Let’s say it correctly
By Chris Gardner
Pera MacDonald wishes people would learn how to pronounce Ōtorohanga correctly.
And as one of Te Nehenehenui’s renowned kaikaranga and kaiwaiata, she is willing to teach them.
“My passion has always been my reo and I like to share it with anybody who is interested,”
MacDonald told those attending Elevate Ōtorohanga’s electoral candidate meeting during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2025.
She asked candidates to take note of her pronunciation of the town and district name.
“I want to encourage you, nonMāori speakers and you Māori that don’t pronounce our names correctly,
to think about that,” MacDonald said.
“I offer my services for free. I have already had one councillor talking to me wanting to learn. If you are interested I will out my hand up and put a summer school together.”
MacDonald told The News, after the meeting, that lessons would begin in October.
Te Nehenehenui Group chief executive Sam Mikaere was delighted to hear of MacDonald’s initiative.
“We are certainly supportive of the idea of sharing Te Reo,” he said.
“It’s a beautiful time to be doing so.”
MacDonald serves as a cultural advisor for Ōtorohanga Museum and is closely involved with the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House Charitable Trust.
One into two can go…
By Chris Gardner
He’s standing in two elections – one in Ōtorohanga and another in Hamilton – and Robbie Neha says he can to justice to both.
“I will commit full-time to the role,” Neha said in two separate campaign brochures for Hamilton’s Kirikiriroa and Ōtorohanga District Council’s Ōtorohanga wards.
Asked by The News how it was possible so serve two councils full time if he won both seats, the self-employed television producer and documentary maker said: “the simple answer is that I don’t work for anybody. I decided that I can do that. If I do get in, I will be totally committed. I can move my contracts to the weekends.”
He’s not alone. Sitting Waipā Māori ward councillor Dale-Maree
Morgan has also put her hand up for a position on the Ngāruawāhia Community Board, part of the Waikato District Council.
Neha was asked how he could serve two constituencies at last week’s candidates meeting hosted by Elevate Ōtorohanga at Ōtorohanga College.
Hamilton based Neha said he initially planned to stand just in Ōtorohanga but had agreed to be nominated for
the Hamilton seat after a former councillor took him out to lunch.
“It took a three-hour lunch to convince me,” Neha said.
Neha checked with Ōtorohanga’s deputy electoral officer Graham Bunn to make sure serving two electorates was possible.
“I have looked at the timetable until February next year, and barring no changes Ōtorohanga council meets on Tuesday,
Hamilton’s a monster, which is why I didn’t want to run. The whole council meets on Wednesday; they have seven or eight other committees that meet other days of the week.”
Neha said he had considered his approach from a moral and ethical point of view, as pulling out of either council after being elected would trigger a byelection.
Continued on page 3
Robbie Neha
Pera Macdonald, left, pictured with Maniapoto orator Shane Te Ruki, is creating a free Te Reo summer school.
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Logo may have a chain reaction
By Chris Gardner
Ōtorohanga’s mayoral chains could be redesigned to align with the district’s new logo.
The cheeky suggestion was made by Kāwhia Community Board chair Geoff Good in response to a question from The News about whether he supported a petition asking for a rethink on the council decision to replace the old kiwi logo with Te Ōhanga “The Nest”.
“Ōtorohanga District Council
Letters…
Debt debate
might have to redesign the mayoral chains if they don’t readopt the Kiwiana theme,” said Good, who has been re-elected to the board unopposed.
The council made the decision in November without public consultation, prompting a 380-strong petition asking the council to revisit the decision and explain why the district had not been asked.
Ōtorohanga district’s mayoral chains include a kiwi.
I read with interest the report on the recent mayoral candidates debate. The art of smoke and mirrors around debt was to the fore. No matter which way we look at it the rate payers will be paying for any future debt for water work.
We can say the debt is no longer on the council books because it has been shifted to Waikato Waters Ltd, but us rate payers will still be paying for that debt. We will now be getting three rates bills, one from council, one from Waikato regional council and now one from Waikato Waters Ltd.
The other trap for us rate payers in the future will be that future councils will be deluded into thinking we have low debt because the books will show a reduced debt on councils books because the debt has been moved to another debt ridden entity.
I don’t look forward to future water bills which will be massive from here on in with a further $11 million being added this year. I doubt all of the other rate payers in the new entity will be putting their hands up to pay my share of Waitomo’s water costs.
On the beat
“The Otorohanga Rohe has a rich history that should have been drawn on for a new logo,” Good said.
“I would support rethinking this decision and maybe running a competition for a logo to replace what is essentially just a very unimaginative stylised O.”
“Ōtorohanga District Council hasn’t read the room here. This was a decision that was staff driven and elected members should
Continued on page 5
Ōtorohanga’s mayoral chains.
The sad reality is no matter which person is mayor us ratepayers are going to foot the bill which is not going to get cheaper.
I see some candidates calling themselves rates control (Act Party) who are hell bent on cutting social services to achieve that goal. I would like to remind all candidates you are standing to be elected to serve the community who have voted for you not the masters of central government which has no idea of what community is.
Gordon Walker Piopio
Rates cap
Was anyone surprised to hear mayoral candidates object to rates capping (The News September 4)?
Our current Waitomo mayor sees no need to cap rates and reminds us that rates increases during his tenure have been less than most other councils. Maybe... yet his increases were still “piggy-backed” on top of some of the highest rates in the country, suggesting our rates could still be highest.
This was confirmed by Waitomo rates being around double those of Ōtorohanga and that Waitomo Council took $21 million in rates in
challenging time
It’s been another busy week with a range of incidents across the King Country and the surrounding areas.
A 20-year-old male was arrested at an address in Te Awamutu. This individual had been moving between Te Awamutu and Te Kūiti over recent weeks, leaving behind a trail of public concern and disruption. He is now facing a raft of charges centring around dishonesty (burglary, unlawful takes), violence and driving offences. Police opposed his bail, and he’s since been remanded in custody.
In Ōtorohanga, a 34-year-old male was located and arrested for family harm assaults
DATE: Friday 26th September, 2025 | START TIME: 12pm
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and breaching a protection order. These types of offences remain a high priority for us, and we’re committed to ensuring victims are supported and offenders held to account.
A male in Te Kuiti was arrested for breaching his electronically monitored bail conditions. It is alleged he deviated from an approved absence.
Over the week staff located and arrested two males in Te Kūiti who had active warrants to arrest. They were transported through to Hamilton. This serves as a timely reminder: if you, or someone you know, has missed a court date and is the subject of a warrant, the best course of action is to front
2023-24 and Ōtorohanga only took $13 million. Where did the extra $8 million go? It surely didn’t go into our roads.
If councils were run like a real-world business, the business owners would cut their operating costs when required without compromising their services, as a matter of fiscal (monetary) prudence. However, councils everywhere simply claim that “rates must go up or services will suffer. But why?
What if councils actually made cuts to their late model vehicle fleets, their salaries and stopped commissioning consultants on noncore ideas? Any claim that rates must go up and cannot be reasonably capped is a weak and lazy excuse. I will be voting for anyone who will commit to a binding rates cap. (Abridged) D. Dickinson.
Te Kuiti
Reunion
We are organising a reunion/get together for the Palmerston North Teacher’s College 1976 intake to take place on January 17 and 18 2026. The venue is Sheffield Street, Palmerston North. Call Paul on 028 404 5293 for more details.
up and sort it. Avoiding it only makes things worse in the long run.
On the roads, police responded to a crash on Kawhia Road north of Ōtorohanga where a van left the road and hit a power pole, bringing down both the pole and live wires. Thankfully, no one was injured. Strong winds were a significant factor in this crash - please drive to the conditions, especially in unpredictable spring weather.
As school holidays are now underway, we encourage everyone to take extra care on the roads, watch your speed, and keep an eye out for tamariki.
with Constable Chris Aspin
Clocks forward
Daylight Saving commences on Sunday – when our clocks go forwards 60 minutes. Daylight saving starts each year at 2am on the last Sunday in September and ends at 3am on the first Sunday in April.
Postponed, again
Waitomo District Council, with the support of Ngāti Rōrā, have postponed their opening and blessing of the Mangaokewa Walkway Cultural Storyboards, planned for tomorrow, for a second time. Heavy rain was forecast for the rest of this week and it was anticipated the ground would be wet.
Gone for a song
Ōtorohanga College music students delighted Beattie Home residents with vocal and piano performances during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. The students showcased a diverse selection of pieces, evoking smiles and encouraging residents to tap along.
Cannon wins
Taumarunui sculptor James Cannon picked up the premier award at last Wednesday’s opening of the Ruapehu Art Awards in the Taumarunui Memorial Hall. The award attracted more than 250 entries. ‘Manu Kārearea’ by Cannon also won the 3D Open Category. Taumarunui art teacher Kathryn Davis won the photography award for ‘Roman Holiday’.
