Waipā District Council is being urged to engage in deeper community consultation before agreeing to closing roads for Christmas parades.
The council last week approved several road closures to enable Christmas parades for Saturday, December 6 in Te Awamutu and Sunday, December 7 in Cambridge.
But former Te Awamutu Business Chamber chief executive and new Te Awamutu ward councillor Shane Walsh raised concerns at Friday’s council meeting because retailers in the town objected the switch back to a Saturday parade last year because of the potential loss of income.
The council received retailer objection to a Sunday parade in Cambridge.
“We aren’t against the Christmas parade,” the letter of objection said. “We are against the timing of the Christmas parade. The road closures absolutely killed retail sales and foot traffic on what should be a key retail day in the lead up to Christmas.”
The retailer, whose name was redacted by the council, offered to share financials to make their point.
“The past couple of years have been extremely tough trading conditions and the increased costs, rates included, have made it tougher. With some small adjustments to the parade timing and how road closures are done we can all be kept happy.”
Walsh said he had received complaints about the financial impact of last year’s Christmas parade from Te Awamutu retailers.
“If the parade is a Saturday the retailers lose revenue,” Walsh said. “The roads are closed, and nobody wants to come into town.”
Walsh asked Waipā District Council transportation manager Bryan Hudson whether the district’s two community boards had been consulted before road closure applications for Cambridge and Te Awamutu Christmas parades had been advertised.
Hudson said they had not.
Walsh said such consultation made sense.
“I see the role of community
boards to have a strong link to local organisations.”
Councillor Dean Taylor said Te Awamutu Christmas Parade used to be organised by a subcommittee of the community board and he was a member.
Mayor Mike Pettit suggested Hudson look at involving community boards in the process.
“I think there’s an assumption that community boards are supporting the Christmas parades,” said Maungatautari ward councillor Mike Montgomerie.
He said the council would need to change its procedures if it were to include community board feedback in the process of approving road closures.
Council service delivery group manager Eeva-Liisa Wright said the boards had not been consulted due to time constraints.
“We will take that on board and work through what that could look like.”
Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick said she would ask board members and the community for their thoughts
Holt returned to chair
By Jesse Wood
Ange Holt has retained her role as chair of the Te AwamutuKihikihi Community Board.
Following the new board’s swearing in, she was elected unanimously. Holt is in her fourth term on the board, and the third as its chair.
“That helps us get off to a great start, knowing that you’ve got the
support from your team. It gives me a good booster confidence that we’re starting from a positive place,” Holt said.
“I am really excited to not only be leading the team but leading them into a space where hopefully it’s a lot more positive for the community board and that we can see some changes.
“Mayor Mike Pettit and deputy mayor Jo Davies-Colley are also
very supportive of community boards.”
The board comprises new Te Awamutu-Kihikihi ward councillors Dean Taylor and Shane Walsh, Liam Bullen. Jill Taylor, Kane Titchener and John Wood.
Taylor is a former board chair.
“I’m very impressed with Liam. I’m very much looking forward to having him on board, having a new perspective and a
Santa’s arrival isn’t good news for retail business.
on receiving a formal report from council.
“We would naturally be delighted to be involved in some capacity on the working group and support those volunteering their time to put
younger person’s perspective of the community going forward,” Holt said.
“I’m excited that both Shane and Dean are very much pro community board. They’re keen to get the ball rolling.
“Our plan is to get together and go a bit deeper in the next couple of weeks to suss out what everyone wants to do, and where they want to be involved, to make sure we’re fully utilising everybody’s skills and time that they have available.
The first ordinary meeting will be held on December 9.
Parades ‘kill retail sales’
on the Christmas Parade,” she said. “It’s one great way for us to connect with the community and get involved. It would also allow us to be across what’s happening.”
Ange Holt
Hall lost, business founded
An ‘incendiary rat’ was blamed for a mysterious fire which totally destroyed the Kihikihi public hall.
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When first seen, the fire had a strong hold on the building, and as there was no way of extinguishing it, the whole building was destroyed in minutes. The office of the Town Board was in the hall, and all of the books of the Town, Domain and Cemetery boards, and also those of the School Committee were lost. It was fortunate that at the time there was no wind, as otherwise both Mr Elmsey’s and Mr Chapman’s stores would have
been burnt. As it was, Mr Bishop’s chemist shop was severely scorched, and was only saved by the exertions of those present. At Ōhaupō Ashley and Co, storekeepers, were to open a new business. They had built large and commodious premises and intended importing direct from America and Europe, tea being a specialty. The stock was varied, and customers could purchase anything ‘from a needle to an anchor’. They appeared to be an energetic and up-to-date firm and there was now a likelihood of other businessmen coming to Ōhaupō. Pirongia settlers had recently erected, in a convenient part of their township, very commodious sale yards. An acre of ground and all the material was purchased by them. There were 14 good cattle pens substantially built with totara posts and sawn rimu rails. The sale yards were opened by the Loan and Mercantile Company, and Mr Hunter, auctioneer, made a short speech, hoping that the Pirongia sales would go ahead and be successful. If the settlers would give their patronage and support, the company
Scam and scam again…
It seems like every week there is another scam reminder. This week it’s one that looks like it comes from us - New Zealand Police –but it didn’t.
A lot of people have reported receiving a text message saying: “NZ Police – Your traffic fine ($40) is overdue. Avoid late fees or court referral. Reg: NZ-2025-883921 Pay now at... (Reply with the letter “Y” and reopen this message to click the link or copy it into your browser”.
This is not from the police, we do not remind you of speeding fines in this way. The link is a scammer’s way of getting your private information. Block the number and delete the text message. Spread the message about this scam to your friends and family too.
Recently I was advised of a situation where vehicle noise and tyre smoke caused upset in neighbourhoods. It is well known that burnouts on a public road can result in police enforcement including vehicle impounds and court charges for sustained loss of traction. What can you do when this is happening on private property? If your neighbour is doing burnouts on their driveway, this can cause significant noise and air pollution.
Noise and smoke are both covered under the Waipā District Council District Plan. The
rules around noise set out the maximum noise limits for different times of day and days of the week. They further state that “no activity shall produce and objectionable odour, smoke, fumes or dust at or beyond the boundaries of the site from which the nuisance emanates.”
In situations like this, if it is reported to council, where video evidence is provided and the circumstances are deemed appropriate, the council may contact the property owner warning them of a breach of the district plan. Further action involving the issuance of an abatement notice may also be possible.
