St John eight short
By Chris Gardner
Hato Hone St John says it is eight volunteers short for a 10-strong first response unit established in Te Kūiti last month.
The first response unit, led by two Te Kūiti based volunteers equipped with a vehicle and training one step up from first aid, was established to respond to incidents in the town.
Waikato Hato Hone St John’s volunteer support manager Lara Davies said, in a statement, eight more volunteers were needed to crew the unit.
“Our first response unit volunteers support our paid
ambulance staff and are never on their own: back up is always there,” she said.
“Volunteers also don’t need any prior medical experience to become an ambulance operations volunteer as you’ll get full training.”
The unit was established after a proposal to relocate Te Kūiti ’s only ambulance to Te Awamutu came to fruition in March. While the vehicle is based in Te Kūiti during the day, it begins each shift in Te Awamutu to where it returns at the end of each shift.
Davies said the first response unit was “very much for the community, by the community” and its vehicle would play a vital role in delivering effective and timely patient care.
The first response unit vehicle is equipped with emergency lights and sirens, a defibrillator, a comprehensive first response kit, and the equipment required to manage a patient’s airway.
It will bolster community resilience in the event of medical emergencies and support transporting ambulances, including the Te Awamutu ambulance.
First response teams can quickly locate, assess, and begin to treat patients prior to the arrival of a
transporting ambulance. This improves response times and leads to better health outcomes for patients,
Our Eco kids
first response will make a positive difference to our pre-hospital care capabilities. The team will respond to a
variety of incidents that are high acuity, life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrests or major car crashes.”
Davies said.
Hato Hone St John area operations manager Craig Scott said: “This new
Waikato Hato Hone St John’s volunteer support manager Lara Davies.
Kio Kio School had all its enviro students in Cambridge this week – pictured from, from left, back row were Naia Willis, Masyn Kite-Neal, Caitlin Gill and Joel Osterman. Front row: Ebaad Rehman, Charlie McGillivray and Willow Jacobs. See Mary Anne Gill’s story on page 2.
Eco warriors inspire change
By Mary Anne Gill
Schools from across Waikato and King Country brought their environmental education learning to Cambridge last week for the Enviroschools Conservation Week event.
Students from Te Miro, Kio Kio, Te Awamutu, Paterangi, Wharepapa South, Te Pahu, Vardon, and Waikato Montessori gathered around Victoria Square, each eager
Bed taxes
I write in response to John Anderson’s letter last week where he suggested a “day visitor levy” to fund regional tourism promotion.
to showcase what they’ve learned about sustainability.
The event is designed to bring together groups of students from schools and multiple community experts from around the Waikato to celebrate and be inspired by conservation and taking care of nature.
Enviroschools is an environmental action based programme where students design and lead sustainability projects in their schools and communities.
Community experts - including Anna Cunningham, Natalie Jessup, Sirri Smith, Sara Taylor, Faith Haakma, Phil Margetts, and Shelley Urlich - led engaging, hands-on workshops on bird banding, stream care, kauri protection, and trapping.
Maungatautari and Kids in Nature – Hamilton City Council.
Waikato Regional Council Enviroschools facilitator Alex Daniel said the event had been planned for the actual Conservation Week from September 1-7 – but rain meant it was delayed seven days.
“Students left inspired - to plant more trees, care for streams, and share their learning with classmates,” she said.
Waikato has 220 enviroschools – 50 of them early childhood centres – and 55,000 students involved.
The vision of creating healthy, peaceful, and more sustainable communities relies on bringing together diverse skills, perspectives, and resources.
St John Health Shuttle
He made the suggestion in response to the call for a bed tax to fund such promotion by industry players, something that he noted I had endorsed. I agree that the Venice model of a day visitor levy is another way to fund regional tourism. Certainly for our district it makes sense given the number of day visitors to the Waitomo Caves. Whatever the model - day levy, bed tax, or both - the current system is broken. Councils should not be rating farmers and households to pay for tourism promotion.
The announcement last week by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Tourism to add a further $70 million over two years to promote regional tourism and major events is welcome. But for the long term a model of funding that works on a sustainable basis needs to be found.
John Robertson Mayor of Waitomo
On the beat
They came from Tuia te Ora – Endangered Species Foundation, Waikato Regional Council kauri protection, Smart Water, Taiea te Taiao Ecological Corridor, Sanctuary Mountain
Building and maintaining a collaborative support network – each collaborator bringing something different - has been essential to the development of Enviroschools.
with Constable Chris Aspin
Family violence issues
It’s been another busy week for the King Country police with several incidents of note.
You may have noticed an increased police presence around the district, particularly in the Te Anga area. This follows on from the critical incident that occurred on Monday last week. I note some road cordons may have disrupted travel in and out of the area.
On behalf of the King Country police, we would like to extend our thanks to the local and wider community for their support and understanding during this difficult time. Your wishes and messages of support are being passed onto the injured officer.
Following on from a serious family harm assault in Hamilton, a 25-year-old male was located and arrested in our area. We also responded to a family harm incident
in Mahoenui where a 31-year-old male was arrested for breaching his Police Safety Order.
A 37-year-old male was arrested in Te Kuiti following a family harm incident. He now faces charges of breach of protection order and assaults Police.
These incidents serve as a reminder that family violence continues to be a serious issue in our communities, and we encourage anyone affected to reach out for help.
Two stolen farm vehicles were recovered by staff following a rural burglary in Te Kuiti the area.
Throughout the week police located two males with active warrants for their arrest. They came to police attention during unrelated incidents and were subsequently
arrested and taken up to the custody unit in Hamilton.
In another incident, police attended a vehicle crash in Te Kuiti where two power poles were damaged. The vehicle involved was found to be stolen. The driver is now facing a number of related charges.
On a brighter note, it was fantastic to be part of the Blue Light–funded trip over the weekend. Just under 100 local students travelled to Rainbow’s End for a day of fun and excitement. The weather held up just enough for everyone to enjoy themselves, and it was a great opportunity to connect with our youth in a positive environment.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support. Be well and stay safe.
Naia Willis from Kio Kio School, right, points to a native bird for Wyatt McGowan of Te Pahu School to spot.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Matriarch’s farewell
Beryl Meads, wife of All Blacks legend Stan, passed away at Te Kūiti's Hillview Rest Home last month, aged 85.
People’s Choice awards
Voting is set to close, on September 21, for the People’s Choice Business Awards.
Organised by Elevate, the awards recognise Ōtorohanga businesses across a range of sectors, going above and beyond in the community.
Kay on board
Jonathan Kay has been appointed to the Waitomo District Council-owned Inframax Construction Limited (ICL) board.Kay has experience in engineering and governance.
Interest in group
Te Kūiti Scout Group has attracted interest from at least 25 youth members and three kaiarahi (leaders) after announcing it was coming out of recess after five years. Kea, cubs and scouts will meet for the first time next month for an evening of fun and games with a demonstration of what scouting is about.
Prendergast responds Ōtorohanga mayoral candidate Cathy Prendergast will answer electoral questions from King Country News. Her response was delayed due to an email mix-up. King Country News plans to publish Prendergast’s answers in the next edition of the newspaper.
Escape to the library
A Harry Potter themed escape room is being offered at Ōtorohanga Library during the school holidays. Groups of up to six can test their wizarding skills by solving puzzles and cracking codes.
What makes you smile
Aspiring authors are being asked to contribute to Waitomo District Library’s next picture book called Things That Make Me Smile! The book will be published as a school holiday activity and made available in the library.
Change is afoot, but how much?
By Chris Gardner
Ōtorohanga mayoral hopeful Rodney Dow told Monday’s candidate meeting he would make a lot of changes – rivals Cathy Prendergast and Jaimee Tamaki would make few.
The three mayoral candidates at the meeting organised by Elevate Ōtorohanga at the town’s college were asked to explain the most important change they would make as mayor.
“We will set up timelines for projects with target deadlines. I would like to bring local people together for a think tank instead of costly consultants from out of town who don’t know our community like we do,” Dow said.
