Cambridge News | July 3, 2025 by Cambridge, King Country & Te Awamutu News, Waikato & Bay of Plenty Business News

Blue Blob showdown

By Mary Anne Gill

A public workshop gave Waipā District councillors an opportunity to tell their side of the Blue Blob story last week and reflect on the fallout from a disastrous public dropin session.

Independent facilitator Anne Pattillo led the “warts and all” Cambridge Connections session which notably excluded input from council staff involved in the project. She described the situation as “not the council’s finest hour.”

Jared Milbank, credited with galvanising the community’s Blue Blob response, said he was pleased the workshop was public but disappointed councillors did not “step up and take some ownership”.

The controversy had its seeds in the final months of Jim Mylchreest’s mayoral tenure in 2022 when council adopted the Waipā Transport Strategy and formed a Project Steering Group to explore complex transport issues and options for Cambridge.

The workshop, held in Te Awamutu, was attended by seven of the 12 elected members.

Participants at last week’s session asked why the project group - comprising councillors Roger Gordon, Clare St Pierre, Liz Stolwyk, and Cambridge Community Board member Andrew Myers - had kept its discussions and decisions secret from other councillors.

Gordon broke that secrecy protocol when he informed fellow councillors Mike Montgomerie, Mike Pettit, and Philip Coles “well before” the Blue Blob was made public in February last year, the month before the drop in session where the anger spilled over.

Pattillo identified three key failures that contributed to the chaos at the drop-in session: the group’s lack of connection with the wider council, the performance and actions of elected members, and poor community engagement that failed to build understanding and commitment.

The drop-in session drew strong reactions from residents and neighbours living under

a blue blob on a map, which had been identified as the preferred site for a third Waikato River bridge.

They demanded more information and transparency.

Mayor Susan O’Regan revealed she received a death threat from an agitated woman before the meeting began. During the session, one participant reportedly said of elected members, “they should all be lined up and shot.”

Weeks later, O’Regan paused the project. A reset followed later in the year, culminating in the appointment of executive director Katie Mayes earlier this year.

Milbank, named The News person of the year for his community advocacy during the debacle, said councillors at the workshop suggested people unaffected by the Blue Blob contributed to an unexpected high attendance at the drop in session.

“They didn’t understand who might feel affected by the location of the Blue Blob.”

He highlighted Pattillo’s comment as the

Joan’s a starter for 99

By Mary Anne Gill

Joan Grice has lived a life that reads like an adventure novel. At 99, she effortlessly reels off stories of skydiving, white-water rafting, climbing Mt Ruapehu, and even visiting Antarctica.

The word daredevil springs to mind — though she draws the line at bungee jumping, joking that her eyeballs might pop out. Still, she’s game for anything else.

A former schoolteacher, Joan thought her thrillseeking days were behind her. That changed a couple of years ago during a visit to Cambridge Raceway with friends from Lauriston Park Retirement Village.

Watching the starting car line up the horses, she spotted someone seated beside the driver and said,

“That sounds up my alley!”

Fast forward to last Tuesday, just before the running of the Joan Grice’s 99th Birthday 2200m Mobile Pace — a race sponsored by her family to mark the milestone — and Joan was seated beside starter Danny Blakemore in the mobile barrier.

Despite the challenge of climbing into the cage, she beamed with excitement. As seven horses lined up behind the barrier, Joan gave the signal to start. She was still laughing as she and Danny sped down the home straight, veering off to let the horses pass.

Trackside, Joan’s daughter Delia Cook, and friends cheered as four-year-old bay mare Change Tact — trained by former Cambridge trainer driver Matthew White — entered the winner’s circle to salute the judge and Joan herself.

The race meeting was a brief one, with just five

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most telling quote of the workshop: “When you’ve got critical decisions, they need to be visible for the whole of council.”

Pattillo added that when senior council members disagree, others should collectively step up, and that keeping decisions secret from colleagues should be “so rare as to never occur.”

During the workshop two councillors –Lou Brown and St Pierre – were critical of the media’s role.

Brown said an article before the drop in session was “not misleading” but was not accurate.

St Pierre criticised The News’ February 29 headline “Put it there. Corridor for third bridge revealed” saying it failed to mention the plan’s links to growth management or congestion.

The workshop continued into the afternoon, with councillors discussing how to reset the project to ensure greater community engagement and collective council responsibility moving forward.

Joan Grice with Danny Blakemore on the mobile barrier starting the race named after her at Cambridge Raceway last week.

Photo: Race Images NZ

Fix it, please

Roy

editor@goodlocal.nz

maryanne@goodlocal.nz

viv@goodlocal.nz

chris@goodlocal.nz

It is to be hoped the vandals who took it upon themselves to paint the pillars of our Town Hall recently have sufficient knowledge to put the damage right. What an opportunity for them to showcase their artistic abilities by righting the wrong and restoring the pillars to original condition. Who knows there maybe a career opportunity in the making?

David Johnston Cambridge

Counting it up

The interview with the Waipa Mayor (Susan O’Regan – The News, June 19) highlights based on the figures provided a rate Increase of 47.9 over a four year period from 2024. This is unsustainable for the ratepayers with no specific detail as to how these figures are arrived at. A great PR exercise by the mayor and her council - we are ‘unanimously supportive of the council’s direction’ - does not explain with proper data as to why. No details of which areas the rates are being invested in, no explanation of why this increase is well above inflation and bank interest rates. Why doesn’t the council operate within the same figures? The examples of the ‘mess’ certain streets in Cambridge are following their reconstruction are examples of nice to have expenditure, not necessary expenditure. The proliferation of orange cones is another.

On the beat

I recently counted 24 white cars with Waipa Council signage in the Wilson St carpark all with newish number plates. Why so many? How many others are there? The growth in Cambridge is visible. My understanding is the developers pay a levy for infrastructure costs in these areas and there is an ongoing income to the council in the form of rates from these houses. The ratepayers have to live within their income - it’s time the council did.

W.Schoonderwoerd

Cambridge

More arbitrage

The Waipa District Council reply to my letter regarding water charges has confirmed their statement in their brochure of “.... increases of four per cent per year for the eight years from July 2026 to the end of June 2034 being indicated”. I had inadvertently left out “per year” and it is very important. Have they not bothered to check and discover the 2034 figure in their chart would be $2568, not the $2260 they show? Have they realised the last four years shows a total of only $26 increase?

The second part of their reply does not address the points I made based on their chart figures. I have read that the mayor now believes they should not have paused the Long Term Plan - replaced with a 12 month plan. She regrets Waipā doing this and has made a point of stating it was a unanimous decision of councillors. My observations when

Protect those vehicles

As the tv advert says, this week it’s all about Cars! Cars! Cars! I am pleased to be healthy again and back on board this week. What wasn’t so good however, was to come back to a car crime spree.

Last Friday night, some quick thinking by Cambridge staff resulted in an Auckland youth being arrested after two were seen walking back to a stolen vehicle on King Street. He was found to also be breaching electrically monitored bail and has appeared in youth court on his charges. Investigations into the second youth are ongoing.

In the last 10 days, Cambridge has had car thefts and attempted car thefts numbering in the teens (pun intended).

