Issuu

7 TH O C T O B E R 2026

ISSUE 608

2026

More information inside and on back page Bake Stalls! Bowling Tournament! Pink Walk!

Check out the website!

HUNTLY MUSEUM CELEBRATES FIRST BIRTHDAY AT THE STATION The Huntly Museum is celebrating its first birthday at the historic Huntly Railway Station following its remarkable rebuild.

ON THE COVER: Museum Team - Kristy Wilson and Deb Kane getting ready for Te Whare Taonga O Raahui Pookeka Huntly Museums First Birthday in the Station 2a Glasgow St planned for Oct 10, 11 am. Story page 5.

Kia ora and welcome to The Chatter News – your Northern Waikato community newspaper in print and online. With more than 20 years’ experience in community media, we are proud to deliver positive, relevant and trusted local news. We believe community newspapers play a vital role in keeping people informed and connected, supporting local businesses and celebrating the people, events and achievements that make our region unique. Each month, 6,000 copies of The Chatter News are delivered to homes and businesses across Te Kauwhata, Huntly, Taupiri and surrounding districts. Our growing online presence also helps us reach communities throughout the region. This is your newspaper and your community’s voice. We welcome stories about local people, young achievers, businesses, farming initiatives, creative projects, environmental work and anything else worth celebrating. To contribute, suggest a story or discuss advertising opportunities, please get in touch. Jacqui info@chatternews.co.nz

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| The Chatter October 2026

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Many thanks to the key people who take the time to provide regular contributions from community organisations, schools and clubs. Chatter Community Newspaper is published monthly on the first Wednesday of the month and circulated throughout the North Waikato. Readers contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of contributions are entirely at the discretion of the Editor. Contributions will only be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s name and surname, telephone number and residential address. All reasonable steps are taken to ensure accuracy. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher. Contact Jacqui Phone: 021 428 808 Email: info@chatternews.co.nz www.chatternewspaper.co.nz

Local News

DECISION TI M E FOR L A K E WA IK A R E A ND WH A NGA M A R INO B Y C H R I S D AV I E S

plan to improve Lake Waikare and the Whangamarino has been two years in the making, and its outcome was revealed at a series of meetings around the catchment, culminating in Te Kauwhata for the final meeting. As with the two previous meetings, it was- as rugby players are fond of saying – a game of two halves, in which the muddy waters of Lake Waikare did not become any clearer by the end of the meeting despite there being general agreement on the desired outcomes. The plan was developed by a working group specifically established to represent all elements of catchment communities. It comprised local community members and representatives from the rural community and mana whenua as well as organisations such Fish and Game, DoC and staff and elected members of the regional council.

Workshops drilled down into specifics such as hydrology (water flow), koi, sediment and nitrogen and phosphate management and environmental and cultural aspects. The one single goal was to identify actions that would make a significant difference to the lake and wetlands for future generations. The conclusions the working group landed on ranged from big-picture transformational (redesigning water level controls, koi control and sediment and nutrient issue) through to more immediate local actions with cumulative benefits such as riparian planting, removing fish barriers, sediment trapping and programmes addressing pest plant and predators. The rural community again turned out in force at the public meetings, arguing that the plan should be deferred until their requests for technical investigations and assessments had been completed. Farmers’ concerns included balancing flood control against environmental costs to the lake and wetland; wanting the council to commission independent engineering advice on flushing the lake, on the performance of the weir, to seek central government participation and manage koi before committing to the plan. However, many were of the opinion that delaying the plan meant no action will be possible. Waikato Regional Council Principal Technical Lead and Chair of Working Group, Mike Scarsbrook told the meeting that if any actions or investigations were to be carried out, they would need to be funded; and for that funding to be allocated, it needed to be put forward in the council’s upcoming Long-Term Plan. If the call for the plan to be delayed is adopted by the Regional Council, then it is unlikely that any funding can be allocated by the council. And as Waikato Regional Council ceases to exist in 2028, the amalgamated new councils are unlikely to focus on this as a priority for some time as they will be working on the amalgamation of a number of councils into a single entity. (The amalgamation of the Franklin District into the Waikato District Council took around 10 years to complete) In summary, there was a resounding ‘yes’ to the desire to start the process of rehabilitating Lake Waikare and the Whangamarino wetlands. The detail of how, who and who pays – as well as when any action might be contemplated- is yet to be decided.

At the time of going to print, the Regional Council had not met to consider the plan. Meanwhile, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced $2 million over two years to protect and restore the Whangamarino wetland. Funded by the International Visitor Levy (IVL), the allocation will kickstart the Whangamarino Action Plan. DoC will collaborate with local iwi, regional council, and stakeholders to improve water management and biodiversity conservation across the 7,000-hectare habitat

DELIVERY ISSUES ? CONTACT REACH:

PINK WA LK

e are back for our 2nd year of hosting the North Waikato Pink Walk and our 13th year running bake stalls to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Trust. It was fantastic seeing the community come together and have some fun while supporting such a great cause, with your help we raised $3642 last year and would love to have your support again this year! BAKE STALLS (Cash Only) We have loved seeing this grow each year, to the point we now get pre orders! Date: Thursday 15th October Time: 9:00am till sold out Location: Harcourts Huntly and Te Kauwhata Sausage Sizzle: Huntly only BOWLING TOURNAMENT Get together your team, put on some pink, and come compete in the Bowling Tournament, proudly run by the Huntly Bowling Club. But it’s not just a bowling tournament there will be raffles as well. Date: Sunday the 18th of October Time: Start 9:30am Location: Huntly Bowling Club - 17 Park Avenue, Huntly Price: $10 per person | BYO Lunch Tournament Style: Classic - Triples | Pairs | Singles (Wear something pink) Registration: Contact Gary Robinson - 027 281 8990 | gmrrob31@gmail.com PINK WALK (Cash Only, except Ice Cream and Food Trucks) We enjoyed seeing the community show up and support our first event last year and hope to see you back again this year! Date: Sunday the 18th of October Time: 2pm - 5pm | Walk 3pm Location: Huntly Bowling Club - 17 Park Avenue, Huntly. Walk around Lake Hakanoa Walk Registration: $2 per person. Register at Harcourts Riverlands or on the day. Every registration goes in the draw to win spot prizes! Prizes: Best Dressed | Best Dressed Group | Best Decorated Pram | Best Dressed Dog Fundraisers: Spin 4 A Cure | Bouncy Castle | Ice Cream Truck | Food Truck | Sausage Sizzle | Raffles | Crafts Free Activities: Face Painting | Butterflies of Hope | Breast Cancer Research Trust Info Stand | Photo Station Thank you to all our sponsors, we couldn’t do this without you! If you have any questions or want to find out more feel free to email riverlands@harcourts. co.nz

0800 732 2487 (0800 REACHUS) The Chatter October 2026 |

Huntly Heroes

M EMOR I A L HONOURS BR I A N & ROSEM A RY CUR LE’S SERVICE TO HUNTLY

memorial stone honouring Brian and Rosemary Curle was unveiled at the Green Cathedral on the Lake Hakanoa Walkway on Saturday 26 September. Their family and the Huntly Outdoor Karioi Trust gathered to remember the couple’s decades of dedication to local education, community projects and the people of Huntly. Rosemary Curle, sadly passed away 25 March 2023. Rosemary was a much loved teacher at Huntly College for 21 years, 16 of those years was as Deputy Principal. Prior to teaching at Huntly College Rosemary was the manual teacher at Huntly Primary School where the local rural schools would attend once a week to learn cooking and sewing skills. Rosemary with her husband Brian, owned a café in the main street of Huntly for 10 years called La Cuisine. This was where the Main Street Café is now. Rosemary became a Celebrant in 1985 and performed 600+ weddings, civil unions & funeral services. She was also involved with Huntly Plunket. But not only was Rosemary heavily involved with her own Huntly interests, she was always there supporting Brian with the many events he was involved with. Both always very supportive of the Huntly Community Brian Curle, JP, QSM passed away April 24, 2024. Brian was passionate about the Huntly Community giving endless hours of his time helping with

| The Chatter October 2026

Trustees L - R: John Wiltshire, Nicola Stables, Rosemary Fletcher & Bryan Morris. community projects & events. He was a key figure in establishing the Huntly Outdoor Karioi Trust and obtaining land at Raglan to build an Outdoor Education Centre to provide education outside the classroom opportunities for schools in the Huntly area.

