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A fresh face for Port Waikato
By now you will have seen that I will not be seeking the nomination to be the National Party candidate for the Port Waikato electorate at the general election in November. This was not an easy decision, but one made for personal reasons as my wife and I plan to move to the South Island later this year.
I first entered politics in 2014 after then MP, Dr Paul Hutchison, announced he was standing down. What was then the Hunua electorate was one of the safest seats in New Zealand and lots of people were keen to be the candidate. I was lucky enough to be selected and subsequently won the seat to become the MP.
Twelve years is a long time in Parliament. National was in Government when I entered, but subsequently lost in 2017 and again in 2020, to be returned in 2023. During that time, the Hunua electorate boundaries were redrawn, and we became the Port Waikato electorate in 2020, losing much of what is currently the eastern Franklin district and instead taking in a good deal of north Waikato.
My approach to being an electorate MP has never wavered, and that is to provide advice and support for the people who live here, present their views in Parliament, and maintain strong connections with local communities.
I believe it is important that the electorate MP lives locally and is fully aware of local issues, which is why our intended move south makes it appropriate to step aside now to allow the selection of a National Party candidate who will stand at the election – one who is fully embedded in the electorate and cares about its future.
It has been very fulfilling to work alongside local organisations, community leaders and residents to assist them with a vast array of issues. We have lived through numerous cyclones and major flooding events, where people have lost their lives, their homes and livelihoods. And then of course there were the Covid years which were absolutely dreadful, with all the lockdowns, the constantly changing alert levels, and the border splitting our communities apart.
It has been an immense privilege to serve the people of the Hunua and Port Waikato electorates. I have knocked on thousands of doors, replied to hundreds of emails each day, and taken phone calls at all hours of the day and night. I have met some wonderful people – many of which have become lifelong friends – and have hundreds of fond memories (and some sad ones too).
I am so grateful for the trust that people have placed in me, and for the commitment, dedication and generosity shown by all those that have supported me throughout my 12 years in the role.
I expect the new MP for Port Waikato to serve the people of the electorate with energy, integrity and dedication.
In the meantime, our relocation south will take several months and so I will continue to serve the Port Waikato electorate as the MP until the general election on 7 November. I’ll still be out and about, and the electorate office will still be open, so do please say hello or contact me by email.
Tim’s News
The old saying is still true – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. With the coming seasonal change, it’s prudent to plan ahead and be prepared. Aware of the increased demand winter illnesses put on our healthcare services, I’m proud our Government is investing an additional $25 million to boost hospital capacity and prepare the health system in readiness.
Our prioritisation of health, with reintroduced targets and increased investment, has seen improvement in emergency department (ED) service timelines. ED patients are now being seen sooner compared to worsening wait times in the years prior to our targeted approach. Demand for health services is a complex issue, compounded by population growth and an aging demographic. Planning for management of winter demand is crucial to ensure the capacity of services and frontline healthcare staff is supported and strengthened. Kiwi’s need to be able to access timely healthcare. Investment in health by this Government supports that priority. We are taking a multi-factor approach across New Zealand, including here in the mighty Waikato.
Prevention to avoid becoming ill in the first place, where possible, is ideal. Winter brings seasonal illnesses, some of which can potentially be avoided with appropriate vaccinations. We’re providing more opportunities for Huntly and North Waikato locals to access vaccinations and antiviral options, especially our seniors and vulnerable community members. We are strengthening primary care services; our funding will support the expansion of telehealth services –these are available 24/7, providing health advice and support services by phone (Healthline 0800 611 116). Funding also supports the expansion of urgent and after hours care clinic hours, and the capacity of our qualified, expert pharmacists to treat North Waikato locals with more minor conditions.
Through our funding boost, Waikato Hospital will have greater staffing capacity and 25 additional beds to better manage demand. Funding targets faster diagnostic testing and imaging, and systems which will assist clinicians to respond to critical results faster. North Waikato locals will be more able to access expanded hospital-in-the-home services, with more returning home support and improvements to discharge processes on weekends. Here in Health NZ’s Midland region, the Government’s funding boost will provide an additional 8 dedicated transitional beds and an extra 179 aged residential care (ARC) beds.
Additionally, from 1 July, regional and district decisionmaking authority is being returned. We know the healthcare professionals in our regions and districts understand the needs of local communities. We’re restructuring to make sure the nationally planned health system focuses on strategy, standards, and systems, while local and regional authority will make the decisions relating to workforce, resources, and services. This reduces unnecessary levels of bureaucracy, and gives hospitals decision-making capacity within their budgets, for the healthcare needs of their communities. We’re putting patient-oriented priorities first, with well-managed resources and targeted efficiency. Tim van de Molen – MP for Waikato.
Authorised by Andrew Bayly, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.
Raahui Pookeka Gets Creative
Huntly’s creatives gathered in the hundreds this March to indulge in the arts and crafts and mingle with likeminded souls at the Raahui Pookeka Arts Festival.
The Raahui Pookeka Arts Festival, previously known as Art in the Park, recently ran for its fifth year since the event was founded by Creative Huntly (Raahui Pookeka Community Centres Trust).
Around 600 people came along to soak in the sun and good vibes on Saturday, March 7 down by the sparkling Hakanoa Lake.
Festival-goers had a ball, grabbing some kai from one of the yummy food trucks before chilling in the shade to watch the incredible local performers hit the stage.
A generous range of the arts was observed on the Festival stage. Attendees were blessed with two chances to get up and participate with Hulanesia and the Talents of the Pacific Academy. Huntly Primary School also treated the crowd to a wow-ing kapa haka performance.
