Memorial – 70 years on
By Marc Dawson
Beautiful weather supported the 70th commemoration ceremony of the Te Awamutu and District War Memorial Park on Sunday.
The park was established to honour the sacrifice of 152 men from the Army, Navy and Air Force from 28 districts and a list of nondistricts specified names listed in the sunken cross.
Using reporter Arthur Warburton’s archived accounts of the day, Marc Dawson of the War Memorial Maintenance Committee set the scene from 70 years ago.
Ex-servicemen, led by the Municipal Band, marched from Big Tree Corner with the Te Awamutu District Highland Pipe following.
This led up to the arrival of the official party before a special enclosure for the next of kin seated near the sunken cross, where dignitaries and the bands were also present with thousands waiting outside the stone wall.
An appreciative crowd then listened to a reciting of original sentiment from speeches given at
that official opening on Sunday, December 4, 1955.
Waipā District councillor Shane Walsh read mayor Frank Jacobs’ speech, maintenance committee member Angus Smith read as Waipā County Council’s Frank Onion and Peter Fletcher of the maintenance committee read as
Waipā MP and Minister of Works Stan Goosman.
Norris Hall, whose grandfather George Hall was a council representative for Rangiaowhia and with the memorial committee who built the park, read as Gerald Gower the RSA executive and war memorial committee member.
Finally, maintenance committee member Mike Williams read the speech Prime Minister Sidney Holland gave that day to declare the park open.
One of the many memorial features 70 years ago was a sundial that has been missing from its stand for three decades.
Santa on parade
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See more pictures from the parade on pages 6 and 7 today.
Timetable: The sundial viewing area now has polar cardinal directions according to original plans. Photo: Jesse Wood
A new sundial was unveiled on Sunday by maintenance committee member Fletcher representing the next of kin.
Marc Dawson
a member
independent park maintenance committee. A longer version of this story will appear on teawamutunew.nz
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Cottoning on in the kitchen
By Viv Posselt
Dishcloths might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking sustainability, but for Te Awamutu’s Wendy Bellhouse, they’re a clear front-runner. She has just finished steering the fourth of her weekly workshops teaching people to crochet a dishcloth. Forty people from
around the area came along, 10 at each one. They left each session with a couple of reuseable dishcloths, a crochet hook and a pattern should they want to make more.
Incongruous as it sounds, the cloths apparently do a great job mopping up spills on the kitchen counter.
Reduce the risk
Christmas holidays and the festive season are upon us. In my last column for the year, I would like to wish you all a relaxing break and provide a few timely reminders. Periodically I discuss home security, looking out for your neighbours and reporting suspicious activity. This is never more important than now.
With the hot weather arriving, it is easy to forget to close and lock open windows and doors when you leave home. It is also common for people to leave garage doors open for ventilation, thereby unwittingly showing opportunist thieves the goodies inside. In addition, we are still hearing of people leaving keys in their unlocked vehicles after parking up at home.
While some offenders will commit a crime no matter the security protections in place, you can nevertheless reduce the risk of becoming a burglary victim by taking basic precautions. If you are going away, let your neighbours know and have someone keep an eye on or visit your house. Try not to make your absence obvious to casual passersby. When you are home, but out enjoying the back yard, keep the front of your house secure. Lock your vehicles, don’t leave valuable items inside and invest in an alarm or steering wheel lock. When you see unusual or suspicious activity within your neighbourhood, for example
“They are fantastic for cleaning and wiping. Because of the texture, they pick up all the little bits, then you just toss them in the wash and reuse them,” Bellhouse said. “I’ve had mine for several years.”
She is a convert to sustainability. Her idea of the workshops struck a chord with Waipā District Council’s waste minimisation crew and she was given funding to pay for the venue – at
strangers wandering up and down driveways or onto properties, ring 111. Be sure to note descriptions of the people involved, registration plates and take a photo or video if possible and safe to do so. If we can catch one burglar, we prevent multiple offences and further victimisation.
This advice goes for rural properties as much as it does urban. I have been told that some rural community members may not be bothering to report thefts or trespassers, feeling perhaps it is not worth the effort. I strongly disagree. The more offending criminals get away with in an area, the more likely they are to return and reoffend, with the area being seen as an easy target. If we don’t know offending is happening, we cannot start to address it.
Finally, still on the festive season theme, while Te Awamutu had no reported cases, in Cambridge in the last seven days, staff caught six people who were driving with excess breath alcohol. Two face charges in court, while four returned levels that were dealt with by an infringement.
It is yet again a reminder that if you are going to drink alcohol, you need to plan before you party. When you are driving around, be aware also, that others may be out there driving under the influence, so be aware of your surroundings.
Burchell Pavilion – and buy supplies.
Bellhouse is a self-described ‘crochet artist’ who always picks a dishcloth when teaching beginners the craft.
“It’s a very easy way to start, and even if a dishcloth contains beginners’ flaws, it is still useful.”
She held the workshop with the help of her 16-year-old daughter Vienna Seabright. The pair recently ran a creative journalling workshop in Te Awamutu; that was another first that secured council funding, that time through the Creative Communities Grant.
Aside from passing on ‘how to crochet’ skills, the dishcloth workshops were centred on sustainability. Bellhouse said if the average household buys a pack of disposable cloths each month, they will end up sending 12 packs to landfill each year.
“If I am able to teach 40 people to crochet their own dishcloths at these workshops, that is a reduction of 480 packs of disposable cloths annually,” she added. “A 100-gram ball of cotton yarn will make four crochet dishcloths that can easily be washed and reused and will last for years. They can then be composted in a home compost.
“Changing to crochet dishcloths is a simple change in behaviour that can be the start of a journey of new habits that will have a positive environmental impact.”
She said those coming along varied in their skill level, with some brand new to crocheting and others wanting to get back into it after a break.
“The feedback has been great, everybody has been really supportive,” she said. “I might look at doing something similar next year.”
with Senior Constable DEB HANN
Mum and daughter ‘crochet artists’, Wendy Bellhouse and Vienna Seabright, led the dishcloth workshops in Te Awamutu.
Photo: Viv Posselt
Clark mourned
The father of former Prime Minister Helen Clark has died aged 103. George Clark’s 100th birthday featured in The News when family gathered at his home in Waihi Beach.
