Chronicle Week 4 May 22

Page 1


Raglan Police Report

from Raewyn, Linda and Jason

In the four weeks since our last report, here is a snapshot of some of the incidents we attended:

• 10 x Family Harm – including serious family assaults and arrests

• 4 x Assaults

• 6 x Threats and Intimidation / Disorderly Behaviour

• 6 x Theft

• 4 x Burglaries

• 5 x Obtains by Deception (Fraud / Scams)

• 4 x Wilful Damage

can also assist in identifying stolen property during search warrants.

Reports of fraud and scams continue to increase, with some victims losing tens of thousands of dollars. Be especially cautious with online private sales where you may be pressured to pay quickly so the item can be “taken off the market.” The fear of missing out (FOMO) can lead to rushed decisions. Take a moment to pause, assess and reassess before clicking “Submit Payment.”

Weekends/Holidays 24 hours 0800 252 672

• 6 x Mental Health

• 7 x Traffic Crashes

• 6 x Driving Incidents

• 8 x Drink Drivers

The burglaries reported have mostly occurred in rural areas and have varied in nature. One burglary in Te Akau involved multiple offenders stealing live goats from a goat farm. In Te Mata, a farm bike was stolen overnight. E-bikes, a mountain bike, tools, electronics and clothing were taken from a property on Lorenzen Bay Road. Additionally, parked vehicles were intentionally damaged on Upper Wainui Road.

Be sure to let them know you spotted their ad in the Chronicle. To advertise your business or sponsor a column, contact us at info@raglanchronicle.co.nz.

A reminder to ensure all vehicles are locked at night, and that keys and valuables are not left inside. Recording the serial numbers of valuable items such as electronics, bikes and tools

Although Police are officially stepping back from mental health callouts, we still often respond first to crisis situations. Many people are experiencing mental distress on a range of levels. However, mental distress cannot be used as an excuse for offending—particularly in cases involving threats, intimidation or assault. While managing these situations is challenging, in some instances, an arrest may be a step towards accessing the support services a person needs.

We are also aware that sustained loss of traction (burnouts) continues to cause concern and frustration in our community. We appreciate the public’s calls and information and are doing all we can to stop this dangerous behaviour.

In the meantime, stay safe, warm and dry.

Raglan Police Team

Artists celebrate nature for the Flora and Fauna exhibition

The Flora and Fauna exhibition is the third themed creative collaboration presented by the Old School Clay Shed.

Following the successful Shades of White in 2023 and last year's Iridescence, the Flora and Fauna exhibition brings together 20 artists from diverse backgrounds to explore the beauty of nature.

Clay Shed member Merren Goodison is one of several clay artists exhibiting her stunning nature-inspired sculptures. Merren’s hand-built whimsical figures are an ode to Mother Earth and celebrate the relationship between humans and the environment. Through sculptural forms,

textures and organic motifs, Merren offers a personal reflection on the delicate balance we share with the natural world.

From a multi-talented family that includes artist Jane Galloway and Soul Shoes founder Rob Galloway, Merren’s creative journey had its beginnings with her parents who pursued artistic endeavours in their spare time. “Our father was very into art. He was always going off to art classes. I'm more creative like my mother; craftier and always putting things together, rather than classic art,” she says.

Merren credits joining the Clay Shed around 20 years ago for providing support and inspiration to pursue clay hand building. “Clare Wimmer and Hayley

Hamilton initially instigated using the old garage out the back of the Old School for the Clay Shed. I came along the first night it opened and I’ve been pretty much coming ever since.”

Co-owner of Matapihi Kindergarten in Te Mata, Merren spent a couple of years producing ceramics as a business while still teaching. “I was going to stop teaching and make it my focus for income. I was creating things for a shop in Hamilton, but I realised it becomes like a production line in a factory,” she says.

Join the artists for opening night and mulled wine on Friday 23 May at 6pm. Exhibition is open 10-4pm daily from 24 May-2 June.

Flora and Fauna themed clay creations will be on display at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre.

Weedbusters find solution for overgrown Te Uku cemetery

An historic country graveyard in rural Te Uku has become an unlikely battleground in a committed Raglan-based environmental group’s fight against privet.

A small squad of volunteer workers from Whaingaroa Weedbusters, backed by double the number of Anglican parishioners, have mounted a joint exercise to clear the roadside St Paul’s Cemetery of invasive and noxious plant species.

“Still more work to do but a huge leap forward,” is how church-goer Sue Kendall described the recent working bee. “We got heaps done, all the big trees poisoned and lots of little ones cut and pasted, or pulled out.”

Parishioners had been angsting over the privet and how much would have to come out of their coffers to get the mature trees cut down when a chance encounter at an informal church gathering with Weedbusters cofounder Leanne Steel – a bit of serendipity, as Sue put it – led to “a much better solution”.

That was to call in the Weedbusters, who coincidentally had already spotted the cemetery’s enclave of overgrown trees from the top of the divvy.

Whaingaroa Weedbusters have been tackling privet and other noxious weeds with a vengeance since Covid times – along the highway, up driveways, in the Greenslade Rd area and all through the Kaitoke bush track, which has undergone a dramatic transformation.

A similar transformation is now happening at St Paul’s 119-year-old graveyard where, only two weeks on, a carpet of fallen leaves covers the ground and daylight floods in through the bare branches.

And all it cost the concerned parishioners was a couple of hours of time spent drilling and filling, cutting and pasting on site.

Leanne – who recently revitalised the volunteer organisation – says she was “very excited” to get the call for help.

She and three fellow Weedbusters arrived at the cemetery with multiple drills, handsaws, herbicides and gardening gloves to distribute among the church’s group of eight, all keen to help fight the good fight against privet.