Hamilton band CREAN brought the energy with a few choice rock-inspired covers of popular songs, and Willy Chivvers had the crowd grooving to his original songs, accompanied only by his guitar and loop pedal.
In between tunes, festival attendees browsed through creative stalls, run by local stallholders selling their handmade goods.
Activity stalls were also popular, with the craft stalls such as scrapbooking and paint-dipping hand-held fans.
Festival director and manager at Creative Huntly Sasha McGaughran said the volunteers and sponsors, WEL Energy, the Huntly Community Board, Harcourts, Fonterra GoodSorts, Bathurst Mining, Thorburn Builders, Norris Ward Mckinnon, the Waikato District Council, and Baraket Fencing, were an incredible help.
“This really wouldn’t be possible without all the incredible support we get from our volunteers and funders,” McGaughran said.
Raahui Pookeka Community Centres Trust would like to thank all attendees to the Raahui Pooeka Art Festival, as well as all sponsors, volunteers, and stall-holders.
News from the Chatter
Dear Readers, We are becoming a monthly publication. It has been a big decision however we want to secure our future and we know we can provide a quality monthly community newspaper in print and online.
What you need to know
The Chatter news will now be published 1 x month. The next issue will come out April 15th and then the following one will be out May 6th. From that point the Chatter will be out the first week of every month. We will have the same contributors and advertisers. There will be some new content and features introduced to keep it fresh. Watch this space as we continue to evolve. We are committed to celebrating community members and initiatives, spreading the good news, bringing the community together as well as supporting local business.
Get in touch about promoting your business and supporting community media. Get in touch if you have news to share. We fully appreciate community contribution and journalism at the Chatter.
Te Kauwhata Primary Says ‘Bring on the Challenges’
Te Kauwhata primary school has its sights set firmly on the future, with the 115-year-old school surpassing the 400-pupil mark and on target to 500 in the next few years.
But the growth isn’t without challenges, according to principal Brian Martin, who says the current uncertainty about the school’s future location is a constant issue.
“As housing has grown, particularly in Lakeside, we have seen a jump in families coming into the area. And when I arrived at the school 12 years ago, we had 270 students- mainly NZ European or Māori – we now have
over 15 ethnicities represented, making the school a rich and interesting space.
“The Ministry of Education has said it will review the decision on the school’s location in 2028, so until this time we will continue to get short-term solutions for our growth. This means modular or prefabricated buildings delivered onsite. I do urge parents and locals to speak to or email our MP (Andrew Bayly) with their thoughts on the school and the proposed move and timeline, though” he says.
“It’s a challenge, but a very exciting one. This is a huge adventure, but one that the team and I feel we are ready for. We will make mistakes as we are human, but we will be here every day to support all our learners the best we can.”
Another challenge facing this, and many other schools, is acquiring teaching staff. “We can fill any other role from within our community, except for teachers. They are in short supply all over, so if people in our community do know teachers who are looking to do day-to-day relieving, let us know.”
He also raises a plea to join the newly-restarted PTA. “Our community is amazing, so please join us or if you can only spare a little time, get behind the PTA to help raise funds for new projects around the school. We’d love a new playground.”
Celebrating 2025 highlights
During 2025 the school celebrated a number of highlights, from Matariki with schools around the region performing at Te Kauwhata, to a variety of sporting events including swimming, cross country, athletics and school-wide Ag Day (as befits a country -style school) .
A special win was receiving the Attendance Contract for the region. “As a Board we are the fund-holding school for the North Waikato Attendance Services, and we look after chronic attendance and students who aren’t enrolled in a school from Tuakau all the way down to Ngaaruawaahia and across to Raglan. We are the only school in the Waikato that has a contract with the MOE for Attendance,” says Mr Martin.
The school is also focussing on bilingual learning and
Community Embraces Pearl Movements at Apārangi Village
Residents and members of the wider community recently gathered at Apārangi Village to take part in a Pearl Movements taster session, with 26 people attending the event.
Pearl Movements is a movement and music-based programme designed to support strength, balance, mobility and coordination through gentle, flowing exercises suitable for a range of abilities.
Participants were guided through a series of movements, and feedback from those
attending was very positive. One participant simply described the session as “cool”.
The strong turnout and enthusiastic response have sparked interest in offering Pearl Movements as a regular weekly class at Apārangi Village. The programme will run every Friday morning from 10–10.45am, starting on 10th April, and is open to residents and the wider community. Participants are asked to contribute $2 per session to help cover costs.
‘additive learning’ , using its new exterior learning space for Ngaa Maramara o Ngaa Muka. Brian Martin explains: “ We offer a high quality Maori immersion programme (rumaki) growing children’s abilities under the shelter of the Māori language. Children are surrounded by Māori language the entire day, from mathematics and science to arts, haka and physical education.
“With a bilingual approach, children are adding another language, rather than replacing. Research shows additive approaches are very effective educationally and result in students becoming bilingual as well as biliterate (able to read, write and converse in two languages). We also know students who are biliterate are more likely to succeed academically.:
And it’s not just learning in the classroom for this innovative school. Students are also keen learners in the Community Garden in the domain opposite the school. It’s an activity, according to Brian Martin, which will grow not only food for the community, but also enable students to realise that life is about supporting and giving to others.
Brian Martin brings a varied background to his role. He previously taught in Otara for 10 years and was born in Northern Ireland, emigrating as a relative youngster in the 80s. “I grew up in Mangere Bridge and went to school in Onehunga. I moved to Pukekohe in 2013 and started to look for work locally and that led me to apply to be the Deputy Principal at TKP. I won the position in 2014, and then became Principal in 2018.
