Photo / Stuart Whitaker
Te Puke NEWS
Maketū author launches
Maketū author Angie Belcher will launch her latest book at Te Puke Library and Service Centre next week
The Big Boil-Up (Te Kai Kōhua Nui) follows Bubba as she learns to carry on the tradition of preparing and sharing food with others
The book has been published in English and te reo Māori
While the boil-up continues its long slow simmer, Bubba realises the meal is not just about food, it is about resourcefulness, memory, togetherness and learning to care about each other
Belcher said she hoped the book will allow readers to connect with the joy and togetherness created when whānau work and celebrate together
“I also hope they will also reflect on other cultures that share communal, large-pot meals prepared in a simmering broth or cooked collectively for sharing ”
Culture
Belcher has Italian ancestry, so her connection to food and family is strong But she has always felt a deeper connection to Māori culture
Perhaps, she said, it was growing up in the Wairarapa, or maybe something deeper still
“Whenever I’ve been at an event at the local marae, I’ve always been fascinated by how everyone – no matter their age – works as a team to prepare, cook, and feed even the largest group “From a young age, children learn what is
required of them, from washing potatoes to looking after the little ones while their parents prepare the kai ”
When she taught drama at Te Puke Intermediate School, teachers from the Māori department would use the kitchen in the performing arts centre to prepare a big boil-up
“There was always much chatter and laughter, and everyone was welcome However, I always felt a bit on the outer – as if I was missing out on something very special, it took a long while to realise that, of course it wasn ’ t just about the food, it was about connecting on a deeper level and once I got that, the experience was totally different ”
Many years later she saw people gathering watercress from a nearby stream, so decided to do some research into making her own big boil-up “Of course, I never managed to recreate the flavours or the camaraderie of those first boil-ups I’d tried, but I did enjoy many gatherings where the boil-ups were memorable events full of laughter, friendship, and intergenerational togetherness ”
Belcher thinks The Big Boil-Up story would really connect with Māori children because of its familiarity, especially the younger ones as they learn their roles in helping to prepare the kai
Illustration
Published by Scholastic, the book has been illustrated by Zak Ātea “I didn’t know Zak, nor was I familiar with her art, but
Angie Belcher with her latest book, The Big Boil-Up Photo /
Scholastic New Zealand couldn’t have chosen a better illustrator to bring the story to life
“I wanted the images to reflect everything I love about Maketū Zak’s integration of Māori design throughout the story, the many hidden elements, and her clear familiarity with the concept make the illustrations perfect ” Ātea asked Belcher if there was anything special she wanted to include in the illustrations and suggested Angie send some photos of things around Maketū that inspired her “I knew exactly where to go: the marae, the estuary, the church, the playground with its big pōhutukawa, and of course, the
old diving board in the estuary where the local children complete their rite of passage jumping off with squeals and laughter”
The launch
The book’s launch will be after-school on September 10, starting 3 30pm It will include activities, prize draws, cake and a big boil-up Belcher will also be at Te Puke Library at 10am on September 18 and Ōmokoroa Library the following day as part of Te Wiki o Te Reo (Māori Language Week) There will also be a guest reading Te Kai Kōhua Nui during the Te Wiki o te reo
Stuart Whitaker
The contenders for Maketū Community Board seats
Six people are contesting the four seats available on the Maketū Community Board.
Te Puke News’ Stuart Whitaker asked Sue Elliot, Weina Moko, Stephan Simpson, Cecil (Moki) Thomas, Leni (Beau) Walters and Aleisha Waterhouse to tell us something about themselves and to answer one question
Sue Elliot, Stephen Simpson and Cecil (Moki) Thomas responded See their responses below
Sue Elliot
Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are standing in the forthcoming Local Body Election? My background is: 20 years as a business owner, 20 years as a registered nurse, an ACC sensitive claims case manager and a court victim advisor Returning to tertiary education at 50, I completed a PGDip Māori Health / Public Health and PGCert Health Leadership/Health Management
My husband and I retired to Maketū five-and-a-half years ago Currently, I represent Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketū on the Iwi Māori Partnership Board for Te Moana a Toi My background of advocacy will ensure that Maketū’s voice will come to the fore
What issue currently facing Maketū do you feel you are best equipped to address and how
do you intend to influence it?
