Cambridge News | October 6, 2022

Mayoral rivals cry foul

By Mary Anne Gill

Sitting councillors have had ‘exclusive’ access for eight weeks to a ratepayer satisfaction survey which produced a negative result for Waipā District Council.

Two of the four mayoral candidates have told The News that may have muddied the local body elections for them with one saying it was “serious” if there were any efforts to skew residents’ access to information.

Councillors saw a draft of the report at a public-excluded workshop on August 9, just over a month before voting in the elections started.

The first anyone else knew came in a press release last Wednesday – sent out 90 minutes after this paper went to press.

That timing ensured any analysis and candidate comment produced in print by The News would not be seen by readers until today.

That is significant because voting for the election, which opened on September 16, closes on Saturday.

Bernard Westerbaan and Chris Woodhams - standing for mayor against incumbents councillor Susan O’Regan and mayor Jim Mylchreest - say withholding the annual Residents’ Perception Survey until last week has potentially marred the election process.

Staff say they held the report back because they wanted to benchmark Waipā’s performance against other councils. They include neighbours Waikato and South Waikato district councils.

Waikato has yet to release its results while South Waikato is reviewing its ongoing involvement in the survey.

Waipā ended up mid-table in a group comprising three city councils, including commissioner-run Tauranga, and 13 district councils.

Westerbaan complained to chief electoral officer Warwick Lampp saying the results should have been attached to chief executive

Garry Dyet’s pre-election report.

“If the information was well known beforehand and released late on purpose I would consider this to be illegal and the election process has been influenced,” he said.

Westerbaan said he had been told to take it up with Dyet.

Woodhams said the timing of the release was “strange.”

“Clearly the people of the Waipa district are not very satisfied with the direction, engagement or leadership of the councillors and, as someone who has campaigned on these issues, the validation may have proved useful.”

Mylchreest said councillors only received the information last week – referring to the final report – and there was “no withholding” of the information.

O’Regan said she had no oversight or control of the report’s timing.

The survey showed Pirongia residents were the least satisfied with council’s performance. Pirongia-Kakepuku ward candidate Corilin Steel, who is challenging incumbents Clare St Pierre and Bruce Thomas, said she agreed with survey responders who said the township had been ignored by council.

Staff received the first draft of the report in late June which it shared with councillors in

Harnessing potential

August.

The benchmarking report arrived at council on September 13 and councillors saw it the next day.

It went into the agenda for the Audit and Risk committee held on September 30 and councillors saw it at their last meeting on September 27, but not as part of the meeting agenda.

The news release which council maintains it “proactively released” was sent on Wednesday September 28 at 1.49pm.

No other media seem to have noticed the release.

• Read the survey results at cambridgenews.nz

Marc van den Heuvel Partner

New name, same care.

funerals

Cambridge Raceway chair Graham Bowen and chief executive Dave Branch (right) today reveal plans for the redevelopment of Cambridge Raceway. See Mary Anne Gill’s exclusive story on Page 5.

Housing rule fear

The Waipa District Council publicly opposed the Government 3x3 (three homes on a section of three storeys) and then promptly approved the subdivision of a property for not one extra home but three extra homes on portions of land of 200m2 with a total of eleven bedrooms. This is a recipe for disaster as four families living “on top” of each other just will not work.

Imagine in the future if the properties in Taylor Street from Victoria Street to McLean Street are all 3x3 and some have fallen into disrepair, some have hoarders, cars abandoned and we have a Town of Champions renamed Slum City.

Cambridge is an attractive town but the 3x3 ruling will put pay to that.

Peter Fisher Cambridge

Waste follow

I was very pleased to see your article on the tour of Raglan’s Xtreme zero waste facilities that Don’t Burn Waipa organised. However, I want to point out to Chris Woodhams, who is quoted saying it’s embarrassing we don’t have a similar facility here, that we do in fact have such a facility; the Te Awamutu Recycling Centre on Daphne Street. We go there often and the staff do an incredible job of sorting through what people chuck away to sell on. Many a bargain can be found and I urge everyone to visit. Obviously they could use more funding so they can expand and create more awareness. I’m sure there is much more that can be saved from landfill. If the candidate would like

to know more about this he can look up the excellent Waste Minimisation Act 2008 that states that all districts must have a waste minimisation plan which is funded by the waste disposal levy that citizens pay when they dump rubbish.

Niko Leyden Wharepapa South

Celebrating sister cities

October 12 marks the 25th Anniversary of the sister city relationship between Cambridge and Bihoro in Japan.

The relationship was initiated by Professor Masaharu Yamaki, who first addressed the Cambridge Community Board with his idea in 1993. Discussions continued for several years, with Yamaki making a very generous donation of $1million Japanese yen (NZ$13,500) to help develop and foster the relationship, and in 1997 a Sister Cities agreement was signed to formalise the connection.

Bihoro is located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido and is situated in the middle of Akan National Park making it central to many tourist spots. The town is rural with main industries of dairy farming and rice growing, and is home to the aboriginal Ainu people who have been noted to have similarities with Māori in their strong oral traditions and distinctive art.

The Japanese have a strong belief in exposing their young people to different cultures so they grow up with a spirit of international cooperation. Many school exchanges have taken place between our two towns, with hopes that these can recommence soon.

Two events will be held in Cambridge to celebrate the anniversary, a reunion dinner on

October 12 for those who have been involved in exchanges, hosting, and the development of the Bihoro relationship over the years, and a public “Japanese Day” to be held in the Japanese garden next to the Cambridge Library on October 15 from 10am to noon.

All are welcome to come along and enjoy Japanese themed crafts including making your own mini Koinobori (carp streamer), as well as karate demonstrations and have a go with GKR Karate.

Alana Mackay Cambridge

What happened?

Interesting prospect. At a Waipā District Council open day at the Pink Church in August 2016 the developers of the properties with beautiful lake views, according to their glossy posters, were reluctant to reply when I asked them, “do you envisage removing the trees to get your view?” I continued, “The infra-structure, barely coping now could turn your view into an open sewer, what will that do to your investment values?”, No reply.

Sometime later Mayor Jim Mylchreest, in the Cambridge News suggested that as increased spending to upgrade infrastructure would need a loan to cover it, would the developers be prepared to pay part of the interest. Did they ever reply Mr. Mayor?

We moved into our 1920’s house 52 years ago proudly proclaim, “we’re still Poms proud and privileged to regard ourselves as New Zealanders and undivided. I’ll vote for Mayor the person who recognises Lt.Gen. Cameron as a founder of Cambridge, I dare you.

B. Dunstan Cambridge

Greetings all, I hope you have had a good week and our families are enjoying a break from school routines.

This week I wanted to explain bail conditions as it is a topic that people regularly question. If someone is charged with a crime, they may be summonsed (with no conditions other than turning up to court on the first hearing date), released on bail or held in custody to appear on the first appearance hearing day.

There are two types of bail – Police Bail and Court Bail. Police bail applies when a person is first arrested and charged, then released from a police station to appear in court on a future date, upon acceptance of specific conditions. Court bail is when a person has made their first appearance in court and is released until their next court date, again contingent on signing a bail bond (with conditions listed).

In either case, bail conditions vary depending on the offence. They will however almost always include: to reside at a specific address, not to contact/associate (directly or indirectly)

with any victims/witnesses and not to go near certain relevant addresses. Other common conditions include not to “offer” violence to person or property, to abide by a home based curfew (for example 7pm – 7am) and not to consume alcohol or illicit drugs.

The conditions applied must be appropriate for the circumstances of the offence and are there for good reason. They are designed to prevent interference with witnesses or evidence, reduce further victimisation and prevent further offending.

Police enforce bail conditions, and a person may be arrested and brought back before the court without delay if they are found to be breaching any conditions. While a warning may sometimes be appropriate for a firsttime breach, a series of repeated breaches may lead to Police opposing bail and the courts remanding a person in custody until their next hearing date instead. (This means they are held in remand cells at a corrections facility such as Springhill.).

This is naturally more likely if the person has either a history of breaching bail conditions or of committing offences while already on bail for others.

So, what if you or someone you know needs to move house while on bail or wants to change their curfew due to work hours? The key thing is preparation. Where a permanent change is requested, a lawyer will be required to apply in advance for a bail variation through the courts – for example, to reside at a new address, before the move is made. If you move first, you risk being breached and possibly arrested. Police will also be given an opportunity to support or oppose the variation request. In verifiable and genuinely urgent or emergency short term situations, an exception might be possible via police.

