Global conflicts swell numbers
By Viv Posselt
Record numbers attending Anzac Day events around the region, and the messages delivered at those services, suggest a heightened public awareness of escalating global tensions.
The messages have been widespread. TaranakiKing Country MP Barbara Kuriger asked ‘when are we going to learn from all of this?’ when speaking at the Te Awamutu civic ceremony and at the end of a service at the Pukeatua War Memorial Church.
Guest speaker at Te Kūiti’s Anzac Day service, Terry Bradley, said the world seems ‘more divided than ever’ and said we seem to be living in the age of the dictator.
Waitomo mayor John Robertson echoed those views and said ‘we watch and worry about where civilised society has gone’ in a world more on edge.
Similar views, increasingly expressed nationally and internationally, came when The News reported on an address by NZDF Brigadier and Cambridge businessman Jon Broadley who cautioned New Zealanders against complacency and said our geographical distance offers no buffer against the effects of global conflict.
The link between increasingly volatile
geopolitics and growing numbers at Anzac Day events comes as no surprise to one of two national vice-presidents with the NZ Returned Services Association and Cambridge RSA president, James ‘Tony’ Hill MBE.
He said on Monday that heightened awareness of global conflicts was likely attributable to today’s almost instantaneous news coverage via social media.
“You can’t go anywhere and not have the news reach you … it’s in our faces all the time,” he said.
“Crowds at events like Anzac Day have definitely grown in number. I am sure that the current turmoil they see in the world is part of the reason. I also think it is marvellous to see them turn out like that. There seem to be more families who are there not only to support people from past wars, but also to support those serving today.”
Hill also commented on last month’s government announcement that the definition of veteran be expanded to include the many thousands of servicemen and women left unsupported by current eligibility dictates.
The move was made after New Zealand’s most decorated living war hero, Sir Willie Apiata, gifted Veterans Minister Chris Penk his NZ Victoria Cross Medal to press for change.
Penk subsequently said the government would introduce the Veterans’ Recognition Bill in response to concerns that the present definition of a veteran created a divide. He explained that the current term is reserved for NZDF personnel injured as a result of qualifying service, either on deployment or in routine
service before ACC was introduced in 1974.
Penk said: “While that definition remains appropriate for determining eligibility for support entitlements, it has unfortunately left many who have loyally served our nation feeling excluded.”
Hill said the move to broaden the definition of
‘veteran’ was a good thing.
“People often think of a veteran as their ‘grand-dad’ or other senior relative, but they are people who have fought in far more recent conflicts, and they should not be ignored or sidelined.”
He also commended the government for considering the creation of a new national day dedicated to
honouring New Zealand’s veterans, announced by Penk at the same time. He said the date is to be held at a time of year yet to be chosen following government consultation with the NZRSA and the Independent Veterans’ Advisory Board.
• See: Anzac Day 2025, pgs 14, 15 and 18
The crowd stands in silence at Te Awamutu’s Anzac Green in front of the memorial to soldiers who fought in World War I and the recently renovated flagpole with the New Zealand flag at half mast.
Photo: Jesse Wood.
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Kihikihi Cycleway
Earlier this year, I requested information regarding the Te Ara Rimu Kihikihi Pathway project. Of interest was the consultation with the community. The committee report dated August 29, 2023, highlighted that of the 149 submissions received, 106 were against and 42 were in favour of the proposed project.
As with any project, and more importantly ratepayer and taxpayer funded projects, it is important to review the changes to ensure they have met the desired outcome. When asked whether a review would take place, the council advised “a monitoring and evaluation report is under preparation for this project. This will cover a range of objectives sought by the project including uptake of walking and cycling, change in travel patterns and speeds and feedback from residents and road users. This report will be published on council’s website when complete mid-2025”.
When asked how the Council would gather such feedback, the response was “council is receiving feedback through customer interactions, enquiries and comments through our customer services team. This feedback is being received via email, phone calls and social media.”
With such an impactful project, feedback should be sought more formally and be transparent. However, since council stated that feedback via social media was one of its platforms for gaining such feedback, I ran a poll on the Kihikihi Community Facebook page. At time of writing, 482 votes were cast. The split was 442 not happy with the
changes with 40 happy. That is a 92 per cent to 8 per cent split of unhappy customers. Perhaps the change from a shared pathway to what has eventuated has something to do with this but suggests to me that this community is not being listened to, and that council has some work to do on rectifying this matter.
Gina Kriletich Parawera
More on cats
A few weeks ago, there was an opportunity given by volunteer veterinarians to have 50 cats either spayed or neutered. This was to be held in Kihikihi. The opportunity was offered by Paws4life. Due to a complaint, this event was cancelled but 50 applicants were invited to go to Hamilton 10 days later. As I understand it correctly about 150 people applied to help them take care of their cats. Only the first 50 could go. I applaud Paws4life for taking this initiative as we all know there is an issue with stray, nontreated cats in Kihikihi.
This service was offered for free, but I know nothing is for free, the vets had to give up their time. I sincerely hope that this event can happen again, perhaps with the help of some local vets so more cats can be spayed/ neutered. Surely this would be a good idea. So, again, many thanks from, I would expect, quite a few cat owners for the initiative and results.
Bernard Westerbaan Kihikihi
The last week has been an extremely busy week for Te Awamutu Police and the results could not have been achieved without support from Waikato Police based resources.
First off a highway patrol unit clocked a vehicle travelling at an extremely high speed on Ōhaupō Rd.
The highway patrol officer signalled the vehicle to stop, the driver failed to do so however was located a short time later by local staff. The driver has been summonsed to appearing court and the vehicle has been impounded.
The same day highway patrol staff executed a search warrant at an address in Te Awamutu to seize motorcycles that have been used to flee from police several times.
The riders have been seen multiple times by police staff riding dangerously and highly likely to injure themselves or a member of the public.
During the warrant local staff attended
Fluoride misinformation
I’m wanting to complain to you about giving airtime about the stupidity of antifluoridation. Fluoridation of water has been proved to be excellent for public health for over 70 years and giving airtime to people who refuse to adhere to scientific evidence is just poor journalism.
I object to the ‘both sides’ when the other side is so blatantly misinformed. Are you going to give equal airtime to a flat earther? Why not? Don’t be part of the problem by writing misinformation as fact/opinion. New Zealand is not the United States, and the current administration is intent on racing to the bottom. Please do not follow them for your own integrity.
Peter Finch
Nelson
Editor’s note: There is a sufficient level of public opposition to some councils, including Waipā, being ordered to add fluoride to water supplies that it would show a lack of integrity if this newspaper ignored it. Fluoride remains a controversial subject. The shape of our planet is not.
and found other items of interest leading to a raft of extra charges in court.
There was a high profile incident which has resulted in police vehicles being damaged and police staff being at severe risk of being injured.
Police staff effected an arrest in this incident and displayed a high level of professionalism in bringing this critical incident to an end.
Lastly I would like to say a big thankyou to all those who found time to pay their respects to our fallen on Friday.
It is always good to see the young turning out and I applaud the RSA for allowing the various groups to march alongside the veterans.
The challenge has well and truly been laid down to the various politicians to understand the meaning behind the words, Lest We forget.
Waipā breast cancer survivor and mother of two Sabine Lang is encouraging people to host a Pink Ribbon breakfast this month to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2021 after a routine mammogram found a tumour and has since gone on to open Lang’s, her own gluten-free bakery.
