Cambridge News | June 5, 2025

Station set for upgrade

The Cambridge St John Ambulance station on Fort Street has been deemed no longer fit for purpose.

Funds raised through this month’s Light the Way appeal will contribute to the multi-million dollar redevelopment of the station, as St John targets $4.5 million nationally to upgrade 13 stations.

Cambridge chair and volunteer St John Ambulance officer Jim Goddin said there were few details he could share as it was commercially sensitive.

“But we hope the new facility will be a hub for St John activities for many years to come,” he said.

Hato Hone St John is experiencing sustained high demand on its services in Cambridge. Last year, ambulance crews responded to 3842 emergencies, up 83 per cent on the 2092 call outs in 2010.

Hugh Davison, who now serves as St

John area operations manager, was the town’s first paid paramedic in 1995 and says the pressure is mounting.

“The ageing and growing population in Cambridge has added pressure on the wider health system. Our ambulance stations need to expand and adapt, to remain functional and meet the longterm needs of our communities.

“(They) are crucial for our frontline staff; they are a home away from home – a place where we connect with our colleagues, and reset, debrief, and recharge between callouts,” said Davison, who lives in Cambridge.

“It is a privilege being able to serve my community. Being trusted by locals to enter their homes and help them when they are at their most vulnerable, is humbling.”

In 1995, the workload was between 45 to 50 ambulance callouts a month.

Today, that number can be exceeded in less than a week.

The Cambridge community continues to show extraordinary generosity. Business owners Thomas and Kirsten Trollope recently offered free ambulance washes at their new Leamington-based business, Wash Cambridge — a task previously handled by volunteers at the Fort Street station.

St John is also one of three beneficiaries of a fundraiser launched by the Schick family in memory of 10-yearold Jimmy Schick, who tragically died in an ATV accident last month. The fund has already reached $312,000.

“We are constantly blown away by the tremendous support we receive from our community. We are immensely grateful for the generosity and kindness of every person, family and organisation

Continued on page 2

Postscript: RD3 case abandoned

By Chris Gardner

Former Waipā posties Danny and Ian Kennedy have walked away from their damages claim for breach of contract against NZ Post.

The national postal service cancelled the couple’s contract to deliver “all mail and other items for delivery” on the RD3 run taking in Matangi, Cambridge and Tamahere, in 2023 after they complained some mail was being delivered by another contractor.

The couple, who sold their Te Awamutu home and moved to the South Island last year, launched their damages claim after Justice Ian Gault said there were serious questions around the lawfulness of NZ Post’s termination notice.

The Kennedys, who had been delivering to RD3 since 2019, were seeking damages for breach of contract and lost income.

Danny Kennedy declined to comment on their decision.

Taranaki-King Country National MP, Barbara Kuriger, who supported Gallagher’s call for a ministerial inquiry, said the news was disappointing.

all new Farmers to Cambridge

o er value through our

“You really have to put up a good fight,” she said. “People get worn out, run out of money, I see it a lot. It gets too hard and too expensive. I just hope they are OK.”

Kuriger was also disappointed to hear the request for a ministerial inquiry had passed from State Owned Enterprises minister Paul Goldsmith to Chris Bishop and onto Simeon Brown before it was dismissed in favour of a NZ Post board review.

Honours for our people

One knight, three officers and two members of the New Zealand Order of Merit and a couple who both get King’s Service medals.

These are the people from the Good Local Media circulation area to receive gongs in the King’s Birthday honours.

Brendan Lindsay (Knight’s Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit) – for services to business and philanthropy, Peter Arnold Nation – for services to the agricultural industry and governance, Timothy Grant Southee - for services to cricket, Sarah Louise Walkerfor services to BMX and sports governance (all Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit), Ellesse Mote Andrews – for services to cycling, Marilyn Yeoman - for services to education and the community (both Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit), Anthony William Norman Enderby and Jennifer Fay Enderby – for services to conservation (both The King’s Service Medal).

• See stories inside.

Hato Hone St John Ambulance Cambridge area committee chair Jim Goddin cleans one of the town’s ambulances, an ongoing gift from Wash Cambridge. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Danny and Ian Kennedy

Tick for foundation art sale

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An initial ‘Off the Wall’ art sale held as a fundraiser for the Friends of Resthaven Foundation proved such a success that organisers hope it will become an annual fixture.

The art sale was held at the St Andrew’s Church Hall late last month. The items for sale included artwork by members of the Cambridge Society of Arts, and pieces donated by members of the public.

The sale’s main organiser, Friends of Resthaven’s Laurie Graham, said the day had ‘exceeded all expectations’. While exact takings were unknown at this stage, he said proceeds would go towards purchasing equipment to help residents of the Cambridge Resthaven care centres.

Jono McCullough of Rob May Builders donated the boards and frames on which the artwork was displayed. The Friends of Resthaven

Foundation’s focus is to fundraise for services, care options and agedcare education for the communities under its care.

This week I want to talk a little bit about my role as community liaison officer. Many of you see this column in the paper, but I'm lucky to work in a position that provides a lot of variety day to day.

Work for me on any one day could include assisting with a neighbourhood issue, speaking to a community group, supporting a family harm victim, investigating crimes such as burglary or theft, attending a traffic crash or report of dangerous driving, engaging with government agencies, conducting a beat patrol through town or conducting vehicle stops. Being part of a smaller station, I am also sometimes involved in backing up other officers or conducting event policing or assisting in search warrant execution.

I am part of a prevention team that spans across Waikato West. The prevention team includes school and community officers, Youth Aid officers, other community liaison officers and Rural Support officers. Our team is overseen by a prevention sergeant and senior sergeant. All then fall under an area commander and district commander.

Prevention is as its name suggests all about education and support to try and prevent crime from occurring or continuing. Prevention can take a variety of different forms from beat (foot) patrols on the streets of our towns through to community engagement talks about crime prevention education, especially burglaries and scams

or putting support in place around family harm victims or youth offenders.

Having been working in the prevention space for seven years - five at Cambridge - it is something I find very rewarding. It is however just one area of policing and part of the enjoyment of policing as a career comes from the many varied roles that we can pursue. Between Cambridge and Te Awamutu stations, we have several different work groups. These include public safety teams (responding to 111 calls), road policing teams (strategic traffic , highway patrols and commercial vehicle safety), youth aid and criminal investigation branch staff (serious crime). In addition, we have police employees filling the vital role of helping the public via the public counters and providing support to other Police staff. If you are interested in finding out more about a career in the New Zealand police, there is plenty of information available for you.

Next week is Fieldays, a big event for our area. If you are attending, please be patient, plan your visit and allow time for travel and parking. Park and ride is a good option. Keep aware of personal security, lock your car, remember where you parked it and keep hold of wallets and cell phones. Every year we get reports of lost property.... and misplaced cars.

Station set for upgrade

Continued from page 1

that has donated to us,” said Goddin. St John Ambulance has served Cambridge since 1933, originally operating as a volunteer-run station. The first base, known as the brigade rooms, was located on Victoria St.

The Fort St station opened in 1976, featuring three vehicle bays, a training room, a nurses’ room, and a large hall. Over the years, it has undergone several upgrades, including a major redevelopment in 1998 and the addition of a neighbouring house in 2010 to accommodate growing staff numbers.

Despite these efforts, the original structure—now nearly 50 years old— remains largely unchanged.

“Building codes relating to earthquake risk and health and safety requirements have determined the need for a very significant upgrade of our Cambridge station to ensure Hato Hone St John continues to deliver a safe and efficient ambulance service to the rapidly growing Cambridge community,” said Davison.

While Hato Hone St John receives government funding to help deliver ambulance services, it relies heavily on community fundraising to maintain and upgrade its facilities and vehicles. Over the next decade, the organisation plans to rebuild and modernise outdated ambulance stations across New Zealand.

In Cambridge, the main building continues to house ambulance vehicles, while clinical support staff use the training complex and offices for regional training and youth programmes.

with Senior Constable DEB HANN

Some of the organisers of the art sale, from left, Cambridge Resthaven Community Trust trustee Alan Wellington, and Julie Epps, flanked by Friends of Resthaven Foundation members Laurie Graham and John Bishop.

Photo: Viv Posselt

Briefs…

Sahara’s scholarship

Sahara Stanton has been awarded the 2025 Ritchie Pickett Music Scholarship at Cambridge High School. The award, in memory of the Morrinsville born country music singer songwriter, goes to the student at the school who has contributed the most to music within the school.

School update

An application by Cambridge couple Ray and Maxine Nelson of Ignite Arts Academy for a charter school could be under consideration. Deputy prime minister and associate education minister David Seymour told The News on Thursday a batch of applications were being decided. “I would love to see more charter schools in the Waikato, and I just have a funny feeling that I have heard that there might be some in the pipeline.”

Rockquest

Cambridge High School duo Sahara have progresses to the video submissions round of the Smokefree Rockquest while Cambridge High band Versailles and Te Awamutu College’s No Point will play in the regional finals on June 14.

