Te Awamutu News | April 3, 2025 by Cambridge News, King Country News, Te Awamutu News & Waikato Business News

It’s goodbye Ngā Roto

By Chris Gardner

Lake Ngā Roto will soon be no more. Te Awamutu–Kihikihi Community Board heard the lake’s name would soon be changed to Wairoto as members prepared a submission on Waipā District Council’s Lake Ngā Roto Management Plan.

At least one was taken by surprise.

“Whose idea was it to change the name? How did this come about? I don’t understand,” asked board member Sally Whitaker.

XYST Ltd senior consultant Anna McElrea told the latest board meeting the current name was incorrect, with Ngā meaning many and roto meaning lake.

“The drive has come through working with iwi, and the traditional name that they use,” McElrea said.

The Reed Dictionary of Modern Māori defines ngā as “the (plural)”. Waikato Regional Council’s website refers to the lake as Ngāroto/Wairoto, while Waipā District Council lists it as Ngā Roto, a style adopted by The News in 2022.

The board threw its support behind the 30-year management plan, as it seeks to restore the health of the lake but Whitaker had reservations. The lake is currently under a Health New Zealand health warning.

“My concern is the money required, when we are a cost-of-living crisis” she said.

Whitaker said she understood plantings undertaken at the lake had to be repeated because the council had neglected to weed after planting.

“I feel quite upset that the regional and [district] council have allowed it to get to the water quality level that it is, and how long it’s been like that,” she said.

Whitaker wondered how more run off from residential development at Ōhaupō had impacted the lake.

McElrea said run off from surrounding dairy farms led to the huge nutrients loads in the lake. The nutrients led to harmful algal

bloom.

“There has to be some big changes to what is happening in the catchment,” she said.

The implementation of Plan Change One by Waikato Regional Council in coming months would lead to improvements, as farmer development environmental management plans.

Ngā Roto is tapu, or sacred, to mana whenua, as one of the first areas to be settled post the migration of Māori inland from Kāwhia.

Last year Ngā Roto Sailing Club asked the council to clean up the lake by dredging it.

Meanwhile Te Awamutu-Kihikihi chair Ange Holt told the council’s Strategic Planning and Policy committee this week the board was disappointed community board members were not being supported about some issues.

Deputy chair Kane Titchener had worked hard on behalf of the board to raise awareness of new scientific data from the United States regarding fluoridation.

The Health ministry directed Waipā to add fluoride to the Cambridge water supply.

“As a community board we have supported stopping the addition of fluoride, not only due to the harm it may cause but because we as a community should have a choice to have fluoride in our water – it should not be a government decision,” said Holt.

“In reflecting we have done our best to act on behalf of the community who elected us. We worked very hard to get the Holmes Garage Project across the line, we have continued to speak up for the community. Unfortunately, most of these things have not gone in the direction the community supported.”

The project proposed to repurpose the former garage in Mahoe St near Te Awamutu Library for a community space including indoor markets.

But the board chalked up one success – it got extended parking in the Te Awamutu CBD from one to two hour parking.

Ngā Roto will soon become known as Wairoto.

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Councillor responds

In response to my recent story on kiwi, Selwyn June stated incorrectly that 90 kiwi were released back into the Okahu Valley (which skirts Te Urewera).

The Department of Conservation stated in a 2025 Official Information Act (OIA) response that “DOC has not released any kiwi into the Okahu Valley, as there is no stoat control in the area to protect the birds from predation.” DOC also states it has removed over 100 kiwi and eggs from the Okahu Valley in the last 25 years. Despite the kiwi removals, the pig hunting, native logging, and absence of “pest control”, the population continues to thrive.

Mr June also states that “more than 600 kiwi have been monitored through aerial 1080 drops nationwide, and not one has died from 1080.”

DOC rarely tests kiwi for 1080 poison residues. Only three were tested nationwide between 1998 and 2018. However, since 2018, nine kiwi have been tested, two being positive - 22 per cent.

An OIA reporting 740 dead kiwi in Northland between 1998 and 2018 shows that none were tested for 1080 poison residues. However, 53 of the Northland kiwi were tested

for anti-coagulant rodenticides (not 1080), and 20 (38 per cent) were positive. Oddly, not a single kiwi has ever been recorded by DOC as dying from any kind of poisoning.

Between 2024 and 2014, 54 kiwi chicks were recorded as dying in the Tongariro Kiwi Sanctuary in the five years they were monitored. Between 2013 and 2005, over 120 chicks died, and in at least one of the seasons, the entire Operation Nest Egg batch of chicks died. Hundreds of kiwi have been translocated into poisoned forests like the Tongariro (driving up kiwi call counts), none into unpoisoned forests.

In the Waikaremoana/Te Urewera wild kiwi range, the population is thriving. DOC states not one kiwi has been reported dead in the area in the last 10 years, despite the absence of pest control. As I said previously, mad scientist experiments are no place for kiwi.

Clyde Graf Waikato Regional Councillor

Park history recounted

Last Thursday RSA and cultural art panels were fitted to the Memorial Park’s three commemorative footbridges.

The RSA panel cites “For those that served” and are without modern service logos as was

On the beat with Senior Constable

Fancy a cuppa?

Next Wednesday at 10am, Cambridge Police will be hosting a “Coffee with a Cop” event in conjunction with Daydream Espresso on the corner of Alpha and Victoria streets, Cambridge.

Coffee with a Cop is a chance to talk to local officers in an informal setting, whether it be for advice or to learn more about becoming a police officer. Representatives from our Neighbourhood Support Group and Community Patrol will also attend. Save the date and we will see you there.

Moving on to some recent arrests, Cambridge police received a report of a serious assault last week. On attendance a male was found injured and the person allegedly responsible had fled the scene. The victim’s injuries required medical assistance. Subsequent enquiries led to a person being located and arrested by attending officers in Horotiu. He has since appeared in court on assault and threatening charges. In a separate incident, a Cambridge male was arrested for breaching EM bail conditions and also appeared in court.

In Te Awamutu, Police were called to a family harm incident where a firearm was said to be present. A firearm and ammunition were subsequently located and seized. A male has appeared in court facing charges relating to unlawful possession of the firearm

and ammunition and for breaching a Protection Order. In another incident, a male was arrested after allegedly confronting his neighbours brandishing a weapon and assaulting three people. He too is facing charges in court. Finally this week, a couple of reminders. The first is to secure trailers when left parked up to avoid theft. We recommend that they be kept out of sight, and if visible from the road, ensure they are secured, such as with a wheel clamp or coupling lock. While some offenders will manage to steal them regardless, such interventions make the task harder, increasing the time they take and the chance of them being seen or leaving behind evidential material. Please also consider installing a CCTV camera. As registration plates can be easily removed, take photos of your trailer and ensure it has some specific marking somewhere that can categorically identify it as your own.