Pink breakfast
Briefs…
Bernard again
Retired council facilities officer
Bernard Westerbaan is to have another tilt at standing for Waipā District Council. Kihikihi based Westerbaan, a ratepayers group member, is also standing for the Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board. He stood unsuccessfully for mayor three years ago.
ITM ownership
Timmo’s ITM in Te Awamutu has not changed ownership, as reported in The News 17 April. Timmo’s ITM is still owned and operated by Clayton and Nicky Timmo and not champion apprentice Jack Mathis’ brother. Timmo’s joined ITM in 2004 and after nearly 40 years of operating from Cambridge Rd, they recently built a new store with a covered drive through in Riverhurst Drive.
Running time
Cambridge Athletic and Harrier Club is about to celebrate its 75th anniversary with a cross-country relay next week from their grounds in Vogel St followed by a celebration dinner in the Rotoo-Rangi Community Hall. Over the years the club has held pack runs, road races, cross country events and held invitational runs with other Waikato harrier clubs.
Airgun arrest
A female firing an airgun out onto Lake Karāpiro was arrested and will appear in court on related charges. It is an offence to use an airgun in or near a dwelling or public place so as to endanger property or endanger, annoy or frighten any person. A search of her vehicle also located live ammunition rounds.
Boxing debut
Commonwealth Games rep
Alex Mukuka will make his professional boxing debut on Saturday in a super featherweight bout against Ross Malthus in Te Awamutu with his eyes on becoming a world champion. Mukuka is stepping up in the professional division in boxing, which is a different ball game compared to amateur boxing.
Teamwork tops for Tim
By Jesse Wood
Timothy “Tim” Smith, 51, believes teamwork has been the secret to his loyalty and two decades’ service to Foodstuffs.
“My motto in life is it’s amazing what you can achieve if you work as a team. Don’t be scared to go that extra mile for someone you never know when you will need help yourself,” the proud grocery assistant and Pak n Save Te Awamutu foundation staff member said.
“Treat people the way you want yourself to be treated.
“The main thing I will say is you help a lot of people, and you serve a lot of people but the most important thing to do is to lift each other up and always work as a team.
“Tim’s rightfully proud of his 20 years with Foodstuffs and starting at Pak ‘n Save Te Awamutu on Day 1almost 15 years ago,” store manager Nick Hewlett said.
Hewlett said Tim has a remarkable memory for random dates – from when other people started work, to things that happened at primary
school.
Tim joined the workforce at the former Hamilton Fruit Market on London St (1994-1995) before working at 3 Guys, now Fresh Choice Te Awamutu, for nine years.
“I worked there from February 12, 1996, to March 26, 2005. I started working at Mill St Pak ‘n Save supermarket in Hamilton on either the April 18 or 19, 2005 and I left there October 15, 2010.
“When I worked at Hamilton Fruit Market that was a tough, hard place. 3 Guys was a really good learning experience. Then I went to Mill St and that was also a good learning experience. I worked for Glen Miller there for five and a half years.
“I had to do trips to Hamilton and back. When the store came up here in Te Awamutu, I thought I would come here and join the team. I ended up working here for Glen’s sister Robyne Gobel. I’ve worked for brother and sister for 18 years.”
Tim has worked in the produce and bakery sections but has spent most of his time in the grocery team.
Grocery manager Adele Venneman said Tim will do anything
to help anyone.
“He’s one of those team members that you can rely upon,” Venneman said.
“He doesn’t mind doing the jobs that everyone else avoids doing.”
Originally from Ahaura, half an hour north of Greymouth, Tim describes himself as “a typical west coaster”.
“I went to Ahaura Primary School from 1979-1986 and Greymouth High School 1987- May 1990.”
In May 1990, Len and Eunice Smith and their five children moved to the Te Awamutu region from the family sheep and beef farm.
Tim and his brothers - Stephen, Jason, Caleb and Michael - had been the fourth generation to live on that block of land.
He finished his schooling at Te Awamutu College.
“When we left Ahaura we arrived at Panetapu on Seafund Rd, 30km south of Te Awamutu just out of Wharepapa South,” Tim said.
“Dad, who passed away on October 2, 2023, and Mum were beef and sheep farming for the start before they converted over
dairy farming. I found dairy farming didn’t suit me, so I went to supermarket work.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given. I would like to thank management here, they’re really good at encouraging and building up their team. It makes things a lot easier when management get behind you - everything goes well.”
Funeral Director: Helen Carter
Pak ‘n Save Te Awamutu grocery manager Adele Venneman (from left), Tim Smith grocery assistant and Nick Hewlett store manager.
Photo: Jesse Wood
Tim Smith
Te Awamutu in nail-biter
By Jesse Wood
Hautapu commemorated Anzac Day in style at Cambridge Memorial Park on Friday, drubbing Melville 90-10 in the Waikato club rugby premiership.
It was also a great tribute to club man David Morris as he scored a hat-trick and a conversion in his 150th premier match. Hautapu crossed the chalk 14 times and 10 of those tries were successfully converted.
Former Southland prop Joe Walsh was the only try scorer for the visitors.
First five-eight Leroy Neels added five points off the boot.
Fellow Waipā neighbours Te Awamutu Sports were also in the winners’ circle, beating Fraser Tech in a close match 19-17 at Mill Street Park in Hamilton.
In the premier B grade, Hautapu beat Melville B 49-31 – Ihaka Harper-Dent scoring three tries and Callum Beckett converted
all seven tries - and Te Awamutu fell short against Fraser Tech B, 36-17.
In division 1A, Leamington smothered Kereone 51-0, Pirongia beat last year’s finalists Putāruru 26-22 and Ōhaupō dealt to Frankton 50-12.
Their division 1B sides also did well.
Leamington B defeated Kereone B 48-14, Pirongia B drew 13-all with and Ōhaupō beat their Frankton counterparts 30-24.
In the women’s premiership Ōtorohanga were 27-24 victors against Hautapu and Melville beat Kihikihi 67-0.
Pirongia lost 34-12 to United Matamata
Sports in the women’s premiership at Pirongia Domain on Thursday evening.
In the under-21 division, Hautapu were the only triumphant Waipā team beating the Leamington colts 67-0.
The winners scored 11 tries and six conversions against their across town rivals. Pirongia fell 22-17 to Suburbs and Te Awamutu Sports were on the wrong side of a 62-17 score line handed to them by Thames Valley United.
In the combined Waikato and Counties Manukau under-85kg competition, Kio Kio United Cattle Dogs lost 27-10 to Drury.
Team looks at security
By Jon Rawlinson
Elevate, Ōtorohanga District Council’s development board, has appointed a project team to focus on improving security for businesses.
The project team will now work through the options with businesses, Elevate’s economic development manager Michelle Hollands said.
The move follows the arrest of a man in connection with a series of burglaries in the business district.
“The community coming together and designing solutions that connect businesses both to one
another and the police security network is an important next step for both business and whānau in Ōtorohanga,” Hollands said.
Business owners are being asked to take part in a survey to determine who has- and who wantscameras installed.
Other issues to be considered include connecting to a national police monitoring system, the potential for camera which recognise number plates and whether or not a targeted rate for security patrol will continue.
Elevate board members Grant Matthews and Katrina
Christison are also part of the project team which will work with council and police.
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Jake Russ reaches out to score for Te Awamutu Sports.
Photo: Justin Miezenbeek
Michelle Hollands
There was much happening in the district around 1938 including heavy snow falls on Pirongia, dairy cow demonstrations and a rare budgerigar. Meghan Hawkes reports.
