Issuu

Te Puke

NEWS Hanging up the clippers

Wayne Reid has dealt with many of Te Puke’s heads during the last 54 years. In fact, he’s now cutting hair of the third or fourth generation of some of the district’s families. But the barber who first picked up the

clippers in 1971 at age 17 – and has been tending to Te Puke’s hair since then – is about to put them down for good. He will trim his last head of hair on Christmas Eve as he finally hangs up his clippers, comb and scissors.

Reid said he’d found it interesting talking to people of all walks of life while he clipped away. “They all have their own little stories and everyone is different – they are all human beings and they all have stories to tell you and they

What We Offer

• Geothermal Production Well Drilling • Geothermal Bore servicing and testing – boost performance and lifespan • Water well drilling services • CCTV Bore Inspections All things drilling

GET IN TOUCH

PH: 0800 374 5548 E: enquiries@buwelldrillers.co.nz

all have different ideas for their haircuts. I could write a book – confessions of a hairdresser,” laughed Reid. Now 72, Reid said he felt it was the right time for him to finish. Read more about his five-decade career on page 3. Photo / Supplied

2 Te Puke News

Dec 19, 2025

Te Puke

NEWS

Merry Christmas, enjoy what matters Kia ora Western Bay. As 2025 draws to a close, I know this year hasn’t been easy, with a sluggish recovery in the economic outlook.

But as we approach Christmas and this time of togetherness, it is important to remember what really matters: our people here in the Western Bay. I’m proud of the way we work together, support each other and keep moving our district forward. That strength of community is what makes this place home. During the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of attending a lot of community events, marking all aspects of social, environmental and cultural occasions – from school prizegivings to cultural festivals, to celebrating heroes in our community. These moments remind me

how much heart and pride lives in our towns and rural communities. They’re proof that even in challenging times, joy and connection thrive. Summer is our time to recharge and reconnect. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a backyard BBQ, or exploring our parks and cycleways, let’s make it a season of care – for each other and for the places we love. Look out for your whānau and neighbours. Support local businesses and events. Keep our spaces clean and welcoming for everyone. To those working through the holidays – emergency services, health workers, council crews, community organisations, and volunteers – thank you. Your dedication keeps us safe and supported. We also know that not everyone finds this time easy, so here is a small challenge for the summer. If you can, reach out: invite

someone for kai, drop off a plate, share a ride, lend a hand, donate to a foodbank. A little care and kindness goes a long way. Looking ahead, 2026 will bring new challenges and ongoing change, but also opportunities. Our focus as a council remains clear: caring for our communities, and delivering the services that matter – now and for future generations. We’ll do this through collaboration and open discussion, because trust and progress grow when we listen, communicate, and act together. I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and relaxing summer across our wonderful Western Bay.

More than 100 books off to families this Christmas More than 100 books were dropped at The Hub Te Puke last week.

They will be added to the Christmas parcels that are being distributed to needy families by The Hub ahead of Christmas. The books came from a Te Puke Paper Plus initiative, donated by customers in what owner Stuart Gunn said was a vehicle that smoothed the path to making it happen. The 116 books plus other toys and games were bought in the store by customers who received a 25% discount. “I just want to say ‘thank you Te Puke’,” said Gunn. He said he was amazed by how well the initiative went, and that it would be repeated in 2026. “I believe it will go a lot bigger next year because this was just the Trojan horse – just showing people what we can do – it’s going to be something we keep doing, but I’m very pleased for

a first run.” Gunn said he hoped other businesses would get on board with similar initiatives in future. “What we’ve got here isn’t massive, but if more people did these sorts of things, then it would be massive.” The Hub social worker Georgie Pitman said it was the ninth year of sending out pre-Christmas parcels, with the presents going into the parcels that are going out to families. Pitman said she always blown away by the generosity of the community. “I’m always amazed by who walks in with what, from donations like this to people that come in with things they’ve made. There are so many people that need to be acknowledged.” Among them were the staff at the local Ministry for Social development offices and residents at Bupa Te Puke, who collected gifts to donate to The Hub.

