Darcy is our double star
By Jon Rawlinson
Volunteer firefighter Darcy Lupton has passed a major milestone. With more than 50 years’ service under his helmet, he’s the longest serving member in the Ōtorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade’s history.
Lupton received his 50-Year Service Medal at the weekend.
“It was fantastic, a great evening and way beyond my expectations,” he told The News.
Granted by the United Fire Brigades Association (UFBA), his commendation is formerly known as a double gold star.
His single gold star received 25 years ago came with a treasured gift, one that still looks as good as gold.
“I was given one of those old brass helmets. Brass doesn’t look good if it’s not polished, but when you do it looks beautiful. I polished it up and it was on display on the weekend,” he said.
Lupton is one of a handful of firefighters nationwide to have served more than 50 years all with a single brigade.
“There have been a lot of changes to firefighting – technology’s changed a lot since I joined,” he said. “We didn’t have cell phones back then for a start. It seems like a little thing but they’ve made a huge difference in making sure we can get where we’re needed as soon as possible.”
He has also served with St John for 42 years and Lupton has witnessed his share of heartbreak. Now retired, Lupton’s wife, Betty, was also with St John for a time.
“There have been some tragedies, definitely,” Lupton said. “Back when I joined, I had already been in the ambulance service, St John. So, in those days I was the medical man in the fire brigade.
“During my 50 years with the fire brigade Betty has been very important to me – we’ve been through a lot together.”
After receiving his gold star in 2000, health issues required Lupton to step back from operational duties. However, his watch is not yet over.
Continued on page 5
Community heroes – Darby and Betty Lupton.
Photo: B4 Media
COSTAR FLORALS
Top award for dementia unit
By Viv Posselt
The Beattie Community Trust has won a design award for the Papakāinga Homestead dementia building.
The building opened at Ōtorohanga’s Beattie Home complex in 2021.
The Trust was presented with the Leecare Excellence in Design Award at the 2025 NZ Aged Care Association conference held recently in Christchurch.
The award is presented for the building or facility that has the most original and innovative design features for its purpose, recognition that takes into account the aesthetic appeal of the building, its efficient and practical operational features, and the provision of the highest standards of care.
Beattie Community Trust vice-chairman
Stuart Gower said their entry into the awards took the form of a video presentation with input from staff, with references from residents’ families.
“This showed the very high regard in which Papakāinga Homestead is held in the community.
“It is providing the best possible dementia care right here in Ōtorohanga, and it has already been of huge benefit to many local families,” he said.
The Trust owns the Beattie Home complex, one of the town’s biggest employers. The home came into being after the1986 closure of the town’s maternity home prompted the purchase of a place for the elderly.
It opened in 1988 with 27 beds, and was named after Dr Beattie, one of the town’s earliest doctors.
Significant ongoing community support led to the addition of the Wilshier Centre activity lounge in 2004.
On the beat
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027 231 7007
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In 2016, the Kowhai Wing added nine ensuite rooms, and the Papakāinga Homestead opened in 2021 as a self-contained dementia unit. Gower said the award citation highlighted the Eden Principle philosophy for the design, recognising its open, spacious feel, restful colours and internal and external garden and atrium spaces.
“This all contributes to the calm, peaceful atmosphere so crucial for the wellbeing of dementia residents.”
The Eden Principle refers to a philosophy of care that emphasises companionship, meaningful activity and a supportive environment to combat loneliness and boredom among the elderly in care settings.
Earlier in October, the Beattie Home and
with Constable Chris Aspin
Back to school, into court
The King Country Police have had a busy week, with several significant incidents addressed across the district.
Police located an 18-year-old male unlawfully inside a vacant school building in Te Kuiti. Further inquiries confirmed he was responsible for wilful damage at Te Kuiti College earlier this month, where multiple windows were smashed. The individual has been charged and will appear in court next month.
A 29-year-old male was arrested and charged following a family harm-related assault in Te Awamutu. The incident was dynamic and disturbing, with part of the offender’s ear bitten off during the altercation. Police are reviewing additional charges for other parties involved. It is
always disheartening to find young children exposed to such violence. We remind the community to seek help or report any concerns about the safety of children or household occupants.
Police are investigating two related arson incidents targeting public toilets in Ōtorohanga last Wednesday. Anyone with information is urged to contact local police.
A 73-year-old male with a history of dishonesty offending was arrested after being observed interfering with parked vehicles in Ōtorohanga.
A stolen Suzuki mud bike was recovered on Ngahape Road, Ōtorohanga. The bike, stolen last year, has been returned to its rightful owner in Ōhaupō.
A 28-year-old male was arrested and
Hospital was recognised at the Ōtorohanga District’s People Choice Business Awards, scooping wins in the Health and Well-being, and the Not-for-Profit Community Groups categories.
Gower said Beattie was planning further expansion of its facilities in the future, including in the dementia wing.
“The profile this award gives us will be of great assistance in fundraising, especially at regional and national level.
The award is also recognition of the incredible support Beattie received from Ōtorohanga and the north King Country to build Papakāinga Homestead, which has enabled the provision of a world-class facility for the local community.”
charged in Te Kuiti after being found in public wearing gang insignia and a 37-year-old male was arrested in Ōtorohanga following a family harm-related assault last week. He faces charges of assault with intent to injure and assault with a blunt instrument.
Staff responded to several reports of unsafe driving, including vehicles failing to stay in their lanes.
We encourage the public to continue reporting unsafe or antisocial driving behaviour, remain vigilant and avoid distractions, especially use of cell phones while driving. Remember to take additional care on the roads with increased traffic volume over the summer period.
Beattie Home general manager Olive Utiera, centre, with Beattie Community Trust chairperson Andra Neeley and vice-chairman Stuart Gower pictured outside the complex. Photo: Viv Posselt.
