Cambridge News | May 1, 2025

World conflicts boost Anzac crowds

By Viv Posselt

Record numbers attending Anzac Day events around the region, and the messages delivered at those services, suggest a heightened public awareness of escalating global tensions.

The messages were widespread and came from regional mayors, Members of Parliament as well as NZ Returned Services Association (RSA) and Cambridge RSA president Tony Hill.

Heightened awareness of global conflicts was likely attributable to today’s almost instantaneous news coverage via social media, he said.

“You can’t go anywhere and not have the news reach you … it’s in our faces all the time.”

More than 1000 people attended Cambridge’s Dawn Service and about 1200 were at the Commemorative event.

“Crowds at events like Anzac Day have definitely grown in number. I am sure that the current turmoil they see in the world is part of the reason. I also think it is marvellous to see them turn out like that. There seem to be more families who are there not only to support people from past wars, but also to support those serving today.”

• See Anzac coverage, pgs 5, 6 and 7 and cambridgenews.nz

Town’s tourism reset

By Mary Anne Gill

Cambridge has weathered economic storms proving tourism is a viable industry for the town, but operators have been told to beware price gouging during key events.

At Destination Cambridge’s annual tourism industry evening in the Town Hall last week, Tourism minister and local MP Louise Upston said regions needed to work together to get tourists back to New Zealand and make it the country’s biggest export earner again.

Recent price gouging in Taupō during last

month’s Super 440 was “outrageous,” she said.

“But do you know what’s damaging? It’s actually damaging to the town and it’s damaging to New Zealand’s reputation because the view is that we are willing to rip people off.

“I know when it’s Fieldays and when it’s Waka Ama there’s lots of opportunities and lots of demand on accommodation. It is very short term thinking to go after the big prices. We don’t want to be that place or that country seen to rip people off,” said Upston.

“Actually getting people to choose New

Zealand is job number one,” she said also questioning the number of regional tourism organisations in the country. There are 31 including Hamilton and Waikato plus one in Wānaka and another in nearby Queenstown.

During the event Riverside Adventures business manager Memorie Brooky confirmed the i-Site operation they had run since July last year for Destination Cambridge, following the withdrawal of Waipā District Council funding, would close on June 30.

Riverside would not continue being part of the i-Site network of official visitor

information centres but instead would set up an information centre at the Velodrome called Explore Waikato Visitor Hub.

“The Velodrome is on the signage from the Expressway so that will be a nice easy pop off.”

No announcement has been made about the future of the Town Hall space occupied by Destination Cambridge’s i-Site for more than two decades but the trust managing the hall is said to be in discussions with Waipā council around overflow library space.

Cambridge High School heads Millie Balsom and Malakai Eade with a visiting Air Force cadet prepare to lay a wreath while the hundreds who attended the Commemoration Service outside the Town Hall on Anzac Day watch on.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Does your lawn look like this?

DOCTOR

Town’s tourism reset

Destination Cambridge chair Lucy Young, who is standing down at the upcoming annual meeting, said they had “opened conversations” with the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce around a potential merger.

“Our thinking is that builds on a strong synergy between our respective organisations might be more agile and better positioned to adapt to evolving tourism trends and allow us to embrace new

opportunities for innovation and digital presence.”

Destination Cambridge’s website is a digital goldmine attracting 125,000 active users and the event listing part of it had a huge database, said Young. The organisation would continue to work on the vast potential of the sector collaboratively having established financial sustainability, she said.

Continued from page 1

Years of prudent financial management and a proactive approach to diversifying its income stream meant there were reserves.

“These aren’t just numbers on a page; they are a strategic asset that we intend to deploy thoughtfully to directly benefit you. This financial strength will empower us to amplify our industry’s voice on key issues,” said Young.

Fluoride misinformation

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I hope everyone had a good long weekend. It was good to see many from the local community at the Anzac ceremony.

Last week I mentioned firearm safety. The gun safety rules apply to airgun use too. In good catches this past week, we received a report of a person firing an airgun out onto Lake Karāpiro.

At the time there were a number of people using the domain. It is an offence to use an airgun in or near a dwelling or public place so as to endanger property or endanger, annoy or frighten any person. Police attended and located a female with the airgun. A search of her vehicle also located live ammunition rounds. She was arrested and will appear in court on related charges. Thanks to those who rang to report it.

In other incidents over the last seven days, officers dealt with a missing person, two burglaries, 11 thefts, six family harm matters, five assaults, threats and intimidation, an arson, trespass, two bail breaches, three drunk drivers, a crash plus various front counter reports.

Last week, I and other officers attended a traffic crash where a vehicle had hit three others.

The driver of the offending car was found to

have had a medical event. It is important to be aware of the effect that medical conditions and even some medications can have on our ability to drive. Anyone who has such an incident is forbidden from driving until they gain medical clearance through NZTA. It is a legal requirement for drivers to disclose medical conditions as requested on NZTA driver licensing forms. They must also stop driving when medically suspended or revoked, or when their doctor tells them they are unfit to drive. Drivers otherwise should not drive if they are impaired in any way – including due to prescribed medications. Among a long list of side effects, certain medications can make a person drowsy, cause nausea, blurred vision, slow reactions and confusion.

A person may not always realise they are impaired and that the effects felt may continue after the day on which medication is initially taken. It is important to always check with your doctor about your ability to drive when taking prescription medication.

If you ever feel unwell or affected, err on the side of caution and ask someone else to drive you. The last thing you want to do is cause a crash at risk of injuring yourself or others.

I’m wanting to complain to you about giving airtime about the stupidity of antifluoridation. Fluoridation of water has been proved to be excellent for public health for over 70 years and giving airtime to people who refuse to adhere to scientific evidence is just poor journalism.

I object to the ‘both sides’ when the other side is so blatantly misinformed. Are you going to give equal airtime to a flat earther? Why not? Don’t be part of the problem by writing misinformation as fact/opinion. New Zealand is not the United States, and the current administration is intent on racing to the bottom. Please do not follow them for your own integrity.

Peter Finch

Nelson

Editor’s note: There is a sufficient level of public opposition to some councils, including Waipā, being ordered to add fluoride to water supplies that it would show a lack of integrity if this newspaper ignored it. Fluoride remains a controversial subject. The shape of our planet is not.

Taupō MP Louise Upston, centre, with Gerry Westenberg, right, who has developed the old Masonic Hotel, renamed The Clements Hotel, which will reopen later this month with Cameron Kellow as general manager.

Photo: Michael Jeans.

Pink breakfast

Cambridge breast cancer survivor and mother of two Sabine Lang is encouraging people to host a Pink Ribbon breakfast this month to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2021 after a routine mammogram found a tumour and has since gone on to open Lang’s, her own gluten-free bakery.

Coffee with cops

Cambridge Police and the Community Patrol met locals last month as part of the Coffee with a Cop initiative. These events are more than just meet-and-greets; they bridge gaps, dispel misconceptions, and remind everyone that police officers are community members too.

Loire dies

Group one winning mare Loire, 9, passed away at the weekend at the Cambridge home of Brent and Cherry Taylor following a paddock accident. The Trelawney bred champion was a farm favourite and a wonderful, kind and loving mare, said Cherry. Loire retired to stud after failing to add to her victories as a three-year-old.

The Reds draw

Three games in 10 days caught up with Cambridge Football Club on Saturday as they drew 1-1 with Northern Rovers in round seven of the Northern Championship League. Goalie Stefan Heuberger was player of the match. The result saw The Reds drop one place behind Hamilton Wanderers on the table with 14 points from four wins, two draws and a loss. Cambridge women lost 3-0 to Melville on Sunday.

Step aside

Cambridge trio Chris Waller, James McDonald and Step Aside combined to grab an Australian victory at Randwick Racecourse on Saturday. It was the fifth victory of a 21-start career for the gelding which began its career with trainer Ralph Manning, then victory in an 800m trial on the Cambridge synthetic track before heading across the Tasman.

150 not out for stalwart

David Morris can often be found washing dishes in the clubroom kitchen, but on Saturday the humble Hautapu rugby servant was on the field playing his 150th premier match. Jesse Wood spoke to him on the achievement.

David Morris had never kicked a conversion in club rugby before, but this was a special occasion, and no-one was about to argue when he got the ball.

It was full time - Quentin Hill had scored under the posts - it was 88-10 and no harm would be done if he missed.

But he didn’t and he was engulfed by teammates when it sailed through the posts at Memorial Park in Cambridge on Anzac Day celebrating not only a resounding win over Melville but the end of his 150th game for Hautapu.

Regarded as a great leader on and off the park, Morris scored three tries and the conversion for a 17-point haul.

The 30-year-old also played the match at lock rather than his usual flanker position.

Club president Dave Simes acknowledged the achievement saying that Morris’ contribution to Hautapu went well beyond just playing the game.

“Dave has fully immersed himself in club life over the 11 years he has played, and he has brought his family along with him on that journey,” Simes said.

“Davey always makes time for people in the club, new and old members, enjoys the company of others, but has never compromised his on-field playing performances. He is a fine example of what we are about as a club.”

Hautapu head coach Jackson Willison said “Davey’s day” was a perfect storm and they fielded a strong team.

“It was an easy motivation to get up for that one,” he said.

“Most people will see the value Davey adds on the field, his leadership, and credit to him, this year his form has been as good as I’ve ever seen it.

“What people might not have seen is his contribution off the park – whether it’s kitting the boys out, bringing our young guys through from a leadership point of view and doing the groundwork. He leads from the front.

“He’s often in the kitchen washing the dishes or up front leading the haka practices.”

Morris has scored 55 tries, 282 points and won 118 matches since his debut in 2014, a 78.7 per cent win rate.

He has been part of three club premiership-winning teams, the undefeated 2019 side, 2020 and 2023.

“Hautapu has been a big part of my life since leaving school,” he said.

“I don’t score too many tries, but to get three in the one game was pretty out the gate.”

Achieving 150 club games is a rare achievement these days.

“When I first started playing, we were able to tick over a few games in a season. We’d play 20 games. Nowadays the competition is much shorter. You only play 13 or 14 games if you make the finals,” Morris said.

“I guess not getting injured has probably helped [get me to here]. There’s also so many opportunities overseas these days to go play and travel, but it’s good to be loyal.”

Apart from winning the premierships, Morris said playing alongside Mitch Jacobson and Jason “JT” Thomasen from game one to game 150 was a thrill as were appearances with club All Blacks Luke Jacobson, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Liam Messam.

“The network and the people around the club are also a highlight. There are so many good families.”

Thomasen is next in line to play 150 games, currently sitting on 139.

“[David is] a huge part of what

makes club rugby good. He loves getting out there with the boys and playing for Hautapu,” co-captain Mitch Jacobson said.

“He’s outstanding with all the old boys in the club rooms and always brings great energy to trainings and games.

“He’s also a bloody handy player, happy to play anywhere to help the team. The club is stoked to have had him involved since 2014 and he’s a great man to play alongside.”

Morris started playing rugby in the Hawke’s Bay at an early age, before the family moved to Australia when he was 8.

He attended Newington College in Sydney and went on to represent the 2013 Australian Schools team on a UK tour, playing alongside future NRL and Super Rugby stars against England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

After high school, Morris headed back to New Zealand to study Business Management at Waikato University.

His father knew then Cambridge High School principal Karl Thornton, who recommended playing rugby for Hautapu.

More than a decade later, Morris has never looked back.

He represented Waikato Under-19 in his early years of club rugby and captained the New Zealand Harlequins XV two years ago. Off the park, Morris has been Dynasty Sport’s account manager for five years across the Waikato and Central North Island.

