On the cover: Younf BMX star Amelia de Thierry. Full story on page 3.
Tim’s News
Waikato is the heart of the Golden Triangle –Auckland, Waikato and Tauranga. I’m proud our National-led Government has funded $1.773 billion for the extension of the Waikato Expressway to Piarere in Budget 2026. This Road of National Significance will substantially improve travel through our region. Families and commercial uses have long tolerated this out-dated section of state highway.
I’m delighted our funding ensures construction of this vital infrastructure. Since the projects’ cancellation in 2018 by the then Labour Government, drivers have endured increased traffic volume, compromised safety, and slower journeys. Those days are numbered; the funding is in place, investing in the transport infrastructure our region needs which will improve travel safety, reduce journey times, and importantly for commercial users, move goods and services more efficiently with less cost.
Careful cost management and prioritisation of strategies to strengthen our country’s economic resilience, increase employment opportunities, and ultimately, put more dollars into the pockets of Kiwis, where it is most needed, were key elements in Budget 2026. Targeting the services Kiwis need for better outcomes, we’re delivering a responsible Budget which ensures Kiwis will be better off.
From our youngest to oldest New Zealanders, we’ve considered needs and planned accordingly. An additional $40 million is being injected into Early Childhood Education (ECE), supporting the sector to make their service more affordable for Kiwi families. Budget 2026 invests $131 million into the next phase of Teaching the Basics Brilliantly. The year-on-year improvements following our reforms in literacy and mathematics show our education system changes are working. We are on the right track to delivering the worldclass education system Kiwi kids deserve.
Keeping healthy is being made easier with a $5.8b investment in this Budget. This means more access for Waikato residents to cancer treatments, emergency departments, aged care, bowel cancer screening, extended maternity stays after birth, additional ambulances and more.
Waikato families and local businesses want to feel safe in their community. We have invested $1.3 billion in Police, Corrections and other law and order agencies to support this, including boosting frontline Police with $391 million, funding $512 million for Corrections, and $224 million for the Ministry of Justice. We’re ensuring additional funding to Neighbourhood Support New Zealand and Community Patrols New Zealand. Criminals should pay the cost of crime, not victims.
We’ve also being able to make investments in social housing, tertiary education and defence, a big responsibility that we take seriously. Our careful fiscal management ensures we stay focused on creating economic security and resilience, building our way back to surplus so Kiwis avoid the alternative - higher debt, higher interest rates, and higher taxes. Tim van de Molen – MP for Waikato.
Predator control in our towns and communities
Across rural New Zealand, predator control has long been a part of everyday life. Whether it’s protecting lambing paddocks or restoring native bush, farmers and landowners understand the importance of keeping pest numbers down.
What’s changing now is the growing recognition that this effort must extend beyond rural areas and into our towns and urban communities.
Predators don’t respect boundaries. Rats, mustelids, possums and, increasingly, feral cats move freely between urban and rural environments. If we are serious about protecting our native wildlife, predator control must extend into our urban areas.
Since its launch, the Predator Free 2050 programme has focused on removing the most damaging introduced predators such as rats, stoats and possums, which collectively kill millions of native birds every year. But over time, it has become clear that other predators are also having a significant impact.
Recent changes to the strategy reflect that reality. The Government has confirmed that feral cats will now be included as a target species under Predator Free 2050. This is a significant step forward. Feral cats are highly effective hunters and are known to prey on birds, lizards, bats and insects across both rural and urban environments.
Importantly, this policy recognises the distinction between feral cats and much-loved domestic pets. Feral cats live independently of humans and managing them in a coordinated, humane and science-led way will be essential as the strategy evolves.
Across the North Waikato area, local predator control efforts are already making a difference. Communityled groups, landowners, iwi and volunteers are working together to reduce pest numbers and protect native habitats along the Waikato River corridor and surrounding farmland. These initiatives bring together people from both rural and township settings, creating a shared approach to restoring biodiversity.
Regular bait and trap days, education events, and local workshops provide hands-on support and advice, making it easier for people to get involved and play their part. This includes working alongside schools to build awareness and capability in the next generation, as well as partnering with community spaces such as golf clubs and reserves to expand predator control into urban settings.
The results of this kind of work are tangible. Local groups are helping to restore habitats, support native planting, and reduce predator numbers across our district. Just as importantly, they are building a sense of shared ownership, connecting rural and urban communities around a common purpose.
Better coordinated predator control in urban areas reduces reinvasion pressure on farmland and conservation areas. It reinforces what many farmers have always known: that protecting our environment requires a joined-up approach across the whole landscape.
Predator Free 2050 is now entering its next phase, with a renewed focus on what it will take to restore our native wildlife. If we get this right, the benefits will be felt from town backyards to hill country farms – more birds, healthier ecosystems, and a stronger legacy for the next generation.
Marlene Raumati
Waerenga-Whitikahu
General Ward Councillor
The Government’s new “Head Start” proposal represents one of the most significant local government reform programmes in New Zealand since 1989. For councils such as Waikato District Council, the proposal creates both an opportunity and a challenge: an opportunity to help shape the future structure of local government in the Waikato region, and a challenge to ensure rural communities retain a strong voice in any future governance model.
Under the Head Start pathway, councils have until 9 August 2026 to work with neighbouring councils to submit outline proposals for reorganisation into new unitary authorities. A unitary authority combines the functions of both territorial and regional councils into one single organisation. The Government has made it clear that councils who do not participate in the voluntary process may later be included in a compulsory “backstop” reform process after the 2028 local elections.
For Waikato District Council, the implications are substantial. The district sits between rapidly growing metropolitan centres such as Hamilton and large rural communities with very different priorities and service needs. A future amalgamated structure could potentially include parts of the wider Waikato region and may significantly reshape how decisions are made about infrastructure, transport, water, environmental management, growth planning, and representation.
Supporters for reform argue that larger unitary authorities create efficiencies, reduce duplication between councils, and better align decision-making. The Government has signalled the major driver behind the reform is the replacement of the Resource Management Act and the desire for more streamlined regional planning arrangements. However, there are important concerns for our rural communities. Waikato District has distinct rural interests, including farming, small town development, river catchment management, and infrastructure servicing across a geographically large district. In any amalgamated structure dominated by a metropolitan population base, there is a real risk that influence over local priorities and funding decisions for our communities could be lost. Representation arrangements will be critical. Questions around local boards/community boards, ward structures, community representation, and decision-making authority will require careful consideration to ensure our voices are not diluted.
For your elected members, the coming months will require balanced and courageous leadership. Your councillors will need to weigh potential efficiencies and long-term strategic benefits against the importance of maintaining strong local representation, protecting our identity and interests, and ensuring our communities remain connected to decision-makers. Regardless of the eventual structure, the key issue will not simply be which or whether councils amalgamate, but whether any new model genuinely improves outcomes for the people and communities of Waikato.
Council are reviewing how activities are managed within the road corridor. The road corridor includes the road itself and adjoining areas such as berm, drains, culverts, and airspace above the road. Council wants to hear from you about a range of perceived problems, and to check whether these reflect real experiences and concerns. Your feedback will help council decide whether changes to their current approach are required, and if so, what kind of change is appropriate. This may include developing a bylaw.
vandeMolenMP@parliament.govt.nz 0800 GET TIM (0800 438 846)
Please provide feedback before 4pm, 26 June 2026. The contents of your submission will be made public through council agendas. If you would like your name kept confidential, please let council know on your submission form – https://consult.waikatodc.govt.nz/activitie-in-andaround-roads/TAEAA
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.
Young BMX Star Amelia de Thierry Racing Toward the World Stage
At just 11 years old, Amelia de Thierry is already making a big name for herself in the world of BMX racing. With determination, talent, and a packed racing schedule, Amelia has been competing at the highest levels both in New Zealand and overseas.
Earlier this year she travelled to Brisbane for the Oceania Championships, where she finished an impressive fifth out of 29 riders.
In March, she raced at the New Zealand Nationals and earned the title of NZ No. 2 in
her age group.
Amelia has also been selected for the NZ Mighty 11 junior test team, winning all five of her races during trials and being named captain of the girls’ team. She and her teammates are now in Taree, Australia, to take on the Australian Mighty 11 team. Adding to an already exciting year, Amelia has also qualified for the BMX World Championships in Brisbane this July.
