Quarry deal confirmed
By Mary Anne Gill
After four years and $130,000 in legal fees, Rhys and Antoinette Powell’s fight against a Cambridge quarry ended last week - not in court, but with a handshake.
On site at French Pass Road, Rhys Powell and Fulton Hogan chief operating officer Simon Dyne agreed to preserve a 32-metre high riverbank between the couple’s property and the RS Sand quarry at 77 Newcombe Road. The original application would have seen the bank, along the Karāpiro Gully, reduced at the start of the mining and
then removed completely at the end - in about 30 years.
The Powells’ southern boundary is only 15m from the quarry. They would have had a ring side seat from their living room to a working quarry operation for all that time.
The deal – which also sees a 3m bund installed on top of the bank - prompted the Powells to drop their Environment Court appeal.
The agreement clears the way for RS Sand - owned by Stevenson Aggregates, a Fulton Hogan subsidiary - to extract 400,000 tonnes of sand annually.
The company had already secured
a resource consent with strict and enforceable conditions imposed by both Waikato Regional and Waipā district councils after a Resource Management Act hearing before an independent panel.
The conditions would protect neighbours, local roads and the environment, they said at the time.
The conditions included the establishment of cultural landscape zone to protect native species, a limit of 150 daily truck movements through Cambridge and an annual payment of $17,200 to the Waipā council for road maintenance.
Rockey flies free in town again
By Chris Gardner
Rockey the galah rosebreasted cockatoo just wants to be left alone after a fourday abduction.
Owner Jeanen Lindsey launched a search for the four-year-old cockatoo last Thursday following a report of her being bird knapped while visiting school athletics at the recreation reserve off Vogel Street, Cambridge.
“A man grabbed her,” Lindsey said.
A man matching his description was later seen at the town pet shop enquiring about caring for a rosebreasted cockatoo.
Bird and owner were reunited on Sunday, when Rockey was found near Taylor Street.
“I am so grateful that the person has done the right thing,” Lindsey said.
“Rockey was so happy to see me. I would hate to think what she went through.”
The News reported in 2023 that Lindsey specialises in training ‘free-flyers’ - birds like Rockey who capable of living freely in populated areas with their human ‘forever home’ companions.
It’s not the first time Rockey has been bird knapped. She has been returned from as far afield as Matangi and Te Awamutu.
“If people want to spend some time with her my door is always open,” said Hamilton Road based Lindsey.
“I love to educate people about free flight.”
“She flies to the rest home all the time… she’s even been on Zoom meetings with office staff. But she comes home for lunch.”
Lindsey asked anyone who saw Rockey about town to leave her be.
Native to Australia, galah rose-breasted cockatoos can live for 70 years in captivity. They have been introduced to New Zealand and can be found in South Auckland and on Ponui Island in the Hauraki Gulf.
Rhys and Antoinette Powell in front of the 32-metre high river bank which will remain under the deal they struck with quarry operators.
Rockey the galah rose-breasted cockatoo, right, is home with Jeanen Lindsey and friends after being birdknapped for four days.
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Quarry deal confirmed
The Powells were the only ones to appeal the decision to the Environment Court. This month they entered mediation already having spent $130,000 on legal bills and expert advice.
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“I’d do it again,” Rhys Powell told The News.
“The original application was simply too flawed and unacceptable to let through.
“The lawyers and council would have gone to court. Simon Dyne came down, had a look (at the site) and said, ‘yep I get what you’re saying’ and we shook on it.”
The deal did not include compensation to the Powells despite their significant costs.
Rhys Powell said he did the best he could for Cambridge.
“I tried to stop the thing, but I didn’t have the support of council or anyone else financially. No one chipped in any money.”
He is scathing of both the regional and district council who he said had no real-world experience in quarrying or mining operations. Before establishing his equestrian centre business in French Pass Road, Powell worked in mining for 30 years.
“I was the only party to appeal the decision. I engaged a team of qualified experts and
On the beat
top lawyers and spent well over $130,000, excluding my own time, to develop a substantially revised proposal that properly addressed the impacts on my property and on neighbouring residents.
“The final design now delivers a far better outcome - something the councils should have required from the very beginning.
“While the quarry trucks will never travel past our property, there were only so many battlefronts we could fight on our own,” said Powell.
“My advice to others facing a similar consent process: expect very little from council planning and transport teams, use the latest AI tools to quickly identify flaws, and be prepared to stand up and fix things yourself - because often no one else will.”
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce chief executive Kelly Bouzaid welcomed the decision but said she was still concerned at the amount of heavy traffic which would travel through the town
As part of the consent conditions, groups like the chamber and the Cambridge Community Board would be tasked with monitoring truck numbers.
Scam and scam again…
It seems like every week there is another scam reminder. This week it’s one that looks like it comes from us - New Zealand Police –but it didn’t.
A lot of people have reported receiving a text message saying: “NZ Police – Your traffic fine ($40) is overdue. Avoid late fees or court referral. Reg: NZ-2025-883921 Pay now at... (Reply with the letter “Y” and reopen this message to click the link or copy it into your browser”.
This is not from the police, we do not remind you of speeding fines in this way. The link is a scammer’s way of getting your private information. Block the number and delete the text message. Spread the message about this scam to your friends and family too.
Recently I was advised of a situation where vehicle noise and tyre smoke caused upset in neighbourhoods. It is well known that burnouts on a public road can result in police enforcement including vehicle impounds and court charges for sustained loss of traction. What can you do when this is happening on private property? If your neighbour is doing burnouts on their driveway, this can cause significant noise and air pollution.
Noise and smoke are both covered under the Waipā District Council District Plan. The
More to come
In the end, it fizzled out with barely a whimper.
The Newcombe Road quarry saga made headlines during the local body election campaign.
Yet it wasn’t council intervention that resolved the standoff. It was the sheer bloody-mindedness of Rhys Powell and the pragmatism of Fulton Hogan Infrastructure Services’ chief operating officer Simon Dyne. Dyne’s company biography notes his passion for quarrying and his role in leading sustainability. That passion, paired with Powell’s determination, finally broke the deadlock. But the saga is far from finished.
The long-running issue of on and off ramps at Newcombe Road for the Waikato Expressway will resurface. It already forms part of the Cambridge Connections work underway by Waipā District Council.
rules around noise set out the maximum noise limits for different times of day and days of the week. They further state that “no activity shall produce and objectionable odour, smoke, fumes or dust at or beyond the boundaries of the site from which the nuisance emanates.”
In situations like this, if it is reported to council, where video evidence is provided and the circumstances are deemed appropriate, the council may contact the property owner warning them of a breach of the district plan. Further action involving the issuance of an abatement notice may also be possible.
Continuing my drink driving tally, there were no drivers caught with Excess Breath Alcohol in Cambridge in the 7 days prior to writing. In Te Awamutu however, five drivers were caught. With the silly season approaching, ensure you plan before you party while your decision making is still sound. If you are attending a work social event, leave your car behind and get alternative transport home.
On the other side of the equation, if you are hosting friends or family, be responsible and ensure food is served, arrange accommodation or transport for your guests as necessary. Have fun, be safe.
And it will be worth watching whether councillor Roger Gordon revives his pre-election notice of motion, which sought to ban right turns from Newcombe Road into Tīrau Road for heavy commercial vehicles –ensuring they do not drive through Cambridge.
If adopted, sand-ladened trucks heading north - the majority, given growth in that direction - would turn left onto the Expressway, travel four kilometres south to the Hydro Road turning bay, then loop back north again. The vexed issue of truck movements remains, but that fight must be fought by someone else. Rhys and Antoinette Powell have done their bit.
CountryLife
Reach a targeted rural & lifestyle audience each month by advertising your business in CountryLife; featured inside the Cambridge News & Te Awamutu News Next Publication Date Thursday 11 December
with Senior Constable DEB HANN
Rubber meets road
Cambridge based award winning business Treadlite New Zealand is talking to Selwyn District Council about constructing the country’s first rubber road. The council plans a rubber road surface trial in January in Glentunnel on State Highway 77, 40km inland from Rolleston in Canterbury, a Local Democracy Reporting story revealed this week.
Hornet check
Biosecurity New Zealand has put extra staff on as it looks for more yellow-legged hornets on Auckland’s North Shore. Having been criticised for a slow initial response, the department said it had more than 20 people focused on “enhanced” searches and more than 100 staff across MPI involved in the response.” Traps, number “more than 180” were being checked daily. Nine queens have been found so far.
Police appeal
Police are appealing for information about a fatal crash on Te Pahu Rd, on October 18. Sergeant Steven Jones, Waikato Road Policing, said the crash on Waipā road just after 11am involving a motorcycle that appeared to have left the road between Whatawhata and Te Pahu. The rider died in hospital. Police believed the crash happened during a group ride involving motorcycles travelling around the area and want to hear from anyone who may have seen it or has dashcam footage around the time of the incident.
Dairy youth
Fonterra is increasing its support for 16-20 year olds entering the dairy industry with a new twoyear programme piloted in Waikato and Bay of Plenty and delivered in partnership with Growing Future Farmers, a national charitable trust providing a hybrid farmer-led vocational training model.
Waipā to narrow gap
By Chris Gardner
Waipā District Council staff have recommended closing the remuneration gap between committee chairs and their deputies.
The council met on Friday to decide how the $709,576 set by the external Remuneration Authority on October 12 would be split between the 11 councillors, including the deputy mayor, based on the roles they have on the council.
Mayor Mike Pettit’sl salary was set by the authority at $162,399.
Governance manager Jo Gread recommended reducing the ratio gap between chairs and deputy chairs.
Her schedule of payments recommended paying councillors who hold no additional roles $57,925 a year, more than the $50,684 minimum recommended by
the Remuneration Authority. She recommended deputy mayor Jo Davies-Colley receive $86,887.
“It recognises the significant workload of the deputy mayor, and the support that they provide to the mayor and the fact that role is district wide,” Gread said.
Maungatautari
ward councillor Mike Montgomerie will chair the strategic planning and policy committee, serve as deputy chair of the finance and corporate committee and receive $69,509 under the recommendation.
Davies-Colley will serve as Montgomerie’s deputy on the strategic planning and policy committee.
Pettit will chair the finance and corporate committee, with Montgomerie as his deputy, and the chief executive performance management committee.
Pirongia and Kakepuku ward councillor Clare St Pierre will chair the service delivery committee and is recommended to be paid $63,717, with Cambridge ward councillor Aidhean Camson as her deputy. She will also chair the Pirongia and Kakepuku ward committee.
Te Awamutu and Kihikihi ward councillor Marcus Gower will chair the regulatory committee and is recommended to be paid $63,717. Waipā Māori ward councillor Dale-Maree Morgan will be his deputy and under the recommendations would be paid $66,613 in part recognition of her iwi portfolio. Morgan will also chair the Maungatautari Reserve Committee.
