King Country
Mayor defends logo
By Chris Gardner
Ōtorohanga mayor Max Baxter says the council’s decision to drop the council’s old kiwi logo in favour of a new nest logo has been misunderstood.
At the latest full council meeting Baxter told Ōtorohanga Kiwi House’s new chair Kim Ingham and interim general manager Richard Spittle the council’s December decision was not intended to show any disrespect for the Kiwi House’s work.
The Kiwi House has operated in the town for
half a century and inspired the town’s Kiwiana theme.
“With council changing its logo, it’s nothing to do with lack of respect for the kiwi house,” Baxter said.
“We’re not changing the district logo everybody, this is purely internal with the council.”
Asked by The News whether the council had got it wrong, Baxter said people were upset because they misunderstood what had happened.
“They think we are going to shoot the kiwi or take the Kiwiana out of town.”
Baxter said that was not
the case. The council had just loaned the kiwi house $2 million to assist in its expansion.
“It’s our internal logo on email signatures, letterheads, and website. It will be slowly wheeled out over time.
“Dairy farmers from Arohena don’t give a toss
whether we have got a kiwi house or not. If you asked 10 people on the street what the council logo is, I would say nine of them would not have an idea,” Baxter said.
Baxter said he was preparing to pen a letter to the editor on the subject.
Councillor Roy Johnson
voted against changing the logo because he thought it would do a disservice to the Kiwi House.
Johnson told The News he had received feedback supporting his view.
“We have been told that it’s just the council logo, but to me and others it’s our community,” Johnson
said. “I believe we are the Kiwi town, and I support the Kiwi House, I don’t want to lose our Kiwi identity. A lot of people supported that.
“I don’t see why there can’t be a compromise. It’s pretty easy to bring a kiwi into the nest design.”
• See letters, page 2
Battery collections to start
By Jon Rawlinson
A lithium-ion battery collection facility will be up andrunning at Ōtorohanga’s Enviro NZ site in the next few weeks.
Ōtorohanga District Council’s waste minimisation coordinator Jane Shaw says a contract for the new facility is being finalised.
Fire and Emergency NZ says the number of fires caused by the batteries has more than doubled since 2020.
The rise has coincided with the rapid increase in the number of devices using lithium-ion batteries – from mobile phones, laptops and vapes to e-scooters and power tools.
Overcharging or overheating are among the most common reasons the batteries catch fire.
They can also be the source of major blazes at scrapyards.
“Enviro NZ Ōtorohanga will accept batteries and is specifically set up to ensure that the fire risk of waste batteries is managed according to best practice,” said Shaw. “The batteries will be collected on a regular basis for processing at authorised facilities.”
As costs will be covered through central government’s Waste Levy Fund, Enviro NZ will accept batteries at no ‘charge’.
Waitomo District Council is also in the process of establishing a collection point.
George Jensen, senior advisor risk reduction, Waikato for Fire and Emergency New Zealand said there had been several incidents involving battery failures in the King Country in the last 12 months.
Although some smaller fire brigades –
including Piopio and Benneydale – advised The News that they have not noticed an increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, Ōtorohanga fire chief, Neville King said it does appear to be a growing problem.
“We haven’t had too many fires caused by them recently, but over the years there has been more and more,” he said. “Everybody’s using more things with lithium batteries.”
There are a couple of simple measures we can take to ensure our actions don’t spark blazes.
“Overcharging is one of the major problems, mostly by people leaving them plugged in overnight. They do need to be disposed of correctly at Enviro NZ and places like that.”
At present the nearest battery facilities ae in Te Awamutu, Cambridge and Taumarunui.
The new logo...and its predessor
Jane Shaw
OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Thursday
9.00am - 3.00pm
Best way to contact us:
Advertising: Janine 027 287 0005
Editorial: Roy 027 450 0115
Email: admin@goodlocal.nz
are members of the NZ Independent Community Newspapers Association
CONTACTS
News/Editorial
Roy Pilott editor@goodlocal.nz
027 450 0115
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 Director
Janine Davy janine@goodlocal.nz
027 287 0005
Owner/Publisher
David Mackenzie david@goodlocal.nz
Office/Missed Deliveries
07 827 0005 admin@goodlocal.nz
The survivor who spoke out
By Mary Anne Gill
Tyrone Marks reflects on the seven years he spent raising his four daughters in the King Country as some of the most cherished times of his life.
Appointed a Companion of the King’s Service Order in the King’s Birthday Honours, Marks, 64, was recognised for his advocacy on behalf of survivors of abuse in state care.
Marks, who now lives in Hamilton, is a survivor himself. He has played a key role in bringing to light the abuse and torture endured by 360 children and vulnerable adults between 1972 and 1978. His gruelling testimony many years later to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and his later work on behalf of other victims were cited as reasons for getting the honour.
Marks (Ngāti Raukawa) was born in Hastings, one of 13 children – seven boys and six girls. He describes himself as the “black sheep” of the family and, like his younger brother, was known for being mischievous.
He was made a ward of the state in 1969 and placed in several institutions around the North Island, but it was in Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit where the horrors began. On his first night there, at just 11 years old, he was sexually abused. Over the next two years, he endured electric shocks and further mistreatment.
“When that was happening to me, I kept a clear path in my mind ‘when I have children, I’m never going to do that’. It stopped me.”
After leaving the social welfare system at age 15, he taught himself to read and write. He later graduated from Waikato University with degrees in sociology, psychology, and political science.
He now has seven children. His first four daughters, who he raised in Taumarunui during the 1990s, include 34-year-old twin girls, and daughters aged 31 and 30.
Marks had a shop in the one way section of Manuaute Street right next to the now closed Copper Kettle, the most popular café in town at the time.
He moved to Hamilton to study and to begin his “tireless advocacy”, according to the citation and in 2014 returned to the district, living in Ōwhango and National Park before moving back to Hamilton after Covid.
His second “batch of children”, as he describes them are another daughter, 17 and a son, 14.
Marks has been a member of the Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Survivor Advisory Group of Experts which provided the inquiry with guidance and support to engage with survivors and their representative organisations about their experiences.
Letters…
So right, Rawlings
An excellent article in last Thursday’s King Country News by Frances Rawlings. I had wondered why the Otorohanga District Council was sporting a wreath like logo on their adverts and some of their vehicles. Now I understand that it is supposed to be a nest. How bland and boring, especially as it doesn’t even look like a nest of any description – or relate to Ōtorohanga as being known as Kiwitown.
Why has the existing iconic logo of the kiwi been axed? Ōtorohanga is known locally and internationally as Kiwitown by everyone, so why was it deemed necessary to change the logo and its identity?
As you drive into Ōtorohanga, there stands the beautiful sculptured Kiwi on the edge of the town. Like the logo… is that going to disappear from the landscape too?
The cost to create new letter heads and banners to promote the town and district is going to be at a horrendous expense to the ratepayers. Those are the same ratepayers who have had no say or discussion in the scrapping of their beloved kiwi identity. Perhaps the democratic way is to have a public opinion poll and the townsfolk can decide what is right option for their town.
An obscure wreath or the iconic kiwi?
Even
Jan Crosland Te Kuiti
I
Always
kiwi
Regarding Frances Rawlings’ article in your paper this week, I fully endorse everything she has written. I think the council is acting childishly. This will always be Kiwi town, the most northerly town in the King Country.
Rex Starling Ōtorohanga
Letters to the Editor
• Letters should not exceed 200 words
• They should be opinion based on facts or current events
• All letters to be emailed to editor@goodlocal.nz
• No noms-de-plume
• Letters will be published with names
• Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only
• Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the editor’s discretion
• The editor’s decision on publication is final.