• See Hautapu try scoring flush, pg 12

Grinter’s

Jim Goddin JP Funeral Director

David Morris slots a conversion in his 150th premier match. Photo: Matt Gould

David Morris of the 2013 Australia Schools team. Photo: Supplied

Sister city relationship sealed

By Mary Anne Gill

Cambridge was well represented in France for Anzac Day commemorations over the weekend and the 25th anniversary of the sister city relationship with Le Quesnoy.

The 28 students from Cambridge High School and their four teachers were at the service outside Te Arawhata - the New Zealand Liberation Museum. They led the New Zealand anthem watched by Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk, Cambridge Community Board members Alana Mackay and Philip Coles and Jo and Brendan Lindsay from Cambridge Stud.

The students, who return home tomorrow (Friday) also visited Paris, Nîmes, Gimont and Annecy and Le Quesnoy staying in homestays while

doing the traditional tourist visits to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Versailles and Paris Disneyland.

Te Arawhata is a visitor experience created by Wētā Workshop and tells the story of the Kiwi soldiers who liberated the French town of Le Quesnoy on November 4, 1918. Te Arawhata marked Anzac Day with a weekend of remembrance from April 25 –27, with the service on Sunday.

Later Coles and Mackay signed a declaration marking the 25th anniversary of the relationship between Cambridge and Le Quesnoy watched by Le Quesnoy deputy mayor Axelle Declerck, mayor MarieSophie Lesne, Allier secretary general Hélène Demolombe Tobie, Stolwyk and New

The visit also included a Last Post ceremony, a visit to Le Quesnoy Communal Cemetery where 50 New Zealand soldiers are buried, visits to the nearby towns of Beaudignies, Romeries and Vertigneul and an Anzac dinner where a three-course authentic French meal was served followed by a kapa haka performance by Ngāti Rānana – the London Māori club.

All representatives travelled at their own cost with only the $150 cost of a gift – a hand drawn art piece by Saiorse Herewini - covered by Cambridge Community Board.

• See: Anzac Day – from sunrise to sunset, p6-7.

Hospice shop a dump

Cambridge Hospice Shop manager Justine Webb-Elliott is about as dedicated as you can be.

A self-confessed lover of her job, she leads a team of staff and dedicated volunteers who are passionate about thrift shopping, about giving customers a wonderful shopping experience and, most of all, about raising funds to ensure that the people of the Waikato, who are dying and need Hospice Waikato care, receive that care at no cost to them or their whānau.

But there are times when starting the working day is a challenge. These are the days when the shop’s amazing community donors have left their donations outside the shop, when the shop is closed. All too frequently other members of the community have torn open the bags of donations, taken what they want and have left the remainder of the donations strewn across the shop frontage. The other days that are difficult are when members of the public have used the shop frontage as a place to dump their rubbish.

“There are two key messages I’d love to get out to our community” says Justine.

“One is to please bring your donated items to us during our opening hours. It enables us to check the quality of the donations and store them inside our shop until our staff and volunteers have the opportunity to sort the donations and prepare them for display in our shop.

“Secondly, please don’t use our shop as a place to dump rubbish. It significantly adds to our own rubbish disposal costs which, in turn, reduces the funds available to support hospice patients.”

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Cogswell

Steelfab

Wackrows

Cambridge

Cambridge Hire

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Hospice Waikato chief executive Alex Gordon, and shop manager, Justine Webb-Elliott, inspecting the items donated and dumped during the Easter break, while the shop was shut. Photo: Supplied.

Zealand’s ambassador to France Caroline Bilkey.

Students and teachers from Cambridge High School School at Le Quesnoy for Anzac Day commemorations. Photo: Supplied

Cambridge Community Board members Philip Coles, left, and Alana Mackay sign a declaration acknowledging the 25th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Le Quesnoy in France and Cambridge with back row, from left Le Quesnoy deputy mayor Axelle Declerck, mayor Marie-Sophie Lesne, Allier secretary general Hélène Demolombe Tobie, Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk and New Zealand’s ambassador to France Caroline Bilkey. Photo: Supplied

Anzac Day – from sunrise to sunset

Record numbers turned out for dawn and mid-morning commemorations and the Cambridge Cycling Festival on Anzac Day. Senior writer Mary Anne Gill filed these photos while on the other side of the world, Cambridge representatives attended sister city Le Quesnoy’s commemorations. More cambridgenews.nz

RON’S ELECTRICAL – STILL AT YOUR SERVICE

A business closing its doors isn’t usually a good sign, but for Ron’s Electrical Services when one door closes, another opens.

After 14 years based on Cambridge’s Commerce Street, Steen and Morrow has now closed its doors. And yet, a busy, veteran electrician (now trading as Ron’s Electrical Services) has made the move from business owner to sole contractor.

“It was great having a business in the heart of the community,” owner Ron Grim says. “But by transitioning to become a homebased contractor, I can still continue in the community looking after my old, loyal customers and always welcoming new customers.”

While foot traffic is needed to keep the wheels in spin for many businesses, there are exceptions to every rule.

“There was a time when people would walk in off the street, but these days they’re much less likely to go shopping in that way. Unlike when I first started out, people can easily reach me through calls, texts and emails sent to my phone.”

As an added bonus of the move, Ron has also been able to reduce his costs quite substantially.

“It costs a lot just to keep the lights on at a shop,” he says. “Now, by cutting my overheads right back to the essentials, I can look to pass savings on to my customers, which I know they’ll definitely appreciate.”

For more than 20 years, Ron has provided a wide range of residential and commercial electrical services throughout the Waikato – and he says he intends to continue to do so.

“From small repairs to major rewiring jobs, I have the right tools and experience to assist. Large projects are no problem but neither are smaller jobs,” he says. “I’m still doing small repairs and testing electric blankets, which requires special equipment, at my workshop.”

There are some services Ron has stopped providing, such as repairs to most household appliances, in order to concentrate on his core business. However, if he can’t help, odds are he knows who can.

“I’ve been working in the area for so long that I’ve developed an extensive list of the region’s top tradesmen. So, if I can’t fix it, I’m more than happy to recommend some of the best in the business who can.”

Although repeat business and recommendations mean Ron no longer needs a shop, he is still ready and able to welcome new business too.

“All of our customers were first time customers once. They keep coming back time and time again, and recommending me, because I’m thorough, effective and quick,” he adds. “Simply give me a call on 0210 617 116 and I’ll be happy to discuss your needs in detail.”

Owner Ron Grim, former owner of Betta Electical (Steen and Morrow).

Clockwise from top left: Cas Stinson, left, and Colin Parkinson of the Cambridge RSA lay poppies during the Dawn Ceremony; Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan speaks at the Civic Ceremony in the Town Hall Piazza; Waipā District Council staffers Debs Holmes, left, and Veronica Huxtable provide valuable support to the Cambridge Community Board on Anzac Day; Lest we forget: from left, Wolf Hucke, Cambridge Community Board member Sue Milner, soloist Elaine Wogan, St Peter’s School heads Kieran Lawson and Madeleine Waddell during the Anzac Commemoration in the Town Hall Piazza in Cambridge; Members of the Cambridge and Districts Pipe Band provided the music while wreaths were laid during the Commemoration Service; Cambridge Community Board chair Jo Davies-Colley, right, is reflective while one of the Air Force Cadets and RSA president Tony Hill, centre, salutes before the Cenotaph; Veteran John Filmer, foreground sitting during the Anzac Dawn ceremony with from left, RSA president Tony Hill and vice president Jon Broadley standing, Alison Hucke and ex Indian navy officer Allan Rodrigues and the Poppy hot air balloon on the Victoria Oval.

Clockwise from top left: The Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade were out in their full uniforms for the Anzac Day Commemoration Service; Cambridge High School student Lily Cameron sets off just behind New Zealand cyclist Olivia King with starter Shaane Fulton holding the hooter in one of the road race time trials during the Cycling Festival; Elodie Cox wins one of the spot prizes at the Cycling Festival, an Evo bicycle, watched by her brother Jasper; On the other side of the world, Cambridge representatives were at sister city Le Quesnoy’s Anzac Day commemorations at their own cost, from left: Heather Wellington, Alana MacKay, Andrew Bateman, Liz Stolwyk and Carol Ann Torrie. Photo supplied; RNZAF veteran Les Winslade, 104, was the only World War II veteran at the Commemoration service and a letter was read out to him from King Charles III; Natalie Wharepapa, 11, was not going to let having her foot in a moon boot affect her role in the Commemoration Service, laying a wreath on behalf of Te Miro School with fellow student Henry Taylor; Children aged 5-7 years line up for The Kerfuffle race, an obstacle event during the Cycling Festival which involved running, cycling through obstacles, delivering copies of The News and sucking on limes.

Feels like home

Bupa resident Marni has just returned home after renewing her drivers license in town. 81 years young, she’s lived at Bupa St Kilda Retirement Village for the past seven years.

Originally from Ireland, Marni and her husband Je emigrated to New Zealand 25 years ago. “We came on holiday to visit our daughter Sally – and never went back!” laughs Marni. The couple’s decision to make the move from their home in Raglan to retirement village living at Bupa St Kilda was triggered by Je ’s ill health, with St Kilda’s o ering of an on-site care home giving them both the peace of mind and independence they desired. Marni and Je were married for 57 years before Je passed away in 2019.

“When my husband died, I decided to sell my villa at St Kilda and move to a little cottage on my daughter’s farm – it was time out for me to grieve,” says Marni. A keen gardener, Marni created a greenfingered haven in one of the fields on the farm. “I love gardens, they’ve always meant something really special to me,” she says.

After a year at the cottage, Marni felt the time was right to return to retirement village living. “I thought ‘I’m ready to talk to people again now’,” she says. “My daughter said ‘Right, let’s look at everything’, so we went and looked everywhere!”.

“We went around every retirement village in the area and my daughter would say ‘Oh these apartments are lovely’ and I’d say ‘No, there’s no garden’. She smiled at me said ‘Okay, let’s go and see what they’ve got at St Kilda!’”

“I liked it here at St Kilda, and I still had friends here. So, I bought a villa, with a lovely outdoor area where I could garden. It was like coming home,” she says. “I remember saying that to people; I felt I was coming back where I belong.”

Marni recently moved from her villa at St Kilda Retirement Village to one of the new serviced apartments, which she says has given her a sense of community as well as support when she needs it. “Your meals are done, your vacuuming, you can have your bed changed for you – things people can find harder as they grow older,” she says.

“As a widower, cooking for one just isn’t quite the same,” says Marni. “I meet three friends for lunch every day and we talk about all sorts. Dinnertime is the same. We have a lovely communal lounge where we chat over meals, which is great when you live on your own. I didn’t realise how important that was until I came here – it’s nice not to have to eat on your own,” she says.

“I’m still very independent,” says Marni. “I enjoy doing my own thing, and I’ll pop down to the community centre once a week to see what’s going on. We have a marvellous village manager, lots of lawns and trees, and it’s just lovely here.” According to Marni, staying active is easy at St Kilda Retirement Village. “We have Keep Fit here three times a week – some of it involves sitting on chairs, so yes, you can still exercise sitting on a chair!” she says. A keen walker, Marni clocks around 10,000 steps each day “with a bit of luck!” she laughs.

“Walking is so important, even it’s just a walk around the village to see friends and have a cup of tea together, I just like to know that I can keep fit and keep walking.”

With the annual family holiday to Rarotonga already locked in for later this year, Marni will be the first to put her hand up for the tropical morning stroll!

For more information about Bupa St Kilda Retirement Village, or to find out if retirement village living is right for you, visit bupa.co.nz.

bupa.co.nz/stkilda

ON SHAKY GROUND

Slow and steady

By Janine Krippner

If you want an example of how sensational headlines can be about geology, the East African Rift is a prime example. A few years ago, photos of a large crack made the rounds, making it seem like the ground was pulling apart right then and there, with headlines like, “Large crack in East African Rift is evidence of continent splitting in two.”

