Te Awamutu News | March 23, 2023

Waipā: June election

By Mary Anne Gill, Roy Pilott

It’s a yes from one, and “I’m thinking about it” from the other.

The two Waipā Māori ward candidates who finished behind the now resigned councillor Takena Stirling last year could both be contenders again in the by-election to replace him.

Bill Harris was a definite yes when spoken to within hours of the announcement Stirling had resigned and on Monday Gaylene Roberts told The News she was thinking about it.

And during that conversation she received a text from a supporter suggesting she does stand.

Stirling, who quit after being suspended as a lawyer, won the seat with 309 votes last October from Roberts (163) and Harris

(76). Less than a quarter of the 2417 eligible voters returned their papers.

Nominations for the by-election in the Waipā Māori seat open next week. The postal election will cost up to $25,000. Only those enrolled on the Māori electoral roll are eligible to vote.

Nominations close on April 27 and the delivery of postal voting papers will start on June 1. Voting closes on Friday June 23 and the successful candidate is likely to be announced the same day.

The election will be managed independently on council’s behalf by electionnz.com.

Stirling’s admonishment by the New Zealand Law Society which prompted his resignation was revealed by The News on line last Friday. A short time later it was confirmed he had resigned from

council.

The Law Society had posted details of the suspension on its website a day earlier.

The council told The News on Friday it was not aware of any decision coming out about Stirling, but 20 minutes later, issued a statement saying mayor Susan O’Regan had accepted Stirling’s verbal resignation, effective immediately.

Calls to Stirling from The News went to voice mail.

O’Regan said she was deeply disappointed.

“It’s not just me. All councillors are disappointed and frankly, quite disheartened. This is not what

murray hunt

we wanted for our council or our district or for those whom Takena represented,” she said.

“Takena has taken full responsibility for his actions and I am grateful for that. Now we can get on quickly and get someone else into his seat. By law (Local Government Act) we have no choice but to hold a by-election so let’s just get on with it.”

The Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal has suspended the Te Awamutu lawyer on an interim basis from 22 December 2022.

The society’s Standards Committee sought the suspension order after laying

two charges. The first was based on affidavit evidence that Stirling had deceived his bank or misappropriated funds. It reported the bank suffered a net loss of $85,000 after it used $15,000 held by Stirling in a separate fund to mitigate its loss.

The second charge indicated that Stirling’s trust account dealings had been irregular for some time.

The Tribunal found that Stirling had “lost his moral compass in relation to trust moneys” and was a risk to the public and any bankers that he may engage.

Takena Stirling’s presence on the Waipā District Council website has been taken down.

Takena Stirling was the first Māori ward councillor for Waipā.

Gaylene Roberts

Bill Harris

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The bard still rules

He was born just 459 years ago – but William Shakespeare’s influence remains as strong and as relevant as ever.

Eight schools competed in the Waikato regional section of the annual Sheilah Winn Shakespeare festival at Te Awamutu last weekend, presenting five and 15 minute excerpts of his work,.

“I personally love the work that Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand (SGCNZ) does through this Festival,” Te Awamutu College’s drama department head Morag Carter told The News.

“It is an opportunity for those students who want to perform, but don’t want to sing and dance to take the stage and shine.

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“The allied competitions also provide opportunities for our budding costume designers, composers, graphic designers, and literary critics to develop their skills and talents through the allied competitions.”

She said Shakespeare was a wonderful medium for students to explore modern issues and experiences.

“His insights into the human condition are still relevant today, proving that people don’t really change. I’ve seen some amazing performances over the last 32

years of the festival and this year’s Waikato regional winners were particularly strong; their performances excellent and their messages clear.

On the beat with

“We had a wonderful Festival. It was great to be back in person, sharing our work with each other.”

Results: 15 Minute

A week on our work

Last week was a busy week for Te Awamutu Police with the usual variety of jobs attended.

In the early hours of Monday morning police processed a very high range drink driver who was involved in a minor crash and blew over four times the legal limit. He has been summoned to appear in Court

During the day Te Awamutu staff assisted Cambridge at a sudden death and Raglan staff with a high risk arrest.

On Tuesday, Police attended two family harm incidents. In both cases neighbours have called police.

Police also attended an employment related assault on a rural property, made enquiries into two burglaries and assisted an out-of-town officer with an arrest at a traffic stop. A male is appearing before the Court

for failing to provide details as a result.

A male on burglary charges was found to be breaching his bail conditions.

On Wednesday Police attended a mental health incident, recovered some cannabis, conducted enquiries into a burglary and arrested a male who was breaching electronically monitored bail. This male also briefly escaped custody and appeared in the Hamilton District court on the new charge.

Night shift assisted at a homicide in Ngaruawahia.

Thursday resulted in some staff assisting detectives in Ngaruawahia. Locally police had a fleeing driver incident with a stolen vehicle located near an address of interest.

On Friday police arrested a male for operating a vehicle driving in a manner likely to cause a sustained loss of traction

(burnouts). The vehicle was impounded and the driver summonsed to appear in the Te Awamutu District Court.

Police also attended a family harm incident. Tragically Police also attended a serious crash with resulted in the death of a male.

Saturday Police made enquiries into the serious crash. Police also arrested a male during a burglary at a rural property. While being tracked by a dog handler he has discarded a firearm. He appeared in the Hamilton District Court.

On Sunday Police attended a variety of incidents from several family harm incidents, a missing three year old who was quickly located, a burglary enquiry and a mental health incident.

Constable Ryan Fleming

Performance winner: Hamilton Girls’ High School with The Tempest, 5 Minute Performance winner: Cambridge High School with Measure for Measure.

Te Awamutu College’s Lily Dixon, James Crowhurst, Rylee Phillips and Kayla Chubb were Hermia, Lysander, Helena and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the festival.

Photo: Sam Salcedo.

Briefs…

Pools’ patronage up

User numbers at Go Waipā pools in Te Awamutu and Cambridge have now recovered to pre Covid numbers. However, staff shortages have tested the facilities’ ability to maintain normal operating hours and expected levels of services.

Te Awamutu numbers for the six months from July 1 were 68,526 and 66,249 for Cambridge.

New president

Richard Cato was elected president of the Te Awamutu Menzshed last week, succeeding the retiring head Steve Mannington.

Mike third

Pirongia’s Mike Bowe placed third in the national excavator competition in Feilding on Saturday. The Civil Contractors NZ CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition title went to Dunedin’s Troy Calteaux who pipped Northland’s Steven George.

Water eyed up

Waipā District Council’s Water Safety Plans are currently under ‘rapid review’ by Taumata Arowai, the new water services regulator for New Zealand. The organisation’s role includes overseeing the environmental performance of the three waters – drinking, waste and storm. The council will learn soon whether the regulators want a more detailed audit done.