Continuing my drink driving tally, there were no drivers caught with Excess Breath Alcohol in Cambridge in the 7 days prior to writing. In Te Awamutu however, five drivers were caught. With the silly season approaching, ensure you plan before you party while your decision making is still sound. If you are attending a work social event, leave your car behind and get alternative transport home.
On the other side of the equation, if you are hosting friends or family, be responsible and ensure food is served, arrange accommodation or transport for your guests as necessary. Have fun, be safe.
would back them up and hold sales as frequently as possible.
The Right Rev Dr Neligan, Bishop of Auckland, paid his first visit to the Waikato District, arriving at Te Awamutu by train. The bishop attended an evening conversazione in the Town Hall where he was warmly received. Referring to local matters, he stated that the parish had been neglected in the way of the appointment of a vicar. There was a lack of men and at the present time he could do with 20 more priests. He could foresee that Te Awamutu would be in a few years the centre of a large district but the difficulty was the present stipend paid to clergymen was not sufficient for a married man. In conclusion His Lordship thanked them for their kind welcome and hoped to make many friends. He had a bad memory for faces but they all knew who he was, and at any future time should any of them meet him and he had forgotten their faces, all they had to do was to give him a poke in the ribs with their umbrella - the blunt end of course.
Regional appointments
Waipā-King Country regional councillor Liz Stolwyk has been appointed chair of the Waikato Regional Transport and deputy chair of Waikato Regional Council’s Strategy and Policy committees while her brother-in-law Garry Reymer is deputy chair of the Finance and Performance committee. The appointments were to be ratified today (Thursday) at the regional council meeting in Hamilton.
HANN
The Rev Neligan
Briefs…
Rubber meets road
Cambridge based award winning business Treadlite New Zealand is talking to Selwyn District Council about constructing the country’s first rubber road. The council plans a rubber road surface trial in January in Glentunnel on State Highway 77, 40km inland from Rolleston in Canterbury, a Local Democracy Reporting story revealed this week.
Hornet check
Biosecurity New Zealand has put extra staff on as it looks for more yellow-legged hornets on Auckland’s North Shore. Having been criticised for a slow initial response, the department said it had more than 20 people focused on “enhanced” searches and more than 100 staff across MPI involved in the response.” Traps, number “more than 180” were being checked daily. Nine queens have been found so far.
Police appeal
Police are appealing for information about a fatal crash on Te Pahu Rd, on October 18. Sergeant Steven Jones, Waikato Road Policing, said the crash on Waipā road just after 11am involving a motorcycle that appeared to have left the road between Whatawhata and Te Pahu. The rider died in hospital. Police believed the crash happened during a group ride involving motorcycles travelling around the area and want to hear from anyone who may have seen it or has dashcam footage around the time of the incident.
Dairy youth
Fonterra is increasing its support for 16-20 year olds entering the dairy industry with a new twoyear programme piloted in Waikato and Bay of Plenty and delivered in partnership with Growing Future Farmers, a national charitable trust providing a hybrid farmer-led vocational training model.
Waipā to narrow gap
By Chris Gardner
Waipā District Council staff have recommended closing the remuneration gap between committee chairs and their deputies.
The council met on Friday to decide how the $709,576 set by the external Remuneration Authority on October 12 would be split between the 11 councillors, including the deputy mayor, based on the roles they have on the council.
Mayor Mike Pettit’sl salary was set by the authority at $162,399.
Governance manager Jo Gread recommended reducing the ratio gap between chairs and deputy chairs.
Her schedule of payments recommended paying councillors who hold no additional roles $57,925 a year, more than the $50,684 minimum recommended by
the Remuneration Authority. She recommended deputy mayor Jo Davies-Colley receive $86,887.
“It recognises the significant workload of the deputy mayor, and the support that they provide to the mayor and the fact that role is district wide,” Gread said.
Maungatautari ward councillor Mike Montgomerie will chair the strategic planning and policy committee, serve as deputy chair of the finance and corporate committee and receive $69,509 under the recommendation.
Davies-Colley will serve as Montgomerie’s deputy on the strategic planning and policy committee.
Pettit will chair the finance and corporate committee, with Montgomerie as his deputy, and the chief executive performance management committee.
Pirongia and Kakepuku ward councillor Clare St Pierre will chair the service delivery committee and is recommended to be paid $63,717, with Cambridge ward councillor Aidhean Camson as her deputy. She will also chair the Pirongia and Kakepuku ward committee.
Te Awamutu and Kihikihi ward councillor Marcus Gower will chair the regulatory committee and is recommended to be paid $63,717. Waipā Māori ward councillor Dale-Maree Morgan will be his deputy and under the recommendations would be paid $66,613 in part recognition of her iwi portfolio. Morgan will also chair the Maungatautari Reserve Committee.
Cambridge ward councillor Roger Gordon will serve as deputy chair of the risk and assurance
committee and would be paid $60,821. The committee is chaired by an independent, Carol Bellette, who is member of the Institute of Directors.
Morgan offered to support councillors in any engagement with iwi during the triennium.
“I would appreciate it if you gave me a call, and if I am free, I will support you in that space,” Morgan said.
Pettit said the recommendation to the Remuneration Authority had been put forward to flatten the structure out.
“There’s probably no more pertinent time than the coming three years with the avalanche of legislation and frankly the workload that is going to come,” he said.
“Chairing and deputy chairing committees, there’s a lot more flattening of that, but ultimately it is one part of a massive job that we all
Jo Gread
have as councillors.
“The differentiation last time was about $19,500 between those who had, in theory, no responsibilities, to those who had more responsibilities and the difference this time is $11,600 at the most.
“We are in this waka together,” he said.
Montgomerie said he led a charge to narrow the remuneration gap in the last triennium and had been unsuccessful.
Par - tee like it’s 1900
By Mary Anne Gill
Bev McLean loves organising events and her latest one - the Cambridge Golf Club 125th anniversary – was another success.
Everything went to plan except for the downpour that struck the 90 golfers early in their rounds on Saturday.
“The weather is the only thing I can’t control,” said the Te Awamutu born, King Country raised retiree.
Bev moved to Cambridge in November 2019 and joined Waikato oldest golf club. She now describes herself as a “keen golfer” after years of playing squash.
Her passion for organising events began in Taumarunui at the local squash club.
“I like to make things a little bit different. That’s my advice: organise events so you can enjoy them. Make them memorable and fun.”
One of her touches was offering free glasses of bubbly to toast the jubilee.