1 Day

Te Puke, Pukehina, Maketū, Pongakawa, Paengaroa Your kerbside collections will be one day later than usual* From Thursday 25 December to Sunday 4 January *If your normal collection day is a Thursday, it will move to Friday. If it’s a Friday, it will move to Saturday.

Pukehina, don’t miss a one-off extra glass collection for extra empties! Saturday 27 December

Never forget your bin day again Download Antenno to get updates and reminders in real-time.

Cut this ad out and put it on your fridge

SOUNDS LIKE YOU DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP

Dec 19, 2025

Te Puke News

Hanging up the clippers after 54 years There aren’t too many follicles in Te Puke that Wayne Reid hasn’t seen.

Apart from a short break away from barbering, Reid has been cutting hair in Te Puke since he was 17. But he will trim his last head of hair on Christmas Eve as he finally hangs up his clippers, comb and scissors. It was February 3, 1971, when Reid walked out of John Sheahan’s Jellicoe St barbers with an apprenticeship. Keeping Te Puke’s men stylish wasn’t Reid’s first choice of career. “I wanted to be a builder to start off with, but in those days there were no apprenticeships in the area,” he said. His mum told him about the one on offer at the barber’s. “Mum said: ‘Do you want to go for an interview?’ and I said: ‘Might as well’.” He’s largely never put down the clipper since. Reid said there were lots of challenges, and lots of different skills and techniques to learn back then.

Long hair

“It was the days of long hair and gentlemen, older men, had short back and sides in those days. “There were different styles – from flat top, short back and sides to long hair trims. It was mainly men. We did a few ladies as well, but not many.” Tuesdays and Fridays were the busiest days. Tuesday was the day the sales yards at the bottom of No 1 Rd were in full cry, bringing farmers to Te Puke from far and wide. Friday was pay day. “And we worked ‘til half past eight, or nine o’clock at night.” A couple of years after Reid started his apprenticeships the shop was sold and bought by someone not sufficiently qualified to train him, so he cancelled his apprenticeship. “I knew what I needed to do to continue to upskill.”

Cigarettes, Golden kiwis

In 1975, Reid bought the shop and named it Wayne Reid Hairdressers and Tobacconist. It was the days of selling cigarettes, tobacco and Golden Kiwi tickets. “It was quite a male domain – old school, and you could smoke. Pipes and cigarettes – it was very different.” He owned the shop for 18 years, but, deciding he needed a break, sold it, worked for the new owner for a while, then moved to Mount Maunganui and

Wayne Reid is retiring as a barber, a career he began in Te Puke as a 17-year-old. Photo / Stuart Whitaker

worked for Intalok. “I also became a solo dad and looked after my children (Belinda and Adrian). Then I met my wife Lynette and got back into hairdressing again. “I did a bit of kiwifruit work – which wasn’t inspiring me – so we had a talk and went into business.” He and Lynette started Clippers in the shop that is now He’s and She’s Cuts on Commerce Lane. They sold it after five or six years and that owner sold it to current owner Diane Hopkins, who Reid works for.

The people

“It’s a passion and the people are the key – helping people meet their needs as much as you can,” he said. Often quick-thinking is required. “We get strange requests all the time. I try and treat each hair cut as a challenge. If somebody tries to explain it to you, you try and see in your mind what it’s going to look like, that’s the way I work – it gets results and people are happy.” As the shop faces Commerce Lane carpark that is used by freedom campers, there had been plenty of transient people

through the doors. “I find it interesting to talk to these people. I’ve worked here for so long I’ve got to know all the different nationalities that come in. They all have their own little stories and everyone is different – they are all human beings and they all have stories to tell you and they all have different ideas for their haircuts “I could write a book – confessions of a hairdresser,” laughed Reid.

Shave for a Cure

He and Lynette have hosted 17 international students over the years and that led to him at times volunteering to be the clipper man at student Shave for a Cure events at Te Puke High School. “One girl in particular, put her hair into four plaits and I did a number three on it,” he said. In the days of the Kiwifruit Festival‘s beard growing competitions, Reid would be the one shaving off the beards at the end. He said there had been many regulars over the years and now the third or fourth generation of some families were coming to him to have their hair cut.

