King Country News | March 20, 2025

King Country

Police issue warrant

By Jon Rawlinson

Police took the unusual step of naming 35-year-old Teina Repia as a person of interest as they tackled Ōtorohanga’s crime wave this week.

And soon after the town’s business development board revealed it was working with Ōtorohanga District Council and police to negotiate a group CCTV solution for businesses in the area.

The police announcement came

after Ōtorohanga mayor Max

Baxter told The News it was only a matter of time before an unprecedented attack on the town’s business community was resolved.

A police statement said a warrant had been issued for the arrest of Repia.

The wave of burglaries prompted the Ōtorohanga District Development Board Elevate to issue a public statement last week. This week it also announced it had

Hospital helipad in use again

Te Kūiti Hospital’s helipad, out of action for about seven weeks, is set to reopen on Saturday, following a blessing tomorrow.

It’s the second time a helipad at the hospital has been replaced.

It is understood the first helipad was too close to a building for bigger helicopters.

A second helipad was built, but around the edges the ground started subsiding. A new pad has been constructed to cope with subsidence and its piles go down to bedrock.

The tender for the work was awarded to Livingstone Building in Hamilton and it involved constructing the pad, site excavation, augured pile and concrete works, electrical installation of lights, fencing installation and the demolition of two decommissioned helipads.

While work on a new helipad has been underway, patients have been taken to the nearby Te Kūiti Aerodrome by ambulance when required.

As recently as last Friday, the aerodrome was called into service for patients from Te Kūiti Hospital both morning and afternoon. The Waikato Westpac chopper was at the airport in the morning and Taupo-based Greenlea Rescue Helicopter in the afternoon.

The travel time between Te Kūiti and Waikato Hospital by helicopter is between 20 and 30 minutes – less than half the time it takes by road.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora said it could not comment on the helipad opening in time for our deadline this week.

received reports that “someone has been approaching businesses today offering to sell security cameras directly” – but suggesting businesses hold off.

One victim of the crime wave lamented the loss of community watchdog Dennis Kaumoana, who owned Pearl Security and died in January.

Kiwiana Leisure Park owner Aaron Hearfield told The News Kaumoana’s late night patrols were invaluable in protecting Ōtorohanga businesses.

“We need more people like Dennis,” Hearfield said.

He lost between $8000-9000 in paintball guns, CO2 bottles, hoppers, masks, headphones and a couple of baseball bats.

His premises did not have cameras or an alarm in operation.

At Origin Coffee, the alarm was tripped and then damaged. Cash was taken but laptops and other valuables were left behind - along with a crowbar.

“While the break-in was disruptive, I feel fortunate that the damage was relatively minor,” Origin’s owner, Lee Fisher, said.

“Other businesses, including Moss and Co, Ōtorohanga Fruit and Vege and The Thirsty Weta, all suffered more significant losses. In comparison, our loss of the till float, petty cash and a damaged doorframe was insignificant.”

One of the first break-ins thought to be connected occurred more than a month ago and hit all too close to home for Baxter.

“The council’s office was actually one of the first places to be broken into, our customer services part,

but they couldn’t get access to the rest of the building, and we have security footage.

Police advised business owners in Ōtorohanga to check alarms and security cameras were in working

order and valuables locked up.

Ōtorohanga Sergeant Heyden Nunn urged people to report every event to police either by calling 111

“if it’s happening now, or 105 to report information after the fact”.

Max Baxter and Hayden Nunn have been liaising over the spate of burglaries.

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By Chris Gardner

Maniaiti Benneydale’s Hato Hone St John ambulance station can’t find more new volunteers to respond to 111 calls.

Hato Hone St John Waikato group operations manager Rob Chisholm told The News the organisation had been unsuccessfully trying to recruit new volunteers to operate its year-old first response unit for some time as the existing volunteer team wished to retire.

“All of our volunteers are moving on, and we won’t have a service,” Chisholm said.

The station had four stalwarts who had given decades of service between them, including volunteer team leader Laurel Hodgsen who has served the community since 1987.

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

CONTACTS

News/Editorial

Roy Pilott editor@goodlocal.nz

027 450 0115

Chris Gardner chris@goodlocal.nz

027 231 7007

Mary Anne Gill maryanne@goodlocal.nz 021 705 213

Viv Posselt viv@goodlocal.nz

027 233 7686

Advertising Director

Janine Davy janine@goodlocal.nz 027 287 0005

Owner/Publisher David Mackenzie david@goodlocal.nz

“With life happening, it is getting harder and harder, and they are looking for support from within the community,” Chisholm said.

“Volunteering is the backbone of Hato Hone St John services, particularly in rural communities like Benneydale. We need committed locals to step forward and help continue the fantastic work achieved by our volunteers over the years.”

Chisholm said Hato Hone St John offered volunteers comprehensive first responder training, one step up from first aid training.

Volunteers work closely alongside local rural health providers and other emergency services to ensure community well-being and safety.

The concerns are raised soon after it was decided to base Te Kūiti’s ambulance overnight in Te Awamutu and drive it to

Silver lining

These youngsters riding on home turf had their families celebrating at the North King Country Motorcycle club’s King of the Schools event on Mangarino Rd recently. Ben Gaylor, Deklan Burton, Evan Gray, Mason Fordham and Sam Gray came home second overall in an event which attracted entries from 85 primary and intermediate schools in their section – and 127 school in total. Results: Primary-intermediate, St Joseph’s, Stratford 1, Ōtorohanga South 2, Whakamaru 3, Te Awamutu Primary 4. Secondary, Tauranga Boys College 1, New Plymouth Boys High 2, Hamilton Boys High 3.

Te Kūiti each day. That decision was also influenced by the availability of staff.

Meanwhile, the entire Waikato region is benefitting from a new major incident support team vehicle mostly funded through a bequest from late Ōtorohanga Ngāti Maniapoto kaumātua and Māori broadcasting pioneer Derek Wooster.

The approximately $300,000 vehicle was recently dedicated at a special ceremony at Ōtorohanga Ambulance Station attended by his sister, Diana Ward.

The vehicle will be based at Hamilton Ambulance Station. It will be used during large-scale emergencies that require a prolonged response effort, providing critical

operational support to frontline ambulance staff.

The vehicle will also support large-scale events such as concerts, festivals and sporting event, and can treat up to 50 patients at a time.

“This new vehicle has the ability to change and save lives,” said Hato Hone St John volunteer support manager Lara Davies.

“By donating this vehicle, Derek has contributed greatly to the resilience of the Waikato district, allowing Hato Hone St John to respond and support communities appropriately in times of need.”

New

charge for a charge

The Lines Company has announced changes to its charging process for electric cars – but maintains it is still cheaper than the industry standard.

TLC owns EV fast chargers in Ōtorohanga, Piopio, Waitomo, Whakamaru, Ōhakune and Taumarunui and has installed 20 free chargers in National Park and Te Kūiti.

“Historically TLC had a per kWh charge and a per minute charge, but we are removing the per minute charge from April 1 and increasing the kWh charge,” Kyle Barnes, Future Energy General Manager said.

“Despite this change to our charging method, the per kWh tariff for our public EV chargers is 10 cents below the industry standard.” He said the revenue barely covered costs, and vandalism of the units had further impacted the financial viability.

TLC had charged the same since introducing EV charging stations in 2018 and needed to recover the “significant” investment made in these chargers over the past six years.

Benneydale volunteer team leader Laurel Hodgsen, first response unit vehicle donor Warwick Johnson, volunteer team member Jill Harding, volunteer team member Chris Poole, group operations manager Rob Chisholm, and area operations manager Craig Scott.

Shear delight awaits

By Jon Rawlinson

Although the dust (and wool!) kicked up by many sets of clippers at the Golden Shears has now settled, there’s been little rest for New Zealand’s top guns competing across the country.

Despite the recent installation of improved air conditioning at Te Kūiti’s Les Munro Centre, the heat will be on during the NZ Shearing Championships, starting on Saturday week.

“As its run in conjunction with the New Zealand Shears running of Sheep, with the muster, we’re always guaranteed of a good crowd,” NZ Shears committee chair, Sir David Fagan, says.

After claiming the Golden Shears Open title recently, followed by wins at the Rural

Games (speed shearing) and Kumeu Show, Northland’s Toa Henderson, is on hot form and will be tough to beat.