Geologists were quick to jump in and point out that this “crack” was actually a gully formed by erosion, where dirt was being washed away by water.

So, it was never a crack at all. But why let facts get in the way of a good story, right?

Science is for all of us, and that includes geology.

This is our beautiful planet, and understanding how it works feeds into how we can live in harmony with it.

We don’t need a “crack” for evidence. We’ve known about the African rift system for a long time.

It began about 25 million years ago, so at this point, it’s not shocking. It is, however, a very cool example of active plate tectonics.

The rift zone is a divergent boundary, where tectonic plates pull apart due to the underlying processes of our active Earth.

This isn’t rare on our planet, but we don’t usually see it on a continent. We do see the Mid-Atlantic Rift popping up above the ocean to form Iceland, but the rest of these enormous systems are hidden beneath the sea.

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an incredible region with a lot still to discover because of its inaccessibility deep below the ocean,

and we can learn even more by exploring examples on land.

These systems stretch thousands of kilometres and are composed of faults, volcanic and hydrothermal activity, thinning crust, and new land formation. They happen very slowly, especially on human time scales, but they steadily shape our planet.

There’s such beauty in these powerful yet slow processes that have led to our continents and oceans being where they are today.

If you look at a map, one of the clearest examples is how the eastern side of South America and the western side of Africa look like they were once joined. Because they were.

In the biggest, most epic show of slow and steady, they have made about 7,000 km of progress. How’s that for an inspiration poster child?

These scales are tough to comprehend. Millions of years and vast distances make it look like nothing is moving at all.

But when it does move quickly near us, we notice it—like when there’s a release of pressure during a large earthquake. Tectonics is a slow process, until it isn’t.

So yes, there will one day be a new ocean splitting Africa, but it’s not happening at shocking speed.

And us geologists are not “scrambling” because of it.

We are, however, driven by a love of understanding our planet at all scales and speeds, and like many of you, we are always fascinated to learn more.

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Rugs, Kilim, Runners, And Much More!

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Running for three generations…

By Mary Anne Gill

Nine-year-old Lottie Bourke loves running. So does Fred Needham.

There’s 67 years and at least three generations between them and that says Cambridge Harriers Jubilee committee member Margaret Fisher is what makes the Cambridge Athletic and Harrier Club so special.

The club is about to celebrate its 75th anniversary with a cross country relay next week from their grounds in Vogel St followed by a celebration dinner in the Roto-o-Rangi Community Hall.

The club’s first official race was held at Ern and Madge Tomsett’s property at Smart Rd, French Pass in 1950 with seven starters competing over a three mile country course.

Fast forward to 2025 and the course for the latest cross country event is on Fisher’s Ōhaupō dairy farm in Parallel Rd where more than 50 runners at the weekend encountered the same obstacles those hardy runners did back then. Cow manure, bogs, hedge fences and the odd puddle of water.

Distances varied dependent on running skillsets plus athletes were set an additional test – they were not allowed to wear watches to monitor their times. Instead, they were asked to estimate how long they thought the

run would take them.

It was a test of their pacing ability, said Fisher.

First home in a scorching 9 minute 26s for the two kilometres was Benjamin Brown who looked as fresh as when he started. He also predicted his time to within four seconds. Rolf Bowsell went one second better – finishing his 7.6kms in 44.13. Hard luck story was Veronica Maree who meant to write down 29:29, her actual time, but was in a rush to get into the club photo and sort the shirts and wrote down 19:29 instead.

Needham at 76 is the oldest runner still competing at the club. He started when he was 12 and competed for the famous

DOWN IN THE STORM

Owairaka club in Mt Roskill, Auckland; coached briefly by Olympic gold medallist Murray Halberg.

Today he still runs long distances. In February he was 264th in the Tarawera Ultra-Trail finishing the 23kms in two hours 20 minutes. Six years ago he was the men’s national cross country champion for his age group.

An exhibition on the club is currently on display in the Cambridge Museum which includes an explanation on why it, and clubs like it around the world, are called ‘Harrier Clubs’.

It comes from a British sport called paper chasing which gained popularity in the 1860s

and 1870s. In the event two ‘hares’ created a paper trail while the harrier hounds tried to catch them.

The sport developed into cross country and clubs around the world called themselves harriers.

A commemorative book has been published and Fisher has gone to great lengths to track down details of the club’s 21 life members, seven of whom are still alive and all but two of them will attend the dinner.

Over the years the club has held pack runs, road races, cross country events and held invitational runs with other Waikato harrier clubs.

• More photos cambridgenews.nz

Cambridge Athletics and Harriers Club members before their run around Fishers’ farm in Ōhaupō on Saturday. At front in the middle is Margaret Fisher while behind her to the left is Fred Needham and to the right, president John Charlton.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Hautapu try scoring flush

By Jesse Wood

Hautapu commemorated Anzac Day in style at Cambridge Memorial Park on Friday, drubbing Melville 90-10 in the Waikato club rugby premiership.

It was also a great tribute to club man David Morris as he scored a hat-trick and a conversion in his 150th premier match.

Hautapu crossed the chalk 14 times and 10 of those tries were successfully converted.

Former Southland prop Joe Walsh was the only try scorer for the visitors. First five-eight Leroy Neels added five points off the boot.

Fellow Waipā neighbours Te Awamutu Sports were also in the winners’ circle, beating Fraser Tech in a close match 19-17 at Mill Street Park in Hamilton.

In the premier B grade, Hautapu beat Melville B 49-31 – Ihaka Harper-Dent scoring three tries and Callum Beckett converted all seven tries - and Te Awamutu fell short against Fraser Tech B, 36-17.

In division 1A, Leamington smothered

A Shade S olu tion

Kereone 51-0, Pirongia beat last year’s finalists Putāruru 26-22 and Ōhaupō dealt to Frankton 50-12.

Their division 1B sides also did well. Leamington B defeated Kereone B 48-14, Pirongia B drew 13-all with and Ōhaupō beat their Frankton counterparts 30-24.

In the women’s premiership Ōtorohanga were 27-24 victors against Hautapu and Melville beat Kihikihi 67-0.

Pirongia lost 34-12 to United Matamata Sports in the women’s premiership at Pirongia Domain on Thursday evening.

In the under-21 division, Hautapu were the only triumphant Waipā team beating the Leamington colts 67-0.

The winners scored 11 tries and six conversions against their across town rivals. Pirongia fell 22-17 to Suburbs and Te Awamutu Sports were on the wrong side of a 62-17 score line handed to them by Thames Valley United.

In the combined Waikato and Counties Manukau under-85kg competition, Kio Kio United Cattle Dogs lost 27-10 to Drury.

Hautapu winger Dean Christiansen, ball in hand, hugs the sideline with the tryline in sight during the team’s 90-10 victory on Anzac Day against Melville.

Photo: Matt Gould.

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cautiously back on track

In the start of the second quarter of 2025, the real estate markets in the Waikato regions are experiencing a period of cautious optimism, influenced by national economic trends and local developments.

The Waikato region is witnessing a moderate yet steady increase in property values according to available property sales data. As of December 2024, the average property price stands at approximately NZ$744,189, marking a 3.88% rise over the preceding three months. This growth is attributed to several factors.

Lower mortgage rates are definitely one of the bigger reasons for the upward tilt. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand's series of rate cuts in late 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 have led to more competitive mortgage rates, enhancing buyer affordability and stimulating market activity .

There is a notable uptick in buyer interest, particularly among first-home buyers and investors, driven by improved borrowing conditions and, despite global geopolitics, a more stable economic outlook.

Hamilton has seen a significant 3.1% increase in average property values, reaching $833,000. This surge reflects the city's appeal due to its urban amenities and employment opportunities.

By the very nature of this, the outlier towns surrounding Hamilton such as Cambridge and Te Awamutu, are following on the coattails of Hamilton’s rapid growth.

Te Awamutu, traditionally lower in property values

than Cambridge, is gaining considerable traction for its living affordability and close proximity to Hamilton. The median sale price has risen by 3.6%, now at $715,000, indicating growing demand. The town's appeal is further enhanced by improved transportation links, such as the Te Huia train service, facilitating easier commutes to larger urban centres.

The King Country region, including towns like Otorohanga, Te Kuiti and Taumarunui, presents a more subdued yet stable real estate market. While specific data is limited, the region's affordability and rural lifestyle continue to attract buyers seeking value and tranquillity, while still being within easy commute in most instances, to Hamilton. The area's potential for growth is linked to broader national trends, including lower interest rates and increased investor interest in regional properties.

While first home buyers are still the main drivers, investors are gradually re-entering the market, encouraged by policy changes such as the restoration of interest deductibility for investment properties effective April 1, 2025 and the much reduced Brightline test from 10 years back to two. These policy shifts,

combined with lower borrowing costs, are expected to bolster investor activity, particularly in regions offering higher yields and growth potential.

Looking ahead, the real estate markets in Waikato are poised for continued growth, albeit at a measured pace. Key factors influencing this trajectory include:

• Economic stability: A recovering economy, key changes to Hamilton’s industries, and improving labour market conditions are likely to support sustained demand.

• Affordability constraints: Despite lower interest rates, affordability remains a concern, potentially moderating rapid price escalations.

• Supply dynamics: An increase in property listings may balance demand, contributing to a more stable market environment.

The 2025 real estate autumn landscape in Waikato is reflective of a more balanced market than in the past decade, with opportunities for both buyers and investors, underpinned by mostly favourable economic conditions, and more defined and evolving buyer preferences.

market expectations aligning

The real estate market is one that’s favouring buyers at the moment – but that may change, says Mike Gascoigne, manager of Bayleys in Cambridge.

“The market came back early in the New Year, then petered out a bit – but it’s now showing signs of an upswing again as we head into the second quarter,” he says.

Mike Gascoigne, manager of Bayleys in Cambridge

Much of this has the two Official Cash Rate drops as primary reasons, along with the fact that banks are much more amenable to lending than they were a year ago.

“The charge is being led by first home buyers and investors, and for all agencies, that meant a total of 55 sales in the past month, so it’s really promising.

“There’s also been quite an increased interest from main centres such as Tauranga, Auckland and Wellington, with people wanting lifestyle changes including access to the work-from-home in a great environment,” he says.

“While lifestyle sales were almost dead north of the $2million mark last year, we are finding there has been increased interest, particularly from both the major cities and internationally as expats look to come home.”

The other interesting increase has been in enquiries relating to sections.

“For quite some time we didn’t have a lot of interest in sections. But that is changing with emphasis being

high quality development, which is good to see. The same applies to large blocks of land, it’s been steady-as-she-goes, so much of the market is pretty promising.”

The style of marketing that is getting the sales has also changed, he says.

“Price by negotiation, tenders, deadline sales – we are getting very little enquiry. Buyers want to know the price upfront and these days I tend to think that those types of marketing strategies say more about the vendor and agent disagreeing on what the property price should be.”

Mike says buyers’ points of view have changed.

“It’s more about ‘what’s wrong with the property’, than what’s right for some reason and they can be pretty blunt about what they expect.”

Marketing well, with a good agent with a track record is his advice to vendors.

“There is a reasonable amount of stock and for all that the market is trending up – we are still selling just 10% of what is available. So you do need to have a very good marketing strategy that is likely to cost – and while it may do that, the chances are you’ll get your property over the line for more than you originally thought.”

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David Soar Rural/Lifestyle Sales

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The steadiness of the Cambridge real estate market has been around since the last quarter of 2024, with a slight upward trend in the volume of all sales from the corresponding time frame of the first quarter of this year.