We caught up with Amelia to talk about her racing journey, training, goals, and what she loves most about BMX.
Huntly Mourns the Loss of Beloved Entertainer Jools Topp
Huntly has lost one of its brightest lights with the passing of beloved entertainer and proud local daughter, Jools Topp.
Born and raised in Huntly, Jools alongside her twin sister Lynda, became one half of the iconic Topp Twins, bringing laughter, music and warmth to audiences across New Zealand and beyond.
Jools was admired not only for her extraordinary talent, but also for her kindness, courage and deep sense of community.
She represented the values many in Huntly hold dear — resilience, humour, generosity and standing proudly for who you are. Through her music and advocacy, she helped countless New Zealanders feel seen and accepted.
When did you start riding BMX and why did you want to start?
I started on my balance bike at 2 years old, I was racing on a pedal bike at 3 years and competed at my first National Championships at 4 years old. I started
because my brother used to race BMX. Do you get inspired by any professional NZ riders?
Leila Walker & Bennett Greenough. They are so good at BMX and both really nice. They always talk to me about my riding.
What do you love about the sport and competing?
I love manualling and jumping! Hanging out with my friends from all over the country & Australia. I get to travel a lot too which is fun.
What training and practice is required ?
I ride the track a few times a week, race most weekends over the summer. I also do workouts and sprints.
What’s happening for you in the next couple of months?
In July I travel to Brisbane Australia for the World Championships. This will be my first World Championships and I am really looking forward to meeting new friends from around the world.
What would you say to others who are keen to get into the sport?
Give it a go and have fun!
Stirling Place, Huntly —
Campground on the horizon for rising Kimihia Lake
Anew campground is in the works for Huntly as the long anticipated Kimihia Lake development is checking more and more boxes off their project plan
The project, which includes filling the Kimihia open cast mine with fresh water to re-form the lake, has been developing since 2017 when the land was bought by the Allen family.
The Allens had owned the farmland adjacent to the mine site since the 80s. They purchased the mine land with the goal to rehabilitate the area, and return it to the lush landscape it once was.
As years went by, the plan developed more. Lush wetlands and nurseries will be joined by a community recreation and education centre, a camping ground, and perhaps even a new mining museum.
Project manager Charlie Young said that although some of these are a while off, and some are a long while off, neither the Allens nor development company Boffa Miskel wish to hog the space while the work is done.
“Recently we had the half marathon come through and utilise the site which was really great to see,” Young said.
“We want the place to still be used as we work around the recreational areas. We
love seeing people come through for walks and adventures.”
Next on the agenda is to open the campground, Young said. This will be one of the first of several public spaces and sites on the lake.
The campground’s utility building has been finished by construction company BuildSmart and installed into its new lakeside location. This includes accessible bathrooms and an outdoor kitchen.
Next is to look to bring in a campground management company, after which Young said he’s sure it won’t be long before the site is open.
Just as exciting is the continuous work being done to rehabilitate and conserve the wildlife surrounding the lake.
“We had started a native plant nursery a few years back, but it was halted by COVID,” Young said.
“We’ve gotten back into it, and we’re also working on a training programme pertaining to growing your own food and plants”.
They would run this programme, along with others, out of a new education
“As the project progresses, the public can expect to see continued incremental development of the site, with further facilities and amenities delivered over time.”
by Sarah Morcom
Huntly Community Board received updates on playground renewals, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure upgrades, and town centre maintenance works.
Progress continues on the Huntly wastewater treatment plant upgrade, Tumate Mahuta Trail, and flood resilience projects. Following feedback from the public, maintenance of the Russell Road berm will also be reviewed.
Upcoming Meetings
1. Tuakau Community Board meets Monday, 09 June 2026
2. Raglan Community Board meets Wednesday, 10 June 2026
3. Ngaaruawaahia Community Boardmeets Tuesday, 16 June 2026
4. Rural–Port Waikato Community Boardmeets Thursday, 18 June 2026
5. Taupiri Community Boardmeets Monday, 22 June 2026
6. Huntly Community Boardmeets Tuesday, 23 June 2026
National award for Huntly’s Spencer Flooring
Huntly’s Spencer Flooring Ltd has been recognised at the annual Flooring Industry Apprentice Awards, winning three major awards at this year’s event.
The business received the 2025 Wayne Young Employers Award, while two of its apprentices, Ryder Brown and Christian McNabney, were named Flooring Apprentice of the Year for Stage 1 and Stage 2 respectively.
Held by BCITO and Floor NZ in Auckland yesterday, the awards celebrate apprentices who are excelling in the
flooring trade, with winners selected based on the skills and achievement they showed during their block courses.
“The event is a chance to honour our winners their skill, commitment and contribution to the future of our craft” said Jeff Henry, Floor NZ Chief Executive
The event also importantly honours the employers like local business Spencer Flooring who put the time and effort in to supporting their apprentices and developing their skills.
WAYNE YOUNG EMPLOYERS AWARD
Winner: Spencer Flooring Limited
Training Advisor: Evan Agnew
Rural Health Public Meeting
With Matt Doocey, Spokesperson for Mental Health
Monday 8 June 6pm – 7:30pm Te Kauwhata Rugby Club Mahi Road, Te Kauwhata
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR FLOORING – STAGE 1
Winner: Ryder Brown trained by Spencer Flooring Limited
Training Advisor: Alistair Martin
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR FLOORING – STAGE 2
Winner: Christian McNabney, trained by Spencer Flooring Limited
Training Advisor: Alistair Martin
Public Meeting to Discuss Rural Health
North Waikato residents are being strongly encouraged to attend an upcoming Rural Nats public meeting, where National Party candidate for Port Waikato, Matt Paul, will tackle one of the most pressing issues facing our communities – access to mental health care.
“For many people in rural areas, mental health is not an abstract issue, it is a daily reality,” Matt says. “Barriers to access include distance, workforce shortages, and service fragmentation, leaving rural families with fewer options and longer waits for help.”
While the need for mental health support is just as high in rural areas as it is in cities, what is even more concerning is that rural people are less likely to access care, often only receiving support when a situation has already reached crisis point, Matt adds.
“This has real consequences. Gaps in after-hours services and limited local support
can force people to turn to emergency departments, or rely on police and ambulance services, simply because there are no timely alternatives nearby.”
But this doesn’t have to be the case.
“Practical solutions include bringing services closer to home, strengthening early intervention, and ensuring clear, reliable pathways to care when it’s needed most,” Matt says.
This meeting is your opportunity to be heard. Matt Paul will be joined by the Minister for Mental Health, Hon Matt Doocey, to outline the Government’s approach and, importantly, listen to the experiences of locals who know these challenges first-hand.
If you care about the wellbeing of your family, your neighbours and your community, now is the time to get involved. Rural voices matter – and real change starts when communities speak up. Come along, take part, and help shape a better future for rural mental health.
Bryce Mounsey ‘special people in a special role’
He’s one of the most well-known figures in the North Waikato, but what’s behind the sharp suit and empathetic manner? The Chatter asked Bryce Mounsey to let us know a little more about the man behind the image
You’re well known around the north Waikato as a funeral director, but how did you get into this role?
A bit by accident really; it certainly wasn’t planned! We had closed our pet shop in Huntly after a couple of years, and I was seeking a new vocation when I saw a job advertised at the local funeral home for a funeral director, embalmer and monumental mason. I applied and got the job. The rest, as they say, is history.
Tell us how it all started- and what did you want to be ‘when you grew up”?
I’m a local lad, born in Huntly in 1961, raised on the family farm at Naike, where I attended primary school and then bussed daily to Huntly College for my three years of secondary school education.
I’ve never really been a sporty person but did enjoy running in my earlier days. Not wanting to stay on the farm, I had aspirations of becoming a builder, but instead embarked on a career with the then Post Office, starting out as a telegram delivery lad, moving to mailroom sorter, postie then progressing to a teller, ending my 20 year career as a Postbank Branch Manager in Huntly in 1997. Then I took up my present role -28 years ago now!
What does your role involve – (not too much detail please!?)
I’ve always told folk that my role as a funeral director is the hardest job I’ve ever had – but it is also the most rewarding.
We have to wear many hats in our role. Being empathetic is a big key, being there to support families in their time of need. We are “special people” in a “special role”
We are often the first people outside the family that people call, and our care starts from there. Meeting with the family is key in order that suitable arrangements can be put in place in line with the family’s wishes.