Digital numbers

Our online story about the Law Society’s shock suspension of Te Awamutu lawyer Takena Stirling for diverting funds for his own use and his subsequent resignation from Waipā District Council accounted for nearly two thirds of all visits to teawamutunews.nz. The Audit rebuke for council, a profile on Stirling following last year’s election called Humbled and privileged, Council’s feedback frenzy and Kiwifruit decision to be appealed rounded out the top five.

Info centre time extended

By Mary Anne Gill

The Te Awamutu i-Site will continue as it is for another year while Waipā District Council reviews how future funding looks.

Te Awamutu Community Public Relations Organisation and Destination Cambridge are charitable trust boards which run the i-Sites in Gorst Avenue and the Cambridge Town Hall. Service level agreements between the council and two i-Sites were reviewed in 2021 with both given 18 months grace – which ends on June 30 – to define their promotional roles.

Councillors wanted to know whether they were getting value for money from their investment in the i-Sites and avoid duplication of services with Hamilton-Waikato Tourism.

Council’s contribution then was $138,280 a year for each site.

Customer and Community Services group manager Sally Sheedy told The News she was in the process of extending the current service level agreement to next year. A decision on future funding would be made sometime during that period.

The council will now pay each site $147,868 and continue its funding of Hamilton-Waikato Tourism. This financial year the organisation will get $171,864.

A review by Rob MacIntyre of Destination Planning Ltd, released in 2021, suggested it was not clear what the boundaries of responsibility were between Hamilton-Waikato Tourism and the i-Sites.

The council was supporting multiple organisations to deliver visitor information, he found.

The situation in Te Awamutu is a lot simpler than in Cambridge where there it faces an uncertain future with the resignation of its chief executive, the loss of a major income stream and indecision about future council funding.

Michelle ‘Miff’ Macdiarmid has resigned from Destination Cambridge, the organisation which operates the i-Site.

Sources suggest one of the major reasons behind her decision to leave after five years is funding uncertainty.

She would not comment on that,

referring The News to a statement she made to the organisation’s members on Monday.

The Cambridge Town Hall Trust is taking over bookings for the hall from Destination Cambridge on July 1.

The council also paid Destination Cambridge a management fee to take Town Hall bookings - $19,100 last financial year – and covered the rent. Those will no longer be paid.

Revenue from the hall in a Covidimpacted year was nearly $17,000 –well down on 2018’s $30,000.

Town Hall Trust chair Kirsty Johnson said collecting rent from Destination Cambridge was one of

the things being considered towards making the hall a more commercially viable community asset.

This includes seeking a market valuation for the space occupied by Destination Cambridge.

“No decisions have been made and we will be working with Destination Cambridge and the council before taking any further steps,” she said.

A source told The News the organisation was determined to continue its operations in Cambridge having got over the humps presented by Covid since March 2020. Retail sales, Covid business

payments and wage subsidies have helped it get through the tough times and finish with a $40,000 surplus at the end of the financial year in June last year.

It would continue to focus on promoting Cambridge, the source said.

The News understands Ruth Crampton, named as Destination Cambridge chief executive this week, is on a short term contract pending the various reviews. Crampton was Marketing and Communications director at St Peter’s School in Cambridge until recently.

Focus on council attendance

By Mary Anne Gill

Takena Stirling’s resignation has sparked media stories about his attendance at meetings.

Stirling missed seven of 11 meetings since December – two of which were to represent the council at Te Maruata Hui – and was paid just under $19,000 during that time.

His last appearance at the council table was on December 13. Stirling is not the only councillor

who missed several meetings five months into the term.

Cambridge councillors Philip Coles and Mike Pettit were absent on holiday for five meetings each. They missed their swearing in on October 31 – and four more leading up to Christmas.

Deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk missed four meetings before Christmas for the same reason.

Roger Gordon, Mike Montgomerie and Clare St Pierre have attended every meeting

during the same period. Payments made to councillors up to March 31 are: Andrew Brown $22,455.72, Lou Brown $20,981.22, Philip Coles $20,981.22, Roger Gordon $18,769.84, Marcus Gower $20,244.34, Mike Montgomerie $22,455.72, Susan O’Regan $66,325.12, Mike Pettit $19,507.09, Clare St Pierre $23,192.97, Liz Stolwyk $28,352.97, Bruce Thomas $22,455.72.

• More online cambridgenews.nz

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Waipa District Counicl is in the process of extending its service level agreement for the Te Awamutu i-Site office

Animal instincts

By Peter Matthews

One of the more disturbing aspects of natural life, I found as a child, was the fact that having overcome its prey, your average predator would simply begin to eat it. This practice is widespread and is easily explainable; there is no need to expend energy or resources killing an animal which is unable to defend itself.

My childhood desire to become a wildlife ranger was probably a casualty of my unease with this situation. That, and receiving a guitar for my 13th birthdayput paid to my education as well.

Compassion and empathy are the missing pieces here, neither of which are found in any animals except humans. Go on, tell me I’m wrong.

When my dog watches me eat a piece of toast in the morning her eyes are full of joy which she feels because she can see how happy it makes me. Or is the earnestly focused attention directed more at the toast than me?

I was tasked, a few nights ago, with rescuing a frog which the cat had brought into the house.

Slippery little creatures. I found myself admiring the cat for having caught it in the first place, something I was failing to do.

The dog (Twigg, a terrier) watched the proceedings intently, as did the cat from outside the window having been ejected from the building.

Twigg did not seem moved either way until, spotting her opportunity, she leapt in front of me and grabbed the frog for herself.

Clearly Twigg had no concerns for the welfare of the frog, but neither did she harm it. She was indifferent.

I’m loving this hybrid

By Peter Carr

As are all members of the animal kingdom to all other members outside their own family or territorial group. Humans are not the same. At some point in our evolution, we have developed the ability to care about others. Other people and other species.

This is a curious twist of evolution, one which has not improved our chances of survival since a human looking out for others is less likely to notice a threat to itself.

This selflessness is one of the things that make humans who we are.

Along with self-consciousness, generosity, and sadism.

Yes, we have gone the other way too; there are those among us who take pleasure from the suffering of others, and that can surely have no evolutionary benefit.

As a person who believes, or should I say “accepts the reality that” the only movers and shakers in the universe are cause and effect, these developments in humans are somewhat hard to understand.

In fact, I don’t understand them. This is where the paranormal comes in: Another trait of humans is that faced with the unknowable, they tend to invent rationales. I can see why this happens and I can see why it might help.

But when I look at the world, I still can’t see how any of the approximately 2500 available gds can have had anything to do with any of it.

Gliding silently (and carefully) through our village the other day my mind turned to the advantages – or otherwise – of not depending on fossil fuels for vehicular propulsion. Yes, I have become one of those smug holier-than-thou drivers who have looked at the alarming carbon emission growth and elected, at car change time, to go for something greener.

