Intervention from the Ombudsman has led to Waipā District Council releasing an event economic impact analysis to The News.
Parts of the report - commissioned by the council in June and produced by Infometrics - have been redacted to avoid unreasonably prejudicing the commercial position of the events involved.
The News became aware of the report when the council’s communications department quoted from it in a media release saying three events had generated $1.6 million in economic activity.
However, the council then declined to release the report citing protection of sensitive third-party information.
The News lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman arguing that withholding the report was unacceptable.
“It means council can ring fence information and quote from it itself –essentially cherry picking - without any independent scrutiny.
“In our view it is akin to propaganda. The only information that can be published is what the council itself chooses to publish,” The News said.
The report assessed five events – the Maadi Cup Regatta, Cambridge Autumn Festival, the New Zealand Sprintcar championship, The Stragglers Charity Car Show and Family Fun Day and the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals.
It was largely funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment via its Regional Events Fund focused on capability building initiatives to help boost domestic tourism and support post-Covid recovery. Hamilton and Waikato Tourism administered the funding and the council
will use the results to draft its event strategy.
“The purpose of this analysis is to give Waipā District Council an understanding of which types of events make the greatest economic contribution to the district economy to inform where the council should focus future investment to maximise the impact of their events funding,” the authors said in the report.
Around half of all spending went on groceries and fuel.
“Spending on fuel at national fuel retailers probably does little to benefit the local economy,” the report says.
It recommends council investments focus on activities that increase spending on hospitality and local retailers — such as a “spend local” campaign, targeted advertising for local outlets, and promotion of activities visitors can enjoy before, during, or after events.
“This could be organised through a coordinated effort between council, event promoters, the local tourism sector, and business network,” the report says.
“A spend local campaign could also be a much broader, ongoing campaign that targets spending more broadly and which brings in events as they happen. Encouraging visitors to stay in Waipā for an extra night before or after the event will benefit the local economy,” the report says.
Aucklanders were the big spenders in Waipā – in the 12 months to March 31 this year, they spent $40 million followed by Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Taranaki, the report says.
Among international visitors, Americans spent $18 million - accounting for a third of all international spending followed by Australia, United Kingdom, Europe and Africa and Middle East.
SUSAN O’REGAN: A MAYOR FOR ALL OF
I’m standing for re-election because I care deeply about Waipā - its people, its places, and its future.
This district isn’t just where I live - it’s part of who I am. Born and raised here, my strong family roots go back well over a century. I’ve farmed here, raised my children here, practiced law here, served my community here.
Waipā has given me so much, I want to make sure it continues to be a place where our children and grandchildren can thrive. A place to raise families, build businesses, enjoy life, and grow older with dignity.
The world is changing faster than ever. Our district needs strong, experienced leadership. I am and will continue to be a Mayor for All of Waipā - listening, building trusted relationships, and working hard for our community.
I’d be grateful for your support so that I can continue serving and providing the leadership Waipā needs.
Susan O'Regan
Consistent, experienced leadership in uncertain times.
Smarter investment and better value for your ratepayer dollar.
Managed growth so that Waipā still feels like Waipā.
Continued work that improves how council listens and responds to you.
Continued strong advocacy for Waipā in every area of reform.
Establishment of an effective Seniors Forum and Youth Panel.
Waipā ratepayer funding goes towards the Waka Ama festival held at Lake Karāpiro. Sheltering from the heat under the Waipā marquee are visiting officials.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Victoria Street in Cambridge was crowded with visitors during the Maadi Cup parade this year.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Backing the great outdoors
By Steph Bell-Jenkins
Two Waipā school leaders are urging people to make their voices heard on a Government plan to remover outdoor education from the senior subject list.
The proposal abolishes NCEA and replaces it with a Foundational Award at year 11, a New Zealand Certificate of Education at year 12, and a New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education at year 13.
Outdoor education would exist as a vocational subject. An industry skills board would develop its curriculum and resources, and it would no longer be a subject students could take to gain university entrance.
The call for people to respond comes days ahead of the submission closing date – Monday (September 15).
Bernard Oliver, head of Te Awamutu College’s outdoor education department, called the plan “deeply disappointing”.
“From the outside, it’s easy to see outdoor education as students having fun outside of school – but those of us working closely with it know it is far more than that,” he said.
“The learning is authentic, experiential, and often intangible. Attributes like self-management, problem-solving, perseverance, and emotional intelligence don’t always fit neatly into assessment rubrics, but they are fundamental to success in life.
“The fact that these qualities are difficult to quantify does not make them less important.”
Cambridge High School principal Greg Thornton is also urging people to have their say on the proposal.
“I really encourage parents and kids to use their voice, because I know that outdoor education means a lot to our students and we have some very passionate families about that subject and about the ability for our students to learn the range of skills –leadership, as well as technical skills in the outdoors.
“Perhaps the substitution, or what they design in a vocational pathway actually provides really well for secondary school students – I don’t know yet.”
Thornton said outdoor education was so popular at Cambridge High class placements were allocated by ballot. This year, the subject was taken by 127 senior students across three Level 1 classes, two Level 2 classes and one Level 3 class.
Oliver, who has taught outdoor education at Te Awamutu College for the past 15 years, said he had seen firsthand the “profound
impact” outdoor education had on students, “not only in terms of academic achievement, but more importantly, in developing resilient, capable, and wellrounded young adults”.
“Many of our students have gone on to pursue roles in outdoor recreation, environmental science, conservation, teaching, tourism, the defence forces, search and rescue, and emergency services,” he said.
Education Outdoors New Zealand plans to deliver a petition to parliament and had 33,000 signatures at last count.
Briefs…
Mayoral fund
Mayor Susan O’Regan funded five organisations a total of $7647.09 from her mayoral discretionary fund in the financial year to June 30. They were Menzshed Cambridge ($6521 for roof repairs), Operation Christmas Hamper ($300), Christmas hamper ($173.91 for chicken gravy sachets), All World Mission NZ Trust ($521.74) and Friends of Resthaven Foundation Trust ($130.44).
Fluoride poll
Lobby group Fluoride Free New Zealand, whose Waipā committee member is Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board chair Kane Titchener, has polled local body election candidates on whether they would push for the government to bring forward New Zealand First’s member’s bill seeking to return the decision on whether or not add fluoride to council. In Waipā 12 of the 16 who responded said yes.
Matuku Muster
A check in the form of a “muster” is returning for a second year as the Department of Conservation seeks to check on numbers of one of New Zealand’s most elusive wetland birds – the critically threatened bitternthe matuku-hūrepo or kautuku. Matuku Muster calls for volunteers and community groups to count and observe the birds – thought to number less than 1000 - in wetlands across New Zealand. DOC Science Advisor Harry Caley said 500 volunteers involved in the first muster provided valuable data
Year 13 Te Awamutu College students make kono (flax baskets) on a bush survival trip. Photo Bernard Oliver
Town Hall work celebrated
By Mary Anne Gill
Kirsty Johnson knows the grand old lady isn’t quite finished — but she’s proud of how far she’s come.
Speaking at the Cambridge Town Hall Open Day on Saturday, Johnson - who since 2021 has chaired the
trust overseeing the hall on behalf of Waipā District Council - described the progress as “a dream come true.”
Renovations of the Victorian and Edwardian side rooms, which began earlier this year, are now complete. Air conditioning
has been installed and roof repairs finished.
Trustees mingled with visitors, sharing stories and discussing the master plan - a vision that includes breathing new life into the former Prince William Theatre upstairs.
The space operated as a
cinema from 1982 to 1989 and later as a rehearsal area for Cambridge High School band Trinket - which went on to achieve global success as The Datsuns.
Now, there’s talk of returning it to its original purpose - an open gallery bathed in sunlight from
We’re excited to welcome you to Waipiko Landing on Sunday 21 September, where you’ll have the chance to explore the latest completed homes, meet the team, and experience the vision for this growing neighbourhood in Te Awamutu.
952 Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu 12:00pm - 2:00pm Sunday 21 September 2025
restored semi-circular windows overlooking the Town Hall Piazza. Other ideas include a bespoke cocktail bar with a mezzanine offering sweeping views of the hall’s interior.
General manager Simon Brew said he was pleased with the turnout even if he forgot to put a people counter on the door.
About 500 people went through most of them in the first hour from 11am.
“We’re proud to unveil the results of our recent renovations.
“This open day was a great opportunity for the community to see how the Town Hall continues to evolve as a vibrant, flexible venue.”
Johnson said the renovations came in slightly under budget, allowing some of the surplus to be used for maintenance - including cosmetic improvements in the main hall, where peeling wallpaper is an obvious issue.
The biggest game-changer, she said, has been the kitchen upgrade.
“It was a residential kitchen and now it is a full commercial kitchen available to be used by caterers.”
She said the trust’s early
years involved a lot of planning and consultation.
“We’ve been really conservative with our spending, making sure we don’t need to redo anything or do things twice.”
Johnson, a volunteer like the other trustees, has no immediate plans to step down. Trustees can serve up to five years.
“The master plan is probably the next big thing I want to kick off,” she said.
Built in 1909, Cambridge Town Hall is a Category 2 historic building recognised by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. It originally served as both the town hall and borough offices.
Cambridge Town Hall Trust chair Kirsty Johnson at the open day.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Checking out the now closed Prince William Theatre were, from left Dianne Cooper, Sandi Baker, Christine Blake, Tony Antoniadis, Jim Cooper and Karen Johnson.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Book’s memories revived
By Viv Posselt
Another chance donation to the Cambridge Hospice Shop has given a decades-old item a new and timely purpose.
When a wellthumbed scrapbook came in, nothing about the front cover and its picture of a rabbit and duck cuddling up suggested its origin.