Cambridge ward councillor Roger Gordon will serve as deputy chair of the risk and assurance
committee and would be paid $60,821. The committee is chaired by an independent, Carol Bellette, who is member of the Institute of Directors.
Morgan offered to support councillors in any engagement with iwi during the triennium.
“I would appreciate it if you gave me a call, and if I am free, I will support you in that space,” Morgan said.
Pettit said the recommendation to the Remuneration Authority had been put forward to flatten the structure out.
“There’s probably no more pertinent time than the coming three years with the avalanche of legislation and frankly the workload that is going to come,” he said.
“Chairing and deputy chairing committees, there’s a lot more flattening of that, but ultimately it is one part of a massive job that we all
Jo Gread
have as councillors.
“The differentiation last time was about $19,500 between those who had, in theory, no responsibilities, to those who had more responsibilities and the difference this time is $11,600 at the most.
“We are in this waka together,” he said.
Montgomerie said he led a charge to narrow the remuneration gap in the last triennium and had been unsuccessful.
At last: It’s done and dusted
By Mary Anne Gill
For nearly three years it’s been a stretch of road festooned with hundreds of orange cones and lengthy delays for motorists.
Now Cambridge Road – between Hugo Shaw Road and the new roundabout, complete with two cyclist and pedestrian underpasses – is finally open.
Waipā District Council Cambridge Corridor project was approved in July 2020, started in January 2023 and was originally expected to take
16 months.
This month, the cones began disappearing and by this week almost all were gone, save for a couple of stragglers marking work not immediately obvious to passersby.
A new entry to Te Awa Lifecare opened on Arikura Lane last month while the old driveway was fenced off and returned to pasture.
For the first time since Te Awa opened in 2018, residents can walk or take their mobility scooters safely into town.
Manager Nikki Belfield told residents recently
the new entrance was quieter and safer.
“As the last of the road cones disappear and the cycleway and median strip take shape, it’s clear that change is not just constant, it’s positive.
“The journey to get here has certainly been a long one, but we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel – quite literally,” she said.
The project delivered a new roundabout, an extension to the Hamilton Rd cycleway, a new three metre wide shared walking and cycling path, a signalised pedestrian crossing and new bus shelters.
Jono Gibson Funeral Director
Before – December 2023, the road cones were well established
After – November 2025, the road cones are gone and in their place a footpath and cycleway.
Photos: Mary Anne Gill
Parades ‘kill retail sales’
By Chris Gardner
Waipā District Council is being urged to engage in deeper community consultation before agreeing to closing roads for Christmas parades.
The council last week approved several road closures to enable Christmas parades for Saturday, December 6 in Te Awamutu and Sunday, December 7 in Cambridge.
But former Te Awamutu
Business Chamber chief executive and new Te Awamutu ward councillor Shane Walsh raised concerns at Friday’s council meeting because retailers in the town objected the switch back to a Saturday parade last year because of the potential loss of income.
The council received retailer objection to a Sunday parade in Cambridge.
“We aren’t against the Christmas parade,” the letter of objection said. “We are against the timing of the Christmas parade. The road closures absolutely killed retail sales and foot traffic on what should be a key retail day in the lead up to Christmas.”
The retailer, whose name was redacted by the council, offered to share financials to make their point.
“The past couple of years have been extremely tough trading conditions and the increased costs, rates included, have made it tougher. With some small
adjustments to the parade timing and how road closures are done we can all be kept happy.”
Walsh said he had received complaints about the financial impact of last year’s Christmas parade from Te Awamutu retailers.
“If the parade is a Saturday the retailers lose revenue,” Walsh said.
“The roads are closed, and nobody wants to come into town.” Walsh asked Waipā District Council transportation manager Bryan Hudson whether the district’s two community boards had been consulted before road closure applications for Cambridge and Te Awamutu Christmas
parades had been advertised.
Hudson said they had not.
Walsh said such consultation made sense.
“I see the role of community boards to have a strong link to local organisations.”
Councillor Dean Taylor said Te Awamutu Christmas Parade used
to be organised by a subcommittee of the community board and he was a member.
Mayor Mike Pettit suggested Hudson look at involving community boards in the process.
“I think there’s an assumption that community boards are supporting the Christmas parades,” said Maungatautari ward councillor Mike Montgomerie.
He said the council would need to change its procedures if it were to include community board feedback in the process of approving road closures.
Council service delivery group manager Eeva-Liisa Wright said the boards had not been consulted due to time constraints.
“We will take that on board and work through what that could look like.”
Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick said she would ask board members and the community for their thoughts on receiving a formal report from council.
“We would naturally be delighted to be involved in some capacity on the working group and support those volunteering their time to put on the Christmas Parade,” she said.
“It’s one great way for us to connect with the community and get involved. It would also allow us to be across what’s happening.”
Santa’s arrival isn’t good news for retail business.
ON SHAKY GROUND
From bad to worse
By Janine Krippner
At 9:35 am on November 1 1755, the people of Lisbon, Portugal experienced between six and nine minutes of ground shaking. A fault had ruptured offshore Portugal in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, causing the event now known as the Lisbon Earthquake, or Terramoto de 1755. By the time the shaking stopped, the tragedy had only just begun across the coastal city. These events can be complex, with multiple hazards being triggered by the initial process. Fire broke out in Lisbon, causing people to head to areas like the Terreiro do Paço square to escape the flames. They couldn’t have known that this was a dire mistake.
When I mentioned that the earthquake originated offshore and people in a coastal city felt a long earthquake, did you immediately think “tsunami”? The earthquake had triggered a tsunami that claimed around 900 lives in Lisbon. One tragic account tells of people taking refuge in the São Paulo church - and 32 perished as the fire, which would last 5-6 days, spread.
Within an hour of the earthquake, coastlines of Portugal, Spain, and Morocco had been hit by tsunami waves. Around five hours later, the tsunami reached the United Kingdom, causing minor damage, and 9-10 hours later, the Caribbean.
Around the Pacific Ocean tsunamis are commonplace, but with the lack of large subduction zones in the Atlantic they are much less so. Estimations of total fatalities vary widely, but historians and scientists place the death toll between 30,000 and 60,000 people across Portugal, Spain, and North Africa.
This catastrophe illustrates how a single
natural event can trigger cascading hazards – earthquake, tsunami, and fire, compounding destruction and loss. It also highlights the life-or-death importance of how people respond. The actions you take immediately afterwards can determine your survival.
As always, these accounts are a reminder to know the warning signs of a tsunami and think about what actions you would take.
If you feel a long or strong earthquake near the coast, get to higher ground. If you see unexpected behaviour of the ocean (rising or falling water) or hear a roar from the ocean, don’t wait around. These lessons cannot be repeated often enough.
If you get a tsunami alert, follow the advice but remember that if the source of a tsunami is too close you may not get a warning beyond the earthquake itself. Areas in Portugal only had around 30 minutes between the earthquake and the start of the tsunami. If you think of trying to move through a crowded city, that is not much time. Trying to drive away in modern times can result in being stuck in traffic within the danger zones.
Tsunamis can also be triggered by processes other than earthquakes, so being aware of the ocean when we are at the beach is always important. Quick, informed action saves lives. Practice evacuation routes, pay attention to tsunami signs, and remember: while we cannot stop earthquakes or tsunamis, we are not powerless. Preparedness and awareness can make all the difference for you and those around you.
Nearer than you think…
By Murray Smith, Bridges Church
A cold unpleasant night greeted my arrival in suburban Paris.
Walking up the steps from the deserted dimly lit underground Paris Métro to the street above, I re-read directions for ‘La Rue’ where I had booked a cheap overnight ‘pensionne’ (like a BnB), to stay.
It was late as a thick blanket of damp fog settled, cloaking gloomy streets with an eery lack of visibility.
Lonely shops were shrouded in darkness with nobody around to help clarify directions.
As I entering an isolated neighbourhood, the fog increased along with foreboding anxiety and a panicky sense of unease I felt from being lost.
Occasional streetlamps diffused little light or re-assurance as unwelcome thoughts entered of dossing down in a doorway until daybreak.
Clutching a bag and the crumpled address of my destination, I felt chilling fear rise.
With no idea where I was, or what to do… I prayed.
It wasn’t a fancy or eloquent prayer, more a desperate cry from within - for God’s help.
Walking down narrow foot-paving alongside an old damp brick building is etched vividly in my memory.
The voice of a man speaking behind me in English with a French accent startled me.
Out of the misty gloom, he came alongside, pointing - he mentioned the address I carried in my hand, stating I would be there quite soon by following several simple directions he provided.
I had no opportunity to say anything. He disappeared into the fog, just as he’d appeared from out of it.
I have frequently pondered this strange event. I have no doubt that God intervened in
my distress.
He responded to my prayer… perhaps he had sent an angel to speak to me. I can’t say emphatically, but certainly supernatural insight had revealed where to find the address that I sought to reach.
I believe that God is nearer than we imagine…not aloof nor distant or remote as many believe.
What matters to you - matters to Him as well. The God who created the Universe waits for us to draw near to Him.
You can come as you are with your doubts, failures, and misgivings, allowing Him access to your life…you couldn’t ever do enough to improve yourself or make yourself more acceptable to Him - in humility presenting yourself there’s mercy, acceptance and forgiveness.
I spoke recently with a man deeply conscious of personal failure who harboured a lingering shame of disqualification. His experiences from a very religious background had been damaging. He’d incorrectly surmised, “It’s too late for me now…”
Consider this… two criminals were crucified alongside Christ. One was belligerent, angry, aggressive and mocking.
The other, contrite and mindful of Christ’s righteous innocence, accepted responsibility for his sinful choices. Hanging there, he cried out, “Lord, please remember me!”
Jesus assured that repentant thief his cry was heard… a criminal’s presence mattered enough to the Lord to forgive him and grant him eternal life. Why? Because leaving no-one out and us being present, matters to God.
Skiers question new lake plan
By Chris Gardner
Karāpiro Water Ski Club members fear a proposed plan for the lake domain could be bad news for their club.
One of the plan’s desired outcomes is to create a premiere, adaptable event and tourism destination by continuing to develop the domain as a worldclass event and training venue for primarily non-motorised aquatic sport.
The club is concerned with the use of the words “primarily nonmotorised”.
“That would have a devastating effect on the sport that we love,” said Karāpiro Water Ski Club member Les Atkinson.
He is one of nearly 300 youth and adult members of the growing club, which has existed for decades.
The club’s ground lease for a clubhouse at the northern end of the lake expires in 2030 with a 33 year right of renewal. However, the plan proposes the council work with the club for a new multi-purpose building on the site.
