data-driven strategies to narrow search areas and improve outcomes.

Open Weekend

Morey said Cambridge’s ageing population has led to a rise in dementia-related incidents.

“The goal of this training is to equip our patrol with the skills to conduct planned searches and utilise our resources in a coordinated manner.”

Participants also received an introduction to the WanderSearch beacon tracking system.

Cambridge Police have one receiver and three more are in

Hamilton.

“These units are crucial for tracking missing persons equipped with a beacon. Gaining a basic understanding of this unit will significantly increase our patrol’s confidence when called upon to deploy it,” he said.

Civil Defence’s Cathie Shaw spoke on the need for the patrol team during large scale emergencies. Members assisted Civil Defence during the Covid pandemic.

Cathie Shaw from Civil Defence spoke about the patrol’s role during large-scale emergencies. Members previously assisted during the Covid pandemic, supporting the operation of welfare centres that provide essential services such as clothing, transport, financial aid, and temporary accommodation.

“This integrated approach ensures that affected individuals receive comprehensive care to assist them during the critical first week of recovery,” said Hawkins.

The evening concluded with a Heart Safe presentation on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), delivered by Henry Strong from Heartsafe Cambridge - reinforcing the patrol’s preparedness to respond to a wide range of emergencies.

The evening highlighted the strong spirit of collaboration and shared learning opportunities that underpins Cambridge’s community safety efforts, she said.

Urban search techniques with, from left: Kip Mandeno, Cathie Shaw, Aarad Russell and Lynette Horn with members of the Cambridge Community Patrol team in the background. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Keeping Cambridge Smiles Sparkling

Licence renewal stalled

By Mary Anne Gill

The owner of a Cambridge restaurant has been given a month to make significant changes to its ownership structure before Waipā District Council Licensing Committee will consider renewing its on-licence.

Jaspal Grewal, co-owner of Koi Spice, Craft and Whiskey Lounge, applied for a renewal and variation of the on-licence for the Cambridge premises. Grewal and his wife operate the business under India Today 2018 Ltd through a current licence.

However, concerns were raised after Grewal’s application to renew his manager’s certificate in Taranaki was declined last month by the New Plymouth Licensing Committee.

Waipā licensing inspector Maddison Berry opposed the Koi application based on the grounds of Grewal’s suitability. However, police and the Medical Officer of Health did not oppose the Cambridge on-licence application.

At the hearing in Cambridge last week – heard before independent commissioners Tegan McIntyre, Ross Murphy and Roy Johnson – Grewal said he had run restaurants in New Zealand for 25 years.

He no longer owns the New Plymouth Koi restaurant but retains shares in Cambridge - which was founded six years ago - and Masterton.

After a five hour hearing, McIntyre said the committee had wanted to hear more about staffing, duty managers,

systems, training, days and hours of the business and Grewal’s suitability.

“What we heard hasn’t convinced us completely,” she said.

“We feel with a bit of remediation you could get over the line.”

While there had been no alcoholrelated harm issues at the restaurant, there were not enough certified duty managers for the proposed trading hours, a lack of evidence linking a nominated duty manager to the premises and a failure to disclose required information.

Given the New Plymouth committee’s decision, McIntyre suggested Grewal may wish to consider stepping down as a director of India Today 2018 Ltd.

The committee advised Grewal to consult with legal professionals.

Pair bridged the gap

By Hayley Collins

She’s a straight-talking Cambridge farmer and agribusiness consultant with a sharp wit and a love of a good post-game wine. He’s a seasoned grand master from Te Aroha who’s been playing bridge since 1970.

Experienced professionals. Local specialists. Quality advice.

Cambridge | 07 827 5147 Hamilton | 07 848 1222 www.lewislawyers.co.nz

Experienced professionals. Local specialists. Quality advice.

Experienced professionals. Local specialists. Quality advice.

Cambridge | 07 827 5147 Hamilton | 07 848 1222 www.lewislawyers.co.nz

Cambridge | 07 827 5147 Hamilton | 07 848 1222 www.lewislawyers.co.nz

Today, Anna Kalman, 55, and Richard Solomon, 73, are one of New Zealand’s most entertaining partnerships - a duo built on respect, rivalry, and resilience … with just the right amount of chaos.

When Anna first agreed to play in a bridge tournament with Richard back in 2019, she was nervous.

“He’s a much more experienced player than me,” she said.

But by lunchtime at the Huntly Christmas tournament, the nerves had mostly vanished - helped by Richard accidentally forgetting a new convention they’d only just agreed on.

“It balanced the power a bit,” said Anna. “He made a mistake, I felt better.”

Since then, their dynamic has only grown - from playing club nights in the Waikato to national tournaments and multiple Gold Coast Congresses. Despite the difference in experience, it’s a true partnership of equals.

“Richard’s a good player, sure - and he’s loyal,” said Anna. “He respects me and doesn’t put me down at the table. That’s important.”

Richard agrees: “We just seemed to hit it off – not just at the table but away from it too.”