Brian was also on the Friends of Lake Hakanoa Walkway committee. He also was instrumental in getting the Huntly Half Marathon off the ground, an event that is still running today. For 37 years he produced the Huntly & Districts local telephone directory.

In the heart of Huntly and its surrounding districts, Rosemary & Brian Curle have left an indelible mark that resonates deeply within the community. Their lives were dedicated to service, teaching, and fostering connections that enriched countless lives.

Many hours were spent fundraising including organising the Wellington to Huntly Relay run by 9 Huntly College Students in 44 hours & 55 minutes.

He was awarded the QSM, Queens Service Medal, in the New Years Honours of 2007 – awarded for services to youth, sport and the community.

Both always working tirelessly for the Huntly Community. They will be forever remembered & missed.

Local News

HUNTLY M USEU M CELEBR ATES FIRST BIRTHDAY AT THE STATION

he Huntly Museum is celebrating its first birthday at the historic Huntly Railway Station following its remarkable rebuild. One year after opening its doors in the restored building, the museum is inviting the public to mark the milestone with a community celebration this weekend. The first birthday festivities kick off this Saturday, October 10 at 11:00 am at the station. The event marks a major milestone for the cultural hub, which successfully opened last October after the historic 1939 railway building underwent an extensive restoration. Community backing, local grants, and dedicated

volunteer hours helped bring the project to life, turning the station into a permanent home for Huntly’s heritage. Headlining the birthday celebrations is the official opening of a new local art exhibition titled “A Sense of Place.” The exhibition showcases regional artists capturing the distinct identity, history,

and landscapes of Huntly and the wider Waikato area. Visitors can also look forward to the cutting of a giant birthday cake at 11:00 am to thank the public and volunteers for their ongoing support. Alongside the cake, a fundraiser sausage sizzle will run throughout the day to raise

money for future community programs and museum displays. Come on down to the Huntly Railway Station this Saturday to enjoy the art, grab a sausage, and celebrate a successful first year of local history at the station.

WA ER ENGA SCHOOL TA K ES ON A I MS GA M ES

aerenga School transitioning to a full primary has opened up so many opportunities for our Year 7 and 8 tamariki, and the AIMS Games is just one of those.

DETERMINATION, PRIDE, FOCUS and RESILIENCE. All the attributes we like to install in our tamariki, both at home and school. These eight top Waerenga athletes did not disappoint and showed all these qualities in abundance.

On Sunday, 6th September, eight budding athletes took off for Tauranga to compete in their first AIMS Games. The AIMS Games are held annually in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui and have over 14,000 competitors representing hundreds of schools. They are primarily targeted at the intermediate years of Years 7 & 8 (11 yrs to 13 years of age). These games are run with the same efficiency and precision of international competitions and I am sure it is where a lot of our future Olympians start their journey.

The cross country was a 3km run with most of it on the flat along with a couple of hills. Even though a flat course doesn’t sound too arduous this 3km run ended up being a 3km SPRINT! None of these tamariki were mucking around and our amazing runners were racing against hundreds in their own age groups, along with runners who train up to 30 km weekly. They are serious runners aiming for a bright future. The Waerenga crew performed outstandingly and ALL achieved a personal best. They were so proud of themselves – as we were of them!

Ava Driver, Reece Parsons, Riley Walters, Leighton Croucher, Brody Barakat, Isaac and Beauden Hamill and Payton Hair all competed in the cross country for their first AIMS Games. Riley also competed in golf. All these young athletes showed GRIT,

After the cross country sprints Riley then had to prepare for her golf competition. She was entered into the ‘9 hole Individual Stableford – Girls division 2’ competition. This involved playing three 9 hole games over three days around the Tauranga

area. Competition was expected to be tough for Riley, but in true Riley style she went in confident with the same determination and grit she showed for the cross country. After three days of tough competition Riley pulled it out the bag and came out on top claiming FIRST PLACE in her division. Riley finished the competition with a score of 75 points, her closest

competitor having a score of 57 points. This was clearly a comfortable, and well deserved, win for Riley. Huge congratulations to all our tamariki who represented Waerenga School and themselves with confidence and dignity, fulfilling out school motto “Make Yourself Proud”. They will carry this memory for a long time and we are so very proud of them all!

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The Chatter October 2026 |

Politics

WA IK ATO L A BOUR C A NDIDATE: JA M IE TOKO A U T H O R I S E D B Y RO B S A L M O N D , 2 G L I M E R T E R R AC E W E L L I N G TO N .

aikato Electorate voters Party Vote Labour! Enrol to vote and bring your vote to the polling booth. Have your say at this election because every single person matters. Yes, rural communities matter, new housing developments, new businesses bring infrastructure which create more jobs and will bring more families into rural areas, setting up a future where everyone thrives. This election is about the cost of living, the essentials like food, petrol, health, housing and more jobs. Health workers are at their limits and are demanding more staff, food prices are so competitive that the two major players have forgotten their purpose and their commitment and obligation to help sustain communities. For many families, petrol is now so expensive that they must decide which essential weekly activities to prioritise. Rural families are also finding it increasingly difficult to access health support, while hospitals across the country are stretched to their limits. All of this affects you, whether you are a family holding down two jobs, a superannuant, a single working person or a single income in a family with children. Your money does not stretch far enough under these conditions.

Labour has a plan to get costs under control: cap public transport fares at $20 a week, freeze fuel tax for three years, fairer food prices and cut student debt so young Kiwis can build their future here.

Authorised by Robert Cookson robert.cookson@nzfirst.nz

| The Chatter October 2026

Three free GP visits, free prescriptions, guaranteed minimum rate increases, and much more. Better Starts Now! Waikato Labour Candidate: Jamie Toko

Politics

COUNCILLOR’S COR NER M A R L E N E R A U M AT I

he extra-ordinary “Head Start” Council meeting held 5 August 2026 had an unsurprising result. The proposed Western Waikato Unitary Authority (“WWUA”) model, led by Waikato District Council and supported by Waipaa and South Waikato District Councils’, offers advantages like better river catchment management, and stronger economies of scale. However, merging rural hamlets, and smaller communities, with faster growing urban communities, risks sidelining and overshadowing small local needs. Managing combined debt, diverse asset bases, and substantial structural changes will carry higher initial risk and uncertainty for our constituents. As we anticipate however, a Central Government decision, your Mayor and Councillors, continue to examine Council systems and processes, constantly scanning for greater efficiencies whilst striving to maintain levels of service and deliverability for our constituents, in readiness for the 2028 merger. Longe-Term Plan (“LTP”) what is it and why does it matter? - every three years, every Council in NZ must produce a 10year plan that maps out the services and major projects, that will be delivered along with the budgets, to pay for them. The LTP also carries a 30-year Infrastructure Strategy, since roads, bridges and pipes generally outlast a 10-year plan. It is your contract with Council, that once adopted, drives what will be delivered and what will be spent over the approaching ten years. Over recent weeks Councillor-led Council-supported community workshops/ engagements have been held to ensure you had an opportunity to have input into

