Te Awamutu News | January 19, 2023

New JPs on the list

By Mary Anne Gill

Seven new justices of the peace will be sworn in today at the Te Awamutu Courthouse.

Four of them are from Te Awamutu itself, one each from Te Aroha and Kihikihi and the other from Taharoa. But none are from Cambridge which is of some concern to the Waikato JP Association.

Among those getting sworn in are Waipā district councillor Marcus Gower of Kihikihi and long-time Taharoa resident Sue Willison.

The others from Te Awamutu are Graeme Austin, Katrina Hudson, James Broom and Duncan Gray.

Paul Sweetman from Te Aroha rounds out the list of those who will be sworn in by District Court judge Garry Collin starting at 10am.

Gower said his interest in becoming a JP was piqued when he became involved in the Regulatory

committee at the council.

He now chairs the committee, is deputy chair of the Liquor Licensing committee and a Resource Management Act commissioner.

“I really enjoy my roles in those and am really interested in the justice process. I want to help make sure everyone gets a fair hearing.”

Willison has had no experience in regulatory committees but is a seasoned contributor over 30 years to the west coast communities of Marokopa and Taharoa.

She recently stood down from the board of Te Kura o Tahāroa – years after her last child left school.

She was approached by long-time JP and farmer Allan Smith who wanted to stand down but would not do so until he found someone to take his place.

Mary Anderson, who lives in Marokopa, is the only other JP covering the remote western coast.

“It didn’t seem fair to her, so I was

Wonderful waka

happy to put my name forward,” said Willison who has already indicated she is happy to go onto JP registers in Te Kuiti and Waipā, including Cambridge.

Nominees must get the support of their member of Parliament and because she is on the Te Tai Hauāuru roll, she needed approval from Parliament speaker Adrian Rurawhe.

“This is a great honour,” she said.

Gower needed sign off from Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger.

Cambridge has 33 JPs but could do with more as some are ageing and keen to ease their way out.

Waikato JP Association registrar Linda Fell said it was a shame noone new had come forward in the town.

Jill Hobden has recently been appointed to the association’s membership portfolio with her eyes firmly set on Cambridge.

IN ALL THINGS CONCRETE

Te Awamutu has 16 JPs. Gower’s appointment has seen the numbers doubled in Kihikihi, but former

district councillor Hazel Barnes has already indicated she is unlikely to continue. Pirongia has three.

Marcus Gower of Kihikihi and Sue Willison of Taharoa will become Justices of the Peace in Te Awamutu today.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

One of the first races of the afternoon gets underway on day one at the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals on Lake Karāpiro. See page 3 for more.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Doggy dos and don’ts

By Mary Anne Gill

Overflowing dog and rubbish bins around the district has prompted Waipā compliance manager Karl Tutty to warn residents of their responsibilities.

Picking up doggy poos is up to their owners he said – and residents should not put household rubbish into town bins.

“Council is not obliged to provide dog bins and many councils don’t. However, Waipā has put in 46 dog waste bins across the district, funded by dog registration fees, to help dog owners meet their responsibilities,” he said.

“If the bin is full, we would implore dog owners to let us know, but also to take the waste home with them and dispose of it, rather than create a unsightly mess no-one wants to see.”

A dog bin in Swayne Road, Cambridge – installed late last year following public requests – has been more popular than anticipated.

“Now that we have a better handle on its use, we will be adjusting the frequency of how often it’s emptied. Some dog bins are emptied daily; others weekly or fortnightly depending on use.”

Rubbish bins in the central business districts are emptied daily but contractors noted on a recent weekend they saw lots of household rubbish.

The council has asked its contractors to go through dumped household rubbish bags to find identification. Dumping household rubbish in public bins is subject to a $400 fine.

CONTACTS

Roy Pilott editor@goodlocal.nz 027 450 0115 Mary Anne Gill maryanne@goodlocal.nz 021 705 213 Viv Posselt viv@goodlocal.nz 027 233 7686

Being driven to anger

By Mary Anne Gill

Driver behaviour at Waipā roundabouts has been called out by one of the country’s longest serving professional drivers.

Sheryl Moffat, who runs a driving school servicing Cambridge and Te Awamutu – and other Waikato towns – says many Waipā drivers drive aggressively.

She pinpointed two roundabouts in Cambridge which create problems while The News also witnessed similar behaviour at two Te Awamutu roundabouts.

And a recent social media debate was spurred by a poster who reported a driver entering the Victoria-Queen streets roundabout from Cambridge north in the left lane then went straight ahead.