Mitigating the potential harm from climate change, especially in our lower-lying areas This means continually upgrading and maintaining our infrastructure and including the community in decision-making
Requiring transparency around the council maintenance schedule, to address ongoing, long-term leaks and “major road works” nearly two years following notification
To ensure all orchardists on Maketū Rd and the surrounding areas are adhering to spray regulations and water usage Orchards provide employment opportunities for our community; however, we are surrounded by orchards and our community health perspective requires assurance that the effects of spray drift are being addressed
Stephan Simpson
Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are standing in the forthcoming Local Body Election? It would be a privilege to represent the people of Maketū I am committed to be an effective voice in our council, working with our community board to achieve positive outcomes for the residents of Maketū
What issue currently facing Maketū do you feel you are best equipped to address and how
do you intend to influence it?
Infrastructure – the absence of proper footpaths and kerbing poses issues contributing to flooding, safety of vehicle traffic flow and safety risk to our residents who are forced to walk on the road. If elected, I will advocate through the five-10-year planning processes to prioritise these issues, through submission, represent Maketū at council, to ensure our community concerns are heard. Protection of our environment – primary concern is our estuary and drinking water quality I would work in collaboration with council/s to ensure water quality is managed and maintained to an accepted standard and that standard remains an ongoing priority Support provided for our parks and reserves Support to Maketū community and social activities
Cecil (Moki) Thomas
Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are standing in the forthcoming Local Body Election?
Should I make the cut, I’ll do my best Home is where the heart is and Maketū is it, for me Since retiring I strive to acquire a purpose in life and when I was asked if I’d be interested in the Maketū Community Board, purpose gradually came to the forefront, keeping in mind personal wellbeing is paramount.
I have a background in social services and domestic violence facilitation, supporting whānau with complex issues This is a potential insight that I know what whānau are experiencing and what their immediate needs are.
What issue currently facing Maketū do you feel you are best equipped to address and how do you intend to influence it?
That’s a tough question: But stating the obvious that the current times are certainly tough for everyone and it’s not likely to improve Maketū needs to adapt With the median valuation of homes in Maketū at a premium, it is unaffordable for mana whenua, the locals and middle-class people I intend to influence social housing in Maketū Why?
– Te Puke is literally streets ahead in providing social housing How?
– Who are their support systems?
Is an iwi involved?
If so, is there a partnership between council and iwi?
Can Maketū seek guidance and tap into Te Puke’s accomplishments?
Maketū Community Board will be made up of four elected community board members and one appointed councillor from the Maketū -Te Puke General Ward
Voting opens on September 9 and closes at midday October 11
Te Puke charity walkraises awareness, boosts donations
The best-laid plans don’t always fall into place, and that’s certainly true of a recent attempt to walk from Auckland to Te Puke.
The Hub Te Puke general manager Scott Nicholson and chairman Lee Harrison had planned the walk and were due to set off from Auckland on August 18 to make the trek in support of the local charitable organisation
However, an eleventh-hour health scare meant Nicholson was unable to take his place with Harrison at the Britomart start line –but he did join the walk on day 5 at Miranda
And in a case of all’s well that ends well, the pair strode purposefully into Te Puke last Friday afternoon to a warm greeting from family and supporters
The walk had a twofold purpose – it was a chance to acknowledge and raise awareness of the struggles people might be facing in their everyday lives, and it was also a way
to help The Hub be better equipped to help those people by asking for pledges of monthly donations
Going the distance
Harrison said he felt the walk went better than expected
“I hadn’t done a lot of walking long distances day after day at all – just short training walks, 13km every second day or third day, then a couple of longer walks so I wasn ’ t really sure how it was going to go day after day with an average of 25km a day, but it was good.”
A rest day in the middle was needed and welcomed
One of the features of the walk was the people they met on the way
Before Nicholson joined him, Harrison was invited into the Playcentre at Mangatangi for a cup of tea.
“I met six mums and one dad and they were really hospitable I really enjoyed the talk with them and getting to know them ”
forTheHub
Harrison and Nicholson were also joined on the walk by a group of supporters when the route took in the Hauraki Rail Trail Nicholson said the people they met were largely positive and it was inspiring.
“It was interesting that when we told them what we were walking for how the cost of living and the cost of food became the subject of the conversation,” he said.
“It didn’t matter where we were, or what work people had, or were doing, they were all commenting on just how expensive food is ”
Challenges
Unlocking challenges on the way as pledge targets were met, the pair had to score high fives from strangers, get toots from truck drivers, tell dad jokes and do a cold plunge in the Wairoa River
Nicholson said the swim was a refreshing start to the day
“It was quite a sunny day, but it was still cold at that time of the morning, and the water was definitely brisk ”
Harrison said the challenges broke up the days.