Tyrone Marks brought his children up in the King Country.
Photo: Aaron Smale
though
live in Te Kuiti, I think let’s “save the kiwi” again.!
Closure date
Waitomo District Council chief executive Ben Smit can’t be sure when Te Kūiti Holiday Park will close. The park is costing ratepayers $100 a day and councillors voted to close it at the council’s May meeting. “We need to do the comms about this so there are no surprises and more importantly think about the logistics of moving the building to Marokopa,” Smit said.
Growth planned
More than half of Waitomo district’s schools are part of the Enviroschools programme and senior education advisor Michelle Daly is looking for more. Daly told the Waitomo District Council’s May meeting on Tuesday the programme, which helps Years 1 to 13 pupils act on sustainability, is being run in nine Waitomo schools. She said 765 pupils had been reached through the programme.
Stubbs backed
Waitomo District Council has approved amending the Co-Lab constitution to allow the re-appointment of Peter Stubbs for a third term. The council supported removing the requirement that a board member may only serve a maximum of six consecutive years at the May meeting on Tuesday after receiving a letter from CoLab Shareholding Council chief executive Kevin French. The purpose of Co-Lab is to support the councils by identifying and realising shared opportunities.
New book
Author Suzanne Miller will launch her e-book What If? What If? In Hamilton on June 20. The book is a novel about a person living with obsessive compulsive disorder and in part draws on the diary and experiences of her grandparents, including one who spent time at Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital in the 1940s.
Postscript: RD3 case abandoned
By Chris Gardner
Former Waipā posties Danny and Ian Kennedy have walked away from their damages claim for breach of contract against NZ Post.
The national postal service cancelled the couple’s contract to deliver “all mail and other items for delivery” on the RD3 run taking in Matangi, Cambridge and Tamahere, in 2023 after they complained some mail was being delivered by another contractor.
The couple, who sold their Te Awamutu home and moved to the South Island last year, launched their damages claim after Justice Ian Gault said there were serious questions around
the lawfulness of NZ Post’s termination notice.
The Kennedys, who had been delivering to RD3 since 2019, were seeking damages for breach of contract and lost income.
Danny Kennedy declined to comment on their decision.
Taranaki-King Country National MP, Barbara Kuriger, who supported Gallagher’s call for a ministerial inquiry, said the news was disappointing.
“You really have to put up a good fight,” she said. “People get worn out, run out of money, I see it a lot. It gets too hard and too expensive. I just hope they are OK.”
Kuriger was also disappointed to hear the request for a ministerial inquiry had passed from
Smart marketing for candidates
By Josh Moore
The 2025 local body elections are fast approaching, so candidates need to be planning how they’ll market themselves to their community.
Running for local office is as much about visibility as it is about policy. So effective marketing is essential.
The Local Electoral Act 2001 sets strict limits on how much you can spend during your campaign. That means every dollar must work hard to build awareness and trust. People need to see your name and face multiple times in different ways before they will vote for you.
One of the easiest wins you can give yourself is getting a professional photo taken. Too many candidates last time opted for DIY pictures - some even submitted what looked like passport photos where they weren’t smiling! That doesn’t convey confidence or approachability. A professional headshot will go a long way to looking competent and trustworthy. Use it consistently across all your campaign material, including when submitting your nomination, as this is used in the official voting packs.
Social media will likely be part of your strategy, but keep in mind that unless you already have a strong following, posts won’t reach far organically.
Running ads is the best way to increase reach - but there’s a catch. Facebook (and Instagram) have strict requirements for political advertising. You’ll need to go through an approval process that includes identity verification, page disclaimers, and other admin hurdles. It’s not something you can do last-minute, so start this process well in advance.
Don’t underestimate the value of local print newspapers. They remain highly trusted by many voters, particularly older demographics. Advertising in them can boost your visibility, especially if you manage to secure a frontpage ad. These premium spots are limited and book out quickly, so get in early if you want to lock one in.
Traditional fence signs still play a big role in name recognition. Focus on placing them along high-traffic routes and think strategically - can someone encounter your signs three or four times in a single trip
across town? That kind of repetition sticks.
Digital billboards are also useful and more affordable than traditional billboards. Again, book early.
The profile blurb in the voting packs is critical. When writing your blurb think, “Does my blurb present me as someone credible and trustworthy who can help tackle the issues people care most about?”
Finally, if you want to run for mayor, you should also have a website to share more about what you stand for, and link to from your social media ads. (This isn’t as crucial for councillor candidates, but it will help you stand out).
I recommend using Rocketspark for a cost-effective and easy website.
Ultimately, you’re asking voters to trust you. A well-presented, wellplanned, professional campaign is important for earning that trust.
• Josh Moore is the Managing Director at Hamilton digital marketing agency Duoplus.
We say…
Think vote
We are now just over three months away from the Local Body elections.
Voters will be invited to the polls from September 9 to October 11 to elect regional and district councillors and community board members.
Where general elections draw a turnout in the high 90 per cent bracket, local body politics has apparently become less significant to voters in recent years.
If the events of the current term doesn’t turn that trend around, we wonder what will.
The issue of rising rates, the latest versions of three waters, road works and ratepayer complaints aired through letters to the editor show just how significant local politics is in our lives.
The News will, as ever, be driving issues which you think are vital, asking questions and on the hustings.
Today we look at the latest developments in the race for seats in Ōtorohanga and Waitomo and Josh Moore provides some sage advice to candidates, which we endorse.
Danny and Ian Kennedy
State Owned Enterprises minister Paul Goldsmith
Chris Bishop and onto Simeon Brown before it was
Post board review.
Med school case backed
Why don’t people vote?
We send our people's panel short surveys a few times a year about important topics like this.
If you have a view, join the panel in time for the survey.
By Chris Gardner
A King Country doctor says ACT Party leader and deputy prime minister David Seymour is asking the wrong questions about establishing a Waikato Medical School.
“David Seymour has stalled the development of a third medical school by asking for a business case,” said Dr John Burton of Kāwhia Health Centre.
Burton, 66, has served the coastal practice with 750 registered patients for 33 years and hopes to continue for a few more years.
“A third medical school will never make money. But it is needed to enable many currently disadvantaged communities to receive an equitable health service. The question should really be, can we afford not to have a third medical school?”
Seymour told a Waikato Chamber of Commerce business lunch at Sky City last week the National Party had not come close to proving the proposed University of Waikato medical school was a good
use of taxpayers’ money.
National campaigned on the lead up to the last election of establishing a new medical school at the University of Waikato to address New Zealand’s doctor shortage.
Burton said there were not enough doctors in New Zealand and the medical needs of rural New Zealanders could be better met.
“A graduate-entry medical school gives students who have not come from prestigious urban medical schools the chance to prove that they have the skills to become doctors,” he said.
He said picking medical students who had a desire to work in rural areas was a first step.
Auckland Medical School provided tremendous training in the urban-based environment, but it did not have a good track record of producing rural GPs and Waikato Hospital was reluctant to let junior doctors work in rural practices, he argued.
“Emergency departments becoming choked with
patients that used to be seen by GPs when GPs were more plentiful, and patients presenting with more advanced conditions because they have not had proper access to primary care may make them think more about this now,” he said.
Ōtorohanga District Council councillor for Kāwhia Kit Jeffries said, Seymour’s comments lacked vision and displayed a distinct lack of understanding on the fragility, importance and future of rural medical services.
Schoolhouse pledges rise
Ōtorohanga Museum has received pledges of $45,000 for the removal of Rewarewa School house from Barber Road and restoration at the museum site.
Mayor Max Baxter proposed the empty century old building be offered to the museum for $1 in April before the council decided to give the museum until July 31 to accept a council offer and a further year to remove it from the site.