We transfer the deceased to our funeral home in Huntly to prepare them for the final part of their journey, whatever that might look like. We help families navigate an often unfamiliar process at a time that can be stressful and emotional for them. It’s all about making that journey as easy as possible.
What would you say have been the high points (and low points) of your career as a funeral director?
After being involved in this role now for 28 years, I have experienced many highs and lows. On the positive side it would have to be that I have had the wonderful privilege of assisting many families through the process of losing a loved one.
On the negative side, it would have to be the occurrence of Covid and all that that robbed families of at a time of loss. Then there is the financial impact of the then Government’s restrictions around how we had to conduct our business. All that very nearly closed our doors for good!
So how do you relax, what do you do in your spare time What’s important to you?
If I’m not at work or on-call, I like to spend time relaxing (working) at home with many projects always on the go. Spending time with family is appreciated as often it’s them that miss out when you’re committed to this type of work. Your family kind of goes from 5 to 5,000 plus when you’re working.
I ride motorcycles so enjoy getting out in the fine weather to “blow out the cobwebs” of a busy week. I’ve recently returned from a very enjoyable three-week tour of the South Island on my motorbike.
And finally, how do people react when they ask you what your job is and you tell them?
People often react differently when they find out what I do. Some are curious, some even shocked and don’t know what to say. Sometimes it’s just easier to tell people I’m a ‘caretaker’.
When it comes to the “heeby jeebies”, I always tell folk in all these years I’ve never had any issue dealing with the deceased in my care; it’s the living ones that can give you grief!
By Anna Bell
Colours of the Land - Just for you!
T
e Whare Taonga o Raahui Pookeka Huntly Museum has received funding from Matariki Ki Waikato to bring exciting Matariki events to the Huntly.
The first event will be on Matariki Day and the museum will be gold coin entry for everyone and free kai provided at the end of your visit, for as long at it lasts!
July 10 10am -4pm at 2 a Glasgow St, Huntly
The second key event will be on 25 July and for Huntly and surrounding area residents only! This has been heavily discounted with external funding but does require purchasing tickets and is very limited numbers. You will receive a beautiful section of pigments carefully packaged and the knowledge to create more from the whenua around you.
Ngaa Tae o te Whenua - Colours of the Land
In collaboration with Te Whare Taonga o Raahui Pookeka, for Huntly residents, join Maeana to explore whenua, natural pigment,
and earth-based colour through hands-on creative practice.
Ngā Tae o te Whenua - Colours of the Land is a hands-on Matariki wānanga exploring natural pigments, earth-based colour, and connection to land.
Centred on Papatūānuku, this session invites whānau of Huntly to slow down and engage with whenua through tactile creative process. Participants will explore how natural pigments can be gathered, prepared, observed, and used as a form of creative expression.
The wānanga supports direct connection to mātauranga Māori, taiao awareness, sensory learning, and strong visual outcomes. It is suitable for adults who are curious about natural materials, whenua-based colour, and creative practice grounded in care and respect.
This kaupapa is delivered in collaboration with Te Whare Taonga o Raahui Pookeka, Hau Tutuu Aotearoa supported by Matariki ki Waikato.
Month delay worth the wait for North Waikato medical centre says GP
It will be another month until North Waikato will see its new medical centre, but it’s well worth the wait according to one GP who will be practicing out of the new location.
Dr Noorwan Noordin, a general practitioner at Doctors@42 in Raahui Pookeka, is one of several medical professionals and staff who will soon be shifting to 158 Great South Road.
Joining the general practice will be a pharmacy run by the previous owners of Barry Roberts pharmacy, North Waikato physio, and a radiology centre.
“We hope to have x-ray services and ultrasound at least with radiology,” Dr Noordin said.
No longer at 42, the Doctors@42 will need a name change at their new location, he said.
“We will now be called Riverview Health as an homage to the River Haven restaurant,” Noordin said.
The River Haven used to sit at 160 Great South Rd in Huntly. Hard economic times saw the place close down after the pandemic.
Noordin said the medical centre will be a first for North Waikato.
“We’re experiencing a lot of growth in the North Waikato currently, and there are lots of people who will benefit from this,” he said.
“The centre will be great for the larger population we’re seeing, and it will mean a lot more people who won’t have to drive to Hamilton or Auckland for their health.”
The GP will provide a closer-to-home option for residents from Te Kauwhata all the way down to North Hamilton.
The centre has one vacancy yet to be filled. Noordin said they were hoping for a pathlab, but that any kind of medical practice not yet accessible nearby would be a beneficial addition to the centre.
Originally set to open on June 1st, things have taken a bit longer to get moving than the centre would have hoped. An early July opening is more likely, said Noordin.
Nicola Ehau, Regional PFO Director for Health New Zealand said primary care is “essential to keeping New Zealanders well, providing timely, local care that focuses on prevention, early intervention, and ongoing support for long-term conditions”.
“[Health New Zealand] is supportive of initiatives that ensure communities have access to timely, quality care.”
How to go off-grid in just one year
Marlene Bain had a dream: to live an off-grid life of peace and quiet on the outskirts of Huntly.
With a small plot of gorse-invaded land, some helping hands and some determination, she made that dream a reality in just one year.
Beginning with an overgrown section of her family’s land, Bain has been working through sun and rain (and then much more, much heavier rain) since late 2024.
She, with the help of her son and his friends, stripped the land of the prickly weeds, and built a humble home from two portable cabins connected with pallets, shed roofing, sweat and tears–whatever they could find.
A rock drain bends around the entrance and a garden grows out of the once overgrown soil.
“It’s quiet. Except for the trucks going by. It’s nice having the horses, and the birds,” Bain says.
“I want to stay off the grid like this.”
She enjoys the peaceful life, brewing tea on a portable stovetop and sitting in the sun. Those moments are her reward for the mahi she still puts into making her home.
“I want to make some little huts for animals, if I ever get a dog. And I’ve got a generator that I need to put somewhere.”
She’s also planning to do up an old caravan at the back of the property, and working on making her home more weather-proof.
“The storms have been getting worse. We’ve been pretty solid though.”
Two horses and a goat graze the now healthy grass growing behind the cabins, surrounded by the weeds and gorse that Bain is still chipping away at.
Although quiet, life isn’t boring. A horse got out this morning, Bain muses.
“Health New Zealand works closely with Primary Health Organisations and their provider networks and is committed to strengthening access to primary care,” Ehau said.
“We were chasing it down the road. All the cars stopped to make a barricade so we could catch it. Just people driving past and taking the kids to school.”
But she can’t say the peace or the novelty are the only things drawing her to the off-grid life, however. Across Aotearoa, things are getting difficult for everyone.
“I can afford to live here. I’m not going to pay 400 dollars for a unit or 500 for a flat,” she says.
Before the off-grid life, Bain had been working at an emporium in Auckland. She moved to Huntly to be closer to her family.
Although she pays a little more now for things like batteries and candles, the investment towards self-sufficiency is worth it to her.
“It’s not just for money, I am choosing to do this. I like it here.”
by Sarah Morcom
by Sarah Morcom
Matariki ki Au - A Celebration of Creativity, Connection and Community
As the Matariki stars rise once again, NGĀ ART warmly invites the Ngāruawāhia and North Waikato community to gather, reflect, and celebrate at this year’s Matariki ki Au, a textile and fibre exhibition.
Opening on Friday 3 July at 6pm, this much-loved annual event transforms Te Whare Toi o Ngāruawāhia into a space of storytelling, creativity, and connection. The exhibition will then be open daily from 4–10 July, 10am–4pm, with a handful of late-night openings for those who prefer to experience the works in the evening.
Matariki ki Au is a powerful textile and fibre exhibition featuring over 50 artworks created by artists and community members of all ages. Each piece offers a personal response to Matariki-exploring remembrance, whakapapa, identity, renewal, and aspirations for the year ahead.
Through weaving, stitching, quilting, and mixed fibre practices, these works bring together many voices from across the rohe. The result is a deeply moving collection that reflects both individual stories and our shared connection to place, people, and season.
At its heart, Matariki ki Au is about participation and meaning. As NGĀ ART shared during the call for works, this exhibition is not about perfection; it’s about expression. It’s about what Matariki represents to you, your whānau, your memories, and your hopes.
