Voters leave it late
By Chris Gardner
Waipā District Council is going begging for votes for this Saturday’s local body election, despite a hotly contested mayoral race.
Incumbent Susan O’Regan is facing challenges from councillors Mike Pettit and Clare St Pierre.
Voter turnout was only 21.35 per cent by October 3, according to figures provided by chief returning officer Warwick Lampp.
Lampp’s figures showed 8793 voters had turned out to vote with just a week to go.
Up until the latest figures were released, Waipā’s turnout had been steadily declining with a week to go.
Waipā voter turnout was 22.28 per cent by October 3 in 2016, 19.46 per cent by 2019 and 16.3 per cent by 2022.
Last election Waipā district’s total turnout at the election’s end was 36.24 per cent.
Cambridge voter Karen May voted in the town on Monday. Her voting papers sat on the table for a couple of weeks ready to post.
“I had to really think about how I was going to get it here,” she said.
Younger voters would better engage with online voting, she said.
The News’ On the Hustings columnist Peter Carr asked whether the Waipā electorates wanted a well-led councils or a totally dysfunctional headless jelly.
“Voting is your absolute right but there are plenty of people who do not vote yet are prepared to
complain,” Carr said.
“Sorry folks - this is ‚put up or shut up’ time. The people who are prepared to serve you to the best of their ability deserve much better than mediocrity in voting terms. This is your council which should be supported and cherished by your vote.”
Lampp’s figures are considerably lower than the turnout achieved by its neighbouring councils.
Further south, Waitomo District Council voters are leading the charge with the highest turnout of the local authorities in Good Local Media’s readership.
Turnout was 28.88 per cent by October 3, accounting for 1728 voters, compared to a 43.07 total turnout for the 2022 local body elections.
It’s Waitomo’s best performance since the 2019 election when 35.08 per cent of voters had turned out by October 3. In 2019 23.47 per cent had turned out in Waitomo with a week to go, with 19.4 per cent at this stage in 2022.
Four candidates are contending for Waitomo’s mayoral chains.
Incumbent John Robertson is facing challenges from councillor Janette Osborne and council newcomers Richard Ross and Natasha Willison-Reardon.
Ōtorohanga District Council voters were a close second to Waitomo with 1799 votes or 28.3 per cent compared to Ōtorohanga’s total turnout of 44.05 per cent in 2022.
It’s Ōtorohanga’s best turnout yet, with 20.7 per cent turnout by
October 3 in 2022. 27.6 per cent in 2019 and 17.36per cent in 2016.
A trio of incumbent councillors are vying for the mayoral chains after multi-term mayor Max Baxter decided to step back from local body politics.
Rodney Dow, Cathy Prendergast, and Jaimee Tamaki are all vying for the district’s top job. Issues are similar across all districts, with the cost of living crisis biting and councils having to watch their spending.
Lampp said it was hard to compare turnouts to the same period last election thanks to a longer voting period and more orange bins collecting voting papers.
“Some up, some about the same,” he said. “Overall, my gut feel is that it will end up about the same in the end.”
Cambridge’s Karen May voted on Monday, although she believes online voting would be easier. Photo: Chris Gardner
•
“Trash ‘n’ Treasure”
My wife and I have heard a loud explosion in the night on at least two occasions in the past year. I see there has been some Facebook commentary where many other people heard an explosion one evening around midnight back in July. No one knows what caused the explosion and there were no sirens afterwards. Everyone was guessing where the explosion happened.
We live near the town pool and I wondered if the explosions were either rural or caused by road maintenance crews, or in a quarry. I thought if you published this letter then we may get some answers. It must be very concerning for the many elderly people who heard the explosions
Terry McDowell
Cambridge
Quarry worry
Given Newcombe Road has had a lot of publicity recently I decided to take a look at it. I got a few surprises. First, the road is very short – about half a kilometre - and no exit.
Second, as you come off State Highway 1 to go to Cambridge past the golf course, there is a sign that says ‘trucks continue to the
roundabout’. That means that the Transport Agency regards that turn as unsafe for trucks to turn right into Newcombe Road. How much more unsafe will it be if 100 or more big trucks a day want to do that turn? If the prohibition on that turn continues, those trucks will need to go down to the round-about by the low level bridge and come back on the other side of the road in order to enter Newcombe Road.
Third, when I came to drive out of Newcombe Road and turn towards Cambridge I found that you did not have a long line of sight. I pulled out to cross the road and a car suddenly appeared. The other car did not need to slow down, but if I had been driving a large truck and trailer unit there is no way I would have got the vehicle across the road before the other vehicle arrived.
Roger Gordon is trying to get a decision that trucks from the quarry not be allowed to turn north as they come out of Newcombe Road. The reason was just to prevent those trucks from driving through the middle of Cambridge. But there is a very strong safety reason for that prohibition too. It would be hard to think of a more dangerous road to have 100 to 200 large trucks crossing it a day.
Peter Nicholl Cambridge
Māori wards
Three candidates have thrown their hat into the ring for mayor in the Waipa District council elections. Each one of them, according to their manifesto, supports Māori wards. Really? So are we to believe each candidate is ok with voting someone onto the council because of their race? When did we begin to stoop so low as a country that we think it is ok to treat certain sectors differently to others? We are slowly but surely departing from the true meaning of democracy where everyone is treated equally and has the same rights and duties.
Do the candidates truly believe their thinking on this? Or is it possible they have the same affliction as a growing number of New Zealanders who have either lost their tongue and are too afraid to speak out against this growing trend or worse, been brainwashed by the current ‘flavour of the month’ jargon used to justify it? Terms such as addressing the inequities, inequalities, having a place at the table, inclusion to name a few - all designed to trick the foolhardy into accepting a law that only serves to separate, segregate, and divide New Zealand.
News/Editorial
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People often assume family harm is physical abuse. It encompasses emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse, however, normalisation of behaviour is where a person is in an abusive situation for so long or so intensively, that what they are experiencing feels normal, and their level of acceptance or threshold for tolerating it becomes unhealthily high.
We notice this in children exposed to family harm, where adults in the house yelling, screaming, or hurting each other no longer phases the child, who is reported as ‘calm and happy’ when Police arrive. That is more a sign that the frequency of incidents is such that it has become their base line normal home life.
In the past few weeks, I have supported victims of family harm who have endured psychological abuse for years, before fully realising the situation and reaching out for help. Sometimes, without a hand being laid on a victim, power and control is maintained.