New book

Author Suzanne Miller will launch her e-book What If? What If? In Hamilton on June 20. The book is a novel about a person living with obsessive compulsive disorder and in part draws on the diary and experiences of her grandparents, including one who spent time at Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital in the 1940s.

Wet and warmer

Temperatures are expected to be above average across the country from now through to August – but NIWA's Seasonal Climate Outlook for has more rain than usual in Waipā.

Chain reaction

Work was due to start this week on a public toilet block to replace the aging 30-yearold block in Hally’s Lane, Cambridge.

New player in Waipā poll

By Mary Anne Gill

A political ticket is set to launch on the local government scene and eight candidates are all but confirmed to stand in three of the five Waipā wards.

Better Waipā will focus on key issues including road infrastructure, rates, core services, and a commitment to greater transparency.

Nominations for the October 11 election open in a month and close on August 1.

Good Local Media readers will elect Waikato Regional Councillors and depending on where they live, Waikato, Waipā, Ōtorohanga or Waitomo District councillors.

Community board positions will also be contested.

In Waipā, voters will elect a mayor at large and 11 councillors - four from Cambridge, three in Te

Awamutu-Kihikihi, two from Pirongia-Kakepuku and one each from Maungatautari and the Māori ward.

The party says it is still seeking candidates in Te Awamutu and the Māori ward.

The ticket will not field a mayoral candidate.

Spokesperson Andrew Bydder said current councillors Clare St Pierre and Mike Pettit would need to demonstrate to the group

that they are suitable for the mayoralty.

It would not support incumbent Susan O’Regan, he said.

Bydder, a Hamilton city councillor, announced in March he would seek reelection in the city and in Cambridge.

However, he told The News that if he secures enough strong candidates for Waipā, he may withdraw from the race to avoid potential distractions.

OPINION

“At this moment, it’s looking like I won’t have to stand,” he said.

The News is aware of six people on the ticket but only two – Bernard Westerbaan in Kihikihi and Hope Spooner in Cambridge –have publicly declared their candidacies.

Spooner was the organiser of last year’s Pass Wide and Slow awareness campaign ride through Cambridge.

The party wanted a ticket with candidates having the

Smart marketing for candidates

By Josh Moore

The 2025 local body elections are fast approaching, so candidates need to be planning how they’ll market themselves to their community. Running for local office is as much about visibility as it is about policy. So effective marketing is essential.

The Local Electoral Act 2001 sets strict limits on how much you can spend during your campaign. That means every dollar must work hard to build awareness and trust. People need to see your name and face multiple times in different ways before they will vote for you.

One of the easiest wins you can give yourself is getting a professional photo taken. Too many candidates last time opted for DIY pictures - some even submitted what looked like passport photos where they weren’t smiling! That doesn’t convey confidence or approachability. A professional headshot will go a long way to looking competent and trustworthy. Use it consistently across all your campaign material, including when submitting your nomination, as this is used in the official voting packs.

Social media will likely be part of your strategy, but keep in mind that unless you already have a strong following, posts won’t reach far organically. Running ads is the best way to increase reach - but there’s a catch. Facebook (and Instagram) have strict requirements for political advertising. You’ll need to go through an approval process that includes identity verification, page disclaimers, and other admin hurdles. It’s not something you can do last-minute, so start this process well in advance.

Don’t underestimate the value of local print newspapers. They remain highly trusted by many voters, particularly older demographics. Advertising in them can boost your visibility, especially if you manage to secure a front-page ad. These premium spots are limited and book out quickly, so get in early if you want to lock one in.

Traditional fence signs still play a big role in name recognition. Focus on placing them along high-traffic routes and think strategically - can someone encounter your signs three or four

times in a single trip across town? That kind of repetition sticks. Digital billboards are also useful and more affordable than traditional billboards. Again, book early.

The profile blurb in the voting packs is critical. When writing your blurb think, “Does my blurb present me as someone credible and trustworthy who can help tackle the issues people care most about?”

Finally, if you want to run for mayor, you should also have a website to share more about what you stand for, and link to from your social media ads. (This isn’t as crucial for councillor candidates, but it will help you stand out).

I recommend using Rocketspark for a cost-effective and easy website. Ultimately, you’re asking voters to trust you. A well-presented, wellplanned, professional campaign is important for earning that trust.

• Josh Moore is the Managing Director at Hamilton digital marketing agency Duoplus.

sort of expertise needed to give staff better advice than what they were currently getting, said Bydder.

We say…

Think vote

We are now just over three months away from the Local Body elections.

Voters will be invited to the polls from September 9 to October 11 to elect regional and district councillors and community board members.

Where general elections draw a turnout in the high 90 per cent bracket, local body politics has apparently become less significant to voters in recent years. If the events of the current term doesn’t turn that trend around, we wonder what will.

The issue of rising rates, the latest versions of three waters, road works and ratepayer complaints aired through letters to the editor show just how significant local politics is in our lives.

The News will, as ever, be driving issues which you think are vital, asking questions and on the hustings.

Today on this page we look at the latest developments in the race for seats in Waipā and Josh Moore provides some sage advice to candidates, which we endorse.

Jono Gibson Funeral Director

Andrew Bydder

Susan O’Regan

Bernard Westerbaan Hope Spooner

Cambridge reconnections

By Mary Anne Gill

Katie Mayes watched from a distance last year as the Cambridge Connections project began to unravel.

At the time, she held a national role with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and observed the fallout when a proposed site for a third bridge — dubbed “the blue blob” by locals — sparked widespread concern.

Homeowners were blindsided when they learned through The News their property values may have dropped significantly overnight.

The backlash was swift, leading to a community revolt that forced the project’s postponement and a full reset.

Mayes is at the helm of the reset as Waipā’s executive director. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of both local and national infrastructure planning.

“I really felt for everybody at the end. I felt for staff. I felt for council, for the community and potentially affected landowners as well.”

Mayes, 55, moved to Leamington three years ago with husband Hugh Goodman, a haematologist at Waikato Hospital, downsizing once their three children had moved out.

“Cambridge is an awesome little place and it’s growing and so I wanted to be able to be part of helping Cambridge grow in a way that keeps that special flavour.”

Mayes was born in England and came to New Zealand when she was three and grew up in Auckland. She left to do law at Otago University in Dunedin and then a master’s in resource management at Massey.

After that she lived in Palmerston North,

Wellington, New Plymouth, Rotorua, Tauranga, back to Auckland, London and then to Hamilton.

A mix of private and public work, plus the master’s in public policy administration she got at the London School of Commerce, has helped her see a range of perspectives and decide she wanted to work in the public sector.

She was at Waikato Regional Council for 11 years before moving to NZTA.

“I’ve lived in the region for 20 years, I’ve got that local government understanding and a lot of relationships around the region and the connection with central as well which will be useful for this work and for other strategic projects,” she said.

“I think there’s a lot of goodwill in the community and a real commitment by council to do Cambridge Connections differently and better.”

Mayes is confident there was some good technical work done before the reset but because of changes like the Cambridge to Piarere four-laning, it would need retesting.

It is easy to look back and see how events unfolded.

“But usually when you reach a crisis as that became, there’s a series of decisions, some of them explicit and some of them not along the way made by a whole load of people that get you to a particular situation. It’s useful to reflect on those things, but not to dwell on them.”

Waipā had done a lot of things well, planning for growth which was happening faster than even Statistics NZ have predicted.

Mayes reports directly to Waipā chief executive Steph O’Sullivan and is part of the executive team. Her role provides strategic support to O’Sullivan with a focus on

securing a successful future for the council, the district’s infrastructure and communities.

She works across the organisation bringing the right people together to get things done.

“The first cab off the rank is a reset of Cambridge Connections and then there will be a range of other things which may not be growth and infrastructure related,” she said.

“Through Ahu Ake and other ways, the community has already identified what kind of place it wants Cambridge to be, so the job of Cambridge Connections is to put the transport flesh on those bones.”

While a third bridge remains a key component, the project encompasses a broader range of transport solutions.

With the next regional land transport programme set to begin in 2027, Waipā must soon finalise its short, medium and longterm priorities.

“If we think about where the growth is happening and some of the pressures we need to respond to in the short term, rather than the long term, then that might be upgrading some intersections. There will be a range of different things to look at.”

She is prepared for flak from the public.

“I can listen to those perspectives and try to actually draw them together and make sure my role is to set up an approach that provides for that opportunity for community engagement.”

Waipā executive director Katie Mayes has been charged with leading Cambridge Connections.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Sydney - we’re ready for you

By Mary Anne Gill

Ngāti Hauā held centre stage at the karakia for the new $7 million international terminal at Hamilton Airport this week.

Iwi representatives acknowledged the spiritual significance of the new building, removed tapu (restrictions) and dedicated the space ready for its full and proper use later this month.

The karakia was led by Te Raumako Karena and Joshua Wikiriwhi-Heta who were then accompanied by other iwi around the freshly-painted building which will house aviation security, customs, Ministry of Primary Industries and immigration staff along with support from police and health services.

Included in the celebration were contractors who completed the work with time to spare.

After a celebratory morning tea, new staff and airport officials met to discuss how the building would operate.