Kihikihi School destroyed by fire
Several young Te Awamutu dancers competing at the Te Kūiti Winter Show national dancing competitions met with considerable success.
Elaine North had a series of triumphs, including first for Highland dance and tap dance under 11 years; second for tap dance under 9 years; second for Highland fling, sword dance and Irish jig, all under 11 years.
Elaine had secured 100 placings, made up of 46 firsts, 34 seconds and 20 thirds - a very fine achievement. Elaine was in splendid form at the competitions, and there was loud applause when she reached such prominence.
A successful gypsy dance was held in the Te Rore Hall, which was beautifully decorated with multicoloured streamers, the supper room tables being arranged charmingly with vases of daphne and freesias.
The judges had great difficulty in judging the
dazzling array of costumes consisting of lacquered taffetas, embossed satins, suede’s, velvets and sequins. Excellent music was supplied by Leckie’s orchestra, and extras were played by Mrs Nicholson and Mr Allen.
When Kihikihi School was destroyed by fire there were many scholars who expressed the hope that their holidays would commence much earlier than usual. They were doomed to disappointment as arrangements were made to resume school, most of the children being accommodated in the Town Hall, and others taken by bus to Te Awamutu District High School.
The Kihikihi Town Board made the hall available on five days each week for school purposes as an emergency measure and the Board of Education sent equipment. After school holidays, three marquees were erected
in the school grounds to accommodate all the classes until consolidation of the Te Awamutu and Intermediate schools could be made.
An unusually heavy fall of snowcapped Mt Pirongia, the snow level reaching a point about half-way up the hills. The snowfall was heavier than had been seen for several seasons.
Motorists travelling between the Waikato and Kawhia were thrilled at the unusual spectacle of snow lying about the roadsides and several stopped and set about building snowmen.
A very interesting demonstration of the ideal dairy cow was given at Mr Ryburn’s farm, ‘The Oaks,’ Paterangi, especially for the education of the Paterangi School’s senior scholars.
The president of Te Awamutu Jersey Cattle Club delivered a short but informative address, and Mr Ryburn, a show-ring judge, demonstrated the good
Parking an issue
Ōtorohanga residents concerned about what is going on at their Ballance St fire station can rest easy.
It is quite simply undergoing a refurbishment, one that seems to have people in a pickle about parking.
Brigade chief Neville King said yellow lines have been painted outside while the work goes on, but it means there are fewer spaces for volunteer fire fighters.
He is asking the public to keep spaces around the station free while the work – expected to take three to four months – continues.
The parking situation had not slowed down response times so far and neither has the work on the station, he said.
Until work has been completed the brigade is using a marquee to store its two appliances, a 13,000 litre tanker and a four-wheel drive ute.
Contractors are pulling down two of the existing engine bays, rebuilding and putting three bays on
instead because the brigade needs the tanker and the ute in the one building.
Other restructuring work is included in the overhaul.
“They’re doing a lot of revamping in the existing part of the station too, including structural work, so there’s been quite a bit going on,” he said.
and bad points of several animals paraded. Quite a number of questions were asked and answered. The scholars were given an outline of the aims of calf clubs that were functioning in other districts, and they expressed a desire to form a similar club in Paterangi. The headmaster, Mr Oram, thanked Messrs Allen and Ryburn for their interesting information, and they were
accorded hearty applause. A rare budgerigar was bred and reared by Mr Henderson, of Puniu Road. The progeny of two greensplit blues, it was what was called a fallow and declared by authorities to be the first of its kind ever bred in New Zealand. Its principal markings were white head, pink eyes, yellow beak, sky-blue suffusion body, cinnamon wings, and blue and cinnamon tail. Mr Henderson showed the bird to several breeders and members of the Budgerigar Society and all agreed that the bird was unique.
HE WHAKAWHITIWHITINGA WHAKAARO
Poroporoaki ki a Pope Francis
By Tom Roa, Tikanga Advisor, Waikato University
Tēnei te Pō! Tēnei te Pō! Tēnei te Pō!
Te Pō-uriuri, te Pō-tangotango, te Pō-i-oti-atu. This is the night, this is the night, this is the night!
The darkest night, the deepest night, the night of completion.
The very sad news of Pope Francis’ passing heralds a time for the Catholic Church of prayer, reflection, preparation for his funeral, and the gathering of the Cardinals to appoint his successor.
Worldwide he will be remembered for his legacy of reform, and his not infrequent clashes with world leaders over immigration and economic issues.
Pope Francis was very well known for his strong views on justice, human rights, his condemnation of conflicts, in particular, the Gaza conflict. His Christian heart saw that the glorification of his God, and the following of Christs’ teachings of love for one another were being totally ignored. In fact, every conflict, every war, ignores that so important base of Christian faith. Of having love for one another.
I wait, with bated breathe, even though I am not Catholic, with how the Catholic Church will replace him, and what will be the guidance, the leadership of the new Pope to be. But first, let us mourn Pope Francis, the passing of a good man, a man who lived up to his belief in the importance of loving one another.
Echoes of the strength of will of those
before Pope Francis resound here in Aotearoa New Zealand with the recent rejection of the Treaty Principles Bill. Many commentators and submissions to the Parliamentary Select Committee paid little to no heed to the ‘fourth Article’ of the Treaty, also known as ‘Te Ritenga Maori’ which called for the guarantee of the right of freedom of religious expression.
Catholic Bishop Pompallier proposed this ‘Fourth Article’. Hobson’s translator Henry Williams announced to the gathering: ‘The Governor says the several faiths of England, of the Wesleyans, of Rome, and also the Māori custom shall alike be protected by him.’ In Māori, Williams read out to the gathered rangatira: ‘E mea ana Te Kāwana, ko ngā whakapono katoa, o Ingarani, o ngā Weteriana, o Roma me te ritenga Māori hoki, e tiakina ngātahitia ana e ia.’
The Māori chiefs present at Waitangi quickly agreed and Hobson accepted but never wrote that down as part of his written draft.
E te Kāmaka, nāu te tūru o Hato Pētera i kawe ki te ao-tūroaHaere ki raro i ngā parirau o tō Kaihanga; Nāna koe i hōmai - Nāna koe i tango. Moe mai rā.
Oh Rock of the church founded by Saint Peter whose role you have so ably fulfilled. Farewell. Be with your Creator, who gave you to us, and now has taken into his care, sleep in peace.
Ōtorohanga Fire Station’s temporary facilities. Photo: Viv Posselt
Game on for Neil
Traps best stay shut once the season opens as loud talk may scare the birds but until then, there was time for Jon Rawlinson to talk with Pirongia’s Neil Pratt about his love of the ‘game’.
Duck hunters will be out in force, on boats, in maimais, on rivers or beside ponds this month as the crack of shotguns signals the start of game bird season.
Among those intent to bag their share of birds will be Te Kūiti Cambridge Trap Shooters Club president, Neil Pratt.
“On opening day we’ll probably shoot our limit because there’s good duck numbers and there will be plenty of shooting which will keep them moving around,” he said.
“As the season goes on and the ducks start to come in at dusk, you’ll see these flying silhouettes screeching, turning and twisting in the sky as they come to land on the swamps. Night shooting is probably the most exciting for me because a duck can be right on top of you before you even see it.”
During the season, Neil, 62, is often at his usual post on the Waipā River.
“It should be a good season. There’s been a really good breeding season and, with some recent rain, there’s a lot of ducks on the rivers. As maize crops are being cut, ducks are getting out to pasture too. Mallard ducks have had a prolific breeding season, there’s a lot of paradise shelducks around and we’re also seeing quite a few droves of Canada geese.”