David Soar, of Cambridge Real Estate, says the volume was stronger at the finish of last year, showing “extremely good activity”.

However, there is a ‘but’.

“The first three months of this year hasn’t seen quite the momentum of the previous three months. A certain gentleman in the US has all countries trying to interpret whether his bark is worse than his bite and this is having an impact on buyer confidence.”

He says that intergenerational investment in land is something he’s noticed, as interest rates begin to drop again and for older Boomers, the attraction of good returns from term investments vanishes as a result.

“We’ve had two Official Cash Rate drops this year, which has had a direct effect on the floating rate and even the six-month, one year to two-year terms. So in some instances for the older generations with the baby boomer wealth behind them, the return to landbanking is showing better value,” he says. The other interesting upward trend is that of those

David Soar, of Cambridge Real Estate

looking to buy bare land in the country, whether sections or lifestyle blocks.

“We’ve certainly had increased enquiry about that and it’s good to see – there is increased flow on effects for the local economy in terms of builders, associated trades and retailers. It’s encouraging, but still not happening fast enough.”

He says the Auckland migration has slowed in the second half of last year and has yet to pick up.

“Auckland needs stock levels down – the lack of which is what drove the initial migration – for that to return. During and around Covid, buyers were quite aggressive and bold; looking to put a deal on paper before even listing their own property (because they knew it would sell).

“But it’s not the case now; buyers need all their ducks lined up.”

He does think, however, that this is a good opportunity to get a good deal – if the buyer has done their homework.

“The first home buyer market is strong, but even so there are some cautions. For example, many buyers will use their deposit and their KiwiSaver. But the latter can’t be a critical component, because the uncertainty of the shares investment market means from one week to the next you could be $10,000 or $20,000 down –and your bank might not want to lend the shortfall,” he says.

“Until Trump sorts himself out, the markets will remain volatile and it’s necessary to be sure you will have enough by talking to your mortgage broker, your bank about the horsepower you are going to need – any professional who can see exactly where the buyer needs to be looking.”

But it’s not just there – the increasing lateness of rateable values (RVs) is also an issue.

“Take South Waikato for example – the newly released RVs are in actual fact already 10 months old – and

these can be your best friend or your worst enemy,” he says.

It doesn’t help that the general public doesn’t realise often that RVs do not reflect actual market values; they are an instrument used for rating purposes only.

David says from the vendor’s perspectives, presenting their property to the absolute best advantage, along with listening to their agent as to the likely selling price, is necessary in today’s competitive market.

“Buyers do have a choice these days and they can be brutal. Vendors need a property that can photo well, has been decluttered and is presented to be the best it can be.”

And then there is the rural sector.

Climate rather than geopolitics seems to be the biggest predictor in the farming market.

“There is increased flow on effects for the local economy in terms of builders, associated trades and retailers. It’s encouraging, but still not happening fast enough..”

“It’s fair to say climate is playing a big part. Some farmers will have had good rain this season, some will have had none. But payouts have been positive and are predicted to be so again for the next year, so that’s having a positive flow on effect.

“Farmers are able to spend a bit of money on their farms; a new tractor or vehicle, tidying the farms up, so that is helping with the confidence,” he says.

“The market has been steady enough there and those are good signs.”

to be a hot spot for families and professionals. Leamington is popular for its blend of affordability and character homes.

Waipa trends for 2025 is the driving factor steadiness

The Waipa District continues to attract attention in 2025 as a desirable place to live, work, and invest. Towns like Cambridge and Te Awamutu remain key focal points, blending semi-rural charm with growing urban conveniences. The region's housing market reflects broader trends in New Zealand, but with a distinctly local character shaped by community values, lifestyle appeal, and infrastructural development.

One of the major forces shaping Waipa’s property market is its strong lifestyle appeal. With its proximity to the fastest growing city in the country in Hamilton, and easy access to Auckland via the Waikato Expressway, Waipa offers a more relaxed pace of life without sacrificing connectivity. As a result, the region has continued to attract both families and retirees looking for quality living environments and more spacious properties.

Cambridge, known for its equestrian, rowing and cycling cultures, with great boutique shopping, has seen sustained interest from high-income buyers and lifestyle property seekers.

Following the rapid growth and then cooling off of the national housing market between 2021 and 2023, 2025 has seen more stable conditions in Waipa. House prices have moderated, with year-on-year growth remaining modest according to data from REINZ.

This stabilisation has been welcomed by firsthome buyers and investors, particularly, as it brings predictability back to the market.

Median house prices in Cambridge and Te Awamutu have flattened somewhat, although premium properties continue to command strong interest.

Another notable trend in 2025 is the emphasis on sustainable housing and community planning.

New subdivisions in the Waipa region are increasingly incorporating green building standards, walkable neighbourhoods, and native planting. This aligns with both council goals and growing buyer demand for environmentally conscious living. Developers are also responding to demand for diverse housing types, including smaller homes and multi-dwelling units, to cater to ageing populations and younger buyers.

While the rental market remains competitive, there’s been a slight easing in rental pressure compared to previous years. Investors are still active in the region, especially in areas with proximity to schools, transport links, and town centres. However, increased regulatory scrutiny and changing tax rules have tempered speculative buying, encouraging a longer-term investment mindset.

Overall, the Waipā property market in 2025 is characterised by balance and thoughtful growth. With continued infrastructural investment, population growth, and lifestyle appeal, the region is poised to remain a key part of New Zealand’s mid-tier real estate landscape — offering opportunity without the extreme volatility seen in some urban centres.

Sales statistics

Cambridge

Median house price: Sits higher, around $890,000–$940,000, with some premium areas topping $1.2 million.

Top performing suburbs: Cambridge Park continues

St Kilda and Lakewood are known for luxury homes and lifestyle properties.

Buyer demographic: Professionals and Auckland commuters are seeking lifestyle blocks and larger homes. Upsizing local families are active in new developments like Cambridge North.

Investors remain cautious but engaged, particularly in long-term rentals.

Sales trends: Time on market varies more here — newer builds and lifestyle homes can take 50+ days, while central, well-priced homes move quicker.

Buyers are prioritising energy efficiency, low maintenance, and proximity to schools.

Te Awamutu

Median house price: approximately $690,000–$720,000, depending on suburb and property size.

Top performing suburbs: Pekerau and St Leger Road have seen consistent demand, particularly among families.

College Estate has grown in popularity due to proximity to schooling and newer builds.

Buyer demographic: First-home buyers remain strong in areas with older housing stock.

Retirees are drawn to newer, single-level homes in quiet subdivisions. Investors are focusing on central suburbs close to amenities.

Sales Trends: Homes are spending around 30–45 days on market. There's a strong appetite for threebedroom homes with decent outdoor space.

Renovated older homes are outperforming unrenovated ones in terms of sale speed.

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doing things for local seniors differently

One of the most neglected sections of the real estate market is that of senior citizens, according to Peter Leach, director of Kingston Group, which recently built a new concept designed for that market.

Peter describes himself as being a creative thinker who loves to think outside the square when it comes to concepts.

“The building of big homes on a subdivision section has been done by us – I wanted to do something a little different that reflected the growing changes of our population and the resulting needs that weren’t being addressed,” he said.

That thought process led to the acquisition of 983 Alexander Rd in Te Awamutu where he put into action the feedback he had gained from approaching seniors via open days in group settings such as Age Concern, the RSA and others.

“I wanted to hear what they needed and what they didn’t,” he said.

The upshot of these series of meetings saw the design and build of five senior-friendly houses on that large section, ranging in size between 65sqm and 68sqm.

“There are several points we took into consideration. Downsizing is a reality; the 110sqm Beazley home and the quarter acre sections they raised their families on, for example, become too much to handle.

“Too much maintenance and the feedback we got was

Peter Leach, director of Kingston Group

there was nothing in Te Awamutu that offered anything they needed. Enter us.”Peter said they put the plan to the Waipa District Council on the basis of pushing high density and very easy care.

“It was groundbreaking; we used the example of a 90-yearold client who literally couldn’t find anything in the town that worked for him.

“These were things that ranged from wider doors and halls (to account for walkers for example), wetroom bathrooms, grab rails in showers and toilets and nogging in place for seats to be bolted into showers when needed.

“We even took note of the power points, lifting them up off ground height to make it easier for them when it comes to bending down, putting in dish drawers so again, the height issue was taken care of.”

This was right down to level entry everywhere, a deck with seating and raised planter boxes.

Peter says they tried to incorporate all the feedback they received, knowing that the hardest part that any senior has to face is the unexpected grief that comes with downsizing.

“It’s a hard place to be – you want to have your precious things around you, but to move to a house size that can be almost half of what you had to make life easier, also means there has to be sacrifice in terms of how much has to be let go of.”

Most, with the help of their families are able to do this, but there will be those who want the smaller home – but have to have time to work through the acceptance that they can’t bring everything with them.

That the project was going to be a success was proven by the huge interest that was garnered at two open days that Kingston Group held, with both days attracting more than 100 potential clients on each day.

Peter says they now have a section in Leamington, Cambridge where they will repeat the concept and another in Rewi St, Te Awamutu.

“We have learned a lot from the first one and hopefully, we can incorporate some of the feedback we’ve received from that into our new projects,” he says.

a pocket of for buyers opportunity

“Cautious, but optimistic,” is the summation by PGG Wrightson’s Central North Island manager Camron Meade when it comes to Waipa real estate after the first quarter of 2025.

“It’s good to see it’s improving and I agree (with REINZ’s opinion) that the levels of optimism about its future direction are certainly encouraging.”

This comes on the back of a “pretty depressed” market that struggled to find its value in areas ranging from first home buyers who have been watching interest rates and deciding where that fitted with their budgets.

“It’s certainly encouraging as we sit now in the second quarter – and the direction of different categories of real estate also are changing,” Camron says.

“The rural space, since Christmas, has been in a better place with an upswing of interest and a higher level of optimism on the back of large levels of debt repayment – which in turn has seen a more

Camron Meade, PGG Wrightson’s Central North Island manager

enthusiastic banking sector when it comes to lending.

“For the lifestylers, it’s more circumspect. There’s less aggression in that market and sellers’ expectations are having to align more with what that market is looking for.”

He says most people in the lifestyle block market are looking for premier properties in the “location, location” bracket, something Waipa, and particularly Cambridge, has in spades.

“Waipa has improved a lot in terms of infrastructure and development, and many of the properties available in urban and lifestyle are at the top of the range. So it’s the ‘fringe’ districts that are within easy commute that currently are of interest to the market. So that’s benefitting Te Awamutu a lot at the moment.”

He says though, that buyers at properties at the high end remain cautious.

“There is a bit of hesitancy about offloading large sums of money and we are finding that in some areas, the market value is greater than the rateable value. So we are having to go through a bit of a conditioning phase with owners to help them understand that 10% off their expectations is a reasonably good starting point when it comes to being on the market.”

Camron says the market is a lot quieter in terms of investors.

“I’m not seeing too many entry points in that market. My sense is the heat has gone out of that, the market has cooled and is swinging back in favour of the renter. There is more choice for them now.”

As the world watches the fallout of the geopolitical

decisions in global markets, Camron says he can see signs that the traditional Kiwi way of investing in land for future-proofing is picking up.

“I’ve seen situations where someone has bought a lump of land that they won’t get a return on in the immediate to short term. But from a future viewpoint, the investment is a sound one in terms of a generational investment, especially with the uncertainty in the global market.”

He thinks this is a trend that could well continue. He also believes there is not a better opportunity for buyers than at the moment.

“There is a selection of choices for buyers no matter what market they are in. Good properties, owners that are happy to negotiate and of course, the downward trend of the interest rates. So, it’s a good pocket of opportunity, probably the best it’s been for a while. But like everything – it won’t last as the market gradually improves.”