They were interrupted by a fire siren which led to the evacuation of everyone into the airport car park.

The News understands it

was set off by a contractor working too close to a fire alarm.

The terminal will open for business later this month when the Jetstar flight from Sydney, the first to the airport in 13 years, touches down. It will fly back across the Tasman the same day.

From then on, Jetstar will operate three return flights

per week between Hamilton Airport and the Gold Coast and four between the airport and Sydney.

Waikato Regional Airport Ltd chief executive Mark Morgan said the blessing acknowledged the hundreds of people who had contributed to a major regional project.

“It’s been a huge job delivered within a tight

timeframe. Not finishing it on time was simply not an option.”

Travellers have access to a new duty-free store and café.

Facilities also include a new domestic jet service lounge, which when required, can be entirely separated from international facilities.

A further 300 additional

car parks have also been developed, including ones for use by 60 new airportbased staff. The terminal will be used by around 120,000 international passengers each year – the airport already handles around 360,000 domestic travellers - and estimates are it will pour $45 million per year into the regional economy.

Jetstar is the fourth carrier to operate from Hamilton Airport, joining Air New Zealand, Sunair and Originair.

Air New Zealand announced last month domestic jet flights between Hamilton and Christchurch will resume in September, marking the return of a domestic jet service after 25 years.

Ataria-Jay Tahapeehi, Julia Aramoana, Te Raumako Karena, Sonny Karena, Joshua Wikiriwhi-Heta, Norman Hill, Michael Wikiriwhi-Heta of Ngāti Haua at the airport blessing.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

GROUND

Stormy skies, smart choices

By Janine Krippner

Last week a dramatic storm swept through Hamilton and it left its mark. One unlucky trampoline ended up tangled in powerlines, roofs were damaged, fences flattened, and some experiencing a power cut. This happened around the time an emergency alert popped up on my phone, but not for our region. A perfect reminder, really, that our weather doesn’t always follow the script.

We’re lucky to live in a land of incredible variety, with islands, mountains, and rapidly changing terrain, all surrounded by ocean. But with that natural beauty comes a price: complex, fast-moving weather systems.

That’s why it’s up to us to take personal responsibility for our safety. That starts with understanding the natural hazards we live with — including tornadoes — and what steps we need to take.

When I was living in the United States, I learned just how seriously they take tornadoes over there. “Tornado Alley” is practically a household term, and they’ve got a full-blown season for the things. But here in New Zealand, we tend to forget that we’re not immune.

Most of our tornadoes are short-lived, narrow — about 20 to 100 metres wide — and travel just a few kilometres before they run out of steam. They usually sit around EF0 to EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale (that’s the international measure for tornado intensity), with winds that can hit up to 180 km/h. That’s enough to throw around sheds, snap trees, and send trampolines sky-high.

A tornado is confirmed and an EF rating assigned after the damage has been assessed. Survey information is compared to damage indicators and degrees of damage, which help estimate wind speeds.

Our most deadly and damaging tornado was also in Hamilton in 1948. It damaged or destroyed 163 buildings and 50 businesses, and three people lost their lives.

One house was even moved across the street. The estimated wind speeds reached 220 to 265 km/h, giving it an EF3 rating. So what should we look out for?

Tornadoes sometimes come with little or no official warning, so it’s helpful to know the signs: sudden heavy rain or hail, a dramatic shift in wind direction, and an eerie, roaring noise — like a freight train approaching. Tornadic systems can produce low, dark clouds, flying debris, and lightning. You may also feel a pressure change, like when your ears pop.

This is not the time to grab your phone and head outside for a cheeky TikTok. If you suspect a tornado’s nearby, act fast. Get inside, and head to an interior room without windows — a hallway, wardrobe, or even a bathroom can work. Stay away from windows and doors, and if you’re outside definitely do not shelter under a bridge (that’s a myth borrowed from Hollywood — and a dangerous one).

It’s a great idea to take this opportunity to learn more. Head over to the Civil Defence website and look for the page “What to do during a storm.” NIWA’s website also has great info, including the New Zealand Historic Weather Events Catalogue — a fascinating record of our tornadic past. Stay safe out there, use your eyes and ears, and keep your trampolines tied down — they’re not meant to fly.

World eyes on Nicholl’s column

Columnist Peter Nicholl has gone viral; well his column has about the fall of the US dollar published earlier last month.

It could have been the mention of the greenback currency or even US president Donald Trump which saw thousands of online readers read the column but we prefer to think it was Nicholl’s thought provoking words of

wisdom that did it.

His May 8 column led the Cambridge News website statistics last month accounting for 20 per cent of our readers and ensuring we were 200 per cent up on views from April and 165 per cent on the same month last year.

In a strong month, our second best read story with 14 per cent of views was Mary Anne Gill’s piece

Crime writers gather

on how our fire fighters were coping after a tragic weekend with two fatal call outs testing the community’s volunteers.

Cambridge News website’s strong showing came after it had been outshone by sister publication Te Awamutu News in March and April.

The home page followed, a story about a building material recycling plant

set up at an old quarry site west of Cambridge and Aksel Bech’s announcement he would challenge Jacqui Church for the Waikato mayoralty rounded out the top five.

Meanwhile, Nicholl’s midMay column has also caught European eyes.

“My column got picked up by a news source in Bosnia as I started it by talking about something that

Letters…

Transparency

happened in Bosnia. One of my former colleagues in the Central Bank of Bosnia there sent the link to me.”

Nicholl – a regular Good Local Media columnist - was the first governor of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and an article picking up on his column reported that he had spoken to New Zealand media about his experience.

Andrew Bydder in “No More Smoke and Mirrors” (The News April 23) raises important concerns about the lack of transparency in local government, a matter that is not only evident in our own Waipā District Council but also across many councils throughout New Zealand.

Local councils exist to manage regions effectively and to provide essential services to their communities. However, their core responsibilities are increasingly being sidetracked by “pet projects” and initiatives that fall outside their primary purpose with little or no visibility or accountability.

While I fully support Andrew’s position, I believe it does not go far enough. Unfortunately, when residents request information from the Waipā District Council under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA), much of the content is heavily redacted. With all due respect, the Council is not the GCSB or the New Zealand Police. There is no justifiable reason for such excessive secrecy from an organisation that is supposed to serve

the residents and ratepayers of Waipā.

To be clear, I understand that some limitations must exist—particularly when it comes to personally identifiable information, staffrelated matters, and contracts that are still under negotiation. But beyond these specific and justifiable exceptions, the default approach should be full disclosure to residents and ratepayers, not just the “media”.

The residents and ratepayers of Waipā and indeed all of New Zealand deserve unfiltered access to the truth. Currently, too many meetings are held behind closed doors, and information is withheld, making it nearly impossible for the public to see the full picture. (Abridged) Ian Hayton Cambridge Road names

Editor’s note – we have received considerable feedback to our question: what do you think? about the debate over road names in Waipā. Watch out for further coverage on this issue next week.

Peter Nicholl

A ‘Culprits in Cambridge’ night at Cambridge Library last month brought together authors known for their fiction and non-fiction works around criminal behaviour. The event was part of Waipā’s Mystery in the Library series, run in association with the Ngaio Marsh Awards. Pictured are, from left, Cambridge’s David ‘Chook’ Henwood and Nikki Crutchley, Rotorua’s Zoe Rankin and Pukekohe’s Angus McLean. The panel was chaired by two-time Ngaio’s finalist Nikki Crutchley.

Photo: Viv Posselt

Inflation – not beaten yet

By Peter Nicholl

On May 28 the Reserve Bank of New Zealand reduced its Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 per cent.

Before the announcement, the bank got lots of advice from other people about what they should do.

Some said there were good reasons for leaving the OCR where it was.

These included that the inflation rate was still in upper part of the 1-3 per cent CPI target, the annual CPI had risen to 2.5 per cent from 2.2 per cent in March and inflation expectations, which the bank pays a lot of attention to, were also rising again.

I am not surprised that inflation espectations are rising again.

Take Waipā where I live. We are told our rates will rise by 15.5 per cent this year. Why should we expect overall inflation to be around two per cent?

An additional reason was that there was so much uncertainty around, it would be prudent to leave the OCR where it was in the hope that the fog of uncertainty might dissipate in the coming months. I agreed with the ‘advisors’ who took this cautious position.

There were a few people who said the Reserve Bank should be bold and move the OCR by 50 bp in order to help New Zealand’s strugglimg economic growth.

They seem to forget or ignore the fact that one of the first things the current government did after they were elected was to shift the target of the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy from a dual focus on inflation and growth to a single focus on inflation.

But most ‘advisors’ thought the bank should move by 25 bp – and that was what it did.

I find it interesting to compare the bank’s policy approach over the last six months compared to the US Federal Reserve. In December, 2024, the policy interest rate set both were the same.

Since then, the Fed has had three policy meetings and has left its official rate unchanged at all three.

The Reserve Bank has also had three policy meetings and has reduced the OCR at all of them: from 4.25 to 3.75 to 3.5 to 3.25 per cent.