Opening Night - A Night to Remember
The opening evening on 3 July will be a special community celebration. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere featuring:
• A small outdoor stage with live performances
• A cosy fire pit to gather around
• Telescopes for stargazing and connecting with Matariki above
• Delicious food trucks on site
It’s an opportunity to come together as a community under the winter sky-sharing kai, stories, and creative expression as we mark the Māori New Year.
A Space for Everyone
Rooted in kaupapa Māori values of whanaungatanga and manaakitanga, Matariki ki Au offers an inclusive and accessible experience for all. From tamariki to kaumātua, the exhibition reflects the richness and diversity of our community, with works that speak to identity, remembrance, and the future. This is more than an exhibition it’s a collective expression of who we are and what Matariki means to us.
Whether you come along to opening night or visit during the week, we invite you to take your time, connect with the artworks, and reflect on your own Matariki journey.
Matariki ki Au is a celebration of creativity, culture, and community and we look forward to welcoming you.
JOHN BERTRAND COLLECTABLES ARE BUYING IN BUYING IN HUNTLY AND WAIKATO THIS WEEK
WRIST & POCKET WATCHES
• Gold & Silver Pocket Watches
Silver Coins to 1963
• English Silver Coins to 1946
• NZ 1935 “Waitangi Crown”
• USA Coins up to 1964
• Old Collections & Accumulations of World Coins
• Modern Collectors Coins & Sets
• NZ Reserve Bank Sets *No Pennies or Halfpennies Please*
BANKNOTES
• NZ & Australian “Trading Bank” Notes pre 1932 (e.g. Bank of New South Wales, Bank of NZ etc)
• Reserve Bank of NZ Pre-Decimal Notes
• Any £20, £50 or £100 Notes
• Hong Kong & Malayan Banknotes
• Australian Pre Decimal Notes
• Australian “Star” Notes
• Early Fijian and Samoan Banknotes
• NZ Traders Promissary Notes (1840s)
• NZ Government Debentures
• NZ Banknotes overprinted for use in Fiji, Cook Islands etc
• Postal Notes
• All other World Banknotes
• Any Rolex Watches
• Omega Gents Watches
• Any Breitling, Jaegar Le Coultre, Vacheron & Constantin, Patek Philippe, or IWC Watches
• Moon Phase Watches
• Chiming or Alarm Watches (Pocket or Wrist)
• Military Watches
• Divers Watches
• All other pre 1950s wind up watches (parts value only) *No Quartz or Battery Operated Watches Please*
TOKENS
• NZ & Australian “Tradesmen’s” Tokens
• NZ Transportation Tokens
• Railway Passes
• Tram Tokens (not Dunedin Tramways)
• Presbyterian Church Communion Tokens
• Bread Tokens
• Theatre, Cafe, Discount Tokens etc
• Any other tokens relating to early New Zealand
WAR MEDALS ETC
• The New Zealand Wars & Boer War Medals
• 1st World War Medals
• 2nd World
COLLECTABLES
• Albums & Accumulations of Pre 1920s Postcards (used or unused)
• Old Fountain Pens
• Maori and Pacific Artefacts
• Small Interesting Collectables
• Small Chinese & Japanese Antiques
Life Uncomplicated:
Reflections on work, life, and the little things that make a difference
This column explores the small changes that quietly shape our everyday lives – drawing meaning from ordinary moments and experiences. It doesn’t promise answers but hopes to offer perspective and perhaps a little calm along the way.
When Effort Travels Further
Not long ago, I was speaking with someone who had been trying hard to secure better work. He is the kind of person who turns up on time, follows through and genuinely wants to build a better future for his family.
But despite all of that, progress felt slow because even though opportunities existed, applying for them took time. Every application meant adjusting a resume, rewriting a cover letter and trying to phrase previous experience in a way that matched the role being advertised.
After a full day of responsibilities and work, there was only so much energy left to give. He knew that if he applied for enough suitable jobs, interviews would eventually come but the challenge wasn’t willingness – it was capacity.
Being someone who advocates for digital tools, I introduced ChatGPT to him and he started using it to help shape resumes and cover letters more efficiently. This wasn’t to invent experience or exaggerate ability but simply to organise and communicate what was already there.
Soon, something interesting happened – the quality of the applications remained strong but the process became much faster. Instead of spending hours starting each application from scratch, he could focus his energy on refining and personalising what had already been drafted.
Suddenly, he was able to apply for nearly twice as many suitable roles as before, and because of that, more interviews began emerging. Eventually, one of those opportunities turned into a genuinely good job.
A Thought to Carry With Us?
Watching that process unfold made me reflect on how often we assume outcomes are determined purely by effort alone. But sometimes, effort is only part of the equation – the ability to extend that effort further matters too.
For a long time, progress was often limited by time, energy and capacity. More and more though, the difference between people is not who is willing to work hard but rather, who knows how to work alongside the tools now available to them.
And tools have always changed that equation. A tractor allowed one farmer to work more land. A calculator allowed complex sums to be solved more quickly. And perhaps AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming another version of that same shift – not replacing human capability but extending its reach instead.
Ultimately, the difference isn’t always about one person working harder than another. Sometimes, it’s simply that their effort is able to travel further.
Ganga enjoys finding small insights in everyday moments and sharing them as reflections on work, life and the inbetweens. He also empowers individuals through customised digital literacy courses. You can reach him at ganga@rte. co.nz or find him on LinkedIn via the QR Code.
Te Kauwhata Quilters Stitch Together Support for Community
Te Kauwhata Patchwork and Quilting Club have been busy making quilts and have donated them to Aged Concern and also some to Women’s Refuge.
The members come from Huntly, Te Kauwhata and
further afield. They meet on the 1st and 3rd Friday morning of the month, 10- 12 a.m. in Simmonds Hall, Aparangi. If you are interested feel free to come and have a look - All levels welcome - beginners to advanced Visit the Facebook page to view the work or contact” Jenny 021 0475611 Lorraine 0211667768
Huntly Garden club May report
42 Members attended the May meeting at the Huntly RSA with 46 entries into the competition
The RSA has planted conifers along the fence line and have requested the garden circle to recreate the garden by the front door. Which is a shady dry situation. We will organise a working bee for this shortly.
The members were very generous in donating flowers and succulents for the Tic Tok day care centres for the staff and children to create gifts for the mums for Mother’s Day.
Subs 0f $20 due this month which gives membership and access to Garden circle Facebook page.
We are also calling for nominations for committee members President secretary and treasurer
Caren demonstrated her gardening aprons she is making out of recycled clothes; they are a great practical creation. She will make more of these which can be raffled
Colleen reminded us of an ongoing craft session at the local arts and craft centre at the lake (old Scout building) Tuesdays 10-1pm.
Viv reminded us of the documentary on Hamilton Gardens at the movies also Caterpillar, a NZ movie.
Competition results
Preserves: 1st Jude 2nd Liz, 3rd Anne Fruit: 1st Pat, 2nd Judy, 3rd Denise. Blooms: 1st Pat, 2nd Peggy, 3rd Sue R. Vegetables: 1st Liz, 2nd Viv 3rd Rebbecca. Raffle winners: Judy, Audrey, Viv, Colleen E, Glennis, Laureen.
After lunch and sales table, we visited 3 garden club members gardens, Barbara, Trish and Val’s. Barbara had started her garden from scratch since joining the garden circle. She has achieved much beauty in a short space of time with many purchases from sales table and cuttings from member’s garden.
Trish’s garden was expansive beautiful and had some quirky art pieces which added to the fun of her family garden. Val was mainly into succulents she is our plantswomen and had some plants to give away and sell so everyone was happy.
Our next meeting is 4th June 11am at Huntly RSA. We will be holding our AGM followed by shared lunch and speaker on bee keeping.
Any queries phone Liz Johnson 020741223.
CLIENT REVIEWS
Verified by
EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION AND VERY HELPFUL THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE PROCESS.
Amanda has been great to deal.with through out the whole selling our house process. Her communication was excellent. She went above and beyond in helping us get the house sorted for selling. Highly recommend.
Sales Consultant
Amanda Harvey
Seller
Nickolas & Vanita
SOLDSOLDSOLD!