The second reminder is around cycling on footpaths in town - again. Please tell the young people in your family that this is not allowed. If they want to go through the main shopping area on Victoria street with their bikes, especially afterschool in high pedestrian times, they need to either dismount and walk it or use one of the designated cycle lanes.

initially proposed. An objection to “war” being removed from the initial proposal was sustained and the panel was altered to include “War” in the park’s name.

The sentiment of October 12,1953 had the bridges named by those who returned for those who did not, “with an assurance that the park was a recognition of the men who fell in WW2”.

An RSA view published in July 2020 referred to the footbridges as amongst non-negotiable parts “of the overall memorial to the fallen of WW2, that was named in good faith when designed and constructed”. That name is: Waipa District War Memorial Park, not Te Awamutu District(s) as is cited on the bridge panels.

The publicly funded and subsidised Memorial Park was vested to the Council and citizens. Internal Affairs input November 10, 1950, clarified their subsidy condition(s) of perpetual maintenance and use by all as being “available for all sections of the community”’ and that “to grant lease to a particular organisation… would be at variance,” i.e. to re-purpose.

Though not an RSA Park, the RSA and mana whenua, both sectional groups, partnered to place two art panels with various cultural narratives on each bridge. This re-purposing has exceeded “the plan gives space to mana whenua heritage while respecting the Memorial Park...” cited by the council in June 2021.

Prior to the unveiling, information and photos of the fallen airmen were placed on the bridge approaches to enhance and re-focus the proceedings. A period correct Air Force Ensign Flag was also flown. Park Managers and the RSA insisted these be removed to avoid a distraction. Next of kin and informed citizens would be dismayed.

Peter Fletcher and Marc Dawson Te Awamutu

DEB HANN

Water in news

Waikato Business News

visited the Hamilton Waiora Water Treatment Plant and reports on why the future of water is such a crucial subject for Waikato residents this month. Waipā has opted to go into a council controlled organisation (CCO) with six other local authorities to manage drinking and wastewater while Hamilton city and Waikato district are in another CCO. wbn.co.nz

Nearly done

Work on State Highway

3 between Rukuhia and Narrows roads near Hamilton airport will finish tomorrow (Friday). The rebuild work involved digging out the existing road layers and replacing them layer by layer. The road was then surfaced, swept and line marked. The work was completed one lane at a time.

Resource ready

The transformation of part of the wastewater treatment site in Cambridge into a cuttingedge sustainability hub is officially underway, marking a major milestone in Waipā’s green future. The new resource recovery centre will offer a convenient place for people to drop off recyclable materials, purchase repurposed items and play an active role in minimising waste.

Corrections

Councillor Mike Pettit lives in the Cambridge ward and not outside the boundary as reported in The News, 20 March. Meanwhile a line was left out of a story about bollards around the netball carpark in Te Awamutu. They will be replaced with new ones. Other bollards will close off vehicle access from Racecourse Rd into the Te Awamutu War Memorial Park.

Express delays

There will be north and sound bound lane closures on the Cambridge section of Waikato Expressway until tomorrow (Friday) to allow contractors to reseal sections of the road prior to the onset of winter.

Many more take the plunge

By Jesse Wood

The Waipā Community Facilities Trust has recognised a growth opportunity for Swim Waipā upon presenting its six-monthly report.

Trust chief executive Matt Horne and chair Shane Walsh unveiled the July-December 2024 report at the Waipā District Council service delivery committee meeting last month.

“Last year was a very successful year for the trust and this year seems to be tracking better than that year,” Horne said.

“As of December, we were at just over 37,000 visits more than last year – up 19.3 per cent.

“As of February, we were at about 43,000 visits. We’ve had a good summer.”

The Te Awamutu Events Centre occupancy has gone from 37 per cent to 60 per

cent within a short period, while there have been 53 per cent more visitors to the centre compared to the same time last year.

Perry Aquatic Centre in Cambridge and Club Waipā gym in Te Awamutu have also had more visits, but Swim Waipā participation has plateaued.

“The event centre itself is doing well; that’s up at around 26,000 visits. A lot of that is because we’ve had more events and more usage in the stadium side. The stadium is up by 13,000 visits or 68 per cent,” Horne said.

“Perry Aquatic Centre, once again the patronage is up, and its reputation is getting out there. The visits are up again by over 11,000.

“The Club Waipā gym is doing well. Our gym membership, as of last month, is at 1405 members. That’s pretty good with the

amount of gyms and similar activities in [the Waipā].

“More members, means more visits. We’re up by more than 4000 visits, about 13 per cent.

“Swim Waipā is slightly down on last year. Last year was record numbers. If you look at the year prior, it’s around the same. It’s something we’re working on.”

The classes are for all ages and abilities at Te Awamutu and Cambridge facilities.

Horne said the numbers are still good but when the new Cambridge pool complex opened, the swim school grew by default.

“It’s got to that plateau now, so we need to work harder in that area.”

Walsh said the trust board is working to improve the numbers and a smartphone application could be one of the answers.

“We think cost may be a barrier in this economic climate that we’re in. It’s an upfront payment and then they get their swimming lessons,” Walsh said.

“We’re looking at [creating] an app. The app will have several functions. One will be to spread that payment out, more like a gym membership where you’re paying as you go.

“We want to be the best swimming school in New Zealand, that’s the vision. We want to have this app where parents know where children are in terms of their swimming, what level they’re at, just there on their phone.

“We’re trying to improve the communication.”

Horne said they’re going through the process and are down to a final selection of providers.

“[It would be] like a school app where you can log-in

on your child and see how their progress is going. When you’ve got 2000 kids in the swim school, to get to talk to every parent on how their child is progressing and the turnaround between classes can get tough,” he said.

“If you’ve got comments, you can fire them through on the app and someone can reply. We’d love to be face to face with everybody, but sometimes that’s not possible.”

I-Site keeps its eyes open

By Jesse Wood

Cambridge is losing out, but Te Awamutu’s information centre staff have confirmed they are still going strong.

“We are working with a manager and volunteer staffing model. We are looking at how we can get additional income,” Te Awamutu i-Site manager Harriet Dixon said.

“With the support from our community and local businesses we will continue to offer our wide range of services.’

The Cambridge service is closing on June 30 due to cutbacks, a rent increase and Riverside Adventures’ decision to move out of the Town hall space.