It proved fitting when, after two long days, Bev finally sat alone in the cleared clubhouse - dishes done, tables packed away - with a wellearned glass of champagne.
And the highlight?
“Just having the clubrooms full and so many people there.”
Deputy mayor Jo Davies-Colley gave the welcoming address and presented tournament prizes.
“It’s clear that this club brings enormous value not only to its members, but to the wider Cambridge community.
Craig Bridgland, who first joined the club 30 years ago as a 13 year old, and was until recently living in Brisbane, won the men’s gross with a 72. Jill Morgan, another to move from Taumarunui to play golf in Cambridge, shot 75 to win the women’s gross.
No one managed a hole-in-one at the par three eighth hole, so the prize car stays at Ebbett The Base showroom. Across the four par threes, only four golfers landed
inside the circle around the pin: Jeanette Boswell, Terry Scott, Lesley McGovern, and Harvey Thomas. Jane Potter and Steven Morton scored the most stableford points.
Funeral Director: Teri Keir
Betty Harvey 91, with Harley Bowler cutting the jubilee cake -made by club caterer Tania Zeuren - at Cambridge Golf Club’s 125th anniversary. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Founded in 1900 with a nine-hole course north of Cambridge, the club moved to its current Tīrau Road site in 1924 and expanded to 18 holes by 1931.
Scars, sacrifice recalled
By Jesse Wood
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Te Awamutu remembered the fallen, 107 years after the guns fell silent on the Western Front.
Tuesday last week marked the anniversary of Armistice Day, the end of World War I. At Anzac Green, the Waipā town remembered those who served between 1914-1918, and beyond.
The clouds made way for the sun to shine down as the fire station siren sounded at 11am.
Emcee and Te Awamutu RSA executive member Graham Smith said it was gratifying to see everyone attend the service. Te Awamutu RSA president Daniel van der Hulst echoed Smith’s remarks.
Hulst said.
“We no longer have the honour of any of those service personnel involved in World War I remaining with us. But we continue to remember the sacrifices they made to allow us to enjoy the freedoms we hold dear today.”
He said although the names on the memorial speak of the fallen, a greater number returned home to try and pick up where they left off.
The New Zealand contingent suffered a 58 per cent casualty rate and many veterans returned with life changing injuries. Visible and invisible scars.
and legacy alive of those that served, RSA executive member Adan Te Huia said.
“Thank you for being here and for recognising the importance of this occasion,” Te Huia said. “We’re grateful to you for remembering and honouring the brave men and women, past and present, who have served our country.
“To those service men and service woman who have gone before us, we pay tribute to you.
“Although you are no longer with us, your sacrifices will always be a part of our lives. We honour you, we remember you and we pay tribute to you.”
“Thank you for attending this memorial service to remember the end of the great war and honour those who served our town, our district and our country in those far off lands,” van der
“Scars that may have never fully healed,” van der Hulst said. “Scars that needed a community to help them deal with the daily struggles of life and scars that affected not only the service person, but their families as well.”
Returning service personnel helped shape Te Awamutu and wider communities into what they are today.
Attending Armistice Day commemorations keeps the memory
Te Huia expressed the deep community gratitude to those that served and those who continue to serve New Zealand.
“We acknowledge your unwavering commitment and the sacrifices you have made, and continue to make, in the service of others. We will remember them.”
• RSA chief sets course, see Page 10
The World War I cenotaph was erected in 1923. Photo: Jesse Wood
Te Awamutu RSA president Daniel van der Hulst (left) and executive member Adan Te Huia during the Armistice Day ceremony. Photo: Jesse Wood
Skiers question new lake plan
By Chris Gardner
Karāpiro Water Ski Club members fear a proposed plan for the lake domain could be bad news for their club.
One of the plan’s desired outcomes is to create a premiere, adaptable event and tourism destination by continuing to develop the domain as a worldclass event and training venue for primarily non-motorised aquatic sport.
The club is concerned with the use of the words “primarily nonmotorised”.
“That would have a devastating effect on the sport that we love,” said Karāpiro Water Ski Club member Les Atkinson.
He is one of nearly 300 youth and adult members of the growing club, which has existed for decades.
The club’s ground lease for a clubhouse at the northern end of the lake expires in 2030 with a 33 year right of renewal. However, the plan proposes the council work with the club for a new multi-purpose building on the site.
Brooklyn Ski Club, which met at Taumatawiiwii Reserve for 60 years, lost its lease to Karāpiro Waka Ama last year and many members have joined the Karāpiro club.
Atkinson, who managed the New Zealand Water Ski Team that won a silver medal at the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation Asian Australasian Championships in 2010, said the area was already busy with club members.
He was worried about the impact of encouraging more lake users into the area.
“It’s already congested at weekends,” he said.
In 2024 and 2025 approximately 250 events were held in the Sir Don Rowlands Centre and there were another 37 on the wider domain.
A national Water Ski School is planned in the area in December, Atkinson is planning to make a submission council asking it to continue to welcome boaties of all types.
“Karāpiro is the water sports mecca of the North Island and people travel from out of town to come and use this facility,” he said.
Atkinson said he was also considering getting in touch with Waikato Regional Council, which has regulatory oversight of the lake.
“You currently have to cross Zone 3, zoned for water skiing, to get to Zone 2, a five-knot zone, and subsequently access Zone 1, zoned for water skiing, where you operate without inconveniencing other
water sports on the lake,” he said.
“We do need to retain water ski zones on the lake and, in the interests of safety, zones for other craft that require greater open spaces need to be considered.
“I don’t see why that should be so hard,” he said.
Club president Tim Barns-Lawton said he had received feedback from one club member who had found the online form “tedious and annoying” to fill in.
“If you don’t agree with anything you have to give a reason for every answer, which is basically the same question worded slightly different,” said member Jono Lilburn.
“You can’t just disagree with what they want to do.”
The plan seeks to strengthen mana whenua partnerships, increase mana whenua connections and enhance environmental stewardship.
Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngāti Hauā, Waikato Tainui and Raukawa hold customary rights and interests in the land.
The draft plan was shaped by 27 responses collected by the council last year. It will be funded through the district and regional council’s long term and annual plans. Submissions are open until January 20, 2026.
Festival a success
By Chris Gardner
Groups from across region gathered at Karāpiro on Thursday for the Te Wakatini Mid Central kapa haka festival.
Six groups, including four containing members with intellectual disabilities, were supported at the Sir Don Rowlands Centre by Idea Services from the Waikato as well Gisborne, Rotorua, and Hawke’s Bay.