Strategy and community group manager Nardia Gower told The News the council’s offer to the museum will come with no purchase price.
“Essentially it will still be a council owned building on council property. To highlight this; in the unlikely case the museum ever relocated or closed council would retain ownership of all the buildings on that site.”
She said the $1 reserve may be the starting point for a future offer to the public for purchase and removal, should the schoolhouse’s relocation to Ōtorohanga Museum not proceed.
Discover stunning supported living apartments in the heart of Cambridge’s community-owned retirement village. Spacious care studios and 1- & 2-bedroom apartments offer the perfect blend of independence, comfort, and convenience. NOW AVAILABLE: A beautiful north-facing 1-bedroom apartment on Level 1 – priced at $500,000* * Purchased under an occupation right agreement (ORA)
Sandra Fairhurst on 07 827 6097
John Burton
The schoolhouse will be a council owned building
Leap ahead for Beattie Home
By Viv Posselt
Recent hospital-level upgrades at Ōtorohanga’s Beattie Home attracted significant interest last week when the complex opened its doors for a community open day.
The upgrades are the latest in a long-term strategy to boost capacity at the complex.
Olive Utiera, Beattie Home general manager, said the number of people aged 80 and over in the Ōtorohanga district was projected to quadruple in the next three years.
“From a strategic point of view, we have to look at what
we can do to support that in our community, and these renovations are part of it.”
She outlined the developments of the home, which has been at the heart of the Ōtorohanga community for many years. It grew out of the original maternity home which opened in 1952 on the same site.
After that closed in 1986 the town’s leaders saw an opportunity to create a place for the elderly, and Beattie Home, named after one of the town’s earliest doctors, was opened in 1988 with 27 beds.
In 2004, the Wilshier Centre was added, providing a residents’ activity lounge,
and the Kowhai Wing with nine ensuite rooms was completed in 2016 to further extend care options. In 2021 the Papakāinga Homestead opened as a self-contained dementia care unit.
What was missing amid all those extensions were facilities that would enable residents to transition to hospital-level care within the complex when the need arose.
“We have been increasing the number of hospital-level rooms equipped with a hoist, and have more to do,” said Utiera. “It means people here now have access to continuing care. In the past, they had to go elsewhere, which was upsetting for them. Now they can transfer to our hospital-level care without leaving Beattie.”
Last week’s tour showcased new hospitallevel rooms, as well as an upgraded nurses’ station with a secure, temperaturecontrolled drugs room, a bright new reception area, and two respite rooms which are being well used. Appropriate levels of care are available 24/7.
Business services leader Christine Fleming said the respite rooms were available at all levels of care.
“They are intended to give
families a break from caring for their loved ones at home, be a place for their loved one if the family is going away, or a place of transition if someone has been discharged from hospital and is not ready to go home.”
All 59 beds across the complex’s different facilities are full, said Beattie Community Trust chairperson Andra Neeley. “Some residents are transitioning from one area to another, and we have people on waiting lists for both rest
home and dementia care.”
Among the stream of visitors taking hourly guided tours showcasing the new services was Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger.
Visitors were shown the state-of-the-art, twochef commercial kitchen, which produces meals and teas completely in-house.
Facilities leader Janeanne Smith said the complex was now also offering a ‘meals on wheels’ type service that would either deliver within the Ōtorohanga radius or be
available for collection by families further afield.
Neeley said there was considerable scope to extend that service.
Visitors also toured the complex’s secure gardens and outdoor areas, which are cared for by Friends of Beattie volunteers.
Trust members spoke to Kuriger about future plans for Beattie Home. Land has been secured, Neeley said, but a projected timeline would be dependent on accessing funding.
From left, Beattie Community Trust leaders Stuart Gower and Andra Neeley, Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger, and trust members Jocelyn Horsfall and John Millar discussed future extensions. Holding an initial draft of the plans is Beattie Home manager Olive Utiera. Photo: Viv Posselt
Beattie caregivers Nikita Adams, left, and Tegan Tucker demonstrating the use of the hoist on 85kg ‘Merv’, who was on loan for the day from the Ōtorohanga fire brigade. Photo: Viv Posse
Gardening
From gold at Chelsea to quiet reflection in the Somme
Last week I returned from an incredible three weeks in the UK — a journey full of contrast, meaning, and memories I’ll carry forever.
The first nine days were a whirlwind of hard mahi at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, working alongside the amazing Jo Thompson and the rest of the team. We sorted and groomed over 4,000 plants, washed pebbles, planted weeds between cracks in crazy paving to make it look a century old, laid out every detail, mulched, and worked tirelessly to make sure everything was perfect for judging day. And it was all worth it — Jo Thompson’s Glasshouse Garden was awarded Gold. I always feel so privileged to be invited to work with for Jo and be part of something so special on the world stage. After the show, my sister and I were fortunate to stay with Helen a friend in the Somme, where we explored a few of the 386 cemeteries that stretch along the old front line of the First World War. We couldn’t have had a better guide — Helen is currently in the final stages of a PhD at the University of Sheffield, researching conflict landscape recovery using the First World War battlefields as a case study. Her knowledge, passion, and insights brought such depth to every site we visited. It was an unforgettable experience.
What struck me most was the beauty — the lovingly planted gardens at the front and back of every headstone. Flowers bloomed gently among the rows of white markers, turning places of loss into living, peaceful tributes. The gardens of the Somme cemeteries will stay with me forever — a quiet reminder of sacrifice, but also of care, dignity, and remembrance.
From the joy and celebration of Chelsea to the sobering, peaceful stillness of the Somme — this trip reminded me of the power of both beauty and history, and the importance of remembering those who came before us.
Making it add up
By Richard Steele
Every media outfit known to man commented on the Budget. Some comments were moderately useful, most a waste of time.
No matter how you paint the picture, we as a country live beyond our means. You can get as fiscally technical as you like, but the country’s accounts are no different from those for your household, farm, or other business.
If you don’t make enough money to run your day to day affairs, you, have to either make more or spend less.
I’m not against borrowing to get us through fiscal shortfalls. That’s prudent business, only though, if it’s not too much, and your budget allows for it to be paid back – and the debt servicing is kept within parameters that fit the budget long term.
Borrowing now for intergenerational projects is good for the future if you can pay it back.
To make these long term ambitions of financial responsibility work, we have to cut costs, cut out entitlements and show that every job or department in local or central government is vital. Give every government agency this test. If that department disappeared tomorrow, would anybody notice?
In my opinion, every single employee, in every single government office, right through from local councils, regional councils, and every single government department, should have their jobs taken outside and shaken, and only put back inside if that job can be demonstrated as being useful.
I’m not anti-government, I just think it has
got too big, that it has too much negative influence unnecessarily in ordinary people’s lives, and it costs too much.
Making more money from our country’s resources is more problematic, mainly because we want to make more money and save the planet at the same time.
By Janine Krippner
Increased performance from all our primary sectors is the way we have always gone, and indeed thrived by. Following that path into the future doesn’t work so well if you need to retire at risk steep land, fence off every stream and wetland - and ban gas, oil, coal and iron extraction while importing coal to keep the home fires burning.
There are going to have to be some hard choices made by some brave career politicians to adjust and reshape some of our sacred traditions.
Superannuation should be means tested so only those who really need it get it. Some form of capital gains tax will be vital.
The education and health budgets need to be scrutinised. I have a feeling these sectors, are actually getting heaps of money but it’s not getting to the schoolroom and the hospital ward.
What’s the point of increasing production in any sector, if we don’t beat inefficiency first?