Faced with similar inflation rates, inflation pressures and a high degree of uncertainty, the Fed and the Reserve Bank have taken very different policy approches.

I said in my February 13 column that a lesson learnt early in my policy-making career was that the worst thing for making private sector business decisions and for economic policy decisions was uncertainty.

There was never a time in my over 50 years of policy-making where there was anywhere near as much uncertainty about so many different things as there now.

An enterprising journalist counted how many times the Reserve Bank used the word uncertainty in last week’s Monetary Policy Statement – it was 164 in 62 pages.

Despite all this uncertainty, the bank still decided to lower their OCR. Is that bold, hopeful or foolish? I fear the answer will be foolish.

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Community Connect

June 5, 2025

Talking about our future, together

Over the past four weeks, it’s been a pleasure to get out across Waipā as part of our consultations on the draft 2025–2034 Long Term Plan and the future delivery of water services.

From Cambridge to Kihikihi and Te Awamutu, Pirongia to Ōhaupō, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to residents, business owners, community leaders, and newcomers to our district. Thank you to everyone who’s attended a meeting, asked a question, joined a webinar or had a chat with me, one of our Councillors, or Council staff. The conversations have been thoughtful and full of passion for our district’s future.

Water — how it’s managed, who delivers it, and what the future holds — has been front of mind for many. People want to be informed and involved in decisionmaking. Our focus is ensuring the outcome reflects the needs of our communities and is shaped by local voices.

Growth and affordability have also featured strongly. We are one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing districts, and as such we are required by the Government to plan for growth – it costs a lot and we can’t just turn it off! We have to borrow to meet these requirements, and there is sometimes a lag before we can recover the costs from developers. We have to make tough decisions and prioritise to ensure we can afford to do what’s needed in the future. Even with these challenges, it’s been incredibly heartening to hear from so many — especially those new to Waipā — who tell me how much they love living here. Whether it’s our parks and reserves, the libraries, the cycleways, sporting facilities, the vibrant town centres or the strong sense of community, there is genuine appreciation for what Waipā has to offer. What’s clear is that we all want what’s best for

Waipā. As kaitiaki [guardians] of this district, it’s our shared responsibility to ensure it stays a wonderful place to live, work, play and invest — now and for generations to come.

We need to hear what you think: your voice helps shape the future of Waipā. But it’s also important to acknowledge: we can’t do everything, and we can’t please everyone. That’s the reality of local government.

The decisions ahead of us are about laying foundations for tomorrow. Call it cathedral thinking, or mokopuna decisions — we must put our grandchildren and their children at the centre of our planning.

If you haven’t already, there’s still time to have your say. Together, we can build a district that is connected, resilient, and full of opportunity — a place we’re all proud to call home.

How to have your say

You have until 5pm, Monday, June 9

• Complete the online the submission form, visit waipadc.govt.nz/haveyoursay

• Email your submission to: haveyoursay@waipadc.govt.nz

• Bring the completed form into one of our service centres at 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu or 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge.

• Post the completed form to Waipā District Council, Freepost 167662, Private Bag 2401, Te Awamutu, 3840

Make and Donate project named finalist in 2025 WasteMINZ awards

A hands-on Waipā District Council initiative teaching people how to make their own household cleaning products has landed a finalist spot in the 2025 WasteMINZ Awards.

The Make and Donate programme was nominated in the ‘best initiative to reduce waste or redesign products’ category. The annual awards celebrate innovation and impact in the waste, resource recovery and contaminated land sectors across Aotearoa.

Launched in mid-2024, the free workshops help people create affordable, sustainable alternatives to everyday cleaning products like washing powder, cleaning paste, bench spray, and dishwasher powder, using items they often already have at home.

Waste Minimisation Advisor Shelley Wilson said her team was proud to see the programme acknowledged at a national level alongside so many inspiring initiatives. “The recognition is really exciting for us,” she said.

The sessions are funded by the Central Government’s Waste Minimisation Levy and have been a hit with the community, with overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Winners of the 2025 WasteMINZ Awards will be announced at the official ceremony on Tuesday, June 10, in Christchurch.

Matariki events

Te Awamutu Museum Education and Research Centre are featuring a number of free family-friendly Matariki activities from Tuesday, June 3 to Monday, June 30 including:

• Colour and learn about each Matariki whetu (star)

• Make a Matariki lantern

• Play a Matariki memory game

• Create an interactive Matariki whetu

• Write a message on a whetu and put it on our Matariki constellation

Message from Susan O’Regan, Mayor of Waipā

From BMX to global leader

Sarah Walker is balancing her role on the International Olympic committee championing innovation, inclusion and the future of sport with being a mother to two young daughters. Mary Anne Gill meets the BMX champ who now calls Cambridge home.

Sarah Walker was born in Whakatāne and raised in Kawerau but, for the past 16 years, Cambridge has provided her with the right vibe.

The 36-year-old former world champion, Olympic silver medallist and mother of two has become an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday honours for her services to BMX and sports governance.

“I’m really stoked that it is for BMX and was led by BMX,” she says. “That has been such a massive part of my life, and I wouldn’t be anywhere without it.”

When we meet her, Walker is in the garage of her central Cambridge townhouse assembling acoustic wall panels. Her sevenmonth-old daughter sleeps upstairs, while her three-year-old is at a nearby early learning centre. Just days later, she’s off on a plane to Switzerland for an esports forum — baby in tow, as she’s still breastfeeding.

Walker’s role on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken her around the world. She joined the IOC Athletes’ Commission in 2016 and was elected as a full member in Paris last year.

She now sits among 109 global leaders, including Prince Albert of Monaco, Princess Anne, and Sir Sebastian Coe.

One of Walker’s most forward-thinking contributions has been in the realm of artificial intelligence. After raising the issue with the IOC’s director general, she was appointed chair of a group tasked with developing an AI strategy for the Olympic Games.

She told them they could not afford to be left behind.

Walker moved to Cambridge in 2009, before it became the Home of Cycling, to flat with Regan Barkla, a school friend from Whakatāne and New Zealand rower.

At the time she was part of the BMX high performing academy but had no training base or community.

“I wanted to move to somewhere I would be around other athletes and not feel so lonely.

“When cycling was looking for a town to be based out of, I highly encouraged them to come to Cambridge. I had the choice to come here, and I also had the choice to leave, and I haven’t.”

She even tried rowing, briefly, just to understand the sport that surrounded her.

“I learned all the lingo and then I went out in a boat a few times to understand what it felt like and I did a couple of two kilometre ergs (ergometer) to understand what they did. It was good but it also made me very grateful for my sport.”

Today, her garage holds not just her old BMX bike, but bikes for her husband, hunting guide Vincent Elliott, and their oldest daughter who already knows how to navigate the BMX track’s ups and downs.

Her IOC appointment is unpaid and she is one of only a few New Zealanders to serve on the committee, joining the ranks of Barbara Kendall and former governor generals Arthur Porritt and Bernard Freyberg.

She also presented Olympic gold medals to canoeist Lisa Carrington —twice in Tokyo and once in Paris, while seven months pregnant and cleverly hiding her bump under a blazer.

Governance is where Walker sees her future.

“As an athlete you’re really detailed, focused and this is more big-picture thinking, so it took me a while to transition to not getting caught in the detail,” she says.

“Every year I’ve intentionally done courses in different areas and did a lot of governance courses at the beginning because it’s very much deep end.”

Despite her global commitments, Cambridge stays her anchor. It is the right size, the right vibe, she says.

“When I lived in Auckland, the training was amazing but outside of training it was overwhelming for someone that was from such a small town.”

Even after winning silver at the 2012 London Olympics, back home in Cambridge she could go to the supermarket, and no one bothered her. In Kawerau they gave her a civic parade.

And she is a fan of the cycleways – “it’s not just professional athletes you see out being active” - knowing she can ride safely around the town with her daughters, especially the three-year-old.

“Cambridge has got that really cool, positive, relaxed feel to it and I really love that.”

Sarah Walker at home in Cambridge.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

TRUST THAT SCORES OFF THE CHARTS

Your Most Trusted Brand 11 years and counting.

For the 11th time, you’ve voted us your Most Trusted Brand and that means the world to us.

Because trust this strong doesn’t happen by chance. Ten years? That’s a perfect score. But eleven? That’s off the charts.

You feel it in the little things, like the barista who knows your coffee order, the gardener who prunes your roses just right, and friends who feel like family.

That’s trust built over time, through shared experiences, thoughtful gestures and communities who care. It’s that feeling of trust that sets us apart.

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Bev, John and Dawn Ryman residents

From hangers to King’s honour

By Mary Anne Gill

Cambridge Stud owner Brendan Lindsay, who has been knighted for his services to business and philanthropy, is a fierce supporter of Te Arawhata New Zealand Liberation Museum in Le Quesnoy.

So much so he and wife Jo always love visiting Cambridge’s sister city in France with other members of the Waipā community. His latest visit was for Anzac Day commemorations with community board members, deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk and Cambridge High School students.

While news of his honour listed his address as Remuera in Auckland – he also has a home in Karaka, proof of his interest in the racing industry - it is Cambridge where the 68-year-old founded his business career in the early 1980s.

