King Country
Surgeries to return
By Chris Gardner
Te Kūiti residents will soon not have to travel out of town for out of hours care or day surgery.
Mobile Health chief executive
Mark Eager told a rural health roadshow last Wednesday the Mobile Surgical Unit will begin regular visits to Te Kūiti Hospital from 2027.
“Surgical services are coming back to town,” Eager said.
It had been many years since the last surgery in Te Kūiti, he said.
Eager said visits would start after a new unit had been built.
“It’s great news, a real game changer,” said associate minister of health Matt Doocey. “They tend to operate sometimes where we have the tyranny of geography.”
Doocey, accompanied by minister for rural communities Mark Patterson, said Te Kūiti was one of six rural and remote communities chosen to pilot innovative models of urgent and after-hours care this year, as part of the Rural and Remote Prototype.
“Rural health care is under real pressure,” Patterson said.
This year, new services will be trialled in Twizel, Tākaka, Tūrangi, Te Kūiti, Coromandel, and Great Barrier Island before being rolled out nationwide.
Te Kūiti Medical Centre will test rural-specific models that include enhanced point-of-care diagnostics, improved access to medicines, equipment and tools to support clinical decision-making and closer coordination with ambulance service.
The initiative aims to test and refine approaches tailored specifically to the needs of rural populations,
under the New and Improved Urgent and After-hours Care Framework.
Waitomo District Council rural ward councillor Gavin Todd spoke of the problems attracting ambulance staff to rural areas.
“Is there a possibility that we can have extra funding? If you have to pay more, you have to pay more. Money solves most problems,” he said.
“Watch this space,” was Doocey’s reply. “Something is going to happen.”
Hato Hone St John is eight volunteers short for a 10-strong first response unit established in Te Kūiti in September.
Of the planned opening of the University of Waikato Medical School in 2028, Doocey said: “It’s really an opportunity to think about things a bit differently.”
One speaker complained there were only two surgeries in town, in contrast to seven alcohol retailers and six vape retailers.
Eager said Australia had made vaping prescription only.
“In Australia you can walk down the street and not see vaping,” Eager said.
Doocey said prime minister Christopher Luxon had not ruled out doing the same in New Zealand.
Kāwhia GP John Burton advocated for more primary healthcare with the story of a remote patient he had been able to reach before an ambulance only to discover that she needed antibiotics and not hospital care.
“It takes three hours for somebody to get from Marokopa to the hospital,” said Te Toi Ora ki Whaingaroa general manager Mike Edmonds. “People die.”
Tahāroa decision on hold
By Chris Gardner
Taharoa Ironsands is rethinking plans to give eight employees until Boxing Day to move to alternative accommodation in Taharoa village.
The company issued notices to eight employees who had sole occupancy of multiple bedroom houses within the Tahāroa village on Friday, prompting a post of objection on Ngati Mahuta’s Mahuta Ake Ake Facebook page.
As a consequence, the company told The News it would enter into a 30-day period of consultation.
“Let’s be clear: this is not just about tenancy law,” the Facebook post read. “This is about a corporate culture that treats people as disposable and shows no respect for the whakapapa, community, and whenua that make up Tahaaroa.
“When companies act without compassion, it reflects the values of their leadership. What kind of owner forces whaanau from their homes to serve ‘operational efficiency’?
Company director Brent Coffey said the eight employees, who pay $28 in rent a week, were due to be moved to new
Continued on page 2
Associate minister of health Matt Doocey says Te Kūiti will pilot innovative models of urgent and after-hours care.
Photo: Chris Gardner
Your next move
To book an appointment Phone 07 878 8241 Or email admin@moveitphysio.co.nz
27 King St East, Te Kūiti
Candidates clash over plan
By Chris Gardner
A claim farmers could halt the implementation of a Waikato Regional Council water quality plan change by “voting in the right people” has been dismissed.
Plan Change One was developed by a 24-member collaborative stakeholder group more than a decade ago and is before the Environment Court with 24 appeals on more than 1000 points. A decision is due by the year’s end.
Waikato Regional Council Waipā-King Country candidate Garry Reymer suggested the plan could be stopped when he spoke at a Federated Farmers candidate meeting on September 18 in Te Awamutu.
“One thing is clear: PC1 is before the court so no elected member or executive of Waikato Regional Council has the ability to influence the process,” Storey said.
“No councillor, including the chair, nor executive of WRC, nor candidates that say they’ll stop it if elected, can stop it. Only the Government can halt proceedings at this point through legislative change. And despite what some might be saying, the recent legislation, which aimed to halt council planning processes, does not apply to PC1.
process and will continue to enable WRC to work closely with our dedicated farmers and food producers as we navigate the next steps, on behalf of our industries, our communities, our region, and our environment.”
Storey’s post directed readers to a post on the council website “setting the record straight” on Plan Change One.
“The plan change cannot be withdrawn,” the post said.
Reymer said he was not surprised by Storey’s post.
“I see it as being defensive,” he said. “I would not expect anything different from her in her position. I am not surprised by it. There’s definitely truth on both sides.”
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“Plan change one is not a given,” Reymer said. “There is a chance to stop it, with the right people around the regional council. Farming should not be a consented process, it should be a permitted activity, and we need to make sure it stays that way.”
Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk, who is standing against Reymer, her brother-in-law, said he had got it wrong.
“It has now reached the Environment Court, so that’s not a process that councillors can be part of, or influence,” Stolwyk said.
“Garry is incorrect and certainly giving out the wrong information.”
“Right now, it’s sat at a government and ministers level, and they should be talking to regional council staff and councillors.”
Earlier in the month council chair Pamela Storey used Facebook to say some of what was being said about Plan Change One was “simply incorrect”.
“As a dairy farmer in the PC1 area, I understand the frustration of this drawnout process and the angst of the unknown. But I’m committed to making sure that landowners and farmers hear honest information about where we are at in the
Tahāroa decision on hold
accommodation. The company regularly reallocates accommodation for various reasons, he said.
“Ninety-five per cent of staff and contractors are in single quarters - one room per person in shared accommodation.
“The other five per cent have a three- or four-bedroom house all to themselves. It is those staff who are intended to be reallocated to other accommodation so that the extra rooms can be available to staff who otherwise would not have accommodation,” Coffey said.
“Due to some concerns raised following the notices, Taharoa Ironsands Limited has decided to enter into a 30-day period of consultation. This means notices will not apply
Burglars are active
Hope everyone is keeping well and staying safe throughout the school holiday break.
We are encouraging residents and rural landowners to remain vigilant following recent reports of burglaries in Te Kuiti, Ōtorohanga and the surrounding areas. If you happen to notice any suspicious vehicles or people lurking around addresses that appear to be up to no good – we urge the public to report via 111 without delay.
We would rather respond and discover it was nothing than respond after the fact when the harm has already been caused. If you happen to capture a recording or photos without putting yourself at risk that would also be extremely helpful. We are eager to hold these offenders to account.
The team attended several incidents over the week below is a brief overview:
Police responded to a road rage incident in Te Kuiti where a baseball bat was used
Re-Elect Allan Goddard
Rural Ward – Waitomo District Council
For: • Continuity • Integrity
• Frugal Financial Management
• Empowering local communities
• Debt reduction
• Ensuring the best outcome for all residents and ratepayers from the transfer of Water functions to Waikato Waters Ltd
• A leading voice in Local Government changes
• Commitment to Waitomo District
to damage a wing mirror of a vehicle. The matter is under investigation by local staff.
Police also dealt with a road rage incident in Waitomo – where responsibilities outlined to drivers involved. Prevention advice was given around safe following distances and having patience on the roads.
CCTV footage was obtained in relation to theft of some copper down piping in Ōtorohanga. A suspect has been identified, and it is expected charges will be laid when the person is located.
A 20-year-old male who was appearing in Te Kuiti District Court was arrested after he proceeded to cause a disturbance. The person is now facing further charges.
Last week Police received reports of a male seen running down Rora Street with a knife in hand. No one was located – and the alleged incident was not sighted on town cameras.