Dean appointed David McCormack has been appointed as an interim dean for the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine. Set to open in 2028, the University of Waikato-based medical school will specialise in rural medicine and focus on clinical placements at regional hospitals.
Court in session
Work has begun on the construction of a beach volley ball court at Ōtorohanga College. This project identified by students will also benefit the wider community.
Voters could scupper plan
By Chris Gardner
Farmers could halt the implementation of a Waikato Regional Council water quality plan change by voting in the “right people”, Waipā-King Country candidate Garry Reymer says.
The Environment Court is yet to rule on Plan Change One which proposes a wide-sweeping set of rules for agricultural land use to improve freshwater quality in the Waikato and Waipā river catchments.
“Plan change one is not a given,” Reymer said at Thursday’s Federated Farmers candidate meeting in Te Awamutu.
“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.
“The government has also asked that regional councils park any further work until the new Resource Management Act comes out. We shouldn’t be progressing it before that time.
“Regional council needs to become the educator and not the policeman. If they can start getting alongside farmers and say this is how you do things, and this is how you do it better, rather than just walking in there and slapping you with a fine, you would get far better progress.”
Stu Kneebone, one of the two sitting councillors, said arguments to make farming a controlled activity over the last few months had
received council push back.
“The government made a legislation change because we simply don’t have the resources to make all farming activities a controlled activity in the next couple of years,” he said.
“One of the things that came out of this was if you planted tree, we’d all be fine,” Stolwyk said.
“It raised major red flags about what could actually occur. A strong economy and a healthy environment aren’t mutually exclusive. We have to achieve both. Our rural communities cannot suffer. We have to find our way through it.”
Kneebone and Reymer talked about the main water quality issue or contaminants in the area.
“The one that has been mostly unregulated has been agricultural discharges,” Kneebone said.
“The challenge is trying to manage allocating the rights to discharge
contaminants in an equitable way, and that’s been the guts of the issues we’re dealing with Plan Change One.
“It’s not easy but we have to acknowledge that there’s a whole bunch of other industries that discharge that have been on numerical limits for 10 or 20 plus years and the agricultural sector hasn’t, and we have somehow got to address that.”
Reymer responded: “Boy, I don’t agree with what I’ve just heard”.
“I don’t think agricultural discharges are the biggest thing. When you look at farmers and what we have done around riparian, planting and setting aside land I think our water quality has improved immensely and continues to do so.
“The biggest challenge to our water quality are probably things like koi carp, who do massive damage, birdlife unabated onto
our lakes and ponds. If you look at Maungatautari, our inland island, the e-coli coming out of there, and it’s increasing as birdlife is improving there. Some of the standards and requirements around water quality are absolute BS.”
Stolwyk was on the same page as Reymer, citing water quality issues at Lake Te Koo Utu, Lake Ngā Roto and Lake Parangi and golden clam invasion at Lake Karāpiro.
“It’s a whole heap of things, it’s not one thing, there needs to be a multi prong approach because it’s going to take a really long time for any improvements to happen,” she said.”
“The load to come is horrendous. We have got 50 years of load to come through nitrogen, and other contaminants that have been occurring over a long period.” • 1080 and more, regional council candidates, pages 8 and 9.
One into two can go…
“I am committed to do both,” he said.
Bunn said it was up to Neha to manage the workload if elected to both councils.
“Interestingly, you cannot stand for regional council and district council in the same region,” Bunn said. “Potentially this would create a conflict of interest which you don’t have when elected to two different district councils.”
Sitting Ōtorohanga councillor and mayoral candidate Rodney Dow said standing for two electorates needed to be investigated by the
government.
“If I am elected, I will bring it up with other elected members and we will discuss where we go with this matter,” Dow said.
“I am not a supporter of people being allowed to stand in different districts,” Dow said.
“In Robbie’s case he is standing for the Ōtorohanga Ward. If he is elected, he automatically sits on the Ōtorohanga Community Board so that involves extra workload.
“I don’t believe that there would be the time available to be a councillor in another district and
run a business. There are other committees that he would need to be involved in to be fully participate in the role as a councillor.”
“Robbie seems to be aware of the commitment that is required and thinks that he can do them both justice,” said fellow mayoral candidate Prendergast. “So good luck to him, it will be a very big undertaking.”
Another mayoral candidate, Jaimee Tamaki, said the question was one “only Robbie can answer”.
Fellow Ōtorohanga Ward candidate Tayla Barclay was
supportive of Neha.
“If he is able to manage all his commitments, his dual involvement could be a real asset,” she said.
“Having someone around the table with insight into both urban and rural governance could offer fresh perspective. It could give us an opportunity and learn from what’s working elsewhere and adapt it in a way that suits the unique needs of Ōtorohanga.”
Incumbent councillor Katrina Christison, who is also standing against Neha, felt it inappropriate to comment.
Garry Reymer
Stu Kneebone
Liz Stolwyk
Amio
SAILING INTO POSSIBILITY WITH SAILABILITY WAIKATO
Sometimes, the smallest moments leave the biggest impact. When Dr Michael Moloney from Sailability Waikato spoke to the Ōtorohanga District Council Grants Committee recently, he described one of those moments as an “odd little miracle.”
Through their programme, children and young people, including those with ability challenges who use wheelchairs or live with neurodevelopmental conditions, are given the opportunity to sail. For many, it’s their very first time out on the water.
Ōtorohanga Community Grants funding of $2,901 has helped Sailability purchase new life jackets and carry out vital boat maintenance, ensuring even more tamariki can share in these experiences.
Dr Moloney became visibly emotional as he recalled the joy of watching an autistic student take to the water, overcoming barriers that once seemed impossible. “It was like watching a light turn on,” he said.
Over the past three years, Sailability Waikato has worked with four Ōtorohanga schools, Korokonui, Kio Kio, Ōtorohanga Primary, and St Mary’s, with others set to join soon. Across the wider Waikato, 14 schools now benefit from the programme.
For the students, the experience is more than just sailing. It’s about confidence, inclusion, and proving that no challenge should stand in the way of adventure. Ex-student of St Mary’s, Kanohi-Marama Martin, pictured with Nicky Deeley - Ōtorohanga Community Grants Manager (left) and Dr Moloney (right), said “I still remember the first time I went sailing, I was nervous, but it felt like flying on the water. Talking with Dr Moloney again reminded me how special that day was and how much it meant to all of us.”
Thanks to Ōtorohanga Community Grants Committee and Sailability Waikato, more young people are discovering not just the freedom of sailing, but the freedom of possibility.
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS
Council Meeting Tuesday 30 September 10:00 am
Kāwhia Community Board Thursday 2 October 4:00 pm
Ōtorohanga Community Board Monday 6 October 4:00 pm
KORONEIHANA 2025 - NGĀ KAWE MATE O TAINUI WAKA
Members of our team were honoured to attend Koroneihana 2025 for Ngā Kawe Mate o Tainui Waka. It was a privilege to stand alongside iwi, hapū, whānau and manuwhiri, acknowledging those who have passed, and reflecting on the deep connections that continue to bind us together.
We’re grateful to have been welcomed into this important occasion which carries such significance for Tainui waka, the rest of the motu and the world.
We share in the celebration and coronation of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po.
Ka nui te mihi, thank you for allowing us to share in this moment of remembrance and kotahitanga.
VOTING IS OPEN
Orange voting bins are out!
Special votes are also being taken at the ŌDC office, 9am–4pm.
Cast your vote at any of these locations:
• Ōtorohanga District Council Office - 17 Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga
• Ōtorohanga District Library27 Turongo St, Ōtorohanga
• Woolworths Supermarket - 119–123 Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga
• Kāwhia General Store29 Jervois St, Kāwhia
UPCOMING EVENTS INCLUDE:
ReCreators Workshops
Date: Saturday 11 October
Ōtorohanga Guide Hall, 9:00 am –12:00 pm
Kāwhia Community Centre, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
THANK YOU, MAYOR MAX
After more than a decade of dedicated service, we take a moment to reflect on and thank His Worship the Mayor, Max Baxter, for his years of leadership in the Ōtorohanga District.
Max’s journey as Mayor began in 2013, and since then he has guided our community through times of growth, change and challenge, with unwavering commitment and heart. His approachable style, deep care for people, and ability to bring people together have made him a trusted leader and advocate for our district.
During his time as Mayor, Max has been a strong voice for rural communities, ensuring Ōtorohanga continues to be recognised both regionally and nationally. Whether it has been in council chambers, at community events, on the marae, or alongside local organisations and businesses, Max has always put people first.
Nationally, Max played a key role as Chair of the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs, where he helped create opportunities for young people right across New Zealand. His advocacy gave rangatahi in small rural towns the same hope and pathways as those in bigger cities, something he cared about deeply.
Beyond the achievements, it is Max’s warmth, humour and genuine connection with people, that have left a lasting mark. Known for being just as comfortable chatting with residents at the supermarket as he is sitting at the council table, Max has reminded us that leadership is about people, trust, and service.