Then a travelling salesman and former Leamington Rugby Club player, he began manufacturing coat hanger discs from his garage.

He went on in 1982 to create Sistema, a plastic container firm which he sold for $660 million in 2016 to Newell Brands in the US, brokering a deal that the containers would continue to be made in New Zealand for 20 years.

With the money from that the couple purchased Cambridge Stud from the late Sir Patrick Hogan and became dedicated philanthropists through the Lindsay Foundation and the Lindsay Investment Trust focusing on family, education, disabilities and animal welfare.

They have helped many charities including Pet Refuge, Starship National Air Ambulance

Service, New Zealand Riding for the Disabled and Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust.

The foundation also donated $3.5 million for the museum in Le Quesnoy, the French village that New Zealand soldiers liberated at the end of World War 1 with no loss of life to the town’s residents. More than 120 Kiwi soldiers died.

Sistema Plastics became a recognised leading global food storage brand, producing sustainable and recyclable storage products stamped ‘Made in New Zealand’ and exported to 55 countries.

Lindsay was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to business in 2012 and inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in 2020 in recognition of his contributions to business.

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TUESDAY

11:43am, Lift Assist required, Hugo Shaw Drive

WEDNESDAY 4:55pm, Cardiac Arrest, Cowley Drive

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY 7:48pm, Flooding, Victoria Street

9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street 1:09pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Ruakura Road 11:56pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Hautapu Road

FRIDAY 10:40am, Building Alarm and evacuation, Wilson Street 4:02pm, Scrub Fire, Tirau Road 4:32pm, House Fire, Le Quesnoy Place

SATURDAY

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

10:56am, Medical assistance required, Chesterton Drive 6:51pm, Car fire, Waikato Expressway

SUNDAY 1:04pm, 2 car MVA, Tirau Road MONDAY

SUNDAY 3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road

2:09am, Car fire, Tirau Road 11:19am, Building alarm and evacuation, Alpha Street

7:00 am - 5:00

7:00 am - 5:00 pm 7:00 am - 5:00 pm 7:00 am - 12:00 pm Closed

Brendan Lindsay at Cambridge Stud.

Conservation couple honoured

By Viv Posselt

The rare awarding of a King’s Service Medal (KSM) to each of a husband-and-wife duo has brought the 2025 honour to Cambridge’s Tony and Jenny Enderby.

Both were awarded the KSM for services to conservation. Their joint citation speaks to them having volunteered for the Department of Conservation from the early 1990s to 2023, during which time they became two of only four honorary warranted officers based in Auckland.

They began as visitor guides for Tiritiri Matangi Island, then volunteered as Maui Dolphin observers, visitor supervisors for Little Barrier Island for more than 10 years and undertook diving surveys off Great Barrier Island. As honorary warranted officers, they intervened and prevented offences such as poaching across New Zealand’s oldest marine reserve, the Crop (Cape Rodney to Okakari Point) Marine Reserve.

“We were responsible for compliance and law enforcement, but a lot of what we did was simply educating people,” Tony said.

Also noted was the work they did in establishing the Leigh Penguin Project in 2018, their decade of volunteer work with the Tāuwharanui Open Sanctuary Society, Forest and Bird Coast Care, Leigh Library, Whangateau

Harbour Care, the Leigh Business Group and more.

The Enderbys have travelled and dived extensively, written and taken photographs for about nine books and countless published articles, and in 2005, were presented with the DOC Volunteer of the Year awards.

It’s an impressive resume, and as much as they’re grateful for the recognition, they seem slightly surprised.

Speaking to The News last week, they said they feel lucky to have seen what they have seen and to have had a hand in conserving it.

Tony said: “What I am particularly rapt with is that everything we have done, we have done together, and to get an award for that is fantastic.”

Jenny agreed, adding: “There are so many people who have helped us along the way… we couldn’t have done a lot of it without them.”

The Enderbys have lived here since 2021, making the move from coastal Auckland to the landlocked central North Island, largely for health reasons. And while they feel the absence of the ocean, they are embracing whatever inland volunteering opportunities they can in terms of conservation. They have already joined Predator Free Cambridge, helping with trapping at Lake Te Koo Utu and along the green strip bordering their home, and are volunteering at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.

It was understandable that Tony veered towards marine conservation. He remembers his dad being a fan of Jacques Cousteau, and Tony became adept at diving early in life.

The Auckland couple met when working at the then Suburban Newspapers, with Tony as production manager and Jenny in classifieds. When he was made redundant, he was already

diving and taking underwater photographs, with Jenny a superb sidekick. A job at the Rodney Times was a good fit with a move to Leigh, but by the time Tony was again made redundant, the pair had started to establish themselves writing articles and taking photographs for multiple publications.

“We travelled overseas, diving, taking photographs and writing,” Tony said. “We got to publish in about 100 different mastheads in 14 different countries.”

They wrote the Lonely Planet’s Guide to Diving and Snorkelling in New Zealand, dived our coastline, around the Pacific and off Queensland, scoured shipwrecks and vessels scuttled to make artificial reefs. The latter was at the heart of a newspaper article they wrote in mid-2006 marking the 10th anniversary of the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior.

They monitored marine life populations, protected penguins, rid islands of the Polynesian rat (which brought the birdsong back), and educated and hassled people taking what they shouldn’t from marine reserves. Tony also became a life member of the Leigh Volunteer Fire Brigade.

For Jenny and Tony, it’s been a lifelong adventure made the more pleasurable through sharing it. Now, it’s time to sit back and bask in a spot of well-earned recognition.

King’s Service Medal recipients Jenny and Tony Enderby with the painted ceramic vase given to them in 2023 by DOC for their many years of work in conservation. Photo: Viv Posselt

Dear diary, laughter really is the best medicine

Love the care around you.

At Summerset, there’s always a helping hand when you need it. Alongside our neighbourly community, our villages are designed so that as your needs change, we have different levels of care and support across our villages (subject to availability and eligibility criteria). We call it our continuum of care…but really, it’s about always being there.

Love the life you choose.

Squash finals full of drama

By Mary Anne Gill

Christchurch and Mount Maunganui took out the country’s premier club squash titles in dramatic style at Cambridge Racquets Club on Sunday.

The Mitchell Cup for women and the Cousins Shield for men traditionally bring the best out in players and there was plenty of heartache and joy on display as the five players in each team went head to head at Cambridge’s show court.

The full house was testament to the hard work Cambridge and Leamington administrators and members put in. An estimated 2000plus visitors attended the three-day tournament.

Cambridge club manager

off in the women against Surf City from Gisborne.

Meanwhile there was success for Waikato Bonus player Charlee Neilson of Te Awamutu who won girls’ division one in the Waikato secondary school championships held in conjunction at Cambridge with the national club tournament.

Sabine Veitch of St Peter’s School, Cambridge was third.

Cambridge’s Chloe Hopson was second and Sophie Chipperfield of Te Awamutu third in division two while Ōtorohanga’s Katelyn Clark was second in division three.

Suzie Halliday said it was the first time the town had hosted the event – first held for men in 1948 and women 10 years later – and they did Cambridge proud with their hospitality.

In attendance on finals day was former world champion Dame Susan Devoy there to watch as her Tauranga club stormed to a 2-0 lead against Mount

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Maunganui in the women’s final only to see their Bay of Plenty neighbours grab the title 3-2 in a come from behind performance for the ages.

Christchurch won its first men’s title, also in nail-biting

style, defeating perennial winners Henderson 3-2.

Waikato clubs competing were Te Awamutu - who lost in the quarter finals to North Shore - and Hamilton in the men’s while the women were beaten by Devoy

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Squash and Fitness in the semi-finals.

Waikato Bonus teams made up of players selected by the host club took out the men’s plate at Leamington against Hamilton 5-0 and lost in the 13-14th place play

Te Awamutu took out gold and bronze through Luke Downard and Wai’Aryn Mills in division three for the boys while in division seven, Max Booth edged out Piopio College’s Blair Ballantyne.

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The Waikato women’s bonus team featured plenty of Waipā locals, from left Jordan Herewini, Shelby Garrett, Ezra Murray (all Cambridge), Rebecca Rouse (Leamington) and Charlee Neilson (Te Awamutu).

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Frisbee fanatic is flying to Spain

By Jesse Wood

Cambridge’s Liam Weston will face the ultimate challenge in Spain this month in the 2025 World Under-24 Ultimate Frisbee Championship.

The tournament is held every second year by the World Flying Disc Federation and will take place from June 21-28 in Logroño.

At 18 Weston is the youngest New Zealand Mixed team Mangōpare member.

And he has featured in Spain before - refereeing at the IberCup in Barcelona thanks to a programme which gives young football referees international experience.

‘“For me, it’s a really big achievement, especially being the youngest guy on our mixed team,” Weston said. “It’s tough to get in where there’s people five years older than you, also competing for a spot. This year has the most mixed teams compared to previous years with 21.”

This will be his second time representing his country, but his first world championships.

In 2023, he travelled to Australia as a part of the New Zealand under-20 team to play a transTasman series.