A 21-year-old male was located and
until the end of that consultation period or may be withdrawn on a case-by-case basis.”
Due to more than 100 new hires over the last 18 months, the company was short of staff accommodation, Coffey said.
“The company has built or added 40 new accommodation rooms and leases additional accommodation outside the area with a daily shuttle service available.”
Iwi spokeswoman Ngahuia Herangi confirmed iwi were to meet yesterday (Wednesday) to discuss the issue.
Waitomo mayor John Robertson said the matter needed to be resolved between the company and its tenants. Waitomo rural member Janette Osborne said she did not have enough information to have a view.
arrested in the King Country following a family harm related incident that took place in Hamilton.
Police recovered and returned a stolen scooter.
Police assisted with an incident in Kawhia where a 22-year-old female was attempting to self-harm during a mental health crisis. She was left in the care of medical staff and appropriate mental health referrals made.
Early on Saturday morning, police interrupted a residential burglary that was in process on Hinerangi Street, Te Kūiti. The offender fled the area on a motor bike and the matter is still under investigation. Please get in touch if you have seen anything or have information.
As always, thanks for all the support. Remember to keep an eye out for each other. Be well and stay safe.
Briefs…
Award winners
Customtone Kitchens and Interior Joinery has won three awards at the 2025 New Zealand Master Joiners Awards. They were for best fitment under two years, best timber project under two and the people’s choice award.
Book signing
Author Roimata Small will return to her marae, Te Koropatū Pa just north of Te Kūiti on Saturday to launch her book Hauoroa, and for a workshop based her first book, Understanding Te Tiriti.Book lauch
New plan
Waikato Regional Council has approved notification of a decisions version of a new coastal plan, which will have implications for the region’s 1150 kilometre-plus coastline including west coast harbours like Kāwhia, Aotea and Whāingaroa. The new coastal plan aims to protect the region’s coastlines, marine ecosystems and community values while enabling sustainable development.
Correction
Otorohanga ward councillor
Katrina Christison has not been elected unopposed to her seat, as suggested in a photo caption last week. Election results will be known on Saturday, October 11.
Chance missed Marae have missed out from receiving the wood from 10 pohutukawa tremoved from the entrance to Kāwhia.
Councillor Kit Jeffries told Tuesday’s council meeting the wood had been removed before it could be distributed. “I will leave that one alone,” he said.
Mayor’s farewell
Outgoing Ōtorohanga mayor
Max Baxter will be farewelled by Ngāti Urunūmia at Te Kotahitanga Marae on Ōtewā Road next Wednesday.
A golden night for the stars
By Jon Rawlinson
Fires can break out at any time, even during an event honouring long-serving firefighters.
It’s why some Te Kūiti Volunteer Fire Brigade members stepped out from the event at the Les Munro Centre on Saturday.
“Ōtorohanga Fire Brigade was covering for us, but after they went off to a call, we had another call, so some of our guys had to race off,” deputy fire chief Guy Whitaker told The News.
“But they were back fairly quickly so they didn’t miss too much.”
Awards were presented by Fire and Emergency NZ and the United Fire Brigades Association in association with the Auckland Provincial Fire Brigades Association.
Phil New and Darren King received certificates for 40 years’ service and four, including Whitaker, were presented with gold stars for 25 years in uniform.
“It’s highly regarded to receive a gold star,” Whitaker said. “I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think any other brigade in New Zealand has had four people awarded gold stars all on the same night.”
In addition to Whitaker, the gold star recipients were Ngahuia ‘Muffy’ Sheedy, wife of brigade chief Hayden Sheedy, Stuart Reed and Stephen Andrew.
Gold stars are bestowed for good conduct in addition to long service. Although the percentage varies, about five per cent of New Zealand firefighters pass the 25-year milestone.
The brigade now has eight gold star recipients in total from an overall crew of 24.
Phil New, a former Te Kūiti fire chief and VJ Williams and Sons’ managing director was grateful to receive his 40-year certificate.
“It’s an individual award, but it’s actually more about the team,” New said. “It
was great to be there for others, celebrating their achievements too, to see the younger or newer people get their awards.”
New’s fellow 40-year certificate recipient, Darren King, was similarly grateful to mark a major milestone.
“It was a wonderful evening to share with friends and family,” he
said. “Almost 15 years ago, I shared another awesome occasion with Phil when we were awarded our gold stars – back then there was only 50 years of service between us, now we’re close to 100 and there’s another 100 between the four who now have their gold stars.”
The brigade is a family to its members, New said.
“We’ve been to each other’s weddings and our children have grown up together – the brigade is like an extension to our families, so an achievement for one of us is like an achievement for us all.”
As volunteers, Whitaker, New, King and their comrades are all well known in the Te Kūiti community.
“We do it all for our community,” King said.
“That’s really where it all begins and ends, with our community.”
Other Te Kūiti firefighters recognised included Wayne Pooley - 14-year long service medal, Roger Burt - 21-year clasp and Dee Bradley and Jess Bentham - three-year service certificates.
Fire fighting heroes – from left, Ōtorohanga fire chief Neville King, Guy Whitaker, Stephen Andrew, David Brown, Stuart Reed, Ricky Hodge, Ngahuia Sheedy and Hayden Sheedy.
Phil New receives his certificate from Lesina Walden.
Darren King was also acknowledged for four decades of service.
TE KŪITI HOSPITAL CENTENARY
Celebrating 100 years of service to the community
Saturday 01 November starting 11.00 am
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
MORNING EVENT AT TE KUTI HOSPITAL
Everyone welcome. Come join us to help celebrate Te Kuiti hospital’s first 100 Years of providing health care to our community.
11 am Opening Karakia, welcome and speakers
The celebration will commence at 11am with a powhiri and program of speakers including the Hon Simeon Brown (Minister of Health).
Followed by tours of the facilities and refreshments
This will be followed by hospital tours and light refreshments.
EVENING EVENT AT THE PANORAMA MOTOR INN
5pm mix and mingle
6pm “Walk and Talk” dinner
Followed by story sharing
SUNDAY MORNING 2 NOVEMBER
To attend the evening dinner celebration, please email as below for registration or get a form from the museum, Te Kuiti Medical Centre or Te Kuiti Hospital Reception.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s for those wanting to share more - 241 Rora Street
Mayors welcome shake up
By Roy Pilott
Mayors have greeted changes to how earthquake prone buildings are regulated – a move which will breathe new life into dozens of buildings in Waipā and King Country.
Across the country more than half of the quake-prone buildings will be removed from the Earthquake Prone Buildings register — about 2900 buildings. Around 1440 will face “more cost-effective
remediation requirements” and 840 will require no remedial work
Auckland, Northland and the Chatham Islands will be removed from the regime entirely “to reflect the low seismic risk in those areas”.
Ōtorohanga mayor Max Baxter thought it was a positive change.
“Protecting human life should always be at the forefront of legislative decision making but that needs to be balanced with
a level of pragmatism and affordability,” he said “It is great news for all of New Zealand especially for our small rural communities.”
Waitomo mayor John Robertson told The News “at last some common sense has been applied”.
He said the focus was now on multi storey unreinforced masonry buildings and facades that could crumble in a severe earthquake.
“Those are the structures
most at risk, not wooden buildings.
“When I became mayor, the council was intending to spend over $600,000 to earthquake strengthen the wooden council office building. I objected. It made absolutely no sense. That requirement should now be gone.”
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He said in Piopio, a resident objected to him last year when she was advised that a small old single level brick shed on her property needed earthquake strengthening.
“That made no sense either, and that requirement should now be gone.
“The devil will be in the detail, but generally the changes make a lot of sense for our district.”
In Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan said a risk-based system made sense.
“It means we can focus attention and investment on buildings that genuinely put people at risk, rather than applying a blunt, one-sizefits-all rule,” she said.
“What we need now is clear, practical guidance from MBIE so building owners - public and private - can make informed decisions with confidence.”
In making the announcement Building
and Construction Chris Penk said cities and regions were losing the businesses, churches, town halls and classrooms that were central to their local economies and community spirit.
