In fear of rainy days
By Chris Gardner
Te Kūiti neighbours Clyde Jones and Gary McGougan dread torrential rain.
Every time the town receives heavy rain the manhole cover on McGougan’s section pops, causing sewage to flood the front of his section and spill onto his neighbour Jones’ property.
McGougan, a retired builder who moved to Ngatai Street with his wife Beth in 2023, said the sewer overflowed a couple of times a month.
“It’s getting worse,” McGougan said. “It’s caused by a smaller amount of rain now.”
The couple have called the council out on several occasions, but it has so far been unable to fix the problem believed to be partially caused by a small, 300mm aging sewage pipe, collecting unconsented storm water further up the line.
“It should be a closed sewage system, but it’s not.”
“They have been trying,” McGougan said. “They have had cameras down there and discovered two blockages caused by collapse.”
McGougan said he was considering asking the council for a rates rebate to compensate him for the regular mess.
“It’s not only an inconvenience, but also a health hazard.”
Jones, a retired construction company owner, moved into his home more than a year ago, is upset the problem was not recorded on the Land Information Memorandum (LIM) report supplied by the council.
“They are going to have to upsize the pipe,” Jones said.
“One hundred years ago the pipe was 300 millimetres, but now it needs to be two or three times that.”
On occasion, his chook house had been flooded.
Jones also suffered regular knee-deep
stormwater overflow from the street, given his section sits below the road, until the council installed a recent drainage pit on his section.
Jones said he had threatened to withhold
his rates from the council until the sewage problem was sorted.
Speaking at the council’s July meeting, councillor Eady Manawaiti said it was unacceptable for people to have to live
among sewage.
“Weather events are going to be more frequent,” he said.
“The conversation around modelling and costs has to come back to the table. We don’t want to be behind the eight ball, because these weather events are not going to stop.”
Waitomo District Council chief executive Ben Smit said sewer overflows happened in limited parts of Te Kūiti in isolated high rainfall events.
“Wet weather overflow is caused by stormwater entering the wastewater pipes and inundating the wastewater network that is only designed to handle wastewater, not stormwater. Stormwater has a separate network,” Smit said.
“The inundation happens through several ways such as flood water entering the low gully traps; stormwater entering through manhole lids when the surrounding ground or the river level is high, cracks in pipes or faulty joints; downpipes from roof connected to wastewater; saturated groundwater entering pipes.”
Smit said wet weather wastewater overflows were likely to be a major concern for all councils.
“What is really unfortunate is that there is no short-term fix for them,” he said.
He urged anyone impacted to report inundations with the council as they happen for staff to investigate and lead the clean-up.
“Council staff will provide a report back to elected members on the extent and locations of the problems, possible long-term solutions which will likely require modelling of the wastewater network during dry weather and wet weather events and then considering options. An isolated fix in one area will likely move the overflow to another site. The problem is the wastewater system cannot cope with the level of stormwater entering the system, so the water needs to come out somewhere – i.e. up through wastewater manholes.”
Te Kuiti neighbours Gary MGoughan, left, and Clyde Jones want Waitomo District Council to stop sewage inundating their sections. Photo: Chris Gardner
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Community hub call
By Chris Gardner
Ōtorohanga District Council is being urged to buy the vacant Wintec building in Maniapoto Street and convert it into a community hub.
Resident June Bentley dropped in to the public forum of Ōtorohanga Community Board’s August meeting on her way home from knitting club to seek board support for her suggestion.
“The Wintec building, which is on the market, would be a fantastic community centre for Ōtorohanga,” Bentley said.
A feasibility study into adding a community hub to Ōtorohanga Library had been costed at $5.5 million.
“This building is now available, the guy is talking $800,000 and I think it can be negotiated even further down and its purpose built for community centre,” she said.
“This building has come on the market and it is right there with its arms open to the main street.”
Bentley said Ōtorohanga needed a community hub.
“It could cater to any needs, art needs, youth needs, Elevate [Information Services] could be in there,” she said.
Bentley said she had been involved in similar projects in Auckland.
“You start to get wave effects – it’s a great spot for youth to have some gatherings – it starts to wave out and effect who knows who.”
She suggested decorating the frontage
with a Kiwiana theme, including Māori cultural emblems.
“Local artists would love to take ownership,” she said.
“It’s a lot less dollars than what was being trumped around by council, but it’s a lot more presentable. This is right there, already set up for public, right across from the Ōtorohanga Club, right next door to the support house, and the ramifications on the community are amazing.”
Board chair and Ōtorohanga ward councillor Katrina Christison told Bentley her idea was very cool, and it would be passed on to the new board after the October 11 election.
Outgoing Ōtorohanga mayor Max Baxter said local government was getting
hammered for spending money on nice to haves.
“I absolutely support you; the Wintec building is an ideal place. It’s a great idea, but I am fully aware of the optics on the council at the moment,” he said.
The council recently agreed to a 10.16 per cent rates rise for this financial year.
Baxter asked council engineering and assets manager Mark Lewis how the project could be funded.
Generally capital investment is loan funded, Lewis said.
“So, when you look at it in terms of the upgrades to the Girl Guide Hall verses loan funding on an $800,000 or $750,000 building there may not be much in it for the first few years,” Baxter said.
The team has had another productive and busy week across the Ōtorohanga and Te Kuiti areas, with several arrests made and strong progress in a number of ongoing investigations.
One significant development was the arrest and charging of a 23-year-old male in connection with a serious assault that took place along the stock bank walkway in Ōtorohanga. This was a disturbing incident, and we’re grateful to the public for their assistance. After a request was issued via the Police media team, members of the community came forward with valuable information, which helped us confirm the identity of the alleged offender. Local officers acted swiftly to locate and charge the individual. Assaults of this nature are completely unacceptable. Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe.
In a separate case, a 34-year-old male in Te Kuiti was arrested and charged following an assault. This incident transpired after an intoxicated male began to hassle and harass high school students sitting in a vehicle. The students sought refuge at a nearby address – and the male turned his attention to an elderly occupant and assaulted them without provocation or reason. Several police units responded from Te Kuiti and Ōtorohanga. The male was in breach of his bail and was wanted in relation to some other matters and has been remanded in custody.
A male has been charged in relation to an obtaining by deception matter. This follows reports of individuals attempting to fraudulently charge items - such as farming equipment - to company accounts without permission. Police have noticed a rise in
these types of offences in our district. We strongly urge all store staff to remain alert and carry out appropriate identity checks with account holders before processing any transactions. If you notice anything suspicious or believe an offence has occurred, please contact police.
We’re also reminding all drivers to take extra care on the roads. We’ve seen an increase in vehicle crashes lately, many of which appear to be linked to changing weather conditions. Please ensure you adjust your driving to suit the conditions – slow down in wet weather, keep safe following distances, and always remain alert.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support and vigilance. Working together, we can keep Ōtorohanga and Te Kuiti safe.
Be safe and stay well.
June Bentley says this building would make a fantastic community centre.
Briefs…
Club night
The Ōtorohanga Club will host a club connect night next Tuesday (August 19) featuring rural communicator of the year Craig Wiggins and former Māori All Black Slade McFarland who will share personal stories and strategies for breaking down barriers around mental health and community engagement. Club manager Bronwyn Merrin said the public event would be more than “another talk about mental health” and would provide the community with “practical ways to connect, support each other, and build resilience together.
Free movie nights
Waitomo District Council’s first community movie night, a free showing of A Minecraft Movie at the Les Munro Centre in Te Kuiti, is being hailed as a success by community services general manager Helen Beaver after it attracted 195 people.
Driver training
Waitomo district’s novice driver training programme exceeded expectations in 202425. Sixty learner licences were achieved, against a goal of 15, 47 restricted licences achieved, against a goal of 25, 21 full licenses against a target of 15.
Kāwhia
Kai Festival
Kāwhia Tangata Kai Festival Committee has been granted $1000 by Kāwhia Community Board to help fund its reinstatement on Waitangi Day. The festival has not been held since the pandemic
Library usage
Waitomo District Library in Te Kūiti is attracting more use. A total of 21020 physical and 6231 electronic items were borrowed during the year, compared to 20,670 and 17835 two years earlier.
Correction
Ōtorohanga District Council
candidate Tennille Kete is not the director or shareholder of Kanoi Clothing, as reported last week, but an Ōtorohanga based Hato Hone St John ambulance officer.