Before going further, I am not a diehard Greens fan but do respect a small number of their views.

Their input to the (then new) 2017 MMP government decision to scrap the extension to the southern end of the Waikato Expressway was tantamount to dooming several people to their deaths – or at least permanent crippling of their bodies between Cambridge and Piarere. I deem that as political manslaughter.

So, having got that off my chest why did I elect to move away towards a different form of mechanical propulsion?

It was not the government’s dangling carrot of a rebate as the price for electric cars went up anyway due to demand.

It was not a desire to balance off the absolutely confusing carbon emission payments as to whether one’s trees are native or timber-producing commercial.

It was a simple matter of finding a smaller car that looked after our driving costs to maintain what is essentially a relatively local environs perambulation on four wheels.

I did not want to be dependent on plugging in either to the house nor a roadside commercial power supply point. So I decided on a pure hybrid that essentially looks after itself.

There were several choices however the final decision was driven by finding a supplier

who did not have a sixmonth waiting list. And I am very pleased with the decision.

Seven months down the track the small 40 litre tank has only been filled four times and carefully driven in economy mode, has seen the petrol consumption drop at a steady rate.

Not ‘flooring the foot’ is but one positive aspect of finding the sweet spot when battery power kicks in. Gliding upwards slowly produces welcome rewards.

Over this weekend we have been visited by friends from Auckland who are driving a very smart Chinese-branded totally electric (chargeable) car built around a highly respected European chassis.

We were witness to the decision as to ‘which’ power supply point to use to get them back to Auckland.

It was an interesting exercise as prices here in Cambridge vary quite widely and there are a growing number of points to activate for the topping up exercise.

For me the whole thing was an eye-opener as sitting in a café five minutes’ walk from the power point, we were able to check up the top-up level on the mobile phone while enjoying a kerbside breakfast.

Pretty smart stuff and good utilisation of waiting time.

All that said the up-front capital cost of the vehicle was eye-watering. Call me prejudiced if you will but $80,000 or so for a car appears to this pensioner to be a bit much.

As they say – if you have it feel free to flaunt it. But it did come supplied with some very smart technical wizardry. Including a drone’sview aspect when gliding into parking spots.

Gabrielle’s cost explained

By Mary Anne Gill

The cost of Cyclone Gabrielle for Waipā has been revealed.

Remedial work, which includes clearing fallen trees and branches, is likely to cost more than $300,000, Park Operations team leader Matt Johnston told the Service Delivery committee this week.

Details of cyclone damage to other parts of the council’s operations were also tabled at the meeting.

Johnston was seeking an increase of nearly $500,000 in the council’s annual Tree Maintenance Services contract with Treescape to cover the cyclone and other weather-related costs.

Rather than increase rates, Johnston said it would come from a mix of existing budgets and the general insurance reserve.

The $630,000 Treescape contract, in place since 2019, covers street tree maintenance which in recent years has increased due to storm events and an increase in tree numbers at Lake Te Koo Utu and other district parks.

Trees are not insured – insurance only covers the damage they create.

The council has built up a reserve fund with unused premium increases which Johnston recommended the council use to pay the additional storm costs.

There were still many trees to inspect and maintain and providing the additional money would allow that to continue.

The committee was told the cyclone also caused a minor “non-compliance” at the Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant and some power cuts.

None of this resulted in any interruption to water supply or wastewater conveyance.

Work on relining the Albert Street pumpstation in Cambridge has been delayed due to supply restrictions after the cyclone.

Meanwhile Emergency Management operations manager David Simes told this week’s Regulatory committee that the Western Waikato Shared Service organisation comprising Waipā, Ōtorohanga and Waitomo councils was tested during the cyclone and weather incidents.

“While these events were well managed, receiving favourable feedback from the public in general, staff and elected

members, the nature of these events has highlighted opportunities to improve in across a small number of functional areas.

“Internal compatibility of IT platforms across three councils, external communications to isolated communities where normal channels are damaged and non-operational, and cross-training of staff to build depth and resilience in availability, have all been highlighted,” said Simes. A State of Emergency was called in Waitomo district because of significant flooding impacts to the roading network and properties.Simes said recovery work was ongoing in all three districts.

Briefs…

Fluoride application in

Council staff have submitted a funding application to Manatū Hauora-Ministry of Health for its share of the $11.3 million available to the 14 local authorities ordered by outgoing director-general Ashley Bloomfield in July last year to add fluoride to their community water supplies. The estimated costs for Cambridge, which would include the Karāpiro and Alpha Street plants and the only Waipā supply affected, will be $480,000 with annual operating costs of $130,000.

Deputy Brown

Waipā councillor Lou Brown has been appointed Waikato Civil Defence’s Emergency Management joint committee deputy chair. Taupō’s Anna Park chairs the committee made up of representatives from the region’s district and regional councils.

Kihikihi bus stop

Land at 29 Havelock Street in Kihikihi will lose its reserve status to become a bus depot for Waikato Regional Council. The rest of it, used as a dog pound facility, will retain its status. Designation for the 880m2 bus depot will need approval from the Minister of Conservation.

Three charged

Three men will appear in court in Te Awamutu on April 4 after arrests were made following an incident in January. The three, aged 33, 36 and 50, are charged with wounding with intent, taking a motor vehicle, and arson. Emergency services were called to a house in Oliver Street, Kihikihi, after a man described as a meter reader suffered serious head injuries.

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Cyclone Gabrielle caused damaged throughout Waipā and Waikato districts - bringing this tree down on State Highway 1C south of Hamilton.

Eruptions - the complicated basics

By Janine Krippner

In my line of work “I have a dumb question” is usually followed by a great question that has a complicated answer.

“How do volcanoes erupt?” is one of these, and really should be explained before all of the other interesting things I want to cover. What is a volcano? It is a point on the surface where magma comes out, either as ash (pulverized rock), lava flows, or several other exciting and dangerous processes like pyroclastic flows (more on these in future columns). Mountains form when the erupted materials build up around the vent, or multiple vents.

We can group eruptions into types using several definitions. The style of eruption largely depends on the type of magma, especially how sticky or viscous it is, and how much gas is within it. The style can change during one eruption, and each “type” of volcano produces a range of styles. That stuff we learn in school about volcano types (shield, stratovolcano, etc) producing a particular style is not true.

We can break eruptions down into effusive and explosive. Effusive is when we have lava flowing out at the vent (like at Kīlauea, Hawai’i), explosive is when the magma is being violently blown apart into bits of rock. We can also take water into account. Phreatic eruptions are driven by steam (like what happened at Whakaari on that awful day), and magmatic is where magma itself comes out at the surface. We can also have magma and water mix in a particular way that can produce a phreatomagmatic eruption, which can be much larger than expected, like what we saw and possibly even heard from Tonga last year.