As we thank Max for his 12 years of dedication, we also acknowledge the countless hours, personal sacrifices and hard work he has given to make Ōtorohanga a better place for all.
On behalf of the Ōtorohanga District Council and our community, thank you Max – for your passion, leadership and the legacy you leave behind. Your service has been invaluable, and your impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Join us as we celebrate and farewell Max Baxter for his years of dedicated service as Mayor.
The community pōwhiri will take place on Wednesday 8 October 2025 at 4.30pm (arrivals later are welcome), followed by supper.
Please express your interest to attend to receive the full invite and event location details by scanning this QR code.
WHAT’S ON AT THE LIBRARY?
Check out what you can do at the library today! Scan the code or visit: www.otodc.govt.nz/our-district/ libraries
102, 103…we’ve found you
By Chris Gardner
When Ōtorohanga Museum director Liz Cowan read the final resting places of two early settlers were unrecorded she thought otherwise.
Exley Roberts’ accidental drowning in about a metre of water on Waitomo Valley Road in October 1907, featured in King Country News columnist’s Meghan Hawkes’ Tales from the Passed on August 21. Nine months later William Cass Stephenson had suffocated after a fit on the same farm, Hawkes wrote.
“Where Exley, who came to New Zealand to make a home for his young family, and William, who was on the verge of a new life here, were buried is unrecorded,” Hawkes concluded.
But when Cowan read the piece Roberts and Stephenson’s names seemed familiar.
“When I read that their burial place was unknown, I checked our old map and found them buried side by side,” Cowan said.
“Exley Roberts in Plot #103 and William Cass Stephenson in Plot # 102.”
Both settlers graves are unmarked, between Royston James Pigott and John Young’s, graves adding an extra layer of poignancy for Cowan.
“It’s the row staring with the
large obelisk for George Thomas Wilkinson,” Cowan said.
“We found the map amongst a large selection of old plans and maps. It’s very fragile and we’ve had it digitised and printed to protect the original.”
Ōtorohanga Museum, run by the town’s historical society, is working with Ōtorohanga District Council to move the historic Rewarewa Schoolhouse onto its site from Barber Road 21kim away.
The century old schoolhouse is thought ideal for workshops like Māori weaving, art and tai chi.
New co-chair named
Glen Tupuhi has been appointed co-chair of Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board, which represents 121,000 Māori whānau across the Tainui waka region.
He replaces Hagen Tautari, who the board said had provided strong leadership and guidance governing. Tipa Mahuta, current co-chair, expressed her gratitude for Hagen’s service.
“We are delighted to acknowledge Glen Tupuhi as our new co-chair and look forward to his leadership in guiding the Board forward,” she said.
The board is one of the largest of the 15 Iwi Māori Partnership Boards established under the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act and includes Waikato,
Pare Hauraki, Raukawa, Te Nehenehenui (Maniapoto), Ngāti Hāua (Taumarunui) and Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa (Mātāwaka).
Tupuhi brings over 35 years of governance experience across the Māori development, health, education, and justice sectors. His background includes iwihapū marae leadership roles as well as managerial roles in Oranga Tamariki, Corrections, Health Waikato, Hauora Waikato, and Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa.
His iwi affiliations include Ngāti Pāoa ki Waiheke, Tamaki Makaurau, Hauraki, Waikato, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Naho o Waikato, Ngāti Rangimahora, and Ngāti Apakura.
WASS.CO.NZ
have insisted on it going to community boards and the community.”
Good said If the decision was not revisited Ōtorohanga would miss out on an opportunity to have a brand or logo that stands out from the crowd.
“Imagine a logo based around the legend of King Tawhiao placing his hat (potae) on a map, what about the two voyaging waka Tainui and Aotea, throw in a rich farming history and our Kiwiana/Kiwi connections and it’s impossible not to come up with something that looks better than an O that looks like a wreath.”
Nearly all candidates attending a candidates’ meeting at Ōtorohanga College last week said they supported revisiting the decision to rebrand.
However, Good’s fellow community board member Richard Harpur disagreed that a rethink was necessary.
“The new logo is about including all in the nest, weaving us all together,” he said.
“It does not detract from any past logos or change the district’s commitment to past Ideals. Non-violent change is often a window of opportunity, a refreshing opportunity.”
JOHN ROBERTSON
MAYOR
SAFE HANDS AND STEADY LEADERSHIP FOR WAITOMO
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.
Authorised by John Robertson, Phone
Glen Tupuhi
Ōtorohanga Museum director Liz Cowan. Photo: Chris Gardner
The unmarked graves of Exley Roberts and William Cass Stephenson are close to George Thomas Wilkinson’s grave in Ōtorohanga Cemetery.
AGE OF REASON
How do they do it?
By Richard Steele
Another mill closure announced this week, this time a plywood factory in Tokoroa, and that’s on top of the earlier shutting, of part of the pulp mill there.
I cannot imagine how bad that would be, to lose your job, your livelihood, at any time, let alone when the economy is not doing that well. The chances of being able to walk into other suitable positions for plywood manufacturing people will I’m sure be tough, so I wish them well, and hope that they can get a reasonable redundancy.
A big question springs to mind though, as from my readings of the situation, Carter Holt, the plant owner, can make the plywood 60 per cent cheaper in Australia. Why is nobody asking about that, or what their union’s position is? So a New Zealand plant right next to the forest it needs, with a willing workforce one would assume, can be undercut by Australians.
As I understand it Australia has higher wages than we do, an overall lower cost structure than we do, a better or warmer climate than we do, apparently a more attractive place to be. They are reason why so many people are heading over there
to revel in the golden country’s riches.
So what am I missing here? How can the Aussies be so much better off than us, and yet they can produce plywood for 60 per cent less than we can?
Similarly a mill in the Nelson region is closing with job losses, because the owners can better serve their clients from Kawerau. Really? Maybe, except I don’t believe it.
So why are our countries structures so out of gear? We could be so good here in New Zealand, yet we seem to be lagging so far behind our neighbours, that someone must really be asking why, and to do more than that – and actually come up with some answers.
Equally, what are we doing with our pollsters? According to them, we would vote back a labour led coalition tomorrow, if an election was held then. How quickly have those polled forgotten the mess the last lot led us in to.
Richard Steele is a central North Island hill country farmer, author and tourism business operator
Crashes put lights out
A rise in vehicle crashes into power poles across the Waipā district has prompted Waipā Networks to issue a public safety reminder: slow down, drive to the conditions, and stay alert.
Since April there have been 16 incidents impacting around 10 feeders and resulting in more than 8500 customers losing power. Waipā Networks has strengthened its partnerships with fire brigades in recent years to support emergency response. In 2023, it provided $10,000 to the Kāwhia Fire Brigade to purchase an emergency response vehicle and last year a former Waikato Tree Services vehicle was donated to the Pirongia Fire Station.
ON SHAKY GROUND
Four years on
By Janine Krippner
Our planet has the incredible ability to create new parts of itself. Volcanic eruptions occur when material from deep within the Earth rises and forms new landscapes. Islands are built this way, layer by layer, over timescales difficult to grasp.
We can watch rock flow. Molten rock that creeps, or races, across the ground, then cools and solidifies into new forms. When this happens near the coast, lava deltas stretch the land into the ocean. The Earth is constantly reshaping itself.
For many of us, volcanic eruptions are mesmerizing, exciting, and beautiful. The raw power and destructive beauty can be captivating. But what happens when it unfolds right above our communities?
It is now four years since the start of the La Palma (Tajogaite) eruption, and for three years this has been one of my research focuses.
On September 19, 2021, a new vent opened uphill of populated areas. In the first moments it was just a small ash plume as the forces blasted rock into the air. New vents rapidly opened, forming a fissure.
Then the lava came.
I’ve spent countless hours watching footage of the eruption, seeing how the lava carved its path across the landscape. I’ve watched it consume homes - people’s homes. Family homes containing children’s bedrooms and precious abandoned toys. I have walked around those damaged or destroyed along the boundaries. No one knew their lives would flip upside down in a matter of minutes. Some had 15 minutes to grab what they could before leaving, many never to return.
Our world faces many natural hazards. Here, we’re familiar with floods, cyclones, tornadoes, earthquakes, and the threat of
tsunamis. But there’s something distinctly different about this eruption style.
Lava flows don’t just damage or destroy. Lava cools into rock, sometimes reaching tens of metres thick. Floods may take a house, but they don’t leave the landscape itself unrecognisable. In La Palma, entire communities were buried.
The evacuation and loss of home is just one part of the struggle. The road to rebuilding a life after such a disaster can stretch over years. The mental toll can be immense. The human side of these events, the pain, the grief, the trauma, is something most of us can’t fully understand unless we live through it. And yet, it is the most important aspect for us to grasp.
On this fourth anniversary of the eruption, I am thinking of those people. This kind of disaster will happen again. Those who will one day lose their homes and communities are most likely unaware of the risks they face or at least can’t truly grasp that it could happen to them.