Council costs revealed
By Chris Gardner and Mary Anne Gill
Four councils covered by Good Local Media’s community newspaper network spent nearly $56,500 travelling to the Local Government New Zealand conference in Christchurch last month.
Ōtorohanga, Waipā, Waikato and Waitomo district councils sent 23 elected members and staff including two people who are stepping down from council – Ōtorohanga mayor Max Baxter and his deputy Annette Williams.
The conference was held over two days – July 16 and 17 – and there was a welcome on the Tuesday
night before the conference started and an awards dinner on Thursday night.
Waikato spent the most - $18,292 sending eight people – including five elected members. Mayor Jacqui Church, deputy mayor Carolyn Eyre, councillors Eugene Patterson, Lisa Thomas and Tilly Turner. Thomas and Turner attended the Te Mariata Hui held prior to the main conference.
Three staff members from the Maaori Partnerships team attended to “strategically network with councils across Aotearoa and build the profile of Waikato District Council, strengthen their understanding of the machinery of
local government, and learn about new models of delivery to better connect with our communities,” the council’s Official Information officer said.
Ōtorohanga spent nearly $17,540 sending five people – including chief executive Tanya Winter, Baxter, Williams, and councillors Katrina Christison and Jaimee Tamaki.
Baxter and Williams did not respond to requests for comment but sources say they spoke at the conference about the importance of local voices in decision making.
Northern neighbour Waipā spent $17,900 in airfares, expenses and accommodation for mayor Susan O’Regan, councillors Dale-Maree
Sister city visit reviewed
By Jon Rawlinson
Pupils from Te Kūiti Primary and Centennial Park Schools shared have experiences from a visit to Tatsuno, Japan, through the Waitomo Sister City exchange programme.
They gave a presentation to Waitomo District Council.
In June a group of eight year seven and eight students and four adults was hosted by families of Tatsuno Junior High School students and members of the Tatsuno International Association.
“We were there for just over a week and the students absolutely loved their trip,”
Janis MacDonald of Waitomo Sister City Inc said.
“Many of them have formed lasting friendships from hosting Tatsuno pupils in March and then meeting them again in June.”
“They’ve grown in confidence, have a greater awareness of the world around them and they have developed an appreciation of the differences and similarities with students of their own age in Japan.”
The programme has been running since 2019, but student exchanges between the two sister cities of Waitomo and Tatsuno have been undertaken, in one form or another, for many years, MacDonald said.
Morgan and Marcus Gower, chief executive Steph O’Sullivan, group manager Strategy Kirsty Downey, project lead Vanessa Honore and mana whenua representatives Gaylene Roberts and Poto Davies. Waitomo chief executive Ben Smit and mayor John Robertson attended it all at a cost of $1587 each in conference registrations, $640 each in airfares and $516 each in hotel fees. It also covered taxi fares and airport parking.
Waikato Regional Council voted to walk away from LGNZ’s $122,000 annual bill citing its lack of relevance and left wing activism but rejoined after the conference when chair Pamela Storey used her casting vote.
Irish kiwis
Mike and Heather Gast now live in Karāpiro having moved from Te Kūiti recently. They are both from Belfast, married there in 1969, divorced six years later and are back married again. The News caught up with the couple in the Cambridge Town Hall last week when Gast was among 108 people from all over the world who celebrated becoming New Zealand citizens. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Students and chaperones ahead of flight to Japan - back row, from left, Te Oranga Anderson, Kiara Turner, Charlie Needham, Reid Koroheke, and Rangi (Nano) Te Whare. Front, Mangatea Hemana, Pranavi Mudaliar, Ayla Rendall, Inika Nahna and Willa Neal
ON SHAKY GROUND
When history burns bright
By Janine Krippner
At around 10:20p.m., the music began, and a booming Spanish voice echoed through the streets of Garachico, welcoming everyone to the show. The moment I had been waiting for had arrived - a dramatic simulation of the 1706 eruption that devastated this town, as well as other communities upslope, and reshaped the economic landscape of Tenerife.
Earlier this year, I had been sitting in my University of Waikato office in Hamilton, sifting through historical records to piece together the eruption’s timeline. In the process, I stumbled across an odd photograph: what appeared to be broken chunks of lava tumbling down a steep hill toward the sea.
The image turned out to be from the grand finale of the Holy Christ of Mercy festival, when every five years Garachico commemorates the eruption alongside vibrant religious celebrations. With 2020 having halted most events, it had been a full decade since the last one. I knew immediately that I wanted to see it for myself - and then returned to my research.
I first visited Garachico last year, struck by the sheer scale of the old lava cliffs towering above the town. Two narrow scree slopes, made of broken volcanic rock similar to what you might see on the flanks of Ngāuruhoe, mark the paths where lava once descended. The flows, originating high on the volcano’s flank, crumbled as they plummeted down the precipice before reaching the sea.
Eyewitness accounts from the time capture the chaos. One, translated from Spanish, reads: “Around nine in the evening, another flow, which reached to the cliffs of the coast, fell on the city from seven different places. This terrible overflow of lava made the sea
withdraw from the shore and filled the port.”
—Vebb and Berthelot in Romero Ruiz (1990)
Now, on the evening of August 3, I stood among the crowd, awestruck and grateful for my timing. Fireballs tumbled down the slope, accompanied by bursts of fireworks, pounding music, and vivid projections of erupting volcanoes cast against a nearby cliff. The spectacle was both theatrical and unsettling, a reminder of the destructive power this place had endured.
Trump’s tariffs
By Peter Nicholl
Trump’s latest round of tariffs took effect on August 7. They are not just the most widespread tariffs of his second administration, they take the average US tariff to the highest level since the 1930s. High US tariffs in the 1930s didn’t lead to a booming US economy – quite the opposite. They are unlikely to lead to a booming US econony this time either.
Tariffs have been imposed on more than 90 countries.
They range from 10 per cent for the UK to a whopping 50 per cent on India. New Zealand’s exports to the US have been hit with a 15 per cent tariff.
Adminstration’s income tax cuts over the next decade.
Second, the large tariffs will almost certainly shrink the US economy relative to how it would perfrom without them and this will also reduce other tax revenue.
Third, because of the uncertainty about the price effects of the large US tariffs, the US Federal Reserve has held their official interest rate at the same level as in November 2024 at their last five meetings. In that period, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has reduced its OCR by one per cent
The mock lava, made of burlap sacks stuffed with rocks, soaked in gasoline, and set alight, measured 20 to 30 centimeters across. As they rolled downhill in increasing numbers, they mimicked with surprising realism the sight of glowing lava fragments breaking apart during descent.
It was easy to get caught up in the drama, but the underlying message was serious. Another eruption on Tenerife is inevitable. We cannot predict the timing, location, eruption style, or scale, but we know it will happen.
Soon, an eruption simulation designed for emergency responders will take place on the island. This exercise will be a crucial opportunity for those tasked with protecting communities to understand their roles, test coordination, and identify potential weaknesses in planning before they are tested by the real thing.
For now, I am so very grateful to be working with GeoTenerife on these incredible islands and having just seen a spectacular sight with my own eyes.
DATE: Tuesday 19 Aug 25 TIME: 5.30pm
Spot prize including $50 Prezzy Visa for one lucky attendee
Learn about identifying mental distress in people in your community Clubs New Zealand are bringing Lean on a Gate to Ōtorohanga Club, this initiative is all about building stronger connections, sharing helpful resources and supporting our community
Discover how to check in with your mates both in and outside of your Club. Because a simple conversation can make a big di erence!
The average US tariff in August, 2025 is 18.6 per cent, compared to less than three per cent at the end of last year.
Our exports to the US in the last year totalled $15 billion, around 21 per cent of our total exports.
The US has just passed Australia to become our second biggest export market after China. It probably won’t keep that second place for long because of the tariffs. The main items New Zealand exports to US are meat (beef and sheep), wine, milk constituents and casein - all agricultural products.
Most of them are likely to be pricesensitive. However, most of our export competitors to the US face similar tariffs so the impact on volumes may not be too severe.
The US Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the increased tariff revenue could reduce the US Government’s borrowing requirement over the next 10 years by US$2.5 trillion. That sounds impressive.
But there are some very large offests that swamp this figure.