“We have a warmup tournament in Italy on June 15 before we head to Logrono for the world championships,” Weston said.

The former Hamilton Boys’ High School student has a full calendar.

“I played since the start of high school, since I was 13. I was looking for a summer sport and Hamilton Boys’ High School have tons of options,” Weston said.

“I trialled around to see what else is available. I came across frisbee, I played it for the first year and I’ve played it ever since.”

Weston loves the frisbee community and atmosphere as well as the competitive nature and the skills required.

“It’s like American football, but you can’t run with the frisbee. You make passes into an end zone or a try zone to score,” he said.

And his sport has... no referee.

“Frisbee really focusses on the spirit of the game. We are a non-referee sport. Everything is self-officiated. Everyone discusses decisions and the proper outcomes.

“That just means everyone is fair and we all have an understanding of where we want the game to go and at what level we’re accepting.”

Weston is part of the Hammertron team, based at the Hamilton Marist rugby club.

“It’s the largest team in the Waikato. There’s a couple of teams from Morrinsville and then Mt Maunganui and Taranaki as well.

“I practice three times a week and we try to get an organised training with other players once a week.”

He believes his hard work and commitment helped him to be

selected for New Zealand.

“Lots of practice and surrounding myself with the right people is what I’d say helped me get to where I am now,” he said.

“For the under-24 team, we had trials last year in November. Everyone around the country who wanted to make the team went to Auckland for a two-day selection camp tournament, where we were watched and had some coaching before the teams were announced.

“I’m looking forward to playing against different countries and different styles of frisbee, as well as meeting all of these people around the world who share the similar passion.”

Hautapu rugby club’s senior strength and conditioning coach Alesha McQuoid was originally part of the under-24 squad but had to withdraw due to injury.

A Shade S olu tion for You

Weston in action for his Hammertron team.

Photo: Elizabeth Moisson

CountryLife

Tankers power in

By Mary Anne Gill

Fonterra predicts fuel savings of 60 percent from six electric milk tankers the co-operative has on the road in time for the new season.

Infrastructure to support the tankers is in place at the dairy factories, including Hautapu plant in Cambridge.

Details were revealed at Fonterra’s annual meeting with neighbours last week when Environmental manager Jude van Bommel revealed the fleet decarbonisation would provide many environmental benefits.

The tankers are part of a $150 million in electrification projects across the North Island over the next 18 months. The move will take the equivalent of 6500 cars off the road. Each tanker can drive 75km on a single charge.

The e-tanker was trialled over two years at Waitoa near Morrinsville.

Other investments into electric boilers at Whareroa, Edgecumbe and Waitoa sites mark further steps in renewable energy supporting Fonterra’s sustainability targets while future-proofing operations.

Fonterra’s chief operating officer Anna Palairet said in a release the investments are a significant step for the co-operative’s future operations.

Hautapu had the last coal boiler in the North Island and it was turned off last year. The boiler has been fully converted to biomass and is firing on wooden pellets.

“Choosing the right energy solutions is about striking a balance between affordability, security of energy supply and reducing our environmental footprint, and the new electric boilers are crucial to navigating this challenge,” said Palairet.

“These electrification projects are at the heart of ensuring efficient operations with a reliable energy supply for our manufacturing sites and to support the long-term sustainability of our business. It also represents a commitment to our farmer owners that we are building a resilient, future-ready co-operative.”

Commissioning of Hautapu’s new $85 million wastewater treatment plant began in February with biological startup in April. The plant treats processing wastewater

and other wastewater streams through a tank, segregating it into several sections where microorganisms break down organic matter and reduce a range of contaminants including nitrogen and phosphorous.

The water either goes onto Hautapu’s management farms or, when weather conditions are too wet on the farms, through a final filtration for discharge into Waikato River.

Van Bommel produced samples of the treated water which attendees at the annual meeting were able to smell but not drink.

Fonterra is waiting on final resource consent

to discharge at a new point in the river from its original consent. The co-operative wants to release the treated water at the same point of the river as Waipā District Council, adjacent to the Te Awa Cycle Ride and the new St Peter’s residential development. Hautapu is expecting its first milk to the site on July 16. Biomass will be introduced into the wastewater treatment plant’s southern bioreactor in August, the biological treatment will be fine-tuned and there will be an iwi blessing in September. The plant should be fully operational by July next year.

One of the new electric tankers on its trial at Waitoa.

Photo: Supplied.

Fonterra principal environmental engineer Tom Bamford shows a section of Fonterra’s new Hautapu wastewater plant where commissioning is about to finish. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Plan change review begins

The Environment Court is likely to reconvene in September to review responses to its interim decision on regional council plans to improve water quality in the Waikato and Waipā rivers. The Waikato Regional Council has until July 25 to the 376-page decision released on Wednesday last week. Waikato Regional Council Chief Executive Chris McLay said this was a complex plan change in development for 12 years, and time would be needed for staff to digest the interim decision and address the 35 directions of the court.

“The policies and rules are still not operative, but this interim decision takes the plan change one step closer. For farmers and growers, it means there’s no action required right now until a final determination by the court,” McLay said.

Proposed Waikato Regional Plan

Change 1 is the first step in a planned 80-year journey to achieve rivers with improved water quality, that are safe for food gathering along their entire length and meet the requirements of Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato - Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River. It is a change to the Waikato Regional Plan, developed with the community, to allow for the management of nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and bacteria in the Waikato and Waipā rivers. A decisions version of the proposed plan change that considered 1100 individual submissions, was notified in April 2020 and subsequently appealed by a number of parties. It is these appeals the Environment Court has made their interim decision on.

Meanwhile Federated Farmers has applauded the Government’s announcement of a comprehensive review of freshwater regulations.

“We’re pleased to see all options are on the table and that consultation will be open until July 27,” said Federated Farmers freshwater spokesperson Colin Hurst.

“The previous Government’s freshwater rules were completely unworkable for farmers. In some cases, even if you converted a whole catchment to native forest, you still wouldn’t have achieved the bottom lines.

“The current Government simply had to push pause on these rules - and now we’re seeing steps towards more sensible national direction to local authorities.”

Hurst said it was particularly welcoming that the Government wants a more balanced approach to Te Mana o Te Wai.

“That concept, as pursued by the previous Government, has been unworkable and highly problematic.

“It was unclear how councils should interpret and apply what was a vague concept of protecting the mana and mauri of water under Labour’s rules, and what that might mean for our farms and rural communities.”

Under Te Mana o te Wai, the health and wellbeing of water is put ahead of all other considerations, including human health, and social, cultural and economic wellbeing.

“That seems wildly imbalanced. The Government’s announcements today recognise such a strict hierarchy is flawed.”

WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT

The consultation document says: “Multiple objectives require councils to provide for multiple outcomes and can better reflect the interests of all water users.”

“Federated Farmers absolutely agrees with this. In fact, we believe it’s worth considering whether Te Mano o te Wai is a concept that should be scrapped altogether, which is one of the options now on the table,” Hurst said.

Another big question is whether it’s worth making these freshwater changes right now under the current Resource Management Act (RMA), or if this should wait until the Government has reformed the RMA, with the freshwater changes to follow.

“Federated Farmers will be reading through the detail of today’s announcement and going back to the Government with our position, on behalf of our members, in the next few weeks.”

Rural Leases

You may be considering that you no longer want to farm your property but also don’t want to sell the land. A good solution here is to consider leasing your property.

EDMONDS

A rural land lease is a legally binding agreement between a landowner and a tenant which allows the tenant to use the land for agricultural purposes, such as grazing, cropping, or horticulture, in exchange for rent. The duration, terms, and conditions of leases can vary, and leasing can be beneficial to both parties. Leasing provides an opportunity for young farmers to build an asset base without the costs of purchasing land and can enable farmers to continue to own the land and create a source of income from the land. If you’ve decided a rural lease is what you are looking for, then the next step is to look at the market and the property to consider the land value, rental rates, productivity, profitability, and potential risks and opportunities. Consultation with your farm advisor, lawyer and accountant can provide expert guidance and assistance on legal, financial, technical, or operational matters.

Before the lease is signed, it is important that the terms of the lease are reviewed and individualised to your property, as matters that are not covered could lead to disputes. Once signed, it is important to regularly review the lease to ensure that it is still fit for purpose.

If a rural lease is what you are looking for, please consult your solicitor to discuss further.

Lucy Sim

Chris McLay

Peter Nation - led by example

By Roy Pilott

On the day the news became public, Peter Nation delighted in being able to share it with his wider family – but in particular one person who had been an inspiration to him throughout his life.

That was his dad – 95 year old Arnold Nation. Because the dedication Peter Nation has brought to agriculture industry and governance – a contribution rewarded when he became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit – can be traced back to a sheep and beef farm, and sawmill, in the Turakina Valley north west of Hunterville which his parents ran.

It was a fourth generation operation and involved seven families – a significant employer.

Arnold, self-taught, “he didn’t turn on power until he was 21” ran the operation while filling a host of roles in the community.

The family’s influence in the community was significant.