Examples of such behaviour include isolating the victim from family and friends (an insidious process that occurs over a period of time). Thereafter, tracking their every movement, often via phone applications or even an air tag on their vehicle, phoning them when they go somewhere unplanned or take longer that the perpetrator thinks it should to travel somewhere or complete a task, accompanying them everywhere possible,
removing privacy through demanding access to email and messaging accounts and questioning their interactions with friends.
It can include the installation of cameras to remotely monitor a victim’s behaviour in their own home, having sole financial control and access to banking accounts and always blaming the victim for causing arguments or abuse from the perpetrator. As an outsider, such things are clearly unacceptable and unhealthy.
As the target of the behaviour, often steadily escalated over a period of time, it is often not so visible, but even where it is, the fear of upsetting the perpetrator can be paralysing. It is important to be able to recognise these patterns in our own relationships and those around us and to know that support is available.
NZ Police and agencies such as Waitomo Waipa Women’s Refuge and Cambridge Community House will support victims through the process of making a safety plan at home and when ready to leave the relationship, obtaining legal advice, protection orders (along with parenting, occupation and furniture orders where appropriate), counselling and ultimately moving forward on a healthier path.
If you or someone you know is in this situation, please reach out.
I applaud David Seymour and the ACT Party for having the guts to bring this matter to the point of referendum. It forces a clear choice: either endorse representation by race or defend equal citizenship for every voter. A ‘yes’ vote institutionalises division and weakens the principle that public office should be won on merit and ideas, not race. A ‘no’ vote rejects racial preference and preserves democratic equality, where every voice carries the same weight. Which will you choose?
Gwynneth Purdie
Te Awamutu
with Senior Constable DEB HANN
Road works ahead
Waipā District Council has unveiled a list of 50 roads which will be part of the summer season’s resealing programme. The longest project is Cambridge Rd in Te Awamutu at 8.225km and the shortest 15 metres of sealing in Orchardist Way, Ngāhinapōuri.
Christmas parades
Te Awamutu will run with the theme of Christmas Movies at its annual festive season parade on December 6. In Cambridge the following day the theme will be a sporty Christmas.
Flamenco flavour
Cambridge will host a Flamenco Feria on Saturday as a party with dance and music comes to town. Cambridge based organiser Pepa Torre, who grew up dancing flamenco and looking forward to the feria season in Andalucía, Spain, is bringing a version to the town hall.
“Flamenco is a street art, it's like whānau art,” she said.
"You find the little kids dancing with the grandparents, everybody's included... that's exactly what I want to bring, that philosophy."
Reserve transfer
A 30ha scenic reserve south of Maungatautari is changing hands. Ngāti Koroki Kahukura has gifted Te Reti reserve - one of four reserves in Waipā vested in Ngāti Koroki Kahukura as part of a 2014 claims settlement - to Parawera Marae.
Kaimai closure
State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range will close for five nights from Sunday, between 7.30pm and 3.00am as maintenance work including clearing drains, sign maintenance, road marking and surface repairs is carried out.
Tributes paid
Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan has paid tribute to the work two outgoing colleagues – Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate and Ōtorohanga’s Max Baxter, who are not seeking re-election.
From drought to a deluge
By Jesse Wood
There are mixed reviews from farmers across the greater Waikato region, following the transition from a drought to high rain fall.
Kaipaki farmer Zane Kite said the drought was devastating.
“We took a financial hit. It was hard on the animals and on the humans trying to look after the animals,” Kite said.“I did dry off a month earlier, to look after the animals and I think I’m benefitting from that now. “
“You put it behind you and move forward. Spring has been pretty kind to us this year.”
Kite said it’s been an “easy spring” so far.
“There’s not much mud, so that’s been a blessing,” Kite said.
“Production is up compared with last year. We’ve got pretty good grass cover and the cows are in good nick.”
Waikato Regional Council figures show Te Awamutu had 153mm of rain, Te Kūiti 179mm, Waitanguru
352mm, Otewa 203mm and Hamilton 134mm in the 30 days to Monday this week.
For Hamilton that compared to a September average of 100mm and for Te Kuiti 133mm. Much of that rain came in very heavy bursts.
Down the road in Ōhaupō, Andrew Reymer echoed Zane Kite’s remarks.
“I went into winter with low feed, but we’re going through one of the best springs we’ve had for a while. Nature has a way of correcting itself,” Reymer said.
Although they’ve had plenty of rainfall, it hasn’t been continuous.
“The drains are full, they’re flowing, but the ground isn’t wet and unmanageable. This time last year, it was slush,” Reymer said.
“Touch wood, it’s a good spring. Hopefully it’ll carry on.”
Roto-o-Rangi farmer
Richard Myers said farmers should adapt their systems to work around the weather.
“It’s just weather and
we’ve got to take it as it comes. Our whole system exists on sunshine and rain,” Myers said. “We’re quite used to droughts and high rainfall at different times of the year. We can’t control it.” Ōtorohanga-based sharemilker Chris Ferguson said their maize yield was down due to an early
harvest, but they’re starting to adapt.
“Ōtorohanga was about as dry as most places over summer. We went for oncea-day milking to de-stress the cows,” Ferguson said.
“Farmers are starting to prepare for drier summers. They’re looking at hitting 60 to 70 per cent of their production before Christmas - especially farms that don’t buy as much feed in.
“Traditionally, Christmas was your halfway point of your season production.”
Ferguson said they’ve been lucky with the rainfall and don’t get a lot of flooding.
“But we have noticed a little less grass growth. This time last year, we were probably doing our first cut of silage.”
South of Ōtorohanga, Michael Woodward’s farm is also a week behind in grass growth.
“The drought came on a lot faster than usual with the winds in early January. That meant we more of our supplement feed sooner,” Woodward said.
“Coming into winter, we needed to top up the soil moisture levels. We
got away with some of the bigger, heavier rains earlier on because the soil was dry and it got soaked up.
“We’re definitely not in a deficit, but more rain is needed to encourage that grass growth going forward.”
Kirwyn Ellis, 2024 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year, said his family farm near Pirongia has bounced back well.
“The dry conditions were certainly testing. The lack of grass growth meant there was a lot of stored nitrogen in the soil. When the rain finally did come in the autumn, it set us up nicely for winter and spring,” Ellis said.
“At times over winter, it did feel like every rain was a weather event. It wasn’t uncommon for the forecasted 50mm to turn into 100mm, particularly for us being in the foothills of Mt Pirongia.