“For many buildings, the price of strengthening runs from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. As a result, these buildings are often left empty and become derelict, making them even more dangerous to bystanders in an earthquake.”
At a meeting on Tuesday councillor Kit Jeffries asked Ōtorohanga District Council regulatory and growth group manager to bring a report to the council on the impact of the reform.
“We’re on it,” Quickfall said.
JOHN ROBERTSON
We’ve got population growth, more homes built, and school rolls increasing.
Now we need to grow jobs and opportunities.
In the next term we need to open up more land for industry in Te Kuiti.
There is potential for an industrial park on Council land near Te Kuiti aerodrome.
A Council-led partnership delivered the Gallagher Recreation Centre. A Council-led partnership could do this as well.
You know my record: I get things done.
You know my style: approachable and engaging.
You know my vision: a great District to live in. I would appreciate your vote. Let’s continue our journey together.
John Roberston says a requirement to strengthen the wooden Waitomo council office building “should now be gone”.
Max Baxter
John Robertson
Falcon first in race
By Jon Rawlinson
New Zealand’s latest “bird of the year” is not a common sight in our skies – but they can be seen at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House.
The kārearea – New Zealand’s only falcon – pipped the kea and karure or black robin to the 2025 title.
And readers might not have seen them in the flesh – but they have been in wallets since the second set of New Zealand decimal bank notes were issued in 1992. The kārearea is on the $20 note.
“You have five votes in Bird of the Year and the kārearea was definitely in my top five,” Tori Budd from Waipā’s Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari told The News.
Although not endangered, the bird is classified as threatened.
“There are enough birds so that the population is relatively safe, but they’re still at risk due to population declines from predation and loss of habitat, for example,” Budd said.
“We don’t know their exact numbers [at Maungatautari] because they reintroduced themselves – they found their own way here. They’re now happily breeding and regularly seen by staff, visitors and volunteers.”
Nearby Ōtorohanga Kiwi House has a pair of kārearea in residence.
The kārearea, our native owl the ruru and the kāhu – the commonly seen harrier hawk – and the introduced barn owl are classed as New Zealand’s four birds of prey. The barn owl qualifies because it was not deliberately introduced.
The kārearea plays a role in pest control, feasting on such introduced quarry as rodents, sparrows, pigeons, ducks and rodents – though its diet before those pests
were introduced was native species.
A high-speed hunter, it is capable of reaching speeds of 200 kilometres an hour when diving.
In its 20th year, the bird of the year poll has again helped raise awareness of the need to protect native species, Forest and Bird’s chief executive Nicola Toki said.
“Habitat destruction, climate change and introduced predators continue to push many species towards extinction – but public awareness can be powerful,” she said.
“People fall in love with these birds and once they know their stories, they care, they advocate and they act.”
The bird of the year – the kārearea. Photo: Maddox Photography
Games teach conservation
By Jesse Wood
A new tool in the form of games for students to learn about the Maungatautari to Pirongia ecological corridor has been created.
The Taiea te Taiao Education Box was launched last week at Pirongia Forest Park Lodge.
It was put together by the New Zealand Landcare Trust, the lodge, Enviroschools and Pūrekireki Marae.
“The games were a collaboration. We started the box more than a year ago. We’ve been trialling the games when we can, especially at conservation week events,” Landcare Trust Maungatautari to Pirongia ecological corridor project coordinator Bexie Towle said.
“Last week we went to an event in Cambridge with lots of schools, so it was great to test them there.
“It’s teaching kids the concepts of biodiversity in New Zealand and what an ecological corridor can do to help.”
Te Pahū School, Te Awamutu Primary School, St Patrick’s and a homeschool group from Pirongia attended the launch event at the Pirongia Lodge.
“The games are anything from field games, where the start line was Maungatautari and the finish line Pirongia.
“We had stepping stones, hula hoops, which were safe areas
and different games to cross the corridor, whether it was a beanbag race or what’s the time Mr. Weasel, tag type race.
“The students learnt the concept of having the safe areas, stepping stones for wildlife. They were native birds that were getting across from one mountain to the other.
“Then we’d replay the games and introduce things like predators. Some of the students were weasels, rats and possums or introduce things like trappers. They would help control the predators and make it easier to cross the corridor.”
Another funder and participator at the launch was residential aged
WASS.CO.NZ
care provider Bupa.
“We had a lot of fun with the Bupa residents that joined us and got amongst it in the games,”
Towle said. “They brought a lot of knowledge and enthusiasm for environmental care.”
There are also indoor games including charades, bingo and others for learning the cultural
history of the area.
Pirongia Forest Park Lodge and Pūrekireki Marae will house a box, while Enviroschools will also have a copy for schools to borrow and the resources can be downloaded from online.
“There’s been a real, coownership of the box. I guess that’s the idea of the corridor project is it’s a community project,” Towle said.
“We’d love to see the games rolling out and getting popular in schools. Maybe the students could make their own games and feed them back to us.
“Our dream, the point of the box, is to bring this project to the next generation because it’s a generational project.
“We need to get the kids on board. They’re going to be a huge part of seeing this project through.
“It’s going to take more than one generation to create a really robust ecological corridor.
Towle said the Waikato catchment is 1.4 million hectares, the Waipā catchment is 310,000 ha and the corridor is about 51,200 ha.
“We’re actively working on about 15 per cent of the Waipā. But we encourage everyone to be a part of the corridor as we would like to see biodiversity thrive across the landscape and connectivity across the Waipā,” Towle said.
“The birds, bats and insects don’t observe the region and district boundaries we’ve created.”
St Patrick’s Catholic School student Jacob McKimmie reads a fact off one of the blocks.
Photo: Rebecca McDaid
The accent is on Māori
A te reo Māori voice will ensure future generations grow up hearing and connecting with their own dialects, an AI expert from the University of Waikato says. In testing and soon to be
ready for use, the AI voice, created by Associate Professor in the University of Waikato’s Department of Software Engineering Dr Te Taka Keegan, is the first that speaks in the Waikato-Maniapoto dialect.
Dr Keegan (WaikatoManiapoto, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whakaaue) believes the future of te reo Māori depends on rangatahi, the younger generation, and his commitment to supporting the normalisation of te reo Māori for them has driven him to take on this project.
“Ideally, we need them to grow up listening to voices and interacting with te reo Māori that they can readily identify with,” he said.
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Return your voting papers by post (before 7 October) or ballot box. Voting closes midday 11 October.
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“While learning and being supported by dialects other than their own is better than no language support at all, rangatahi form a stronger and more personal connection when they can readily engage with their own dialect.”
Being from the region, Dr Keegan wanted to make a Waikato-Maniapoto accent and says other iwi will be able to use it as a template for their dialects.
“I think my approach really is looking after my backyard first but setting an example for other people’s backyards.”
He says this is important because future computing interfaces will be operated through voice rather than keyboards, which requires computers to respond with high-quality language.
“What has been created is a generated or synthesised voice that will speak Māori language sentences with a pronunciation that has been tuned to the Māori ear.
“We worked with a wellknown local authority on Māori language to record her speaking thousands of Māori sentences. The sound recordings were processed to create a language model that can generate spoken sentences from written text. The model produces speech so realistic that it’s difficult to distinguish from the original speaker.”
An email from Google one Saturday night, offering an unsolicited award with funding, enabled the development of this technology.
Keegan wondered if it was a hoax but Google offered him an unrestricted funding gift that was to be used for ‘Protocols for responsible Māori language technologies’.
“That’s a lot of faith to put in someone who is working primarily on languages that won’t affect their bottom line,” he said.
While the donation was welcome and he is very grateful, he also feels that Māori should take responsibility for building their own technologies.
“We can’t rely on a large international company to come and save our language. We’ve got no chance if that’s the case because there are 8000 languages in the world, and ultimately the people that most care about the language are the language speakers themselves.
“To save indigenous languages, indigenous people need to be building indigenous language technologies themselves.”
The Waikato-Maniapoto voice is expected to be ready to go in a couple of months.