“I love my job, I love working with the amazing staff at TKP, and I love seeing children learn and be empowered to achieve their goals. My aspirations for this coming year are to see all our students thrive in our local school, have opportunities to be empowered to lead, and grow their cultural awareness. Yes, we want to make progress in the 3 Rs but also be good people who support their community.”
Brian Martin hopes the school will continue to be a centre for the community where parents know their children are receiving a quality education – whilst making lifelong friends …and just being kids.
By Claire Simpson
Te Kauwhata Scrap Metal Drop-Off
G ot more metal than a heavy metal concert? It’s time to load it up and drop it off at our scrap metal collection day.
Join us on Saturday 28 March, 9.30 am to 2pm at the Te Kauwhata Transfer Station, 46 Rata Street, Te Kauwhata. Simply bring your scrap metal along during event hours and we’ll take care of the rest.
All proceeds made from the metal collected will be donated directly to the Te Kauwhata Primary School.
This event helps reduce the environmental and health risks associated with abandoned scrap metal, while promoting recycling and responsible environmental practices in our community.
Have questions? Learn all about it here: https://www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/ services-facilities/scrap-metal-drop-off
Community Boards Update
Tuakau Community Board discussed pedestrian safety at Jellicoe Road, visibility concerns at Geraghtys Road intersection, and funding for community events including Anzac Day.
Members also noted upgrading of the reservoir on Harrisville Road, where a new liner will extend the life of the reservoir, improving security and quality of supply. Upcoming Meetings
1. Rural–Port Waikato Community Board meets Thursday, 26 March 2026
2. Taupiri Community Board meets Monday, 30 March 2026
3. Huntly Community Board meets Tuesday, 31 March 2026
4. Tuakau Community Board meets Monday, 28 April 2026
5. Raglan Community Board meets Wednesday, 29 April 2026
6. Ngaaruawaahia Community Board meets Tuesday, 05 May 2026 by Ganga
Sudhan
HOMEMADE FOCACCIA
Ingredients:
• 470 ml lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons yeast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 570 g flour
• Extra olive oil, for the pan & topping
• Toppings of your choice (olives, tomatoes, etc.)
Method:
1. In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, salt, yeast and olive oil. Mix well.
2. Add the flour and mix until the dough is thoroughly combined.
3. Cover the bowl with a plate or clean tea towel and leave to rest at room temperature.
4. Every 30 mins, fold the dough in from all 4 sides.
5. Repeat this folding process four times.
6. After the fourth fold, generously coat a rectangular baking dish with olive oil. Don’t be shy - this helps create a beautifully crisp base.
7. Transfer the dough to the oiled dish. Cover again (preferably with another dish, as the dough will rise well) and leave to rest for a further 1 hour at room temperature.
8. Before baking, drizzle extra olive oil over the top and add your chosen toppings.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 20–25 mins, or until golden and cooked through.
Tip:
Wet your hands before folding the dough. This is a high-hydration dough, so it can be sticky and may cling to your fingers. Keeping your hands slightly wet makes it much easier to handle.
High Court Says No to Main Road Bottle Store
The application by TK Spirits to open a bottle store next to the library has had a long legal history, being declined by the District Licensing Committee, appealed to ARLA (Alcohol Register and Licensing Authority), then reheard again in the Hamilton High Court.
The High Court has reached its decision and cancelled the liquor licence granted by ARLA to TK Bottle O in 2024. The Court said ARLA made errors in a number of areas in coming to its decision.
If the original applicant wanted another re-hearing by ARLA, the judge directed ARLA to apply the Waikato District Local Alcohol Policy ( LAP) which was approved in 2025.
That council policy prohibits any new liquor licenses for standalone bottle stores being granted for the Main Road shopping area in Te Kauwhata.
Te Kauwhata had one of the largest number of submissions against new bottle
stores in the village centre when the Local Alcohol Policy was originally heard by the Waikato District Council in 2022.Due to the changeover of the council, there was a significant delay in adopting the Local Alcohol Policy, which was not ratified until three years later, in 2025.
Over 80 people put in submission of objection to the liquor application for the BottleO store. They were assisted in the legal process by a nation-wide charity, Communities Against Alcohol Harm (CAAH) legal team a who helped the objectors through the hearings by the DLC, ARLA and the High Court.
It took well over 18 months for the process to flow through the various legal channels, and many hours of work preparing for and attending hearings in front of DLC ARLA and the high Court.
Local residents also supported the legal team by attending the hearings in large numbers, demonstrating that the wishes expressed by the community and consistently held, can make a difference despite the lengthy process..
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Unity Hoops... a Slam Dunk!
Unity Hoops is a free community event delivered by Toi Ako, New Zealous Music and key partner Kainga Ora.
This basketball themed event was held for the fourth year this month. Traditionally held at the Te Kauwhata Village Green, the event moved this year to Lakeside, Te Kauwhata’s brand new playground and half court.
Following promotional events held at the local primary and college the week prior the event attracted participation from players aged 8 to adult, and a whole host of whaanau and supporters. In addition to a fun afternoon with friends, players had the opportunity to win a raft of amazing prizes including basketballs,
bluetooth speakers, vouchers, drink bottles, wrist and head bands and much more.
The event was postponed from Fri 13th to Sunday 15th March due to forecast rain. Sunday delivered a beautiful sunny day and the crowd enjoyed complimentary sausage sizzle drinks and opportunity to make a Slam Dunk Cup craft or design an Expand-a-ball at the Toi Ako Artstation.
Thank you to Te Kauwhata Primary and Te Kauwhata College for your support of this event. Congratulations to everyone who took to the court and gave it a go. We look forward to collaborating more with local players before next year’s event.