“We had our share of frosts too. We were lucky to be in the feed position we were in May because grass growth over June, July and August was impacted.
“Despite this, we are very grateful to still be in a good position.”
Jono Gibson Funeral Director
Kirwyn Ellis says the family farm near Pirongia has bounced back well after the drought.
Ōtorohanga sharemilker Chris Ferguson said farmers are starting to prepare for drier summers.
Photo: Jesse Wood
•
Time called on Ian’s watch
By Viv Posselt
Ian Hughes’ legacy to Cambridge earned high praise at a farewell marking his retirement after 15 years with the Cambridge Safer Community Charitable Trust, most of those spent as chairman.
The Trust, which operates the Cambridge Neighbourhood Support group and the Cambridge Community Patrol, was formed in 2010 to make Cambridge’s residential, business and industrial areas safer. They work in conjunction with police, civil defence and fire and emergency services to strengthen connections, boost safety and enhance emergency preparedness and wellbeing in the community. There are now 3183 households registered with neighbourhood support, and it has a growing digital following.
Jocelyn Cooney, who has taken over as Trust chair, told those at the farewell Hughes was leaving behind him a ‘strong legacy, one built on compassion and integrity’.
“Ian, on behalf of the Cambridge community, I want to sincerely thank you for your outstanding leadership,
dedication and the steady guidance you have given over the last 15 plus years. Your passion for our cause and your commitment to the values of our organisation have shaped where we are today.”
She said he had led the organisation with ‘wisdom, calm and just the right amount of laughter’.
Hughes has long been a community man. He was a teacher and principal at Cambridge Middle School, and education manager for Life Education NZ. His link with the latter, an organisation inspiring health and wellbeing among young Kiwis through the teachings of Harold the Giraffe, came during five years he and his wife Jocelyn spent in Wellington. He has also been involved with the Hautapu Rugby Club and had ties with the Cambridge Community Marae.
“We always intended to come back to Cambridge, and when we did, I became an education consultant for five years or so,” he told The News. “In that role, I moved around most of the schools in the region.”
He joined the first iteration of neighbourhood watch at the behest of two other community stalwarts, now both passed, then Cambridge
police sergeant Gordon Grantham and Rob Feisst.
“They were the real instigators of it. They wanted people in the community to join… and they did.”
Judi Smythe became the first secretary and when Ruru the Owl was unveiled as the Trust’s new mascot in 2013, it was Smythe who dressed the part at community events.
“That was terrific for the kids,” Hughes said.
The safety message he and his team continue to promote goes into schools, aged care homes, residential villages, and through residential suburbs and business areas encompassing the wider fringes of Cambridge.
Times have changed since Hughes started with the Trust. The need for it was questioned by some early on, but now the community is grateful for the nightly patrols done by Neil Bridgland’s neighbourhood watch teams, and for the generous community support.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of the last 15 years,” Hughes said, “but it’s now time for some new blood. The Trust still operates out of the cricket pavilion in Victoria Square and I’m lucky in that they’ve asked me to duck in and out once in a while. I reckon I might just do that.”
“No
politics – just common sense”
As a 4th generation local farmer and long term Waipa-King Country resident, I will make decisions that serve the best interests of our ratepayers and our local communities. I stand for : Passionate about the Waipa-King Country, working
Authorised by Stu Kneebone, 271 Baker Road, RD4 Cambridge
Ian Hughes and granddaughter Heidi Cranshaw enjoying one of their regular catchups.
Photo: Viv Posselt.
Spring Festival in the City
Vetro is bringing the flavour of Spring to Hamilton CBD on Saturday, October 18th, 9am–3pm. The street will be closed and transformed into a vibrant festival space with food trucks, and live entertainment.
Feast on paella, Mizzoni Pizza, Pasta Paradiso, Delicious Dosa, Grumpy Baker goodies, Duck Island Icecream and more.
Bring your friends and family for a day of food, fun and festivity in the heart of the city! Rostrevor Street, Hamilton.
Think before you…
By Murray Smith, Bridges Church
Have you ever opened your mouth to vent a viewpoint in a way that left you feeling later on that you could have picked your moment (and ‘mood’) better - maybe even waited for a more appropriate opportunity to voice your feelings?
Perhaps in hindsight you’ve reconsidered your wisdom in speaking out, realising that remaining silent on occasions may have been better?
There is of course going to be a ‘right’ time to speak out… but there’s a right time to listen and learn too. I grew up being told I had two ears and one mouth for good reason… it was to listen twice as much as I talked. We’re prone to form strong opinions on the basis of receiving information that can at best be incomplete and at worst be untrue… the scary thing about that is forming emotional responses on inaccurate narratives.
Accepting that we do not possess perfect objectivity or full understanding of situations ought to temper our need to give others the benefit of our wisdom and rushing into being swift and forthright proclaimers of our opinions. There’s a Bible verse that addresses this very succinctly proposing, “Let everyone be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger…” (James 1:19)
With these thoughts in mind, I’m offering an acronym based on the word, ‘think’ which I learned years ago. It has often helped me to govern and determine when and how to ‘speak out’…here it is…
T stands for, ‘is it true’? Right here is a brilliant moderator for exercising wisdom and humility before we open our mouths, put pen to paper, or launch a keyboard
assault.
Are we sure we are in possession of the whole truth and all the facts?
H stands for, ‘is it helpful’? Will what we wish to say contribute to promoting peace and harmony? Will what I have to say offer constructive, redemptive and restorative solutions in circumstances that are broken and disordered? Or will it belittle and dismantle, without providing anything that edifies and uplifts?
I stands for, ‘is it inspiring’? In a world full of disagreement, bad news and criticism, it’s so good to actually come across words that encourage us higher, to be better people… words that urge us to reject bitter arguments that isolate and alienate.
N stands for, ‘is it necessary?’ That’s a good question. Is saying my piece going to contribute anything worthwhile or of value? Or is it just me needing to feel I have to vent my spleen in making myself heard since what I have to say is imperative for everyone to know?
K stands for, ‘is it kind?’ Our culture needs to see more models of genuine kindness than what have been promoted. Kindness that relinquishes ‘self-love’ in order to seek the highest good of others. Seeking the best interests of others is somewhat ‘countercultural’ inasmuch as we’re conditioned to put ourselves first. Truly accepting others ought not be conditional upon them being like us - leading us to being less than gracious and uncaring in our walk and our talk.
That’s it …let’s think before we frame our words and open our mouths.