There was a huge turnout of whānau and community cheering on the performers.
Māori advisory group member Te Atakura Ryan Kaitakawaenga said participants took kapa haka very seriously.
“It’s an important artform to the Idea Services community. It’s a taonga and it encourages connection to whakapapa and to each other,” she said.
Kapa haka rōpu leader Robert Smith said being a member of a kapa haka rōpū for many years had strengthened his understanding of Māori culture.
“Since joining kapa haka, I’ve learned about visiting marae and the tikanga that comes with it,” he said.
“It’s a celebration that brings people together through culture, music and performance.”
The organisation will return to the Waikato for a national event next year.
Moana Rewi performs for Te Roopu Atawhai o Te Tairāwhiti
ON SHAKY GROUND
From bad to worse
By Janine Krippner
At 9:35 am on November 1 1755, the people of Lisbon, Portugal experienced between six and nine minutes of ground shaking. A fault had ruptured offshore Portugal in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, causing the event now known as the Lisbon Earthquake, or Terramoto de 1755. By the time the shaking stopped, the tragedy had only just begun across the coastal city. These events can be complex, with multiple hazards being triggered by the initial process. Fire broke out in Lisbon, causing people to head to areas like the Terreiro do Paço square to escape the flames. They couldn’t have known that this was a dire mistake.
When I mentioned that the earthquake originated offshore and people in a coastal city felt a long earthquake, did you immediately think “tsunami”? The earthquake had triggered a tsunami that claimed around 900 lives in Lisbon. One tragic account tells of people taking refuge in the São Paulo church - and 32 perished as the fire, which would last 5-6 days, spread.
Within an hour of the earthquake, coastlines of Portugal, Spain, and Morocco had been hit by tsunami waves. Around five hours later, the tsunami reached the United Kingdom, causing minor damage, and 9-10 hours later, the Caribbean.
Around the Pacific Ocean tsunamis are commonplace, but with the lack of large subduction zones in the Atlantic they are much less so. Estimations of total fatalities vary widely, but historians and scientists place the death toll between 30,000 and 60,000 people across Portugal, Spain, and North Africa.
This catastrophe illustrates how a single
natural event can trigger cascading hazards – earthquake, tsunami, and fire, compounding destruction and loss. It also highlights the life-or-death importance of how people respond. The actions you take immediately afterwards can determine your survival.
As always, these accounts are a reminder to know the warning signs of a tsunami and think about what actions you would take. If you feel a long or strong earthquake near the coast, get to higher ground. If you see unexpected behaviour of the ocean (rising or falling water) or hear a roar from the ocean, don’t wait around. These lessons cannot be repeated often enough.
If you get a tsunami alert, follow the advice but remember that if the source of a tsunami is too close you may not get a warning beyond the earthquake itself. Areas in Portugal only had around 30 minutes between the earthquake and the start of the tsunami. If you think of trying to move through a crowded city, that is not much time. Trying to drive away in modern times can result in being stuck in traffic within the danger zones.
Tsunamis can also be triggered by processes other than earthquakes, so being aware of the ocean when we are at the beach is always important. Quick, informed action saves lives. Practice evacuation routes, pay attention to tsunami signs, and remember: while we cannot stop earthquakes or tsunamis, we are not powerless. Preparedness and awareness can make all the difference for you and those around you.
Welcoming migrants
By Sam Pullenger Deacon Assistant, St John’s Anglican Parish
Deacon Assistant, St John’s Anglican Parish
Last week Jesse Wood covered a story on migrants who have recently become New Zealand citizens.
This got me thinking about my own history. I am the son of a migrant mother who is the daughter of migrant parents. Though I grew up in what I thought was a reasonably “normal” New Zealand home, my life has been deeply shaped by my migrant heritage. As it is coming closer to Christmas time, two of the traditions that we had in our home were the celebration of St Nicholas on night of the December 5-6 where we would place a shoe outside our door and wake to find it filled with sweets.
The other tradition was that we would open all our presents on Christmas Eve, rather than on Christmas Day. It was a running joke in our house to see how long mum would continue to speak to us in German after she hung up the phone call to her mum, given that we only spoke English.
These differences were odd to a lot of my friends whose families had been in Aotearoa for several generations. But it also meant that we, as a family, often made friends quickly with the newest immigrant families to our town. If we each look back on our heritage, we will find stories of immigration because we are all immigrants from one place to another. However, if we stay long enough in one place, it can be easy to forget that we are all immigrants. We set up homes, businesses and lives passing
them down from one generation to the next.
Suddenly (or maybe not so suddenly), this place that we have settled down in becomes our place, my place, and those newcomers are the different ones, the ones who do not belong.
In the Bible, the book of Acts tells the story of the early church. A conference is called with church leaders to talk about non-Jewish people who are beginning to follow Jesus. Some leaders want these new Christians to have to follow all the Jewish laws, while others believe they should be allowed to practice their faith shaped by their own culture and traditions.
In the end, the Church agrees that nonJewish Christians should be enabled and encouraged to practice their faith. What this sets up is a precedent for the Church worldwide, that each person, tradition and culture has value and can offer something unique.
As we welcome our newly affirmed New Zealand citizens, I want to invite us to think about how we are engaging with migrants in Waipā. I wonder what it might be like to begin life in a completely new place, in a different culture. I wonder how other cultures might enable us to see the world in a new and refreshing way.
Jesus calls us to welcome the migrant, not so that they would become like us, but so that together we would become something new.
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Sale
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Quarry deal confirmed
By Mary Anne Gill
After four years and $130,000 in legal fees, Rhys and Antoinette Powell’s fight against a Cambridge quarry ended last week - not in court, but with a handshake.
On site at French Pass Road, Rhys Powell and Fulton Hogan chief operating officer Simon Dyne agreed to preserve a 32-metre high riverbank between the couple’s property and the RS Sand quarry at 77 Newcombe Road.
The original application would have seen the bank, along the Karāpiro Gully, reduced at the start of the mining and then removed completely at the end - in about 30 years.
The Powells’ southern boundary is only 15m from the quarry. They would have had a ring side seat from their living room to a working quarry operation for all that time.
The deal – which also sees a 3m bund installed on top of the bank - prompted the Powells to drop their Environment Court appeal.
The agreement clears the way for RS Sand - owned by Stevenson Aggregates, a Fulton Hogan subsidiary - to extract 400,000 tonnes of sand annually.