Be prepared
The Lines Company says recent severe weather has highlighted the importance of being prepared for power cuts. In addition to storms and flooding, the Tongariro National Park fire threatened TLC’s infrastructure. The company says people should keep a torch and spare batteries handy, use surge protectors, store water, ensure a BBQ or camping stove is in working order and develop a backup plan if power is needed for medical equipment
Hospital display
A display on show during the 100-year-celebrations of Te Kūiti Hospital this month is back on display. Te Kuiti Museum and Historical Society has the visual display of the hospital’s early days on show.
Pothole fixed
Waka Kotahi repaired a large pothole on State Highway 3 on Sunday after it claimed tyres from three separate vehicles. Resident, and former Waitomo District Council rural ward candidate Ross O’Halloran, said he came to the aid of three sets of cave visitors who had a tyre blow out on the road. “Hopefully the tourists got to the caves in time,” O’Halloran said.
On the move
The bathroom and kitchen block from the Te Kūiti Holiday Park has been moved to the Marokopa Campground. The holiday park on Te Kumi Road was closed by Waitomo District Council because costs were exceeding revenue.
Centre update
Te Kūiti’s Maternity Resource Centre future should be announced early next year. Health NZ (Te Whatu Ora) said last month a review of the centre was expected to be completed by November. However, in response to further enquires, it said while there is now no timeline for completion, the review is “currently expected to conclude early next year”
A sparkling night in town
By Jon Rawlinson
It might seem odd on the surface, but it makes a lot of sense for a Guy Fawkes extravaganza to be organised and supervised by a veteran firefighter.
More than 1700 people attended the Brook Park Fireworks Extravaganza at the weekend, said organiser, and Te Kūiti Volunteer Fire Brigade deputy chief, Guy Whitaker.
“People were saying it was the best fireworks display they’d seen yet, which is great to hear. It’s better to have one big event than everyone letting fireworks off all over the district, any time, any day.”
The event included a bonfire onto
which many a guy was thrown.
“We built a massive bonfire and held a Guy competition – kids made their own guys to throw on the fire, and we gave out prizes,” he said. “It was a well-controlled environment. We had a fully licensed pyrotechnics expert, a fire brigade appliance on site and our bonfire was lit electronically by a firefighter.”
Whitaker wasn’t the only Te Kūiti brigade member free to put his boots up and enjoy the show.
“All around the country, there are challenges with fires caused by fireworks at this time of year, and a lot depends on the weather, but we didn’t have any call-outs all night.”
On hiatus last year due to funding
issues, the event’s return was welcomed by sponsors and Waitomo District Council.
“Last year, due to the economic climate, we didn’t feel it was appropriate to ask businesses for money as it’s not a cheap exercise to put on such a big show,” said Whitaker, a King Country businessman and former Waitomo mayor.
“So, I think everyone was happy to see it make a return and we had no complaints.”
While costs were covered by sponsors, mostly Te Kūiti businesses, gold coin donations taken at the gate generated about $2000.
The funds will be used to help develop council-owned Brook Park.
Ratepayers give council a pass mark
Waitomo District Council’s chief executive says staff can be proud of the results achieved in the latest residents survey. From a total of 60 measures, the council achieved the top score in six areas, was significantly above average in 10 and below the average in four.
Overall, Waitomo’s results compared
favourably with others Ben Smit said. Independent research company Key Research surveyed 21 councils.
“The residents survey looks at what we do well, and where we need to make improvements and while there are always improvements to be made, we should all be pleased with these
results.
“Staff should be extra proud that our performance in terms of resident satisfaction is somewhat higher than other councils. It is a credit to those who work hard to meet the expectations of the community.”
Waitomo achieved the top score in engagement and consultation,
enquiry handling, public facilities and open-outdoor spaces, building consents, overall regulatory services and leadership. However, the council was rated below average in overall satisfaction, value for money, overall waste management and overall stormwater system.
“We are very appreciative and thankful for the time residents took to complete the survey,” said Smit. “We know our services and facilities play a vital part in our residents’ lives so it’s important we do our best.”
The results will be used to measure council’s key performance indicators contributing to its annual report.
Ben Smit
James, Lucy and Holly Duder with their guy, Doris the gardener.
The pyrotechnics provided more than 1700 people with a spectacular show.
Did you know?
Giving back
We’re part of the King Country, Ruapehu and central plateau
Minds scholarship. Una Drayton was one of the recipients in 2023.
consultancy PSC Consulting, and data from our own research project, investigating smart meter control for
18 Minds scholarships from 2018 to 2025
80% of our 140+ Country locals
100% owned by Waitomo Customer Trust
01 Annual community
250kWh of solar power donated to the community each year
900 + Homes insulated established in 2018
30000 dollars sponsorship
Remembering the 106
By Jon Rawlinson
Ngāti Maniapoto has been honouring soldiers who fought during the First World War to ensure their stories survive
A two-day wānanga at Te Kūiti Pā at the weekend was timed to run soon after Armistice Day.
It was intended to help honour and preserve the memory of 106 Ngāti Maniapoto First World War soldiers while ensuring younger generations recognise their service and sacrifice. It provided valuable insights, organiser Dr Kahu McClintock said.
“Our Ngāti Maniapoto Ōpe Tāua (contingent) 1914–1918 wānanga was more than we had imagined. We heard lots of kōrero that had been shared down through the generations, recorded in diaries.
“Stories were prepared and spontaneous, including one about a recent trip to visit graves of tūpuna who lie in France.”
McClintock said the wānanga was a space in which people could talk, learn and understand each other.
“The stories gave insight into where our soldiers came from, why they went to war, what happened during the war and on their return, which wasn’t a good experience for many.”