Eight collect their honours
Nine people with links to the Good Local Media circulation area have received their honours from governor general Dame Cindy Kiro at recent ceremonies in Government House Wellington and Auckland.
Pictured with Dame Cindy were Brendan Lindsay (Knight’s Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit) – for services to business and philanthropy, Peter Arnold Nation – for services to the agricultural industry and governance, Timothy Grant Southee - for services to cricket, Sarah Louise Walker - for services to BMX and sports governance (all Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit), Ellesse Mote Andrews – for services to cycling, Marilyn Yeoman - for
services to education and the community (both Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit), Anthony William Norman Enderby and Jennifer Fay Enderby – for services to conservation (both The King’s Service Medal) and Fred Graham (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura), who was previously awarded Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in
the 2018 New Year’s Honours and the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal, was appointed Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2025 New Year’s honours. Many of his sculptures adorn the district. His son Gary Graham received the award on behalf of his father who died in May.
Marilyn Yeoman (Hamilton), retired Tamahere Model Country School principal and long-time Hamilton Gardens volunteer.
Gary Graham, son of sculptor Fred Graham.
Peter Nation (Tamahere), ex Fieldays chief, now Waikato Chamber of Commerce chair.
Tim Southee (Tamahere), former Black Cap, now specialist skills consultant for England cricket team.
Ellesse Andrews (Cambridge), gold medal winning Olympic cyclist.
Sarah Walker (Cambridge), former BMX silver medal winner, International Olympic Committee member.
Tony and Jenny Enderby (Cambridge) photojournalists, natural history authors and renowned conservationists
Brendan Lindsay (Cambridge) philanthropist, founder Sistema Plastics.
New life for old haunt?
By Chris Gardner
The grand old lady of Waitomo once hosted Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, and is reputed to be haunted, but today Waitomo Caves Hotel is being used to accommodate transitional workers from Taharoa Ironsands.
Waitomo Caves Hotel in Waitomo village has been closed for a while, but recent comings and goings of tradespeople have prompted hope from residents that the hotel may be being prepared for tourists.
Residents say Taharoa Ironsands workers staying at the hotel have been drinking at the Waitomo Tavern.
The Wellesley Group, owned by Taharoa Ironsands managing director Wayne Coffey’s, is leasing the hotel from the owners the Tanetinorau Opatai Trust.
Wayne Coffey was not available for comment but his son, Brent, confirmed the iron sands company was using the hotel for transitional workers.
“We will say what we are doing with the hotel when we know what we are doing,” he said.
He would give no more detail.
Built in 1908, the Victorian Gothic and Edwardian Baroque building hosted the Queen and Prince Philip on New Year’s Eve 1953.
Director Guillermo Del Toro stayed at the hotel while scouting locations for The Hobbit before he handed the reins to Sir Peter Jackson.
“I heard of a murder in a room in a hotel in New Zealand,” Del Toro said in an interview with Kjersti Flaa in 2015.
“It was a haunted hotel, and often when I travel, I stay in haunted hotels. I asked specially for that room, and I heard a murder in the middle of the room with nobody there.”
Del Toro heard a woman shrieking horrible blood-curdling shrieks for five minutes and a man sobbing and sighing with great regret for 10 minutes.
“We were the only people in the hotel. It was closed. Only eight people in the entire hotel.”
He tracked the noises to a vent that led to the cellar.
A lack of evidence
By Peter Nicholl
On August 19 I made a request to the New Zealand Transport Agency under the Official Information Act for the data the Ministry of Transport used to reach the conclusion in a report to the Minister of Transport that there had been no significant increase in demand or need for a northbound on-off ramp at the Cambridge Southern Interchange’ since 2013.
I received their reply on September 30. It is underwhelming. I had thought that their phrase ‘no evidence of an increase in demand meant that they had evidence and it didn’t support the need for a northbound on-off ramp. But their reply reveals that their use of the phrase ‘no evidence’ is in fact literal – they have no evidence either way. What they said was ‘we determine our position using a whole-of-network approach to the Waikato Expressway and long-term strategic planning, supported by more specific transport planning assessments related to projects or activity in adjacent parts of the network (for example, the recent resource consent for a new quarry).’
I don’t know what that means. They did attach a document that they say supports their position. It is 252 pages long. I haven’t had time to look through it yet – but I will. But if there are things in that long document that support their conclusion I don’t know why they didn’t include them in their letter.
The only data they included in the formal response was for traffic going through the Cambridge Southern Interchange. It hasn’t risen as much in the last 12 years as had been anticipated in the design phase. That is interesting – but it has nothing to do with the question I asked. The two traffic flows I was interested in are, first, traffic
from Leamington and beyond who want to travel north. They don’t go to the Cambridge Southern Interchange as it doesn’t allow them to travel north. They have to go through Cambridge to the Hautapu Interchange. The second flow is traffic coming south on the Motorway who want to go to Leamington and beyond. They also have to get off at Hautapu and travel through Cambridge.
They also say in their reply that ‘NZTA specifically designed the Tīrau Road Interchange for southbound movements only so the expressway would not be used for short trips, for example, on at the Southern Interchange, off at SH1B interchange (Hautapu).
Therefore, in order to prevent some people from making a short trip on the Expressway they are deliberately forcing more people who intend to take long trips to go through the middle of Cambridge in order to get on or off the Expressway in the direction they want to go. Why would someone from Leamington who wants to go to the Cambridge commercial area choose to cross the low-level bridge, drive past the golf club, go north on the Expressway to the Hautapu interchange and enter Cambridge from there?
I was also surprised that they made a reference to the ‘recent resource consent for a new quarry’ as an item they took into account in their advice to the Minister. As I understand it, this decision had not been taken at the time they advised the Minister. I will read the 252-page report to see if it enlightens me more than their letter did.
Waitomo Caves Hotel was built in 1908.
Paewira: MP calls minister
By Chris Gardner
Environment minister Penny Simmonds is being called in to resolve Global Contracting Solutions’ suspended resource consent application to build and operate a waste to energy plant – Paewira – in Te Awamutu.
Simmonds, who called in an independent board of inquiry to decide the matter, is now being asked to step in after the Environmental Protection Authority suspended the application on August 13 - two weeks
before the decision was due to be released.
The authority said the process would be resumed after the applicant had paid undisclosed costs.
Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger contacted Simmonds’ office seeking a resolution after nearly two months of uncertainty.
“There is no process in place to resolve this,” said Kuriger.
