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Councillor’s Corner
Marlene Raumati Waerenga-Whitikahu General Ward Councillor
e Kauwhata Meet the Candidates Night: a huge thank you to our Waerenga-Whitikahu constituents for an incredible turn out. You were great!
Community and wider district members from Whitikahu, Te Hoe, Waerenga, Lakeside, Tuakau, Pookeno, Huntly, Mangatangi, Tahuna, Glen Murray and of course Te Kauwhata showed up in support of those standing for local body elections, for both WDC and WRC.
We had the pleasure of having former Mayor Allan Sanson, other candidates from other wards within the district, and of course former and current councillors in the audience, showing their support for local democracy.
The night was wonderful! – it was a great opportunity for those standing to showcase their capabilities and local governance acumen.
Great questions came from the floor, challenging each candidate to demonstrate why they should be elected. It was a successful night. HUGE thanks to Te Kauwhata Community Committee Chair John Cunningham and committee member Lauren Hughes for an incredible set up, for time keeping and for ensuring full and fair participation by each candidate. You’re amazing.
And of course, a BIG thank you to Jennie Gore and Colleen Jackson for taking care of the night’s refreshments. You are appreciated.
Finally, to all the candidates who put your hats in the ring – whether for WDC or WRC – THANK YOU for standing. Best wishes to each of you.
Te Kauwhata – Scott Road Roundabout final sealing of Scott Road is now complete. There will still be periods when temporary traffic management will be in place for minor finishing work, removal of the temporary road and reserve reinstatement. The contractor will endeavour to minimise disruption as much as possible.
Travers Road Footpath Construction I totally understand the frustration – it’s been a long wait! Here’s what happened:
When the work was first proposed, the cost looked manageable. Once things got moving, it became evident that the actual price could be much bigger then expected. Council hit pause because of budget blowout risks.
Since then, Council have had a new contractor take a look, however, the costings are still coming in over budget. The team are now looking at two options, either adjust the scope of the work to make it more affordable; or find a contractor who can deliver within budget.
I am expecting an update on how the project can move forward. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for your patience and for those who continue to check in, I appreciate it.
If you want to contact me, please do so either by email at marlene.raumati@waidc.govt.nz or by phone on 020 –40012548.
Mauri Ora
Marlene Raumati
Tim’s News
If you or someone special to you has been waiting for an elective surgery, there’s good news. We are delivering results that benefit people here the Waikato and wider throughout New Zealand.
Having a clearly outlined plan and setting targets to measure achievement is an important part of knowing where you’re heading and how you’re tracking. My colleagues and I in Government highlighted the omission of this simple yet effective process with the previous Labour Government as healthcare wait times ballooned during their tenure, leaving more people waiting longer (often in pain) for the elective surgical treatments they needed. We understand the need around this issue. We’ve put strategies with targets in place and we’re not only delivering results we’re exceeding our targets.
We know New Zealanders needing treatments like knee and hip replacements, cataract surgery, and other non-urgent procedures have been delayed the care they need to get on with their lives. The excessive waitlist meant Kiwis were suffering undue discomfort, with some unable to work and enjoy recreation activities with their families. In March this year, we committed to ensuring an additional 10,570 elective procedures would be undertaken by 30 June, through our Elective Boost initiative. We’ve delivered 16,005 surgical procedures – an outstanding win of 51.3% more than initially planned. Between 2017 and 2023 under Labour, the number of patients waiting more than four months grew by an astounding 2,500%. We’re on track to achieve 63% of patients having their elective surgery within four months. Our long-term goal is by 2030 for 95% of patients to be treated within four months.
The health system needs improvement, with complex challenges in multiple areas, including staffing. We’re working hard to ensure public hospitals and private facilities are best resourced and utilised to provide the care New Zealanders need, when they are needed. We’re implementing services to give more Kiwis better access to care, including the 24/7 digital health service we launched in July. This has reduced the need for in-person GP appointments and resulted in 83.5% of the digital service’s patients being provided the treatment they needed. That means Waikato locals who need to see their GP in person are less likely to wait for long periods for their consultation session. It also means those who live out of our larger towns have easier access to medical support, right at their fingertips. Every Kiwi should have access to healthcare when they need it. We’re improving these services, and proud to be exceeding our targets.
Should you wish to share your views on an issue, or reach out for my support, please feel welcome to contact my Waikato Electorate Parliamentary Service team on 0800 GET TIM (0800 438 846) or email Tim.vandeMolenMP@ parliament.govt.nz. I’m regularly in all the communities around the electorate and look forward to connecting with you. Tim van de Molen – MP for Waikato.
Your
Tim.vandeMolenMP@parliament.govt.nz 0800 GET TIM (0800 438 846)
Tim van de Molen
Authorised by Tim van de Molen, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.
Councillor’s Column:
Climate change and sustainability encompass, informs and impacts all areas of Waikato District Council. Each year staff produce a summary snapshot of council’s sustainability performance.
This year’s report showcases the following progress:
- A 97.3% reduction in natural gas consumption (decommissioning of Huntly Aquatic Centre gas boiler), resulting in average monthly savings of $11,000.
- 71% of our vehicles are now hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric.
- The number of fully electric vehicles increased from 8 to 11. These changes have led to $26,270 in savings and a reduction of fuel consumption by 2,710 L.
- 100% of IT products were recycled.
- Native plantings by Open Spaces are up 21%.
- 92% of streetlights have LED. Areas for improvement across Council offices and buildings:
- Energy consumption increased 6%.
- Printing increased 6%.
- LPG usage increased 18%.