“This roundabout is an accident waiting to happen,” says Moffat.

“But there’s nothing wrong with the road or the signage, it’s the drivers and I’m not sure they’re all locals.”

But it is locals who clog up the VictoriaDuke streets roundabout where it has become acceptable when busy to block the intersection.

The roundabouts in Te Awamutu suffer from the same problem. The ArawataSloane-Alexandra streets roundabout at peak time can crowd easily too.

In both towns, the presence of pedestrian crossings entering the roundabouts cause hold ups.

Moffat says she tells her students to drive carefully through the roundabouts and to make sure they have a safe gap selection.

“You can’t trust others on roundabouts to be letting you know the truth about where you’re going.

“The one thing I do notice about local drivers is the lack of patience for learner drivers. They toot aggressively and

sometimes get abusive when a learner takes even just a little longer working out their gap selections, they seem to forget that they were learners once.”

Moffat has been a professional driver for more than 30 years, firstly as a taxi driver and latterly a driving instructor.

“Driving is something that no matter how long or how often we have been doing it we are continuously learning.

“You never know it all and driving situations are always changing and it’s human nature to make mistakes.

“If you find yourself driving aggressively towards others on the road maybe you need to get off the road and chill out as the problem is now you,” she said.

When entering roundabouts, look around, use your indicators and be courteous. If it is not a local, they may not have seen the arrows on the road, particularly if it is busy, said Moffat.

Waipā Transportation manager Bryan Hudson said the council runs road safety and driver skill education programmes which include advice on roundabout use.

There is one coming up on January 29.

“Victoria Street, Cambridge has relatively high volumes of traffic in the peak hours. So, during those times some drivers may take risks and use smaller gaps in traffic to get through the roundabouts. It seems to be human nature and we see it everywhere,” he said.

“The dual lanes at Queen and Victoria do add to the complexity of the roundabout for less experienced drivers, who may find themselves in the wrong lane. This happens at all multi-lane roundabouts to a degree.

“Enforcement at roundabouts is particularly difficult as most mistakes occur at peak times when it is particularly difficult and disruptive to traffic for police to try and

•

Letters…

Hall of fame

In response to the letter (January 12) from Bernie Fynn raising concerns about a proposed Sports Hall of Fame, readers should be clear this project is not a council ‘fantasy’; indeed it is not a council project at all. The Sports Hall of Fame project has been proposed by an entirely independent group, working alongside the Home of Cycling Trust chaired by Graeme Maw. Council has not committed any funds to this project. All council has done is provide a loan guarantee, with appropriate conditions, should it be required. This puts the trust in a stronger position to fund-raise.

Ken Morris

Acting chief executive, Waipa District Council

On the skids

I was delighted to see that Cambridge can provide a venue for Pony club activities and now mower racing. I am eagerly awaiting news of a venue for young drivers to do skids and motor sports. The current councillors voiced their support for youth before they were elected, and now that they have taken back the moto-cross track, I am hoping they will consider that young drivers are just as worthy of recreation space for motor activity. We can’t count private land used by a club, as that is not equitable. Think of the numbers of youth that would enjoy this.

Delwyn Smith Cambridge

pull over and talk to drivers,” said Hudson.

What do you think? Are Waipā drivers aggressive and impatient?

Roundabouts in Te Awamutu and Cambridge can be the scene of crowding and aggressive driver behaviour.

Urban Miners collected 72 car loads of e-waste in two hours on Sunday in the first collection of the year. The organisation’s new truck – a 1995 Isuzu Elf – was donated by Waipā District Council last year and got put to good use with heaps of TVs, computers and microwaves. The first Te Awamutu e-waste collection will be held on 29 January at the Te Awamutu Sports Rugby Club.

Going spare

Prince Harry’s memoir ‘The Spare’ has generated steady but not overwhelming interest from Waipā readers. Waipā outreach librarian Dee Atkinson said the book was on order from the publishers and that by Monday 18 holds had been placed on it across the public libraries in Te Awamutu and Cambridge. Paper Plus in Cambridge and Te Awamutu are taking orders for the book, which is also in stock at both The Warehouse stores.

Recession or not?

Former Reserve Bank governor of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina and columnist for The News Peter Nicholl gives his views on the coming year today –see page 5.