We are working hard to put an end to this and hold the offenders to account. How can you help us? First of all, make it as hard as possible for someone to steal your car. I say it repeatedly but invest in a car alarm or immobiliser (if not factory installed) or at the very least, a steering wheel lock.

Park your car securely. If you are unable to park your car in a garage, park close to your house, install sensor security lights and CCTV. Insure your vehicle - at least with third party, fire and theft - and if it is stolen,

report it immediately. By giving authority for police to tow it when found, we stand the best chance of gathering forensic evidence linking our offenders.

If your CCTV is triggered, review it. If you see any suspicious behaviour, cars driving recklessly or in tandem, (particularly the top stolen hatchbacks) or youth wandering around in the wee hours , please let us know. You can never tell if your piece of information may be the final piece to the puzzle.

These youth are regularly offending after midnight and have been seen brazenly driving around at speed as early as 6am. Police cannot be everywhere, all the time. You are our extra eyes and ears. If you are driving around at these times and see likely vehicles driving or dumped or see suspicious behaviour, please also phone 111.

Finally today, we are almost at the end of the first week of the school holidays. I hope that everyone is having a good break and avoiding winter bugs. As always, be burglary prevention aware if leaving home for any period of time and drive safely on the roads.

I attended the occasional Whanganui District Council and committee meetings were that decisions were made on information provided in reports from staff to the various committees, which then made recommendations to the full council. Are Waipa councillors getting incorrect information in other reports? I realise the Three Waters cancellation had a big effect - but was that because they had not dealt with the problem in past years?

That 9.5 FTE communication people seems ridiculously high Peter Nicholl’s past article re competition often comes to mind. Unfortunately, Waipā District Council has none, and inefficiencies are inevitable.

Peter Clapham Whitehall

A matter of trust

I read with great sadness (The News June 12) that the Chief Executive of Waipā District Council thinks that an “overall trust rating” of 21 per cent is a good result. I cannot think of any job where my employers gave me a trust rating of 21 per cent and kept employing me. The Council now has “an integrated approach to help ensure people get the right information in the right way at the right time.” Where is this information? I think that most ratepayers would like some sort of summarised publication in a newspaper like Cambridge News which informed us of where the Council was planning to spend our money. A lot of older people are not computer savvy and would appreciate information in that format. We would all like to be informed in advance that the Council plans on spending our hard earned money on road cones, speed bumps, cycle lanes, and the like, which only seem to aggravate car and emergency vehicle

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with Senior Constable DEB HANN

Driver dies

One person died on Monday after a crash involving a track and car on Cambridge Road between Cox and Storey roads. Emergency services were called to the scene about 11.25am. The driver of the car died at the scene.

Business news

The latest edition of Waikato Business News is out this week and includes profiles by Mary Anne Gill and Roy Pilott on Sarah Thomson and Tim Macindoe who are both standing for the Hamilton mayoralty. See more waikatobusinessnews.co.nz

It was the beef

Most of the people who experienced gastro symptoms after the Waipā Business Awards in May had eaten beef cheek in a main meal, New Zealand Food Safety have confirmed. One hundred people who attended –about a quarter of the total - came down with gastroenteritis resulting in Cambridge Raceway’s caterer Off the Track issuing an apology.

More candidates

Two more candidates have announced their council bids for October’s local body elections. The Act Party chose Andrew Pickford, a former international airline captain, as its candidate for the Tamahere-Woodlands Ward of the Waikato District Council. Les Bennett has joined the Better Waipā ticket and will stand in the Pirongia-Kakepuku ward.

Best newcomer

Alice Jeffries, assistant yearling manager at Cambridge Stud and a former student at St Peter’s School in Cambridge, took out the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ $10,000 Newcomer Excellence award on Sunday.

Five councils take the plunge

By Chris Gardner

Ōtorohanga District Council led the way last week as the first of five councils to decide to hand its drinking and waste water over to a council-controlled water authority.

Ōtorohanga councillors voted to join stage one of the Waikato Water Done Well organisation last Tuesday, moments after Taupō District Council had made the decision to keep its water services in house after 74 per cent of the 220 submissions it received favoured that option.

Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, South Waikato and Waitomo district councils followed Ōtorohanga’s lead before Waitomo confirmed its

decision at Monday’s council meeting.

Waipā District Council will confirm whether it’s joining Waikato Water Done Well when it adopts its Annual Plan later in the month.

Despite months of discussion and public consultation, Ōtorohanga’s decision was far from a done deal. Three councillors voted against the decision after hearing the district would hold a four per cent stake in the organisation based on the number of water connections.

“I would like to have seen a dollar figure about how much that four per cent is,” said Ōtorohanga ward councillor Katrina Christison.

“We have been given lots of competitive information

on Waikato Water Done Well. There’s too much uncertainty for me.”

Fellow Ōtorohanga ward councillor Steve Hughes said he had been leaning “more” towards the status quo... “people don’t really understand it”.

Kio Kio-Korakonui Ward councillor Rodney Dow said joining Waikato Water Done Well would cost the council $600,000 and keeping water services in house would give staff a chance to learn a lot of skills.

Council engineering and assets group manager Mark Lewis said the analysis indicated that joining Waikato Water Done Well would deliver advantages to the council including greater resilience with better

Joan’s a starter for 99

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races between 5.29pm and 7.03pm, but it was more than enough time for Joan and her group of eight to enjoy the hospitality of the President’s Lounge.

“We were spoiled rotten,” Joan said, praising Raceway chief executive Dave Branch. “He looked after us — such a lovely guy.”

She also received congratulatory messages throughout the evening, including one from race caller Aaron White.

Born in Te Aroha on June 23, 1926, Joan’s maiden name is Webber — former Waipā deputy mayor Grahame Webber is her nephew. She attended Morrinsville Primary and High schools before boarding at Hamilton High School when her family moved to Lichfield.

She trained at Teachers’ College and later earned a university degree, teaching at both primary and secondary levels. Her career included stints at Melville, Sacred Heart, Fairfield Intermediate, Silverdale, Huntly West, and various Waikato schools as a relief teacher.

Joan has five children, and several grandchildren spread across New Zealand and Australia. Her passion for travel

has taken her to Jersey in the Channel Islands (her ancestral home), Turkey, South Africa, China, Croatia, Ecuador, the Galápagos and Easter Islands, and on epic train journeys including the Trans-Siberian Railway through Russia in winter.

She recalls a chilling moment when two students from the carriage behind came to visit her and returned to find their own carriage had vanished, along with all their belongings.

They were left at a foggy, freezing shelter — no bigger than a Goldsmith Street bus stop Joan points to outside her loungeroom window — hundreds of miles from Moscow, waiting for the carriage to return.

She has explored every corner of New Zealand, including the Chatham and Stewart Islands, though she admits she’d love to see more of the South Island.

Mount Maunganui, where her mother lived for more than 50 years and where her children spent their holidays, is the best spot in New Zealand, she said.

Though she sold her Honda Jazz last year, Joan still holds a driver’s licence and gets around Leamington

borrowing capacity for unexpected events such as plant failures, civil defence and other emergencies.

In Waitomo, deputy mayor Allan Goddard’s motion to join was seconded by councillor Eady Manawaiti.