It may not seem easy being green when dressed to kill, but without duck hunters, pests would make short work of our native wildlife and wetlands. In addition, Fish and Game licence fees are primarily put towards managing fish, birds and the habitat on which they depend.
“Hunters want to make sure they have the best environment for their sport so there’s a lot of investment by them into conservation. We invest in tree planting and help with pest eradication around ponds to get rid of ferrets, stoats and rats, for example.
“Fish and Game is constantly developing ponds and wetlands. They have enormous financial resources so people can rehabilitate wetlands and other environments.”
Although now living in Pirongia, Neil was born and raised in Ōtorohanga. He says hunting is in his blood.
Hunting’s a family tradition. His grandfather, Murray Pratt Senior, came to the King Country in the early 1900s and was a keen hunter.
“It followed through to
my father, to me and right down to my grandchildren. Duck shooters become enormously passionate about the sport so it does tend to run in families.”
The club is based at committee member Jim Tarrant’s farm on Lees Block Rd north of Te Kūiti. In 2009 the Cambridge Gun Club became incorporated with it While the game bird season will lure shooters away from the traps, Te Kūiti Cambridge Trap Shooters Club will first provide the perfect opportunity for members to perfect their aim when it hosts the annual Duckshooter Shoot on Anzac Day.
“We set up clay targets simulating live birds, so they’re flying out of bushes and trees and swamps coming in overhead and doing all sorts of things you see from live birds in the field.”
Held since the seventies, the event has hunters flock home to the range before heading out into the field.
“We’ve had more than 300
shooters at the event. We have large numbers turn up because hunters want to get their eye in prior to the duck shooting season.”
Success when on the hunt can be measured by the bag, but clay target shooting delivers rich rewards too. A list of Neil’s own accolades could fill a ‘magazine’, but he rattles off the names of ‘just a few’ of his club mates at a machinegun rate.
“I replicated my grandfather’s [Murray Pratt Senior] feats, becoming a New Zealand champion and being inducted into the NZ Clay Target Association Hall of Fame,” he said.
The club produces a high level of representative shooters including Tarrant, who won a NZ national championship aged 70, Dennis Colson, Gary Pooley and Trevor Ewens, and Neil’s son Michael.
Clay target shooting includes a number of disciplines; Neil shoots DTL, or down the line, which is the most common form.
Dyslexia
a difference – not a disability
It is my pleasure this month to share a column written for me for sharing by Mike Styles. I first met Mike when I was on the board of primary ITO before entering Parliament.
Mike inspires those who live with dyslexia, this value is worth sharing with you. The ultimate paradox. People who are clever, but struggle with text. How many of you know somebody, or perhaps you know several people who are clever but struggle to read, write or spell? Many such people are clever at their jobs, and many own their own businesses. Often the explanation to this conundrum is dyslexia. Dyslexia is best thought of as a condition where intelligent people have an unexpected and otherwise unexplained difficulty engaging with reading, writing and spelling.
Sadly the New Zealand education sector does not serve dyslexic learners well. Governments of all colours have continued to ignore this group of Kiwis. The Ministry of Education denied the existence of dyslexia until 2007. We should not blame the teachers. Thay are doing their best, but they have not been trained or resourced to help children with dyslexia. Children with dyslexia grow up to be adults with dyslexia. Unsupported dyslexia impacts a significant number of New Zealanders. Worldwide at least ten percent of people have dyslexia. That is at least 500,000 Kiwis.
The main feature of dyslexia is literacy difficulties, but it is much more than that. Dyslexia is genetic in origin, affects males and females equally and lasts a lifetime. It affects all languages, cultures and ethnicities, although anecdotally we believe that Te Reo is an easily language to master than is English, because it follows the rules in its spelled and written form. English, as we all know is filled with contradictions and contrary rules.
There is an exciting part to the dyslexia story. Dyslexia comes with a long list of positive features, including creativity, innovation, visual spatial and 3-d strengths as well as great problem-solving skills. Many people with dyslexia have strong kinaesthetic skills and many are very entrepreneurial. There are some highly achieved Kiwis with dyslexia,including: Richard Taylor of Weta workshops, the All Blacks coach Scott Robinson and John Britten of the Britten motorcycle. Technology is helping. There are many different assistive technology devices that make a big difference and level the playing field for people with dyslexia.
Mike Styles MNZM. Dyslexia consultant and author of the book “Congratulations, you have dyslexia, Great minds think differently”. www.dyslexia-consulting.com
Backing Rural and Provincial New Zealand
Te Awamutu Office 196 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu 07 870 1005 • Kuriger.Teawamutu@parliament.govt.nz
King Country Virtual Office 021 815 017 Kuriger.Kingcountry@parliament.govt.nz
Neil Pratt – prepared for game bird season. Photo: Supplied
Neil Pratt – multi award-winning clay pigeon shooter. Photo: Supplied
ON SHAKY GROUND
Slow and steady
By Janine Krippner
If you want an example of how sensational headlines can be about geology, the East African Rift is a prime example. A few years ago, photos of a large crack made the rounds, making it seem like the ground was pulling apart right then and there, with headlines like, “Large crack in East African Rift is evidence of continent splitting in two.”
Geologists were quick to jump in and point out that this “crack” was actually a gully formed by erosion, where dirt was being washed away by water.
So, it was never a crack at all. But why let facts get in the way of a good story, right?
Science is for all of us, and that includes geology.
This is our beautiful planet, and understanding how it works feeds into how we can live in harmony with it.
We don’t need a “crack” for evidence. We’ve known about the African rift system for a long time.
It began about 25 million years ago, so at this point, it’s not shocking. It is, however, a very cool example of active plate tectonics.
The rift zone is a divergent boundary, where tectonic plates pull apart due to the underlying processes of our active Earth.
This isn’t rare on our planet, but we don’t usually see it on a continent. We do see the Mid-Atlantic Rift popping up above the ocean to form Iceland, but the rest of these enormous systems are hidden beneath the sea.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an incredible region with a lot still to discover because of its inaccessibility deep below the ocean,
and we can learn even more by exploring examples on land.
These systems stretch thousands of kilometres and are composed of faults, volcanic and hydrothermal activity, thinning crust, and new land formation. They happen very slowly, especially on human time scales, but they steadily shape our planet.
Community done well
Phil Strong, Senior Leader, Zion
Who would have thought that so much effort would go into planning our water — something that is in never-ending supply? However, we can understand from the public forums that supply is not the issue; delivery is.
There’s such beauty in these powerful yet slow processes that have led to our continents and oceans being where they are today.
If you look at a map, one of the clearest examples is how the eastern side of South America and the western side of Africa look like they were once joined. Because they were.
In the biggest, most epic show of slow and steady, they have made about 7,000 km of progress. How’s that for an inspiration poster child?
These scales are tough to comprehend. Millions of years and vast distances make it look like nothing is moving at all.
But when it does move quickly near us, we notice it—like when there’s a release of pressure during a large earthquake. Tectonics is a slow process, until it isn’t.
So yes, there will one day be a new ocean splitting Africa, but it’s not happening at shocking speed.
And us geologists are not “scrambling” because of it.
We are, however, driven by a love of understanding our planet at all scales and speeds, and like many of you, we are always fascinated to learn more.
I commend the group of Waikato regional leaders who continue to gather to enjoy robust discussion through vibrant, political nuance, all the while seeking the good of their represented communities. It’s a healthy sign to see collaborative efforts of local mayors so close to a public election season. Elected leaders should be judged by what they achieve rather than by slick slogans plastered across front lawns or farm fences.