Over the years, they’ve built more

than just game strategy. They’ve built rituals - Anna always sits south to work the tech, Richard is the designated score-checker - swapped family stories, and clocked

And while their success includes big wins; like the 10A Spa Town teams win, a recent 10A in Christchurch or their first A Point Teams title in Blenheim, it’s the shared moments and occasional meltdowns that have strengthened their bond.

“We argue but we apologise. That’s key,” said Richard.

“It’s like family. Sometimes you need to walk away, then come back to it later,” said Anna.

Their relationship has grown away from the table too with Richard tagging along to Anna’s farming field days and Anna making Richard laugh… even when she loses him $100.

“She once made a scoring error that lost us $100 and several A Points. I may

never forgive her… but have already done so,” said Richard.

Their playing styles differ; Richard plays aggressively, Anna more conservatively.

But their rhythm works. Richard’s proud of Anna’s progress.

“She’s becoming a good player and is now also a grand master. More competitive, more confident. I’m getting the rewards now too.”

For Anna, the magic is simple. “You invest in each other. You get to know each other’s families. You laugh, you argue, you win, you lose - and then go out for a wine,” she said.

“There’s a difference between strong friendships and strong partnerships. Anna and I have, I believe, both,” he said.

And perhaps that’s what makes this unlikely duo so compelling - two very different lives, joined at the table - and always laughing.

Anna Kalman and Richard Solomon

YOUR SPARE ROOM, YOUR CREATIVE SPACE

Spare room, workshop, or hobby room? At Ryman, it’s all up to you. Your space is yours to use how you like – whether it’s a place to get creative, a second home for the grandkids or somewhere to unwind.

With all the amenities and opportunities just steps away, you’ll have more time to do what you love, while still enjoying everything our vibrant community has to offer. It’s not about leaving your passions behind, it’s about having more time for them.

Discover the Ryman lifestyle.

SEARCH RYMAN

women in busine

DR. VERONA BOTHA Expert Eye Surgeon in Cambridge

Dr. Verona Botha, a specialist in Oculoplastic Surgery at Eye Surgeons, provides expert solutions speci cally for droopy eyelids, watery eyes, and eyelid lumps and bumps. Dr. Botha leads a compassionate all-women team, creating an environment where your comfort and understanding come rst. We believe in women helping women (and men) look and feel their best, dedicated to helping you regain con dence and see the world with your eyes wide open.

Q: What is the most interesting part of your work/business day?

The transformative impact of surgery. It’s incredibly satisfying to see patients’ faces light up when their vision improves or their eyes are transformed. Whether it’s a procedure to lift droopy eyelids or treating watery eyes, the precision involved in operating around the delicate eye area, combined with the immediate positive change for someone, is truly rewarding.

Q: What is the most challenging thing about your work?

Staying at the absolute forefront of techniques and technology. Eyelid and eye surgery is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is essential. Equally important is ensuring every patient fully understands their condition and treatment options. My goal is to empower you to make informed

decisions, knowing that many of our procedures o er both practical and aesthetic bene ts, often performed comfortably under local anaesthetic.

Q: What drives you to succeed?

I genuinely care about delivering the best possible outcomes, helping people not only see better but also feel more con dent and comfortable.

Ready to rediscover your sparkle?

Call today to book a consultation with Dr. Verona Botha: 07 242 0877

Clinics in Cambridge and Hamilton brighteyes@eyesurgeons.co.nz

ON SHAKY GROUND

Preparing for a quake

By Janine Krippner

This week I have been driving across the island of Tenerife through a heatwave, for a project on volcanic resilience in the town of Garachico. The idyllic seaside town was devastated by an eruption in 1706. Lava flows changed the economy of the island by partly filling in the important port.

The Trevejo cone is now located far up the flanks above us, above sheer cliffs of exposed lava flows that construct most of Tenerife. The narrow roads are harrowing, with stunning views across the Atlantic Ocean, with a glance down the plunging cliffside making one grateful for the short concrete barriers.

The other aspect that stands out is the gorgeous colourful stone buildings with wooden balconies between beautiful old churches and town halls. They are built across steep volcanic flanks and old lava deltaswhere lava flows have created new land out into the sea.

Looking up at the cliffs, then down at the communities, I voice out loud to my colleague Javi Diaz Cabrera (who was thankfully driving like a pro) that this would be a mess if a large earthquake struck the area. Javi is a local, from the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria, and this week he defended his Master’s project on earthquake damage scenarios on Granada in mainland Spain.

Mainland Spain is an area of moderate seismic risk, so damage to infrastructure is an important topic. In order to prepare, we have to understand what might happen. The first step is understanding what the earthquakes might look like, then how the ground (soil and rock) may behave with the shaking.

The buildings themselves are an important

part of the equation. In Spain there is a variety of older large block homes, some made of dirt, all the way to newer reinforced concrete buildings and some steel structures. You would be hard-pressed to find a wooden home he has not studied.