the LTP and shape it. Once the LTP is set, changing direction becomes quite difficult. What has changed for our district since the 2024 LTP? - water services, that is your drinking water and wastewater services, have moved to a jointly owned company. You would have already noticed a change as you have been billed separately from IAWAI. Rates capping is in play, notwithstanding rapid rising costs, and road funding has not kept up. By 2034 it is forecasted that 114,252 people will be living in our district. That’s around 20,000 more people in a space of eight years. While rateable properties will increase slightly from 34,362 to 39,463 circa, the ongoing challenge to deliver core services and met community expectations will continue to be felt. Borrowing is set to become more expensive. The Local Government Act 2022 (“LGA”) requires Council to formally adopt an Annual Report and Annual Summary by 31 October each year. At the Joint Strategy, Growth and Finance Committee and Audit, Risk and Opportunities meeting held 23 September, both committees’ recommended that Council adopt the Annual Report and Annual Plan summary from a risk management perspective and subject to audit clearance and minor editorial updates. Council will seek to adopt the Annual Plan at the 7 October meeting. The Te Kauwhata and Meremere CCTV Camera Projects are now complete, with all cameras fully operational. Some fine tuning of the automated patrol settings may still be undertaken in consultation with NZ Police to ensure the best possible outcomes from this network. Recent roading repairs on Vineyard Rd have caused unplanned delays for affected residents. However, the repairs, sealing and sweeping were short duration works, programmed in readiness for resealing those road structures for the forthcoming construction season. When the summer reseal, program commences, Council will have a page on their website with weekly updates. The community can remain informed about district wide roadworks through the following link www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/servicesfacilities/roads-travel-and-parking/currentroadworks. If you have a council related concern, please feel free to contact me either by email at marlene.raumati@waidc.govt.nz or by phone on 020 - 40012548 Marlene Raumati Councillor Waerenga-Whitikahu

WA IK ATO COM M UNITY BOA R DS UPDATE

untly Community Board discussed community safety with Police, including burglary, drink-driving, youth engagement and CCTV coverage. The Board allocated funding to Huntly Community Patrol and Te Puna Ora, while also considering roading concerns, Bike Life Huntly, playground maintenance and proposals for the revitalisation of Huntly West–Raahui Pookeka.

Upcoming Meetings 1. Ngaaruawaahia Community Board meets Tuesday, 20 October 2026 2. Rural–Port Waikato Community Board meets Thursday, 22 October 2026 3. Tuakau Community Board meets Monday, 27 October 2026 4. Raglan Community Board meets Wednesday, 28 October 2026 5. Taupiri Community Board meets Monday, 02 November 2026 6. Huntly Community Board meets Tuesday, 03 November 2026

TI M’S NEWS

aikato boasts an incredible environment, rich in diversity with beautiful landscapes and precious flora and fauna throughout the region, from native bats and birds to microscopic fungi. Wonderful communities who live in North Waikato and throughout the wider Waikato understand the need to work, live, and play here while protecting our waterways, the land, and its ecosystems. It’s imperative we have sensible, workable legislation, to balance caring for our great outdoors while making it feasible to thrive. Demands of food and fibre production, manufacturing, urban development, and infrastructure growth for everything from transportation networks to power generation, and landowners wanting to enjoy their own land, must be taken into consideration alongside considering environmental impacts. It’s a complex equation in these modern times, vital to ensure the longevity of our natural environments for future generations while growing as our economy needs. The Resource Management Act (RMA) was ineffective, unnecessarily complicated, and needlessly restrictive, stymying much needed development without adequately providing the intended protections for the environment. Two bills to replace the Resource Management Act have passed their third reading in Parliament, marking the most significant overhaul of New Zealand’s planning system in more than three decades. The Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill have been refined through the Select Committee process, as part of the bills’ progress through the House. They improve clarity, workability

and certainty, while maintaining the core objectives of the new planning system. It has a clear purpose; people’s enjoyment of their land, and the use and development of natural resources – fundamentally, while protecting and enhancing the natural environment. Streamlining the processes under the new nationwide planning system means greater standardisation, with better consistency across the country. Kiwis will be more able to use their land, for activities such as building a garage or adding a deck, with fewer unnecessary and costly rules and requirements. The system continues to recognise positive effects of activities that support emissions reductions with adverse effects of greenhouse gas emissions. These are now being managed through the Climate Change Response Act instead of the planning system. Local circumstances and community expectations for environmental limits are better accommodated and achievable over time in this revised legislation, to provide flexibility and practicality in balancing environmental needs with social and economic demands. The freshwater farm plans framework is more proportionate and cost-effective. Higher risk primary production operations will require certification and audits. For lower risk farming operations, councils retain the ability to inspect plans and check that agreed actions are implemented. The system changes include modernising our heritage framework, focused on protecting what matters while providing more certainty for landowners. Compared to the old RMA, reducing needless bureaucracy, expense, and complexity and introducing consistent nationwide standards ensures much needed development can proceed, without compromising our treasured Waikato natural resources or environment.

Tim

van de Molen Building the Future

For

Waikato

Authorised by T. van de Molen, tim.vandemolen@national.org.nz

The Chatter October 2026 |

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Big Land Bold Move | This one asks what you could do with it. Set on

a substantial 2,337sqm more or less site in the tightly held Waikokowai community, this is for buyers who can see beyond today and think about what comes next.

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Designed Around Lifestyle | Contemporary architecture, generous proportions and a thoughtfully composed pavilion design come together across 5005sqm to create a property where everyday living feels both elevated and remarkably relaxed.

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Cute As! | Set on a manageable 450m² section, this cute 1930s home offers three bedrooms, one bathroom, a separate toilet, and a single garage. The open-plan living area provides an easy, comfortable hub for everyday life.

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Dreaming Of Country | Imagine waking up to the sound of tui in the trees, cows grazing nearby, sunshine streaming through your windows, and the freedom of rural living right on your doorstep.

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Great Lifestyle Start | This sunny relocated three-bedroom home offers a perfect blend of comfort and rural tranquility, set on a generous 1.6064-hectare (just under 4 acres) of land with building consent for double garage and workshop. Jenny Chappell 021 784 831

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Community

BA SK ETBA LL FOR TE K AUWH ATA YOUTH A BIG DR AWC A R D BY CLAIRE SIMPSON

e Kauwhata’s youngest players have had their first taste of basketball; the brainchild of a coach who admits his passion is not playing, but in coaching and nurturing enthusiasm for the sport in youngsters. The four-week Hearty Hoopers free pilot programme started late August, with a dozen or so enthusiastic 5–7-year-olds getting an appreciation of the game over a 4-week period– and perhaps dreaming of being the next Steven Adams. Coach Todd Burne explains: “We started with a free four-week trial just to see how everything goes. After that, if we continue into a full-term programme, there may be a small term fee. My goal is for any money made from the programme to go straight back into Hearty Hoopers for things like equipment, certificates, trophies, end of term celebrations and creating more opportunities for the kids. “For me, success is giving my kids and other kids in the community access

to opportunities that I didn’t necessarily have growing up.” Coach Todd says he’s always been more of a basketball fan than a player.” I’ve followed the NBA for years and in fact my oldest son Brodie’s name comes from Russell Westbrook’s nickname, “The Brodie.” (Westbrook recently retired from a stellar career in the US NBA scene where he played for several top teams; in fact you may have seen him on recent tv ads). But when young Brodie took up basketball, his father moved from coaching rugby league in Perth to coaching Brodie’s basketball team, sharing a passion for the game. Todd’s wife, Christine, has always been involved as well managing teams and handling the ‘business’ of the game from times and social media, creating a supportive environment for the aspiring players in the family. The proud dad watched young Brodie progress through weekend basketball academy in Perth through playing for the Seville Dragons club. The youngster picked up the game at 6 years old, but by

the time he was 10 he was \the right age to successfully trial for WABL (Western Australia Basketball League) - a selectionbased league in Perth. After a 16-year stint in Australia -originally for family reasons - the Burne family returned to NZ, wanting to raise their children here. ‘We wanted the sense of community and family we couldn’t find in Perth” Todd says, Arriving in Te Kauwhata a couple of months back, Todd and Christine noticed there wasn’t much on offer for Te Kauwhata’s younger children as an introduction to basketball. Most options, he says, were in Hamilton or Auckland, but he was keen to encourage son Brodie’s growing enthusiasm for the game at a more local level. “I wanted to create something local where kids can have fun, learn the basic skills of basketball, build confidence and hopefully develop a love for the game. I also have plans to run more serious type of programmes for older kids in the future, and build into a community programme that is multiple skill based”