But when shop manager Justine Webb-Elliott flicked the book open, she found printed on the first page, ‘Memories of Blind Welfare Society’.
“That caught my interest, but I got busy and just put it aside,” she said. “Later on, I took a good look at the book and thought it would probably be an important record for the relevant organisation, so I contacted the Citizens Advice Bureau. Finding the right people didn’t take long at all.”
Webb-Elliott contacted the Cambridge Blind and Low Vision Support Group, headed by president Marilyn Kennedy. Both she and the group’s secretary Karen Voss were delighted with the timing of the scrapbook’s return.
This year marks the group’s 50th anniversary and a big celebration is earmarked for October 16 at Mighty River Domain.
They group is
working on the compilation of a table showing the history of the organisation, and the old scrapbook and its treasure trove of photographs, papers, letters and the like will be a great addition.
“This is a great find for us, particularly as it’s an important anniversary for us,” Kennedy said. “We’re
very grateful to Justine for tracking us down.”
This isn’t the first time Webb-Elliott has tracked down someone with ties to an item donated to the store. In August last year she found the family linked to a precious old Plunket book, although the search for that happy ending took considerably longer.
Here come the bands
Music from the ‘40s and memories of the Battle of Britain are central to a concert on Sunday jointly featuring the Cambridge Brass Band and the Cambridge Little Big Band.
The afternoon concert at the Cambridge Town Hall is part of the build-up to the Brass Band’s 150th anniversary in 2027. It also marks almost 10 years of the Little Big Band, which was founded by musical director Rob Hocking in 2016 to expose Cambridge High School students to a different musical genre.
Hocking told The News the concert is a chance for the community to enjoy music from a bygone era and to acknowledge some Cambridge people involved in the Battle of Britain.
“Several local pilots from Cambridge included Alan Deere, Wilfred Clouston and Keith Park,” he said. “They played significant roles in the Royal Air Force and the concert is a time for us to remember the sacrifices they made.
“After Britain and Poland, our 135 Kiwis made up the third greatest number to take part in the battle, highlighting our important contribution to the war effort.”
The Battle of Britain, which took place over the skies of Britain from July to October 1940, held off a German invasion and was considered a key turning point in World War 11. Entry is free, but koha is being collected for the Waikato Cancer Society.
The front page of the scrapbook gives no indication of its contents.
The inside page that gave Justine WebbElliott a clue to the scrapbook’s origins.
Cambridge Hospice Shop manager Justine Webb-Elliott, centre, flanked by Cambridge Blind and Low Vision Support Group president Marilyn Kennedy, left, and group secretary Karen Voss, showing some of the images in the scrapbook. Photo Viv Posselt
International flavour to games
By Julia Bartley and Ronella Felizardo
Two teams from different countries worked hard on and off the court to prepare for this year’s Aims Games tournament which wrapped up on Friday in Tauranga.
Waikato’s Cambridge Middle School (The Mighty Blues) and St Anne’s Primary School (Suva) from Fiji faced off on the second day of the girls’ netball competition.
The youngsters finished the game by exchanging hugs and the international visitors presented souvenirs from Fiji.
Aims was a time for firsts for both teams. It was the Mighty Blues’ first international match and for many Suva players first time on a plane and first time of the country.
Cambridge players Keelan Mareroa and Ava Chadwick were happy to be at the games, playing netball and watching their peers.
Keelan was grateful for the match with Suva.
“Not many people get to play a team from a different country.”
Danielle Fuller, a teacher from Cambridge Middle School said the team had been training since February and “we are lucky to play international netball.”
The games, which ran from August 30, is Australasia’s largest junior sporting event.
For the record, Cambridge won the match 24-10.
FIRST DAYS OF SPRING
A courtesy trailer to give the garden some zing To check availability it would pay to ring
ENGINEERING SUPPLIES
• Nuts &bolts
• Bearings &seals
• Brassbushes
• Trojantrailerparts
• Weldingrods
• Grindingdiscs
• Taps
Drills
Totaloil • Brassfittings
CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE CALLS OVER THE LAST WEEK
CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE C ALLS OVER THE L AST WEEK
TUESDAY
4:02pm, Cardiac arrests, Lamb Street
WEDNESDAY
WEDNESDAY
11:39pm, Garage fire, Flume Road
9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street 1:09pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Ruakura Road 11:56pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Hautapu Road
THURSDAY 4:17pm, 2 car MVC, Waikato Expressway FRIDAY 6:56pm, 2 car MVC, Tirau Road
SATURDAY
12:02pm, Medical assist ambulance, Fencourt Road 4:32pm, Smoke coming from building, Tirau Road
FRIDAY 8:42am, Building Alarm and evacuation. Maungatautari Road
5:59pm, Cardiac arrest, Burns Street
SUNDAY 3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road
11:56pm, Building alarm and evacuation, Thornton Road
MONDAY 6:05am, Building alarm and evacuation, Hannon Road
Ava Chadwick (left) pictured with Danielle Fuller and Keelan Mareroa
Photo: Julia Bartley
OPEN DAYS RYMAN VILLAGE
FRIDAY 12 & SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER, 10AM - 2PM
Experience
Plus,
We look forward to seeing you.
Letters… Briefs…
Quarry decision
I read with concern the decision to approve an application for a sand quarry to go ahead on Newcombe Road, Cambridge. Having read the document through, with particular attention to the views of submitters, I see the effect the quarry will have on the roundabout at the exit from the low-level (Fergusson) bridge is not considered.
Submitters – the large majority of whom were opposed to the application, had their concerns dismissed in the commission’s summary when it was stated “the traffic effects are acceptable and will represent a minor level of additional effect on the local road network”.
Less than minor were the words of Mr Hall, the applicant’s counsel. They were referring to the suggestions that the volume of truck movements would increase congestion. They argued that safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians were manageable, the town’s tourist character would not be affected, and air pollution would not be major. These concerns do not consider the effect on the bridge situation.
The Fergusson Bridge already carries a high volume of traffic. It is the main road in and out of Cambridge for Leamington residents and a main route for large traffic from Te Awamutu. This volume is set to increase because of the increase in population and traffic coming from events at Lake Karāpiro.
When the high-level bridge is no longer capable of full use that volume will increase exponentially. Trucks coming past the golf course will have right of way at the roundabout so traffic from Shakespeare Street will build to an unacceptable level throughout the day. It is already congested at times, reaching beyond the Cook Street roundabout.
I am aware that the decision has been made but thought residents of Cambridge needed to be informed about this risk to our town.
Dorothy Gaunt Cambridge
Missing our destiny
By Murray Smith, Bridges Church
I was talking in the street one day to a young man who was a Hare Krishna ‘devotee’. He’d approached me when I smiled at him which I guess encouraged him to ask me if I’d buy one of his little booklets. I’d just felt sad for him as he was continually getting spurned by passers-by. Apart from his ‘signature’ look with clay daubed on his forehead, shaved head, and wearing loose robes he just seemed a pretty regular young guy.
I asked him if he would tell me a little of his story, which he did. Turns out he was a pretty regular guy. Growing up in a middle class family he’d become disenchanted with society’s values and decided a ‘purposeless existence’ wasn’t for him. His search led him to adopt the minimalistic and spiritually aesthetic lifestyle he was exploring.
The lyrics of a Bono song, “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for,” fitted this young man - even though he’d never have admitted that. Like so many, he exhibited one of the prevailing traits of countless people… that is a poor sense of self-esteem. Trying to empty himself of pride and find humility through religious means, he’d inadvertently become confused about his true identity losing any sense of his real value.
I wanted this young man to discover the key to truly establishing his identity. It’s found in us answering a basic question ,“What is my importance to God?”
He’d been so busily debasing himself that he’d rejected any thought that he could actually matter to God. His rhetorical response (excuse it’s raw nature) was, “Why would God love a bag of pus and urine like me?”
If we reject the truth that we are valuable to God and don’t understand His love for us, it sets us up for missing our entire purpose and destiny in life.
The deceitful suggestion that we don’t matter, that our lives don’t count for anything or that we’re somehow disqualified needs to be shattered.
One of my favourite Bible stories is Jesus encountering a man who suffered from shame and rejection. This man was a tax collector who had become very wealthy. His name was Zacchaeus and he collected tax off his own people on behalf of the Romans. That afforded him opportunity to make illegitimate personal gains for which he was hated and despised.
Zacchaeus heard Jesus was passing through town and wanted to see Him. Being of short stature, the crowds made it impossible. He ran ahead and climbing up a sycamore tree, waited. Something happened that he never anticipated. Jesus stopped where Zacchaeus was perched above and looking up said, “Zaccheus come down quickly for today I must stay at your house.” Jesus knew exactly who this man was whom everyone rejected, judged and shunned. Yet Jesus didn’t.
Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus, resulted in him becoming a changed man - his words evidenced a life restored, his true destiny recovered, “Lord I give half of my goods to the poor and anything I have taken from anyone by false accusation I restore fourfold.”
Jesus saw ‘more’ for Zacchaeus, never giving up on him. He won’t with us either.
Armistice update
A total of $3000 has been budgeted for Armistice Day (November 11) commemorations in Cambridge which includes $500 for hiring the Town Hall, $1500 for audio and visual, $550 printing and $450 on wreaths. The money comes from the Cambridge Community Board’s budget.
Christmas lights
One of Cambridge Community Board’s last decisions this week was to approve payment of up to $1500 for Christmas tree lights on a tree in Victoria Square and to consider Jo Davies-Colley’s last chair’s report. It was the final meeting for departing members Elise Badger, Sue Milner and Alana Mackay who are all standing down while Davies-Colley is running for council and incumbent Andrew Myers is standing in the Maungatautari ward.