Colin's independent knowledge in the RE business & local area, worked as a great combo alongside Maria Finlay whose professionalism & ability onto be personable puts her above many REAs. She helped us make many decisions that would enhance & help with the selling of our home. This team went the extra mile to assist our 1st home buyers to realize their dream of purchasing our property. Wonderful to work with the team from Harcourts Te Kauwhata again.
Sales Consultants
Colin Sherrard & Maria Finlay
MARIA IS FABULOUS
From the first contact right to finalising the purchase of our new property Maria was fantastic to deal with. Maria went above and beyond to help us secure our new home. Maria's knowledge and communication skills are impressive. Maria is honest and such a lovely person to deal with. I was impressed with how Maria balanced doing the best for her vendor with helping us secure the property. I highly recommend Maria to anyone looking at purchasing or selling their property. A++++++++++
Sales Consultant
Seller Terrence
WOULD USE THEM AGAIN!
Bruce, together with his daughter Amanda, were at all times extremely helpful and understanding of our situation, and gave us confidence that we would be successful. The were lovely to deal with.
Sales Consultants
Buyer
Maria Finlay Sheree
WE LOVE GERRI
Gerri was a great agent for us. She kept up amazing communication, always making sure we were up to date on potential buyers and very motivated to help us sell. Even after we had an offer, she continued to help us with paperwork we needed and guided us on what to do next. Gerri has great knowledge of Lakeside and we couldn’t have sold our property through anyone else. Thank you Gerri for your friendly and kind nature. We are so grateful Gerri was on this journey with us.
Sales
Seller
Bruce Baverstock & Amanda Harvey Marianne
Warm Homes, Healthy Homes –
Don’t Leave It Too Late
As the mornings get sharper and the evenings start closing in, there’s one thing we see every year at Redline Electrical & Security -people realising a bit too late that their home just isn’t set up for winter, and in rural communities like Te Kauwhata and the surrounding areas, that cold can really bite.
The truth is, heating isn’t just about comfort anymoreit’s about health, efficiency, and doing things properly. Cold, damp homes don’t just cost more to run, they can impact your wellbeing and put extra strain on your power bill.
That’s where the Government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme comes in.
This initiative is designed to help Kiwi homeowners get into warmer, drier homes by covering a significant portion of the cost of insulation and heating -often up to 80–90% of ceiling and underfloor insulation and a heat pump for eligible homes.
For many households, that means new insulation and a brand-new heat pump being installed for only a few hundred dollars out of pocket.
Now here’s the part a lot of people don’t realise - eligibility isn’t just about income.
Some areas are classified in a way that means homes in parts of Te Kauwhata and the wider district may qualify based on location alone, especially if the home was built
before 2008 and meets the criteria.
These are homes located within a decile 5-10 zone.
So it’s always worth checking because you might be closer to qualifying than you think.
And if you do qualify, insulation and heat pumps are two of the best investments you can make in your home. They’re efficient, cost-effective to run, and give you instant, controllable heat right where you need it most.
But here’s the other important bit…
Even if you don’t qualify for the grant, don’t write it off.
We know not every home ticks the boxes, but that doesn’t mean you should go another winter without proper heating. Through Redline, we can still offer competitive heat pump pricing options and tailored solutions to suit your home and budget.
Because at the end of the day, everyone deserves a warm, dry place to come home to.
So before winter really sets in, now’s the time to act— not when you’re already rugged up in three layers wondering why the house still feels cold.
If you’re unsure where you stand, flick us a message or give us a call. We’re always happy to point you in the right direction.
Stay warm,
The team at Redline Electrical & Security ⚡
Keeping Whānau
Warmer
This Winter –
Curtains and Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
As temperatures drop across Waikato, many whānau are looking for simple and affordable ways to make their homes warmer, drier, and healthier. At Te Whare Awhi and the Raahui Pookeka Curtain Bank, practical support is helping families improve comfort at home, one window at a time.
A warm, dry home is about more than comfort. It can help reduce dampness, condensation and mould while creating healthier living environments for tamariki, older people, and whānau across all ages.
One of the tools available through Te Whare Awhi is free window insulation film kits for wooden joinery windows.
“Feeling cold near your windows? Singleglazed windows losing heat? Condensation on your windows each morning? A simple DIY fix could help,” says the Te Whare Awhi team.
Window insulation film creates an additional insulating layer across windows, helping reduce heat loss while still allowing natural light into the home. It can also help reduce condensation and works particularly well when combined with good curtains and good ventilation habits.
The kits available through Te Whare Awhi are especially suited to older wooden window joinery commonly found in homes across the region.
“These small improvements add up,” the team says. “Dry air, insulation, heating and ventilation all work together to create healthier homes.”
The insulation kits are available free to whānau, with Te Whare Awhi simply
asking participants to provide feedback after installation to help understand what works best for local households.
Alongside window insulation, the Raahui Pookeka Curtain Bank continues to provide practical support to homes needing better window coverings.
The Curtain Bank gives unwanted and unused curtains a second life by washing, repairing, lining and redistributing them to whānau who need them most. Eligible households can receive up to five sets of good-quality lined curtains.
“We see whānau doing the best they can, sometimes hanging sheets or blankets because that’s all they have,” says the Te Whare Awhi team. “A proper set of good curtains can make a huge difference to warmth, privacy and wellbeing.”
Curtains play an important role in keeping homes warm and energy efficient. Heat can easily escape through uncovered or poorly covered windows, particularly in older homes. Well-fitted, lined curtains help keep warmth inside, reduce drafts, improve privacy and block excess light, helping create a more comfortable home environment. To get the most benefit, open curtains during the day to let natural sunlight warm your home, then close them as soon as the sun goes down to help trap warmth inside and keep the cold out.
Whānau are encouraged to get referrals in early. Referrals can be completed by individuals, support workers, friends supporting a family.
Together, Te Whare Awhi Healthy Homes services and the Raahui Pookeka Curtain Bank are helping families take practical steps toward warmer, healthier homes across
the community.
“Every improvement counts,” the team says. “We’re here to support whānau every step of the way.”
Keep the warmth in. Keep the cold out.
Small changes can make a big difference to a warmer, drier whare.
For more information or referrals: 07 828 0066
healthyhomes@huntly.co.nz rpcct.huntly.co.nz
Issue 35 of Rex Hohaia History of Rugby League
The Waikato Cougars …. Chapter 7
The beginning of the 1996 Lion Red Cup season came with a lot more certainty than 1995, and the players responded accordingly. The Tainui Trust Board were the second-year major sponsors, although you would not have known it.
A ‘silent’ partner is the term used for a business that fronts up financially but does not wish to have its logo displayed – not on jerseys, not on shorts, not at home games, not anywhere. Nil, zilch, zero, kare kau! While the sponsorship was welcomed by all concerned, it did create an air of mystery. The TTB were involved in 1995, but this second year saw a more hands-on approach.
On the ground, though, the players were training the house down. November 1, 1995, was assembly date and, by January, an earlyseason trial at League Park, Ngāruawāhia, had a combined Tūrangawaewae/ Ngāruawāhia team up against a ‘potential’ Cougars team, allowing more rangatahi to show off their wares. 1995 Junior Kiwi halfback Eli Petaia was one such individual. Originally with Wellington Marist, he had shifted to Cambridge and was keen to further his playing career. The rest of the team was: 1 Darryl Fisher, 2 Joseph Heremia, 3 Ryan Millane, 4 Sommie Pere, 5 Jamie Muru, 6 Tony Waikato, 7 Petaia, 8 Darren Harris, 9 Raymond Kurene, 10 Jeremy Tomuli, 11 Jonas Kaweroa, 12 Danny Soloman, 13 Kirk Clune. Replacements: George Shelford, Willie Rangi, Paul Clouston, Willie Raihe.
Also on the same weekend, the triedand-tested Cougars team did battle with the Warriors Reserves in a night game at Ericsson Stadium as a curtain-raiser to first grade. Warriors 24, Cougars 18. The season-opening Round 1 clash was against the Christchurch City Shiners at the home ground of the major sponsors, the
old Hopuhopu Army Camp, which was fast becoming known as the Hopuhopu Sports Complex. The Round 1 team was: 1 Terry Clune, 2 Darryl Fisher, 3 Greg Bright, 4 Paul Heta, 5 Ryan Millane, 6 Darryl Beazley, 7 Aaron Tucker, 8 Ben Ransfield, 9 Shane Hill, 10 Mark Wood, 11 Jody Brewer, 12 Dwayne Wahanga, 13 Tukere Barlow (captain). Interchange: Nathan York, Brad Roberts, George Shelford, Julian David. Cougars 42, Shiners 12.