As a volcanologist and science communicator, I constantly wonder what I can do to help those who will be affected. What lessons, however agonising, need to be passed on to mitigate the pain? How can we prepare not just with science, but with humanity, to help people not only survive but rebuild their lives after the ground beneath them is forever changed?
It is up to us how we prepare to face the human cost when the ground beneath us shifts, and how we ensure that, in the aftermath, no one is left behind.
Authorised by Stu Kneebone, 271 Baker Road, RD4 Cambridge
The end of a purple reign
By Jon Rawlinson
She hung up her chalk in June, but former principal Raewyn Jackson returned to Pukenui School in Te Kūiti for a fond farewell shortly before the school holidays.
Past and present students, teachers and parents marked the occasion with thoughtful touches right down to the finest of details, Jackson said.
“It was sad to say goodbye, but it was all done so beautifully that it wasn’t overly sad, and I’m so appreciative of the efforts of the kids and staff. Because my favourite colour is purple, students wore purple t-shirts and the boys had purple bow ties, which was absolutely amazing.”
Since joining the school almost 27 years ago, Jackson has witnessed many changes, especially regarding new technology and to the school curriculum.
While primary teachers don’t tend to have a specialty subject, Jackson has gained particular satisfaction by helping encourage young imaginations.
“The arts have always interested me as has English, so I greatly enjoyed encouraging so many
children to be creative over the years.”
Originally from Ōtorohanga, Jackson was already an accomplished teacher by the time she began working at Pukenui.
“I did my teacher training at Waikato Teachers’ College, which is now part of the University of Waikato. In those days, you were bonded for three years, told where to go and work. So, I began teaching in Rotorua and then Rangitoto School in Te Kūiti.”
After a break from teaching to raise her family, Jackson joined Pukenui as a part-time teacher in 1999. She became deputy principal in 2004, acting principal in 2006 and principal in 2008.
She plans to spend her retirement with children while, maybe, engaging in a little studying too. In addition, her plans allow for some ongoing ‘garden leave’.
“I have a large garden and I intend to spend more time there. I’m interested in maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar) as well, so I want to do some courses about that – it relates to gardening, plants and the phases of the moon.
“I have 12 mokopuna, so
being able to go to more of their sports matches and other activities will be great, and there will be other things that will interest me –there are lots of community groups I can join in Te Kūiti and Ōtorohanga.”
While she isn’t sure whether any Pukenui pupils have become household names since being under her tutelage, many have led successful lives, Jackson said.
“I don’t recall anyone becoming famous, but quite a lot of them have had impressive careers.
It’s been wonderful to see, when they’ve come back to the school as parents, that they’ve grown to become amazing people.”
Dorothy Carr will now take the reins as the new principal – Jackson said the school is in good hands.
“Dorothy has been part of the school whānau for a long time. Well known in the community, she does a lot with sports and she’s an experienced teacher. She will be well supported by the staff, the board and families.”
Although Carr has been
TAKE THE KIDS TO EXPLORE OUR REGION THIS SCHOOL
welcomed into the role, Raewyn will be greatly missed, learning support teacher Joanne Bentham said.
“Raewyn’s lasting legacy is her unwavering belief in people. She’s led with care and respect, valuing everyone, teachers and teacher aides, admin staff and caretakers.”
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF BENEFICIARIES
Notice is hereby given that the above meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, commencing at 6.00 p.m. at the Ōtorohanga Croquet Club, 52 Te Kawa Street, Ōtorohanga.
The annual meeting will:-
• Report on the operations and financial statements of the Trust and the performance of The Lines Company Limited.
• Confirm auditor appointment for 2025/26 year.
• Conclude with a presentation by The Lines Company Limited.
Notice of availability of the Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust 2025 Annual Report to WESCT Beneficiaries and The Lines Company Limited 2025-2026 Statement of Corporate Intent. Copies can be viewed on the website www.wesct.org.nz or contact info@wesct.org.nz.
The Trust would appreciate it if you could email your name and address to info@wesct.org.nz to confirm your attendance and establish voting eligibility in advance.
Celina Yapp | Secretariat Services Telephone: 027 PH WESCT (027 749 3728) email: info@wesct.org.nz website: www.wesct.org.nz
Raewyn Jackson cuts cake during her farewell at Pukenui School
Our regional Q and A…
Waikato Regional Council manages and protects natural and physical resources, such as water, land, air, and coasts.
The Waipā-King Country constituency has a population of 70,700 and takes in the Waipā, Ōtorohanga and Waitomo district council areas. The council is responsible for providing regional transport for Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Ōtorohanga and Te Kūiti and for biodiversity and biosecurity, flood protection infrastructure, and providing scientific and technical expertise to support the sustainable management of the region's resources.
Regional councillors are responsible for setting the priorities and adopting policies that direct the council’s work programmes and activities. They, with their other regional council colleagues, monitor performance against the council’s objectives and policies, and manage the council’s resources, including setting financial and infrastructure strategies.
Four candidates – Clyde Graf, Stu Kneebone, Garry Reymer and Liz Stolwykl - are vying for the two Waipā-King Country seats.
We asked them a series of questions - here are their answers. Go to www. cambridgenews.nz for more responses
Q: What is the biggest threat to our native flora and fauna, and how should the regional council tackle it?
Clyde Graf - The loss of habitat, and the broad-scale use of poisons like 1080 are significant threats to native fauna. Like most other countries, New Zealand should ban 1080, and be more targeted in pest control, using bounties and employing locals, rather than filling the pockets of corporates.
Stu Kneebone - Biggest threats are introduced plant and animal pests. Everyone has a role – it’s about working together in partnership. Waikato Regional Council needs to be out in front, demonstrating leadership, supporting communities and undertaking its responsibilities effectively under the Biosecurity Act.
Garry Reymer - Ferral animals such as deer goats pigs wallabies and possums are a major problem from a flora fauna perspective but if we could eliminate them we would meet our greenhouse gas emissions targets without any other action. I would have a two-pronged approach of 1080 as well as bounty.
Liz Stolwyk - Introduced pests like rats, stoats, and possums are the biggest threat to our native birds, insects, and forests. The council should continue to
support 1080 and trapping. Working with locals and community groups will give wider protection to keep our environment strong long term whilst ensuring ongoing respectful discussion.
Q: Do you support Plan Change One?
Clyde Graf - No, I don’t support PC1 in its current form.
Stu Kneebone - Yes, but not the drawn out Resource Management Act process. It’s hopelessly frustrating and costly. We need affordable and workable regulations to support good farmers. However, the original intent of PC1 has been undermined by litigious processes. Both the regional council and farmers are now bound by the Environment Court’s eventual decision.
Garry Reymer - No. It is wrong that food production has to be a consented activity. Water quality and farm management have improved immensely over the last 20 years with no draconian laws. Food production is fundamental to the region’s GDP and that needs to grow.
Liz Stolwyk - I was part of the original Collaborative Stakeholder Group set up by Waikato Regional Council, one of only two candidates involved with PC1 from the start. Like many, I’m disappointed by the time and more than $30 million spent, with progress hindered by unnecessary complexity added along the way.
Q: Several district councils and Hamilton city are growth councils. How can the regional council balance the need for urban growth with the protection of highly productive land?
Clyde Graf - We need to protect highly productive soils, but we also need to be very careful about squeezing people too closely together with infill housing. Urban living needs to cater to people’s wellbeing, so we need to provide good quality living spaces with access to nature.
Stu Kneebone - It’s about ensuring Waikato Regional Council’s policies that seek to protect highly productive land are developed alongside constructive dialogue with the district councils in order that both organisations understand each other’s respective obligations and growth predictions/needs. Good forward planning is essential, complemented by modern urban planning and design.
Garry Reymer - This is an ongoing debate. Many parts of the productive land have already been destroyed with the 10 acre block. These are mostly unproductive and councils can look to further subdivision of these before we allow the productive land to get further development. Combine that with infill housing and build up where practical is the solution.
Liz Stolwyk - I’ve had a front row seat on this issue through 12 years on Waipā
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District Council’s Regulatory and Future Proof committee. Balancing growth with protecting productive soils is never easy. The regional council must guide expansion, support district councils, and manage farmland loss fairly. With smart planning, we can achieve both goals.
Q: Climate change resulting in extreme weather events increases fire risk, rising tides and impacts on our flora and fauna. Is the regional council doing enough to manage and prepare for this?
Clyde Graf - Climate will always change, and funds will always be limited. We need to focus on core services like flood protection, drainage, and stormwater systems, and focus on the highest risk areas in weather events. We need to involve communities in creating cost-effective solutions, as they are the ones who pay for it.
Stu Kneebone - It’s an ongoing work programme to integrate climate adaptation planning into our various workstreams. The impacts of climate change affect everyone so the council needs to be front footing this work, and working with territorial authorities, the agriculture sector and the community to ensure our adaptation approaches are planned and effective.