Kapa Haka
The annual Te Taitūperepere Kapa Haka Festival in Te Awamutu, hosted by Ōhaupō School at the Te Awamutu Events Centre, runs today and tomorrow.
Minister in town
Minister of Tertiary Education Penny Simmonds was at Wintec in Hamilton last week to introduce members of the Establishment Advisory Group (EAG). The meeting included the Executive Leadership Team mayor Paula Southgate and other local body politicians.
Location Matters
Just minutes from the Cambridge town centre and SH1
Easy access to Hamilton, Tauranga and Auckland. Hamilton ( 15mins ) Tauranga ( 1hr ) Auckland ( 1.5hrs)
Close to cycleways, green spaces, and local amenities
Welcome to Bridleways Estate
A modern, master-planned community offering a secure, energy efficient way of living. Designed for families, lifestyle seekers, investors, and retirees—Bridleways Estate delivers long-term value.
As Cambridge enters a major growth phase, Bridleways stands as the town’s largest residential development, setting the benchmark for quality and connected living.
Humanity after a tsunami
By Janine Krippner
One of the best parts of my work with GeoTenerife in the Canary Islands is working with students.
One who stood out immediately was Leah Gomm from the United Kingdom. Her bubbly personality made an impression right away, and it didn’t take long for me to learn of her passion for tsunamis, particularly the catastrophic 2004 Boxing Day event.
Earlier this year, Leah visited Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, and spoke to locals about their experiences, firing up her enthusiasm for helping people. This was the area where the tsunami collided with the ‘Queen of the Sea’ train, claiming more than 1000 lives.
While we name it the ‘Boxing Day Tsunami’, the Buddhist community were preparing to celebrate ‘Poya (full moon) Day’, a national holiday. Children are commonly sent to inland temples. That resulted in many lives being saved that day; however, many were also orphaned. While they were practicing their religion in the morning, the waves were sweeping away their homes and families.
Leah shared her story of meeting a tuk-tuk driver who had tragically lost his grandparents, mother, little sister, and his home. He took Leah to significant sites, including an 18.5-meter-high Buddha statue that marks the height of one of the tsunami waves. Leah reflected, “You’re an ant in comparison to the height of these waves.”
After the emotional journey, Leah attempted to tip the tuk-tuk driver, but he refused, saying, “We want humanity, not money.” He expressed his hope for people to unite and learn about nature’s overwhelming forces.
One woman shared the thought: “Tsunami waves don’t discriminate. It should be
people with people”. She was devastated that they had gone through this horror, and people are still at war around the world. That “Mother Nature should be the only one to determine our fate, not humans.”
Leah visited a memorial museum in what was the devastation zone. Leah passed by shipwrecks in the area, standing as a grim reminder. The museum, run by a local man who was swept nearly 900 meters inland during the tsunami, holds a powerful history. The owner shared that 99 per cent of the population died that day.
Each of the locals conveyed a unified message: their desire to see the human race come together.
While early warning systems are now in place, Leah learned that many of them are not functioning. This is one of the heartbreaking realities of disasters: tough lessons are learned, then forgotten. Important changes need to stay active and ready to save lives when the next disaster strikes. Leah’s biggest takeaway was clear: “The discussion needs to keep happening, or we will relive the same disasters through history.”
For Leah, the experience was dark and deeply impactful. It’s clearly shaped her view of the world and her future career path. This life-changing experience will stay with her, and it’s easy to see why.
Please, if you ever see strange ocean behaviour, like a sudden rise in fall in sea level, or if you hear loud or unusual sounds from the sea, evacuate. If an earthquake near the coast is Long or Strong, Get Gone.
Bank goes ‘third world’
By Peter Nicholl
I have written two columns previously on stories about what is happening in New Zealand that I would expect to see in a third world country but not here.
As someone who worked in the Reserve Bank for 22 years and was proud of the institution, I never expected to be able to add it to my list of our third-world stories. In fact, describing what has happened to the governance of the bank over the last few years as third-world is unfair to most thirdworld countries.
The governance saga came to a dramatic point in March when the governor, Adrian Orr, suddenly resigned. It hit the headlines again recently when the chairman of the bank’s board, Neil Quigley, also resigned suddenly.
But the problems had started building up some years earlier.
During the period that Adrian Orr was governor staff numbers rose from 250 to 650. In the early stages, the growth of the public sector was being actively encouraged by the then-Government.
But with the change of Government in 2023, the public sector began to get downsized.
Somehow the reserve bank didn’t hear that message - or didn’t think it applied to them and continued add staff.
This is the organisation which had been raising interest rates in order to constrain expenditure and bring inflation back within its target range.
The spending spree has been largely blamed on Adrian Orr and his empirebuilding.
But the governance question that needs to be asked is where was the board? Did they
Clare St Pierre for Waipa’s Mayor
Fix the finances
I’ve been asked a lot of questions about what I would offer as your Mayor. So I’m holding a public meeting where I can answer questions and meet you in person!
Here’s
Date: Sunday, 14 September
Time: 2pm – 3pm
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agree or were they steamrolled?
The bank isn’t part of the annual budget cycle. It negotiates a funding agreement with the government every five years.
The latest five-yearly negotiations took place early this year. Like Oliver Twist, the bank asked for more – about $ 200 million more. But unlike Oliver Twist, the bank had not been hungry. It was in fact over-weight. The Treasury objected to the request for more and Orr resigned. The chairman said then that the departure had nothing to do with the funding negotiations. It has now become clear that it was caused by the arguments over funding and the first arguments were within the bank. Orr and the board had different views. Despite this, the proposal the bank first put to the government was Orr’s view – a request for $200 million more and a further 100 staff.
When that was rejected and Orr resigned, I was surprised by how quickly the bank’s board came up with a lower request. But it has since been revealed that this was the number the board thought was appropriate in the first place. The fact they initially went along with the request for more reflects very poorly on them.
The next few months will reveal who will be the next governor and the next board chairman.
They will come into an organisation with its reputation in tatters. It is another example of the old adage that good reputations take a long time to gain but can be lost very quickly.
Where we are
By Peter Fulton, Save Cambridge Water Tower group
“I’m still standing…” the Elton John hit sings volumes about our beloved Cambridge Water Tower and long may it continue.
You may be curious about its fate, resting as it does, in the hands of Waipā District Council.
The council has two paths they are pursuing with the tower - one being demolition, the other strengthening and refurbishment. Be assured that the final decision has not yet been made, so you may ask; “what has been happening in the meantime?”
So far, the tower has been internally cleaned and sterilised, the pigeons and the disgusting mess they made have been removed and the ‘gun slits’ reinstated with new wire mesh.
The rusting ironwork of stairs and balustrading on the outside of the tower has been removed; this is important for public safety. The brickwork has been tested to understand its strength, as has the soil and foundations.
Also, very thorough seismic assessments have been completed and peer reviewed to inform work going forwards.
What happens next? Soon there will be tests for new screw micro-piles to the base. Then the proposal includes lining the tower with a resin and reinforced concrete tube bonded to the inside and joined to the tank and the base.
It’s all very technical but it is hoped costs will come in around $2 million.
Why is council doing this now? It is is obliged to protect and enhance our natural and built heritage, but unfortunately, while
much investigation has gone on in the past it has taken until recently for the council to explore affordable options.
Resthaven is very close by and consent has already been given for new buildings on that site.
It is well within the ‘fall zone’ should an earthquake of sufficient magnitude happen and we cannot endanger our citizens in this way.
It was fine when the tower stood on its own in the middle of a sheep paddock but that’s no longer the case.
So, demolish or retain? Some would argue that either are no more than ‘vanity projects’ given the current economic state; just leave it be. But time and responsibility have robbed us of this option and a decision followed by action must follow.
In other parts of the world, the notion of demolishing heritage structures is unthinkable, just consider the reconstruction of Europe since World War 2. But here in Godzone we are too hasty in tearing down our built heritage.
Once it’s gone, there’s no bringing it back and to succumb to a short term economic downturn when there are signs of a coming recovery would be short-sighted.
There are good reasons to keep the tower, not the least being that it is a registered heritage structure that will afford protection against any hasty decision to demolish, and ideas are being floated for its future ‘adaptive re-use’ to give it new life and purpose, together with external fundraising options to assist with the cost.
Principal in the clear Regional candidates respond
By Mary Anne Gill
A mayoral candidate says he was naïve to include a campaign plug in a school newsletter, but Waipā deputy electoral officer Jo Gread says he did nothing wrong.
Mike Pettit, principal of Cambridge Primary School and standing for mayor, used last week’s newsletter to ask for volunteers willing to deliver campaign flyers. He invited “keen walkers” to get in touch.
“In hindsight I should not have put it in the newsletter,” he said.
“I got it wrong. That was naïve on my part. I was actually trying to do the right thing and not be political at all.”
Gread said candidates cannot use council resources for campaigning purposes.
“However, if other work places, or organisations want to allow candidates to communicate via their channels that is their choice to do so,” she said.
Most workplaces, including councils, are advised to avoid using their roles for political advantage or linking their campaigns to their jobs.
Areasonable
Cambridge Primary School board chair Kate Paine said she fully supported Pettit’s mayoral campaign.
In a letter to parents in May, she wrote that trustees wished him well.
“We appreciate his proactive communication with us and his willingness, as always, to put his best foot forward for not just Cambridge Primary School but the Waipā community.”
Pettit has consistently said he would stand down as principal if elected mayor.
The school has already begun planning for a potential transition, with its two deputy principals working alongside the Ministry of Education.
Although the mayor does not officially take office until sworn in, if elected on October 11, Pettit would be expected to begin duties just two days later.