TE K AUWH ATA BOWLING CLUB NEWS

M INDFULNESS GUIDING

e Kauwhata’s Girl Guides are not only following traditional guiding principles of building confidence and life skills with fun, adventure and friendship, but are also very much on point with mindfulness and associated activities. Recently they took part in mindfulness yoga, made handprints about the things they love about themselves, and created affirmation slap bands. They also celebrated Father’s Day with a disco, ran a garage sale and did a deep dive into food science during September. Local co-ordinator Luci Fraser says Te Kauwhata Girl Guides don’t have an open night planned right now, but parents can get in touch and arrange to visit. She says “it is best to get in touch first as we are sometimes off site for certain

activities. We offer up to three visits free of charge for those thinking of joining. Plus we have an incredible group of leaders who work well together to ensure we have continuous high-quality sessions for all our girls, and we have a lot of fun doing so.” If you are interesting in joining or helping, contact Luci Fraser on 0210331362 or any of the leaders at tekauwhatagirlguides@gmail. com

Todd and Christine are already planning the next module, to run in Term 4 at the gym at Te Kauwhata College. Again, the emphasis will be on 5–7-yearolds. To find out more, message Todd on 020 401 42075 or email heartyhoopers@ gmail.com

he new season started at the beginning of September with the ceremonial FIRST Bowl being delivered by John Richardson the Clubs immediate-past President. Prior to that, the Club’s newest member Graeme Hulley delivered the kitty. This is the first year that bowling has continued right throughout the calendar

year with no breaks at all. We used to have to wait for the Green to dry out a bit, and use scrims to protect the soft surface and do Grass renovations etc. Now that the Green is competition-ready from day one, members have plenty of time to practice and be ready for competition events that start with the Club Championship Triples on October 31. Graeme watched by members with ex-President John at far left and current President RH in the centre.

g n i t r o p p u s Proudly

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Wellbeing

LIFE UNCOM PLIC ATED R E F L E C T I O N S O N WO R K , L I F E , A N D T H E L I T T L E T H I N G S T H AT MAKE A DIFFERENCE This column reflects on everyday moments that sometimes reveal something more – finding meaning in ordinary experiences and making room for a different perspective. It doesn’t claim to offer answers but hopes to bring a little perspective and perhaps some calm.

BOR ROW MY BELIEF UNTIL YOU BELIEVE IT TOO

here is a statement I hear surprisingly often when someone begins one of my tablet learning courses – it goes something like “You’re going to have a hard time with me” and often comes with an apologetic laugh that says the person has already decided that technology and they are unlikely to get along. I usually don’t believe them though, but not because I think the learning will necessarily be easy. After all, a lot of my learners genuinely struggle to remember passwords, navigate unfamiliar screens or understand what different buttons actually do – something that takes another person thirty seconds might take them ten minutes. But I always begin with an unshakeable expectation that eventually they will be able to use technology in ways that genuinely matter to them. So, I wait and we try again and again. I resist taking the device from their hands and doing it for them. And when the difficult thing becomes comfortable, we move on to something slightly harder. Eventually, the person who once needed help with almost every step begins doing things independently. And then, another statement will reveal itself along the lines of “I never thought I could do this”. And I’ve realised that my quiet response has always been, “well, I never had a doubt”, because I simply never saw their difficulty at the beginning as evidence of where they had to end up. A Thought to Carry With Us? Seeing this happen repeatedly has made me wonder whether sometimes we need someone else to believe something about us before we are quite ready to believe it ourselves. When I expect a learner to eventually succeed, I probably behave differently towards them. I let them struggle without treating the struggle as failure. And eventually, when they begin to succeed, they have their own evidence. They remember the password, navigate the screen and complete actions without asking for help. And little by little, “I’m hopeless with technology” becomes harder for them to believe. I also wonder if this happens in other parts of life, too. Sometimes the person in front of us cannot yet see what we can see in them. And in those instances, maybe they can borrow our belief for a while – just long enough to gather enough evidence to believe it themselves. Ganga enjoys finding small insights in everyday moments and sharing them as reflections on work, life and the in-betweens. He also empowers individuals through customised digital literacy courses at community houses across Hamilton, Ngaaruawaahia and Huntly. You can reach him at ganga@rte.co.nz or find him on LinkedIn via the QR Code.

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WA IK ATO DISTR IC T LIBR A R IES GO DEM ENTI A FR IENDLY B Y S A R A H M O RC O M

aikato District’s six public libraries are now certified Dementia Friendly, thanks to one library coordinator who wanted to make a difference. Ngaaruawaahia Library coordinator Cheryl Maskell first noticed some of her regular visitors having trouble with the library system a few years ago. Late fees were stacking up for regulars who were misplacing book after book. Maskell began to make small changes at first. “I had an arrangement with one couple where they were able to take books from the sale trolley. That way, it didn’t matter if the books didn’t come back,” she said. “But I started to notice the same problems more and more.” Finally she reached out to Dementia NZ, to find out if they could help. When the organisation sent someone down to check out the Waikato District Libraries, Maskell learned about Dementia Friendly Libraries. “So it’s an official label that a library earns after following all the steps in the criteria,” Maskell said. “We gathered commitment letters from our five library coordinators, which stated that all 60 of our staff would undergo online training. We worked hard for about a year.” The libraries’ staff learned about handling different situations involving visitors with dementia, and slowly found ways to make small changes in the libraries. New dementia kits with colouring and craft activities were put out for visitors. “It went to the committee, and we got everything in the criteria absolutely right.” After it’s signed off by Demtentia NZ’s new CEO, the certificate will last for two years, after which the libraries will reapply.

Maskell is proud to have created a safer space for all her regulars. Her own mum has dementia, and is in care in Hamilton. “She’s never been super aware of her own dementia. When I told her about what we were doing at the libraries she said ‘oh, that will be great for people with dementia’.” “I got her one of the paint-by-numbers from the dementia kits, but she was not into it.” The work continues after gaining the certification. In September for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the libraries participated in Move for Dementia, raising $1,500. Going forward, two of the six libraries will have a designated dementia space, including books with large print, craft activities, and comfortable chairs.