Garry Reymer - Mitigation is not something Waikato Regional Council should engage in. Management of the effects of climate change is firmly in the council space. The council needs to do much more here. Flood protection, drainage, energy initiatives and sensible water allocation are areas that can be addressed. Also promoting science at the Waikato University.
Liz Stolwyk - Extreme weather impacts both rural and urban communities. The regional council must use reliable data to understand risks and invest in smart infrastructure like stop banks, drainage, and flood protection. Preparing now with strong planning and practical action is the best way to keep people, property, and farmland safe.
Q: What is your view on (a) rates capping and (b) linking rates to an inflation index?
Clyde Graf - I’ve supported keeping rates under the CPI since I was first elected under
the Rates Control Team banner in 2013, but you need a majority of Rates Control people around the council table to keep rates down. Unfortunately, a lot of current councillors have been happy to be frivolous with ratepayers’ money.
Stu Kneebone - Both are blunt tools I don’t support. Inflation indexes don’t always correlate to stuff councils do. There is a real risk that rates capping would severely impact our ability to fund critical work such as flood protection, natural hazard management, biosecurity, pest control and other important responsibilities that in my view we can’t afford to skimp on. We’d be better served by some transparent dialogue with government and community about what they want/expect from councils, along with an honest and frank discussion about realistic, fair and fit for purpose funding mechanisms.
Garry Reymer - Rates capping is a poor term. We could just as easily say project capping or wish list capping. What is needed is prudent financial management that delivers improved performance and productivity. In a year like the one we are entering I think it was entirely possible for the Waikato Regional Council to have had a zero percentage increase. But they have chosen to sit on unallocated cash ($2.5 mil) that belongs to ratepayers. They have also had another five per cent increase in staff with no evidence that we have improved service and they have failed to lift the cost recovery of public transport in line with the government directive.
Liz Stolwyk - Rates capping or linking rates to an inflation index sets the wrong mindset and becomes a target rather than a tool. That doesn’t mean I oppose reducing rates - quite the opposite. Councils must take stronger control of management teams and thoroughly scrutinise budgets and spending. Too often, the tail is wagging the dog with elected members sidelined from real fiscal oversight. Ratepayers deserve councils that actively challenge costs, demand efficiencies, and make every dollar count. Elected representatives must have the access and authority to deliver the financial responsibility their communities expect when they place trust in them.
Liz Stolwyk
Clyde Graf Stuart Kneebone
Garry Reymer
What the candidates say
We asked Ōtorohanga District Council mayoral candidate Cathy Prendergast whether she supported rethinking the council’s rebrand, her thoughts on council spending and rates caps, and who she would choose as deputy mayor if she was elected. Yes, I do think that council should have approached this [rebrand] differently. The depth of feeling in the town is an indication of the strong community connection with the Kiwi and a proud part of our identity.
I support revisiting the decision on the kiwi logo for ODC as I feel there should be community consultation on this.
I would not support a rates cap as the risk is this will result in under-investment in infrastructure and a possible cut to services. Experience in Australia has proven this to be the case. Before rates capping is discussed there needs to be a wider acknowledgement and consideration of the annual cost of compliance at Government level.
I think it is too soon for me to be thinking about a deputy mayor. There is still an election to come for both mayor and councillors. I haven’t thought about it.
We asked Waitomo District Council Te Kuiti Ward candidate Ata Te Kanawa about council spending, rates caps, and what the council needs to do about overflowing sewage. This is what she said.
From what I’ve observed, there appears to have been a more conservative approach to financial management in recent years. Accountability and transparency of council business seems to be accessible to the public and I am enthused with the proposed District Plan. I believe minimising inevitable rate increases while aligning to CPI, is feasible.
I’m confident the council is doing all it can to address sewage overflowing into people’s gardens, which I hope are isolated cases or the result of weather incidents.
The geographic nature of Te Kuiti being in a valley and flood prone has persistently posed environmental challengers to our drainage systems. The age and condition of these systems may need increased monitoring.
We asked Ōtorohanga District Council candidates, including those elected unopposed, whether they supported rethinking the council’s rebrand, council spending and rates caps. These are the answers from those who responded.
Tayla Barclay, Ōtorohanga Ward
As I understand it, the Nest is the council’s corporate logo. While I wasn’t involved in the original discussions around its adoption, I believe it’s important to look forward. In my view, sufficient time and resources have already been invested in the Nest logo, and reopening this matter would not be an effective use of our efforts or budget.
At this stage, I haven’t formed a definitive opinion [on council spending and rates caps], as I’m currently doing research to better understand the expenditure over the past decade. Rates are a significant and complex issue, and I want to ensure I’m fully informed before making any public comment.
Katrina Christison, reelected unopposed
The weave pattern has been part of council branding for some time, and The Nest was designed to bring that together — weaving all our people and communities. I sit on the Kiwiana Committee, so I’m invested in Ōtorohanga being the Kiwiana capital. If the logo is revisited, I’d like to see a simple kiwi incorporated in the same brown as the weave — keeping the weave but not The Nest. That way it links our people with our kiwi identity. Kiwiana is our town brand, not our district brand. Both identities matter, but they serve different purposes.
The rising cost of living is hitting households, families, and farms hard, so every dollar council spends needs to be justified. Over the last decade, spending has been a mix of essential projects — like water and roading — and extras like coloured lights that bring vibrancy but need clear explanations to ratepayers. Rates caps might sound appealing but risk stopping urgent work. I believe in prioritising the basics first and being upfront with people. When people can clearly see the value, they’re more accepting of the rates they pay.
Tennille Kete
Yes — [I support rethinking the council’s rebrand] but let’s be precise. “Te Ōhanga/The Nest” is the council’s corporate logo, not a rebrand of our town or district, and it doesn’t replace our Kiwiana identity. I support reviewing how it’s used so ratepayers aren’t confused, and ensuring our iconic kiwi remains front-and-centre for the district’s identity and tourism. I’d back clearer guidance on when to use each mark, and report publicly on costs/benefits.
The last decade saw moderate average increases (~3.19 per cent) and very low debt, which was prudent. But costs have risen sharply nationwide; our current LongTerm Plan sets a formal rates-increase limit (peaking at 10.9 per cent in 2024-25, trending down to 5.9 per cent), balancing affordability with essential investment. I support caps tied to the Local Government Cost Index — if we pair them with discipline: public project dashboards, independent gateway reviews on big spends, and more external co-funding. Caps mustn’t become an excuse to defer critical water, roads, and flood works.
TLC report welcomed
The Lines Company (TLC) says its latest annual report suggests it is working along the “right lines”.
The report highlights its financial performance, strategic initiatives and other achievements during the financial year ending in March.
“The past year has seen considerable change within TLC and across the energy sector,” chief executive Mike Fox said. “The strategy introduced at the beginning of the year is being implemented throughout all areas of the business.”
He said the company was transforming staff culture and reached the finals of the Energy Excellence Awards for its wellbeing programme.
TLC also won the
2025 Energy Excellence Innovation Award for its helicopter-mounted helisaw designed to cut vegetation away from power lines.
Fox said TLC had built strong partnerships with councils, iwi, other electricity distribution businesses and community groups.
“We progressed projects that improved the resilience of marae and community centres, delivered additional solar initiatives, improved the health of homes and provided funding for smaller community groups that play a pivotal role in community cohesiveness.”
A total of $22 million had been invested into TLC’s network to improve the reliability of its electricity supply.
Waitomo win secures series
and heat pumps.
It assists
“We’ve also developed a scalable and transferable system to gift savings from home and business solar schemes to people struggling to pay their bills,” Fox said.
TLC is owned by a sole shareholder, Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust .
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
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.
Vote Clyde Graf for Waikato
By Jon Rawlinson
Victory at Rally Waitomo has ensured a top of the podium spot for Quentin Palmer in the 2025 North Island Rally Series.
The King Country driver could have claimed the series almost at a walk, but the lure of a win on home roads encouraged him to give it a little more – and he won the event.
“They were, pretty much, home roads for me. I didn’t button off too much because that’s when you can make your biggest mistakes,” he told The News. “But once we got through the first couple of stages and we were ahead, I knew we were pretty safe. Having a bit more local knowledge did help me.”
Hamilton’s Todd Bawden was second with 2025 Northern Rallysprint Series’ champion Ben Huband (Northland) in third.
Wrapping up his first North Island series win with his first Rally Waitomo win proved the icing on the cake for Palmer.
“I came close to winning Rally Waitomo last year, but the transfer case split in half on the second stage. We lost heaps of time but still managed to finish second.”
Despite having no prizes left to play for in the final round of the series, Palmer will still compete at Rally BOP, October 11.
“I’ll be going to it. Because it’s a new car, we’ll be in it more for the seat time,” he said. “It depends, though – if I feel good I’ll still go for the win.”
William ‘Hawky’ Menzies (Hawke’s Bay) is now securely in the driver’s seat in the race for second. Although Huband and Bawden could still overtake him, they will most likely be racing for the final spot on the podium.