“This is the biggest decision this council has had to make,” Goddard said. “We need to look forward to what will benefit our ratepayers.

“The reason I support this is based on the principles of kaitiakitanga, it’s about looking after that river,” Manawaiti said.

Waipā District Council has approved the draft constitution and shareholders agreement for the Waikato Water Done Well council-controlled organisation.

But Pirongia councillor Clare St Pierre is unhappy with the level of detail.

“I’m a bit disappointed we haven’t had enough time to understand that in more detail. It’s the urgency. Central Government are cracking the whip on this to get us to a certain point by a date.”

and Cambridge on her mobility scooter. She is vocal about the poor state of footpaths and says she is often forced onto the road due to parked vehicles. As a result, she prefers shopping in Leamington, just across the road.

Joan and another Lauriston resident, also nearing 99, were once regular trike riders at the Velodrome. However, a new ticketing system has made it harder for them to continue.

In recent years she has researched her family history online and points to boxes of information she has filed away in her villa.

With just over 350 days to go before she turns 100, Joan stays curious, adventurous and full of life. It is those qualities, plus the giant jigsaw puzzles she does every day – she was completing a 1000 piece dog one when The News visited – and cryptic crosswords that keeps her going.

Jono Gibson Funeral Director

Former teacher Joan Grice uses her research skills to learn more about her family history.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Claire St Pierre

Grace’s ring of success

A celebration took place recently in the Waikids Daystay Unit at Waikato Hospital as 9-year-old Grace Laurence became the first patient to ring the new milestone bell, marking the end of her cancer treatment.

This moment was shared by her parents Zoë and Scott, who farm at Te Puninga, and supported by staff who lined the corridor to celebrate Grace as she gently rang the bell.

Although a little shy at first, Grace lit up as the bell chimed, later describing the experience as “a very special, cool thing to do.” For Grace and her whānau, the sound of the bell symbolised the end of a long and difficult chapter.

About 30 children receiving active cancer treatment through Waikids and over 100 are being monitored post treatment.

Paediatric Oncology clinical nurse specialist Danielle Polyblank-Finn says the installation of the milestone bell marks a meaningful development for the Waikids oncology team.

“There are lots of different oncology services around the world where kids get to ring the bell at the end of their treatment.”

Several years ago, discussions began around how best to commemorate and celebrate tamariki and rangatahi who complete their oncology journeys. While many oncology centres internationally had adopted the tradition of end-of-treatment bells, there were some concerns locally, particularly about ensuring the gesture was inclusive and achievable for all patients. As a result, the idea was set aside.

Last year, the concept was revisited in collaboration with the Child Cancer

Foundation. Andrea Lane, Family Support Team Leader for the North/Central region, introduced the team to a treatment bell installed in Whangārei Hospital, accompanied by a poem by Jane Brady.

This version of the milestone bell resonated with the Waikids team, as it was not only used to mark the end of treatment but also celebrated many milestones throughout a patient’s journey.

Thanks to the support of the Child Cancer Foundation, the milestone bell has now been installed in the Daystay Unit, says Danielle.

“It is there to be rung by patients to acknowledge personal milestones - whether completing a chemotherapy cycle, receiving scan results, undergoing a challenging procedure, celebrating a birthday, or reaching the end of treatment.

“Our tamariki and their whānau, alongside their team, will be able to pick milestones along their journey to celebrate and mark.

She told Grace ringing the bell for the first time for her and the team carried a powerful message “not only your bravery, but also the collective efforts of everyone supporting our tamariki and their families”.

“It was a moment that marked much more than the end of treatment. It was an opportunity to reflect on all that’s been overcome and a symbol of strength and support to help children and their families keep aiming for the treasure that they seek and value,” says Danielle.

“Above all, it is a reminder that each child’s path is unique, and every milestone along the way deserves to be honoured.”

Grace Laurence rings the new Waikids Milestone Bell watched by her mother Zoë.

TREES AND POWERLINES

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO KEEP YOU SAFE.

Managing your trees will help prevent power outages and keep everyone safe. Check your trees regularly and keep them trimmed so they stay clear of power lines.

TREE TRIMMING DANGERS

Trimming trees near power lines can be extremely dangerous, and even deadly.

Contact with a power line can cause:

• Injury or death to yourself, family, community members or livestock

• Damage to property

• Damage to power supply facilities and electrical appliances

• Damage to third parties.

Before attempting to clear tree foliage near live conductors you should contact us for advice.

Branch movement: Although tree foliage can sometimes appear to be at a safe distance from the lines, once you begin the work, the tree may move due to pressure placed on branches, random gusts of wind and other external factors. Be aware of any tree branches that may flick up as they are trimmed or as surrounding branches are cleared.

Wet weather: Branches often hang lower when the leaves are wet, so if it starts to rain, or if the leaves are already wet you should expect some movement. Debris: Ensure there is clear space to allow for debris when tree trimming.

Growth Limit Zone: any tree growing in the Growth Limit Zone (see diagram) must be trimmed by a Waipā Networks authorised arborist.

ELECTRICITY REGULATIONS

The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 set out the responsibilities of tree owners and lines companies in relation to trees and power lines. Waipā Networks has developed procedures to meet these regulations, summarised below:

• If we become aware of a tree that you are responsible for within the Notice Zone, you may be issued with a Hazard Warning Notice.

• If we become aware of a tree you are responsible for within the Growth Limit Zone, you will be issued with a Cut or Trim Notice.

• You must have the tree trimmed so that it no longer encroaches the Notice Zone or Growth Limit Zone. Dispensation can be applied for if there is a valid reason for the tree to be allowed to grow within the Notice or Growth Limit Zones.

• We’ll trim a tree free of charge provided it is the first trim. Any further trimming is the responsibility of the owner.

• At any stage, you can declare ‘No Interest’ in a tree on our network and we will meet the costs of any future trimming, or may decide to remove the tree altogether.

• Where we become aware of a tree close to the lines and likely to cause danger to the public or property we have the ability to remove the tree or branch causing the hazard.

If you receive a ‘Cut or Trim Notice’ you must use an approved Utility Arborist to trim or fell the trees. If you repeatedly ignore them, you could be fined up to $10,000 plus $500 per day for every day the offence continues.

THERE ARE RULES ABOUT SAFE DISTANCES BETWEEN TREES AND POWER LINES In the Zone

In October 2024, The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 were updated to increase the minimum safe distances between trees and power lines, and a new ‘clear to the sky’ requirement for some trees.

The regulations define four zones:

Growth Limit Zone: This is the minimum distance that trees must be kept clear of overhead power lines.

Cut-Back Zone: This zone ensures vegetation is trimmed back far enough to prevent it from quickly growing into the Growth Limit Zone.

Notice Zone: We will issue a notice if vegetation is in this zone to give property owners time to address the risk earlier before it becomes urgent.

Clear to the Sky: This is the area above 33kv and high voltage lines that must be kept clear.

Fall Hazard Zone: Trees present a hazard if they fall and damage power lines. A tree’s fall hazard zone is the height of the tree plus 4 meters.

Note: Fall Zone trees are not currently covered by regulatory requirements. But if you own a tree that is within the fall zone and you have concerns about its health or safety, please notify us to discuss your options.

What are the Minimum Safe Distances?