Brooklyn Ski Club, which met at Taumatawiiwii Reserve for 60 years, lost its lease to Karāpiro Waka Ama last year and many members have joined the Karāpiro club.
Atkinson, who managed the New Zealand Water Ski Team that won a silver medal at the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation Asian Australasian Championships in 2010, said the area was already busy with club members.
He was worried about the impact of encouraging more lake users into the area.
“It’s already congested at weekends,” he said.
In 2024 and 2025 approximately 250 events were held in the Sir Don Rowlands Centre and there were another 37 on the wider domain.
A national Water Ski School is planned in the area in December, Atkinson is planning to make a submission council asking it to continue to welcome boaties of all types.
“Karāpiro is the water sports mecca of the North Island and people travel from out of town to come and use this facility,” he said.
Atkinson said he was also considering getting in touch with Waikato Regional Council, which has regulatory oversight of the lake.
“You currently have to cross Zone 3, zoned for water skiing, to get to Zone 2, a five-knot zone, and subsequently access Zone 1, zoned for water skiing, where you operate without inconveniencing other
water sports on the lake,” he said.
“We do need to retain water ski zones on the lake and, in the interests of safety, zones for other craft that require greater open spaces need to be considered.
“I don’t see why that should be so hard,” he said.
Club president Tim Barns-Lawton said he had received feedback from one club member who had found the online form “tedious and annoying” to fill in.
“If you don’t agree with anything you have to give a reason for every answer, which is basically the same question worded slightly different,” said member Jono Lilburn.
“You can’t just disagree with what they want to do.”
The plan seeks to strengthen mana whenua partnerships, increase mana whenua connections and enhance environmental stewardship.
Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngāti Hauā, Waikato Tainui and Raukawa hold customary rights and interests in the land.
The draft plan was shaped by 27 responses collected by the council last year. It will be funded through the district and regional council’s long term and annual plans. Submissions are open until January 20, 2026.
Festival a success
By Chris Gardner
Groups from across region gathered at Karāpiro on Thursday for the Te Wakatini Mid Central kapa haka festival.
Six groups, including four containing members with intellectual disabilities, were supported at the Sir Don Rowlands Centre by Idea Services from the Waikato as well Gisborne, Rotorua, and Hawke’s Bay.
There was a huge turnout of whānau and community cheering on the performers.
Māori advisory group member Te Atakura Ryan Kaitakawaenga said participants took kapa haka very seriously.
“It’s an important artform to the Idea Services community. It’s a taonga and it encourages connection to whakapapa and to each other,” she said.
Kapa haka rōpu leader Robert Smith said being a member of a kapa haka rōpū for many years had strengthened his understanding of Māori culture.
“Since joining kapa haka, I’ve learned about visiting marae and the tikanga that comes with it,” he said.
“It’s a celebration that brings people together through culture, music and performance.”
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Moana Rewi performs for Te Roopu Atawhai o Te Tairāwhiti
New RSA chief sets course
By Viv Posselt
Just days into his appointment as new Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association national president, Cambridge’s Tony Hill has signalled a ‘back to basics’ approach that will centre on an expectation around behaviour and broaden the reach of assistance to veterans.
Hill’s appointment was made
at this month’s 109th National Council in Wellington. He takes over from Sir Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford.
He held multiple titles during the previous year – one of two national vice-presidents, district president for the Waikato, King Country and Bay of Plenty, and president of the Cambridge RSA – and served on several different committees.
Trimming three official roles down to one will be easier, he said. “I now have a single focus, even though it’s a wide one. Not having a lot to do at those different levels will make things more streamlined.”
Hill said his first priority was to ‘get back to basics’ in advocating for veterans and their families, whether or not they belong to an RSA. The organisation has been
rolling out support hubs around the country, increasing visibility around the advocacy work it does, and broadening its reach.
“Whether you have served, or are still serving, our priority is to support you and your family in practical, meaningful ways,” he said. “Our Poppy Trust is there to make a real difference to veterans’ lives, and that of their families, in whatever way it might be needed. RSAs are completely colour-blind, help offered is based on genuine need and we will go to great lengths to provide it. All people need to do is approach us.”
Also on his agenda is a more disciplined approach to what he described as ‘bad behaviour’ recently reported within the RSA network.
He said there had been incidences where bad behaviour on the part of some members had come to light –some are still under investigation.
“I have zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviour at any level. I have a high expectation of behaviour within our organisation and I intend leading by example.
I liken our RSA movement to a flotilla of ships. We are all different types of vessels – sizes and models of RSAs – but we should all be going in the same direction.
“We are all allowed to express different opinions, of course, but my advice is to make sure that what you are doing goes back to the
fundamentals of what we stand for, and that opinions are raised with integrity and respect.”
A dwindling membership in some of the smaller RSAs is another challenge. He acknowledges the difficulties faced by younger members who are busy with careers and young families and conceded that the organisation has ‘work to do’ on that.
Hill, who was elected unopposed, now heads an organisation comprising over 182 RSAs - a changing number because of the creation of sub-branches - and over 65,000 members.
“I am incredibly proud to be representing all of our RSAs, big and small,” he told The News. “It was also particularly special for me to have been presented with the korowai cloak made by weaver Alecia Collins and worn for the first time in the Cambridge Town Hall in 2022 by the then national president BJ Clark.
“He was one of my mentors when I was a young officer. We served together. It feels incredibly special that we share that circular connection with the korowai and Cambridge.”
Providing support for Hill, who believes this is the first time a Cambridge resident has become national president, is Malcolm Wallace as national vice-president, and Ruawhitu (Anaru) Pokaia as kaumātua.
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New RSA national president Tony Hill, at his first outing in the role – speaking at the November 9 Remembrance Sunday civic ceremony at the Cambridge Town Hall piazza.
Photo: Michael Jeans.
Council reviews consent bid
By Mary Anne Gill
A bid to establish a managed fill in Leamington could add up to 8000 truck trips through Cambridge each year.
Waipā District Council has put the consent on hold as it seeks more information.
ResourceCo Ltd, formerly Wasteworx, holds consents for a recycling facility, vermicomposting operation, sand quarry, and clean fill.
It now seeks non-notified consent for the new activity, a move the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce says should instead go to a hearing due to “deep environmental concerns.”
Last year ResourceCo was allocated up to $2.57 million from the government’s Waste Minimisation Fund to support the development of the plant in Cambridge, servicing Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki regions.
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds said $2.275m has been paid in stages once agreed milestones were met.
The proposal involves placing Class 3 managed fill into quarried sand pits. Accepted materials would include rock, aggregate, bricks, concrete, asphalt, roading materials, and vegetation. Asbestos may also be accepted if it meets strict waste acceptance criteria.
Earlier this year, a neighbour launched a campaign called Won’t be Quiet Waipā alleging the plant was processing toxic waste.
ResourceCo has applied to Waikato Regional Council for consents to discharge stormwater, dispose of managed fill on land, and divert/discharge groundwater. A land use consent is also needed from Waipā District Council as a discretionary activity.
The district council has sought more information about a proposed retaining wall, correspondence with Transpower and a written application for a District Plan rule breach.
The council has also asked the applicant to respond with more technical, environmental and traffic information by November 27 before it can consider the consent.
Through its Auckland agent Saddleback Planning, ResourceCo acknowledged
complaints about dust emissions and the alleged processing and disposal of asbestos reported to Waikato Regional Council.
ResourceCo’s directors are Piopio businessmen Henry and Peter FullertonSmith. Tamahere builder Zane Beckett, whose construction company was recently placed into liquidation, joined the board last month.
The site lies about 280 metres from the Waikato River and is visible from the Te Awa River Ride, Te Awa Lifecare Retirement Village, and nearby residential developments.
Trucks operated by sister company Demoworx, which handles demolition and asbestos removal, already pass regularly through Cambridge.
The application acknowledges complaints about dust and asbestos but says any adverse effects will be “less than minor.” Copies of the application have been provided to neighbours on Taawaruwharu Lane, Kaipaki Road, and Cambridge Road.
ResourceCo argues the managed fill would rehabilitate quarried land, provide employment, and meet regional demand for disposal facilities.
The main environmental risks identified are traffic, dust, noise, stormwater and groundwater impacts, and visual change. The company says these will be managed through monitoring, restricted hours, and rehabilitation.
Simmonds said the project had potential to divert significant volumes of construction and demolition waste from landfill, which justified Waste Minimisation Fund support.
“I am also aware that local questions have been raised,” she said.
ResourceCo has now applied for a regional consent to establish and operate a managed fill activity (landfill). This is a separate activity, and Waste Minimisation Fund support cannot be used for that purpose.”
While she cannot intervene in individual consent decisions, Simmonds said she monitors fund projects to ensure proper use of funding.
“I also expect councils to give proper consideration to community feedback and to ensure that environmental and public health protections are robustly applied.”
We want to make sure the domain continues to thrive for locals and visitors alike.
We’ve drafted two plans to guide the domain’s future: Reserve Management Plan Masterplan
Your feedback has helped us get this far - now we need you to help fine-tune the details.
Feedback closes Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Come see us at the domain:
Sunday, November 23, 9am – 1pm Stragglers Classic Car Show
Saturday, December 13, 10am – 1pm KRI Christmas Rowing Regatta
Wednesday, January 14, 11am – 2pm Nga Kaihoe O Aoteroa Waka Ama NZ (Sprint Nationals)
To view the plans and have your say visit waipadc.govt.nz/karapiroreview
Demoworx trucks have become a regular sight in central Cambridge.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The view of the former quarry from across the Waikato River at the St Peter’s residential development.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Briefs…
Regional appointments
Waipā-King Country regional councillor Liz Stolwyk has been appointed chair of the Waikato Regional Transport and deputy chair of Waikato Regional Council’s Strategy and Policy committees while her brother-in-law Garry Reymer is deputy chair of the Finance and Performance committee. The appointments were to be ratified today (Thursday) at the regional council meeting in Hamilton.
Waddell wins
Cambridge Olympic rowing champion Rob Waddell has won an award from Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, the Māori Language Commission, for his New Zealand Sport Collective business which connects schools, sporting organisations, sponsors and broadcasters to deliver sporting experiences. The award was for incorporating bilingual commentary into their sports broadcasts.
Waikato posts
Crystal Beavis and Mike Keir have picked up committee chair roles on the Waikato District Council. The TamahereWoodlands councillors will chair Policy and Regulatory and the Roading sub-committee. Keir has also been appointed deputy to deputy mayor Eugene Patterson on the Assets and Infrastructure committee, one of three powerful all of council committees which provide governance oversight and decisionmaking authority on key areas of council business.
Another tax on the table?
By Peter Nicholl
At last, a political party in New Zealand has been brave enough to include a capital gains tax in its policy platform.