Arohena based Prendergast said she would not be bringing in big change in her first year as a mayor “I will be concentrating on leadership”.
Tamaki, who grew up in Kāwhia, was not up for change.
“I’m not going to change anything either,” she said.
“But what I will do is I will empower togetherness. Our
community is diverse with unique perspectives and talents we already have. Whether you have lived here for a decade or have just moved to our community your voice matters. Creating platforms for open dialogue is important. So, when we discuss the issues that impact us all, everyone should have a voice.”
Prendergast said she would focus on making the best use of resources available “from people to buildings, our existing community assets” and maintain close scrutiny on financial policy.
“We are not recreating the wheel here.”
Prendergast also spoke of her support for liaising with iwi, councils and other Government agencies.
But Dow was less than impressed with one liaison which councils have agreed to.
He questioned the benefit of Local Government New Zealand membership and joining Waikato Water Done Well.
“Imagine if the $660,000 that his current council is about to spend to join Waikato Waters Done Well was
put towards an investment for our community. This could have been the start of a fund that would grow, and the community with benefit from it.
“Instead, we have a four per cent share in a company with financial decision based on assumptions that were not provided that in 10 years’ time our water might, just might, be
more affordable.”
Tamaki spoke about partnership with schools to help Tamariki.
“I’ve learned that our moana gives, if we take care of it, taking what we need, and no more,” she said. “In a small community, every action matters. It touches not just you and not just me, but those all around us.”
Candidates favour kiwi logo review
By Chris Gardner
Election candidates quizzed at a meeting this week indicated they favoured a debate over restoring the Ōtorohanga kiwi logo ditched by the district council.
Project Kiwiana founding member Murray Lowenthal asked candidates to raise their hands if they were in favour of discussing reverting to the old kiwi logo.
Loewenthal was one of 380 who signed a petition recently presented to the council questioning it’s decision to replace the kiwi logo with Te Ōhanga “The Nest”.
Jaimee Tamaki, who is also running for mayor, Tennille Kete, and Wikitōria Tane all raised their hands alongside Ōtorohanga Ward candidates Tayla Barclay, Katrina Christison, Robbie Neha,
and Waipā ward candidate Michael Woodward.
Rangiātea Māori Ward candidate Maxine MorganWind abstained.
Neither Māori ward candidate Thomas Tai or incumbent Waipā Ward candidate Steve Hughes attended the meeting.
“Do you support the concept of going back to the original logo for Ōtorohanga,” Loewenthal asked mayoral candidates before the show of hands.
“If you do and you’re elected, will you discuss the matter and show some courtesy to those people who signed the petition?”
Tamaki, who seconded mayor Max Baxter’s resolution to change the logo last December, said she would support discussing the logo again.
“When the logo came up, in terms of having a change,
I’m young and I probably didn’t see the real hononga (connection) that lots of our community members had to the logo, so I apologise for that,” Tamaki said.
Rodney Dow voted against changing the logo in December,
“I didn’t support it in the first place… so it’s pretty obvious what my answer would be. With the new council, discuss it, and bring back the kiwi, I say.”
Mayoral candidates were also asked about their views on shared services. All three preferred a shared services model.
“I’m not sure where the savings are in amalgamation,” Dow said.
“We have got quite a few shared services, and overseas studies have showed that shared services can win the way,” Prendergast said.
“Relationships are all
about shared services,” Tamaki said.
Pera MacDonald asked mayoral candidates whether they would retain tikanga Māori and welcome to new immigrants at council, and all said they would.
Former councillor Andrew Ormsby asked regional council candidates to describe how they would communicate with the district council if elected.
Stu Kneebone said chief executives talked to each other, there were a lot of interactions through the regional policy statement, and regional councillors visited the council a couple of times per year.
Liz Stolwyk said there was a lot of room for improvement.
Garry Reymer spoke about improving communication by amalgamating regional and district councils.
“The regional council sits up there, but if we can amalgamate that and be a part of your community better, which it should be as an integrated body rather than just sitting above and charging you a small fortune, $160 million to $170 million, and another $16 million of consultants on top of them.”
Ōtorohanga mayoral hopefuls Cathy Prendergast, left, Rodney Dow, and Jaimee Tamaki at Tuesday’s candidate meeting. Photo: Chris Gardner
Project Kiwiana founding member put mayoral and council candidates on the spot at Monday’s candidate meeting.
Photo: Chris Gardner
Debt and water debated
By Chris Gardner
Waitomo mayoral candidates debated Waikato Waters impact on debt at Thursday’s meet the candidates meeting.
Responding to a question on council debt from the capacity audience at the Les Munro Centre, mayoral candidate Janette Osborne said it was predicted to rise to $50 million.
“The debt, if you look at the current long-term plan, is climbing close to $50 million in the next couple of years, mainly due to the Te Kūiti water resilience project, a $10 million project that was approved by the previous council,” Osborne said.
“That will go across to Waikato Water Done Well, the debt will come off the Waitomo District Council balance sheet, but unfortunately, it’s not going away it’s just shifting.”
Incumbent mayor John Robertson, who is seeking a third term, disagreed with Osborne’s explanation.
“Just a little bit of a correction here, our debt is not going up to $50 million, it has come down to $33 million. When the regional water organisation is up and running from July 1 our debt at council will go down to about $10 million,” Robertson said.
would be capped and a guarantee that the entity would not be privatised.
“It will be owned by councils… the shares cannot be sold,” Robertson said. “
Fellow mayoral candidates Natasha Willison-Reardon and Richard Ross did not participate in that specific debate but had shared some views earlier in the evening.
“I believe that we need to pause, that’s just to have a look, see if we need it, and see if we need it now,” said Ross.
“Tighter spending – from working inside the machine I’ve seen where we could save money. I’m very much a localist. I like to keep it local. That’s how we can energise our own local economy.”
Willison-Reardon had a holistic approach.
Asked why their answers were different, Osborne said it was a matter of interpretation, but debt was shifting to Waikato Water Ltd.
“Debt will be ring fenced to the territorial area,” she said.
But Robertson again disagreed.
“The councillor is right in saying that debt shifts to the new organisation, as do the water assets, but the debt for our council will go down dramatically to about $10 million and that’s a really manageable amount of debt for us.”
“I’m sorry Janette, the debt is not ring fenced. There’s a new company being set up called Waikato Waters Ltd. Public
Spring Spring
water assets along with other councils will shift into this new organisation, we’ve just appointed the first three directors, and so all council debt will go into that from the councils that join.
“I want to assure you, and make clear, that the debt of our council will go down by we expect about $22 million which takes debt down to about $10 million.”
Robertson’s explanation received applause, before a follow up question on who pays the debt.
“The new water entity will own
that debt, and will own the assets, the new water entity will take responsibility for that debt, and manage that debt, it’s theirs.”
There were sighs of realisation as Robertson explained Waikato Water Ltd will charge customers for providing a service.
“The water bill will come from that entity rather than council,” he said.
Zane Burdett was concerned about who received dividends from Waikato Water Ltd, wanted reassurance executive salaries
“Healthy whanau, and I don’t just mean as in Māori, I mean as in our children, our elderly, making sure that there isn’t a choice where they have to either pay for power or their medicine,” she said.
“We need to be starting to work through things for our elderly as well, our Tamariki, or children. It’s about us all coming together and understanding what we can bring to the table.
“I’m a business owner, so business is really important to me, bringing business back into the community, so that the circular economics is happening in the region.”
Pick up one of our FREE ‘Science’ themed Holiday activity packs!
Become an author
Come along any day between 10am- 5pm to collaborate on our next picture book... Things that make me smile! This book will be published and put into our library’s collection!
The great inflate
Monday 22 September 2025 - 1.30pm Make balloon powered racecars, balloon yo-yo’s and much more...
Mystery at the library into the holidays
Friday 26 September 2025 - 1.30pm
Put your detective hat on! Solve the riddles and codes, unlock the clues to solve the mystery.
There are exciting opportunities ahead for our District. We’ve got population growth, more homes built, and school rolls increasing.