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 to meet the team
Quentin Palmer, winner of Rally Waitomo and NIRS 2025.
Photo Geoff Ridder Photography
investment intended to reach
Maru Energy Trust.
Mike Fox
Te Rua’s fighters mix it up
By Jon Rawlinson
A builder by day, Te Kūiti’s Te Ruatahapari (Te Rua) Onehi builds fighters at night. The quality of his work – a team of young martial artists – is set to be weighed and measured at international tournaments.
In October, Unified MMA Waitomo gym’s kickboxers will compete at two world championship events in Europe, but the next main event is Grappling Industries, Brisbane.
As The News went to print, six of the gym’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) ‘grapplers’ were looking to land podium spots as well as plenty of punishing blows in Australia, Onehi told the News.
“We’ve trained so hard over these last few months and they’ve been competing just about every month. They’ve been doing really well, taking out golds and silvers on the local circuit. So, to be honest, I expect them to win.”
Derived from traditional Japanese jujutsu, BJJ is effectively a cross between judo and wrestling. It involves more holds than its original form. Onehi has a black belt in the sport.
All going well, his team (aged 8-15) will ace the contest with more than a ‘full house’ – it features four Woodneys (Hamish, Austin, Chloe and Sarah) and a pair of Onehi (Te Ngaehe and Renata).
“My daughter, Te Ngaehe, is excellent. She’s come a long way from being a timid girl to a really strong competitor. As for my son, Renata, he’s a little firecracker. He was quite a short-tempered kid, but he’s been able to manage that through martial arts,” their proud dad said.
“As for Hamish, he won gold at New Zealand Grappler earlier this year, which is the biggest national grappling tournament, so he’s always tough to beat.”
Next month, Hamish Woodney, 15, will also represent New Zealand in Europe along with fellow kickboxers, Brock Gower and Paora Daymond-Bodger, both in their early twenties.
“They were selected at a training camp at Core MMA in Hamilton,” Onehi said. “This is the first time we’ve had kickboxers from our gym selected for New Zealand.”
All three are fast making names for themselves.
“Hamish was with us when we were just a grappling organisation, but he’s still a teenager, and Paora and Brock have only been training for about nine months. So, they’re all pretty new to kickboxing but I reckon they’ve got the means to win; they’re a talented bunch of young guys.”
In a short space of time, Onehi’s fighters have flourished.
“I’ve been running a gym in Te Kūiti for about six years, but Unified MMA Waitomo has only been open for about two,” he said. We started in my garage with a small team of grapplers. Since then, we’ve expanded and we’re ready to take on the world.”
After the WKA World Championships in Sheffield, England from October 16 to 19, the trio will compete at the Unified World Championships in Italy.
As fighting requires funding, friends and family of Unified MMA Waitomo’s trio of New Zealand kickboxing representatives are digging deep also.
Piopio Rugby Club will host a Twilight Gala fundraiser on October 3, with hangi on the menu, to help Brock, Paora and Hamish fly off to Europe in true Kiwi style.
Squaring up: Te Rua Onehi (coach), Hamish Woodney, Brock Gower, Paora Daymond-Bodger and coach Ngamira Kopa.
Photo: Unified MMA Waitomo.
League to feature at par’s open day
Rugby league will return to Te Kuiti on Saturday.
The newly formed King Country rugby league group will present day of action on the main Centennial Park oval on Saturday with eight men’s club sides competing in a nine aside tournament and a Kawau Maniapoto Women’s side featuring in a challenge game against a King Country Invitational 13.
Interest in the event is high as King Country players prepare to test their skills against some of the established Waikato sides.
They include Ngāruawāhia Panthers and Hamilton City Tigers from the Waikato Premier grade and the Te Piringa club.
Jetting to Waikato
The last time an Air New Zealand jet flew commercially from Hamilton Airport, Russ Rimmington and John Hewitt were mayors of Hamilton and Waipā.
Another exciting prospect is a combination team from Hamilton featuring age group teams.
The league competition is part of the Waitomo District Council’s opening extravaganza at Centennial Park that will see netball, croquet, squash, BMX, hot rods, the Highland Pipe band and a karaoke competition feature events.
An inaugural cricket match on the new artificial wicket with Waitete side playing an invitational will be historic.
A combination side from Taupo, Tauhara Maunga, will bring players with a wealth of knowledge and experience with their exposure to the Bay Wide competition. The host teams will include Tauhara Maunga Marokopa, The Bush Brothers and Waitomo Warriors.
A quarter of a century later, their successors Paula Southgate and Susan O’Regan welcomed the airline back – and farewelled Air NZ’s chief executive, hometown boy Greg Foran.
Flight NZ324 from Christchurch touched down in Hamilton at 4.20pm last Thursday, marking the city’s first domestic jet service in 25 years.
The new A320 jet services will contribute around 18,000 extra seats annually and a further 7000 seats will be added through enhancements to the ATR 72 schedule.
Foran said it was “terrific” to see two powerhouse regions coming together.
“The jet is going to join the existing ATR services so that’s an extra 25,000 seats. That’s a decent amount going of this route, thousands of more opportunities for business, for events, for tourism and for people to be able to connect with all their loved ones.”
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Kihiikihi
Our kings of the canines
By Jon Rawlinson
on for wool drives Piopio doyen Positively PIOPIO
It took the efforts of more than one man and his dog to secure accolades for the home team at the recent King Country Charity Dog Trials in Taumarunui.
Among the King Country winners, Piopio’s Chris Baker topped the podium in the Yarding Challenge (Open section) followed by Raglan’s Barney Strong and Nigel Sinton (Ōwhango) in third.
“It was a bit unexpected, so I’m rapt to have done so well,” Baker said.
“Even more so as I won it with Nia –she’s a maiden dog, quite young –this was just her first year competing and her second event overall.”
Baker wasn’t the only King Country competitor to rise to the occasion. The province’s Bayley’s Shield team of Stuart Child (open class), Chris Hoare (intermediate) and Ray Hansen (maiden or novice) also met with notable success.
The trio defended the shield (dog trial’s version of rugby’s Log o’ Wood) against Northland, however the contest went down to a whisker, said Robyn Stephens, King Country’s publicity officer.
“The challenge provided a rollercoaster of emotions for all who took part as well as spectators. Our team scored an aggregate of 233 points against Northland’s 221 points, so it was a very close contest.”
In general, the event attracted numerous young, often novice,
competitors.
“In an article that ran in The News, Chris said the trials ensure young blood joins the fold – that certainly has been the case this year,” said Stephens. “A large number of younger competitors entered, achieving some remarkable results with women leading the charge.”
Christin Kjestrup (Māhoenui) and Bess secured the Handy Dog event just half a point ahead of Isobel Brice (Ōhura). They will both represent the region at January’s Open Handy dog final in Taupō.
Others in the winners’ circle included Jasmine Repko and Pip from Paparata Station (Ōhura) who qualified for the Handy Dog final. She then went on to win the Maiden section ahead of Matiere’s Jessica Lusby also by a mere half point, Stephens said.
“Jessica had a wonderful trial as she was also the top-pointed maiden in the Yarding Challenge event with her dog, Brie. Jasmine and Jessica will now represent King Country at the North Island Maiden finals.”
Similarly, another Piopio competitor, Dayna Holmes, sent a message to more experienced trialists.
“Dayna was stoked to score 97 in the preliminary round of the Yarding Challenge with her dog, Ben,” said Stephens. “Taking her place in the final run-off against 13 older and more seasoned competitors, she did very well to finish seventh. She will be one to watch in future.”
Bayley’s Shield King Country captain, Stuart Child (left) receives the shield from Charity Trial president and Yarding Open winner, Chris Baker
Across 1. Give temporarily (4)
4. Knickers (6)
8. Anti (7)
9. Vitality (5)
10. Endearingly pretty (4) 11. Appetisers (8) 13. Capable (9) 17. Angelic (8) 19. At no cost (4)
Last week
Across: 1. Crook, 4. Select, 8. Awesome, 9. Choir, 10. Henna, 11. Psychic, 12. Nestle, 14. Tattoo, 17. Brusque, 19. Draft, 21. Rogue, 22. Provoke, 23. Secret, 24. Swept. Down: 1. Crash and burn, 2. Ocean, 3. Know-all, 4. Sleepy, 5. Lucky, 6. Crochet, 7. Trick or treat, 13. Smuggle, 15. Arduous, 16. Despot, 18. Queer, 20. Alone.
PLAYWRIGHT PLOT POEM PRINT PROSE PUBLISH PUNCTUATION SCRIPT SENTENCE STORY SUBJECT SYNTAX TERM TOPIC TYPE VERSE VOLUME WORD WRITE WRITING YARN
The Rosetown Funerals team L to R: Jim Goddin, Teri Keir and Jordan Goss
Ōtorohanga 3
MAKING
Awakino 1535 Taumatamaire Road
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.