I hope that explains bail for you all. If in doubt, always contact your lawyer. Have a great weekend, Deb

Fatal crash

Traffic was diverted off State Highway 1 south of Cambridge yesterday morning following a fatal crash involving a car and a truck. Police reported one person had died at the scene. Another, with critical injuries, was flown to Waikato Hospital.

Roses return

Te Awamutu’s annual rose show is to return in November, having been a victim of Covid. It will run on November 25 and 26.

Bridge open

Cambridge’s Victoria (HighLevel) Bridge will remain open during Fieldays from November 30 to December 3. There had been fears the bridge, which is undergoing a full repaint and maintenance repairs, would be closed when thousands of visitors were in the district. But Waipā District Council transportation manager Bryan Hudson has ruled that out. Scaffolding goes up on the bridge later this month.

Council fined

Hamilton City Council has been fined $76,500 for discharging wastewater –enough to half fill an Olympic size swimming pool – into the environment in October 2020. The council was prosecuted by the Waikato Regional Council which has stayed silent on what action it will take after being alerted by The News – and closing down – an unauthorised quarry on the banks of the Waikato River.

New council’s $8.5m headache

By Mary Anne Gill

Waipā District Council has negligence claims totalling $8.5 million contained in an Annual Report newly elected councillors will have to approve in their first weeks in office.

The court proceedings against the council are revealed in the unaudited Annual Report tabled at last week’s Audit and Risk committee meeting in Cambridge.

The report also showed chief executive Garry Dyet’s salary went up $32,293 to $329,627. He also received Kiwi Saver contributions and a vehicle for a total package of $359,210.

The largest of the negligence claims at $5 million is by Erinic Investments Ltd – a Cambridge company owned by Sir Patrick and Justine Lady Hogan.

Erinic initiated proceedings two years ago in the High Court against the council and four other defendants alleging the council was negligent in issuing building consents, inspecting the building work and issuing Code Compliance Certificates for a commercial building the company owns in Te Awamutu.

The second claim involves a ratepayer in Kihikihi which dates to 2001 when the council completed stormwater system work in the town.

The action before the High Court in Hamilton says council has been negligent, breached its statutory duty and created a nuisance in relation to a private drain on the plaintiffs’ property in Kihikihi. They are seeking more than $2.5 million in damages, interest and costs.

The most recent claim of $1 million lodged in the High Court earlier this year alleges council was negligent in undertaking inspections and issuing a code compliance certificate in respect of a dwelling in Ngāhinapōuri.

The audit of Waipā’s Annual Report would normally have started last month but the Office of the Auditor General has extended it out due to resourcing difficulties.

A financial overview was missing from the document tabled at the committee meeting, but a more detailed look shows council’s revenue for the

WE SAY…

Local body politics isn’t sexy.

It doesn’t have the presence of a Winston Peters, the charisma of a Jacinda Ardern, and local body “political editors” on TV news at six breathlessly reporting on the latest from city hall.

The elections are run by two companies which wield enormous power once every three years, taking control of council communications with the media when it comes to election issues.

The elections are not click bait material – which is why

financial year ended June 30 was $132.5 million, including $68.75 million in rates.

Council achieved an operating surplus of $29.4m year against a budget of $39.8m, mostly due to timing of contributions from developers, while borrowings at year-end of $149.5 million were $93.4 million lower than budget, again due to timing issues.

Dyet’s salary package is $359,210 - up $22,103 on the previous year - that just over 34 per cent of Waipā’s 339 employees get less than $60,000 a year..

Mayor Jim Mylchreest received $135,500, up from $132,149 while deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk got $43,985, $650 more than the previous year.

The highest paid councillors were Andrew Brown, Marcus Gower, Susan O’Regan and Grahame Webber, who all chaired committees and received $40,601. All other councillors received $33,834 except Elwyn Andree-Wiltens who resigned in April after a series of articles by The News about her conflict of interest in a Maungatautari quarry. She got $27,658.

A sea of talent

Cambridge Middle School’s 2022 production, Moana Junior – a 60-minute musical adaptation of the 2016 animated Disney film – began in a whirl of energy and colour last Tuesday.

A roar of excitement erupted from the audience as the house lights went down and the hall was bathed in darkness. Stage lights blazed to life, illuminating a painted seascape backdrop. The auditorium filled with music and two drummers thumped out a beat. The stage flooded with dancers as a rippling band of blue silk evokes the motion of waves.

The three-day season starring Alexis Thornton as the spirited heroine Moana, was a huge hit, and expertly directed by Tracey Andrews. Choreography was by Vania McKeown and musical direction by Sacha Marnoch.

• You can reads Steph Bell Jenkins’ review at www.cambridgenews.nz

Seventy four staff received more than $100,000 a year – up from 55 the previous year – while two are in the $220,000-$339,999 remuneration band.

Council’s total wage bill was $26.3 million, up from $24.2 million the previous year. The council had 279 full timers and 37 full time equivalents – a total of 339 employees - employed on June 30.

Just over 57 per cent – 194 staff - received less than $80,000 a year – with 116 of them earning less than $60,000.

A total of $55,000 in severance payments – likely due to council’s Covid mandates’ edict – were made to employees, compared to none the previous year.

Council’s total assets at year’s end were $2.053 billion – mostly in property, plant and equipmentup from $1.968 billion the previous year.

The council budgeted to get $160.6 million from asset sales to fund its Long Term Plan projects but only banked $83.87 million with an $850,000 acquisition – probably the old Bunnings building in Te Awamutu – accounting for part of the shortfall.

Why we don’t…and won’t vote

the elections in Waipā get little more than a passing glance from the country’s biggest media companies.

Of course, elsewhere Tim Shadbolt will get a nod, and there will be laments about poor nomination numbers and woeful voter turnouts. This week national media woke up to news that protesters were sabotaging candidate meetings in Wellington. The media hadn’t attended the meetings, this was all second-hand news.

Celebrating

In Waipā, following our dogged reporting, a councillor resigned in disgrace over a conflict of interest about an illegal quarry and another councillor made a public apology over comments he made about land for a third bridge.

Similarly, as far as Waipā election coverage goes, The News has been something of a lone voice in the wilderness during the election campaign.

Just as media apathy and the click bait mentality have contributed to the increasing lack

of interest in how we are governed locally, so has central government.

Its blinkered approach to advertising and refusal to place any adverts in genuine community newspapers is nothing short of disgraceful. But then, the government has committed to pay $55 million of taxpayer money to national media organisations to cover news we bring you free of charge.

On Saturday night we will have new councils. Writers who will struggle to name who was

standing on their patch will cry crocodile tears over the appalling voter turnouts.

In three years – given the comments made by the Prime Minister this week – we will be talking about moving to online voting. We should have made the move long ago.

But if the Voices for Freedom movement achieves its goal getting supporters – some might say smuggling - onto councils around the country, perhaps there will be a lot more interest in 2025.

as

funeral

life

personalised,

Funeral

personalised

Alexis Thornton played Moana in Cambridge Middle School’s production of Moana Jr.

Raceway plans revealed

By Mary Anne Gill

The century-old Cambridge Raceway is to undergo a significant multi-million dollar facelift.

Details were revealed exclusively to The News today by chair Graham Bowen and chief executive Dave Branch and come a fortnight after Waipā District Council announced its plans for a 27ha super sports hub in the town’s northern town belt.

The Raceway stand, built for $750,000 and opened in July 1976, will get a new roof to go over the existing rotting scallop roof and the interior upgraded to include rentable event and shared office spaces plus a gymnasium.

Construction will soon start on a new multi-purposed enclosed stable complex for race night horses and the 140 horses that train on the site. Two new social membership options will launch on Melbourne Cup Day next month. Plans for a residential subdivision are also in the mix.

So well was the stand built that it comfortably passes today’s modern earthquake standards, said Bowen

“We’ve been working on this for some time. We did the strategy work and then the master plan in 2020,” said Branch.

“There’s been plenty of racing clubs who have gone the opposite of what we’re doing and got themselves in debt. So, this is pretty exciting,” said Bowen.

Branch said the club needed to

maximise the existing footprint, improve vehicle flow and diversify revenue streams.

“We want to look after our racing community,” said Branch.

“We want to become a leading harness racing complex and also a first-choice events, business and community hub in the Waikato region.”

The venue updates will enable Cambridge Raceway to host regular entertainment and sports events, conferences and private functions in addition to premiere

race meetings.

While Covid presented challenges for the club, race meetings could continue because it is the only main centre which has horses training on site.