“When someone would ring and say we are building a new fire station or a new ambulance station – the family would cut the timber for nothing.

“Mum was heavily involved in politics so we would have meetings at home and big political celebrations ... she’d be baking for the pet day.

“That’s all relevant to me today – the boy from the valley,” Nation said.

But following his father’s lead did not equate to a career in farming or silviculture.

“Mum told me the heaviest thing I would lift would be a pen.”

So, the teenager fresh out of boarding at Wanganui Boys’ College – who had been charged with doing the staff wages at home

- opted for a career in banking.

At 17, Nation – who was born on Anzac Day (April 25) 1961 – was involved in Jaycees, he worked with a group to build a squash club –and he was attending Chamber of Commerce meetings. All the while, his day job involved 40 minutes each way up the valley to get to work.

Mum, Prue, died when Nation was 18, so was not there to celebrate his rapid rise through the ANZ banking ranks. He was one of their youngest managers nine years later in Waverley. At 30 he was a career banker, he had met his wife to be Ali – now an advisory partner with PKF Hamilton - and moves to Hamilton and the Coromandel Peninsula followed. A return to Hamilton came with a new direction – rural banking.

New Zealand Fieldays was one of his customers and he oversaw the approval for credit to build the first pavilion at Mystery Creek and also looked after sponsorship for Fieldays, eventually joining their board.

The rural links continued when he left banking after 26 years - a redundancy victim of the ANZ-National banks merger - to work for Gallaghers, becoming national sales manager.

In the early 1990s he became involved – and highly supportive – of new environmental awards which were presented at Hamilton’s Distinction Hotel. He saw some practises his father had introduced many years ago being replicated. Talks followed and it was suggested the award go national.

In 1993-94 he was instrumental in securing significant sponsorship packages for the awards. The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are an integral part of the rural sector today – and the visionaries who set it up celebrated a 30th anniversary reunion

recently at Karāpiro.

He is also proud of the success of the Agribusiness in Schools programme which he was able to help through securing sponsorship from Gallaghers and Fieldays after the then St Paul’s Collegiate principal Grant Lander shared a vision with him.

“It’s one of those things that align with your values and your beliefs ... we’ve now got 100 schools teaching year 12 and 13 agribusiness and we’ve produced 3000 students. That’s another one of those pinch moments.”

Having worked in and around Fieldays for two decades, Nation was quick to express an interest when the chief executive’s job came up. He was selected from a pool of 67 applicants and after arriving in March 2016 oversaw a successful decade in the role as Fieldays negotiated the digital revolution and Covid.

His decided to retire to his Tamahere lifestyle block of 27 years last year – and spend more time with family.

He is Waikato Chamber of Commerce chair now and continues to fight the good fight for the rural community – most recently publicly taking on New Zealand Post over its rural delivery service changes.

His finger is still on the button of local issues, he is an avid follower of news – and reading newspapers – and is not short of an opinion on any issue. He will always be an influential ambassador for Fieldays.

“You don’t realise the shadow you cast,” he says of the chief executive role and the annual expo.

But a move into politics, locally or nationally, is certainly not on the cards.

He regards the abuse of local body politicians, particularly on social media as “sickening and disgusting”.

“There are different ways to get involved”. And there is no shortage of work to do at home – a thriving hydroponic set up in the greenhouse, lush lawns to mow, cutting firewood, making use of the big workshop and upstairs offices for he and his wife. Installing a lift is on the cards “when we get old”.

Of his award Nation says it’s for his family –wife Ali, and adult children Samantha and Thomas who have all worked voluntarily for Fieldays - and acknowledges being told “you give back”.

Just like his dad – who will be “so proud”.

The office at home is still in constant use for Peter Nation.

Fed leader is on the move

By Chris Gardner

Waikato Federated

Farmers new president Phil Sherwood is taking the executive on the road.

Sherwood, 40, said the first executive meeting of his presidency would be held in the Waipā district coupled with an event to attract members.

“It’s part of the engagement process, taking our executive and going back to the region,” he said.

The executive has met at the Waikato Farmers Trust building in Hamilton for decades, but the building’s recent sale has prompted a rethink.

“It was a good opportunity to reevaluate where we are at.”

Sherwood, who up until last season farmed two dairy herds of 500 cows supplying Open Country on two farms near Matamata, was just a few weeks into his new role when The News caught up with him at Farmers

Trust building where he and fellow members were sorting through boxes of memorabilia.

It’s too early to say where the presidential office will move to.

This season Sherwood is overseeing a 50/50 herd owner and share milker on one of his farms, and a contract milker on the other.

Educated at Hinuera School and Matamata College, Sherwood was raised on the family farm and took up farming at 16 where, apart from a couple of short spells off farm, he has remained farming.

In Federated Farmers, he has served as dairy chair and vice president, before succeeding Keith Holmes as president.

Profitability is a key word frequently mentioned at Waikato Federated Farmers executive meetings.

“We need to be profitable, from not just a farming perspective but from a

Waikato perspective. We need those industry groups like Beef and Lamb, Dairy NZ and the Foundation for Arable Research to be really championing that profit,” he said. “Profit will drive innovation.”

And he is waiting expectantly for the outcome of the government’s Finance and Expenditure Committee’s inquiry into banking competition.

“Banks have got their foot on the throats of some farmers,” he said.

“We feed into that rural economy, and I would like to think that they would take their foot of the throat of a few farmers trying to do the right thing.”

When it comes to rural advocacy, the issue at the top of Sherwood’s list is the upcoming Waikato River catchment wide implementation of farm environment plans as part of Waikato Regional Council’s Plan Change One.

“It’s not going away,” he said. “It’s still there.”

The Environment Court released a 376-page interim decision on May 28, giving the regional council until July 25 to propose amendments taking into account feedback from parties who appealed the plan change.

Another issue dear to Sherwood’s heart is pest control. He advocates a holistic approach between farmers, the Department of Conservation, Operational Solutions for Primary Industries, and Waikato Regional Council to eliminate a siloed approach to the problem.

“The problem is that they all work in isolation to a common goal, and are not working collaboratively,” Sherwood said. “I would like to see how we can collaborate.”

Sherwood believes in finding common ground with others.

“You can’t be everything to everybody, but you can find the common ground. When you have got that you can move forward from there. Sherwood also serves on AgriZero’s farmer focus group as it created tools to rapidly reduce

emissions while maintaining profitability and productivity.

Sherwood said it was too early to share too

the partnership between the government and agribusiness, but he hoped it would result in breaking the disconnect between the

Waikato Federated Farmers president Phil Sherwood is seeking a new office after the sale of the Waikato Farmers Trust building in Hamilton. Photo: Chris Gardner.

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Cambridge 11 Dunning Road

Rebekah

3/11 Bryce Street

Cambridge 43A King Street

Where serenity reigns on King

Nestled down a secure gated driveway, 43a King Street is a peaceful urban sanctuary where birdsong replaces traffic and mornings begin with dappled sun in the leafy garden. Entertain year round, with bifold doors opening out to a large, inviting outdoor fireplace and alfresco dining area. The open plan kitchen, dining and formal lounge overlook the established front garden, as does the master suite which brings the outside in, via a wraparound deck. Children and guests are spoilt for choice with their own wing comprising of three sun-filled bedrooms off a TV room, which also opens out to the garden. A huge 903sqm site so close to several Cambridge schools is gold, with enough room for multiple cars, the boat, even a large motorhome. And with storage options aplenty, including a tool shed and double garage with roof cavity, you'll be coming home to your own private kingdom!

bayleys.co.nz/2350915

4 2 2 2

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Tue 1 Jul 2025 Lakewood, Unit 1, Block C, 36 Lake Street, Cambridge View Sun 12.30-1.15pm or by appointment Karen Rutherford 027 279 5930 karen.rutherford@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS

3 1 2

Full of warmth, history, and timeless charm, this 1867 Kauri cottage is one of Leamington’s most treasured homes. Once the local general store and post office, it has been lovingly restored to blend heritage character with modern comfort. Featuring three bedrooms—including two doubles and a smaller third for a nursery, guest room, or office—plus a country-style kitchen with bay dining nook, new oven, dishwasher, and updated bathroom with separate toilet. A wood-burning fire, heat pump, ventilation system, insulation, and new hot water cylinder provide year-round comfort. The fully fenced, spacious backyard offers fruit trees, rose garden beds, and a sunny patio ready for a spa. Just steps from Leamington Village and close to Cambridge, this home is full of heart—and sure to tug at yours.

bayleys.co.nz/2350910

jess.rose@bayleys.co.nz

Timeless charm in the heart of Leamington

Sanctuary of Fruits and Berries

- Exceptional opportunity to secure a 1012m² (more or less) land area, paired with a well-improved 3 bedroom home.

- Kitchen has been updated and is equipped with a stove, a double draw dishwasher, and ample space for a double fridge, ensuring practicality and convenience.

- Four heat pumps and a DVS system for year-round comfort.

- Double garage with a 3rd bay available, perfect for hobby, gym, or workshop space.

Resort - like living - Relax in town

Vendors Inviting Offers - Location & Private

- Perfectly positioned, tucked privately off the road.