“I’ve had that idea in my head for a long time. But since the money came in, I was able to employ a student over the summer, and some Māori language experts, to really bring that dream to fruition.”
It’s not the first time he has worked with Google.
Around 14 years ago he spent six months working in the Google head office on the Google Translator Toolkit.
He has spent countless hours developing the current directions forward for te reo Māori in technology.
“It’s not something I have ever questioned. It’s really exciting for me. It keeps me up at night, when I should go to bed earlier.
“Plenty of questions buzz around my brain like what do we need to get to this? What steps do we need to take to make this happen? I never look back counting the hours.”
Dr Keegan is also CoDirector of AI Institute Māori and Associate Dean of Māori. In June he was awarded the Living Icon award at the Te Hāpori Matihiko Awards in Christchurch.
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Te Taka Keegan is looking after his backyard – and setting an example for other people’s backyards.”
Scholarships announced
Te Kūiti High School student, Mikhail Hasanbasoglu has been awarded a three-year scholarship from The Lines Company.
He is heading to the University of Waikato to study a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours and plans to specialise in construction as a civil engineer.
“Ultimately my goal is run my own construction company focussing on large projects such as skyscrapers, motorways and bridges,” he said.
Lines Company chief Mike Fox said Mikhail’s NCEA results showed exceptional academic achievement.
“His passion for community and family came across strongly in this application. It is fantastic to see young people with such drive to create positive change going forward.”
Mikhail is joined by three other students who will begin tertiary training next year with
financial support from the company.
Justin Schur, who lives in Motuoapa and attends Tauhara College, also received a threeyear scholarship and will be heading to the University of Auckland to study a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours.
Ruapehu College student Liam Burnard will study a Bachelor in Surveying at the University of Otago. He has been awarded funding for two years.
Tongariro High School student Sharlize Hopa, from Tūrangi is also heading to Waikato to study a Diploma in Te Tohu Paetahi.
Sharlize will receive support for one year.
TLC launched the Inspiring Local Minds Scholarship in 2018 and has already helped 35 rangatahi with tertiary study. Applicants can receive up to $2000 a year for three years for a range of study applicable to TLC jobs. All applicants must live on the TLC network.
Mihail Hasanbasoglu
ON SHAKY GROUND
A chain reaction at sea
By Janine Krippner
When a hazardous geologic process is triggered, the consequences can be felt far away and in seemingly unexpected ways. Cascading hazards are those that are related as part of a sequence of events across both natural and human systems. Because of the multi-faced nature of these, the resulting impacts can be more significant or severe that the initial trigger.
One striking example occurred on 18 November 1929 when the magnitude 7.2 Grand Banks Earthquake struck off the coast of Newfoundland in the western North Atlantic, along the continental shelf. The shaking was felt in parts of Canada and the United States. Because of where the earthquake occurred, along the relatively steep part of the seafloor made up of layers of sediments and huge channels and canyons, a large, underwater landslide occurred. The volume of failed material is estimated at about 200 cubic kilometres.
When landslides happen under or near large bodies of water, they can trigger tsunamis. And this one did. About 2.5 hours after the earthquake, the tsunami impacted Newfoundland and was also recorded as far away as Portugal.
Even with the current tsunami warning systems of today, when tsunamis are triggered nearshore, we very well may not get any warning. This is why we urge people to evacuate to higher ground if you feel a long or strong earthquake along our coastlines. Waiting for an official warning may cost lives.
The destruction was catastrophic for communities, with more than 40 villages being impacted.
“Dwelling houses were reduced to a condition reminiscent of wartime description
of the effects of heavy shell fire. Former sites of gardens and meadows now thickly strewn with boulders, some of them as large as casks thrown upon the shore by the devastating force of the tidal wave,” St. John’s The Daily News reported.
Remembering that tsunamis are a series of waves over hours, not one giant wall of water, tsunamis are a truly terrifying process. Water heights can be intensified along narrow bays along the coastline, and in this case, waves reached heights up to 27 metre in these areas as the water surged up the landscape.
A total of precious lives were lost, and many others severely disrupted. Homes, businesses, ships and fishing gear were destroyed, and livestock were killed. To make matters worse, it took more than three days for help to arrive.
The story of what happened was eventually figured out in part because the landslide took out 12 submarine transatlantic telegraph cables. This information helped scientists to understand how the landslide moved, and how the three processes involved were related.
This sort of devastation reminds us of the necessity of understanding how our planet works not just as one isolated hazard, and how the interactions between different hazards can make things much worse for us. This also helps us to prepare. From this knowledge, we can understand what signs to look out for and know what actions we need to take to protect our own lives, and the lives of those around us, especially when we cannot rely on an official warning.
AGE OF REASON
Bureaucratic bull…
By Richard Steele
On a tour recently I drove past two hard working people doing the unenviable job of picking up rubbish.
It’s bad enough that we even have to do that - to pick up the trash lowlifes drop out their car windows.
But what was even worse were the 200 road cones accompanying the two workers, and the six blokes in the two trucks supervising the road cones.
Actually , the six blokes were leaning on a fence with body language, that suggested that they were playing cards.
This is not a Richard rant about road cones. You don’t need me to tell you how useless and bad they have become. This is an observation about what’s wrong with the economy. Drawing a long bow if you like. But it is the hidden costs attached to everything we do.
It doesn’t matter one iota, whether it’s putting up a building, fixing or building a road, selling produce to new markets, or anything you could care to think of. We are so bound up by bureaucratic bullshit that it’s an absolute wonder that or when anything gets done at all.
And then the pundits from governments gone, want Nicola Willis to resign, or for Luxon to stand aside.
But how can we succeed when we are so bogged down by the inefficient ways we go about our business?
I liked Roger Douglas and know that none of his 1980s reforms have ever been repealed. Those reforms were needed then, in a similar way to what we need now.
To think the government we threw out 18 months ago has the answers now is just naive on the electorate’s part.
We need a powerful mandate given to our political leaders, so, to quote in Tronald Dump’s words, we can clean out the swamp.
Central government, regional government, and local councils all have to do their part, in sorting out the bloody awful mess that they have created.
Or I will retire to thin out our daffodils.
Briefs…
Not so fit…
An outdoor fitness station is to be built at Mair Street rather than Waipā Esplanade following an Ōtorohanga District Council decision to on Tuesday. Following recent bad weather, it was determined the proposed site for the fitness equipment was not suitable, community facilities manager Jared le Fleming said.
Public picks
Seventeen Ōtorohanga businesses have been selected by the public as finalists the People’s Choice Business Awards. Category winners will be announced on October 15.
Tea time
The Māori Women’s Welfare League’s Ōtorohanga branch will host an afternoon tea on October 15 to celebrate recent donations to Ōtorohanga Primary School, Ōtorohanga College, Ōtorohanga Medical Centre and Beattie Home. The organisation will also open applications for a Wahine Māori Scholarship at the event.
Bob’s 100th birthday bash
By Jesse Wood
A founding member of the Kāwhia Volunteer Fire Brigade, Bob Blackwood, celebrated his 100th birthday last week.
Now Te Awamutu-based, Bob said he’s had a happy life and had never been to hospital until age 96.
“I’ve had a strenuous few days celebrating my age. I’ve been very much honoured by so many people. I’ve had messages from the King and Queen and the prime minister,” Bob said.
“[The secret is] caring for myself physically. I was never ill and I kept active. It must be in my family bones because I had two aunties that were over 100. One was 104 when she died.”
The Camellia Resthome resident celebrated his century at the Te Awamutu RSA on September 21 with countless friends and family members, including relatives from Australia. Five generations were in attendance.
Bob is the father of four sons - Mick, Bill, Allan and the late Patrick - grandfather of nine, great grandfather of 16 and great great grandfather of two.
His beloved wife of 66 years, Ruth “Sis” (nee Gilbert), died in 2013, aged 89.
On Bob’s special day, Camellia staff put on a birthday morning tea.
“That was really nice but I’m a bit tired of parties now,” he said.