His results show that during a moderateintensity earthquake, many buildings will experience cracks through the walls, and the orange ceramic roof tiles may fall. As we learned in Christchurch, this is a danger to those in the streets. The highest amount of damage is expected to occur in the beautiful downtown historical centres.

For a higher intensity scenario, the footings or piles that are built into the ground may crack and result in structural failures. In this case, most of the historical centres and more modern areas could experience severe damage, requiring a rebuild.

This then leads to the social questions of how we help people who are evacuated for an extended period.

We have seen how destructive earthquakes in Aotearoa are. The challenges in these older European countries can look quite different. It takes just one tile to end a life as someone runs out of a building.

While Tenerife may not have the higher intensity tectonic earthquakes of mainland Spain, through my own work I have read about how intense precursory seismicity prior to an eruption can be here. The path to preparedness is complex and long, with each step along the way hopefully leading to more resilient communities.

FAITH IN WAIPĀ

Digging our own wells

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

Unmet needs are powerful motivators. Getting our ‘needs’ met becomes a significant driving influence in the life of everyone born into the world. I’ve been delighted to become a grandpa again in recent months and observing my latest wee grand-daughter’s ability to make it clearly known that it’s her feed time, has reminded me of this fact! Our physical needs cry out for satisfaction…but so do other underlying needs we carry - at a spiritual level.

Functioning properly and effectively in our personality cannot happen without our ‘spiritual’ needs being met. People cope reasonably when casual needs of life aren’t fully met, but there’s other areas of unmet need which cause immense stress and difficulty. For example, having a level of companionship, as opposed to confinement or isolation is important for well-being. Affirmation, expressions of genuine interest and the care of other’s feeds our soul. It makes life better.

What devastates our functioning optimally in life is failing to have our ‘crucial’ needs met. The deficit resulting from these needs being unmet, introduces dire issues. It’s been said that, ‘man is a thirsty being.’ How true. We ALL carry crucial longings, deep internal spiritual needs which we clamour to have satisfiedoften without realising it.

For example ‘security’, ‘self-worth’ and a sense of ‘significance’ are three universal areas that are like an inner ‘well’ within everyone. When that well is dry and empty, our ‘thirst’ compels us to find ways to fill it. We have an inbuilt longing for ‘self-worth’… the need to feel special, that our lives count for something- that we matter. Inferiority cripples many people and the thirst to feel accepted and valued, drives them to extreme

measures to achieve ‘status’, to escape feeling unnoticed.

Our need for ’security’ is immense. Insecurity propels us to pursue things we think will make us feel secure. Many seek security in acquiring possessions, a home or a healthy bank account. Perhaps we feel it will be found in a relationship, in intimacy. People marry for security- often ending up disappointed. Insecurity motivates many to seek positions of leadership as the sense of being in control or able to manipulate outcomes brings a sense of ‘having it together!’ Insecure leaders are dangerous - a mature leader allows others to be alongside as equals, to even ‘overtake’ them in importance!

What about ‘significance’… another entirely valid need along with ‘self-worth’ and ‘security’? The issue is, what am I looking to, for these crucial needs to be satisfied? People go to desperate lengths to feel significant through achievement, winning the respect of others…like the Mr Universe confessing his lifetime motivation for ‘working out’ was a futile effort to eradicate unabated feelings of being ‘puny’ and insignificant.

The Bible describes exactly where our deficit with respect to these needs originates. The prophet Jeremiah spoke arresting words at God’s behest, “In forsaking Me, My people dig their own leaking wells which can’t ever hold water.” A stubborn pattern in human hearts sees us reverting to independence and self-determination to satisfy our ‘thirst’… We’re not condemned for being ‘thirsty’ -rather for futile self-effort which delivers leaking, broken stagnant wells, while Jesus alone, offers us ‘living water’.

DR. VERONA BOTHA

Broadley’s back on civvy street

By Viv Posselt

Jon Broadley spent part of his last day as a Brigadier talking up the competitive advantages New Zealand enjoys through its military.

He described New Zealand’s peacekeeping efforts – part of the Defence Force’s critical ‘soft diplomacy’ endeavours –as being key to why New Zealand is highly regarded by many countries around the world.

“There are three main reasons for that,” he told The News. “One is that we are not viewed as a threat by other countries. Two, we

are multicultural and that is an advantage for those countries we engage with, and three, we are seen as good global citizens who uphold the international rule of law. The fact we also have an independent foreign policy is also critical for a country of our size and locale.”

June 30 marked Broadley’s last official day in the forces having chalked up over 42 years’ service, 22 of them as a regular and 20 as a reservist. He will don the uniform again only if called on to represent the Chief of Defence Force or Chief of Army, otherwise it’s civvies from now on.

He will, however, remain as vice president of the Cambridge RSA, and will retain an interest in the delivery of various youth development programmes, something that is particularly close to his heart.

Speaking to those competitive advantages, Broadley described this country’s defence forces’ leadership training – which is also central to those youth development programmes – as giving New Zealand its biggest competitive edge. The discipline involved in

learning how to craft a plan, then communicate well to execute it are invaluable, he said.