Gas is important. Below the surface,

magma contains gases that come out to form bubbles when pressure is reduced.

This can happen when magma moves into shallower areas of the crust, or during an eruption when it is suddenly at the atmospheric pressure we live in. This is similar to opening a bottle of coke. In the pre-opened, pressurised bottle we can’t see the bubbles as the gas is within the liquid, then when we take the lid off it reduces the pressure and bubbles form.

The next complication is how easily bubbles form and move within the magma. In a runny or less viscous magma like at Kīlauea, gas can form bubbles and move away into the crust easier, so we don’t often get explosive eruptions.

More viscous magmas, like we see at Ruapehu, tend to erupt explosively because the gas can’t escape as much before it erupts then… boom.

However, if the magma has been sitting there for a long time the gas can slowly seep away, leading to an effusive eruption with thick, slow lava flows or domes. Or it never erupts at all and slowly crystallizes into something like a granite.

It is not as simple as just releasing pressure either. Volcanoes are what we call open systems, not a closed bottle of coke. They are constantly evolving on much larger space and time scales than we live in, and we work together around the world studying every teeny tiny part of them to understand the whole.

Good question, complex answer.

I have a dream...or two

By Norris Hall

On August 28,1963, Martin Luther King Jr. addressed a massive gathering of people in Washington D.C.

Those present were treated to a memorable speech, known to many today as “I have a Dream.”

All those who heard him in person or on television that day of days were spellbound by what he had to say. They were inspired and filled with hope by his carefully chosen and passionately shared words. On April 4. 1968 that prophet's voice from the wilderness, which sang out for racial integration and social justice, was stilled by a bullet in Memphis, Tennessee.

The Civil Right movement's loss and the damage by the subsequent rioting was incalculable. The nation was almost torn apart. But the dream he spoke of and believed in was carried on by his successors.

He dared to rattle the cage of authority and laissez-faire through his activism and by his mere presence. But he also shared the same fate suffered by the prophets of old in Hebrew Scripture.

They were either killed, thrown out of cities, mocked, ignored or even misunderstood by those who didn't want to listen, didn't care or knew better. Being a prophet was in those times a rather dangerous occupation.

On October 14 this year we will be called upon to exercise our democratic right to vote for a new government and parliament. All the political parties who dream of experiencing electoral success will be crafting policies and promises to inspire us to support them, seeking to tap into our own expectations and dreams for a beneficial future.

Dreams come with responsibility, a willingness to honour those visions and promises.

The weather event that assaulted the infrastructure and productivity of many regions in Cyclone Gabrielle will have a bearing on the lead-up to that election campaign and beyond as well. The dreams of and effects on the hard work by many in those regions have turned into an almost hopeless nightmare. It will take months in which to recover. Dreams can be fragile.

Jesus had a dream too, as did his Father, to speak out and work for social justice in the promised land. He healed the sick, taught much and inspired many who felt trapped by circumstance. Like those prophets of old, he too was mocked, derided, ignored and even killed. Echoes of a modern-day Martin Luther King Jnr.

As Jesus asked in, John 5:46-47, “For if you were believing Moses, you would believe me – because he wrote about me. But since you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?” Dreams are those to be fulfilled regardless of the cost.

So, what are our dreams, our visions and our hopes as we live in the Waipā? Many of us have been raised and hopefully educated and equipped to realise those dreams to our benefit and advantage. Are we prepared to rattle the cage of our own complacency as it were? Dreams are those visions for the future which motivate us, to be who and what we are.

God has another dream too. That we all live in harmony with him, and with each other. Amen.

Aircon company moves into spacious new premises

With staff based in and around Cambridge, Auckland and Tauranga – plus access to local technical expertise in all three regions – they are able to move seamlessly across the central North Island, both at the installation phase of a project and for any troubleshooting that may occur later.

Their comprehensive stock list offers most major brands at competitive prices. The company’s fine reputation saw the Air Conditioning Group named as one of the few Daikin dealers for the Waikato, and it is a service agent for Panasonic NZ.

While its central office remains in Cambridge, the company recently moved into an impressive 500 square metre space at Rukuhia, bordering Hamilton Airport. Of that, 100 square metres is given to an airy office and showroom space, providing an easily accessed area in which customers can discuss their requirements for heating and cooling solutions and view their options.

Section 108 (3) (c) of the Building Act 2004. That is a significant point of difference and one that lends weight to the company’s ability to offer an unprecedented full five-year installation warranty rather than the standard 12 months.

The winning formula at the Air Conditioning Group Waikato is further enhanced through its ability to carry out servicing and repairs, and to offer a free ‘no obligation’ quotation system.

Safety is paramount throughout, both for technical staff and for clients who may be in situ during any installation or maintenance process.

Cambridge-based Ian Grant formed the company in 2009 as a subsidiary of the Grant Group. Today its team of solutions-focused experts install, service and repair a wide range of domestic and commercial air conditioners and ventilation systems across the Waikato, Auckland and Bay of Plenty.

“They can feel the air flow from the units we have in stock, whether they are full home-ducted systems, ceiling cassettes, floor consoles or the several different types we have for high-wall installation,” Ian says. “All of them have advanced connectivity. We can demonstrate that here or do training if required.”

The team of qualified and experienced air conditioning engineers is headed by an Independent Qualified Person (IQP) who can issue Form 12A certificates in terms of

Ian Grant brings years of experience to the Air Conditioning Group Waikato

Years of award-winning experience and excellent technical expertise from the bedrock of specialist services available at the Air Conditioning Group Waikato.

Waipā Trust for youth launched

By Roy Pilott

Gina Christie says if she and husband Andrew won Lotto, they would have used the money to set up hostels to help young people in need.

This week they have done the next best thing – with a function to launch a Waipā-tailored operation to do exactly that.

Their not-for-profit Ko Wai Au Trust already has seven referrals as it seeks to empower young people who are not engaging with education or employment.

Ko wai au translates into English as Who am I.

Gina Christie says the project has been five years in the making.

It could have launched the initiative three years ago, but the couple wanted to ensure it was tailored specifically for Waipā. They believe they have got it right with a contract signed with the Ministry of Social Development.

“A lot of people have difficulties – and the aim is to mentor and advocate for them – to get them into education or into the workforce,” she said.

Among those at this week’s launch in Te Awamutu was community constable and News columnist Ryan Fleming who said he believed the services being offered are needed and will be used. He is also confident it will be backed by businesses.

And up she rises…

Te Awamutu’s Anzac Green flagpole is back, all present and correct.

A community effort started several weeks ago to repair the pole came to fruition at dawn on Tuesday when the pole was taken from the Menzshed headquarters back to its home.

Timber at the foot of the pole was suffering from water damage and has been replaced.

The Christies, who both have experience in working in social services, have lived in Waipā for eight years, having returned after a spell in Australia.