As I normally do, I ran this column past my lovely wife, and her first response was to this tune - we have to have better selection methods to get better people into power –and not vote them out because they have made an unpopular decision. AGE OF
ON SHAKY GROUND
Stormy skies, smart choices
Last week a dramatic storm swept through Hamilton and it left its mark. One unlucky trampoline ended up tangled in powerlines, roofs were damaged, fences flattened, and some experiencing a power cut. This happened around the time an emergency alert popped up on my phone, but not for our region. A perfect reminder, really, that our weather doesn’t always follow the script.
We’re lucky to live in a land of incredible variety, with islands, mountains, and rapidly changing terrain, all surrounded by ocean. But with that natural beauty comes a price: complex, fast-moving weather systems.
That’s why it’s up to us to take personal responsibility for our safety. That starts with understanding the natural hazards we live with — including tornadoes — and what steps we need to take.
When I was living in the United States, I learned just how seriously they take tornadoes over there. “Tornado Alley” is practically a household term, and they’ve got a full-blown season for the things. But here in New Zealand, we tend to forget that we’re not immune.
Our most deadly and damaging tornado was also in Hamilton in 1948. It damaged or destroyed 163 buildings and 50 businesses, and three people lost their lives.
One house was even moved across the street. The estimated wind speeds reached 220 to 265 km/h, giving it an EF3 rating. So what should we look out for?
Tornadoes sometimes come with little or no official warning, so it’s helpful to know the signs: sudden heavy rain or hail, a dramatic shift in wind direction, and an eerie, roaring noise — like a freight train approaching. Tornadic systems can produce low, dark clouds, flying debris, and lightning. You may also feel a pressure change, like when your ears pop.
Most of our tornadoes are short-lived, narrow — about 20 to 100 metres wide — and travel just a few kilometres before they run out of steam. They usually sit around EF0 to EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale (that’s the international measure for tornado intensity), with winds that can hit up to 180 km/h. That’s enough to throw around sheds, snap trees, and send trampolines sky-high.
A tornado is confirmed and an EF rating assigned after the damage has been assessed. Survey information is compared to damage indicators and degrees of damage, which help estimate wind speeds.
This is not the time to grab your phone and head outside for a cheeky TikTok. If you suspect a tornado’s nearby, act fast. Get inside, and head to an interior room without windows — a hallway, wardrobe, or even a bathroom can work. Stay away from windows and doors, and if you’re outside definitely do not shelter under a bridge (that’s a myth borrowed from Hollywood — and a dangerous one).
It’s a great idea to take this opportunity to learn more. Head over to the Civil Defence website and look for the page “What to do during a storm.” NIWA’s website also has great info, including the New Zealand Historic Weather Events Catalogue — a fascinating record of our tornadic past. Stay safe out there, use your eyes and ears, and keep your trampolines tied down — they’re not meant to fly.
Katrina Christison Tidy Gardens
Sydney - we’re ready for you
By Mary Anne Gill
Ngāti Hauā held centre stage at the karakia for the new $7 million international terminal at Hamilton Airport this week.
Iwi representatives acknowledged the spiritual significance of the new building, removed tapu (restrictions) and dedicated the space ready for its full and proper use later this month.
The karakia was led by Te Raumako Karena and Joshua Wikiriwhi-Heta who were then accompanied by other iwi around the freshly-painted building which will house aviation security, customs, Ministry of Primary Industries and immigration staff along with support from police and health services.
Included in the celebration were contractors who completed the work with time to spare.
After a celebratory morning tea, new staff and airport officials met to discuss how the building would operate.
They were interrupted by a fire siren which led to the evacuation of everyone into the airport car park.
The News understands it
was set off by a contractor working too close to a fire alarm.
The terminal will open for business later this month when the Jetstar flight from Sydney, the first to the airport in 13 years, touches down. It will fly back across the Tasman the same day.
From then on, Jetstar will operate three return flights
per week between Hamilton Airport and the Gold Coast and four between the airport and Sydney.
Waikato Regional Airport Ltd chief executive Mark Morgan said the blessing acknowledged the hundreds of people who had contributed to a major regional project.
“It’s been a huge job delivered within a tight
timeframe. Not finishing it on time was simply not an option.”
Travellers have access to a new duty-free store and café.
Facilities also include a new domestic jet service lounge, which when required, can be entirely separated from international facilities.
car parks have also been developed, including ones for use by 60 new airportbased staff.
A further 300 additional
The terminal will be used by around 120,000 international passengers each year – the airport already handles around 360,000 domestic travellers - and estimates are it will pour $45 million per year into the regional economy.
Air New Zealand announced last month domestic jet flights between Hamilton and Christchurch will resume in September, marking the return of a domestic jet service after 25 years.
Jetstar is the fourth carrier to operate from Hamilton Airport, joining Air New Zealand, Sunair and Originair.
Ataria-Jay Tahapeehi, Julia Aramoana, Te Raumako Karena, Sonny Karena, Joshua Wikiriwhi-Heta, Norman Hill, Michael Wikiriwhi-Heta of Ngāti Haua at the airport blessing.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Kiwi house breaks even
By Chris Gardner
New kiwi house interim general manager Richard Spittle, trust chair Kim Ingham at his side, delivered the organisation’s quarterly report to the Ōtorohanga District Council’s May meeting.
Spittle, who spent 25 years in the banking industry, told the council his 20 hours per week was mostly focussed on ensuring the numbers were accurate in the Kiwi House budget, ensuring staff were clear on their expectations and ensuring the Kiwi House provides a really good visitor experience.
“It’s really a break even result, with one exception, and that is the specified donations are under budget,” Spittle said.
That budget was identified at $65,000.
“The bigger picture which I am assisting Kim and the trust board with is coming up with a more broader funding grants strategy and how we can continue to develop the facility to build on the experience and try and give it that world class feel that I am sure it is capable of over time.”
Visitor numbers are down around 1000 for the time of year.
“We set ourselves a target of 55,000, I’m not 100 per sure we will hit that, but I am pretty sure we are going to match last year’s visitor numbers at around 50,000,” Spittle said.
He said some cash flow support was needed for the coming months
“We have approached BNZ, they have been open to an application, and they have confirmed they will provide us with seasonal funding facilities for the next 12 months, which is great, so that gives us some comfort.”
Ingham said the Animal Nutrition and Enrichment Centre due to open in July would become the heart of the park.
“Visitors to the park will get to see exactly what’s going on, the keepers will be mic’d up so that they can talk to visitors outside,” she said.
Councillor Roy Johnson wanted to know how the council could further assist the attraction.
“We’re thinking of running a local’s campaign for the next three months, because generally that’s our quiet time, most of this community probably hasn’t been there for the last 20 years,” Ingham said.
Rangiātea Māori Ward councillor Roy Willison asked if kiwi could retire to local farms.
Spittle said it was being discussed.
“Out on the coast and out west there’s conversations with farmers around creating safe farms and there’s farming families going through kiwi accreditation and learning all about that to ultimately create big corridors of space where kiwi can be released.”
KNOW YOUR PROFESSIONAL
SUCCESSION PLANNING
An issue that needs to be dealt with by many farmers is the thorny problem of succession planning. This is something that is very often put into the “too hard” basket, as it certainly is not usually an easy x, but if the current farm owning generation does not face up to sorting something out, it can leave a messy situation that at best is likely to end up costing signi cant amounts of time and cash and at worst will irreparably destroy family relationships that cannot be valued in time or money.