Road works

Work has started on restricting access at a key roundabout in Hillcrest, Hamilton. When work is completed vehicles will no longer be able to turn right to remain on Cambridge Road. The project has been criticised on social media as a waste of time and money. Elsewhere work continues on safety improvement at the Tamahere interchange and on SH1 south of Maungatautari Rd.

Busy parks staff

Waipā parks staff have hit 2023 running after 300mm more rain fell around the district in the last three months than usual. Once the rain stopped late last week, staff were out weeding and cleaning up.

Waka Ama sprint nationals are back on Lake Karāpiro this week and wrap up on Saturday. Senior writer Mary Anne Gill spoke to competitors, coaches, spectators, stall holders and staff on day one and found anticipation, emotion and joy.

The Waiporoporo Maidens from Horouta Waka Hoe Club (6) finish clear of Matiti Maidens from the Hoe Aroha Whanau o Mauao club (5) and Hinerēhia of Te Toki Voyaging Trust (12), Maia Rahui of Pokeka Waka Sports (9) and Hiwi from Ruamata Waka Ama Club (8) in the W6 Taitamāhine semi final.

water and to be acknowledged,” said Laurie who coaches the 35-strong junior contingent.

It has been two years since the event has been held and for him to be part of the pōwhiri led by his Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Haua iwi, was “tear jerking.”

They are the hau kainga (home people) of the regatta.

Laurie, who went to Te Awamutu College, his wife Ariane, whānau and friends are competing for the Karāpiro Waka Club which is surprisingly one of the smallest of the 63 clubs in action on the water entered into seven categories across the week.

The local club is competing in only its second nationals yet has no physical home. It was formed after Te Wānanga o Aotearoa signed a memorandum of understanding with the iwi and ran its year-long Level 4 Certificate in Waka programme for about 25 iwi members at Lake Karāpiro.

Its two waka Rangakura and Rangatahi –donated by Tainui to Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Haua iwi – are stored at their home in Pukeatua even though there are five rowing clubs on the lake.

“It’s lovely to be here, lovely to be on our own

“For us in the community to be here, it is huge. To be here on our back doorstep, it makes sense. Once we get a base, it will be even greater.”

Opening day featured the taitamariki, competitors under 10 years old, with the youngest paddler aged five.

More than 450 taitamariki competed in 21 races battling an epic Lake Karāpiro tailwind.

“Although it is a national event, we rekindle relationships here,” said Laurie.

“This is a good starting point for family to come back if they have no connection,” said Ariane.

And even though the club only has two waka, they go into the pool to be used by the visitors.

“That’s what we do as a whānau, we share things,” said Laurie.

Nearly 2700 paddlers from 63 clubs from as north as Kaitaia and south to Christchurch along with 17 corporate teams and several international paddlers from Fiji are involved in the championships.

More than 10,000 spectators were expected throughout the seven days. The championships got $20,000 from the Waipā District Promotions Fund.

Waka Ama chief executive Lara Collins said numbers are down because of the Covid interruptions but she expects the sport to bounce

back.

“Waka Ama is a sport like no other, with its inclusive nature bringing together paddlers of all ages and backgrounds with their whānau,” she said.

The youngest paddler is five-year-old Ava KeaneTulepu of Porirua and the oldest is Whanganui’s Arthur Wilson who is 81.

“It may be the only sport where grandparents, mums, dads and their kids can come together and compete at an event.

“That’s what makes it so special and unique - the racing is competitive, but the vibe is what draws the crowds and whānau,” said Lara.

Saturday is finals’ day with clubs competing for national honours in single, six and 12-paddler teams over distances of 250m, 500m, 1000m and 1500m. Spectators are also in for added excitement as teams competing in the six-paddler 1000m and 1500m classes must navigate their way through hairpin turns at the 250m mark.

The inaugural Waka Ama Sprint Nationals were held in 1990 at Lake Karāpiro. There were 17 clubs and 43 teams taking part compared to the 63 clubs and 15 corporate teams participating this year. Sixty per cent of the 2700 paddlers participating are female.

• More photos and stories teawamutunews.nz

Celebrating

Life - Your Way

We believe that each funeral service should be as unique as the life you are celebrating. When a funeral is personalised, it creates a special space for sharing precious memories, telling stories, and simply being together with friends and family.

Jim Goddin JP Funeral Director

Laurie Tauroa says his emotions got the better of him during the pōwhiri on Sunday morning for the 33rd annual Waka Ama sprint national championships at Lake Karāpiro.

Erina Watene, Tamoko Ormsby and Waimirirangi Ormsby at the National Science Challenges stand on day one at the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals on Lake Karapiro.