The season was only two rounds old when Rotorua resident Mark Wood decided it was time to up anchor and stay on the Bay of Plenty side of the Kaimai Ranges. I’m not too sure whether new Stags coach (and lifelong friend) Lawrence Brydon had had a word in Woody’s ear, or if ‘Kermit the Fiat’ was tired of crossing those Kaimais three times a week … brahaha!
Although not directly affecting the Lion Red Cup, the game of rugby league was front and centre of the news cycle in New Zealand for all the wrong reasons – what’s new?
Rumours had been circulating for several months that the long-established Australian Rugby League (ARL) was under threat from a brand-new breakaway conglomerate called Super League (SL), which was aiming to establish dominance in the game in Sydney (not unlike the ‘brewery war’ of 1994 in NZ).
TV deals, team expansions, huge salaries and massive sign-on fees were being offered by the Rupert Murdoch-backed News Corporation to lure long-established Kerry Packer-backed ARL clubs away to this new competition, to be known simply as Super League. The New Zealand Rugby League had been hoodwinked and had aligned itself with the new kid on the block, and Super League money was being thrown in all directions.
An all-expenses-paid
competition was on the agenda for 1996, with full playing strips, tracksuits and overnight bags, funded travel, national tournaments and overseas tours all part of this unbelievable sideshow.
Two separate competitions unfolded at the start of the season, with more clandestine meetings, industrial court hearings, some clubs expelled, some clubs amalgamated, forfeitures – mate, she was all on! But by September 1997, a High Court ruling basically ordered that the competition return to the status quo, returning ownership to the ARL and eventually giving birth to the NRL we are familiar with today … but I digress.
With the Lion Red Cup chugging away in Aotearoa, the Cougars were having a slow start to 1996. One win from six rounds had the team near the bottom of the ladder, and a return to Trust Bank Park Hamilton for the first time in two years was promoted as redemption time.
We had held a 100 per cent win record over the Bay of Plenty Stags since year one, but their new recruit knew all the calls and was only too happy to keep his teammates informed. We ended up sharing redemption with a 12-all draw. Experienced head coach Lawrence Brydon had the Stags running hot that day – in fact, they were above us on the points table.
Our eighth-round clash at the same venue was against new entrants the Manawatū Mustangs, who had been included when the Auckland Vulcans, aka the Warriors Colts, withdrew from the 1996 season to play in the NRL reserve grade competition in Sydney.
Coached by 1994 NZ Sevens mentor Peter Sixtus, they were fifth on the points table, but a 26–10 drubbing allowed us to climb above them. For the first time in Lion Red Cup history, the Waikato Rugby League Board – which had been resistant to co-operating in the past – allowed a premier grade fixture between Hamilton City Tigers and Hukanui to be played as a curtain-raiser.
Solitaire provided after-match entertainment. The Cougar directors (read TTB) were of the view that Trust Bank Park was the venue to promote the Lion Red Cup instead of Davies Park because of population numbers, but the reality of a $7000 ground hire fee soon began to bring logic into the equation. By mid-season, we had leapt from 10th position to fifth on the table. A number of new players had proudly worn the “Pussycat” jersey and, naturally, nicknames abounded. Julian ‘Julz’ David, Willie ‘Jetplane’ Tapara, Dwayne ‘Toe Jam’ Wahanga (that’s the name he filed on his player profile!), Jeremy ‘Jezza’ Tomuli, Darryl ‘Flash’ Fisher, Brett ‘Lightning’ Fisher, Brad ‘Radical’ Roberts (another from his player profile), Ryan ‘Maui’ Millane, Willie ‘Arnold’ Garrick, George ‘Hori’ Shelford, Jacob ‘Herman’ Marsters, Paul ‘Whiskas’ Heta, Willie ‘Kellyville’ Rangi, Wiwi ‘Bush Ranger’ Moke, Mark ‘Mystery’ Whiteside.
Trainers: Richard ‘to-my-right’ Tumai and Richard ‘Slippery’ Marsh.
The two Fisher lads were duplicates of their father, 1980 ex-Kiwi winger Kevin. Geez, those blokes could fly.
… to be continued
Researched by Rex Hohaia, December 13, 2025.
HUNTLY COLLEGE NEWS
Kindly Supported by Genesis Energy
Pink Shirt Day
Huntly College Dresses Up in a Sea of Pink to send this important message out for consideration for two days… at kura and at Lake Puketerini during school cross country day.
On Friday, 15 May 2026, schools joined with communities, and we across Aotearoa New Zealand came together to celebrate Pink Shirt Day. We were committed to celebrating this important event. This year’s message is “Koorero Mai, Koorero Atu, Mauri Tu, Mauri Ora.” Pink Shirt Day is a nationwide campaign that encourages kindness, celebrates diversity, and helps create safe and inclusive schools, workplaces, and communities.
We did some arty relaxing self-soothing messaging in colours in the library with Whaea Elizabeth & chatting with Whaea Mel in the breaks. Master sausage sizzler extraordinaire Whaea Rach kept our tummies full and calm while Whaea Ashna led the dancing pink fashionistas parade across the decks for our outfit winners to be judged.
Best dressed winner was Saphfire Joyce!
Ben Purua PresentationSchool Assembly
We had a magnetic presentation from one of our young, awardwinning Māori farming leaders in the Waikato, who now leads one of the most effective farms in Aotearoa.
Ben talked about being one of nine children to a single-parent mum, raised in violence, being in gangs, and substance taking at an early age. He had a murder affiliation, which resulted in a criminal conviction and jail for a significant period of his youth at just 14 years old.
He talked about how tough it was/is to be in a prison cell emotionally, and being so young. On his release, he made a commitment to his partner, the whenua, his family, and the cows to turn his life around.
“It’s not easy, it’s a mindset, the choices you make,” he recounted.
Farmers actively mentored him to motivate him to stay out of the repeating crime and prison cycles he defaulted to. Sometimes, he lost his way and returned to jail, and his employers did not give up on him. His love of the land and the herds always welcomed him back.
Now he runs his own clothing line, “Calm the Farm,” about staying chill and having fun. He has won multiple national farming awards and was a runner-up for an Australasian award, and now has multiple streams of income. He has bought his own home and is the first in his family to do so.
He named how some teachers at one of our local high schools tried to help him. On reflection, he wished that he’d opened up to them more and asked for more help. He has learned to read after being held back by dyslexia.
He wants to do more presentations like this and has set his sights on becoming a millionaire!
Our students and some teachers asked some curious questions about Ben’s life journey and choices, which helped us understand him more.
Written by Whaea Elizabeth Murphy
School Cross Country-2026
Our Huntly College 2026 Cross Country took place on Friday, May 15th, for the third year in a row as part of our Sports, Culture, and Leadership. Participating in Cross Country builds our school’s sporting culture, improves health and wellbeing, and builds a connection to the environment.
After three weeks of preparation, the students were ready to tackle the Lake Puketirini track. We had a beautiful, not too warm, sunny autumn day as we made our way to the lake. Our Juniors and walking participants completed the 2.7km track, while the Intermediate and Senior Competitors took on the 5.4km challenge.
There was a positive upbeat atmosphere, which contributed to the 100% participation among our akonga.
Everyone finished the day with some hydration and cold treats before being dismissed from the lake.
Here is a list of the results. Total house points will be tallied for the next school assembly.
A big Thank You to the Participants, Supporters, and Teachers for a fantastic event!
Huntly College Sports Update
Huntly College has entered three teams into the 2026 Waikato Secondary Schools Basketball Tournament, which runs from April through to August. The teams include the Junior Boys Basketball Team, the Senior Boys Basketball Team, and a combined Senior Girls and Junior Girls Basketball Team.
This year also marks the introduction of a new development group, including the Junior Boys and mixed girls team, allowing more students to participate and represent the school at different levels. This has created pathways for both experienced players and those who are new to the sport.
As a newly formed team, especially at the beginner level, the players have shown strong improvement since the start of the season. Despite limited experience, they have been performing well, building confidence, and achieving several wins as the competition progresses into Week 4 of the tournament.