Andrew grew up in Whakamaru, Gina in Tamahere, Palmerston North and Taihape.

The trust works on a “being, belonging, becoming” path .

It will aim to encourage young people – working on getting them things like identification, IRD numbers, driving licences.

“We will aim to help people who might have had very little whānau support., they might have mental health issues,” Gina Christie said.

“We will work with people aged 15-24 on a one-on-one basis – this isn’t a 12 week programme.”

“We are backing ourselves.”

The board members of the new trust, which has its offices in Sloane Street, Te Awamutu, are Andrew and Gina Christie, Tiri Maresca-Allison, Bryce Kingman and Allan Spice.

District councillor and RSA member Lou Brown said the project had brought together a range of groups.

Menzshed had repaired the pole, parks department staff from the council had arranged for a traffic plan to enable truck driver Neal Draper from Te Awamutu Mitre 10 to drive the pole from the Menzshed back to Anzac Green.

The gleaming white pole – paint provided by Allan Patterson from Dulux, was given a quick clean then work started to lift it into place.

Aligning the nuts and bolts took some extra work, if not brute force, but the project was done and dusted just before the rain fell. And in plenty of time for Anzac Day.

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Meghan Hawkes looks at the news in Waipā – as it was reported in 1879.

Ploughs, buggies and court

A ploughing match at Ōhaupō attracted large numbers of settlers from around the district.

In spite of miserable weather, around 400 people assembled in one of Mr J S Buckland’s paddocks. Entries for both ploughing and root vegetables were numerous. The ploughing was excellent, particularly that made with the double furrow ploughs. Of the roots there were some splendid samples.

Entries included white carrots, red carrots, Swede turnips, Aberdeen turnips, and potatoes. A large mushroom attracted considerable attention. The judges commended both the ploughing and the roots as really worth seeing. After the match the root vegetables were sold and fetched high prices.

A portion of the railway line which crossed the Ōhaupō swamp was showing signs of collapsing.

Trains had for some time been very gently run along the line but on occasion the weight of the engines sunk the rails so deep the cow catcher was buried and the train stopped. This part of the line adjoined a piece of swamp known as ‘Topham’s break’, a place where tedious and expensive work was carried out on

the treacherous swamp, which engulfed thousands of tons of material before repairs were finished. Another ‘break’ was feared as the ground was cracking and fissuring, loosening the sleepers and causing the rails to sink and get displaced. Gangs of men began repairs which involved waiting for the passing of each train, and then raising the rails and repacking the sleepers. Cow catchers fixed to the engines were removed because they became submerged in earth.

Mr Gentel, his wife and sister, of Alexandra, were on their way to Kihikihi in a buggy when, nearing Te Awamutu, the horses bolted and the buggy upset over an incline on the roadside. The Gentels were thrown out, but escaped with slight bruises. Mrs and Miss Gentel

A Snip in Time

then found a seat in a buggy returning to Alexandra, but before going a couple of miles a horse took fright and the ladies were again thrown out, this time coming off worse for wear.

At Kihikihi a new Catholic Church was about to be constructed. Large quantities of timber were stacked in readiness and tenders about to be called for the work. The site chosen was near the old church; central, with a good commanding elevation, and when completed, was expected to much improve the appearance of the township.

A new courthouse at Te Awamutu promised to be a great convenience, as all cases previously had to be heard in Alexandra meaning people had to travel a distance of 12 miles to attend court.

The contractor, Mr Mandeno, made great progress with the work despite bad weather. Material for the lock up was also on the ground and not a moment too soon - drunkenness was greatly on the increase in the district.

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The Catholic Church in Kihikihi in 1912.

Kihikihi scheme closer

Submissions closed on Friday for the Te Ara Rimu Kihikihi pathway project and Waipā District Council staff are now gearing up to finalise the scheme.

Members of the Te Awamutu Kihikihi Community Board were told last night – after The News went to press – community consultation went well.

The $4.8million pathway down Rolleston, Whitmore and OIiver streets will see changes to the street layouts to allow children to cycle to school safely, Transportation programme engineer Erik Van Der Wel said.

“The next steps are to incorporate feedback as appropriate and finalise a scheme plan including a cost estimate for approval by Council’s Service Delivery committee, and Waka Kotahi.”

Once approved, the council will proceed with the procurement and construction phases with work likely to start in July and finish by June next year. • See how the plan looks at teawamutunews.nz

From hot air to heavy lifting

By Viv Posselt

It was a case of muscle trouncing mouthpieces when Te Awamutu Brass Band members got stuck into an outdoor fundraiser.

About half their number spent much of March 9 stacking and covering maize on ‘Hagan Eyre’, a farm on the outskirts of town owned by Todd and Kasia Hagan and Brad and Ellen Eyre. They had a connection to the band, so when thoughts turned to fundraising they suggested a spot of maizestacking on the farm.

“We raised $1000 in two hours,” said delighted brass band secretary Susan Jenkins. “It was quite hard work but a lot of fun.”

Susan said while some of the band’s costs relating to projects are met through grants, including a recent upgrade to the band room bathrooms, the band has to raise additional money to meet ongoing expenses relating to the general upkeep of instruments and uniforms, and to support travel costs to attend concerts or competitions.

$50,000

“We’re a very proactive band. We do a lot of events locally, but are away quite a lot as well,” Susan added.

The band is just back after playing with Taupo Brass in Taupo last weekend. Earlier in the month they played at Whatawhata Café and there are numerous local events coming up.

A major event on the horizon is the Nationals Contest in Dunedin in July.

Susan said the band collaborates with businesses and is focused not only on extending its playing opportunities but also on attracting and developing young players able to take it into the future.

Percussionist and band committee member Laura Jane Elrick, left, and president Sarah Carroll joined the hard-working crew at the fundraiser.

The team of Te Awamutu Brass band members who swapped out hot air for heavy lifting in the maize stacking fundraiser.

RSA tribute for Bramsens

By Viv Posselt

A couple defined by their early life in central Africa and who later endeared themselves to the Te Awamutu community was farewelled in a double memorial service held last week at the local RSA.

Erica and Tony Bramsen were born within nine weeks of one another in 1947 – he in what was then Salisbury, Rhodesia, and she in Johannesburg, South Africa. They died far from their African home within just seven months of each other – Erica passing in July last year, and Tony in February.

New Zealand had become home 21 years ago. Tony had been planning a memorial service for Erica when an unexpected cancer diagnosis saw it deferred, leading to a family decision to hold a double farewell at a place both were known, the Te Awamutu RSA.

RSA padre Rev Murray Olson described the Bramsens as a devoted pair, people who displayed tenacity, endurance and determination throughout their lives.