“The favourite would have to be Toa but he has a lot of competition. Very close behind him will be the likes of Rowland Smith (Hawke’s Bay) and David Buick (Wairarapa) as well as the usual candidates including Brett Roberts (Southland), Jack Fagan and Mark Grainger (both Te Kūiti).”

Another hometown competitor looking to pull the (wool) rug from beneath her opponents’ feet is North Island Woolhandling Circuit winner, Te Kūiti’s Keryn Herbert.

“Keryn’s performed really well. She’ll be a major threat in the woolhandling, I’m sure,”

David Fagan said.

In addition, the third New Zealand v Wales Shearing Test, which sees Jack Fagan and

David Buick take on Gethin Lewis and Llyr Jones, will be a major drawcard.

The chance to represent New Zealand in the United Kingdom and France is also on the line.

“The New Zealand Shears is part of the circuit for selection for the New Zealand team for the World Championships at Golden Shears next March,” David Fagan said. “Whoever wins will be in a good position with two places in the team up for grabs, for the Open winner and the Open circuit winner.”

The lower grades will also feature plenty of talent.

“There are some good juniors coming through. We went through the list for the

parent-child whānau event the other day and there are some really competitive teams.”

He did joke that was “even though some of the fathers are getting a bit old”.

Among them will be David’s great niece, Sonya Fagan, and her father Craig.

Although there may be one or two dark horses in the mix, if not black sheep, this year’s event will feature numerous fiercely contested titles. In the meantime, activity at the Les Munro Centre is already due to start.

“A large contingent of volunteers will begin work on the 24th,” David adds. “It’s a huge job for them, with all the sheep pens and staging, but their efforts are always appreciated.”

Contractors still take a risk

By Chris Gardner

Nearly three quarters of contractors working with Ōtorohanga District Council are yet to provide evidence of their commitment to health and safety at work.

People and capability manager Noah LockettTurton told the council’s risk and assurance committee that only 27 per cent had completed the health and safety at work pre work in

his quarterly health, safety and wellbeing report.

Kāwhia member Kit

Jeffries told Lockett-Turton he would have expected providing evidence of a commitment to health and safety at work to be a prerequisite of working with the council.

“We are going to make that a prerequisite,” LockettTurton said.

The council is creating a list of contractors being used

across the organisation.

“As the list is developing, we are reviewing whether the appropriate contractors have completed the health and safety at work pre-work; provided evidence of their commitment to relevant procedures and documents. We have 27 per cent of relevant contractors that have completed the prework.”

Using contractors is one of six critical risks the council is

reviewing in 2025.

Driving on the roads tops the current list, followed by aggressive members of the public, using contractors, working on or near roads, working when under the influence of drugs and alcohol and working over or near water.

Jeffries asked whether working with chemicals should be added.

Lockett-Turton said it had not been previously identified

as a critical risk.

Just over half of the council’s water services staff have completed the training for their roles.

Lockett-Turton reported 53 per cent had completed their training, while 57 per cent of community facilities staff had completed their training and 59 per cent of roading staff.

All assets, business support regulatory and building staff had completed their training.

Keryn Herbert, in action at the 2025 Golden Shears where she was awarded the Ronnie Goss Memorial Trophy.

Photo: Peter Nikolaison

Jack Fagan is no stranger to competing with his Welsh counterparts.

Kit Jeffries

THE GREAT NZ MUSTER 2025

The New Zealand Shearing Championships committee is working alongside the Waitomo District Council once again to turn Te Kūiti township into the Shearing mecca it is known for.

The Shearing Capital of the World becomes centre stage again from 27-29 March as we welcome back The NZ Shearing Championships, The Great New Zealand Muster and The NZ Shears Running of the Sheep.

We’re excited to fill Te Kūiti’s main streets with entertainment, children’s activities, arts and crafts stalls, culinary delights and so much more.

The Great New Zealand Muster is where the Waitomo District shows visitors just how special it is to be a part of this vibrant rural community.

Here’s what you can expect at the Muster on Saturday 29 March 2025:

BE ENTERTAINED

We’re thrilled to announce that the well-

known Aotearoa music group The Harmonic Resonators will be entertaining the crowd throughout the day.

The family band are currently riding a wave of popularity that continues to swell.

Something about their whanau-vibe, Te Reo approachability, and harmonies has struck a chord in the hearts of New Zealanders and our district.

Soaring yodels, lush harmonies, hilarious banter, and a mighty singalong usually feature in their shows. The Harmonic Resonators following is growing, so be sure to check them out!

The Resonators will also be our MC for the Muster. They will bring humour, professionalism, and with the ability to read the crowd, not only will you be entertained, but kept up to date throughout the day on

everything that’s happening, when and where.

Other entertainment during the day includes a magician, face painting and more!

Children’s entertainment is “always popular”, but for those looking to squeeze in a bit of shopping, the streets will be lined with arts and crafts stalls and other giftware, so you can pick up a range of items, in a variety of prices to suit all budgets and tastes.

DELICIOUS FOOD

Hungry? There’s no need to bring a packed lunch! Our regular Muster selections are always a hit, and this year will be no exception, there’ll be all the crowd favourites to delight your taste buds.

RUNNING OF THE SHEEP

This event starts at 2pm.

The NZ Shears Committee provides the famous Running of the Sheep, which draws crowds from all over the country. Can you guess how many sheep there will be this year?

Te Kūiti’s main streets will be closed to traffic, so head in early to get a good park. It’s going to be a great day out for the entire family, so make sure you come along. There really is something for everyone at The Great New Zealand Muster!

Event details:

The Great New Zealand Muster, Te Kūiti Saturday 29 March 2025, 10am-3pm. The Running of the Sheep event is at 2pm For more information visit waitomo.govt.nz

Council’s paper pitch

Waipā is print-ready with water asset plans, Mary Anne Gill reports, but Chris Gardner finds one of their proposed partners is still making its mind up.

By Mary Anne Gill

Waipā District Council has revealed it plans to go into the newspaper business.

Good Local Media’s biggest rival wants to put a newspaper into every letter box in the district to explain its involvement in a group of seven councils who could set up a company to manage water assets.

The latest iteration of the former Labour led government’s Three Waters proposal is on course to see Waipā, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, South Waikato and Taupō councils work together.

The group – representing a total of 205,000 people - has been under the Waikato Water Done Well moniker, but Waipā councillors were told last week staff wants the group to be known as the Super Seven.

It presumes that the other six will stay in the tent – but as Chris Gardner reports on this page, Ōtorohanga is still considering other options.

Waipā decided last month to go with the six neighbours for the future delivery of water services rather than team up with Hamilton city and Waikato district.

But it must consult with Waipā residents before lodging a Water Services Delivery Plan with the government by September 3 – and it will invest heavily in advertising it.

Infographics and wording included for a 24-page consultation document were expected to be approved by Waipā councillors yesterday.

It’s not clear whether or not any of the other six councils have similar publicity plans.

Staff told councillors the council would also produce its own four-page “mini newspaper” which would be distributed to every household in Waipā to tell its water story.

Getting the council newspaper into every letter box in Waipā will present a considerable and costly challenge –especially given the limitation of the rural distribution network.

It’s not quite a water done-deal

By Chris Gardner

community newspaper in the rubbish bin.

There were discussions, though, over the content of the document.

In response to a query from Cambridge councillor Mike Pettit about an iwi message in the document, chief executive Steph O’Sullivan said each of the councils were having conversations.

Hinerangi Kara, the mana whenua representative on the Service Delivery committee, said a decision would need to be made about which iwi would make the statement or whether it would be multiple iwi.

Waipā has six water treatment plants, 575 kilometres of water mains and pipes and plans to spend $214.4 million on water in the next nine years.

It has two wastewater plants treating 14,477 properties with 67 pump stations and 304.1km of mains.

Financial data presented at an Ōtorohanga District

Council elected members workshop shows ratepayers are better off sharing ownership of the district’s water infrastructure with other councils rather than going it alone.

But an options analysis completed by elected members in a public workshop showed that the decision was not as clear cut.

Council finance manager

Brendan O’Callaghan asked councillors to treat his findings with caution.

“This is based on the best information we have at the moment,” O’Callaghan said. “There are a lot of assumptions on this, don’t take this as Gospel. Things could easily change.”

assessments, the Waikato Water Done Well option was preferable in the areas of financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, partnerships, and regional leverage. But an enhanced status quo scored higher in the areas of community connectedness and maintaining viability.