Waikato Water Done Well appears, from all accounts, to be a strong idea that would see partnership for the future at the forefront of solution design. This bodes well for the generations to come that will wash, play, and flush in the flow of what we hope is accomplished today.
In the Biblical narrative we often read of collaborative partnership between tribes. Numerous instances record historical battles as God’s people unified against their enemies, finding solidarity, strength and success.
Our local landscape shows significant scars from the tremors created by the land wars of the nineteenth century. The growing unity of Māori tribes under the Kingitanga movement demonstrated commitment to the honour of ancestors, past, present and future. By coming together, the tribes stood side by side to defend their whānau, crops and mana.
Doing things together is a means of doing things well; to misquote Aristotle, “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”
To accurately quote Aristotle we must say, “the whole is something besides the parts.” In speaking of unified matter, the great philosopher and theologian reminds us that totality of parts is “not a mere heap,” rather something besides that. He is saying that the whole is unique in and through its unified state.
Take your physical body, for instance, made up of individual parts. We do not call you ‘body parts’ but instead a ‘person.’ Only when the body parts are joined as one can we see a personality and destiny uniquely formed.
God’s plan for humanity is exemplified in unity. Scripture states that God’s blessing flows in unity. When we are together, we are stronger. Do not miss, though, the importance of being together under God. We must not stand unified and yet remain estranged from Him.
Jesus, Himself a great philosopher and theologian, invited us to drink of the ‘Living Water’ as a means of finding abundant life with Him. Being one with Jesus will unquestionably lead you to become someone besides the collation of your history.
I applaud leaders who pursue unity for greater good, seeing the whole as something greater than collation—rather, uniquely crafted for the flow of future favour for families. Waikato Water Done Well has the potential to pave a pathway for future communities to become something besides the sum of their parts. Perhaps that’s a nation that is united for the good of all? Perhaps that’s what the partnership of Te Tiriti o Waitangi intended also?
A Shade S olu tion for You
OFFICE PHONE 07 280 7536
Vayle Hammond
Residential/Lifestyle/Property Manager 027 226 9532
Vayle@waiparealestate.nz
Margaret Kirk
Residential Sales Ph 027 281 1220
margaret@waiparealestate.nz
Steve Coats
Regional Rentals Manager 027 349 8101
Steve@unitedpm.co.nz
Cushla Wilmshurst
Letting Agent/Property Manager 07 350 1074
cushla@unitedpm.co.nz
OFFICE PHONE 07 870 2112
Rebecca Fraser
Branch Manager | Residential/ Lifestyle Sales 021 152 1477 rebecca.fraser@pb.co.nz
Diana Manutai
Residential/Lifestyle Sales 021 0295 9515 diana.manutai@pb.co.nz
Dianna Janett
Residential/Lifestyle Sales 027 554 2227 di.janett@pb.co.nz
Ian Pepper
Residential/Lifestyle Sales 022 126 6852 ian.pepper@pb.co.nz
James Moore
Residential/Lifestyle Sales 022 064 8072 james.moore@pb.co.nz
Lindie Howe
Residential/Lifestyle Sales 027 479 5773 lindie.howe@pb.co.nz
Peter Martyn
Residential/Lifestyle Sales 021 186 8522 peter.martyn@pb.co.nz
Vicky Wright
Residential/Lifestyle Sales 021 058 6618 vicky.wright@pb.co.nz
Courtney Howells
Rural/Lifestyle Sales 021 271 8877 courtney.howells@pb.co.nz
Doug Wakelin
Rural/Lifestyle Sales 027 321 1343 dougw@pb.co.nz
John Sisley
Rural/Lifestyle Sales 027 475 9808 john.sisley@pb.co.nz
Paul Wheeler
Rural/Lifestyle Sales 027 336 6158 paul.wheeler@pb.co.nz
Stephen Weck
Rural/Lifestyle Sales 027 455 1106 stephen.weck@pb.co.nz
Julie Elliot
Property Management 027 264 2200 julie.elliot@pb.co.nz
Nicky Pratt Property Management 027 279 6534 nicky.pratt@pb.co.nz
Darryl Hunter Property Management 027 244 0587 darryl.hunter@pb.co.nz
Riane King Branch Administration 07 870 2112 riane@pb.co.nz
Raewyn Brock Branch Administration 07 870 2112 raewyn.brock@pb.co.nz
Shikiera Campbell Branch Administration 07 870 2112 shikiera.campbell@pb.co.nz
know your real estate
Fiona Collins
Residential/Lifestyle Consultant 027 295 4250 fionacollins@stonerealestate. co.nz
Braden Chick Residential/Lifestyle Consultant 027 373 7790 bradenchick@stonerealestate. co.nz
Pamela Thackray
Residential/Lifestyle Consultant 021 184 1255 pamelathackray@stonerealestate. co.nz
Coralie Barton
Residential/Lifestyle Consultant 021 046 9191 coraliebarton@stonerealestate. co.nz
Mark Weal
Rural/Lifestyle Consultant 027 451 4732
markweal@stonerealestate.co.nz
Rhonda McGuire
OFFICE PHONE 07 871 5044
Ian Jones
Residential/Lifestyle Consultant 027 447 1758 ianjones@stonerealestate.co.nz
Property Investment Manager 021 353 046 rhondamcguire@stonerealestate. co.nz
Michelle Storer
Property Investment Manager 027 608 2451 michellestorer@stonerealestate. co.nz
agents direct
know your real estate agency
the best fit for you
So you’ve made the choice to sell your property, have asked two or three different agencies to give you a fair appraisal for what you might expect the market to pay for it, and they’ve come back all with reasonably close prices. How do you choose which one to list your property with?
A good agent can make the process smoother, quicker, and more financially rewarding. Selling in the hot markets of three or four years ago wasn’t difficult, but in today’s times where buyer caution is apparent, you do need a really good agent to help you navigate the changing waters of the market.
Start with agents who specialise in the suburb or district you live in. Local knowledge is essential — a well-informed agent will understand recent sales for comparison purposes, buyer behaviour, school zones, council regulations, and market trends in your area. This is especially important in regions like the Waikato, where each town and even each suburb can have vastly different dynamics.
All real estate agents in New Zealand must be licensed with the Real Estate Authority (REA). You can verify an agent’s credentials on the REA website. This also allows you to check for any past disciplinary actions or complaints. Agents should follow the REA Code of Conduct, which ensures professionalism and ethical practice.
Ask for recent examples of homes the agent has sold in your area. Check how long properties stayed on the market, how close the sale prices were to asking prices, and whether they’ve handled properties similar to yours. Many agents will also provide testimonials or reviews from past clients — independent reviews on sites like RateMyAgent or Google can be even more telling.
Don’t feel obliged to sign with the first agent you meet, or who gives you the best appraisal price. Interview at least two or three agents and ask:
• What’s your marketing strategy? Is it going to cost me, and if so, how much?
• How do you determine the sale price? What do you think is the bottom line?
• Do you work alone or with a team?
• What are your fees and commission structures?
The best agent will be transparent, professional, and able to back their strategies with real data.
You’ll be working closely with this person, possibly for several months, so you need someone who
communicates clearly and regularly. Good agents listen, give honest feedback, and won’t pressure you. They should be responsive and explain processes in plain language, especially if you're a first-home buyer or new to the NZ property market.