First, the additional tariff revenue will be more than offset by the impact of the Trump
If the Fed had done the same thing, the interest payments on the huge amount of US Government debt of US$37 trillion would fall by around US$4 billion over a decade - and that is substantially more than the forecast tariff revenue.
So the imposition of all these tariffs looks unlikely to make America ‘great’ again. But it is certainly succeeding in making America ‘grate’ again.
It is difficult for business-people to know how best to respond as they don’t know if the current level of US tariffs will last for long given the mercurial, indeed almost random, nature of Trump’s decision-making. For example, India currently faces a higher tariff because it imports oil from Russia. Brazil faces a higher tariff because they are threatening to put one of Trump’s mates in jail.
The Swiss are facing a higher tariff because they are ‘stealing’ from the US. It is a very odd form of ‘stealing’. The Swiss are actually sending their goods to the US for Americans to consume and taking US dollars in return.
We will have to hope that New Zealand doesn’t do or say anything to get Trump’s attention.
HE WHAKAWHITIWHITINGA WHAKAARO
Owning the image
By Tom Roa, Tikanga Advisor, Waikato University
There is an exhibition of photographs on display at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts at Waikato University which opened on June 30 and will close November 7.
Titled ‘Ki te kapu o taku ringa’ the exhibition by my colleague Dr. Rodrigo Hill and I merges mātauranga Māori and photography to reframe place representation. Through a kaupapa-driven lens, large-scale images and video works illuminate historical sites, honouring their place, mana and cultural significance.
The photographs explore place representation through a kaupapa Māori driven photographic approach.
The project was centred on wānanga which we proposed are essential places for discussion, knowledge sharing, and cultural reflection led by mana whenua, local people.
The wānanga and subsequent images were guided by the Maioha mō Waikato, a song-poem composed by the second Māori King Tawhiao following his and his Waikato people’s expulsion from their Waikato homelands following the invasion of Crown forces in the 1860’s.
While living with their Maniapoto relations in the space later to be known as the King Country, Tāwhiao composed this song lamenting his, and his people’s, severance from the Waikato River valley and its (their) history and landmarks.
When someone takes a photo of something
all rights to that image are legally the property of the photographer.
Our assertion in this exhibition is that such a position ignores the ‘mana’ of the place that has been used to produce the image, and any rights the people of that space have with that image.
This is at the heart of the recent controversy in Hobson’s Pledge’s using an image with which legally they touched all the right bases and sought all the legal permissions.
But their use of that image to promote something that the person portrayed in that image is against completely has left that person and their family very upset. The posters have since been taken down, but the hurt will linger as long as the issue of Māori wards remains at large.
The exhibition at the University challenges Eurocentric conventions, reframing landscape depictions in particular as visual thoughts rather than mere objective images. Through deep engagement with historical sites and mana whenua across Te Nehenehenui – the King Country – the project amplifies indigenous perspectives, expanding ways of seeing and understanding places, spaces, and the people who belong to them through a decolonised and indigenous informed lens.
Visual credibility a must
Christine Cornege, an award winning Cambridge photographer who takes equestrian, portrait, family and business photos selects her “best of page” photos from last week’s selection of local body elections candidates in to The News.
We’re often told not to judge a book by its cover, but in local elections, a candidate’s headshot is often the first chapter voters read.
A political headshot is a handshake in visual form. It should communicate confidence, approachability, and professionalism, often within seconds. As a photographer, I was invited to critique the headshots featured across local election coverage in Te Awamutu News, King Country News, and Cambridge News, and there’s a clear range of quality on display.
Some candidates have clearly taken the time to invest in a professional or well-planned photo session. These images feature crisp focus, flattering lighting, and clean backgrounds, which immediately communicate preparedness. Notable examples include Jo Davies-Colley, Hope Spooner and Charlotte Fitzpatrick whose images showcase confident but approachable expressions with polished composition.
A number of candidates submitted images that feel warm and relatable but lack technical polish. These portraits may have been taken in passing or with
minimal preparation. While authenticity is there, a quick reshoot with softer lighting, a neutral background, and tighter framing could significantly improve their presentation. Several candidates either used low-quality images or didn’t provide one at all. Harsh shadows, busy backgrounds, or placeholder silhouettes give the impression of a missed opportunity. When visual recognition is key, especially in local elections, a poor or absent photo sends the wrong signal.
What Makes a Good Political Headshot? Lighting: Soft, even, and flattering, no harsh shadows or blown-out highlights. Background: Simple and nondistracting. A blurred outdoor or neutral studio backdrop works well. Expression: Approachable but confident. Eyes should engage directly with the camera. Framing: Crop from just above the head to mid-chest. Avoid awkward cut-offs. Sharpness and Quality: High resolution and crisp focus. Avoid selfies or lowquality phone snaps. Clothing and Grooming: Solid colours or subtle patterns. Tidy, neat, and timeless in appearance.
Best of page in last week’s
King Country News in my view was the shot of Liz Stolwyk -it was a confident, well-lit portrait with a clean background and engaging expression.
In local elections, your headshot may be your single most powerful visual tool. Good images communicate professionalism, preparedness, and respect for voters. Quick tips for future candidates - use soft natural light, choose a plain background, frame from above the head to mid-chest, wear solid colours, and look directly into the lens. Even a modest investment in a quality headshot can deliver big returns in voter connection.
Josh Moore, who runs digital marketing agency Duoplus, discusses the importance of good photos for an election – and selects what he considers the best among mayoral, Ōtorohanga and Waitomo candidates.
Trust starts with image
Marketing is about managing perceptions, and perceptions are often governed by the first impression.
A candidate’s profile photo is the key thing that creates the first impression for voters.
Unfortunately, it seems many of the candidates who are standing have missed their key opportunity to give a strong first impression and present themselves as someone who is credible and trustworthy – ready to step into an important local governance role.
It’s obvious to see who has put in the effort to get a professional headshot, versus the DIY photos … or worse yet, a non-smiling passport photo. Indoor DIY photos often have poor lighting. Outdoor DIY photos often mean bright sunspots and strong shadows on the face, or distracting backgrounds.
A professional headshot has the right lighting, is perfectly focused, and normally has a plain background (I find a white or light background is best for candidate photos).
The candidate should dress smartly (including hair/makeup),
and have confident body posture. Having shoulders turned slightly but head facing straight works best. The aim: Instantly convey a sense of credibility. In my opinion, the best mayoral candidate photo
Barclay and Eady Manawaiti
smile
is Cathy Prendergast. The best councillor candidate photos are Garry Reymer,
Tayla
Cathy Prendergast
Tayla Barclay
Garry Reymer
Eady Manawaiti
Liz Stolwyk
Thinking about the future: The role of your local energy trust
The Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) plays a vital role in our community by holding shares in The Lines Company (TLC) on behalf of its beneficiaries.
WESCT is made up of six elected trustees.
Following the recent election, we’re pleased to welcome Brian Hanna and Olivia Buckley, and congratulate Guy Whitaker on his re-election.
Together with our existing trustees, (William Oliver, Janette Osborne & Yvette Ronaldson) they help guide the Trust’s work and decisions.
Trustees meet monthly and are involved in a range of activities—from governance to community engagement. Last month, we conducted director reviews with TLC and interviewed candidates to replace current director Craig Richardson who will be stepping down later this year. We thank Craig for his service.
Thinking about getting involved? Our next trustee election is in 2026, and we’d love to see more locals step forward. You don’t need to be an expert—just someone who cares about our community and wants to make a difference.
To learn more, save the date and come along to our annual meeting of beneficiariesWednesday 15 October, Otorohanga or visit wesct.org.nz.
Beach access report is near
By Chris Gardner
An engineering report into the viability of enabling vehicles to access Kāwhia’s Ocean Beach via Te Puia Road is imminent.
Tainui Kāwhia Incorporation committee of management member Kenneth Riddell said the landowner and Ōtorohanga District Council had commissioned consultants BTW Company to deliver an engineer’s report to be delivered in mid-August.
The delivery of the report follows the presentation of a 687-signature petition asking the council to ban vehicles from entering the inner harbour beach on the boat ramp near Maketu Marae.
The petition was presented to the council in July by a delegation led by Horahaere Scott.
Vehicles damage shellfish beds and are frequently marooned by the tide and leak fluids into the sea.