But there are also challenges ahead for our Council. Water reform, weather events, road maintenance, dealing with waste, cost control. Our Council is in a good place to meet these challenges. It’s about sticking to core business.
Some who aspire to be Mayor are big spenders. Big spending means big rate increases. Be careful where you place that tick.
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.
Waitomo District Council mayoral candidates from left, incumbent John Robertson with Natasha Willison-Reardon, Janette Osborne and Richard Ross. Photo: Chris Gardner
We are not alone
by Barabara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
Farming is at the heart of New Zealand’s culture and economy. While the lifestyle brings many rewards for farmers, it also comes with unique challenges that can take a toll on mental health. For Kiwi farmers, the pressures of fluctuating markets, unpredictable weather, and the isolation of rural life can quickly become overwhelming. It’s important to recognise that mental health, just like physical health, needs attention and care. Sometimes stress shows up as difficulty sleeping, feeling easily irritated, or losing interest in activities you used to enjoy. If these feelings persist, it’s okay—and even necessary—to reach out for help. And help there is. I have the privilege of being the national patron of Craig “Wiggie” Wiggins’ innovative and incredibly successful Lean on a Gate programme, which seeks to safeguard the ability and the opportunity of rural communities to get together to support each other.
Wiggie does an incredible job, and recently I was pleased to see that he has even more resources behind him with the announced collaboration with MATES in Construction, who have extensive experience in looking after construction workers in New Zealand.
There are also other support networks, such as Rural Support Trusts, offering confidential help, connecting farmers to resources and friendly faces who understand the challenges. Talking to friends, whānau, or a trusted adviser can also provide relief and fresh perspective. Looking out for one another is vital. If you notice a mate isn’t themselves, check in and let them know you care. A supportive community can make all the difference in tough times.
Prioritising mental health is not a sign of weakness; it’s an essential part of keeping Kiwi farms and families thriving. By fostering open conversations, seeking support when needed, and caring for each other, New Zealand’s farmers can continue to weather life’s storms, both on and off the land. If you would like to learn more about the Lean on a Gate and other support services available to farmers and their families, feel free to drop me a line to Barbara.Kuriger@parliament.govt.nz and I will happily get back to you with the information you need.
What happened to Rose?
By Meghan Hawkes
When Rose Harding went missing in July 1905 mystery surrounded the affair.
The 50-year-old widow lived on a small farm with her family of four children at Oparure. She was said either to have gone in search of her children, who were late coming home with the cows, or gone out alone at night in search of cattle. She had not been seen or heard of since.
Search parties went out but found no trace of her. It was feared she would not be found alive, as the nights had been very cold, particularly the first night she vanished.
Rose had been married to Frederick Harding who had immigrated with his family from Bristol in 1867 when he was a child. Rose Brown, born in Worcester, arrived with family in the same year. They married in 1885 in Christchurch. Frederick was a farmer who moved about for work and their four children were born in the Taranaki and Manawatu regions.
The family arrived at Oparure around 1894 but nine years later tragedy struck when Frederick died in 1903 aged 45. Rose, with the children aged between 17 and 11, had carried on the farm.
Most of the searchers now thought it was hopeless. The country where her footmarks were traced was full of tomo which dropped to a great depth below the surface. It was thought she had fallen into one.
Some time after Rose went missing the children’s aunt arrived to check on the family. On discovering what had happened she sent the eldest boy to work at a lime works and took the three girls with her to Napier.
Ten months after Rose’s disappearance, in May 1906, two pig hunters in the bush at Waitepipi discovered what appeared to be her remains as well as a blue serge skirt and a cape. They came into Te Kūiti and reported the matter to Constable Matthews. He had no doubt that this was the unfortunate Rose who had been so long lost. She was buried at Te Kūiti’s old cemetery.
Rose’s disappearance produced headlines such as ‘A mother lost trying to find her children’ and ‘The Waikato mystery’. The district was combed under the direction of Constable Matthews. The police dragged the river and streams in the vicinity of where it was thought she had wandered, and a tracks were found and it was seen that she had doubled on her route and lost her way. Two days later, a search party, headed by Constables Matthew and Fraser, again went out looking for Rose but was again unsuccessful.
Questions lingered over Rose’s death – she was found above ground, so hadn’t fallen down a tomo. Perhaps she was disorientated in the dark, succumbing to a freezing cold night. Family lore says she
Waitomo candidates: In their words
We asked Waitomo District Council candidates about council spending, rates caps, and what the council needs to do about overflowing sewage. This is what they said.
Te Kūiti Urban Ward
Eady Manawaiti,
I have only been in council the last term and as a new group we have been working through some of the challenges inherited and that addressing the rates situation in the Waitomo District is multifaceted. I support our mayor’s and chief executive’s position on rates capping.
Council are in the process of analysing the current overflow issue and looking at the whole infrastructure. I agree with this because it is not a single residential fix, it’s a whole system change that is required and is extremely complicated. My view is investment into this type of infrastructure is needed to align with climate adaptation. Recent extreme weather events in our district have revealed that these issues will not go away. Between our council-controlled water entity and Waitomo District Council, we must work together to correct this.
Ross O’Halloran
My understanding is that spending in the past has led to the debt we have now, as much as I as a rate payer would love to have a rates cap, I know people
are struggling in the community, but I am concerned that it will be a short fix and would ultimately cost us in the end.
Something has to be done about sewage, just what I couldn’t say unless I’m in council and get a good look at what’s being done and if there’s a better way to get it sorted.
Dan Tasker
There’s been some much-needed spending to keep investment in core services and infrastructure ticking over. Despite feeling the pinch of inflation through Covid-19, council has prioritised minimal overall rate increase since 2019. I was voted on to council in 2022 and noticed some peripheral spending on certain projects. There’s no doubt these projects had good intentions and added some value, but I didn’t feel those projects should be paid for by ratepayers, so I have advocated for not spending money on these. I am open to capping rates if it is linked to inflation and doesn’t sabotage core service investment.
People have told me heart-breaking stories of sewage wrecking their homes during flooding and it has been hard for me to stomach. It’s not good enough for people to have to live like that and we have made it clear to council staff a solution needs to be found. There are barriers relating to sewage overflow stemming back to when the system was originally designed; it will become very costly to ratepayers to fix the problem in its entirety. Staff are currently investigating cost-effective solutions, while considering the impact some of the water programme
The issue of co-governance
It’s a touchy issue, but it needs to be publicly debated and democratically determined. Is the co-governance of public assets the best model for all of New Zealand? Maori make up 18% of the population, but have 50% of decision-making power over public assets in a cogovernance arrangement. Unelected, decision-making power over assets to which we all contribute. Regional Council is currently introducing co-governance by stealth, enabling the transitioning of co-management committees into co-governance committees.
I stand for an inclusive Waikato, where all people are equal under one law, and where any person can achieve great things - based on experience, quali cations, and merit - not race.
Vote Clyde Graf for Waikato Regional Council.
Achievements while in Council
leaving the district will have.
Waitomo Rural Ward
Olivia Buckley
Alternative strategies to promote change and align objectives would be preferable. For example, benchmarking figures published this year have provided valuable insights for ratepayers on council performance. This level of transparency will be a powerful tool as it promotes trust and drives commitment to change. A rate cap could be detrimental, as it may restrict councils’ ability to finance essential infrastructure, impacting the functionality of communities.
Broken pipes, high rainfall, and blockages impact the towns’ wastewater system; overflowing sewage is unacceptable. The geographical location of Te Kuiti exacerbates the problem. Further investment in wastewater infrastructure is required; as I understand it, this will become the responsibility of the new regional water entity.