Gaye King and Lee Ann Muntz (right) from Ngāti Koroki Kahukura perform a karanga at the pōwhiri for the championships. Photo supplied

The Waitete crew from Karāpiro Waka, back row: Laurie Tauroa, Talia Tauroa (coaches); middle row: Aramoana Tauroa, Williamina Tauroa, Connor Stephenson, Ngapaea Tauroa-Broughton; front row: Rongonui Tauroa, Nuirangi Anscombe-Tauroa on day one at the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals on Lake Karāpiro. They finished third in their heat.

Photos: Mary Anne Gill

Record E-Waste

Recession? Not this year

By Peter Nicholl

Most recent economic predictions for New Zealand in 2023 are that the economy will go into recession with the main debate being about when, by how much and for how long. This became the predominant view when the Reserve Bank suddenly became much more hawkish late last year. It raised its policy interest rate more strongly than previously and forecast more large increases and a higher peak in their OCR, saying this would push the country into a recession in 2023.

Interestingly, this sudden change in tune came very shortly after Adrian Orr was appointed as governor for another term. This bleak outlook for 2023 scared many people, especially those with a large mortgage who faced an interest rate reset. But a lot of the economic news over the last month or two indicates to me that 2023 may not be as bad as the scenario forecast by the Reserve Bank and accepted by most other commentators.

The recent positive signs include:

• A significant drop in energy prices. For example, oil in July 2022 was around US$120 a barrel. It has been trending down since then and is currently around US$80 a barrel.

• The prices of shipping containers skyrocketed in 2019 and peaked at around US$10,400. The price has been falling steadily over the last year and is now around US$2,400, the level it was in early 2019. This will affect the price of most goods that are traded internationally.

• The return of overseas tourists to New Zealand has exceeded expectations since the border reopened.

• The US share market has risen by almost 10% since its trough in October, 2022, despite rising interest rates. This doesn’t happen when market participants are expecting a recession.

• US inflation in the year to December, 2022 was 6.5 per cent. While this is still well above the Fed’s inflation target of 2 per cent, it was the lowest annual inflation rate in the US for more than a year and was the fourth month in a row that their annual inflation rate had slowed a little.

Fed spokespeople have already made statements saying that their next rises in interest rates will now be lower than they had previously forecast and the peak level of their policy interest rates will be lower too.

This latest picture from the US Fed should be good news for most other countries, including New Zealand. Because of the critical role of the US$ in trade and international financial flows, most other countries’ central banks have little choice but to follow the track of US interest rates.

The annual inflation rate in New Zealand was 7.2 per cent in the year to September, 2022.

The next CPI figure will be released next Wednesday.

In their last Monetary Policy Statement the Reserve Bank forecast the CPI level for the year to December 2022 to keep rising to 7.5%. I think the December CPI number will be lower than that.

That should lead the Reserve Bank to lower their interest rate forecasts – and stop talking about a recession in 2023.

Unlocking the potential

By Christine Bryant, Lay Minister, St John’s

January – you blink and it’s over. Time to prepare for school – new uniforms, new books, new teachers. For those who finished school in 2022, thoughts turn towards moving away from home to study in a new city or becoming part of a team in a work place.

As a teacher, I have met a lot of new students each year and have had the privilege of spotting the potential and see it develop over time.

Yet, it’s not always easy to spot the potential. Young people may go through a tricky patch before they eventually find their way.

When confronted with a defiant student, I try to remember the person in front of me is not the finished product – if any of us is ever a finished product.

I remember the chorus of a Sunday School song: Kids under construction, Maybe the paint is still wet; Kids under construction, God isn’t done with me yet.

These days getting a job is an involved process. Firstly, the job description. You have to work out whether your skill set, and experience match the criteria. Next updating your CV, hoping it is glittering enough to score an interview.

For the interview you need to prepare –check out the company you hope to work for, rehearse your strengths and weaknesses, explain how you deal with conflict, and so on. Lastly, if all goes well, you get the call which says yes, you are a good fit and you are offered the job.

The contrast between this drawn-out process and the way Jesus chose his disciples couldn’t be more stark.

Take the apostle, Peter, for instance. In John 1:42 we see how Jesus could spot potential in the shortest job interview ever. Simon (Peter) went to meet Jesus with his brother, Andrew – two brawny fishermen. “Jesus looked at him. ‘You are Simon, son of John. You shall be called Cephas’ – which means Peter”.