The petition was collected by environmental protection and restoration group Te Taiao o Kāwhia Moana and includes signatures from residents and whanau descended from the passengers and crew of the Tainui waka that landed at Kāwhia.
“Tainui Kāwhia
Incorporation support Te Taiao o Kāwhia Moana and the work that they do for our community,” Riddell said.
“I was happy to represent Tainui Kāwhia Incorporation when this kaupapa was presented to the Ōtorohanga District Council.
“We are all acutely aware of the environmental and ecological damage posed by vehicles driving across these sensitive areas.”
Tainui Kāwhia
Incorporation operates the township’s forest block and is currently harvesting logs.
“We look forward to reviewing the engineer’s report and value the information it will provide,” Riddell said.
Scott sought Kāwhia Community Board support on Thursday for the revocation of the Ōtorohanga District Council bylaw allowing vehicular access to the beach.
Scott said the land from the boat ramp to Te Puia Springs was Māori owned, and had been cut into for 4x4 vehicle access.
“We supplied photographic evidence of the destruction, pollution, the vehicles that have got stuck there, turned over,” Scott said. “Kāwhia Community Board should be concerned for the safety
of our people that are going out there to Ocean Beach.” Council regulatory and growth group manager Tony Quickfall said the council needed to receive the engineers report and make recommendations for councillors to vote on.
The bylaw would only be changed if alternative access was approved.
Kāwhia-Tihiroa ward councillor Kit Jeffries said the council would meet Tainui Kāwhia Incorporated on August 19 to look at strategic access.
Board chair Geoff Good said the board could not endorse revoking the bylaw until more work had been done.
“I support what you are doing,” added board member Richard Harpur. “But if there is a closure, more people are going to damage stuff to get out there.”
TLC announces scholarship
The Lines Company is calling for applications for its annual Inspiring Local Minds Scholarship.
Up to three young people will receive $6000 over three years to support their tertiary studies.
Since inception in 2018 30 scholarships have been awarded to people who live or attend school in The Lines Company network area.
“Helping local young people realise their potential through tertiary education is important to us,” said TLC’s Chief Executive Mike Fox.
“In the past we have supported students through a range of studies from science, technology and law to commerce and marketing.”
Scholarship recipients are chosen by a selection panel that includes Fox, and TLC’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, and a trustee from TLC’s shareholder Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT).
Una Drayton, a 2023 recipient doing an engineering degree, was extremely grateful to receive the scholarship. She has returned to TLC’s network area to conduct a practical research project into smart metering. This work is being shared and has positive uses across the sector that will benefit customers.
Fox was thrilled to see one of TLC’s scholarship students doing important practical research on the network.
“TLC takes great pride in our scholarship initiative, helping to nurture the next
generation of experts,” he said. “It’s even more rewarding when this investment makes a difference by benefiting our customers in the future. Una’s study and research work are great examples of why this scholarship is so important – to us at TLC, and the community. It’s a great investment into local young minds.”
Kenneth Riddell
Una Drayton has returned to The Lines Company network area.
Guide’s home ‘bit of a disgrace’
By Chris Gardner
The council has spent five years bringing it up to standard, but incoming Ōtorohanga councillor Jo Butcher has criticised the state of a council community hall.
Butcher asked the council to present a maintenance update on Ōtorohanga Girl Guide Hall in Kakamutu Road at August’s Ōtorohanga Community Board meeting.
“It’s a little bit of a disgrace on the inside,” Butcher, who will be elected unopposed to the KāwhiaTihiroa ward as a councillor on October 11, told the community board.
“The windows don’t close properly, it is very, very cold in there with very old bar heaters on the walls, the curtains are almost broken
and you can’t close them properly if you wanted to make it a bit warmer, but what would be the sense of closing the curtains when the windows don’t close properly?
“The windows don’t close properly in the toilets. Surely, they could be fixed at least so that they close?”
Butcher said hall users had complained about puddles, wet walls, and a sticky floor.
“Toilets recently overflowed, leaked, after heavy rain, heaters are ancient, its freezing in the winter and way too hot in the summer, so heat pumps would help a lot, and also there are no handy towels for drying hands.
“This is our community hall, which is really quite shocking on the inside, and in some ways not safe to be
in.”
Butcher said she had asked council to remove rubbish in front of a fire exit door three times.
“It took two weeks to move it. People were using the hall in that two weeks and if there had been an emergency they would have tripped over the rubbish going out the fire exit door,” she said.
“If council’s having a little bit of a problem maintaining this building, because it needs this report for the seismic to see if the building will carry on or not, in the meantime you are asking for people to rent this building and it’s not really up to standard.”
Hire fees are $150 a day. Butcher suggested the board use its property fund to help the council upgrade the hall.
Council community facilities manager Jared le Fleming said, in a report presented to the meeting the council had steadily brought the hall up to a more reasonable standard since taking ownership more than five years ago.
Key capital upgrades, such as the roof and painting, had cost $37,000 and a further $2170 was spent on maintenance since February 2024.
“The hall has never been identified as an earthquake prone building however, there are some cracks that council has been monitoring in the north facing wall brickwork and mortar, believed to have been a result of soil movement, that have now reached a point that an initial seismic assessment should be carried out, by a structural
engineer,” le Fleming said in his report.
“This work has been scheduled for August and will provide staff with an approximate seismic performance rating of the building, a similar report was carried out on the Kawhia Community Hall.”
Asked whether the curtains could be fixed, le Fleming said fixing the toilets were next on the list.
“We can’t just go and spend a big chunk of money,” he said.
He said he would look into repairing the windows, but the electrical supply would not handle the installation of heat pumps, and it was impossible to get rid of moisture in a concrete block building.
Council engineering and assets manager Mark Lewis said a strategic discussion
College plays matchmaker
By Jon Rawlinson
Job hunting can be a lot like dating – the right connections can lead to enduring relationships. So, it’s not surprising that Ōtorohanga College is set to run a careers programme that follows a similar model.
A college career speed dating event this week
aimed to benefit students and businesses, the school’s pathways and gateway coordinator, Melanie Wilken, said.
“We divide the year nines into small groups and they sit with an employer, chat about careers for a few minutes and then, when the bell goes, they move on to the next one. This way, they can get a taste of pretty much all the industries out there and all the options available to them when they
are ready to look for work.”
Invites were sent to about 20 business people.
Career speed dating is intended to help pupils aged 13 and 14.
First held at the college last year, the event was a big success among students, Wilken said. Run in partnership with Ōtorohanga development group, Elevate, it’s been given top marks by businesses too.
around the future of the hall needed to be had after the seismic assessment was completed.
“There’s never been any strategic direction to invest heavily in that hall,” he said. “It’s only been get it waterproof and keep it going, but simple things, we can deal with that.”
“It does make you wonder how long you beat a dead horse,” said mayor Max Baxter.
Briefs…
Portal parked
Co-Lab chair Peter Stubbs has expressed disappointment at the disestablishment of its online learning portal. Waitomo District Council chief executive Ben Smit said the portal did not get the buy in from councils and was not good value for money.
Art awards
Artists have been given an extra week – until August 22 - to enter the Ruapehu Art Awards. The 2023 awards at the Taumarunui War Memorial Hall attracted more than 300 entries.
TechStep
More than 350 Ōtorohanga and Waitomo district students were immersed in technology at a recent TechStep event at the Les Munro Centre. Students engaged with industry experts, explored handson exhibits, and gained insight into a wide range of technological qualifications and pathways. Another TechStep event is being planned for 2026.
Kāwhia hall hire Ōtorohanga District Council has delegated authority to Kāwhia Community Board to waive community centre fees and charges for regular nonprofit community groups. The board will decide on waivers at its monthly meetings
Jo Butcher says Ōtorohanga Girl Guide Hall, in Kakamutu Road, is “a little bit of a disgrace inside”.
Gardening
FOR BLOOMING BEAUTIES AND PLANTS THAT THRIVE
Katrina Christison Tidy Gardens
DIY seed tapes
With spring around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about what you are going to plant in your veggie garden. Seed tapes are an awesome way to make planting small seeds a breeze! They ensure perfect spacing for each seed, so you don’t have to worry about thinning out your plants later. Plus, there’s no seed wastage since you can control exactly how many seeds you’re using. It’s a simple, time-saving method that guarantees a more even and successful garden with less effort.