Cambridge Raceway, while third in size behind Alexandra Park in Auckland and Addington in Christchurch, is the busiest racetrack in the country with 27 harness and 52 greyhound meetings a year.

It is the home of harness and greyhound racing in the Waikato

and now incorporates the old Morrinsville, Bay of Plenty, Te Awamutu and Hamilton harness racing clubs.

It was established as Cambridge Trotting Club in October 1919.

The first meeting was held in January 1921, at what was then the Waikato Central A & P Association Showgrounds, with seven events and stakes of £600. Entry fees were two shillings and sixpence for motor cars and one shilling for horse drawn vehicles. The first totaliser meeting was held in 1925.

During the Depression in the 1930s, the club held six meetings in an 18-month period when other clubs abandoned their race permits.

The track was taken over under the Military Harvesting policy in 1939 and was used for the next seven years as a military camp with close to 1000 officers and men accommodated.

In 1962, the new five furlong (1000m) track was used for the first time and the following year the domain land became freehold and champion pacer Cardigan Bay equalled the New Zealand mile record.

Racing went under lights for the first time in January 1965 with a record 9000 people in attendance.

Alf Walsh’s mobile gate innovation made its debut later that year and 10 years later, patrons farewelled the legendary pacer Young Quinn, usually driven by Cambridge driver Charlie Hunter, before the horse headed off to the USA where it competed successfully.

Greyhounds made their debut in August 1987 and in 1999, champion pacer Christian Cullen scored back to back wins in the Flying Mile and Cambridge Supporters Classic.

Five years ago, the club was rebranded Cambridge Raceway and the following year a new winning post erected.

The Raceway celebrated it centenary with a 1920s themed event in January 2019.

DEALS

Artist’s impression: A view of how The Raceway will look post developments with rentable shared office space on the top floor.

Equal partnership confirmed at Shelley Tweedy & Associates

Chartered accountants Kirsty Johnson and Shelley Tweedy have cemented a threeyear working relationship by becoming 50/50 partners in Shelley Tweedy & Associates in Cambridge.

It was always part of Shelley’s grand plan for the two of them to own and operate the business together so the announcement last week of the partnership taking effect from October 1 came as no surprise to any of the staff.

Shelley and Kirsty worked together before Shelley went into practice.

She mentored Kirsty through her chartered accountancy qualifications.

“Kirsty brings a real strategic focus to our business, and we’ve seen the benefits of that,” said Shelley who purchased long-standing Cambridge accounting practice from JR Ryan in 2008.

Kirsty joined in October 2019 after working in management roles across the agri-business sector for seven years.

“The knowledge and experience that comes with commercial experience makes Kirsty a great asset to Shelley Tweedy & Associates and sets her apart from many other accountants in chartered accountancy,” said Shelley.

“Aside from the compliance work that is the backbone of the accounting industry, that knowledge comes in the form of modelling and analysis, KPIs, cashflow management, internal controls, quality management systems and governance.”

She has put those skills to effective use as the inaugural chair of the Cambridge Town Hall Community Trust which is currently recruiting a general manager to run the day-to-day activities of the iconic Town Hall.

Kirsty says she and Shelley make a great team.

“She absolutely loves what she does and is incredibly vested in the wellbeing of her clients,” says Kirsty.

“We share similar values such as the importance of getting to know our clients, proactively managing our clients’ needs, including their tax obligations and making sure that things are done right.

“Our skills complement each other, and we are looking forward to a thriving future together.”

About the Practice

There’s something about Shelley Tweedy & Associates that makes you feel warm and welcome as soon as you arrive in their new offices at Wilson Street in Cambridge.

It’s the culture that makes the firm something special.

The team is friendly and love to help their clients.

“We care about more than just your business or your tax return. We understand that people are at the heart of every business,” said partner Kirsty Johnson.

“We take the fear out of accounting. We play by the rules, and we do our utmost to deliver superior accounting services to our clients.

We pride ourselves on personal service and because we know that every business is

unique, we strive to tailor our service to your needs,” she says.

Whether you need help keeping on top of the day-to-day or want to design the future, Shelley Tweedy & Associates love to be part of their clients’ journey.

“We partner with you to work on your business so that you can focus on the things that bring you joy,” said partner Shelley Tweedy.

In the last 12 months the firm has moved into new premises 3/47 Wilson Street.

“We’ve also moved all our technology into the cloud and have become a predominately Xero-based practice. We’re incredibly proud to be 100% paperless,” said Kirsty.

Shelley Tweedy

Accounting has been a major part of my life and after a short stint working for an accountant, I headed off to Massey University to gain my accounting degree, before going on my big OE in the UK.

Upon my return to New Zealand, I settled back into life in Cambridge with my husband. We raised our son here and he is now off on his own travels. As empty nesters we are enjoying the next chapter of our lives.

I have worked in both private practice and commercial environments in New Zealand and the UK.

Time met opportunity in 2008 to buy an existing practice in Cambridge which is where I have focused my time and attention for almost 15 years, growing the practice to where it is today.

My goal has been to have a business that helps others. My clients are the central part of business and I pride myself on that fact that our clients are not just a number on a page. The quality of our work is also an essential part of our business, meaning that attention to detail is very important to me. I am a problem solver, an innovator and pride myself on providing solutions for our clients.

Kirsty Johnson

I’m passionate about business and inspired by a challenge! Hailing from the winterless north, I moved to the Waikato to study and have (almost) never looked back. I have been based in Cambridge for almost 15 years and my husband and I are now raising our two children in this beautiful town. With my early career based in chartered accountant firms, I went on to work in a commercial setting in the agri-business sector, firstly as an accountant within a business and then working up to management and board positions. With that I gained first-hand experience of what it’s like to run a business. From cashflow to profitability, staff and time pressures, I understand the challenges that people in business face every day. What brought me back to chartered accountancy was a desire to help businesses without access to an in-house accountant. Having played a major part in bringing a business back to profitability, I know how much impact simple changes can make. And as accountants, we view the world with a different lens, one that I know can benefit the wider business community.

While I’m naturally focused on the detail, I am driven by the bigger picture. I am on a mission to help business owners solve their problems and to find ways to develop and grow their businesses.

Shelley Tweedy & Associates have moved ...

.

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Shelley Tweedy & Associates have been offering high quality accounting services for over a decade.

assist you with your accounting needs.

local Cambridge Accountants.

Mayoral hopefuls back funding

By Mary Anne Gill

Maungatautari has a secure funding future if responses from candidates for both Waikato Regional and Waipā District councils are an indication.

Funding should continue to protect the Sacred Mountain so future generations can enjoy it, all except James Parlane and Clyde Graf said in response to our last candidates’ survey.

Mayoral candidate Jim Mylchreest, a former chief executive at Maungatautari, admitted to a bit of bias.

“We have a duty to ensure that there are no more extinctions of treasured taonga that are so much a part of our national identity, as a result of human activity or inactivity.

“The preservation of this unique biodiversity is a pure public good that requires equitable funding from the whole community through rates or taxes.”

And fellow mayoral candidate Susan O’Regan said she hoped the council’s annual contribution would not have to be reduced.

“The trust faces challenges in securing alternative funding and generating income. It is important to remember that Waipā has an obligation to maintain the reserve which sits inside the fence.

“This nationally significant project is home to an extensive number of endangered species and

as such is extremely precious to not only our district but to the country as a whole.”

Mayoral candidate Chris Woodhams said Maungatautari was a credit to the district.

“To the extent that further support is required, we should certainly consider this along with other high priority funding requirements.”

Parlane, who is standing for both the district council and community board and described himself as a whistle blower, said the council needed to stop putting any money into Maungatautari, Fieldays, Sport Waikato, Local Government NZ and any other “sacred cows.”

The council is responsible for the

co-governance and management of the Maungatautari Scenic Reserve under the Reserves Act.

The sanctuary for native wildlife and plants, such as kiwi, kokako, tuatara and more, has a range of walking and hiking tracks. Located 30 minutes south of Cambridge, the reserve plan covers the 2500ha of scenic reserve contained within Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari’s 47km pest-proof fence.

Waipā spends about $500,000 in operating costs on maintaining sites like Rotopiko, Mangakaware, Maungatauri and Ngāroto.

Earlier this year, the regional council granted Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust $1.476

million over four years for its predator control project and pays $350,000 a year towards its operations.

Regional council candidate Barry Quayle said Maungatautari was the ultimate theatre in Waikato.

“I believe it is a much better asset; natural theatre than what Hamilton is endeavouring to build in the city. it will last, and deservedly so, a century and more,” he said while becoming more important than Zealandia in Wellington.