Dixon, a former Cambridge resident and Cambridge Community House manager, empathises with the neighbouring Waipā town for their loss.

“I’m really sad to hear that the Cambridge one is closing. We will be working closely with Riverside Adventures and Destination Cambridge to support them.”

The i-Site continue to offer retail, travel bookings, advice on local activities, eateries, and accommodation, as well as their hireable meeting room, the Burchell Pavillion.

“If you come along and support us, we’ll be able to keep our doors open. We have information about places to visit, places to see, things to do in the community,” Dixon said.

“It’s important for the businesses, and for everybody, that we have visitors coming to Te Awamutu.”

Matt Horne

Te Awamutu i-Site manager Harriet Dixon is sad to hear of the Cambridge closure.

Photo: Jesse Wood

With Building & Construction Minister Chris Penk looking at

manufacturing in Otorohanga.

RMA

Cabinet has now agreed on the shape of the Government’s replacement of the Resource Management Act. This signals a radical transition to a more enabling planning system with less red tape premised on the enjoyment of property rights. The RMA is a broken piece of legislation, and the biggest handbrake on our economy. Turning this around requires changing the culture of “no” that has seeped into bureaucratic decision making in New Zealand. There’s a lot of work still to do, but this Government is committed to delivering these reforms to unlock the economic growth we need to improve the lives of all New Zealanders.

Economic Growth means more money in your bank account, more jobs, higher wages, and better public services like schools, hospitals, and roads.

Agreed Features of the New System

Two Acts: A Planning Act focused on regulating the use, development and enjoyment of land, along with a Natural Environment Act focused on the use, protection and enhancement of the natural environment.

A narrowed approach to effects management: The new system will be based on the economic concept of “externalities”, excluding effects borne solely by the party undertaking the activity.

Property Rights: Both Acts will include presumptions that a land use is enabled unless there is a significant enough impact on others’ land use or the environment, protecting existing use rights and allowing for the expansion of existing activities.

Simplified National Direction: One set of national policy direction under each Act will streamline local government plans. Direction will cover key areas including freshwater and urban development.

Environmental limits: A clearer basis for setting environmental limits will provide certainty for where development can be enabled, while protecting the environment.

Greater use of standardisation: Nationally set standards and land use zones will provide system benefits and efficiencies while still allowing local decisionmaking on important matters.

Spatial Plans: Each region will require a spatial plan identifying urban development areas and infrastructure corridors.

Streamlining of council plans: A combined plan will include spatial planning and environment chapters along with planning chapters for each territorial authority district.

Strengthening environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement: A national compliance regulator with a regional presence will be established to improve environmental safeguarding.

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact your nearest office for an appointment.

ON SHAKY GROUND

Forces beneath our feet

By Janine Krippner

I’ve been thinking about the vast, interconnected processes that shape our world. As a geoscientist - someone who studies the Earth - I work across scales that range from thousands of kilometres down to microscopic levels requiring a microscope to see. Even relatively small volcanic events can have catastrophic effects for us, but they pale in comparison to the immense forces that drive volcanic activity in the first place.

In relatively recent times it has been wellestablished that the Earth’s outer crust is made up of tectonic plates that slowly shift over time.

These plates interact in different ways: some are forced beneath others in subduction zones, some grind past each other along transform boundaries, and others pull apart at divergence zones. Come back in a million years or so and our regions will look quite different.

Here in the North Island, we sit near the Hikurangi Subduction Zone, where the Pacific Plate is pushed beneath the Australian Plate. The Pacific Plate—Earth’s largest tectonic plate—is surrounded by a network of active zones forming the infamous Pacific Ring of Fire. The South Island lies along a transform boundary, and further south, the pattern reverses, with the Australian Plate subducting beneath the Pacific Plate. Our region is geologically dynamic, to say the least.

One tectonic feature we don’t have in our neck of the woods is a divergence zone, where plates spread apart, creating new land. Some of the most well-known examples include the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the East Pacific Rise. There’s also the East African Rift Valley, often making

headlines with claims that Africa is “splitting apart” - though this process has been happening for 25 to 30 million years at about the same rate as our fingernails grow.

One place where a spreading ridge reaches the surface is Iceland. Most of these ridges are hidden beneath the ocean, leaving much to be explored. These vast regions are where new oceanic crust is formed, giving rise to impressive fault systems, deep valleys, and volcanic activity that shapes the seafloor. The salt deposits I mentioned last week can flow across these zones, adding another layer to their complexity. A great example of this is the Red Sea Rift.

The discovery of plate tectonics revolutionised our understanding of Earth. What was once a groundbreaking theory, only widely accepted in the 1960s, is now fundamental to how we study our planet. And yet, we are still uncovering new insights. With advances in ocean mapping, technology, and computing power, we continue to refine our understanding of the forces that create and shape the landscapes we depend on.

In just this short discussion, I’ve touched on processes that span timescales and distances almost beyond comprehension. It has taken generations of scientific inquiry to reach this level of understanding -and there is still much more to learn. Within our lifetimes new discoveries will change the way we think about different aspects of our incredible planet. I look forward to sharing new discoveries with you.

timber

Piping in Rie’s second century

By Viv Posselt

Te Awamutu’s Rie de Haan rang in her centenary last week amid a sea of welcoming faces and the skirl of the bagpipes.

That birthday celebration, which was one of several held to mark the occasion, took place at Te Ata Rest Home where Rie now lives. The facility’s diversional therapist Kerri-Ann Denton organised a cupcake birthday cake and a special afternoon tea.

Rie turned 100 on March 27. Her extended family, plus visitors from Finland and Holland, attended the celebrations. Still sharp as a tack, she was delighted when Te Awamutu and Districts Highland Pipe Band showed up for the rest home party. Her son-in-law, Geoffrey FitzGerald, played with them for some years before giving it up, and the band often turns up to entertain residents.

Rie was born Hendrica Parlevliet on March 27, 1925, in Wieringerwaard, Holland, one of four siblings. The family moved to a lease farm in Rozenburg in 1945, and Rie followed her schooling by studying nursing. She met Joe de Haan at Rozenburg and the couple married on June 6, 1947.

Rie’s brother Pieter, who had settled in New Zealand after completing army service in Indonesia, wrote to the couple saying there was a job available milking 240 cows in Te Awamutu. They migrated with their young son Andre, and soon added to their family with the arrival of daughter Johanna.