SEED -SOWING FOR SU M M ER T E K A U W H ATA C O M M U N I T Y G A R D E N

pring arrived with September, temperatures started to rise and blossoms appeared on our fruit trees. Gardeners now look forward to growing the summer vegetables, especially the tomatoes cucumber and capsicum. In the first week of spring we sat in our shelter and started putting seeds into potting mix in plastic punnets. These are now being watered and kept in a warm place to begin the germination process. The tiny seeds are sown into potting or seed raising mix so that they grow into dense little forests. Stems and leaves grow up into the air and roots grow downwards into the mix that resembles soil. When the plants have grown about four or more little leaves and the stems look quite firm, they are gently prised from the punnet and transferred to individual pots. The plant stems must not be touched as they can be easily damaged and then the plant dies. It is a good idea to learn how to grow plants from seeds and save money. Plants that are grown for you are

expensive, and the investment can be easily lost. In the garden, plants are at risk of being eaten by insects and small animals such as snails. Little plants can also be flicked out of the soil by birds and cats, or killed by sudden blasts of cold weather. If you lose your little plants you can easily take out more seeds from the pack and resow. One pack of seeds contains many potential plants, and can be shared amongst friends. Another reason to learn to grow your own seedlings is that there are a lot of different varieties of very tasty foods that are not always readily available in the supermarket. Seeds are shared amongst gardeners with tips and preferences. These days public libraries also collect and distribute seeds. Te Kauwhata Community Garden collects seeds from its crops and gives them away free. By doing this we are fulfilling one of the objectives of the garden... for people to have free and healthy food grown in their own homes and the community, and to enjoy the produce available through the Pataka Kai.

The Arts

COM M UNITY A RT GA LLERY HE A DED FOR HUNTLY’S M A IN STR EET B Y S A R A H M O RC O M “Huntly has an incredibly creative community, but we haven’t had a dedicated space to consistently showcase and sell local art. We want to give our artists a platform, encourage emerging creatives and create a space our community can be proud of.

he old Civic Centre on Main Street, Huntly is getting a new lease on life as its lease has been secured for a brand new community art gallery. Being moved forward by the Raahui Pookeka Community Centres Trust, the upcoming Raahui Pookeka Art Gallery will be a space for artists local to the area to showcase their work. The Trust’s Art Director, Sasha McGaughren says the gallery has been in its planning stage for years now, and is just about ready to come to life. “Creative Huntly [the creative branch of the Community Centres Trust] has run a number of popup exhibitions over the years, showcasing dozens of local artists and giving people opportunities to display and sell their work,” McGaughran said. “These exhibitions really demonstrated both the amount of artistic talent in our community and the interest in having a permanent gallery.” The gallery will be operated by Creative Huntly with support from the Waikato District Council, opening for two days a week to begin with. Amazing works have already begun to pop up from artists who want their work on the walls, McGaughran said.

“It’s also about creating somewhere interesting for visitors to Huntly to stop, explore and discover some of the creativity our town has to offer. “The gallery isn’t just for artists or people who consider themselves ‘art people’ either, we want everyone to feel comfortable walking through the doors, having a look around and enjoying the work.” McGaughran said she hopes the gallery will have a wide range of art, with paintings, photography, pottery, toi Māori, textiles and more. Artists applying will complete an expression of Interest. Applications will then be reviewed for quality and integrity. “We want the process to be simple and approachable. You don’t need to be a professional artist or have exhibited before. We want to encourage people who may never have considered putting their work into a gallery to give it a go,” McGaughran said. “For me, this isn’t about bringing art to Huntly; art has always been here. We’re just creating a dedicated place for it to be seen.” Artists are still being sought to strut their stuff at the Raahui Pookeka Art Gallery. Once the walls are covered in local art, the gallery will hold its official opening on November 20. The Raahui Pookeka Art Gallery will hold its official opening on November 20, 6pm. From then, it will be open every Friday and Saturday. Artists wishing to apply for exhibition can contact Creative Huntly.

Here for our region.

Bookings open for Te Kauwhata Performance We are excited to open bookings for the public presentation of the Te Kauwhata Performance Project. This is free to attend as it is a show woven out of community stories. We do ask that you book a seat in advance though so we can manage capacity and hospitality. The show is approx. 1 hour long. See our website www. toiako.org and book at the Community House or online here https://tkch.infoodle.com/f/TicketsForTKPP

Norris Ward has a proud history in the Waikato region and we are committed to supporting our local Huntly clients — the people, families, businesses and organisations that make this town what it is. As our region evolves, our firm does too. We are excited to introduce our refreshed brand, bringing a renewed focus to the vibrant communities we serve along the river, in Huntly, Hamilton and Cambridge. We look forward to being here for you, for many years to come. Hakanoa House, 172 Main St

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Rural News

BEING HONEST A BOUT TOUGH TI M ES W I T H WA I K A T O F A R M E R H U G H J A C K S O N

inning the FMG Young Farmer of the Year title was a long-held dream for Waikato farmer Hugh Jackson. After first competing at 19 while studying at Massey University, Hugh finally claimed the title in 2025 on his second appearance as a Grand Finalist. “I started competing at 19, during my first year at Massey University, and got the bug from there. Over the years I enjoyed pushing myself and competing. The more I did it, the more skills I learnt and the more I enjoyed it. It was a real thrill to get there in the end.” The award opened doors to media appearances, speaking engagements and unique experiences. But behind the success, Hugh admits there were challenges. “Imposter syndrome definitely played a part,” says Hugh. “On numerous occasions I’ve caught myself thinking thoughts along the lines of ‘now you’re the Young Farmer of the Year, you better make a good job of taking the family farm through another generation. What would people think if things went pearshaped?’ There was an extra pressure

on top of the high expectations I always have for myself.” A fourth-generation farmer from Te Akau, north of Raglan, Hugh has always set high standards for himself. While that drive has helped him achieve his goals, he says it has also come at a cost. “When I look back over the last 28 years of my life, there have been benefits of these high expectations and the selfinflicted pressure, but it has also driven me to breaking point when I’ve needed the support of friends, family and health professionals,” says Hugh. “But my experience is a good reminder that we all have our struggles. We all go through tough times to different degrees. So, don’t be afraid to talk to friends and family and make a plan to get through.” Today, Hugh prioritises wellbeing through exercise, good sleep, social connections and taking time away from the farm. Reading Doug Avery’s Resilient Farmer also helped him rethink how he spends his time, shifting from day-to-day operational work towards leadership and team development. Mental wellbeing is something Hugh actively promotes within his own team,

encouraging regular check-ins and open conversations.

For Hugh, strong people create strong communities.

He is also a supporter of Farmstrong and its work helping rural people build resilience.

“I personally find there are huge benefits to this through the people you meet that you can lean on when you need to and of course you can help these people out when they need it. This creates more resilient communities and therefore more resilient people too.”

“It’s great to share farmers’ stories about dealing with tough times. We all go through tough times and it’s just a case of making sure we’re open and honest with ourselves and others around us when we’re feeling rough.”

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To lime, or not to lime? Well, there’s no question. Reasons to apply lime to your soil: Increases nutrient availability; raising soil pH with lime to ~6.3-6.5 releases and balances soil nutrients for plant uptake, maximising return on your fertiliser spend. Reduces the need for N-fertiliser; lime stimulates N-fixation by legumes, and N-release from organic matter into plant available forms. Increases soil biological activity and diversity; key to nutrient availability, good soil structure & porosity, and ultimately pasture/crop yield. Improves Soil Structure and Porosity; Increased water-holding capacity in the dry and improved water drainage in the wet, Lime builds resilience to droughts, floods, runoff and erosion. Lime also helps rebalance high-magnesium soils by increasing the influence of calcium. Reduces elemental toxicities evident at low pH levels, e.g. Al, preventing subsoil acidification and improving root growth, root development, and reduces P-fixation.

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pring is here, and cropping time is upon us. But getting crops established successfully is not always straightforward.

Products like Dicalcic Phosphate and N-Smart are less prone to nutrient losses and are plant-available longer, meaning you grow more with less inputs.