The regional and district councils both had to continue contributing to Maungatautari, he said.

“It will increasingly pay off with students in the Waipā benefiting and learning about biodiversity,

sustainability and environment.”

Regional candidate Judy Sherriff said as a local farmer, she had seen the benefits from Maungatautari on her farm with more bird life flying from Maungatautari to Pureora and visiting her on the way.

“Maungatautari is truly a taonga and we all need to enhance and protect the mauri and mana of Maungatautari.”

Incumbent regional councillor Stu Kneebone said if the regional and district council funding ended, all the hard work would be lost.

“The maunga acts as a kōhanga to a range of threatened species that are then translocated to other places throughout the region and across New Zealand, so the benefits are not limited to Waipā.

“In addition, Waipā receives many threatened species from other parts of New Zealand that it would not otherwise receive if we didn’t invest in the maunga the way we currently do.”

Prominent anti-1080 campaigner Clyde Graf, the final of four candidates standing in Waipā-King Country for the regional council, said Maungatautari was to have been self-funding by now.

“If ratepayers continue to fund the project, then I think the Waikato community should have free access. They most certainly shouldn’t be paying twice each time they visit the mountain.” • Read other responses www. cambridgenews.nz

THE

RX RANGE. ARRIVING SOON

An aerial view of the sacred mountain, Maungatautari.

The last post, or not…

By Mary Anne Gill

The minister responsible for putting the brakes on online voting for local body elections six years ago says the digital option still comes with risk.

Taupō MP Louise Upston, part of whose electorate takes in Waipā, says the benefits of it are no clearer today than they were when she was Associate Minister of Local Government in 2016.

Her comments come as most Waipā candidates struggled to recall the last time they posted any letters. Some say they post fewer than 10 letters a year and a couple had not posted a letter in years.

All knew where the nearest mailbox was though.

Lower voter turnout has resulted in calls for online voting. Even Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was “very worried” about the turnout and was surprised posting back papers were still an option when it was not the way people tended to engage.

She said it was time for local government to look at changing it to ensure better turnouts.

Eight councils were poised to trial online voting in 2016 but Upston announced earlier in that year that concerns about security and vote integrity meant it was too early for the trial.

Upston said then online voting could be trialled at future elections, but she told The News this week other options could include physical polling places, a designated polling day or more collection options.

“Local elections are incredibly important, particularly with the raft of reforms going through such as Three Waters and the future of local government. The decisions councils make effect everyone, and they should be representative,” she said.

“Online voting is only one proposal and that comes with risk, the benefits of it are no clearer

today than they were.”

“We must make it as easy as possible for people to have their voices heard while not compromising the integrity or accessibility of the electoral system.”

Upston laid the blame on a poor turnout to the Labour government which she said had “constantly undermined local government by cutting out core services and engaging in deceptive advertising campaigns laying the blame for issues like poor water quality at their feet.”

Greater consistency in the way local elections were run along with options like standardising the voter format and considering who runs the elections – local councils or Electoral Commission.

“There is still time for people to cast a vote and I encourage people to have their say,” said Upston.

Several candidates disagreed with Upston’s views about online voting.

Mike Montgomerie said rural entities he was involved with – Dairy NZ, FMG, Fonterra, Balance Agrinutrients etc – all use electronic voting.

“You receive an email with a pin and password, go to the website and vote. Those elections probably do not carry the same kind of fraud or hacking appeal or risk.”

Community board candidate Jo DaviesColley said going online would see a higher participation rate and better engagement while colleague Alana MacKay said postal voting was “no longer the way to go.”

Incumbent mayor Jim Mylchreest said he favoured a mix of electronic and postal voting but put the blame back on electors.

“People do need to take some responsibility

Continued on page 10

Louise Upston

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A time to vote…

By Peter Carr

It was an interesting weekend down in

The last post

to take part in the democratic system.”

where

body elections are in full swing. Three serious candidates for mayor (one currently the incumbent). Sound familiar?

In Wellington the local news describes them all as neck to neck all nodding at each other’s comments during the group presentations. As though they are all on the same wavelength with the current mayor broadcasting his huge achievements (naturally), a local MP who swore he would never stand for mayor (a clear porky statement) and a new female entrant - with a strong Greens background - aiming to remove intra-council bickering using her experience (?) in coalition negotiations with NZ First and Labour. And there is a clear split among the three as to support or otherwise for Three Waters.

So, our three local worthies battled it out last week at Lauriston Park at a forum that I had the honour to chair.

The meat of the debate has already been well covered by this paper’s Mary Anne Gill. But for me the twice declared role as an ‘evangelist’ by Chris Woodhams smacked too close to the Far Right and a self-appointed Bishop in Auckland.

By the time you read this there will only be 48 hours to the voting deadline. So, no hope of the would-be council sages persuading you of their worth.

But it is still time to take the voting strength up past the 40 per cent - a target in itself which is pitiful. Whatever you think of applicants who make promises that they cannot keep they have put in long hours and money to put their pitch. The very least they deserve is a responsive and interested voter reaction to ensure everyone gets the (local) government they deserve.

Evangelical bravado, bumbling councillor apologies and a new Māori ward are all in the mix this time.

Back in Wellington the accent is heavy on the four Ps - parks, pools, pipes and potholes. But also important is the Waipa council’s recently announced ‘gift’ of a large tract of land to the nearby expanding city.

But no mention of a quid-pro-quo as there will be a marked reduction in Waipa DC revenues. So just how much were you all consulted prior to the agreement?

Sue Milner wants to see a return to the time when polling days were a community event which invariably ended up as a neighbourhood evening as votes were announced.

Roger Gordon said The News could not be blamed as it helped raise awareness with news articles, features and advertising.

“I wonder if it is the lack of any opposing positions by candidates. Four of the Cambridge candidates have worked together for the past three years on many common issues. Perhaps it is time to move to electronic voting.”

Veteran Lou Brown, like Upston, blamed central government.

“Local government has inherited a tarnished image with the claims made over Three Waters, local government reforms, the current lack of basic state highway maintenance, and the current Urban Intensification Act all having a negative impact on local body elections.”

Get

yard in

Famous last words…

In our final print compilation of council candidate views, we asked what change they would drive in Waipā if they were elected and to sum up anything else. Plus, we asked what they thought Waipā council does best and what needs to be improved on. Responses have been edited to a maximum of 100 words

Elise Badger (Cambridge Community Board)

Petition council to bring the build of a new library for Cambridge forward in the long term plan and secure funding for a state of the art library that adds vibrancy to the CBD and meets diverse needs of the community. Improve pedestrian and bike access to rural schools. Support initiatives that support youth to flourish.

I think Waipā staff work hard to ensure our district is the best it can be. My interactions with staff have always been positive and I believe it has the best interests of this region and its people in their work and decisions.

Krystie Brickland (Cambridge Community Board)

Partner with Sport Waikato to help them roll out a more active Waipā to encourage our youth and adults to be more active.

I also love the concept of communal fruit trees and planting more of these, so we can do better by supporting those that can’t afford fresh fruit and veges, we are also teaching our children the importance of growing our own food.

Staff have done well to keep projects moving forward during Covid times, but now it is time for face to face conversations. To be out in the community more, have more community days and events.

Philip Coles (Cambridge)

I use every opportunity that comes my way to promote our town and community. I’m committed to enhance the opportunity for business community to grow while enhancing our residential.

Our council overall are amazing, in fact our council that includes staff are highly respected nationally, I see and hear this when attending regional and national events. I believe with the climate created from the pandemic and the climate we are currently entering we are in a better position than most and of course there can be improvements, but we need be grateful.

Jo Davies-Colley (Cambridge Community Board)

I am not seeking re-election to the board to advance any specific agenda, but to represent the great town of Cambridge and be an advocate for its community groups. If it’s an issue for the community, it’s an issue for the community board.

After working with councillors and staff for three years, I can say the people who make the decisions and carry out the work in Cambridge care deeply about our community. Council staff have excellent systems in place to serve our community and they have done a great job navigating through the pandemic and the challenges it brought.

Roger Gordon (Cambridge)

The transportation network for Cambridge is an area where we need to put more effort and I am looking forward to being

part of that. I would like to see less discussion in public excluded sessions. I believe in transparency in local government even if it is sometimes difficult. I would like to see a greater role for the Cambridge Community Board in adding more localism to decision making about matters that affect Cambridge.

I believe we have a very good council operation and there is a good relationship between the councillors and the management team.