Representatives from the Auckland War Memorial Museum - Whare Taonga o Tāmakiattended as part of efforts to expand and update digital records. They spoke about a new, free cenotaph portal which will open a new world of mātauranga, McClintock expects.
A trustee for the Te Nehenehenui Trust - TNN, Ngāti Maniapoto’s governing body - McClintock has a PhD in psychiatry and an extensive background as an advocate for Māori and as a health researcher.
As part of the Ngāti Maniapoto WW1
Memorial Project in 2024, the flagstaff at the pā was updated to include 29 names of soldiers not previously recorded.
In total, 106 from the iwi served in the conflict.
Following the publication of a booklet on the subject last year, McClintock and her co-authors have been contacting Ngāti Maniapoto to assist them in applying for war records and medal entitlements. They have also been invited to contribute stories from their tūpuna.
“Our grandparents and great-grandparents went to defend a country that was actually quite nasty to them before they went and even after they returned. But they still stood up to be counted as serving their country. This shows the dedication they had to defending our lands.”
McClintock’s grandfather, Private Paraone H Whanonga (Thomas Wahanui), served in WW1.
refers
“The war began only 50 years after Ōrākau, but my grandfather and many others still went,” said McClintock. “He came back pretty traumatised. His saving grace was that he was a musician – he reverted to focusing more on his music.”
She said the absence of a direct connection with a veteran can make it more difficult for younger people to relate to stories of their forebears and even more important that they are passed on through families.
“I don’t think it’s too hard to pass their stories on. If you have them, you share and talk about them. We have committed to staying connected and learning from each other.
“The stories of the 106 soldiers of the Ngāti Maniapoto Ōpe Tāua 1914–1918 will be honoured by mokopuna into the future.”
Darcy is our double star
Continued from page 1
“I haven’t even thought about that yet,” he said. “As long as I can be helpful, I have no plans to leave.”
Brigade chief Neville King said Lupton has been a valued member of the team.
“For the last 25 years, he has been non-operational but he’s still been contributing in one way or another, including as our treasurer for quite a few years.”
King will, most likely, become the second Ōtorohanga Fire Brigade member to reach Lupton’s level – he expects to complete 50 years of service in December next year.
However, there’s a belated anniversary to be celebrated first.
“The brigade’s actually been going for more than a century. The centenary was February this year but we had to put our celebrations off because of upgrades being made to the fire station.”
Centennial celebrations are now scheduled for March, King said.
“We’ll hold them over three days with a Friday night meet-and-greet including family members of the first firefighters who started here way back in 1925, then we’ll have an open day on the Saturday with demonstrations and displays followed by a dinner that night. All members of the brigade who have been with us since last February will be presented with a centennial medal.” The station’s upgrades have been focused around adding a third engine bay to house the brigade’s appliances. Work is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.
Kahu McClintock
Photo Te Nehenehenui Trust
Another tax on the table?
At last, a political party in New Zealand has been brave enough to include a capital gains tax in its policy platform.
The United Kingdom has had one since 1965, Canada since 1971, Australia since 1985 –and that bastion of free enterprise, the United States, since 1913.
I have never understood why our politicians have for so long regarded capital gains taxation as a no-go area. When around 130 countries have some form of it. We are one about 30 that don’t – and most of the others are very small.
In international policy jargon, having some form of capital gains tax is regarded as ‘best
By Peter Nicholl
international practice’ for taxation systems both for fairness and for revenue-raising reasons. Internatioinal organisations like the IMF and the OECD have been telling our politicians this for many years. Out politicians seem to love saying what they are doing is ‘best international practice’ in other areas. But until Labour’s recent announcement they have not only refused to follow this ‘best international practice’, they have also refused to even talk about it. They seemed to fear that voters would penalise any political party that had the nerve to propose a capital gains tax – or to even talk about it as a possibility. But there have been
a number of opinion polls over the last few years in whch a majority of respondents supported the introduction of some form of capital gains tax. In the recent political opinion poll that came out after the Labour Party’s announcement on their capital gains tax proposal, their share of the vote increased rather than decreasd.
I think our politicians have misread the views of the country on this issue. I have been writing this fortnightly column since 2022 and have written about capital gains taxes on at least five occasions during that time. One of the main points I have made in my previous columns is that the introduction of a capital gains tax here is inevitable. I think many others have reached the same conclusion. They can see the state of our fiscal accounts. They can see the huge demands for expenditure the country has in areas like health and roading. They can
see that with an ageing population, there is only one direction in which superannuation payments can go. What are the alternatives to a capital gains tax? We could continue to let our infrastructure run down. We could increase tax rates on labour income, profits or GST. .We could markedly raise the age of entitlement to superannuation or introduce means testing into superannuation entitlements. The one option we don’t have as a country is to do nothing. The staus quo is not a viable option. At present all we have is a proposal. But the issue is no longer hidden in the political ‘too-hard’ drawer. It is now out in the open and part of the New Zealand political debate. That is progress. It will be interesting to see how the debate develops.
AGE OF REASON
My issue with pay increases
By Richard Steele
We have become so used to price increases that no one has even commented on the Higher Salaries Commission recommending honorarium increases for mayors and councillors.
From, it sounds like , between one and 30 per cent for both regional, and district councillors. I find that deeply troubling because the increases come at a time when councils everywhere seem to be failing to fulfil their core functions.
TUESDAY
2 DECEMBER 2025, 6PM
Hospice Waikato, in partnership with V J Williams & Sons, warmly invite you and your family, whaanau and friends to remember loved ones in a shared community remembrance service. This service is for family and friends to remember and reflect on their recent loss. We encourage you to have photographs, flowers, candles or other momentos of your loved one with you when you join the service.