But there isn’t always the time to dwell on the memorable ones. “You might get one special one sometimes, but it only stands out for a short time, then it’s back into the next one.” Now 72, Reid said he felt it was the right time for him to finish. Reid’s daughter Belinda said she never thought she’d see the day her dad fully retired from cutting hair. “I’m an ’83 baby and I remember being with him in the salon when he had that and I would try and sweep up the hair and make more of a mess, and him opening up Clippers which is where He’s and She’s is now.

Helped many

“He’s helped a lot of people over the years,” Belinda said. “For me and my brother it’s been part of our core memories, helping dad clean the shop or being at the shop – it’s just something that’s been part of our lives forever.” Reid already works as a volunteer tending to the gardens the Orchard Church and said he may spend more time there in retirement. “I intend to enjoy life,” he said. Stuart Whitaker

Access in-depth news, analysis and expert opinion with Herald Premium.

nzherald.co.nz/subscribe *T&Cs apply.

The Bower Christmas ! Light Trail

is here

Make magical memories with friends and whānau as you explore beautiful light displays bringing our community to life every evening. Have a wander, feel the Christmas spirit come alive, and enjoy a seasonal adventure that brings joy to all ages.

2 02 5 | B e

pa rt

r 2 02 5 | B e be

p a rt Bower Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Proud sponsors of this year’s Christmas Lights:

e th f o

| 1s t De

magic

1st

er b m ce

e th of

Visit bit.ly/bowerchristmaslights or scan the QR code below for the address list, and don’t forget to vote for your favourite property!

Dec 19, 2025

Te Puke News

Te Puke theatre coming back to life After having had doors that were barred and bolted for more than three years, Te Puke’s Capitol Theatre is enjoying a renaissance.

Under the Experience Te Puke Kiwifruit Capital of the World @ Capitol Theatre banner, the theatre is coming back to life and the public is being given more and more opportunities to enjoy the spaces within the building. The society behind the project took over the building’s lease in July. Since then a lot had happened behind the scenes. The first chance to see the work that had been done came, somewhat out of leftfield, when the theatre hosted a listening party for the l f h latest

Taylor Swift album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl’. Next was being part of the incredibly popular Te Puke Treat Trail with the theatre’s foyer and ground floor passageways and auditorium decorated with the help of Te Puke Scouts to add another dimension to the Halloween event.

November

Things then stepped up apace, and in November, with a nod to its past use, there was a showing of the documentary ‘Recloaking the Bay’, a 30-minute film sharing the stories of six Bay of Plenty farmers who are taking action to protect water, restore wetlands, enhance biodiversity and build climate resilient farms. Then there was a showing of llocally-made c ll - d movie vi ‘The The Z Nail il , premiere at the cinema in 2014. Now movie screenings will happen on each second and fourth Sunday of the month, with ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and

‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ already shown. Sue Matthews, who was the driving force behind the project, said all the planning and hard work including sourcing funds as well as the physical work required inside the building is leading up to an opening of the kiwifruit experience part of the building in the autumn 2026.

True experience

Matthews said the goal is not to provide a museum, not to provide a visitor centre, but to offer a true “experience”. The first phase will be the telling of the kiwifruit story – how kiwifruit came to the district, the innovations, evolution and successes and the contribution the industry makes too the t local o al economy e . e i almost been an accidenta y product of this goal. The kiwifruit experience will b housed principally in what was the main theatre. To do that it was necessary to remove the sea which took a considerably long time than was first anticipated. “It took 16 weeks to get rid o the seats, but that gave us time and opportunity to develop the cinema. “But we’ve been really careful not to use any money donated for the kiwifruit aspect gone i o developing this (cinem .”

The new signage on the Experience Te Puke Kiwifruit capital of the World.