- Step inside & be greeted by the warmth of native timber flooring.

- The spacious 1217m² (more or less) yard provides plenty of room for kids to play, pets to roam & avid gardeners to create & potter.

- Year-round comfort with a heat pump in the main living area, a wall heater in the hallway, and heater in the bathroom.

- Double garage offers ample room for parking, storage, or even a dedicated tinkering space for hobbies/projects.

Grand Proportions For Life & Leisure

- Unique, one-of-a-kind home is built with love, designed for family fun, and crafted for lasting beauty.

- Modern, open plan kitchen with breakfast bar, with flow to one of the living areas. separate office with charming stable door.

- Second living area is a light-filled step down lounge featuring large window seat, made extra cozy by an open wood fire.

- Three spacious bedrooms, one of which opens to a Juliet balcony overlooking the heated, saltwater pool.

- This modern contemporary residence spans 281m² (more or less) of single-level sophistication, set upon a meticulously landscaped 2,500m² (more or less) fully fenced section.

- Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light.

- Chef’s kitchen with gas cooking hob, two ovens plus a scullery and dining space are all thoughtfully positioned to overlook the outdoor swimming pool and aggregate entertainment area.

- A spacious media room and a separate study provide versatility for work and relaxation.

$685,000

$699,000

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Contact Graham

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Crisp and delicious

I had resisted buying an air fryer even though several friends were swearing these cookers were the best thing since sliced bread. I gave in because I was asked to write an opinion piece. And I fell in love!

However, I cook mostly for two people. When the family rocks in, the kids like to cook their own oil-free chips — great for after sport. Cooking for a family of six would be imprudent as meals would need to be cooked in batches. It would be better to use conventional cooking. But potato accompaniments can be hassle-backed, sprayed with oil, seasoned, topped with grated parmesan and cooked until crispy. Broccoli is the best ever. And you can bake a small, butterflied chicken to perfection in 30 minutes – crispy skin with a juicy inside.

Just as cooking times differs in conventional ovens, slow cookers and microwaves, the same applies for air fryers. It also depends how much food you are cooking. The more you cook, the longer it will take.

Most air fryers need to be preheated for about 3 minutes. You can check the food during cooking at various intervals. Giving chips a shake helps more even cooking. The air fryer continues to cook for the designated time after you return the pan.

Air fryer crispy chicken skewers

The 9cm bamboo skewers were bought at a $2 shop. 350g skinned and boned chicken breast

1/4 cup plain Greek-style yoghurt

1 clove garlic, crushed 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

pinch chilli flakes

freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 – 1 1/2 cups panko or plain dried breadcrumbs spray canola oil

Cut the chicken into 2.5 cm chunks. Place in a bowl with the yoghurt, garlic, paprika, chilli flakes and pepper. Mix well.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours. Remove the chicken from the yoghurt and toss in the breadcrumbs ensuring the cubes are well coated. Thread loosely onto 4-5, 9cm bamboo skewers. Chill for 30 minutes to set.

Preheat the air fryer on 200°C for 3 minutes or according to

the manufacturer’s instructions. Spray the rack with oil. Spray the chicken skewers with oil. Place in the air fryer and cook for 7 minutes. Turn the skewers over and cook for a further 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked.

Great served with Tomayo— equal amounts of tomato sauce and mayonnaise. Serves 2.

Churros

Churros are traditionally served at breakfast with melted chocolate for dipping. I prefer a tangy fruit purée or a squeeze of lime or lemon.

Cinnamon Sugar: 1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Churros: 1 cup plain flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup water

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons canola or sunflower oil spray canola oil

Combine the cinnamon sugar ingredients in a bowl and place aside.

To make the churros, first combine the flour and baking powder in a small bowl.

Place the water, sugar, salt and canola or sunflower oil in a medium saucepan and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat. Stir in the flour combo all at once, mixing until a ball forms.

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Line a baking tray with baking paper. Place the dough in a cloth piping bag fitted with a 1.5cm star nozzle. Pipe the dough in 5cm lengths down the baking paper.

Preheat the air fryer. Spray the churros with oil. Spray the air fryer rack with oil.

Air fry for 6 minutes. Turn the churros over. Cook for another 6 minutes, until golden. Dust with the cinnamon sugar. Serve with a dipping sauce on the side. Serve at breakfast or as a dessert. Makes about 10.

Parmesan hasselbacks

It’s best to first par-cook these potatoes in the microwave before air frying.

2 medium roasting potatoes, about 150g each spray olive oil

flaky sea salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Peel and halve the potatoes crosswise. Place them cut side down and make 5mm cuts almost through to the other side. Place on a damp paper towel in the microwave and cook for 6 minutes. Remove and cool a little. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer.

Spray the oil generously over the potatoes. Season well then sprinkle with the parmesan. Place on the oiled air fryer rack and cook for 6-8 minutes, until cooked and crispy on top. Serves 2-4.

Air fryer crispy chicken skewers

Churros

KING, Paama Anaru –

Sadly, we lost the taonga of our whānau, marae, iwi, hāpori on Monday, 26th May 2025, aged 43 years young. The much loved son of Andrew & Gay. Treasured brother of Hingatu and to many of his close cousins. Adored uncle to all his nieces and nephews. Well respected friend to many past and present work colleagues. There are no words to express or explain the pain we are all feeling and experiencing through this unexpected tragedy. It’s drawn his whānau and friends from all over Aotearoa and Australia and we thank you all for your kind, comforting words and messages to us at this time. We can’t thank our kaimahi enough for the tireless efforts to help us through. Mā te atua, tatou katoa, e manaaki, e tiaki Rire Rire Hau Pamarire. A tangi for Paama has been held at Maungatautari Marae. Messages to the King Family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Paama's online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz

BRANDT, Catherina Johanna – Suddenly passed away on Saturday, 31st May 2025, aged 55. She was the dearly loved wife of De Wet for 30 amazing years. She was also the loved mother to Jayden and the late Lily, Catherina is now reunited with her beloved daughter. The family extends special thanks to the Cambridge Police, Ambulance, and Fire services for their support during this difficult time. A private farewell has already taken place. Messages to the Brandt Family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Catherina's online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz.

we miss you every day, your loving husband Merv, daughters Tina, Anita and Karen, granddaughters Taylor, Zara and Jessica, grandsons Damain and Jethro, and great grandies.

YOUR

Call Liz 027 809 9933 or email liz@goodlocal.nz

Steph O’Sullivan CHIEF EXECUTIVE

CAMBRIDGE OPEN HOMES

It’s the source that matters

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

The term ‘fake’ news is now an everyday expression. We’re subjected on a regular basis to tsunami levels of concerted and unprecedented misinformation.

Spin and propaganda strategies deployed by governments and despotic entities to promote agendas aren’t new. Nor is disseminating carefully crafted messages designed to shape and manipulate society for evil motives. Sadly it appears New Zealanders haven’t proved any less gullible than others as an audience receptive to misleading narratives.

It’s truly alarming how people can be collectively swayed into having their values, beliefs and behaviours bent by a ‘pitch’ that’s repetitively loud and persuasive - even though it’s patently false.

I watched a movie recently set in Germany during the 1930’s as that country became spellbound by an evil dictator. Hitler spun a vision of a glorious national recovery that appealed enormously to the pride of the masses. Compelling promises of revived fortune and status bewitched the majority of the nation.

Embracing Hitler’s demonised rhetoric, nationalistic fervour tragically blinded most German citizens into overlooking or justifying the evil atrocities that Nazi Germany set about introducing - sadly most of the church also embraced the delusion. As World War Two broke out, a confident German nation with few protesting, set out to assert itself, crushing every opponent, eliminating those deemed unworthyEuropean Jews particularly being targeted and victimised.

That was 80 years ago. The German experience and the weird, strange new age since Covid-19 should have taught us

one thing… to stand up and cry foul when it’s necessary.

The misinformation and good versus evil served up over recent times is next level. Humans are generally very bad at detecting what’s fake because fake ideas often look like the real deal.

A desperate need exists for discernment of the truth to resist the noise of insistent voices that are false. It’s happening - what Jesus spoke of repetitively.

Some years ago a mother with a daughter came to see me. They described experiencing frightening ‘paranormal’ manifestations in their home. I asked candidly about what might have ‘opened the door’. They agreed it coincided with the daughter’s interest in ‘occultic arts’. Finding it intriguing, she had innocently become captivated dabbling with psychic readings, divining, tarot cards, palmistry, spiritual readings and more.

I commended her search for spiritual answers but was quick to point out there are two sources of spiritual ‘reality’- a dark side that is a deceptive entrapping counterfeit, leading to bondage as opposed to what is true, leading to freedom and can only be sourced from God. This is the age old battle between darkness and light, truth and error.

Some may say, ‘if it works to make spiritual connection and provides answers, it must be ok’ The fact it ‘works’ is irrelevantthe important issue is what’s the source and what is the fruit?

Thankfully, for this family where things had escalated to being seriously ‘out of control’, they renounced the fake, finding freedom in embracing the truth.