The company had already secured a resource consent with strict and enforceable conditions imposed by both Waikato Regional and Waipā district councils after a Resource Management Act hearing before an independent panel.
The conditions would protect neighbours, local roads and the environment, they said at the time.
The conditions included the establishment of cultural landscape zone to protect native species, a limit of 150 daily truck movements through Cambridge and an annual payment of $17,200 to the Waipā council for road maintenance.
The Powells were the only ones to appeal the decision to the Environment Court. This month they entered mediation already having spent $130,000 on legal bills and expert advice.
“I’d do it again,” Rhys Powell told The News.
“The original application was simply too flawed and unacceptable to let through.
“The lawyers and council would have gone to court. Simon Dyne came down, had a look (at the site) and said, ‘yep I get what you’re saying’ and we shook on it.”
The deal did not include compensation to the Powells despite their significant costs.
Rhys Powell said he did the best he could for Cambridge.
“I tried to stop the thing, but I didn’t have the support of council or anyone else financially. No one chipped in any money.”
He is scathing of both the regional and district council who he said had no real-world experience in quarrying or mining operations. Before establishing his equestrian centre business in French Pass Road, Powell worked in mining for 30 years.
“I was the only party to appeal the decision. I engaged a team of qualified experts and top lawyers and spent well over $130,000, excluding my own time, to develop a substantially revised proposal that properly addressed the impacts on my property and on neighbouring residents.
“The final design now delivers a far better outcomesomething the councils should have required from the very beginning.
“While the quarry trucks will never travel past our property, there were only so many battlefronts we could fight on our own,” said Powell.
“My advice to others facing a similar consent process: expect very little from council planning and transport teams, use the latest AI tools to quickly identify flaws, and be prepared to stand up and fix things yourself - because often no one else will.”
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce chief executive Kelly Bouzaid welcomed the decision but said she was still concerned at the amount of heavy traffic which would travel through the town As part of the consent conditions, groups like the chamber and the Cambridge Community Board would be tasked with monitoring truck numbers.
Rhys and Antoinette Powell in front of the 32-metre high river bank which will remain under the deal they struck with quarry operators.
Mayor’s morning ritual
By Chris Gardner
Mike and Nic Pettit wake at 4.50am and climb to the top of Maungakawa hill every morning.
“It’s a great time for us to get our own time,” Mike Pettit said. “You get up there and look over the district. Every morning’s different. We spend two or three minutes just looking out, then we turn around and trail back down with the dog.”
The pair are continuing this hourlong tradition after his transition from Cambridge Primary School principal, a job he had held for 17 years, to Waipā mayor. Nic temporarily assumed his role at the school.
His pupils were first and foremost on his mind as he was handed the mayoral chains at the council’s first meeting of this term. Looking down the livestream camera, he said: “Cambridge Primary School, Kia Ora te whanau, hopefully the children are about to go back to work.”
The Pettits have been working with Ministry of Education, the school board and leadership team since April to prepare for the event of his election to political office. So, the moment was prepared for.
“We went to the board and said this is what we were thinking of doing and they were very supportive,” he said. “Nic will take over at school, and the job has been advertised.”
The News observes there’s not a huge difference between being a primary school principal and a mayor.
“Very similar, in the leadership style,” he said. “I’ve been quite open about that. I’ve seen what we’ve done at Cambridge Primary School by bringing a collective group of people who believe in each other together and building a team and letting people chase their passions and talents.”
Nic began teaching at the school in 2007 and Mike followed her a year later.
They have raised six children, all of whom have been involved in sport.
“There’s only two of them left at home now,” he said.
He’s often found himself coaching sport.
“People figure you’re a teacher so you can obviously coach anything - it wasn’t the case.”
Asked what piece of advice they had for each other as they head into their new roles, he said advice he had received from a former mayor.
“The first person that says yes or no to stuff, is your wife, I won’t go into the reason why, but you can probably work it out If you’re in it for three, six, nine years,” he said.
“I thought that is a very good piece of advice. Because otherwise this thing can go probably 16 hours a day. At the end of the day, I’m married to Nic. I’m not married to my diary.”
Her reply?
“You’re not going to please everybody,” she said. “Whatever your decisions, everyone’s not going to be happy. So, take it with a grain of salt and just know what you’re doing is for the better of the district.”
TALKING ECONOMICS
More tax on the table?
By Peter Nicholl
At last, a political party in New Zealand has been brave enough to include a capital gains tax in its policy platform.
The United Kingdom has had one since 1965, Canada since 1971, Australia since 1985 – and that bastion of free enterprise, the United States, since 1913.
I have never understood why our politicians have for so long regarded capital gains taxation as a no-go area.
When around 130 countries have some form of it.
We are one about 30 that don’t – and most of the others are very small.
In international policy jargon, having some form of capital gains tax is regarded as ‘best international practice’ for taxation systems both for fairness and for revenueraising reasons. Internatioinal organisations like the IMF and the OECD have been telling our politicians this for many years. Out politicians seem to love saying what they are doing is ‘best international practice’ in other areas. But until Labour’s recent announcement they have not only refused to follow this ‘best international practice’, they have also refused to even talk about it.
They seemed to fear that voters would penalise any political party that had the nerve to propose a capital gains tax – or to even talk about it as a possibility.
But there have been a number of opinion polls over the last few years in whch a majority of respondents supported the introduction of some form of capital gains tax. In the recent political opinion poll that came out after the Labour Party’s announcement on their capital gains tax proposal, their share of the vote increased
rather than decreasd.
I think our politicians have misread the views of the country on this issue.
I have been writing this fortnightly column since 2022 and have written about capital gains taxes on at least five occasions during that time.
One of the main points I have made in my previous columns is that the introduction of a capital gains tax here is inevitable.
I think many others have reached the same conclusion.
They can see the state of our fiscal accounts.
They can see the huge demands for expenditure the country has in areas like health and roading.
They can see that with an ageing population, there is only one direction in which superannuation payments can go.
What are the alternatives to a capital gains tax? We could continue to let our infrastructure run down.
We could increase tax rates on labour income, profits or GST.
We could markedly raise the age of entitlement to superannuation or introduce means testing into superannuation entitlements.
The one option we don’t have as a country is to do nothing. The staus quo is not a viable option.
At present all we have is a proposal. But the issue is no longer hidden in the political ‘too-hard’ drawer. It is now out in the open and part of the New Zealand political debate. That is progress. It will be interesting to see how the debate develops.