Bob was born in Hamilton on September 23, 1925, to Winifred and Robert Blackwood. After his mother Winifred’s death in 1936, Robert raised his son and three daughters.
Bob grew up in Waihi before moving to Pokuru and Hamilton, followed by seven decades in Kāwhia and the last four years in Te Awamutu.
He did well at Waihi Convent School and enjoyed playing sports – tennis, cricket and rugby.
“I had a lovely life in Waihi. My father looked after us very well,” Bob recalled.
“We managed to struggle through the recession in the 1930s. It was pretty horrible.
“The country went broke and everything seemed to go wrong until Michael Joseph Savage started the Labour government, found employment and had all sorts of processes going to get the economy going again.
“Between then and the war in 1939, things weren’t too bad. [During World War II] it was pretty run down.”
He loved cars and became a garage attendant in Waihi upon leaving school.
“I was always keen on motoring and I wanted to be a motor mechanic. The fellow at the garage wouldn’t organise an
apprenticeship contract for me, so I left there,” Bob said.
Following the war, Bob moved in with his grandparents at Pokuru.
“I went to Craig Motors, the Ford dealers, and had an interview with Jim Craig. I told him I wanted to arrange an apprenticeship.
Jim looked me up and down and said, ‘you’ve got a fortnight and if it doesn’t work, you’re out the door’. I was there for eight years and I loved it.
“I did all sorts of things. I was sent to the Ford factory in Wellington and would bring back new vehicles for customers. I had lovely workmates, they were great.”
Cars were, and still are, his passion – a love passed down to his sons.
A 12 month stay in Hamilton saw Bob work for Bedford and Vauxhall agents, Waikato Motors (now Ebbett Toyota).
“I met Sis on my very first visit to Kāwhia, when I still lived in Waihi. One of my friends’ family bought a bakery business in Kāwhia. I went to visit him and I met my dear wife,” Bob said.
“She was a lovely lady and we had a lovely life together.”
The Kāwhia Garage came up for sale and Bob took the opportunity to move there. He married Sis in 1948.
Bob owned the garage for more than three decades, retiring at 59 due to feet problems.
“I lived in Kāwhia for 70 years. My wife and I were happy living there. We lived by the school and looked out over the harbour,” he said.
Bob participated in many community positions and clubs including indoor bowls, outdoor bowls and the vintage car club.
He was a prolific photographer, producing hundreds of slides and photos, a great restorer of cars, a Citroen dealer in Kāwhia and fixing hydraulic Citroens was no problem for him.
Bob was a member of the Eagles Golfing Society and with 60 years involvement at Kawhia Golf Club, he became a life member there and a justice of the peace (JP) life member.
In 1957, he became a foundation member of Kāwhia Volunteer Fire Brigade and went on to be fire chief and a station officer, serving for 32 years.
Son Allan said his dad had restored many vehicles. He has two and brother Bill has two. Since moving to Te Awamutu four years ago, he has time to relax and is enjoying life at Camellia.
“I’m very well treated here…and I’ll be here as long as I need to be.”
Authorised by Stu Kneebone, 271 Baker Road, RD4 Cambridge
Bill Blackwood with two of his sons, Allan and Mick, on his 100th birthday.
Photo: Jesse Wood
League – back with a bang
Rugby League returned to Te Kūiti’s Centennial Park and attracted a big crowd as part of an open day last weekend.
A nines series in perfect weather proved to be the ideal conduit for open running play and there were some spectacular tries.
Ngaruawahia Panthers lifted the King Country Rugby League nines trophy after fending off Maunga Toa Marokopa, who had earlier caused a surprise by winning their pool.
Maunga Toa Marokopa, urged on by the crowd, began in outstanding fashion scoring from the kick off for an early lead. The Panthers - reigning Waikato Premier champions – then began to dominate play and with ruthless efficiency looked to be cruising to a big victory.
However, with Dane Moana taking control at stand off and with Shane Ostern storming about the field with some punishing runs the locals gained some parity and closed the gap.
The spirit was illustrated when Maunga Toa Marokopa refused to let the ball die when the hooter sounded and surged 90
metres down the field for a spectacular final try, closing the gap to 22-15.
Earlier, Waitomo Warriors - a hybrid side – made both Waikato premiership teams Hamilton City Tigers and the Panthers work hard for the points.
As the day closed in on the finals the crowd delighted to see Bush Brothers and Waitomo Warriors, who turned up with impressive squads, tear into their work.
With Zylar Hatu Pratt impressing with his ball carries and Waitomo’s Hurimai Turner
dictating play with a running game it was the Waitomo side who came out on top 17–8.
After being stunned in pool play Te Piringa and Hamilton City Tigers played off for third – City winning 16-13.
KNOW YOUR PROFESSIONAL
LANDING YOUR FIRST JOB – KNOW BEFORE YOU SIGN
Starting your rst job or apprenticeship is exciting, it’s the beginning to independence, new skills, and future opportunities. But it can also be overwhelming. Many young people are so keen to get started that they sign contracts without really understanding what’s in them.
That’s why knowing your rights is so important. Before you sign, pause and ask the right questions: Is the wage fair for the role? Will KiwiSaver be paid on top of your wage, or is it included? Who covers the cost of your equipment, uniform, or study opportunities? These details may seem small, but they can
make a big di erence to your take-home pay and overall experience. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Understanding your contract will give you con dence and security as you step into the workforce. And if you’re unsure, the local team at Edmonds Judd is here to guide you every step of the way.
KEEP THE ENTIRE FAMILY SAFE AROUND FIREWORKS
Although reworks are fun for us, they can be incredibly scary and highly stressful for our furry companions and livestock. Now is the time to start thinking of ways we can reduce the stress in icted on them. Pop into your local veterinary clinic and ask about a range of products and treatments available to help reduce anxiety and stress including diets, supplements, thunder shirts, pheromones, and medication.
Here are some helpful hints:
• Walk dogs before dark. This can help tire them out and hopefully help them to sleep.
•If possible, stay home when reworks are being let
BACTERIA
The health of your mouth is closely tied to the health of your body. Bacteria associated with bleeding gums, bad breath and dental decay can a ect multiple body systems. One important site is the gingival crevice — the narrow space between the tooth and gum — which provides an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to thrive. These organisms have mechanisms to break down gum tissue,
o near you. Leaving will only increase their feeling of unease.
•Put dogs into kennels or bring pets inside before dark. Also prevent animals escaping by ensuring all windows and doors are closed, including the cat ap!
•Draw curtains and turn the tv or radio on to help mute the noise of the reworks.
•Bring hutches and enclosures into a quiet room indoors, or into a garage or shed.
• Ensure pets are microchipped and wearing an up-todate tag.
•Build a den or hiding place. Some dogs and most cats
gaining access to the bloodstream. This results in a transient bacteraemia, which in healthy individuals is usually cleared quickly by the immune system.
In some cases, however, bacteria and their endotoxins trigger widespread in ammation. Certain species destroy tissues, while others damage immune cells, reducing the body’s defences. Circulating bacteria may
will feel calmer being able to go somewhere small and dark, a safe place to retreat to.
•Be supportive and remain calm. If your dog looks stressed remember they look to you for guidance. Keep the mood light and fun, rather than showing too much concern as this may communicate that you are worried too. Also avoid punishment, remember; home is their safe zone.
•If possible, move stock to more isolated locations to reduce risk of exposure to reworks.
Be proactive and ensure the safety of all family members this Guy Fawkes.
adhere to prosthetic heart valves and joint replacements, where poor vascularity limits immune protection. Oral bacteria have also been linked to type 2 diabetes, premature birth, rheumatoid arthritis, in ammatory bowel disease, and respiratory infections. Maintaining good oral health reduces this bacterial burden, helping to safeguard overall wellbeing.