V J Williams & Sons, 33 King Street West, Te Kuiti
Please do not hesitate to contact V J Williams & Sons on 07 878 6100 with any queries
You don’t have to look very far, or listen for long about the three waters debacle, and the off shoots of that sadness that shows up decades of poor decision making, coming home to haunt hard pressed ratepayers.
I don’t have a doctorate should not preclude me from commenting.
The list of councils failings goes on of course, and every ratepayer I meet has their own story, their own example, of what’s going on in their neighbourhood.
That there’s too much sewage, so you can’t swim safely in your own waterway, is an indictment that councils nationwide have never handled.
Look for a moment, at the roads that connect us, infrastructure that’s been neglected for so long that the cost of returning the roads to a good standard is going to be more expensive than it was to build them in the first place.
I don’t have any trouble with people being compensated for the work they do in the neighbourhood communities they serve, it’s just that as an older self-employed person, forever, I just wish people were paid for the outcomes that they actually achieved, rather than be paid whether they achieve anything or not.
It may be naive of me to expect our councillors to have enough business acumen, to have had a degree of personal success, before they aspired to public office, to actually make a difference. I live in the hope that I won’t be disappointed again.
I look out the window every day at a river that flows mud every time it rains heavily, and it seems to get no better for the decades of rates paid to restore the rivers to their former glory. That the suggestions I’ve made to isolate water degradation at their source have been ignored, is only a frustration, and sad, for the rivers of our beloved country. But the rivers degrade non the less under regional councils’ watch, and the fact that
And while I have no objection to any one being paid for their civic duty, I would object to that being their only source of income.
Reject the extra money. Now there’s a challenge. I really wonder, sometimes, whether our local government is even fit for the purpose it was designed for.
Alana Sherman (B.Chiro)
ON SHAKY GROUND
From bad to worse
By Janine Krippner
At 9:35 am on November 1 1755, the people of Lisbon, Portugal experienced between six and nine minutes of ground shaking. A fault had ruptured offshore Portugal in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, causing the event now known as the Lisbon Earthquake, or Terramoto de 1755.
By the time the shaking stopped, the tragedy had only just begun across the coastal city. These events can be complex, with multiple hazards being triggered by the initial process. Fire broke out in Lisbon, causing people to head to areas like the Terreiro do Paço square to escape the flames. They couldn’t have known that this was a dire mistake.
When I mentioned that the earthquake originated offshore and people in a coastal city felt a long earthquake, did you immediately think “tsunami”? The earthquake had triggered a tsunami that claimed around 900 lives in Lisbon. One tragic account tells of people taking refuge in the São Paulo church - and 32 perished as the fire, which would last 5-6 days, spread.
Within an hour of the earthquake, coastlines of Portugal, Spain, and Morocco had been hit by tsunami waves. Around five hours later, the tsunami reached the United Kingdom, causing minor damage, and 9-10 hours later, the Caribbean.
Around the Pacific Ocean tsunamis are commonplace, but with the lack of large subduction zones in the Atlantic they are much less so. Estimations of total fatalities vary widely, but historians and scientists place the death toll between 30,000 and 60,000 people across Portugal, Spain, and North Africa.
This catastrophe illustrates how a single
natural event can trigger cascading hazards –earthquake, tsunami, and fire, compounding destruction and loss. It also highlights the life-or-death importance of how people respond. The actions you take immediately afterwards can determine your survival.
As always, these accounts are a reminder to know the warning signs of a tsunami and think about what actions you would take. If you feel a long or strong earthquake near the coast, get to higher ground. If you see unexpected behaviour of the ocean (rising or falling water) or hear a roar from the ocean, don’t wait around. These lessons cannot be repeated often enough.
If you get a tsunami alert, follow the advice but remember that if the source of a tsunami is too close you may not get a warning beyond the earthquake itself. Areas in Portugal only had around 30 minutes between the earthquake and the start of the tsunami. If you think of trying to move through a crowded city, that is not much time. Trying to drive away in modern times can result in being stuck in traffic within the danger zones.
Tsunamis can also be triggered by processes other than earthquakes, so being aware of the ocean when we are at the beach is always important. Quick, informed action saves lives.
Practice evacuation routes, pay attention to tsunami signs, and remember: while we cannot stop earthquakes or tsunamis, we are not powerless. Preparedness and awareness can make all the difference for you and those around you.
Quick crossword
Across 1. Dishonour (5)
Picturesque (6)
Poorly (3)
Turn up (6) 9. Kidnap (6)
Die of hunger (6)
Door to door seller (6)
Across: 1. Baffle, 4. Staves, 9. Stern, 10. Nonplus, 11. Epitome, 13. Oink, 14. Star-crossed, 17. Find, 18. Generic, 21. Adamant, 22. Pesto, 24. Treaty, 25. Bypass.
Down: 1. Busker, 2. Foe, 3. Lingo, 5. Tenuous, 6. Volunteer, 7. Sass, 8. Interrogate, 12. Intricate, 15. Radiant, 16. Across, 19. Nappy, 20. Cart, 23. Spa.
COMFY CARE
•
•
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Funeral Director: Teri Keir
Barbecue
with Jan Bilton
Bliss
Happiness is the tantalising barbecue aroma wafting across the backyard..
Gas barbecues have become the popular choice. They are advantageous because they cook at the flick of a switch. Many barbecue fanatics tend to think gas barbies do not provide the same flavour or atmosphere as the charcoal barbie. But charcoal is odourless and flavourless. The socalled ‘charcoal flavour’ is imparted to the meat by the flareup and smoke resulting from the dripping meat juices and fat on the hot charcoal. The same kind of flare-up results from the meat juices that drop onto the hot rocks provided at the base of many gas barbecues.