The United Kingdom has had one since 1965, Canada since 1971, Australia since 1985 – and that bastion of free enterprise, the United States, since 1913.
I have never understood why our politicians have for so long regarded capital gains taxation as a no-go area. When around 130 countries have some form of it. We are one about 30 that don’t – and most of the others are very small.
In international policy jargon, having some form of capital gains tax is regarded as ‘best international practice’ for taxation systems both for fairness and for revenue-raising reasons. Internatioinal organisations like the IMF and the OECD have been telling our politicians this for many years. Out politicians seem to love saying what they are doing is ‘best international practice’ in other areas. But until Labour’s recent announcement they have
not only refused to follow this ‘best international practice’, they have also refused to even talk about it. They seemed to fear that voters would penalise any political party that had the nerve to propose a capital gains tax – or to even talk about it as a possibility. But there have been a number of opinion polls over the last few years in whch a majority of respondents supported the introduction of some form of capital gains tax. In the recent political opinion poll that came out after the Labour Party’s announcement on their capital gains tax proposal, their share of the vote increased rather than decreasd.
I think our politicians have misread the views of the country on this issue. I have been writing this fortnightly column since 2022 and have written about capital gains taxes on at least five occasions during that time. One of the main points I have made in my previous columns is that the introduction of a capital gains tax here is inevitable. I think many others have reached the same conclusion. They
can see the state of our fiscal accounts.
They can see the huge demands for expenditure the country has in areas like health and roading. They can see that with an ageing population, there is only one direction in which superannuation payments can go.
What are the alternatives to a capital gains tax? We could continue to let our infrastructure run down. We could increase tax rates on labour income, profits or GST.
We could markedly raise the age of entitlement to superannuation or introduce means testing into superannuation entitlements. The one option we don’t have as a country is to do nothing. The staus quo is not a viable option.
At present all we have is a proposal. But the issue is no longer hidden in the political ‘too-hard’ drawer. It is now out in the open and part of the New Zealand political debate. That is progress. It will be interesting to see how the debate develops.
TUESDAY
2:31am, Powerbox Fire, Racecourse Road 6:51pm, Assist Ambulance, Hurley Place 7:48pm, Cardiac Arrest, Elizabeth Street
WEDNESDAY
12:59am, Powerlines Arcing, Raleigh Street
THURSDAY
5:35pm, Cardiac Arrest, Thornton Road
FRIDAY
12:46am, Car Fire, Buckland Road 7:37am, Smoke Alarm Sounding, Mary Ann Drive
SATURDAY
WEDNESDAY 9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street 1:09pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Ruakura Road 11:56pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Hautapu Road
9:23am, Building Alarm and Evacuation, Raleigh Street
SUNDAY
10:40am, Kitchen Fire, Raynes Road
FRIDAY 8:42am, Building Alarm and evacuation. Maungatautari Road
MONDAY
SUNDAY 3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road
10.00am, Vegetation Fire, Cambridge Road 1:57pm, Car in River, Keeley’s Reserve 4:04pm, 1 car MVA, Tirau Road
AED boost for charity
By Viv Posselt
The delivery of an AED to Kids in Need Waikato will provide a reassuring cushion of safety, says the group’s founder Linda Roil.
The AED (artificial external defibrillator) was donated by the Cambridge Rotary Club. It was delivered earlier this month by club president Laurie Graham and Rotary Foundation chair for Cambridge Rotary, Bill Robinson.
Kids in Need Waikato was the charity supported by Robinson and his wife during his 2023-24 year as Rotary District 9930 Governor.
Roil said having an AED on the property gave her some reassurance as many of the grandparents and carers of children linked with the Cambridgebased charity are in their senior years, as are some volunteers.
“It will give us an additional layer of safety here, which is reassuring, particularly as we are slightly out of town. The AED will be here to help anyone who needs it … we are extremely grateful to Rotary,” she said.
Bill Robinson said Kids in Need had
applied to Rotary for the AED; its cost of around $3000 had been met through the Rotary Foundation, the charitable arm of Rotary International. It is one of two the club intends placing in the community – the site of the other is yet to be determined.
The delivery of the AED came soon after the charity held its second Kids in Need Colour Run at the town’s Memorial Park, an event that attracted around 1000 people.
THE GROWTH IS HERE
“That was fantastic this year,” Roil said. “We raised $37,000, over $10,000 more than we did last year. We are very blessed with the support we are getting.”
Funding from the event will directly support the work of Kids in Need Waikato, which provides personalised care packs, wellbeing programmes, and connection opportunities for more than 1300 children being raised in care, including their 560 caregivers across the region.
Kids in Need Waikato founder Linda Roil, going through the AED instructions with Rotary’s Bill Robinson, left, and Laurie Graham.
Photo: Viv Posselt
Raffle is on the house
By Viv Posselt
Some lucky little person could soon be the recipient of a three-storey doll’s house made by blokes at the Cambridge Menzshed and furnished by Cambridge Resthaven resident Alison Hucke.
The miniature home is being raffled as a fundraiser by the Friends of Resthaven Foundation which fundraises for services, care options and aged-care education in Waipā and Matamata-Piako.
The doll’s house was made over several months by Menzshed members Peter Moore and Eric Hill. Its three stories are linked by sweeping staircases, its roof folds back to reveal an attic space, and the entire frontage opens outward to reveal numerous rooms.
Furnishing all that space has been Alison Hucke, who used to belong to a miniature club in Auckland back in the day. She has done several doll’s houses before this – some she even built herself – but this is by far the biggest. Her perfectly decorated lounge, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and office area are filled with tiny pieces of furniture, many of which she has made from scratch.
Congratulations to the following recipients SCHOLARSHIPS
(incorporating the Tom & Rose Milnes Trust award)
NISHA HARDMAN
BALSOM
MILLIE BALSOM
DANIELLE D’ATH
The finished doll’s house with, from left, decorator Alison Hucke, Friends of Resthaven Foundation chairman Don Harris, Menzshed members and builders Eric Hill and Peter Moore, and Friends of Resthaven Foundation’s Alan Wellington.
Photo: Viv Posselt
Cambridge High School
Erin Bouwer Cambridge High School Board prize Geography & Sports Science
Sophie Ballard Precision Badges prize Health
prize English, History, Economics, and Year 13 Physics (as a Year 12 student)
Rose Nguyen Cambrige Laundromat prize English as a Second Language
Georgia Wynne Cambridge Travel Lines prize History
Saoirse Herewini Grassroots Trust Velodrome prize Fitness
Logan Bentley KINDO prize Japanese
Emily Drake C & R Developments prize Geography
Abby Cameron Jayvis Airport Shuttle prize Mandarin & Tourism
Isla Cooper WSP NZ Ltd prize Health
Liam McGregor APL Window Solutions prize Materials Technology Engineering
Chloe Stokes Cambridge Laundromat prize Japanese
Gaby Pacheco Grime O prize
Riley Jenkins Vigour Physio prize
Maraea Tauroa Cambridge High School Board prize
Reo Maaori (as a Year 10 student) YEAR 12
Marinell Ferreira Accounted4 Limited prize
Aimee Henwood Cambridge High School Board prize Art Digital Media
Georgia Bertrand National Art Supplies prize Art Painting and Materials Technology Textiles
Stirling Kraakman KINDO prize Automotive
Vivien Pettit Vigour Physio prize Biology, Physics & Level 3 Chemistry
Cailin Jones Select Alarms prize Business Studies
Gareth Packard Mitre 10 MEGA Cambridge prize Carpentry
Blake Williams Grime O prize Chemistry
Felicity Watt Tuckr (BC Patel & Co Ltd) prize Classical Studies
Mya Ellis DuCo Windows and Doors prize Consumer Citizenship
Anna Crouchman Cambridge High School Board prize Dance
Isabella Penwarden Cambridge High School Board prize Design & Visual Communication
Jake Brugh PB Technologies Ltd prize Digital Technology and Year 13 Physics (as a Year 12 student)
Aspen Gooch Vigour Physio prize Drama, Outdoor Education, and Fitness & Recreation
Regan Hounsell Gourmet Delicious prize Economics
Dylan Jackson-McClutchie Giltrap Agrizone Ltd prize Engineering
Poppy Pearson KINDO prize English
Hunter Davis Livingstone Builders prize First in Year 12 French, and Music, and Year 13 Mathematics with Calculus (as a year 12 student)
Neve Keightley Chamber of Commerce Senior Oratory Cup
Kate Silvester Cambridge Glass prize and the Keith Robinson Trophy Careers
Sophie Laurent University of Waikato Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences prize
Ashlin Long Cambridge Accountants Ltd Commerce Award
Theo Goodwin KINDO prize Mathematics (as a Year 11 student)
Preston Bowler Mitre 10 Mega Cambridge prize Materials Technology Engineering
Taryn Oosthuizen Livingstone Builders prize Media Studies
Jake Lin Cambridge Travel Lines prize Mathematics
Eliza Hobby Unichem Cambridge Pharmacy prize Music
Al e Stowell-Sneyd Dive Zone Whitianga prize Outdoor Education
Mackenzie Reid Masterpiece Photography prize Photography
Bradley Smith Canon NZ prize Photography
Hannah Goodwin Cambridge Electrical prize Physics
Maggie Strawbridge C & R Developments prize Psychology
Madeleine Jago Vigour Physio prize Sport Science
Louis Steverson Grime O prize Science
Myra Faulkner Cambrige High School Board prize Te Reo Maaori
Evy Colmore-Williams KINDO prize Te Reo Maaori
Lilly Heubeck Cambridge Travel Lines prize Tourism
Hannah Gordon The Dynasty Sport prize and the Penobscot Paddle Outdoor Education
YEAR 13
Liam Wells Principal’s Academic Prize and the Langsford Cup Top Year 12 student
Chandre Fourie Cambridge Business Chamber prize Accounting
Year 13
Georgia Kuijpers Cambridge Laundromat prize Art Digital Media
Danielle D’Ath Petal Passion Florist prize Art Painting
Ella Vivian Petal Passion Florist prize Art - Painting
Lincon
Sylvie Keightley Westpac Cambridge prize Biology
Rachel Waterton United Cleaning Services prize Biology
Lochie McInnes Accounted4 Limited prize Business Skills
Luke Hazlewood Cambridge Office Products prize Business Skills
Emily Bacon Jayvis Airport Shuttle prize Business Studies
Ruby Oldershaw Bidfood prize Business