Alana Mackay (Cambridge Community Board)

Stronger connections between the council, community boards, and community. I think that we can work together more collaboratively. Engaging with the community in a collaborative and meaningful way so people feel that they have input and ownership of decisions. The last three years have been challenging with the limitations Covid-19 placed on face-to-face consultation opportunities and I look forward a return to more of these.

Council and staff have done a great job to deliver a high level of service, provide and maintain infrastructure and assets, and manage finances to achieve a mix of essentials and the nice to have.

Sue Milner (Cambridge Community Board)

A new library. Our library is one of our most important and used community buildings and is far too small. Our community and the library staff deserve a better building sooner rather than later.

We have wonderful staff members who do a great job for our residents. The library

staff, the parks and garden staff are probably the most visible, but there are other teams which do a great job for Waipā. It has been great to see council staff at the Saturday market talking to locals about dogs and other issues. Long may this type of communication continue.

Mike Montgomerie (Maungatautari)

My drive would be for continuous improvement, effective and accountable leadership, engaged communities and a council which is responsive to the needs of those communities.

I think both council and staff have done a good job. They have been happy to engage and have answered our questions openly. There have been some controversial initiatives (for example Streets for People) and some lessons learnt about community consultation (for example the Hamilton Road cycleway). We need to continue driving community engagement. The community boards have a role to play and should be more effectively utilised to provide an avenue for local advocacy.

Andrew Myers (MaungatautariCommunity Board)

I’m not standing for change; I’m standing to continue to lift Waipā’s attributes as a fantastic place to live work and play. I have a strong interest in urban growth and the effects of this. Also, I have interest in the structure of governance proposed under the likes of Three Waters.

Overall, I believe the operation is well run. Rather than the staff, it’s the councillors who

James Mylchreest (Mayor)

The independent decisionmaking powers of local government being strengthened to ensure local communities can develop their unique identities. I have had a major impact on the development of most community facilities over the past 40 years either in strategic planning, project management or fundraising. It is important to see these facilities being developed but understand that often resistance is concern over the ability to pay or that individual may not use the facility. Staff work in the best interests of the community. The vast majority are members of the community and have a real affinity to Waipā.

Ruth Nicholls (MaungatautariCommunity Board)

The rates structure for rural landowners. My first would be to have the sewerage rate dropped as we provide our own sewerage. I would also like to reduce speeds around rural schools and villages.Our members have the best of intentions to improve our community in a quickly changing environment. I think they need to stop allowing so much growth. Our current infrastructure cannot handle it.

Selina Oliver (Cambridge Community Board)

One issue I would like to push is recycling next to our CBD rubbish bins and around public parks and sports clubs. Investing in community spaces. The rubbish and recycling situation.

Susan O’Regan (Mayor)

We need to make it easier to deal with us, to listen and take care of our diverse populations. I would seek to develop a more collaborative, transparent community-centred culture.

Our organisation has many hard working and passionate community focused staff. We need a council which is easier to deal with – council needs to be more enabling. Council should simplify things to make customer experiences enjoyable. We need better communication. This means we can better understand what people want Waipā to look like now and into the future. With active listening and better communication, we’ll get it right more often.

David Slone (Cambridge Community Board)

We need to hear the voices of people who live in our communities. Engagement shouldn’t be a tick box exercise that reaches only those who proactively seek interaction with council. Move past the voices of the famous and those who regularly engage so all voices are listened to.

Our council functions and does get things done. They’re never going to please everyone, nor move at a pace that most would like but when you look around at other councils, I think ours is doing okay. There are some good people within our council and we need to acknowledge that.

Delwyn Smith (Cambridge and Community Board)

I would push for an open-allhours dumping space people can bring rubbish in pre-paid bags. Rubbish has been a responsibility of councils since their inception as part of a public health

measure. The disposal of rubbish burden lies more on end users, those who buy secondhand stuff and cannot re-use it. They are stuck with the cost of disposal. There should be an inorganic collection. It is in the public’s interest to not have build-up of rubbish.

Council has promoted recreational activities for the enjoyment of the public. Focus on the core functions before the extras.

Takena Stirling (Māori)

Not sure if I would want to drive change per se, but what I would like to drive is the need for Māori input into decision making particularly around the growth of the Waipā district. I wouldn’t want to necessarily stand in the way of progress, but to help ensure that any growth is sustainable, positive and represents all our community.

Liz Stolwyk (Cambridge)

We are entering a post-Covid world so sensible rate increases must be top of mind. One big change I would like to see is the establishment of CCTV cameras throughout our towns and state highways

Waipā residents are led by a very competent group of councillors and a team of experienced and highly regarded staff. I have seen this first hand for nine years and have been impressed with the effort made with ratepayers over the council’s long-term plans. I would like to see more community liaison groups established for key projects, so the community has more ownership of these.

Bernard Westerbaan (Mayor, Te Awamutu-Kihikihi and Community Board)

We are losing the town identity for both Cambridge and Te Awamutu and if we are

not careful, Pirongia will lose its identity too. I would like to have the minimum size of a section increased to 1000 square metres. I will fight against the high density and three-storey home issue.

Staff on the bottom level are doing okay. No comment on the rest. Regarding council? Be more responsive to the ratepayers regarding submissions. Council must start listening to residents so improvements can be made. Council is employed by the ratepayers, and I would always remind council of that fact.

Chris Woodhams (Mayor)

The change I most want to drive is to move us to a more socially, culturally and physically connected Waipā. I’m seeing a disjointed, disenfranchised community, and a lot of “them and us.” You need a Waipā where no matter who you are or what your heritage is, being a part of Waipā gives you the ability to grow stronger within your community which, in turn, contributes to helping your community be stronger around you.

There is a great deal of talk and future planning. We are delivering our ‘Business as Usual’ reasonably well but we are not looking forward.

Launched in 2018, the Garden Festival is not only a fun day out for more than a thousand people, it is also a major fundraiser for Rotary Cambridge and Lifeskills Cambridge.

Moneyworks have been a proud sponsor since inception – and are key sponsors of the 2022 Garden Festival to be held on Sunday 20 November from 9am to 4.30pm.

There are 10 lovely gardens to visit, for only

seniors), as well as the open studios exhibition which is running alongside – ‘A Passion for Art’.

Fun and fundraising at the same time – who could ask for more. Tickets can be purchased at www.cgf.nz, Amber Garden Centre or Cambridge Jewellers.

What am I worth, and why?

By Murray Smith, Senior Leader, Bridges Church

In 1967, a lady stopped on the side of the road in California to pick up what she thought was an abandoned infant. It turned out to be a violin case. She took it home, put it in a cupboard and forgot about it.

Upon her death, that lady’s nephew received the case with violin inside. The nephew didn’t play the violin and his former wife, Teresa Salvato, an amateur violinist was awarded the violin as part of their divorce settlement in 1993.

One year later Teresa loaned the violin to her violin teacher who took it to Joseph Grubaugh, a luthier (expert in stringed instruments) for maintenance. Grubaugh immediately recognised this was no ordinary instrument.

It turned out to be a 250 year old Stradivarius, catalogued by the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers. The violin was so special it even had a name… ’the Duke of Alcantara’. Its value then was over one million dollars! Listed as missing (assumed stolen), Grubaugh immediately notified the registered owner which happened to be the University of California music department. The luthier returned the violin to the violin teacher but negotiations resulted in it being returned to UCLA by Supreme Court decision.

So how did this beautiful violin come to be shoved into a dusty cupboard for all those years? Well, back in 1961, its owner had donated the Duke of Alcantara Stradivarius to the music department of the University of California.

In mid-1967, David Margetts, a graduate student and second violinist of a String Quartet at UCLA, pleaded to borrow the Stradivarius for a performance. The Stradivarius disappeared while Margetts

was shopping for groceries after a rehearsal in Hollywood. He did not know whether he placed the instrument case on top of his car and drove off, or if it was stolen from inside his vehicle. Margetts sent notices to pawn shops and the police, but information never surfaced as to the violin’s whereabouts…

Today this valuable instrument (US$2,290,000 as of 2021) lives in a vault with virtuoso’s occasionally playing it for special performances.

I’ve thought about what drove this violin to such a price tag. Clearly, its ‘origin’ (crafted by the master Stradivarius), gave it implicit value and beauty. Right here is a concept which explains the inestimable value of a person.

The UN refers to the ‘inherent value’ of all human beings, but as a secular agency, it ignores the basis of that value having anything to do with our origin and purpose…that is, made by God, for relationship with Him.