Many factors need to be addressed – the on-going role of the senior generation, the ability for the up-coming generation to take responsibility for decisions that will have repercussions well into the future, providing avenues for the youngest family members to have a role, and also recognising the entitlement and possible contributions of family members who, for any number of reasons, have left the farm and are not involved in day to day
DENTAL DISEASE IN YOUR PET
Up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease by the age of 2. Just like in humans, plaque can form on your pet’s teeth. If this plaque is not dealt with it will turn into tartar which can lead to gingivitis or in ammation of the gums. Without treatment, gingivitis can then turn into a more severe periodontal disease, damaging the gums and potentially causing irreversible damage to the
bone supporting the teeth. Not only does this cause bad breath and a ect the oral comfort of your pet but if chronically infected teeth are left untreated it can also lead to infection spreading to other organs such as the liver, kidney and heart via the bloodstream. Dental disease starts to become more of an issue as our pets age, with clinical signs generally arising around the age of 5. But don’t panic,
THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HEALTH
A friend of mine from Auckland had a hip replacement operation 7 years ago. The operation was a success and she recovered well.
Seven years later she became unwell and was diagnosed with septicaemia, investigations showed she had an infection of the hip prothesis.
operations.
Solutions require willingness of all parties to listen and take account of the position of others, and also must allow everyone plenty of time to digest options that are put forward and provide feedback.
This is a longstanding vexed issue that really needs to be started as early as possible, by commencing discussions with professional advisors – lawyers, accountants, nancial advisors and farm consultants. Don’t leave it until it is too late!
there are several options available to help slow down the progression of dental disease. With specially formulated dental diets, enzymatic pastes & regular brushing, dental chews or treats and annual checks you can be proactive. Dental disease is a real disease and poses real health risks to your pet. Give us a call and book in for a FREE dental check with a nurse this month.
The doctors at the hospital think the bacterial infection was from a bacteraemia (bacteria in the blood) and originated from the oral cavity.
The mouth and the rest of the body are more linked than people realise, with your oral health impacting your risk for diabetes, endocarditis- infection of heart lining and your bodies general health. This case stresses the importance of keeping our teeth and gums in healthy condition by getting regular dental checkups and cleans. Reminding us of how connected our oral health and general health is.
Graham Rose - Retired Dental Surgeon
WHAT’S REQUIRED WHEN DRIVING OVERSEAS?
If you plan to drive a vehicle in a foreign country, there are a few things you need to consider…. Most importantly, do you think you can con dently and safely drive on the right hand side of the road - change gears with your right hand in a manual vehicle, navigate corners, roundabouts etc, as 75% of countries drive on the right.
Also depending on what type of vehicle you are considering hiring the rules around this in the particular country – i.e for safety reason often campervans/motorhomes cannot usually be picked up the same day you y in on a long-haul ight (say 10 hours +).
You may need an International Driving
Permit (IDP) in addition to your home country licence, particularly in nonEnglish-speaking countries. It’s wise to carry both. Be sure your licence is valid and accepted in the country you’re visiting. We also recommend pre-booking your rental car and we have access to great rates so let us help make this process easier.
KELSI BARNETT
Richard Spittle
Brown’s milestone, and points lost
By Norris Woodbine
The Waitomo Rugby side’s miserable season continued on Saturday when a clearly under strength and casual Tongariro United side put on a clinical 16 try demolition for a 90–3 victory.
With the weather and track conditions making for a great rugby spectacle the home fans were hopeful that an improved performance would be forthcoming on the return to their home track.
Any hopes were however quickly dashed as it took the visitors just three minutes to score their first try and from there on
encountered little resistance from a Waitomo side who appeared totally disorganised and at times disinterested.
One bright spot for the locals occurred just before the half time break when live wire flanker Kees Muller kicked a penalty goal to register their only points in a 40–3 half time scoreline.
The second half became more of a procession as the only time Waitomo could exit their half was from the regular restarts as they conceded a further eight tries as the Tongariro pack took complete control and the backs unleashed.
Down in Taumarunui Baven Brown Jnr celebrated his 75th
game and his blazer performance for his beloved Waitete Club with three individual tries as they ran out 38–22 victors over Taumarunui Eels.
The win locked in third place on the ladder for the Te Kuiti based club who are enjoying a resurgent season based around a powerful forward pack and some exciting young backs.
Prop Livai Toofooa and his travel mate Michael Lea both franked outstanding seasons with tries while Liam Knight broke his drought with a touch down as the pack asserted real dominance.
Callum Hedley nailed four conversions to put the icing on the
cakes.
In the other game in Taumarunui, Piopio appeared to have moved into top four contention with a hard fought 22–15 victory over Taumarunui Districts but following an appeal have lost their points due to fielding unregistered players.
Caleb Foote continued his try scoring exploits with two while Chay Havea also scored while Stormy McCarthy converted two.
This Saturday will see the local derby game out at Waitomo Domain as the home side will be looking for some magic to hold Waitete to a respectable scoreline while the men in blue will be
looking to improve their for and against equation as they move to encounter the top two sides.
Piopio have the bye while the two Taumarunui teams will battle each other and the top two sides in Tongariro United and Taupo Marist will play Friday night in Turangi.
Space is up against us this week – but our rugby picks competition saw Peter Hurley fall a further point behind by picking Piopio, who won on the park but were docked points.
Craig McKellar continued his perfect run to remain clear of the field. Normal service will resume next week.
HOME MAINTENANCE
Do You Need Your Jewellery Repaired?
Is your favourite necklace broken?
Has a ring lost its sparkle—or worse, a stone? Struggling with a snapped chain, loose clasps, or worn-out settings?
You’re not alone. Jewellery carries deep personal and emotional value. When it breaks or loses its shine, it’s more than just a piece of metal—it feels like something important is missing. That’s where we come in.
We’ve Got You Covered
– For All Your Manufacturing and Repair Needs
Whether it’s:
Restoring a cherished family heirloom
Resizing a ring to fit just right
Replacing missing stones or resetting old ones •Custom-manufacturing a one-of-a-kind piece
Our expert jewellers combine skilled craftsmanship with care and precision—bringing your jewellery back to life or creating something new you’ll love forever.
Come In and See Us – The Jewellery Experts! Don’t let your treasured pieces gather dust.
Come talk to real people who understand the value behind every piece.
Visit us today for a free consultation and let’s make your jewellery shine again.
JUNE SPECIALS
team
King Country Honda, left
The team at Stihl Shop Otorohanga, left to right: Kelly Gray, Mark Cumpstone
The Team at Otorohonda, left to right: Darren Lupton, Warwick Rice, Luke Brown, Bree Mudford, Nick Roberts, Daniel Smith
Mention this ad for when booking more than one of our $50 OFF your invoice amazing services!
House Washing Gutter Cleaning Decks
Roof Wash
Commercial Properties
Commercial Glass
Cleaning/Shop Front
Roof Treatment Sheds
Rural Properties
Long Term
Exterior Glass
Cleaning
Maintenance Plans
This newspaper is subject to NZ Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing, within one month of publication, to the editor’s email address.
If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P O Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www. mediacouncil.org.nz
Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.
Across 1. Edible crustacean (6)
5. Colour associated with Roman emperors (6)
8. Cinders (3)
9. Quibble (6)
10. Feel bitter about (6) 11. Explosive device (4) 13. Abandoned (8) 14. Point of dispute (5)
15. Brag (5)
Last week
19. Estrange (8)
21. Uncommon (4)
22. Modernise (6)
23. Symbol (6)
25. Cover (3)
26. Lethal (6)
27. Annual (6) Down
2. Atrocious (7)
3. Annoy (3)
4. Spoof (6)
St John Health Shuttle
Providing transport to medical and health related appointments. Call our local office to find out more: 0800 846 9992 or email wakaora@stjohn.org.nz
Hato Hone St John’s purpose: To make life-changing differences with our communities Ka whai tātou i te pikinga o te ora
5. Group of words expressing an idea (6)
6. Store of water (9) 7. Jump forward (5) 12. Avenue (9) 16. Resembling a dream (7) 17. Recently (6) 18. Cure (6) 20. Mistake due to inattention (5) 24. Large snake (3)
Across: 1. Igloo, 4. Sedate, 7. Flu, 8. Street, 9. Nectar, 10. Presence, 12. Iris, 13. Parole, 15. Muffin, 16. Fill, 17. Timeline, 19. Enigma, 20. Thrill, 22. Rue, 23. Flatly, 24. Dodgy.