“But the walking itself was meditative and physical, and all those factors made it really neat and novel.
“People were blown away with the whole idea and to start with we were as well, but if you break it down into bits, it’s quite manageable and a lot of fun ”
Nicholson said the walk made him appreciate “the amazing country we live in”
While it is too early to give accurate figures on the financial benefits of the walk, it has raised the profile of The Hub
“We’re definitely getting more people contacting us about how to support us and based on the emails I’ve been seeing, giving is definitely up, ” Nicholson said
Thoughts have now turned to the possibility of another walk to Te Puke next year with a different starting point
The Hub Te Puke operates the local foodbank and other initiatives that support those struggling
Stuart Whitaker
Sue Elliot.
Stephen Simpson.
Cecil (Moki) Thomas.
Pongakawa School’s principal retires,
Craig Haggo didn’t really want to be a teacher
But his mum thought he would make a good one, and said her opinion was one he should listen to
He wasn ’ t sure about retiring either, but his doctor’s opinion was that he should, and it was also one he should listen to Haggo retired as Pongakawa School principal last week after 25 years in the role, quitting before the job takes too much of a toll
“My doctor pretty much said to me if you want to have a good third stage to your life, it’s time to pull the pin,” he said
“He’s dealt with a lot of principals who haven’t when they should have, and their retirement life was pretty depressing ”
For some, the news came out of the blue, but it wasn ’ t the sudden decision it appeared to be
“I’ve talked to Lachie [McKenzie], my board chair about passing the baton, but had anticipated it wouldn’t be for a year or so ”
Haggo said still “loves the place” and still felt he was vital to the school, and “in myself, I think I was doing a good job”
But there were warning signs on an overseas trip last year
“I realised how tired I was ”
Since the announcement, he has had people asking if he is at peace with the decision and said he is
“I think the school is in a really good place and whoever follows me will have a good run ”
Haggo said principals were unable to retire on the basis of stress
“But the thing is, the way that education is structured, it’s a very stressful role and that stress catches up with you after a while ”
Even after a break earlier this year there was no change and, despite Haggo wanting to carry on, his doctor advised against it
“For the first time in my life I followed his advice ”
A family of teachers
While there were many teachers in his family, including his mum, when it came to a career choice, it was not one Haggo was interested in following
His mum, who he describes as a pocket rocket, asked him what his plans were
“I said: ‘My mate Paul and I are going to get on our motorbikes and go on a bit of a cruise’ and mum said: ‘No, you ’ re not doing that’ ” She even filled out the application forms for teachers’ college and, despite his protestations that he wouldn’t do well at the interview because he wasn ’ t interested, she was confident he would get a place
“She said: ‘That’s okay because I know two of the three people on the panel’ so that’s what happened ” His very first lesson, under supervision, he admits was far from inspirational but his second, a lesson about adrenaline, had a bigger impact
With a monotone delivery, he could sense the students were drifting, so he thwacked a metal ruler on a desk, giving everyone in the room, including the supervising teacher sitting at the back, a good, practical demonstration about its effects
“I heard the teacher yell out: ‘Holy shit, what was that’, at which the kids burst into laughter”
“Afterwards she said that was a better lesson [than the first], but ‘I know what you were trying to do, but don’t ever do that to a teacher again’ ”
Even now Haggo’s unsure how he got through teachers’ college
“I’d only had about a day’s sole control before I started my first job at Greerton School, but once I was there, I loved it ”
Job hunt
Unable to find another job in Tauranga, he moved to Te Kuiti which was an eye-opener and was where he really got into his stride
“I’d not been to Te Kuiti in my entire life, but it was best thing I ever did because I really learned how to teach and started to get a bit of responsibility”
By the time of his next move, Tomorrow’s Schools had ushered in the era of boards of trustees and, after being interviewed for a role at Pillans Point School and waiting in the staff room, he saw a job advertised at Te Puna School in the ‘Education Gazette’
“I rang the principal, and he invited me out and I ended up teaching at Te Puna, not at Pilllans Point I loved it and stayed there for four or five years ”
Haggo’s next move was to Katikati Primary School, and a deputy principalship
Used to turning up at school wearing Levis, basketball boots and Billabong sweatshirts, he had to change his wardrobe, but it was worth it
“I thought I’d really made it, but on the first day I wandered in, turned off the alarm and did it wrong and the whole school had fire alarms and bells and whistles going and I realised how little I knew”
It soon became obvious he needed to test himself more
Principalship
The opportunity of a principalship at Pongakawa came up and there was a “tell” at the interview
“I’d been here in couple of times with sports exchanges and I brought stuff that I’d done at Katikati so they knew I had some clue Then at the end of the interview Joyce Cobb, a lovely lady who’s passed away now, came up to me and whispered in my ear and said: ‘You’ll do’.”