Cephas/Peter mean the man of rock, the totally dependable one. Now Peter was anything but reliable. He was impetuous – he tried to walk on water; he was easily angered – he cut off someone’s ear with his sword; he was cowardly – the night before the crucifixion he denied even knowing Jesus.

Jesus, however, could see the man Peter would become: the rock on whom the church is founded. His impetuous became a willingness to take risks; his anger transformed into indignation in the face of injustice; his cowardice turned into fearlessness. Time and again in the Acts of the Apostles, Peter confronted the authorities to defend the young church. In the end he died for his faith. The fact that Jesus saw this and called him to be a disciple unlocked the potential in him.

We who are of mature years were once like Peter. Our first employer saw something in us and took a chance that we had the potential to do the job, even if our CV was somewhat light.

So, if you are able to tutor, employ or mentor a young person, I urge you to take a chance on him/her. Unlocking the potential of our youth is vital for the future well-being of our communities.

It’s easy

let

slide over the summer holidays. Routines become a lot more relaxed and the new school year seems a long way off.

Yet the start of term can arrive all too quickly. Suddenly there’s a lot to do and you find yourself in a last-minute rush to get everything done. As the big day draws closer, children are filled with excitement and first-day jitters while parents may be left wondering if they’re prepared enough. A little organisation and forethought will help eliminate these thoughts.

To prepare yourself for a fresh start, make a check-list and work through it systemically. Involve the kids so it becomes a shared undertaking. Family routines tend to become lax during the holiday period. The start of school means getting back to regular patterns of sleep, meals and daily rituals. Establishing a school routine can be a challenge for everyone so don’t leave things to the last minute.

As not all learning takes place in the school environment, there may be activities and external education to organise. Extra curricular activities help shape your children and encourage well-roundedness. Register early for sports, music, dance, drama or art classes to ensure a place.

Be positive

While some kids can’t wait to get back to school, others face the prospect with trepidation. Put a positive spin on starting,

or returning to school. Talk with your children about the fun things they’ll learn, the old friends they’ll see and the new ones they’ll make. Reassure them that if they’re starting a new class or a new school, other kids may share the same feelings and anxieties. Parents, naturally, desire the best for their children and want the school experience to be a positive one. Give your kids lots of love and support. Double-check your children’s registration, especially if they are attending a new school. Secure medical and emergency forms and make sure records are up to date.

Set goals for the year ahead by putting into place some New School

Year’s Resolutions.

Beginning a new school year can be a big change. Start it like you mean to go on.

Stationery and uniforms

Have you got school stationery lists? Uniforms? Schools often have dress codes. Find out what they are. Get an information pack and read through it carefully. Check with staff if you have any doubts or uncertainties. Shop early for supplies. Involve your children with back-to-school shopping and make them aware of the family budget. The start of the school year can put a financial burden on families.

School lunches

Nutrition is important. Plan healthy snacks,

lunches and drinks. Consult with your kids and make healthy meal decisions together. Be ready with backpacks and lunch boxes.

Extracurricular activities

Getting involved in extracurricular activities is another great way for children of all ages to develop skills that will help boost their confidence and academic success. Participating in activities they are passionate about can increase children’s brain function and help them concentrate and manage time better, resulting in higher grades, more positive attitudes towards school and higher academic aspirations. Taking part in activities outside the classroom will also help prepare older students for work, says New Zealand government website careers.govt.nz.

“Alongside knowledge and education, employers are looking for team members who bring employability skills like time management, the ability to commit to a long-term project, self-management and teamwork.

“By their very nature, extracurricular activities – a role in the school play, joining a sports team, taking up an instrument –encourage these employability skills and demonstrate them to potential employers.” Here in the Waipa we are spoilt for choice with the number of extracurricular activities on offer, so there are plenty of options to help get your child off to a flying start in 2021.

CAMBRIDGE

LAUNCH

MAKE THE MOVE TO RYMAN’S BRAND NEW VILLAGE IN !

Join us to learn about Ryman Healthcare’s brand new retirement village, under construction in Cambridge. Cheyne Chalmers, NZ Chief Executive and Bernade e Forsdyke, NZ General Manager Sales will officially launch our new village with an informative presentation showcasing all the village will offer. There will also be the opportunity to view architectural plans for our stunning townhouses and gain access to our special early bird pricing.

Learn more about independent living in townhouses. Find out about assisted living in a serviced apartment, and our care options, which will include resthome, hospital and specialist dementia care. Hear from Ryman residents as they share their experience of living in our vibrant village communities.