Waipā mayor Mike Pettit and his wife, Cambridge Primary School deputy principal Nic Pettit on the day of Mike’s inauguration as mayor at Lake Karāpiro.
Photo: Chris Gardner
The story of an Ōhaupō first
Jesse Woods delves into the past to tell the story of a Waikato rugby rep turned businessman, golfer and bowler.
The first line on Ōhaupō Rugby Sports Club’s Waikato honours board states ‘1925 Tom Kirkup’.
This year marks a century since the club’s first official representative player was named –and his family didn’t even know.
It remains a mystery as to where Kirkup lived in the area and why he chose Ōhaupō for his rugby –and it’s possible he never returned.
It seems that 1925 was his only season at Ōhaupō.
There are no team photos from that era to prove otherwise, other than the 1925 junior squad. The 1931 Ōhaupō Hotel fire destroyed many records.
The goalkicking forward was the 91st Waikato representative. He played six matches, scoring a try and a conversion.
Auckland-based John Caulfield, now in his mid-90s, recalled his father-in-law’s history.
Caulfield married Kirkup’s only daughter, Merle (1930-2016).
Thomas James Kirkup was born in the family home, Jesmond Dene, in Mt Albert on October 12, 1902.
“Tom always delighted in telling me it had a central hallway ‘the length of a cricket pitch - 22 yards’,” Caulfield said. “After the family’s occupation, it served many years as a private hospital.”
Kirkup attended Gladstone
Primary School and secondary schooling at Seddon Memorial Technical College - now part of Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
Very little is known of his life in the early 1920s. Caulfield said the immediate family had no idea of his time in the Waikato.
“This does not surprise us, as family history points towards very little or no sibling contact, and Tom spoke very little about himself,” Caulfield said. “Prior to his return to Auckland and subsequent marriage, we have always had only a vague idea that he went farming.”
According to census records, Kirkup was back in Auckland by 1928. He built a home in Epsom after marrying Dulcie Thomas. Daughter Merle was born two years later.
Kirkup acquired an importing business, which included the New Zealand Agency for Dinky Toys, Hornby model trains and Meccano. This was his occupation until retirement.
Dulcie died in 1949 and Kirkup married twice more. His second wife also died young. He and third wife Kathleen “Kay” Nicholls moved to St Heliers for their final years.
Caulfield said his father-in-law
became a serious golfer following his rugby career.
“Merle’s little girl memories included helping her parents plant trees at the Maungakiekie Golf Course on the slopes of One Tree Hill before the club moved to the current Mt Roskill location,” Caulfield said.
Titirangi then became Kirkup’s club and he played at senior level there for many years.
“With a number of friends and equally formidable golfers, he then became a founding member of the Muriwai Golf Club,” Caulfield said.
“Until the rebuilding of the course after erosion damage, the longest hole, a par 5, was named after him - Long Tom.
“He was of more than average physique and this was a reference to the need for considerable strength to achieve par on the then number one stroke hole, especially in windy conditions.”
Kirkup was invited to become a member of the Eagles Golfing Society, an honour he greatly prized. The family all remember him playing off a handicap of two.
As Kirkup’s game began to decline, he unearthed a new talent at St Heliers Bowling Club. He found challenge and companionship on the green.
Kirkup died in 1981 from the
effects of leukaemia and was laid to rest at Purewa Cemetery.
“[Tom] was an astute businessman and many times I benefitted from his advice in my business affairs, which, once sought, was always very willingly given,” Caulfield said. “He was very proud of his two granddaughters, Louise and Victoria.
“My late wife and I were always relieved to be informed they had
‘risen to the occasion’, whatever it may have been.
“Praise indeed from one whose standards of social behaviour and courtesy were legendary, and which won him a wide circle of friends. He was of generous nature and forgiving of people’s frailties.
“Everything he did was aimed toward perfection and we are glad to have the memories of his exemplary personality.”
New RSA chief sets course
By Viv Posselt
Just days into his appointment as new Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association national president, Cambridge’s Tony Hill has signalled a ‘back to basics’ approach that will centre on an expectation around behaviour and broaden the reach of assistance to veterans.
Hill’s appointment was made
at this month’s 109th National Council in Wellington. He takes over from Sir Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford.
He held multiple titles during the previous year – one of two national vice-presidents, district president for the Waikato, King Country and Bay of Plenty, and president of the Cambridge RSA – and served on several different committees.
Trimming three official roles down to one will be easier, he said. “I now have a single focus, even though it’s a wide one. Not having a lot to do at those different levels will make things more streamlined.”
Hill said his first priority was to ‘get back to basics’ in advocating for veterans and their families, whether or not they belong to an RSA. The organisation has been
rolling out support hubs around the country, increasing visibility around the advocacy work it does, and broadening its reach.
“Whether you have served, or are still serving, our priority is to support you and your family in practical, meaningful ways,” he said. “Our Poppy Trust is there to make a real difference to veterans’ lives, and that of their families, in whatever way it might be needed.
RSAs are completely colour-blind, help offered is based on genuine need and we will go to great lengths to provide it. All people need to do is approach us.”
Also on his agenda is a more disciplined approach to what he described as ‘bad behaviour’ recently reported within the RSA network.
He said there had been incidences where bad behaviour on the part of some members had come to light –some are still under investigation.
“I have zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviour at any level. I have a high expectation of behaviour within our organisation and I intend leading by example.
I liken our RSA movement to a flotilla of ships. We are all different types of vessels – sizes and models of RSAs – but we should all be going in the same direction.
“We are all allowed to express different opinions, of course, but my advice is to make sure that what you are doing goes back to the
fundamentals of what we stand for, and that opinions are raised with integrity and respect.”
A dwindling membership in some of the smaller RSAs is another challenge. He acknowledges the difficulties faced by younger members who are busy with careers and young families and conceded that the organisation has ‘work to do’ on that.
Hill, who was elected unopposed, now heads an organisation comprising over 182 RSAs - a changing number because of the creation of sub-branches - and over 65,000 members.
“I am incredibly proud to be representing all of our RSAs, big and small,” he told The News. “It was also particularly special for me to have been presented with the korowai cloak made by weaver Alecia Collins and worn for the first time in the Cambridge Town Hall in 2022 by the then national president BJ Clark.
“He was one of my mentors when I was a young officer. We served together. It feels incredibly special that we share that circular connection with the korowai and Cambridge.”
Providing support for Hill, who believes this is the first time a Cambridge resident has become national president, is Malcolm Wallace as national vice-president, and Ruawhitu (Anaru) Pokaia as kaumātua.