In partnership with Waikato Tainui, Waikato Regional Council, Hamilton City Council, Waipa Council, Waikato District Council has drafted a strategic climate alliance to better align our works streams, enable support, identify gaps and synergies around climate change, resilience, and adaptation. Staff also collaborate through the regional climate councils working group which seeks opportunities for region wide consistency, alignment, efficiency, and savings in works plans and projects.
The Government is progressing a new Emergency Management Bill to replace the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. This represents the
most significant reform of the emergency management system in over 20 years. The Bill modernises the framework with clearer responsibilities, stronger national standards, and greater community and iwi/ Maaori participation. This may change the statutory responsibilities of councils in the emergency management system, capacity demands, and resource requirements to meet higher expectations of performance, accountability, and collaboration.
Waikato Regional Council Climate Risk and Hazards assessment report titled “Climate change hazards and risks in the Waikato region” indicates there are projections for increased weather events, drought, and temperature increases, which will have social, environmental, economic, and cultural impacts for our district. Council has a statutory responsibility to avoid or mitigate natural hazards and to have regard to the effects of climate change when making certain decisions. Council is also responsible for improving community resilience through public education and local planning. In addition, climate change, where relevant, is factored into existing frameworks, plans, projects, and standard decision-making procedures.
Council’s Climate Response and Resilience Strategy sets councils direction for emissions reduction roadmap, council’s climate action plan and council’s strategic outcome ‘we and our communities are building resilience and actively mitigating and adapting to climate change.
(This information is taken direct from the September Sustainability and Wellbeing Committee report, which can be found on the council website)
This is our last article for the triennium. After 11 October there will be a new council. It has been a privilege to serve our community. As always if you want to contact us, please phone, or email.
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Local Elections are Here. Your vote. Make it count.
Voting packs are now arriving in homes across the Waikato District. Inside is your chance to have a say on the people and issues that will shape our future together.
This year, there are more ‘Meet the Candidate’ events than ever before, hosted by community groups right across our district. These events are valuable opportunities to hear directly from those standing for mayor, councillor and community board seats, and the chance to ask the questions that matter to you.
While the election campaign is underway,
work at Council continues. Every day we are delivering the services and projects that keep our communities running – from rubbish and recycling, to roads, libraries, parks and water.
Remember, voting closes at midday on Saturday 11 October 2025. Please complete your voting paper as soon as you can and return it using the freepost envelope, or drop it at any Council office or library.
Every vote makes a difference. By taking part, you ensure our Council reflects the voices, priorities, and aspirations of the people who live here.
Your vote is your voice. Please use it.
Gold for the one who nearly pulled out
There’s an invisible ring around July 29 on Ellie Linton-Brown’s calendar. It’s the day that changed her life when she won the Café Boutique gold award at the Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards.
It had been a tough few years for her Main St Café in Huntly, and she almost didn’t enter the pie competition, but as she walked to the stage to receive her award it felt very significant. As a 14 year-old high school student some 30-odd years ago, Ellie had come to this very hotel, known then as The Sheraton, to learn about baking. Ellie had reached her career pinnacle getting industry recognition right where she had started. “It has been very life-changing, incredibly lifechanging,” she says.
The win has given her business a massive boost with more than 2000 of her rhubarb and raspberry pies selling in the first four weeks post-awards, and there are no signs of it slowing down. Customers have come from far and wide - just the other day she had a couple from Levin who had made the special trip up to Huntly try her pie. And support from her local community has been very encouraging. It seems rhubarb and raspberry is a new flavour sensation in these parts with the former mining town bustling again with talk of gold.
“We’ve gone to a new level of busy since we won the award. It’s been a wild ride. Our slowest day was the day after the awards dinner, but don’t get me wrong, we were busy!” says Ellie.
Three years ago Ellie took a punt after working for employers her whole life. She bought the Main St Café and with the help of her daughter and son she started establishing
her own business.
“We got broken into a couple of years ago and that nearly made me close down. We were struggling, and obviously we’re in a recession. It got to the point where we had to go to the supermarket to purchase product to be able make stuff for the next day to sell to make money. It was really, really bad. It nearly bankrupted us but I’m too stubborn to allow it to continue.”
So after two previous attempts at the Pie Awards, Ellie rolled up her sleeves and got to work on a couple of pie flavours she thought might have a chance, and in the midst of this she was moving premises, moving house too and working her butt off on a broken foot!
“I was so stressed out with the whole situation of renovations to the bigger premises and I was going to pull out because it was all too much. And then I decided I’d even change the concept because I was selling the pies in store…but with the rhubarb and raspberry I was putting short pastry on the top and it was too bulky. And it was literally the Tuesday night, before the pie entries got picked up on the Wednesday, that I changed that and put flaky pastry on the top. I’m very proud of that now.”
Ellie says it was the encouragement from her NZ Bakels rep Daniel and Bidfood’s rep Kylie that gave her the motivation to keep going with the competition.
“Kylie said ‘you can’t quit, you’ve come too far and you’re going to regret it if you don’t do it.
“When I got the phone call on the Friday to say I’d won the Café Boutique category I rang her quite early about quarter past seven because I was concerned about the rhubarb supply situation. I needed to tell somebody to secure me some rhubarb and
I wholeheartedly trusted her. I was still a bit speechless and she was saying, ‘What’s wrong? What’s going on?’ and I’m like, ‘I f****n won! I won gold! She thought I was joking. We were having a bit of a giggle, and she said, ‘for the one who said she was going to pull out’.”
Ellie says she couldn’t have done it without her partner and family and she’s extremely grateful for that. And grateful too to the community who believed in her and who continue to support her as she supports them. “That’s just what you do in small communities,” she says with a smile.
New All-Weather Green for Te Kauwhata Bowling Club
Te Kauwhata’s bowling club is getting a whole new facelift, thanks in part to its new owners, the Te Kauwhata Retirement Trust Board, (also known as Aparangi Village)
The original 70-year-old grass green is being replaced with an all-round synthetic green which will improve its playability and lengthen the playing season with its yearround playing surface.