If you are a lover of the game and would like to get involved please get in touchlauren@tekauwhata.org.nz,
Nation’s youngest councillor hits ground running
Aotearoa’s youngest local body councillor is three months into the job, with one finger on his chamber mic button and the other hand skimming a textbook.
Fabio Rodrigues, one of Waikato District’s newest councillors, was impatient to make a difference and didn’t wait to finish his political science and law degree to do it.
Still taking Te Huia up to the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) several times a week, he spends his other waking moments working on tightening costs for ratepayers and creating a voice for young people in local government.
“Even as a teen, I became tired of what I saw as corruption coming from the government,” Rodrigues says.
“I kept thinking I really wanted to be part of the action and help to change things for the better.”
Sworn in last year at 19 years old, Rodrigues has only recently turned 20. The first few months have been a whirlwind and a lot of hard work, he says, but also frustratingly slow at times.
“I’m really finding it surprising how slowly things move and happen.
“I think there is an element of a systemic issue in how our councils are run, but I also feel that councils could be doing more tightening and streamlining internally.”
However, he feels proud of his work, especially on IAWAI, the council-controlled organisation formed by Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council to manage water services.
Mostly, he is glad to be where he is, on his way to his ultimate dream of becoming Prime Minister. But it wasn’t an easy road to his new position on council.
Rodrigues originally ran for mayor and local councillor, enthusiastic to make a splash in any way he could. But after careful consideration, he dropped out of the mayoral race to instead endorse Mayor Aksel Bech.
It was after that decision, he says, that the campaign became more challenging.
Rodrigues says the campaign period included a number of difficult moments, including an incident in which he says he was physically assaulted, as well as rumours questioning his conduct that were reported to police.
“I still don’t know who was behind that,” Rodrigues says.
“The headbutting thing… well, I didn’t expect that to affect me as much as it did. I have thought about it a lot and I believe it may have been racially motivated.”
Rodrigues says that, as a Black South African, he is no stranger to racism and feels able to recognise it when it occurs.
“But I want to clarify – I don’t think it’s a New Zealand problem. Kiwis who are from here have always been very kind to me. I think it’s more attitudes and beliefs that have come from overseas.”
His family settled in Pōkeno when he was just eight years old, building their house and new lives from scratch.
Childhood in Pōkeno was “incomparable” to life in South Africa, he says.
Live Here, Love Here – Aroha Ngaarua
Heads up everyone, February 2027 is going to be big for Ngaaruawaahia. Get ready because the Matatini Show is Coming to Town and we have 11 months to prepare. Matatini, the major annual Kapahaka national and international competition, is being hosted for the first time ever by Turangawaewae Marae, Ngaaruawaahia.
Thousands of competitors and their families and supporters will descend on the town for 7 days. TV and radio and on-line coverage will propel the performers and our town into the public eye and we want to be prepared to be world famous in New Zealand.
The opportunities are immense for the town’s small businesses and locals can get involved with helping to manage the influx of visitors by preparing kai and entertainment, to offering billeting accommodation, car parking, uber-style transport, clean up and rubbish disposal, among other things. Volunteering at Turangawaewae will get you up close and personal with the action.
With the blessing of the Marae and the Community Board, a group of locals including business owners, service providers, rate payers, parents and retirees have gathered together with the goal to make Ngaaruawaahia an even greater showpiece of royal town excellence than it already is. The group recognises Matatini as a fantastic opportunity to lift the pride of our community by beautifying Jesmond St and Great South Road CBD as well as the local residential
area and spearheading a sense of pride in caring for our environment.
Ngaaruawaahia is a rapidly growing satellite town to Hamilton. The amenities on offer here including the Te Awa cycleways and the Hakarimata steps and trails are attracting more and more visitors. The variety and quality of the homes on offer has skyrocketed thanks to the newly developed subdivisions and the renovation of the older properties by young couples who have been priced out of Hamilton.
Most importantly Ngaaruawaahia is proud to be the seat of our young Kuini, Te Ariki Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō. Te Ariki represents an exciting and youthful era of Kingitanga and Ngaaruawaahia is the nerve centre of this important collective movement.
Do keep an eye on the local Facebook community pages for regular shoutouts during the rest of 2026 year asking for volunteers to be working bees to help clean up our town of graffiti, litter on the side of the roads, weeds, etc. And be on the alert for new murals arising and fresh paintjobs and hanging baskets. It’s going to be great – and not just for Matatini but ongoing into the future.
And before anyone wonders why the Council isn’t doing this – City Care are already doing a fabulous job with maintenance of roadside plantings and mowing of public spaces but they can’t do everything. Rather than look at others, we are urging everyone young and old to be proactive instead. Let’s focus on being part of the solution!
“I don’t think I ever realised just how tight-knit New Zealand small towns are.
“I used to ride my little bike to school every day, and I just got so many waves and ‘hellos’ because everyone knew me and my family. Everyone knew everyone.
The move to Pōkeno aligned with John Key’s tour around New Zealand schools in 2016.
Rodrigues was able to shake the former Prime Minister’s hand, who in turn gave him a message: anyone, from anywhere, could succeed in New Zealand with hard work and determination.
“I want that for our district. I want to restore our district’s promise.”
As for Mayor Aksel Bech, he should enjoy his seat for now; Rodrigues has confirmed he will be running against him in 2028.