George Clark was raised in Te Pahu and went on to be a key member of Federated Farmers and serve on the Te Pahu school committee.
Murder charges
A fatal attack on a motorcyclist in Auckland has resulted in three arrests as police investigate a gang related incident. After one man appeared in court on a murder charge, Detective Inspector Scott Beard said two other men were taken into custody near Te Awamutu “without incident”. One was charged with murder.
Water warning
Waipā and Waikato district councils and Hamilton City Council have issued water use warnings ahead of the festive season break. A joint statement said seasonal forecasts indicate La Niña conditions across the region - which usually means more humid conditions.
Waipā district Water Services Manager Karl Pavlovich said “it’s the little actions such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or watering gardens only once or twice a week that will help us share this precious resource so there is enough for everyone”.
Kaimai closure
The road over the Kaimai Range is scheduled to reopen around the clock tomorrow (Friday) following night maintenance work which had it closed from 8pm to 3.30am since Sunday.
Hall celebration
More than 100 people attended the Kairangi Hall Summer Festival on Sunday, The event at the hall, southeast of Roto-o-Rangi, also celebrated the hall’s 90th anniversary. The “birthday” cake was cut by Alison Hutchins, whose grandparents purchased a farm in the Kairangi area in 1927.
Med school a step nearer
By Viv Posselt
Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony at the site of Waikato University’s new medical school moved a lengthy and sometimes controversial project from a courageous idea into the realm of reality.
The four-storey $83 million New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine is scheduled for completion in December 2027. It will welcome its first students the following year.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Waikato-Tainui chair Tukoroirangi Morgan shared the task of turning the first sod at the site. They were accompanied by Minister of Health Simeon Brown, Minister for Universities and former health minister Dr Shane Reti, Waikato University ViceChancellor Professor Neil Quigley and numerous other dignitaries.
The occasion was described by several speakers as ‘momentous’, both for the university and for the country.
Prime Minister Luxon described it as an ‘incredibly significant step’ and thanked all those involved in bringing the project to fruition. He echoed other voices that commended planners
for pushing through the sometimes-negative voices and said there was no doubt the country needed a third medical school.
He said 350 New Zealand students are studying in Australian medical schools because they cannot get places here.
“New Zealand has one medical school for every 2.6 million people, while Australia has one medical school for every 1.2 million people,” he said. “We had to do something.”
Universities Minister and former health minister Dr Shane Reti, who was commended by numerous speakers for his tenacity in getting the project across the line, said Friday marked the start not only of a new medical school facility, but also a new approach to training doctors in our community.
“Today we change the landscape of medical education in New Zealand. This medical school will adopt a distinct teaching model based on successful international practice and tailored for New Zealand. This is a strong example of how universities are aligning student skills with the needs of our communities.”
The school’s graduate-
entry curriculum will provide four years of intensive, practical medical education for students who have already completed a threeyear undergraduate degree. It will take a ‘digital-first’ approach, using innovative teaching practices and new technologies, with students learning in small groups supported by advanced digital tools such as VR and clinical simulation labs alongside top-quality staff.
Simeon Brown said it marked a major step in the government’s plan to train more GPs and strengthen
access to primary care in New Zealand. He said the government had already invested heavily in boosting the country’s health care environment, and growing the workforce was crucial in ensuring that New Zealanders can access primary health care.
“This new school will train an additional 120 doctors every year from 2028,” he said. “This is a transformative lift in our ability to grow our own workforce and ensure more New Zealand doctors are ready to serve where they are
needed the most – in primary care and the regions.”
Waikato University ViceChancellor Professor Neil Quigley thanked all those who had helped bring the school to this point.
“We are committed to delivering a medical school that will attract more people who want to train to be doctors in primary and community care… we’re pleased to have the government’s support. This is a significant day for the team here at Waikato, and for the country's health workforce at large.”
Big Bang theories abound…
By Jesse Wood
Plenty of theories have arisen as to why “Howard Wolowitz” from the Big Bang Theory was in the Waipā on November 30.
American actor and comedian Simon Helberg, and fictional aerospace engineer/astronaut, fittingly dined at Fahrenheit, a restaurant and bar on the main street of Te Awamutu.
“Not us casually serving Howard from The Big Bang Theory last night,” a Fahrenheit Facebook post last Monday said.
“So epic, what a guy! Thanks for dining with us, Simon. It’s not often we stumble across someone of your calibre in our wee town.
“Hope to see you again!”
It took the Fahrenheit crew a while to recognise him. Khrystal Parkes verified it was him via
Instagram – wearing the same hat in a post four days prior.
“There were no other tables sitting around them,” Parkes said.
The Instagram post said it was his first time in New Zealand.
Helberg was in a party of four containing two New Zealanders and was very polite but cagey when asked what he was doing in town.
He told Parkes they were in town for work. Upon leaving, Helberg told the crew he would see them again.
Maybe he was being polite, but only time will tell.
Helberg turns 45 on December 9, was it an early birthday trip? Or maybe preparing to film nearby.
“He was very polite and actually talked to me,” Parkes said.
“When you wait on people’s tables, they don’t always acknowledge you. But they asked my name and talked to me.”
A big fan of the show, Hunter Brown cooked Helberg a chicken salad.
Brown said he couldn’t believe it was him at first.
“I’ve watched the series about four times,” Brown said.
“He sounded very American, he didn’t sound like Howard at all.”
“It was awesome to get to meet one of those main characters of one of my favourite shows.” Parkes said Helberg enjoyed the food and told her it was really good.
“We didn’t think we would be so lucky to have someone like that [in our little town].”
Funeral Director: Jim Goddin
Waikato-Tainui chair Tukoroirangi Morgan gestures to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to take a spade ahead of last Friday’s sod-turning ceremony at the new medical school at Waikato University. Photo: Viv Posselt
Leading the way
by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
New Zealand is on the path to recovery. Yes, it’s taking time and a fair bit of energy, but it is gaining momentum—tourism is growing, interest rates are dropping, and consumer and business confidence are at their highest levels in years.
But it is rural New Zealand that remains the beating heart of the nation’s economy--the backbone supporting New Zealand’s prosperity.
Dairy, meat, and horticulture exports continue to generate billions in revenue, underpinning the standard of living for millions of Kiwis. These sectors not only fuel export earnings but also create vital employment opportunities and sustain regional towns.