Responding to concern that the Waikato Water Done Well option might take jobs out of the district, Engineering and Assets group manager Mark Lewis said there was nothing to suggest that there would not be any water services staff based in Ōtorohanga, although management may be from outside of the district.

The move to print was not questioned by councillors last week – though in January they were dismissive of print products, and one suggested he threw his

The council plans to spend $170 million on infrastructure development, $55 million on the Te Awamutu Plant and $44 million to complete Cambridge.

Forming a councilcontrolled water organisation with six other councils scored above Ōtorohanga retaining ownership of its water assets in four assessment categories, but the status quo trumped the multi council option in two categories.

In councillors’

Councillors will come back to the discussion in a workshop next Tuesday before making a decision on April 8 on the preferred option to consult on. Consultation will take place from April 9 to May 8 followed by hearings and deliberations. The final decision on the future of Ōtorohanga’s water delivery will be made at June’s council meeting.

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– a passage to India

Planning for a big one

By Janine Krippner

Scenarios are an invaluable tool for helping prepare for major events. Facing a potential disaster requires scientists, government officials, business owners, families, utility companies, and first responders (and more) to plan together. This provides a structured way to anticipate potential challenges and develop effective responses, helping to facilitate of overwhelming process.

A scenario is essentially a planning tool that outlines a hypothetical event, such as a powerful earthquake affecting a specific region.

Scientists construct these scenarios using extensive research on credible future events, drawing from past occurrences recorded in geological evidence (fault ruptures, landslides), biological markers (tree rings), and historical records if a past event has occurred when people were around to record it. By analysing the data, we can forecast what a similar event might look like today or in the near future.

The AF8 hazard scenario here in Aotearoa is one that I look to for a great example of how this process can take place, and how community engagement can be undertaken across a broad region. AF8 models a magnitude eight earthquake along the Alpine Fault in the South Island, a credible event with a 75 per cent chance of occurring in the next 50 years, and with an 82 per cent likelihood of reaching magnitude eight or greater.

Understanding these potential events is crucial, as the severity of a disaster is often determined by how well we prepare. The AF8 scenario doesn’t just examine the earthquake’s shaking; it also considers secondary impacts

such as landslides, which could damage roads, disrupt electricity, and even block waterways — leading to flooding.

Once we understand the natural aspects of an event, we can assess its potential impacts — who and what will be affected — and determine proactive steps to reduce or even prevent damage. The AF8 project exemplifies how we are not powerless against Earth’s natural forces. By working together across different sectors of society, we can ensure people are informed and ready to act swiftly. This is a complex, collaborative effort involving many researchers and partner agencies.

Scenarios can be carried out in-person, run as though an event is underway over hours or days, and within or across agencies. This allows us to see what questions we haven’t yet asked, the resources we don’t yet have, and the relationships that need to be in place. It is a safe place to fail and can lead to productive problem solving.

Based on the scenario, further planning and response initiatives can be taken, and in this case, there is the South Island Alpine Fault Earthquake Response Framework. This is a fantastic example of how we can start with science, by looking at rocks as a geologist to understand the world around us, to impactful planning and action.

Yes, these events are daunting—but they are not some mysterious, lurking threat. With knowledge, preparation, and collaboration, we can face them together and greatly reduce the severity and how long it takes us to get back onto our feet.

Fine dining in Te Kūiti can take us all the way to India. However, as Mint Indian Restaurant owner, Rajesh Bahuguna advises, it pays to book ‘tickets’ in advance.

“Since we opened on March 11, we’ve had so many people wanting to try our wide range of dishes,” he says. “We don’t want to disappoint anyone so please be sure to book a table.”

Mint Indian Restaurant is a new addition to Te Kūiti’s dining menu, but Rajesh is no stranger to the town. With more than 24 years as a restaurateur, this experienced chef has been serving locals a taste of South Asia through Mini India Takeaway, also on Rora Street, since 2014.

While some like it hot, if we can’t stand the heat we need not avoid Rajesh’s kitchen. From supercharged spice to mild mannered meals, Mint’s chefs ensure diners come for the flavour but won’t necessarily feel the burn.

“We can spice up your life but we can also turn down the heat without compromising on flavour,” he adds.

For Mint’s full menu, or to book a table, visit www.freshmint.co.nz. Meals can be ordered as takeaways with deliveries also available.

Veteran’s plug for elections

The race for October’s local body elections is already heating up but some candidates are already making a play for power in more ways than one.

A former power board member, Te Kūiti’s Russell Aldridge has strong expectations for whoever wins election to the Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust, which owns The Lines Company.

Six candidates are standing for three trustee positions.

“With the election of three trustees, I can only hope that we get some strong people on the trust who will take better notice of what the directors are doing – instead of building the business over the years, they’ve wrecked it, in my opinion,” Aldridge said.

An elder statesman, Aldridge (93) was a long serving member of the Wairere Power Board and, later, Waitomo Customer Trust.

He was involved until 2006 with the power boards for about 30 years and chaired both the Waitomo Power Board and the trust after it was set.

Aldridge has a bone to pick with The Lines Company management, including

directors.

“Directors are tasked to run the company as a profitable business but also to create a stronger asset for the benefit of the customers, the owners. But, over the last four years, management has [sold] off parts of the business, as well as taking on debt for no actual benefit to customers.

He was critical of the “downsize”.

He also had questions after a recent statement by Mike Fox, chief executive of The Lines Company.

“He has announced a tariff increase of 10 per cent, and informs us that the Commerce Commission would allow an increase of 30 per cent. So, who is running our lines business and who knows what the daily lines charge is as I never see it mentioned on my account these days?”

The sale of the metering part of the business has led to lost revenue and added debt, Aldridge says.

The company had about 18,000 meters and about $15 million worth of generation but, sold it over the years, he said.

“Admittedly, they got a hell of a good price, but our revenue has taken a hit of $18 to 20 million per year,

Aldridge

so I would expect to see some cost cutting coming up. The company is top heavy with too many staff and top management including directors.”

Before voting closes, on March 28, Aldridge is encouraging all eligible voters to exercise their right, and duty, by voting.

“There are six people up for election and there’s only three to go in. Four are new and two have been on the trust for a while. All of the trustees are local people,” he says.

“It’s important for this new trust, if we can get some new blood on it, that they know what’s gone on in the last four years and get tough with the directors to make sure that they don’t go wasting money.”

Art from the heart

By Jon Rawlinson

On the surface, Gregory the Kiwi is a charming children’s book about an adventurous Te Kūiti kiwi.

However, the story behind the story reveals it is also about a talented Te Kūiti Kiwi.

In 2023, artist Gregory Saunders’ life took a devastating turn. He was badly affected by a stroke and no longer able to draw.

The 74-year-old lives in a Te Kūiti rest home.

But a selection his artwork is living on through a new book by his nephew and niece-in-law, Te Awamutu couple Bevan and Niki Aymes, and is helping raise funds for Stroke Aotearoa.

“It’s a rhyming book,” Niki said. “The first page is about a kiwi going through the Waitomo glowworm caves with a flashlight on his head – the moral is that Gregory the kiwi is so brave – and it goes from there. It took a really long time playing on words and all that sort of thing to get it exactly how we wanted it.”

Gregory, who was born in Te Kūiti, often portrayed local life in and around the King Country region.

“When Gregory sees the book, I think he’s very much with it. He will run his fingers along the pictures, and you can tell it uplifts his spirit,” Niki said. “Writing the book was about showing the world his amazing drawings and supporting Stroke Aotearoa at the same time.”

Niki and Bevan gained permission from Gregory’s sister, Bevan’s mum Carol, before putting pen to paper.

“He gave Carol some of his drawings over the years – she had four or five framed and hanging in her laundry.

Then, when cleaning up his house, we found another small pile of drawings, maybe 15 to 20 and it went from there,” Niki said.

“Gregory was an incredible freehand artist who never rated his work too highly. Bevan has very strong childhood memories of his uncle who would draw things from the news and caricatures. Bevan was amazed at how quickly he could produce these wonderful drawings.”

Bevan and Niki’s four sons discovered just how skilled their great uncle was as their parents worked on colouring photocopies of the drawings.

“They just absolutely loved it. They still talk about Gregory most days and they know the book off by heart.”

Each sale of the $20 book raises $2 for the stroke foundation.