The size of the growth limit zone varies depending on voltage level:

The Notice and Growth Limit Zone requirements increase if the adjacent power line span is greater than 150m. In these cases, we will notify you of your obligations. For further information contact our Vegetation Team 07 872 0745 or trees@waipānetworks.co.nz

Smoking hot talent

By Steph Bell-Jenkins

Smoking is not allowed in the Cambridge Town Hall, but two hardcase tea cosies got away with it last week.

That was because their faces – and cigarettes – were hand-knitted out of millspun acrylic yarn and posed no actual risk of sparking a fire or offending anyone’s nostrils.

The two tea cosies, named “Cuppa Tea Time” and “Smoke-o Time”, were made by Cambridge fibre artist Karen Walkinshaw.

Dragging away happily on their crumpled ciggies, they attracted the attention of many visitors to Cambridge Creative Fibre’s annual exhibition at the town hall’s newly refurbished Victoria Room last week.

Exhibition convenor Anne Curtis

said it was the first exhibition to run since the Cambridge Town Hall Community Trust teamed up with Waipa District Council to carry out a $2 million makeover of the hall’s two side wings.

Curtis has been a member of the group for more than 30 years and has hung its annual exhibitions every year for 20 years.

It is her job to take a jumbled roomful of exhibits and display material and transform them into a visual symphony.

“It’s chaos, I can tell you,” she said.

“It all arrives and we have all these screens, props and plinths. We didn’t know what it was going to be like in here, being a new renovation, but it’s fabulous – we love it. And they’re just so nice to work with, the town hall people.”

Walkinshaw’s tea cosies won the Domestic Excellence Award – one of nine ribbons awarded at the show by judge and Te Awamutu weaver Nynke Piebenga.

Cambridge Creative Fibre has 40-50 members, who meet every Thursday at Taylor Made Community Space. Their talents include spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet, felting, sewing and embroidery.

“We’re doing a beginners’ spinning class next month – there are so many people coming to us wanting to learn to spin,” Curtis said. “Part of our job is educating the public.”

Curtis said sales of exhibited pieces had been “much better” than last year.

“It definitely feels more positive; there seems to be more money around and people are freer with their money,” she said.

A triumph in stitches

By Viv Posselt

Monday’s removal of the knitted treasures decorating trees in Cambridge and Leamington marked the closure of Cambridge Creative Fibre 2025 and the end of one of the town’s most colourful few weeks.

The outdoor display has heralded the arrival of the annual exhibition and fibre fair for several years and has become another of the town’s attractions.

The five-day event in the Cambridge Town Hall attracted hundreds of visitors and last Saturday’s fibre day, or traders’ day, was said to be an outstanding success, attracting many who were eager to scan

what traders from around the country were selling.

The 2025 winners were Bev Beetlestone (Bess Aston Weaving Award, and Best Use of Fleece); Tracey Sparks (Best Use of Colour); Karen Walkinshaw (Domestic Excellence Award); club president Margaret Cairns (Joy Mahood Spinning Award); Bronya McInally (Outside the Square); Ali McLaren (New Skill Award), and Nikki Hart (First Time Entrant Award).

So, what happens to all the masterpieces that have brightened Cambridge’s streets recently, and in all weathers?

According to exhibition convenor Anne Curtis, they’re all washed and packed away, ready for more of the same next year.

Cambridge Creative Fibre exhibition convenor Anne Curtis with Karen Walkinshaw’s award winning tea cosies. More photos cambridgenews.nz

This collection of Creative Fibre talent at the hall’s entrance are, from left, Ali McLaren, vice-president Tracey Sparke, president Margaret Cairns, exhibition convenor Anne Curtis, Adelle Cooke, Bronya McInally and treasurer Jo Locke.

Photo: Viv Posselt

BEDS & MORE MOVED

Staggering rate rises

By Peter Nicholl

The Waipa District Council has recently confirmed that this year’s rate increase will be a staggering 15.5 per cent.

Their ten-year plan also projects the rate increases for the next two years will be 10.7 per cent and 6.9 per cent and there was a rise of 14.8 per cent last year. Over this four-year period, Waipā’s rates will therefore increase by a massive 56.9 per cent.

This year’s rise of 15.5 per cent is one of the highest in the country. Hamilton City will also have a 15.5 per cent increase. Tauranga City, which has had a lot of problems in recent years, will have a 9.9 per cent increase and Auckland City a relatively modest rise of 5.8 per cent.

Waitomo District Council, will have an increase of only 2.9 per cent. This seems to contradict the mantra that big is always more efficient than small.

Waipa has said one of the reasons for the high rate increases is unusually high inflation. But New Zealand’s inflation over the period 2024 to 2027 is likely to be around 13-14 per cent. This is a far cry from WDC’s rate increases of 56.9 per cent over that period. Another explanation offered is that Waipa is a fast-growth area and there is a lag between the costs of development that fall on the council, which come early in the development process, and the fees the Council receives from developers, which come later. This explanation is correct.

cycle for some years already. Waipa should now be receiving fee income from the projects that were started three or four years ago.

WDC also said they had undergone an intensive cost cutting exercise in order to keep the size of the rate increase down. Tauranga Council cut their rate rise this year from 12 per cent to 9.9 per cent by reducing staff numbers. I don’t know if their intensive cost-cutting exercise also included looking closely at Waipā staff numbers. I hope it did. What I do know is that they have risen from 189 in 2015 to 295 today.

That is an increase of 56 per cent. It’s a coincidence that this rise happens to be exactly the same as the rise in Waipā rates from 2024 to 2027.

One thing that will be concerning the Reserve Bank when they come to take their next decision on the Official Cash Rate on July 9 is that most recent surveys of inflation expectations in New Zealand have been rising, and some show the CPI reaching five per cent in the next two years, well above the target range of 2-3 per cent.

ONE EPIC EXPERIENCE THIS WEEKEND!

What I don’t understand is that Cambridge has been in a strong growth

When ratepayers in places like Waipā and Hamilton are facing rate increases of 15.5 per cent it is not surprising that their inflation expectations are rising – and that means it is very unlikely that the Reserve Bank will lower their official interest rate any further next week.

How the US tops volcano list

By Janine Krippner

Last week, I covered how volcanically active Indonesia is, noting that it ranks fourth globally for the number of active volcanoes. So, let’s talk about who comes in at number one.

That title goes to the United States—a fact that surprises many Americans when I tell them. I lived in the US for eight years, and it’s a great place to learn about volcanic hazards and how they’re communicated. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) runs volcano observatories in Hawaii, California, the Cascades (Washington, Oregon, and Idaho), Alaska, and Yellowstone.

The US leads with 165 active volcanoesdefined as those that have erupted in the past 11,000 years and are therefore likely to erupt again. Since 1950, 42 have erupted. You can explore these on the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program and the USGS websites.

Some eruptions are particularly welldocumented, including the infamous 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens and its activity again between 2004 and 2008. Lassen Peak in California erupted between 1914 and 1917, and Mount Hood in Oregon was active during the 1700s and 1800s. And of course, the Hawaiian Islands are famously active, with spectacular recent lava fountains.

But where the US really stands out is in Alaska.