Rie and Joe took on a sharemilking job in Tokoroa. In 1955 they tendered for a 365-acre scrub block in Honikiwi, Ōtorohanga, and got it – they sold the cows and sheep and went 39 per cent milking in Matamata. While there, Joe and Rie arranged to have 65 acres of their land in Honikiwi leased to a neighbour, then bulldozed a flat area where they planned to build a house and a shed. Rie and Joe moved back there in 1959, sleeping in the by then completed shed and building their house room by room using boards salvaged and

cut from windfall trees they accessed while in Matamata. During the build, Andre and Johanna stayed with their aunt and uncle.

Once established, potatoes became the main source of income for 16 years until beef became more profitable and the couple’s calf-rearing and bull farming prospered. Rie educated the children via correspondence.

Turning the scrub farm into a going concern was tough. Joe died in 1992 and Rie carried on farming, finally learning to drive at the age of 65. Her newfound mobility meant she was also able to continue

pursuing her interest in spinning and weaving and attending Lyceum club meetings in town. Latterly, she has enjoyed swimming for seniors in Ōtorohanga and travelling with friends.

Rie appreciated the cards she received from prime minister Chris Luxon, MP Barbara Kuriger, Netherlands Ambassador Ard van der Vorst, and Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan, who dropped into her birthday party.

She said the secret to her long life was quite simple: “It’s hard work … that’s what keeps you going.”

Southern partners

Waikato Chamber of Commerce is partnering with South Waikato District Council to set up a part-time chamber staff member to provide services to local businesses. It will be an opportunity for South Waikato businesses to network with others, connect to the wider Waikato Chamber membership and access global connections for exporters through the chamber network.

Creative success

Waipā wedding photographer Christina Vandy won the creative division category and was named wedding creative photographer at the Icon International Photography awards in the US last month. One image was captured in 2022 at the Red Barn in Cambridge, while another was taken at Waihi Water Lily Gardens

Give us the money

Local councils in fast-growing parts of the country are being given the opportunity to borrow more. The Local Government Funding Agency – the organisation that issues debt on behalf of councils –has created a new pathway for eligible councils to apply to have their debt limits lifted. Hamilton, Tauranga, Waipā and Queenstown Lakes councils are most likely to meet the criterion.

Te Awamutu and Districts Pipe Band piper Graham Lyttle congratulates Rie de Haan on her 100th birthday.

Photo: Viv Posselt

Te Awamutu Athletic Club

Golf Course

Fun Run & Walk

Saturday 12th April

9.30am

Featuring 3k Run (Students), 3k Walk, 6k Run or Walk and 9k Run

Entry fees $7 for Student Run and $15 for other events.

All entries are online at the link below https://events.mygameday.app/event/tafr12042025

Or you can go to the Athletics Waikato/Bay of Plenty website and Search ‘Upcoming Events’ and click on ‘View All Events’ then scroll down to April 12.

Race Director – Murray Green Ph 0276216608

UNLOCK YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY’S FULL POTENTIAL FREE INFORMATION EVENING

THURSDAY APRIL 10TH

5:30 PM (DOORS OPEN AT 5PM)

STONE REAL ESTATE

Panels unveiled on five bridges

41 MAHOE STREET, TE AWAMUTU REGISTER NOW!!!

Join us for a powerful information evening designed for property investors who want to maximise rental yield, increase capital value, and unlock hidden development potential. At Kingston Group, we specialise in creative property development strategies & high-return investments. Now is the time to think outside the box.

If you register, provide the address of your rental property and attend on the night - you'll receive a Property Development Plan (PDP) valued at $1,500 for FREE!

You have nothing to lose and possibly a lot to gain. Book your spot now!

By Jesse Wood

Members of the Waipā District Council, Ngāti Raukawa and Te Awamutu RSA were part of a ceremony at Te Awamutu and District War Memorial Park last week unveiling Māori designed panels on five bridges.

Two panels, designed by Korotangi Paki, were added to the centre of each bridge above the beds of the Mangaohoi and Mangapiko streams.

One bridge has the panels on the end banister splays to avoid additional structural works.

The three bridges within the memorial park include

RSA panels signposting the symbolism of each structure – Kiwi (army), Contact (air force) and Achilles (navy).

“A very successful ceremony was held, regardless of the weather and the fog,” councillor Lou Brown said.

“It was well attended with good coordination between the council, iwi and the RSA as we unveiled the panels on the three bridges at memorial park.

“Iwi unveiled panels at two other bridges, one at Shanel Place and also on the main Ōhaupō Rd over the Mangapiko Stream.”

Mayor Susan O’Regan spoke at the unveiling of the kiwi bridge, while RSA vice-

president Daniel van der Hulst spoke at the contact bridge.

Once the Achilles bridge panels were unveiled, the group returned to the sunken cross memorial for a small ceremony.

This was finalised by a prayer for the fallen, a mihi and the ode was recited in Te Reo and English. Fellowship followed with light refreshments at the RSA.

Each panel has an intricate meaning. Paki described the significance and design of each panel in detail.

• Read more about the panels at teawamutunews. nz – also see a counter view in letters on page 2 today.

One of the panels at memorial park is unveiled by Thomas Lord, with help from with mayor Susan O’Regan. Photo: Supplied

Thou shell not pass Te Awamutu crews shine at Maadi

By Jesse Wood

There was plenty of action on the water last week for Te Awamutu and King Country students competing at the Lake Karāpiro-based 2025 Maadi rowing regatta and Waka Ama Secondary School Nationals in Rotorua.

Te Awamutu College’s Maadi cohort saw Maiara Moimoi place second in the girls’ under-17 single sculls D final before joining Tessa Chappell to claim first in the girls’ under-18 double sculls C final.

Several other Te Awamutu single sculls competitors did well in their finals, just missing out on the top three.

Hunter Coleman placed fourth is his under-17 C final, as did Casey Lee Baker in her under-18 D final and Keegan Jordaan was sixth in the boys’ under-18 D final.

“All the rowers performed the best they have all season. Some crews came away with personal best times as well which was a win for them,”

Te Awamutu Rowing Club representative Alya Mexted said.

“They all rowed extremely well, technique wise and effort wise, and the school rowing team finished their season on a high with these achievements. It’s a big positive moving forward into next season.”

Cambridge High School,

Te Kūiti High School and Ōtorohanga College had competitors at the Lake Tikitapu-based waka ama event. The five-day event had a record 2200 students competing.

The Cambridge Te Oko Horoi crew placed first in the under-16 girls’ W6 250m Te Kei final.

Te Kūiti took home three third placings in the under-16 boys’ and under-16 girls’ W6 500m final as well as the under-19 girls W6 500m final.

Ōtorohanga College’s Darius Mulligan-Hughes after he finished 12th in the country in both the J19s elite divisions.