A school board election is underway, but the school says it is prepared.
Pettit said students have taken an interest in the local body elections because their principal is a candidate.
“The kids have asked me all sorts of questions,” he said.
We asked the four Waikato Regional Council Waipā-King Country candidates 10 questions about why they should be elected.
Today we run the responses from Garry Reymer and Liz Stolwyk. Stu Kneebone and Clyde Graf’s responses were not received in time for this week. Sitting councillor Graf told The News last week he had been dealing with family matters which had prevented him from attending a candidates’ meeting.
Their other answers are online Good Local Media sites - cambridgenews. nz, teawamutunews.nz and kingcountrynews.co.nz
Q: Waikato River and several lakes in Waipā-King Country – including Te Koo Utu and Ngā Roto – face water quality concerns. What would you like to see done about those issues?
Garry Reymer – Te Koo Utu is an urban lake and I suspect most of the problems arise because it is stagnant. Also duck excrement has roughly six times the E coli of a cow and they add it directly to the water. Nga Roto is a peat lake, the water would never have been drinkable and the standard of drinkable is not realistic.
Liz Stolwyk – I would like to see stronger action to improve water quality in the Waikato River and our local lakes. Planting more native trees and supporting community clean-up projects will make a real difference. Working together, we can restore these waterways and protect them for our future generations to enjoy.
Q: The regional council is responsible for providing and improving public transport services and investing in long-term planning. Can the regional
council be doing this better and if so, who should pay for it, ratepayers, users or partnerships?
Garry Reymer – Our public transport operates on an outdated model. It is time we looked at users as customers rather than users of a service. Yes the council has a role to subsidise this but it should be less than 50 per cent. We can look to other industries involved with collection and distribution to see how we can improve service and patronage.
Liz Stolwyk – Public transport helps cut traffic and parking problems. Waikato Regional Council should create stronger links between towns, schools, tertiary hubs, and the city, while also improving buses within our bigger towns. Funding must be shared fairly so towns and the city both benefit, keeping services affordable, easy to use, and reliable.
Q: Organisations like Waikato Chamber of Commerce are calling for
Column by Barry Quayle
way to assess the performance of Council over the past year or so, is to evaluate them as you would a leading rugby team. Examine the record and tactical decisions of councillors as a team and whether they achieved the outcomes and wins necessary. Did the leadership chart the right direction and what did the independent referee say? (being the Auditor General).
The blue blob, planning for a new river bridge, was a disaster sending Council back to the drawing board. The reset on that river bridge project, just recently scoped and proposed at a strategy meeting of Council, creates a complex matrix of consultation and evaluation for options over 20 years. Is this efficient and appropriate? Also, a “dedicated comms person” or spin doctor is being appointed. So, 15 plus years for this comms position by any reckoning will cost a $1million, not to mention their resourcing. Also, only one Cambridge Councillor has been put on the four councillor project governance team, when it’s a most significant issue for Cambridge people.
The RS Sands Quarry at Newcombe Road ,right on the Eastern side of Cambridge (Tirau Road) is proposed to be one of the largest sand quarries in the region and will be supplying concrete batching plants in Hautapu and Hamilton.. It will take 30 years plus to mine with 400 hundred truck movements per day ongoing. That amounts up to 200 loaded truck and trailers travelling through Cambridge CBD and along the already busy Victoria Road. This consent application was side stepped by council and referred to three commissioners to consider. Their decision, to proceed with the quarry sand mining will mean those trucks will not only travel through the CBD but also travel through most school zones and student routes to and from school. The district council did not make overtures to ensure the amenity values of Cambridge were protected.
The Long-Term Plan (LTP) was adopted by Council in July. This sets the rates, plans and funding for Council. In March the Council Risk and Assurance Committee reported no less that 7 very high risks in the LTP. Four months later Council adopted the LTP with many very high risks still evident. Councillors unanimously approved the plan with rates increases of 15+% year 1 and 12+% year 2. The Auditor General (the referee on these plans) called it out- blew the whistle-gave the plan and the financials an adverse opinion. This is very much a red card on planning and fiscal management.
As a former Chair of Regional Council and Chair of Finance, I would have called the team into a huddle- this isn’t the strategy that will achieve a positive result.
widespread local body amalgamation. Do you support that call and if so, what Waikato local authorities would you want to amalgamate with?
Garry Reymer – Yes I support amalgamation. I am not set on the final shape that this would take, but I think a maximum of three would be sensible. That would be around the catchments of east and west of the Waikato River, and the Hamilton and Cambridge communities in the third grouping.
Liz Stolwyk - Absolutely. After 12 years on Waipā District Council and deputy-chair of Future Proof, I’ve seen too much duplication and siloed work. Amalgamating departments and councils would reduce costs and improve services. The Waipā/King Country ward alone has three councils, three mayors, and dozens of councillors—this overrepresentation is unsustainable and inefficient.
The LTP has made provision for rapid growth of the next 15 years. Interestingly just a few weeks after the LTP was approved a council committee was told two developers had defaulted on their development levies payable to council and lawyers have been called in. Symptom of bad planning and not factoring in market change in my view.
Run your eye across those that are on the council team. Did they make the right calls? Was a 15+% rise in rates year 1 and a further 12+% in year two necessary? Were cost efficiencies in council given a high level of focus? I have done my analysis and that is why I am standing for Council. Competency needed.
Garry Reymer
Liz Stolwyk
On the Hustings – with Mary
Anne Gill
Smart voting starts now
It’s been a busy week for mayoral candidates scrambling to secure one-on-one time with voters before voting papers arrive.
Candidates’ Facebook pages – some virtually unused until now - have been brimming with posts featuring their smiling faces.
The biggest opportunity of the week came in Cambridge at the Business Chamber meeting in the Town Hall – livestreamed on the Cambridge News and Te Awamutu News Facebook pages and now available on You Tube.
By Sunday night, the video had nearly 5000 views – most from the Waikato region but there was also a viewer in Guernsey. The News would love to hear from them. Email editor@goodlocal.nz
Elsewhere, Mike Pettit hosted a meeting in Te Awamutu, where he was pictured smiling alongside former mayors Alan Livingston and Jim Mylchreest.
You don’t have to be Einstein to get the message in that shot.
Pettit is also spending a bit of time around Pirongia, Te Awamutu, Kihikihi and Ōhaupō where, despite being a councillor for six years, he remains relatively unknown.
Clare St Pierre, aside from her Town Hall appearance, spent her public time closer to home – in Ōhaupō, Te Awamutu and Pirongia. She popped into the Te Awamutu Business Chamber annual meeting.
The low vote she received at the Cambridge business meeting suggests she has work to do in the eastern side of the district – or perhaps she’s playing the “spoiler” role in the west by splitting Susan O’Regan’s vote.
O’Regan, who has always enjoyed strong support in the west leaned into her strength as a regional leader - appearing at Koroneihana in Ngāruawāhia and at the final Future Proof meeting alongside outgoing Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate
and other female regional leaders.
She also mentioned another chat with Transport Minister Chris Bishop about on-off ramps near Cambridge.
Her narrow victory in the mayoral vote at the Town Hall – where she garnered valuable support three years ago – gave her campaign a much-needed fillip.
There’s no visual proof, but The News understands O’Regan and husband John Hayward surprisingly turned up at the Good Union in Cambridge on Friday night for a “casual catch up” with Pettit and his invited candidate guests Roger Gordon, Philip Coles, Jo Davies-Colley, Dave Marinkovich, Liz Stolwyk and Stu Kneebone.
Politicians are already acting tacticallybut The News has some tactics for voters too.
There are four councillor vacancies in Cambridge, three in Te Awamutu-Kihikihi, two in Pirongia-Kakepuku, two in WaipāKing Country regional and two in TamahereWoodlands - but you can vote for just one candidate if you wish.
If there is only one candidate you really want elected, voting for just them is a smart use of your vote.
When your voting papers arrive, fill them in straight away and pop them in the post or at the council offices, then you are immune to everything and fulfilled your civic duty.
Remember: the mayor has only one vote around the council table so whatever position we are in is the result of collective decisions by all incumbents.
On higher rates, the Blue Blob, Cambridge Connections, Te Ara Wai Museum, cycleways, speed humps, Ahu Ake Spatial
Plan, and public excluded meetings – the mayor and councillors voted together.
Likewise, if a new candidate promises lower rates, no speed humps, or ripping up cycleways – they will still be part of a council that makes decisions collectively.
Good Local Media owner David Mackenzie – a veteran of newspaper publishing and current NZ Independent Community Newspapers Association president - was unimpressed when a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) request revealed Waipā District Council is putting its election advertising spend into Stuff and NZME.
The reason? Good Local Media couldn’t provide demographic, readership and reach data.
Mackenzie dismissed the rationale.
“Like most other community newspapers we don’t pay for ridiculously expensive survey/statistic reports that are not needed to make good advertising decisions.
“We know, and the public know, that the Cambridge News and Te Awamutu News are the most read newspapers in Waipā. We don’t need to pay for expensive survey reports to prove this.”How much can candidates spend on advertising and promoting themselves?
It’s a safe bet Mike Pettit and Clare St Pierre are spending more this election than three years ago. Back then, Pettit declared nil spending, and St Pierre spent just $163.62 on election sign labels – yet both topped the polls in Cambridge and Pirongia-Kakepuku. What a difference three years makes.
Continued next page
Clare St Pierre, centre, with Te Awamutu Business Chamber administrator Fran Jones, left and chief executive Shane Walsh.
Continued from previous page
All candidates must declare their spending between July 11 and October 11.