Alaska is home to around 140 volcanoes and volcanic fields that have erupted within the past 2.6 million years - 90 in the last 11,000 years, and more than 50 in just the past 300. Many of these could be highly disruptive if they erupted today.

While most Alaskan volcanoes are in remote locations without nearby communities, they

lie directly beneath busy North Pacific flight routes. These subduction zone volcanoes - similar to ours in New Zealand - can produce enormous volumes of volcanic ash, which pose a major aviation hazard.

One of the most significant eruptions occurred in 1912 at Katmai. It blanketed the landscape in volcanic ash (essentially pulverised rock). Even today, strong winds can lift this ash back into the air, posing a lingering hazard long after the eruption ended. Volcanoes can remain a threat well into dormancy.

There will be more large eruptions in Alaska. That’s why USGS monitoring is critical - not just for locals, but for global air travel. Their monitoring tools include seismic networks, infrasound, satellites, webcams, and even lightning detection systems.

I can’t talk about US volcanoes without mentioning Yellowstone—the “supervolcano” that sparks questions nearly every time I talk to Americans: Is it going to kill us all? When will it erupt?

There’s been a lot of fearmongering and conspiracy around the very well monitored Yellowstone. But as with our own caldera systems (like Taupō), these volcanoes are much more likely to produce small-scale activity. The most probable events at Yellowstone are hydrothermal explosions (like those we see in Rotorua) or lava flows - not civilisationdisrupting cataclysms.

What’s

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

It’s only a matter of time before one of America’s volcanoes makes headlines—not just for its eruption, but for the reminder it brings of the dynamic planet we live on and how they can impact us. FAITH

Have you ever wondered where some of the unusual expressions we often use in everyday language originated? Here’s a handful to illustrate my point… Turn a blind eye, Crocodile tears, Resting on laurels, Paint the town red, Dead as a doornail, Get off Scot-free... and so on. There’s scores of them when you think about it, sourced in bygone practices or life-situations.

“Spilling the beans,” literally came from a practice in ancient Greece, where voting for or against a matter was determined by placing either a white or a black bean in a vase to indicate yay or nay. If the vase was accidentally (or deliberately) knocked over, the beans would be visible to everyone, exposing the result prematurely. Hence you had ‘spilled the beans’.

The other day when someone spoke about their “little nest egg,” I naturally understood it to mean a little bit of money that this person had put aside for possible future needs. But evidently from the 14th century, it related to a farmer collecting his chicken’s eggs, always leaving one ‘nest egg’ to encourage the chickens to continue laying there. And “barking up the wrong tree,” relates to hunting with packs of dogs from the 1800’s. If a dog was barking up a trunk of the wrong tree, odds were the prey had escaped or the dog had just got it wrong.

Did you know that ‘biting the bullet’ came from a military context? Between the 18th and 19th century when anaesthesia wasn’t a thing, ’surgeons’ would have wounded soldiers bite down on a bullet to ‘distract’ them. Many everyday phrases come from a nautical setting - taken aback, loose cannon and high and dry all originated at sea. I

suspect many wouldn’t know that by and large originated with mariners. Sailing “large” meant the wind was behind the ship, whereas “by and large” referred to trawling the seas in any and all directions relative to the wind. Today, it’s come to just mean, “all things considered” or “for the most part.”

Growing up, I heard my parents and grandparents use pithy sayings. Not fully grasping them in childhood, many are revealing as I look back. A stickler for doing things properly, my father regularly quoted his father, “Don’t spoil the ship for a ha’pennorth of tar.” Scrimping on applying tar to seal ship timbers against water penetration to save a ha’penny (half a penny), risked leaving unsealed openings that eventually could sink the ship.

Family sayings or mottos are significant for what they convey about attitudesthey’re worth noting. “Waste not, want not,” encouraging thriftiness, likewise “A penny saved is a penny earned,” are examples.

I’m grateful for great parents and a solid Christian upbringing which anchored us through difficulty. My dad’s business, church activities and helping others out, kept him busy while mum continually pled, “Charity must begin at home…” Her desperate cry for my dad to re-consider his priorities went over my head as a child, though tensions were evident and a painful breakdown loomed ahead. I’m thankful to God, that in time, a beautiful reconciliation and restoration took place. The truth in that little saying went a long way.

9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street

Brilliant bare necessities

By Viv Posselt

The deft hands of a veterinary surgeon and scientist are the same hands that have crafted the brilliant costumes for the upcoming St Peter’s Catholic School production of The Jungle Book.

The three performances in mid-July are being directed by Cushla Hounsell, Rachel Hunt and Susie McCreery, with production falling to Liz Sudfeldt.

Adding to the enthusiastic performances by the entire school body is the blazing colour and creativity of Nerina Sommerville’s costumes.

The veterinary surgeon and mum to three young boys is earning quite a name for herself as a costumier.

This is her fourth production with St Peter’s Catholic School, but she has done the costumes for productions elsewhere, including for The Lion King at St Peter’s School and Cats at Hamilton’s Clarence St Theatre.

“While our boys are still young, I’ve moved away from full-time veterinary work and I’m teaching vet nursing students at Wintec,” she said.

“The costume-making started when I was doing a couple of things for the boys and it’s pretty much just grown from there. I really love it. Preparing the costumes for The Jungle Book has probably taken me about a term.”

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

THURSDAY: 11:07am, Truck vs car MVA, Tirau Road

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

FRIDAY:

FRIDAY

10:53pm, Fire in backyard, Noel Street

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

SATURDAY:

Nerina and her husband Greg Sommerville, who is also a vet, were in the news last year when they moved one of Cambridge’s historical homes, Blairgowrie House, to their Roto-o-Rangi lifestyle property.

Producer Liz Sudfeldt said Sommerville ‘outshines herself with her creativity and originality’.

Year 7 and 8 students are filling the lead roles of Mowgli (Aiden Chandrasekera), Baloo (Andi Bondoc), Bagheera (Michaela Wittstock), Shere Khan (Minna Harrop), among others.

Karapiro

1:52am, Fire alarm sounding, Clare Street

Sudfeldt described as ‘enriching’ the opportunity for each student to shine.

“We love watching their skills develop, whether in acting, singing, set design… and watching their confidence grow.

As well as the students, we have teachers who have retired who are involved in acting, make-up, graphic design… the talents of the staff have come to the forefront.

It’s an incredibly rewarding journey for everyone involved.”

Libraries - ‘more than books’

By Viv Posselt

The man helping take Waipā District Libraries’ public services into the age of technology has been nuts about computers since he was about four.

Now in his late 20s, Joe Poultney is a self-confessed techno-nerd who has spent much of his working life in and around libraries. He sees them as spaces where technology should sit comfortably alongside books as tools for disseminating information to the public.

“For me, a library has always been about two things… as repositories of knowledge and using different ways to share that knowledge with people,” he said. “Libraries have been more than about just about books for over 20 years now. As I see it, it’s crucial to make them interesting places where material is shared with communities in relevant ways, and that now includes technology.”