“We do that particularly well. It is generally accepted that 80 to 90 per cent of plans poorly led will probably fail, where 60 per cent of plans well led will probably succeed.”

Broadley never intended joining the military. He was at university studying science but not really enjoying it when he drove his younger brother to a careers evening in Takapuna. He stopped at the army stand and liked what he saw. After several interviews, he was selected for a week-long Officer Selection Board at Burnham Military Camp then into 12 months’ officer cadet training at Waiouru, graduating in 1983 into the Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport.

A logistics man until he reached Lieutenant Colonel, he upholds the mantra ‘tactics win battles, logistics win wars’.

He has held many regimental and other appointments throughout his full-time military career, and in October 2019, was appointed Colonel Commandant (Patron) of

the Royal NZ Army Logistic Regiment. It was a post he held until this the beginning of this month.

Postings have taken him to many countries, including the Middle East and to the former Yugoslavia as part of the UN Protection Force. It was for his work in that role that he was awarded an MBE in the 1996 New Year’s Honours. He also spent

a year each in Australia and the United Kingdom, furthering his academic studies in strategic, military operational studies and an MBA.

Overall, there have been around 18 different postings, requiring 13 different house moves through the years. In 2004, the Broadley family settled in Cambridge and in the years since, he has

employed his skills in a business advisory capacity, including running his own company since 2015. Musing over his years of service, Broadley said he has seen New Zealand’s military become smarter, more inclusive and more flexible during his years of service. Now is the time to stand back and make room for others, he said.

Upston lobbied over ramps

of freight traffic expected with new quarries, an expansion of the Hautapu Industrial Precinct and accelerated commercial and residential growth.

The News kick started discussion over the on/off ramps solution as a short term fix more than four years ago and it was quickly picked up by the chamber and other business leaders.

Upston ruled out her support last year after New Zealand Transport Agency told her the expressway was not intended for local traffic but said she was “happy to advocate” if there was further traffic data made available.

NZTA has consistently rejected the need for on and off ramps to Waikato Expressway at the southern end of Cambridge near Cambridge Golf Club saying the Expressway’s Victoria Rd interchange provided both northbound and southbound connections to Cambridge.

“Cambridge is known for its charm and liveability. The presence of frequent heavy trucks undermines this, affecting retail

Continued from page 8

vibrancy, tourism, and the overall visitor and resident experience,” said Bouzaid. The ramps would reduce the burden on the town centre, support the safe and efficient movement of goods and enable the district to play its part in the region’s growth story, she said.

Restoring

Jon Broadley relaxing in Cambridge on the last day of his official military career.

Photo: Viv Posselt

Taupō MP Louise Upson, left, with then Transport Minister Simeon Brown at the turning of the sod ceremony for the Piarere roundabout last year is being asked to reconsider calls for on-off ramps south of Cambridge. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Hautapu-Marist in shield final

By Jesse Wood

Hamilton Marist will host the Breweries Shield grand final on Saturday against a well-drilled Hautapu.

Hautapu will be a force to be reckoned with this weekend after Marist just beat Fraser Tech 21-20 in their semi clash.

The Cambridge-based side’s only loss of 2025 was in round one to Marist, 25-20.

Marist have also only dropped one game out of 13, a 38-31 round six loss against University.

It will be Hautapu’s seventh Breweries Shield final in the last eight years.

Hautapu destroyed University 67-20 in the semi-final at Cambridge Memorial Park last weekend.

Veteran loose forward David Morris helped himself to two tries, as did backs Waisake Salabiau and

Amos Faaola. Mitch Jacobson, Quentin Hill, Rico McQuoid and Archie Falconer all grabbed a try a piece.

Halfback Quintony Ngatai slotted a penalty goal and three conversions off the kicking tee, while Dillon Martin (2), Quentin Hill and Dallas Rata-Makene also added conversions.

In the division 1A Mooloo Shield competition, Pirongia beat Leamington 21-17 below the mountain.

Lochie Bolstad, Jason Hill and Hoani Ham were the home team’s try scorers. Pivot Mitch Zeuren converted all three tries.

James Knowles and cocaption Thomas Fraser were the Leamington try scorers, while Zac Molloy added seven points off the boot.

Ōhaupō again had success in the 1A championship division, beating

Taupiri 41-12.

Evergreen halfback Ryan Vickers helped himself to two tries, as did winger Josh Gore.

Utility reserve Met Camaibatiki, fullback Scott Thomas and midfielder Reed Watson also registered five-pointers.

First five-eighth Dean Fullerton kicked three conversions.

Leamington B were defeated 33-15 by their Pirongia counterparts in the Division 1B premiership and Ōhaupō B beat Taupiri B 36-17 in the 1B championship division.

This weekend, the Pirongia teams host Tokoroa’s Southern United, Leamington prepare to visit Putāruru and the Ōhaupō sides have a bye before possible home finals.

Hautapu advance to the under-21 Elliott Shield final after beating Hamilton Marist colts 25-19 in town. The sides scored three tries

and two conversions each.