Allan Goddard
Over the last six years Waitomo’s rates have increased by 23.7 per cent compared to an over 24 per cent Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase which shows the current councils focus on
VOTE Clyde Graf for Waikato Regional Council
Yes to - zero rates rises
Yes to - environmental monitoring
Yes to - supporting primary industry
Yes to - public ownership of water
No to - reckless spending
No to - polluting air, land and water
No to - RMA red tape No to - co-governance of water www.ratescontrolteam.co.nz
During my rst term as a Waikato Regional Councillor, I was a member of the Rates Control Team. Our decisions returned a rates reduction of -3%, unlike the excessive increases we see today. (During this current term I also voted against rates increases). We formed the Coromandel Aquaculture Forum, increased regional funding for surf life-saving, delivered increased funding for rural weather-bomb events, and removed council-collected TB rates. I also led the working group for a successful ood management project. In this recent term, we’ve provided funding for Maungatautari, streamlined public transport, and introduced improved monitoring for water quality, soils, marine areas, biodiversity, and biosecurity. I opposed Three Waters, and the Te Awamutu waste-to-energy plant, and continue to do so.
In response to the skyrocketing rates we’re all facing, we’ve re-formed the Rates Control Team. We’re a group of prudent councillors who are keenly aware of the cost-of-living crisis facing us all.
Visit www.ratescontrolteam.co.nz for policies and to meet our candidates.
spending control and affordability. Rates capping is very complex and may not deliver what people think. For example, a cap on total council rates will not translate into every individual property only increasing by that amount, as different properties receive different services and the values of different properties change, which impacts on the proportion of rates that they pay. Also, there is a risk that a council could just borrow more to keep rates within the cap. The main cause of these overflows is rainwater entering the sewage system and overloading it. There is no quick fix. Blocking an overflow at one point will only cause it to overflow somewhere else. Short term actions include inspecting house downpipes to ensure they are not connected to the sewer and that gully traps are high enough to prevent rainwater entry. Medium to longer term, investigations into flow rates, pipe sizes and other leakage points can be undertaken to determine the best solutions.
Nichola Painter
Over the past decade, Waitomo District Council has faced high levels of expenditure, particularly on infrastructure, and has managed to reduce its debt levels—but whether this can continue remains uncertain. I support keeping rates affordable and predictable and believe a rates cap policy should be investigated. However, any cap must not prevent the council from funding essential infrastructure or services. The key is
Clyde Graf - A bit about me
I have lived in the Waikato for the last 30 years. I grew up in and around Te Urewera National Park, where I learned bush craft and about our environment.
1995 - 2025 - Owner of business in building industry
1997 - Started lming and producing outdoors DVDs and TV series under The Graf Boys’ brand. Gone on to lm and produce dozens of short lms and documentaries.
2004 - Commissioned by NZ Police & NZ Mountain Safety Council to produce a featurelength rearms and outdoors safety DVD titled On Target (released in 2004).
2009 - Released our 4 x international award-winning documentary Poisoning Paradise.
2013 - 2016 & 2022 - 2025 Elected to Waikato Regional Council. Chaired EPC. What I stand for - I support farming and primary industry. I am focused on ensuring regional council sticks to its core business and that it operates within budgets. To counter the reckless spending in Council, we’ve reformed the Rates Control Team. We’re a group of concerned councillors who are driving change, and are dedicated to bringing your rates down.
I respectfully ask for your vote, and to represent you in council once again.
Vote Clyde Graf for Waikato Regional Council Visit www.ratescontrolteam.co.nz
Panic in the headlines
By Janine Krippner
Masport Ride Ons
“Tourists warned of volcano (in capital letters) alert in Spanish holiday hotspot as locals urged to leave homes”
This was a headline published a few weeks ago by Great Britain News, and I want to unpack it as a prime example of why we must be cautious when confronted with dramatic headlines.
click on the link, generating profit with no consideration for who they may harm.
If you have been reding my recent columns, you know that I just spent six weeks in the Canary Islands, the majority of which was on Tenerife - the island this headline was about. Two weeks of this was with a fantastic group of students working on a volcanic resilience project in the gorgeous seaside town of Garachico. The very town that this headline was about.
We were there because for quite a while now, an exercise has been planned by authorities to test their capabilities for an evacuation; a test-run that can also be applied elsewhere. This is part of a larger European Union effort to test emergency management capabilities for a range of disasters. A quick and simple Google search shows this being openly discussed back in October of last year. Any semblance of fact-checking could find this.
Garachico was chosen for this exercise because of its history. The town was damaged during the 1706 eruption, an event that was commemorated while I was there. Not because of an impending eruption.
And yes, if you keep scrolling it clarifies that this is, in fact, not related to some recent small earthquakes below the island. Which, by the way, are common for a volcanic island such as Tenerife.
Can you tell that I am absolutely fed up? I have been for years.
Headlines like this exist to get you to
This kind of sensationalist headline is designed for one thing: clicks. Clicks mean profit. And unfortunately, this kind of misleading content is everywhere. More and more junk is flooding the internet, making it harder to find clear, factual information. As a volcanologist, I can spot inaccuracies quickly. But I worry about topics outside my expertise, how can I trust what I read when I see how often misinformation spreads in my own field? Sometimes, misinformation is intentional; other times, it’s just poorly researched. But either way, it can look deceptively credible when sprinkled with enough technicalsounding language.
What can we do?
Firstly, seek out the experts. One silver lining of the social media era is that it gives scientists and specialists platforms to share knowledge directly. Look for blogs by researchers, articles published by reputable organisations, or commentary from qualified professionals. Be mindful of where your information comes from, and who is giving it.
Watch out for inflammatory language, especially if it’s in all capital letters. That’s a red flag. Even though I’m mad about this issue, my response is measured. Sensationalist headlines rarely come from trustworthy sources.
Now more than ever, we need to approach the news with a healthy dose of scepticism. It’s the only way to ensure we’re consuming facts, not fiction created to serve someone else’s agenda.
How Wallace doubled up
By Chris Gardner
Isaiah Wallace went off script and over time at Legendary Te Kūiti’s meet the candidate event, but no one seemed to mind.
Master of ceremonies Andy Connors gave Te Kūiti Urban Ward candidates for Waitomo District Council five minutes to speak at last Thursday night’s event.
Wallace said he had prepared a 10-page speech but put it aside to “go off the cuff”.
“It’s better for me,” he said.
“My first priority is our whenua, our water, as a life force for us as a people,” he said. “Without water we are thirsty, without whenua we have nowhere. Did you know our tupuna sailed as far as California, to take our goods from good old Waitomo district? Our land is our home, our tūrangawaewae, the place where we belong, and it’s that for all of us.”
He continued long after the buzzer, and after two shoulder taps from Connors, giving him double the time of the other candidates - Eady Manawaiti, Ross O’Halloran, Richard Ross, Dan Tasker, Ata Te Kanawa, and Faye Thomas.
Most candidates used the allotted time to speak to their electoral profiles and emphasise their connection to the district, which went back generations for some.
O’Halloran was first up and finished early.
“It’s a great place to grow up,” O’Halloran said of Te Kūiti. “Having travelled overseas, there’s other places that don’t compare to this place here. I would like to see us grow, but I am not going to stand here and make promises that I can’t keep. If you chose me, I will stand there for you and do my utmost for this community.”
Incumbent Tasker was next up.
“We have had a magnificent group of
people around the council table over the last three years,” Tasker said of his first term.
“You need people who can work as a team. You’re going to disagree on stuff. You’re not going to see eye to eye on things. And we certainly haven’t seen eye to eye on some things. When I came to town everyone was grumpy about high rates; they still are grumpy about high rates. Sorry about that. We’re working to get that down.”
Fellow incumbent Manawaiti said he was standing for council again to “serve people, without hesitation”.
“It’s all about service to me, and what I recognised in my first term as a councillor, is that that service is not pleasing to everybody. Fifty per cent of the people will like you, and 50 per cent of the people won’t like what you have done.”
His proudest achievement was establishing a Māori relationships committee.
“It’s not for me to ask for your vote, it’s for you to decide what’s best.”
Ata Te Kanawa spoke about vision, voice, value, and vibe.
“I have a vision for Te Kūiti that is growing in size, demographic and mixed with Government initiatives, and once I am in there have a look at what is possible,” she said. “I am not shy.”
British ex-pat Faye Thomas, who moved to Te Kūiti six years ago, said, “I have truly never felt more at home anywhere else in the world.”