The Trust bought the bowling club a couple of years back after the club indicated its numbers were dropping significantly. Apārangi Village Manager Sonia Boyce says THAT like many sports clubs, the bowling club was struggling to maintain the recreational space and attract new members.
“We are continuing to upgrade the clubrooms, modernising the entrance and making the space usable for the variety of activities there,” says Sonia. “The club rooms are now very heavily used by Apārangi Village residents as well as the community for social activities ranging from
dance competitions to yoga, jigsaws, girl guides, line dancing, and providing a social meeting place for Apārangi residents, and bowling club members and the community.
“The Community House also holds its monthly seniors’ community lunch here, and the club rooms are available for hire for private functions as well. And, of course, the bowling club also uses the rooms when members are playing.”
Last year saw club numbers on the rise, encouraged by bowling club initiatives
Introducing Sonia Boyce-Aparangi
Te Kauwhata local, Sonia Boyce, is now almost two years into her new role as Apārangi Village Manager, and whilst her main focus is on resident satisfaction, she is finding the role very fulfilling.
“My job is to assist our CEO, Andrew Kerr, with village management, and we focus strongly on resident satisfaction and continually improving our services for residents. I also assist with property sales in the village, as well as administration of our small number of rental homes.
“In the past two years we have improved the social facilities for our residents (particularly within the bowling club upgrade) as well as extending walkways, providing more security for peace of mind and extensive improvement of the residential care unit.”
Apārangi Village has recently appointed a social co-ordinator to boost engagement with residents. This aligns with research showing that taking part in group events, clubs or casual gatherings enable seniors to maintain meaningful social relationships and minimise decline in physical and mental health.
“We are always looking for activities that encourage our residents
such as the highly popular twilight teams tournament running through the summer months and attracting more people to try out the sport.
Club president John Richardson says this popular event is scheduled for early 2026 and urges anyone interested to keep an eye on social media pages or to contact him via Apārangi’s office. The new-look green will be ready mid-October for the coming season with an official ‘unveiling’ event.
By Anna Bell
Public meeting with Tim van de Molen,
to stay physically active and mentally stimulated whether they are living very independently in their own homes, or in our care unit,” she says. “ Whether it’s joining a walking group, playing bowls or board games, or simply meeting for regular coffee mornings, these occasions provide structure and motivation.”
Apārangi’s grounds are private property, with a strict speed limit to ensure safety for residents. Dogs are not permitted within its grounds, and children must be under adult supervision.
The job of village manager is varied, says Sonia, with juggling various expectations a challenge. “There are many different personalities and lifetime experiences but we try our best to keep people happy and we do listen to everyone’s concerns. Sometimes though, it can come down to minor differences of opinion on things such as grass length (too long, or too short!).
“The lovely thing about the Apārangi community, though, is that they are supportive of each other and that makes for a happy, community -focu ssed place to live.”
Auckland-raised, Sonia met her husband Pete whilst on her OE in the UK and had their twins (Charlie and Alice) there before returning to NZ and making Te Kauwhata their home.
Ancestor’s Footsteps
Guiding Todays Youth
Amulti- day kapa haka camp at Horahora Marae this month aims to pass on the treasures of the elders to rangitahi that will help them develop a better understanding of where they stand in the world and what their future could hold. They’ll also be practising for their appearance at the Rangiriri Paa celebrations on November 21.
The camp and sleepover are being led by Ivan Marino, a kapa haka teacher whose career has seen him perform at high levels internationally before returning home to Rangiriri, and what he thought was a quieter life.
“I thought I was keeping a low profile, but people kept saying to me ‘Matua Ivan, we need you to start teaching again’, and it’s grown from there.
“I developed a group at Te Kauwhata College and I’m really proud to see that it has become self-generating, with the older students passing their knowledge on to younger ones.”
Ivan also runs kapa haka classes at Huntly and Te Kauwhata primary schools, Ohinewai and Te Paina and Waikare
The camp will help develop performanceready groups to appear at Rangiriri Paa, but there’s a wider agenda for the sleepover at Horahora Marae where he is expecting up to 200 participants for the event run during the school holidays (19-26 September).
“We’ll be doing different ‘workshops’ during the day, from poi history, Ti Rakau (stick games) action songs – and learning how to sing them correctly – as well as stories. In the afternoon and evenings there will be sports, a disco,
fashion show, karaoke and a get-together with elders bringing their guitars along and having a bit of a get together and a whakangahau.”
Ivan says the event is open to anyone but focussing on those around the river towns from Huntly through to Meremere. People can come and go, or they can choose to stay over, he says. “Our aim is to pass on and celebrate our treasures. We’re putting our feet into the footsteps that have been left for us, and that’s very powerful.”
Ivan’s mantra is that all kids are good at something, but not necessarily everything, and the art in helping them unlock those skills is to move quietly and patiently through different activities and ideas until the right one clicks in.
It’s something he is familiar with right from his own schooldays where he admits to being over-energetic in class. “A teacher told me to release my energy into something good, and I ended up in a kapa haka group and that changed my focus from negativity into a positive one.”
Ivan went on to support schools in setting up kapa haka groups, with 35 secondary schools under his care from Pukekohe to Howick. He led groups on world tours, appearing at diplomatic events, at the opening of the 1990 Commonwealth Games and celebrating the new millennium at the Auckland Domain. Kapa haka, he says, can open a lot of doors for those interested in making a career in it.
Ivan Marino’s multi-day Horahora Marae event will ensure the treasures of the past are handed on to future generations.