Two penalty goals from Hautapu’s Ned Collins were all that separated them on the scoresheet.

Historic win for Cambridge kayaker

By Steph Bell-Jenkins

Cambridge kayaker Nick Collier has become the first New Zealander to win gold at the Junior and Under-23 Canoe Slalom World Championships.

“Standing on the podium, hearing the New Zealand national anthem, watching the New Zealand flag rise, and my teammates cheering me on was simply beautiful,” the 21-year-old said. “I’ll remember that moment for a long time to come.”

Collier, who moved from Central Otago to the Waikato four years ago to study at The University of Waikato, achieved the victory in Foix, France.

A day earlier, his kiwi teammate Oliver Puchner won silver in the under-23 canoe singles.

Collier also competed in the U23 Men’s Canoe Slalom K1 Category but placed 38th, missing top 30 progression to the semi-finals by 1.5 seconds.

In the kayak cross final he was up against 2024 canoe slalom K1M Olympic silver medallist Titouan Castryck and Gino Benini, both from France, and Italian Xabier Ferrazzi. Castryck finished second and Ferrazzi third.

“The feeling of crossing the finish line in first place was honestly relief,” Collier said.

“Four athletes sitting on the start ramp, knowing that only three will podium, is a brutal concept. I was

to Okere Falls, near Rotorua, and Canoe Slalom New Zealand’s high performance training centre in Auckland.

This May he moved in with his girlfriend in Auckland for an intensive month of preparation at the Wero Whitewater Park in Manukau.

While competing at the Prague World Cup in June he joined a new training squad with Oliver Puchner and Courtney Williams, coached by Nico Boudouin.

“Nico and I developed a strong strategy for the kayak cross race, which worked exceptionally well on the day,” Collier said.

totally spent as I crossed the finish line.

“I’d given my absolute best the whole day and was drained mentally and physically. To look up and see the Kiwi team in hysterics was incredible.”

“I’ve been training hard in New Zealand, and knew I could be a contender, but in such a strong field as the U23, it was always going to come down to the performance and plan on the race day.”

The result trumped the silver medal he won at the same world championships in Kraków, Poland, in 2023.

Collier moved from Hamilton to Cambridge in 2022 because it was an ideal training base, close

After a sensational start to his international racing season, Collier is now looking forward to four more European competitions, including two senior World Cup events in Slovenia and Germany.

He also aims to compete at the Senior Canoe Slalom World Championship in Sydney at the beginning of October.

cambridge grains

Your trusted local supplier of premium feed for horses, livestock, poultry, and pets. From tailored equine nutrition to everyday farm and pet essentials, we’ve got everything you need. Quality products, expert advice, and friendly service.

The same quality service and products just a new and improved location!

Hautapu will face unbeaten Hamilton Old Boys team on Saturday in their fourth colts shield final in succession.

Hautapu’s David Morris barges towards the tryline for one of his two semi-final tries.

Photo: Matt Gould

Nick Collier celebrates his under-23 world championships gold medal outside the Kiwi team’s accommodation in Foie, France.

SUBSCRIBE NOW...

…and receive a copy, posted directly to you, every month. Price is $119.40 + GST for a 12-month paid in advance subscription (equivalent of $9.95 + GST per month)

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.

Across 1. Plain, simple (5)

4. Stitch (6) 7. Behind (nautical) (3) 8. Whalebone (6) 9. Responds (6) 10. Group of stars (13)

14. Bring upon oneself (5)

15. In front (5)

18. Soothsayer (7,6)

23. Repartee (6)

Last week

24. Prohibited (6)

25. Snakelike fish (3)

26. Go back on a deal (6)

Vote (5)

Cry of

Appears (5)

Call off (6)

Amble (6)

Large area of land (5) 6. Style from recent past (5)

Steep rock face (5)

CANYONVPVNTUAXFZWA DSDISPINNEYNGLCGFM IIEKNRAVINEDOBSUDP UMCDESERTJRRNBELUL HODFMBUDETAADREWLD RHHSEEOLNCNIHIOIUX CPAVLOPEAEGMFDHFVP JHOAWGMUVTEFAGDSJM CRDSTPUMJYIEREULUO GLENRLCLMLMVMJNAAU ETGACAORCHARDWENJN ESCOHIDMDHHOGTSDET HSTSRNCOPSEWAMOORA EARAGGHEATHLRHOLTI PARKTWEALDPJBVALEN MSLOPEOUTCROPCFDSR

SPINNEY SWAMP

Designation (5)

Vast (5)

Throw out (5)

Across: 1. Paella, 5. Stress, 8. Vow, 9. Polite, 10. Impure, 11. Kiwi, 13. Greeting, 14. Thigh, 15. Abuse, 19. Swindler, 21. Echo, 22. Vigour, 23. Flatly, 25. Rue, 26. Measly, 27. Remark. Down: 2. Abolish, 3. Lei, 4. Avenge, 5. Swivel, 6. Reputable, 7. Siren, 12. Ingenious, 16. Scholar, 17. Blurry, 18. Prefer, 20. Whine, 24. Aim.