In recent years, innovation has flourished on rural land. The integration of new technologies— precision agriculture, robotics, and data-driven management, as well as political support—has allowed farmers and growers to extract more value from every hectare. Rural New Zealand has demonstrated resilience in the face of global disruptions, weathering challenges such as the Trump tariffs and shifting international demand with remarkable adaptability.
But rural New Zealand cannot afford complacency. Despite strong economic contributions, rural communities continue to grapple with falling populations, underinvestment in infrastructure, and rural-urban disparity in services such as healthcare, education, and digital connectivity. But as we all know, the path to addressing a problem starts with first realising and accepting there is a problem, and I am proud to be part of a government that does just that. There is still more to be done, of course. If New Zealand is to thrive, it must champion its rural heart—not only as a source of export dollars, but as a home to the people, innovation, and traditions that define us. The work isn’t done, but the promise of rural New Zealand remains powerful and essential.
So that’s it, my final column for the year. My husband Louis and I, and my entire electorate team, wish you and yours a joyful and heartwarming Christmas. Here’s to good health, happy memories, and a wonderful new year ahead. Merry Christmas!
Greenhill’s ‘laird’
‘The Laird of Greenhill’, as William Taylor was warmly known, left his house to inspect one of his paddocks just after midday in late September 1923.
Greenhill was a landmark in the Te Awamutu district, an extensive and magnificently situated property which William had managed for about 40 years after taking over from his father.
William had set to work to improve the property, no mean feat as money was tight and there was very little profit in farming.
He was a hard worker and gradually became relatively affluent.
He began cattle breeding in 1876 with an imported bull, Abraham.
The founder of the Greenhill herd became recognised throughout the country as a quality breeder of Shorthorn cattle,
He also bred highclass Clydesdale horses, regularly ‘sweeping the boards’ at agricultural shows, carrying off nearly every prize.
In the late 1890s he purchased the highly bred sire General Fleming whose descendants established the breed as the premier working draught animal of the region. Within the last decade or so William had begun importing Lincoln Red cattle which had a fine reputation as a milking breed as well as beef qualities.
In public life William was a man of many parts
holding office on the Waipā County Council, and chairing the Rangiaowhia Road Board and Licensing Committee.
He was a member of the old Te Awamutu Cavalry and was never backward with cash or influence when raising funds for the Red Cross and other relief work during the Great War.
He contributed to the repatriation of returned soldiers, and while they were away fighting William was an advisor to the Government on keeping up production on their farms in their absence.
He gave a substantial donation for the improvement of Albert Park and rallied others to also contribute.
His name was also connected with almost every sporting and social institution in the district.
Now aged 69, despite the days of hard work being behind him, he continued to be interested in his property.
But on arrival at the paddock, he wanted to inspect Te Awamutu’s laird suddenly fell down and died. Surprise spread through the Waikato as it was not generally known that William was experiencing ill health.
His earlier life of labour had left its mark in a weakened heart, which caused his sudden demise.
William was recalled as an honest and upright man who it was a privilege to know. His most
memorable act was gifting to Te Awamutu the town clock which was installed on a tower on the new brick post office in 1911. The townspeople were delighted with William’s gift and columns in local papers were given over in praise of him.
William’s life though, was not without tragedy. With his wife Elizabeth he had six sons and two daughters – one of whom, Mary, died aged four months in 1891. Six years later their son Kenneth, 13, was riding home from school when his pony stumbled and fatally threw him to the road. In 1908, their 28 year old son, Charles, who had years previously contracted rheumatic fever, died after bronchitis set in. William, it was said, ‘died in harness’. There was a very big gathering at his funeral and an exceptionally large number of floral tributes on the casket. William was remembered as a worthy settler, a monument to his love for Te Awamutu being the town clock which recorded the hours as the days and years flitted by.
King Country Virtual Office 021 815 017 Kuriger.Kingcountry@parliament.govt.nz
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The town clock donated to the community in 1911.
Our festival connections
By Jesse Wood
Several Te Awamutu
connections will be involved in the Hamilton Arts Festival early next year.
Composer Michael F. Williams, David Taskerdrag queen Piper Blaster - and violinist Julie Dowden are all tied to the Waipā town, and festival associate director and publicist Nicholas Walsh is the son of Waipā District councillor Shane.
Michael’s brother Chris is the festival chair has also written The Rug, a musical that will be on show during the event.
“Our festival lineup features almost 50 ticketed events but there’s also a tonne of amazing free performances happening in and around our festival hub,” Walsh said.
Williams will be part of an event likely to sell out, Opera by Candlelight.
“I’m very happy to be part of the Hamilton Arts Festival. Working on the string quartet arrangements of these incredible opera arias for two of New Zealand’s finest opera stars - Emma Pearson and Kristin Darragh - is a labour of love,” Williams said.
He is composing a piece to open the concert with a nod to the Egyptian garden location.
“I love this event. It’s certainly one of the most beautiful settings for a festival in New Zealand.”
Tasker is looking forward to being part of his fourth festival.
As Piper, Tasker will have a presence as part of the roaming entertainment and is designing a garment for the festival.
“It’s nice to be included in such a wonderful event and the platform that it gives me locally as an artist, to develop and grow.
He will also be part of the Sunset Symphony, with the Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra. The Sunset Symphony earlier this year drew an 8000-strong
STRAWBRIDGES has
audience on the “main stage”, the Rhododendron Lawn.
Julie Dowden is a member of Twso, the community orchestra performing for the Sunset Symphony.
The Te Awamutu music teacher and Kihikihi Ukelele Club member moved from Auckland 11 years ago.
“Twso is like a family,
we all know each other. Everybody talks to everybody in the orchestra. There’s no one person better than the other. I really enjoy the togetherness.”
The Sunset Symphony was a great way to make orchestral music “available to the man on the street”.
“A lot of people won’t go and pay to go to the
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra or going to the APO in Auckland because that’s not their jam,” Dowden said.
“But going to an orchestral concert, which plays middle-of-the-road stuff that everybody knows. You might hear the piece of music on an ad and go ‘oh I quite like that’.
“There will be lots of music played that people who aren’t involved in music know, like Ode to Joy - it’s out of Beethoven’s ninth symphony - but even kids know it.
“Playing that sort of music to the masses gets people involved and quite often peaks kids interest to want to learn.