Ever wondered what’s on at Waitomo District Library? Here is your guide to all our FREE recurring programmes!

Robotic Lego C���

This is an 8-week programme held each term for ages 10+ Participants meet each Wednesday at 3.30pm This programme requires registration for each term

Robotic Lego Club

Adult Craft Circle

Held on the second Tuesday of each month at 10.30am. This programme requires registration for each session. Come along and create a masterpiece!

Come along and connect with other Home Schooling families in our community. Held on the third Tuesday of each month at 1pm!

Adult Craft Circle The Home Schoolers

Club

Join us for our monthly co ee and cake book chat. Held on the third Wednesday of each month at 12pm.

Are you looking to learn and share writing techniques? Come along on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 12pm

Scrabble Club

and

Russell

Gregory and his great nephew, Benji, read Gregory the Kiwi

Our community fund is here to help groups, people or organisations doing great work in our community. Applications close 31 March 2025. For more information and to apply, visit thelinescompany.co.nz

It’s top prize for Zac

Zac van Dorsten is the 2025 Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year.

Van Dorsten, 27, manages Tony and Louise Collingwood’s 455-cow 165ha farm at Scown Road, Ōtorohanga.

Van Dorsten, who is from Te Awamutu and attended Hamilton Boys’ High School, won $10,523 in prizes at last week’s Dairy Industry Awards after coming third in last year’s competition.

The Collingwoods encouraged Van Dorsten to enter the awards and take courses to continue his professional development.

“There’s also an emphasis on innovation and technology which makes our day-to-day operations easier and minimises work hours,” he said.

He is thrilled to be moving to a contract milking position next season that aligns with his financial, personal and farming goals.

“The New Zealand dairy industry has unique progression opportunities and I’m excited to continue my journey to farm ownership,” says van Dorsten.

“The industry is evolving, and I want to be part of that as we expand and become more innovative to suit the overseas market.”

Ōtorohanga farm manager Oliver Vincent was runner-up in the dairy manager category, bringing home $6,299 in prizes.

Vincent, who attended Te Awamutu College, works on his parents Garry and Angela Vincent’s Haurua Road 260-cow 100ha farm, is passionate about the dairy industry.

“My life is farming. It’s all I really do, or think about,” said the 26-year-old.

They’ve had a tough season, thanks to the drought.

“It’s really not good out here,” he said.

Many had become complacent after two wet summers.

But supplements is the answer.

“With a $10 payout we can chuck a bit more feed in and make it work, but not for too long,” he said. “We are not going to be able to grow any grass for another five or six weeks.”

Vincent is expecting to dry off his herd about three weeks early, as he prepares to go sharemilking on his parents’ farm next season.

He’s looking to enter the share milker category in a few years.

Vincent is thankful the awards introduced him to a wide range of people who he would never have previously met.

“This is how I like to live, and the awards process allowed me to do this with other entrants, judges and sponsors. It also challenged my understanding of my role, the business I work in and our industry and is a great platform for me to learn more in these areas.”

Pirongia farm manager Benjamin Schilt placed third and won $4,554 in prizes. He works on Chris, Emma, John and Anne Poole’s 180ha, 401-cow farm at Pirongia.

Ōtorohanga farm manager Zac van Dorsten is the 2025 Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year

Piopio’s popular doctor

By Meghan Hawkes

It did not matter how late the hour, or wet and dark the night, or how heavy and muddy the road, Dr MacLeod of Piopio never failed to respond to the call of duty.

William MacLeod was a crofter’s son, born on the Isle of Skye, who rose to become a doctor, qualifying in 1905 at Glasgow. After he came to New Zealand he was registered at Otago’s Medical School and in 1913 moved to Piopio. He possessed the sterling and dependable qualities for which Scottish people were so distinguished and quickly gained popularity as much for his unassuming and friendly manner as for his professional skill.

A doctor had been badly needed in the district. Just the year before harrowing tales of suffering were related to the Waikato Hospital Board by a deputation of King Country settlers. It was stated that nobody, except those living there, realised the dreadful experiences of those from the back blocks. A doctor’s residence, with one room available as an emergency ward, was duly built at Piopio.

From his arrival Dr MacLeod’s self-sacrificing devotion to his duties won him sincere respect and esteem. In 1914 William married Jessie MacLennan at Miss Hattaway’s nursing home in Te Kūiti. Jessie, who had come out from Glasgow to be married, was well known in Scotland as a singer of Scottish and Gaelic songs. She had taken a prominent part in national singing competitions, and it was anticipated that she would be a decided acquisition in her new home.

Within a few years the couple had two daughters, and William continued to be a diligent doctor, particularly during the flu pandemic of 1918.

In late May 1921 William was suddenly taken ill and on the advice of Dr McRae, was sent to Hamilton by the express train to go into Dr Douglas’s private hospital. George Brown, of Piopio, accompanied him to Hamilton.  Two days later William had surgery for appendicitis which appeared quite successful. But two days after the surgery Jessie MacLeod was sent for urgently, William’s pain had not subsided and now there

were symptoms of peritonitis. Two more days later a second operation became essential and was performed at 10am, but William died about 4pm. His sudden death was a stunning blow to all who knew him. There was hardly a settler’s home that he had not entered. He was more than a physician to most of the community - he was a friend. William was buried at Te Kūiti, the funeral procession being the largest seen in the district. The church was crowded, and the members of the Freemasons (of which William was a member), attended in Masonic regalia. A lambskin apron was thrown on to the coffin and the symbolic acacia sprig of immortality placed on it.

Very deep grief was felt in the King Country at the death of their ideal country doctor and his ornate headstone bears the inscription that it was ‘erected by the members of this district by whom he was much loved’.

A great test innings

By Jon Rawlinson

Bell bottoms were tops, John Rowles was rocking, Robert Muldoon was yet to call a snap election and

Madhu Nahna had her finger on the pulse of the community.

More than 50 years later and this driven scientist still isn’t ready to stop, at least not yet.

From her laboratory at Te Kūiti Hospital, Madhu has administered and assessed medical tests for generations of patients.

“I’m giving up my charge scientist position but staying in a scientist role,” she says. “I wanted to retire gradually, transition rather than finish and then do nothing.”

“Some have known me for years as I have taken blood from them, their children and their children’s children,” she says. “I’ve been here most of my life. I started training here and then moved to Hamilton and Auckland for more, before I came back. My whole career has been 54 years so far, which is quite a long time really.”

Most of her work has involved blood tests which can prove lifesaving.

“Testing samples is quite involved – we have a lot of analysers, we do blood transfusions and more. Doctors rely so much on our laboratory tests for treating patients. It’s amazing what you can tell from a blood test these days.”

Now in her early seventies, Madhu is used to change.

“Automation is the biggest development. We used to do a lot of manual pipetting and testing, using test tubes and all that sort of thing. We have

very sophisticated laboratory systems and analysers now, so you can put a tube on the machine and it and does the test just like that.”

Well known for her courteous bedside manner, compassion has always been critical in Madhu’s work.

“Just like nurses and doctors we treat patients as we want to be treated. I’m grateful to work in a rural laboratory where patient contact is so important. They feel they’re being looked after

by a familiar face – that’s especially important for people who are really sick.”

The most challenging time of her career began in early 2020.

“It was completely unprecedented – we had so many swabs coming in! We sent everything to the big labs but they couldn’t cope. Later, they introduced smaller machines to the ED, but the big stuff still went to Hamilton and they were so overwhelmed,” Madhu

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recalls.

“The pandemic was hard on everybody, though. We had to roll with it because it was part of our job. We just had to knuckle down and carry on.”

Although Madhu is stepping back her duties soon, patients can still expect the best of care, she says.

“Theresa [Chikunda] has been here 15 years so she knows the ropes. She’s an extremely capable scientist and I have a lot of faith in her.”

Madhu Nahna has given 54 years of service.

Changing of the guard: Madhu Nahna (right) with new charge scientist, Theresa Chikunda.

Farmer King Country

High... and dry

By Chris Gardner

When you can see the mountains it’s going to rain, when you can’t see the mountains, it’s raining.

“It’s going to rain,” says Mat Sherriff hopefully.

From high on his wife’s family’s drought stricken Rotomate sheep and beef farm, a short drive from Piopio town, Sherriff can see across the Central Plateau to the mountains at Tongariro National Park and down the coast to Mount Taranaki.

It’s a crystal-clear day, without a cloud in the sky.