Hannah Robinson Gourmet Delicious prize Catering & Hospitality, and Retail
Emily Drake Cambridge Travel Lines prize Classical Studies, and Mathematics with Statistics
Morgan Bootten Jani-King (NZ) Ltd prize Consumer Citizenship
Ivy Oldershaw Ignite Arts Academy prize Dance
Reuben Green KAZ Design. Brand. Web prize Design & Visual Communication
Philip Johnson APL Window Solutions prize Digital Technology
Isla Gerrand ACLX Lighting prize Drama
Becky Mitchell APL Window Solutions prize Economics
Hannah Goodwin Waikato Graduate Women Charitable Trust prize, and the Helen Gri ths Cup for English English, History and Geography
Neve Keightley Cambridge High School Board prize History, and Te Reo Maaori
Zak Banks First Training Ltd prize Fitness & Recreation
Stephen Sha Grime Off Now prize Japanese
Isla Sinclair Helloworld Travel prize French
Jack Charlton Cambridge Electrical prize Mathematics with Calculus (as an Year 12 student)
Shakaiah Hammond Unichem Cambridge Pharmacy Health Sector Studies
Katrina Waters Wholly Cow prize Mathematics with Statistics (as a Year 12 student)
Daniel Chick C & R Developments prize Japanese
Ben Bonetti Precision Badges Ltd prize Music
Natalie Thomas The Building Intellignece Group prize Materials Technology Engineering
Hannah Paterson Dive Zone Whitianga prize Outdoor Education
Somya Kant Canon NZ prize Photography
Patricia Dungca Cambridge Laundromat prize Materials Technology Textiles
Maddy Williams Dive Zone Whitianga prize Psychology
Paola Velasco Bazaldua Gourmet Delicious prize Media Studies
Zarah Higgins Vigour Physio prize Science, Sport Science
Sahara Stanton Jani-King (NZ) Ltd prize Music
Bella Peacocke Jayvis Shuttle prize Tourism
Livy Bodle Dive Zone Whitianga prize Outdoor Education
Charlotte Mitchell Cambridge High School Educational Trust Award incorporating the Tom and Rose Milnes Orla Anderson-Scott
Ella Webb Masterpiece Photography prize Photography
Liam Dobson Select Alarms prize Psychology
Monet Smith The Building Intelligence Group prize Science
Lily Nairne Grassroots Trust Velodrome prize Sports Science
Aurora Douglas Cambridge Laundromat prize Te Reo Maaori
Kimiora Wynyard Cambridge High School Board prize Te Ao Haka
Jessica Thomas The McCreery Trophy for Recognition of Special Achievement during a students time at Cambridge High School
Cup for Courage A student who has overcome difficulties in pursuit of their goals
Yuka Yokoe Cambridge Travel Lines prize Tourism
Luke O’Brien Archie Shaw Cup for Best all Round Year 13 Boy
Max Cumming Altrusa International Club of Cambridge Award A student who has overcome challenges in literacy to find success
Anna Jago Ziman Cup for Best all Round Year 13 Girl
Rachel Waterton Cambridge High School Board
Kassidy Gooding Anne Macdonald Trophy Peer Support
Sarai-Eden Egan Cambridge Glass prize and the Keith Robinson First in Gateway Trophy for outstanding tenacity and hard mahi
Charlotte Mitchell Terry Sullivan Cup Leadership and School Spirit
Ben Bonetti Pukeroro House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Thomas Senior Waipa District Council Award for Service to the Community
Neve Keightley Te Koo Utu House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Bella Peacocke Cambridge High School Educational Trust Prize for Service to the School
Orla Anderson-Scott Cambridge High School Award and Cambridge Business and Professional Womens Club Trophy Leadership, Organisation and Management Skills
Rachel Murphy Brett Henderson Special Award for Diligence in the Workshop
Anaya Omundsen Ngaa Poutiaki Award for Top Academic Year 11 Maaori Student
Flynn Jenkins Principal’s Academic prize Top of Year 11 in 2025
Jessie Armstrong Horotiu House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Rose Pham Cambridge High School International Ambassador Award Best International Student Ambassador
Evie Axcell The McCreery Trophy for Recognition of Special Achievement during a students time at Cambridge High School
Daniel Plant Te Koopu Maania House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Te Kore Poka Maaori Women’s Welfare League Cup for a fine Senior Maaori Student
Cynthia Chen Cambridge High School Award Top All Round International Student based on academic results
Isla Te Weehi Ti Kiwa Graham Trophy for Excellence
Cooper Tunley Penobscot Paddle for Outstanding contribution and leadership in Outdoor Education
Liam Dobson Archie Shaw Cup Best all Round Year 13 Boy
Te Kore Poka Parawhau House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Jakob Millar Penobscot Paddle Outstanding contribution and leadership in Outdoor Education
David Cameron The Prime Ministers Vocational Excellent Award
Hunter Davis Principal’s Academic Prize and the Langsford Cup Top Year 12 in 2025
Junhao Cai Best International Student based on academic performance
Kunthiti
Danielle D’Ath Ziman Cup Best all Round Year 13 Girl
Jacob D’Ath Te Oko Horoi House Cup for Leadership and House Spirt
Bella Peacocke Principal’s Head Girl 2023
Cameron Hill Cambridge High School Board Student Representative Award
Libby Griffin Cambridge Community Trust Award a student who has conducted themself in a exemplary fashion while on Gateway and are now set to further their pathway
Wanichjaroenporn Best International Student Ambassador
Isabella Naidoo University of Waikato Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences prize
Makena Rodger Cambridge Accountants Ltd Commerce Award
Emily Wilson Jennings Cup for Courage for a student who has overcome difficulties in pursuit of their goals
Luke O’Brien Principal’s Head Boy 2023
Barry Baldo Cambridge High School Board Student Representative Award
Ethan Carr Cambridge Community Trust Award a student who has conducted themself in a exemplary fashion while on Gateway and are now set to further their pathway
Kaitlin McGuire Pukeroro House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Anna
Sylvie Keightley Te Koo Utu House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Sienna Frethey Horotiu House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Taela Marsh Cambridge Community Trust Award a student who has conducted themself in a exemplary fashion while on Gateway and are now set to further their pathway
Amy Lindsey Cannon Homeroom Cup for having the courage to succeed
Emily Drake C.A Moroney Science Scholarship for a student who shows the most promise in an area of Science continuing onto a tertiary institution
Piper Russell Te Koopu Maania House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Ella Higgins Cambridge High School Educational Trust Award incorporating the Tom and Rose Milnes Trust Award
Ella Welford Waipa District Council Award for Service to the Community
Luke Hazelwood Altrusa International Club of Cambridge Award for a student who has overcome challenges in literacy to find success
Sophie Revell Parawhau House Cup for Leadership and House Spirit
Hannah Goodwin Lions Club of Cambridge for Service to the Community
Somya Kant Jamie Moore Cup for Services to the Library
Matthew McHugh Cambridge High School Educational Trust Award incorporating the Tom and Rose Milnes Trust Award Liam Petrie Cambridge High School Educational Trust Award incorporating the Tom and Rose Milnes Trust Award
Rosina Dean Ngaa Poutiaki Award for Top Academic Year 11 Maaori Student
Kimiora Wynyard Maaori Women’s Welfare League Cup for a ne Senior Maaori Student
Somya Kant C.A Moroney Science Scholarship for a student who shows the most promise in an area of Science continuing onto a tertiary institution
Malakai Eade Ti Kiwa Graham Trophy for Excellence
Hannah Paterson The Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellent Award
Elin Gainsford Te Oko Horoi House Cup for Leadership and House Spirt
Millie Balsom Principal’s Head Girl 2025
Malakai Eade Principal’s Head Boy 2025
Danielle D’Ath Principal’s Deputy Head Girl 2025
Ethan Bailey Principal’s Deputy Head Boy 2025
Erin Bouwer Head Student 2026
Anke van de Merwe Bev Smale Textiles Technology Award - with acknowledgement to Cambridge Educational Trust
Laqueisha Lim Best International student based on academic performance
Sayana Umeki Best International Student Ambassador
Georgiana Reynolds The Bev Smale Food Technology (or Catering & - with acknowledgement to Cambridge Hospitality) Award Educational Trust
Lucas Pedersen Jennings Cup for Courage for a student who has overcome di culties in pursuit of their goals
Luke Pease Cannon Homeroom Cup (donated by Thomas Cannon) for having the Courage to Succeed
Thomas Hocking Nathalie Roy Rotary Scholarship Award for an All-Round Year 13 Student who has been an ambassador for the School and fully involved in school life
Anna Crouchman Head Student 2026
Ethan Harvey Head Student 2026
Blake Williams Head Student 2026
Ella Webb Altrusa International Club of Cambridge Award for a student who has overcome challenges in literacy to nd success
Ben Bonetti Terry Sullivan Cup for Leadership and School Spirit
Hannah Goodwin Jamie Moore Cup for Services to the Library
Neve Keightley Cambridge High School Award for Leadership, Organisation and Management Skills
William Pluck Education to Employment Excellence Award
Lucia Flinto Bev Smale Textiles Technology Award with acknowledgement to Cambridge High School Educational Trust
Nisha Hardman Bev Smale Food Technology Award with acknowledgement to Cambridge High School Educational Trust
Aurora Douglas Nathalie Roy Rotary Scholarship Award for an All-Round Year 13 Student who has been an ambassador for the School and fully involved in school life
Malakai Eade Terry Sullivan Cup for Leadership and School Spirit
Millie Balsom Cambridge High School Educational Trust Prize for Service to the School
Maddy Peacock Cambridge High School Award for Leadership, Organisation and Management Skills
ARTS AWARDS
Music - Junior Orpheus Award - Diligence in Music Alexis Thornton
CHS Outstanding Junior Musician Valentina Di Maio and Nicole Van Der Maazen
Music - Open Vagg Cup - Instrumental Music Reuben Stevens Calvert Cup - Outstanding Vocalist Grace Vivian
CHS Farrington Cup for Brass Barry Baldo
Te Puna Auaha Trophy - Original Music Sahara Stanton
Top Musical Group / Duo CHS Jazz Band
Music - Senior Daniel Peters Cup - Outstanding Contribution to Music Leah Nixon and Cameron Diprose
Sullivan Award - All Round Excellence in Music Hunter Davis
Dance - Junior Outstanding Contribution to CHS Dance Bella Walker CHS Cup for Diligence in Dance Alexia Gurney Outstanding / Top Dancer Caitlin Anselmi
Dance - Open Thornton Cup for Outstanding Contribution to Dance Millie Davis Top Dance Troupe / Duo Insomnia
Dance - Senior Thornton Trophy for Diligence in Dance Anna Crouchman Alana Wells Cup for Outstanding Contribution to CHS Dance Ninke van der Schy and Bernice Grim Outstanding / Top Dancer Ivy Oldershaw
Visual Art - Junior Diligence in Visual Art Keeley Butler
All Round Excellence in Visual Art Valentina Di Maio Visual
NGA POUTIAKI AWARDS
Eade