Roche project hit the target
By Chris Gardner
The upgrade and refit of Waipā District’ Council’s Roche Street building came in under budget and finished weeks early.
About a third of the council’s 370 staff moved back to the building from temporary office space in Rickett Road last week after a three-year programme of work designed to upgrade the building to meet earthquake standards.
Council chief executive Steph O’Sullivan said $6.18 million had been budgeted for the upgrade which was due to be finished just before Christmas.
In fact, $5.9 million had been spent and the work had finished about three weeks early.
O’Sullivan joined the council almost two years into the project and became involved in guiding the internal refit to suit modern working practices and build work culture.
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” O’Sullivan said. The old way of working was coming to your desk and deciding what you were doing on any given day, she said, but the refit had turned that idea on its head.
The project had created adaptable workspaces where staff could decide what part of the building to work in based on the activity of the day.
The new office has hot desks that accommodate 70 per cent of the staff, as a percentage are often out of the office working in the community, allowing staff to sit in their teams or sit in other
SOMETHING
teams when they are collaborating on projects.
The refit includes break out rooms, where staff can meet, sound proof space, where they can have confidential conversations, and a wellbeing room, where they can take time out.
All parts of the building are named after prominent parts of the district’s geography including the awa and maunga.
The workplace also features mana whenua inspired artwork by Maungatautari Marae artist Eugene Carter.
Julie Dowden
Steph O’Sullivan with, from left, customer and community services group manager Sally Sheedy, community services manager Brad Ward and arborist planner James Richardson. Photo: Chris Gardner.
The weather was ideal, the town was jam-packed and the parade was colourful and noisy. A full line up of floats, following a Christmas Movie theme, entertained the crowds lining Alexandra Street in Te Awamutu on Saturday. Along with the movie theme there were stilt walker, dogs on parade, emergency service crews, gleaming American cars, Falun Gong spreading its message, big farming vehicles and the pipe and brass bands. Te Awamutu Girl Guiding was named overall winner and was also peoples’ choice. Other results – Commercial-businesses, Waipa Networks 1, Impressions Childcare 2; Service clubs and community groups, Te Awamutu Community Toy Library 1, Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade 2. The News was there to catch some of the moments.
Mayors want rethink
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand move to ban firefighters’ use of powered watercraft has been questioned in a letter by mayors Mike Petitt (Waipā) Aksel Bech (Waikato) and Tim Macindoe (Hamilton). “The ability to respond to emergencies on the river is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” the mayors told executive Kerry Gregory.
They said communities had invested heavily in this capability, including raising more than $42,000 for rescue equipment.
A very grand day at Raglan
By Jesse Wood
Altrusa Te Awamutu took 28 grandparents, who raise their grandchildren, to Raglan for a harbour cruise and lunch last week.
The Altrusa community committee contacted all the schools, pre-schools and kindergartens in the area for names of people that qualified.
Six committee members travelled to Raglan with the group - Lynette Courts, Belinda Overdevest, Jean Robertson, Christine Melville, Di Muggeridge and Paula Walsh.
“Brenda McIvor made contact with many of the grandparents and liaised with them all individually regarding the trips final details,” community committee chair Paula Walsh said.
“They were so happy to be acknowledged and seen. It’s the sort of thing that goes pretty much unrecognised.
“There was a wide range of ages. Some had two or three or more grandchildren they’re caring for.
“We found it quite humbling. You just don’t know what life’s going to throw at you.”
Walsh said it was something they had previously done and found it was a successful contribution to the community
“Every year we come up with something where we have a good reach to people in the community. We decided the grandparents’ day out would be a good one,” Paula said.
“We’ve heard there are more and more grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren full-time.
“They didn’t have to pay any money.
We organised a Go Bus locally, met at the i-Site, travelled to Raglan and went on a cruise around the harbour, before lunch at the Harbour View Hotel.
“We were all in a lovely big room at different tables. Different groups joined together and had a great time catching up and chatting.”
One lady had her grandchildren for 10 years and hadn’t been out for a meal in that whole time.
“Another woman stood up at the end of the meal and talked about how
wonderful it was that they were being seen by the community, that someone had acknowledged what they do.
“She said, ‘This is God’s way. This is what God has given us to do. This is our mahi. We rise to it and we are happy to do it. It is our gift to do this’.
“Then she led a waiata. Many of us knew the waiata, so we all sang at the end of the lunch. That was really lovely.”
The group returned to Te Awamutu before 3pm so they could pick up their school-aged children.
THURS 25 DEC - SUN 4 JAN 2026
Altrusa Te Awamutu community committee members, from left, Belinda Overdevest, Di Muggeridge, Christine Melville, Jean Robertson and Lynette Courts.
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Community spirit and Christmas
By Julie Guest
It’s been a big weekend for Christmas lovers in Te Awamutu with two evenings of carol singing with the Te Awamutu Brass and Talos, at Pirongia and Kihikihi, along with the Te Awamutu Christmas parade. Things are hotting up aren’t they, in both the weather sense, and the retailing sense? There’s the “busy” buzz around Te Awamutu with increased traffic, playgrounds and cafes full as shopping and markets draw more people into town.
This is also the season of end-of-year break ups, ballet and music recitals, and of course, staff functions. All these are designed to showcase and honour work that has been achieved over the course of the year. Whilst we might lump this in with Christmas business, it is purely a function of our Southern Hemisphere seasons, and nothing to do with Christmas at all. But in one sense there is a connection, in that we honour achievement and uphold all that is good in our society.
So there’s an interesting contrast happening. On one hand, we have the commercial buzz - the rush to get gifts sorted, the packed car parks, the frantically busy retail workers managing the Christmas surge. It’s transactional busy-ness, measured in sales and shopping bags. But alongside this, often unnoticed, is a different kind of busy-ness altogether.
When the Fire Brigade recently honoured its long-serving members, they weren’t celebrating transactions. They were recognising years of 3am callouts, of running toward danger while others run away, of sacrifice that can’t be measured on a till receipt. The same is true for our St John volunteers, our community patrol members, our sports coaches who give up their Saturdays, and the countless others who keep Te Awamutu not just running, but caring.
What motivates this second kind of busy-ness? It’s certainly not the December sales spike or the promise of a bonus. Many of these servants work quietly all year, with no fanfare, no endof-year function, no public recognition. Yet they keep showing up.