“I’m standing for councillor because our district needs a fresh, rounded voice. Someone who understands the struggles of low-income families, the pressure of small business owners and the pressure of putting our Tamariki at the heart of decision making. There are many great commercial properties
here in Te Kūiti currently standing empty, and this saddens me.”
Candidates faced questions on debt, rates and the council becoming a shareholder in Waikato Water Ltd.
Continued from page 7
finding a balance — maintaining fiscal responsibility and controlling costs, while still investing in the assets and services our communities rely on. Council’s focus on core infrastructure investments required to meet legislative compliance has worked well - now there is a need for enhanced monitoring systems to identify and mitigate potential issues more proactively.
Gavin Todd Can’t comment over complete 10 years but in recent times council should not have continued to subsidise camp grounds that were always going to run at a loss.
Grants were also given out to organisations that l don’t agree with. Not really in favour of rates cap as such because it would be hard to keep individual rates to the rate of inflation, some would be over, some under. When setting rates recently we had inflation rate front of mind.
Council is taking this seriously. Checking stormwater getting into waste water.
Some problems with roof water going into gully traps. It’s unacceptable this happens after heavy rain. Damaged pipes also a possibility.
Cultural Storyboards Community Invitation
mangaokewa Walkway
Friday 26 September 2025 from 10am
Motakiora Brook Park
Te Kūiti
Please note, there are nine separate sites to visit during this occasion and you will need to arrange your own transport. Visit our website for more information.
Isiah Wallace
Regional candidates respond
We asked the four Waikato Regional Council WaipāKing Country candidates 10 questions about why they should be elected.
RE-ELECT
Stu Kneebone
Your voice on Waikato Regional Council
Experienced Waikato Regional Councillor who understands the issues. Genuine, friendly and approachable.
• A constructive team player
• Sensible and considered decision making
• Local solutions for local issues.
As
I
Sensible spending & affordable rates
Clean Fresh Water
Caring for our environment
Community Partnerships
Sustainable Farming Systems
A vibrant, sustainable and healthy economy
Passionate about the Waipa-King Country, working to ensure it remains a great place to live, work and play.
Today we run the responses from Stu Kneebone and Clyde Graf.
Q: Waikato River and several lakes in Waipā-King Country face water quality concerns. What would you like to see done about those issues?
Clyde Graf – Low-cost things are being done to improve the quality of water bodies, such as plantings that prevent sediment, nutrients and pollutants from entering water. We could also choose to harvest waterweeds such as hornwort, instead of regularly spraying them with herbicides, as is done in many lakes, including Karāpiro.
Stu Kneebone – Working with the community to implement “The Vision and Strategy” for the Waikato & Waipā rivers. Prioritising our resources in a structured way to restore our rivers, lakes and catchments, working with communities and funders to prioritise restoration efforts. Along with a fit for purpose & supportive regulatory framework.
Q: The regional council is responsible for providing and improving public transport services and investing in
long-term planning. Can the regional council be doing this better and if so, who should pay for it, ratepayers, users or partnerships?
Clyde Graf – A lot of people don’t feel safe on buses, or they find them inconvenient, and as a result, we have a lot of big empty buses driving around. Public transport needs to be reviewed, to better fit the needs of the communities that use it. There needs to be a split between user-pays, and ratepayers to fund public transport.
Stu Kneebone – It’s about continuous improvement and engaging with public transport users to understand their needs and expectations, integrating public transport into our everyday lives. We all benefit to varying degrees, so funding mechanisms need to reflect that. So a mix of user pays, some ratepayer and central government via New Zealand Transport Agency.
POWER OUTAGE
Q: Organisations like Waikato Chamber of Commerce are calling for widespread local body amalgamation. Do you support that call and if so, what Waikato local authorities would you want to amalgamate with?
Clyde Graf – Absolutely, so long as it results in a reduction in costs and bureaucracy. An amalgamation would require careful consideration and considerable planning. I’ll support the best proposal.
Stu Kneebone - The smaller councils in particular should be seriously thinking about amalgamating. But I’m not convinced that one big Waikato wide council is the solution.
Districts need their identity and focal points. All Waikato councils should be working together more, seeking opportunities to work together and share services to improve efficiency.
Stu Kneebone
Clyde Graf
On guard against crime
By Jon Rawlinson
Last week’s Retailers Crime Prevention Workshop is expected to help businesspeople prevent crime in Ōtorohanga.
It was led by Mandy Merson from community safety group, CommSafe rural support officer, constable Collette Corley.
“We’re encouraging business owners to have layers of crime prevention in place,” Merson said. “The workshop looked at what’s involved in this effort within the community, from knowing your neighbours to learning what tools you can add to help prevent crime.”
Held at Ōtorohanga’s Kiwi House on September 10, the workshop was run by development board, Elevate, CommSafe and the police. It was attended by leaders in the business community.
It covered types and aspects of retail crime, including burglaries, shoplifting and how to act when confronted by aggressive shoppers or shoplifters.
“We talked about making sure staff can see where everyone in their shops is, for example. People need to think ahead to keep themselves safe, about how their shops are set up and what to do – including how to get out if they need to – if there’s an aggressive customer.”
The benefits of cameras and other security equipment were also discussed.
Earlier this year, Ōtorohanga businesses experienced a spate of burglaries. Since then, security patrols have been stepped up while a security project team works through various options including a coordinated CCTV network.
In July, a meeting was held to discuss findings from a survey of businesses conducted by Elevate. It provided valuable feedback, said Grant Matthews, project
team member and owner of Paper Plus Ōtorohanga.
“Everyone was pretty much on the same page – we’re trying to make our town safer, and I don’t think anyone is against that,” he said at the time.
Stricter penalties may help, but they must not come at the expense of addressing the causes of crime, Ōtorohanga police sergeant Heyden Nunn told The News.
“Punishment deters bad behaviour, but I don’t think tougher penalties alone will resolve the issue. Fines make our job easier and faster, and they’re a bit of a deterrent, but quick fixes don’t really address the long-term problem.
“It’s challenging out there financially, so we’re trying to address why people are offending and what we can do to help them stop.”
Overall, Ōtorohanga is now “tracking reasonably well” with regards to retail crime, Nunn said. However, preventative measures such as the recent workshop will help businesspeople play their part.
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Constable Collette Corley and Mandy Merson (CommSafe) lead discussions at the Retailers Crime Prevention Workshop.
To
Academy team hits mark
By Chris Gardner
Te Kuiti High School Services Academy director Joel Bradley says he could not be prouder of the 16 students who represented the academy in a recent Adventure Challenge.
The students competed against peers from five other services academies at the fiveday challenge at the Epworth Retreat and Recreation Centre near Cambridge.
Challenges included fitness tests, stores carries, drill competitions, and cognitive tasks.
“The team were very competitive and achieved some very good scores,” Bradley
said. “We won’t know how we placed until later on in the year.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of the team and how far they have come in such a short time. They started the year having no idea what they have signed up for, and now are part of a well-oiled machine who have created an awesome culture, setting the standard for years to come.”
The specialised Services Academy programme is run in partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force to support Year 12 and 13 students with structured, valuesbased environment that builds leadership and life skills.
Te Kūiti High School Services Academy team members back row, from the left, Kaileb Gray, Koulae Palmer, Te Pinihi Hetet-Ngarongo, Solomon Seumanutafa, Elijah Caucau, Manuera Takerei, Xavier Turner and director Joel Bradley. Front row, from the left, Jorja-Rayne Thompson, Trista-Lee Green, Stevana Mc Quilkin, Blake Mathews, Nikia-Rose Harris, Andrea Hughes-Faiao, Michael-Jay Kawerau, Kelani Tapara.
Did you know?
The King Country is vast, varied, rugged and remote, which makes maintaining our electricity network a major ongoing challenge.
There’s a lot of country around here, but there aren’t many people. There are only about 4 customers per km of power line on average, compared to upwards of 30 customers per km in other regions. That means we need around 2 power poles for every customer on the network, with almost half of those poles inaccessible from the road.
unpredictable weather, and wilding pines growing 2 metres per year, trees are a serious threat to our lines, and require ongoing monitoring and work including heli-saw trimming.