Sue Matthews said a Te Puke Kiwifruit Capital of the World heritage hub would tell the Te Puke district’s stories. Photos / Stuart Whitaker international tourism and will The kiwifruit story become a strong community Once completed, the building space where locals and visitors will feature the story of the can celebrate our many Capitol Theatre, mana whenua industries, communities, tangata stories, information on the whenua and colonial histories,” local natural environment, said Boyle. stories about and from the local “It will feature people who communities as well as the have made their mark on the kiwifruit story. world stage.” Matthews said what was needed next is to add to the collection Welcome addition of kiwifruit-related items and “As an added benefit it brings she urged people who may want cinema back to Te Puke with to help with the project to look opportunities for performing in their sheds, spare rooms and arts, a lecture space and bottom drawers to see what they corporate and business events,” can find then consider donating Boyle said. “It will be a welcome them to the project. addition to the Te Puke town Te Puke Economic centre and an attractor that helps Development Group is a business succeed.” strategic partner of the project To find out more about and Mark Boyle said Experience the kiwifruit story or donate Te Puke would highlight the kiwifruit-related items from their district’s most significant sheds, spare rooms and bottom drawers to the project, email: economic driver, kiwifruit. matapara-@xtra.co.nz “It will add considerable Stuart Whitaker value to both domestic and

Fundraising to home Pongakawa heritage A fledging Pongakawa Heritage Centre doesn’t need a house – it already has one – but it does need a helping hand to make it a home. The idea for permanent celebration of the history and heritage of Pongakawa emerged after Pongakawa School’s 125th jubilee in 2017. Many of those on the organising committee reconfigured themselves into a new committee to drive the project. “We were all on such a high about how successful [the jubilee] was, and how much stuff we found, we decided this was what we would go on with,” said Frances Patete, who was head of planning for the jubilee and a school staff member for 35 years. The trust was gifted an old house by the Wilkins family. The house was moved from its Maniatutu Rd site to a spot between the Pongakawa Action Centre and Playcentre in 2020, but its final home would be closer to the school and closer to Old Coach Rd.

Behind the scenes

Since then there had been little visible action, but behind the scenes things had continued, Patete said. The land had been rezoned and various permits had been sought and approved and the trust had raised $70,000 so far for the project. TECT had come to the party with a $249,000 grant that would be available when a matching amount was raised. Trust chairwoman Catherine Cawte said she went to see the house before it was moved. “I thought: ‘We can’t let this house be demolished’ – it just had a lovely aura about it.” “We have a vision of when it’s done, it’s just going to be beautiful .” For the jubilee, the original Pongakawa School minute

book from 1891, the very first school cash book and enrolment books dating back to the school’s opening in 1892 were restored. This was one of the catalysts to searching for a way finding a permanent home for everything gathered for the jubilee or already in storage at the school. “We filed the hall for the [2017] jubilee with memorabilia that the school still has,” said Patete. As well as “heaps and heaps of photographs” the school which Patete described as a “hoardy” school, had old maths, reading and text books and old uniforms.

Intertwined

Committee member Andrew Blaymires donated the original school library cabinet for the jubilee, that was also the community library, and there are furniture and other residential bits and pieces in storage. The history of the school and the district are intertwined – but much of what had been accumulated related to the school. “We know the school is just part of the history of the area, and while we’ve got lots about the school we’ve got very little about the area prior to the school opening.” Descendants from many of the original settler families were still in the area and their stories were also being sought, and Dany Ngawhika (Ngati Whakahemo), the school Board of Trustee’s iwi liaison member, was also on board as a tangata whenua representative. There was the possibility one of the rooms in the house may be furnished in the style of its age and another could be turned into a replica classroom from the time the school opened. Cawte said she would like to see the house used as a resource for the school. Pongakawa School acting principal Mike Judd said he couldn’t see any reason why it couldn’t be used by other schools as well.“We’ve talked about maybe doing a heritage

Catherine Cawte, Danny Ngawhika, Paul Hickson, Pongakawa School acting principal Mike Judd, and Frances Patete outside the house that will become the Pongakawa Heritage Centre. Photo / Stuart Whitaker classroom and so other schools could come in and experience what it was like in an older classroom,” he said.