Check with them about their investor lists, or those who are in the market but have yet to find what they want. Many agents will have a database of clients, one of whom may find your property fits their criteria. It’s also important to check how their agency commission work. Agent commissions are often negotiable and vary by region and agency. Always get a written agreement outlining fees and services, and make sure you understand it before signing. Remember — the cheapest agent isn’t always the best value if they underdeliver.
putting the best foot forward on both sides
There are definitely more buyers in Te Awamutu than there were a year ago, according to Vayle Hammond, principal and property manager of First National in Te Awamutu.
“I agree with others, there is a cautious optimism as interest rates drop and it’s a pocket of opportunity for buyers, particularly in the first home and investor markets,” she says.
She finds it of interest that agencies are seeing the methods of selling in the previous hot markets of four to five years ago, have now changed.
“It used to be that the preferred method was deadline, or tender, or auction or by negotiation, because there were fewer homes and a lot of buyers, so the price could be quite fluid in what the market was willing to pay and the vendor could get more than they expected.
“These days, we are seeing people want the price –
Vayle Hammond, principal and property manager of First
they know what their budget is and how much they want to spend and ‘how much is this house that I like’ is the very first question they ask.”
Vayle says surprisingly, there is not the same amount of enquiry coming off websites these days.
“We are having very good turnouts in open homes and whether or not that’s because there is less pressure in doing this (rather than being open to agents emails), I’m not sure.”
The biggest moving market at the moment is definitely first home buyers and investors.
“These properties are affordable, so it has been a much easier market to sell,” she says.
But even so, there is some see-sawing as to what the vendors want and what a buyer wants to pay.
“We do have some issues with RV (rateable values) which, because of the heightened interest rates and job instability of the past couple of years have forced some sellers into selling their properties for much less than they are actually worth – which in turn changes the RV that comes around every three years.
Vayle’s advice for sellers is to do all they can to make sure their property looks the best it can.
“It’s not just presenting it well though, you also have to make sure the agent you choose can market it well; it has to be seen in the marketplace, featured in the right places, use things like pictorial boards – you don’t need a picture of the agent, you need two or three pictures of what’s inside the home.”
She says they use QR codes on their signs for example.
“People can just scan the code into their phone and that leads them straight to the house so they can see a whole lot more.”
She says it’s important that the seller understands that agent selling strategy is important and to make sure they understand it and do their research.
“Vendors don’t always know what the best option is, and that’s where their agent has the knowledge and expertise.”
For buyers, Vayle recommends that in today’s market, they need to be buy-ready.
“There is a cautious optimism as interest rates drop and it’s a pocket of opportunity for buyers, particularly in the first home and investor markets.”
“There are more buyers than there were and if you like a house, there will be someone else out there who will too. So if you can be pre-approved with finance, it helps. We are seeing more multi-offers than we did, especially in the lower priced properties, so that is changing moving forward.”
National in Te Awamutu
Rebecca
Dianna
Vicky
Nicky
Darryl
Waipa trends for 2025
The Waipa District continues to attract attention in 2025 as a desirable place to live, work, and invest. Towns like Cambridge and Te Awamutu remain key focal points, blending semi-rural charm with growing urban conveniences. The region's housing market reflects broader trends in New Zealand, but with a distinctly local character shaped by community values, lifestyle appeal, and infrastructural development.
One of the major forces shaping Waipa’s property market is its strong lifestyle appeal. With its proximity to the fastest growing city in the country in Hamilton, and easy access to Auckland via the Waikato Expressway, Waipa offers a more relaxed pace of life without sacrificing connectivity. As a result, the region has continued to attract both families and retirees looking for quality living environments and more spacious properties.
Cambridge, known for its equestrian, rowing and cycling cultures, with great boutique shopping, has seen sustained interest from high-income buyers and lifestyle property seekers.
Following the rapid growth and then cooling off of the national housing market between 2021 and 2023, 2025 has seen more stable conditions in Waipa. House prices have moderated, with year-on-year growth remaining modest according to data from REINZ.
This stabilisation has been welcomed by firsthome buyers and investors, particularly, as it brings predictability back to the market.
Median house prices in Cambridge and Te Awamutu have flattened somewhat, although premium properties continue to command strong interest. Another notable trend in 2025 is the emphasis on
sustainable housing and community planning. New subdivisions in the Waipa region are increasingly incorporating green building standards, walkable neighbourhoods, and native planting. This aligns with both council goals and growing buyer demand for environmentally conscious living. Developers are also responding to demand for diverse housing types, including smaller homes and multi-dwelling units, to cater to ageing populations and younger buyers.
While the rental market remains competitive, there’s been a slight easing in rental pressure compared to previous years. Investors are still active in the region, especially in areas with proximity to schools, transport links, and town centres. However, increased regulatory scrutiny and changing tax rules have tempered speculative buying, encouraging a longer-term investment mindset.
Overall, the Waipā property market in 2025 is characterised by balance and thoughtful growth. With continued infrastructural investment, population growth, and lifestyle appeal, the region is poised to remain a key part of New Zealand’s mid-tier real estate landscape — offering opportunity without the extreme volatility seen in some urban centres.
Sales statistics
Te Awamutu
Median house price: approximately $690,000–$720,000, depending on suburb and property size.
Top performing suburbs: Pekerau and St Leger Road have seen consistent demand, particularly among families.
College Estate has grown in popularity due to proximity to schooling and newer builds.
Buyer demographic: First-home buyers remain strong in areas with older housing stock.
Retirees are drawn to newer, single-level homes in quiet subdivisions. Investors are focusing on central suburbs close to amenities.
Sales Trends: Homes are spending around 30–45 days on market. There's a strong appetite for threebedroom homes with decent outdoor space.
Renovated older homes are outperforming unrenovated ones in terms of sale speed.
Cambridge
Median house price: Sits higher, around $890,000–$940,000, with some premium areas topping $1.2 million.
Top performing suburbs: Cambridge Park continues to be a hot spot for families and professionals. Leamington is popular for its blend of affordability and character homes.
St Kilda and Lakewood are known for luxury homes and lifestyle properties.
Buyer demographic: Professionals and Auckland commuters are seeking lifestyle blocks and larger homes. Upsizing local families are active in new developments like Cambridge North.
Investors remain cautious but engaged, particularly in long-term rentals.
Sales trends: Time on market varies more here — newer builds and lifestyle homes can take 50+ days, while central, well-priced homes move quicker. Buyers are prioritising energy efficiency, low maintenance, and proximity to schools.
Anzac Day 2025:
By Jesse Wood
Waipa historian Val Millington has a unique way of making the world wars seem real to students at Ōhaupō Primary School.
The school lost 25 students in the two world wars so she gets 25 boys to stand up in a line and call out the names of each soldier who died.
“It individualises the loss. Real people were killed and we represent that by real people only a few years younger, calling out a name representing that boy.”
Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger (National Party) will be the guest speaker.
Meanwhile the wider Te Awamutu area had several Anzac Day services last week, aligning with the 110th anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli.
Events took place in Kāwhia, Kihikihi, Ōhaupō, Pirongia and Te Awamutu on Friday, followed by Pukeatua on Sunday.
People from all walks of life came together
to remember the New Zealanders who had fallen across all wars and to honour all veterans.
At the 10.30am service in Ōhaupō, the memorial hall was packed with members of the community.
The Ōhaupō School manukura (leaders) were among those to speak before the wreath laying at the memorial park.