The contention is that human dignity is a simple fact that has no basis in God… that it neither needs or has any explanation. Contradicting the UN - disavowing all-inclusive, equal value in humanity. evolutionary thought promotes value, worth and importance in selective terms of fittest, weakest, civilised, uncivilised…a descending order of ‘lesser’ humans…Such ranking relegates the poor and needy, physically disabled and handicapped to the bottom of the pile.

Thankfully genuine Christianity offers a better story.

person

Facing a global challenge

By Viv Posselt

New Zealand is in ‘unchartered waters’ with the dual threat of a more assertive China making us more exposed economically than ever before, and the precarious challenges presented by the Russia/Ukraine conflict.

Speaking in Cambridge last week, University of Waikato law professor Al Gillespie said while New Zealand has no ‘boots on the ground’ in Ukraine, its provision of weapons, training of Ukrainian troops in Britain, and assistance in resettling displaced Ukrainians means this country has never been this close to war with Russia.

Prof Gillespie was addressing guests at a U3A meeting at Te Awa Lifecare. He spoke on ‘Challenging Times: The Ukraine, the Pacific, and Extremism’.

The multiple challenges presented by the war in Ukraine include the risk of a nuclear response from Russian president Vladimir Putin to increased international sanctions, widespread

famine and malnutrition sparked by the conflict, the sabotage of gas flows to Europe, and the inability of the United Nations to act against Russia means a global response is needed to change the current dynamic. A solution, he said, lay somewhere between a global collective response and pressure applied to Putin from within Russia.

Gillespie’s area of specialisation is in international law related to war, civil liberties and the environment. He has served on several international delegations, including Unesco, is an adviser to the New Zealand government, is the author of 17 books and the recipient of numerous international and New Zealand awards.

He described the Russia/ Ukraine war, and Russia’s actions on the ground, as illegal in international terms and said it was important to look back to prior the February 2022 invasion to better understand the current situation. He cited Russia’s earlier aggression in Chechnya, Georgia

and Syria, and the shooting down of the Malaysian passenger aircraft MH17 over Ukraine in 2020.

The world was dealing with an opponent who has not only ‘not lost’, and expects his opponents to surrender, but is also able to exercise its unbridled power of veto over any United Nations’ Security Council action.

“We have not seen a crisis like this in Europe for many decades. Putin is using weapons that are illegal under international law,” he said.

Much of the threat to New Zealand today is attributable to the way international trade has changed.

He said New Zealand’s trade deal with China, amounting to 34 percent of our exports and linking $30 billion to one trade partner, was cause for concern. Even with the inclusion of billion-dollar trade deals with Britain and Europe, and a revised trans-Pacific TPPA deal on the table, New Zealand was increasingly at risk.

While China is a great economic

Al Gillespie

partner for New Zealand, he said consideration must be given to issues around Taiwan, human rights questions and China’s treatment of the Uyghurs, China’s disregard for promises made around the handing back of Hong Kong, and its moves to woo Pacific Island nations.

“We need to take these things seriously,” he said.

Guilty plea to stabbing

A 31-year-old person has been remanded in custody for the stabbing of three people in a Cambridge restaurant earlier this year.

Emma Nelson pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in the Hamilton District Court on Thursday, Stuff reported.

Nelson attacked a former partner, the restaurant owner, and an intervening customer in the Cambridge restaurant on May 4. Nelson’s former partner suffered laceration to their face and a punctured lung during the attack.

The restaurant owner spent four days in hospital following the attack and said $3000 worth of food went to waste as a result. The customer, a farmer, had not been able to work properly since the attack, Stuff reported.

Judge Keith de Ridder remanded Nelson in custody until November 15 for sentencing.

Early Christmas cheer at Te Miro

Leamington teams win

By Steph Bell-Jenkins

Two Leamington School teams have won Waikato Hockey Association’s regional 2022 Rural Schools Tournaments.

Nadine Butcher, who coached the school’s year 3 and 4 division team with Janine Parry. Their team won in a nail-biting final against Ngaruawahia’s Te Akau School at Hamilton’s Gallagher Hockey Centre.

The team fought back with two goals in the last five minutes then won a penalty shootout.

Further success followed when Leamington School’s senior team, coached by Nadine’s husband Stephen, won the year 5 and 6 division unbeaten.

The Te Miro School community raised around $400 for the Cambridge Christmas Cheer programme last month.

In doing so, they became early participants in this year’s Christmas Cheer fundraising, and organisers hope others will follow suit.

The Christmas Cheer programme is organised annually by the Cambridge Committee of Social Services (CCOSS), a group comprising social agencies, churches and community groups. Each year it gifts parcels of Christmas food, supermarket vouchers and new toys to nominated families in need, using funds raised within the community.

Te Miro School PTA members Luke and Tracey Campion originally wanted

to raise funds for last year’s Christmas Cheer but their plans were scuppered with a last-minute Covid lockdown. Ruth Nicholls, one of the CCOSS organisers and a member of Te Miro’s PTA said the decision was made to come back to it this year.

Ruth said fundraising for the annual programme was well underway, with collection bins out at participating business. She said the increased cost in groceries meant a likely shortfall on the food side.

“That’s why we are hoping to get some schools and other organisations to help us. The initiative goes on until December 19 … anything coming in after that will be saved for next year.”

Nadine and Stephen Butcher play for Hamilton Old Girls and Hamilton Old Boys hockey clubs. Stephen has coached the premier and reserve women’s grades for more than 10 years and is now helping to develop younger players.

They are keen to continue coaching younger players through Leamington Rugby Sports Club next year.

The Year 3 and 4 team was Lucus Burgos, Charlie Gaddum, Saxon Butcher, Emily Ward, Lucy Baxter, Sewakvir Singh, Hamish Purchase and Isla Lee. The Year 5 and 6 players Johnny Ward, Colin Johnston, Taane Young, Brody Urbahn, Benji Lee, Darcy Jenkins, Jade Stamp, Phoebe Gerritsen, Emma Barrett and Navvir Singh Kang.

Art premiere

Enrich Group trustee Maree Haddon shows off artist Deshan Walallavita’s lighthouse artwork. Artists from the Enrich Plus supported Art House programme had the opportunity to present their work to the community at a Spring Art Gallery viewing in the organisation’s Te Awamutu premises last week. The new art gallery is now open for public viewing after more than 40 people attended a premiere. The opportunity to view and purchase artwork produced by people in the disability community resulted in 12 pieces selling on the night for $1160. Forty percent of the takings were donated to the Te Awamutu Riding for the Disabled.

The Te Miro School community is helping boost the Cambridge Christmas Cheer initiative.

We asked columnist Peter Nicholl to discuss the ramifications of the fall in value of our dollar.

What’s happening to the dollar?

By Peter Nicholl

The Kiwi dollar has been in the news over the last few days for all the wrong reasons.

It has been falling sharply and this has caused concerns about its impacts on future inflation and therefore on interest rates.

People are right to be concerned. But the first thing to work out is whether the Kiwi dollar has, like all other currencies in the world, been hit by the tidal wave of positive sentiment for the US dollar or whether it is sinking faster than most other currencies.

Against the US dollar it has fallen by about 16 per cent this year. That’s a lot. It has also fallen by about nine per cent against the Australian dollar. It has been falling against the yen too over the last few months.

So, while it is the strength of the US dollar that has caused most of the recent weakening in the Kiwi dollar, we have not been a strong performer against other currencies.

There are two main reasons for the recent rapid increase in the value of the US dollar - the amount of political and economic uncertainty in the world and secondly, the US Federal Reserve has recognised that US has an inflation problem and got serious about doing something about it. Two weeks ago they raised their benchmark interest rate by 0.75%.

Market participants and commentators had got into the habit of thinking a move of 0.5 per cent was the maximum a Central Bank would do at a time. So the Fed’s larger increase took most people by surprise and got everybody’s attention.

How should other countries respond to this strong move by the US Fed? The new Conservative government in the UK gave everybody a textbook lesson on how not to respond.

With UK inflation already higher than in the US, they announced some of the largest tax cuts in UK history. This really spooked the financial markets. The Bank of England moved quickly to buy a lot of UK government bonds. They had to do so for financial stability reasons, especially in their pension industry.

But it has injected a whole lot more liquidity into the UK financial markets which is the last thing they needed at this time. It will add to downward pressure on the pound and upward pressure on inflation.

The move should have been accompanied

by a sharp upward movement in the Bank of England’s base interest rate.

Instead, the Governor of the Bank of England has said that he ‘won’t hesitate to raise interest rates to get inflation back to their 2% target’.