What you’ll need:
Toilet paper (2-ply or 3-ply works best)
Flour (all-purpose)
Water
Small seeds (like carrots, lettuce, radishes)
A bowl for mixing
A spoon or whisk
Scissors
A ruler or measuring tape (optional)
Prepare your flour paste:
In a bowl, mix about 1 tablespoon of flour with 30 mL of water. Stir well until you get a smooth, paste-like consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more water. If it’s too thin, add a little more flour.
Cut toilet paper:
Tear off a piece of toilet paper long enough to cover the area you want to plant—around 30-45 cm is ideal for most small plantings. Fold it in half lengthwise to create a crease down the center. If you’d prefer a thinner tape, you can cut the paper in half and fold each piece to reduce bulk.
Mark seed placement:
Using a ruler, measure out even spaces along the length of your toilet paper. Space your seeds based on the seed packet recommendations (usually about 2.5-5 cm apart for small seeds like lettuce or carrots).
Apply the paste:
Dip your finger or a small paintbrush into the flour paste and dab small amounts onto the spots where you want to place the seeds.
Place the seeds:
Carefully place a seed onto each dab of paste. For very small seeds, you can pinch a few at a
time or use tweezers for precision. Once the seeds are in place, fold the toilet paper over, then fold it again to cover the seeds. Allow the seed tape to dry for a few hours or overnight.
Once the seed tape is dry, cut it into sections based on your garden layout or planting areas. Store the seed tape in a dry place until you’re ready to plant.
Prepare your garden bed:
Clear the soil, loosen it up with a rake or hand tool, and create shallow trenches where you’ll lay the seed tape.
Place the dried seed tape flat in the soil, covering it with a thin layer of soil (about 0.51.5 cm deep).
Water gently:
Water gently to avoid washing away the paste and seeds, keeping the soil moist as the seeds begin to sprout.
This method makes it easy to plant small seeds, keeping them spaced correctly without having to handle them individually.
Summer games for swimmers
By Jesse Wood
Twelve Special Olympics swimmers have their sights set on the Christchurchbased 2025 National Summer Games in December.
There will be 42 teams, 1205 athletes and 479 team management members involved across more than 10 sports at the event.
Cambridge’s Keziah Clark and Jarrod Gilbert will join nine Te Awamutu athletes and Hamilton’s Deshan Walallavita on the journey south.
Longtime Ōtorohanga resident Jennifer Clark, Peter Crawford, Sarah Griffin, Sarah-Jane Hudson, David Smith, Matthew Smith, Caitlin Thomas, Robert van der Wee and Ella Yarndley make up the rest of the cohort.
Head coach Shelley Blair and support coaches Cherie Thompson and Bruce Blair will accompany the squad.
“The support from the families is awesome. We train on Sunday mornings. Jennifer’s mother was bringing her from Ōtorohanga for training but now she lives in Te Awamutu,” Blair said.
“Both Keziah and Jarrod’s families bring them over too and the same with Deshan coming from Hamilton.
“They’ve all been involved for several years and the whole team have competed at nationals before.”
Nationals are held every four years , though the last was held in Hamilton three years ago following a Covid
delay.
“Christchurch is a different kettle of fish. There’s a new state of the art venue being built – the Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre,” Blair said.
“We’re hopeful, fingers crossed that it’s finished by the time we get there. Otherwise, there’s a plan B venue.”
Since founding Special Olympics Te Awamutu in 2008, this will be Shelley’s fifth nationals’ attendance.
“It will also be Deshan and Robert’s fifth – it’s a journey that all three of us have been on together. Bruce was also there at the first event in 2009,” Shelley said.
“I get a big kick out of watching the athletes. If you come and watch them at training, you’d think that they
were at nationals anyway. They train like that all the time.
“I enjoy seeing them develop as athletes and making friends. Socially, it’s a big event for them all.
“Self-esteem and confidence, anything that’s related to those two words, they learn about how to handle themselves at these big events.
Some of the experienced competitors had great advice and encouragement to pass on to first timers.
“Buckle up, you’re in for a wild and awesome ride! Nationals is basically a mix of adrenaline, snacks, sweat and the occasional singalong on the bus,” Jarrod Gilbert said.
• Go to teawamutunews.nz for an extended version of this story.
Rally eyes on Maihiihi
By Jon Rawlinson
Maihiihi will host the Hoddle Road rally sprint on Sunday.
The event comes ahead of September’s Waitomo Rally, part of the North Island Rally Series and is a round of the Northern Rallysprint Series.
As it offers an exciting, although challenging run, the race attracts a solid crowd and number of entrants, round organiser Lukas Ramsay said.
“Hoddle Road used to be a WRC (World Rally Championship) test road, so it is high profile. It has lots of camber, but it’s fast and requires technical skill to drive as well – it has a bit of everything for every driver.”
The road is, effectively, Hamilton Car Club’s home ground.
“We use the sports ground as well as Maihiihi School to service the vehicles,” Ramsay said. “The community has been really supportive ever since we started racing there in 2022.”
Beginning in northern Waikato in March, the rallysprint series is now tight at the top.
“There are three drivers that have a real chance to win but anything can happen on the day,” Ramsay said.
Sam Broadbent, also Thames Valley, is just a few points behind.
Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast Motorsport Club isn’t too far in front in the club categories and, as it’s a veritable traffic jam in various class contests.
The course is shorter than an average rally stage.
“The road’s nine kilometres long and we race it four times. After each time, you come back to the sports ground, service your car, check it over, maybe change the tyres and you go and do it all again.”
Ramsay has competed in a few races in this year’s series but he’ll be side-lined at Hoddle Road.
“I can’t race this round because I’m organising it, but I’ve raced there three years in a row so I know the road pretty well. That is an advantage, to a point, because drivers don’t get to travel the road before the event.
“Every year, we have a little competition for Rallysprint of the Year and Hoddle Road won it in ‘23,” Ramsay said. “I think it’s one of the best in the series and there’s a fair few people who would agree with me on that.”
Carlin Leong (Thames Valley Car Club) and Northland’s Ben Huband are locked on level pegging at the top of the overall standings.
Deshan Walallavita and Ella Yarndley at the 2021 National Summer Games where they both won multiple gold medals.
‘Leftovers’ pieced it together
By Norris Woodbine and Jesse Wood
A youthful Maniapoto rugby side is the new custodian of the endearing Peace Cup after romping to a 38-20 win over Central Bay of Plenty.,
The one-off match for the historic trophy was arranged after holders Hamilton relinquished it.
The trophy – humorously referred to as the ugliest in the country – dates back to 1919 and spent much of its time as a symbol of rugby sub-union supremacy.
It was also treated with a minimum of respect - resulting in its battered form.
An Eady Manawaiti selected Maniapoto travelled to a cold and windswept Rotorua on Saturday and produced a rugby performance up with the best.
The former King Country rugby player named a squad after his Bush United club was unable to field a squad this season. As he wasn’t coaching during the club season, he travelled the North King Country region to watch other teams.
“I went out to view trainings and games at Te Kūiti. Piopio, Waitomo and Kio Kio. I also took an interest in some of our Bush players who decided to play in Hamilton in division 1A for Suburbs,” Manawaiti said.
His team finished a two-match campaign with two wins – having beaten Counties Manukau Māori in a friendly match for the re-opening of Centennial Park. In Te Kūiti.
“We were delighted to have a presentation by Ngāti Maniapoto iwi member Doug Ruki on the history of the Tupuna Maniapoto,”
Big Horns in Te Kūiti
The King Country Development Big Horns have a home match in Te Kuiti on Saturday against a Counties-Manukau Selection.
Waitete will have a solid representation with Phayzen Marshall, Liam Knight, Finn Hahn, Ryan Joyes and Athol Sneddon amongst others.
Firebrand flanker Kees Muller will represent the Waitomo Club while Jackson Hurley will fly the Piopio flag after Isaac Griffin’s call up to the Rams.
The Big Horns suffered a shock loss to Whanganui Development in their only build up and will be looking to put that behind them against a professional union side.
The match at Rugby Park Te Kuiti will kick off at 2pm.
Manawaiti said.
Ruki also wrote a haka for the team’s short campaign. “The history lesson itself created an opportunity for the players to connect to that side of their whakapapa or genealogy, whether Māori or non-Māori,” Wanawaiti said.