Down: 1. International, 2. Lie, 3. Often, 4. Sunbeam, 5. Deceitful, 6. Traditionally, 11. Spotlight, 14. Estuary, 18. Muted, 21. Rod.
DOCK DRAUGHT FUNNEL HANDS HELM HULL LEAGUE
CHANNELUPOPMTRELHB NAVIGATENAOSAMEFUL DRAUGHTANNRRIHEOEE CBLEEWARDSETDQOYSC YCROWSNESTILLUHYHB LLATVHLAXRYUHTSSET AMOBGMPCAZNPAINTER DCLOIMVMVESSELYMTX SOLIONGANCHOREUAVF HALCHULLZMCREWISHS CMISKIPPERKRSRWTDP GYALPLIMSOLLLINEEC AHOY ANCHOR AVAST BERTH BRIDGE CABIN CABLE CHANNEL COMPASS CREW CROW’SNEST DECK
LEEWARD MARINER MARITIME MAST MOOR NAVAL NAVIGATE PAINTER PLIMSOLLLINE PORT RADAR SAIL SEAMAN SHEET SKIPPER SONAR SPAR STARBOARD STERN SUPERSTRUCTURE VESSEL
KŪITI
Queen Street Dairy Patel Mini Mart Mobil Service Station
New World Z Te Kūiti SuperValue BP 2GO
Cloverleaf Cafe Piopio Food Mart Piopio Superette
River Run Cafe Whitebait Inn WAITOMO
The General Store
Waitomo Caves isite ŌTOROHANGA Countdown
Caltex Pat Prescott Information Centre Ōtorohanga Mini Mart
Michael’s Milkbar
General Store
Motors
Roadhouse
Te Kawa Service Station
All puzzles © The Puzzle Company
Property Of The Week
Ōtorohanga’s Finest
Welcome to one of the best homes Ōtorohanga has to offer - a modern masterpiece built in 2021, perfectly positioned on a large, flat section. Step inside to a stunning open-plan layout, featuring soaring high ceilings that enhance the sense of space and light. The home has been carefully designed to capture sunlight throughout the day. Keeping functionality and comfort in mind, this wheelchair-friendly home is warm in winter and cool in summer thanks to ducted heating and cooling, double glazing, and full insulation throughout. The main bedroom is a private sanctuary with an ensuite and a very large walk-in wardrobe. The indoor-outdoor flow is simply superb, with
a large, covered deck perfect for entertaining or enjoying quiet moments overlooking your tranquil garden and rural views. With a double internal garage, ample off-street parking, and a fully fenced section, it offers privacy, security, and space. Easily convert the large office into a third bedroom by pulling out the built-in desk and if you’re dreaming of a scullery, just add a wall - the potential is all here. Other features include a separate toilet, excellent storage options, and a quiet, in-town location.
This is the kind of property that rarely comes to market, beautifully finished, cleverly designed, and offering a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.
ADDRESS
LAND SIZE 934sqm
HOUSE 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 garages
PRICE Deadline closes Wednesday 18 June, 1pm (unless sold prior)
WEBSITE blueribbonharcourts.co.nz
WEB ID TA23838
VIEW Open Home Sunday 1.30 - 2.00pm
a
the
is
Piopio 2 Kuku Street
Piopio 7/5 Kaka Street
Piopio 9 Kuku Street
Piopio 4 Kiwi Street
Te Kuiti 7 Lawrence Street
Kuiti
(sizes are approximate)
1, 52 Old Te Kuiti Road, Otorohanga, 1876sqm,
Lot 2, 0 Old Te Kuiti Road, Otorohanga, 2716sqm,
9 Sunset Close, Otorohanga, 750sqm in popular Westridge. Phone Lorraine or
163 Old Te Kuiti Road, Lots 1 & 4, 5517-8932sqm, easy covenants. Phone Lorraine
Lot 1, 627 Waitomo Valley Road, Otorohanga, 8105sqm rural lifestyle section. Phone Julie $320,000
Lots 90-108 Harpers Avenue, 486sqm to 962sqm, Westridge II subdivision. Phone John From $220,000ea
576C Mangawhero Road, Otorohanga, 1ha, fenced, sensible covenants. Ph Noldy Offers over $385,000 2/823 Ngahape Road, Otorohanga, over 6000sqm, elevated building site, rural views. Ph Noldy $450,000 3/823 Ngahape Road, Otorohanga, over 6500sqm of land, power to boundary, fencing in. Ph Noldy $450,000 Te Kūiti sections (sizes are approximate)
35 Robin Azariah Place, Te Kuiti, 1084sqm, handy to schools and hospital. Phone Buzz
$250,000 54A Ailsa Street (Lot 1), Te Kuiti, 2159sqm, end of a cul de sac, STT. Phone Buzz By Negotiation 54A Ailsa Street (Lot 2), Te Kuiti, 1707sqm, end of a cul de sac, STT. Phone Buzz By Negotiation
10 Robin Azariah Place, Te Kuiti, 600sqm level section. Phone Buzz $239.000 Other sections (sizes are approximate)
0 State Highway 3, Piopio, 984sqm. Phone Buzz By Negotiation 171 Ngahape Road, Te Kawa, 5001sqm. Phone Cherie
0 Raglan Road, Kawhia, 2648sqm lifestyle section, no covenants, completely off grid. Ph Julie $290,000 1961 SH31 Kawhia Road, Otorohanga,
Kuiti Road, Ōtorohanga
EXPERTS
• House alterations and maintenance
• Farm pumps, sheds, cowsheds
• Heat pumps and transfer kit installations
• Security alarms
• Cable locating... and much more!
45 Waitete Rd, Te Kūiti • P: (07)878 8842 E: tekuiti@laserelectrical.co.nz
Wayne Cleaver 022 068 2796 ptpower@mkf.co.nz
Power line construction and repairs Undergrounding, subdivisions, private line
HANDYMAN
Property maintenance and construction Lawns,trees,stumpgrinding,sections,moss&mould treatments,Chemwash,waterblasting,guttervac, watertankandtroughcleaning fences,retaining,oddjobsandmore. Referencesavailable GSTregistered.
& Allana 027 350 0836 – info@handy-man.co.nz
Inflation – not beaten yet
By Peter Nicholl
On May 28 the Reserve Bank of New Zealand reduced its Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 per cent.
Before the announcement, the bank got lots of advice from other people about what they should do.
Some said there were good reasons for leaving the OCR where it was.
These included that the inflation rate was still in upper part of the 1-3 per cent CPI target, the annual CPI had risen to 2.5 per cent from 2.2 per cent in March and inflation expectations, which the bank pays a lot of attention to, were also rising again.
I am not surprised that inflation espectations are rising again.
Take Waipā where I live. We are told our rates will rise by 15.5 per cent this year. Why should we expect overall inflation to be around two per cent?
An additional reason was that there was so much uncertainty around, it would be prudent to leave the OCR where it was in the hope that the fog of uncertainty might dissipate in the coming months. I agreed with the ‘advisors’ who took this cautious position.