MOOR

MOUNTAIN ORCHARD

TUNDRA

VALE VALLEY

WEALD WOOD

RANGE

RAVINE

RIDGE

ROCKS SLOPE

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Advertising booking deadlines for Cambridge

Te

and King Country News is one week prior to publication day. Copy deadline for ad-make up is 5pm Friday prior to publication day. Advertiser is responsible to advise us of any copy changes before proofing deadline – anything not signed off by this time, ad prints as per the last proof sent. Advertising supplied in completed form (finished artwork or camera ready), deadline is Tuesday midday prior to publication day. Public holiday weeks, all deadlines move forward one working day. Cancellation deadline is one week prior to publication. If cancellations are received after the cancellation deadline, then full charge applies. All other publications and products see separate booking and deadline sheet. Advertising setting is free for up to two proofs, further changes will incur a production fee. Advertising copy set by Good Local Media Ltd is the property of Good Local Media Ltd and for use in Good Local Media Ltd publications only. If used elsewhere charges will apply, pricing available on request. If supplied ready to print, copy is owned by the advertiser. Publication day is Thursday for urban

deliveries and Friday morning for rural deliveries. Acceptance of advertising for publication and free productions services is at the discretion of the publisher.

RATE CARD: Rates are based on advertising space only and are over a 12-month period starting from the date the first ad publishes. Rate bracket e.g. 6 insertions, 12 insertions etc. chosen allows ad sizes to vary within the rate bracket. If the number of insertions chosen is not met then a bulk charge will be applied at the end/cancellation of your schedule based on correct rate reflective of the number of ads published e.g. if you have chosen the 12 insertion rate and only publish 6 insertions, the bulk charge will be the difference in price between the 6 insertion rate and 12 insertion rate multiplied by the number of ads published. You pay the rate reflective of the number of ads you actually publish.

INVOICING AND PAYMENTS: For advertisers on a regular schedule invoices will be sent at the end of the month and

payment is due by the 20th of the following month, otherwise payment is required by end of day Tuesday in advance of publishing. Accounts in arrears +60 days may be subject to a $95 + GST late payment fee per month. Advertiser is responsible for all debt collection fees. Cancellation deadline is one week prior to publication.

By confirming and placing advertising in Good Local Media Ltd publications you are agreeing to our terms and conditions of trade.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Good Local Media Limited (including its employees, officers, or agents) shall not be liable for a failure or breach arising from anything beyond their reasonable control e.g. an act of God, fire, earthquake, strike, explosion, electrical supply failure, unavoidable accident or machine breakdown; and shall not be liable in tort, contract, or otherwise for loss of any kind (whether indirect loss, loss of profits, or consequential loss) to the Advertiser or any other person.

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company

Olympians take on African roads

By Mary Anne Gill

When Olympic silver medallist Nicole Shields found a gap in her competition schedule, she saw an opportunity to pursue a long-held dream: a major cycling adventure.

Shields, 25, fresh off her podium finish in the team pursuit at the Paris Olympics, decided to step outside the high-performance bubble.

She graduated from Waikato University with a Bachelor of Business this year and opted to take a break from competition until November. That break, however, will be anything but restful.

Together with fellow Olympian and kayaker Hamish Legarth, also 25, Shields is now cycling 5000 kilometres over 10 weeks through East Africa.

Their journey spans six countries where the charity World Bicycle Relief operates, distributing durable bicycles to rural communities to improve access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

Both athletes are part of a close-knit group of elite sportspeople who live, train, study, and work in Cambridge. Legarth had just completed his civil

engineering degree at Waikato and was competing in the Canoe Sprint World Cup in Poland when he saw Shields’ social media post about her plans.

“I was at a crossroads in my kayaking journey,” Legarth said. “I felt like I needed something different after the Olympics.”

Initially, he wished Shields luck but declined to join. However, the idea stuck. After some reflection - and a conversation with Canoeing New Zealand - he agreed to take part.

Kayaking builds upper body strength, which is why, he joked, kayakers tend to have ‘chicken legs’.

Shields had long wanted to do a “really big” bike ride and did not want to emerge from her sabbatical out of shape. She also wanted the journey to have impact. That’s when she connected the dots with World Bicycle Relief.

She knew about the organisation, which helps to provide life-changing bicycles to rural communities and mobilises individuals and communities through the power of bicycles.

The charity distributes more than 810,000 bikes a year and research shows it helps increase school

attendance by up to 20 per cent.

“Right now, they (the charity) work in six countries in Africa so I looked at a map and wondered how far it is to ride between all of them and then I thought ‘that’s actually achievable in a couple of

months’.”

Her goal: raise NZ$30,000 - enough to donate 100 bicycles. She didn’t want to do it alone.

“That was the biggest challenge finding someone to do it with. I just didn’t want to do it alone... and

preferably with a male.”

She reached out to everyone she knew including Legarth.