Maniapoto’s pack took command from the kick off against Central Bay of plenty and had the home side pinned in their defensive zone for the opening 20 minutes.
As a result, a 14-nil scoreline had the visiting supporters in good heart after number 8 Jayden Pari had scored two fine tries capitalising on the dominance of his tight forwards and fullback Ben Hedley nailed two conversions from out wide.
CBOP converted a handy penalty goal before scoring a long range try against the run of play with an intercept and the scoreline was down to 14–10 as halftime approached but the action did not tail off.
Right winger Jake Laurent once again showed what a great talent he is scorching away from cover defence for another try in the corned and Hedley latched his radar onto the posts and banged over another great conversion.
CBOP completed the first half scoring a try from a botched Maniapoto lineout and at half time the 21–15 scoreline left an air of expectation for an interesting second half.
Again, from the restart it was the visitors who profited and Pari scored a third try which was arguably his best, bursting away from a midfield maul and dashing 40 metres to finish under the posts. It provided Hedley
his easiest conversion.
Hedley was to the fore shortly after scoring his own try and another conversion before Maniapoto skipper Kauri Coffin franked the victory with a further try and Hedley had a rare miss with the kick.
CBOP completed the scoring with a late try but it was Maniapoto -nicknamed The Leftovers - who celebrated an historic victory returning the Peace Cup to their North King Country base.
“To complete our campaign unbeaten with unexpected victories against quality opposition demonstrates there is some real talented players in our Rohe,” campaign manager Paul Senior-Partridge said.
“Now with the Peace Cup residing here we can forge ahead with planning for our defence next season, and we have already fielded interest from potential challengers.”
One of the most pleasing aspects of the campaign was the promotion of some great younger local players such as Waitomo’s Brooklyn Pye, Freemin Te Whare and Tipene Perawiti.
Waitete’s Wiremu Harris and Riddick Rangitonga, Piopio’s Kyan Reymer, Jayden Pari, a real star in the making, and Brad Ostern who answered a call on the morning of the game and came in as a late replacement.
Bush United’s Isaac Wana was a standout player throughout and the young Te Kuiti pair Ben and Mitchell Hedley will continue the family dynasty - they are very clever players with youth on their side.
Skipper Kauri Coffin was outstanding in
all aspects, and one astute observer credited his performance on Saturday as his best game ever, dictating field position with astute kicking, running at the right time and pulling off some punishing tackles.
“Few gave us much hope when we started out and hopefully these young men will get the respect they now deserve moving forward and to see the development under our experienced coaching panel puts them in my hero category,” Senior-Partridge said.
Maniapoto iterations have a history in the Peace Cup with a win in 1941 and then again in the early 90’s.
Ōtorohanga’s Quinn makes Waikato debut
By Jesse Wood
Making a Waikato debut is a highlight - it’s even better when it comes in a 36-35 win over neighbours Auckland.
That was the story for Ōtorohanga born prop Taipari Quinnat the start of the month when he featured in Waikato’s NPC win at Eden Park.
Quinn, 22, is a fifth generation Ōtorohanga resident. He attended Ōtorohanga Primary School and college before starting an apprenticeship at Action Electrical Te Kūiti.
His workplace has been very supportive of his rugby journey.
Workmates echoed each other’s remarks, they missed seeing his bubbly face every morning but were proud of him progressing in his rugby career.
At rugby and at work, Taipari is a team player.
Rugby means a lot to him and he’s sure to add his bubbliness to the Waikato team that he brings to the Action Electrical team every day.
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Taipari.
He came off the bench, donning the number 17 jersey in the Stan Thomas Memorial Shield victory – celebrating 50 years of the trophy and 100 years after Thomas made his first appearance for Waikato.
After spending time at Ōtorohanga Sports and Te Awamutu Sports rugby clubs, Taipari made the move into the big smoke of Hamilton this season, joining Fraser Tech.
There he has been mentored
by the likes of former Waikato, Chiefs and Fiji front-rower Greg Smith.
Fraser Tech were defeated 21-20 by Hamilton Marist in the semi-finals, but that didn’t put a dampener on Taipari’s year. He was selected in the New Zealand Harlequins team (Waikato B).
Waikato head coach Ross Fillipo then called him saying, “can you come up to Hamilton for training tomorrow? We want to see how you go.”
Taipari impressed at training and was asked to stay on in the NPC environment.
He played a pre-season fixture in the red, yellow and black jersey against Hawke’s Bay in Taupō on July 25.
The following Wednesday, he was named for the round one clash in Auckland.
Taipari became the 1266th Waikato representative, debuting alongside 34-year-old former All Black Lima Sopoaga as well as fellow Fraser Tech clubmate Liam Anderson and Hautapu’s Rui Farrant.
“It meant the world to make my family, my fiancée and my friends proud,” Taipari said. “It was a feeling like no other running out onto that field, especially on debut.
“The nerves were high but I’m just super grateful that I got a crack.”
Mum Katrina Prescott Quinn said they were extremely proud to see Taipari wear the Waikato colours.
Dad Lukas Quinn had played for Ōtorohanga, Waikato Māori and North Island Māori teams
back in his day.
“It’s been Taipari’s dream since he was little to get up to NPC level or higher. We’re proud,” Katrina said.
“He played rugby at primary school and then had a break. Then he started playing again for the Ōtorohanga club after college. His grandfather Robert
Prescott played rugby and played the same position too.
“Taipari has done most of the hard work himself and made some good friends along the way that keep him grounded and help him with his training.
“The whole family is rapt that he’s starting to be able to achieve his dreams.”
The Peace Cup is Maniapoto’s cup.
Phayzen Marshall in action
Taipari Quinn dons the Waikato kit. Photo: Waikato Rugby
EXPERTS AUTOMOTIVE DIRECTORY
BEST FIT? THINK FORD
When making a quick stop, or if we need jobs done right (and right now!), being stuck on a roadside is best avoided, particularly during the worst of the winter weather.
“Little things can become major problems – wipers, brakes, lights and tyres are important year-round but especially in winter,” Ōtorohanga Automotive’s Bronwyn (Bron) Tubman says.
“We o er free battery checks, if a vehicle’s battery is feeling sluggish, and stock a wide range of batteries, from standard, commercial to start-stop batteries.”
In addition to being Ford Service agents for Fairview Ford, Ōtorohanga Automotive can assist with all make and models, including – classics, fleet vehicles, utes,
campervans, trailers, horse floats and more.
“Plus we’re MTA Assured,” Bron confirms.
Leading the workshop’s team of mechanics, Bron’s husband, Mike, has decades of experience under his belt. This ensures all automotive needs are covered at the front desk or on the workshop floor.
“Aside from repairs, parts, WOFs, servicing, batteries, tyres, wheel alignments and engine diagnostics, our comprehensive parts department can assist with anything from lightbulbs to batteries. There’s not much we can’t tackle.”
Whatever is needed, the first step is the same, Bron adds.
“Call or simply stop by. We’ll make sure that your vehicle won’t let you down.”
Left to Right – Bronwyn, Mike, Steve, Rajitha, Dylan, Clay, Thilan, Jess, Robyn. Absent Steve P and Max.
Across 1. Urge on (4)
4. Canvass (6)
8. Hide (7)
9. Delay (5)
10.
(8)
(8)
(4)
(4,5)
21. Molten rock (5) 22. Oblivious (7) 23. Mean (6)
Last week
Across: 1. Logic, 4. Indigo, 8. Blatant, 9. Egg on, 10. Upper, 11. Complex, 12. Outing, 14. Chaste, 17. Luggage, 19. Depot, 21. Vital, 22. Shocked, 23. Answer, 24. Surly. Down: 1. Labour of love, 2. Grasp, 3. Chagrin, 4. Intact, 5. Dream, 6. Goggles, 7. Unexpectedly, 13. Tighten, 15. Hideous, 16. Teaser, 18. Allow, 20. Poker.