I believe many of them carry, consciously or not, the principle Jesus taught: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” It’s a call to a way of life where service flows from something deeper than obligation or recognition - it flows from genuine care for the wellbeing of others.
The irony of Christmas is that while we’ve turned it into the busiest shopping season of the year, the story itself is about the opposite of commercial transaction. It’s about God choosing to serve humanity in the humblest way imaginable - born in a stable, laid in a feeding trough.
As we navigate these busy weeks ahead, it’s worth asking ourselves: which kind of busy-ness are we caught up in? Are we merely transacting our way through December, ticking off shopping lists and social obligations? Or are we, like those honoured firefighters and countless other servants in our community, busy with something more transformational - the quiet, consistent work of loving our neighbours?
The shopping frenzy will end on December 26, or 27, or 31… the decorations will come down. The crowds will thin. But the true spirit of Christmas – that call to love and serve others - that’s meant to keep Te Awamutu ticking all year round. Perhaps that’s the real gift we can give this season: not just presents under a tree, but presence in our community, motivated by the enduring truth that we’re called to love others as we love ourselves.
Tryathlon events draws 1900
Cambridge turned on a blue-sky Sunday as more than 1900 tamariki descended on St Peter’s School for the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids Tryathlon.
Children aged 6 to 15 splashed, pedalled and ran their hearts out at the iconic multisport event, cheered on by crowds of whānau and friends.
Among them, were Te Awamutu brothers Īhaka, 11, and Tuurama, 7, McClintock, who returned to the event after a strong experience last year.
Their mother, Helen Parker, says the standout moment was watching her boys cross the finish line hand-in-hand.
“Seeing the boys out there was pretty special. Īhaka kept himself motivated by reminding himself ‘kia kaua e mate wheke, me mate ururoa’ – do not die like an Octopus, die like a
Hammerhead shark – while Tuurama trusted that ‘his body already knows what to do’. As a whānau, we’ve seen how much they’ve grown since last year, and this event has played a big role in strengthening their confidence and belief in themselves.”
Weet-Bix Kids Tryathlon ambassadors slalom canoeist Luuka Jones and weightlifter champion David Liti spent time cheering on participants and handing out medals.
Sanitarium NZ General Manager Michael Barton said Cambridge had once again turned out in force for the iconic event.
“Now in its 34th year, the Tryathlon has become a beloved tradition in the community, and we’re proud to host an event that gives kids of all abilities the chance to try something new, build confidence, and most importantly, have fun,” he said.
Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Ward Councillor Marcus Gower is heartened by the news that feral cats will be added to the Predator Free 2050 target list
The six-term councillor is only too aware that feral felines are an ongoing issue for many residents in his community, particularly those in Kihikihi
He says the move by Central Government reflects what many locals have been saying for years: something needs to be done
Feral cats are a nuisance - they re dangerous to our wildlife and leave a mess in my gardens and on my property,” he said
After hearing from locals, Council made a submission to the Department of Conservation in June on the Predator Free Strategy Thanks to strong public support, the Government has now added feral cats to the list
Gower, who chairs the Council’s Regulatory Committee, said residents often find cats straying in their gardens and aren’t sure what to do This strategy will make it clearer for everyone on how to respond
Thursday, December 11, 2025
If you’re stocking up on summer reads, swing by your local library early
Like our offices, the libraries will be closed from 5pm Friday, December 19, and will reopen at 9am on Monday, January 5
The move aims to protect native plants and animals, boost biodiversity, and help restore local ecosystems
The strategy will also give local groups more backing, with clearer rules, funding, and better coordination to support their work
“This is a step in the right direction It will back the great work of local groups like Sanctuary Mountain, Predator Free Pirongia, Te Awamutu, Cambridge, and Aroha Cambridge," Gower said
He said that without national legislation in place, it ’s been hard to respond to community concerns over feral cats The new framework will make it clearer who’s responsible for what and encourage more responsible cat ownership
“I hope it raises more awareness and responsibility among cat owners to desex and microchip their pets,” Gower said
The results of the Predator Free 2050 strategy review are expected early next year
Antenno
Spot a pothole, overflowing rubbish bin, graffiti, or something wrong with your local playground? Report it with Antenno!
Download our free app to report issues in your neighbourhood and to get notifications on what ’s happening in your town
To download visit waipadc govt nz/Antenno
All library books and other items issued from Monday, December 1 (including from the Library of Things) are due back on Monday, January 5
While we are closed, our online services will be available: www.waipalibraries.org.nz
Te Awamutu Museum will be closed from 4pm Friday, December 19, and will reopen at 10am on Monday, January 5
We re inviting young explorers to join our exciting Summer Reading Quest Designed for children aged 5–12, this year’s programme is all about fun, imagination and holiday adventure
To get started, simply pop into the Cambridge or Te Awamutu Library and pick up a free challenge booklet from the front desk before Friday, January 9 Kids can choose activities that appeal to them, complete the challenges at their own pace and even do more than five if they’re keen Once their five challenges are ticked off, just check in with a librarian or email the completed tasks to waipalibraries@waipadc govt nz to receive an invite to the special finale party in January
It ’s a great way for tamariki to stay busy, get creative and keep reading over the holidays Grab your booklet, get exploring and let the adventures begin!
9
Pettit
Davies-Colley
Gordon Aidhean Camson Pip Kempthorne Clare St Pierre Les Bennett Shane Walsh Dean Taylor Marcus Gower Mike Montgomerie
Dale-Maree Morgan
From the staff at the Te Awamutu News and Cambridge News to all our readers and advertisers throughout the Waipa region for supporting us this year. We wish you a happy Christmas and a safe holiday period. Your last paper of the year is Thursday 18 December - we take a two week break then are back publishing on Thursday January 8 next year
Open 7 days per week
Ph: 07 872 0923
Mega Centre, 670 Cambridge Rd, Te Awamutu Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 3pm Public Holidays: 9am to 3pm
HOLIDAY HOURS
• Monday 22nd Dec 8am-6pm
• Tuesday 23rd Dec 8am-6pm
• Wednesday 24th Dec 8am-6pm
• Thursday 25th Dec 9am-1pm
• Friday 26th Dec 9am-3pm
• Saturday 27th Dec 9am-3pm
• Sunday 28th Dec 9am-3pm
• Monday 29th Dec 8am-6pm
• Tuesday 30th Dec 8am-6pm
• Wednesday 31st January 8am-6pm
• Thursday 1st January 9am-1pm
• Friday 2nd January 8am-3pm
• Saturday 3rd January 9am-3pm
• Sunday 4th January 9am-3pm
We wish all our patients a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous 2026
CountryLife
Calves score for rugby
By Jesse Wood
Ōhaupō Rugby Sports Club held their annual calf rearers’ day in Ngāhinapōuri last month a great initiative to raise funds to help keep the club running in the summer months.