• See teawamutunews.nz for individual placings

By Mary Anne Gill

Gold clams have found their way north to Hamilton and Tuakau but there is no way they’re heading south with any rowing boats after the Maadi Cup regatta.

Close to 1000 boats and 80 trailers left Lake Karāpiro at the weekend and not one of them would have had a clam anywhere near them, organisers of the New Zealand Secondary Schools rowing championships say.

Clam ambassadors led by Janette Douglas at the Mighty RiverDomain acted on a plan developed between the Ministry for Primary Industries, Rowing NZ and site manager Liz Stolwyk.

The plan was months in the making and with one goal, said Stolwyk.

“There’s no free ride south here for any clam.”

The invasive freshwater gold clam Corbicula fluminea was discovered at Bob’s Landing, Lake Karāpiro in May 2023. It is unknown how long they had been there or the extent of their spread, but none have been reported in the South Island.

A leading South Island aqua marine operator was concerned enough about the risk to his industry that he wrote to Stolwyk for reassurance.

“They were legitimate concerns. Once he saw our plan, he was satisfied.”

But clams have made their way north helped by the Waikato River current. The News saw clam shells during a tour of Hamilton’s Waiora Water Treatment Plant last week and Watercare found them at the Tuakau plant.

“We’ve been working closely with other river users and MPI and following

all biosecurity requirements,” said spokesperson Melanie Verran.

Five people were on the ground at Karāpiro to make sure the rowing boats were cleaned before they left.

Former world champion rower Brenda Lawson was one of them armed with a water blaster to spray out every stray clam out of boats’ nooks, cracks and crevices.

One was a boat belonging to Craighead Diocesan School of Timaru and used by the girls under 15 coxed fours.

Coach Owen Payne said while he did not know about the clams, he was aware of the problems didymo ‘rock snot’ –invasive freshwater algae - had caused in South Island rivers.

“These boats will dry out before they get to Timaru so that will be okay,” said Lawson.

But some boats develop cracks, and water collects inside bunged areas where clam can survive.

Once each boat had been water blasted, a red tag was tied on and when they left in trailers, each boat was checked and a yellow tag put on the trailer.

“We have not spread the clam,” said Stolwyk.

“That was a huge risk with this regatta. Our job is to protect the South Island.”

Meanwhile dragon boats replace skiffs and boats on the water this weekend with the national championships held on Saturday and Sunday while the Cambridge Kennel Association is holding its championship show in the top field.

“Dragons and dogs, whatever presents, we’re onto it,” said Stolwyk.

The control of gold clams has now moved to long-term management.

Tessa Campbell and Maiara Moimoi (nearest camera) won the girls’ under-18 double sculls C final.

Photo: Casey Lee Baker

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Taut on the recruiting front

By Steph Bell-Jenkins

A Waipā principal says schools are struggling to recruit teachers and the fields of applicants is as thin as he has seen in 25 years in the role.

“High quality experienced teachers are increasingly difficult to find, and experienced applicants often have multiple simultaneous offers from schools,” David Graham of Goodwood School, Cambridge said.

He said he had a full team, but all schools were struggling with recruitment.

The Ministry of Education has predicted schools could be short 1250 teachers this year and contributing factors included migration-driven enrolment growth and increases in teachers’ noncontact time.

Karāpiro School principal Alana Thompson says the Government should do more to attract and retain quality staff.

“A recent survey from the Teachers’ Council indicated 58 per cent of teachers are likely to leave the profession within the

next five years, and that figure is even higher for our beginning teachers,” she said.

There was a “lack of resourcing and understanding of the real challenges within the sector”.

In late February, education minister Erica Stanford announced the government would fasttrack the residency process for primary teachers to attract skilled teachers.

But Te Awamutu

Intermediate acting principal Sue Germann would like to see more New Zealanders involved in the education sector, rather than “having to rely on people from overseas”.

“I’m not against other people coming into the country and teaching, but I think our first priority should be to encourage New Zealanders to go into the teaching profession,” she said.

“Generally, they are up to play with New Zealand culture, and I think that’s important… they would have been at school in New Zealand, and they know about our education system… and you haven’t

got the issues of English as a second language.”

Germann had a full complement of teachers and said her school had not had a problem filling positions.

Graham said while all initiatives to address teacher shortages helped, he would prefer to employ “high-quality, locallytrained teachers where possible”.

“We have recently recruited teachers from overseas,” he said. “They have been experienced and capable teachers but will naturally take extra time to learn about our culture and curriculum.”

Cambridge’s Te Miro School principal Luke Willis said recruiting from overseas would add to schools’ workloads as they supported new teachers to learn the New Zealand curriculum, assessment system and science of learning – with no additional funding.

He did not believe the education ministry was doing enough to tackle the teacher deficit.

“Students are not paid like apprenticeships; their starting wage is not an

incentive,” he said.

“We have people passionate about becoming a teacher who cannot afford to train and be underpaid. I personally know many provisionally certified teachers who have to work two jobs.

He said a large number of trained teachers were not working in the industry because the conditions were not attractive to them.”

Cambridge Primary School principal Mike Pettit managed to fill all his full-time staff positions for the 2025 year by the end of 2024, but said many

schools were struggling to fill vacancies.

He believes the education ministry, unions and training providers need to work more closely together with the teaching sector to find solutions to teacher shortages.

“Keeping an eye on the outcomes of pay negotiations, which also have staffing implications, and government changes to staffing levels, which are often implemented over a few years, would be a couple of no-brainer areas to start with,” he said.

“We have the data, let’s better use it.”

He hoped recruiting overseas teachers was a short-term solution and would not become the norm.

“One has to ask themselves, why don’t we have enough teachers?” he said.

“In many leading educational countries there is no shortage of people wanting to become teachers – in fact it’s the exact opposite and there’s a very high threshold to be accepted as one. Hence the profession, in these countries, is held in the highest regard.”

David Goodwood

Luke Willis

Sue Germann

The story of George Savage

By Meghan Hawkes

Every bend, every nook and every corner of the Puniu River as well as numerous snags were searched by Constables Gillies and Rudd and several settlers in the hunt for 23-year-old George Savage. He had disappeared on a Sunday in early November 1882 but after several days no trace of him could be found.

George, an Englishman from Cheshire, was a farm labourer employed by Mr

Tole of Ōrākau. He had started on horseback for a Māori settlement some 15 miles distant where he was going to make enquiries about a horse that he had sold to John Davis. Davis had been sent to gaol for a month; concerned for the horse, George wanted to retrieve it.