He welcomes early bookings and says information is on Te Kauwhata, Huntly, Te Paina, Ohinewai and Waikare school websites.
Community Hub Rebuild Brings a Community Together
After eight years, community members, volunteers and sponsors came together yesterday evening, Wednesday 10 September, to celebrate the rebuild of an essential community space.
The Glen Afton and Pukemiro Districts Community Hub is a muchwelcomed sight after the previous space, the Glen Afton Citizens’ Sports Club, AKA The Blue Rooms, was gutted by a fire in 2017.
It was originally built in 1949 by miners who lived and worked within the Glen Afton village.
The rooms hosted various events, from dances and Christmas parties, to sporting events, fishing and hunting competitions, and weekly meat and grocery raffles.
Waikato District Council’s Community Led Development Advisor, Lianne van den Bemd, says it’s been an honour to support and work side-by-
side with volunteers as they worked on behalf of the Glen Afton and Pukemiro communities to continue the legacy of the former space.
The Hub will provide an important focal point for people who live in both Glen Afton and Pukemiro, as well as the surrounding areas, says community hub member, Kaylene Bourke.
“We envisage that the building will get a lot of use for things like mother/ baby groups, gardening groups, business functions, birthday parties, funerals, classic car rallies, market days, karaoke, quiz nights, pool and darts games, housie and bingo”.
Bourke hopes it will continue to be an integral part of this community for many years to come.
The Glen Afton and Pukemiro Districts Community Hub, located at 38 Inglis Road, Glen Afton, is a membership club that anyone can join. Memberships is $45 a year or $25 for those 60 and over.
The Hub will be open every Thursday and Friday evenings from 1.30pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm. The kitchen is open from 5pm to 7pm on each opening day.
Interested in booking the space or becoming a member? Contact Kaylene on 027 361 3163, or email theglenaftonclub@gmail.com
All hands on deck for Te Kauwhata Arts Weekend
Everyone is invited to unleash their creativity at Te Kauwhata’s inaugural Arts Weekend this October. The event will be held across community venues at 3 Waerenga Rd, Te Kauwhata (Toi Ako Artspace, St Margaret’s hall, church and gardens).
We will preview for school groups on Friday 10 October, Public opening hours are 10am to 4pm on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October. The weekend aims to showcase local talent and to invite community participation. “We often forget that art and creativity comes in many forms” says Toi Ako Manager, Lauren Hughes.
“People regularly tell me ‘I cant draw, I’m not an artist’, but in my experience they just haven’t found the right artform for them yet. Once you find your creative flow it is hard to stop. We hope people come along to the Arts Weekend for new experiences, to make community connections and to be inspired”. Entry is by koha and everyone who comes in will go in the draw to win a $100 New World voucher sponsored by our friends at Harcourts Te Kauwhata. While on site we also encourage you to enjoy our $10 coffee and cake fundraiser.
St Margaret’s Hall will be home to an exhibition featuring the work of over 45 creatives including painting, illustration, character design, photography, fibre arts, wearable arts, toi Maaori, quilting, sculpture, glass work, mosaics, origami and more. The exhibition will feature work by professional, amateur and young artists. We have programmed demonstrations, artist talks and workshops all weekend so locals and out of town visitors have incentive to stay for the day.
Many diifferent artists will demonstrate their artmaking and speak to their work. Demonstrations include spinning and weaving wool, painting with watercolours, resin work, mau rakau and rongoaa. Within the exhibition space people of all ages are also invited to visit
our free Maker Space. There, every two hours a new, free invitation to create will be offered. Try your hand at needle felting, decoupage, flax weaving, found poetry and more.
“Maker Spaces are where the magic happens” says Lauren. “It is where we see friends and whaanau making alongside one another, bringing new treasures into the world.”
Toi Ako artspace will be home to slightly longer workshops in glass, pottery and cake decorating. We are also excited to welcome The Recreators to town for a fabulous sustainable workshop constructing rimu cutting boards. You will need to book for these workshops and they all incur a small fee of $20-$30 each.
The Weekend also includes a performance programme on Sunday afternoon. There will be open hours at St Margaret’s Church so the community can enjoy it’s history and design. There will also be an opportunity to attend a concert in the church’s wonderful acoustics. We are still taking expressions of interests from poets and musicians who might like to participate in Sunday afternoon open mic sessions. poetry open mic and several live musical performances.
We thank Creative Communities Waikato for their investment in this event, and the many artists and volunteers who are joining us to make this happen. All we need now is for you to come and enjoy. Bring an open mind. Perhaps you don;t consider yourself an arts patron but you are curious about the science behind a kiln or the cultural context and/or history of an arts practice? This is your opportunity to find come and discover what kind of arts practice resonates with you.
At the exhibition some work will be for sale, some will not. Look out for our detailed programme at www.toiako.org/te-kauwhataarts-weekend or get in touch on 0212225682. We’d love to hear from artists, volunteers and workshop participants. Everyone else please just come along on 11 & 12 October. See you there.
Misinformation harms trust in democracy
Misinformation does not serve our community, voters or democracy. That from Waikato constituency candidate Pamela Storey and current chair of Waikato Regional Council.
Her comments come on the back of the Rates Control team telling voters that Waikato Regional Council spent $16.9 million on consultants in the 2023/24 financial year. An email from WRC Chief
Executive, Chris McLay, has confirmed the actual figure for that period was $793,000 –less than 5 percent of what Rates Control had been claiming.
Storey said such claims highlight the damage caused when inaccurate numbers are presented as fact.
“Our community deserves open, transparent and accurate information so people can have confidence in making informed choices,” she said.
“When groups promote misleading
figures, whether deliberately or by mistake, it undermines trust in democracy.”
Storey said consultant expenditure is modest relative to overall council operations, and that external expertise is only used when highly technical or specialised skills are required.