“And I’ve told him as much!”
by Sarah Morcom
By Meg Daly
Apply now for Meridian’s Power Up Community Fund
We’re proud to back local project s in the communities around our wind farms and hydro stations with our Power Up fund. Power Up Te Uku provides grant s for project s in Raglan, Te Mata, Waitetuna and Te Uku that support sustainable community development
How to apply
Applications are open until midnight on Sun 26th April 2026 For more information and to apply:
• visit www.meridianenergy co.nz/community
• call 021 980 565
scan the code
Also, our new taglines will soon be printed on bumper stickers available for free from Harcourts Office on Great South Road from May 2026: ‘Ngaaruawaahia – Live Here, Love Here’ and ‘Aroha ki Ngaarua’.
Museum Volunteer in the Spotlight: Sasha Wilson
Every month Te Whare Taonga O Raahui Pookeka Huntly Museum is putting one of their amazing volunteers under the spotlight.
They are interesting, talented and community minded individuals who support Raahui Pookeeka.
March’s volunteer of the month is Sasha Wilson.
Sasha volunteers at the front desk, welcoming visitors and helping out in her own time. Last year Sasha was selected to represent North Island VS South Island for Under 16s Maori Football Aotearoa in Christchurch for a 6 day intensive training camp and tournament, hosted and accommodated at College House Canterbury University by Māori Football Aotearoa.
This year, Sasha has been selected to represent New Zealand and play football in New Caledonia for the U16 Women’s/Kōhine international tournament, for Maori Football Aotearoa in October 2026.
Ka pai Sasha, what an incredible achievement!!
The Museum wants to recognise Sasha as an awesome role model for Raahui Pookeka, rangatahi and for all young women in sport.
If you would like to help support Sasha with sponsorship for her upcoming international football tournament in New Caledonia this October, please contact us admin@ huntlymuseum.co.nz Attention: Sasha
Last - but not least, our museum couldn’t function without our amazing volunteers they provide reliable assistance at the front desk, share ideas, energy, governance and we value each and every one of our volunteers greatly.
Our museum relies heavily upon the grants and funding provided by our community partners, government agencies and local businesses to ensure our whare taonga and it’s rich cultural history of Raahui Pookeka remains protected, accessible and available to share for all and the many
generations to come.
We have so many exciting events happening this year, including Train Journeys, Matariki Celebrations, and so much more….come and join the fun!
Former i SITE to become cultural and recreation hub
The former i SITE building on Great South Road, Raahui Pookeka Huntly, will be transformed into a cultural heritage, recreation and education hub under a new community lease granted to Te Ruunanga o Ngaati Naho.
Te Ruunanga o Ngaati Naho proposes to activate the building as a space that strengthens connections to the Waikato River, supports rangatahi (youth) development, and expands cultural and recreational opportunities for whaanau across the district.
Their plans include establishing a cultural heritage and education hub delivering educational programmes, cultural experiences and workshops for youth and whaanau.
The proposal includes hosting community sports programmes and cultural gatherings, supporting the Rangiriri Cultural Sports Club, and delivering youth development initiatives through grants, workshops and environmental kaupapa in partnership with local marae.
Plenty of bargains to be found at Autumn Market
Do you need firewood for winter? Are you wanting some new plants for your garden? Could you do with some books for your whaanau to read over Easter and the school holidays? Have you got things around your home that need a NEW home?
The Autumn Market at Ruawaro Combined School this Saturday can help you with all of this and more! With a bake sale, a sausage sizzle, and raffles as well, come along to see what bargains you can find. If you would like to sell your own stuff at the market, contact the school on 07 826 6706 or rcs@ruawaro. school.nz, to book a Car Boot Sale spot for only $10. All proceeds from the market will support Ruawaro Combined School, a small rural primary school just 10 minutes west of the Huntly Power Station, situated at 76 Bain Road.
Council will now work alongside Te Ruunanga o Ngaati Naho to repair and restore the vacant building so it can support this expanded programme of activity.
Tai Raro Maaori Ward Councillor Endine Dixon-Harris welcomed the decision.
“This is a great outcome for the hapori (community), particularly for our rangatahi and their ability to participate on the awa,” she said.
“It is about beautifying the site, strengthening connection to the awa and the whenua, and supporting our Tamariki (children) to see themselves reflected in spaces like this. This is what Maaori participation in our communities looks like in its true sense.”
Huntly ward councillor David Whyte said the proposal demonstrated both capability and commitment.
“This application was clearly the strongest from the community. Te Ruunanga o Ngaati Naho bring the skills and manaakitanga (support) to reinvigorate this building as a
genuine community asset,” he said. Restoration planning will begin in partnership, with further updates to be shared as the project progresses.
Issue 32 of Rex Hohaia History of Rugby League: The Waikato Country Fare Cougars
The 1994 inaugural Lion Red Cup season had only just wound up (North Harbour beat Counties in the Grand Final at Carlaw Park on 25th September) and the 1995 season was already being planned here in the Waikato.
Much consternation existed amongst the cut and thrust of the corporate ‘bean counters’ about the rumoured debts incurred but, on the ground, the players and coaches were busy preparing for the upcoming season, regardless of what the ‘powers that be’ may decide.
A six-team trial day at the Hopuhopu Army Camp on Sunday 20 November was planned to allow ‘other’ potential players to impress second term Head Coach Joe Gwynne. Local Coaches Steve Berryman Snr, Hori Maipi, Pat Tupaea, Maurice Berryman, Paul King and George Tukere were allocated teams for the day and a great family event unfolded.