After showing her proteges how first to identify the species by its smooth-edged leaves with tiny white bumps on the stems,

Leanne explained how to “drill and fill” around the base of each of the three big tree trunks with liquid glyphosate sucked up through a large syringe.

The herbicide is then squirted into the “angled” drill holes made about 10cm apart all the way around the girth of the tree at ground level. And while it is absorbed into the root system, Leanne pointed out, the poison doesn’t actually spread into the surrounding soil.

But for the saplings which had taken hold near the mature privet, she explained how to “cut” them close to the ground with a handsaw then thickly “paste” the freshly cut surface with a herbicide gel.

As with undiluted glyphosate the gel gets absorbed into the plant’s root system, preventing regrowth.

Leanne’s multiple funding applications to Waikato Regional Council have helped pay for the herbicides and tools she shares around in the fight against weeds.

The Waikato Ecological Enhancement Trust has also provided ongoing support including supplying contractors to help Weedbusters with their drilling and filling,

cutting and pasting, on steeper less accessible parts of the Kaitoke track for instance.

And last year Meridian Energy New Zealand gave money to replace pest plants with native trees.

Closer to home Raglan Food Co recently came up with $2000 from its community fund to support an “awesome” local group. “Whaingaroa Weedbusters are doing incredible mahi,” it posted online, “and with our support they’ve been able to get new tools and resources to help power their mission.”

Power Weed Control in Hamilton – a family business owned by local resident Trevor Power – also encourages the Weedbusters’ work with free supplies of herbicides.

A nurse working part-time in the mental health service, Leanne’s passionate about saving New Zealand’s “unique biodiversity” – by starting in our own backyards.

“These days this is where my heart lies,” she says. “I like to look after nature.”

For help email whaingaroaweedbusters@gmail.com

While the factors driving the housing market activity have shifted with the seasons, there’s one thing you can count on. With a unique blend of expertise, international networks and a suite of innovative marketing tools, Bayleys is the agency for all your property needs.

Residential, commercial, rural and lifestyle – we deliver the best results. Get in touch:

Residential & Lifestyle Sales

Mark Frost 022 150 2244 | mark.frost@bayleys.co.nz

Michelle O’Byrne 021 969 878 | michelle.obyrne@bayleys.co.nz

Stephen O’Byrne 021 969 848 | stephen.obyrne@bayleys.co.nz

Chrissie Spence 021 626 833 | chrissie.spence@bayleys.co.nz

Commercial and Industrial Sales and Leasing

Jordan Metcalfe 021 0847 8920 | jordan.metcalfe@bayleys.co.nz

Sales and Marketing Administrator

Melanie Vink 021 362 474 | melanie.vink@bayleys.co.nz

Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services

Who ya gonna call: Leanne, left, and the crew arm themselves with tools and herbicides to tackle privet at St Paul's Cemetery.
Tools bought courtesy of Raglan Food Co funds.
Leanne on the tools.

Two Raglan rescues in a week: boaties urged to take bar safety seriously

Coastguard Raglan volunteers have been praised for their quick response after two dramatic marine rescues in the space of a week — incidents that could have ended in tragedy without the swift actions of emergency crews and the wider Raglan community.

In the latest rescue on Sunday 19 May, four people including a teenager were pulled from the water after their vessel failed to cross the Raglan bar. A fellow Coastguard volunteer spotted the boat attempting to cross just after 11am and alerted Coastguard Raglan at 11:21am, concerned it hadn’t made it safely.

Within minutes, jet skis Rylock Rescue One and Two were launched with four volunteers. By 11:43am, the group had located four people clinging to a floating chilly bin around 800 metres behind the bar. One jet ski transported the teenager back to Manu Bay for immediate medical attention, while rescue vessel Gallagher Rescue arrived soon after and brought the remaining three ashore, where they were assessed by Hato Hone St John.

“I truly believe that without the Raglan community and someone alerting us about this so quickly, they could still be out there, and we not know. It was that immediate call that made all the difference,” said Gallagher Rescue skipper Lee Poolton.

It is understood that only some of those rescued were wearing lifejackets and no Bar Watch or Trip Report had been logged with Coastguard.

Poolton said the Raglan bar can be dangerous to navigate, and the conditions were “atrocious” with an outgoing tide and a 2-metre swell.

“At this stage, the vessel has not been located and we suspect it may have sunk,” he said.

“The rest of the Coastguard Raglan crew did a stellar job and acted really quickly and efficiently throughout the rescue.”

Just three days earlier, on Thursday 16 May, Coastguard Raglan responded to another emergency involving two fishermen whose small inflatable dinghy became submerged near Whale Bay.

The pair had launched at 10:00am to set a long line off Whale Bay and Manu Bay. When they failed to return, a text message sent at 7:06pm to one of the men’s partners prompted a call to emergency services. Police alerted the Coastguard Operations Centre at 7:19pm, and by 8:05pm, jet skis Rylock Rescue One and Two and Gallagher Rescue had launched with a combined crew of 11 volunteers.

“Their vessel became submerged by the swells on their return trip and eventually washed up on the rocks,” said Coastguard Raglan President Wally Hawken.

At 8:34pm, volunteers spotted a faint light near the rocky shoreline west of Whale Bay — a remote and treacherous section of the coast. The men were found stranded on the rocks, cold and showing signs of hypothermia.

“A jetski volunteer swam a short distance to the rocky cliff to support the two men while crew onboard Gallagher Rescue prepared a dry bag of warm gear and supplies to throw ashore,” Hawken said.

“There was no way out around the rocks, and with the strengthening northeasterly winds and rising swell, we made the decision to request support from Westpac Rescue Helicopter.”

By 12:04am, both men were winched to safety and reunited with family. All volunteers returned to shore by 1:05am.