Netball
Netball is back underway at Huntly College, with training sessions starting this week on Thursday, 14 May, running from 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm. All interested players are encouraged to attend and be ready to develop their skills, fitness, and teamwork as we prepare for the upcoming season.
Throughout the year, we will be organising friendly and competitive games with other schools to provide players with regular match experience and help build confidence on court.
In addition, Huntly College is excited to be entering a Senior Netball Team into the UNISS Tournament in August 2026. This is a great opportunity for senior players to represent the school at a higher level of competition and showcase their ability on a bigger stage.
We look forward to a strong and positive season of netball at Huntly College!
Badminton
Huntly College is excited to confirm that our badminton programme will be represented by two teams this season. We have entered a Junior team made up of 3 boys and 2 girls, and a Senior team also consisting of 3 boys and 2 girls. Both teams will be competing and representing our school across upcoming events.
Waikato Badminton has been notified and is aware of the proposed date for the North Waikato Badminton Festival, which is scheduled for 24 June 2026. The event will be hosted by Te Kauwhata College and will bring together schools from across the region for a day of competitive play and skill development.
Players are encouraged to stay committed to training and preparation as we move toward the festival. This is a great opportunity for students to gain experience, improve their game, and proudly represent Huntly College on the court.
Basketball
HUNTLY COLLEGE NEWS
Huntly College Student Leaders Focused on Culture, Connection and Change
The Chatter caught up with Huntly College student leaders Naia Vaka, Alexander Harbottle, Maipi Whirihana Kemp, Fellon Gillies and Patrick Kaihe Wichman to chat about leadership, school life and their hopes for the future at the kura.
Naia Vaka
Hi, my name is Naia, and I am one of the head girls from Huntly College. I was born in Hamilton, but I grew up in Auckland. My first primary school was called Fairburn in Otahuhu. In 2018, while I was in year 3, I moved to Huntly and moved up to year 4 at Huntly West Primary. Ever since then, I have been in Huntly, and I am currently a year 12 student at Huntly College.
To me, a leader is someone I can trust with my school’s well-being and who treats students equally. This involves students being comfortable with us so that they can speak to us about any problems or struggles they may have. This also looks like someone who can confront a problem confidently when there is one, whether with the students, themselves, or even the teachers.
Something I like about the head student role is the involvement I get with the school. I like having the responsibility of certain choices that affect the school. In saying that, I hope to improve our school’s passing rates. Because our school has a reputation for being “negative” or “bad”, I greatly believe that an improvement in our passing rates could show our community how good our school truly is.
I think my year so far has been pretty good. I’m caught up with most of my assessments and my head student duties. When I’m not at school, I enjoy playing on this tablet my boyfriend gave me. I use it for drawing, playing games, and watching movies. If not that, I’m either sleeping or eating in my room. On certain days, I also like going out with my friends and my boyfriend. Either for a walk or just to hang out.
My plans for 2027 are to hopefully focus on my UE credits and settle on a final plan for when I leave college.
I think the highlights of Huntly College will definitely be the events we have here. The trips, the events, all of it are some of the most memorable moments we all share within the college. They all bring us a little bit together, even for just those hours. And we see this mostly within the events we have within the school. Therefore, I think these events will be our school’s highlights.
Alexander Harbottle
Hello everyone. My name is Alexander Harbottle. I grew up in Raahui Pookeka Huntly. My mother, her whakapapa is Ngati Maniapoto and my father is of Nga Puhi descent. I am currently in Year 13 at Huntly College and I am acting as the leader of Event Management for 2026.
To me, being a student leader requires someone open and friendly. Before coming into the role I would label myself as someone bossy and very particular about how I wanted things done. I also would say that I sticked to the same groups and avoided socialising with people outside of my scope. Stepping into the role of Event Management taught me to include everyone’s ideas and have conversations with a wide range of people.
I love how the Event Management role allows me to plan schoolwide events such as Pink Shirt Day and Culture Day. I think it gives me more creative expression and gives me the chance to bring everyone’s ideas together. I hope that in 2026 my role helps set the standard for events going forward in the future for the kura. I also hope that everyone enjoys and participates in school events whether it be to celebrate culture or raise awareness.
My year has been hectic but fulfilling. Juggling head
student duties, schoolwork, and personal life has been busy. However, hard work gives me a heartfelt sense of accomplishment after a long day.
When not at school I enjoy learning Chinese as well as other languages. It has been my hobby since childhood and I enjoy communicating in foreign languages. I also enjoy cooking and spending time with my whaanau and friends.
My plans for 2027 are to go to medical school in Auckland. I also want to go back to Thailand and reunite with my exchange friends and family.
My main highlight from Huntly College was last year when the school gave me an opportunity to go abroad and study in Thailand with AFS. Going abroad taught me a new language and opened so many new doors for me to grow. Another highlight would be becoming a head student and being able to give back to the kura that raised me to become a Rangatira.
Alexander Harbottle
aharbottle@huntlycollege.school.nz 0226237044
Maipi Whirihana Kemp
Good afternoon everyone!
My name is Maipi, and I am a yr 12 student leader at Te Kura Tuara O Raahui Pookeha. Ever since I was 2 years old, I have spent my entire life here in Raahui Pookeka. During this time, I have been to 3 schools: Te Whare Kura O Rakaumanga, Huntly West School, and of course, Huntly College.
Being a student leader means being a positive role model towards our teina. It’s about showing respect and being responsible enough that I can be relied on by our students and teachers. This involves listening to others, giving clear instructions, and also working with others instead of trying to take control of everything by myself. It is also about being willing to solve problems rather than avoiding them.
One thing in particular that I like about this role is that I get the opportunity to attend many trips that teach me how to improve not just as a leader, but also as a person. In the future, I hope to achieve something better than just awards, I hope to become such a good influence that people would
want to become a student leader themselves.
The year so far has been busy but full of learning experiences. So far i’ve gotten so much opportunities to show my leadership skills by leading our school assemblies, becoming a leader and guiding my own group of year 9’s at our recent stars trip, and also getting to be a coach alongside my friend Diesel. Although things haven’t been perfect, I know that over time I will improve by constantly being in an environment where leadership is always encouraged.
When not at school, and not busy doing school work, I like to enjoy my time playing sports like basketball and Waka ama. For me, playing sports isn’t just about being successful; I play to create new connections with people that I don’t even know. An example of this is in basketball. Before playing, I had no idea who some of my teammates were, but now, my relationship with them has gotten so strong that I end up staying at their house on a weekly basis.
My plan for 2027 is to just enjoy my last year of high school, getting my level 3’s with at least merit endorsement, playing as many sports as I can before focusing on finding new courses to help me learn more about becoming an engineer. Since 2027 is my last year, I plan on focusing most of my time on coaching our school basketball team, teaching them everything that I know about the sport, and just leaving a mark on the school, showing everyone that I was once a part of Huntly College.
Looking back, I think the best highlights at Huntly College would be all the friendships and memories I’ve made along the way. I’ll always remember the laughs, always being told not to eat in the science class, always being asked, “Did you sanitize?” by the canteen lady, and also all the times I got growled at for being in the gym for 1minute too long. No doubt that I will always cherish the memories I created through sports. During sports, I was able to make so many friends. In fact, if I had never played basketball, I would never have known who almost 99% of my friends were. Thinking about it now, I already know that I’m going to miss Huntly College. Not because of the memories, but because of the people. In all my years of learning, Huntly College has been the most positively impactful to me.
Fellon Gillies and Patrick Kaihe Wichman Interviews coming next issue.
Kindly Supported by Genesis Energy
From the Te Kauwhata Community Garden: Winter Veg and Healthy Habits
June marks the start of winter here in Aotearoa. Night temperatures drop low and day temperatures are cool. We adjust our eating to the vegetables that can be grown in these cold conditions.
Our harvest crates are now full of green and leafy plants perfect to be added to a boil up, steamed or gently fried to complete a meal along with egg and bread. We are also harvesting cauliflowers which are very versatile produce. They can be boiled, steamed, mashed, baked, riced, roasted, made into a bake with cheesy white sauce or served in a curry with rice and roti. The cooler temperatures also produce very good lettuces.