Mayoral candidates can spend up to $40,000 each. That’s nearly a quarter of the $162,399 mayoral salary (up from $150,770)
Waikato Regional Council (Waipā-King Country): also $40,000 – nearly 60% of the regional councillor salary.
Cambridge ward/community board: $20,000
Pirongia-Kakepuku, Te AwamutuKihikihi (Waipā) and Tamahere-Woodlands (Waikato): $14,000
Maungatautari and Waipā Māori: $7000
St Pierre, standing for both mayor and her ward, can’t spend $54,000 – the cap remains $40,000.
Similarly, Les Bennett – running for council in Pirongia-Kakepuku and the Maungatautari community board – is capped at $14,000, not $21,000.
Getting to the point
By Peter Carr
Seventy-four years ago, Peter Ustinov starred in the cinema epic Quo Vadis. Literally translated as ‘where are you going’? Although for the historical purists the original alleged biblical utterance of the phrase would have sounded out as ‘whither goest thou?’
To schoolboy Latin scholars (I was very much a struggler in that subject) it was much more exciting than droning on with ‘amo, amas, amat… etc’. Latin master Mr Sanderson, now sitting on his cloud no doubt still conjugating verbs, would have less than happy memories of my feeble attempts to grasp the depth and purity of the subject.
I start this special extra opinion piece in this style as a reflection of last week’s Cambridge Town Hall Chamber of Commerce election presentation. Candidates were put through the grill of short and sharp answers to (some very pointed) questions while the three mayoral candidates were tightly restricted to making their key points in 90 second presentations. Indeed, they had to be extremely clear as to where they are going.
It was a most interesting exercise, deliberately timed to precede the arrival, earlier this week, of the voting papers. There was a full house at the gathering with the audience possibly wondering, during the early stages, why this was the event for which they had delayed dinner. But as the programme warmed up it was clear that all candidates had to be very much on their mettle - as superfluous information was not permitted - and they had to indicate a capability to think on their feet.
Some of the councillor candidates
MIKE PETTIT
4 WAIPĀ MAYOR
“We can’t keep adding 10% to last year’s budget and call it a plan. It’s time to be brave, start fresh, make savings first and spend smarter.“
RELATIONSHIPS
Builds strong, respectful relationships with residents, iwi, businesses, staff and councillors
Champions authentic engagement - listening first, acting with purpose
Proposes youth and senior councils to give all generations a voice
Advocating for collaboration across communities and sectors
REALISM
Commitment to financial transparency and zero-based budgeting
Exploring alternative funding models to take pressure off rates
Supports councillor training in financial literacy, strategic planning and governance
Understands the realities of growth and infrastructure needs
struggled in this regard. Some came halfway to achieving clarity. Only four made it to the surface with sharp, meaningful and audience-appreciated applause. Some might have been clearer had they realised that the whole event was being filmed, and is available, on Facebook.
For the three mayoral candidates, being kept to a one and a half minute timing of their opening presentations would have been a first. And to their credit all of them managed it well and they must have anguished as to what items to disregard when squeezing in their beloved votegathering hot points.
A surprise for the audience was an ability to partake in an electronic (very much nonbinding) screen displaying an electronic voting process.
Cambridge voters would have been very interested to see the neck and neck figures for the current mayor and her Cambridge opponent. The councillor voting screen result had one shining star coming through, but a member of the current Old Guard was not far behind her.
The die is cast; there is no turning back now. It was interesting that the hot potato subject - the third bridge - only got a passing mention. That said the new council will be making a major mistake if it does not give full support to the newly emerging Cambridge Connections group - which is not just about a bridge - far from it. Vote well and vote carefully - but at least vote. The eighteen earnest and honest people who presented their views last week have a right to expect good voter interest.
RESULTS
Proven leadership across education, council, and community boards
Plans for a Te Awamutu CBD upgrade and Cambridge transport improvements
Supports cost-effective delivery of amenities; libraries, sports facilities and rural village improvements
Focused on tangible, timely outcomes for all of Waipā
Mike Pettit with from left Kingi Wetere and former mayors Alan Livingston and Jim Mylchreest.
Susan O’Regan, second right, with from left mayors Adrienne Wilcox and Paula Southgate and Waikato Regional Council chair Pamela Storey.
A Cambridge connection
Experienced professionals. Local specialists. Quality advice.
Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan stood her ground and may have felt vindicated for it at last week’s meet the candidates gathering in Cambridge. The audience comprised members of the Cambridge Business Chamber – members of a community wanting a third bridge, unimpressed by the council’s blue blob plan, wanting a library fit for purpose – and concerned at the shrinking space for retail staff to park.
O’Regan, her two mayoral rivals Mike Pettit and Clare St Pierre and 13 candidates for four Cambridge district council seats, plus sitting Māori ward candidate Dale-Maree Morgan were put on the spot for 90 minutes by compere and The News columnist Peter Carr.
He opened by saying candidates would be expected to give short and sharp answers – it wasn’t a time to discuss how long they had lived in the area and where they schooled their children.
O’Regan, seeking a second term against two of her current crop of
councillors, went against the tide to reject notions of overspending on consultants. Of a controversial move in meeting dates which sidelined the Cambridge News, she argued that it was not good governance to make decisions that detracted from being an effective business for the sake of an outside organisation.
But on the back of significant rate increases approved by her council she also acknowledged that in terms of the council’s staffing, it had to be the ‘right size”.
Those at the evening were invited to download an app which would enable them to vote for candidates who impressed them. About a third did – drawing an ironical comment that it matched the voter turnout in 2022 in Waipā.
The vote for the ward candidates hit a computer speed bump and was abandoned – but of the 35 who voted for the mayoral candidate who impressed most, O’Regan captured 17 – one more than Cambridge Primary School principal Mike Pettit.
Candidates for the Cambridge ward will have earned mixed reviews for
their handling of on the spot questions – though thankfully few resorted to the “I’ll go with what the community wants” line.
They were brave enough to say this was not the time to invest in a new library for Cambridge – but struggled to prove a solution to the fact that retail staff in central Cambridge battle for parking spots and those working late make a walk in the dark back to their car.
Māori ward councillors Dale Maree Morgan – who was flying solo because her rival Yvonne Waho was unwell –drew warm applause after explaining the value of Māori wards ahead of a referendum on them at the October elections.
She said could not understand why the views of 18 per cent of the population should be suppressed and outlined her work across the community.
“I don’t take anything away – I add to the table,” she said.
The event was livestreamed by The News’ publisher - Good Local Media – on its You Tube and Facebook channels.
Kelly Bouzaid explains the ground rules ahead of last Thursday’s candidates’ session in the Cambridge Town Hall.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Wanted: a new roof
By Viv Posselt
Cambridge Community House, struggling to meet increasing demand for its services, must replace the roof on one of its older buildings.
The timing isn’t great, but it must be done and preferably by the end of the year, house manager Gabby Byrne told The News last week.
The organisation supports the community through a range of services, including counselling, financial mentoring, alcohol and drug counselling and food support. The team is already working at full tilt, due largely to the ongoing fallout from Covid and a lasting economic squeeze. Byrne said the need continues to grow.
“The referrals to the agency are up 40 per cent from two years ago and when people come in now, they are generally needing support from more than one of our teams. We’re all being used to capacity… I’m right into another strategic planning phase now.”
The new roof is needed on an old prefab building that has been part of the house complex in Shakespeare St for 15 years. It had been a classroom in its previous life, and when the community house was doing its most recent renovations on-site, Byrne was given the heads up that the roof on the prefab wouldn’t last much longer.
“It was showing signs of leaking. When we went to clear the attic, we found evidence of rat activity – we dealt to that – and some leakage. We have to keep abreast of the problem before it becomes too big for us to handle.”
CCH’s original villa was built in the early 1900s. The prefab was moved to the site in 2010, a large renovation was added in 2020 and a new whānau whare opened early last year.
The prefab is the biggest single space in the complex and is in constant use by various groups, including the Brain Injury Group, the Cancer Support Group, a community room, food distribution, a school uniform shop, drug and alcohol groups, and mental wellbeing groups. It is self-contained, has kitchen and toilet facilities, is separately alarmed and can be rented out to likeminded organisations.
The issue of co-governance
It’s a touchy issue, but it needs to be publicly debated and democratically determined. Is the co-governance of public assets the best model for all of New Zealand? Maori make up 18% of the population, but have 50% of decision-making power over public assets in a cogovernance arrangement. Unelected, decision-making power over assets to which we all contribute. Regional Council is currently introducing co-governance by stealth, enabling the transitioning of co-management committees into co-governance committees. I stand for an inclusive Waikato, where all people are equal under one law, and where any person can achieve great things - based on experience, quali cations, and merit - not race.
Vote Clyde Graf for Waikato Regional Council.
Achievements while in Council
Byrne said they have been given money from the Mayoral Discretionary Fund – that came on the back of a visit to CCH by mayor Susan O’Regan.
“We’re very grateful for that, but we need to find another $5000 to complete the job. The whole of the corrugated iron roof needs replaced. The building was fully renovated inside last year … we need to protect that investment.
She outlined fund raising plans, including a film screening.
“We are very lucky in this community, we get a lot of support in kind, but this time we need to raise the money.”
No asbestos, says council
By Mary Anne Gill
Testing by the operator of a waste recycling facility in Leamington has confirmed there was no asbestos deposited at the site, says Waipa District Council.
The statement comes as Waikato Regional Council confirms it has received four complaints about the ResourceCo plant at 3831 Cambridge Rd since it opened late last year.
The latest was earlier this month alleging water has been leaking from the onsite stormwater retention pond to groundwater at the site. The regional council says that is still under investigation.
The other complaints have been investigated and closed.