New RSA national president Tony Hill, at his first outing in the role – speaking at the November 9 Remembrance Sunday civic ceremony at the Cambridge Town Hall piazza.
Photo: Michael Jeans.
Tom Kirkup in the 1925 Waikato team.
Photo: Waikato Rugby
Across 1. Dishonour (5) 4. Picturesque (6) 7. Poorly (3) 8. Turn up (6) 9. Kidnap
Happiness is the tantalising barbecue aroma wafting across the backyard..
Gas barbecues have become the popular choice. They are advantageous because they cook at the flick of a switch. Many barbecue fanatics tend to think gas barbies do not provide the same flavour or atmosphere as the charcoal barbie. But charcoal is odourless and flavourless. The socalled ‘charcoal flavour’ is imparted to the meat by the flareup and smoke resulting from the dripping meat juices and fat on the hot charcoal. The same kind of flare-up results from the meat juices that drop onto the hot rocks provided at the base of many gas barbecues.
Roaring flames can ruin good meat, charring the outside while the inside remains raw. Cooking on a flat barbecue plate is the least demanding for the barbecue chef because it is similar to frying. Meat can be pre-cooked on the hot plate and finished on the grill if necessary to give it that ‘barbecue’ flavour.
To reduce or eliminate excess flaming, first trim the surplus fat from the meat. Use lean minced meat for burgers. If the food has been marinated, wipe off the excess marinade, start the cooking process, then baste with the marinade close to serving time. If the flames jump up, douse with a little water from a spray bottle. Turn the food with tongs rather than a fork to prevent juices from escaping.
Barbecued Fish With Herbs
A favourite barbecue treat
800g skinned and boned fish fillets or steaks, about 2cm thick spray olive oil
Cut the fish into four serving-sized pieces. Cut four pieces of
baking paper and four pieces of foil large enough to wrap each fish portion.
Spray the baking paper with oil. Place the fish in the centre of the paper, season with salt and pepper and top with herbs and sesame oil. Wrap the fish in the paper then wrap each serving in the foil.
Refrigerate until ready to cook. Place the fish packets on the grill. Barbecue for 5-6 minutes, until sizzling and cooked. Serves 6.
Bbq Kumara Patties
An excellent vegetarian BBQ option.
400g red-skinned kumara, peeled and chopped
1 medium onion, diced
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium carrot, grated
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
1/2 cup finely grated tasty cheddar cheese
3/4 dried breadcrumbs or panko crumbs
Steam or boil the kumara until tender. Drain well. The kumara should be fairly dry. Mash and cool a little.
Sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon of the oil until softened. Using a large fork, combine with the mashed kumara, carrot, egg, hoisin, parsley and cheese. Mix well. Divide into four equal portions. Form into patties.
Spread the breadcrumbs on some baking paper or a chopping board and coat the kumara patties with the crumb. Chill until ready to cook.
Brush the patties with the oil. Barbecue on a flat plate for about 5 minutes each side until hot.
Excellent served with sour cream. Serves 4.
Frankfurters With Warm Tomato Salsa
Salsa: 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons sherry or balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
Franks: 8 Frankfurters
spray olive oil
freshly ground black pepper to taste
Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan and add the onion and garlic. Sauté on low heat until softened. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, sugar and fennel seeds. Simmer until reduced by about a half.
Meanwhile, spray the Frankfurters with oil and sprinkle with black pepper. Grill over medium-low heat until cooked, about 5 minutes, turning often. Serve the warm salsa with the Frankfurters. Excellent popped into hot long rolls. Serves 4.
Barbecued Fish With Herbs
Bbq Kumara Patties
Lifters celebrate gold in Brazil
By Jesse Wood
Te
Awamutu
athlete Mike Smith and the New Zealand GPC powerlifting squad have returned from the world championships in Brazil with 17 gold medals and nine world records.
The Balneário Camboriú-based event had 1000 competitors and all members of the team placed on the podium. Balneário Camboriú is a coastal city of 145,000 people in southern Brazil.
GPC New Zealand president and Trainstation coach Smith said it was like lifting in the Brazilian Colosseum.
“It’s normally in Slovakia and next year it’s in Poland. Being in sunny Brazil this year, it was attractive to us all,” Smith said.
“The Brazilians were very passionate. Some of their powerlifters were treated like God.
“At one stage the whole crowd erupted. There was a guy warming up, I didn’t even know who he was. I looked him up and he’s got four million fans on Instagram. He’s like a rock star there.”
Smith was one of 11 Kiwi competitors, including other Waipā powerlifters Tracey Karam, Xavier Karam and Chara Reti (Te Awamutu).
Tracey put in a gold medal performance, as did Reti in the soft-equipped bench press, also setting a bench press world record. Xavier won a silver in the deadlift and silver overall in the deadlift.
“I’m proud of the team. Tracey did two squats, one world record and a gold,” Smith said. “That was outstanding. She led the way, it was awesome.” Smith came away with two gold medals in
WAIPA DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING NOTICES
Pursuant to Section 46 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 notice is hereby given that:
The following meetings will be held in December 2025:
Wednesday, Strategic Planning and Policy 3 December, 2025 Committee 9.15am
Council Chambers 101 Bank Street TE AWAMUTU
Thursday, Cambridge Community Board 4 December, 2025 6.00pm Cambridge Service Centre 23 Wilson Street CAMBRIDGE
Tuesday, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi 9 December, 2025 Community Board 6.00pm Council Chambers 101 Bank Street TE AWAMUTU
Wednesday, Finance and Corporate Committee 10 December, 2025 9.15am Council Chambers 101 Bank Street TE AWAMUTU
Wednesday, Service Delivery Committee 10 December, 2025 1.00pm Council Chambers 101 Bank Street TE AWAMUTU
Monday, Risk and Assurance Committee 15 December, 2025 9.15am Council Chambers 101 Bank Street TE AWAMUTU
Wednesday, Council 17 December, 2025 9.15am Council Chambers 101 Bank Street
TE AWAMUTU
All meeting information and electronic copies of Council agendas are available at waipadc.govt.nz/agendasandminutes
Steph O’Sullivan Chief Executive
what has been a competitive year.
“I hadn’t done any of research on where I was in my category. So, to come away with gold was pretty cool,” Smith said.
“It was an amazing result for the kiwis. We definitely got noticed. Our team spirit was amazing.
“We took the opportunities to look professional and work well together as a team.”