Roaring flames can ruin good meat, charring the outside while the inside remains raw. Cooking on a flat barbecue plate is the least demanding for the barbecue chef because it is similar to frying. Meat can be pre-cooked on the hot plate and finished on the grill if necessary to give it that ‘barbecue’ flavour.
To reduce or eliminate excess flaming, first trim the surplus fat from the meat. Use lean minced meat for burgers. If the food has been marinated, wipe off the excess marinade, start the cooking process, then baste with the marinade close to serving time. If the flames jump up, douse with a little water from a spray bottle. Turn the food with tongs rather than a fork to prevent juices from escaping.
Barbecued Fish With Herbs
A favourite barbecue treat
800g skinned and boned fish fillets or steaks, about 2cm thick spray olive oil
freshly ground salt and black pepper to taste
3/4 cup chopped fresh mixed herbs eg basil, marjoram, chives, parsley, dill, fennel fronds
1 long red chilli, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons lime juice
Cut the fish into four serving-sized pieces. Cut four pieces of
baking paper and four pieces of foil large enough to wrap each fish portion.
Spray the baking paper with oil. Place the fish in the centre of the paper, season with salt and pepper and top with herbs and sesame oil. Wrap the fish in the paper then wrap each serving in the foil.
Refrigerate until ready to cook. Place the fish packets on the grill. Barbecue for 5-6 minutes, until sizzling and cooked. Serves 6.
Bbq Kumara Patties
An excellent vegetarian BBQ option.
400g red-skinned kumara, peeled and chopped
1 medium onion, diced
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium carrot, grated
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
1/2 cup finely grated tasty cheddar cheese
3/4 dried breadcrumbs or panko crumbs
Steam or boil the kumara until tender. Drain well. The kumara should be fairly dry. Mash and cool a little.
Sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon of the oil until softened. Using a large fork, combine with the mashed kumara, carrot, egg, hoisin, parsley and cheese. Mix well. Divide into four equal portions. Form into patties.
Spread the breadcrumbs on some baking paper or a chopping board and coat the kumara patties with the crumb. Chill until ready to cook.
Brush the patties with the oil. Barbecue on a flat plate for about 5 minutes each side until hot.
Excellent served with sour cream. Serves 4.
Frankfurters With Warm Tomato Salsa
Salsa: 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons sherry or balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
Franks: 8 Frankfurters
spray olive oil
freshly ground black pepper to taste
Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan and add the onion and garlic. Sauté on low heat until softened. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, sugar and fennel seeds. Simmer until reduced by about a half.
Meanwhile, spray the Frankfurters with oil and sprinkle with black pepper. Grill over medium-low heat until cooked, about 5 minutes, turning often. Serve the warm salsa with the Frankfurters. Excellent popped into hot long rolls. Serves 4.
MAKING A PROPERTY
Barbecued Fish With Herbs
Bbq Kumara Patties
Property Of The Week Executive Lifestyle Property
Nestled on the hills just north of Te Kuiti, this impressive family home provides sweeping rural views and an enviable balance between home, business, and leisure. What truly sets this property apart is the sheer size and versatility of its infrastructure.
Formerly operating as a Wool Store, the extensive shed complex spans approximately 1,000sqm. The scale and presentation of this 12-hectare (approx. 30acre) property is unparalleled, offering outstanding potential for home-based business ventures, storage, or even event hosting. With ample parking and a stunning garden backdrop, the grounds naturally lend themselves to venue hire-perfect for summer weddings and large gatherings.
The Hinuera Stone home exudes a relaxed country charm, featuring a Matai kitchen and Australian hardwood flooring. Accommodation includes five double bedrooms, two lounges, and a generous home office/family room offering flexibility for extended
family and business use. A large deck runs the full length of the home, overlooking manicured lawns and park-like gardens-soon to host yet another wedding celebration. The gardens have been carefully planned for easy maintenance, complemented by a productive orchard for harvesting up to 10 months of the year. A reliable spring water source gives you peace of mind in the summer months.
Adjacent to the home sits an impressive garage complex with space for at least four vehicles, plus a “man cave” already equipped with a toilet and plumbing for a future shower. This area offers exciting scope for conversion into additional accommodation or guest hosting options.
This property carries a rich local history-transformed from humble beginnings into one of the King Country’s truly iconic lifestyle estates. Offering family living, business potential, and rural tranquillity all in one, opportunities like this are exceedingly rare.
ADDRESS 1500 State Highway 3, Te Kūiti
LAND SIZE 12.43 Hectares
HOUSE SIZE 296sqm
HOUSE 5 bedrooms, 3 living rooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 toilets plus office
PRICE Tender closes Thurs 11 Dec, 1pm (unless sold prior)
WEBSITE monarchsouthwest.co.nz
WEB ID OH22768
3.00 - 3.45pm
3
3
Team Kerry & Karen
Ōtorohanga 145 Main North Road
66 Haerehuka Street
Entry Level Buying in a Great Location
An
of a flat section and a covered carport for convenience. Close to day care facilities, College and in-zone for Otorohanga South School, this home represents great value in this location. There’s scope to add value to this Huntly brick home, which is largely in its original condition.
market long. Offers under the benchmark price of $415,000 inclusive of
(if any) and terms more favourable than those offered to Iwi will not be considered by the Vendor.
Ōtorohanga 26 Domain Drive
The Options Are Endless Occupying a 845sqm corner site in a unique location on a great street, this sturdy three-bedroom home will be someone’s opportunity to get on the property ladder, a great project to add value to and on-sell or, take advantage of the growing number of investors looking to secure property while interest rates are favourable. First timers, DIY’ers, investors and everyone in between. Directly opposite the Otorohanga Kiwi house, this home offers new spouting, a new hot water cylinder, elevation, plenty of solid timber waiting to be enhanced and a family
section with plenty of room to play. An easy walk to town, the pools & gym, daycare and medical care.