The sun is shining, the temperatures are in the mid-twenties, and Rotomate hasn’t had any rain to speak off since before Christmas.

“This is excessively dry,” Sherriff said. “My biggest problem is water.”

One of Sherriff’s principal water sources on the 350ha block he leases across the road is drying up.

All up, Sherriff and his dentist wife Kim Tatham, runs an 1150ha farm, 870ha of it effective with the test as retired bush.

“It’s not looking too good,” he said.

“Last week I was panicking quite a bit about the water, but we have made a few plans since then,” he said.

“We have dug a new hole, created a new stock water pond, and got new pumps and pipe to fill another pond who’s level has dropped about one metre.”

It’s cost the farm about $15,000, but it has given Sherriff more certainty in less certain times.

“We feel like we are pretty lucky when we drive around the country.”

He’s a regular visitor to the Waipā district, where he has family and Hamilton city, where his children attend school. Max, 15, is at St Paul’s Collegiate, while Zoe, 13, is at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls. He has seen far drier conditions to the north.

“We are getting a share of grass, we are pretty good at managing that,” he said.

Rotomate sheep and beef farmer Mat Sherriff says pond levels have dropped about one metre on his farm.

Sherriff, who has been farming Rotomate since 2012, having moved from Taupō, is planning to introduce breakfeeding with silage, allowing livestock a small area to graze each day.

Other farmers used to describe the King Country as summer safe, farming parlance for guaranteed enough rain in the summer to grow good crops and livestock, but this sentiment is a thing of the past.

“We have had more dry summers than we have had wet summers,” he said.

“Last year was the second driest summer in 30 years.”

In 2024 the farm received 1733 millimetres of rain compared to 1650 millimetres in 2005 – it usually receives about two metres.

“Stock manager Darren McNabb came up from Cheviot so is used to the dry,” Sherriff said.

“He spent all last year telling me how wet it was.” Regardless of McNabb’s views, it’s all about pivoting to being better prepared for ongoing dry conditions in the summers.

“We feel like we are getting the hang of managing them.

“Our stock is in really good condition,” Sherriff said. Instead of finishing cattle at 550kg, they are being finished about one month early at 500kg.

Sherriff and Tatham also run a corporate retreat on the farm, and up to 12 guests stay at a time in quarters once used to home Sir Peter Jackson’s cast and crew filming The Hobbit.

Parts of the farm appear in a few seconds long sequence about three quarters of an hour into the first film: An Unexpected Journey.

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Martin’s an ace of spades

If we like to gamble, Martin Leveridge could well be our man to back at Fieldays this year, as Jon Rawlinson discovered.

When constructing anything, a little Leveridge seldom goes amiss. However, with little margin for error, both speed and skill are also required when making a play for competitive fencing’s highest honours.

“You need a bit of both,” Te Kūiti’s Martin Leveridge says.

“If you’re really quick, you can get away with doing a slightly rougher job, but the guys competing now are just so damn good that they can finish first and have the best work as well.”

He was hardly fenced in by his previous career path, but since taking on a new trade with fellow King Country countryman, Troy Brooky, Leveridge has made every post a winner, or near enough.

“I was in engineering for 10 years, doing a lot of structural stuff, cowsheds and whatnot, but I needed a bit of a break. It was supposed to be a bit of a holiday but once I started fencing, I never stopped.”

Taking up with Brooky, an old school friend, Leveridge served an apprenticeship before starting his own business. He has also competed in the Golden Pliers and, in partnership with Brooky, the pairs event, Silver Spades.

While there are other fencing competitions, including a speed fencing event at the annual Rural Games, Fieldays at Mystery Creek hosts the best in the business.

This year, both men will be going for gold, individually, and seeking silver as a duo. Both have appeared in finals for the Bill Schuler Award, intended for up-andcomers and competitors still relatively new to fencing.

Brooky, who has a few more years on the line under his belt, finished fifth in 2022, second in 2023 and fourth in the Bill Schuler competition last year. But Leveridge holds bragging rights in this respect.

“I made the Golden Pliers final once, finishing eighth in 2022, but before that I won the Bill Schuler two years in a row. As far as winning Golden Pliers this year, I wouldn’t say I have a good chance, but I do have a good chance of making the final.”

The pair were sixth last year in the Silver Spades event.

“We’ve definitely got a good shot of winning or at least being right up there in the doubles as we’ve had some good results in the past couple of years,” Leveridge says. “We have a good system together – I do my job, he does his and we both work instinctively.”

Competitive fencing has produced many legends. Martin Leveridge and Troy Brooky have a very long row to hoe if they’re ever

to eclipse the record of King Country great, Wayne Newdick.

“Wayne, he’s a bloody good bugger,” Martin says. “He’s into judging now but he had an awesome record.”

In addition to a Golden Pliers win, the Taumarunui titan dominated the Silver Spades with 10 wins from 2001-2011, mostly in partnership with Hawke’s Bay’s Paul Van Beers. Newdick’s achievements were recognised with a Lifetime Legacy Award at last year’s Rural Sports Awards.

Even though some of the old guard has stepped aside, Leveridge and Brooky still have highly skilled father and son duo, Shane and Tony Bouskill (Hawke’s Bay), and Jeff Joines (Kāpiti) to compete with.

In addition, Gisborne’s Cory Twigley and Tim Garrick finished first and third in last year’s Golden Pliers while teaming up to secure the Silver Spades.

“I’d say Tim and Tony would be my top two picks for the Golden Pliers. Those guys will be tough so it’s going to be a hard push,” Leveridge says. “But we’ve had some bloody good results in the doubles in competitions over the last couple of years, so there’s no reason why we can’t reach the top spots.”

While a farmer won’t thank a fencer if his cows are in the corn, for example, Leveridge says the judges at Fieldays are much harsher critics when getting down to brass tacks. And yet, the judges’ pedantry has helped him develop his skills professionally.

“As long as a fence looks good and it’s doing its job, most farmers aren’t going to go start picking that you’re out by millimetres and that kind of thing,” he adds.

“Competing has been a huge help. We know what judges are looking for and then we put those skills into our everyday work.”

Martin Leveridge “Once I started fencing I never stopped”.

Time to get out the gate

By Chris Gardner

Natasha Cave is encouraging drought-stricken King Country sheep and beef farmers to take a mental health day and join the Beef and Lamb New Zealand Farmer Council at the Out of the Gate event in Rotorua.

Cave, a member of the council and co-manager of the 396ha Rotowai Farms at Mokauiti near Aria with her husband Alan, said the free March 26 event was a great opportunity to get off the farm and focus on people and productivity.

“Given the last 18 months we have been through financially, and we are now in a really dry period that’s not that great, it’s a good opportunity to get out and talk to some other farmers,” Cave said.

The scorching weather is bound to be a topic of conversation.

Cave’s farm has had a fraction of the rain it usually receives this year.

In January only 37.5 mm of rain fell, compared to 185 millimetres in 2024, followed by 23.5 millimetres in February, compared to 52 millimetres in 2024, and March doesn’t look like it will deliver the 131 millimetres It received last year.

“It’s the lowest we have seen it in a long time,” Cave said. February’s thunderstorms skirted the farm.

“Water is probably tighter than feed, although if we don’t get rain soon, feed will become a big issue,” she said.

Cave said there was not any feed suitable left for finishing animals.

“We have just off loaded as much noncapital stock as possible. We are acutely aware it is getting late, and we are running out of days to get our pasture covers where they need to be for winter and want to protect next year’s production as much as possible.

“It becomes very hard to cart water in if you have got a lot of cattle. We need to be more aware of how our climate is changing.

“The King Country traditionally used to be summer safe with fairly reliable rainfall over the summer, not having that

super dry period, so now we are having to make sure we have got good water systems in place. That’s going to come into play more.”

Cave, who received the inaugural 2025 Beef and Lamb New Zealand Leadership Advancement Scholarship in November as part of the organisation’s people and capability workstream, is planning to increase the farm’s head of cattle and add more water tanks to support that plan in increasingly dry summers.

Beef and Lamb New Zealand general manager of extension Justine Kidd said Out of the Gate would provide the information, tools, and fresh perspectives on navigating challenges and opportunities. It will feature interactive workshops, diving into topics like on-farm productivity, leadership, team building, and diversification

Speakers include meat market expert Simon Quilty, economist Shamubeel Eaqub and motivator David Letele.