YOUR
If Europe is on your radar, smart planning makes all the di erence. Travelling by rail is one of the easiest ways to see more in less time – highspeed trains connect major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Milan in just a few hours, turning long travel days into comfortable, scenic journeys. Rail travel
also takes you directly into city centres, saving the time and hassle of airports. Now is a great time to start planning your 2026 travel. The rst round of UK/ Europe Earlybird airfares are already in the market, along with some excellent specials from River Cruise companies – including savings of up to $3,000
per person when you book and pay 10 months in advance.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out my World Travellers King Country Facebook page where I’m sharing weekly videos showing what we got up to on our own family holiday to Europe in 2024
KELSI BARNETT
FIONA JACK
Brothers in arms – Waitomo Warriors and the Bush Brothers after their clash.
Here comes the Targa
By Jon Rawlinson
The rally season is not over – ‘NZ’s ultimate road race’ is yet to be run.
After town and country in King Country hosted rounds in the Northern Rallysprint (August 17) and the North Island Rally Series (September 21), the Targa is coming.
Beginning in Pukekohe, the five-day tarmac rally features stages in Waikato and northern King Country (October 15-16) before heading to Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay.
Among this year’s entrants is rally veteran Charlie Evans from Hamilton Car Club.
“I won at Targa in 2005,” he said. “I haven’t been in it since, but as it’s the 30th anniversary, I thought I would. There is a two-day and a five-day event – I won a two-day one and I’ll be in that again this year. I have two cars, including one I’ve been preparing just for the Targa.”
Although it’s a serious competition featuring some of the latest, high-tech rally
cars, the Targa includes a wider field than dirt road rallies across four competitions and three classes in each.
Two-wheel-drives can be more competitive on tarmac against four-wheeldrives. Last year’s winner, Marcus van Klink (Canterbury), is proof of this – he will be back, driving a two-wheel drive Mazda RX-8.
Named after the Italian for license plate, the first Targa was held in Florio, Sicily, in 1906. The New Zealand incarnation is a little younger – set to be run for the 30th time –but it is rich in tradition.
Vintage cars are par for the course too. The Targa includes a Retro category intended to allow a little friendly competition without the cars without thrashing them to within an inch of their lives.
In addition, the Targa Tour sees sports cars run as they were intended – on closed roads they can reach speeds well beyond posted limits.
Although it is held in various locations
throughout New Zealand, the 2024 Targa sets off from Ōtorohanga and, this year, King Country roads will again feature strongly.
Spectators can view the action and many of the cars will be on display when the day’s racing is done.
HOME MAINTENANCE
Defending champ, Marcus van Klink in action during Targa last year.
Photo Geoff Ridder
Across 1. Infected (6) 4. Deed (6) 9. Muffled (5) 10. Put
22. Passage (5) 24. Intensify (6) 25.
Last week
Across: 1. Lend, 4. Undies, 8. Against, 9. Verve, 10. Cute, 11. Starters, 13. Competent, 17. Cherubic, 19. Free, 21. Wield, 22. Uniform, 23. Starve, 24. Poll.
Down: 2. Elastic, 3. Dent, 4. Up-to-the-minute, 5. Divorced, 6. Eerie, 7. Feast, 8. Arch, 12. Smoulder, 14. Turmoil, 15. Scowl, 16. Seam, 18. Event, 20. Limp.
SEER STARS TAURUS THE RAM TWINS VIRGO ZODIAC
SCALES
SCORPIO
Funeral Director: Jordan Goss
FOR SALE
7 Reynolds Road, Te Kū iti
This exceptional property offers a comfortable lifestyle and with four bedrooms it’s perfect for family living or hosting guests. Featuring two modern bathrooms, including an ensuite for your convenience and a open plan living and dining area that seamlessly connects to a stylish modern kitchen and scullery, making it ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. Open the doors from the lounge and bask in the sun on the front patio or sit under the covered area to retreat from the sun, the perfect spot for a BBQ or evening glass of wine. There’s a dedicated study space that offers a quiet
retreat for work or study. Excellent interior condition with high quality finishes throughout. Thoughtfully designed with blinds, curtains, and shutters that enhance the home’s aesthetic. Stay comfortable year-round with a heat pump, ventilation system and wood fire, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The double garage is perfect with additional storage, laundry and internal access and a garden shed for your outside equipment.
There are beautiful grounds and a small orchard with room to expand that offers plenty of room for children
4770sqm
and pets to play. Enjoy the tranquility of rural living while being conveniently located close to local amenities. This property is not just a house; it’s a lifestyle, with its expansive land, modern amenities, and peaceful, minutes to Te Kuiti township.
For Sale By Negotiation rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30317
Buzz Linn 027 496 0053 buzz.linn@raywhite.com
Ōtorohanga sections (sizes are approximate)
Lot 1, 52 Old Te Kuiti Road, Otorohanga, 1876sqm,
Lot 2, 0 Old Te Kuiti Road, Otorohanga, 2716sqm, power and
149A Old Te Kuiti Road, Lot 1, 5517sqm, easy covenants. Phone
Lot 1, 627 Waitomo Valley Road, Otorohanga, 8105sqm rural
Lots 90-108 Harpers Avenue, 486sqm to 962sqm, Westridge II subdivision.
$220,000ea
576C Mangawhero Road, Otorohanga, 1ha, fenced, sensible covenants. Ph Noldy Offers over $385,000 2/823 Ngahape Road, Otorohanga, over 6000sqm, elevated building site, rural views. Ph Noldy $450,000
Te Kūiti sections (sizes are approximate)
35 Robin Azariah Place, Te Kuiti, 1084sqm, handy to schools and hospital. Phone Buzz $250,000
54A Ailsa Street (Lot 1), Te Kuiti, 2159sqm, end of a cul de sac, STT. Phone Buzz By Negotiation 54A Ailsa Street (Lot 2), Te Kuiti, 1707sqm, end of a cul de sac, STT. Phone Buzz By Negotiation
10 Robin Azariah Place, Te Kuiti, 600sqm level section. Phone Buzz
Other sections (sizes are approximate)
214 Okapu Place, Aotea Harbour, 700sqm, borders farmland, ocean views, covenants
71 Hone Street, Kawhia, 1012sqm bare section in Kawhia, freehold with no
0 State Highway 3, Piopio, 984sqm. Phone Buzz
171 Ngahape Road, Te Kawa, 5001sqm.
Kawhia
Sky-high living, views & private airstrip access
Set on 29 ha of flat to gently rolling countryside, this unique lifestyle property offers the ultimate blend of aviation convenience and rural charm. At the heart of the property sits a comfortable three bedroom home, perfectly positioned to soak in breathtaking panoramic views - stretching from majestic Mount Egmont to the snow-capped peak of Ruapehu, all the way to the distant sparkle of the sea. For aviation enthusiasts, the private airstrip and fertilizer bin are a standout feature - ideal for those who want to fly in and out with ease, whether for business or pleasure.
for everyone on Taruna Place!
Tender closes 4.00pm, Thu 9th Oct, 2025 (unless sold prior), Property Brokers, 138 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu View Sat 4 Oct 11.00 - 12.00pm Web pb.co.nz/TWR205202
Doug Wakelin M 027 321 1343
Paul Wheeler M 027 336 6158
Riverside rural
Set amidst the picturesque rolling hills of Taumarunui, 166 Saddler Road presents a rare opportunity to embrace the best of country living. If you're seeking a peaceful rural block, a retirement haven or a character-filled rural getaway, this impressive property delivers on every front. Positioned on 22.19 ha (more or less) of flat to gently contoured land, there is ample space for farming or equestrian pursuits, calf rearing, and boundless accommodation potential. 5 2 2
Awakino 1535 Taumatamaire Road
Taumarunui 166 Saddler Road Tender
Te Kuiti 8 Taruna Place
Kuiti
Kumi Road
Piopio 9 Kuku Street
Piopio 4/5 Kaka Street
Te Kuiti 16 View Road
Sunday 5 October
Tuesday 7 October
233B Kio Kio Station Road
Quality Land in Prime Location
This is a rare chance to secure an exceptional block in one of the district’s most sought-after locations. With fertile soils and enviable contour this outstanding property is just a 5-minute commute North of Otorohanga and ready to impress you.