The couple’s link with the RSA is through the Eight Ball group. It was founded in Cape Town for members of the former Rhodesian forces and has a base at the Te Awamutu RSA with members from around the area and Cambridge. Tony’s military service during the protracted war after which Rhodesia became Zimbabwe saw he and Erica join the Eight-Ballers, along with fellow former Rhodesian servicemen and others from different fields of conflict.

One of them, John Graham, said Tony had been involved in Te Awamutu’s Anzac and Armistice Day parades. “He was an integral member of the group. He loved it … we had a close relationship with them both.”

The Bramsens’ journey out of Africa wasn’t taken lightly. The couple met and married in the then Rhodesia, going on to build a home and a life later made perilous as the war intensified. Erica spent many anxious times wondering if Tony would make it back from the regular military callsups to the bush. In 1979, they packed up their car and headed for South Africa, where Tony later established his own engineering business.

Seeing a bleak future anywhere on the African continent, the Bramsens moved to New Zealand in late 2001, first to Napier, then Ōtorohanga and finally to Te Awamutu. Tony moved his business, Bramsen Engineering to the town where his reputation as a highly skilled tool and machine manufacturer quickly spread.

Waipā District Councillor and RSA executive committee member Lou Brown spoke about Tony’s ‘incredible skill’ with anything mechanical. He had a rare ability to visualise an object, then design the tools needed to manufacture that object.

“He was able to manufacture parts we wanted to have re-purposed in such a way that they were often better than the original,” Lou said.

That skill was also put to good use at Te Awamutu College, where Tony was listed among support staff as the ‘hard materials technician’. Dave Smith from the school’s hard materials technology department said Tony kept everyone on the ‘straight and narrow’.

“His skill level was fantastic … he really raised the bar.”

Family described them as willing to do anything for anyone. As a couple, they said

Erica and Tony ‘knew which lane was theirs and stuck to it’. For Erica, that was raising their three children, and doing her exquisite sewing and knitting for the family, most of it crafted to perfection from patterns in her head.

For Tony, it was his work. They shared a lifelong love of music, particularly country and gospel. Tony was able to enjoy more of

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that here in New Zealand, and often sang at events and ceremonies.

It made perfect sense, therefore, that Tony’s recorded voice provided the musical accompaniment to the memorial, and that their granddaughter Natalie Ingram sang ‘The Prayer’ alongside the photographic tribute. It was a song Tony had always wanted to sing as a duet with Natalie.

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Erica and Tony Bramsen worked their way into Te Awamutu’s heart.

The pēpeha

Ko Taupiri te Maunga

Ko Waikato te Awa

Ko Potatau te tangata

Waikato taniwha rau –

He piko, he taniwha!

He piko he taniwha!

By Tom Roa, Tikanga Advisor, Waikato University

Taupiri is the mountain

Waikato the river

Potatau the Man.

Waikato with its myriad taniwha

At each bend a taniwha!

At each bend a taniwha!

Following the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, there was a period when the promise of collaboration and co-operation between Māori and Pākehā was being realised.

But then too many things began to unravel, particularly with the population explosion amongst the newcomers and their hunger for land and resources. Māori leadership began to realise conflict was inevitable.

Many in that leadership saw that intertribal warfare was destructive, and that this external threat to Māori autonomy – mana Māori motuhake – could only be addressed if Māori were to unite.

Consultations took place over more than a decade. It became clear that uniting the tribes under one ‘king’ would be ideal in their aspirations of retaining and maintaining Māori mana over their ‘taonga’, their properties; and of preserving Māori autonomy; and more, to stop inter-tribal bickering and warfare.

In 1856 Te Heuheu, rangatira of Ngāti Tuwharetoa, announced the convening of the meeting, Hinana ki Uta, Hinana ki Tai, on the shores of Lake Taupō. Every major rangatira of Māoridom was invited. There he called on every rangatira to support his view that Potatau, paramount chief of the Waikato, Tainui confederation of Iwi, should be King. Many rangatira when approached and invited to consider whether they might be king responded by identifying themselves

with landmarks and waterways of their ‘homelands’.

Today the use of ‘pēpeha’ has become a common practice which people of Māori descent use to introduce themselves formally, asserting an identification with prominent landmarks and waterways. Interestingly, people of other ethnic persuasions are also using the ‘pēpeha’ to introduce and identify themselves, a practice most often welcomed amongst Māori. I recently met a Māori physiotherapist who had been born in Australia. He won a rugby scholarship with the Brumbies franchise, but suffered injuries which curtailed his career and, he confesses, threw him into a funk. He studied physiotherapy, became qualified, and then decided he would come to Aotearoa New Zealand to explore his roots. Learning and then reciting his pēpeha on his father’s home marae filled him with pride.

When Māori meet for the first time it is very unusual for one to ask the other ‘Who are you?’ The most likely first question is ‘Where are you from?’ In Māori, ‘Nō whea koe?’ which back translated can mean both ‘Where are you from?’ and ‘Where do you belong?’

The use of the pepeha by other-than-Māori is worthy of support as it opens the way for further conversations of related experiences of place, of mutual acquaintances, and the invitation to the development of mutually beneficial relationships.

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Mission: ‘build’ women’s football

TE AWA LIFECARE

MAIN STREET CARNIVAL

SUNDAY 26 MARCH 2023

By Mary Anne Gill

Te Awamutu goalkeeper Angela

Hammond-Tutty was only minutes into the opening game of a pre-season tournament in Cambridge on Sunday when disaster happened.

As she went to clear the ball, she got kicked in the left hand and knew instantly her wrist was broken.

She and her children ended up heading to Waikato Hospital while coach Sean Stringfellow called on substitute keeper Danielle Miles to fill in.

Hammond-Tutty’s absence meant the squad had to regroup. Stringfellow was unfazed.

“Today’s main mission, Te A is building its women’s football, (it’s) only the second year we’ve been back.”

Twelve teams competed in the tournament, from Papamoa, Metro Auckland, Taupō, Mt Maunganui, Te Awamutu, Rotorua, Whakatane, Thames and Tauranga.

Cambridge Red won the Hilary Cup, for the second year in a row, while the Mt Maunganui College First XI was second. Taupō won the plate and Rotorua Lakes the bowl.

Stringfellow said a player to watch out for this season is captain and centre back Emma Cox from Ōtorohanga.

“She is quite the key to the team moving forward – leading from the back.”

Te Awamutu fields eight junior girls’ teams.

“We’re trying to provide a pathway for women straight from six years old to adulthood. From day one they can see where they aspire to be,” said Stringfellow.

March is New Zealand Football’s Girls and Women’s Month held in advance of the Women’s World Cup which kicks off in Auckland on July 20 with the Football Ferns taking on Norway.

When there were Fifa qualifying games in Hamilton recently, Te Awamutu provided ball girls and flag bearers for the games and one player carried the match ball out.

“We’re creating experiences that they will remember forever. I remember being five and getting my first football kit and the smell of that kit. And that will remain with those girls forever.”