But he didn’t raise their interest rate when the Fed raised theirs by 0.75%. He didn’t raise the interest rate when the UK Government announced a huge tax cut. He didn’t raise the interest rate when this move led to market turmoil that forced the Bank of England to intervene in the bond market. So he has already ‘hesitated’ several times.

Which brings me to what the RBNZ should be doing given the recent fall in the value of the Kiwi dollar.

They should have already made a further upward move in the OCR. The New Zealand OCR is now below the Fed’s official interest rate. That is a guaranteed way to shift the exchange rate in favour of the US dollar.

The UK Government’s extraordinary ham-handed fiscal moves have increased the attention that global financial markets are going to be paying to country’s fiscal policies in year ahead.

Prudence will be rewarded and profligacy penalised in the foreign exchange market.

New Zealand’s politicians will need to recognise this and be careful what they promise as the election campaign gets under way.

The dramas in the world’s foreign exchange markets are just beginning.

As the big Central Banks finally get serious about the inflation problem that they themselves had a big role in creating, the process of adjustment will not be smooth. New Zealand policy-makers can’t afford to take risks.

Waipā District seems to be a long way from these global issues but even here they will have an impact. Waipā DC has said that over the next decade their debt levels are forecast to rise steadily as investment in infrastructure and community facilities continues.

Debt is going to become more expensive as interest rates rise and those higher rates are likely to stay around for longer than most people had been expecting until recently.

The word driving policy-makers in this uncertain environment should be caution.

Housing plan feedback

More than 80 people have made submission on a government plan to enable greater housing density in Waipā.

Most oppose the proposals that will see significant rule changes in Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi.

Council announced the proposed change to its District Plan in early August, following a government directive that required some councils, including Waipā, to increase housing density by relaxing planning rules.

Senior planning staff took the unusual step of publicly voicing their opposition to the pans through The News earlier this year.

Group manager district growth and regulatory services Wayne Allan said it had been an emotive issue for residents, and staff had fielded multiple enquiries.

“It’s good to see submissions come in, but this is not a numbers game. Decisions under

the Resource Management Act are made solely on merits and evidence, not on how many submissions are received.”

Submissions on the draft Plan Change 26 closed at the end of September and 40 submissions received in the closing hours.

”During the submission process, it was clear residents were worried about issues that might affect their property, such as sunlight, privacy and views,” Allen said.

Council will create a summary report on the changes people want made to Plan Change 26. The report will be made public at the end of November.

The council is also seeking feedback on other issues including enabling industrial development at Hautapu, rezoning the Carter's Flat commercial and industrial area in Cambridge and extending the Hamilton Airport Northern Precinct.

St John Cambridge Health Shuttle

15 Alpers Ridge Auction 12:00-12:30pm

CAMBRIDGE REAL ESTATE

Saturday 8 October

44 Byron Street Deadline Sale 11.00-11.45am

9 Homestead Lane Auction 12.15-12.45pm

6/88 Maungakawa Road Deadline Sale 12.30-1.15pm

19 Tiaki Way Deadline Sale 1.00-1.30pm

Sunday 9 October

154 Victoria Street $769,000 10.45-11.15am

19 Tiaki Way Deadline Sale 11.00-11.30am

71 Athlone Drive $1,649,000 11.00-11.30am

13 Carnation court $1,260,000 11.00-11.30am

328 Brunskill road $1,175,000 11.00-11.45am

44 Byron Street Deadline Sale 11.00-11.45am

29 Hemans Street $789,000 11.30-12.00pm

3B Hall Street $621,000 11.30-12.00pm

18 Broadmeadows Road $950,000 11.30-12.00pm

212 Thornton Road $1,365,000 11.45-12.15pm

2 Hilliard Place PBN 12.00-12.30pm

4/49 Pengover Avenue $789,000 12.00-12.30pm

3/49 Pengover Avenue $789,000 12.00-12.30pm

3 Robinson Street $989,000 12.00-12.30pm

1 Hulme Place $690,000 12.00-12.30pm

1A Mackenzie Place PBN 12.15-12.45pm

3 Hillary Street $815,000 12.15-12.45pm

45 Weld Street $1,195,000 12.30-1.00pm

6/88 Maungakawa Road Deadline Sale 12.30-1.15pm

47 West Thompson Street PBN 12.45-1.15pm

191 Taylor Street $974,000 12.45-1.15pm

13 Cooper Crescent $1,360,000 1.00-1.30pm

5 Lucombe Place $1,085,000 1.00-1.30pm

62C Raleigh Street $995,000 1.00-1.30pm

35 Whare Marama Drive PBN 1.00-1.45pm

105 King Street $1,175,000 1.15-1.45pm

165A Williams Street $989,000 1.30-2.00pm

120 Grey Street $895,000 1.45-2.15pm

18 Cotter Place $1,365,000 1.45-2.15pm

36 Goldsmith Street $735,000 2.00-2.30pm

1B Alpha Street $989,000 2.00-2.30pm

31B Clare Street $979,000 2.00-2.30pm

41 Catalyst Avenue PBN 2.00-2.45pm

9 Homestead Lane Auction 2.30-3.00pm

18A Saffron Street $1,155,000 2.30-3.00pm

99B Kingsley Street $1,150,000 3.00-3.30pm

HARCOURTS

Sunday 9 October 47 Moore Street PBN 10:00-10.30am

61 West Thompson Street PBN 11:00-11.30am

58a Moore Street $567,000 11:30-12:00pm

24a Thompson Street $880,000 12:00-12.30pm

88 Hall Street $1,020,000 1:00-1.30pm

114 Victoria Street PBN 2:00-2.30pm

27c Marshmeadow Road $3,100,000 2:00-3:00pm

LJ HOOKERS

Saturday 8 October 10a Weld Street PBN 11.00-11.30am

LJ HOOKERS continued

Sunday 9 October

23 Scott Street $1,275,000 10.30-11.00am

31a Tennyson Street $775,000 11.15-11.45am

47 Fuchsia Lane Deadline Sale 12.30-1.30pm

14 Pengover Ave Deadline Sale 1.30-2.00pm

LUGTONS

Saturday 8 October 37 Ruru Street $1,175,000 1.00-1.45pm

Sunday 9 October 37 Ruru Street $1,175,000 1.00-1.45pm

MORE RE

Saturday 8 October

120B Shakespeare Street $589,000 11.00-11.30am

160 King Street PBN 11.00-11.30am

45 Campbell Street PBN 12.00-12.30pm

8D Burr Street $979,000 12.00-12.30pm

2 Clifford Close PBN 1.00-1.30pm

2 Glenroy Place PBN 1.00-1.30pm

19A Saffron Street BEO $1,100,000 1.00-1.30pm

7 Pukeko Grove PBN 1.00-1.30pm

44 Southey Street PBN 2.00-2.30pm

4 Richmond Street PBN 2.00-2.30pm

31 William Paul Street Auction 3.00-3.30pm

Sunday 9 October

120B Shakespeare Street $589,000 11.00-11.30am

160 King Street PBN 11.00-11.30am

16 Keats Terrace $679,000 11.00-11.30am

14 Sargeson Place BEO $765,000 11.00-11.30am

15A Vogel Place BEO $920,000 12.00-12.30pm

8D Burr Street $979,000 12.00-12.30pm

45 Campbell Street PBN 12.00-12.30pm

30 Williamson Street $1,095,000 12.00-12.30pm

16A Thornton Road Auction 12.00-1.00pm

2 Clifford Close PBN 1.00-1.30pm

2 Glenroy Place PBN 1.00-1.30pm

7 Pukeko Grove PBN 1.00-1.30pm

44 Southey Street PBN 2.00-2.30pm

2/11 Kaniera Terrace $1,395,000 2.00-2.30pm

4 Richmond Street PBN 2.00-2.30pm

31 William Paul Street Auction 3.00-3.30pm

25 Jarrett Terrace PBN 3.00-3.30pm

RAY WHITE

Sunday 9 October 11/98 Burns Street $399,000 10.00-10.30am

Kaaka Street $1,049,000 10.00-10.30am

William Paul Street PBN 10.45-11.15am

Sewell Place $765,000 11.00-11.30am

Carlyle Street $1,149,000 11.00-11.30am

The Oaks Drive $1,390,000 11.00-11.30am

Boyce Crescent $1,415,000 11.30-12.00pm

Honiss Place PBN 12.00-12.30pm

Duke Street

Pengover Avenue

Thompson Street

Thompson

Priestley Place

Way

Goldsmith

1.00-1.30pm

1.00-1.30pm

1.00-1.30pm

1.00-1.30pm

2.00-2.30pm

3.00-3.30pm

3.15-3.45pm

Downsizing?

become

successfully with many

This

a

moving to & from

of what’s involved

LIFESTYLE VILLAGE OR RETIREMENT VILLAGE?

depends where in your life journey you are A lifestyle village such as Cambridge Oaks has a minimum age of just 50 Many people who choose to live here are still in full time work or are transitioning towards retirement There is a vibrant community and it’s got the ‘lock up and leave’ convenience that suits many who like to travel

is independent

living though there is no ‘path to care’ Other villages have higher minimum ages such as the new Summerset village (70), which is now selling units available for occupation early next year. Summerset cater for all stages from independent living through to full hospital care, and residents can move through the stages within the village

Three sets of French doors

garage plus workshop space

- Tidily-presented and situated in the heart of Cambridge, with Lake Te Ko Utu at the doorstep.