A special invite-only breakfast at the Huntly South RL clubrooms (where the Image Day Care centre is now) would see Kiwi Coach Frank Endacott and ‘new’ NZRL President Graham Carden, met Cougars Supporters Club President Sue Tawhai, District Council Mayor Angus McDonald and Deputy Mayor Ian Kimpton along with the 1994 Directors and sundry business owners from Huntly and surrounding areas, to give all assurances that a team in the Waikato and Davies Park were both in the 1995 season itinerary. Even local National MP Rob Storey added weight to the debate. The 1994 Country Fare Bakeries sponsorship had run its course and the company General Manager John McCombe said they “activated an escape clause” and abandoned the final two years of its original (signed) three-year contract. Cougar Business Manager Lance Sheeran resigned as did Director/father Roy. Whilst a much-reduced salary cap was allocated, there was still the potential for another sponsor to be involved. To this point, Tainui Maori Trust Board spokesman Bob Mahuta indicated that the ‘Board’ was prepared to provide financial support – and so it came to be.
A headline in the Huntly Press on 24 January 1995 read; TAINUI TO BACK COUGARS. Trust Board secretary John Te Maru stated; “We are looking at sponsoring the Cougars this year as we see encouraging sport and our peoples’ involvement in it as a positive move. It’s what we like to do, keeps us fit and our young people out of mischief”.
The newly appointed 1995 Waikato Cougars Board of Directors were; Ian Kimpton (Chair), Nath Pritchard (Sec), Rick
Muru, Robert Simpson, Janet Haggie, Bob Tukiri along with TTB Financial Advisor Niwa Nuri and General Manager Ariel Metekingi.
The playing roster changed for 1995 also. ‘Gone’ were the likes of Gavin Hill and Martin Moana who were now with the DB Bitter Auckland Warriors, Glen (30 tackles a game!) Boyd had moved to Wellington to begin studying for Masters’ Degree in Leisure and Management and maybe ‘kit up’ for the Dukes, Blake Gilbert decided on a ‘sabbatical’, Francis Leota was ‘holding out’ until he was paid, Paul Rishworth went AWOL (with a genuine reason!), Tukere Barlow was with Warrington in the UK, TJ Hemana was trailing for the Western Reds (another new Winfield Cup team) in Perth, rugby convert George Kaiwhare returned to the ‘dark side’ and the Lion Red Roadshow was consigned to the history file. The radio rounds, community events, fan engagements and promotional duties continued though and one such ‘event’ was a benefit match attended by over 400 spectators at Hopuhopu in February 95 for former Waikato rep Hurinui Muru who was seriously injured in a car accident. Another ‘event’ was an invite by Shell Circle K Manageress Helen Carter, to attend the official opening of her Huntly business along with Shortland Street TV stars, where autographs were signed, windscreens were washed and giveaways handed out to all and sundry.
Evergreen Turangawaewae stalwart Hekewaru Muru was anointed interim
captain until the late return of Tukere Barlow. New recruits included Greg ‘Pin Up’ Bright, Ben ‘Pinetree’ Ransfield, Mark ‘Tank’ Woods and his Fiat Bambino ‘Kermit’ (which required a never-ending supply of petrol vouchers. He, Pinetree and Porsche travelled from Rotorua), Jody ‘Cowboy’ Brewer, Butch ‘Sundance’ Tua, Kirk ‘Coona Snr’ Clune, Jamie ‘Duplicate’ Muru, Brent ‘Peachy’ Whitiora, Fred ‘Shogun’ Morunga, were all to become household names during the season. Kelvin ‘Shorty’ Cox became the ‘shortest’ player of all time in Cougar colours. NZRL Kiwi trainer Willie ‘on the Board’ Ford officially became an integral component of Team Management and as well as studying for a Masters Degree in Business Studies, he introduced some next level training methods that had never been seen around the WRL club scene before. A couple of other warm-up/trial games were played against Richmond Rovers and Otara Scorpions before Head Coach Gwynne selected the Round 1 side to play Waitakere City Raiders at Davies Park Huntly on 19 March 1995. Waikato rep and fourteen (14) test ex Kiwi from the 1960s/early 70s Bill Deacon, was called on for a VIP ‘kick off’ and the second-year Lion Red Cup was under
way. The team for Round 1 was; 1. Bright, 2. Mark Eriksen, 3. Muru, 4. Cox, 5. Stuart Heslop, 6. Dean Hemopo, 7. Aaron Tucker, 8. Mike Thompson, 9. Tua, 10. Nathan York, 11. Brewer, 12. Ransfield, 13. Clune. Reserves – James Koopu, Terry Clune, Tama Hohaia, Woods.
The 1995 season rolled on with all the excitement of the first year. The Cougars Supporters Club was growing in numbers but gone were a few of the original sponsors and sponsor freebies. Hotel conference rooms and pre-match meals that we enjoyed in 1994 were consigned to the history archives also – ouch! as was big bonus salaries for Head Coaches and Development Officers ouch! ouch! Many businesses like match-day food vendors and clothing supplies were badly ‘burnt’ and a much more watered-down competition unfolded.
The big event on the 1995 calendar though was an action-packed doubleheader extravaganza at Davies Park Huntly featuring a NZ Maori v Waikato and Waikato Cougars v France. The visiting ‘Tricolours’ team who were timed to arrive in New Zealand midseason for a four (4) game, two (2) match test series, were scheduled a warm-up game against the Cougars on Tuesday 6 June and the town businesses had decked their shops out in the red, blue and white of France and held a Market Day. The last international side to grace the hallowed turf was Great Britain in 1990 and the Cougars went into the match having recorded a six (6) win, three (3) loss tally and sitting in fourth place in the Lion Red Cup. A second tier Waikato team played a NZ Maori team selected from the LR competition.
Sadly, there were a couple of ‘issues’ with the otherwise memorable day - the team suffered a humiliating loss; 24-2 and Cougar team masseuse, Bessie ‘Mother Earth’ Kingi had her gear stolen from her Pontiac Le Mans car…. sad chaps!!