The day was well attended by farmers from the wider area, as well as rugby royalty - former King Country and All Blacks representative Stan Meads and Waikato
Several calves will graze at Ngaroma in the King Country until they’re ready for sale.
For the past 44 years, the event has been hosted by life member Murray Jess, and his wife Kathy.
“This year was another great event. We had 23 calves on the day, another three in the wings and a few extra donations,” club president and life member Campbell Thomas said.
“It was a really fun day and a good chance for farmers to catch up after a long spring, relax, enjoy some good refreshments,
beverages and food.
“We have some farmers grazing the calves for a couple of years.
“We welcomed a couple of new calf donors to the fold this year.
Dan Evans and family, as well as Brian Gordon.”
Perez Livestock picks the calves up from the donors to be weighed at the Jess’ stockyards.
Rearers head along to the weighin and can guess the weight of an average calf.
Longtime supporter Matt O’Connor guessed one right on the dot at 150kg.
The heaviest calf was about 230kg, donated by Julene and Malcolm Fisher – also a life member.
“Murray and I are probably the oldest ones in the club. We took four calves to the Parrott family at Ngaroma [the week after the event],” fellow life member Brian Matthews said.
“They’ll rear them those calves for a couple of years, then put them into a sale. Some might go to the works. It just depends on what the
price is at the time.
“The club appreciates what they’re doing for us.”
The Parrott family previously turned $2000 worth of calves into more than $10,000, a great contribution to the club.
“It’s such good money for the rugby club. It’s a good start for the season to have that money in the kitty,” one of the organisers Andrew Young said.
“When you think about how much money we get each year from this, over 50 years, imagine how much us farmers have donated to the club. Without this [initiative] it’s a lot harder.”
Waikato rugby centurion Duane Monkley (left) and former King Country and All Black forward Stan Meads catch up at the event in Ngāhinapōuri. P hoto: Jesse Wood
Ōhaupō Rugby Sports Club president Campbell Thomas is heavily involved in the event.
Photo: Jesse Wood
The calf rearers’ day is a great initiative to raise funds to keep the club running in the summer months.
Photo: Jesse Wood
What is good faith in employment
Employers must act in good faith when making decisions that might affect employees. Acting in good faith is about good, consultative decision-making. It is about the process that the employer chooses to follow to engage and consult with affected employees, to genuinely consider feedback, and how the proposals and outcomes are communicated to employees. The duty “cuts both ways”, for both employers and employees. That is amplified by the similar obligation to be open and communicative to build and maintain a constructive employment relationship. Within a well-considered framework, employers can make effective and robust decisions about their businesses and staff and minimise the chances of successful employment claims against them. Employees can fully and fairly participate in processes that affect them, and can raise legal claims for breach in procedural fairness.
If you are thinking about your good faith obligations or are considering whether to embark on or participate in an employment decision-making process, give Your Lawyers a call for a consultation on your rights and obligations.
Jadin Hooper
Bloodsuckers with a purpose
By Viv Posselt
A niche enterprise - vital to the country’s surgical community - has begun a new chapter under the stewardship of two Waikato veterinarians.
The medical leech business was started by Maria and Robert Lupton 36 years ago. They came to it by chance when the family discovered eels and leeches in dune lakes on a farm north of Dargaville. At the same time, an Auckland Zoo scientist was up there looking for leeches for his creepy-crawly exhibition.
The Lupton children lent a hand, and when the family ended up sending leeches to the zoo, a newspaper article on them was spotted by a Middlemore surgeon seeking help for a patient. He rang the zoo and was referred to the Luptons; they sent him leeches that successfully remedied the problem… and so the business began.
They moved to Waikato and built the country’s only medical leech breeding and supply business, sending thousands via courier to plastic surgery units around the country.
When The News spoke to the Luptons last year, they had about 50,000 leeches of varying ages in their Te Miro shed.
In October, the enterprise passed into the hands of Rachel and Richard Munn.
“Richard and Rachel are the perfect fit,” Robert said.
Leeches are used to help prevent a post-operative condition called venous congestion, which occurs when the blood pools and stagnates in veins. As the leeches feed on areas of damaged tissue, they reduce the risk of blood clotting, allowing time for new, healthy tissue to grow.
The Munns work in the veterinary environment primarily in the field of research. Richard is general
manager/lead scientist at Cognosco, Anexa Veterinary Services in Morrinsville.
Rachel is a veterinary technologist and animal scientist, juggling her work with caring for the couple’s three daughters, Eva, Amy and Olivia.
They’ve learned fast that weekends away might be interrupted by emergencies
requiring the swift delivery of leeches for a range of accidents and plastic surgeries.
The first call came on Labour Weekend, as they were planning an outing.
“We had to turn back, collect the leeches and get them couriered away,” Richard said. “It was a bit of a baptism of fire.”
Regional council overhaul
By Garry Reymer, Waipā-King Country regional councillor
I said repeatedly on the campaign trail that if I did a good job, I would be a one term councillor. I have always been an advocate for a restructure but never in my wildest dreams imagined it could be a matter of months before I was handed my notice. The government announced last week that it wants to abolish regional councils and instead have the region’s mayors form a board to decide how our district and regional councils could structure their business and operations. It’s hoped this would drive efficiencies, improve productivity and reduce overall rates.
This is a major overhaul of local government and not just a scrapping of the Waikato Regional Council as the headline suggests. In my opinion this will ultimately deliver unitary councils or territory authorities.
Ratepayers will need to think long and hard and provide feedback at every step if we want to get outcomes that will improve how we fund, structure and provide services.
In particular, we need to think about urban and rural needs and how these are best controlled.