Hamilton-based Cat and Jarred Seeney, who have strong Waipā connections, also competed admirably.
“Cat was faultless. She hit her three from three, gaining gold in the deadlift and setting a new world record,” Smith said.
“Jarred did a crazy weight cut. He was competing on two different days. It was a 24-hour weigh in.
“He weighed in for deadlift under 90kg then he wanted to weigh in the next day for the strict curl, under 82.5kg. He achieved that.
“In deadlift he got a gold. In strict curl he got gold and a world record. You’ve got to be strategic for that as strict curl goes up in increments.”
Nigel Cordes joined the New Zealand team after qualifying in Canada where he moved from Hamilton about seven years ago.
“He had his heart set on taking the all-time New Zealand bench press record and he smashed it. He also got gold in bench press.”
Christine Henwood, 66, has been a global champion many times and won her class overall as well as several golds and world records,” Smith said.
Smith hopes to bring the competition to New Zealand one day.
ARMCHAIRS Sanderson linen/rolled arms x 2 Used/ good condition. Bought Gracious Living Interiors Remuera Auckland. $395 each. Ph: 021344952
Members of the New Zealand GPC powerlifting squad, from left, Tracey Karam, Xavier Karam, Mike Smith, Chara Reti, Nigel Cordes, Cat Seeney, Jarred Seeney and Christine Henwood.
Ohaupo Memorial Hall AGM
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
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
Professional business owning couple, wanting a rural home with garaging/shedding. All options considered. Good references available.
Ph 022 636 0501
CALL FOR TRUSTEE
The Waipa Community Facilities Trust have a current board vacancy and are calling to the public for registrations of interest for a new Trustee.
Support when you need it most Saying goodbye is never easy, but our
compassionate team is here 24/7 to guide you with care and respect.
Garth
Williams
Our team is caring and compassionate. We give the utmost attention to detail in all
INGS (nee Bethune), Lois Claire – 08.11.1935 – 13.11.2025 Daughter of Jim and Eva Bethune. Our gracious lady has died with the dignity and love she so dearly modelled at her home surrounded by her beautiful garden. She is the loved wife and partner of Arthur (deceased), cherished mother of Welby, Katrina (deceased) and Sue, Suzanne and Jen, Karen (deceased), Murray, Richelle and Andrew Forbes. Granny of 12 and Granny Darling (great Grandmother) of 11. Loved by so many. Lois will lay in state in her home amongst people whose lives she has touched in so many ways. We celebrated her life of 90 years well lived on Monday 17 November at 4.00 pm at the Presbyterian Church, 80 Mutu St, Te Awamutu.
Woolertons' Funeral Home
CALLANDER, Lynette
Gloria (nee Brough) –
Passed away 4.30am on 11th November 2025. Loved wife of Ken and mother of Kim and Michael and their partners, Mark and Glennis. Sister of Allan, Val, Colleen, and Rhonda. Sadly, missed by her four grandchildren, Natasha, Chloe, Nyah, and Cohen. A private ceremony will be held with close family and friends. All communications to the Callander family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.
Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
1.7.1964
Beloved son of
Kevin, Ray, and Stephen. “Rest in peace” A private cremation has been held. All communications to the de Vries family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.
The Charitable Trust was established to enhance the health and well-being of Waipa District communities by promoting the effective and efficient provision, development and operation of community facilities (Te Awamutu Events Centre) and Perry Aquatic Centre) and programmes throughout the District. The position is voluntary and trustees are expected to attend 11 meetings per year, as well as the Trust AGM.
Please send your CV and cover letter to the Secretary ruby@offsiteadmin.co.nz
Applications close Friday December 19th 2025.
Kihikihi Presbyterian Church
CHURCH SERVICES 10am
23rd November
3pm Family Service
Christmas Pageant
Rev Ken Wall followed by refreshments
All Welcome
O’Brien, David, Patrick
deceased 1st November 2025 David spent time in the UK working in the music and record industry.
He was the first full time, long-term manager of Riverlea Theatre, a member of TALOS at Woolshed Theatre, played the piano and conducted the orchestra for their shows and cashier at Regent Theatre arranging the Organ Concerts, playing the organ solo, accompanying singers and players he had invited to be in the successful shows.
He loved Andre Rieu and would attend his concerts in Auckland when he played there.
He also taught the piano, was always singing; his music will live on in our memories. He was a respected and admired gentleman.
KINGI, John Edward Heta (Black John) – Passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, aged 75 years. Dearly loved son of Maraea and the late Sonny. Much loved brother of Janice, JoAnne, Earlene, Lindsay, Dale (JJ), Gary, Robert (Fish), Granton and Christopher. Favourite blond-haired, blue-eyed, grumpy uncle to all his many nieces and nephews. A private funeral has been held, followed by burial at Taumarunui Cemetery. Messages to the Kingi family may be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800, or left in John’s online tribute book at www.rosetown. co.nz
MCDONNELL, Raewyn
DUTTON, John Phillip –Suddenly passed away at his home on Saturday, 8th November 2025, aged 74 years. Son of the late Ruth and John. Now at peace. Heartfelt thanks to the emergency services staff who attended. Following John’s wishes, a private service has been held. Messages to the Dutton family can be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800, or left in John’s online tribute book at www. rosetown.co.nz
Memoriam etc
Norma – It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Raewyn on 5 November 2025, aged 78 years, surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of Lawrence, cherished mum and motherin-law of Paul & Keren, Jane, Bridget & Ian. Treasured nana of Jack, Isabelle & Lucy, Jessica & Lockie, Mathew & Haley, Ashleigh & Hannah. Adored great nana of Poppy. Forever loved, forever remembered. A private family service has been held. Messages to the "McDonnell" family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or on Raewyn’s online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz
GORDON, Graham Bruce (Gordy) – Passed away peacefully on 30th October 2025, aged 74 years. Cherished Partner of Lin. Loving father of Matthew and Hannah. Devoted Poppy of Mia. Treasured brother of Cliff, Lynda, and Geoff. Graham will be lovingly remembered by Tony, Lisa and Jason and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Many thanks to CHT Te Awamutu staff for the wonderful care and love given to Gordy during his stay. A celebration of Gordy’s life has been held. All communications to the Gordon family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.
Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
DE VRIES, Ian Mark –
- 13.11.2025
Dirk and Hazel, brother of Lies, Lorna, Albert, Trevon (dec),
Funeral Director, Owner
Jim Goddin, Teri Keir & Jordan Goss - Funeral Directors