The late-1990s and early-2000s was a tricky time for boards when asked for details on their schools’ buildings
“If you were in a rural school like here, there was always the thought that, because the government of the day was quite keen to shut schools down, boards probably tended to minimise the work that needed to be done at their school
“So, arriving here, the kids were magic, the staff were supportive – although they were tough on their new principal as you had to prove yourself – but the buildings and things weren ’ t what I was used to ”
He was also told the school roll would be around 255, but it was 205 when he arrived
“I remember saying to the board: ‘I haven’t even started, and I’ve lost 50 kids from the school!”
The scene was set for a series of battles and has even included the school being the subject of questions in Parliament
“I guess, all things considered, it became clear the ministry needed to spend some cash here and they weren ’ t particularly inclined to, so that took quite a bit of persuasive work
“We started getting roll growth and it was quite a battle to get the ministry to understand that we qualified for funding ”
He said then Bay of Plenty opposition MP
Former Pongakawa School principal Craig Haggo in front of the TECT Pongakawa Action centre. The school raised the most money of any school in NZ at the time to get it built. Photo / Stuart Whitaker
reflects on 25-year legacy
Tony Ryall made a real difference, and it was he who raised the issue in the House.
Haggo also made a cheeky, although accidental, phone call to then Education Minister Trevor Mallard’s office which was not “the done thing”.
Eventually there was success with funding forthcoming for an arts centre and later towards the Pongakawa Action Centre that was also supported by TECT, other grants and $130,000 raised by the local community
“We raised the most amount of money of any school in New Zealand in 2012-2013
“We’ve also had a number of other buildings and a number of other things as well, but it’s always been a battle to get enough modernisation.”
But the fight wasn ’ t about getting the buildings, it was about the impact the buildings would have on children’s learning and opportunities.
Legacy and history
confidence is the kids that were here when I came have come back and brought their kids.
“And because we ’ ve got good strong parent support, not just in the PTA, not just in board of trustees, but in the wider community, everybody is actively engaged in ensuring that the very best learning opportunities happen for their kids.”
Haggo said the school has plenty of history and is built on strong values but has also embraced change and the future.
“One of the things I would say is we ’ ve never followed trends, but we do set them.”
He believes his greatest legacy is that the school has continued to grow under his leadership
“That and the fact that that kids are hugely successful here. We don’t let kids slip though the net, we have long-standing staff members, and the biggest vote of
With a raft of hobbies that beg the question how has he found time to be a principal, and a supportive family, Haggo will have no shortage of things to occupy his time.
“I’m pretty lucky I’ve got a wife [Gaylene] who’s hugely supportive and kids and extended family who are really supportive of me.
“Gaylene has encouraged me to have fun and do the things I want to do and lets me pursue the hobbies I have and it would be fair to say I’ve been allowed quite a few toys. ”
Putting those toys to more use is one of his retirement goals. He also plans to read
“I realised a bit over a year ago that, other than things that are educational, I hadn’t read a book probably for over 10 years – that’s a bit frightening from a guy involved in education, especially as I was promoting it as such an important thing to do ”
Deputy principal Mike Judd has stepped up as acting principal while the board works through a full recruitment process while Haggo has taken on an advisory role through the transition
Firefighters handle
10 calls in recent fortnight
As of September 1, we have responded to 228 calls for the calendar year to date
As I typed this, I thought calls for the fortnight would be down to single figures for the first time since early-June, however, my typing was interrupted by the siren, taking our number to 10 for the fortnight.
Among them were two false alarms to Te Puke Hotel, three medicals, tragically one fatal involving an infant, which everybody involved finds utterly heartbreaking, and two motor vehicle crashes, neither fatal.
There were also two rural vegetation fires, a shelterbelt and a hedge, plus a smoke investigation on No 3 Rd involving a controlled burning of beehives.
Should anybody feel like an entertaining day trip to Rotorua later this month, the Auckland Provincial Fire Brigades Association is hosting its inaugural Firefighter Challenge at Neil Hunt Park, 16 Tarawera Rd, Lynmore.
The Firefighter Challenge has a global following and is popular with both contestants and spectators alike.