However, he is more cautious when it comes to the sellers sector.

“There are people who unfortunately are caught up and less fortunate and need to offload. They need to accept where the market is and work with their agents on that.”

Camron says he is cautious about the improvement in the market, even so.

“I don’t believe in the short term it’s going to bounce back to the levels of two to three years ago. It will be moderate growth, which I think is a good thing,” he says.

Meet the ones to trust for local knowledge and global reach

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The global reach afforded to us as part of the Sotheby’s International Realty network is unmatched in New Zealand. It means your property is seen by more potential buyers – regionally, nationally, and globally.

With two strategically placed offices in your region, our experienced team is ideally positioned to maximise the marketing reach of your property, bringing you our best possible results.

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the best fit for you

So you’ve made the choice to sell your property, have asked two or three different agencies to give you a fair appraisal for what you might expect the market to pay for it, and they’ve come back all with reasonably close prices. How do you choose which one to list your property with?

A good agent can make the process smoother, quicker, and more financially rewarding. Selling in the hot markets of three or four years ago wasn’t difficult, but in today’s times where buyer caution is apparent, you do need a really good agent to help you navigate the changing waters of the market.

Start with agents who specialise in the suburb or district you live in. Local knowledge is essential — a well-informed agent will understand recent sales for comparison purposes, buyer behaviour, school zones, council regulations, and market trends in your area. This is especially important in regions like the Waikato, where each town and even each suburb can have vastly different dynamics.

All real estate agents in New Zealand must be licensed with the Real Estate Authority (REA). You can verify an agent’s credentials on the REA website. This also allows you to check for any past disciplinary actions or complaints. Agents should follow the REA Code of Conduct, which ensures professionalism and ethical practice.

Ask for recent examples of homes the agent has sold in your area. Check how long properties stayed on the market, how close the sale prices were to asking prices, and whether they’ve handled properties similar to yours. Many agents will also provide testimonials or reviews from past clients — independent reviews on sites like RateMyAgent or Google can be even more telling.

Don’t feel obliged to sign with the first agent you meet, or who gives you the best appraisal price. Interview at least two or three agents and ask:

• What’s your marketing strategy? Is it going to cost me, and if so, how much?

• How do you determine the sale price? What do you think is the bottom line?

• Do you work alone or with a team?

• What are your fees and commission structures?

The best agent will be transparent, professional, and able to back their strategies with real data.

You’ll be working closely with this person, possibly for several months, so you need someone who

communicates clearly and regularly. Good agents listen, give honest feedback, and won’t pressure you. They should be responsive and explain processes in plain language, especially if you're a first-home buyer or new to the NZ property market.

Check with them about their investor lists, or those who are in the market but have yet to find what they want. Many agents will have a database of clients, one of whom may find your property fits their criteria. It’s also important to check how their agency commission work. Agent commissions are often negotiable and vary by region and agency. Always get a written agreement outlining fees and services, and make sure you understand it before signing. Remember — the cheapest agent isn’t always the best value if they underdeliver.

pent up demand sees some multi offers

“A good steady trade in the past few months,” is how Sam Rosenburg, manager of the North Island sales (excluding Auckland and Wellington) for New Zealand Sotheby’s International describes the local real estate market.

“In the lifestyle area, we are seeing a steady trade and the international market picking up as geopolitical tensions rise on one hand, and the exchange rate for the NZ dollar has dropped considerably on the other.”

What this means is that an ex-pat Kiwi living in the UK for example, may have a million pound deposit and is wanting to return back to New Zealand. That deposit effectively gives them nearly NZD $2million to spend –and spend it they are.

“I don’t think the tariffs situation is the driving force here, more likely it is the weakening economy and the subsequent lowering of the exchange rate,” he says.

Sam Rosenberg, manager of the North Island sales (excluding Auckland and Wellington) for New Zealand

Sotheby’s International

But by far the biggest market improvement is coming from first home buyers.

“It’s definitely a robust market and has been for a while. It was not the time in the 2020-21 years to buy; prices were too high, stock was scarce. So we now have a pent-up demand of people who have been ready to buy for a few years – and now are wanting to do so.

“And yes, we are expensive in terms of the house cost to income ratio – research has shown that we are expensive in comparison to say, the UK, US, Canada –significantly so in the US overall – but in saying that, we are leading the world it seems in the lowering of interest rates, and that is making a difference, especially as these places are now climbing the ladder of increasing costs as well – take Brisbane, it used to be considerably cheaper than New Zealand to buy there. Now it’s on a par and climbing.

“While we may have a much higher ratio between income and house prices, we do have one of the lowest base rates in the world, and this is going to affect the ratio,” he says.

Sam is a bit more cautious about labelling it a buyers’ market though.

“It does depend on the budget they have, and they shouldn’t make the assumption it is a buyers’ market. They need to be quite competitive and prepare themselves really well. Talk to their mortgage broker, have their property on the market if they are needing

to do so to buy. We are seeing a few multi-offers now and this would suggest that stock could be a bit more limited as we come into winter.

“Usually, there is a traditional belief that spring is the best time of year. But this year, I think winter is going to see a shortage of stock and it could flip from buyer to seller’s market because of that.”

He isn’t seeing a lot of interest in the DIY flipper, or investors market.

“It does depend on the budget they have, and they shouldn’t make the assumption it is a buyers’ market. They need to be quite competitive and prepare themselves really well.”

“The state of the economy is having a compounding effect on the confidence of these buyers with the exception of the first home buyers, who are looking especially in the $800,000 to $1.1million range. So we’ll see where that goes in the next quarter.”

evolution of property presentation know your real estate agency

With the drop in mortgage interest rates in the past 12 months, the real estate market is cautiously looking to be on the rise again in most areas – albeit slowly. So it’s important when you choose a real estate agent, to look at those who have a selection of marketing tools that can be utilised to create a strategy that puts your property in the front line for buyer choice.

New Zealand's property presentation landscape is evolving, driven by technological advancements, sustainability considerations, and changing buyer preferences.

Virtual reality (VR) tours have become a staple in property marketing, allowing potential buyers to explore homes remotely as the trend continues to move away from the bigger cities.

These immersive experiences cater to tech-savvy buyers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, who value the convenience and detail offered by 3D virtual tours and digital floor plans.

While clever photography can hide a lot of faults, there are basics every seller should take into consideration – the primary one being less is best. Get rid of clutter; a buyer wants to see the space and how they may utilise it in putting their own mark on it.

By the same token, virtual home staging is gaining popularity as a cost-effective alternative to traditional staging. By digitally furnishing and decorating spaces, sellers can present properties attractively without the expenses associated with physical staging.

This method is especially beneficial for vacant homes, offering realistic visuals that help buyers envision the potential of a space.

Sustainability is a significant factor in property

presentation, especially in today’s times when aging housing stock usually means there can be significant remediation works required. This could range from new kitchens or bathrooms, to rewiring, a full paint or reroofing.

Buyers are also increasingly interested in eco-friendly features such as solar panels, energyefficient appliances, and sustainable building materials. Emphasising these aspects in marketing materials can enhance a property's appeal and potentially command higher prices. There's a shift towards showcasing homes with personality and character. Staging now often includes historic or idiosyncratic pieces, moving away from neutral, impersonal designs. This approach resonates with buyers seeking homes that feel unique and livedin, potentially leading to quicker sales and higher offers.

a few cosmetic changes. Big ticket items, such as replacement kitchens or bathrooms, through to paint or flooring can turn a buyer away and most agents will alert vendors to jobs that should be done before a property is marketed.

It’s important to note that the turn of this century has seen a shift away from “doer-uppers”. The cost of homes today is still very high, and often means there isn’t much left in the kitty to make much other than

Effective digital marketing is also crucial in today's real estate landscape. High-quality videos, drone footage, and 360° virtual tours enhance online listings, attracting more enquiries. Additionally, optimising listings for search engines and utilising social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook often significantly increase a property's visibility.

know your real estate agency

In what has been a relatively flat market in the latter part of last year, the first quarter has seen interest pick up in the commercial sector in Cambridge.

Alan Copeman, the commercial manager for Waikato under Property Brokers, says the lowering of interest rates is bringing investors back into the market as interest rates drop meaning the money in the bank is becoming better out and invested in property again. “Activity-wise, it’s still on the rise, but there are other factors to take into consideration,” he says.

Some of these include the location and availability of industrial or commercial land.

“If we take Hautapu for example, which is zoned this

Alan Copeman, commercial

manager

for Waikato under Property Brokers

way in terms of about 100 hectares, much of what was available has been sold, utilised – the land is still there, but much of it has yet to be developed.”

He says there is a new 16ha block coming online soon which should have its titles by this time next year.

“Which is a good thing, because 12 months ago, it was hard to get land for lease or for sale.

“We’ve now reached a bit of a tipping point where investors are looking to get going again, rather than tying up their capital.”

“Investors have been hunkering down a bit and watching both the national and global economies. It’s been interesting to see some big, corporate companies in steel, timber and Scania for example, buying up land to develop and this is giving the smaller investors and business people some confidence.

“Hautapu is a very popular place; it abuts straight onto the onramps and offramps of the expressways leading direct to Auckland, Wellington and Tauranga. So in terms of costings, it makes sense to look at that golden triangle,” he says.

He sees the two challenges for the commercial sector as being that land prices have held really well in the past two years – “there’s some drop, but realistically, not really enough” –and the cost of building certainly hasn’t changed either.

“New builds can be tough, so investors are wanting to know there’s going to be a good return.”

‘Waipa in all respects is very good value for money for commercial investors and this is being shown with the incoming big companies who see the value for the future with land in Auckland being at a premium – and the issues of transportation Auckland has.”

“We’ve now reached a bit of a tipping point where investors are looking to get going again, rather than tying up their capital.”

choosing experience with subdivision investing in the golden triangle a sound decision

One of the largest growth areas in the Waipa region, as it has been for much of New Zealand in recent years, has been that of subdivisions.

To build a home is no small task, especially given the amount of bureaucratic red tape that exists in today’s time.

So when you make the decision to build rather than buy, especially in a subdivision, a knowledgeable real estate agent is an invaluable asset.

Their expertise can guide you through the complexities of land selection, ensuring your investment aligns with your lifestyle and long-term goals.

Part of this involves navigating the regulatory framework.

Real estate agents are well-versed in local council regulations and zoning laws. There are a number of agents who specialise in subdivision sales for this reason.

They can help you understand the implications of covenants, (what you can build, how big, what you can’t have or do), easements, and land use restrictions that may affect your building plans.

For instance, many subdivisions will have covenants dictating the style or size of homes, which could influence your design choices. These legally enforceable clauses are there to protect the future investment values of the subdivision as a whole – but could impact on your budget.

Agents can also assist in obtaining Land Information Memorandums (LIMs) and help in understanding their contents, which is crucial for identifying any potential issues with the land.

An experienced agent can often evaluate the physical characteristics of a section, such as topography, soil quality, and exposure to natural elements. They may recommend obtaining a geotechnical report to assess the land's stability and suitability for construction, especially if this is something the council indicates via a LIM report is likely to be required.

Additionally, agents can advise on the availability and proximity of essential services like water, electricity, and sewage, which are vital considerations for building.

Agents provide valuable insights into the local property market, helping you assess the value of a section relative to others in the area. They can inform you about recent sales, market trends, and potential for capital growth.

They can guide you through the financial aspects of purchasing land, including understanding the costs associated with developing a section, such as everything from potential impact development fees through to site preparation and service connections.

Real estate agents often have established networks of professionals, including surveyors, builders, architects, and legal advisors. They can connect you with trusted experts who will assist in various stages of your project, from initial planning to construction. This network is particularly beneficial when navigating the complexities of building on a new section.