Where the urban population is probably not as concerned about issues of drainage, the rural community has little concern for public transport. Do we need to take Hamilton and Cambridge out of the rest of the Waikato to form a council of its own?
Do we want just one big council that covers from Pokeno across to the Coromandel, down to Taupo, across the King Country to Mokau then up the coast to Port Waikato? Or should we have three - east and west of the Waikato River with the HamiltonCambridge urban centres the third. Once that is decided, you need to turn your focus to what functions stay inside council control and what central government takes over. Waikato water done well has already been set up, shifting a lot of debt off the council balance sheets. Roading is another major asset - should that be put into a separate entity with public transport?
Transport is the biggest single cost at WRC and a major expense for all district councils. Could NZTA take this back off councils?
Issues of drainage and flood protection could be put back under the care of farmer controlled boards as they were before the regional councils were set up. Most of that infrastructure has stood the test of time which indicates this is well within the capabilities of a local farmer board. Once you strip out those major assets and cost centres you can have a council focussed on the likes of Civil Defence, consents, parks, museums and pools. None of this is to suggest I have the answers - I don’t. But I want to highlight the complexity of the change ahead and ask that you stay informed and have your say. I can assure you that your current regional councillors will be vocal and provide the necessary leadership on the debate going forward.
Veterinary researchers Rachel and Richard Munn took over the leech business in October.
Photo: Viv Posselt
Kirby leads Rural Women
By Mary Anne Gill
An organisation that supports and connects rural women, their families and communities has celebrated its 100th birthday with a new chief executive at the helm.
Sandra Kirby brings more than two decades of leadership experience to Rural Women New Zealand across member organisations and the not‑for‑profit sector, having previously served as chief executive of Physiotherapy New Zealand and Arthritis New Zealand.
National president Sandra Matthews says her appointment comes at a pivotal time. “She brings extensive experience from her previous roles, and a career dedicated to service and improving the lives of others.
“It’s been a huge year for Rural Women New Zealand, celebrating our centennial and growing our national office. Now we have Sandra as our chief executive, I can’t wait to see what we achieve for rural women and communities across Aotearoa.”
Kirby began her role last month. Her career reflects a commitment to public health and community wellbeing, spanning initiatives from alcohol harm reduction strategies to consumer-based health services.
“Raising awareness of public health issues and advocating for change have been a strong thread throughout my career,” she says.
Past and present members had a celebratory centenary event at Zenders in Hamilton last month.
“A hundred years of scones, stories, service, and unwavering support for rural communities,” former president Fiona Gower says. The event highlighted the organisation’s grassroots beginnings in 1925 and its commitment to “Service Simply Given,” from supporting communities after natural disasters to empowering rural entrepreneurs.
Keynote speaker Katey Milne, a scholarship recipient now completing medical training at the University of Auckland and due to start
her placement at Whangārei Hospital soon, spoke of the life-changing impact of Rural Women’s support.
“I am a product of many, many people - including Rural Women New Zealandinvesting in rural communities and rural healthcare going forward,” she said.
Milne, originally from Northland, shared her love of rural life and the heartbreak of seeing how location, birth circumstances, ethnicity and gender can shape health outcomes.
Board member Nicole Oliver closed the event by celebrating a century of leadership and advocacy, noting that strong rural women continue to uplift their communities into the next hundred years.
Kirby’s appointment signals both continuity and renewal, she said.
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New Rural Women New Zealand chief executive Sandra Kirby at a Beehive function with Mark Patterson, the minister for Rural Communities. Photo: Supplied.
At Te Awamutu Funeral Services our dedicated team is passionate about providing valuable guidance and a personalised service at a time when you need it most. - Offering Generations of Experience -
CHAPEL & CATERING FACILITIES • PREPLANNED FUNERALS • THE FUNERAL TRUST PREPAID PLAN
Across 1. Smell (5)
4. Soak (6)
8. Distraught with fear (7)
9. Dog breed (5)
10. Multitude (5)
11. Double bind (7)
12. Distant (6)
14. Shout loudly (6)
17. Violent windstorm (7)
Last week
19. Independent (abbr) (5)
21. Insurgent (5) 22. Make a suggestion (7)
23. Blush (6)
24. Wet thud (5) Down 1. Unofficially (3,3,6)
2. Broadcasting (2,3)
3. Quiet, secluded place (7)
4. Determine (6) 5. Distinguish oneself (5)
6. Soft toffee (7) 7. Row (12) 13. Gruesome (7) 15. Threatening (7) 16. Intensify (6) 18. Greased (5) 20. Dribble (5)
Across: 1. Amass, 4. Trance, 7. Cue, 8. Tiller, 9. Drover, 10. Cut the mustard, 14. Agree, 15. Octet, 18. Short-tempered, 23. Driven, 24. Intern, 25. Gas, 26. Chilly, 27. Heady. Down: 1. Adieu, 2. Allot, 3. Screen, 4. Tedium, 5. About, 6. Clear, 10. Chaos, 11. Torso, 12. Alter, 13. Dated, 16. Stingy, 17. Impish, 19. Harsh, 20. Rival, 21. Extra, 22. Early.
ELLCGNEDSRSSTRINGM RDAMAUNMBIMTHEWPIO WQCJLESZERGLOSQIIO OWERPCHAINONENLWMN DIAMONDLKSTOETEMES PEMWFIGOLDWRCTAHDT PSAPPHIRESMIIHSAAO CHOKERSQSCORONETLN CHARMBRACELETBGSLE JEWELSLGAMETHYSTII TARRZGCARATSCAMEOS USDSOLITAIRELNUKNY ENBERYLELOCKETSGYN
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All puzzles © The Puzzle Company
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Te Awamutu Rotary
extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors whose generous support makes the annual Te Awamutu Rotary Christmas Parade possible. The parade is a major community event delivered entirely by volunteers, and its continued success relies on the commitment of our local partners. This year, Rotary is proud to acknowledge the contribution of:
• Waikato Construction Management
• Waipa District Council
• Te Awamutu & Kihikihi Community Board
• Waipa Networks • Thorncombe Park
• Rosetown Print • Fresh Choice • Pak’nSave
• Honda Shop • Subway • McDonald’s.
Their collective support ensures the parade remains a safe, enjoyable, and memorable occasion for families across Te Awamutu and the wider Waipā community. Rotary also extends its appreciation to local retailers for their cooperation during parade-day road closures. Their flexibility and community-mindedness help us create a safe environment for thousands of attendees.