Secure extra funding

But for now, the main thrust of the project was to secure the required extra funding so the house can be moved to its permanent home. “Once the house is in place, we can put signs up and do all sorts of things – really get creative,” said Cawte. “There’s still a lot to do, but there’s still a lot of enthusiasm.” Also on the committee were Ngaire Rose, Brigid Crawford, Joanne Black, Andrea Marsh and Paul Hickson. Anyone who could help in any way, with support, donations, artefacts or stories, could email: franp@pongakawa.school.nz Stuart Whitaker

Local Classifieds Deaths DODDS, Robert Ian. (Ian) 22.2.1948 - 14.12.2025 Dearly loved father and father in law to Carla and Andrew, and Aaron. Poppa to Hayden (Dec), Chelsea and Daniel, Caitlin and Azza, Connor and Georgia. Great Poppa to Eden, Oliver and Demi. Ian is finally going to meet up with his beloved wife, Cynthia, who will no doubt be waiting with her hands on her hips and a list of jobs for him. Ian never wanted a fuss, so a private cremation has been held. Communications to 126 Pohutukawa Ave, Ohope, 3121.

To place an advert or family notice call 07 577 7770, email classifiedsbop@nzme.co.nz or visit www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/bookyourad Visit our Family Notices online to view notices and offer condolences www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/familynotices

Proposal to close Young Road to Vehicular Trafﬁc Pursuant to the Local Government Act 1974, Tenth Schedule, notice is hereby given that the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, for the purpose of Infrastructures Upgrade proposes to close the following road(s) to ordinary vehicular trafﬁc for the period indicated hereunder.

Need Plastering?

Drywall Plastering Fibrous Plastering Cove & Cornice Vacuum Sanding

Young Road – Between No. 73 Young Road (Seeka Transpack) and No. 148 Young Road Period of closure: Friday, 23 January 2026 7.00am – Thursday, 30 April 2026 5.00pm It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person otherwise than under authority of an authorised permit to use the road for ordinary vehicular trafﬁc during the period of closure.

For Sale E-BIKES (x2) 1step through & 1 mountain bike. Treat someone for christams. $500ea. Phone 027 596 7070.

SOUNDS LIKE YOU

Leaving a gift to BCFNZ in your Will can make a real diﬀerence.

Email: always.complete@actrix.co.nz

www.alwaysplastered.co.nz

HEALTHY EARS Micro Suction Specialist 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE Book online at www.healthyears.nz

For our community

Vehicles Wanted

Residential & Commercial 20 years experience Quality workmanship

We will travel: BOP and Further Phone/Fax 07 542 1563 or Scott 021 879 339

Road to be closed to ordinary vehicular trafﬁc:

Mā tō tātou hapori

Independent, professional valuation advice Residential, Commercial and Industrial, Rural Lifestyle, Kiwifruit Orchards, Insurance Valuations Dylan Barrett –

07 927 7544 027 951 1258 www.prpnz.nz

027 7660 389 info@healthyears.nz 8A Oxford Street, Te Puke, 3119

FOR COMFORT IN ANY WEATHER

We supply, install & service most major brands of air conditioning units. Call today!

0800 DOBSONS | 0800 362 7667 | www.dobsons.net.nz Electrical

Refrigeration

Air Con

For more information

0800 902 732

Direct ry

Public Notices

Miriam Taris Chief Executive Ofﬁcer

When there is a Will, there is a way to help life live on.

Your Service Professionals

DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP

Audiences likenoother.

GAS - hot water cooking & heating GAS - appliance servicing & sales SOLAR - hot water sales & service

PLUMBING - repairs, upgrades & maintenance MAINTENANCE residential, rural & commercial PROBLEM SOLVING showers, toilets & HWC

PH STU 027 643 9222 ONE CALL TAKES CARE OF IT ALL

Capture the attention of yours

Video. Podcasts. Personalities. Digital. Data. Property. Research.

BULK OR BY THE BAG

FREE TRAILERS TO USE

oduction. Newspapers. Radio. Music streaming. Digital radio.

esearch.

Magazines.

ADVERTISE WITH

• Delivery Service • Loan Trailer

Phone 07 573 3962 31A Station Rd, Te Puke www.tepukelandscape.co.nz

YOUR GARDEN IS OUR GARDEN

Locally owned and operated, we pride ourselves in providing a range of locally sourced landscaping and home gardening products.