“They were two very lucky fishermen,” Hawken said.

“They were integral to the result by being able to get close to the rocks and for a volunteer to swim and assist the men. The swells would have been very challenging to do that with just our Gallagher Rescue vessel.”

Both incidents serve as important reminders to always wear a lifejacket, take two forms of waterproof communication, and ensure your vessel is fit for purpose.

Coastguard also urges boaties crossing a bar to log a Bar Crossing Trip Report via VHF radio or by calling *500. If a trip report isn’t closed within 15–30 minutes and Coastguard can’t get hold of you, they will initiate a search. It’s a step that could save your life.

Keiran brings home the buckle! from Trina Regnier

Amassive congratulations to Keiran O’Brien for taking out 3rd place in the US 3-D National Championship for archery – an incredible achievement on the international stage. You did it, mate, and we’re all so proud of you!

Proud dad Rory O’Brien also made his mark, finishing 11th overall in the highly competitive Adult Bowhunter Division.

Well done to the entire O’Brien whānau –absolute legends!

Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Repair – Building Skills for a Better Future

From Xtreme Zero Waste and Whāingaroa Environment Centre

The 5 R's: Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Repair are powerful actions we can all take to reduce waste and create a more sustainable community. In Whāingaroa, these ideas are coming to life through hands-on learning, shared knowledge, and community connection

Rethink the way we consume - do we need to buy new, or can we borrow, mend, or make do? Reduce what we send to landfill by choosing products with less packaging and longer lifespans Reuse items creatively, and Repurpose things that might otherwise be thrown away And when something breaks? Repair it and learn how to do it yourself!

That’s the idea behind the Whāingaroa Repair Café, held from 10am-12pm on the second Saturday of every month at 3 Stewart Street Local volunteers offer their time and skills to help fix clothes, small appliances, bikes, and more – for free It’s not just about fixing stuff – it’s about sharing skills, saving money, and strengthening our community

We’re currently looking for more volunteers, especially those with sewing, electrical, or general repair skills. If you ’ re keen to lend a hand, visit whaingaroa.org.nz/repair-cafe to learn more.

ReWorkshops have also begun in the Woodyard at Xtreme Zero Waste, offering creative, practical sessions to rethink, reduce, reuse, repurpose and repair in everyday life It’s a great opportunity to gain new skills, meet like-minded locals, and be part of the circular economy in action

There have been two Reworkshops to date, and more in the works for the months ahead The first ReWorkshop was with Robz Jones sharing his knowledge for youth DIY speaker building over an afternoon They got stuck in with drills, wires, and a whole lot of creative energy, and the end of the day, each rangatahi walked away with a working bluetooth speaker they built themselves and some serious new skills! Deb King has since lead an interactive creative carpentry ReWorkshop, going throught the steps of visioning a project, planning, sourcing scond-hand materials and getting stuck into DIY building

A huge thanks to Robz and Deb for sharing their knowledge, creativity and passion, and to the participants for diving into learning something new, see some of the the creations below

Upcoming ReWorkshops:

Saturday 7th June - Upcycle letterbox - Making a quirky letterboxbring something from home that you want to repurpose into a letter box or search for things at the Xtreme Woodyard Tutor: Robz Jones

Saturday 5th July - Renovate small items - From scrap to functional art Tutors: Reno Rachel (Goodard) and Deb King

*See featured photo of Rachael’s beautiful upcycling creations

Saturday 2nd August - DIY speaker - bring an old guitar, suitcase (or anything suitable) from home and turn it into a funky and functional speaker. Tutor: Robz Jones

Register for workshops online: https://events.humanitix.com/host/wec xzw

Interested in upholserty or ceramic repairs? We’re open to any workshop ideas, and also welcoming anyone to teach/offer wisdom & advice Contact repaircafe@whaingaroa org nz

“ReWorks” is proudly brought to the community by Xtreme Zero Waste and Whāingaroa Environment Centre made possible with the generous support of the Waikato District Council

10:30am - 4:30pm 10:30am - 3:30pm

Monday - Friday Saturday

22 Bow Street, Raglan Club carpark

Garden waste collection

Whāingaroa community takes action: local voices, local solutions

a community update from Raglan Naturally visit

There’s

plenty bubbling away in our town this season - and we’re here to keep you in the loop. From the opening of Raglan Refill to powerful kaupapa like Toitū Whaingaroa, there are loads of ways to get involved, make connections and celebrate what makes this place special.

Understanding Te Tiriti Workshop a Success

Our Understanding Te Tiriti workshop on 20 March drew strong community engagement and rich kōrero. A big thank you to the Waikato District Council CommunityLed Development team for their support, and to the Institute of Awesome for hosting.

Special thanks to Dr Ingrid Huygens, recently honoured with a New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and Māori.

Tangata Tiriti Facilitator/Activator Training

On 20 February, we hosted an introductory hui to explore a local Tangata Tiriti facilitator/activator training with Dr Ingrid Huygens.

Participants were passionate about growing their practice as Te Tiriti community activators and committed to building a sustainable local collective.

The first weekend of training (4–6 April) introduced participants to adult education principles and Tangata Tiriti workshop content. In the second weekend (early May), trainees each delivered a workshop activity and received positive feedback. Having Whaea Lucy Haru and Whaea Pania Meredith attend was a special bonus.

We’re now planning the first locally delivered Tangata Tiriti Workshop in Whāingaroa.

Ākina Workshops on Social Enterprise

In April, we hosted two workshops with the Ākina Foundation exploring social and impact-led enterprise. Participants included both experienced and new voices in this space.

We heard from Rick Thorpe (Xtreme Zero Waste) and the team at Raglan Refill, plus Council staff Emma Rankin and Lianne van den Bemd on Council support for social enterprise and procurement.