This will be a Covid safe event and RSVP is essential. Either scan the QR code or phone David on 0800 600 446.

rymanhealthcare.co.nz/village-launch

They’re almost here . . . ‘Argh!’ I cry. I close the door to the mess and sigh Mum sees me covered in egg and cake. ‘OH JOE!’ she growls. ‘For goodness’ sake!’

In Ooey Gooey Surprise Joe decides to make his pop a surprise cake for his birthday party. What could possibly go wrong?

The Ooey Gooey series embraces mess and minor catastrophe in a positive way: showing a child who is proactive, independent, and capable, albeit with some ooey-gooey consequences. With fun-filled undulating rhyme and rhythm, author Karen Mowbray easily hooks her readers into the story, turning mistakes into adventures, all complimented by Lisa Allen’s contemporary pastel colour palette and joyful Kiwiana illustrations. This heart-warming story is great for all kids who love helping in the kitchen and cooking up a storm!

Joe could easily be any Kiwi kid in any everyday setting where things just don’t go to plan – which makes it super relatable for children. Joe deals with all his tricky ooey-gooey situations with a smile, a positive attitude and resilience. Much like Ooey Gooey Gone, Ooey Gooey Surprise has lots of great discussion points for kids such as: If they were in a difficult situation what would they do?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KAREN MOWBRAY is a teacher and author of children’s books. She is passionate about providing children with the best possible start to school and helping children to develop their emergent literacy skills and a love for learning. She has a particular love of writing in rhyme and much of her writing is based on the adventures of her own children or those she has taught over her twenty plus years of primary school teaching.

Joe, the star of Karen Mowbray and Lisa Allen’s Ooey Gooey Gone, is back to delight young readers with another brilliant ooey-gooey adventure.

by Karen Mowbray and Lisa Allen

Versatile veg

They can be a main, a side or a salad. Vegetables are an appetising source of enjoyment — the variety, the combinations, colours and flavours.

One of my favourite Kiwi chefs — Peter Gordon — authored a cookbook in 2006: Vegetables — The New Food Heroes. In it he recognises that vegetables are the unsung heroes of a meal. My tatty copy has bookmarks at various intervals including: Roast Baby Beetroot & Red Onions: Creamy Peas, Shallots & Mint; and Romano Peppers Stuffed with Tomatoes, Garlic & Basil – plus many more.

These three dishes are summer specialities that I have whipped up many a time adding my own twists. For example, a few cumin seeds with the beetroot and a little feta cheese with the peppers. Of course, vegetables are deliciously good for you. As Peter says, “As part of a balanced diet, vegetables keep you in fine form and your mind equally athletic.”

And the American Institute of Cancer Research estimates that as many as 40 percent of all cancers in men and 60 percent in women are linked to diet. Studies have confirmed that populations with diets rich in vegetables and fruit run a lower risk of cancer.

CONFIT GARLIC & ROASTED TOMATO CIABATTA

I used a small loaf pan for cooking the garlic, but a small deep roasting pan would suffice. Use a light or pure olive oil, not extra virgin. I served this with grilled cutlets and asparagus. It also makes a great snack.

4 whole bulbs NZ garlic 6 sprigs thyme flaky sea salt to taste

1 3/4 cups olive oil, approximately 10-12 cherry tomatoes, halved 4 large slices ciabatta, toasted Heat the fan oven to 150°C.

Slice the garlic bulbs horizontally across the tops so that the cloves are revealed. Place the bulbs snugly in a small heat-proof glass loaf pan. Add the thyme and salt. Pour the oil over the bulbs, until completely covered. Cook for an hour, until the cloves are very soft.

Place the cherry tomatoes cut-side up in a small roasting pan and sprinkle with salt. Place in the oven when the garlic has been cooking for 30 minutes.

Using tongs, lift the garlic bulbs from the oil onto a plate. Cool slightly. Squeeze the cloves from their skins onto the toasted ciabatta. Top with the tomatoes. Serves 4.

Tip: Reserve the garlic-infused oil in a covered jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Great for cooking or a dip for crusty bread.

MEXICAN CORN SALAD

The kernels can be blanched before use, but I prefer raw, crisp, sweet young kernels. Ensure limes are used not lemons.

Delicious and easy.

1 small red onion, diced

3 fresh corn cobs

2 large tomatoes

10g pack coriander, finely chopped

1 long red chilli, seeded and diced (optional)

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons pale honey

Place the diced onion in a small bowl and cover with iced water. Stand for 10 minutes to crisp and for any strong flavours to dissipate.