Storey urged all candidates to stick to the facts.
“Healthy debate is vital in local elections, but it must be grounded in truth. Exaggerated numbers and scare tactics don’t help our
communities, they only breed mistrust.”
She encouraged the public to seek out information directly from the Council’s own published documents, such as the annual report and open meeting papers, rather than relying on figures circulated without verification.
“Democracy works best when everyone has access to the facts.”
Pamela Storey
2 0 2 5 – 2 0 2 8
R E E L E C T
N O E L
S M I T H
Here’s why you can once again trust me with your vote.
I will keep campaigning on reducing rates increases
Plan Change 1 (PC1) will have far-reaching effects. I am already working with the council ahead of the Environment Court decision, to protect the food bowl of NZ and where necessary modify the effects of the PC1 decision.
Now more than ever, we need common sense I want to ensure Govt-directed costs of new buses and charging stations ( $200 million over the next 10 years) doesn’t fall on ratepayers alone. And when bus contracts are renewed bus timetables meet the needs of our communities
I reinstated 2 catchment (Rivers & Drainage) committees (which include ratepayer representation), and will work with independent catchment groups for gains in water quality, biosecurity and biodiversity.
Huge legislative changes are coming. You need experienced Councillors to represent you. My 15 years on District Council and 3 on Regional put me in a unique position to be your voice
V O
T E N
O E L S M I T H Authorised by Noel Smith newcastleherefords@xtra co nz
WATTLE Contracting Limited
FTe Kauwhata Community Committee Update
Community Committee Chair
John Cunningham
irst up, thanks to all those who braved the winter winds to attend the local government candidates evening last week. We had an even better turnout than three years ago, with a good number of questions on issues that were concerning people.
It’s not easy to put your hand up for public office as councillor or Mayor, so we do appreciate people who do so, and also thank them for attending our meeting.
It also goes to show that we are really a village with a lot of heart; whilst the community committee promoted the evening, the hard work fell to committee member Lauren Hughes who not only set up the room ahead of time but also proved to be a sterling timekeeper on the night!
Thanks too to the St Margaret’s team, including Jennie Gore and Colleen Jackson, for the supper where people could meet post-event and quiz candidates even further. We are lucky to have people who pitch in so willingly, and to have a choice of great
meeting venues here in Te Kauwhata.
Unlike the council and community boards, the Community Committee is not elected by public postal vote. Instead, we meet after the election of the new council and ask for nominations from those present at the meeting, from which we form the committee that works for you and with council on your behalf. This meeting’s nominations are usually managed independent of the committee members, by the Council CEO.
We always welcome anyone interested to come along and observe our meetings, which are open to the public. And if you think you might want to help make a difference in our growing community, then we will be meeting on the first Wednesday in November at the St Johns rooms at 7pm, where we expect to form the new committee. We’d love to see you there and maybe have you join us.
John Cunningham
Chair, Te Kauwhata Community Committee
john@ignitionpartner.com
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What makes an invasive species so successful?
Some of the most successful invasive species in our Te Kauwhata environment (and many other areas) are koi carp, possums, woolly nightshade, and alligator weed. But what is the most successful invasive species in the world?
Well, we are. Yes, us humans are the most successful invasive species in the world. Why? We have most of the traits that make a species a successful invader. We can live in a wide variety of environments – we are not confined by temperature, humidity, wet or dry areas. We change our environment to meet our needs – if the area was wet, we built platforms to live on, if the water was making us sick, we found ways to purify it. So, we have successful invaded everywhere from the cold of the north eg Greenland, Iceland northern Canada and Russia to the heat of the Sahara and the humidity of Florida.
Noel Smith Explains Plan Change 1 For Voters
NAnother trait is that we can eat pretty much anything – from fungus to plants, insects, fish, birds and other mammals. We do have a couple of advantages over other animals, we have opposable thumbs which enable us to use tools more easily that other primates and we learnt to use fire, which enabled us to cook our food. We are also social animals which means we learn from each other. These traits enabled us to evolve to have large brains which have helped us to further modify our environment to suit our needs.
The thing that worked against us was our age when we could breed, the large size of our babies, the subsequent loss of women’s lives during childbirth and the long period of time that our young are dependent on us. But we have largely overcome this, and child mortality due to medical advances and our ability to supplement our immune system through vaccination – so we no longer die from the many diseases that could kill young and old alike eg smallpox, measles and polio.
If we now look at koi carp – known to be one of the most invasive fish species in the world there are similarities and of course significant differences. The similarities are that they eat almost anything, and they can modify their environment to suit their needs. In addition to this they can breed relatively young (younger than most of our native
species) and each fish can produce thousands of young. That is their main evolutionary advance, the other advantages they have when introduced to a new environment are that their natural predators are not present, nor are the diseases that would have impacted their population.
Koi carp are not as successful as humans, because they are fish – they must have water! Sorry, that is a bit obvious, but if I don’t state it someone will point it out to me. And their range is limited by the water temperature. Koi like warm slow moving or still water best. Better still if the water body is shallow as they are bottom feeders.
Koi carp in the Whangamarino wetland and Lake Waikare have been very successful and have now made most of both waterbodies largely unsuitable for our native species.
Our wading birds are sight-based hunters, so they can no longer see their prey so easily, our tuna/eels have a few more tools in there hunting kit, but even they can’t keep the numbers of koi under control.
Eventually there will develop a disease that will impact koi carp, simply because of the density of the population. However, this is unlikely to happen in the near future and by the time it does we may have lost a number of our precious native species.
by Liz Tupuni
oel Smith, councillor on the Waikato Regional Council, comments on themes that are proving hot topics on the campaign trail.