Ben Harvey spoke about the Jones bothers of Ōhaupō who both went to war, Isla Devon spoke of Innes Taylor, who served as a nurse, Sophie Germann spoke of Ōhaupō’s Walter Reid who returned home injured and Rhiannon Alchin read a poem written by Val Millington called Ōhaupō Buried its Young Again Today
The students were taught about these people by Millington and will run through every element of the service and give entirely different speeches about other members of the community at school tomorrow.
At the 11am Te Awamutu civic service, Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan and Te
“Ordinary people, doing quite extra ordinary things”
Awamutu College head student Teina Beets both gave moving speeches.
O’Regan recently visited the Auckland War Memorial Museum with her family and gazed across the names of those New Zealanders lost at war.
“The impact of war was never conveyed more clearly to me than early this week. [The museum] is a beautiful working monument paying homage to those New Zealanders who made the ultimate sacrifice in war,” O’Regan said.
“It was indeed a sobering walk with my husband, 15-year-old daughter and 10-yearold son through the World War I and World War II halls of memories.
“The walls bear the names of New Zealanders killed in armed conflict around the world. Thousands and thousands of names skilfully carved in marble. Wall after wall, after wall, after wall.
“The true human cost never felt more real. They weren’t just names. They were sons and daughters, husbands, uncles, fiancés, friends. Indeed, we found my great uncle’s
name and I thought of the deep loss my great grandparents must have felt upon being told of his going down over Tunisia.
“They were all just like us, ordinary people, doing quite extra ordinary things.”
O’Regan said as they came to the end of the World War II wall, there was a large blank panel.
“This section very hopefully proclaimed six simple words, which I wish to leave you with. Let these panels never be filled.”
Among the other speakers were Kuriger and Te Awamutu RSA representative Daniel van der Hulst.
Waipā councillor and RSA member Lou Brown was the MC.
The New Zealand national anthem was led by the Te Awamutu College Kapa Haka group, who later performed a rousing haka for the attending veterans.
The Australian anthem was led by the Musical All Sorts. Both anthem performance groups were accompanied by the Te Awamutu Brass Band.
Waipā District mayor Susan O’Regan addresses the masses in Te Awamutu. Photo: Jesse Wood
Te Awamutu Brass Band drum major Alan Patterson at the front of parade as they solute the notorieties. Photo: Jesse Wood
Te Awamutu College head students Ruth Downs (from left), Teina Beets, Libby Haynes and Rico Dorssers were at the Anzac service to lay a wreath. Photo: Jesse Wood
Wreaths laid at the cenotaph on Te Awamutu’s Anzac green.
Photo: Jesse Wood
Ōhaupō School manukura Sophie Germann (from left), Ben Harvey, Isla Devon and Rhiannon Alchin spoke of people affected by war from within the community.
Photo: Jesse Wood Te Awamutu Sports junior rugby players showcased their Anzac playing kit.
Photo: Jesse Wood
Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk, second left, and councillor Philip Coles outside the Le Quesnoy Museum in France for the Anzac Day commemorations with the town’s deputy mayor Axelle Declerck and mayor Marie-Sophie Lesne. Photo: Supplied
Honouring a friend in stone
By Viv Posselt
Pukeatua’s tiny War Memorial Church marked Anzac Day on Sunday with a ceremony led for the most part by members of the Patriots Defence Force Motorcycle Club.
The deviation from the norm was to mark the 10th anniversary of the relationship forged between the church and the club’s Hauraki Chapter.
The church is one of just two in New Zealand built as a memorial to service personnel lost in both world wars. The other is at Tutira, north of Napier, and both have historic building covenants over them.
For the past decade Patriots club members have travelled to Pukeatua from around the North Island to commemorate both Anzac and Armistice days. Their members are all ex or current servicemen who share a deep affinity with soldiers lost in both world wars and in conflicts since then.
Sunday’s service also saw the official blessing of a new flagpole gifted to the church by the Patriots. The concrete slab in which it stands was provided by the Te Awamutu and Districts RSA.
In another ‘first’ for the tiny church, Patriots member Jack August brought with him a pounamu stone in honour of a friend and fellow Patriot member who died last year, Warren Kahutia Sole.
After placing it on the cenotaph, he said: “It is often difficult to get people together when saying goodbye to a friend. I knew of the Māori principle of ‘mauri’ where a person’s life force can be embedded
in a stone … so I gifted four pounamu in his name. One is in at Burnham, another at Linton, one in Whanganui and another in Taupō. It is the Taupō stone I have brought here today so we can all be a part of this together.”
Patriots member Peter Leslie, who also acted as bugler, said club members had been to services at the Pukeatua church twice a year for the past decade,
with the exception of one Anzac Day service missed during Covid.
RSA padre Rev Murray Olson and lay minister Kathie Claypole conducted the service.
Olson said Anzac Day services are intended to show gratitude to all those who served in the two world wars, and in subsequent conflicts, and to those still serving.
“We especially remember
those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We must never forget them because they died so we can have the peace we enjoy today.”
He thanked Patriots group members for their support over the years.
Taranaki-King County MP Barbara Kuriger, attending the Pukeatua service for the first time, stressed the urge to remember the fallen and said, “when are we going to learn from all of this?”
Understanding the sacrifices made
By Viv Posselt
Kihikihi’s Anzac Day commemoration departed from the norm this year when those attending were invited to attend a presentation afterwards that told the stories of three men listed on the cenotaph.
Event organiser Adan Te Huia had attended the Te Awamutu Genealogy Group’s 2024 presentation on some of the soldiers listed on the Anzac Green cenotaph. He thought it would be good to do something similar for Kihikihi’s lost soldiers and linked up with the genealogy group’s Sandra Metcalfe, who is one of those working on the ongoing Anzac Green names project.
Metcalfe said the move offered an opportunity for fellowship at the same time as providing a better understanding of the sacrifices people made.
“This is something Adan and the genealogy group are keen to repeat next year. It is through the stories of those who paid the ultimate price that we hopefully learn the lessons of the past,” she said.
The three Kihikihi men whose stories were told were Richard
Sircombe, Arthur Verner and Francis Moody.
Born in 1890, Sircombe was with the Auckland Infantry Battalion. He died on April 25, 1915, on Walker’s Ridge and was buried where he lay. He is commemorated on the Lone Pine Cemetery memorial at Gallipoli. Arthur Verner, who was born in 1884, was with the Auckland Mounted Rifles. He landed at Anzac Cove on April 25, 1915, and was killed by a sniper’s bullet on June 26 the same year, while on water duty. He is buried at Ari Burnu Cemetery at Gallipoli.
Born in 1887, Francis Moody was with C Company, 30th Reinforcements. He sailed from Wellington to England in late 1917 for training at Sling Camp in Wiltshire, but died on February 27, 1918, from tuberculosis. He is buried in Wiltshire.
Last Friday’s Anzac Day service at the Kihikihi cenotaph featured an Anzac dedication by Te Awamutu RSA member Lou Brown, and an address by Te Awamutu College student Tia Johns. The Last Post and Reveille was played by Stuart Lindsay.
The names of the three men at the centre of a presentation are listed on this side of the cenotaph. Photo: Viv Posselt
The cenotaph in Kihikihi was the scene for a well-attended Anzac Day ceremony. Photo: Viv Posselt
Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger, pictured with members of the Patriots Defence Force Motorcycle Club (Hauraki), attended the Pukeatua War Memorial Church’s Anzac Service for the first time.
Photo: Viv Posselt
Te Awamutu Community Cadet Unit members Kaiārahi Quinn, left and Pikirangi Rangiawha laid a wreath.