Your agent will take the time to understand your specific needs and preferences, ensuring the section you choose aligns with your lifestyle. Whether you prioritise proximity to schools, public transport, or recreational facilities, your agent can identify sections that meet these criteria – and often come up with things you haven’t taken into account.

They can also advise on the orientation of the land for optimal sunlight and privacy, which are important factors in New Zealand's diverse climates.

So partnering with a good real estate agent who has experience in subdivision sales when choosing a section means you should be provided with comprehensive support. Their knowledge of legal requirements, market conditions, and site-specific factors ensures you can make an informed decision, setting the foundation for a successful and satisfying property development.

Campbell Turner

Tony Wakelin

Libby Paki Branch Adminstrator

Maree Coutts Personal Assistant & Regional Trainer

know your real estate agency

understanding due diligence

So you’ve found your dream home, you want to be in it yesterday. However, these days there is an important ‘but’ that occurs every time this happens.

In New Zealand's property market, ‘due diligence’ is a recent term that now takes centre stage when a buyer finds a home they want. It refers to the comprehensive information evaluation a buyer undertakes before finalising a property purchase.

This helps to uncover any potential issues - legal, structural, financial, or environmental - that could impact the property's value or suitability.

Banks are particularly keen to know if there is anything that could impact on their investment and can be very particular when it comes to aspects such as non-code of compliancy with building consents for example.

A pivotal tool in this process is the due diligence clause in the Sale and Purchase Agreement – the document every property sale must have in place.

This clause grants buyers a specified period, (typically around 10 to 15 working days depending on how busy professionals who do these required reports are), to conduct thorough investigations, such as a builder’s or electrician’s report through to a valuation, something many banks require.

During this time, buyers can cancel the contract for any reason, offering a significant safeguard compared to more restrictive clauses like those for finance or building inspections.

This is where your real estate agent also has a role to play.

It is law now that if a property has a significant issue, a potential one, or is close to one, that the communication between all three parties, vendor, agent and buyer, is transparent. If there is a major issue, such as leaks or previous flooding, or a state highway is to be built for example, this must be put on the table so that the buyer isn’t walking into what could be a potential disaster for them.

One of the best ways to look for any potential problems is to have a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) report, which the district council provides (at a cost). These cover important aspects ranging

from drainage, zoning, consents, and any recorded or potential hazards such as flooding or land subsidence.

You can also ask to view the property files, but be aware that many files from years past when the importance of historical information either wasn’t thought too hard about, or was damaged or missing by a fire for example

Check council files for easements, covenants, or encumbrances that might affect property use, along with checking for consents for everything from fireplaces to granny flats. This is a much cheaper way of getting information, but be aware it won’t cover to the extent the information that a LIM report will.

Some sellers are paying for the cost of a LIM report, which can range from $250 upward, and there is value in this.

It means that it’s not an additional cost for a proposed sale that may not pan out and there is confidence for a buyer that any additional large costs such as building reports, are worthwhile going ahead with. And don’t forget, banks often require these themselves.

Then there is the peace of mind gained through having the property properly inspected.

Engaging a licensed building practitioner to assess the property's structural integrity can reveal issues such as leaks, insulation problems, or unconsented work. The initial offer on the property can often be renegotiated if there are significant issues that need addressing.

However good the property may be, though, there still needs to be checks into what’s going on around it.

Understanding the property's zoning regulations and any future developments in the area can influence its desirability and both current and future value.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions – from the council who would have any planned construction or zoning changes, to your real estate agent who must impart any knowledge they have gained on your property choice. While they primarily work for the vendor, legislation changes mean if there is any knowledge of

a property which could influence or impact a buyer’s decisions, they need to impart it.

While it might seem like a lot of work, conducting due diligence allows buyers to make informed decisions, potentially renegotiate terms, or withdraw from the purchase if significant issues arise. It serves as a protective measure against unforeseen complications that could lead to financial loss or legal disputes.

This is where true conveyancing comes in – your lawyer is there to go through the fine print and advise you on what steps you need to take.

Due diligence has its timelines. This means:

• Collaboration with lawyers, building inspectors, and financial advisors to conduct required comprehensive assessments.

• Ensure all findings are documented and communicated promptly to relevant parties.

• Complete all investigations within the stipulated period to maintain the right to cancel if necessary.

putting the best foot forward on both sides

There are definitely more buyers in Te Awamutu than there were a year ago, according to Vayle Hammond, principal and property manager of First National in Te Awamutu.

“I agree with others, there is a cautious optimism as interest rates drop and it’s a pocket of opportunity for buyers, particularly in the first home and investor markets,” she says.

She finds it of interest that agencies are seeing the methods of selling in the previous hot markets of four to five years ago, have now changed.

“It used to be that the preferred method was deadline, or tender, or auction or by negotiation, because there were fewer homes and a lot of buyers, so the price could be quite fluid in what the market was willing to pay and the vendor could get more than they expected.

Vayle Hammond, principal and property manager of First National in Te Awamutu

“These days, we are seeing people want the price –they know what their budget is and how much they want to spend and ‘how much is this house that I like’ is the very first question they ask.”

Vayle says surprisingly, there is not the same amount of enquiry coming off websites these days.

“We are having very good turnouts in open homes and whether or not that’s because there is less pressure in doing this (rather than being open to agents emails), I’m not sure.”

The biggest moving market at the moment is definitely first home buyers and investors.

“These properties are affordable, so it has been a much easier market to sell,” she says.

But even so, there is some see-sawing as to what the vendors want and what a buyer wants to pay.

“We do have some issues with RV (rateable values) which, because of the heightened interest rates and job instability of the past couple of years have forced some sellers into selling their properties for much less than they are actually worth – which in turn changes the RV that comes around every three years.

Vayle’s advice for sellers is to do all they can to make sure their property looks the best it can.

“It’s not just presenting it well though, you also have to make sure the agent you choose can market it well; it has to be seen in the marketplace, featured in the right places, use things like pictorial boards – you don’t need a picture of the agent, you need two or three pictures of what’s inside the home.”

She says they use QR codes on their signs for example. “People can just scan the code into their phone and that leads them straight to the house so they can see a whole lot more.”

She says it’s important that the seller understands that agent selling strategy is important and to make sure they understand it and do their research.

“Vendors don’t always know what the best option is, and that’s where their agent has the knowledge and expertise.”

“There is a cautious optimism as interest rates drop and it’s a pocket of opportunity for buyers, particularly in the first home and investor markets.”

For buyers, Vayle recommends that in today’s market, they need to be buy-ready.

“There are more buyers than there were and if you like a house, there will be someone else out there who will too. So if you can be pre-approved with finance, it helps. We are seeing more multi-offers than we did, especially in the lower priced properties, so that is changing moving forward.”

OFFICE PHONE 07 823 1540

Mike Gascoigne

Branch Manager 027 430 8311 mike.gascoigne@bayleys.co.nz

Amanda Merrington

Residential and Lifestyle Sales 021 646 447 amanda.merrington@bayleys.co.nz

Ben Scaramuzza

Residential and Development Sales 022 371 0659 ben.scaramuzza@bayleys.co.nz

Jess Rose Residential Sales 027 444 9546 jess.rose@bayleys.co.nz

Jessie Hodges

Residential and Lifestyle Sales 027 850 2040 jessie.hodges@bayleys.co.nz

Jonte Wright

Residential and Lifestyle Sales 027 621 2424 jonte.wright@bayleys.co.nz

Karen Grootscholten

Residential and Lifestyle Sales 021 062 6319 karen.grootscholten@bayleys.co.nz

Karen Rutherford

Residential and Lifestyle Sales 027 279 5930 karen.rutherford@bayleys.co.nz

Melissa Langsford

Residential Sales and Marketing 027 372 3237 melissa.langsford@bayleys.co.nz

Olivia Peek

Residential and Lifestyle Sales 022 456 7850 olivia.peek@bayleys.co.nz

Roxane Mansour

Residential Sales 021 075 4764 roxane.mansour@bayleys.co.nz

Sacha Webb Residential Sales 021 363 387 sacha.webb@bayleys.co.nz

Willem Brown

Commercial and Industrial Sales and Leasing 021 161 4066 willem.brown@bayleys.co.nz

Dave Peacocke Country, Farm and Lifestyle Sales 027 473 2382 dave.peacocke@bayleys.co.nz

Dave Kilbride Country, Lifestyle and Farm Sales 027 436 7082 dave.kilbride@bayleys.co.nz

OFFICE PHONE 07 823 1945

Graham Ban

Residential Sales 027 448 7658 graham@cambridgerealestate. co.nz

Paulette Bell

Residential Sales 021 245 6888 paulette@cambridgerealestate. co.nz

Taylor Bourke

Residential Sales 027 550 7551 taylor@cambridgerealestate. co.nz

Amy de Clifford

Residential Sales 021 0226 6622 amy@cambridgerealestate.co.nz

Trevor Morris

Residential Sales 027 205 3246 trevor@cambridgerealestate. co.nz

Marisa Payne

Residential Sales 021 170 0728 marisa@cambridgerealestate. co.nz

Eilish Russell

Residential Sales 027 300 0002 eilish@cambridgerealestate. co.nz

Kevin Russell

Residential Sales 021 227 5482 kev@cambridgerealestate.co.nz

Rachael Seavill

Residential Sales 027 722 4235 rachael@cambridgerealestate. co.nz

Lenie Senekal

Residential Sales 027 247 1900 lenie@cambridgerealestate.co.nz

agents direct y

Debbie Towers Residential Sales 027 689 8696 debbie@cambridgerealestate. co.nz

Matt Seavill Rural/Lifestyle Sales 027 444 3347 matt@cambridgerealestate.co.nz

David Soar

Rural/Lifestyle Sales 027 284 9755 david@cambridgerealestate. co.nz

OFFICE PHONE 07 823 2300

Peter Tong

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 021 987 867 petert@more-re.co.nz

Wendy Tong Residential/Lifestyle Sales 027 555 0633 wendyt@more-re.co.nz

Lily Tong

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 027 870 3317 lilyh@more-re.co.nz

Jason Tong

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 027 755 2902 jasont@more-re.co.nz

Rebecca Napier

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 020 404 74120 rebeccan@more-re.co.nz

Harry Singh

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 022 045 0554 harrys@more-re.co.nz

Rod Fox

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 027 276 3369 rodf@more-re.co.nz

Alan Copeman

Waikato Commercial Manager | Branch Manager 021 874 222 alan.copeman@pb.co.nz

Campbell Turner Auctioneer | Commercial Sales 021 990 978 campbell.turner@pb.co.nz

Tony Wakelin Sales Associate to Alan Copeman 021 569 299 tony.wakelin@pb.co.nz

Alissar Boudreau-Turner

Residential Sales 022 514 6622 ali.turner@pb.co.nz

Kate Allen

Residential Sales 021 608 816 kate.allen@pb.co.nz

Holly Hunt

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 027 594 1491 holly.hunt@pb.co.nz

Malinda Chandrasekera

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 0210 293 6907 malinda.c@pb.co.nz

Rachael Hunt

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 0275 898 797 rachael.hunt@pb.co.nz

Catherine Hayward

Rural/Lifestyle Sales 027 562 4598 cath.hayward@pb.co.nz

David McGuire

Rural/Lifestyle Sales 027 472 2572 david.mcguire@pb.co.nz

Teresa Moore Sales Assistant to David McGuire 027 288 0553 teresa.moore@pb.co.nz

OFFICE PHONE 07 827 0222

Mark Keesom Principal 027 533 7661 mark.keesom@raywhite.com

Brooke May

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 027 786 9422 brooke.may@raywhite.com

Dylan Laubscher

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 022 436 8153 dylan.laubscher@raywhite.com

Karen Fergusson

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 021 740 274 karen.fergusson@raywhite.com

Lisa Dudfield

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 021 272 2755 lisa.dudfield@raywhite.com

Ron Bradley AREINZ

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 027 496 7004 ron.bradley@raywhite.com

Violet Tangaroa

Residential/Lifestyle Sales 027 485 2853 violet.tangaroa@raywhite.com

Sam Rosenberg Regional Manager Sales & Operations 021 558 781 sam.rosenberg@nzsir.com

Aimée Belton Residential/Lifestyle Sales 0210 277 2426 aimee.belton@nzsir.com

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Residential/Lifestyle Sales 027 436 3531 lorenzo.scartozzi@nzsir.com

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Residential/Lifestyle Sales 027 224 2066 michelle.vanderpark@nzsir.com

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Residential/Lifestyle Sales 027 460 4676 rachel.hooker@nzsir.com

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More than nuts…

One morning weeks ago, ‘multiplied thousands’ of acorns strewn across Cambridge’s town-centre park, caught my attention.