The testing ResourceCo carried out followed residents’ concerns about the possibility that asbestos material was being brought to the site after they saw tape around waste material.
Initial caution was taken while testing was carried out, however results have since shown no asbestos was detected, said Waipā Growth and Regulatory Services group manager Wayne Allan.
The regional council said it received complaints in May and two in August. The first was about discharge of dust from the site and the others were around dust generation, concerns about a stockpile and plasterboard and on August 28, one about asbestos on site.
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I grew
During my rst term as a Waikato Regional Councillor, I was a member of the Rates Control Team. Our decisions returned a rates reduction of -3%, unlike the excessive increases we see today. (During this current term I also voted against rates increases). We formed the Coromandel Aquaculture Forum, increased regional funding for surf life-saving, delivered increased funding for rural weather-bomb events, and removed council-collected TB rates. I also led the working group for a successful ood management project. In this recent term, we’ve provided funding for Maungatautari, streamlined public transport, and introduced improved monitoring for water quality, soils, marine areas, biodiversity, and biosecurity. I opposed Three Waters, and the Te Awamutu waste-to-energy plant, and continue to do so.
In response to the skyrocketing rates we’re all facing, we’ve re-formed the Rates Control Team. We’re a group of prudent councillors who are keenly aware of the cost-of-living crisis facing us all.
Visit www.ratescontrolteam.co.nz for policies and to meet our candidates.
and around Te Urewera National Park, where I learned bush craft and about
1995 - 2025 - Owner of business in building industry 1997 - Started lming and producing outdoors DVDs and TV series under The Graf Boys’ brand. Gone on to lm and produce dozens of short lms and documentaries. 2004 - Commissioned by NZ Police & NZ Mountain Safety Council to produce a featurelength rearms and outdoors safety DVD titled On Target (released in 2004).
2009 - Released our 4 x international award-winning documentary Poisoning Paradise. 2013 - 2016 & 2022 - 2025 Elected to Waikato Regional Council. Chaired EPC. What I stand for - I support farming and primary industry. I am focused on ensuring regional council sticks to its core business and that it operates within budgets. To counter the reckless spending in Council, we’ve reformed the Rates Control Team. We’re a group of concerned councillors who are driving change, and are dedicated to bringing your rates down.
I respectfully ask for your vote, and to represent you in council once again.
Vote Clyde Graf for Waikato Regional Council Visit www.ratescontrolteam.co.nz to meet the
Cambridge Community House manager Gabby Byrne outside the building in urgent need of a new roof.
Photo: Viv Posselt
Clyde Graf - A bit about me
Vote Clyde Graf for Waikato Regional Council
Walkies to a new home...
By Jesse Wood
Waikato greyhound lovers and their pets will take to Cambridge Raceway later this month for the Great Global Greyhound Walk.
Organised by Jenny Bartlett and the Shoebox Appeal, this marks the third time Cambridge has hosted a segment of the international movementand this year’s event will also serve as an adoption information day.
Rehoming greyhounds has taken on new urgency following Racing minister Winston Peters’ announcement of a greyhound racing ban from July 31 next year.
A government-appointed Ministerial Advisory Committee will oversee the
wind-down of the industry and support the transition of greyhounds into pet homes in the months ahead.
Seven hundred greyhounds have been rehomed in the last year across New Zealand.
Homes will be sought for an estimated 2900 greyhounds currently racing at six tracks, including Cambridges.
The annual event started in the United Kingdom in 2010 and went global in 2014.
“Last year worldwide they had 511 walks in 42 countries and more than 13,000 dogs involved,” Bartlett said. “It happens on the same day throughout the world. That’s what makes it the biggest walk worldwide.
“The idea was to celebrate greyhounds, lurchers and
other sighthounds, to show people what great pets they are.
“New owners and owners can come along with retired greyhounds, be part of it and be counted for a great global event It’s a fun filled day and people can buy things for their dogs.”
Sighthounds include greyhounds, lurchers, deerhounds, salukis, Afghan hounds, Italian greyhounds, Ibizan hounds, podencos, galeos, whippets, borzoi, Wolfhounds and sloughi.
The Cambridge walk last year involved more than 60 sighthounds and was the second largest in New Zealand behind Christchurch and 36th in the world.
Rehoming agency May Hounds Charitable Trust
representatives will be there to address potential owners. The trust is funded by Greyhound Racing New Zealand.
Dogs cannot be taken away on the day as pre approval is needed and home checks completed.
“We want to make sure they go into the right homes. It’s got to be right for the dog. It’s got to be right for the family.”
Great Mates kennels will also be onsite to discuss rehoming.
“When a dog is retired, they go into the Great Mates’ kennels. After assessment for temperament and health they then go to a rehoming agency such as May Hounds. These dogs are retired, not rescued,” Bartlett said.
Harrison Farmer with retired race dog Opal (Stay Rich).
Photo: Black Cat Design
The group at Cambridge’s Great Global Greyhound Walk 2024.
Photo: Black Cat Design
‘Give me (aero)space’
By Viv Posselt
His recent participation in the 67th London International Youth Science Forum has served to make Te Awamutu College student Blake Gower more determined than ever to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.
Blake, 17, told Te Awamutu Rotary members the trip had been inspirational.
It was through his participation in January’s Rotary National Science and Technology Forum in Auckland – through the Te Awamutu Rotary Club – that the opportunity arose for him to take part in the London forum. His talk to Rotarians last week gave him a chance to report back on being able to ‘get his nerd on’ during the July 19 to August 1 event at London’s Imperial College.
The forum attracted some 500 online and in-person students from 92 countries and territories. Blake, who is in Year 13 at Te Awamutu College, said there were 432 in-person attendees, ranging in age from 16 to 21.
They heard lectures from Nobel Prize-winning speakers and world-leading scientists across a range of topics, did scientific visits to top UK laboratories and university departments including Oxford and Cambridge, presented a research project and took part in various immersive social and cultural programmes.
Among the speakers were 2021 Nobel Prize winner (chemistry)
Prof Sir Dave MacMillan, Prof Kevin Fenton CBE who oversaw Britain’s response to Covid, theoretical physicist
Prof Sir Steven Cowle, AI and cybersecurity expert Dr Jason Nurse, vaccinologist Dame Sarah Gilbert, and the 16th Astronomer Royal and Professor of Space Physics at Imperial College London, Michele Dougherty.
“It was absolutely incredible listening to these people,” said Blake, still fizzing with excitement at such access.
“We also had a day of special study … I chose Einstein’s special theory of relativity,” he said.
“After two hours, I’m still not sure I get it. Some of it is simple logic, some of it very advanced.”
Not all the time was spent tapping into science. Colourcoded groups up to 150 strong each enjoyed Olympic style
events that included things like wheelbarrow-racing and a trivia show.
“I’m happy to say that our red team won.”
There were also trips to Airbus, the Bristol Aerospace Museum – where Blake was among many who thrilled at seeing Spitfire and Concorde aircraft among others, and Stonehenge. He also spent time visiting the sights of London, enjoyed a talent show with fellow students, and marvelled at MJ the Musical at London’s West End.
“I had no idea how big aerospace engineering is over there … the forum has confirmed for me that is the direction in which I want to go.”
Blake has already been accepted into New Zealand’s Canterbury University to do engineering, but on the back of his recent trip, he would now like to consider doing his master’s degree at Imperial College London.
Bridging the gap
days
than
but
new Waipiko Landing subdivision to the Albert Park pump station. And, of particular interest to morning cyclists who stopped last Thursday as the last part of the bridge was bolted on, it will also become a cycle lane in about 18 months. Waipiko Landing, 1.5km east of the town centre, is Te Awamutu’s newest neighbourhood and the first stage of the T11 growth cell. It will eventually be home to 2000 residents.
My Values
Blake Gower giving his enthusiastic presentation to Te Awamutu Rotary Club last week.
Photo: Viv Posselt
It was a couple of
later
planned –
Te Awamutu’s newest bridge was put in place over the Mangahoi stream of Park Rd on Monday at the end of a precision exercise. The bridge includes a pipe to take waste from the
Photo: Bridge It NZ Ltd.
Riding, fighting to the top
By Jesse Wood
Teenagers Liam and Zane Rutland are making waves across Australasia in their respective sports.
From a family of five, the Waipā duo compete in show jumping and MMA (mixed martial arts) respectively.
Growing up in Te Awamutu, the brothers attended Korakonui Primary School before transferring to Cambridge Middle School as they both trained there.
Liam, 18, did correspondence school from year eight so he could concentrate on his training, while Zane went to Cambridge High School.
Zane, 19, now lives in Cambridge and works as a builder for Watertight Roofing.
Liam is now based in New South Wales, Australia as a member of Chatham Park.
Mum Kylie said they are both passionate and determined to get to the top.
“Both boys are aiming for the highest level, with some international plans on the horizon,” Kylie said.
“The dedication and hours of training that these two boys do is inspirational. They both have an unbelievable team around them, backing
and supporting them all the way.”
Kylie and husband Dan have always encouraged their children to play sport to boost physical, social and mental well-being.
“As parents we are very proud. We have always said we don’t care what sport they play we would back them 100 per cent - never did we think they would do show jumping and MMA,” Kylie said.
“Zane and Liam have done all the hard work. It’s exciting to see what they both will achieve next.”
Liam’s sister Gemma was given a pony when he was three. Since she had four brothers, it was assumed that would be her own hobby.
“Every afternoon, after my sister finished riding, I would climb out my bedroom window to spend time with that pony. From that moment on, riding became part of who I am,” Liam said.
“I fell in love with show jumping - the good days, the bad days and everything in between.
“I love the partnership you build with a horse, the discipline, the constant learning, and the satisfaction of working hard to achieve results.