Photo: Viv Posselt
RSA padre Rev Murray Olson and lay minister Kathie Claypole after the service.
Photo: Viv Posselt
The pounamu placed on the cenotaph by Patriots member Jack August in memory of his friend and fellow Patriot, Warren Kahutia Sole, who died last year.
Photo: Viv Posselt
Across 1. Sudden outburst of anger (5)
4. Appeared (6) 7. Pronoun for ship (3)
8. Shade of blue (6)
9. Racquet sport (6)
10. Law enforcer (6,7)
14. Surprised: taken __ (5)
15. Accumulate (5)
18. On the other hand (13)
Last week
23. Colour of the rainbow (6)
24. Unadulterated (6)
25. Illuminated (3)
26. Speckled (6)
27. In front (5)
Down
1. Snapshot (5)
2. Partly, to some degree (5)
3. Regard (6)
4. Depart (3,3)
5. Tedium (5) 6. Chosen few (5) 10. Public square (5) 11. Fewest (5) 12. A passing fad (5) 13. Out of practice (5) 16. Wrap (6)
Layers of rock (6)
Language (colloq) (5)
Decree (5)
Poetry (5)
Ruled (5)
Across: 1. Rabies, 5. Signal, 8. Pie, 9. Career, 10. Coward, 11. Digs, 13. Careless, 14. Means, 15. Biped, 19. Inferior, 21. Soak, 22. Poseur, 23. Candid, 25. Ova, 26. Geyser, 27. Shriek. Down: 2. Avarice, 3. Ire, 4. Spruce, 5. Secure, 6. Go walkies, 7. Aires, 12. Senseless, 16. Evasive, 17. Mirror, 18. Fracas, 20. No one, 24. Nor.
WMJLQLDVADAETGEHHN WWAGONLWORNPDEVAWI XPCYIOSALWEOEOHLQR AARWCZWXWWETWRBEWW RWWEEVILWEATHERMCU
WADE WAFER WAGON WAIST
WAIVE
WALKWAY
WALLABY
WALLPAPER
WARBLE
WARLOCK
WATER
WAVED
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8555 adam@ajrearthworks.co.nz | www.ajrearthworks.co.nz
Pipe bands join forces
Ōtorohanga residents showed support for their fallen by showing up in numbers for both the dawn and mid-morning services, which were addressed by Ōtorohanga RSA president Shona Martin. Meanwhile the Te Awamutu, Cambridge and Te Kūiti district pipe bands, who performed at Ōtorohanga, then went to Kāwhia for the coastal town’s Anzac Day commemorations in the afternoon.
Te Awamutu, Cambridge and Te Kūiti district pipe bands performed at Kāwhia for the coastal town’s Anzac Day commemorations.
Supplied
Ōtorohanga District Council deputy mayor Annette Williams approaching the
cenotaph to lay a wreath.
Photo: Viv Posselt
Photo:
GRAZING
TE AWAMUTU CONTINUING EDUCATION
Wednesday 7th May 2025
10am
Entry: $4 on arrival
Waipa Workingman Club
Speaker: Tony Membery
Topic:
Over 40 years at Te Awamutu College
Everybody Welcome More info phone 07 870 3223
PUAHUE
Te Awamutu Club AGM Saturday
Te Awamutu Little Theatre AGM
7:30pm Wednesday 14th May
Corner of Vaile and Palmer Streets All welcome
TE AWAMUTU DEER STALKERS AGM Wednesday 11th June
7.30pm Club Rooms Factory Rd, Te Awamutu
10.00am
Monday 12th May 2025
Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Lounge, Mutu Street, Te Awamutu ALL WELCOME
OTOROHANGA LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
About Graymont
Graymont is a global leader in lime and limestone solutions. Lime is a versatile industrial chemical that is key to vital industrial processes and applications and is an essential element for addressing a multitude of complex environmental challenges.
Our Role
We are looking for a full-time fixed term Laboratory Technician. The role will be responsible for product sampling, testing and monitoring to meet production requirements and administering quality activities in line with company and legislative standards.
Ideally you will have relevant qualifications and/or have worked in a laboratory environment, but this is not essential as full training will be provided. You will be physically capable to undertake field sampling. A valid driver’s licence is required. The role will also require proficient computer skills.
Key Responsibilities Include:
• Conduct required sample quality testing of in-process and final products, submit results for quality control approval and identify non-conforming product.
• Provide guidance to the production
• Full-time, fixed term.
• Monday - Friday.
teams around sampling, testing, and knowledge of quality related procedures.
• Participate in quality audits and implement corrective actions arising from identified deficiencies.
• Field sampling.
• Perform and organise laboratory equipment calibrations and maintenance.
• The role would include general lab admin duties such as labelling and packing of tested products, keeping the lab clean and well maintained.
You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.
Our Workplace
Graymont derives its competitive edge in large part from more than 1,600 employees who bring their diverse skills and energy to work every day at o ce and plant sites across North America and AsiaPacific. In return, we provide competitive wages and benefits, a safe and healthy work environment, and opportunities to grow and develop the skills and experience to realise your full potential.
To apply please send your cover letter and resume to: jbentham@graymont.com
SAUNDERS, Marlene Ann – Passed away peacefully at Hillview Home, Te Kuiti on Friday 25th April 2025. Loved wife of the late Jim. Loved mother of the late Jimmy; Stephen and Julie; Dennis and Sherrie. Loved grandmother and great grandmother. A private cremation has been held. All communications to Saunders Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941.
VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ
FORSTER, Jack Heaton 4/2/31- 26/12/24
Formerly of Whakamaru, Te Kuiti & Te Awamutu. There will be a memorial service at St Andrews Presbyterian Church Te Awamutu, 1pm on the 10th May 2025 to celebrate his life.
GARAGE SALE - 90% new household items including new speaker, blow up queen bed, air fryer, binoculars. 9am-1pm. Saturday 3 May. 1/267 Mutu Street, Te Awamutu. All items must go.
FLEMING, Jean Paisley
– Peacefully at Te Kuiti Hospital, on Saturday 26th April 2025. Daughter of John and Margaret, sister of Stanley and Sam (dec). Much loved Aunty of Tracy; Colleen and Geoff. Great Aunty of Michael and Rachel; Paul; Katherine; Brandon and Jess; Lachlan and Lauren; Andrew and Tilly. Great-great Aunty of Kendyl, Devon, Penelope and Lexi.
A service for Jean will be held at VJ Williams & Sons Chapel, King Street West, Te Kuiti on Monday 5th May at 11am followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St John’s Otorohanga. The Fleming family would like to thank staff of Te Kuiti Hospital for their amazing care. All communications to Fleming Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. In the care of VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ
CARSON, Joseph Wallace (Joe) – Passed away peacefully on 26th April 2025, aged 86 with family by his side. Beloved husband of Lynn, step father to John & Carolyn, Karen & Stuart, Dave & Suzanne, Carmel & Steve, Susan & Nick and 'Joe' to his grandchildren. Special thanks to the Ambulance staff and the team at Waikato Hospital Resus 3 and A3. A service will be held at Alexandra House Chapel, 570 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu on Friday 2nd May at 11am followed by a private burial. The service will be livestreamed, email office@ teawamutufunerals.co.nz for the link. All communications to the Carson family, P O Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.
A Farewell with Heart
Every life deserves a meaningful farewell. Our compassionate, professional, and dedicated team is here to help, offering care and understanding when it matters most. Call us anytime – we’re here for you.
Jim Goddin Funeral Director
Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