John Curley, also a labourer on Tole’s farm, advised him not to go, as there had been heavy rain the night before. He knew that George would have to cross the Puniu River which

could rise several feet very suddenly. When George didn’t return by Monday evening, Mr Tole became alarmed and informed the Te Awamutu police. Constables Gillies and Rudd at once proceeded to the settlement where they learned that George had arrived, leaving for Ōrākau about 6pm. That same evening John Curley went to the Puniu River which was running high. He found George’s horse and saddle but no bridle. The horse had evidently been in the water

as the lining of the saddle was wet. It was surmised that George had crossed the swollen river and been swept from his horse and drowned.

But then events threw a veil of mystery over George’s disappearance, giving rise to a suspicion that he had met his death by foul means. A man named Maniapoto, while in Corboy’s Hotel, Kihikihi told a boy, Benjamin Ward, that another man, Pukekura, had tomahawked George and thrown him into the Punui River. Benjamin at once informed two men what Maniapoto had said, and the story soon reached the ears of Constable Gillies. Maniapoto denied having made the statement. Benjamin however, stuck to his story. Because Benjamin mentioned the matter to two men immediately after being seen in conversation with

Waste Minimisation Community Fund

Maniapoto, the story had an air of probability and the police were inclined to give it credence.

Much surprise was felt when ugly rumours ran through the district that George had been murdered. Maniapoto was reported to have been intoxicated when he made the accusation and the feeling was that his statement was not reliable. However, from the hurried movements of the police, reported the watchful Kihikihi correspondent to the Waikato Times, it was quite obvious they were in possession of certain facts.

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Pukekura was nowhere to be found but George was, around ten days after his disappearance, by Rangi Tuatea, in the Puniu River opposite Martin’s property. At the inquest Dr Blunden stated he believed George had drowned. Piripi

Letters…

Theatre applause

I would like to acknowledge the Te Awamutu Regent Theatre for giving hundreds of families a free screening of the Classic 1997 film ‘Babe’. I’ve always loved this film, about a pig who thought it was sheep dog. Four different screenings were shown almost at the same time in 4 different theatres. My Grandies & I so enjoyed it, it’s great to have a good laugh. Hundreds of families had a very happy Sunday afternoon. Well done to all the staff.

Carol Turner.

Kihikihi

Column comment

April 1 to April 18

I want to thank Janine Krippner for her column. It’s always interesting and the subjects are so varied. I hope they can all be available in bulk for schools to use as research.

Deborah Christiansen Cambridge.

Editor’s note: Janine’s previous columns can be viewed through our online sites.

Pungarehu, of Tokanui, gave evidence as to the movements of several local residents that day, but he hadn’t seen Pukekura. Constable Gillies said he could find no marks of violence on George. There were two shillings and two pence in his pocket, a memorandum book, pipe, matchbox, and some tobacco. The jury found that George had drowned, removing painful suspicions of foul play. George was probably buried at Kihikihi and is also included in the inscription on a family headstone at Helsby, Cheshire.

Economic plans

Takitini is the new economic development brand for Waikato District Council.

It was launched recently and symbolises the district’s connection to navigating waka (canoe) and the lifeforce of the Waikato and Waipā rivers.

They are central to the community’s vitality, economic and community-led development manager Julie Dolan says.

The council has worked in partnership with WaikatoTainui to develop a brand that reflects the evolution of the economic opportunities in the district and the significance of the area to the Waikato people and mana whenua.

Meanwhile Waipā’s economic wellbeing strategy was approved for consultation by the Strategic Planning and Policy committee on Tuesday in Te Awamutu.

The strategy signals a new direction for the council, Economic Development advisor Joy Mickelson told the committee.

It was drafted following consultation on the council’s spatial plan Ahu Ake and focuses on economic development.

It will cost $30,000 to develop the plan which includes engagement, design and publication of the strategy.

“A range of data including housing, population, and industry sectors, tell us we can expect to see continued population growth in our towns and villages; continuing demand for industrial land; increasing impacts from climate change and changes in farming and land use practices; and a desire to entwine culture and art in the public realm as both an expression of our communities and to create destinations,” said Mickelson.

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If you’re searching for utter retirement tranquillity, Arvida Whai Mauri Ora could be the spot for you. Hop down to our Open Days to and enjoy Easter treats on us as you explore the gorgeous grounds and stylish villas.

Located on 31 acres of prime land in Te Awamutu, it’s a stunning countryside community like no other – don’t miss your chance to be part of our friendly community.

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Claims denied

By Chris Gardner

Claims the waste to energy plant proposed for Te Awamutu will release toxic emissions have been denied by a lawyer close to the project.

Māori owned whanau business Global Metal Solutions’ in house counsel Amanda Waitere, whose company is the parent of applicant company Global Contracting Solutions, described Zero Waste’s claim about the proposed plants emissions as untrue in a submission to Waipā District Council.

“One of the criticisms of our project that has been alleged by in particular Zero Waste, is that we will release toxic emissions into the air that will be detrimental to the environment and to human health in Te Awamutu,” Waitere said in her submission.

“This is not true. We rely on the expert advice that we have received from Terry Brady Consulting Limited on this issue.”

The proposed waste to energy plant uses what Waitere described as proven technology that would strip out pollutants resulting in less than minor effects.

“Terry’s advice is that the air discharges from the plant are benign,” she said.

Waitere said Global Contracting Solutions would create 60 jobs, including 27 engineers, 22 in the recyclers team, eight in the yard team and six other staff.

“The benefits of this employment will be significant to the local economy in Te Awamutu,” she said.

“Our proposed waste to energy plant can improve the reliability and resilience of power supply within the Waipa district. The energy security provided will be a significant benefit for the Te Awamutu community.”

Don’t Burn Waipā spokesperson Eoin

Fitzpatrick said he was not sure how qualified Waitere was to make claims regarding human health impacts.

“Also, not sure how qualified I am,” he added.

“I don’t believe any amount of infrastructure or technology will prevent the acrid stench from storing that amount of waste and burning tyres, plastic, vinyl, foam, rubber, diesel and goodness know what else. Surely these will cause some physical and mental health issues. If these are day to day impacts think what the consequences would be if there was breakdown or a fire or explosion at the site,” he said.

“I wouldn’t want to work or live in the vicinity, and I certainly wouldn’t want to send my kids to schools next door or buy food that has been grown or processed nearby - these concerns are similar to what hundreds of residents and business owners including Fonterra raises about staff and product safety.”

Regardless of anyone’s views on incineration, Fitzpatrick said the location of this one was “undisputed as absolutely ludicrous”.