Scattered everywhere, dew-covered acorns sparkled like gemstones! Sunlight filtered through leafy branches of oak trees encircling the park, gently diffusing the early morning mist. I paused trying to preserve this dazzling moment with a photograph. Probably not everybody admires acorns, or stops to take pictures of them, but these ordinary acorns had assumed a temporary beauty that I struggled to capture with my phone. I found myself musing how acorns parallel people in some respects. Though quite special, these little nuts are prone to being overlooked. Many differing species of oak trees produce acorns that are all unique to the species they originate from. Falling to the ground in their hundreds, acorns often tend to get viewed as a nuisance - seemingly useless and ordinary, they’re often just discarded. Like people they can be unappreciated, trodden underfoot.

In ancient times, acorns were seen as a symbol of potential and growth. Just as a tiny acorn can grow into a mighty oak, it

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

was believed that holding onto an acorn could inspire personal development and the fulfilment of dreams.

The acorns commonly seen in New Zealand can be rendered edible. You could roast them or grind them into flour for various uses if they’re processed first to remove tannins. These naturally occurring chemical compounds occurring in plants (including grapes, tea, nuts and some fruits), tend to make acorns bitter and inedible. There again, is a likeness - people are often toxic, in need of processing…and ‘sweetening’!

Dropping onto the ground, acorns are capable of becoming mighty oak trees. But evidently only one acorn in 10,000 will grow into an oak tree. In this, I see yet another contrast with human beings. Few acorns apparently reach their actual potential - many get removed or are carried off to new locations by foraging creatures as a meal to be devoured. Similarly, people become consumed by predators… depression, discouragement, shame, hopelessness, anxiety, disappointment and other distracting influences swallow up the hope of many ever reaching their full potential.

For acorns to survive and sprout,

AGE OF REASON

Rein in lunatic politicians

Previously I reported - or rather opined - from a remote South Pacific spot. As I write this, I am now just nine degrees south of the equator having, this morning, departed the expedition cruise ship that has been ‘home’ for three weeks. And before stepping onto the gangway experienced a moving and meaningful Anzac commemoration where around 20 Australian and New Zealand passengers sand their national anthems with tearful pride.

And so ashore onto the very hot and humid wharf area to board a tour bus en route to the airport at Honiarapreviously named Henderson Field. The tour encompassed the USA-supplied parliament building but also the stark, simple and hill top memorial to World War II activities in the Guadacanal area.

I last visited Honiara in far-off 1979, leaving the city to fly in a small plane along the watery ‘Slot’ to a small port in remote Bouganville, Papua New Guinea. Looking down from only 10,000 feet that day through the crystal clear waters of the Slot we clearly witnessed the ravages of war with many wrecked Japanese and USA warships (and crews) in their watery grave.

So back to the monument. Clearly set

it requires special conditions. They must remain at certain temperatures over four to eight weeks. If it’s too warm or too cold, the process does not start. Similarly, people need optimum conditions to thrive…think love, respect, encouragement and care, among other necessities.

Acorns possess little inherent beauty or value, although adorned with dew on that sun-kissed morning, they sparkled gloriously like jewels. Human beings are however inherently beautiful and valuable since we were created uniquely and purposefully by God - in His likeness! God’s intention always was for humanity to reflect and showcase His glory- a plan thwarted by something we’re all guilty of…our wilful bias towards sinfulness. His merciful recovery plan extends forgiveness and grace, restoration and reconciliation to anyone humble enough to abandon independent self-effort and receive Him…

The Bible puts it this way - ‘As God’s masterpiece, He creates us anew in Jesus Christ, to do the good things He purposed for us to do, long ago.’

By Peter Carr

out are the details of vicious activity in a hot and sweaty environment in 1942. I was ‘enjoying’ nightly German bombing at that time in a much colder place. But reading the monument’s historic facts I am reminded of the futility of politically driven warmongering. All very well centuries ago when kings drove (and often financed) the activity. During that memorable Anzac service on the ship I recalled that it was a politician named (Winston) Churchill who consigned over 12,000 men to their deaths in Turkey. This to create a maritime-related diversion.

The Guadacanal campaign lasted six weary, hot months. Resulting in an enormous loss of ships (78) and huge numbers of young men on both sides sent to the bottom of the sea. Later the battle turned to defending the building of the Henderson Field air strip where, mainly American (supported by NZ and Australian), troops toiled to put together a much-needed supply hub. The death and destruction figures were - and still are - horrific and further point to future conflicts taking place around a conference table rather than in deep waters and upon muddy shores.

That said bringing ourselves to the modern era the current conflicts in both

The Best Heat Pump Solution

Ukraine and Israel / Gaza bear witness to the political aspirations of a small number of unbalanced men. The leaders of Russia, Israel and most of the EU are all hell-bent on still carving out pieces of land that they neither need nor care to put to good use. Sitting on the sideline are those whose handwringing, posturing and associated inaction to create a solution bears witness to further futility.

Standing on that very hot monumentadorned hill in Honiara last Friday I reflected that not much has changed. Throwing men (and now women) at a physical conflict is wasteful of energy, lives, land and the associated huge personal loss to innocent citizens caught in the crossfire. The financial and commercial outfall from these lunatic activities of politicians needs reining in. We should be grateful for the fact that we live in a quiet corner at the bottom end of the world’s largest ocean - however modern visual and electronic communication now presents the conflicts every hour on a variety of screens.

CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE C ALLS OVER THE L AST WEEK

CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE CALLS OVER THE LAST WEEK

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

22:34pm, Powerlines down, Shakespeare Street

THURSDAY 12:34pm, Medical incident, Peake Road 5:05pm, Tractor Fire, McLarnon Road

FRIDAY

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

2:29pm, 2 car MVA, Waikato Expressway 11:42pm, Rubbish fire, Wilson Street

SATURDAY

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

11:46pm, Assistance ambulance, Honiss Place

SUNDAY 3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road

SUNDAY 6:20am, Vegetation fire, Hautapu Road

This newspaper is subject to NZ Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing, within one month of publication, to the editor’s email address. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P O Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www. mediacouncil.org.nz

Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.

Across 1. Sudden outburst of anger (5)

4. Appeared (6) 7. Pronoun for ship (3)

8. Shade of blue (6)

9. Racquet sport (6)

10. Law enforcer (6,7)

14. Surprised: taken __ (5) 15. Accumulate (5) 18. On the other hand (13)

Last week

23. Colour of the rainbow (6)

24. Unadulterated (6)

25. Illuminated (3)

26. Speckled (6)

27. In front (5) Down 1. Snapshot (5)

2. Partly, to some degree (5)

3. Regard (6) 4. Depart (3,3) 5. Tedium (5) 6. Chosen few (5) 10. Public square (5) 11. Fewest (5) 12. A passing fad (5) 13. Out of practice (5) 16. Wrap (6)

Across: 1. Rabies, 5. Signal, 8. Pie, 9. Career, 10. Coward, 11. Digs, 13. Careless, 14. Means, 15. Biped, 19. Inferior, 21. Soak, 22. Poseur, 23. Candid, 25. Ova, 26. Geyser, 27. Shriek. Down: 2. Avarice, 3. Ire, 4. Spruce, 5. Secure, 6. Go walkies, 7. Aires, 12. Senseless, 16. Evasive, 17. Mirror, 18. Fracas, 20. No one, 24. Nor.

WWAGONLWORNPDEVAWI XPCYIOSALWEOEOHLQR AARWCZWXWWETWRBEWW RWWEEVILWEATHERMCU

WADE WAFER

WAGON WAIST

WAIVE

WALKWAY

WALLABY

WALLPAPER

WARBLE

WARLOCK

WATER

WAVED

Sharpe service

By Jon Rawlinson

Diane Sharpe’s enthusiasm for Fieldays has not been blunted even after 35 years.

While Fieldays is calling for volunteer, organisers need not send an invitation to Diane – she will be there, yet again.

volunteers,” she said.

Shop at Cambridge Tiles and support a locally owned business, and your local tradespeople. Visit our new website which showcases our outstanding range of tiles as well as offering trend and design inspiration, valuable tips and advice on FAQs.

CAMBRIDGE’S BUZZING HOME FOR FOODIES

“When the event grew too big, about 10 years ago, Rural Women stopped doing the catering. Since then, I’ve been selling programmes and helped as an on-site liaison, making sure all the exhibitors are happy with their sites.”

“It’s nice being part of Fieldays because everybody gets to know one another, when we come together once a year, and I’ve felt as though I’ve been doing some good.”

Diane is no stranger to public service and was a served on the Waipā District councillor for almost 30 years.

However, her involvement with Fieldays dates back even further, since the event moved from Te Rapa in Hamilton to Rukuhia in 1970.

Prior to retiring and moving to Leamington’s Lauriston Park, Diane was a dairy farmer at a property on Sharpe Road, Rukuhia.

More than 150 people are still needed for next month’s event at Mystery Creek Events Centre. Volunteers remain vital, said Taryn Storey from the NZ National Fieldays Society.

Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or a reliable tool that’ll last generations in your kitchen, Simply Divine Kitchen has it all and provides a great shopping experience.

She began by helping to “feed the troops” at what would become New Zealand’s largest agricultural event.

“Fieldays was started by volunteers in 1969 and they are part of the fabric of the event,” she said.

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“I was with Rural Woman NZ – we made all the pies and sandwiches to feed the

5 Empire Street Cambridge | Ph 07 827 3004

“Volunteering provides a unique opportunity to not only contribute to a world-class event but also gain valuable experience and make lifelong connections.”

Diane Sharpe, right, volunteering at Fieldays last year with Jacquie Wellington. Photo: Stephen Barker

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Contact Graham

Contact Rachael

Contact Paulette

Contact Debbie or Trevor

Contact Paulette

Contact Eilish, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Paulette

Contact Eilish, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Eilish, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Rachael

Contact Graham

Contact Rachael

Contact Eilish, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Lenie

Contact Graham

$1,280,000

Contact Rachael

Contact Eilish, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Paulette

Contact Eilish, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Paulette

Contact Rachael

Contact Paulette

Contact Graham

Contact Eilish, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Eilish, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Eilish, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Eilish, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Debbie or Trevor

Contact Graham

Contact Graham

Contact Graham

Contact Paulette

Contact Lenie

Sold by Paulette

Contact Eilish, Kevin or Taylor

Contact Rachael

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Perfect for Family or Investment

4A Thomas Place, Leamington

- Fresh, modern interior that’s been thoughtfully styled.