“The minister’s office is looking at how there’s money not paid, and the money needs to be paid
for the process to continue. It’s in limbo, caught up in red tape, and it’s a metaphorical red tape pain in the . . . I won’t say what. It’s damn frustrating for the community.”
A spokesman for Simmonds office confirmed the minister was receiving advice on the matter.
“There will be more information available in due course,” they said Don’t Burn Waipa spokesperson Angie Barrowcliffe said the submitters deserved a decision whether the
company had paid or not.
The EPA received 2173 submissions on the application and 64 per cent cited concerns about pollutant like dioxins and nano particles.
“We have all endured so much anguish and financial uncertainty over the past few years, and the best outcome would be to finally put this behind us,” she said.
“The decision was only days away from being released when it was put on hold, so surely it wouldn’t take much more to issue a final ruling and make it
public. The community deserves to hear the outcome just as much as the company does.”
If the application was approved, Barrowcliffe said Don’t Burn Waipa would continue working to hold the company accountable to whatever conditions the Board of Inquiry deems acceptable.
“A pause is better than a yes, but the best outcome would be a firm no. That is what we are asking the minister to push for. A no gives us a strong precedent moving forward, for all the future companies that may try to do the same thing again and again.
“This is another New Zealand Nuclear-Free moment—a time for us to stand united and say for
the good of this country, we say no to emitting toxins into our air, land, and water. There are far better ways to produce power, and reduce, reuse, and regeneration are the keys to the earth’s survival—and ours—for generations to come.”
EPA senior communications advisor Julia Scott-Beetham told The News: “We are continuing to work with the applicant to resolve the matter and ensure the outstanding costs are paid. As these discussions are commercially sensitive, we won’t be commenting further at this time.”
Global Contracting Solutions project manager Adam Fletcher did not respond to requests for comment from The News.
An artist’s impression of the proposed waste to energy plant planned for Te Awamutu.
Barbara Kurider Penny Simmonds
Ton up for Urban Miners
Urban Miners volunteers in Cambridge have now diverted 100 tonnes of electronic waste that would otherwise have ended up in landfill.
The not-for-profit e-waste recycling organisation has more than 110 volunteers who comb through unwanted household electronics, mining parts that can be salvaged, refurbished or recycled.
“When Urban Miners was created, we knew there was a problem with e-waste in our community, but we had no idea how much appetite there would be for a proper recycling solution,” said Andrew Bateman, Urban Miners chairperson.
The volume they have diverted equates to 10,000 old computers or 50,000 mobile phones that could otherwise have leached toxic materials into soil and groundwater in landfills.
The News has tracked the Urban Miners since they were founded by Cambridge Rotary members Mark Hanlon and David Blewden in 2020.
“People were just putting their old phones, computers and household electronics in their rubbish bins because there wasn’t another option at the time,” Hanlon said.
The miners now operate through monthly collection events in Cambridge and Te Awamutu and via a partnership with
Achievement House, which has provided a venue for people to drop off their e-waste.
“We’ve definitely seen growth in the amount of e-waste we receive thanks to this partnership; it really suits those that can’t make our weekend collections” Bateman said.
“But now we see local businesses as key to our growth. They generate significant volumes of
e-waste, and many are looking for responsible disposal options.”
Bateman says that they’ve built a team of mostly retired volunteers who have become highly skilled at dismantling e-waste.
“Our team is so efficient now, we really need to keep the volume coming in to keep them busy.”
Among these dedicated volunteers are identical twins Jean
Elborne and Vivienne Martin, who have become known as the resident Cambridge battery experts. Their role involves sifting through buckets of batteries and sorting them into types, separating alkaline batteries from the lithiumion ones.
Jean, who has been volunteering for a couple of years now, isn’t into dismantling stuff but thinks sorting
batteries is great.
“I really enjoy it, sitting here, there’s great camaraderie, having a laugh, having a chat. It’s a couple of hours away from home and you feel like you’re being useful,” says Jean.
Vivienne, who joined Urban Miners nearly a year ago thanks to her sister, volunteers most Tuesday afternoons, also loves getting into the zone.
“It’s a good way of switching off for a couple of hours, there’s good company which I enjoy as I live alone,” says Vivienne.
Brothers Nate (12) and Liam (10) Leadley spend some of their school holidays on the tools, helping the team to strip electronic waste.
Nate, who wants to be an engineer or electrician, says the best part about helping is getting to break things apart and learning how things work.
Liam loves stripping heat pumps and getting to use a drill. The boys' mum Annika also volunteers for Urban Miners, helping out with public collections.
New Zealand generates approximately 98,000 tonnes of e-waste annually and it’s the country’s fastest growing waste stream.
“People are holding onto their old electronics in cupboards and garages because they know throwing them in the rubbish isn’t right, but they need an easy solution,” Bateman explains.
Liam and Nate Leadley (right) spend some of their school holiday on the tools
Now taking place Sunday 2 November
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Sunday 2 November — 10am to 2pm
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Three visions for Waipā
By Jon Rawlinson
Experience or fresh approaches? Triedand-true or new blood? Waipā’s mayoral candidates appear to agree that the right balance is crucial.
Susan O’Regan, Clare St Pierre and Mike Pettit were asked about their primary goals should they claim the chains at Waipā District Council.
The incumbent, O’Regan said she plans to continue to put the community’s needs first, while operating efficiency, but change is also on her agenda.
“Council is embarking on significant transformation as the waters team will be migrating out. We’ll need to ensure we manage this effectively, she said. “There’s lots of legislative change on the horizon, so a really smooth transition, providing services as efficiently as we can, is critical.”
Ensuring council works for residents of all ages is on O’Regan’s ‘to do’ list.
“I will continue work on the seniors’ forum as this is, very much, a growing demographic. Similarly, I’m passionate about an effective youth forum because they’re inheriting the benefits or disadvantages of our decision-making today – we can only do this with young people in the room.”
She also intends to strengthen ties with central government.
“I’m really hot on continuing to grow existing good relationships with the Beehive, making sure Waipā’s voice is heard. This will strengthen ongoing investment and help us become a strong economic powerhouse. We’ve made some real gains around this.”
Clare St Pierre said she has a different style to that of O’Regan.
Transparency and a more collaborative approach are among her most important goals.
“If I’m elected, more information will be communicated to help people understand what council is doing, where we’re spending their money,” she said.
Controlling rates rises and understanding costs will take priority.
“What would it take to get the forecast rates rise for the next year down to the rate of inflation? I would work on that early on,” she said. “Also, I want forecasts in advance of staff plans to use consultants before commitments are made.”