• 56.9000 hectares (subject to survey)
• Fenced into 35 paddocks
• Raced laneways to all paddocks
• Large portion of land area suitable for mowing/ cropping.
• Practical infrastructure including a storage shed, haybarn, yards and loadout.
Whether you’re looking for a productive support block, a semi-retirement farm, or that special property to build your dream home on, this property delivers it all. Opportunities like this don’t come up often-don’t miss your chance.
For Sale Tender closes Thurs 23 Oct, 1pm (unless sold prior)
View Open Days: Tues 7 Oct, Mon 13 Oct, 11.00am - 12.00pm
monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22728
Kerry Harty M 027 294 6215 P 873 8700 E kjharty@harcourts.co.nz
Christison Tidy Gardens
It’s that time of year when the King Country really shows off — plum,peachs, magnolias, michelias and cherry trees are bursting into blossom and the rest of the deciduous trees are coming alive with fresh new leaves. It’s not just a pretty sight either — all that blossom is the promise of fruit (and beauty) to come, so it’s worth giving your trees and garden a little extra care at this stage.
A couple of things you can do now:
• Keep weeds down around your fruit trees and garden beds — they compete for water and nutrients. A layer of mulch does wonders.
• Feed your plants. A general fertiliser or compost will give them the boost they need as they put on new growth.
• Spray smartly.
the flowers drop) and again later when fruit starts to colour. Avoid spraying during full bloom.
• Apples/pears (black spot, powdery mildew) –protectant sprays are often applied at green tip or tight cluster stage, and again after petal fall.
• Thin early blossom on young fruit trees if it looks like they’re overloaded — better to get fewer, healthier fruit than lots of small ones.
• Prune spring flowering shrubs like camellias and daphnes once they’ve finished blooming, so they can put on fresh growth for next season.
• Leaf curl on peaches/nectarines – best controlled with a copper or fungicide spray in late winter/early spring before the buds open. Once the tree is in flower, it’s too late — spraying then won’t fix it and could harm pollinators.
• Brown rot (stone fruit) – preventative sprays are usually done just after petal fall (when
It’s also a good time to start getting your vege patch ready for summer crops. Work through and clear out any winter leftovers, dig in compost or well-rotted manure, and let the soil rest and warm up. By the time the frosts ease off, your beds will be primed and ready for planting tomatoes, beans, courgettes and all those summer favourites.
Most importantly, take a moment to actually enjoy it — the blossom, the fresh green leaves, the birds darting around. After winter, it really is good for the soul.
HANDYMAN
Property maintenance and construction
Lawns, trees, stump grinding, sections, moss & mould treatments, Chemwash, waterblasting, gutter vac, water tank and trough cleaning fences, retaining, odd jobs and more. References available GST registered.
Mike & Allana 027 350 0836 – info@handy-man.co.nz
PAINTING
Painting interior/exterior
Painting interior/exterior
Where now for incinerator plan?
By Chris Gardner
The company wants to burn rubbish to create energy – but the trail on Global Contracting Solutions’ plans has gone cold.
Exterior house washing
Small jobs welcome
Exterior house washing Small jobs welcome
Contact Steve 022 676 1839 No obligation free quotes
Contact Steve 022 676 1839 No obligation free quotes
Septic Tank Cleaning
• Emptying septic tanks
• CCTV pipeline inspection
• Jetting drainage pipelines
• Spreading animal effluent
Waitomo Liquid Waste Disposal 021 111 3911
It has been six weeks since the Environmental Protection Authority revealed it had stalled a hearing into the Te Awamutu project because the company owed fees. And it has been almost that long since The News was able to make contact with Global Contracting Solutions.
Then, director Adam Fletcher told The News application costs had doubled one month before the inquiry and the company was working with the EPA to settle the matter.
After questioning the EPA this week, The News was told it had been involved in regular contact with Global Contracting Solutions, as recently as last week.
The independent board
of inquiry into the proposed plant was halted in midAugust when the EPA suspended the application. Neither the authority or applicant have indicated when the outstanding bill for the application and three-week hearing might be settled, and the suspension lifted.
University of Waikato Te Piringa Faculty of Law Professor Barry Barton said it was a difficult situation in terms of where the statutory process now goes.
Barton, a director of the Environmental Defence Society, submitted against the application on the grounds that adverse effects were real, quantifiable and serious.
“I can’t see anywhere in the act which allows the EPA to close the file for nonpayment after any particular period of suspension. The act does provide that if the payment is made, then the suspension is lifted, and processing will continue. But the act doesn’t say how long
things can go on like that. One can only speculate. It leaves everybody in a state of suspense. One wonders how it could be brought to an end.
The authority received 2173 submissions on the plan. Nearly two thirds were concerned with the effects on air quality, emissions, and human health.
Don’t Burn Waipā spokesman Nick Cantlon said the pressure group was puzzled about the delay in the process two weeks away from the hearing commissioners announcing a decision.
“We have asked the Environmental Protection Authority how long this pause could be in place, unfortunately we have not had a response that addresses our questions.
“The state of ‘limbo’ is very disconcerting and unsettling for our community, many of whom have put their lives on pause while we wait for a decision. People deserve to have this
OPINION
Reappraising Jacinda
A new movie came out in cinemas this past week - about Jacinda Ardern. And I think you should go and see it.
Some friends and I went along to its opening night at the Regent in Te Awamutu on Friday and saw something few ever get to see but all should understand - the sheer allconsuming pressure of being in that office.
I’ve been involved in politics behindthe-scenes for over a decade now, I’ve seen behind the curtain, and yet some of ‘Prime Minister’ surprised me.
I first met Jacinda just a few months before the resignation of Andrew Little catapulted her to the top. We were both at a function at The Helm in Hamilton, and as I recall she didn’t think twice about standing on a barstool to make a speech or taking the time to pore over an old newspaper about Michael Joseph Savage with a fan, or pose for a selfie with me.
But on a number of occasions since then I have been a vocal, and perhaps not always fair, critic of hers - to some extent that’s relatively by-the-by in politics today, but should it be?
I think it’s time we reappraise the premiership of Jacinda Ardern. The final months of Covid-19 still loom large in the minds of many but considered against many of her
By Luke East
predecessors, she governed at a time of somewhat unparalleled turmoil.
I remember the terrible attacks on March 15 and recall the pride I felt when Jacinda called it what it was, an appalling terror attack driven by hate. And then the speed with which she worked with all parties to pass rapid legislative change to ban the sale of military-style weapons in our peaceful land. She unified our country amidst that shared national grief and again during the first lockdowns, in a way that I don’t think we’ve really been since.
I was part of the Team of Five Million who stayed indoors and awaited the daily updates from the podium. After trying to crush Covid, the summer of 2020 was glorious… but then the vitriol began, and it hasn’t stopped since. That toxicity has spilled over into politics at all levels and has become a political cancer.
Here was a Kiwi who had the courage to put her hand up and step into the arena, someone with a passion for people and a more servant-hearted style of leadership - and yet in 2023 she left the arena (and the country), partly because all the hate and vitriol left her needing sleeping pills and combatting nightmares. I only met her once while she was
case closed so they can move forward with their lives and have confidence investing in Te Awamutu again.”
The company owes more than $100,000 to Waipā District Council and Waikato Regional Council, but what it owes the Environmental Protection Authority has not been revealed.
Candidates clash over plan
Reymer said if the majority of the next councils members were opposed to the plan change, they could approach the Government and ask it to step in.
Reymer said the Act Party, a coalition partner in the current government, was strongly opposed to Plan Change One and had launched a campaign to stop it.
Act is promoting a petition calling on the council to immediately suspend work on the plan change and commission a full economic evaluation before proceeding.
At the time of going to press just over 200 signatures had been collected.
Reymer planned to meet Act Party MP and environment spokesman Simon Court yesterday (Wednesday) to discuss the next steps in stopping Plan Change One.
PM, despite being at several state occasions together, it was in a cafe. I was pondering what to order when I saw her protection squad encircle the room, and there she was stood directly behind me. She had far better things to do then wait behind me, so I let her go in front and she seemed so genuinely surprised - yet for me it was the most natural thing in the world.