Meanwhile, remove the husks and silk strands from the corn.

Trim the ends. Stand a cob on the thick end and, using a sharp knife, run it down the cob behind the kernels to remove them.

Repeat with the remaining cobs. There should be about 3 cups of kernels. Place in a large bowl.

Halve the tomatoes, squeeze out the seeds then dice the flesh.

Add to the bowl with the coriander, chilli (if using) and the drained onion. Mix well.

Whisk the lime juice and honey until the honey is dissolved. Pour over the salad just before serving. Serves 4-6.

GRILLED CAPSICUM & CAPER SALAD

Char-grilling creates sweet, juicy and flavoursome capsicums. Char under a grill or on a barbecue. The pine nuts can be toasted in the oven after the grilling or in a heavy frying pan.

3 large red capsicums

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

2-3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted

3 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained dash smoked paprika

1/4 cup sliced fresh herbs eg mint, flat leaf parsley, basil

Place the capsicums on a heavy baking tray. Preheat the grill to high. Grill the capsicums all over, turning once one side is slightly blackened.

Place in a plastic bag and cool. Remove the seeds and core. Peel off the skin. Cut the flesh into 3cm squares. Place on a serving dish.

Whisk the oil and vinegar until well combined. Drizzle over the capsicums. Top with the pine nuts and capers. Dust with the paprika then top with the herbs.

Great served with grills and barbecues. Serves 4.

Confit garlic and roasted tomato ciabatta

Grilled capsicum and caper salad

with Jan Bilton

Golfers support chopper trust

Waipā

A full field of 34 four-player teams will contest the Waikato District Veteran Golf Association’s 2023 four-day Festival of Golf starting Monday at Cambridge.

This year will see a new line-up of host clubs with Te Awamutu and Morrinsville replacing Waikare (Te Kauwhata) and Ngāruawāhia.

Day two will be played at Morrinsville, day three at the Pirongia course and the final day and prize giving will be held at the Te Awamutu Golf Club. There will be a rest day on the Wednesday.

Waikato’s Festival of Golf is the longest continual sponsor of the emergency rescue helicopter operation and over 26 years has raised in excess of $150,000.

Teams from 15 Waikato golf clubs will contest the January 23-27 event.

BMX club celebrates

The

Darci Dumbell, 8 year old girls, Baiden Prescott, 9 year old boys, Leon Dumbell, 11 year old boys, Sophie Penny, 12 year old girls, and Brooke Penny in the junior women’s competition were best in their class in Dunedin.

The event attracted more than 300 competitors.

“None of the 10 riders from Te Awamutu had raced on the Dunedin track before so had to make the most of their practice laps to figure out race lines and the right places to jump and pass other riders,” club president Rodney Prescott said .

The club finished with five winners, two seconds - Tate Burdon, 9 year old boys and Luca Penny, 12 year old girls, a fourth, Molly Inia in the 14-16 year girls, a sixth to Kaea Te Moana, 15 year old boys, and a 12th to Eli Saseve in the 9 year old boys

“This was a massive result from our club,” Prescott said.

The club’s focus is now on the two day Te Awamutu Grand Prix” on February 18-19 then the nationals in Tauranga in March .

Croquet winners

Leamington’s Ngaire Lucas and Te Awamutu’s Christopher Johnpillai were named the winners at Leamington Croquet Club’s Mixed Club Day held on January 9.

The event was Leamington’s first tournament of the year and drew players from Claudelands, Hamilton East, Te Awamutu and Putaruru.

Monthly Mixed Club days are casual gatherings intended to pass on skills to newcomers and give players the confidence to enter tournaments. This season marks the Leamington Croquet Club’s 90th anniversary. In November 1932, the then Waikato Independent hailed the one-time pasture and swamp area at Leamington Domain as now providing “splendid facilities for tennis, bowling, croquet, cricket, hockey and football” for the people of Leamington and Cambridge.

golf clubs will continue a long tradition of supporting the Waikato Westpac rescue helicopter service next week.

Te Awamutu BMX club returned from racing in the South Island Titles BMX event with five champions.

Te Awamutu riders made regular trips to the podium in Dunedin

PART TIME –RECEPTION / ADMIN OPPORTUNITY

We’re opening a brand new clinic on Mahoe Street in March 2023 and we’re looking for two outstanding part time receptionists / administrators to run our front desk operations.