Farming through a drought

By Chris Gardner

Dairy farming in drought conditions is a fine balance between making the most of a good milk price and setting up for next season, says Share farming Consultants founder Louise Gibson.

“Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know what to do or if it feels a bit overwhelming,” Gibson said.

The secret is dispensing with emotions and making dataled decisions.

Gibson recommended starting by getting a herd body condition score done by an accredited scorer listed on the DairyNZ website.

“This will give you the information to determine milking regime, cow intake, and start your feed budget,” she said. Then work out how much feed you have on hand and create a feed budget.

“Most farmers will need to put a hard line in the sand

around not losing any further condition and start looking at how to preserve lactation,” Gibson said.

This may lead to a change in milking regime, introducing other products to the herd’s diet and sending away cull cows.

“There are a lot of areas who are looking for in milk cows so you may get a good price for them still,” Gibson said.

Farmers should then calculate the financial balance between extending lactation and banking some autumn milk production.

“If you do think you have a good case for making this work, do your budgets and cashflows and sit down with your bank as soon as possible to discuss this,” Gibson said.

Farmers should keep reviewing their plan.

“A plan made now may not be a suitable plan in a months’ time,” Gibson cautioned.

“We have no idea when it might start raining so be flexible and don’t be afraid to ask for expert help.

Fellow consultant Ashlea Kowalski said on-hand feed became a real concern as the drought tightened its grip and farmers, sharemilkers and contract milkers needed to be having conversations about feed.

“As we fast approach the new dairy season, is there going to be the feed on-hand you put in the agreements for current but also if you have new sharemilkers or contract milkers coming onboard for the new season?”

“The conversations need to happen now, and allow input from both parties, which needs to address how you are going to remedy the shortfall of feed, and outlining who is responsible for this,” Kowalski said.

“Is it financially beneficial for both parties to purchase extra feed in now, and lock in additional feed for the upcoming season?

“It all comes down to having those conversations.”

Natasha Cave is encouraging others to join her at the Rotorua event.

l

RURAL VIEW

Celebrating what?

By Richard Steele

Recently we had Wellington Anniversary weekend one week, followed by Auckland anniversary the next, and every year I think the same thing.

Why are we country people celebrating these weekends at all?

Of course I’m not advocating less holidays, I wouldn’t dare. What I object to are the name. Why don’t we rename these holidays after our own districts?

What on earth sounds wrong with having a Waikato day, a Ruapehu day, a Manawatu holiday, wherever you are from day?

Now I’m no historian, and as I understand the history, could possibly be wrong.

But Auckland is named after a British noble person who never came here, and whose only claim to fame was as being the governor general of India.

What relevance he has to our largest city I’m not sure.

Wellington’s claim to fame was also as a British aristocrat, and who may have invented long boots, often seen on New Zealand farms in their rubber evolution. But to have our capital city named after his sorry self, seems to be taking colonisation a step to far.

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I’m not necessarily advocating for all Māori names to be used either, but more for names to be used that have some meaningful significance to the area they represent - be they Māori or names that recognise people or events that have shaped or helped our nations progress.

So while I’m on the case, I’ll also advocate for a few other changes as well.

I have little against the Royal Family, I’m sure they are at heart great folk.

It’s just that we have too many streets and towns named after them when they should be named after the same criteria as above.

I’m not going to die in the trenches over this, but as we surge forward with our young and vibrant nation, I’m sure we can do a lot better.

In our family we also wonder whose imagination was running wild the day any one ever named a road with the word view in itsea view , mountain view, lake view, heaven forbid.

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Following the kiwi

By Clyde Graf , Waipa-King Country councillor

Last week, councillor Downard, chair Pamela Storey and I were guests at Maungatautari, watching the annual kiwi translocation. Up until now I’ve been a bit dubious about the Maungatautari pest-free project.

However, over time my view has changed somewhat, and given the project has now been in existence since 2002, I think it’s worth persisting with. Making it self-funding is the ongoing challenge.

The project consists of 3400 hectares of forest encompassed by a 47 kilometre long pest-proof fence. It’s reportedly the largest predator-free enclosure in the world.

There are an estimated 3000 kiwi now living on the mountain, and there’s little doubt kiwi are one of the species benefiting from the antimammalian fortification.

Chief executive, Helen Hughes has been at the helm for 18 months. Her vision for the Maunga is decisive, and her ideas for financial sustainability, are creative and novel.

Helen discussed the kiwi programme, which involves kiwi being raised within the enclosure for translocating out to other projects around the country. In 2023 61 adult kiwi were shipped to the Tongariro Kiwi Sanctuary experiment, and in 2024, another 88 - with dozens more this year. I was also informed that Sanctuary Mountain doesn’t currently monitor the outcomes of the birds they give away.

I’ve been following the kiwi survival statistics for the Tongariro Kiwi Sanctuary for 20 years, and the project is a kiwi disaster. A mad-scientist experiment. Hundreds of radio-tracked kiwi have died in the Sanctuary since 2000, and they continue to do so.

Many are from Maungatautari. Ongoing aerial 1080 operations have been disrupting the Tongariro forest since 1999.

Hundreds of kiwi have been translocated into Tongariro, but very few come out. Most die prematurely, often as chicks. Hundreds of them. This has been confirmed by Official Information Act requests.

Conversely, and aside from Sanctuary Mountain, the Department of Conservation (DOC) said in another Official Information Act request (OIA) that it has removed 99 kiwi eggs, and seven kiwi chicks from the Okahu Valley between 2000 and 2017.

DOC states that the Okahu Valley, which borders Te Urewera National Park, has never been aerially poisoned with 1080, and has not had stoat or ferret control undertaken.

The forest was logged in the 1960s and is open to pig and deer hunting all year round. Kiwi have survived the logging, they’ve survived the pig hunting, and they’ve survived the absence of pest control in the Okahu Valley. In fact, they’ve thrived. That’s why DOC can raid their nests in order to boost populations in its poisoned forests.

The High Court recently ruled that the Department of Conservation permitting the New Zealand Transport Agency to kill protected wildlife during the Mt Messenger Bypass project, was unlawful. I think it’s now crucial for the Maungatautari Trust and local iwi to ensure that the outcomes of their translocated kiwi, are monitored.

The success of the Maungatautari project depends on those kiwi being legally protected from the mad-scientist experiments.

My view, not necessarily that of council.

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One of the early decisions that you will need to make is what entity will conduct the business. There are a number of ways that the new business can be owned.

A sole trader is a structure that may work for a small operation – advantages: simplicity, ease of administration; disadvantages: the owner remains personally liable for all business debts and obligations.

A partnership is commonly used for professionals working together – advantages: simplicity, ability to share costs and responsibilities; disadvantages: the partners are jointly and severally liable for all partnership debts and obligations.

A limited liability company is a very common structure for a new business – advantages: the liability of the person or people who set up the business is limited so the owners are not personally liable for the company debts; disadvantages: more complex registration and compliance requirements.

A trust that runs a business - referred to as a trading trust. If used appropriately, the owners may gain protection from business debts, but it is essential that the trust is well managed and documented.

Guidance from your professional advisors is imperative in making your decision about the business entity, and then as you work through the initial processes and ongoing operation.

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‘Wrong’ call on levies

By Chris Gardner

DairyNZ board chair Tracy Brown says the organisation got it wrong when it asked farmers to chose one of two levy rises.

Brown, who is also a Waikato dairy farmer, told The News the organisation had not raised its levy from 3.6 cents per kg of milk solids since 2009.

Asking farmers whether they wished to maintain current science and research, at between 4.4 cents and 4.6 cents per kg of milk solids, or expand investment in science and research, at 4.7 cents to 5 cents, had created some confusion and angst, Brown said.

“In hindsight we should have had a third option to make that clearer,” Brown said.

The options consulted on will increase the milksolids levy payment by at least $800 per 100,000 kilograms of milk solids and be as much as $1400 per 100,000 kilograms of milksolids.

“If they were to choose 3.6 cents, they are choosing to further downsize DairyNZ, and stop doing a lot more work,” Brown said. She said 0.8 cents went to tuberculosis and pest control.

DairyNZ budgeted for $67,790 of levy income in 2025, and a total revenue of $81,773. Expenditure is budgeted at $85,252.

Government funding had decreased from about $14 million to about $4 million in

the last decade, Brown said.

Te Awamutu dairy farmer and DairyNZ board member Chris Lewis said dairy farmers were able to comment on the options as they voted.