Offers under the benchmark price of $460,000 inclusive of GST (if any) and terms more favourable than those offered to Iwi will not be considered by the Vendor.
Easy living on Kea Street
Built in 1986, the 100 m2 home features a practical and inviting layout. Three comfortable bedrooms are complemented by an office, a single bathroom, separate toilet, and a laundry. The open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge area creates a warm and social space for everyday living, along with double glazed bi-fold doors that lead to a covered, attached deck - perfect for yearround entertaining. Comfort is well catered for with a heat pump, plus ceiling and underfloor insulation. The home is connected to town water supply, and hot water is heated electrically. Enjoy peace of mind thanks to the recently replaced roof.
Otorohanga 736 Mangaorongo Road
Your lifestyle dream!
Set in a highly sought-after lifestyle area just 11 km east of the Otorohanga township, this property sits on 4.17 ha and features extensive rural views. The main being a contemporary 181 m2 home, built in 2021, offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and rural tranquility. Boasting five generous bedrooms, a family bathroom, an ensuite, and a separate toilet, the home is designed to accommodate family living with ease. The heart of the home features a well-appointed kitchen with a butler's pantry, flowing seamlessly into an open-plan dining area - ideal for entertaining. A separate laundry adds further convenience, while two heat pumps ensure year-round comfort.
Piopio 54 Kea Street
Te Kuiti 21 Colin Brook Place
Te Kuiti 13 Butler Street
Te Kuiti 10 Rata Street
Benneydale
TE KUITI 461 State Highway 30
Low Maintenance, Well Located Lifestyle 28.1781ha (more or less). Fantastic opportunity to secure a well-located lifestyle property 4.5km from Te Kuiti.
Tidy two-bedroom home, one-bathroom, separate toilet and laundry, internal access single garage, and spa. Adjoining the home is a large 14x12m ClearSpan workshop/shed with 4.5m stud throughout. Reliable spring water supply feeds both the dwelling and farm. Easy rolling contour, ideal for cattle grazing, well-fenced and watered. If you’re after a low maintenance lifestyle block with good shedding offering versatile options, don’t delay – this could be just the place.
pggwre.co.nz/TEK42608
OPEN HOME
$1.15M
FINAL NOTICE
BENNEYDALE 2858 State Highway 30 28 Hectares - Grazing and Supplement
TENDER
M 027 654 7434 Tony Foreman
E tony.foreman@pggwrightson.co.nz
Bernadette Murphy
M 021 262 4960
E bernadette.murphy@pggwrightson.co.nz
PIOPIO Lifestyle - 1246 State Highway 3
Country Charm - Modern Comfort
Just 9km from Piopio and 13km from Te Kuiti, this beautifully renovated four-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers modern comfort in a peaceful rural setting. Features a stylish kitchen, new carpet, doubleglazed joinery, wood burner, heat pump, HRV system, and internal-access garage. The sunny northerly aspect overlooks a swimming pool and selfcontained B&B cabin, surrounded by immaculate gardens. Set on 11ha (STT), with approx 5ha of QEII native bush and balance in pasture. A natural water source supplies home and stock. Includes a duck pond and tidy implement shed/workshop.
pggwre.co.nz/TEK42585
& 2
Exceptional opportunity to secure 28 hectares (more or less) of predominantly flat, highly fertile land in a proven farming area. Ideal for grazing and supplement production, with a strong history of performance. Traditionally supports 60 R2 steers, 50 ewes, plus 30-40 summer cattle. Divided into 10 wellfenced paddocks with gravity-fed water system. Produces 80-100 silage bales annually. Infrastructure includes cattle yards, load-out, half-round barn, and shearing hut. Reliable water, excellent soil, and efficient layout make this a must-see.
pggwre.co.nz/TEK42194
OPEN DAY
Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 3.00pm, Monday 1 December VIEW
10.00-11.00am Monday 24 November
Peter Wylie
M 027 473 5855
E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz
PIOPIO Rural - 1246 State Highway 3
Productive Bare Land - 8 Mile
TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 11.00am, Wednesday 10
Located just 9km from Piopio and 13km from Te Kuiti, this 100ha (STT) bare land block presents an exceptional opportunity for farming or investment. 82ha of effective land and the balance in native bush, including approx. 7ha of mowable country. Most of the native bush has been fenced off and registered under a QEII covenant.
Fertile soils support multiple livestock options, including an all-cattle system. Two reliable springs pump to manacan tanks, supplying water to 35 paddocks. Infrastructure includes a tidy woolshed, sheep and cattle yards, and a 5-bay implement shed.
VIEW 11.00-12.30pm, Tuesday 25 November & 2 December
David
Steve
David Knight - 027 722 4857
Tai
Steve Knight - 027 598 2005 Tai Dundas - 027 598 2115
Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385
Te Kūiti - 07 878 5169
Taupo - 07 378 8545
- 07 878 5169 Taupo - 07 378 8545
SERVICING THE KING COUNTRY 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK
Septic Tank Cleaning
• Emptying septic tanks • CCTV pipeline inspection • Jetting drainage pipelines
Spreading animal effluent
Liquid Waste Disposal 021 111 3911
WORK WANTED
WEED SPRAYING available. Ute setup, twin auto reels. Pricing upon application. Enquires to 021 041 9642.
WAIKATO LAWNS & GARDENS. Free Quotes. Text/ph; 027-232-9654.