Tauroa Most inspirational Junior Maaori student for 2025 Aurora Douglas Te Taonga Kori Puuhou for
SUMMER AWARDS
Athletics Herbert Smith Cup - Senior Girls Champion
/ Top Dramatic
MAJOR ARTS AWARDS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF OUR YEAR 13 TE HUNGA TAIKAAKAA MEMBERS
For
Kaawatea
SPORTS AWARDS
Bronwen Rees-Jones
Martin Byrne Cup - Senior Boys Champion Rylan Osborne
CHS Cup - Outstanding Performance in 2025 Erin Bouwer
Swimming Herbert Smith Cup - Senior Girls Champion Olivia Emmett
Speight Cup - Senior Boys Champion Kees Tamboer
CHS Cup - Outstanding Performance in 2025 Olivia Emmett
Cricket CHS Cup - Outstanding Contribution to Girls Cricket Mia Guzzwell
Thomas Cup - Services to CHS Cricket Ashton Wallace Hunt Cup - 1st XI Boys Player of the Year Ethan Bailey
Equestrian CHS Cup - Outstanding Contribution to CHS Show Jumping Polly Chiplin
CHS Cup - Outstanding Equestrian Performance Mei Chin
CHS Cup - Outstanding Contribution to CHS Dressage Mei Chin Vervoort Trophy - Outstanding Achievement in Eventing Mikayla Rogers
Golf Penrose Cup - Golfer of the Year Penny Lang
Rowing George Family Cup - Outstanding U16 Male Ben Gillanders
Balsom Family Cup - Outstanding U16 Female Lily Cameron
CHS Rowing Club Cup - Outstanding Service and Contribution to CHS Rowing
CHS Cup - Girls Rower of the Year
CHS Cup - Boys Rower of the Year
Charlie Sampson
Keeley Rodger
Jack Bacon
Volleyball CHS Trophy - Outstanding Contribution to Volleyball Georgia Kuijpers
CHS Cup - Senior Girls Player of the Year
Waterpolo CHS Cup - Girls Player of the Year
Rose Family Trophy - Outstanding Service and Contribution
WINTER SPORTS
Cross Country Head Trophy - Senior Girls Champion
Hart Cup - Senior Boys Champion
CHS Cup - Outstanding Performance in 2025
Basketball Haig Trophy - Service and Leadership in Basketball
CHS Cup - Girls Basketball Player of the Year
CHS Cup - Premier Boys Player of the Year
CHS Cup - Premier Boys Player of the Year
Rock Climbing
CHS Trophy - Senior Climber of the Year
Cycling CHS Trophy - Outstanding Service and Contribution to CHS Cycling
McDonnell Cup - Exemplifying CHS Values
CHS Trophy - Female Road Rider of the Year
CHS Trophy - Male Road Rider of the Year
Colin Dixon Cup - Female Track Rider of the Year
Grant Ackerman Cup - Male Track Rider of the Year
Natalie Thomas
Maia Kervin
Bianca van der Aa
Bronwen Rees-Jones
Blake McKinnon
Bronwen Rees-Jones
Caleb Seebeck
Millie Watson
Dayton Henare
Elliott Doole
Caleb Morton-Jones
Pearl Brodie
Danielle D’Ath
Emily Cameron
Nick Smith
Lily Cameron
Nick Smith
Ackerman Trophy - Senior Cyclist with Outstanding Potential Lily Cameron
MTB CHS Cup - Achievement in Mountain Biking Matt McFarlane
Football Peter Wilkinson Cup - Services to CHS Football Sienna Frethey
Hockey
Inline Hockey
Lacrosse
Hollis Trophy - 1st XI Girls Player of the Year Keeley Rodger
Vic Butler Cup - 1st XI Boys Player of the Year Oscar Gi ord
Bichan Cup - Services to CHS Hockey
Lyburn Cup - 1st XI Girls Player of the Year
Mills Cup - 1st XI Boys Player of the Year
Lucy Axon
Lily Nairne
Oliver Cookston
CHS Trophy - Most Valuable Player Serenna Slaughter
CHS Cup - Service to CHS Lacrosse Reuben Stevens
Forman Trophy - Girls Player of the Year Piper Russell
CHS Trophy - Boys Player of the Year Reuben Stevens Netball Windsor Nissan Trophy - Dedication to Netball Olivia James
Mary Scott Trophy - Premier Girls Player of the Year
Bear Family Trophy - Most Improved
Peter Bodie Memorial Cup - Upholding
Peter Bodie Memorial Cup - Upholding High Values
Voyle Cup - Services to 1st XV Rugby
Squash
Ruru
Rugby Club Trophy - Most Valuable Senior Player Anre Ueckermann
BOS Trophy - 1st XV Player of the Year
Edmunds Cup - Girls Player of the Year
Shooting CHS Trophy - Smallbore Shooter
Davidson
Hopson
MAJOR SPORTS AWARDS
Mayor’s morning ritual
By Chris Gardner
Mike and Nic Pettit wake at 4.50am and climb to the top of Maungakawa hill every morning.
“It’s a great time for us to get our own time,” Mike Pettit said. “You get up there and look over the district. Every morning’s different. We spend two or three minutes just looking out, then we turn around and trail back down with the dog.”
The pair are continuing this hour-long tradition after his transition from Cambridge Primary School principal, a job he had held for 17 years, to Waipā mayor. Nic temporarily assumed his role at the school.
His pupils were first and foremost on his mind as he was handed the mayoral chains at the council’s first meeting of this term.
Looking down the livestream camera, he said: “Cambridge Primary School, Kia Ora te whanau, hopefully the children are about to go back to work.”
The Pettits have been working with Ministry of Education, the school board and leadership team since April to prepare for the event of his election to political office. So, the moment was prepared for.
“We went to the board and said this is what we were thinking of doing and they were very supportive,” he said. “Nic will take over at school, and the job has been advertised.”
“Very similar, in the leadership style,” he said. “I’ve been quite open about that. I’ve seen what we’ve done at Cambridge Primary School by bringing a collective group of people who believe in each other together and building a team and letting people chase their passions and talents.”
Nic began teaching at the school in 2007 and Mike followed her a year later. They have raised six children, all of whom have been involved in sport.
“There’s only two of them left at home now,” he said.
He’s often found himself coaching sport.
“People figure you’re a teacher so you can obviously coach anything - it wasn’t the case.”
Asked what piece of advice they had for each other as they head into their new roles, he said advice he had received from a former mayor.
“The first person that says yes or no to stuff, is your wife, I won’t go into the reason why, but you can probably work it out If you’re in it for three, six, nine years,” he said.
“I thought that is a very good piece of advice. Because otherwise this thing can go probably 16 hours a day. At the end of the day, I’m married to Nic. I’m not married to my diary.”
Her reply?
WEDNESDAY
The News observes there’s not a huge difference between being a primary school principal and a mayor.
“You’re not going to please everybody,” she said. “Whatever your decisions, everyone’s not going to be happy. So, take it with a grain of salt and just know what you’re doing is for the better of the district.”
WEDNESDAY
Waipā mayor Mike Pettit and his wife, Cambridge Primary School deputy principal Nic Pettit on the day of Mike’s inauguration as mayor at Lake Karāpiro.
Photo: Chris Gardner
On a road to recovery
By Chris Gardner
Cambridge retailers have weathered the toughest year since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC).
But the coming of warmer spring weather has seen a slight lift in foot traffic, according to Chamber of Commerce chief executive Kelly Bouzaid, and the beginning of a recovery.
“It’s been a hard couple of months for our retailers,” Bouzaid said.
Paper Plus Cambridge owner Hamish Wright said this year has been the hardest since the GFC.
The financial collapse of 2007 to 2009 was a worldwide economic meltdown triggered by a collapse in the United States’ housing market and reckless financial practices.
It led to mass unemployment, bank failures, and the deepest global recession since the Great Depression.
“The GFC was a doddle compared to this,” Wright said. “People are not spending. It’s the whole needs verses wants. You want a book, or you want a toy, but do you really need it?”
Wright said business had started to pick up in his Victoria Street store with the onset of spring and the arrival of warmer weather.
“I am still optimistic.”
So much so that he has just signed a deal to purchase Cambridge Office Products.
Footloose Shoes owner operator Debbie Simes had a similar experience in her Duke
Street store.
“There has been a slightly noticeable lift,” she said. “We just hope that it continues.
“It’s been really tough in the last 12 months.”
Simes, who has owned and operated the shop for 15 years, responded to plummeting trade by cutting casual staff and spending more time in the shop.
“You end up working in the business
rather than working on it.”
Mindful of the cost-of-living crisis, the Cambridge community had been supportive by shopping local where it could, Simes said.
“A lot of people are conscious that they need to support local businesses.”
Odell Home co-owner Fiona Massey, who began trading in 2020, said the past two years had been difficult for the business she runs with her mother.
“I don’t think we have traded a normal year,” she said.“It’s been tough. I don’t think there’s one industry that has not been
Customers often celebrated being able to park directly outside the store, which Massey saw as a problem.
Business had started to improve this month.
“It’s given me a little glimmer,” she said.
Footloose Shoes owner operator Debbie Simes has seen a slight lift in business this month.
Photo: Chris Gardner
It’s back to the world of clay
By Viv Posselt
When former Heritage Gallery owner Sandra Webb retired after 27 years, Cambridge knew she wouldn’t disappear for long.
She was known as much for her enjoyment of people as for her art, so it was pretty much a given that she’d be back. And she is … albeit in a more suburban setting where she puts on her music and potters away in her home studio to no-one’s schedule but her own.
More recently, she has extended her potter’s hand to sharing her craft with others and she’s about to take part in her first exhibition in ages, next weekend’s twoday Passion for Art.
“I haven’t done anything like that for such a long time. To be honest, it feels a little strange to be putting myself out there again.”
Besides the classes she now runs, she is also working on some new ideas for pottery lovers, ones that she suggested might include clay and sip evenings.
Webb is a convert to this new, more relaxing life. When she sold her gallery in 2023 after 27 years, it was to re-energise, spend more time with family and put behind her the tough last few years marked by Covid and the financial squeeze. She said as she retired that the pottery she once enjoyed might come back, and it has.
Born in Cambridge’s Penmarric, Webb always loved art; she has a childhood memory of carting huge art books to and
from the library to their King St home. She worked as a nurse before marrying, then took up pottery as a hobby, taking night classes then running ‘Studio 65’ for eight years, making and selling pots from her basement.
She started selling more widely, then in 1995, joined forces with a friend Gail Kelman who had a craft outlet in Hamilton. Together they started Heritage Gallery, initially out of what is In Stone today. Later, when Webb bought Kelman out, she moved into the adjacent premises, turning it into the corner gallery space it still is today.