Raglan Naturally will be sharing workshop reports and continuing to support next steps in this space.

Raglan Naturally Pop-Up Space

In March, we ran a pop-up space in town to connect with the community. People came to share ideas, ask questions and explore local initiatives. We ended the week with a relaxed Friday evening catch-up with local groups.

Congratulations to our Pop-Up Voucher Winner! Thanks to John and the team for supporting us with the space

KEY PROJECTS WE ARE SUPPORTING:

Meet Whāingaroa Youth Connector: Amy Hanna

We’re excited to welcome Amy Hanna as the new Whāingaroa Youth Connector, employed by Raglan Community House and part-funded by WEL Energy Trust and Raglan Naturally through our partnership with the Department of Internal Affairs..

Amy brings 20+ years of local experience and has hit the ground running since March, already supporting 10 rangatahi and working closely with local schools.

Youth Week (19–25 May) is nearly here, with Amy coordinating a full week of events including the return of the Amazing Race.

Want to get involved?

Email: connector@raglancommunityhouse.org.nz Instagram/Facebook: @ raglanyouthconnector

Raglan Refill

Whāingaroa’s new community-run grocery store Raglan Refill has been open for 8 weeks! Bulk shopping and reusable containers mean saving money and reducing waste.

We stock pantry goods, snacks, cleaning products and more. Open 10.30am–4.30pm Monday–Saturday behind the Raglan Club. Follow us: facebook.com/ RaglanRefillinstagram.com/RaglanRefill

Share Land, Grow Food!

Whāingaroa Environment Centre’s Sharing Land for Food Growing Project connects landowners with keen growers, to get more food growing locally.

years

together fosters resilience and community connection!

If this sounds like you, please contact Tania at tania@whaingaroa.org.nz.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Youth Week – 19 to 25 May

• Funding HQ Workshop – Tuesday 27 May, 9am to 12pm (Register online)

• Celebrating Volunteers – Saturday 15 June at Poihakena Marae

• Matariki ki Whaingaroa 2025 - June 20-22nd. It’s going to be a weekend packed full of art and film. Visit raglannaturally.co.nz for more information.

What's Your Score?

far, has supported

Kia Ora from the Raglan Business Chamber

Asthe weather gets colder it is the perfect time to connect to your business community and use the longer evenings as a time for up-skilling and connecting.

We would like to thank our Principle Sponsors Bizworx for their unwavering support of our Chamber. They provide services and expertise as well as a space for our Board to meet.

We would also like to thank those in the community who put together the ANZAC parade, and our team member Emma for laying the wreath on behalf of the Raglan Business Chamber community.

We look forward to reviewing the Mosaic Partners (AI) event at ISO Bar on May 20th. This event is part of our BA4 series, hosted in collaboration with the Waikato Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks to those who attended our Lunch & Learn online. If you are a business that could deliver a 30min - 1hr online session that inspires our business community then reach out to Katie and we can find a lunchtime slot for online learning - katie@ raglanchamber.co.nz

Creating spaces to discuss the highs and lows of business, share ideas, up-skill, and network strengthens our community. We welcome ideas and visions as to how Raglan Business Chamber can grow and adapt in order to meet the needs of the many business types based in and around Whāingaroa.

Coming up soon: more Business After 4’s (BA4), RBC AGM, and Lunch & Learns.

If you are a RBC member don’t forget to enjoy the benefits of the Shared Membership Model with Waikato Chamber of Commerce - @waikatochamber is a great place to start - and keep your eyes on details in the newsletters from RBC which feature the

Division One, here we come!

from Raglan Golf Club

The Raglan Golf Club

Division 2 Pennants team has secured a historic promotion to Division 1 in the Waikato Golf Association’s Championship Pennants competition — and team captain Steve Hall says it’s a proud moment for the club and the community.

We caught up with Steve to learn more about what this victory means and how the team pulled it off.

What is the Championship Pennants competition?

“It’s a regional, team-based scratch golf competition,” Steve explains. “Teams of six represent their home clubs across four divisions — Division 1 being the highest — with eight teams in each division. Each season, the top team earns promotion and the bottom team is relegated.”

Who did Raglan face this season?

The team played a strong lineup of competitors over the season: Hamilton #2, Tieke #2, Pirongia, Waitomo,

Who made up the team?

The 2024 team featured:

• Hamish Kerr

• Scotty Klaver

• Aaron Brown

• Steve Hall (Captain)

• Ken Shea

• Luke Phillips

• Dan Hakes (reserve)

Were team members placed strategically?

While strategy always plays a part, Waikato Golf rules require teams to field players in order of handicap — even though the competition itself is played without handicaps (scratch format).

How did it feel to earn promotion?

“Super happy,” says Steve. “Proud of the team, proud of each other and proud to represent Raglan Golf Club. We’ve worked hard and it paid off.”

What does Division 1 mean for Raglan?

“It means we’ll be up against the best players in the best eight teams across the Waikato. It’s a huge step up and a big deal for a small club like ours.”

Highs and lows?

“There were no real low points — every round is good fun and we’re always excited to play. But the high point was absolutely winning the final at home in Raglan, getting our name back on the Division 2 trophy, and clinching that all-important promotion.”

What kind of golfer makes a Division 1 team?

“All our players are off handicaps under 3,” Steve says. “But more important than that is team spirit — being a good fit, putting the team before individual results, and taking pride in representing little old Raglan on the regional stage.”

Congratulations to the team — Division 1 awaits!

Interview by Pete Aim, Off the Tee Correspondent

Calling all Raglan writers

from Inkspillers Raglan Writers' Collective

ubmissions are now open for Backlit 2025.