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88 It was sought and won by Jason (3,6,6)
89 Rider’s straps (5) DOWN
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18 Radically new (5-5)
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30 Origin (6)
“I remember watching the Olympics as a child and thinking, ‘that’s what I want to do when I’m older’.”
Thriving on the challenge of always having something to improve on is one of the aspects Liam loves.
At age 16, he made the decision to move to Australia and be based alongside his team.
“It was the right step for me if I wanted to progress,” Liam said.
“It meant more training, more competition experience and learning as much as possible before looking to move further overseas.
“My first year here was incredibly tough. While I had huge support back home, I was learning to navigate the Australian system, finding the right people and building a new team around me.
“My parents would have been happy for me to come home, but I knew the challenges were part of the journey. I kept my head down and pushed through.”
Milestones that have shaped Liam’s career include competing in his first grand prix at 16, earning wins and placings in grand prix classes that same season and being selected three times for the New Zealand Young Rider
31 Muscle seizure (5)
32 Head support (6)
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36 Beg (5)
38 Blunder (5)
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48 Baby’s toy (6)
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50 Enigma (7)
52 Nevil Shute novel (2,3,5)
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“I’m also grateful to have achieved exciting results here in Australia, competing against some of the country’s best young riders,” Liam said.
“Earlier this year, I was given the opportunity to join Chatham Park, one of Australia’s top professional stables.
“The mentoring, training and guidance I have received has been invaluable.
“I’m so grateful for everything I’m learning —
both on and off the horse — and I’m very excited about what’s ahead.
“I’m lucky to have an exciting team of horses and I’m looking forward to continuing our progress on the Australian circuit before taking the next step to compete in Europe and America.”
His ultimate goal is to be a competitive rider on the European circuit and be based there full-time, producing and competing top-level horses.
“I would also love to represent my country in more senior teams and the Olympics are firmly in my sights,” Liam said.
“I owe so much to so many people. I’m grateful to every coach who has believed in me and pushed me to be better.
“I would not be where I am today without the support of my family, who have always backed me, encouraged me and given me the chance to chase my passion.
Older brother Zane is extremely enthusiastic about MMA.
He started kickboxing in 2024. This year he made the leap to MMA, joining Hamilton-based Core MMA.
His goal is to have a respectful career as a professional MMA fighter.
“Over the next five years my focus is on sharpening my skills, improving technique, and getting as much fight experience as possible - here in New Zealand and overseas whenever the opportunity arises and then go pro,” Zane said.
“I love the intensity, the discipline and the way hard work directly translates
Continued from page 24 into results. I’ve thrived in an environment surrounded by like-minded teammates and incredible coaches who push me to be my best.
“It’s not just about training, it’s about dedicating yourself fully to a craft that pushes your limits, mentally and physically.”
Zane said he realises nobody else can put in the work for him.
“The training hours are long and demanding, but every training session is a step closer to my goals,” Zane said.
“Being part of a team of driven, passionate athletes makes the journey even more rewarding.”
He recently won his first MMA fight and was also accepted into the Pro Development Team at Core MMA.
“I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a strong support network. MMA can be
brutal - physically demanding and tough to watch at times - but my friends, family, and workmates have had my back every step of the way.”
Just like Liam, Zane is thankful to the support of his parents and family.
They have backed him no matter his sporting choice.
“My girlfriend Payton has also supported the countless hours I spend training each week and has always been in my corner,” Zane said.
“I also truly appreciate my work family’s flexibility and support for my training schedule and competition commitments.”
Although across the Tasman Sea from each other, the teenage siblings are showcasing the same determination – to be the best.
They’ve made their parents proud and hope to do the same for their region and country.
It's school cross country season
By Steph Bell-Jenkins
Primary school students around Cambridge have been hitting footpaths, trails and treadmills recently, preparing for their annual cross country events.
Pupils from Horahora, Kaipaki, Karāpiro, Roto-o-Rangi and Te Miro schools put all that training to the test at Mighty River Domain last Thursday, streaking across grassy fields and ripping up steep slopes at Cambridge’s annual Rural Schools’ Cross Country competition.
Races catered for pre-schoolers to 13-yearolds, as parents, grandparents, caregivers and supporters cheered encouragement from the sidelines.
Karāpiro School organised the event.
The strongest runners from each age group qualified for the Cambridge Interschools Cross Country day next Monday (September 15).
The event will bring town and country schools together to compete.
Winners were: Five-year-olds Mason Bayley and Ada Pevreal, six-year-olds Levi Lansdaal and Mika Emery-Sinclair, sevenyear-olds Lachie McKenzie and Poppy Ross, eight-year-olds Kase Tomsett and Emily Thomas, nine-year-olds JJ Hewson and Emily Hewson, 10-year-olds Darcy Badger Lenssen and Layla McLennan, aa-yearolds William Manion and Kate Mellow, 12-year-olds Malachy Slaughter and Millie McArthur, 13-year-olds George Donaldson and Anna Sergiychuk.
Layla McLennan, from Te Miro School, powers towards the finish line to win the 10-year-old girls’ race.
Horahora School’s Ryan Boonzaaier leads Oliver Belle down the finishing chute in the 8-year-old boys’ race.
Zane Rutland in action in the ring.
Photo: Core MMA
Cambridge 37 Swayne Road
Leamington 8 De La Mare Drive
living areas ideal for growing families or entertaining guests. Year round comfort is assured with ducted heating, while the stunning covered outdoor area with fireplace invites long evenings under the stars with friends and family.
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Market Appraisal
Style, space and sustainability
AUCTION BROUGHT FORWARD! Due to a pre-Auction offer, Auction now Thursday 11th September 11am, Bayleys Hamilton. Uncompromising quality, and attention to detail are at the forefront of this expansive property, crafted by award- winning Davies Homes in 2021 and still showcased today as a supreme build. This four bedroom plus office home, set on 2,501sqm (more or less) is a must-see for aspiring lifestylers also wanting shedding for boats or motorhomes. Thirty solar panels ensure energy efficient, sustainable living. This home exudes class. Entertain under high, raked ceilings in the sleek, open-plan kitchen/dining and lounge, or outside on wraparound decks that overlook the heated pool. With two living areas, gorgeous well-appointed bathrooms, sensor lighting and stacks of storage, this is exclusive Pukekura at its best.
bayleys.co.nz/2350956
This heritage gem blends historic character with modern comforts, creating a truly special place to call home.
- Three bedrooms, country-style kitchen with sunny bay dining nook
- Wood-burning fire, heat pump, and ventilation system
- Fully fenced backyard with north-facing deck.
- A rental appraisal of $710–$730 per week - A great first home or investment
This home is full of heart and sure to tug at yours. Vendors are motivated and have been told to bring all offers! bayleys.co.nz/2350910
4 2 2 6
3 1 2
Cambridge 354 Lamb Street
Cambridge 109 Shakespeare Street
49A Arnold Street, Leamington
- A separate lounge for cosy evenings and movie nights, while an HRV system, under floor heating (in tiled areas), and heat pumps in every bedroom (plus the main lounge) ensures year-round comfort
Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 11.00 - 11.30am
22 Rose Leigh Drive, Cambridge
- Ex-Generation Homes showhome, built 2020, purpose designed with wider halls & doors for ease of living & multi-generational comfort.
- Portico and large deck for private outdoor living.
- Irrigation system for lawns and gardens.
Corner Section – Offering space & privacy. Open Homes Saturday 1.15 - 1.45pm & Sunday 2 - 2.30pm
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- Covered Alfresco – nice covered outdoor living space.
- Space & privacy are in abundance, with three versatile living areas. The first adjoins the kitchen and dining, the second is a generous lounge with French doors opening to a sunny patio, while the third, located upstairs, offers a private retreat with balcony views.
85 Alan Livingston Drive, St Kilda
- Set on a magnificent 1343m² section, this 280m²
Heat Pump Specialists
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Bakes without butter with Jan
Unfortunately, the price of butter continues to rise — along with that of many other essential food items. And how can you make a cake without butter?
Well cooking oil is a good substitute in many recipes. Where possible, choose a mild-flavoured, less expensive option such as canola or sunflower. One great advantage of using oil in bakes is that you don’t have to ‘soften’ it first. Oil also keeps baked goodies moist.
When substituting oil for butter, about 20 per cent less oil is required either by weight or measure. The amount of sugar required will need to be increased slightly. This will ensure enough air is incorporated into the bake when the oil and sugar are beaten together.
Try adding oil to your muffins rather than melted butter. The texture will be a little different, but it is very acceptable. Most bakes prepared with oil will have a finer texture. Another alternative to butter in selected bakes is (thick) apple purée. The liquid in the recipe — such as milk — will need to be reduced but the apple adds flavour, a different texture and keeps the cake moist. Apple purée will only work in hearty bakes not light cakes such as sponges.
Butterless fruit cake
Dairy-free. Who needs butter?
425g can mangoes in syrup
375g sultanas
150g candied peel, chopped
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
1 teaspoon each: baking soda, mixed spice
Lightly grease a 20cm round cake pan and line the base with baking paper.
Drain the mangoes, reserving a 1/2 cup of the syrup. Mash or purée the mangoes. Place in a saucepan with the sultanas, peel and reserved syrup. Simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool. Preheat the oven to 160°C. Add the eggs to the cold fruit mixture, together with the sifted flour, baking soda and mixed spice. Mix well. Pour into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Excellent served cold or warm with dairy-free coconut yoghurt. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. If it becomes a little dry, gently warm slices in the microwave.
Date & ginger cookies
1/2 cup pitted, chopped dates
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sunflower oil
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 1/2 cups plain flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 cup chopped crystallised ginger
Place the dates in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Soak for 5 minutes. Drain well. Cool.