Improved management of growth cells is also required, St Pierre said.
“When there’s a new subdivision outside the town boundary, where we rezone the land, these are called growth cells. I want to be on top of the growth formula, with individual reporting for debt and depreciation to understand how new growth cells are playing out,” she said.
“I suspect depreciation is kicking in before we have a reasonable number of sections sold, so costs are pushed back on ratepayers and rates are higher than they need to be.”
Mike Pettit is looking to make changes and improve existing structures. A fresh start and new culture will be required, he said.
“If you have one new person on a team, it’s a new team. I will be trying to set up a new culture, making sure we’re all in it together. We’ll create a plan to upskill councillors, while setting individual and collective goals and expectations for each other.
“I want leadership teams within council and we need evidence that people can lead, not just that they’ve been there however many years or they’re ‘next in line’.”
Pettit also plans to cut costs and push for efficient spending.
“I will try to cut expenses, particularly through staff numbers, and generate more income,” he said. “This also means looking at procurement. A bit like when you build a house, you want to nail down the real costs as much as possible before you start work.”
There is also room for improvement when it comes to communication.
“We need better communication among ourselves, but we also have to be out in the community to get real life feedback about what’s important to our community.”
Most local body candidates around the country who answered a survey say they would support pressure being applied to bring forward New Zealand First’s member’s bill on fluoride. Responsibility for decision making on dosing water supplies was put in the hands of the Health Department under the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021.
Fluoride Free New Zealand – whose most visible Waipā member is Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board member Kane Titchener – backs New Zealand First’s wish to repeal the bill.
Titchener, who has been re-elected to the Kakepuku Subdivision seat unopposed, said as many candidates as the lobby group could reach were asked if they supported bringing forward the bill.
He said 577 – about one in five candidates –responded.
The biggest margin came from candidates in communities where fluoride was not in water supplies - 231 said yes, 55 said no – a four to one ratio.
In communities which already had fluoride the numbers were even – 87 yes, 87 no – but the four to one ratio of yes to no was repeated in communities like Cambridge where the 2021 Act has been applied and councils ordered to put fluoride into water.
In a statement released by the lobby group, Fluoride Free New Zealand said the figures “tells us that it is highly unlikely fluoridation would ever get started in any non-fluoridated area if they are not forced to by the Ministry of Health.” It “also shows we could get fluoridation stopped in these recently fluoridated areas and perhaps throughout the whole country, if these directives could be removed.”
Susan O’Regan
Clare St Pierre Mike Pettit
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Escaping dementors a big hit
By Chris Gardner
Waipa visitors enjoyed a Harry Potter themed escape room at Ōtorohanga District Library during the school holidays.
Library manager Heather Taylor said the escape room had been created at the request of Ōtorohanga College students.
She and her team had borrowed material from ThamesCoromandel District Council, which had previously run its own Harry Potter themed escape room, as well as district council staff.
Taylor said the free experience for up to six people at a time had proved popular with 81 of the 90 available slots booked by the start of the break between Terms 3 and 4.
The escape room had attracted visitors from out of the district, including Te Awamutu and Piopio, she said.
As well as doubling school holiday foot traffic in the library, with around twice a many books borrowed, Taylor hoped those who had escaped shopped and enjoyed coffee in town.
“We do always do something for the kids in the school holidays,” Taylor said.
Brothers Asha and Jonah Anderson, of Whibley Road, Ōtorohanga, aged 12 and 10, were joined by their English au pair Natasha Goforth in puzzling their way out of the escape room.
Goforth had them picking out elements from the fantasy book series before they got into solving the puzzle. “I feel like there’ something going on under there,” said John as he lifted a drape.
Asher was impressed with the lengths library staff had gone to in order to recreate the world of J.K. Rowling.
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Asha, 12, and Jonah, 10, Anderson enjoyed Ōtorohanga District Library’s Harry Potter themed escape room. Photo: Chris Gardner
Ōtorohanga District Library manager Heather Taylor with a Harry Potter artefact.
Photo: Chris Gardner
You're being watched
Space age technology will help Kāwhia Constable David Kraay catch criminals.
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite trains are delivering broadband internet enabling the livestreaming of the township’s closed circuit television cameras.
As a result, Kraay can view live footage streamed to his computer or phone from the cameras around the wharf and township.
“The best deterrent is cameras,” Kraay said.
Kāwhia was experiencing problems with boy racers until Kraay was appointed as Kāwhia’s officer in residence in July after a long permanent police presence.
Kraay said there was far less burnouts and careless driving going on in the township.
“I am not seeing fresh rubber marks,” he said.
Kāwhia Community Board deferred making a decision on asking Ōtorohanga District Council to install further cameras at Tom French Grove at the end of Te Puia Springs Road on Thursday.
“Since this request was received by council staff, Kāwhia has now been appointed a fulltime police officer and
anti-social behaviour has begun to decrease and will continue to decrease over the next few months,” said Ōtorohanga District Council community facilities manager Jared le Fleming.
Kawhia Community Board did not have delegation over the reserve and could only recommend the project be considered by Ōtorohanga District Council, he said.
A camera would cost $7000, and annual operating costs would by $900.
Councillor Kit Jeffries said he understood landowner Tainui Kāwhia Incorporation was keen to install a camera at the entrance to Te Puia Road.
Le Fleming said the council wouldn’t want to double up, if that was the case.
Board chair Geoff Good recommended the decision be revisited in March as part of the annual plan process.
Meanwhile, board member Richard Harpur said Ōtorohanga District Council could have done a better job communicating its intentions around removing 10 pohutukawa trees at the entrance to Kāwhia,
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The trees were recently removed to prevent damage to the sea wall after a failed attempt halted by the community.
“It was a big step that day to remove those trees,” he said.
“There was a whole lot of shenanigans going on, people yelling out of their car doors, telling us to leave those trees alone.”
It would have been a much better scenario if council engineering and assets group manager Mark Lewis had been present for the trees removal, Harpur said.
“He may have stopped people taking wood that they were not entitled to take,” he said.
“The comments of some people were very disappointing.”
David Kraay
CAMBRIDGE
WEDNESDAY
New 1080 drop
By Chris Gardner
Connections consultation
12:20am, Single car MVA, Cook Street
CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE C ALLS OVER THE L AST
2:05pm, Rubbish fire, Wordsworth Street
The Department of Conservation is waiting for clear weather to make a 1080 drop in Pirongia Forest Park.