Kuiti 8 Taruna Place
Te Kuiti 74 Hill Street
Te Kuiti 47 Te Kumi Road
Benneydale 14 Ellis Road
Piopio 4/5 Kaka Street
Piopio 9 Kuku Street
EXPERTS
Katrina Christison Tidy Gardens
Spring is finally here, though it’s still on the chilly side this week with plenty of rain about. Don’t let that put you off — it’s the perfect time to tidy up, get a few hardy crops in, and prep the garden for the warmer weeks to come.
Right now you can be planting broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach, peas, carrots and beetroot. These guys handle the cooler nights just fine.
Herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives are happy too. If your soil isn’t too wet, get your spuds in for a Christmas harvest. Otherwise, wait for it to dry out a little so they don’t rot. And if you’re keen on tomatoes, pumpkins or beans — best to start them indoors, it’s still too cold outside.
Jobs for the week? Keep on top of weeds (they love this mix of rain and mild temps), mulch around fruit trees and perennials to keep roots snug, and dig in compost or
rotted manure where you’ll put summer crops. And don’t forget to protect seedlings from those sneaky frosts with a bit of frost cloth or even a recycled plastic bottle cut in half.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on some Cozy Crop recently, and I have to say, it’s a game changer. My dogs thought it smelt pretty tasty (so I have to keep them out of it!), so I’ve been using it in the bottom of holes when planting new plants — both at home and for clients. It works just as well spread around as a feed and mulch product. The best part? It’s made right here in Ōtorohanga. Love supporting local while giving the garden a boost.
So this week’s tip: plant hardy, prep for summer, and give your garden a little extra love with some good mulch or feed. Spring’s only just beginning — the best is yet to come.
TRADE PROFESSIONALS
TRADE PROFESSIONALS
DAIRY SPECIALIST • DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
DAIRY SPECIALIST • DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
DAIRY SPECIALIST • DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
David Knight - 027 722 4857
DAIRY SPECIALIST • DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
Steve Knight - 027 598 2005
David Knight - 027 722 4857
David Knight - 027 722 4857
David Knight - 027 722 4857
Tai Dundas - 027 598 2115
Steve Knight - 027 598 2005
Steve Knight - 027 598 2005
Steve Knight - 027 598 2005
Tai Dundas - 027 598 2115
Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385
Tai Dundas - 027 598 2115
Tai Dundas - 027 598 2115
Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385
Te Kūiti - 07 878 5169
Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385
Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385
Te Kūiti - 07 878 5169
Te Kūiti - 07 878 5169
Taupō - 07 378 8545
Te Kūiti - 07 878
Taupo - 07 378 8545
Taupo - 07 378 8545
SERVICING THE KING COUNTRY 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK
SERVICING
SERVICING THE KING COUNTRY 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK
SERVICING THE KING COUNTRY 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK
PROMPT & EFFICIENT
PROMPT & EFFICIENT
PROMPT & EFFICIENT
PROMPT
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
ELECTRICAL SERVICES / Residential / Commercial / Industrial / Inspections
/ Residential / Commercial / Industrial / Inspections
P 07 878 8335
P 07 878 8335 E james@marshallelectrical.co.nz W marshallelectrical.co.nz
E james@marshallelectrical.co.nz W marshallelectrical.co.nz
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
Septic Tank Cleaning
• Emptying septic tanks
• CCTV pipeline inspection
• Jetting drainage pipelines
• Spreading animal effluent
Waitomo Liquid Waste Disposal 021 111 3911
VACANT
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
Protecting native species from introduced predators in Pirongia Forest Park and Te Kauri Scenic Reserve
The Department of Conservation (DOC) in Waikato District is going to control rats and possums at two Waikato sites comprising approximately 15,876 hectares. This is scheduled for the first suitable clear weather window from the 10th of October 2025.
Native wildlife and forests need protection
Native species are fighting for survival due to predation from rats, stoats and possums. Without protection, we risk losing the unique natural heritage and biodiversity within Pirongia Forest Park and Te Kauri Scenic Reserve.
Taonga species are under threat from rats, and possums. Without protection, we risk losing the unique natural heritage and biodiversity at these two locations.
A healthy forest is vital for maintaining the stability of the water catchments, reducing the amount of soil eroding into the surrounding rivers and streams and sediment entering Kawhia, Aotea and Raglan Harbours.
These forests have huge cultural importance including sites of mahinga kai and wāhi tapu and provide a home to many nationally important species. It is a high-value site for kākā, pekapeka/long-tailed bats, pua o Te Rēinga/wood rose (Dactylanthus taylorii), kōkako, and kauri.
Predation by rats and possums can severely affect kōkako and ongoing periodic predator control is required to ensure breeding success of these birds, and other threatened taonga species.
Past predator control operations have been hugely successful at reducing rat and possum numbers.
Our plan to protect native species
Through sustained predator control using 1080, there is a big increase in breeding success for native birds, their food source is more abundant, and the forest canopy is healthier.
The safest and most effective method we have to control possums, rats and stoats over large areas is to use biodegradable cereal bait pellets containing 1080. This bait targets rodents and possums. Stoats are also controlled through secondary poisoning as they feed on the carcasses of the dead rodents.
Helicopters distribute bait pellets across the forest area along pre-determined and monitored flight paths using technology that enables accurate placement. This is the only viable method to control predators in Pirongia Forest Park and Te Kauri Scenic Reserve due to the vast and rugged terrain.
Bait stations will also be used within the Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society project area in known kōkako territories and along the margins of the operational area.
This operation begins with the distribution of non-toxic pre-feed bait pellets (sandy coloured). This prepares possums and rodents to eat the toxic bait (dyed green) that is applied afterwards. Both baits are about 16 mm in diameter and cylindrical shaped.
Consultation and permissions
DOC has consulted with hapū, iwi and key stakeholders including landowners adjacent to the treatment area.
DOC is delegated authority by the Environmental Protection Agency to decide applications for permission to use 1080 on land administered or managed by DOC. Permission has been granted for this operation. DOC has also received the required permission from the Ministry of Health. DOC ensures that all legal and policy requirements are met, and that any potential risks of the operation are managed.
Managing risk
1080 is poisonous to humans, domestic and game animals. In areas where the toxin has been applied, dogs are highly at risk until poisoned carcasses have disintegrated. This takes four-to-eight months or longer.
There will be warning signs placed at entrances to the treatment area immediately prior to the operation.
Risks can be eliminated by following these rules:
DO NOT touch bait
WATCH children at all times
DO NOT EAT animals from this area or within the buffer zone outside the treatment boundary. The buffer zone is 2 km for deer and pigs, 200 m for rabbits, and 1 km for hares, tahr, wallabies and possums.
Poison baits or carcasses are DEADLY to DOGS
Observe these rules whenever you see warning signs about pesticides. These signs indicate pesticide residues may be still present in baits and poisoned carcasses. When signs are removed, normal activities can resume. If in doubt, check with your local DOC office. Please report suspected vandalism or unauthorised removal of signs.
If you suspect poisoning, please contact:
Your local doctor or hospital OR The National Poisons Centre: 0800 764 766 (urgent calls) or 03 479 7248 OR dial 111
• Seek veterinary advice for suspected poisoning of domestic animals.
For more information
Please contact: Pirongia operational planner 0272 086 549, DOC Waikato District Office, 5 Northway Street Te Rapa, waikato@ doc.govt.nz
OR EcoFX, Contractor 07 873 8130, ecofx-office-nz@rentokil-initial.com
Visit the DOC website: More information about DOC’s National Predator Control Programme is available on our website www.doc. govt.nz/our-work/national-predator-control-programme
Map of predator control area within Pirongia and Te Kauri
This map shows the area we are controlling rats, possums and stoats to protect native species. You can also see operational updates and detailed maps of predator control on public conservation land on the DOC website. www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-andthreats/pesticide-summaries or in person at the Waikato District Office
Notice of upcoming meetings of Ōtorohanga District Council
Details of upcoming meetings can be found at www.otodc.govt.nz/aboutcouncil/meetings
Tanya Winter Chief Executive
www.otodc.govt.nz
Costume& Retro CLOTHING SALE
At Theatre open day
Come and explore behind the scenes at The Little Theatre
September 27th & 28th 10am—2pm
King Street West Te Kūiti
HEAD SHEPHERD Tiroa Station
Tiroa Station is a 3,200ha effective property situated near Benneydale, 35 minutes from Te Kuiti, and part of the wider Tiroa Te Hape group of farms covering 7,300ha. The station winters 32,000 stock units, comprising a high-performing breeding ewe flock and breeding cow herd.
We are looking for a progressive Head Shepherd to join our team. This role will suit someone with strong stockmanship, good working dogs, and an interest in developing both people and systems. We welcome applications from those who want to grow their skills and career within a supportive environment.