Poultney stepped into the role of Waipā District Libraries’ outreach librarian late last year, filling the shoes of his high-energy predecessor Dee Atkinson. One of his early outings in the job’s events-support space was at the Te Awamutu

Museum’s Tui and Tama Eco Expo in March, where he used technology in an erosion table which demonstrated how water erosion impacts differently sized sediment particles. Science and technology in practice, that’s his thing. He is now busy with ideas and resources in the programming and 3-D printing space, is looking into aspects of AI (artificial intelligence), and is running a series of Edison bots (robots) classes for school students. In addition, he is helping provide technological support for anyone in the community, of any age.“The library has been helping people work with their computers and

phones for a while now, but I’d like to build on that. People of almost any age can embrace technology. The biggest difference between someone who is 15 or in their senior years isn’t the content, it’s how you package its delivery,” he said, “it’s about engaging them. Same content, different delivery.”

Poultney’s Welsh family moved around for his father’s military career and came to New Zealand in 2008.

“I got hooked on computers at around four. Much later, I got interested in the law surrounding technology, and when I moved to Hamilton in 2012, I did a conjoint degree in law and computer sciences.

I’m fascinated by things like the ethics surrounding 3D printing and AI.”

After that, he started working across various Hamilton libraries, moving through the spaces that were then starting to buzz with the introduction of new technologies and systems.

Poultney and his wife settled in Te Awamutu twoand-a-half years ago. “I really like the small town, country living. It’s the ‘highstreet’ I never had growing up.”Technology, of course, is part of that country living, and a part of what he’s doing both at home and in the libraries of Cambridge and Te Awamutu.

He has a box of ‘Raspberry pi’, tiny portable robots that can do a raft of things under instruction and can run off a USB stick; 10 of them fit into a shoebox. He’s also looking at ways youngsters can programme their own video games… it’s what he calls ‘crunchy hands-on technology’.

Beyond that, he’s handling events and liaising with various other council departments over collaborative opportunities regarding technology.

“At the end of the day, technology is now just part of life.”

Fears over waste plan

By Chris Gardner

The proposal to build a waste to energy plant in Te Awamutu is the antithesis of all the district stands for, says Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan.

O’Regan appeared before the Environmental Protection Agency Board of Inquiry in Hamilton last week to ask it to decline Global Contracting Solutions’ application to build the plant in Racecourse Road.

A decision is expected to be announced at the end of next month.

The proposed site is close to educational facilities, a Fonterra dairy factory, and homes.

“Waipā is the ‘Home of Champions’,” O’Regan said in her submission to the hearing. “It is a district that takes pride in its thriving agricultural and horticultural industries. It also enjoys beautiful landscapes, natural features, and world class sports and recreational facilities. The proposal is the antithesis of this,” she said.

O’Regan said it was hard to overestimate the strength of feeling that exists in the community against the proposed plant.

Susan O’Regan

“The vast majority of the 1353 individual submitters oppose the proposed waste to energy plant.”

“Our residents are sending a clear message: this proposal does not align with our district’s future, nor does it serve the interests of the people who live, work, invest and raise families here.

She said social and health consultant Robert Quigley’s evidence clearly sets out the significant adverse effects the waste to energy plant was likely to have on community aspirations, health and wellbeing and housing.

Quigley said the plant could have more than minor adverse effects, listing health and wellbeing, housing and business impacts.

Joe Poultney with the erosion table he set up for Te Awamutu Museum’s Tuii and Tama Eco Expo.

Photo: Viv Posselt

Latest Rollie Arrivals

A destination is reached... Letters…

Continued from page 2 drivers alike, and to be given an opportunity to have our opinions heard. What about a public meeting in the Town Hall which would align with the council’s desire to “welcome public scrutiny and transparency especially when it came to how it spends ratepayers money”?

Katherine Block Cambridge

Editor’s note: Steph O’Sullivan actually said overall trust in the council grew from 19 percent to 21 per cent from 2023 to 2024, which indicated the council was making progress, “but there is a long way to go and trust and confidence are only rebuilt with deliberate intention and action”.

By Mary Anne Gill

Destination Cambridge, the town’s longstanding information organisation, has officially dissolved.

At a meeting held on Friday, members voted to wind up the 25-year-old incorporated society and donate its estimated $155,000 in surplus assets to the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

The vote took place in an eerily empty part of the Town Hall where since 1999 some form of information centre has operated within the historic walls.

Chair Lucy Young explained the decision followed Waipā District Council’s withdrawal of funding two years ago. Despite efforts to become financially independent, the board was unable to achieve viability.

“It was the severity of that decision all at once that basically made all of us feel the weight of the decision,” said Young.

“Whilst this is a sad day and the end of an era for Cambridge, our board’s view is it is a forward-thinking decision that consolidates our efforts, strengthens our collective voice and it positions our tourism initiatives to even greater success within a well-resourced and highly effective organisation.”

General manager Ruth Crampton had been an “absolute superstar”, but the board had been unable to fully resource her talent

“Our initiatives and our vision have been quite constrained.”

Cambridge Information Inc was set up as an incorporated society in August 2000 with current deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk serving as its first manager.

It was rebranded as Destination Cambridge in 2017 when current Waipā councillor Roger Gordon was chief executive.

“I feel really, really proud of what we achieved in this community. This has been a real community effort for some time,” said Stolwyk.

“But it’s important we look to the future.”

Chamber chief executive Kelly Bouzaid echoed the sentiment, highlighting the synergy between economic development and destination promotion.

The chamber will now manage the cambridge.co.nz website, social media, tourism advocacy, and three annual tourism events.

A stakeholder advisory panel has been formed to guide priorities.

Members include Stolwyk, Bouzaid, Memorie Brooky (Riverside Adventures), Cristal Montgomery (Cambridge Mews), Nicola Greenwell (Hamilton and Waikato Tourism), and David Natzke (Cambridge Chamber).

A Shade S olu tion for You

and she finished with the organisation earlier this week.

Hello, goodbye: from left Kelly Bouzaid, Aroha Croft (Cambridge Chamber of Commerce), Lucy Young, Ruth Crampton (Destination Cambridge). Photo: Mary Anne Gill

By Jesse Wood

Jane’s two-day plus marathon Hautapu stay top

Cambridge’s Jane McAlpine set a New Zealand women’s record last week in Queensland at the Dead Cow Gully Backyard Masters, running 355km in 53 hours.

The Te Awamutu College alumna is coached by fellow New Zealander and competitor Sam Harvey.

The 6.7km Nanango-based course takes competitors through stockyards, grasslands, gullies and gum trees, running alongside cattle in the surrounding paddocks.

Owned by the Walsh Family, Dead Cow Gully is a sixthgeneration family cattle property that the family have called home for 150 years.

Dead Cow Gully is in a league of its own, it’s the ultimate measure of human endurance - entrants must run the loop within the hour, every hour, until there is one competitor left standing.

Runners who finish a loop in 45 minutes are rewarded with a 15 minute rest.

McApline completed 53 laps.

“Sam ran an incredible 118 laps and was the assist to Phil Gore who won on 119 - a new world record,” McAlpine said. “Sam has been my coach for the past six months, helping me to become a stronger and faster runner.

“I managed to run very strong

physically and mentally for most of my race - taking in good nutrition to keep turning up each hour to complete the yard.”

McAlpine, who managed 39 laps, 261km last year, returned to beat Julia Chamberlain’s record of 342km, 51 laps.

Jennifer Russo from the United States was last woman standing overall.