This is why maintaining our lines costs more per person than in other places
Our network area 13,700km²
Country of Montenegro 13,810km²
5000 transformers across 27 substations
35000 power poles, 48% inaccessible from the road
4300km of lines maintained — Longer than a return trip from Auckland to Sydney
18000 customers, with 24,000 connection points to the network
Last yea r 2024–25
80000 man-hours of work in 3 million km driven
572 poles installed
841 Planned shutdowns completed for maintenance
Kent St start
Construction company Camex Civil has been awarded the contract to undertake the slip repair on Kent Street (pictured) in Te Kūiti.
Work involves the construction of a new timber retaining wall as well as pavement rehabilitation, drainage improvements and a safety barrier installation.
Some service relocation work to enable construction of the retaining wall and associated works began this week and Camex plan to be on the site on September 29.
Money still unpaid
By Chris Gardner
The resource consent application for a waste to energy plant in Te Awamutu remains suspended, a month after the applicant told The News its outstanding bill would be settled.
GARRY REYMER
The Environmental Protection Authority suspended processing of Global Contracting Solutions application on August 13 due to nonpayment of costs, as an independent board of inquiry prepared to rule on the application.
The applicant owes more than $100,000 to Waipā District Council and Waikato Regional Council, as well as an undisclosed sum to the Environmental Protection Authority.
Project manager Adam Fletcher told The News the costs would be paid a month ago but is no longer returning calls from The News.
“We have been making regular payments to the EPA all the way through,” Fletcher said in the August 21 edition of The News. “We have always intended to
settle the bill.”
Costs had doubled one month before the board of inquiry began into the application in June.
“We are a bit bemused as to why they chose to do this now. . . only two weeks away from the decision. It seems a bit non sensical.”
“The application remains suspended,” said an EPA spokesperson this week.
“We are working with the applicant regarding the payment of outstanding costs. At this stage, there is no fixed deadline for payment. Once full payment of all outstanding costs has been received, the EPA will notify all parties and resume processing the application.”
The three-week board of inquiry heard a plethora of objections to the application for a plant in Racecourse Road, including from dairy co-operative Fonterra and Waipā District Council.
Nearly two thirds of the 2173 submissions received were concerned with the effects the operation could have on air quality, emissions, and human health.
Waipā District Council regulatory services manager Wayne Allan said the resource consent application process was in the hands of the Environmental Protection Authority and remained suspended until the applicant meets its cost obligations.
“From council’s perspective, the situation is unchanged since the suspension was announced. Council will continue to participate in the statutory process as required.”
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Maori Language Week
A golden time for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
It’s been 50 years since the very beginning of Māori Language Week was brought into being to save the what was seen as a very much dying language.
In 1972, Māori student activists from Ngā Tamatoa, the Te Reo Māori Society, and Te Huinga Rangatahi spearheaded a petition calling for the introduction of te reo Māori into New Zealand schools. The petition, signed by more than 30,000 people, was delivered to Parliament on September 14, 1972. This date became the rst Māori Language Day.
Such was the response, that within three years, what began as a single day of linguistic activism blossomed into a full week of nationwide celebration. Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) was o cially observed for the rst time. During those early days of the mid- to late-1970s, Te Wiki gained both visibility and momentum. In Dunedin’s 1977 celebrations, “promotion girls” handed out ‘Kia ora’ stickers and brought the
Kei te tautoko mātou ko Te Whare me Te Hōhipera Beattie i Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 2025
week to public spaces like The Octagon.
At the same time, the broader Māori language revival was taking shape: by 1978, Rūātoki School had become New Zealand’s rst o cially bilingual school with others rapidly following suit.
The 1980 Māori Language Week saw protest marches calling for te reo’s formal recognition - the language would become o cial just a few years later. Following the success of this, other initiatives began to emerge with the focus of te reo at their core.
The kōhanga reo (Māori language nest) movement began in 1982, providing immersive early childhood environments in te reo Māori. By 1987, the Māori Language Act formalised Māori as one of New Zealand’s o cial languages and established Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission)
New Zealand Parliament.
Māori-language media also expanded, with kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori, iwi radio stations, and Māori television increasing the visibility and accessibility of the language.
It has continued its adaptation and evolution into the 21st Century. In 2008, Google launched a Māori-language version of its search engine (Google Māori) to mark the week, and in 2014, musicians Stan Walker, Ria Hall, Troy Kingi, and Maisey Rika collaborated on “Aotearoa” in te reo, aiming for a second Māori-language song to reach number one in NZ charts.
The following year, the national cricket team played under the name “Aotearoa” in honour of the week. By 2019, reverberations included “Waiata / Anthems,” a chart-topping album of re-
recorded songs in te reo, released during the celebratory week.
This month, Aotearoa New Zealand celebrates 50 years of Māori Language Week.
The 50th-anniversary campaign is based upon daily use of te reo, including:
• “50 Wero Reo Māori” (50 language challenges)
• A digital time capsule (“Pūtahi Mahara”)
• Social-media celebrations featuring heitiki (pendants)
• A hīkoi (walk) on Wellington’s waterfront and a beginner’s te reo kit.
The golden jubilee this month serves as both a tribute to this legacy and an invitation for all New Zealanders to weave te reo Māori more deeply into daily life.
hiko electricty
ine hiko meter
taura hiko powerline
whiti hiko transformer
pou hiko powerpole
hēnga fault ngao hiko voltage
pū hiko āpiti substation
kaimahi taura hiko linesman
whakapahu hiko consumption (power)
Last year, Ōtorohanga District Council proudly celebrated the achievement of our Tumu Whakarae – Chief Executive, Tanya Winter, who graduated with her Te Rōnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi (Level 5) Diploma in Te Reo from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. This milestone marked not only a personal accomplishment but also a step forward in normalising te reo Māori across our organisation.
A year on, Tanya reflects on how her reo journey has continued. After completing her studies, she has focused on weaving te reo Māori into everyday conversations and encouraging others to do the same. “I feel very blessed to work in an organisation where I can use te reo Māori every day and it is encouraged and valued,” Tanya says. From engaging with the community on the main street of Ōtorohanga, to ordering her morning coffee, she has made te reo Māori part of her daily life.
That doesn’t mean the journey is without challenges. Tanya acknowledges the hesitation many learners feel about making mistakes or being judged. “I think that’s one of the biggest barriers for people learning te reo Māori – what will people think of me? What if I get it wrong?” she says. Yet she remains firm in her belief that te reo Māori is a taonga unique to Aotearoa and worth championing and celebrating, even when others may not share the same view.
Education during early childhood has proven to turn the tide of everything from smoking to wearing seatbelts. And the same is happening with te reo Māori, which has not only been revived, it is strengthening young children’s brains naturally primed for language acquisition, and educational environments provide structured, immersive experiences that cultivate uency and cultural connection.
Between 2014 and 2021, participation of mokopuna Māori (children aged 0–4) in early learning rose from 51% to 54%, according to Ministry of Education data.
During that period, the number attending education-and-care services increased by 17%, from 24,581 to 28,663.
Importantly, around half of these children attend services where te reo Māori is used for more than 11% of teaching timesignalling early and meaningful exposure. Kōhanga reo were initiated in 1982 to immerse infants in te reo and tikanga.
By the mid-1980s, more than 300 were operating, providing foundational Māori-language environments when the language at that time, was under severe pressure. These early interventions laid the
15 - 21 September 2025 • 14 - 20 Maharu 2025
Language – a living taonga
groundwork for Māori-medium primary and secondary schools (kura kaupapa Māori), extending language development as children grow.
Even in mainstream English-medium early learning centres, educators are playing a vital role. Research shows te reo is integrated during structured routines like group time, kai time, and story time, helping children absorb language organically.
Programmes such as Te Ahu o te Reo Māori equip educators through face-to-face classes and online learning, boosting their ability to incorporate waiata, karakia, and everyday te reo into teaching.
Educational settings emphasising Māori values and language are designed to foster identity and a sense of belonging. In Māori-medium environments, kaumātua and whānau engage actively in teaching - providing deep cultural grounding while supporting language transmission across generations.