The successful applicant will:
• Bring 4–5 good working dogs
• Have experience handling large numbers of stock
• Be able to work well with others and help guide a small team
• Show clear written and oral communication skills
• Bring relevant farming qualifications or a willingness to build technical skills, with training and support available from the employer
• Enjoy being part of a progressive, innovative farming business
As part of the Tiroa Te Hape Trust group of farms, there are real opportunities for growth and future promotion across the wider farming business.
Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.
For further information, please contact Wayne Fraser on (07) 878 4815, or email your CV to sharon@tiroatehape.maori.nz.
CLOSING DATE: OCTOBER 3, 2025
Mangapapa B2 Inc 2023
/ 2024 AGM
Saturday 18th October 2025
Mahoenui Memorial Hall, Mahoenui
Registration desk opens 9:00am Hui starts 10:00am
Agenda
• Mihi & karakia
• Apologies
• Confirmation of 2023 & 2024 AGM Agenda
• Minutes of 2022 AGM
• Financial Report
• Annual Report (2022-2023) & Annual Plan (2023-2024)
• Election of Four (4) committee members
• Karakia then kai
• Results of elections announced
AGM packs for shareholders will be mailed to the postal address held on file.
AGM packs can also be requested via email to mangapapab2@gmail.com
CoM nominations due by 4pm Wednesday 15 October 2025 Proxy forms (via mail or email) due by 4pm Wednesday 15 October 2025.
A light lunch will be provided, please feel free to bring a plate.
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
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
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.
Te Kūiti Development Inc AGM
Tuesday 14 October 2025 @ The Waitomo Club
5.30 pm
Meet & Greet
Annual reports
Election of officers
For committee nomination forms email info@tekuiti.org.nz
Everyone Welcome
WEEKLY CLASSIFIED DEADLINES
Publishing Every Thursday
Booking & copy setting 5pm Monday prior to Thursday publication
*All classified advertising is prepaid prior to publication.
*Late bookings after deadline are subject to space available.
Movie this Wednesday, for the 'young at heart'
‘The Bank Of Dave’
Morning tea 10am at the Journey Church, Te Kūiti, movie 10.30am All seniors welcome
PUBLIC NOTICE OF TENDER OF ABANDONED LAND
Under conduct of the Registrar of the District Court at Hamilton at the request of the Waitomo District Council and in exercise of the power of sale contained in the provisions of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, the Waitomo District Council offers by public tender the property listed below:: -
30 School Road, Maniaiti / Benneydale Valuation number: 0586516000
Section 77 Block X Mapara Survey District and being all the land contained in Certificate of Title TNH3/1277 approximately 1685 square metres more or less. The property is situated at 30 School Road, Maniaiti / Benneydale and is within the territory of the Waitomo District Council.
2 Kuku Street, Piopio
Valuation number: 0588013000
Lot 13 Deposited Plan South Auckland 5558 and being all the land contained in Certificate of Title SA21A/108 approximately 1097 square metres more or less. The property is situated at 2 Kuku Street, Piopio and is within the territory of the Waitomo District Council.
TENDERS CLOSE 4pm, 9th October 2025
Tender documents are available by contacting Debt Management Central (DMC), on 0508 436 269; dmc@mw.org.nz, DMC, DX PA84005, Feilding or from http://www.debtmanagementcentral.org.nz
Tender documents and all enquiries are to be submitted to DMC the agent for the Local Authority..
Late tenders will not be accepted.
This notice is authorised by: Ben
Smit Chief Executive
Waitomo District Council 14th August 2025
Celebrating
Iain McGregor
Louise Blackie
EEKL SCHEDULE ON OUR EBSI E
Life is always real sweet
The Olde Family
CHURCH NOTICES
10 Sheridan St, Te Kūiti An Assemblies of God church
10:30am Sunday
SITUATIONS VACANT CLEANER
REQUIRED.
10:30am Sunday
We welcome you to our 10.30am Sunday service. www.journeychurch.org.nz
10 Sheridan St, Te Kuiti
Pastor Terry & Rowena Bradley 07 878 8694 021 703 008
10 Sheridan St, Te Kuiti
Pastor Terry & Rowena Bradley 07 878 8694 021 703 008
An Assemblies of God Church
meet every Sunday in the Piopio Senior Citizens Hall, Weka Street, Piopio, at 10.30am
Phone Judy 021135946
Everyone is welcome! Phone 0211359346
2-3 hours a week. If you’re interested, please send your CV including your phone number to waikatojob@ gmail.com
Notice of herbicide use
McNEIL, Les 16th April 2025. The family wish to express their deepest gratitude for the support, care and kindness from friends and family during this difficult time. To those who sent cards, flowers, gifts, for the phone calls and messages, for the baking and meals, a personal thank you for your support. To the hot rods and bikes, thank you for adding such a special touch to the funeral. Special thanks to everyone involved in the preparation for Les's funeral, to enable us to carry out Les's wish that it be held at our home. To the Waikato Hospital ICU Ward, thank you for the wonderful care. To everyone, your kindness will always be remembered.
ARIA MŌKAU CO-OPERATING PARISH
HOLT, June Mary – 0.6.1939 - 17.09.2025. Peacefully at Tamahere Eventide Rest Home, Hamilton surrounded by her loving and caring family. Much loved wife of John for 64 years. Cherished and loved mother of Carol; Lyn; Murray; Anne and their partners. Adored nana and great nana to all her grandchildren. The Holt family would like to thank all the staff and carers at Tamahere Eventide for the care and love they gave June throughout her time there. A celebration of June’s life has been held. All communications to Holt Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. In the care of VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ
HITCHEN, Jean Isobel 24/09/2023
CLARKE, Duncan Geoffrey
– Peacefully at his home on Thursday, September, 18, 2025, with his loving caring and devoted children at his side. Aged 73 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Esther. Much loved and cherished father of Charles; Gretchen and David; Andrena and Chris. Adored Grandad to Alex, Jaxon, Evan, and Chloe. A celebration of Duncan’s life has been held. All communications to Clarke Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. In the care of VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ
450 0115 Email: admin@goodlocal.nz
Waikato Regional Council advises that herbicide may be used on public and coastal reserves throughout the Waikato region from now until July 2026 for the control of exotic weeds as part of the Coastcare restoration programme.
This includes (but is not limited to) the Port Waikato, Raglan, Ruapuke, Aotea, Kāwhia, Kiritehere, and Mokau areas.
The work will be carried out by contractors in accordance with the Waikato Regional Plan. A spray plan is available on request.
Herbicides which may be used, and their HSNO classes, include (but are not limited to):
• Associate 600WDG: 6.3B, 6.4A, 9.1A, 9.2A
• Conquest/Tordon Brushkiller: 3.1D, 6.1D, 6.3B, 6.4A, 6.5B, 6.9B, 9.1A, 9.2A, 9.3C
• Dicamba 500SL: 6.1E, 6.3A, 6.4A, 6.9B, 9.1A, 9.2A, 9.3B, 9.4B
• Gallant Ultra: 3.1D, 6.1D, 6.1E, 6.4A, 6.9B, 9.4B, 9.1A
• Grazon: 6.1D, 6.3B, 6.4A, 6.5B, 6.9B, 9.1A, 9.2A, 9.3C
• Weedmaster G360: 6.1D, 6.4A, 9.1B
For more information, please call the Coastcare programme manager on 0800 800 401. waikatoregion.govt.nz/coastcare
CDA McLay Chief Executive
www.waikatoregion.govt.nz
DAVEY, Ronald Wayne (Ronnie) – Passed away peacefully 10 September 2025, with family by his side. Loved husband, father and grandad of Rhonda, Matthew, Jessica and Steven and their children, Joshua, Briar and Heidi. A service celebrating his life, was held on 17 September 2025.
All Saints Piopio 22 Moa St Sunday 10am
St Peter’s By The Sea, 25 Aria Tce, Mōkau 1st and 3rd Sunday 2pm
Piopio contact: 07 877 8097
Mōkau contact: 06 752 9123
St David's Presbyterian Church Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga
Services – Sunday 10am
Session clerk Ph 07 873 8735 Room bookings Ph Nina 027 237 2382
An Assemblies of God Church ŌTOROHANGA BAPTIST CHURCH
Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga Service times
Meeting at St David’s Presbyterian Church Sunday 10am Everyone welcome Contact 07 873 8685
Two years ago our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother and friend left us. Not a day goes by when your name is not spoken. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Still loved, still missed, love you forever. Frank and family.
JONES, Maureen Anne 19.06.1937-03.08.2025 ‑ A memorial celebration of Maureen's life will be held at the Te Awamutu Brass Band Rooms, 420 Albert Park Drive, on Saturday 4th October 2025 at 11.30am. Followed by placement of her ashes at the Te Awamutu Cemetery. South Waikato Funeral Services Ltd, FDANZ PO Box 459, Tokoroa 3444
Local, caring and here for you in your time of
Losing a loved one is never easy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our professional and compassionate team is available 24/7 to guide you through every step, ensuring a farewell that truly reflects their life. Call us anytime – we’re here when you need us.