WEED SPRAYER
Gorse, Ragwort, Thistles, professional, efficient weed spray operator, 200m auto rewind reels Ph 022 0844 349
WANTED TO BUY FOR SALE
WANTED TO BUY. Any ute, van, 4WD, truck or car. Any condition doesn’t have to be going. Cash paid. Ph/txt Kevin 027 299 6165
ARMCHAIRS Sanderson linen/rolled arms x 2 Used/ good condition. Bought Gracious Living Interiors Remuera
AGISTMENT
GRAZING REQUIRED for dairy heifers and weaners. Contact Bryan 027 4154122
GRAZING WANTED
Stock available Oct/Nov/Dec
Prompt monthly payments 021 078 9294 - 0800 150 200
LIVESTOCK SALE
&
Residential
Driveways + Paths
KITCHENWARE, ORNAMENTS, bedside tables, dining table & chairs & sofas. Pop in & grab a bargain. Saturday 22 November. 67 Gadsby Road, Te Kuiti. 7.00am1.00pm
WANTED TO RENT
Professional business owning couple, wanting a rural home with garaging/shedding. All options considered. Good references available. Ph 022 636 0501
FOR SALE
Patios + Outdoor Areas
Sheds + Slabs
• Industrial Projects 027 7707277 jonathan@ wilsonsconcrete.co.nz
50.88ha King Country Grazing 5 minutes from Te Kuiti. Older home. Mix of mowable flats, rolling to a small amount of steep. Stream, ponds,
PAINTING
Painting
Exterior
Exterior
PROBLEMS?
in to 222 Rora St, Te Kuiti, or phone us on 07 8787636 or
us on tekuiti@cab.org.nz
Notice of upcoming meetings of Ōtorohanga District Council
Details of upcoming meetings can be found at www.otodc.govt.nz/aboutcouncil/meetings
Tanya Winter Chief Executive
www.otodc.govt.nz
would like to thank all the businesses that contributed towards the Brook Park Fireworks Extravaganza, we had a great night with an estimated 2000+ people in the park or around the periphery enjoying the spectacular show.
Notice of Special General Meeting of the Te Kuiti Quota Club called by the Committee
Date: November 22, 2025
Time: 2pm
Location: 71 Taupiri Street, Te Kuiti
Purpose of the meeting: To inform and up-date all Members about the Quota Clubs financial position and ways to go forward.
Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
PUBLIC NOTICE
Of an application for Club Licence TE KUITI BOWLING CLUB INCORPORATED, 1 Tammadge Street Te Kuiti has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, Te Kūiti for the renewal of a club licence in respect of the premises situated at 1 Tammadge Street Te Kuiti known as Te Kuiti Bowling Club
The general nature of the business conducted (or to be conducted) under the licence is sports club. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is (or is intended to be) sold under the licence are Monday-Wednesday, 9am-9pm, Thursday-Sunday 12 midnight
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 only publication of this notice. This notice was publishedon: Thursday, November 20, 2025.
Waitomo District Council Meeting Schedule November 2025
The following meeting is scheduled for November 2025 Tuesday 25 November 2025 at 9am
An invitation is extended to members of the public to attend public meetings for observation purposes. Meetings of Council are webcast in real time to the Waitomo District Council website and are available for viewing on demand as soon as the meeting finishes.
Member(s) of the public wishing to speak at a Council meeting are required to gain approval from the Mayor at least three clear working days prior to the scheduled meeting.
Agendas for meetings are available on Council’s website at least two working days before the meeting.
BEN SMITH
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
If you are interested in any of the following positions, please submit your application (forms available at Hillview reception) together with your CV:
- Casual Healthcare Assistant - Casual Housekeeper
For further information, contact our reception on 07 878 6904 weekdays between 08:30 and 16:30 or e-mail reception@hillviewtk.co.nz for an application form
A/c Trevor & Trish Johnson 4557 Ohura Road, Taumarunui (Ram selling complex) - 700 Yearling Steers
600 Yearling Heifers
These later born shifting hill-country Yearlings are Angus, Angus/Hereford x & Hereford.
Angus Bulls have been purchased from Stokman and Waitangi with Hereford from Kokonga and Craigmore. The cattle will be drafted into lines and weighed 10 days prior to the sale with viewing on Sale Day from 9.30am – 12.30pm.
A list of yard addresses will be available upon request from the Auctioneers.
A catalogue will be available on Bidr oand MyLivestock prior to the sale.
A 2% purchasing rebate will be paid to recognised companies making arrangements prior to the sale. The cattle will be shown at the auction via video taken at drafting and weighing.
A bouquet for Bev
By Mary Anne Gill
Bev McLean loves organising events and her latest one - the Cambridge Golf Club 125th anniversary – was another success. Everything went to plan except for the downpour that struck the 90 golfers early in their rounds on Saturday.
“The weather is the only thing I can’t control,” said the Te Awamutu born, King Country raised retiree.
Bev moved to Cambridge in November 2019 and joined Waikato oldest golf. She now describes herself as a “keen golfer” after years of playing squash. Her passion for organising events began in Taumarunui at the local squash club.
“I like to make things a little bit different. That’s my advice: organise
events so you can enjoy them. Make them memorable and fun.”
One of her touches was offering free glasses of bubbly to toast the jubilee.
It proved fitting when, after two long days, Bev finally sat alone in the cleared clubhouse - dishes done, tables packed away - with a well-earned glass of champagne. And the highlight?
“Just having the clubrooms full and so many people there.”
Jill Morgan, another to move from Taumarunui to play golf in Cambridge, shot 75 to win the women’s gross on the day but the prize of a car for anyone who could record a hole in one at the par three eighth hole went unclaimed.
Founded in 1900 with a nine-hole course north of Cambridge, the club moved to its current Tīrau Road site in 1924 and expanded to 18 holes by 1931.