Several of our Te Puke brigade members have entered, so it would be great to have some local support for our crew
There is lots of footage for the Firefighter Challenge on both YouTube and Facebook and it is worth checking out.
Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ Te.Puke.Fire.Brigade
Dale Lindsay, Te Puke Fire Chief
MAYOR for JAMES DENYER
I want effective planning for our future, the right development in the right place and at a cost that is affordable
WHAT’S NEXT:
Major works to fix & upgrade roads
Spatial plan for Te Puke almost complete
Cost saving initiatives
Expanded community board representation
Upgraded and new playgrounds
New bridge on No.4 Road
Rangiuru Business Park progressing to signed tenancies
Finalising Regional Deal for projects like:
- Enabling housing
- SH29 upgrades and access to the port
- TNL2
Seek options to alleviate traffic through Te Puke
Continue local roading repairs and upgrades
Explore options for proposed new swimming pool
New wastewater plant to cater for growth
Craig Haggo in front of an $800,000 makeover of Pongakawa School in 2005 Photo / Supplied
Stuart Whitaker
Local Classifieds
Public Notices
SummerSportsApplications for2025-2026Season (1Octoberto31March)
TheWesternBayofPlentyDistrictCouncilis renewingsportseld/hardcourtbookings forthecomingsummerseason.Thereis nochargetothepublicforthis.However, SportsClubsandcasualusersstillneed tobookelds/hardcourtstoensure availability.BookingsalsoallowCouncil tomonitorusageandpredictfuture demand,aswellasmanagemaintenance, likemowingandturfrenovations,around facilityuse
Pleaseapplyinwritingassoonaspossible. Applicationformsareavailablefromthe Councilwebsitewww.westernbay.govt.nz, orbytelephoning,0800926732.
WrittenapplicationstoWesternBayof PlentyDistrictCouncil,PrivateBag12803, TaurangaMailCentre,Tauranga3143,or emailreservebookings@westernbaygovtnz MiriamTaris ChiefExecutiveOfcer
Mātōtātouhapori Forourcommunity
Te Kapu o Waitaha Trust (“Te Kapu”) is the Post-Settlement Governance Entity (“PSGE”) established to receive and manage the Treaty settlement assets ofWaitaha Iwi
Te Kapu is governed by five (5) trustees Two of these trustees must retire by rotation later this year and one additional vacancy exists due to an earlier previous resignation Te Kapu now invites nominations from suitably qualified candidates to fill the three available Trustee positions The retiring trustees can stand for re-election if they choose Each vacancy is a full three-year term commencing December 2025 Candidates must be registered and verified adult members ofTe Kapu NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR ELECTIONS
Nominations must be made on the official information form and received by the Independent Returning Officervia Te Kapu o Waitaha (contact details below) no later than 4 00pm Thursday 18 September 2025
Nomination Application Forms and Candidate Information Sheets can be:
• downloaded from wwwwaitaha-iwi org nz
• emailed to registered and verified members with a valid working email address
• sent to NZ postal addresses on request (allow sufficient time for receiving and returning these)
ROLL OPEN TO REGISTER FOR ELECTIONS
To qualify forvoting, you MUST be registered on the Te Kapu Register on or before closing ofthe Roll at 4 00pm Thursday 18 September 2025 Any registrations received after the roll has closed will NOT be able to vote or stand in this election WAYS TO SUBMITYOUR NOMINATION FORM
1 Email to: info@waitaha-iwi org nz
2 By post to: Te Kapu o Waitaha PO Box 220, TE PUKE 3153
3 In person to Te Kapu o Waitaha Offices 2 Dunlop Road TE PUKE MondayFriday between 9 00am – 4 00pm
ELIGIBILITYASSESSMENT
In accordance with clause 6 5(c), an independent panel appointed by the remaining trustees will assess nominee eligibility and skills against criteria set out in clauses 6 5(a) and 6 5(b) of the Te Kapu o Waitaha Charter (available on our website) Only candidates whom the panel certify as meeting the eligibility and skills criteria may stand for election or be appointed Trustee CANDIDATE MEETING
1 All nominees certified by the independent panel as meeting the eligibility and skills criteria are expected to attend a Candidates Meeting at Hei Marae on Thursday 2 October 2025 from 6 00pm – 700pm
2 At the Candidates Meeting, each candidate will be given an equal opportunity to present to the meeting and will be expected to remain to answer any questions from registered adult members
3 Should the total number of nominations certified as meeting the eligibility and skills criteria is equal
Pongakawa,23ArawaRoad
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