Combine the brown sugar, oil, egg and vanilla in a large bowl. Mix well. Add the flour, baking powder and ground ginger. Mix until well combined. Stir in the cooled dates and chopped ginger.
Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Roll the mixture into 40g balls and place on the tray. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Flatten the cookies with your hand. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the cookies from the tray to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container in a cool place or freeze. Makes 16.
Raspberry jam tarts
A wheat-free and dairy-free pastry treat.
1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
1/2 cup icing sugar
pinch salt
175g dairy-free table spread
1 large egg (free-range preferably)
1 cup raspberry jam
Place all the ingredients — except the jam — in a food processor. Whizz briefly, until the mixture holds together. Remove the pastry, wrap in film and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 12-hole patty pan tray with silicone (preferably) or paper cases.
Roll out the pastry on a gluten-free floured board. Using a biscuit cutter, make circles large enough to line the patty pans. Fill the tarts with jam. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Great topped with fresh berries if available. Serve lightly dusted with icing sugar. Makes 12.
Networks sign up Libraries ready for
Waipā Networks and WEL Networks have signed a multi-year extension to their Control Services Agreement. Through the partnership, WEL’s Hamilton-based control room provides support to Waipā Networks’ highvoltage 33kV and 11kV networks, delivering around the clock control room services for fault response, planned switching, and permit management.
Waipā Networks says as a result it can continue to respond quickly and safely to faults and unplanned power cuts, supported by WEL’s switching processes and experienced operators. The partnership between the companies has spanned more than two
decades.
Waipā Networks Chief Executive Sean Horgan said the partnership gives his team confidence that they are backed by a best-in-class network management system and highly skilled network operators.
He said with the Waipā District and wider Waikato region experiencing strong population and business growth, demand for safe and reliable electricity was increasing.
“More business means more electricity is needed, along with a reliable connection and efficient response to faults to ensure businesses can keep operating. This agreement plays an important part in achieving that.”
The Waikato Literacy Association has two new Little Libraries, which were built by the Cambridge MenzShed in time to celebrate International Literacy Day on Monday.
The libraries will go to two Waikato Literacy Association member schools who will have the opportunity to design and paint them before they are installed on their grounds as a free book swap space for students.
The Waikato Literacy Association a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers and each year it organises literacy-focused events.
SHIELDS, Alison Muriel –
Passed away peacefully after a short illness on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025 at Summerset Rototuna, aged 82 years. Beloved wife of the late Gerry Shields, mother and mother-in-law of Michael (dec), Nicola and Andrew, and Gerald. Adored grandmother of Jack, Edward, Elizabeth and Shanique. Loving sister of Joan (dec), Marie and Raewyn (dec). Special thanks to the staff at Summerset Rototuna for their care and support of Alison over the past two years. A donation in lieu of flowers would be appreciated and these can be made online at www.childcancer.org.nz. Messages to the ‘Shields Family’ can be sent c/Grinter’s Funeral Home, 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Alison’s online tribute book at www. grinters.co.nz. A service to celebrate Alison’s life will be held at the Cambridge Town Hall, Victoria Street, Cambridge on Saturday, 13th September at 10.00 am, followed by interment at Hautapu Cemetery.
NOBLE, Anthony John
“John” – Passed away peacefully on Friday, 5th September 2025, aged 88 years, after a courageous couple of years. Now reunited with his wife Nola. Treasured Dad and fatherin-law of Michael & Robyn, Suzanne & Graeme, and Paula & Rodney. Adored Pop of Kendra & Brad, Ethan & Emily, Brooke & Hayden, Tate & Georgina, Drew, and Paige & Brad.
“Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.”
A celebration of John’s life will be held at Raleigh Street Christian Centre, Raleigh Street, Leamington, Cambridge, on Friday, 12th September 2025 at 1.00pm. Messages to the Noble family may be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434, or left in John’s online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz.
GARAGE Sale – Items for sale: ALL h'hold furn *goods* elect both inside & out/tools/home theatre sys incl 6 speakers screen etc/womenswear18-24/ shoes10-11. Address: 191 Taylor Street, Cambridge. Date of Sale: Sat 13 & Sun 14 Sep. Time: 8am - 4pm
WOULD ANYONE WHO KNOWS the whereabouts of Judith Ogilvy (her maiden name) please contact Lew Crawford on mobile 0211666450. Judith spent her early years in Cambridge with her parents and moved to Hamilton about 1967. She is now aged 73.
CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU CAMBRIDGE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Thursday, 18 September 2025 at 10.00am Venue St John Hall Fort Street Cambridge
MOTORHOME OWNERS –
I’m available to cut and polish the front of your luton body above the windscreen to restore it shine. Call Geoff 021 464 687
TAYLOR, Jill – Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, aged 86 years. Formerly of Strathmore, Wellington. Adored wife of Derek. Loving mother of Alistair, Amanda, Vivienne, Bridgit, and Judith. Cherished grandmother of Chris, Sean, Ciara, Ben, Jemima, Josh, Joseph, Isaac, Hamish, Fraser, and the late Tinker. Greatgrandmother of James, Jasper, Toby, and Ruby. A long-time and devoted member of the Presbyterian Church and Girl Guides. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Waikato Hospital and Vision West for their care and support during a very difficult time. A private celebration of Jill’s life has been held. Messages to the ‘Taylor Family’ may be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434, or left in Jill’s online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz.
SITUATIONS VACANT
Concrete Placer
Finisher
Wanted an experienced concrete placer. Good pay rates for the right person. GDK Concrete Ph Graham 027 2450759
SITUATIONS VACANT
Parish Administrator
St Andrew’s Church
We are seeking to employ a detailed –orientated person to manage day to day tasks in our office.
The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, accomplished with Publisher, Word and PowerPoint. This is a part-time role, 4 days per week, 16 hours per week between 9am and 1pm.
Please email the office – standrewcam@xtra.co.nz – for a copy of the job description. Applications close 19 September.
Jono Gibson Funeral Director
CAMBRIDGE OPEN HOMES
100’S OF SATISFIED CLIENTS LOCAL
• ROOF TREATMENTS
• MOSS & LICHEN REMOVAL
• PRE-PAINT ROOF CLEANING
• TILE ROOFS
• COLOURSTEEL ROOFS
• DECRAMASTIC TILE ROOFS
PHONE MARK GORDON 827 7386
61st Annual Hereford Bull Sale
Wednesday 24 th September 2025, 12noon ON FARM - LUNCHEON PROVIDED 660 Ngaroma Rd, 26km off SH3, Sth East of Te Awamutu. Also available online on 40 TOP YEARLING BULLS & 64 2-YEAR OLD BULLS
Full EBV details in catalogue.
• GARDEN SHEDS
• CARPORTS
• CABINS
Contact Lance 0800 743 346
email. sales@shedsandshelters.co.nz
www.shedsandshelters.co.nz for quality lifestyle, storage solutions Display yard at 3 Goodfellow Lane, Hamilton
Sound bulls with exceptional temperament. Selection of Short Gestation & Low Birth Weights available. Free local delivery - OR - Grazing till 1st Nov. Payment 20th October 2025.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
Schedule 10, Local Government Act 1974
Waipā District Council intends to consider closing the following road(s) at the following period(s) to ordinary vehicular traffic for the New World Cambridge Christmas Parade.
Road(s): Dick St between Queen St and Alpha St
Alpha St between Dick St and Victoria St
Victoria St between Queen St and Commerce St Commerce St whole St - access to Milicich Place via Fort St only
Duke St between Victoria St and Commerce St Empire St between Alpha St and Victoria St
Date: Sunday, 7 December 2025
Time: 12pm to 4pm
There will be no detours in place during the proposed road closure. Access for emergency vehicles will be permitted in the event of an emergency.
Any person who wishes to object to the proposed closure may do so in writing to events@waipadc.govt.nz or Events Team, Waipā District Council, 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu, no later than 4pm Friday, 26 September 2025.
See the Privacy Statement on Council’s website for further information.
Steph O’Sullivan Chief Executive
Mary Anne Gill maryanne@goodlocal.nz 021 705 213
Viv Posselt viv@goodlocal.nz 027 233 7686
Chris Gardner chris@goodlocal.nz 027 231 7007
Advertising Manager
Janine Davy janine@goodlocal.nz 027 287 0005
Owner/Publisher
David Mackenzie david@goodlocal.nz
Office/Missed Deliveries
07 827 0005 admin@goodlocal.nz
Another 11% rates
Debt $400m
$80m in DCs owed
CEO salary
$400,000 consultants last year
25% increase on water rates this quarter
$100m debt increase expecting results - Albert Einstein
www.BetterWaipa.co.nz in 2025 rise next year
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different
$2m for Bunnings
$14m paid to building in 2024
BETTER WAIPA is a team of new councillors, with the right skills and experience, working together for commonsense solutions. is is the only way to x the system.
1. Rebuild trust through transparency and honesty.
2. Replace predetermined “consultation” with genuine listening.
3. Cap rates, Back to Basics, and cut consultants.
4. No more speed bumps, x potholes instead.
5. Stop the waste so we can maintain community services.
Waipa Ratepayers and Residents Group and CityWatchNZ.org have good articles on council issues. 15.5% rates rise
Our rates are shooting up, council debt is exploding, red tape is blocking business, our roads are a mess, and we’ve lost control of our water supply. If you want a better Waipa District Council, don’t keep voting for the same people. Vote smart. It’s what Einstein would do.
6. Practical and cost‐e ective solutions.
7. Financial responsibility and accountability.
Endorsed by GROUNDSWELL local coordinators
Recommended by Te Awamutu Residents and Ratepayers Association