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Polymer-coated urea (PCU) offers a practical solution. Its protective coating allows nitrogen to be released gradually and predictably, helping better match nutrient availability with crop demand. This makes PCU particularly well suited to heavy-feeding crops such as maize and brassicas. In wet soils, urea can rapidly convert to nitrate, often faster than young plants can take it up. PCU slows this process, helping retain nutrients in the soil and reduce potential losses. Research continues to support the benefits of controlled-release fertilisers, with studies showing improvements in nutrient-use efficiency, nutrient recovery and crop performance. At Fertco, we are seeing these advantages through our

Fertco 2-Step Maize Programme and Fertco Smart Brassica Base. PCU can also simplify crop management by reducing the need for post-germination side-dressing. Fewer fertiliser applications mean lower spreading costs, less machinery traffic through vulnerable crops and reduced reliance on contractors during challenging weather conditions. The benefits do not stop with cropping. In pasture systems, Fertco’s Nsmart programme can support more consistent grass growth, helping farmers build covers when growing conditions are favourable. Surplus high-quality pasture can then be harvested and stored as silage, providing valuable supplementary feed later in the season. Establishing a crop or growing quality feed is a significant investment. At Fertco, we combine innovative fertiliser solutions with practical farming experience. Our local team understands the challenges faced by farmers because we are regularly out on farm ourselves. We’re big enough to compete, yet small enough to provide the personal service and tailored advice that helps our customers get the best results from every hectare.

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aglan Arts Weekend (RAW) celebrates its 16th anniversary this Labour Weekend, inviting visitors to explore 48 studios showcasing more than 75 artists.

demonstrations and the Raglan Country and Blues Music Festival.

The free, self-guided trail runs from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 October, with studios open from 10am to 5pm. Discover painting, sculpture, photography, jewellery, textiles, ceramics and more while exploring Whāingaroa’s town and coastline.

To plan your visit, explore the Preview Exhibition at Raglan Arts Centre from 2–26 October, featuring 96 artworks from participating studios.

Alongside the studio visits, visitors can enjoy art installations, workshops,

The Hatch, RAW’s emerging artists exhibition, features 17 artists this year and opens at Raglan Town Hall on Friday 23 October at 6.30pm.

Pick up a Raglan Arts Guide from the arts centre, iHub or local businesses, or visit raglanartsweekend.nz for maps and details.

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A STORY FROM INSIDE TE WH A R E AWHI — WH AT’S H A PPENING IN THE SPACE W I T H T E W H A R E AW H I - F R I E N D S H I P H O U S E

typical day at Te Whare Awhi is a mix of people, programmes, practical support and plenty of opportunities to connect.

There are also times when people simply need someone to talk to. Having a welcoming space where people can come in, ask a question or have a kōrero is an important part of what Te Whare Awhi provides.

Food rescue is a regular part of the day, with whānau coming through to collect kai, have a quick kōrero and take home what they need. It is a simple but important service that provides practical support to local families.

On Tuesdays, Kai Connection runs for six weeks each term. The kitchen becomes a place for learning as whānau prepare simple, affordable meals together, with Jodie supporting the sessions. It is a relaxed and practical way to build confidence and share ideas around food.

Community Lunch days bring people together to share a meal and spend some time connecting with others. The kitchen and dining area become busy as people arrive, help out and catch up with familiar faces. Kaumātua Lunch provides another opportunity for older members of our community to get together, share stories and enjoy a meal. Alongside these activities, the Curtain Bank continues to provide practical support for whānau. Jan and Annette spend time measuring, sorting, repairing and preparing curtains to help make homes warmer and more comfortable. Joy is working with whānau through the Healthy Homes kaupapa, providing information and practical support around keeping homes warmer, drier and healthier. This includes talking about insulation, dampness, energy use and other ways homes can be improved.

Hine’s korowai workshops provide an opportunity for people to learn traditional craft, develop their skills and work on their own projects in a supportive environment. The learner licence programme is another area of support, helping people build their confidence and work towards gaining their licence. Each successful pass is a great achievement for the person involved. On Mondays, Kids Club provides a space for tamariki to play, create and spend time together in a safe and welcoming environment. Together, these activities make up a typical week at Te Whare Awhi. Some days are busy, others are quieter, but there is always something happening. Whether people come in for kai, a programme, practical support or simply a kōrero, Te Whare Awhi provides a place where whānau can connect, learn and access support within their community.

Storms Create Chaos You Create Safety. Be prepared. Secure gear. Stay safe.

wel.co.nz The Chatter October 2026 |

History

BACK FROM THE BR INK HOW THR EE WA IK ATO SPORT PA R KS A R E A DA PTING TO A CH A NGING WOR LD B Y L I S A B I S H O P , C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T & I M PA C T S P E C I A L I S T

mowing grass so long it needed baling, organising working bees, borrowing equipment, and calling in favours from businesses and across the community.

cross the Waikato region, community sporting facilities that once thrived as social and sporting hubs have faced mounting pressure, and are now only just surviving. Incorporated societies have lapsed, volunteering has waned, and facilities have aged, all while costs have risen sharply. At the same time, society itself has changed - how people work, how families spend their time, their expectations and what they want from sport. For some sporting organisations, the scenario has become unavoidable: adapt or close the doors. At Resthills Sports in south Hamilton, Davies Park in Huntly, and Tom Voyle Park in Cambridge, that moment arrived, and each responded differently. Their stories paint a picture of how community facilities need to adapt to changing times. Resthills Sports Glenview, Hamilton

Clubrooms,

By early 2023, Resthills Sports was at a breaking point. Jointly owned by Waikato Rugby League and Waikato Softball, Resthills carried both the strength - and the challenge - of shared responsibility. The incorporated society had lapsed; insurance expired, and deferred maintenance had accumulated quietly over years. In February 2023, representatives from both codes and the wider community gathered to decide the Centre’s future. What followed was not a quick fix, but a strategic reset and a focus on ‘Better! Busier! And Basics!’ A new board was formed - three representatives from each founding code, plus two independent members who brought with them professional and community expertise. The shift was deliberate: collaboration and skillsbased governance were needed to move forward. The new board hasn’t solved every issue overnight, but it gave Resthills something it hadn’t had for years: clarity, accountability, and momentum.

The basics came first - the incorporated society was reinstated, insurance renewed, safety and compliance addressed; and from there things started to move forward. “The Corrections department has been a big part of this as well - crews came in every few weeks - painting, water-blasting, cleaning,” says Board member Patsy Paul. “Anything that stood still long enough got fixed.” But the most significant shift came when looking at the needs of the community. Resthills Sports no longer positions itself as simply a sports venue. With 2,800 new homes planned nearby, it is evolving into ‘a community hub that also does sport’, welcoming informal activity, social connection, and shared use alongside traditional competition. Since the change, they’ve hosted weddings, birthdays, quiz nights, social agency wellbeing days, national archery and softball events, kapa haka, and martial arts with plans for more. “We’ve had to move with the times,” said Patsy “Sport is still the heart - but it can’t be the only thing anymore.” In Huntly, the story of Davies Park is similar but different – and deeply personal. Opened in 1937 and owned by the Waikato Rugby League Inc. and affiliated clubs, Davies Park had been home to rugby league for generations. The only income that has kept the park running operationally over those years has been the minimal gate charge ($5.00), as well as some corporate funding that has covered various capital works. But by 2018, funding pressures and rising costs overwhelmed the system. The Waikato Rugby League Board walked away, grass grew waist-high, fences had collapsed - the park was effectively abandoned.

have the administration - we have that all set up, ready to go. Social media, we manage all of that for them.”

Paint was donated, contractors worked for ‘mates rates’, and locals turned up with sweat equity and time.

“And I think the key thing is that it’s sustainable past the people in the roles currently. That’s what it has to be.”

“There’s a Maori proverb that I have. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. And what it basically means is - I’m not a one-man band, but a band of many.”

The impact has been almost immediate. Lacrosse approached the club seeking clearer pathways for young players. Junior softball modules launched locally, removing the need for families to travel to Hamilton, and as barriers dropped, participation increased.