Backlit is the annual magazine of Inkspillers Raglan Writers’ Collective. Following a successful debut in 2024, the magazine is now making an open call for submissions from writers from the Whaingaroa rohe (Raglan area).

Backlit was the brainchild of collective member, Matt Kambic, who was inspired after seeing a similar literary magazine while visiting family in the United States. The magazine showcases the work of the collective’s members and is distributed free in local cafes, galleries and shops.

Feedback last year was overwhelmingly positive, with readers appreciating having something interesting, local and varied to read with

This year, thanks to the generosity of the Waikato District Council’s Creative Communities Scheme, Backlit is able to extend its reach, offering the opportunity for other local writers to submit their work for publication.

We’re looking for stories, poems, essays and musings, fiction and nonfiction – let your pen (or fingers) fly and your imagination run wild.

Because of the nature of some of the content, submissions this year are only open to adults. But for the future, we’re hoping to find a way to include work from our talented local youth too.

The rules for submission:

• writers living in the wider Whaingaroa rohe can enter

• writers must be 18 years or over to enter

• one entry per writer

• any genre

• the word limit is 1000 word for prose, or up to 4 poems

• entry is free

• there’s no payment, but you’ll get five copies of the magazine to share with family and friends (or complete strangers).

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 18 June 2025. Send

your work as an attachment or in the body of an email, along with your name, address and contact details to: inkspillersraglan@gmail.com.

The work of two to three writers will be selected for inclusion in the magazine, and we’ll let you know around the end of June if you’ve been successful.

Cambridge #1, Stewart Alexander, and Hauraki.
Whaingaroa Palestine Solidarity Presents Oscar-winning documentary:
Saturday 24 May 7pm
Raglan Old School Art Centre
Cash koha, with proceeds going to the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association

Koha Kai starting in June

Raglan Junior Rugby Club

Kia ora communityFUNDRAISING CALLOUT!

We will be starting up our Koha Kai on June 3rd; it will run through to October; so, 5 months.

We try to run on donations as much as possible – this includes vegetables for soups and stews, as well as other grocery

items that have a slightly better shelf life or can be frozen.

If you have an abundance of kai in your garden, or can donate tinned items, pasta, butter, cheese, to help us make a hot, nourishing lunch once a week for anyone in the community, we would be most appreciative.

Suz is also considering another 40day perpetual soup, like what we did in 2023, where the slow cooker is added to every day, so that there is a warm bowl of something 5 days a week. Rewena bread will be made once a week.

Check out the QR code for more information on perpetual soup:

As we all know, the current economic climate has affected a lot of families negatively. We want to help with warm food in bellies over the cooler months. We like to make nourishing kai and to have nourishing kōrero around the table when people gather.

Everybody is welcome in our house any time we are open, and anybody is welcome to come and share a meal with us from June onwards.

We would like to raise $1000.00 to help with this initiative. If, as a business, or as an individual, you can contribute towards the financial aspect of our fundraising for warm meals over winter, please reach out to Mike on 07 825 8142 or email: info@raglancommunityhouse. org.nz

We would like to acknowledge Raglan Artisan Bread and Fresh Choice Raglan who both contribute bread to be distributed on a regular basis.

Bumper crop at Pumpkin Festival

This year’s Pumpkin Festival brought the community together once again for a day of fun, creativity and impressive produce.

With 91 entries across a range of categories, the 2025 event was a true celebration of local growing talent and seasonal spirit.

From giant pumpkins to intricate baking and quirky vegetable art, entrants of all ages put their best foot forward. Here are the results from this year’s competition:

Adult Categories

Biggest Circumference

Pumpkin

1st: Patricia

2nd: Asoml

Smallest Fully Grown Pumpkin

1st: Susi

2nd: Thalia

Pumpkin Art

1st: Susanne

2nd: Carl Thomas

Pumpkin Baking – Savoury

1st: Alia

2nd: Peter Webb and Belinda Goodwin

Pumpkin Baking – Sweet

1st: Belinda Thomas

2nd: Val Bianchi

Biggest Feijoa

1st: Peter Webb

2nd: Avril Armstrong

Biggest Choko

1st: Belinda Goodwin

2nd: Vanessa

Children’s Categories

Biggest Circumference Pumpkin

1st: Moana

2nd: Gill Henry

Smallest Fully Grown Pumpkin

1st: Tohu

2nd: Nulani

Most Unusual Pumpkin

1st: Nulani

Pumpkin Art

1st: Finley Thomas

2nd: Hannah Thomas

Biggest Feijoa

Winner: Nulani

Biggest Choko

Winner: Nulani

The event was a fantastic display of community spirit and creativity, with something for everyone to enjoy. Organisers were thrilled with the turnout and the quality of entries.

Raglan Junior Rugby Club – 11th Grade

Meet Cade Skerman, one of the rising stars of the Raglan Junior Rugby Club. Playing in the 11th Grade, Cade is already making a name for himself out on the wing — and not just for his speed.

What position do you play?

"I’m in the backs and I play as a wing. People say I’m a speedsta," Cade says with a grin.

What do you enjoy most about rugby?

"I love everything about it, but I really like getting low into the tackles and getting great runs."

Any challenges?

"I don’t really find anything challenging, but I would like to work on my fitness."

How’s the season going so far?

"It’s been going great! We’ve won both our games so far, so hopefully that keeps up."

What are your goals in rugby?

"My goal is to help my team out — and of course, to have fun."

Shoutouts to supporters?

"I’d like to thank our amazing coaches Callum Bourke and Frazer Peacocke, our great manager Emma Snowden, and our awesome sponsors Waikato Building Relocators – Becks and Tom Jackson."

Final thoughts?

"I think we’ve got a great team this season, and I think we’re going to have a fun and great season ahead."