This week we began ‘meet the candidate’ events, covering Tauwhare, Pokeno, Tuakau and Onewhero.
There’ve been two main themes asked of the regional council; Affordable Rates and Plan Change One (PC1). Here’s some clarification on the less-known Plan Change 1 which has far-reaching effects.
PC1 is a change to the Regional Plan that commenced 12 years ago, arising from the Government’s settlement of Waikato Tainui Treaty Claims.
The plan change has been through hearings by independent commissioners several years ago, and that decision was then appealed to the Environment Court, where it has sat for many years.
However, a few weeks ago the Court released an interim decision; a final decision is expected within 12 months. (When the Court releases the final decision it can only be appealed on points of law and the Regional Council must follow that decision).
As a landowner, I submitted in opposition to parts of the plan at the
original hearings. Like many farmers, I’ve fenced river banks, streams, and lakes with complimentary plantings, but for many, such activities create a huge financial burden.
Commercial vegetable producers also face extreme pressures, which they say will make their viability a serious issue.
The council must wait Until the court releases its final decision, before we can look at any possible alternatives, but I’ve been talking with landowners and other councillors about what our options might be.
Whilst I’m not challenging ‘why’ we needed a PC1, I am very much against HOW it was originally set up and even more so now that the matter has nearly finished in the Environment Court.
On the issue of rates affordability, I have always campaigned on reducing rates increases and keeping rates affordable. Not surprisingly, that’s a topic coming through loud and clear in candidates’ meetings. Please engage in the elections and make sure your vote counts. If you are able, consider attending candidates meetings in your local area; a full list is on the Waikato District Council website.
Noel Smith
Thank you Liz, for understanding and articulating the problem.
Yes, it is time to take a laser focus on dealing with koi carp, the major cause of degradation in our Lake and Wetland.
Liz rightly asks: Can we do anything to reduce/eliminate koi?
Yes, koi numbers can be significantly reduced if we take them on in a structured way.
A privately funded trial in the Motukaraka Drainage Schemeprovided a template to take to a full- scale project.
In doing so the trial found that reducing koi numbers and allowing eels (tuna) to thrive became a winwin. The adult eels helped deal
with the juvenile koi that create the ongoing multiplication of koi biomass.
Yes, it is time to focus on the koi issue.
Yes, it will take a laser focus on action, will take significant resources ($$$) and must be supported by a dedicated, lean Governance structure and community support.
Yes, it is time to stop funding ongoing WRC think tanks (Committees) and the expensive ongoing ‘decision support modelling’ and focus on dealing with koi.
Local landowners would look forward to working alongside the Catchment Committee to begin the journey.
Authorised by Aksel Bech
The History of League with Rex Hohaia Issue
23: The Art of Coaching at Taniwharau
Ihappened upon a post recently headed “ANNOYED”. In a nutshell, someone had volunteered for a coaching role but the players weren’t responding in kind. While I might empathise with that sentiment, it’s not a new phenomenon.
At the moment I’m reading The Life and Times of the Big O, Olsen Filipaina, a Pacific Revolution Pioneer, and he absolutely detested training. But come game time, it was “OUT OF MY WAY SAILOR!”
Grassroots rugby league is a world away from what we see daily on Sky Sports. Huge salaries along with equal amounts of ego are all too familiar and coaches live or die by their results. It’s a thankless gig but a rewarding one when you’re winning, no matter what the pay scale is. Games are now dissected to the nth degree by podcasts, chat shows, keyboard warriors and sideline assassins and woe betide anyone who doesn’t live up to societal standards.
But where do these coaches come from and where did they ply their trade? I’ll tell you where: grassroots.
There’s an old saying that goes, “there are only two types of coaches, those waiting to be sacked and those already sacked!” The pay scales are twofold as well: paid and unpaid, or volunteers as they’ve been affectionately referred to. I’ve been associated with plenty of the latter.
At the Taniwharau RL Club, coaches come in all shapes and sizes with varied interpretations of how to impart rugby league nous, but they all share one common goal. They volunteer because of their love of the game and a deep desire to nurture young sporting talent. I wrote a post in 2017 recording all the coaches who passed through the Premier One ranks since 1944 (or Seniors as the team was known way back when Adam was a cowboy). The Schoolboy subsidiary officially began in 1963 and since then there have been literally hundreds of eager coaches and managers who have given their time to Taniwharau. Hallelujah to that I say.
We all know of some coaches and parents who’ve gone the extra mile with their
Schoolboy teams, sponsoring POD Awards out of their own pockets or supplying banquetstyle meals at tournaments and field days. Some even bought vans (or people movers as they’re now known) as their family vehicle so they could pick the team up for training or transport players to game day. Others went as far as getting commercial bus licences. Some coached five or six different teams, others switched clubs if their first-choice team was allocated to someone else, and a few coached the same group for their entire Schoolboy journey. Many first-time coaches started out wanting to help their child’s team then quickly realised the reality of “what the hell have I got myself into here?” But before long the true volunteer spirit kicked in and a five or ten-year coaching career flew by.
Taniwharau coaches over the years have been the guiding light of the organisation. Yes, I hear the naysayers waffling on about the committee, the President, the Treasurer, the womenfolk, the school kids, ngā ringawera, the supporters, the secretary, the handyman and so on. But at the end of the day, let’s be brutally honest, if the Premier team isn’t performing a club will struggle. Ask yourself how many clubs have started up with a hiss and a roar and pulled together a new senior team only to fall by the wayside. Nine times out of ten it’s because a coach or group of people couldn’t hold things together or couldn’t attract good senior players to make a competitive side.