XNYAWGVUETRAVPINKO BISCUITEERELHRWZLN SCARLETHCDTCOPPERU
The Rosetown Funerals team L to R:
Jim Goddin, Teri Keir and Jordan Goss
A busy winter selling season has left us with low stock levels. If you are considering selling this spring, call us now while buyers are active. Your local specialists in Residential, Lifestyle, Coastal & Rural Real Estate, with nearly 40 years combined
Kerry Harty 027 294 6215 kjharty@harcourts.co.nz
Karen Lennox 027 559 4468 karen.lennox@harcourts.co.nz
Homely on Hill Street
Set on a 895 m2 freehold section, this 116 m2 home offers a solid opportunity for those seeking comfort, convenience, and long-term potential. Built in 1959 and constructed with enduring brick cladding, colorsteel roofing, and timber joinery, this property blends classic charm with functional living. Inside, the home features three bedrooms and a tidy central bathroom. A separate laundry adds everyday convenience, while the inclusion of disabled access ensures added accessibility for all. Step outside to a sun-soaked attached deck while the double garage provides secure storage and parking. Water is supplied via the mains and heated electrically.
Welcome to this character-filled three-bedroom home, nestled on a 1,530 m2 (more or less) freehold, level section. Set in a convenient location close to local primary school and shops, this property offers both space and practicality for families, first-home buyers, or savvy investors. Built in 1950, the 88 m2 dwelling features a traditional layout, including a separate kitchen, a functional bathroom, and a lounge warmed by a woodburnerperfect for the cooler months. With carpet throughout, the home also includes a covered front deck, providing a lovely spot to enjoy your morning coffee or watch the world go by. Constructed with weatherboard cladding and a durable corrugated iron roof.
Te Kuiti 40 Awakino Road
Kuiti 29
Te Kuiti 74 Hill Street
Benneydale 71 Ellis Road
Character home on Ellis Road
Benneydale 14 Ellis Road
Te Kuiti 47 Te Kumi Road
Waitomo 00 Pukerimu Road
Te Kuiti 9 Craig Terrace
PIOPIO 517 Paekaka Road
Modern Living with a Rural Edge
Built in 2023, this 130m² home offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, including a master with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. Stay comfortable yearround with a heat pump, double glazing, and Hardies weatherboard cladding under a Colorsteel roof.
Set on 1.28 hectares, the property includes a woolshed, cattle yards, and a single garage—ideal for lifestyle buyers or those wanting a bit of space. Outstanding rural views to the north and northeast from the purpose build deck.
Located just 8km from Piopio township, this is a smart, low-maintenance rural retreat ready to enjoy.
GST Inclusive
(Unless Sold Prior)
Closes 11.00am, Wednesday 3 September
VIEW By Appointment Only
STOCK SALES
TE KUITI
YEARLING CATTLE FAIR
Friday, August 15
Start 12 noon
1200 Cattle Comprising of:
180 17mth A/F + H/F Steers
165 17mth A/F + H/F Heifers
450 R1yr Ang, Exotic + H/F x Steers
350 R1yr Angus + A/H + F/H x Heifers
Te Kūiti Yearling Cattle Fair
Friday, August 15 Start 12 noon
Special Entries
A/c D Ralph
25 Top Ylg Hfd Fries x Hfrs (Well marked)
A/c T J & A R Singleton
83 Ylg Angus Strs (October Born)
95 Ylg Angus Hfrs (October Born)
Complete line of capital stock
Hfrs, Black Ridge Breeding
A/c Neal Farming Ltd
60 Ylg Ang Hfd x Hfrs
40 Ylg Hereford Hfrs
A/c Aramo Farm
25 Ylg Simm x Strs
12 Ylg Simm x Hfrs
A/C K & P Shea
125 R1 PB Angus Steers
60 R1 PB Angus heifers
Annual draft of very well-bred cattle. Sired by Kaharau, Rolling Rock, Hingaia and Black Ridge Bulls
Contact Vaughn Larsen 027 801 4599
PUBLIC NOTICES
Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
PUBLIC NOTICE
Of an application for Off Licence
DAVID ANTHONY JONES, 21 Whitbourne Road, Ōtorohanga Director has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, Te Kuiti for the renewal of an off licence in respect of the premises situated at 39-51 Rora St, Te Kūiti known as Te Kūiti Supermarket Ltd, T/A New World Te Kūiti.
The general nature of the business conducted (or to be conducted) under the licence is supermarket. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is (or is intended to be) sold under the licence are Monday-Sunday, 7am-9pm. The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Waitomo District Licensing Committee, Waitomo District Council, Queen St, Te Kūiti.
Any person who is entitled to object and wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the date of the publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, PO Box 404, Te Kūiti 3941.
No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
This is the first publication of this notice.
Te Kūiti CAB AGM
A/C Waiteika Station (conjunction with NZFLL)
70 R1 PB Angus Steers
50 R1 PB Angus Heifers
Annual draft of very well-bred cattle. Sired by Stockman, Black Ridge and Matauri Bulls.
Contact Vaughn Larsen 027 801 4599
Fencer/ General Maintenance
Pakeho is a 540ha grazing unit located 9km south of Piopio which has a focus on growing high quality dairy heifers along side some beef trading.
We have a fulltime, part-time position of 30 hrs per week to support the team with fencing and general maintenance on farm. Either drive in or a recently renovated 3-bedroom house is available as part of the package.
We require someone who is proficient in all aspects of fencing including proactive preventive maintenance and is a competent with machinery. Being able to operate a digger would be an added benefit but not necessarily required as a base competency.
We have a small, focused team who take pride in achieving great results in a safe working environment. We expect the same from any applicants. If this sounds like you then we would love to hear from you. Applications close August 31, 2025.
PGG
DAIRY SPECIALIST • DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
DAIRY SPECIALIST • DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
David Knight - 027 722 4857
SPECIALIST • DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
David Knight - 027 722 4857
Steve Knight - 027 598 2005
David Knight - 027 722 4857
David Knight - 027 722 4857
Steve Knight - 027 598 2005
Tai Dundas - 027 598 2115
Steve Knight - 027 598 2005
Tai Dundas - 027 598 2115
SERVICE TECHNICIANS WANTED WORKSHOP & FIELD BASED HEAVY DIESEL
Āria Primary School
Aria Primary School
Fixed Term Scale A teacher, year 2-4. 2026
Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385
Steve Knight - 027 598 2005 Tai Dundas - 027 598 2115
Tai Dundas - 027 598 2115
Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385
Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385
Te Kūiti - 07 878 5169
Te Kūiti - 07 878 5169
Te Kūiti - 07 878 5169
Taupō - 07 378 8545
Taupo - 07 378 8545
Taupo - 07 378 8545
Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385 Te Kūiti - 07 878 5169 Taupo - 07 378 8545
SERVICING THE KING COUNTRY
SERVICING THE KING COUNTRY
One year (Study Leave) position commences beginning term one. Job share - a possibility.
0.5 permanent + 0.4 fixed term Scale commences when suitable applicant
SERVICING THE
SERVICING THE KING COUNTRY 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK
24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK
A WEEK
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Join a leading agricultural machinery dealership! Giltrap Agrizone Cambridge are looking for qualified Service Technicians (Heavy Diesel) to join our experienced and high-performing team dealing with tractors & farm machinery. We have a workshop and a field-service role available.
If you’re passionate about agricultural machinery, thrive in a busy environment and enjoy working with industry experts, we want to hear from you!
Mechanical experience with tractors & agricultural machinery is required, as is a methodical approach and ability to problem solve with a customer service focus.
What we offer:
• Full time positions
• Vehicle/laptop/phone/on-call & call-out allowances for the Field Service role
• Supportive team culture
• Ongoing training & development
• Competitive remuneration & benefits
If this sounds like you, email your CV to HR@gaz.co.nz or ring Jason Middlemiss for a chat on 027 5554 106
REQUIRED - for commercial and domestic with own transport and valid license. Contact sharmaladyssa@gmail.com or ph 021
HANDYMAN
Property maintenance and construction Lawns, trees, stump grinding, sections, moss & mould treatments, Chemwash, waterblasting, gutter vac, water tank and trough cleaning fences, retaining, odd jobs and more. References available GST registered. Mike & Allana 027 350 0836 – info@handy-man.co.nz
Septic Tank Cleaning
• Emptying septic tanks
• CCTV pipeline inspection
• Jetting drainage pipelines
• Spreading animal effluent
Waitomo Liquid Waste Disposal 021 111 3911
We are seeking a highly motivated inspire and motivate students collaboratively, commitment to your classroom management skills are required. and supportive staff culture. We look
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic teacher who will inspire and motivate students to learn. Must have a strong curriculum knowledge particularly in literacy and numeracy.