Legarth is aware of the physical toll. Kayaking builds upper body strength, and he expects to lose muscle mass in his arms and chest.

“My strength coach says it’ll come back quickly,” he said.

“Everyone says I’m crazy, I’m going to be so sore, it will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’m up for it, I’m fine. I actually haven’t done any training on the bike at all.”

He has already taped up a knee, calling it his “excuse” if Shields pulls ahead.

World Bicycle Relief started 20 years ago after the Indian Ocean tsunami by Frederick (FK) Day the co-founder of Sram Corporation, a bicycle component manufacturer based in Chicago.

The company produces the ‘Sram Buffalo Bike” which Legarth and Shields will ride on the rough African rides. The bikes are designed for durability and take loads of up to 100kg.

They will use tubeless tyres and take their own camping gear with them.

They will not use backpacks. “I don’t want to deal with back problems. I’ll be getting sore enough,” said Shields.

When The News spoke to them, the pair revealed critical equipment was due in the country two days after they fly out to Africa via Qatar. Typical Kiwi ingenuity meant there were number eight wire solutions - a nod to New Zealand’s reputation for resourcefulness.

Shields grew up in Clyde in the South Island and attended Dunstan High School in Central Otago. Legarth grew up in Havelock North and attended the local secondary school. When he was 11, he lost half his right index finger in a boating accident. It has not affected his sporting ability.

Both obtained Sir Edmund Hillary and Prime Minister’s Scholarships in 2018 to attend university in Hamilton, flatting later in Cambridge to have access to high performance facilities. Both are also technically homeless - Legarth bouncing between Auckland and Hawke’s Bay, Shields back in the South Island and in between times preparing in Cambridge.

Legarth also serves as an Olympic ambassador, visiting schools to promote the values of respect, friendship, and excellence.

Street

Leamington 8 De La Mare Drive

Olympians Hamish Legarth and Nicole Shields inside the Velodrome in Cambridge before their departure for Africa. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Leamington 49 Chaucer

18 Saffron Street, Cambridge

- Two living areas offering excellent separation, room for everyone - Fully fenced 762m²

3 Madison Street, Cambridge

- 5 bedrooms with the large master opening to a covered deck. - Spacious open plan living flows to private, covered outside deck.

- Endearing and generous living areas include a well appointed kitchenand separate lounge.

less) section with excellent privacy. - 280m² of well-designed, easy-care living.

- Seamless indoor-outdoor flow to multiple entertaining areas.

Homes Saturday 12 - 12.30pm & Sunday 2 - 2.30pm

Solitude in the Suburb

3/20 Queen Street, Cambridge 2 1

- The professionals have just finished repainting inside, the new stove is in, and the new vinyl in the dining area has been laid, meaning this 1960’s Huntly brick unit is ready to be moved into now.

- Fully fenced home will be ideal to enjoy the spacious yard in safety. Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 2.00 - 2.30pm

- Separate lounge provides the perfect retreat for movie nights. - Covered portico - a fantastic space for alfresco dining. View By Appointment

Residential Listings*

Contact

Contact Paulette

Contact Paulette

Contact Paulette

Contact Graham

Contact Eilish, Amy, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Rachael

Contact Rachael

Contact Graham

Contact Eilish, Amy, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Graham Contact Eilish, Amy, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Lenie

Contact Eilish, Amy, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Eilish, Amy, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Marisa Contact Debbie or Trevor

Market Appraisal

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Eilish, Amy or Kevin

Contact Eilish, Amy, Kevin or

Contact Graham

Contact Lenie

Sold by Eilish, Amy, Kevin & Taylor

Contact Paulette

Contact Eilish, Amy, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Eilish, Amy, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Paulette

Contact Paulette

Contact Eilish, Amy, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Eilish, Amy, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Paulette

Contact Rachael

CLASSIFIEDS

Government Act 1974

Waipā District Council intends to consider closing the following road(s) at the following period(s) to ordinary vehicular traffic for Targa NZ 2025:

Road(s): Waterworks Rd - From Waipa District Council Boundary to Te Miro Rd Te Miro Rd -

Rd - Smart Rd

Date: Wednesday 15th October 2025

FLOW FX DECORATING

Time: 12:50pm - 5:20pm

Road(s): Mangare Rd - 250m from Rotongata Rd to Waipa District Council Boundary

Date: Thursday 16th October 2025

Time: 10:05am - 2:35pm

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 4:00pm on Friday 8 August 2025. See the Privacy Statement on Council’s website for further information.

Steph O’Sullivan Chief Executive

DERIKX, Marion – Passed away peacefully at Waikato Hospital on Thursday, 17th July 2025, surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of Paul for nearly 55 years, proud mum of Lisanne, Christel and Roelie, mum in-law to Eddy, Corey and Danny. Devoted Oma to Martijn, Deearn, Gemma, Cayden, Codi, Georgia, Emily, Lucas, Baylee and Little Oma to Rylan, Elle and Deacon. Messages to the ‘Derikx Family’ can be sent c/- Grinter’s Funeral Home, 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Marion’s online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz. A celebration of life for Marion has been held.