Results for 10th May

6th Grade vs Suburbs

Black

Win 50 - 30

POD: Ollie Barker

ROD: Caio Donaldson

OPOD: Lilly Vercoe

7th Grade vs Suburbs 7

Black

Win 12 - 10

POD: Skye Prior

ROD: Lachie Van Den Bend

OPOD: Ivy Henley-Smith

8th Grade vs suburbs 8th

silver

Win 85 - 40

POD: Izzy peacocke

TOD: Sam Bourke

OPOD: Izzy peacocke

9th Grade vs Suburbs 9 Gold

60 - 25 win

POD: Flynn Mathis

TOD: Ridge Munns

OPOD: Louis Dyer

10th Grade vs Ohaupo

Loss 60/25

POD Zarchary Willmot

TOD George Jackson

OPOD George Jackson

11th Grade vs Suburbs

11th Black

Win 45 - 20

POD: Orin Bennett

TOD: Jack Bourke

OPOD: Orin Bennett

Results for 17th May 6th Grade vs Ngaruawahia

Win 55 - 35

POD: Kiwa Prior

ROD: Mikey Henley-Smith

OPOD: Caio Donaldson

7th Grade vs Suburbs 7 White

Loss 65 to 85

POD: Angus Tilsley

ROD: Kaharoa Bosch

OPOD: Lachie Van Den Bend

8th Grade vs Taupiri red 8th

Loss 45 - 75

POD: Zac Robert'sbenaim

TOD: Makai Donaldson

OPOD: Gwen Carter

9th Grade vs Melville 9 Red

Win 60 - 10

POD: Aria Donaldson

TOD: Ethan Parker

OPOD: Elvira BrajkovicWoolston

10th Grade vs Taupiri

Gold

Win 55-15

POD Ernest Gordon

TOD Mason Lilly

OPPD Buster Schnuriger

11th Grade vs Te Rapa

11th Blue

60 - 0 win

POD: Cade Skerman

TOD: Henry Fagan

OPOD: Freddie Durant

Animal Health Column

Cat

Flu

and Respiratory Issues

Flu is extremely common amongst humans, especially during the winter months, but did you know that this highly-contagious respiratory disease affects cats too?

Younger and much older felines are especially vulnerable to flu, with notable symptoms including constant sneezing, a runny nose, dry coughing and a sudden loss of appetite.

Pneumonia refers to inflammation of the lungs, and many of the symptoms for this pet emergency are similar to that of flu. If your pet exhibits any of these behaviours, please visit your local vet team

Susceptible cats (kittens, elderly, immune-compromised) can get an infection by direct contact with another infected cat or by environmental exposure to objects that have been contaminated with infectious secretions, such as food and water bowls, litter boxes, toys, and bedding.

If you’ve recently acquired a kitten, please make sure you fully vaccinate, or if you have an elderly cat it may need an annual booster to prevent disease.

Here’s a question that I’ve had multiple times per day for the last 16 years: ‘what’s going to happen with mortgage rates?’

It’s a question I’ve always answered with a huge disclaimer – anyone who says they can read the future is full of it!

But I try anyway.. Right now it’s harder than any other time in my almost 25 year finance career to try predict what might happen with rates. Fixed rates in particular.

Floating rates are relatively easy to forecast as they are closely aligned to the Official Cash Rate (OCR) set by the Reserve Bank of NZ (RBNZ). Floating rates are typically funded by domestic NZ money. When the RBNZ moves the OCR up or down, typically you see mortgage floating rates move by the same change in the OCR.

The next OCR announcement by the RBNZ is at 2pm on 28th May. Most pundits are expecting a 0.25% cut, so floating rates will likely come down by around 0.25% at that point. There’s an outside chance of a 0.50% cut, but not that likely.

Fixed rates are a different beast. There’s not enough domestic money in NZ (in savings accounts, term deposits etc) to satisfy the demand for all the mortgages so the banks head offshore to fund a proportion of the fixed rate mortgage loans. The banks borrow from all over, but often from US banks, and that means that when trying to predict future fixed rate movements we have to factor in what’s happening in

world economies and in particular the US economy.

That’s a tough read at the best of times. But at the moment it’s a whole lot tougher as the US has a highly unpredictable President. Major unexpected announcements are being made constantly, then reversed, no one can pick what’s going to happen next. That means that the money markets are struggling to predict what might happen to the cost of money in the US which in turn means the funding cost of our NZ fixed rate mortgages are highly uncertain.

With the upcoming OCR announcement, I’m thinking that if we get a 0.25% cut we won’t see much movement on the fixed

rates as the NZ banks have likely already factored that into todays rates. In the case of a 0.50% cut, we would see some downward movement in fixed rates, probably limited to 0.25%.

It’s likely to be a turbulent few years ahead. So when considering how long to fix for, think about what’s important to you. Is it having some payment security over a highly unpredictable time? Or is it trying to play the game to get lowest possible rates by going short. Perhaps a combo?

For mortgage advice tailored to your risk profile and situation, speak to the team at Loan Market Coast to Coast.

Raglan Chronicle is brought to our community with the help of local businesses that advertise and

of our local paper. Be sure to let them know you spotted their ad in the Chronicle. To advertise your business or

a column, contact us at info@raglanchronicle.co.nz.

Anexa, 40 Bow Str eet, Raglan

14 Whaanga Road, Whale Bay, Raglan —

$2,450,000

Like No Other - By the points at Raglan | | Three bespoke, consented buildings on a 1045sqm freehold section. Comprising of a total of four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a spacious double garage with lots of concreted parking. Restful stonework features help to both incorporate and divide this unique property into a sense of togetherness, although offers separate opportunities. Now for the bonus - two legal entrances ! Call Jono or Amanda today - for your private guided tour.