McAlpine she expected to suffer some reaction to running on hard ground.

“My right Achilles niggled early Sunday morning but we kept it under control until Monday morning when it became a bit of an issue,” McAlpine said.

“After completing the 53rd hour, and speaking with Sam, we made the tough decision to end my race due to my Achilles. I entered the start coral alongside Sam, we started that yard together, stopped, embraced and I wished him well in his goal of breaking the world record.”

McAlpine said the community involved in backyard ultra marathons are very supportive on and off the course.

“In the backyard format you need the support of those around you to reach your limit,” she said.

“I ran alongside some incredible athletes from New Zealand, Australia, Japan, America, Belgium and Romania. All the time supporting one another to go one more yard.”

By Jesse Wood

Hautapu beat Morrinsville Sports 41-14 in Waikato premier rugby on Saturday to stay four points clear at the top of the ladders.

Centre Michael Naitokani scored twice in the seven tries to two victory at Cambridge Memorial Park.

Others to cross the chalk for Hautapu were stalwart Mitch Jacobson, Amos Faaola, Rui Farrant, Levi Hazelton and speedster Waisake Salabiau. Pivot Rangiwai Lunjevich slotted three conversions off the tee.

Hautapu B drubbed Morrinsville B 76-14, scoring a dozen tries.

Leamington and Pirongia both lost in their first week of round two division 1A Mooloo Shield footy. Hinuera hosted Leamington and won 27-10, Pirongia travelled to Putāruru and fell 19-12 at Nola Block.

In the division 1A championship section, Ōhaupō dealt to Frankton 52-10 in Hamilton.

Pirongia and Leamington’s B teams registered wins but Ōhaupō B were pipped 13-10 by Frankton B at Swarbrick Park.

Te Awamutu Sports beat Pirongia, Hautapu won by default against Matamata and Leamington were outgunned 101-0 by Marist in the under-21 competition.

Jane McAlpine in action during her 53 hours of running at Dead Cow Gully.

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KNOW YOUR ACCOUNTANT

Accounted4 is Cambridge’s largest CA practice. Their team of 30, including Directors; Martyn Steffert, David Faville, Kim Antonio, Geoff Hurst and Jamie Fisher, boasts a total of 10 Chartered Accountants with another 2 in training.

At the heart of this well-respected business is their guiding principle ‘It’s not just about the numbers’. Clients value the team’s personable service, prompt and honest communication and genuine care. No problem is too small, no question too hard and their business advice is second to none.

Their experienced team provides expert accountancy, tax, advisory, and payroll services to local, national, and global clients - doing so for almost 70 years. Their client base spans the Agricultural, Commercial, Retail, and Investment

sectors, each receiving tailored support backed by deep industry knowledge.

As a Xero Platinum Partner, Figured Gold Partner, and trusted partner of iPayroll and PaySauce, they harness leading cloud technology to support clients anytime, anywhere.

Embedded in the community, they give back through both financial contributions and handson volunteer work. Their commitment to people, culture, and community was recognised at the 2025 Waipa Networks Business Awards, where they were proud finalists in both the Community Contribution and People & Culture categories. To find out more they warmly invite you to contact their Business Manager, Christine Stevenson, via their website.

Bailey Ingham Ltd Chartered Accountants opened a branch in Te Awamutu nine and a half years ago to make things easy for their local clients and their locally based team of accountants.

including Directors; Martyn Steffert, David Faville, Kim Antonio, Geoff Hurst and Jamie Fisher, boasts a total of 10 Chartered Accountants with another 4 currently training. At the heart of this well-respected business is their byline “it’s not just about the numbers”. Their clients say they value the team’s personable advice, prompt and honest communication and their genuine interest and care. No problem is too small, no question too hard and their business advice is second to none.

Their experienced team provides expert accountancy, tax, advisory, and payroll services to local, national, and globally based clients, and has done so for over 65 years. Their client base spans many industries in the Agricultural, Commercial, Retail and Investment Sectors. They are immersed in the community through financial and voluntary support.

The firm has its roots in Otorohanga, with branches in both Te Awamutu and Taumarunui offering a vast array of financial services. Bailey Ingham has been providing quality service to its clients for over 40 years and has a great team of accountants and support staff. The firm has a highly diverse client base, with well-established relationships in the rural, commercial, and business sectors. From the very first meeting, the Bailey Ingham team work to establish a clear understanding of your current financial position and future goals. This ensures quality financial advice and information relevant to your individual business needs.

Their 100% cloud technology gives them agility to support their clients anywhere, anytime. They are a Xero Platinum Partner, a Figured Gold Partner and iPayroll and PaySauce Partners. They were the winners of the 2022 NZ Xero People’s Choice Award.

To find out more they warmly invite you to contact their Business Manager, Christine Stevenson, via their website.

Accounted4 Directors left to right: Martyn Steffert, Geoff Hurst, David Faville, Kim Antonio and Jamie Fisher

LEFT TO RIGHT: Sue Barton (Accounting Team), Carolyn Dew (Associate),

Accounted4 Directors left to right: Martyn Steffert, Geoff Hurst, David Faville, Kim Antonio and Jamie Fisher

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When it comes to the ﬁnancial wellbeing of your business and meeting tax obligations, working with an accountant who understands their clients is vital, Kiwi Accounting Solutions partner, Megan Johns, conﬁrms.

“We are not just about numbers, it’s about developing enduring relationships with our clients” she says.

“Because we know their history as well as their short and long-term plans, we are in a better position to advise and potentially prevent unwanted issues further down the track. At the end of the day, no one likes surprises!”

A little investment in terms of time from the outset can save time and money in the long run.

“With a new business, there are some big decisions to make. With our help, you can navigate these, so they don’t come back to bite you in the future.”

With decades of experience, Megan and the ﬁrm’s director, Alastair Flett, draw on extensive accounting knowledge.

From general accounting to tax guidance, business acquisitions, estate planning and more, this Kiwi team provides a comprehensive range of services.

In addition, the recent retirement of another wellknown local accountant, Duncan Gray, has seen Kiwi Accounting Solutions grow through a merger of the two businesses, Megan conﬁrms.

Focussing on small-medium businesses (SMEs), the team is also well versed regarding rural operations –Alastair and Megan both come from strong farming stock.

“The IRD rules around farming are complex and clients won’t beneﬁt from them without specialised experience,” Megan says. “But there’s much more to it. Operating seasonally, and being heavily impacted by nature, primary sector businesses have extra challenges.”

Even something as simple as a solid grasp of terminology or working to a country timetable can be invaluable, Megan explains.

“When farmers talk ‘shop’, we know exactly what they mean, which helps us cut to the chase.

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you can be sure of a very chilly reception!” Although able to assist clients nationwide, there’s no substitute for one-to-one service. Based on Rewi Street, Te Awamutu, Kiwi Accounting Solutions has an extensive base of clients from throughout the Waikato, Waipa and King Country.

“The major beneﬁt of being so close to home is that clients can easily pop in and discuss their needs face-toface,” Megan adds.

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- Built in the 1970s, this home offers almost maintenance free brick, aluminum joinery and a tile roof.

- A generous double bedroom, a well laid out open-plan kitchen and living area, and a contemporary bathroom and separate toilet.