“We have had 10 or 12 consultation meetings on this, and I have been to about half, and it was not a very good turnout,” he said.

He had reviewed around 1500 pieces of feedback.

Waikato Federated Farmers president Keith Holmes said DairyNZ had made “a bad assumption” that dairy farmers accepted that DairyNZ needs an

increase in levy.

There was no “no increase option” nand suggested the decision makers were “dancing with the fairies”.

Ōhaupō dairy farmer and Waikato Federated Farmers vice president Andrew Reymer agreed.

“While they have lots of justification for putting the levy up, they have a declining milk pool, and it makes sense.

“But if the farmers are not feeling the love on the ground, then it’s a hard sell. People are saying Dairy who? I don’t think there’s a lot of support to put the levy up.”

FARM SERVICES

Reymer said dairy farmers wished DairyNZ would bring back facilitation of discussion groups within a short drive of most farmers.

“That was the only place they connected with farmers,” he said.

Brown said DairyNZ had already listened to that feedback and was rolling out a series of pilot discussion groups in the Waikato.

“Let’s just say that’s a work in progress,” Brown said.

“Some of farmers’ best learning comes from each other.”

DairyNZ board chair Tracy Brown.

A question of farmer confidence

By Chris Gardner

Farmer confidence has flipped to its highest level in a decade, according to the latest Federated Farmer survey, having flopped from the worst it has ever been.

But the results of the latest national farm confidence survey had the feeling of a false summer, to Waikato Federated Farmers president Keith Holmes.

“While I agree with the general survey results, there is nothing internationally to suggest that we are in a period of prolonged economic and political stability,” he said.

“Nor are farmers making a profit. Many more will be able to pay their bills but in actual fact they are still mining their balance sheets, which is a very serious non sustainable predicament for New Zealand.”

Farmer confidence in economic conditions surged from -66 per cent in July 2024 to a net positive score of two per cent in January 2025. It was the largest one-off improvement since the question was introduced to the survey in 2016.

A net 23 per cent of farmers expect better economic conditions over the next year - the highest confidence level since January 2014.

There has also been a sharp lift in profitability, with 54 per cent of farmers now reporting making a profit – equating to

General economic conditions (current):

Farmer confidence has surged by 68 points since July 2024, rebounding from a deeply negative -66 per cent to a net positive score of two per cent. This marks the largest one-off improvement since the question was introduced in 2016.

General economic conditions (expectations):

Optimism is rising. Net expectations have increased 29 points since January 2024. A net 23 per cent of farmers now anticipate better conditions over the next year - the highest confidence level seen since January 2014.

Farm profitability (current):

The number of farmers making a profit has doubled since the last survey, and 54 per cent report a profit - up from just 27 per cent.

The net profitability score has surged by 60 points, the strongest turnaround since July 2022.

double the number in the last survey six months ago.

Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford, who only last year led the Restoring Farmer Confidence tour with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, said he had noticed a significant shift in the mood of rural New Zealand.

“The last few years have been bloody tough for a lot of our farming families, with falling incomes, rising interest rates and unpaid bills starting to pile up on the kitchen bench.

“At the same time, we’ve also been struggling with an incredibly challenging regulatory environment and farming rules that haven’t always been practical, affordable or fair.

“These survey results paint a clear picture of a sector finally able to breathe a sigh of relief as some of that weight is lifted.”

The survey results show regulation and compliance costs remains the greatest concern for farmers, followed by interest rates and banks, and input costs.

The survey shows farmers’ highest priorities for the government are the economy and business environment, fiscal policy, and reducing regulatory burdens.

“If the government are serious about their ambitious growth agenda and doubling exports over the next decade, this is where they need to be focusing their energy,”

Langford said.

Farm profitability (expectations):

Confidence in future profitability continues to climb. A net 31 per cent of farmers expect improvement over the next 12 months - a 41-point increase since July 2024. This is the highest forwardlooking profitability score since July 2017.

Farm production (expectations):

A net 16 per cent of farmers expect production to increase in the next year, extending a positive trend. It is the first time since 2016-17 that there have been three consecutive periods of predicted growth.

Farm spending (expectations):

Spending intentions have strengthened. A net 23 per cent of farmers plan to increase spending over the next 12 months - up 26 points from July 2024. This is the strongest expected rise since January 2023.

Farm debt (expectations):

“For farmers to have the confidence to invest in our businesses, employ more staff, and grow our economy, we need to have confidence in our direction of travel as a nation too.

“As a country, we’re never going be able to regulate our way to prosperity, but with the right policy settings, we might just be able to farm our way there.”

41 per cent of farmers plan to reduce their debt in the next year, up from 23 per cent in July 2024. Lower interest rates, improved confidence, and stronger production forecasts are driving this shift.

Ability to recruit (experienced):

Hiring challenges persist, and a net 16 per cent of respondents reported difficulty recruiting skilled staff in the past six months, largely unchanged from July 2024. However, this is the least difficult period for recruitment since July 2012.

Greatest concerns (current):

The top concerns for farmers remain regulation and compliance costs, debt, interest and banks, and input costs.

Highest government priorities: Farmers want the government to prioritise the economy and business environment, fiscal policy, and reducing regulatory burdens.

When Prime Minister Chris Luxon, pictured here speaking at Mystery Creek in December with Wayne Langford looking on, farmer confidence has flopped. Now it’s flipped.

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Let’s go…bring on the rugby

By Norris Woodbine

With the commencement of the King Country club premiership season just three weeks away, clubs are gearing up with annual preseason fixtures.

While there is still some conjecture as to the final makeup of the competition both Waitomo and Waitete are hosting formidable opponents at home venues on Saturday.

Waitomo have been training for some time and had their first hit out against Waikato First Division club Ōhaupō last weekend at the picturesque Ōhaupō Domain and face a bit of a step up this weekend against a Hamilton City opponent in Te Rapa.

Due to a clash with Waitomo Sports day, they will be hosting the Charlie Ngatai coached Te Rapa side at Ōtorohanga’s Island Reserve at 1pm.

Ngatai was a star mid field back for the Chiefs and NZ Māori before enjoying an overseas career and has returned looking to see Te Rapa promoted to premiership grade.

Waitomo coach Steve Edwards, in his second season in charge, was very happy with his side’s

performance in Ōhaupō and while conceding Te Rapa will offer a huge challenge is confident his side will build on their performance.

“Several of our boys were unavailable last week and will return on Saturday and we will train twice this week so we are well prepared.”

With seasoned forwards such as Rangi MulliganGreen, Kenneth Perawiti, Dylan Coull anchoring a solid pack and former King Country rep and Waikato league star Sam Trangmar joined by youngsters Brooky Pye and Kees Muller their forwards will be a hard nut to crack.

The wily Eden Kawhena will lead an exciting looking young back line where Hurimai Turner, Freemin Te Whare and Brock Kawhena will be joined by the electric Hemi Keefe-Edwards who was great against Ōhaupō.

Of interest is the inclusion of former Waitomo star Thomas (Maui) Hayes at first five for Te Rapa. He is sure to have a target on his back.

In Te Kuiti on their home patch Waitete will host the Cobra’s Club from Te Aroha in the Thames Valley in what has become something of a traditional match.

Valley sides tend to be very well organised and although

not too much is known of their strength this year the Cobra’s will provide a strong opposition for the men in blue.

Waitete continue to develop younger players, but Ryan Joyce will return to anchor a very solid pack with exciting loosies like Rico Bell and Liam Knight looking to continue their development.

Michael Lea and Livai To’ofohe have returned to strengthen the scrums.

The backs will be strong with Athol Snedden, Callum Hedley and Phayzen Marshall all now seasoned campaigners while they have a real star in King Country rep Baven Brown Junior who is sure to light up the paddock once again.

With the game in Otorohanga kicking off at 1pm and Te Kuiti at 2.30pm rugby followers will have the opportunity to take in both games this Saturday.

Eti gets the Chiefs view

By Jesse Wood

Hautapu alumni Dylan Eti has been floating around the Chiefs rugby squad in 2025.

Coming from the King Country, Eti is a fresh face to Hautapu. He was training with the Chiefs in pre-season and is now in the Under 20 squad competing in the annual Super Rugby Under 20 tournament at Owen Delany Park in Taupō.

Tom McCarthy, who has played for Waitomo and is now wearing the shirt of University in Hamilton, is also in the squad.