“The government talks about growth, but this ridiculous proposal is actually costing the country and our local economy. They should stop the ludicrous incinerator proposal right now for Te Awamutu and a number of developers, builders and investors will return to the market.

“Fonterra and other major food manufacturers and exporters like Manuka Health can get back to focusing on their export markets and you will save the country a fortune by not having to deal with the long-term health impacts and environmental clean-up.”

Two in a row for Jan

By Mary Anne Gill

She’s done it again. Leamington resident Jan Mackenzie took out the Cambridge Autumn Festival short story first prize with her A little less of lonely.

“Yes, that’s right, that’s the title, it isn’t wrong,” she told The News after sponsors David Cooney and Steve France made the announcement she had won for the second year running.

The theme this year which attracted 150 entries was April Fool’s Day seeing April 1 fell in the middle of the festival.

“This particular story, the starting line I really like,” said Mackenzie.

When the big square bales dropped off the forks, they knocked the land-girl flat.

“It’s been in my head for two or three years. It’s just been there, nothing done with it. So I thought, oh well. The topic was so hard and the story just came so it was really, really neat.”

Mackenzie has had a few story rejections in her time.

“It’s like somebody not liking your kid. You get timid about it.”

She recently decided she was never going to write a book but would write short stories instead.

“They come from nowhere really.”

Sherson said they judge the entries blind and had no idea it was Mackenzie who had won again. She described her as a writer who takes risks with her work.

“The theme of April Fool’s

was interpreted in many different ways. The three winning entries featured in all four judges’ top choices. However, the winning story - A little less of lonely - was exceptional. It had wonderful timing and rhythm, with a little twist that made the reader squirm. The writing was spare and assured,” she said.

It was the 13th year of the competition and the last one sponsored by Cooney who has retired and sold the insurance business he founded in 1987 to Maurice Trapp Group.

Second prize went to Julie Taylor of Okoroire with Concrete Proof while third was One Joke Too Many by Anne Williams of Auckland.

Jan Mackenzie with her certificate surrounded by, from left: husband Ken and judges Denise Irvine and Venetia Sherson. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Thinking short, living long

Phil Strong, Senior Leader, Zion

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Forrest Gump was most famously quoted as saying, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

But what you may not remember, he was also known for saying, “I don’t know if we each have a destiny, or if we’re all just floating around accidental—like on a breeze—but I think maybe it’s both.”

To think short is to think like you’re floating on the breeze. Whereas, to think long is to think, live, and commit to living like you have a destiny.

A destiny is a destination, an end point. To think short is to think there is no such thing as life beyond the physical here and now.

“From the earth I came and to the earth I return,” some say, more hopeful than knowledgeable. Ignorance may feel blissful in the here and now, but what comes when reality bites?

The cosmos and all of creation existed before I did and will last longer than my body will.

But I am more than a physical creature—I am emotional and spiritual in design. When my body returns to dust, I am confident my spirit will join with God in His home. That’s the best form of destiny I could ever imagine.

To again quote Senór Gump; “You have to do the best with what God gave you.” Accepting I am created with a purpose and endowed with a responsibility gives me more impetus to take initiative, lead with inspiration and avoid inaction. I like to take the chocolate from the box and make the best of what I’m getting.

Perhaps we think short because we don’t want to contemplate a reality greater than our awareness.

I have chosen to accept the absence of answers over the certainty of being incorrect.

I choose to worship a God that is far beyond my comprehension.

Again, Forrest says, “Stupid is as stupid does,” and we each get to choose our version of the same.

Walking with a family through grief is a sombre privilege as it allows me a glimpse into the dark night of the soul and forces me to glance at my own.

To celebrate what was and reflect on what is no longer is causation of deeper, introspective ponderings that lead me to desire a greater destiny than short term choices.

An astute reader will guess what has consumed my focus this past week.

Finally, the pinnacle of Gump-wisdom is summed up in a beautiful observation; “I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.”

Love can be a feeling; it can be a choice. It can be a gift that is received or given. Love is patient, kind and humble, never seeking its own gain.

But most important, friend, love is a person that is found in the son of God who came to seek you out and lead you into your greatest destiny. Float not on the breeze but walk into His love.

A Shade S olu tion for You

Two titles for Jakob

By Jesse Wood

Cambridge High School student Jakob Robbers, 13, won two national titles at the New Zealand Secondary School Kayaking National Championships on Lake Tikitapu in Rotorua earlier last month.

Paddlers aged Year 9 to 13 from more than 30 schools around the country competed at the event.

Jakob, who is in Year 9, won the under 14 boys long course title by two seconds on Saturday. Westlake Boys’ High School’s Max Bowden claimed silver.

The following day saw Jakob win the under 14 boys 250m title.

He beat Takapuna Grammar School’s Owen Hawk by 0.08 seconds.

Cambridge High School team manager Monica Robbers said Jakob knew most of the other competitors well and he’s been training hard.

“Winning the events meant a lot, especially since both races were incredibly close. It was very special,” Jakob said.

“I’ve been training five times a week in the kayak (on Lake Karāpiro) and four times a week running.”

Jakob is now preparing for the New Zealand Canoe Sprint National Championships at Lake Karāpiro next month.

Cambridge drop points

Cambridge have tasted their first league defeat in more than a year.

The newly promoted Northern League championship side was beaten 2-0 by former New Zealand footballing powerhouse North Shore in Auckland last weekend.

Hamilton Wanderers’ second win from two – 4-2 away to Manukau - left them top of the table, but no other Waikato sides in the league followed up opening day wins.

Melville lost 2-1 away to Mount AlbertPonsonby – conceding a 90th minute goal –while Ngāruawāhia was beat 4-0 at Takapuna.

The premier Waikato domestic men’s competition starts on Saturday – with a 10

team league sorted. It comprises Cambridge, three Claudelands teams, Tokoroa, Wanderers, Huntly, Unicol and Te Awamutu plus Ōtorohanga, who were thought unlikely to have a team in the league.

The competition takes team from last year’s WaiBop league one, which fell over.

Cambridge women opened their season last weekend with a 2-0 home loss to Birkenhead on their Northern League championship debut.

In the Waikato women’s league, Te Awamutu also fields a team in the Waikato women’s division which kicks off this weekend.