Stringfellow explains there were two reasons why he got involved in coaching women’s football.

“They listen, so that’s one good thing.

“But I’m really passionate about football being in the community.”

Sports stars make the young Chiefs

Nine Waipā players are among the 27 named in the Chiefs under 20 rugby squad playing in the Super Rugby tournament playing in Taupō this week.

Five are from Te Awamutu Sports – hooker Sean Ralph, loose forward Malachi Wrampling, outside back Cody Nordstrom, loose/lock forward Tai Cribb and loose head prop Manahi Goulton. Selectors’ eyes were on Nordstrom who made his senior debut as a 17-yearold.

Famously in one match he scored four tries against Hamilton Old Boys. A product of Hamilton Boys’ High School, winners of the last eight National Condor Sevens titles, he was picked in the New

Zealand Under 20s squad that won the Oceania Championship last year.

The other four Waipā Chiefs players are from Hautapu Sports – winger Waisake Salabiau, flanker Andrew Smith, loose forward Jonty Shorty and number eight Senita Lauaki.

The team lost its first match at Owen Delaney Park on Sunday against the Highlanders.

The tournament, which wraps up on Saturday, presents an opportunity for national selectors to assess the country’s best merging talent ahead of the World Rugby Under-20 Championships and Trophy competitions in South Africa and Kenya later this year.

Te Awamutu FC’s top women’s side which played in a pre-season tournament in Cambridge on Sunday. Front row, from left: Sara Mallison, Emma Cox (captain), Arahia Roberts, Kirsten Beck, Danielle Miles, Bianca Karam-Whalley, Samantha Corbett, Layla Rixon. Back row, from left: coach Sean Stringfellow, Bernadette Pearman, Breanna Dunn, Laura Christian, Dani Walter, Melissa Howell, Holly Dunn, Manon Prasad, Kayla Pendergast, Dave O’Keeffe.

This Sunday 26 March 10am - 2pm Victoria & Empire Streets Cambridge

Live Music

Over 200 performers, around 50 art stalls, and the footpaths of Victoria and Empire Streets come alive with sound and activity. There will be music from Rowdy’s Rose, Brad Hunter, Riverside Ukes, Mosaic Choir, a fabulous programme of Blues at Rouge Café, and much more. There will be dance from the local dance groups. For the children, there will be face painters, ‘have a go’ activities, and photo opportunities with roaming stilt walkers and street performers. Don’t miss the Art Attack Exhibition, Photo Exhibition and Rewind band at the Town Hall. Art Attack is the Cambridge Community Arts Council’s wonderful exhibition of ceramics, painting and pottery. In the Photo Exhibition see the top entries in this year’s Cambridge Autumn Festival Photo Competition themed ‘A hard day’s work’ and vote for your favourite photo. Details of where each of the acts will be performed will be in this newspaper today. In between performances, check out the annual Autumn Art Market. Watch artists at work – see them painting at their easels, wood turners in action, glassware to jewellery, photography to pottery.

Vibrant Dance

Live Music

Art Market

Children’s Entertainment

Roving Performers

Walker’s BMX crown

White eyes Race by Grins

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Waipā horseman Matthew White is preparing to drive in New Zealand’s richest race at Cambridge Raceway next month.

He will partner Nicholas Cage in the $1million Race by Grins over 2200m on April 14 for Cambridge trainers Andrew and Lyn Neal.

Nicholas Cage, a four-year-old gelding, sealed his place in the rich feature after a convincing 2-1/4 length victory in the Gr.3 Founders Cup (1700m) against a quality lineup at Alexandra Park.

Nicholas Cage fills the slot of Barrett Homes, which is operated by his part-owner Grant Eynon.

White says he is excited about the opportunity he has been afforded by the Neals.

Of Nicholas Cage he said “this time last year he had only had a couple of starts, so he has come a long way in a short time.

“Andrew and Lyn do a great job with

him and I am sure he will be presented 100 percent and ready to go.

“There is a bit more hype around the race this year too, so I am really looking forward to it.”

White will team up with the Neals next month, but the two Waikato stables were foes at Manawatu Raceway last week, with the White-trained The Big Dance beating the Neal-trained No Mercy in the Cartown Mobile Pace (2000m) by 1-3/4 lengths.

“I sent her down with Lyn Neal and she has done a good job looking after her,” White said.

“It was a really good run, she won it quite impressively. She did a bit of work and was able to run to the line really nice.

“It looked a good race for her on paper and she had a good draw.

“I thought she would have won one by now and she has gone some good races in some strong maiden fields. She has never been too far away.”

Waipā riders were to the fore at last weekend’s national BMX champs in Tauranga.

Cambridge’s Leila Walker and North Harbour’s Rico Bearman claimed the overall elite honours – both also had under-23 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) World Cup wins in Colombia last year.

Bearman got the jump from the gate in the final to dominate from Cambridge rider Rico D’Anvers, who claimed the under-23 title, with Te Awamutu’s Cole McOnie third.

North Canterbury’s Liam Goodwin was third in the elite class and fourth overall, with Cambridge rider Bennett Greenough runner-up to D’Anvers in the under-23 class.

Walker, from the Cambridge club, was equally emphatic in winning both heats and the final.

The 18-year-old was only allowed to

claim the junior women national title, but elites, juniors and under-23 riders all raced together where the Cambridge rider was the class of the field.

Rotorua’s Megan Williams finished second to Walker in both heats and the final, producing a strong display to claim the national elite honours, with Brooke Penny from Te Awamutu club third overall and runner-up in junior women.

Fellow Te Awamutu club rider Baylee

Luttrell finished fourth overall after a crash in the final heat, but still claimed the under-23 national title, while Hamilton’s Caitlin Georgantas was runner-up in the elite category.

The next stop is the UCI Oceania Championships to be staged at the international Te Papa o Te Kauri BMX track in Rotorua on 15-16 April.

Matthew White will be behind Nicholas Cage at the Race by Grins.

Rico Bearman (left) and Cole McOnie on the elite men’s podium.

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Up up and away

Waipā was again denied an opportunity to see the Balloons over Waikato. They were scheduled for a Friday night lift at Lake Karāpiro, but windy weather made it unsafe. The event – themed “Welcome Back” had been awarded $5600 funding from Waipā District Council. Last year’s trip to Te Awamutu for the festival was also canned - because of Covid. Cambridge photographer Brian Holden headed north though, to catch the balloons when they were at Innes Common in Hamilton – and shared his pictures with The News. “Worth getting up early for,” he reported.

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We are a local Charitable Trust and that makes us quite different from most retirement villages. Quite simply, we don’t have shareholders. We are a community-owned organisation, providing a wide range of retirement living and care options, and the added benefit of shared capital gain for our apartments, cottages and villas. Come and see the Cambridge Resthaven difference for yourself.