Her retirement coincided with the passing of her mother, and with the death of her husband Michael a few years before that, Webb was ready for some time out. She cycled a lot, travelled to see family, and bought a new home, one with a superb light-filled studio just gagging to be used.
“I started missing the contact with people,” she said. “I had always enjoyed introducing them to the concept of clay. People have no idea that it takes so long to produce anything. A simple pot may have been handled 15 or more times before it is up for sale.”
Happy now in what she calls ‘Studio 10’, Webb has been teaching her craft to small groups.
“I hadn’t been doing pottery for such a long time, so it was quite strange getting back into it. I bought a new kiln, discovered that the costs of ingredients had doubled … it’s been a real adventure and I’m loving every minute of it.”
Sticking with the treaty
By Chris Gardner
Cambridge High School Board presiding member Jim Goodrich says the school will continue to honour the Treaty of Waitangi despite the Government’s plans to axe obligations to give effect to the treaty.
“In my opinion, I believe that some form of choice is important and this is particularly important for those families who prioritise Māori values. They should have the ability to follow that path through college, where available, and likewise those that don’t should have the option to either elect that path or not.
Education minister Erica Stanford recently announced the Government would remove the Te Tiriti o Waitangi clause from the Education and Training Act 2020. She argued the clause had not improved Mãori achievement and placed unfair expectations on volunteer board members.
Goodrich said his focus was on the best outcomes for pupils and staff.
“I have no doubt that the board will maintain our commitment to mana whenua as partners in our educational community. We have recently co-opted a representative from our nga poutiaki to the board to support that partnership. We had unanimous support for this decision.
“Given how fresh this news is, we will be discussing things further at our next meeting as well.”
That discussion will include a recently launched School Boards Association petition.
He described the issue as a distraction.
Goodrich’s sentiments are echoed in high schools across the region.
Ōtorohanga College Board presiding member Michael Woodward said his school roll had a wide range of ethnicities.
“We need to ensure we engage with all areas of the community regardless of the government policy to help our students succeed.
Te Kūiti High School principal Gareth Williams said his school would continue to honour the treaty as well.
“It is really important to our school and our community, and we want equitable outcomes for our students,” he said. “How we operate will not change; we will continue to do what is best for our students, school and community.
Those opposed to the Government’s change say it risks erasing Mãori culture from schools.
The announcement follows Government cuts to Mãori resource teachers and Te Ahu o te Reo funding and removal of te reo Mãori from early readers.
Briefs…
Different Crossing
DOC Central North Island Operations Director Damian Coutts says the Tongariro Crossing, opened this week, will look different “from the scorch marks on the pou Te Ririo, to the blackened landscape, it’s a sobering view” DOC and Fire and Emergency New Zealand say they are confident the track is safe for visitors following this month’s enormous fire, but are monitoring for hotspots continues.
Sandra Webb in her new happy place … her home pottery studio. Photo: Viv Posselt
Advice on how to bridge a gap
By Chris Gardner
Waipā councillors have been told they need to be both brave and right when choosing where to bridge the Waikato River.
Gray Matter director and civil transportation engineer Alasdair Gray, who managed the building of the Te Ara Pekapeka bridge in southern Hamilton, shared his 19-year experience at a council workshop on Friday.
“You will not make everybody happy, and right at the end there will still be people who deny that you spoke to them at all at the
beginning,” Gray said.
“Do not underestimate what you are walking into. You had a taste of it last year having an experimental blue blob. It will get sorer and sorer as you get into the final details.”
Waipā District Council reset its 30-year Cambridge Connections transport infrastructure plan following public backlash against a proposal to build a new bridge near the existing Victoria Bridge.
“Even with the designation having been in place for 10 years, there were still people objecting and denying that they had been spoke to at all,” he warned. “You
will not have everybody happy on all the routes you want so you need to be brave, I think, and right.”
He said it would be “15 years-ish to get to something completed, and that’s without pausing”.
“All the decisions you make need to be so solid that effectively it cannot become an election issue the next time, the timeframe will be crossing national and local elections three or four times, so every time you make a decision it needs to be election proof.”
Gray warned the investigation alone, that would result in a book containing thousands of pages,
Te Awamutu Resource
would cost the council between $15 million and $20 million.
“Decision making is complicated and needs quite a lot of thought. We have had arrests, trespasses, protestors, sabotage, and police on standby, and we thought we were doing our consultation correctly and well.”
Workshop chair Maungatautari councillor Mike Montgomerie said the council needed to hear Gray’s message.
Councillor Dale-Maree Morgan said she looked forward to the day Cambridge started getting awards for its new bridge.
Councillor Clare St Pierre wanted to know whether the bridge could be fast tracked.
Gray said a decision point in two to three years was realistic.
Councillor Roger Gordon said the council needed to dispel fears about width of the corridor.
“We need to establish a true understanding with the community,” he said.
Te Awamutu councillor Shane Walsh wanted to know whether the Blue Blob was in the wrong place.
“If it wasn’t in the wrong place then that is the right place?” he said.
“We are not throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” said Cambridge Connections director Katie Mayes.
“There was plenty of good ideas from the community. There was
plenty of technical work done in the first round that we would be foolish to chuck away. We are starting at the beginning of the process. The way you define the problem has a really big bearing on what the solution might look like.
“If you say that the problem is that everyone wants to work and live in Cambridge and therefore come into Cambridge to do what they need to do that might lead you to think that you need more bridge capacity very close to town because that’s where everyone is going.
“If you say the problem is too many people are coming through town and that is destroying the amenity of the town centre then that might lead you to a decision that the bridge should be further out.”
Mayes said there was real desire to get to designation of the bridge corridor as quickly as possible.
“That’s how you can give certainty to the community about what’s happening,” she said.
“It will happen, but it won’t happen overnight. All we will have in the annual plan by the end of next year is a corridor, a general area where a bridge will go. We can colour it a different colour, it will still be a blob, and that is unavoidable in the way infrastructure projects happen in New Zealand.
“We cannot give them certainty by the end of next year.”
Gray Matter director and civil transportation engineer Alasdair Gray after speaking to councillors on Friday.
Photo: Chris Gardner
Par - tee like it’s 1900
By Mary Anne Gill
Bev McLean loves organising events and her latest one - the Cambridge Golf Club 125th anniversary – was another success.
Everything went to plan except for the downpour that struck the 90 golfers early in their rounds on Saturday.
“The weather is the only thing I can’t control,” said the Te Awamutu born, King Country raised retiree.
Bev moved to Cambridge in November 2019 and joined Waikato oldest golf club. She now describes herself as a “keen golfer” after years of playing squash.
Her passion for organising events began in Taumarunui at the local squash club.
“I like to make things a little bit different. That’s my advice: organise events so you can enjoy them. Make them memorable and fun.”
One of her touches was offering free glasses of bubbly to toast the jubilee.
It proved fitting when, after two long days, Bev finally sat alone in the cleared clubhouse - dishes done, tables packed away - with a well-earned glass of champagne. And the highlight?
“Just having the clubrooms full and so many people there.”
Deputy mayor Jo Davies-Colley gave the welcoming address and presented tournament prizes.
“It’s clear that this club brings enormous value not only to its members, but to the wider Cambridge community.
“It’s wonderful to have a long-standing club that has, for so many years, provided a place for local people to connect, stay active, make new friendships and settle the odd business deal out there on the fairways.”
from Taumarunui to play golf in Cambridge, shot 75 to win the women’s gross.
Craig Bridgland, who first joined the club 30 years ago as a 13 year old, and was until recently living in Brisbane, won the men’s gross with a 72. Jill Morgan, another to move
No one managed a hole-in-one at the par three eighth hole, so the prize car stays at Ebbett The Base showroom. Across the four par threes, only four golfers landed inside the circle around the pin: Jeanette Boswell,
Terry Scott, Lesley McGovern, and Harvey Thomas. Jane Potter and Steven Morton scored the most stableford points. Founded in 1900 with a nine-hole course north of Cambridge, the club moved to its current Tīrau Road site in 1924 and expanded to 18 holes by 1931.
Job done well: Bev McLean with a bouquet of flowers given to her by the club for organising the 125th jubilee. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Betty Harvey, 91, who recently won the club’s nine-hole shootout competition with life member Harley Bowler cutting the jubilee cake -made by club caterer Tania Zeuren - at Cambridge Golf Club’s 125th anniversary.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Lifters celebrate gold in Brazil
By Jesse Wood
Te Awamutu athlete Mike Smith and the New Zealand GPC powerlifting squad have returned from the world championships in Brazil with 17 gold medals and nine world records.
The Balneário Camboriú-based event had 1000 competitors and all members of the team placed on the podium. Balneário Camboriú is a coastal city of 145,000 people in southern Brazil.
GPC New Zealand president and Trainstation coach Smith said it was like lifting in the Brazilian Colosseum.
“It’s normally in Slovakia and next year it’s in Poland. Being in sunny Brazil this year, it was attractive to us all,” Smith said.
“The Brazilians were very passionate. Some of their powerlifters were treated like God.
“At one stage the whole crowd erupted. There was a guy warming up, I didn’t even know who he was. I looked him up and he’s got four million fans on Instagram. He’s like a rock star there.”
Smith was one of 11 Kiwi competitors, including other Waipā powerlifters Tracey Karam, Xavier Karam and Chara Reti (Te Awamutu).
Tracey put in a gold medal performance, as did Reti in the soft-equipped bench press, also setting a bench press world record.
Xavier won a silver in the deadlift and silver overall in the deadlift.
“I’m proud of the team. Tracey did two squats, one world record and a gold,” Smith said. “That was outstanding. She led the way, it was awesome.”
Smith came away with two gold medals in
what has been a competitive year.
“I hadn’t done any of research on where I was in my category. So, to come away with gold was pretty cool,” Smith said.
“It was an amazing result for the kiwis. We definitely got noticed. Our team spirit was amazing.
“We took the opportunities to look professional and work well together as a team.”
Hamilton-based Cat and Jarred Seeney, who have strong Waipā connections, also competed admirably.
“Cat was faultless. She hit her three from three, gaining gold in the deadlift and setting a new world record,” Smith said.
“Jarred did a crazy weight cut. He was competing on two different days. It was a 24-hour weigh in.
“He weighed in for deadlift under 90kg then he wanted to weigh in the next day for the strict curl, under 82.5kg. He achieved that.
“In deadlift he got a gold. In strict curl he got gold and a world record. You’ve got to be strategic for that as strict curl goes up in increments.”
Nigel Cordes joined the New Zealand team after qualifying in Canada where he moved from Hamilton about seven years ago.
“He had his heart set on taking the all-time New Zealand bench press record and he smashed it. He also got gold in bench press.”