Taniwharau had its genesis in 1944. Back then there wasn’t a designated coach as we know them today but a group of people led by Tonga Mahuta held things steady. Skills and fitness came naturally in the 1940s through hard physical labour and Sunday morning recovery sessions in the Waikato River. Most were men of the land or coal miners and rugby league was an exciting new pastime. If you could run, kick, pass and tackle you turned up. If you were fast, you went in the backs. If you were big, into the forwards. Nobody needed formal coaching but someone had to hand out the jerseys and collect them after the game. Everyone supplied their own shorts, socks, boots and jockstrap. Team managers were appointed at each AGM.
Records show Hughie Paul was the first senior manager in 1944. The role quickly became a babysitting job as players needed to be taught the nuances of the game. First lesson: “stay off the drink before training during the week.” By 1950: “stay out of the pub until after the game.” The 16 April 1944 minutes record: moved T Tumai second H Paul; any player under the influence of liquor on the day of the match shall be stood down for that day and fined one pound – carried. Waipiro was a black demon back then.
From the minute books it looks like the 1960s were the first time a coach was officially sanctioned by the committee. Bill Paki and Andrew Berryman steered the ship in the mid to late 1950s and managers also had their input. In 1961 Apa (Neil) Watene was confirmed as coach and Keri Noda as manager. Prior to that, players, managers and committee probably worked together to organise and set team standards. The club won its first senior championship in 1954, likely under Berryman’s and Bill Paki’s guidance.
But it wasn’t until Pop Raihe came into
the senior ranks in 1966 that a player-coach role really emerged. At the 1967 AGM Pop’s name went up against soon-to-be Kiwi Don Parkinson. Pop won 13 votes to 11. He went on to coach a record number of championship wins, including seven in a row from 1971 to 1977, and retired in 1993. His style was simple: “come with me boys and let’s have fun.” He always led from the front. He’s a Taniwharau legend.
Over the years many have coached Taniwharau’s senior team. We need to acknowledge all those who’ve been involved from U6s to kōtiro to top grade across 81 years. Here’s a list of past Premier coaches.
Before Pop: Danny Tupe, Neil Watene, Sonny Hapeta, Sonny Paki, Hughie Paul, Bill Rangi, Andrew Berryman, Don Parkinson, Bill Paki.
After Pop: Rick Muru, Pihama Green, George Taoho, Rex Hohaia, Stevie Berryman, Pat Edwards, Sonny Matenga, John Devonshire, Morgan Kutia, Willie Rangi, Chas Paki, Koro Waikai, Eru Whare, Len Hetet, Herewini Rangi, Max Noda, Harley Raihe, Ray Barchard, Pawhare Brown, Te Whakahawea Rapana.
Quite a line-up one might say.
Researched by Rex Hohaia, 29 May 2025
Penni Feather and WilkieMac at Nikau Cave café
W
ilkieMac and Penni Feather will perform separately and together at Nikau Cave Cafe on Saturday October 11 in an evening that spans a range of acoustic music.
Earlier this year the two acts collaborated for the Hamilton Arts Festival. They so enjoyed weaving instruments and harmonies on each others’ songs, they’ve teamed up again for gigs that are taking them around the North Island.
WilkieMac are the Raglan duo of Lynne Wilkins and Michael McKinnon. They have a deserved reputation in NZ’s folk scene, with their original songs and Celtic roots frequently to the fore. Michael provides the solid backdrop on guitar, while Lynne brings a varied soundscape with harmonica, flutes, whistles, guilele (a six-string ukulele) and guitar. Topped with their blended vocals, a WilkieMac performance is bound to leave you wanting more.
The duo’s highlights this year include being the featured concert guest at Te Rangi Festival in Hawkes Bay and opening for Australian band Ukulele Death Squad for one of their pre-WOMAD tour gigs.
Penni Feather has been a guest artist at several NZ folk festivals. She had a one-woman cabaret
show in the 2024 Hamilton Arts Festival and last year performed solo at the inaugural Raglan Blues Festival (both in concert and opening for The Midge Marsden Band).
Penni’s solo sets are grounded in folk and blues, with a touch of alternative country. With her wide-ranging vocals and a sometimes irreverent stage presence, she is known for deeply inhabiting the songs she sings - whether her originals or interpretations of songs by others.
The double bill of WilkieMac and Penni Feather met with full houses for their recent Northland and North Auckland gigs. They’re looking forward to bringing the show to Nikau Cave Cafe on October 11.
To book phone Nikau Cave Cafe on: 09 233 3005 or email: info@nikaucave.co.nz
Life Uncomplicated:
Reflections on work, life, and the little things that make a difference
This column is a quiet place to reflect on the way we live, choose, and connect. It’s not here to preach or solve but to notice what might be worth holding gently, especially in a world that asks us to hold everything all at once.
The Shelves Already Know Me
We’d just finished a short kickabout at Willow Brook Park in Te Kowhai. My son was satisfied with his touches on the ball, and I was quietly relieved we had escaped the gusty wind with minimal grass stains. As we made our way back to the car, he paused and turned towards the playground nearby.
“Can I check it out?” he asked, already halfway there before I could reply. I followed at a slower pace, not in a rush. A few children were playing on the swings and platforms, parents scattered nearby – some watching intently, others chatting from a distance.
As I stood by the edge, giving my son the space to explore, I noticed another child trying to get up the rock-climbing wall. He looked determined but was clearly struggling with the last grip. Just as a parent began stepping forward to help, the boy gritted his teeth, shuffled his footing and made it up by himself.
The parent smiled, stepped back, and clapped gently. No words were exchanged. That moment though, stuck with me.
It reminded me of the delicate art of sensing when to step in. Sometimes the instinct to help is so strong that we act before the need fully forms. We want to smooth the struggle, eliminate the discomfort, ensure success. But there’s a quiet kind of strength in pausing – not out of neglect, but out of deep attentiveness.