Sitting in an elevated position to look out over the rural landscape and off to the mountain, this Brick home has a good heart. The entertaining kitchen with a fabulous island center stage, feeds the home from the living room to the conservatory with additional office, the three bedrooms, family bathroom, separate laundry and powder room add to the upstairs layout. With internal access downstairs is 2 more bedrooms, media room and bathroom. The two levels can be accessed separately so privacy of occupancy is respected. Heating is sorted with good insulation, Smart Vent feeding up and downstairs and heat pump. A generous section provides off street parking with fenced area to help keep the pets or kids safe. Are you looking for a little more room or adding members to your family, this could be the home for you. With the 3-bedroom family home upstairs, the extra accommodation downstairs currently has a border, returning $ 350 a week. If you’re a smart buyer, this could help with the mortgage as the border is happy to stay. Off street parking and the separate entry downstairs, gives you options of working from home. Contact Vayle to arrange a viewing.

Following two generations

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Mangahana Homestead

Jakob Robbers claims gold on the podium at Lake Tikitapu.

Across 1. Rostrum (4) 4. Figure of speech (6) 8. Resembling a dream (7)

22. Pacify (7)

23.

9. Splurge (5)

10. Hard wood (4)

11. Wedlock (8)

13. Resolute (9)

17. Merchant (8)

19. Nemesis (4)

21. Precise (5)

Last week

Hardship (7)

Snares (5)

Across: 1. Basic, 4. Calmly, 8. Centred, 9. Tryst, 10. Adept, 11. Inertia, 12. Desert, 14. Urgent, 17. Outcome, 19. Queue, 21. Tired, 22. Unearth, 23. Decree, 24. Threw.

Down: 1. Back and forth, 2. Singe, 3. Curator, 4. Caddie, 5. Lithe, 6. Layette, 7. Steal the show, 13. Set free, 15. Request, 16. Reduce, 18. Order, 20. Error.

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with Jan Bilton

Chicken winners

‘Chicken for the cook is what canvas is for the painter.’ Anthelme Brillat-Savarin French Gourmet.

And he’s right. A painting is all about colours and chicken dishes can be an eclectic mix of colours. For example, red Italian chicken cacciatore; yellow and (spinach) green Indian curries; herby green/brown French casseroles; and goldenbrown Kiwi roasts.

Chicken engages the taste buds. The bland flesh makes it internationally popular because it combines harmoniously with so many spices, herbs, textures, fruits and vegetables, it encourages cooks to be creative.

Versatile chicken can be poached, fried, grilled, stir-fried, baked, roasted, cooked in the microwave and air-fryer. It’s relatively inexpensive compared to other meats and there’s little waste.

And don’t throw the bones. Use them to make a good stock for cool-day soups. Brown the bones in a little oil in a saucepan, add some chopped onion, carrots and celery stalks, plus a few fresh herbs. Add water to cover and simmer gently for 1-2 hours until reduced by half. Cool and store in an airtight container in the freezer.

To paraphrase a popular saying: ‘You can count your chickens when it comes to hatching great meals’.

Peanut butter chicken curry

The moist, dark meat of chicken thighs is perfect for curries, stews and casseroles.

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 teaspoon each: whole cumin seeds, grated garlic, grated root ginger

750g skinned and boned chicken thighs

1/4 teaspoon each: chilli flakes, ground turmeric

3-4 medium plum tomatoes, chopped

125g frozen spinach

3 tablespoon each: peanut butter, coconut cream (or regular cream)

Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan on mediumlow heat. Add the onion and spices and cook, stirring

occasionally, until the onion is softened.

Increase the heat to high. Add the chicken and cook the chicken about 7 minutes each side. Stir in the chilli flakes, turmeric and tomatoes. Cover and cook on medium for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Stir in the spinach and cook for a few minutes, until heated through. Combine the peanut butter and coconut cream, then stir into the chicken mixture and heat through. Great served with naan bread or rice. Serves 4-5.

Marcio’s chicken marbella

A twist on this Spanish delight from my friend Marcio.

Marinade: 4 large cloves garlic

1/4 cup each: red wine vinegar, capers, extra virgin olive oil

4 small bay leaves

12 pitted prunes

1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano salt and pepper to taste

Chicken: 4 large chicken legs (thighs and drums attached)

1/2 cup white wine

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup pitted green olives

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

To make the marinade, combine all the ingredients in a casserole large enough to hold the chicken in one layer. Stir well.

Add the chicken, moving it around so the legs are well coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight, turning occasionally.

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Remove the casserole and bring to room temperature. Add the wine and sprinkle the chicken with brown sugar. Bake for 30 minutes. Turn the chicken over and baste with the juices. Add the green olives. Bake for another 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked. Serve garnished with parsley. Serves 4.

Peri peri chicken

This South African speciality is ‘hot’. Add the chilli powder to taste.

1.2kg chicken portions

5 cloves garlic, crushed

1 onion, finely diced

2 tablespoons paprika

1-2 teaspoons chilli powder

2 tablespoons lemon juice

400g can diced tomatoes

If necessary, cut the chicken in to serving-sized portions. Combine all the other ingredients. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for 2-3 hours in the fridge, turning often. Preheat a grill or barbecue. Grill for about 15 minutes each side on medium heat, basting often. Serves 4-6.

Peanut butter chicken curry

Marcio’s chicken marbella

Morgan Sports Car Club Car Display

Saturday April 5th

Victoria Street next to the park From 1.00 to 3.00pm. Members of the public are welcome.

SAVE DATEthe

Waipa King Country Provincial RWNZ wish to advise past and present members of Womens Division Federated Farmers (WDFF) and Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) of an upcoming celebration as part of the Centenary of our national organisation.

Join us as we celebrate a century of empowering rural women and communities across New Zealand with a lunch to be held at the Te Awamutu Bible Chapel on Thursday 12 March 2026.

More details and how to register will be available later in the year.

Further information is available by contacting Judy Board: judy.board@xtra.co.nz 027 365 0998 or Sue Hall: supacann@xtra.co.nz

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and art, in the Waikato area. Contact Mike 0272793408

Calf Milk Wanted

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WOLVERS

Henderica Johanna (Riki) – Passed away on the 29th March 2025, in her 92nd year surrounded by her family. Dearly loved wife of the late Hans Wolvers for 22 years, Michael Loughan for 21 years and friend to Hans Schitt. Mother to her sons & daughter in laws, Gerard & Denise, Adrian & Helen, Paul & Annette, and Hans & Linda. Oma to her grandchildren and great Oma to her great grandchildren.Step Mum to John (dec) Richard and Suize (dec), and their families.The service will be livestreamed, please email office@teawamutufunerals. co.nz for the link. A service for Riki will be held at St Bride’s Anglican Church, 54 Haerehuka Street, Ōtorohanga on Monday, 7th April at 11:00 am followed by private cremation. All communications to the Wolvers family, P O Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840. Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ

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