There were a few people who said the Reserve Bank should be bold and move the OCR by 50 bp in order to help New Zealand’s strugglimg economic growth.
They seem to forget or ignore the fact that one of the first things the current government did after they were elected was to shift the target of the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy from a dual focus on inflation and growth to a single focus on inflation.
Briefs…
Bolger’s birthday
Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger, who was the King Country and later Taranaki-King Country MP from 1972 to 1998 celebrated his 90th birthday last Saturday.
Rate rises
Richard Steele’s Age of Reason column last week referred to proposed rate rises. For clarification, Waitomo proposes a 2.93 per cent rise for the coming year, Ōtorohanga 10.16 percent and Waikato Regional Council 5.7 percent.
Book winners
Thank you to everyone who entered the competition to win a copy of Jenny-May Clarkson’s book Full Circle. We were
Bowls results
The King Country Indoor Bowls Centre played two Champion of Champions events in the last week
At Otorohanga the home team of Gordon Lang, Peter Fisher, Yvonne Longman and Richard Beaumont prevailed.
On Tuesday at Waipa, the home team of Kevin Marshall, Olga Barnes, and Marion Christensen was the winning team.
Five players from the Centre are attending the National Championships in Ashburton. Play starts on Saturday and runs through to the following Saturday.
Liz Morrow, Paul Walker, Pat Waghorn, Marlene Walker and Susie Rushbrooke will be waving the King Country flag.
Walker has been selected as the male reserve for the Masters grade North Island team, which will play the South Island on Wednesday.
But most ‘advisors’ thought the bank should move by 25 bp – and that was what it did.
I find it interesting to compare the bank’s policy approach over the last six months compared to the US Federal Reserve. In December, 2024, the policy interest rate set both were the same.
Since then, the Fed has had three policy meetings and has left its official rate unchanged at all three.
The Reserve Bank has also had three policy meetings and has reduced the OCR at all of them: from 4.25 to 3.75 to 3.5 to 3.25 per cent.
Faced with similar inflation rates, inflation pressures and a high degree of uncertainty, the Fed and the Reserve Bank have taken very different policy approches.
I said in my February 13 column that a lesson learnt early in my policy-making career was that the worst thing for making private sector business decisions and for economic policy decisions was uncertainty.
There was never a time in my over 50 years of policy-making where there was anywhere near as much uncertainty about so many different things as there now.
An enterprising journalist counted how many times the Reserve Bank used the word uncertainty in last week’s Monetary Policy Statement – it was 164 in 62 pages.
Despite all this uncertainty, the bank still decided to lower their OCR. Is that bold, hopeful or foolish? I fear the answer will be foolish.
inundated with entries, hence the delay, but congratulations to Melanie Hughes, Debra Smith, Lynne Rauputu, Pianika Waugh, Katrina Hudson and Keith Young who win courtesy of Harper Collins Publishers. The correct answer to which marae did Jenny-May live next to in Piopio was Mōkau Kohunui. The book is available for winners to collect at the King Country News office, 18 King Street, Te Kūiti.
Sharemilker fined
A Waikato share milker has been fined $40,000 and sentenced to 140 hours community work for unlawful discharges of dairy effluent into a tributary of the Pūnui River, near Te Awamutu. Daniel Lund appeared last week before Judge Melinda Dickey in the Hamilton District Court.
Buy local call
Waitomo District Council is exploring implementing a buy local policy.
Mayor John Robertson has asked chief executive Ben Smit to bring a procurement paper back to the council.
Procurement policies in all councils set rules around the approach council officers should take when buying goods or services.
“Elected members are keen to see local businesses and local tradespeople win council contracts,” Robertson said.
Robertson said he would like to see local businesses made aware of all tender work.
“When assessing best value for money, this does not necessarily mean lowest price,” he said.
Smit said he would consult with other Waikato councils to investigate their policies before bringing a briefing paper back to the council.
Septic Tank Cleaning
•
•
•
AGM
Thursday, June 12, 2025
at the Piopio Senior Citizens Rooms, at 7pm Come along and support this great local Museum!
The Waimiha Pink Ribbon Breakfast fundraiser would love to thank the following Te Kūiti businesses for their generous donations to help us raise money for breast cancer: Te Kūiti New World, Farmlands, Shoppington, Unichem Pharmacy, Mitre 10, Crusader Meats, UBP, Appliance Plus Te Kūiti, Piropiro Lodge, PGG Wrightson, Pet First, Paperplus, Woolpress Cafe, Carpet Court, King Country Furniture, King Country Vets, Work and Safety Supplies and Flatmates Signco. Mega raffle winner, Carol T.
Wanted: Waikato Regional Field Advisor
Share your passion for the outdoors. Help to create, retain, and promote public access opportunities in the Waikato and Taupō region. Join Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission. For more information and to apply, visit www.herengaanuku.govt.nz/vacancy Applications close June 18.
ASSISTANT
White Ridge Contracting is an earthmoving business based in the King Country/Waikato. We require an honest, reliable person, quick on the uptake to join our team. You would be based at our office between Piopio and Aria. Duties would include accounts payable, general administration and admin support for our full team. Some knowledge of Xero would be an advantage but not essential.
If this sounds like you please email your CV to admin@whiteridgecontracting.co.nz
TE KUMI MARAE AGM
When: July 5, 2025 commencing at 10am. Where: Te Kumi Whare, Main Rd SH3, Te Kūiti.
Who: For the descendants of Kiritihanga Te Kaama Totorewa and Te Manukura Mahuki and members of Ngāti Kinohaku hapū who affiliate to Te Kumi Marae. Also, the Trustees of the land block Te Kumi A27.
Agenda:
Annual Financial Report
Chairperson's Report
Appointment of Trustees
General Business
Any nominations for trustees or items for general business to be sent to secretary@tekumipaa.co.nz
TENDER OPPORTUNITY
Ōtorohanga Public Toilet Cleaning Services
Ōtorohanga District Council is seeking to engage a cleaning contractor to service the following facilities:
• Ōtorohanga public toilet facilities
• Waipapa toilet
• Ōtorohanga public BBQ facility
Tender Details:
Details of upcoming meetings can be found at www.otodc.govt.nz/aboutcouncil/meetings
Tanya Winter Chief Executive
www.otodc.govt.nz
Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
PUBLIC NOTICE
Of an application for Club Licence
HUHU CAFE & RESTAURANT LIMITED, 4 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo 3977 has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, Te Kūiti for the renewal of a on licence in respect of the premises situated at 4 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo 3977 known as Huhu Cafe & Restaurant
The general nature of the business conducted (or to be conducted) under the licence is cafe/restaurant. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is (or is intended to be) sold under the licence are Monday to Sunday 9am to 12 midnight.
“Local jobs for local people” SITUATIONS
Looking for the right candidate ADVERTISE WITH US! Call Janine on 027 287 0005 or email janine@goodlocal.nz
PUBLIC NOTICES
• Tender Opens: 29 May 2025
• Tender Questions Deadline: 16 June 2025
• Tender Closes: 19 June 2025
• GETS Reference: RFx ID 31751700
Full tender documentation and details are available on the GETS (Government Electronic Tenders Service) website using the RFx ID above.
For any enquiries, please contact Ōtorohanga District Council at Jared@otodc.govt.nz
NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTED SERVICE
To Barbara Kohinetaraupara Moana, formerly of 2 Georgetti Street, Maniaiti /Benneydale. Take notice that Waitomo District Council have filed a notice of proceeding, statement of claim, plaintiffs list of documents relied on and substituted service order against you in the Te Kuiti District Court under CIV2025-073-015. This notice advises you that unless, within 25 working days after this notice, you file in the registry of this court a statement of your defence to the plaintiffs claim, the plaintiffs may proceed to a hearing and judgment on the plaintiffs claim in your absence. Should you wish to obtain a copy of the proceedings you may contact the authorised agent for the plaintiffs who are Debt Management Central, DX PA84005, Feilding, telephone 0508 436 269, email dmc@mw.org.nz or contact the Registrar of the District Court at Te Kuiti.