- At 80 square metres this home is cleverly laid out to give you more room where it counts - and yes, it feels bigger than it looks on paper. Open Homes Saturday 12 - 12.30pm & Sunday 11 - 11.30am

- Built in 2024 - Positioned for privacy and easy access. - Master bedroom, featuring a ranch slider that opens onto a spacious adjoining deck, walk-in wardrobe and a luxurious ensuite. Open Homes Saturday 11 - 11.30am & Sunday 2 - 2.30pm Whispers of Mid-Century

Deadline Sale

65A Vogel Street, Cambridge

- Set on a generous 2,481m² section (more or less), the home is perfectly positioned for privacy.

- New wood burner (last year), ceiling fan, heat transfer system, and retrofit double glazing provide year-round climate control. Open Homes Saturday 1 - 1.30pm & Sunday 11 - 11.30am

$1,300,000

11 Shadbolt Drive, Leamington

- Situated on approximately 3488m² (more or less) of land.

in the Heart of Leamington! 100 Thompson Street, Leamington

- Three double bedrooms are all upstairs.

- A convenient downstairs guest toilet and a full bathroom upstairs.

- Freshly painted exterior, giving the home great street appeal and a low-maintenance finish

- Five bedrooms (or four plus family/rumpus room); two bathrooms, including a master suite featuring a walk-in robe & ensuite. Open Home Sunday 1.00 - 1.30pm Class, Comfort and

23 Brancaster Place, Cambridge

4 2 2

- Indoor/outdoor flow that allows full use of the two patio & deck areas.

- A media room, with noise reducing insulation & office of a size that would be the envy of many WFH-ers or home-based businesses. Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 2.00 - 2.30pm Longing To Be

Loved Again

$1,198,000

181 Thornton Road, Cambridge

- Four bedrooms

26 Mike Smith Drive, Cambridge

- Set on a generous 1,472m² (more or less) corner site, this 290m² residence is the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and practicality.

- Boasts five spacious bedrooms, including two ensuites, plus a dedicated office and a stylish family bathroom.

Cambridge 9B Clare Street

A must-see — bring your

offers!

Our vendors have their sights set on another property out of town—they say sell! Opportunities like this are rare, especially in such a highly regarded part of Cambridge, so act fast before it’s gone. Tucked away in a quiet, sought-after location, this wellpresented home offers a fantastic opportunity for a wide range of buyers. Whether you're looking to downsize, step onto the property ladder, or add to your rental portfolio, this tidy and low-maintenance property ticks all the boxes. The home features sturdy brick construction and has been well cared for, recently refreshed with new carpet and curtains. The welcoming living and dining hub enjoys excellent natural light and flows through sliding doors to a very private patio and lovely lowmaintenance garden. In addition, the large open backyard, separate from the patio area, provides plenty of space for outdoor activities or future landscaping potential.

Cambridge 80A Williams Street

Motivated Vendor, Act now!

Experience easy living in this charming one-bedroom, one-bathroom home, perfect for an investor, a working professional, retired individual or for a couple looking to secure their first home. Featuring open-plan living and dining, the space flows effortlessly onto a sunny outdoor patio ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The single internal access garage includes a laundry area for added convenience. Located just a short stroll from town, Lake Te Koo Utu, the bowling club, and only 2 minutes to the local Four Square supermarket, this home offers both comfort and convenience in a peaceful setting. With a motivated vendor ready to sell, this is your chance to secure a great property in a sought-after location!

Rachael Hunt M 0275 898 797 E rachael.hunt@pb.co.nz Holly Hunt M 027 594 1491 E holly.hunt@pb.co.nz

1 1 1 Deadline Sale closes Thursday 15th May, 2025 at 12.00pm, (unless sold prior), 34 Victoria Street, Cambridge 3434 View Sun 4 May 1.00 - 1.30pm Web pb.co.nz/CBU203086

Chandrasekera M 0210 293 6907 E malinda.c@pb.co.nz

Harrowfield 4 Charles Henry Place

Vendors purchasing - this is a must view

Welcome to a very special home in a prestigious pocket of Hamilton real estate. Our vendors are purchasing their lifestyle dream and need to sell this expansive property - this is your chance to get a foothold in a premiere suburb with a real sense of community, space, privacy, and the true feeling of coming home. The generous 300sqm residence has been meticulously maintained and refurbished over the years, with double-glazing at ground level, and gleaming white chefs kitchen designed to satisfy the fastidious cook in the family. This spacious open plan zone delivers entertainment in spades, spills out to fabulous outdoor living and manicured grounds, a tranquil 1029sqm oasis that even has direct access to the beautiful Harrowfield Park and tennis courts you can enjoy for a small yearly fee. The separate formal lounge is a supersized, quiet space for more intimate gatherings or movie nights, with its own access to the generous outdoor deck.

Matangi 298A Bellevue Road

Luxury lifestyle, income & space

Your dream lifestyle awaits! Perfectly positioned in a blue-chip location, this stunning executive family estate offers the best of modern living, income potential, and country charm all just an easy commute from Cambridge and Hamilton! The sprawling 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is designed for comfort and style, with a master suite featuring a luxurious ensuite and walk-in robe. The open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas create an inviting heart of the home, enhanced by a walk-in pantry and separate lounge with a stylish barn-style sliding door. High stud ceilings, ducted air conditioning, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow to a covered portico with a concrete patio and wood feature trim make this the ultimate entertainer's dream. For added value, a modern, fully self-contained 70sqm secondary dwelling offers two bedrooms - perfect for extended family, guests, or reliable rental income.

E ali.turner@pb.co.nz

closes Wednesday 7th May, 2025 at 2.00pm, (unless sold prior), 34 Victoria Street, Cambridge

Sun 4 May 1.00 - 1.45pm

pb.co.nz/CBL200531 Peter Lissington M 027 430 8770 E peterl@pb.co.nz Catherine Hayward M 027 562 4598 E cath.hayward@pb.co.nz

Cambridge 4, 280 Peake Road

Impressive warehouse with offices & large yard

• 1027m2 warehouse with offices/reception • 3080m2 site (approx) • 5 minutes from Waikato expressway Hautapu interchange. With its expansive 1000m2 warehouse, approximately 80m2 of modern offices, and a generous 1500m2 (approx) yard, this commercial space is ideally positioned for a range of industries, offering excellent security for the savvy investor. Located just 5 minutes away from the Hautapu Expressway interchange, this property boasts exceptional connectivity and accessibility. Don't miss the opportunity to secure this remarkable property.

Cambridge Corner Williamson and Duke Streets

Endless Potential in the Heart of Cambridge

• 5044m2 corner site • 4 titles. This opportunity to develop a prime 5,044m2 corner site at Duke and Williamson Streetsright in the heart of Cambridge, demands serious consideration. Spanning four freehold titles with a mix of commercial and residential zoning, this high-profile location offers unparalleled flexibility. Positioned within walking distance of both Carters Flat's commercial hub and the Cambridge CBD, the site boasts exceptional visibility to passing traffic. Whether you're considering mixed-use development, retail, office space, or high-density residential, this strategic site provides the ideal location for a range of development projects. Call today for more information.

For Sale By Negotiation View By appointment

Web pb.co.nz/CBC203955

Alan Copeman M 021 874 222 E alan.copeman@pb.co.nz

Tony Wakelin M 021 569 299 E tony.wakelin@pb.co.nz

For Sale By Negotiation View By appointment

Web pb.co.nz/CBC201032

Alan Copeman M 021 874 222 E alan.copeman@pb.co.nz

Tony Wakelin M 021 569 299 E tony.wakelin@pb.co.nz

Campbell Turner M 021 990 978 E campbell.turner@pb.co.nz

PAYNE, Ronald Gilbert (Ron) – Passed away peacefully at Resthaven on Burns, on Friday, 25th April 2025. Dearly loved husband & soul mate of the late Hazel for 69 years. Cherished father & father-inlaw of Colin & Tracy, Warren, Rex & Heather, Karen & Bryan. Adored and much loved Grandad to seven grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren.

‘Special thanks to Trish and the Team of Resthaven on Burns for the love and care shown to Ron over the past 5 years.’

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at Woodside Estate, Woodside Road, Matangi, on Thursday, 8th May 2025 at 1:00pm, followed by a private cremation. Messages to the Payne Family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Ron’s online tribute book at www. grinters.co.nz.

HARTE, Sadie (Sarah) Edith

10 June 193016 March 2025

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the sympathy expressed when our mum, mum-in-law, nana and great-granny passed away. We deeply appreciate the sympathy and condolences extended to us through cards and prayers, floral tributes and baking from our friends, family and community. We will always remember your kindness as this has been of great comfort to us during this difficult time.

Cambridge Health & Community Trust

A.G.M.

18th June at 3pm. 22a Taylor Street.

Check out our website cambridgenews.nz for more copy and photos

027

or email

Cambridge Seventh-Day Adven�st Church Cr. Shakespeare & Browning Streets

Study Each Saturday: 9.30am – 10.45am Worship Service: 11.00am Like us on Facebook: h�ps://www.facebook.com/cambridge.sda.9 email: cambridge.sda.nz@gmail.com

CABINET MAKING and shop fitting, quality work. Ph Tony 0274 798 798

Classifieds

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

PURSUANT TO SECTION 41(6) OF THE RESERVES ACT 1977, Ngā Pae Whenua invites public submissions on the draft Ngāti Koroki Kahukura Reserves Management Plan. The draft plan can be viewed online at waipadc.govt.nz/ ngapaewhenua and at Waipā District Council offices and libraries.

Ngā Pae Whenua is a joint management body established under section 62 of the Ngāti Koroki Kahukura Claims Settlement Act 2014 as administering body for the four reserves vested to Ngāti Koroki Kahukura as part of the settlement between iwi and the Crown.

The reserves under the care of Ngā Pae Whenua are:

• Taumatawiwi Recreation Reserve, located south of Mighty River Domain on the banks of Lake Karāpiro.

• Waikaukau Recreation Reserve, which adjoins Arapuni Landing Reserve on the banks of the Waikato River.

• Te Reti Scenic Reserve, located in an isolated spot on the slopes of Maungatautari.

• Koroki Kahukura ki Hinuera Scenic Reserve, located on the northern side of State Highway 1 surrounded by private land and inaccessible to the public.

The draft plan sets the vision for the reserves and directs how they are to be managed and developed in the future. The draft plan has been informed by feedback received through prior public consultation and through engagement with mana whenua and stakeholders.

Members of the public and organisations are invited to formally submit on the draft plan and will also have the opportunity to speak to their submissions at a public hearing.

Share your thoughts:

Submissions can be made online at waipadc.govt.nz/ ngapaewhenua, or emailed to haveyoursay@waipadc.govt. nz with ‘Ngāti Koroki Kahukura RMP’ in the subject line. You can also write to us at Ngā Pae Whenua C/- Waipā District Council, Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840. Submissions close at 5pm, Friday, June 27, 2025.

Calvert Funeral

Section 24(2) Reserves Act 1977

Waipā District Council intends to notify the Department of Conservation under section 24(1)(b) of the Reserves Act 1977 that it considers that the following reserve should have its reserve status revoked to enable its disposal, as it is not required for its stated purpose: 50 Eden Avenue (Arthur Patterson Reserve), Lot 18 DPS 23182, held in Record of Title 447505 has an area of approximately 2,100m² and is a rear lot located on the southern fringe of Te Awamutu with direct access from Eden Avenue.

Any person affected by this proposal has the right to provide written notice of any objection to the proposal, including the grounds for that objection, any time before 27 June 2025 to Waipā District Council. Written objections should be addressed to: Reserve Revocation, Waipa District Council, 101 Banks Street, Te Awamutu.

Attention: Property Projects Specialistinfo@waipadc.govt.nz

JOB VACANCY

“Local jobs for local people” Notice of Proposed Reserve Revocation and Disposal

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