Slowly, games returned, and with them, people. By 2024, Davies Park was once again hosting packed grand final weekends, with the gate takings now helping fund ongoing maintenance. The formation of the Davies Park Heritage Trust has added long-term oversight and a pathway toward sustainability. “In the 1970s, on a Saturday afternoon, all the shops were closed. So, you go and watch footy. And that’s where everybody came, and stayed socially. And it created memories. And this is exactly what I like about what’s happening here [now]. That weekend that we had, the grand final, that created memories for people.” said Rex. “Bigger things are planned for the venue, so it’s a case of “Watch this Space”, says Rex In Cambridge, Tom Voyle Park Sports Club (TVP Sports) faced a quieter crisis. Founded in 1950, the Club had supported multiple sports over decades. But by the time Board Chairperson Jacqui McCann became involved, volunteer fatigue had taken hold. The club had slipped off the incorporated societies register, and only four netball teams remained active. “Things didn’t fall apart overnight,” Jacqui says. “People were tired, and the structure wasn’t sustainable anymore.” The solution wasn’t to ask more of volunteers - it was to ask less.

That’s when Rex Hohaia stepped in.

TVP Sports adopted a hub-andsupport model, separating governance and systems from delivery. A small governance group now manages finances, registrations, compliance, and marketing, allowing sports to focus on participation.

“I’ve been involved as a player, and then an administrator, then as a coach, then as a caretaker. I was a caretaker here through the ‘90s, and all those roles were voluntary,” said Rex.

“I wanted to shift it into the space of having a governance group and then having codes be able to come and utilise us to run without having to worry about the strategy and the policy,” Jacqui says.

With no and no guarantees, Rex began doing what needed to be done -

“And we just provide the tools for them to be able to do that. So they

In just one term, membership grew from under 50 to nearly 280 participants. Crucially, systems are documented and shared, ensuring the club can continue even when individuals step away. “If someone leaves, the club doesn’t fall over,” Jacqui says. “That’s the difference.” These three stories reflect broader shifts happening across sport. Modern families are time-poor. Dualincome households, longer commutes, and competing commitments mean people want flexibility, not obligation. Rising costs of living have made travel, fees, and equipment harder to absorb. Volunteers are still willing but not in the way they once were. Where committees once met weekly and volunteers “just mucked in”, today’s reality looks different: People want connection, but not rigid roles; they will help, but within their capacity; they value belonging, without long-term obligation. Participation is also changing. Informal, social and entry-level sport is growing. People want spaces where they can bring children, connect socially, and participate on their own. Facilities that succeed now are those that: reduce friction, share responsibility, offer flexibility, and welcome people as they are. Resthills, Davies Park, and Tom Voyle Park took different paths back from the brink, but their lesson is shared. By adapting governance, sharing the load, putting people before process, and ensuring the needs of the community are heard, these organisations are showing what the future of community sport can look like.

Home Sweet Huntly

OUR NEURODIVERGENT PA R A DISE B Y S A R A H M O RC O M

immy, Sean Senior, Sean Junior, and Leo Beamsley’s home was chalk white when they moved in. It’s still mostly white from the outside, but inside it’s all the colours of their joy. A neurodivergent family through and through, the Beamsleys have built a world that works for them. Raising two young boys on the autism and ADHD spectrum, Kimmy and Sean Sr run their home on compassion and creativity. Sean Jr’s room is Minecraft green, with characters and creatures from the game lining the walls. Leo’s room has a mini rock climbing room. The kitchen ceiling is lined with vinyls. And hiding around the place are seven cats and a dog named Spiderman. A life with challenges is met by the Beamsleys with a sparkle in their eyes. How long have you all been living here now? We bought the house six years ago. It’ll be seven in January. It was newly renovated [when we moved in], all white. It was carpeted, no fences outside. And the yard was like, really bad. It was kind of like a rubbish dump at the back, really run down. We’ve done a lot of work. We’ve fully fenced it, we ripped out the carpet and we put the tiles down for the kids. We replaced all the windows, so now it has full safety glass. And we put in those [kitchen] doors so that there’s no one that can get into the kitchen, because Leo would get into the kitchen and try to eat raw chicken and stuff. So it’s fully autism friendly, but also just sensory .We wanted to make it feel like us because it didn’t have any personality before. Which was cool, because it was a blank slate.

I see you have a craft space set up in the kitchen, is that where you create? Yes, but I often bring it over to the table too, because then I can be involved in family time. We’ve kind of worked the living room around Sean [Sr’s] injury which he sustained during his military service. Because it was quite isolating when he was stuck in the bedroom, so that’s why we have the bed out here too. Tell me a bit about all the art on the walls. Is it all yours Kimmy? Some of it, and the other stuff is family stuff. So some of little Sean’s, and big Sean’s. Sometimes we do art together as a family. Like in the weekend, it was Sean [Jr’s] birthday, so we put music on, and other types of frequencies and sounds, and we’re not allowed to talk, we just follow the colours. I always teach Sean, the way I describe it is, you know when you’re putting your hand in a lucky dip, and your hand’s like a magnet, you just grab the one that feels right. It’s like that–just relax, and that’s how you use your paintbrush and the paint. Don’t think too much, just do. Follow that feeling. We think of it like our family art therapy. And it’s just neat, the stuff he comes out with. He can just see stuff and draw it. No prompting or anything. And so are you musicians as well? I see there’s a funky looking organ in the hallway. So, that’s Leo. Neither of us played before we had kids. Leo just has this thing with music. He just picks music up. We’ve tried lessons with him and then he shuts down, but he just loves music. When we used to have a piano in here, he’d have this tune that he’d make up, and then he’d

hear something else and go over and add something into his tune that he’d heard. He’s gone through Billy Joel, Elton John, and Frank Sinatra. And then he’ll randomly like a song and we’ll think, this is strange, he wouldn’t usually like this. And we realised underneath the singing you can hear piano. We never showed him any of this music. He just finds it on YouTube. Any other plans for the house? Yeah, we want to expand. We actually had plans until Sean got injured, so they’ve just been delayed. But we have an extension plan. The garden used to be our

pride and joy, so that has taken a back step the last couple of years which is a shame. So we’d love to get back into that, because it used to be so beautiful out there. We’d like to work more on the fruit orchard out the back too. We’ve actually got a quarter of an acre. Our idea is that when the boys get to a certain age, all the trees will be big, you know. So that out the back will be like a forest.

The Chatter October 2026 |

Animal Control

EVERY DOG H A S A STORY BY CLAIRE SIMPSON

e asked the Waikato District Council’s Animal Control team what makes them tick- and have more advice on roaming dogs, costs….and the sensitive subject of desexing, Why do you do this job? People often ask us why we do this job. The truth is, we do it because we care— deeply. We care about the dogs, the people who love them, and our community. The highs are the moments that remind us why we chose this career. Reuniting a lost dog with its family, watching an injured or frightened dog learn to trust again, or seeing an unclaimed impounded dog walk out the gate with their new forever family never gets old. Those moments make every difficult day worthwhile. But there are also lows and they can be heartbreaking. We see dogs that have been neglected, abandoned, injured, or simply let down by the people they trusted most. We meet dogs that have never known a warm bed, a full belly, or the love every animal deserves. The hardest part of our job is when a dog can’t be saved. Having to make the decision to humanely euthanise a dog is something that stays with you. It is never routine, never easy, and never a decision that’s made lightly. Every member of our team carries those dogs with them long after they’ve gone. We remember their faces, their personalities, and often find ourselves wondering what their lives could have been if they’d been given a different start. Those are the days that break our hearts.That’s why we’re so passionate about promoting responsible dog ownership. Every registered dog, every secure fence, every desexed pet, every training session, and every responsible decision made by an owner has the potential to prevent another dog from ending up in the pound. Because behind every dog that comes through our gates is a story. Our hope is that every story ends with a family walking through the gate to take their dog home, or a new family giving them the second chance they deserve. Sadly, that’s not always possible—but we will continue to fight for every dog we can. At the end of the day, Animal Control isn’t just a job. It’s a commitment to giving a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves, celebrating every happy ending, and carrying the weight of the ones we couldn’t save. Those are the dogs we’ll never forget. Are you picking up more older dogs or puppies? Mostly adult dogs that have escaped from home or are wandering. We note an increase in the number of surrenders, including litters of puppies, and adult dogs. This places additional pressure on our pound and highlights the ongoing need for responsible dog ownership.