If you wish to be part of the service professionals directory, please contact your local classiﬁed team on 07 577 7770 or email classiﬁedsbop@nzme.co.nz

Heat Pumps

NEW LISTING

Paengaroa, 5 Sunset Drive First home buyers call me now! Stunning three bedroom home, fully renovated to a high standard. Features new carpet, vinyl, curtains, blinds, and freshly painted interior. Near new kitchen with island bench, induction hob, oven, dishwasher, and pantry.

Lance McFarlane 027 289 0754

For Sale $795,000 View Saturday 12.00pm-12.45pm www.harcourts.co.nz/L24749562

NEW LISTING

Paengaroa, 13A Black Road Family home in Paengaroa This four bedroom two level family home on a flat section in Paengaroa is fully fenced with private back yard. Great for pets or children. Double garage plus workshop. Renovated with new carpet, kitchen and paint. Two heat pumps keep the house cosy or cool in the summer months.

Advantage Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Paengaroa, 149 Wilson Road South Welcome to an exceptional lifestyle property on 4047sqm (approx.), offering a modern four bedroom home plus a two bedroom minor dwelling — ideal for family or income. Enjoy open plan living, a second lounge, office, double glazing, heat pump, and a master with ensuite.

Lance McFarlane 027 289 0754

For Sale $775,000 View Saturday 1.15pm-2.00pm www.harcourts.co.nz/L24748208

OPEN HOME

NEW LISTING

Two homes on 4000sqm (approx.) section

Lance McFarlane 027 289 0754

Auction View Saturday 10.30am-11.15am www.harcourts.co.nz/L37806336

Te Puke, 45 Oxford Street Generous family retreat The home features three spacious bedrooms as well as a dedicated office, ideal for those who work from home. The master bedroom includes air conditioning for year round comfort, a walk-in wardrobe, and an ensuite bathroom.

Advantage Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Oana Simmons 022 432 0082

Price By Negotiation View Sunday 12.00pm-12.30pm www.harcourts.co.nz/L37185910

Paras Khurmi 020 4002 1996

Advantage Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Boundaries Indicative Only

Paengaroa, 99 Maungarangi Road Riverside lifestyle and income 4.850 hectare lifestyle block with a boundary along the Kaituna River, featuring 0.6 canopy hectares of kiwifruit, 94 avocado trees, grazing land, and a four-bedroom family home with established gardens and mature trees.

For Sale $1,825,000 +GST (if any) View by appointment www.harcourts.co.nz/L27953541

Ray Gosling 027 494 3723 Anne Gosling 027 331 4358

Advantage Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Te Puke, 717 No 3 Road Lifestyle, income, storage Great family situation. Large classic home and in-ground pool, large pack house/cool stores and approx. 140 mature Avocado trees for income. Room for the kids to play and all in a great No 3 Road location.

5C Price By Negotiation View by appointment www.harcourts.co.nz/L33513780

Te Puke, Lot 7 Middle Ridge Road Latest section release in Keruru Hills subdivision. Close to Te Puke and Papamoa with elevated building site with wide rural views and coastal peeps. 3044sqm (approx.) subject to final survey. This is a great site for a family home, retirement situation. Be quick to view this site. Advantage Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

harcourts.co.nz

Ray Gosling 027 494 3723

Advantage Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Boundaries Indicative Only

Fabulous rural section

Price By Negotiation View by appointment www.harcourts.co.nz/L36410155

Boundaries Indicative Only

Te Puke, 281 Jellicoe Street Ray Gosling 027 494 3723

Incredible vacant industrial site 2749sqm industrial section on Jellicoe Street, Te Puke. Fully security fenced on main highway with great visibility. Suit many uses, i.e. nursery, car or vehicle yard, transportable houses, etc. New car wash being developed next door. Only vacant industrial site available on Jellicoe Street. Advantage Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

For Sale $850,000 +GST (if any) View by appointment www.harcourts.co.nz/L24749011

Ray Gosling 027 494 3723

N MO SUNLIGHT

TO INCREASE ORCHARD GRO

TREE

E R SA

E I T ILI

B A L I A AV

! T S A PF

U G

N I L FIL

www.facebook.com/NZtreecontrol

act U

TT ON -

oday!

28 8

Specialists In High Reach Tree Work