…. to be continued
Researched by Rex Hohaia 26 November 2025
Pony Adventures Bringing Smiles to Local Families
Crystal Willow Pony Adventures is a small, family-run business creating fun, hands-on pony experiences for children and adults. From care-and-ride sessions to themed pony parties, it’s all about building confidence, connection, and a love for horses in a relaxed, outdoor setting.
Tell us about your business and what you offer?
Crystal Willow Pony Adventures is a small family run business offering a range of different pony related experiences. From our popular 1 hr pony care/ride session to pony parties, Adult pony care/handling sessions and more. These can be done at our location or fortnightly on a Sunday run in conjunction with Untied Equestrian NZ in Ohinewai.
What is your background with horses and riding?
I got my first pony at the age of 4, I worked my way through pony club as a teenager and my first job out of school was as a trekking guide/ instructor. I then spent many years working with and starting young horses under saddle. Now along with the Pony Adventures business I also own and run a small horse stud breeding, handling and producing a small number of foals each year.
What benefits do you see for children who sign up for lessons and riding?
Along with fun filled pony related activities children gain confidence while forming a bond with their favourite pony. While learning and working with their pony they learn balance, coordination, patience and empathy all while participating in a healthy outdoor activity.
What do you enjoy about offering the experience?
I enjoy being able to offer an affordable horse related experience to children/adults who may not otherwise have the opportunity. I love
seeing the big smiles on their faces when they do something with the pony that they didn’t think they could do. Some kids arrive quiet and unsure but once meeting and working with our gentle quiet ponies they leave with happy gleaming faces, with reports coming back that the kids didn’t stop talking about the fun they had and wanting to come back again.
What does a pony party look like?
Pony parties are run at your location or ours. We offer two different options depending on the amount of children attending. We have pony ride ponies and pat and cuddle ponies. Children take turns having a ride on a pony for the allocated time, those who are waiting or not riding can spend time with the pat and cuddle pony. If a certain theme is required we have unicorn horns, rabbit ears, reindeer antlers etc for the ponies to wear.
How do readers get in touch if they are interested?
As summer fades, the TKBC Twilight Series has wrapped up for 2026.
The popularity of the league saw it expand to two evenings each week, with the season extended further to include a Super Bowl-style playoff between the Tuesday evening winners — The Knollsters — and Friday evening winners — Carleys Transport.
Also making a guest appearance were the
Tuesday and Friday Aparangi teams, playing for bragging rights.
Results were close, with Tuesday winning one match and Friday the other.
Many thanks to Larry and his crew for organising this fun event, and to all participants. We’ll be in touch again next summer.
Linda - tekauwhatabowls@gmail.com
Life Uncomplicated:
Reflections on work, life, and the little things that make a difference
This column explores the quiet patterns that shape our days – unpacking ordinary moments to find shared meaning. It doesn’t claim to offer answers but hopes to offer perspective and perhaps a little calm along the way.
When One Word is Better Than Ten
Some days in my work involve a fair bit of travelling.
I might begin the morning in Hamilton and make my way up to Ngāruawāhia to run a session with one group, before meeting another later in the day.
The other day, something interesting happened. In the morning session, one of the learners mentioned that they were feeling “stressed”. It was said almost casually, the way people often say it when life feels heavy. I was curious so encouraged them to tell me more about it. Not in a formal way, just a gentle conversation to understand what was sitting underneath that word. After a few minutes, it became clear that what they were really feeling wasn’t quite stress – it was actually uncertainty.
There were a few things in their life that felt unsettled, and the lack of clarity was making everything feel harder than it needed to be. Once that word surfaced, the conversation shifted because uncertainty can be approached quite differently from stress – sometimes simply gathering better information improves things greatly.
But later that afternoon, in another group, the same word appeared again. Another learner said they were “stressed”. The circumstances sounded different this time though, so we explored it a little further. As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that the feeling wasn’t really stress either – it was actually exhaustion.
Their days had quietly filled with too many responsibilities and too little rest. Once that word appeared, the situation looked very different – exhaustion doesn’t need more information but rather, recovery, support and sometimes permission to pause.
By the end of the day, the same word – “stress” – had revealed two very different realities.
A Thought to Carry With Us?
It made me realise how often we reach for broad words to describe something that is actually quite specific. Words like stress, busy or overwhelmed can cover many different experiences. And when the word is vague, the path forward can become vague too.
But when the right word appears, the situation becomes clearer and the next step becomes visible. What once felt like a tangled problem begins to look more manageable. Perhaps the things that matter most deserve the effort of finding the right word, because every now and then, one word really is better than ten.
Ganga Sudhan enjoys finding small insights in everyday moments and sharing them as reflections on work, life and the in-betweens. You can reach him at ganga@rte.co.nz or find him on LinkedIn via the QR Code to follow his latest musings.
From the Te Kauwhata Community Garden - Change of Season
Thisweek vegetable garden harvests are getting smaller. The red tomatoes are finishing , the green beans take some searching for amongst the leaves and pumpkin vines are drying out after picking.
There are some small kamokamo which are being watched in the hope that they will continue to grow bigger. Elsewhere the gardens will be cleared of the dead and dying summer plants and vines.
There are small plants that are being grown ready for planting for winter kai. The foods that grow best in winter, and most favoured here in Aotearoa, are the Brassica family; broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Brassica plants are also the most favoured plants for the white butterfly to lay their eggs on so that the emerging caterpillars will have ready meals. In order to protect our Brassica plants we will cover their containers with fine netting such as old net curtains. When the white butterflies have left the garden and the plants are bigger and strong enough to withstand a little nibbling they will be moved from their sheltered containers and planted in the garden.