- Easy-care backyard, the all-so-favoured lock up & leave lifestyle.

Something special - a characteristic bungalow which oozes 1920s vintage ambience.

- A cosy, warm and sun-filled dining combined living room. Auction (unless sold prior) Wednesday 12th October, 1.30pm

Jason

Wendy

Executive

floor

master bedroom

twin vanity basins and a 1m

1m shower

Engineered stone benchtops compliment the kitchen and large family bedrooms - double gibbed for additional insulation and sound proofing.

Three heat pumps for heating and cooling pleasure

aren’t enjoying the desirably

home.

and crispness of a luxurious

positioned outdoor entertainment area.

Double glazed joinery and fully insulated, cosy fire plus four heat pumps throughout for winter heating as well as summer cooling.

New kitchen/scullery & separate laundry with maximised storage.

Family bathroom are finished with panache and the master bedroom

an enviable walk-in wardrobe.

Heat

BOWKER, Anthea Everena

– Passed away peacefully at Te Awa Lifecare with family at her side on Friday, 30th September 2022. Aged 94 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Burnham. Adored mother, mother-in-law, nanny and great-nanny to all her family.

‘A true inspiration to all’ ‘A special thanks to the staff of Te Awa Lifecare for their love and care shown to Anthea over the past 2 1/2 years.’ A memorial service for Anthea will be held at a later date. All communications to the Bowker Family, c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.

LEDGARD, Albert Francis, –

On Saturday 1st October 2022 at Cambridge (peacefully), aged 91 years. A loving husband of Beverley, father of Stewart, and grandad of Celina. Sadly missed. A private cremation has been held.

SAXTON, Margaret Emily

– Passed away peacefully on Thursday 29 September 2022, aged 91 years. Much loved and loving wife of the late Denis Saxton, and previously of the late Arthur (Des) Bryant. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Sheryl and Paul, Bruce and Colleen, Grant and Kay, Neil and Verna. Adored Nana of Hillary, Nick, Melanie, Mark, Jarrod and Anna. Great-nana Marg of Tom, Caleb, Ashton, Nina, Evelyn and Meara. In accordance with Margaret’s wishes, a private celebration of her life has been held.

MAUNGATAUTARI ECOLOGICAL ISLAND TRUST

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Trust’s Annual General Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 18th October 2022 in the Te Manawa o Matariki Room, Don Rowlands Centre, Lake Karapiro commencing at 6.00pm. Attendees are invited to join the Trustees for supper at the conclusion of the meeting. Note the Karapiro Dam is currently closed. Please plan alternative routes. Enquiries to Visitor Centre on 07 870 5180 or email secretary@maungatrust.org

PUBLIC NOTICE

Of an application for On Licence

Duke Street Hospitality Limited has made application to the Waipa District Licensing Committee for the renewal of a on-licence in respect of the premises at 68-72 Duke St, Cambridge known as The Masonic Hotel.

The general nature of the business to be conducted under the licence is tavern. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 9am-2am.

The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Waipa District Licensing Committee, 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu or 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge.

Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 15 working days after the date of the publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at: Waipa District Council, Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840.

No objection to the issue of a renewal licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

This is the second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on September 29, 2022

CAMBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL RECEPTIONIST

Permanent Full Time

For information about this position and a job description, please go to the Cambridge High School website. www.camhigh.school.nz/vacancies

Applications close on 14 October 2022. Interviews will be held in the week beginning 17 October with the successful candidate starting as soon as possible. Please send both a cover letter and CV to vacancy@camhigh.school.nz Note that a valid work visa and clear police vet check are required for this role.

COULD CARTERS CAMBRIDGE BE YOUR NEW WORK-FAMILY?

We are looking for a physically t person to continue the serious mahi my awesome team do to keep our local tradies happy.

If you enjoy working in a hands-on role where you will do it once and do it right, this could be the opportunity you have been looking for. It’s a bonus, if you have forklift experience that is F-endorsed, however the opportunity to be trained to do this is available too - if you have a full and clean NZ drivers licence.

Enjoy variety on the job as you pick orders, load and unload deliveries, serve customers, put stock away and keep the yard clean and tidy whilst learning our extensive product range!

In return, we o er:

A top hourly rate

• A 7.5% Bene ts Plan which includes Superannuation, Southern Cross Medical Insurance not to mention a voluntary savings scheme

If interested, please APPLY NOW using the below link or drop in a copy of your CV to your local Carters branch -

Vic or call me to discuss on 021 145 3357.

Sunday service at

will be lead by Re v. Alistair McBride.

Corner

Bryce

Sunday

at

by Rev. Mohu Lolohea

Ron’s run-run-runaway

By Barry Lichter

When Del Shannon finally scored for his long suffering owners at Cambridge on Thursday night, 94-year-old Ron Otto was with them, celebrating in the winner’s circle.

Otto was promised a night at the trots by his helpers at the Oakdale rest home in Cambridge if he got himself mobile again.

When he walked to the dining room by himself, the outing was on.

“The two girls who got me walking took me to the trots and we had a great night,” Otto said. “I even tipped them into a winner.”

Watching Del Shannon trotting in his preliminary, Otto said he was taken by the beautiful way he was put together and his long stride.

The money went on.

Otto has no previous connection to harness racing but his family was involved in thoroughbreds.

He said he was treated like royalty all night by the Cambridge committee and jumped, well not quite jumped, at the chance to join the photo ceremony in his wheelchair, when members of the Runaway Syndicate greeted their often perplexing charge.

It’s not that Del Shannon, or Yogi as he is affectionately known, lacks ability.

Being by world champion sire Muscle Hill out of trainer Nicky Chilcott’s nine-race winner Hot Chocolate Tart, he was bound to have something under the bonnet.

But with it came a mischievous streak. Chilcott once spent a day repairing fences after he went on runaway spree charging from one paddock to another.

Then Yogi kept going lame for no apparent reason and it was only through scintigraphy that Chilcott discovered he’d fractured a shoulder.

Locked up in a box for four months then another two more months in a tiny yard, Yogi missed his entire two-year-old season.

When Yogi finally got to the races he showed immediate ability, winning at his second start before being put aside to strengthen in late January.

But when he came back into work the loveable horse who always wanted a pat had gone missing.

“He was awful, he couldn’t trot, and he was always sulking. If you walked past him he’d go to the back of his box.

“We did a vet check and they couldn’t find anything wrong. I didn’t know what else to do so I gave him two to three weeks in the paddock.

“He came back a different horse, happy and back to being the old Yogi.”

On Thursday last week, told not to expect too much in his first race for nine months, Yogi’s owners

thought his three deep marker run might see him run into the minor money in Woodlands Stud Supporting Our Future Trot.

But, as Chilcott said, just a week after racking up her 500th training win, “when things are going your way, they’re going your way.”

“He won easily, which didn’t really surprise me as he was the best horse in the field. He’s a lovely horse with really good manners - not much stresses him out - and he’ll continue to improve.

Thursday was the first time the

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Runaway Syndicate had been on course to cheer home their herohis maiden win came when Covid restrictions prevented owners from attending.

So the fresh-up win was a great thrill for Pete and Di McDermott, Noel and Jan Burnside, Rex and Jan Hooton, Christine and Graeme Gillanders, Roger Carroll, Judy Bowen, Steve and Karen Hollander, Kelvin and Cherry Neville, Jo Turan and Nes Turan, along with coowners and breeders Lyn Chilcott and Grant and Di Beckett.

MOVIES

Ron Otto enjoying his night at Cambridge Raceway, photo: supplied

Del Shannon parades before the Runaway syndicate at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday night.

Photo: Chanelle Lawson

AM430X

AWD