These are perfect in salads with other leafy greens such as our rocket and parsley. You can even throw in some cut up, raw cauliflower for extra crunch. Another vegetable that is ready for harvest is yacon. This is a root vegetable that looks
like a kumara on the outside, but is crisp when cut into. Yacon can be cut up and eaten raw. They really bulk up a salad into a filling meal for the family.
One of the purposes of the Community Garden is to teach how to grow low-cost, healthy food to sustainably feed ourselves. Every week our harvest crates go from the garden to the Community House to be distributed to the community via Food Bank and the Paataka Kai.
While we are pleased to be able to provide this food we hope that people will think about how easy it is to produce this food for themselves.
Community Garden mornings provide opportunity to work and talk with enthusiastic gardeners. They are a great opportunity to share knowledge and learn how to live a good life, promoting healthy minds and bodies through a diet of fresh food. You are welcome to join us at the garden every Tuesday. Start time varies depending on the season but we are usually onsite around 9am.
Te Kauwhata Bowling Club
T
e Kauwhata Bowling Club teams had a green day at the May Open Triples tournament.
The Huntly team claimed first place, while three of the six teams from Te Kauwhata Bowling Club secured the remaining prizes.
The event marked the club’s first-ever winter tournament - made possible by the all-weather green installed last winter. Conditions felt anything but wintry, with glorious sunshine throughout the day, and organisers are hopeful the remaining three winter tournaments will enjoy similar weather.
Between tournaments, informal roll-ups will continue until the next competition season begins on September 1.
Any programme changes will be posted on the Te Kauwhata Bowling Club website at sporty.co.nz/tekauwhatabowls
Workshop coming to Te Kauwhata
Toi Ako Artspace is excited to be hosting their first leathercraft workshop in July. This one day event will be taught by Fern Reid from Fern’s Whimsical Workshop.
Fern is a skilled artisan who is deeply passionate about reviving traditional slow crafts. Her specialties are leather work, copper beating and traditional bushcrafts. She has built a career travelling the country teaching these skills to children and adults through workshops, camps and festivals. She also makes custom order items and her own passion projects from boots to corsets, bags to jewellery.
At her Te Kauwhata workshop, Fern will teach the foundations of leatherwork including how to cut, dye, carve, stamp and stitch leather. Each student will select a project including pouch, bag, knife sheath, belt or pet collar. Choose to make your piece very practical or embrace your inner cos player and make something fantastical. You will complete your item during the day and go home with your leatherwork, new skills and a fabulous new experience. Past students describe Fern’s workshops as a calm and nourishing experience. Much healing comes from working with the hands. Fern also brings a wealth of knowledge and specialist equipment to ensure your first leatherworking experience is a positive one. Treat yourself to a day working with your imagination, hands and natural materials.
The workshop will be held on Sunday 5 July from 10am to 3pm at the Toi Ako Artspace underneath St Margaret’s Hall at 3 Waerenga Rd, Te Kauwhata. Cost is $100 per person including all materials and light refreshments. Contact artstekauwhata@gmail.com to register. Places strictly limited.
Notice of herbicide spraying
Waikato Regional Council advises that under Resource Consent 124871 spraying of pest plants growing in aquatic and semi-aquatic locations will continue over the next three months.
Pest plants to be sprayed are listed in the Regional Pest Management Plan and include (but are not limited to): alligator weed, Manchurian wild rice, sagittaria, Senegal tea, spartina and yellow flag iris. Herbicides to be used are haloxyfop, imazapyr, metsulfuron-methyl and triclopyr. Application method is location dependent and may be by helicopter, gun and hose, mistblower or knapsack.
Operational areas are spread throughout the region and include (but are not limited to):
• Lakes Whangape and Waikare
• Te Otamanui Lagoon
• Waihou, Piako and Ohinemuri rivers
• Waikato River (from Horotiu to Port Waikato)
• Whangamarino and Maramarua rivers
• numerous smaller urban and rural sites.
Spraying is weather dependent and will occur during daylight hours on any day, including weekends but excluding public holidays.
For more information or to request to be notified visit www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/aquaticspraying or call Waikato Regional Council’s biosecurity pest plants team on 0800 800 401. Occupiers who have already requested to be notified will be contacted prior to spraying.
CDA McLay Chief Executive
www.waikatoregion.govt.nz
OPERATION COVER UP 2026
Annual Blanket & Knitted Goods Display
Wednesday, 17th June
St Margaret’s Church Hall Waerenga Road
Te Kauwhata (opposite bowling club car park)
The display is from 10.30am – 2.00pm
Tea, coffee and light refreshments provided. 12.15pm – 1.15pm
Entry Fee: $5 (to help with freight costs to Eastern Europe) Raffles: (optional) 3 prizes.
29/04 11:30 Car fire, Waikato expressway, Huntly.
29/04 15:20 Fire alarm activation, Murphy lane, Taupiri.
27/05 07:52 Fire alarm activation, Great South Rd, Huntly.
A big thank you to all those who knit, crochet, sew up blankets, donate wool or help in any way. We appreciate you all.
Helen Tait
Co-ordinator, Operation Cover Up
Phone: 0274 336 75
CHURCHES
OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Mass Saturday Vigil 5:00pm
8 Baird Ave Te Kauwhata
CLIENT REVIEWS
Verified by
VERY PROFESSIONAL AGENT IN SELLING PROPERTY
We had the pleasure of working with Mary Zhang in selling a property in Huntly on behalf of our family. We couldn't be more impressed with her service. Mary was consistently professional, diligent, and lovely to deal with throughout the entire process. Her communication style is excellent— considered, always timely, and filled with relevant information. We found it best to communicate in writing, as we are based in Australia, and Mary made sure we were always well-informed and never felt stranded. From the very beginning, we felt completely assured that Mary had everything under control. One of the things that really stood out to us was how Mary always anticipated the next steps in the process. We never needed to ask; we could trust that she had everything in hand. It was truly a delight to work with her, and her professionalism made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. We highly recommend Mary to anyone looking for a skilled and reliable real estate agent who is an absolute pleasure to work with.
Sales Consultant
Seller Mary Zhang Tom
PROFESSIONAL, KNOWLEDGEABLE, COMMUNICATION SECOND TO NONE, BUT MOST OF ALL, SENSITIVE AND CARING.
Shelley has been a very proactive and positive agent, who has exceeded my expectations. Her extremely caring nature and understanding of my particular situation, made this process a lot less stressful. Communication and local knowledge were key factors for me. I would highly recommend Shelley and now say to her "thankyou for selling a much loved home, that has been full of happy everlasting memories. Our Family will have the house and the memories in their hearts forever". Thankyou for the beautiful gift, I will treasure it always.
Sales Consultant
Shelley Moffitt
Seller
Nelva
GREAT LADY. HONEST AGENT.
During our long search to buy a property, we encountered some lazy and dishonest agents. We eventually came across Dawn who was exceptional in every way. Nothing was ever too much trouble. She would reply to emails, txts and calls promptly regardless of the time day or night and she would show us through properties after hours to accommodate our work hours. We found Dawn to be knowledgeable, honest, and very down to earth, which was comforting (unlike the flashy overdressed agents). We also found Dawn to be a genuinely caring person. We met a few agents during our search but Dawn's professional yet genuine approach towards people and sales are 2nd to none. She made us feel important everytime we spoke to or saw her. She is what we call 'old school" even though she is very much up with today's times. I would highly recommend Dawn without hesitation and if we buy or sell in the future she will definitely be our only choice of agent. Thank you for your excellent service Dawn and we will surely recommend you to family, friends and colleagues.
Sales Consultant
Dawn Hibbs
ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT !
Buyer
Dianne
We recently sold our house with Maria and our family honestly cannot speak highly enough of our experience. Maria is knowledgeable and professional and she made everything so easy and stress free. Her communication was top notch and she kept us up to date every step of the way. Maria's hard work and professionalism combined with her friendly, warm, down to earth nature made the process such a positive experience. Maria goes above and beyond to get results. Highly, highly recommend!!
Sales Consultant
OUTSTANDING SERVICE
We have had the pleasure of Lorrel selling our Parents house and even though it was a very sad time for our family letting go the family home full of so many memories after many years, Lorrel made sure we felt at comfort at all times through the process. She is an exceptional communicator, very professional, positive, efficient and knowledgeable at her job. We would highly recommend Lorrel to anyone looking to sell their home and wish her all the very best for her career ahead.