- A heat pump ensures year-round comfort, and the living area has a large sliding door that opens out to a private, sunny garden space.

- An enclosed carport adds extra convenience and storage, and the position at the rear of the property offers privacy and a lovely northerly aspect.

- Open-plan living area that seamlessly flows onto a north-facing deck – perfect for relaxing or entertaining.

- Master suite offers a touch of luxury with its own private ensuite.

- Two bathrooms and two toilets add to the home’s practicality, ensuring ease and convenience.

- A garage with great shed space, plus a carport, plus several parking spaces provides ample storage and parking options.

- Set privately on a delightful rear 561m² (more or less) section.

- Nestled on a generous 5,000 m² (more or less) this contemporary two year old two bedroom home delivers the perfect blend of style, comfort and rural serenity.

- Step through the ranch slider doors from both the open plan living area and bedrooms onto an expansive kwila deck.

- Hot water outdoor shower and bath surrounded by native New Zealand greenery.

- Practical extras include a ply lined double garage, gas hot water system and heat pump for year round comfort.

Sports Club Manager

Hautapu Sports Club

Cambridge Based – Part-time

Our client, Hautapu Sports & Recreation Club, has a proud community history and is seeking an organised, personable Sports Club Manager with a genuine passion for sport and community, and a knack for making things happen.

This is a key role at the heart of the Hautapu Sports Club – supporting the delivery of rugby, netball, hockey, touch and a range of other recreational sports, encompassing all age groups, and ensuring the smooth dayto-day running of the club.

As the Sports Club Manager you will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the smooth delivery of sporting operations Liaising with sporting bodies, coaches, managers and volunteers

• Working alongside club sponsors to ensure delivery on agreed commitments

• Driving growth and integrating new sporting codes in the club’s programme

You will need to bring:

• The ability to lead across a wide spectrum of events, occasions, and diverse community groups and organisations that interface with the club

• A warm, approachable manner and a team-first attitude

• An organised and self-starting approach – you follow through and get things done

• Excellent communication skills

• A background in administration (experience in sport is a bonus)

Letters to the Editor

• Letters should not exceed 200 words

• They should be opinion based on facts or current events

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

• No noms-de-plume

• Letters will be published with names

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

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

• The editor’s decision on publication is final.

and

Country

Copy deadline for ad-make up is 5pm

prior to publication

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

This is a part-time position (20 – 25 hours per week) with some flexibility around how those hours are worked. They are a sports club with a heart, and this role is essential to keeping their culture and operations thriving as they continue to grow.

To enquire about the role call LesleyAnn at People in Mind on 07 823 3250 or apply online at www.peopleinmind.co.nz

Please ensure you enclose both a cover letter and resume.

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

Waipā District Council (“WDC”) proposes to grant the following community lease in respect of land owned and administered by WDC as Recreation Reserve under section 54(1)(b) of the Reserves Act 1977:

Lessee: The Girl Guides Association New Zealand Incorporated

Leased Land: Approximately 2800m2 forming part of the Lake Te Ko Utu Park recreation reserve located at Thornton Road, Cambridge, which is registered under Record of Title 768765 and legally described as Allotment 576A Town of Cambridge East and Part Allotment 576 Town of Cambridge East.

Term: Five (5) years with two (2) rights of renewal of five (5) years each

Rent: Initial annual rent of $9.00 plus GST Permitted Use: Girl Guide Activities

For more information, please contact Waipā District Council on 0800 924 723 or email info@waipadc.govt.nz

Anyone wishing to make a submission may do so in writing by post or by email, to be received no later than Monday, 4 August 2025

Please state in your submission if you wish to be heard in person.

Address all correspondence to:

By Post: Waipā District Council Private Bag 2402 Te Awamutu 3840 By Email: Email: info@waipadc.govt.nz

For more information, please contact Waipā District Council on 0800 924 723 or email info@waipadc.govt.nz

Privacy Statement: Any personal information you provide as part of your submission will be used for the purpose of the engagement process, including informing you of the outcome of the consultation. All submissions (including names and contact details) may be provided in full to elected members and Council officers for this purpose. Submissions (including names but not contact details) may be made available to the public at our office and on our website. All information collected will be held by Waipā District Council, 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu with submitters having the right to access, and request correction to, their personal information. You can read our full privacy statement at waipadc.govt.nz/privacy-statement

Steph O’Sullivan Chief Executive

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.

PROPOSAL TO GRANT NEW LEASE OF PART LAKE TE KO UTU PARK

SITUATION VACANT

DUNN, James Edward (Jim) – 1939 - 2025. Reg No: 14179, Mechanical Engineer, RNZN. Passed away peacefully at Waikato Public Hospital on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Aged 91 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Carolyn. Loved father and father-in-law to Greg & Vivienne, and the late Eric. Much loved nana of Charlotte and Cameron, and greatgranddaughter Lyra. At Jim’s request a private farewell has taken place. Messages to the Dunn Family can be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800 or in Jim’s online tribute book at www. grinters.co.nz

GILKISON, John William –18th February 1942 - 28th June 2025. Peacefully, in Cambridge. Much loved husband of Dale and loving father of the late John, Richard and Ainsley. Poppa of three grandchildren. Loved brother of Jane. Special thanks to the staff of Resthaven on Burns for their care and support of John. Messages to the ‘Gilkison Family’ can be sent c/- Grinter’s Funeral Home, 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in John’s online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz. A private cremation has been held.

LUXTON, John Thomas –

Passed away peacefully at Cambridge Life on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Devoted husband to Genevieve. Loving father to Gavin and Paul. Adored Grandad to Shannon. A memorial service for John will be held at a later date. Messages to the Luxton Family can be sent C/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434, or left in John’s online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz.

In loving memory of Janette Alice Mann 9th July 2025

July 2024

A year has passed, yet not a day goes by without thoughts of you. We miss your kindness, your laughter, and the warmth you brought to our lives. Your love and strength continue to guide us, and your memory lives on in everything we do. Though you are no longer with us in person, you are always with us in spirit — deeply loved and never forgotten. Forever in our hearts. Chipper, Michelle & Tammy

WORK WANTED

QUALIFIED builder – for all your building and painting needs call the professionals. Call Ross 021 079 4514

FOR SALE

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

CAMBRIDGE RED CROSS ASSOCIATION

A G M

Friday 11th July

At 1.00pm

Red Cross Hall, Milicich Place

Discussion: The Closure of Cambridge Branch All interested parties welcome.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Brand new serviced apartments. Enquiries from $455,000^

Embrace the freedom of independent living in a serviced apartment at Bupa St Kilda Retirement Village, where less time spent on everyday chores means more time to do the things you love!

You’ll enjoy free weekly housekeeping and linen laundry, plus lunch and a light dinner for five days each week during your occupancy. (Fees apply for seven day meal service packages and double occupancy).

Our spacious, welcoming one and two bedroom apartments feature an ensuite or separate bathroom, kitchenette and open plan lounge and dining. The serviced apartments also have a communal kitchen, dining and lounge area, as well as access to the village community centre and social activities.

Contact Sonya on 07 245 1746 for more information. 91 Alan Livingston Drive, Cambridge | bupa.co.nz/stkilda