The areas where we receive the highest number of roaming dog reports and surrenders are Huntly, Ngaaruawaahia, and Tuakau. While we respond to incidents across the entire Waikato district, these communities consistently generate a higher volume of callouts. Every dog that comes in is treated with compassion, and whenever possible, we work to reunite them with their owners or, if suitable, find them a loving new home. By encouraging responsible ownership and early intervention, we hope to reduce the number of dogs entering the pound and give every dog the opportunity to thrive. He likes taking himself for a walk to see his friends – what’s wrong with that? We hear this one a lot! While your dog might enjoy an adventure around the neighbourhood, allowing them to roam puts them and others at risk. Even the friendliest dog can end up in dangerous situations; hit by a vehicle, fight with another dog, chase livestock or wildlife, frighten people, or cause a traffic accident. They may also wander further than intended and become lost. Your dog might think they’re off on an exciting adventure but the safest and happiest adventures are the ones you share together What should I do If there are roaming dogs frightening children or other animals? If you come across a roaming dog that is acting aggressively the safest thing to do is keep your distance and report it to your local council’s Animal Control team as soon as possible. When reporting a roaming dog, try to provide as much information as you can, including: 1. 1. The exact location 2. 2.A description of the dog (or dogs) 3. 3. The time you saw it 4. 4. Which direction it was travelling 5. 5. A photo, if it is safe to take one This information helps Animal Control Officers locate the dog quickly and respond appropriately. It is important that children and adults know how to stay safe around uncontrolled dogs. Give your local council a call for further information- 0800 492452. Will people know it was me? No. Reports to Animal Control are treated confidentially. We understand that people worry about upsetting neighbours or being drawn into conflict, but our priority is protecting the safety of people and animals. Without members of the public reporting roaming dogs, many incidents would go unnoticed until someone is injured or a dog is seriously hurt. By making a report, you’re helping keep your community , and the animal, safe -not getting someone into trouble. If you’re ever unsure whether to report a roaming dog, it’s always better to let us know. We’d much rather investigate a concern early than respond after a preventable incident has occurred. I think my dog should have one litter – or my boy won’t be the same if he’s desexed

These are two of the most common myths we hear and fortunately, neither is true.Dogs don’t have the emotional desire to become parents in the way humans do. A female dog doesn’t benefit physically or emotionally from having a litter of puppies. In fact, pregnancy and whelping come with risks, including complications during birth, illness, and expensive veterinary care. For male dogs, desexing doesn’t change their personality or make them “less masculine.” They’ll still be the same loyal, playful, loving companion they’ve always been. Desexing reduces behaviours such as roaming in search of a mate, urine marking, and aggression between dogs.

3. 3. Time together matters most. Dogs thrive on companionship. Whether it’s a game in the backyard, a trip to the beach, or simply relaxing together after work, the time you spend with your dog is what they’ll value most. A happy dog isn’t about having the fanciest toys or biggest backyard—it’s about meeting their physical, mental, and emotional needs every day.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A N A NI M A L CONTROL OFFICER

Desexing also has significant health benefits; risk of certain cancers and reproductive diseases, helps prevent unwanted litters contributing to the number of dogs entering pounds and rescue organisations every year.

Every year, we care for dogs that have been surrendered or abandoned simply because there are more puppies being born than there are suitable homes available.

A typical day might start by responding to reports of roaming dogs or stock, checking on animal welfare concerns, reuniting lost dogs with their owners, or helping neighbours navigate awkward conversations around barking complaints.

Choosing to desex your dog is one of the most responsible decisions you can make for both your pet and the wider community.If cost is a concern, talk to your local council, SPCA or veterinarian about desexing assistance programmes that may be available. Desexing helps dogs live healthier lives, reduces unwanted litters, and gives fewer dogs the chance of ending up without a home. It’s a simple step that makes a lasting difference. Let your dog live its best life: Three things we’ve learned Every dog deserves the chance to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. Here are three simple lessons we’ve learned that can make a world of difference: 1. 1. Exercise is more than just a walk. Daily physical activity and opportunities to sniff, explore, and play help keep your dog’s body healthy and their mind engaged. 2. 2. Training builds confidence. Positive, reward-based training isn’t just about good manners—it strengthens the bond between you and your dog while helping them navigate the world with confidence.

o two days are ever the same in Animal Control and that’s one of the things we love most about the job!

Throughout the day, we attend reported dog attacks, investigate complaints, patrol known problem areas, and help educate owners about responsible dog ownership. Back at the pound, we’re busy caring for impounded dogs, cleaning kennels, feeding and exercising the dogs, completing paperwork, arranging veterinary care, and meeting with potential adopters to help suitable dogs find their forever homes. We also spend time out in the community visiting schools, attending events, and promoting programmes that encourage responsible dog ownership and safer interactions between people and dogs. Some days are rewarding, some are challenging, and some can be completely unpredictable, but every day is an opportunity to make a positive difference for both animals and our community.️

DOC WA IK ATO SPR AY OPER ATIONS

epartment of Conservation (Waikato District) advises that agrichemical use on public (and some private) lands will be carried out by DOC staff and contractors between September 2026 and June 2027 for the control of various environmental pest plants.

CHURCHES

include the Whangamarino Wetland, Toreparu Wetland, Moanatuatua Peat Dome, Lakes Whangape, Rotongaro, Rotongaroiti, Hakanoa, Areare, Ruatuna, Rotomanuka, Rotopiko, Takupu Island (Waikato River), Kawhia and Aotea Harbours, the Ngaranui Track, and the Hakarimata Rail Trail.

A spray plan for the specific operational activities is available for viewing on request.

If you wish to be notified closer to the date of application, please contact waikato@doc.govt.nz. People who require individual notification will be given one to five working days’ notice.

Spraying will occur during daylight hours and will use a combination of control methods including helicopters, drones, gun and hose, and knapsacks. Areas to be sprayed

For more information, please contact Alaine Holdom, Waikato District Office, on 027 540 5937 or aholdom@ doc.govt.nz.

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The Chatter October 2026 |

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HUNTLY FIR E STATION C A LL OUTS 17/09 10:11 Fire alarm activation, Rotokauri Rd, Hamilton. 17/09 22:59 Vehicle and scrub fire, Paki St, Huntly. 18/09 09:18 Fire alarm activation, Olds Rd, Taupiri. 20/09 12:07 Tree down across road, Hakarimata Rd, Huntly. 21/09 00:21 Assist ambulance with patient lift, Croft Tce, Huntly. 23/09 18:19 Motor vehicle crash Truck v power pole, Lumsden Rd, Ohinewai. 23/09 18:36 Logs on fire, Hangapipi Rd, Huntly. 24/09 19:16 Backyard fire, James Henry Cres, Huntly. 26/09 16:27 Motor vehicle crash car v barrier, Waikato expressway, Te Kauwhata. 27/09 19:39 Backyard rubbish fire, Hetherington Rd, Huntly.

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