E ective education strengthens the normalisation of te reo in homes and community life, allowing children to carry and model the language in their own whānau and beyond.
So research is showing it is thanks to earlychildhood education e orts, that te reo Māori is slowly but consistently gaining ground. The 2023 census shows 4.28% of New Zealanders now speak Māori (up from 3.96% in 2018), translating to roughly 213,849 speakers.
In schools, about 7% of students receive full or partial Māori-medium instruction, with an additional 24% learning Māori as an additional language.
These improvements re ect the foundation laid in early learning environments.
Educating young children - whether through kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa, or te reo-infused mainstream services - is now known to be central to revitalising te reo Māori. Early exposure and immersion build uency, shape cultural identity, and motivate inter-generational use.
As statistics show, these e orts are yielding positive results: increased attendance, more exposure in early years, and rising numbers of speakers. The heavy investment of successive governments, and the education sector in high-quality, culturally responsive early-childhood education, New Zealand continues to nurture te reo Māori as a living taonga for future generations.
A Forever Language at Ōtorohanga District Council
“I want us to be an organisation that is widely known and admired for how we embrace the use of te reo Māori and how we weave important aspects of tikanga into our everyday mahi –manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga, aroha.”
Importantly, Tanya’s leadership has sparked a ripple effect. The Council’s Leadership Team have embraced te reo Māori and tikanga in their own ways, whether through formal study or collective learning. “We are nearly at a point where we all know a karakia off by heart!” Tanya says with pride. Across the wider organisation,
the past year has seen more and more staff using greetings and kupu in emails, practising waiata, and observing tikanga in their work. A new initiative – mihi whakatau for welcoming new staff – has been warmly received, and Tanya takes joy in acknowledging staff when they speak te reo Māori for the first time. Looking ahead, Tanya has a clear aspiration: “I want us to be an organisation that is widely known and admired for how we embrace the use
of te reo Māori and how we weave important aspects of tikanga into our everyday mahi – manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga, aroha.”
This Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Ōtorohanga District Council celebrates the progress made and the leadership shown, while looking forward to continuing the journey of keeping te reo Māori alive, thriving, and part of everyday life.
Tanya Winter, Tumu Whakarae, Ōtorohanga District Council
Waitomo Waipa Women’s Refuge Inc
Across 1. Unwell (colloq) (5)
4. Pick (6)
8. Inspiring (7) 9. Singing group (5) 10. Reddish brown dye (5)
11. Medium (7)
12. Settle comfortably (6) 14. Skin art (6)
17. Offhand (7)
Last week
19. Preliminary sketch (5) 21. Rascal (5) 22. Goad (7) 23. Confidential (6) 24. Brushed (5)
(5,3,4)
(5)
(4-3)
(6) 5. Fortunate (5) 6. Craft (7) 7. Halloween tradition (5,2,5) 13. Illegally import or export (7) 15. Gruelling (7) 16. Tyrant (6) 18. Strange (5) 20. Unaccompanied (5)
Across: 1. Beset, 4. Secure, 7. Imp, 8. Anoint, 9. Openly, 10. Complimentary, 14. Annoy, 15. Stoic, 18. Second thought, 23. Hurtle, 24. Inform, 25. Nun, 26. Planet, 27. Kitty. Down: 1. Banjo, 2. Skimp, 3. Titbit, 4. Spoken, 5. Cheat, 6. Ruler, 10. Crass, 11. Manic, 12. Among, 13. Yacht, 16. Advent, 17. Shrink, 19. Equal, 20. Often, 21. Unfit, 22. Hardy.
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Property Of The Week
Unique Lifestyle with Proven Income Options
“Raroa” - true to its meaning Long Sun - is a lifestyle property inspired by the natural beauty of its native bush surrounds, offering panoramic rural and bush views across the Waikato.
Two dwellings are included, giving options for extended family, guest accommodation, or a potential rental income stream. The separate cottage also works well as a base for a home business, providing natural separation between work and family life.
The modern 10-year-old main home is filled with natural light and features double glazing, an ensuite, and an office nook. Wake up each morning to stunning sunrises and enjoy spectacular outlooks from every angle.
“The Hut” is fully consented, Healthy Homescompliant, and double glazed. It offers two bedrooms (one located off the carport) and is well suited for independent family members, tenants, or short-stay accommodation - close at hand but with privacy intact.
The 4 hectares of land provide space to explore and graze stock, with sheltered paddocks, native bush pockets, and fencing into six manageable paddocks for ease of stock movement.
Opportunities to secure two quality homes on one lifestyle property with views like this are rare. “Raroa” offers flexibility, comfort, and a truly special setting. ADDRESS 85 Te Raumauku
LAND SIZE 4.04 hectares
HOUSE 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, 2 garage
HUT 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 carport
PRICE Deadline closes Wed 8 Oct, 1pm (unless sold prior)
WEBSITE monarchsouthwest.co.nz
WEB ID OH22723
VIEW Open Home Sun 21 Sept, 3.30 - 4.00pm
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.
Piopio 4/5 Kaka Street
Kuiti 7 Blackman Street
Benneydale 71 Ellis Road
Benneydale 14 Ellis Road
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 Lorraine
Lot 1, 627 Waitomo Valley Road, Otorohanga, 8105sqm rural lifestyle section.
Lots 90-108 Harpers Avenue, 486sqm to 962sqm, Westridge II subdivision. Phone
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
10 Robin Azariah Place, Te Kuiti, 600sqm level section. Phone Buzz
Other sections (sizes are approximate)
214 Okapu Place, Aotea Harbour, 700sqm, borders farmland,
71 Hone Street, Kawhia, 1012sqm bare section in Kawhia, freehold with
OTOROHANGA 678A Mangaorongo Road
Modern Lifestyle, Rural Heart
Nestled on a generous 5,830m² section, careful attention to detail shapes every aspect of this warm and inviting property.
The open-plan layout offers natural light and spacious living, extending out to the covered patio. Master bedroom, complete with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, three additional double bedrooms and a separate office provides plenty of room. Enjoy the welcoming, family friendly community with school bus service right at your gate.
Whether you're upsizing, relocating or looking for a change, this thoughtfully designed property could be the dream home you've been searching for.
pggwre.co.nz/TEK42116
Bernadette Murphy
PIOPIO 517 Paekaka Road
Modern Living with a Rural Edge
Built in 2023, this 130m² home offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, including a master with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. Stay comfortable yearround with a heat pump, double glazing, and Hardies weatherboard cladding under a Colorsteel roof.
Set on 1.28 hectares, the property includes a woolshed, cattle yards, and a single garage—ideal for lifestyle buyers or those wanting a bit of space. Outstanding rural views to the north and northeast from the purpose build deck.
Located just 8km from Piopio township, this is a smart, low-maintenance rural retreat ready to enjoy.
pggwre.co.nz/TEK41860
HANDYMAN
Property maintenance and construction
Lawns,trees,stumpgrinding,sections,moss&mould treatments,Chemwash,waterblasting,guttervac, watertankandtroughcleaning fences,retaining,oddjobsandmore.
Referencesavailable GSTregistered.
Mike & Allana 027 350 0836 – info@handy-man.co.nz
PAINTING
Painting interior/exterior
Painting interior/exterior
Cortez Ratima –no half measures
Exterior house washing
Exterior house washing
Small jobs welcome
Small jobs welcome
Contact Steve 022 676 1839
Contact Steve 022 676 1839
No obligation free quotes
No obligation free quotes
and servicing
Ph Neil 027 587 8538 helen.neilpotter@gmail.com
Septic Tank Cleaning
• Emptying septic tanks
• CCTV pipeline inspection
• Jetting drainage pipelines
• Spreading animal effluent
Waitomo Liquid Waste Disposal 021 111 3911
DAIRY HEIFER GRAZING WANTED – Calves available December. Lines >150 preferred. Blair 0274900400; Kent 0275368267
Call Janine on 027 287 0005 or email janine@goodlocal.nz “Local
STOCK SALES
By Jon Rawlinson
The Rugby Championship has been a tournament of more than two halfbacks for the All Blacks due to a slew of injuries.
during to a growing butcher’s bill, especially at halfback.