Strengths in working collaboratively, commitment to your own professional growth and strong classroom management skills are required.
Please send CV plus covering letter Principal, Āria Primary School, 17 Barclay to office@aria.school.nz. For further Pam Voyce.
Our school has a passionate and supportive staff culture. We look forward to hearing from you.
Please send CV plus covering letter and names of two referees to The Principal, Āria Primary School, 17 Barclay Road, Āria 3979 or e-mail to office@aria.school.nz.
For further information, contact the principal Pam Voyce. Applications close Friday, August 29 at 4pm.
Family History Beginners Course
At the Te Kuiti Museum (entry via back door) Start your family history journey with this free hands-on course to guide you step by step Ph 021 161 1058 for
Speed Limits on Bridges
Notice of upcoming meetings of Ōtorohanga District Council
Details of upcoming meetings can be found at www.otodc.govt.nz/aboutcouncil/meetings
Tanya Winter Chief Executive www.otodc.govt.nz
Annual General Meeting 2025
Te Korapatu Marae, Te Kumi A31
Venue: 102 Hangatiki East Road, Te Kuiti
Date: Saturday 30 August 2025
Time: 10am–12.30pm
AGENDA
• Karakia
• Mihi
• Apologies
• Confirmation of AGM Minutes, 2024
• Chairpersons Report Financial Report
• Executive Report
• Election of new trustees 4 positions GENERAL BUSINESS
• Charter • Mihi
• Karakia whakamutunga
Notice of herbicide spraying
Waikato Regional Council advises that under Resource Consent 124871 spraying of pest plants growing in aquatic and semi-aquatic locations will continue over the next three months.
Pest plants to be sprayed are listed in the Regional Pest Management Plan and include (but are not limited to): alligator weed, Manchurian wild rice, sagittaria, Senegal tea, spartina and yellow flag iris. Herbicides to be used are haloxyfop, imazapyr, metsulfuron-methyl and triclopyr. Application method is location dependent and may be by helicopter, gun and hose, mistblower or knapsack.
Operational areas are spread throughout the region and include (but are not limited to):
• Lakes Whangape and Waikare
• Te Otamanui Lagoon
• Waihou, Piako and Ohinemuri rivers
• Waikato River (from Horotiu to Port Waikato)
• Whangamarino and Maramarua rivers
• numerous smaller urban and rural sites.
Spraying is weather dependent and will occur during daylight hours on any day, including weekends but excluding public holidays.
For more information or to request to be notified visit www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/aquaticspraying or call Waikato Regional Council’s biosecurity pest plants team on 0800 800 401.
Occupiers who have already requested to be notified will be contacted prior to spraying.
CDA McLay Chief Executive
APPROVED DECISION TO CLOSE ROAD TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC
Hamilton Car Club Annual Rally Sprint Ōtorohanga ŌTOROHANGA
In accordance with the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974, notice is hereby given that Ōtorohanga District Council, for the purpose of allowing the Hamilton Car Club Annual Rally Sprint, has made the decision to close the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic for the period indicated hereunder:
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2025
• HODDLE Road – from intersection with Maihiihi Road to intersection with Tauraroa Valley Road.
• TAURAROA Road – From intersection with Hoddle Road to intersection with Maihiihi Road.
Period of Closures: 7.00 am to 5.00 pm
There will not be a detour in place.
Access for emergency vehicles will be allowed in the event of an emergency.
Authorised public notification of the approved road closure before the event, as required by the Local Government Act 1974
Notice of Public Annual Meeting of Beneficiaries
Availability of the 2025 Chairperson’s Annual Report, Financial Statements, 2025-26 Annual Plan, and Waipā Networks Ltd Statement of Corporate Intent.
I hereby give notice that on Friday the 29th of August 2025, commencing at 10.00am, a Public Annual Meeting of Beneficiaries (Connected Consumers) will be held at Waipā Networks, 240 Harrison Drive, Te Awamutu.
At the meeting the Trustees will report on:
• The operation of Waipā Networks Trust for the year ended 31 March 2025.
• The Financial Statements of Waipā Networks Trust for the year ended 31 March 2025.
• The performance of Waipā Networks Limited for the year ended 31 March 2025.
• The compliance of Waipā Networks Limited with its Statement of Corporate Intent for the year ended 31 March 2025.
• The Annual Plan 2025/26 of Waipā Networks Trust.
At the meeting the Beneficiaries will be given the opportunity to:
• Appoint the Auditor for Waipā Networks Trust for the 2026 financial year.
• Speak on all matters being considered at the Annual Meeting.
Please note that the above named documents are available for public inspection on the Trust website or at the offices of Waipā Networks Limited at 240 Harrison Drive, Te Awamutu during ordinary business hours.
K M
Heeringa - Trust Manager
Benneydale Hall, 12 Maniaiti St, Maniaiti/Benneydale
Sunday, 7 September 2025
Time: 10.30 am
Registrations open at 10.00 am
AGENDA:
1. Karakia Tīmatanga
2. Apologies
3. Election of committee of management members
4. Karakia Whakamutunga
A proxy form for the SGM can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/maraeroac
Please bring a plate to share
Contact: Sherlene Tamaki-Tutaki sherlenetamakitutaki@gmail.com 020 4197 0160
ŌTOROHANGA RSA INVITE
The Ōtorohanga RSA invites those interested to a relaxed informal meet and greet gathering at the Ōtorohanga Club Inc on Sunday, August 24, 2025, 1430hrs to 1630hrs.
Share a yarn, catch up with mates! Whether you’re after RSA welfare info, keen on some networking, or simply here for friendly conversations and new connections, this is the place to be.
Feel free to bring partners, friends, or anyone who’s served in the Armed Forces. No RSA or Club membership required. We’d love to see you there!
Waitomo District Rates Reminder - Instalment 1
This is a friendly reminder that the first instalment of your 2025/2026 rates is due by 5pm, Friday 29 August 2025. Rates invoices were posted out in July.
Payments received after 5pm, 29 August 2025 will attract a 10% penalty.
Rates payments can be made at the Customer Services and Visitor Hub, 160 Rora Street Te Kūiti, over the phone by credit card, on our website or by Internet Banking using your valuation number as your reference.
Please contact our friendly Customer Services Team on 0800 932 4357 for further assistance.
www.waitomo.govt.nz
Ben Smit Chief Executive
August 24, 2025 at 1pm At the
Apologies
Moment’s silence for those who have passed
Confirmation of minutes from annual general meeting
4. President’s report 5. Treasurer’s report 6. General Business
• New Constitution (There is a copy on the RSA notice board at the Waitomo Club.)
Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the meeting.
GILLIAN OAKLEY
Passed away twelve years ago on August 16, 2013.
Dearly loved and treasured daughter of Elsie and Tony, cherished sister of Sharon & Roger, Alison & Shanon, Andrew & Shelley, and adored Aunty of Kristen, Aimee, Shaun, and Jacob, Special Great Aunty of Marnie, Dash and Navy.
Twelve years of missing you Gill, memories are treasured, you are constantly in our thoughts and forever in our hearts.
Stay close. SAGA 4ever
JONES, Maureen Anne, (nee Watt) – Peacefully on 3rd August 2025 at Rangiura Care Home, with family at her side. Aged 88 years. Much loved wife of the late Hugh. Mother of Sally and Adrian Henderson, Paul and Maree Jones. Grandmother of Katie, Helen; Bruce and Sinea, Aaron and Lilly. Nereida, Gemma and great grandmother of Joshua; Jack, and Millie. The family wish to thank the staff at Rangiura for their kindness and care of Maureen during her time with them. A memorial celebration of Maureen's life will be held at a later date. South Waikato Funeral Services Ltd, FDANZ PO Box 459, Tokoroa 3444
Work wanted. Anything considered, part-time or fulltime. Mature gentleman. Ph Terry 028 425 8141.
HOUSE FOR RENT – 2 brms, centrally located in Te Kuiti, $420 pw. Ph 027 406 1681. HOUSE FOR SALE
Three brms + sunroom with great views of Te Kūiti. Garage, 2100sqm. Recent paint and roof. Enquries over $400,000 Ph 027 406 168
A Farewell with Heart
Every
team is here to help, offering care and understanding when it matters most. Call us anytime – we’re here for you.
Jim Goddin Funeral Director