Jono Hutson 021 488 766 jonoh@lodge.co.nz

Amanda Reilly 027 288 8518 amandar@lodge.co.nz

89 Rangitahi Road, Raglan —

$989,000 3 BED | 2 BATH | 1 LIVING

Easy Living, Northerly Aspect With Ocean Views | Nestled in the heart of Rangitahi, this stunning three-bedroom home offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort and modern design. Positioned with an elevated northerly aspect, you’ll enjoy all-day sun and stunning views, including glimpses of the inner estuary, harbour, and beyond. As you approach the home, the minimalist, low-maintenance exterior immediately draws you in. With clean lines and a sleek finish, this residence exudes contemporary elegance.

Jono Hutson 021 488 766 jonoh@lodge.co.nz

7B Rose Street, Raglan —

$849,000

Charming, Convenient And Move-in Ready | Best viewed in person, this home is very impressive! Welcome to this lovingly renovated three-bedroom home that perfectly balances location, comfort and convenience. This well-presented home boasts a thoughtful layout. The generous master suite is light and airy, with direct access to the deck, while the second upstairs bedroom enjoys a serene bush backdrop. Enjoy privacy and views of Mt Karioi, from the dining area and deck.

Open Home | Saturday 10th, 11-11.30am

Jono Hutson 021 488 766 jonoh@lodge.co.nz

38 Main Road, Raglan —

$820,000

Viewing Is Encouraged - Sunny Hideaway | Nestled in an enviable location, this beautifully presented three bedroom, one bathroom home offers the perfect combination of comfort and style, boasting a fantastic north-facing aspect. For those who love to entertain, the open-plan living area is a dream, flowing effortlessly onto a spacious sun-drenched deck -perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Two of the bedrooms enjoy an abundance of natural sunlight, with a sunny northerly aspect, while the third bedroom provides a calming bush backdrop, offering peace and tranquility.

Open Home | Saturday 10th, 10-10.30am

Jono Hutson 021 488 766 jonoh@lodge.co.nz

Saturday 24 May

11.00-11.30am 14 Karioi Crescent, Raglan $1,400,000

12.00-12.30pm 18 Rose Street, Raglan $1,030,000

12.00-12.30pm 24 Wallis Street, Raglan By Negotiation

12.00-12.30pm 8 Taipari Avenue, Raglan $1,425,000

12.00-12.30pm 20D Manukau Road, Raglan $1,360,000

1.00-1.30pm 9 Gilmour Street, Raglan $980,000

1.00-1.30pm 91C Greenslade Road, Raglan $1,075,000

1.00-1.30pm 15 Opotoru Road, Raglan By Negotiation

1.00-1.30pm 8 Te Toki Way, Raglan $795,000

2.00-2.30pm 90 Upper Wainui Road, Raglan By Negotiation

2.00-2.30pm 9 Puka Place, Raglan $1,150,000

2.00-2.30pm 21B Long Street, Raglan $1,440,000

3.00-3.30pm 35 Long Street, Raglan By Negotiation

Sunday 25 May

11.00-11.30am 2-19B East Street, Raglan By Negotiation 12.00-12.30pm 8 Taipari Avenue, Raglan $1,425,000 12.00-12.30pm 35 Uenuku Avenue, Raglan $1,050,000 12.00-12.30pm

RAGLAN 132 Maungatawhiri Road

RAGLAN 132 Maungatawhiri Road

RAGLAN Te Papatapu

1.4ha Block with Outstanding Views

1.4ha Block with Outstanding Views

RAGLAN Te Papatapu Road Adventure Begins Here ...

This remarkable 1.4ha block with flat building site, easy access and expansive views of the Harbour and up the coast is the perfect canvas for your dream home. Located on a quiet road, this is the epitome of privacy without being remote. The amenity of nearby Hamilton, along with the community spirit of Raglan, ensures that you aren't far from conveniences while enjoying the peace of rural living.

a round hay barn with a two-stand shearing plant, a calf-rearing shed, an implement shed and cattle yards. The residence is a lovely four-bedroom home with generous living and dining areas and a second living area for entertaining.

This remarkable 1.4ha block with flat building site, easy access and expansive views of the Harbour and up the coast is the perfect canvas for your dream home. Located on a quiet road, this is the epitome of privacy without being remote. The amenity of nearby Hamilton, along with the community spirit of Raglan, ensures that you aren't far from conveniences while enjoying the peace of rural living.

pggwre.co.nz/HAM40729

RAGLAN

RAGLAN 77 Wallis Street Best Views in Raglan

Richard Thomson M 027 294 8625

E richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz

294 8625

richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz

This stunning property offers an expansive canvas for those seeking a lifestyle steeped in nature and serenity. Boasting 93ha of landscape, this coastal block presents the perfect balance of breathtaking views, extensive harbour views and natural bushland. The sheer size of this property provides endless potential for various uses, whether you're looking to run stock or cultivate a personal sanctuary.

for various uses, whether you're looking to run stock or cultivate a personal sanctuary.

Richard Thomson M 027 294 8625 E richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz

E richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz Richard Thomson M 027 294 8625 E richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz

RAGLAN Bare Land for Sale

Four sections, 9A, 9B, 9C, and 61 Pond Road, 6,000 - 8,000m2, asking $600k 3956A State Highway 23, 8,002m2, asking $750K Three sections, 337, 337A and 337B Te Papatapu Road, 8,000m2, asking $550K 375 Okete Road, 8,000m2, price by negotiation 565 Okete Road, 8,004m2, asking $850K

• 201B Checkley Road, 8,012m2, asking $695K

• 1597 Whaanga Road, 1.1007ha, asking $890K 116 Maungatawhiri Road, 1.3164ha, price by negotiation

201C Checkley Road, 1.6ha, price by negotiation

• 201 Pond Road, 7.498ha, asking $900K 646 Te Mata Road, 15.0492ha, asking $1.2M

• Te Papatapu Road, 93.98ha, price by negotiation

pggwre.co.nz/staff/richard-thomson/current-listings/

RAGLAN
RAGLAN
Papatapu

what’s on

CROP SWAP. First and third Sundays of the month. 9.30 -10.30am at Bowling Club, James Street. Bring anything from the kitchen or garden to swap – seedlings, plants, produce, preserves, baking. It’s not direct swapping, we share abundance, and everyone gets a bit of everything! All welcome FRIENDS OF KAITOKE WALKWAY

meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays every month at 9am to remove pest plants and restore the native environment. Email

Whāingaroaweed busters@gmail.com for the meeting point.