Christine Henwood, 66, has been a global champion many times and won her class overall as well as several golds and world records,” Smith said.
Smith hopes to bring the competition to New Zealand one day.
Members of the New Zealand GPC powerlifting squad, from left, Tracey Karam, Xavier Karam, Mike Smith, Chara Reti, Nigel Cordes, Cat Seeney, Jarred Seeney and Christine Henwood.
St John Cambridge Health Shuttle
Providing
Bookings
(3)
(6)
(5)
(6)
Across: 1. Baffle, 4. Staves, 9. Stern, 10. Nonplus, 11. Epitome, 13. Oink, 14. Star-crossed, 17. Find, 18. Generic, 21. Adamant, 22. Pesto, 24. Treaty, 25. Bypass. Down: 1. Busker, 2. Foe, 3. Lingo, 5. Tenuous, 6. Volunteer, 7. Sass, 8. Interrogate, 12. Intricate, 15. Radiant, 16. Across, 19. Nappy, 20. Cart, 23. Spa.
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CAMBRIDGE OPEN HOMES
59 Donkey (3) 60 Inheritor (4) 61 Hole in tooth (6) 62 Unwell (3)
75 Betrothed (7)
77 Friend (3)
80 Very fluid (5)
81 Go out in bad weather (5,3,8)
82 Borders (5)
83 Knob (6)
84 Lover’s song (8)
85 Belt (5)
2 Or else (9)
3 Curved (5)
5 Tidings (4)
6 Story segment (7)
7 Not easily irritated (4-8)
8 Flowering bulb (5)
9 Bewitching, spellbinding (7)
10 Pleasant (4)
11 Cadaver (6)
12 Mournful song (5)
13 Applauded (7)
14 Make a signal (7)
Group appointed to represent others (10) 66 On land (6) 67 Church official (6) 69 Expenditure (9) 72 Vigour (6) 73 Petrol-engine part (5,4)
16 Kind, generous, forgiving nature (5,2,4)
22 Rough (6)
23 Ardour (7)
24 Preserved in vinegar (7)
25 Eerie (6)
27 Developed over time (7)
28 Come forth (6)
30 Silence (4)
32 Wander off (5)
34 Welded together (5)
36 Second Greek letter (4)
38 Age (3)
42 Nab (5)
43 Feed (7)
44 Prickling (4)
45 Deadly (6)
46 Hold up (5)
48 Upkeep (11)
49 Invalidates (7)
50 Pixie (3)
51 Fan (7)
52 Allocate (6)
53 Don’t show up (4,2,6)
54 Cast off (4)
57 Walk quietly (6)
64 Musical group (9)
65 Amount overdue (7)
66 Modified (7)
68 Competent (7)
70 Strengthen (7)
71 Meeting schedule (6)
72 Poem (5)
74 Thoroughfares (5)
76 Wide-awake (5)
78 Coloured (4)
79 Bawdy (4)
ACROSS: 1 Doubt, 4 Interest, 9 Menace, 14 Grill, 15 Show the white flag, 17 Carve, 18 Gap, 19 Gradual, 20 Toothpick, 21 Tsetse, 24 Petroleum, 25 Cellar, 26 Friend, 29 Henceforth, 31 Eye,
32 Sesame, 33 Loaf, 35 Eat, 37 Well, 39 Oversleep, 40 Ourselves, 41 Yearn, 42 Candidly, 47
Remanded, 51 Arena, 55 Truncated, 56 Spaghetti, 58 Gaff, 59 Ass, 60 Heir, 61 Cavity, 62 Ill,
63 Deputation, 66 Ashore, 67 Deacon, 69 Outgoings, 72 Energy, 73 Spark plug, 75 Engaged,
77 Pal, 80 Runny, 81 Brave the elements, 82 Edges, 83 Handle, 84 Serenade, 85 Strap.
DOWN: 2 Otherwise, 3 Bowed, 5 News, 6 Episode, 7 Even-tempered, 8 Tulip, 9 Magical, 10 Nice, 11 Corpse, 12 Dirge, 13 Clapped, 14 Gesture, 16 Heart of gold, 22 Coarse, 23 Passion,
24 Pickled, 25 Creepy, 27 Evolved, 28 Emerge, 30 Hush, 32 Stray, 34 Fused, 36 Beta, 38 Era, 42 Catch, 43 Nourish, 44 Itch, 45 Lethal, 46 Delay, 48 Maintenance, 49 Negates, 50 Elf,
51 Admirer, 52 Assign, 53 Fail to appear, 54 Shed, 57 Tiptoe, 64 Orchestra, 65 Arrears, 66
Adapted, 68 Capable, 70 Toughen, 71 Agenda, 72 Elegy, 74 Roads, 76 Alert, 78 Dyed, 79 Lewd.
Leamington 28 Shakespeare Street
Leamington 79 Moore Street
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Market Appraisal
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• 8.0 ha bare land – ideal for boutique farming, equine use, or development.
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Cambridge 77 Baxter Michael Crescent
CALL FOR TRUSTEE
WAIPA DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING NOTICES
Act 1987 notice is hereby given that:
The following meetings will be held in December
3 December, 2025
Thursday,
4 December, 2025
Tuesday,
December, 2025
Wednesday, Finance and Corporate Committee 10 December, 2025 9.15am
Wednesday,
10 December, 2025
All meeting information and electronic copies of Council agendas are available at waipadc.govt.nz/agendasandminutes
Steph O’Sullivan Chief Executive
BRINGING
The Waipa Community Facilities Trust have a current board vacancy and are calling to the public for registrations of interest for a new Trustee.
The Charitable Trust was established to enhance the health and well-being of Waipa District communities by promoting the effective and efficient provision, development and operation of community facilities (Te Awamutu Events Centre) and Perry Aquatic Centre) and programmes throughout the District. The position is voluntary and trustees are expected to attend 11 meetings per year, as well as the Trust AGM.
Please send your CV and cover letter to the Secretary ruby@offsiteadmin.co.nz
Applications close Friday December 19th 2025.
SITUATIONS VACANT
QUALIFIED BRICK/PAVER
LAYER and Landscaper/ Planter required for local one-off job. Quote required. Ph 021 834 248. WORK WANTED
CABINET MAKING and shop fitting, quality work. Ph Tony 0274 798 798
WAIKATO LAWNS & GARDENS. Free Quotes. Text/ph; 027-232-9654.
PANELBEATER available for onsite repairs. Accident damage – rust repairs –motorbike tank and plastic fairings – welding. No insurance work. Ph Geoff 021 464 687
DALE, Henry Patrick –Passed away in the peace and comfort of home last Thursday 6th of November 2025. Much loved husband to Moira and Dad to Louise and Helen. Unwavering Spurs supporter and avid Chiefs fan. He is missed. As with Henry’s wishes a private cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be shared with family and friends at a later date. Heartfelt thanks to all who cared for Henry over the years. A tribute page for Henry can be found at: https://www.legacyfunerals. co.nz/s/henry
Cambridge Seventh-Day Adven�st Church
Cr. Shakespeare & Browning Streets Bible 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
Phone: 021 277 1909
Hope Channel – Freeview Ch 27, Sky 204 We offer detailed study of the Bible and inspiring worship experiences.
All Welcome.
WANTED TO RENT
Professional business owning couple, wanting a rural home with garaging/shedding. All options considered. Good references available. Ph 022 636 0501
WANTED TO RENT FOR SALE
ARMCHAIRS Sanderson linen/rolled arms x 2 Used/ good condition. Bought Gracious Living Interiors Remuera Auckland. $395 each. Ph: 021344952
WANTED TO BUY
WANTED TO BUY. Any ute, van, 4WD, truck or car. Any condition doesn’t have to be going. Cash paid. Ph/txt Kevin 027 299 6165
MCDONNELL, Raewyn Norma – It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Raewyn on 5 November 2025, aged 78 years, surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of Lawrence, cherished mum and motherin-law of Paul & Keren, Jane, Bridget & Ian. Treasured nana of Jack, Isabelle & Lucy, Jessica & Lockie, Mathew & Haley, Ashleigh & Hannah. Adored great nana of Poppy. Forever loved, forever remembered. A private family service has been held. Messages to the "McDonnell" family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or on Raewyn’s online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz
SEARLE, John Paul – Died tragically early last week at his home in Cambridge aged 63. Born in England he loved to travel and lived his life for many years working in Cambridge and the wider Waikato/Bay of Plenty communities. He had many friends over the world and will be greatly and sadly missed by them and his loving family. Private cremation.
your stories are in safe hands.
Jono Gibson Funeral Director
Summerset
“superior in a lot of ways”
“I’d been to Summerset on a couple of occasions as part of my job as Eve’s Real Estate branch manager in Papamoa. We looked at villages in the area and when we compared them all, we felt that Summerset is superior in a lot of ways,” said Summerset resident, Trevor Hansen.
A place that feels like home
“When we started to look for a retirement village, we included our children. We have three adult boys, two locally and one in Germany. The local boys came with us to visit villages,” said Trevor. “The main draw was that Summerset is modern with a number of different facilities on site that were superior, and the location is close to our sons and the grandkids.”
“We liked the village cafe as well as the people here. The staff were very friendly towards us, even though we hadn’t yet signed up. When you throw all of that into the mix, Summerset was ticking so many boxes. And Heather liked this village for the newness and its safe and secure, with care facilities for later.”
The value of village living
The Hansen’s felt more informed than others might when they started looking for a retirement village and shared the importance of understanding the value you’re really getting when signing up to a village.
“Being in real estate helped a bit with understanding contracts and I knew about licence to occupy agreements. I’m not saying I’m an expert, we took legal advice, and our
solicitor was our trustee. A fundamental thing to understand is the deferred management fee. As long as you can get your head around that, then you can see the benefits for you,” shared Trevor.
“It’s also important to get your families support on what you’re doing. In real estate, I dealt with a number of people who were thinking about going into a village who were talked out of it by their children. I saw people in their late eighties and nineties saying, ‘we’re not going to sell now we’re going to stay here.’ Our family said, ‘go for it’.”
“I believe that above all you have to place a high value and worth on the lifestyle and camaraderie. And all the facilities and activities you can do on your doorstep. Then there’s the safety and security. You need to place a lot of worth and value on enjoying all that while you’re alive,” stated Trevor.
Since moving in, the Hansen’s have more in their diaries than ever. Trevor participates in the ukelele group, bowls and pool teams. While Heather is a fan of the fitness classes and enjoys crafting.
If you are contemplating village life, pop in and spend some time in a village. You can enjoy a cuppa and treat in the café or just call in and talk with the friendly team and chat with residents who already love the Summerset life.
If you’d like to know more about Summerset Cambridge, call 07 839 9482 or visit summerset.co.nz/cambridge