THURSDAY
WEDNESDAY
9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street
11:10am, Assist ambulance, Campbell Street
FRIDAY
1:09pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Ruakura Road
11:27am, Tree down on road, Tirau Road
10:36pm, House fire, Pine Road, Lichfield
“We have one aerial 1080 operation planned,” said DOC Waikato operations manager Niwha Jones.
11:56pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Hautapu Road
11:12pm, House fire, Maungatautari Road
SATURDAY
FRIDAY
1:17pm, 4 car MVC, Waikato Expressway
8:04pm, Assist ambulance, Settlement Road
8:42am, Building Alarm and evacuation. Maungatautari Road
SUNDAY
1:48pm, Tree blocking road, Maungakawa Road
SUNDAY
3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road
MONDAY
10:05am, Building alarm and evacuation, Hanlin Road
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PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY
The operation, the first in five years, will focus on protection of biodiversity and wildlife at the park and neighbouring Te Kauri Forest Park and is planned for suitable clear weather windows between now and December 19.
“At these locations, our native birds face threats from introduced predators,” Jones said.
“The focus of these two operations is to control rats and possums.”
Species like kōkako are at risk from predators and there has been a battle to counter a decline in numbers.
Ship rats, possums, and stoats are the primary culprits. Female kōkako are particularly at risk of predation, according to DOC, as they do all the incubation and brooding throughout a 50-day nesting period. Years of such predation have resulted in populations that are predominantly male and with consequent low productivity rates.
DOC will use biodegradable bait pellets containing 1080 to target rodents and possums. Stoats will also be controlled through secondary poisoning as they feed on the carcasses of the dead rodents.
The operation will begin with the distribution of non-toxic pre-feed bait pellets to prepare possums and rodents to eat the toxic green dyed bait that is applied afterwards. Both baits are about 16 mm in diameter and cylindrical shaped.
Niwha Jones.
ECO-FX helicopters will distribute bait across nearly 16,000 hectares along predetermined monitored flight paths. After the operation, DOC will monitor the numbers of introduced predators using traps and monitor kōkako nesting.
DOC says people should not eat animals from the area and the buffer zone. The standard buffer zone is two kilometres for deer and pigs, 200 metres for rabbits, and one kilometre for hares, wallabies, and possums.
Waipā District Council is consulting the community on its 30-year Cambridge Connections plan.
The consultation period on the future of the town’s transport network started on Monday.
The project already has a Community Reference Group made up of members with a wide range of perspectives, and an Ideas Forum where people could share further feedback.
Executive director Katie Mayes said collaboration and community input was at the heart of the project.
“This is your chance to help shape the transport system that Cambridge will use for decades. We want to hear from as many people as possible - whether you walk, cycle, scoot, drive, or use public transport - your experiences and ideas matter.
The first stage of public engagement is open until Sunday, October 19.
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CHRISTMAS PARADE FLOAT ENTRY
Sunday 7 December 2025, at 2.00pm
Please complete the following in BLOCK letters and tick where applicable:
FLOAT Dimensions _____________ long by ____________ wide by ____________ high
WALKING No. of Participants _____________________________________________________
OTHER No. of Participants ___________________
Please describe e.g. Cycling/Marching/Animals _______________________________
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Tell us great things about your club/group/school/business
(This information will be used to introduce your float/organisation on the day)
All floats and participants must be decorated or costumed appropriately
(The only exception to this rule can be the vehicle driver)
A SIGN WRITTEN VEHICLE IS NOT A FLOAT
As this float's official representative I hereby sign that I/we have read and agree to adhere to the Christmas Parade Terms & Conditions/Health & Safety Plan regulations attached and understand that the Lions Club of Cambridge and Parade Management shall under no circumstances be liable in contract, tort or otherwise to compensate us or any other party for any loss, injury or damage arising directly from the event. Entry at own risk. Organisation _______________________________________
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Thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers. Without your help and commitment this community event would not be possible.
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Love Where You Live!
- Open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas flow seamlessly, complemented by a separate family room.
- The master suite, with walk-in robe and ensuite, is cleverly positioned away from the other bedrooms for a true retreat.
- Ranch sliders open to a concrete patio, creating an ideal space for outdoor dining and entertaining.
- Featuring ducted air conditioning throughout, plus a heat pump in the family room for efficient heating and cooling.
- Tucked away in a quiet, friendly cul-de-sac.
- Modern, well-appointed kitchen with generous bench space, seamlessly connecting to the open-plan dining and living area.
- Fantastic covered outdoor entertaining area-a true suntrap.
- Four bedrooms, including a generous master bedroom with outdoor access, lavish ensuite & spacious double walk-through wardrobe.
- Separate lounge offers flexibility for relaxation or family living.
- Practical features include a heat pump and HRV system for comfort, attic storage, and a double garage.
- Sitting proudly on a huge 1,045m² (approx) fully fenced section.
- Standalone office with its own access adds even more flexibility3
- Four well-proportioned bedrooms, family friendly bathroom layout with separate toilet. At the end of the hallway, a separate wing with its own access is ideal as a private guest suite, teen retreat, or space to explore short-stay options.
- A conservatory invites year-round enjoyment, while the large lounge provides a relaxed setting for movie nights or gatherings.
Sun-Filled Family Home
- Set on a generous 1171m² (more or less) beautifully established and fully fenced section.
- Living area flows seamlessly through large doors onto a sun-soaked deck , ideal for entertaining or relaxing outdoors.
- Classic rimu flooring adds warmth and character, while modern comforts include heat pumps, a gas fire, DVS system, and heat transfer to ensure year-round comfort.
- Separate laundry that opens to the outdoors and a double garage featuring workbench space for projects and storage.
$499,000
$599,000
$635
Contact Paulette or Kane
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Sold by Eilish, Amy & Kevin
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Market Appraisal
Red hot favourites with Jan Bilton
Strawberries — nearly everyone loves these popular berries, and they seem to appear on shelves earlier each year. They provide a cheerful splash of colour after a bleak winter. The same might be said for raspberries. Plus, it’s nearing the end of the tamarillo season, so you might find a bargain. Everything looks rosy.
Red fruits and vegetables are coloured by phytonutrients called ‘carotenoids’—which include valuable antioxidants, vitamins (like C and A), minerals and fibre.
All are beneficial for your heart, immune system, skin and digestion.