Piopio’s Cortez Ratima has been out with a rib fracture and itching to get back on the field for at least one very good reason.
“I hope I’ve been making people back home proud,” he told The News. “The King Country community played a big part in my childhood and I really feel the love and support from them.”
A rib fracture suffered in the second clash against the Pumas in August has kept Cortez sidelined since.
Fortunately, it appears the plucky Chiefs scrumhalf could be back in action against Australia.
“The injury is progressing well,” he told The News. “I’ve been back into training now and hoping I’ll be ready to go in time for the Bledisloe matches.”
The Championship has proved a headache for All Black coach, Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson
Former St Peter’s Cambridge star, Cam Roigard (Hurricanes), and Hamilton Boys’ old boy, Noah Hotham (Crusaders), are yet to put in an appearance during the competition so far. This has left Finlay Christie (Blues) to shoulder the duties at the back of the pack, backed by rookie, Kyle Preston (Crusaders).
Despite this, commitment from the All Black squad should keep the Bledisloe Cup out of Australian hands and secure another Rugby Championship title in the process, Cortez said.
“I think we’ve shown some good signs, although there have also been times that we haven’t lived up to our own standards. But it was awesome to see the guys put out a strong performance against the Springboks (on September 13), he said.”
“We certainly don’t underestimate any of these teams – it’s been extremely tight in this year and any team could win any game. We just have to focus on the next game ahead and let the results take care of themselves.”
Cortez Ratima.
Supplied by Chiefs Rugby. Photo: Action Press.
2-3 hours a week. If you’re interested, please send your CV including your phone number to waikatojob@ gmail.com
Call in to 222 Rora St, Te Kuiti or phone us on 07 878 7636 or email us on tekuiti@cab.org.nz CLEANER REQUIRED.
The CAB can probably help with free and confidential advice and guidance
Notice of meeting - Piopio Wastewater Treatment Plant Community Liaison Group
Tuesday 30 September 2025 at 2pm
Pursuant to an order of court and approved Conditions of Consent for Discharge Permit 117290, dated 17 February 2011, the Waitomo District Council wishes to invite interested parties to attend the annual meeting of the Piopio Wastewater Treatment Plant Community Liaison Group.
The purpose of this meeting is to provide feedback and comment on environmental issues relating to the operation of the Piopio Wastewater Treatment Plant.
This meeting will be held on Tuesday 30 September 2025 at the Piopio Memorial Hall on the corner of Moa Street (SH3) and Weka Street, Piopio, commencing at 2pm.
You can be assured, we will do our best to help you . . .
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Te Ra: Saturday 18 October 2025
Wahi: Journey Church, 10 Sheridan Street, Te Kuiti
Registrations: 10.20am Hui Commences: 11.00 am
AGENDA
1. To receive apologies
2. To receive the minutes of the last AGM held 19 October 2024
3. To receive the Chairmans Report
4. To receive the Financial Report
5. Strategic Plan
6. General Business
The Annual General Meeting will conclude with Lunch Enquiries: Email: maraeroaab@gmail.com or Contact Debbie, Murray Kidd Falconer Chartered Accountants Ltd, 46 Taupiri St, Te Kuiti Telephone 078788145
Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 PUBLIC NOTICE
Of an application for On Licence
Zolema Limited has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, Te Kuiti for the renewal of an on licence in respect of the premises situated at 71-79 Rora St, Te Kūiti known as Stoked Eatery.
The general nature of the business conducted (or to be conducted) under the licence is Restaurant. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is (or is intended to be) sold under the licence are Monday-Sunday inclusive, 9am-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 issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
P I RONGI A CRAFT DAY 2025
STREET
Only NZ Handmade & Homegrown No Dogs Please Sunday 21st September 9am-3pm MAIN
Join the public meeting with Ministers Doocey and Patterson to talk about local health care.
When: 12 noon – 1.30pm on Wednesday 24 September
Where: Les Munro Centre on 8 King Street East, Te Kūiti
Please come along, the meeting is open to all members of the public.
Hon Matt Doocey is Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health.
Hon Mark Patterson is Minister for Rural Communities and Associate Minister of Agriculture.
Paddy’s Market
Email text for ad (max 120 characters, including word spaces) through to admin@goodlocal.nz week prior to your garage sale day.
Payment due Tuesday prior to garage sale day.
King Country News is published on Thursdays.
No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
This is the second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on September 11, 2025.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 10am at the Piopio College Gymnasium
We intend to have a ‘Paddy’s Market’ on Come along for an enjoyable day out. Household items and furniture – bargains galore!
Lions caravan
Hotdogs
CALLING ALL ARTISTS
Are you drawn to the artistic life?
Do you consider yourself creative?
Do you live in Ōtorohanga, or do you live somewhere else, but have strong connections to our district?
Great! - We want to hear from you!
Our Community team at Ōtorohanga District Council are building a snapshot of the hidden creative talent in our district.
We welcome contact from sculptors, potters, painters, carvers, actors, writers, poets, curators, weavers, dancers, musicians, singers, photographers, choreographers and everything in between.
You can be any stage in your art career, whether you have been making for thirty years or thirty days- we want to see your work!
Don’t be shy- please nominate yourself, or your arty friend, whanau, or neighbour.
Email ; nicky@otodc.govt.nz with the subject line “Creatives Contacts” with your name and what you make or do, or pop into Council at 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga
JACOB, Joseph (Big Joe) 14.05.35-18.09.05
EEKL SCHEDULE ON OUR EBSI E
Date: Sunday 5 October 2025
Time: 11am
Venue: 4 Little London Lane, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204
Agenda:
• Meeting Opens / Karakia
• Whakawhanaungatanga
• Apologies
• Minutes of Last Meeting
• Chairpersons Report
• Treasurers Report
• General Business
• Meeting Closure/Karakia
Special meeting
• Reviewed Deed
Enquiries to: Dallas Hepi tekaurii2g3@gmail.com
20 years today you left us Dad. Your leaving us was not the plan now Mum is there, by your side once more. Music please, the dance floor calls.
E whakaro nui ana ki a koe, e Pā. Te Jacob whānau.
PRICE, Iris Joy
02.07.1939 – 23.09.2015
You gave me bread when I was hungry.
You gave me shelter from troubled winds.
You were there when I needed help, but most of all you were my best friend.
When I was tired and lacked inspiration you were there as I needed you.
I could search the whole world over but you were all that I would need.
Much love from Terry and family -Gerard, Caithrine, Raewyn, Sheonagh, Terence (Dec), Kenneth, Gail and Arlene.
OLIVER, Alice – Passed away peacefully on the 12th September 2025, aged 93 years. Loved wife of the late Ken. A dearly loved mother of Murray, Wendy and Bruce; cherished grandmother of Jodie, Nicole, Matthew, Jenna, Brad and Lacey; adored great-grandmother; and a much-loved sister and treasured friend to many. Alice lived a long and full life, marked by kindness, humour and love that touched all who knew her. Her warmth and gentle spirit will be deeply missed and forever treasured in our hearts. A service to celebrate Alice’s life will be held at St David’s Presbyterian Church, Otorohanga, on Thursday 25th September at 11.00am, followed by burial at the Otorohanga Cemetery. All communications to the Oliver family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.
Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
OLIVER, Norma (Alice) – 93 years. 12th September 2025. You are now at peace with Dad and in our hearts forever. Loved by Murray & Karen, Jodie, Daniel, Chris & Alyssa, and great grandchildren Sadie & Mackenzie.
We
TO ALL MY whānau after the whenua Granny Ngapaki had, all that is left is an ara/pathway. Aroha Fred Anderson.
Family Notices
Guiding you with care
In life’s hardest moments, you don’t have to be alone. Our caring, experienced, and
team offers support, guidance, and a
that truly honours your loved one.
Available 24/7 – call us when you need us.
Funerals team L to R: Jim Goddin, Teri Keir and Jordan Goss