It’s an art I’m still learning. As a parent, I’ve often misread the moment. I’ve rushed to explain, to carry, to intervene – only to realise that what was needed was a few seconds more. Just a bit more trust.
A Thought to Carry With Us?
As someone who works in community spaces, it’s much the same. In a conversation, in a workshop, in a moment of silence –there’s often something meaningful unfolding just under the surface. And stepping in too quickly can cut it short.
This isn’t about never helping. It’s about growing our sensitivity to the timing of our help. The pause is not inaction. It is the wisdom of waiting – a moment to observe, to listen, to feel. It is trusting that others are also capable of rising, even if the climb is shaky.
So, let’s not be afraid of that pause. There’s something quietly powerful in letting a moment breathe before we decide whether to act or simply stand beside.
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 below to follow his latest musings.
Rangatahi on the Road to Success – Learner Licence Course in Huntly
Getting a driver’s licence can be a big step toward independence, work opportunities, and confidence –but for many, the cost and challenges of sitting the test can be a real barrier.
On 18–19 August, ten rangatahi took part in a two-day Learner Licence course held at Te Whare Awhi Huntly. The programme guided participants through the Road Code with interactive activities, revision sessions, and plenty of encouragement to build confidence before sitting their official test. The results spoke for themselves – with an incredible 8 out of 10 participants passing on the day!
Te Kauwhata
This kaupapa was made possible thanks to the support of Te Puna Waiora Desert Spring Community Centre – with special acknowledgement to Jenna Waho and Mahinarangi for their tautoko.
By helping young people overcome financial and social barriers, this course is opening doors to safer driving, greater independence, and future opportunities.
Keep an eye out for future courses –together we’re supporting rangatahi to hit the road safely and successfully!
Te Whare Awhi 07 8280066 tewhareawhi@huntly.co.nz rpcct.huntly. co.nz
Bowling Club News
The pour has begun at Te Kauwhata Bowling Club. The installation of the new artificial green has reached an exciting stage with the first pour of the customised concrete undersurface laid on the prepared sub-base.
In previous years the bowling season would have started in mid to late September, depending on how the grass green responded to the weather. This year there will be a slight delay, with play set to begin in mid-October once the new carpet arrives from overseas and is installed.
A formal opening will be held for playing members and invited guests once the green is ready.
In the meantime the club’s social Friday evenings are up and running again. You don’t need to be a member to attend, but if you’d like to buy alcohol you’ll need to join TKBC. A yearly social subscription is just $5 and can be sorted next Friday.
Intending playing members can sign up at www.sporty.co.nz/ tekauwhatabowls
North Waikato Young Farmers
Bark Up Event Details
North Waikato Young Farmers are organising the Te Kauwhata Bark Up for 2025. After positive feedback from the community this will be our 4th year hosting this event which holds a lot of significance to us and our club. Our event will be held on Friday the 24th October 2025 at the Te Kauwhata Rugby Club.
The objective of this event is to raise money for the Te Kauwhata St Johns and Little Labs. These charities play an important role in our rural community, supporting and encouraging our hard-working farmers, growers and families in their time of need. Little labs is a free science education programme focussed towards rural primary school, encouraging learning and growth of our little ones.
We hope that the Te Kauwhata Bark Up 2025 will again bring together our community and showcase the dogs and their speaking skills (barking up). These animals are Farmer’s best friend, their right-hand man and sometimes the only company in an isolated industry.
We have chosen these charities due to our own experiences and the ongoing support these chosen
04/09 16:56 Motor vehicle crash car fence, Te Kauwhata Rd, Te Kauwhata. 05/09 00:04 Medical call, cardiac arrest, Great South Rd, Huntly North. 05/09 18:48 Smoke showing from front yard, Rayner Rd, Huntly. 08/09 10:56 Fire in the vicinity, Uapoto Rd, Taupiri. Huntly Station call outs
charities have provided to families in times of need and distress.
We hope by showcasing awareness of the charities we are supporting that we can encourage our farming community to speak up and ask for help and hope we can create an awareness around positive mental health for all ages.
We are kindly seeking support by way of a prize or monetary sponsorship. Your sponsorship will result in positive media exposure from the North Waikato Young Farmers community both in person and online and be a great opportunity to promote your business at our event. If a prize is provided, we intend to use this as either prizes for those competing, a raffle or run in our auction on the night to allow all the community to be involved in different ways.
We appreciate your time and consideration of our proposal for sponsorship. Please do not hesitate to contact the North Waikato Young Farmers Chairperson, Jamie McDowell, with any questions or offers on 0277893995 or northwaikato@youngfarmers. co.nz
10/09 17:07 Garage fire well involved, Renown Rd, Waikokowai. 11/09 15:56 Rubbish fire, Burke Pl, Huntly. 13/09 10:51 Fire alarm activation, Rotowaro Rd, Huntly. 13/09 15:40 Roof lifting, Slater Rd, Ruawaro. 17/09 12:15 Fire alarm activation, McDiamid Cr, Huntly. 18/09 15:51 Motor vehicle crash car v car, Waingaro Rd Waingaro. David Horrox, Station officer Huntly fire brigade
BUSINESS ADVERTISING IN THE CHATTER
Contact us if you want to be in info@chatternews. co.nz
30th October at the TK Rugby Club at 7pm
Expressions of interest for positions can be made to Tash Johnson by email by 27th October at tashjohnsontkrugby@gmail.com
A 10 week youth programme at Te Kauwhata’s Waikare Golf Course has just started,running weekly through to November, and incorporating holistic Māori health concepts. The Chatter will cover this in more detail next issue but anyone interested can email rangatahitautoko@hotmail. com or PM on FB Messenger, Rangatahi Golf Program – Waikare Golf Club).