Another current favourite of mine are the red seeds, or arils, of the pomegranate. They are currently sold in small pots in the fresh produce section at my local supermarket. I often freeze some seeds to use as colourful garnishes for sweet and savoury salads throughout the year.
New season’s red rhubarb stalks are tender, and their tang and texture can be enjoyed raw (in moderation), sliced into salsas or savoury salads, or in bakes.
Mature stalks become woody and require stringing before cooking.
Rhubarb leaves are unsafe to eat because they contain high levels of oxalic acid, a crystalline substance used as a bleach and cleaning agent for metals. The stalks, however, are nontoxic.
Tamarillo & coconut popsicles
I used silicone ice block moulds available from most kitchenware stores. You could also use silicon muffin cases and shorter sticks.
4 tamarillos
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons water
500g vanilla dairy-free coconut yoghurt
Peel and slice the tamarillos. Place in a saucepan with the sugar and water. Poach until tender. Cool. Drain. Cut the tamarillos into smaller pieces.
Half fill the ice block moulds with the coconut yoghurt. Add
EXPERTS
the tamarillo then add more yoghurt. Cover and insert the sticks, or as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Freeze until solid. They will keep in the freezer for several weeks. Makes about 8 popsicles using the ice block moulds.
Strawberry croissants
Fab snacks to serve with bubbles at brunch or five o’clock.
I used Sopresso salami, which is soft and sliced very thinly into 10cm rounds.
6 mini croissants, slit open
6 thin slices salami or ham
100g fresh mozzarella, grated
3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
16 strawberries, cut into 2mm slices
Preheat the oven to 170°C. Or preheat an air fryer. Fill each croissant with the grated mozzarella, salami, a dash of mustard and the sliced strawberries.
Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese starts to melt, or about 6 minutes in the air fryer. Remove and serve hot. Makes 6.
GF raspberry friands
Use fresh or frozen raspberries.
1 cup icing sugar, sifted
2/3 cup almond meal
1/3 cup gluten-free self-raising flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
125g butter, melted
4 egg whites
18 fresh or frozen raspberries
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Lightly butter a 6-hole friand pan. Chill.
Mix the dry ingredients together. Add the melted butter and stir until combined.
Whisk the egg whites with a fork until lightly combined. Fold into the butter mixture until well mixed. Pour half the mixture into the friand holes, add 1 raspberry to each then top up with the remaining batter until 2/3 full. Place two raspberries on the top of each friand.
Bake for about 20 minutes until firm to the touch. Run a knife around the edge and tip out while still hot. Makes 6.
Tamarillo & coconut popsicles Strawberry croissants
PEARSON, Kenneth
Elden (Ken) – Passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday 24th Sept 2025 aged 80 years. Gone too soon from family Eda, Kellie, Mark, Leasa, Jordan, Mya, Alyssa and Ethan. Be at peace. An informal drop in day for friends and family will be held at the family home at a date to be confirmed. Messages to the Pearson Family can be sent c/o 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Ken’s online tribute book at www. grinters.co.nz.
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Notice of AGM
CAMBRIDGE TOWN HALL COMMUNITY TRUST
The Annual General Meeting of the Cambridge Town Hall Community Trust will be held as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 21 October 2025
Time: 7pm
Place: Victorian Room, Cambridge Town Hall – entrance off Victoria Street All welcome
VEHICLES WANTED
VEHICLES WANTED – We buy all cars, vans, utes, trucks, in any condition, dead or alive. Call 0800 333 398 or text 021 344 449
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
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Darren Danis –the comeback kid
By Joshua Smith
Darren Danis is developing a knack for making a comeback from career-threatening injuries, but he is hoping his run of serious injuries is now at an end.
In 2017, Danis broke his back in a race fall, but made a relatively quick recovery, returning to raceday riding just eight months later, while last November, he was met by a similar fate when involved in an incident at the Waipa trials where he sustained a fractured C4 and C5 vertebrae, leading to a lengthy time on the sidelines.
It has been a slow and steady road to recovery, and for a time Danis wasn’t sure if he would make a return to the saddle, but the determined rider did just that at Matamata last month, and was rewarded with his first win aboard the John Belltrained Muscovado at the Waikato venue on Saturday.
“When we got close to the line, he gave me his all and we both really wanted it,” Danis said. “When we got across the line in first it was just a relief.
“It’s a lot of weight off my shoulders. All of that hard work, perseverance and grit finally paid off.
“It’s been good to be back and it’s just good to be out there with the rest of the jockeys.”
While pleased to be out competing once again on raceday, Danis said his return took a little longer than anticipated.
“I was meant to come back in August but unfortunately my neck was still giving me quite a bit of problems,” he said.
“I wasn’t getting much flexion, and I couldn’t really turn my neck a certain degree.
“I was progressing from a riding perspective with jumpouts and track work but being in the aerodynamic position of a jockey and trying to look upwards, I couldn’t really do that at the start.
“The bones were just too jarred up and stiff, so we had to go back to the drawing board and find a better plan for the next couple of months to get it moving right again and to come back as soon as possible.
“I have worked with the people at Matamata physio, Recharge therapy in
Cambridge and my chiropractor. They are all good at what they do and each of them helped the progress of getting my flexion back. I had to do it religiously and they were really good and helped a lot.
“I am still seeing them. It has to be an ongoing thing.”
Danis said while recuperating from his physical injuries was tough, the mental side of his recovery was even harder, with the Matamata hoop battling with thoughts of retirement throughout his rehabilitation.
“After breaking my neck, I was contemplating whether I should come back, but it is just the love for the game,” he said. “I don’t blame the horses for anything, it is all just part of the journey.”
His partner, promising apprentice jockey Hayley Hassman, has played a big part in his recovery, and Danis said they have supported each other, with Hassman having also been sidelined with injury earlier this year.
“We have helped each other out through that period where we both needed the support,” he said.
Danis is hoping to continue his winning momentum, and he is excited for the challenge of trying to re-establish himself among the competitive northern riding ranks.
“I want to find my own rhythm and spark again,” he said. “I will keep riding and keep my head up, work hard and see what the season brings.”
Return
the Datsuns
The band will perform career-spanning sets and debut material from their upcoming eighth studio album, including the single Ugly Leather.
Darren Danis is hoping his run of serious injuries is at an end.
Cambridge’s own garage rock legends The Datsuns will tour Aotearoa New Zealand in March 2026, their first full NZ tour since 2018.
The tour includes stops in Gisborne, Auckland, Lyttelton, and Hamilton’s Homegrown Festival.
3.9 % p. A.