Each role is around 25 hours a week, across the ve weekdays.

Start date – mid February 2023.

To apply for the position or for more information on this opportunity, email Liv Johnson (liv@alignhealth.co.nz).

Applications close 31 January 2023. www.alignhealth.co.nz

Te Awa Lifecare is one of New Zealand’s leading privately owned residential villages. Located in the beautiful town of Cambridge in Waikato, NZ, in a spacious rural setting, Te Awa Lifecare is an outstanding purpose-built facility offering a full range of independent and assisted living care options including a rest home, hospital and dementia care suite. We pride ourselves on being a community within a community, offering not only quality care but also companionship, security and new experiences. Our kitchen and café contribute significantly to the experience, culture and community of Te Awa.

BARISTA WANTED

Our café team are looking for a barista to join us. Our popular café & commercial kitchen host private functions and events for our village residents and the town of Cambridge. Our staff are chosen for their skill and caring approach and we aim to create strong connections and trust with them. We will choose the right barista for their attitude and fit in the team.

Why you should work with us at Te Awa Lifecare – You will work with a young and vibrant team  Our existing barista is famous for his coffee art, and he needs help!

 Flexible roster, our committed team rotate weekends off. You will:  Be able to make great coffee under pressure  Have a passion for great customer service  Have the ability to work as part of a team  Excellent communication skills  Common sense  Be willing to flick into other roles within the café to help the team (training will be given)

 A positive and professional attitude

If this sounds like you and you are motivated to be part of our unique and energising culture, please send a cover letter explaining why you are interested along with your CV to employment@teawalifecare.nz. Come and be part of the community, get to know our wonderful residents, support them to embrace life. We look forward to hearing from you! Apply now!

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Applications to employment@teawalifecare.nz

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 27 JANUARY 2023.

Te Awa Lifecare is one of New Zealand’s leading privately owned residential villages. Located in the beautiful town of Cambridge in Waikato, NZ, in a spacious rural setting, Te Awa Lifecare is an outstanding purpose-built facility offering a full range of independent and assisted living care options including a rest home, hospital and dementia care suite. We pride ourselves on being a community within a community, offering not only quality care but also companionship, security and new experiences. Our housekeeping team contributes significantly to the experience, the culture and the community of Te Awa.

HOUSEKEEPER

It is time to add a housekeeper to our existing team. Our staff are chosen for their skill and caring approach and we aim to create strong connections and trust with them. We will choose the right housekeeper for their attitude and fit in the team. Our team is proud of the environment they work in and the part they play in making it look at its best for our residents and guests.

Why you should work with us at Te Awa Lifecare – You will work in a team that is supportive of each other and proud of the reputation they have developed  Your physical working environment and the resources you have access to are first class  You will feel a sense of belonging to the wider community of residents and staff  Your working hours will be sociable, and family orientated. You will have:  an enjoyment of housework and helping people keep their homes in tip top condition  a passion for great customer service and respect for people personal space  the ability and flexibility to work as part of a team  excellent communication skills  common sense and a solutions focussed approach  a positive and professional attitude

If this sounds like you and you are motivated to be part of our unique and energising culture, please send a cover letter explaining why you are interested, along with your CV, to employment@teawalifecare.nz. Come and be part of the community, get to know our wonderful residents, support them to embrace life. We look forward to hearing from you! Apply now!

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Applications to employment@teawalifecare.nz

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 27 JANUARY 2023.

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION PURSUANT TO CLAUSES 10 AND 20 OF THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT 1991

The Waip-aā District Council gives public notice that it has resolved that the following Plan Change to the Waip-aā District Plan shall become operative on 27 January 2023.

Plan Change 19: Carter’s Flat Commercial Zone - amends the District Plan to uplift the Deferred Commercial Zone and replace with the Commercial Zone.

Copies of the decision report on Plan Change 19 to the Waip-a District Plan will be available for viewing in normal opening hours at the following places:

Council offices:

• 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu

• 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge Council public libraries:

• 106 Mahoe Street, Te Awamutu (entry via Selwyn Lane)

• 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge

The plan change documents and the Waip-a District Plan can be viewed at any time on the Council website, www.waipadc.govt.nz/ planchanges.

Any person wishing to obtain further information about this plan change, may write to Waip-a District Council, Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840, or send an email to info@waipadc.govt.nz.

Garry Dyet CHIEF EXECUTIVE

For and on behalf of the Waip-a District Council