There are other winter vegetables that are not from the Brassica family and easier to grow. These include silverbeet, pak choi, radacchio and the leafy greens you will see if you visit a Chinese supermarket. We will see some of these plants growing in the garden over winter. At the present time while we will wait for the new plants to grow into kai the most economical vegetables we can eat is frozen peas and bags of carrots from the supermarket.
Operation Cover Up: Autumn Update
Thank you all those who are already knitting blankets (or strips) and clothing items such as hats, jerseys, slippers or mittens.
Note: Blankets must be wool, because of the extremely cold conditions.
Other items can be wool blends. (e.g. 50% wool, 50% acrylic.)
Jerseys, with long sleeves must be for school age children. (Age 5+)
If you are not a knitter, and have spare wool sitting at home that you would be prepared to donate, we would love to hear from you. We are happy to collect it. Just give us a call.
Thanks
Huntly Garden Circle March report 2026
Abeautifulday for garden circle meeting on the 5thwith 33 members attending, we welcomed 4 new members, Joan, Rebbecca Christine and Carren.
The 3 gardens we visited were local, they belonged to Liz, Colleen and Helen and Wendy. All gardens were situated on hilltops with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding farmland Each garden enhancing their unique locations with beautiful and interesting plantings, colour and garden art, with lots of nooks to sit and enjoy the gardens and vista’s
We are so grateful for the generosity of fellow gardeners sharing their gardens and new many ideas we gather along the way.
Our Judges for the competition table were Waimarie and Carren thank you for this difficult task.
Results and congratulations
Vegetables 1st Val, 2nd Liz, 3rd Gloria. Fruit 1st Peggy 2nd Shanette, 3rd Leigh. Blooms 1st Val, 2nd Leigh 3rd Shanette. Raffle results, Sue Ngarie, Colleen< Leigh, Judy, and Anne.
We will be visiting 2 gardens on the 2nd of April, Jenny’s Garden in Taupari and Susan’s on Parker Road. More details at meeting
Please feel free to attend, we enjoy friendship and shared ideas; our next meeting is 2nd April 11am at Huntly RSA William Street. Any Queries ring Liz Johnson 0220741223
If the stopping is successful, the accessway will be amalgamated with SA9A/1081 and SA9B/558.
A copy of the survey plan is available for inspection at the offices of Waikato District Council at 15 Galileo Street Ngaruawahia or the Huntly Office and Library at 142 Main St, Huntly.
Objections to the proposal can be lodged online at www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/say-it or submitted to the ‘Property Officer, Waikato District Council, Semple St and Webb St” by post or email.
Postal address: Waikato District Council, Private Bag 544, Ngaruawahia 3742.
E-mail address: Strategic.property@waidc.govt.nz
Such objections must be received by Council no later than 5pm on 4 May 2026
This is the first publication of this notice.
RSA Over 50s Club Day
On the 19th February 2026 the RSA Over 50’s Club held our monthly Club day.
We played housie with prizes for the winners. We had a money raffle, a dinner ticket rafale and wonderful entertainment. We also provided lunch. This month we are holding a barbeque for lunch as well as all of the above.
For further information please contact Andrew Ingalls on 0273862662.
Resource Consent Applications
Waikato Regional Council has received resource consent applications as follows:
APPLICANT’S NAME: Enviro NZ Services Limited
NATURE OF APPLICATIONS:
Reference Id Activity Description
AUTH145847.01.01
AUTH145847.02.01
Discharge up to 30,000,000 cubic metres of refuse onto or into land
Discharge of leachate into land in circumstances that may result in contaminants entering groundwater
AUTH145847.03.01 Divert clean stormwater and groundwater around landfill activities
Ground water take
AUTH145847.04.01
AUTH145847.05.01 Take up to 200 cubic metres per day of surface water from the stormwater treatment pond system for dust control and irrigation
AUTH145847.06.01
AUTH145847.07.01
AUTH145847.08.01
Dam water for the purposes of constructing a wetland
Discharge treated stormwater from the site to natural waters and to ground
To discharge contaminants (including dust, landfill gas, and combustion products from landfill gas flares, internal combustion engines and siloxane removal system) to air from landfill activities in the vicinity of Hampton Downs Road, near Meremere
LOCATION: Hampton Downs Landfill, Meremere
These applications include an assessment of environmental effects. Please contact Rachael O’Donnell (0800 800 402), if you have any questions about these applications.
Any person may make a submission on the above application, but a person who is a trade competitor of the applicant may do so only if that person is directly affected by an effect of the activity to which the application relates that
(a) Adversely affects the environment; and
(b) Does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.
You may make a submission by sending a written submission to Waikato Regional Council, Private Bag 3038, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240 or electronically to RCsubmissions@waikatoregion.govt.nz.
The submission must be on form 13. Copies of this form are available from Waikato Regional Council or our website: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/other-consentforms
Submissions close: Monday 13 April 2026 . This notice was first published in the Waikato Times and on the Waikato Regional Council website on Thursday 12th March 2026. This application can be viewed online via https://waikatoregion.govt.nz/APP145847/ or contact us on 0800 400 401 to arrange to view a copy at our Hamilton Office, 160 Ward Street, Hamilton.
You must serve a copy of submission on the applicant Enviro Waste Services Limited, whose address for service is Private Bag 92810, Penrose, Auckland 1642 or laurence.dolan@environz.co.nz, as soon as reasonably practicable after serving your submission on Waikato Regional Council.