The finals will take place this Saturday.

Eti moved to St Peter’s for his final two years of secondary schooling after attending Ōtorohanga College.

“I’ve loved training with the Chiefs. This time last year I was with the first XV, so it’s definitely a big change and an eye opener,” Eti says.

“It’s an insight into where I want to be fulltime in the future. It was a surprise to get invited to train.

He hasn’t forgotten his King Country roots and frequently visits his parents who still reside in Ōtorohanga.

“I’m down there every other weekend. It’s always good to catch up with my mates from primary school there. I love it,” he says.

“Last year when Ōtorohanga played against Hautapu, it was down there. I spent the night back down there and it was amazing. There’s nothing like home.” By the end of this year he hopes to make the New Zealand Under 20 squad and earn an NPC contract or game time.

Eti could follow in the footsteps of recent Ōtorohanga connected Super Rugby representatives Toby Arnold (2024 Crusaders injury cover), Haereiti Hetet (Fijian Drua) and Cortez Ratima (Chiefs).

Hautapu lock Dylan Eti.

Photo: Matt Gould

Brooklyn Pye will be part of a pack expected to be a “hard nut to crack”

Te Kuiti 2 Saint Lukes Crescent

Piopio 4/5 Kaka Street

Piopio

Piopio 12 Kuku Street

Otorohanga 398 Puketawai Road

Kuiti

Kuiti

Te Kuiti 2 Tonga Street

Saturday 22 March

HO L ES

SEAN CURRAN ROOFING

Need a Decorator - Call Now

Dave Rowe Painter & Decorator Phone 027 290 8776 decorator@daverowe.co.nz

Servicing

• Spreading animal effluent Anythingtoobigforashovel-givemeacall

Septic Tank Cleaning

• Emptying septic tanks

• CCTV pipeline inspection

• Jetting drainage pipelines

Waitomo Liquid Waste Disposal 021 111 3911

odd jobs and more. References available GST registered.

Mike & Allana 027 350 0836 info@handy-man.co.nz

Bocock’s Calf Rearing

Pete 027 433 1440

Mark 027 474 6917

Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025

Time: 10am – 12 noon

Location: Tomotuki Marae

Nau mai, haere mai!

Whānau, your presence is important as we discuss key matters for our marae.

Agenda:

• Karakia Timatanga

• Election of Marae Representative for Te Whare Ki Te Tokainganui-a-noho (RMC)

• Nomination, Election of Trustees

• Karakia Whakamutunga

WAITANGURU BIKE RIDE

WAITANGURU BIKE RIDE

• Shared Kai

SUNDAY, 30 MARCH

SUNDAY, MARCH 28

>40km loop, 3km beginner loop

> C Cost $40 adults, $20 16 and under >Food and non-alcoholic drinks for sale

>40km loop, 3km beginner loop

40km loop, 3km beginner loop •Little kids track • Cost $40 adult, $20 16 and under • Food and non alcoholic drinks for sale Mar

Registrations from 8am – Starts at 9am No eftpos - C CASH ONLY

> Cost $40 adults, $20 16 and under >Food and non-alcoholic drinks for sale

POTAWA SIMMENTALS

Registrations from 8am – Starts at 9am No eftpos - CASH ONLY

POTAWA SIMMENTALS

All nominees who wish to be considered for the Trust must attend the hui. No proxy votes will be accepted.

Ngā mihi, Trustees

Contact: Christine Marshall ani.marshall@gmail.com

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.

Temporary Closure of Road/Street To Ordinary Vehicular Traffic

PURSUANT to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is hereby given that the Waitomo District Council, for the purpose of The Great New Zealand Muster and Running of the Sheep 2025 will close the following roads/streets to ordinary vehicular traffic for the periods indicated:

Date: Saturday 29 March 2025

Period of Closure: 7am to 5pm

Streets/Roads: Rora Street (from Ward Street to South End Loop)

King Street East (from Rora Street to Taupiri Street)

Sheridan Street (from Rora Street to Taupiri Street)

to Waitete Road.

PIOPIO COMMUNITY & DISTRICTS

CHARITABLE TRUST

APPLICATION FOR GRANTS

Application forms for individuals and organization’s may be printed off the Piopio website or by emailing the Trust. Email: piopiotrust@gmail.com

Areas covered for grants include Piopio Township and the districts of Mairoa –Mangaotaki – Mahoenui – Aria – Mokauiti – Mapiu – Kopaki – Benneydale –Oparure and Rangitoto. Te Kuiti Borough is not included.

Applications close at 5pm on March 31, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

Te Whetu A5 Section 1 Trust

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The trustees invite all registered beneficiaries to attend

Venue: Kaputuhi Pa Waitomo Caves Rd, Hangatiki

Date: SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025

Time: 9.30am – 1pm.

AGENDA

1. Karakia/mihi

2. Apologies

3. Financial Report – Donna Tarawa

4. Chairperson Report – Jessica Beau

Paul

5. Election of a new trustee

6. Notified General Business ONLY

7. Closing karakia

8. Light refreshments

Nominations for a new trustee must be received by the secretary prior to the AGM.

Awakino Hall

AGM

Wednesday, March 26

7pm

Awakino Hall

Briscoe St, Awakino

Email your classified ads to reception@goodlocal.nz

Don’t forget to i nclude your billing details, name, address & daytime contact phone number

Deaths

GROWDEN, Ernest Percy: Peacefully at Hillview Rest Home Te Kūiti, on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Aged 90 years. Loved husband of the late Kiwi (nee Bell). Much loved father of Lou, Percy, James and John. Cherished grandad to his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. A celebration of Percy’s life has been held, followed by a private cremation. All communications to Growden Family C/PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. In the care of VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

Please attach a brief Bio outlining experience and suitability to be a trustee.

Please note: The AGM for Taipahi A1 will be held following light refreshments.

Nau mai, haere mai Trust Secretary Tui Ashe Mob 0211636405 Email: tui.ashe@xtra.co.nz

TE RONGOROA FOREST & FARM TRUST WĀNANGA HUI

Venue: Te Rongoroa Marae, Ōngarue

Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025

Time: 1pm to 4pm Whakatau: 12.30pm

Please bring a plate for a shared kai.

Agenda:

To engage with beneficial owners and obtain feedback regarding:

• Process to nominate trustees

• Voting process

• Making changes to the trust order

Enquiries to the Trust Administrators: 07 214 1080 or 021 740 403 heartlands@aotahi.com 71 Rora Street, Te Kūiti

The author of this best selling book, Ed Delph will be speaking at Harvest Church Ōtorohanga Sunday, March 23 at 7pm and Friday, April 4 at 7pm

ALL ARE WELCOME. Ed is passionate about community transformation – so don’t miss this opportunity to hear this internationally renowned speaker, right here in our corner of the world.

King Country Grey Power Inc 2025 AGM & OPEN MEETING

Monday, March 24 @ 2pm

Te Kuiti Lyceum Club

4 Hinerangi Street, Te Kūiti

EVERYONE WELCOME

Quick Fire Raffles & Sales Table Meeting followed by shared afternoon tea

KING COUNTRY RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION INC AGM

Wednesday, April 2, 2023

7pm at

KCRFU office, Rugby Park, Te Kūiti ALL WELCOME

For all enquiries please email Kieran Hema generalmanager@kingcountryrugby.co.nz

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.

SAMUELSON Linda Muriel: Suddenly at her sons home in Te Kuiti on March 12, 2025. Aged 72 years. Dearly loved mum of David and Jen; Graeme and Melissa; Lori and Jay. Cherished Nana of Cody, Aidan, Sasha, Tayah, Kayla, Chloe, Piper, Bryleigh and all her great-grandchildren. In accordance with Linda’s wishes a private family farewell has taken place. A memorial service for Linda will be held at VJ Williams & Sons Chapel, King Street West, Te Kūiti on Saturday, March 22 at 11am. All communications to Samuelson Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. In the care of VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

Harvest Church Ōtorohanga

Sunday Service @ 10.30am 5 Tuhoro Street, Ōtorohanga Ph 07 873 8890 Mob 027 493 0117 Email harvest.pc@ xtra.co.nz

ALL WELCOME. Pastors Peter & Carole Coventry (An Assemblies of God Church)

PULLAN, Greg: 2303-2019 Precious memories will be with me forever. Arohanui Mum

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In Memoriam

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