Hill takes RSA lead
By Viv Posselt
New Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association national president Tony Hill has signalled a ‘back to basics’ approach that will centre on an expectation around behaviour and broaden the reach of assistance to veterans. Cambridge based Hill’s appointment was made at this month’s 109th National Council in Wellington. He takes over from Sir Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford. He held multiple
titles during the previous year – one of two national vicepresidents, district president for the Waikato, King Country and Bay of Plenty, and president of the Cambridge RSA –and served on several different committees.
Trimming three official roles down to one will be easier, he said. “I now have a single focus, even though it’s a wide one. Not having a lot to do at those different levels will make things more streamlined.”
Hill said his first priority was to ‘get back to basics’ in advocating for veterans and their families, whether or not they belong to an RSA. The organisation has been rolling out support hubs around the country, increasing visibility around the advocacy work it does, and broadening its reach.
“Our Poppy Trust is there to make a real difference to veterans’ lives, and that of their families, in whatever way it might be needed. RSAs are completely colour-blind, help offered is based on genuine need and we will go to great lengths to provide it. All people need to do is approach us.”
A dwindling membership in some of the smaller RSAs is a challenge. He acknowledges the difficulties faced by younger members who are busy with careers and young families and conceded that the organisation has ‘work to do’ on that.
Hill, who was elected unopposed, heads an organisation comprising over 182 RSAs - a changing number because of the creation of sub-branches - and over 65,000 members Providing support for Hill is Malcolm Wallace as national vice-president, and Ruawhitu (Anaru) Pokaia as kaumātua.
Hathaway and irony
By Meghan Hawkes
Robert Hathaway, a parcel under his arm, was in a great hurry, when he met George Goldthorpe on a June night 1922.
For the past six months 40-yearold Robert had been in business as a bootmaker at Ōtorohanga having resided for some years previously in Hamilton. Around 7pm he had left his shop to take a pair of boots to a house near the Esplanade at the south end of Tutunui Street. The night was very dark, and the road not lit. It was not safe, thought George, for anyone to go down that street, especially someone fairly new to the area. The next morning there was alarm when it was reported that Robert had disappeared.
Robert was an Englishman who had arrived in New Zealand as a labourer in 1910 on the ship Athenic with his wife, Elizabeth, and daughter. Another daughter was born in 1913. The following year Robert enlisted to fight in WWI having earlier served in the Boer War. He was wounded in the hand during the Gallipoli campaign, having to lie in the open for
three hours before he could attempt to return to the dressing-station, although in the meantime he dressed the wound. There was very little protection where he lay, the hills in front of him were infested with the enemy and bullets fell all round him. Some of the wounded ran the gauntlet of the Turkish bullets but were brought down a second time. Robert eventually decided to take the risk of racing back; he did not run, he later said, but simply flew. Once invalided back to New Zealand Robert acted as a physical instructor at a gymnasium, and was the local group sergeant-major at Te Kūiti. He also went to Ōtorohanga to drill the territorials and cadets, these positions gained him the respect around the King Country. Now, with Robert failing to come home, a search was made by George Goldthorpe, Mr Hartley and Constable Armstrong. After exploring the banks of the river for about an hour his body was found in shallow water. At the inquest George said anyone was likely to fall over the bank, which was sixteen feet deep, especially if they did not know the place. Mr Hartley felt that Robert must have been knocked senseless
DUTTON, Gerard Stephen
Born 26 June 1956 –Died 3 August 2025.
On behalf of Sheryl and the family, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us through this difficult time. Our sincere appreciation to the Te Kūiti Fire Brigade, St John Ambulance, and the staff at Waikato and Te Kūiti Hospitals for their care and dedication. Special thanks to Margaret & Bruce Dunn, Phil & Janene New, VJ Williams & Sons, Waitomo Club, Aon Insurance, and Nicki Walker for their kindness and support. Thank you also for the many messages, phone calls, cards, and flowers. Your compassion has meant so much to us. We are so lucky to live in such a loving and caring community. A loving, caring man with the best hugs and the brightest smile –forever in our hearts.
OLSEN, Frank November 18, 2023
It has been two years since you left us and not a day goes by without your name being mentioned. Always remembered by your loving family – Kathi, Nigel, Shellee and grandkids.
CALLANDER, Lynette Gloria (nee Brough) –Passed away 4.30am on 11th November 2025. Loved wife of Ken and mother of Kim and Michael and their partners, Mark and Glennis. Sister of Allan, Val, Colleen, and Rhonda. Sadly, missed by her four grandchildren, Natasha, Chloe, Nyah, and Cohen. A private ceremony will be held with close family and friends. All communications to the Callander family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.
- if he had had his senses he might easily have got out of the water and climbed the bank.
Dr Nicholson stated it appeared that Robert was probably stunned by his fall into the river and drowned before regaining consciousness. The coroner concurred adding that the bank should be fenced by the local authority. Robert’s military funeral took place at Ōtorohanga, the coffin being draped with the Union Jack, on which a military tunic and hat were placed. It was flanked on either side by a firing party of returned soldiers of the Waikato Regiment. The cortege was very striking and as the military passed the War Memorial, they got the order “Eyes left!”, saluting the monument to those fallen in the war. The ceremony concluded with the firing of three volleys and the playing of the ‘Last Post’. Robert’s many friends mourned his untimely and unfortunate end, the irony being that after all the dangers of war he died by simply walking over a river bank
Local, caring and here for you in your
time of need
Losing a loved one is never easy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our professional and compassionate team is available 24/7 to guide you through every step, ensuring a farewell that truly reflects their life. Call us anytime – we’re here when you need us.
Teri Keir Funeral Director
Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
Job done well: Bev McLean with a bouquet of flowers given to her by the club for organising the 125th jubilee.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill
RSA national president Tony Hill.
Photo: Michael Jeans.