K M Williams, authorised officer of the plaintiffs.
Note: Would anyone knowing the above-named Barbara Kohinetaraupara Moana please bring this notice to their attention.
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 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 second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on May 29, 2025.
RANGITOTO TUHUA 2C2B TRUST
AGM and Call for Nominations of Trustee
Date: 14 June 2025 Time: 10am
Venue: Ngakonui Hall 826 Taringamotu Road
Nominations are currently being accepted for two Trustee for Rangitoto Tuhua 2C2B Trust. Nominations will close on Thursday 10th June 2025 Nomination forms can be obtained from the Trust Email: joepihama@gmail.com azlu@xtra.co.nz
AGENDA: Karakia Apologies
Minutes from last Meeting Chairman’s Report
2025 10am
Agenda:
Whanau update General business
McQUILKIN, Noel – On June 3, 2025 at Te Kūiti Hospital, aged 86 years.Loved brother and brother-in-law of Peter, Don and Margaret, Joe and Maureen, (all deceased), Marie and the late Paddy Williams, Barry (deceased) and Alma. A loved uncle and great uncle of all his nieces and nephews. Rest in peace.
“You’re a good boy”.
TE HUIA, Laurence
Brenda’s old shop Peas in a Pod get together is on June 14, 12 noon, at Tiffany’s. Everybody welcome
Election of 3 trustees
Please bring a plate
Any inquiries contact Lucille Haupokia Rye Ph: 0275137271
1768
Saturday, June 14 • 1pm
RanfurlySt, Ōtorohanga Service times
28/05/2025 – Suddenly passed away at home aged 75 years. Loved and treasured brother, cousin, uncle and koko. Cherished good neighbour and friend to many. A service to celebrate Laurence's life will be held at Mangapeehi Pa on Monday, June 9th, at 1.00pm. Laurence's ashes will be resting at 91c Esplanade, Te Kuiti, on Thursday, June 5th from 6pm. Rest in peace, Love whaanau & friends. All messages to justaskjessica101@gmail. com
KYLE, Pauline Agnes (Paul) nee Grant – At Hillview Home, Te Kūiti on May 28, 2025, aged 84. Dearly loved and devoted wife of the late Stan Kyle. Loved eldest daughter of the late Len and Ivy Grant. Beloved sister of Lorraine Duggan, Cherry Akoorie, Bronwyn Rutter and the late Teddy Grant and Lenora Catterick. Loved sister-in-law, cherished aunt of all her nieces and nephews, and friend of many. Aunty Paul has been cremated according to her wishes and a private family interment will follow at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff of Hillview for their care and compassion. Aunty Paul will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. All communications to Kyle Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ
ADAMS, Ann – Beloved wife of the late Moxhay Adams and our most treasured mum passed away on Thursday 29th May 2025 (91 years of life and love).
“We will miss you forever. Thank you for everything Mum” Bron and Ross, Jo and Lloyd, Mike and Sharon, Ann-Maree and Murray. Much adored nana to her 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Ann has been farewelled by her family. Thankyou to all the people at Beattie Home, Otorohanga, for mum's wonderful care. Mum, you will be forever loved.
Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
McQUILKIN, Noel Rex –Passed away on 3rd June 2025, aged 86 years. Dearly loved husband of Jose for 60yrs. Proud Dad of Kurt and our late Kim and fatherin-law of Barbara. PoppaWoppa of Ella, Lily, Lawson and Mia. At peace now Noel. Grateful thanks to family and friends for all of their support, along with Te Kuiti Hospital Medical staff. Private cremation has been held. The service for Noel will be held at Waitete Rugby Club Rooms, 55 Waitete Road, Te Kūiti, on Sunday 8th June at 1pm.
Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
BRETT, Valerie Nola (Val) nee Simpson – 23 March 1941 - 20 May 2025. Loved wife of the late Dave. Treasured daughter of the late Jack and Mary Simpson, daughter-in-law of the late Reg and Pearl Brett. Loved sister and sister-inlaw of the late Dawn and Ron Gordon, Anne and Peter White, Maxine and Brian Harkins and Linda Svensson, Judy and the late Ron Zimmerman, Raewyn and Cliff Jackson and late Pam and Ian Shirkey. Loved auntie of all her neices and nephews. Memories are forever.
FuneralServices
Funeral Services
FuneralServices
Funeral Services
FuneralServices
FuneralServices
Funeral Services
Funeral Services
Funeral Services
Gift Shop
• Casket sprays
• Casket sprays
• Casket sprays
• • Catering
• Casket sprays
• Casket sprays
• Casket sprays
• Wreaths
• Wreaths
• Wreaths
• Wreaths
• Casket sprays • Wreaths
• Arrangements
• Arrangements
• Arrangements
• Arrangements
• Arrangements
• Arrangements
• Catering
• Catering Giftware Cabinet Food Coffee Frozen Meals
• Catering
• Catering
• Catering
• Catering
All Saints Piopio 22 Moa St Sunday 10am
St Peter’s By The Sea, 25 Aria Tce, Mōkau 1st and 3rd Sunday 2pm
WARREN, Zelda May –Peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025 aged 93 years. Beloved wife of Thomas and the late Bun Wetini. Matriarch and loved mother of Roy and Jenny; Huia and Joe; Carolyn and Chris; Tony and Josie. Stepmother of Shona and Rongo and the late Owen. Loved Nana and GranNan to all her mokopuna. You have done your best to stay with us all, it is now time to rest. Moe mai ra. The family welcome friends and whanau to spend time with Zelda at 98 Walker Road, Te Kūiti until the day of the service. A service for Zelda will be held at V J Williams and Sons Chapel on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11am followed by a private cremation. All communications to Warren Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ
96 Rora Street, Te Kūiti 07 878 8882 or 027 567 1930 bloomsandbrewsnz@gmail.com
96 Rora Street, Te Kūiti 07 878 8882 or 027 567 1930 bloomsandbrewsnz@gmail.com
96 Rora Street, Te Kūiti 07 878 8882 or 027 567 1930 bloomsandbrewsnz@gmail.com
96 Rora Street, Te Kūiti 07 878 8882 or 027 567 1930 bloomsandbrewsnz@gmail.com
96 Rora Street, Te Kūiti 07 878 8882 or 027 567 1930 bloomsandbrewsnz@gmail.com
96 Rora Street, Te Kūiti 07 878 8882 or 027 567 1930 bloomsandbrewsnz@gmail.com
96 Rora Street, Te Kūiti 07 878 8882 or 027 567 1930 bloomsandbrewsnz@gmail.com
96 Rora Street, Te Kūiti 07 878 8882 or 027 567 1930 bloomsandbrewsnz@gmail.com
• Wreaths ts 10:30am Sunday 10 Sheridan St, Te Kuiti
96b Rora Street,Te Kūiti 07 878 8882 bloomsandbrewsnz@gmail.com
96 Rora Street, Te Kūiti 07 878 8882 or 027 567 1930 bloomsandbrewsnz@gmail.com
Piopio contact: 07 877 8097
Mōkau contact: 06 752 9123
St Bride's Anglican Church Haerehuka St
A Farewell with Heart
We welcome you to our 10.30am Sunday service.
Pastor Terry & Rowena Bradley 07 878 8694 021 703 008