The Te Awamutu Rotary Christmas Parade continues to thrive thanks to a community that consistently shows generosity, spirit, and pride.
NOTICE OF IMPOUNDING AND OF PROPOSED SALE OF IMPOUNDED STOCK SECTION 46(2), IMPOUNDING ACT 1955
The undermentioned stock, having been seized for impounding, are impounded at 42 Matos Segedin Drive, Cambridge. Description of stock: - One black cross-breed calf/heifer – female - ear tags (Roto-o-rangi)
- One bay Pinto horse – female (Pokuru)
Notice is hereby given that, unless claimed by the owner, the stock will be sold by public auction or otherwise disposed of in accordance with the Impounding Act 1955 at Cambridge Stock Pound, 42 Matos Segedin Drive, Cambridge on Friday 19 December 2025 at 11.00am. Enquiries to (0800) 924 723.
71 Triangle type (9)
76 Alternative (6)
77 Tactical (9)
79 Student (7)
81 Fetch (3)
84 Vegetable (5)
85 Thumbtack (7-3)
86 Bungling (5)
87 Water body (5)
88 It was sought and won by Jason (3,6,6)
89 Rider’s straps (5) DOWN
2 Favour (6)
3 Melodies (5)
5 Musical instrument (4)
6 Pincers (7)
7 Eye part (6)
8 Custom (5)
9 Distinguished musician (7)
10 Food grain (4)
11 Sufficient (6)
12 Circumnavigate (5)
13 Crush underfoot (7)
14 Evening wear (7)
18 Radically new (5-5)
23 Drained (5)
24 Post-mortem examination (7)
26 Rust (7)
27 Cost (7)
29 Spectre (7)
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31 Muscle seizure (5)
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56 Icy rain (5)
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67 Speak of (7)
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72 Roof tile (7)
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74 Conviction (6)
75 Transpire (6)
76 Water mammal (5)
78 Lessen (5)
80 Weight unit (5)
82 Cosy (4)
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ACROSS: 1 Spite, 4 Corner the market, 14 Poker, 15 Meant, 16 Compatible, 17 Crony, 19 Rim,
20 Pensive, 21 Reinstate, 22 Aghast, 25 Economist, 27 Exodus, 28 Magpie, 33 Corrugated, 35 Rip, 36 Phobia, 37 Game, 39 Eel, 41 Armoury, 42 Salmon, 43 Saltwater, 44 Shaky, 45 Cemetery, 50 Me, 51 Two-timer, 55 Ferry, 58 Presenter, 59 Seldom, 60 Attempt, 61 Set, 63 Dais, 64 Plight, 65 Eve, 66 Screen idol, 68 Degree, 69 Plucky, 71 Isosceles, 76 Option, 77 Strategic, 79 Scholar, 81 Get, 84 Onion, 85 Drawing-pin, 86 Inept, 87 Ocean, 88 The Golden Fleece, 89 Reins. DOWN: 2 Prefer,
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AWESOME GARAGE SALE, something for everyone. 122 Cactus Court, Te Awamutu. Saturday 13 December, 9am to 3pm.
The Valuation Rolls for the Waipā District Council have been revised by Quotable Value Limited (as the Council’s valuation service provider). This process was duly audited by the Office of the Valuer General.
The revised rating values are effective as at Friday, August 1, 2025, and are available for public inspection, free of charge, on the Rating Information Database at the offices of: Waipā District Council
101 Bank Street 23 Wilson Street
Te Awamutu 3800 Cambridge 3434
Or on our website www.waipadc.govt.nz
Public inspection will be available from Wednesday, December 10, 2025 until close of business Thursday, February 5, 2026 during ordinary office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
All owners and ratepayers of property (as defined in the Local Government Rating Act 2002) within the Waipā District will be posted or emailed notices of the revised values. These notices are scheduled to be sent commencing Monday, December 15, 2025.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Rating Valuations Act 1998 and Rating Valuations Regulations 1998, and objection(s) to the revised valuations are to be lodged in writing no later than Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Objection forms are available by phoning 0800 924723, by emailing Council at rates@waipadc.govt.nz, or from our council office at either 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu or 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge.
Completed objection forms to be mailed to:
Waipā District Council Private Bag 2402 Te Awamutu 3840 Or emailed to rates@waipadc.govt.nz
Steph O’Sullivan
CHIEF EXECITIVE
Kihikihi Presbyterian Church
CHURCH SERVICES 10am 14th December
Dr Terry Cowland
All Welcome
CLEANER REQUIRED - for commercial and domestic with own transport and valid license. Contact 0210 2928140/ 021 732609
WANTED TO BUY
WANTED TO BUY. Any ute, van, 4WD, truck or car. Any condition doesn’t have to be going. Cash paid. Ph/txt Kevin 027 299 6165
WEED SPRAYER
Gorse, Ragwort, Thistles, professional, efficient weed sprayer operator. 200m auto rewind reels Relief Milker /Worker also available for employee/employer time off.
Ph 022 0844 349
WANTED TO RENT
WANTED TO RENT
Wednesday 17 December At 7.30pm
To held at the Ohaupo Memorial Hall 98 Great South Rd Ohaupo Enquires to Mark (Chairperson ) Ph 027 441 9453
Professional business owning couple, wanting a rural home with garaging/shedding. All options considered. Good references available.
Ph 022 636 0501
ARE YOU AN EXPERIENCED OR QUALIFIED TRADESMAN? DO YOU WANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
Call Todd on 0275 548 248 or send your details to accounts@toddormsby.co.nz
PARISH OF ST JOHN
Sat 6th Dec: 6pm: Carols • St Saviours Sun 7th Dec: 6pm: Carols Christ Church Kihikihi Sun 14th Dec: 7 pm: Lessons and Carols • St Paul’s Hairini Fri 12th Dec: 6pm: Family hour with Jesus’ family, food and prayer Thurs 18 Dec: 7pm: Blue Christmas St John’s (A quiet service of Hope) Christmas Eve: 11.15 pm: Carols and Midnight Mass St John’s Christmas Day: 9am Family Christmas St Paul’s Hairini 9.15am Family Christmas St Saviours, Pirongia 9.30 am Family Christmas St John’s,