Our leaders deserve respect, sometimes that’s letting them go ahead in the queue but other times it means allowing them their privacy, ensuring our civil discourse remains civil (I regret the fact that I have sometimes fallen short of that mark), and ultimately never forgetting that they’re human too and are simply trying to do their best.
Go see the movie and that is what you’ll see, our Prime Minister (regardless of whether you voted for her or not - I didn’t) trying to do what is best for everyone and in times of crisis trying to unify us and protect us. And doing it in a way that is pretty uncommon in our politics.
‘Prime Minister’ may not change your mind, but it might just open your heart.
An artist’s impression of the proposed waste to energy plant for Te Awamutu.
Taumarunui Community Kokiri Trust Practice Nurse Vacancy 40 hours per week
We’re looking for friendly, motivated and passionate nurses to join our team in our Maniapoto Whanau Ora Centre based in Te Kuiti. Our clinic provides a wide range of holistic and clinical care for our community.
You will be supporting two GP’s in a close-knit environment where teamwork and communication are key.
The role involves clinical tasks, patient engagement and support to keep our practice running smoothly each day.
You will need:
• NZ Registration with current APC
• Prior experience in a medical centre (desirable)
• Able to work autonomously and in collaboration with other health professionals to promote health
• Able to work independently and as a team player
• Be able to demonstrate a high level of personal integrity and commitment to patient care
• Culturally responsive
• Cervical smear taker and Immuniser preferable, full training will be provided
• Ability to work in a busy team environment
• Confident computing skills
• Sense of humour
• High level of communication skills and time management
Short term accommodation and relocation costs may be negotiated. Competitive salary and opportunities for ongoing training and career development
If this is you, join us to provide outstanding care to our community.
Please apply by sending in your cover letter and CV to jobs@kokiritrust.org.nz, along with your expression of interest in hours of work and area.
Closing date: 10 October 2025
Taumarunui Community Kokiri Trust
Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs)
Taumarunui X1 and Te Kūiti X1 Vacancies
We are looking for friendly, motivated and passionate registered mental health professionals to join our Whanau Pai Team based in Te Kūiti and Taumarunui
You will be based within GP Medical Clinics located within Taumarunui/Te Kuiti and Otorohanga. Holistic support will be provided to whanau by working collaboratively with Mental Health & Addiction Team(s), General Practice Teams and wider services provided by Taumarunui Community Kokiri Trust
HIPs provide support to the general practice and are responsible for delivery of brief consultations and evidence based behavioural interventions to individuals, groups and whanau for both mental health and physical health conditions in people of all ages.
You will need:
• Current annual practicing certificate as a registered profession (Social Work, Psychologist, Counsellors, Mental Health Nurses)
• Ability to demonstrate high level of clinical primary practice
• Able to work autonomously and in collaboration with other health professionals to promote health
• Able to work independently and as a team player
• Be able to demonstrate a high level of personal integrity and commitment
• Culturally responsive
• Ability to work in a busy team environment
• Confident computing skills
• Sense of humour
• High level of communication, data input skills and time management
Hours and days of work may be negotiated Short term accommodation may be negotiated for applicants who may be relocating to either Te Kūiti or Taumarunui
If this is you, join us to provide outstanding care to our community.
Please apply by sending in your cover letter and CV to jobs@kokiritrust.org.nz, along with your expression of interest in hours of work and area.
Closing date: 10 October 2025
ST LUKE’S MARKET DAY
This Saturday, October 4 8am-12 noon Carpark 85 Esplanade, Te Kūiti
$10 per space
Sellers and buyers welcome Enquiries: 021 201 0355 or 027 243 6312
NOTICE OF
2025 Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Ruapuha Uekaha Hapū Trust will be held on Saturday, 18 October 25, at Te Kauae Pā , 954 Mangarino Road, Hangatiki. Starting at 10am.
Agenda:
1. Karakia/Mihi
2. Apologies
3. Chairman’s Report
4. Financial Report
5. Election Results
6. Initiatives Report
Kūiti Little Theatre King Street West
11, 2025 @ 7pm Door sales only $15 Adult $5 Child/Student
7. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
8. General Business
9. Karakia Whakamutunga
10. Lunch 1.00pm
In the event of a tangi at Te Kauae Pā, an alternative venue will be advertised on the Trust’s Facebook page and website www.ruht.co.nz.
SITUATIONS VACANT
Āria Primary School
2-3 days/week part time Scale A teacher, year 2-4.
This is a one-year fixed term position commencing at the beginning of term one 2026. Job share position, days negotiable.
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic teacher who will inspire and motivate students to learn. Strengths in working collaboratively and strong classroom management skills are required.
Our school has a passionate and supportive staff culture. We look forward to hearing from you.
Please send CV plus covering letter and names of two referees to The Principal, Āria Primary School, 17 Barclay Road, Āria 3979 or e-mail to office@aria.school.nz.
For further information, contact the principal Pam Voyce. Applications close when a suitable applicant has been found.
WEEKLY ADVERTISING DEADLINES
DECISION TO CLOSE ROADS TOVEHICULARE TRAFFIC – TARGA NZ
In accordance with the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974, notice is hereby given that the Ōtorohanga District Council, for the purpose of allowing the Targa NZ to hold a Tarmac Rally, proposes to close the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic for the period indicated hereunder:
Thursday, October 16, 2025
SS11 Start: on Mangare Road (250mtrs from Rotongata Road) – past Landing Road (no exit) – past Huirimu Road -onto Pukewhau Road. Finish On Pukewhau Road (300m from intersection with Waipapa Road). Date: October 16, 2025 Time 10am – 3pm
SS12 Start: on Wairehi Road (3000mtrs from its intersection with Waipapa Road) - past Taupaki Road - past Aotearoa Road, onto Ngaroma Road - past Waipari Road (no-exit)past Mangawhio Road (no-exit) - past Tolley Road (no exit), onto Bayley Road - past Wynyard Road (no exit) - past Hingaia Road. Finish On Bayley Road (100m from its intersection with Loop Road) Date:October 16, 2025 Time 10.40am – 3.10pm
SS13 Start: on Mangatutu Road (200 meters from its intersection with Wharepūhunga Road) - past Pamotumotu Road (no exit) -past Grice Road (no exit) - past Wall Road (no exit) - past Millard Road (no exit) - past Pukemapou Road (no exit) – onto Maihiihi Road - past Hoddle Road (no-exit) - past Paewhenua Road - onto Tauraroa Valley Road - onto Ōtewā Road – past Waimahora Road (no exit) - past Barber Roadpast Tahaia Road. Finish At house number 935 Ōtewā Road Date: October 16, 2025 Time 12.40pm – 5.10pm
SS14 Start: on Mangamahoe Road (400mtrs from its intersection with Kawhia Road SH39), onto Honikiwi Road – past Te Raumauku Road (no exit) – past Bromley Road (no exit) - onto Turitea Road – onto Kawhia Road (S H31) – past Hikurangi Road (no exit). Finish On Kawhia Road 100m before the intersection with Ngutunui Road. Date: October 16, 2025 Time 1.30pm – 6pm - NOTE Ōtorohanga District Council does not control the closure of SH31.
SS15 Start: on Harbour Road (400mtrs from its intersection with Kawhia Road SH31), past Te Kauri Rd (no-exit), past Berntsen Road (no exit), past Hauturu Road, past Rakaunui Road (no exit), past Whenuaapo Road (no exit), past Waipuna Road (no exit), past Owhiro Road (no exit), into Waitomo District, continuing Harbour Rd, onto Te Waitere Road, onto Tahoroa Road, Finish On Tahoroa Road 150m before the intersection with Te Anga Road Date: October 16, 2025 Time 2.30pm – 7.05pm - NOTE Ōtorohanga District Council does not control the closure of roads outside the district. There will not be any detour in place.
event of an emergency.
SCHEDULE ON OUR EBSI E
Hapimana Trust