MONTHLY MEETING OF WHAIINGAROA PALESTINE

SOLIDARITY group at Raglan Community house, Thursday 22 May at 6pm. Come along and join in ouractions.

OSCAR WINNING DOCUMENTARY

FILM "NO OTHER LAND" on Saturday 24 May at 7pm at the Raglan Old School Art Centre. Koha. Merchandise available for sale, Cash sales only.

For Sale

FIREWOOD DRY, DELIVERED. Phone 021 0771524. Trailer Load Pine $205, Oldman Pine $210,

Houses

Publication

Dates

Jun 5th - Local Rag, Deadline: Jun 3rd

Jun 12th - Chronicle, Deadline: Jun 10th

Jun 26th - Chronicle, Deadline: Jun 24th

Jul 3rd - Local Rag, Deadline: Jul 1st

Jul 10th - Chronicle, Deadline: Jul 8th

Jul 24th - Chronicle, Deadline: Jul 22nd

August 2025

Aug 7th - Local Rag, Deadline: Aug 5th

5 Stewart St, Raglan

WHAT'S ON

FLORA & FAUNA EXHIBITION OPENING

Friday 23 May 6pm – all welcome! Join us for a glass of mulled wine and a first look at this themed group multi-media exhibition featuring 20+ local artists. Open 10-4 daily 24 May – 2

June.

RAGLAN ART TO WEAR 2025 2 fabulous shows, 2pm matinee and 7pm with awards presentation. Tickets $30 on sale now www. creativeraglan.co.nz. Children on the mat $5 matinee show only, pay on the door.

RAGLAN CREATIVE MARKET – SUNDAY 8

JUNE The best of Whaingaroa food, crafts and art. 10am – 2pm at the Old School, 5 Stewart Street, second Sunday of every month. For more info - www.raglanmarket.com

LIVE AND LOCAL – FRIDAY 13 JUNE Our regular showcase of awesome Whaingaroa talent. Whare Tapere, 7.30-9.30pm, doors open 7pm. Recommended entry $10, Minimum $5 –pay what you can afford. Free entry for ages 17 and below. Licensed bar and café open.

MOVIES AT THE OLD SCHOOL

THE WEDDING BANQUET (M | 102 mins) Sat 31 May 5pm

OCEAN (PG | 98 mins) Sat 31 May 7.30pm Sat 5 July 7.30pm Sun 6 July 4.30pm Sat 19 July 5pm

BOB TREVINO LIKES IT (M | 101 mins) Sun 1 June 4.30pm Sun 22 June 7.15pm THE CORRESPONDENT (M | 118 mins) Sun 1 June 7pm CONCLAVE (M | 120 mins) Mon 2 June 4.30pm

REGULAR EVENTS

Ragtimers Ukulele Group 2nd and every subsequent Wed 4pm

Clay Shed Members’ Night weekly on Wed 5-7pm

Karioi Quilts & Crafts Monthly on 2nd Thurs, 10am

Raglan Art Group Monthly on 1st Fri, 10am

Backgammon Club monthly on last Friday, 5pm

Readers Book Club Monthly on last Friday, 10.30am

Contact 825 0023 | www.raglanartscentre.co.nz/

Movie Door sales 30min prior raglanmovies.co.nz

Operations Administrator / Trust Secretary

Join a passionate local team making a real difference in the diverse and vibrant community of Whāingaroa/Raglan.

We’re looking for a part-time Operations Administrator / Trust Secretary to support the smooth running of Raglan Community House. You’ll work closely with the House Manager and Board of Trustees to keep things organised, coordinate HR processes, produce communications like our newsletter, and provide secretarial support.

We’re after someone who is:

• Community-minded, well-organised, and culturally aware

• Experienced in admin (2+ years), ideally in the non-profit or social sector

• Skilled in communication, confidentiality, and using digital tools (social media a bonus)

Notification is hereby given for an urgent Meeting of Land Owners and Beneficiaries for a Land Block Waananga concerning 1D 1B 2/ 1D 1B 1/ & Raglan

Retreat & Spa to discuss issues arising from: 2017-2025

• Whānau

• Water

• Easement

• Occupation

Date: 29/06/2025

Time: 11.11am

Venue: 108E Te Waananga Road, Whaingaroa on 1D 1B 2

Whenua where stage is situated..

Please bring a plate for shared kai afterwards..

Email: taioterangimatiu44@gmail.com

Ngā mihi Public Notices

Approx. 20 hours per week, including some evenings for board hui. A qualification in business administration is preferred. Why work with us?

Every day is different, the work is meaningful, and you’ll be part of a supportive, values-driven team committed to empowering our community.

Apply online by Monday 2 June 2025 and to learn more visit www.raglancommunityhouse.org.nz

In your application, tell us why this role speaks to you and a bit about yourself. Applicants must have the right to work in NZ. For confidential enquiries or more details about the role, please contact Mike Rarere on Info@raglancommunityhouse.org.nz or 07 825 8142.

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