GOOCH, Marion Elizabeth (née Timms) – Born 3 April 1934, passed peacefully on 18 July 2025, aged 91, surrounded by family and friends. Beloved wife of Alan, dearly loved mother of Louise and Marc and cherished nana to Bella. Sister to James and Peter. Loved aunty to Gretchen, Andrew, Nick, Paul and Fiona. A funeral service will be held at St Stephen’s Church, 14 Tamahere Drive, Tamahere, Waikato on Saturday 26 July at 11:00am. All welcome.

McKELVY, Rex Bernard –Passed away peacefully on Thursday, 17th July 2025, aged 63 years, with family at his side. Treasured father and stepfather of Liam and Tawny. Cherished Poppa of Harper. A dear friend to Sharon. Beloved son of Patricia (Pat). Dearly loved brother and brother-inlaw of Denis, Peter & Trina, Scott, Jason, Andy, and the late Stuart. Much loved uncle to all his nieces and nephews. Rex will be fondly remembered for his warmth, humour, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. A celebration of Rex’s life has been held.

Messages to the McKelvy Family may be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434, or left in Rex’s online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz.

Caring support when you need it most.

FIREWOOD – dry gum, blackwood, Lawson. Ph 0274 724 544

WALL UNIT – Harvey Norman cabinet. 2m high, 1m wide. Side opening doors. Glass front and shelves. Mirror back and downlights. $1500. Phone Paula on 07 823 4520.

WALL UNIT – Danske Mobler Strada cabinet. 1.8m high, 1m wide. Glass doors and shelves. Mirror back and downlights. $1500. Phone Paula on 07 823 4520.

AGM

Cambridge Community Garden

Wednesday 30th July @ 7pm

Waipa Council Building 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge

VEHICLES WANTED

VEHICLES WANTED – We buy all cars, vans, utes, trucks, in any condition, dead or alive. Call 0800 333 398 or text 021 344 449

SEEKING A RETIRED FARMER

To operate a tractor on an effluent pump. 2-3 days per week. Clean work, paid to read your book 70% of the time. Competitive hourly rate. 3-4 days per week, 9-11 hour days.

MEETING NOTICE

Pursuant to Section 46 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 notice is hereby given that a meeting of Nga Pae Whenua the Joint Management Body for the Taumatawiiwii, Ngati Koroki Kahukura ki Hinuera, Waikaukau and Te Reti Reserves will be held on Monday 4 August 2025 at 11am in the Kaipaki Meeting Room, Waip-a District Council, 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge.

A copy of the agenda will be available two days before the meeting at the Cambridge Public Library.

CAMBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

07 827 7649 legacyfunerals.co.nz

Invites prospective Year 9 and other new students, their parents and caregivers to Cambridge High School’s

OPEN DAY

Cambridge High School Hall

Thursday 31 July from 4.00pm-6.00pm Tours starting from the Hall will be available over this time with a formal presentation by the Principal at 4.00pm, 4.45pm and again at 5.30pm.

Jobs, terrific bargains, useful services, legal notices and announcements – these are some of the great things you’ll find in your newspaper’s classified ad section. Connect to your neighbours in a proven reliable way. When buyers and sellers need to connect… YOUR

This will provide parents/caregivers and students with an opportunity to meet the Principal and teaching staff, and be informed about our learning and co-curricular programmes. Enrolments for 2026 out-of-zone students will close on Thursday 21 August

Ballot for out-of-zone students - 22 August Out-of-zone parents to be informed on 26 August

Any enquiries: Tel: 07 827 5415

Email: enrolments@camhigh.school.nz www.camhigh.school.nz

Calvert Funeral Director

Got a problem that you can’t resolve? Drop in to the Citizens Advice Bureau for some help ppproblems

Spouting

Need Fixing?

WAIPA DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING NOTICES

Pursuant to Section 46 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 notice is hereby given that:

The following meetings were cancelled in July 2025:

Monday, July 21, 2025

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Council

10.00am

Council Chambers

101 Bank Street Te Awamutu

Council

9.10am

Council Chambers 101 Bank Street Te Awamutu

The following meeting will be held in August 2025:

Wednesday, August 6, 2025 Strategic Planning and Policy 9.10am

Council Chambers

101 Bank Street Te Awamutu

Monday, August 11, 2025 Chief Executive Performance Management Committee

10.00am Mayoral Office 101 Bank Street Te Awamutu

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 Workshop & Briefings Day 9.10am

Council Chambers 101 Bank Street Te Awamutu

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Cambridge Community Board

6.00pm Cambridge Service Centre 23 Wilson Street Cambridge

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board

6.00pm Council Chambers 101 Bank Street Te Awamutu

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Council 10.45am Council Chambers 101 Bank Street Te Awamutu

All meeting information and electronic copies of Council agendas are available at waipadc.govt.nz/agendasandminutes

Steph O’Sullivan Chief Executive

CAMBRIDGE OPEN HOMES