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with Jan Bilton

Easter entertainers

Around the world, Easter is a time when traditional treats take pride of place on the menu.

Dried fruits and nuts feature in numerous Easter bakes. Hot Cross Buns, generally considered an English custom, combine spices with currants, peel and raisins. They were originally made to honour an Anglo-Saxon goddess ‘Eastre’. With the advent of Christianity, goddesses went out of favour, but the bun remained and was decorated with a cross.

Lamb — a symbol of spring in the northern hemisphere — is considered the traditional Easter meat. In villages throughout Greece, a whole lamb is spit-roasted to mark the end of fasting. In certain regions of Italy, cooks boil lamb and serve it with salami. In Sicily a cake is prepared in the shape of a lamb.

The rabbit as an Easter symbol appears to have its origins in Germany where it was first mentioned in writings in the 1500s. Chocolate bunnies are the modern version of the first pastry-and-sugar Easter bunnies produced in Germany during the early 1800s.

The decorated ‘Easter’ egg predates Christianity. Ancient Egyptians often dyed eggs in spring colours to give as gifts to friends. Eggs — mainly of the yummy chocolate variety — still play an important part in Easter celebrations.

EASTER CHOCOLATE RING CAKE

An easy treat topped with chocolate eggs.

1 1/2 cups self-raising flour

3 tablespoons dark cocoa powder

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

125g butter, melted

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Topping: 100g dark chocolate, chopped

5-6 half marshmallow Easter eggs

mini eggs to decorate

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a 20cm (6 cup) ring cake pan and line the base with baking paper. Sift the flour and cocoa into a bowl. Add the remaining

1 Fired clay block (5)

4 At the focus of public attention (2,3,9) 11 Concur (5)

14 Smithy’s block (5)

15 Exert personal influence, especially secretly or unofficially (4,6)

16 Honeymooner (8)

19 Puffed up with vanity (7) 20 Grown-up (5) 21 Leg covers (9) 24 Pen name (9) 26 Limited in size or extent (6) 27 Moral philosophy (6)

Sliced Easter bun, French toasted Easter chocolate ring cake

ingredients and mix well. Pour into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 35-45 minutes until the sides of the cake come away from the pan and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Stand on a board for 10 minutes then turn out onto a cake rack. Cool.

Melt the chocolate in bursts in the microwave and stir well. Spread a little over the top of the cake. Arrange the chocolate (half) eggs on top. Drizzle with the remaining melted chocolate and top with the mini eggs. Allow to set. Serves about 8.

GREEK EASTER LAMB SOUP

Soul food. Serve with hot crusty rolls.

1.25kg lamb neck chops

1/4 cup olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 bay leaves

5 cups water

200g spinach, washed and trimmed

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1 tablespoon dried dill leaves salt and pepper to taste

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 cup lemon juice

Trim any excess fat from the neck chops. Heat the oil in a large heavy saucepan. Brown the chops all over a few at a time to prevent stewing. Add the onions

33 Spanish friend (5) 35 Restaurant customer (5)

36 Evil giant (4)

37 Hired car (4)

42 Cluster (5)

43 Wobbly (8)

44 Three-legged stand (6)

45 Maritime force aiding shipping, saving lives, preventing smuggling (10)

46 Poverty (4)

47 Thriftiness (7)

48 Spice (6)

49 Unworldly (5)

51 Second-hand (4)

52 Pancreas product (7)

53 Smells (6)

58 Deter (10)

59 Examine in detail (5)

63 Skilled musician (8)

64 Long-legged bird (5)

65 Flying

and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add the bay leaves and water. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 1 hour. Cool. Refrigerate so the fat solidifies and is more easily removed. (This can be done a day ahead.)

Remove the meat from the bones and cut into 2-3cm pieces. Discard the bones. Return the meat to the saucepan. Thinly slice the spinach and add to the saucepan with the parsley, dill and seasonings. Simmer for 20 minutes. Whisk the eggs and lemon juice together in a bowl. While still whisking, add 2 ladles of the hot stock to the egg mixture.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk the egg combo in. Serve immediately. Serves 6.

SLICED

EASTER BUN, FRENCH TOASTED

Use plain hot cross buns — not flavoured

4 hot cross buns

2 large eggs

1/4 cup cream

1 teaspoon vanilla paste

25g butter or table spread

Cut each bun into 4 slices from the top to the base. Whisk the eggs, cream and vanilla paste in a bowl. Dip the bun slices in the egg mixture and place on a plate to soak.

Melt the butter in a frying pan on medium. Pan-fry the slices for about 1 minute each side until golden. Great served with fresh fruit and lemon wedges. Serves 4.

Finance o er available on new Nissan Navara models registered between 01/02/2023 and 31/03/2023 or while stocks last. Approved applications of Nissan Financial Services New Zealand Pty Ltd (Nissan) only. Fixed interest rate of 3.9% p.a. only available on loan terms up to 24 month term. No deposit required. This o er includes and establishment fee of $375, PPSR fee of $8.05 and $10 per month account keeping fee. Excludes all lease and some eet purchases. Nissan reserves the right to vary, extend or withdraw this o er. Not available in conjunction with any other o er. Additional terms and conditions apply and can be viewed at www.nissan.co.nz. Maximum Special Price (MSP) $39,990 is for SL 2DW Manual (D23JM) and includes GST but excludes GST Car Fee (CCF) $1,840 and on-road costs (ORC) of $1,340. ORC includes initial 12 month registration and WOF, 2000km RUC fuel and vehicle delivery.

3.9%

Finance o er available on new Nissan X-Trail models registered between 01/03/2023 and 31/03/2023 or while stocks last. Approved applicants of Nissan Financial Services New Zealand Pty Ltd (Nissan) only. Fixed interest rates of 3.9% p.a. only available on loan terms up to 24 month term. No deposit required. This o er includes and establishment fee of $375, PPSR fee of $8.05 and $10 per month account keeping fee. Excludes all lease and some eet purchases. Nissan reserves the right to vary, extend or withdraw this o er. Not available in conjunction with any other o er. Additional terms and conditions apply and can be viewed at www.nissan.co.nz.

nissan.co.nz

DEADLINE SALE

Executive Residence Premium Location

• 663 Bank Street, Te Awamutu

• 2,317m² of elevated land; potential for subdivision into 3 titles (Council Consent req’d)

• 391m² dwelling (approx.); north facing; built for maximum sun and extensive views

• low maintenance with brick and cedar exterior; aluminium ‘Alti’ joinery, double glazing, concrete tile roof; copper spouting and downpipes

• tarseal driveway leading to double garage/workshop with auto door & internal access

• external tiled patio extends along the length of the building; sunny, sheltered and accessed from multiple rooms within; sunny, sheltered courtyard at rear

DEADLINE

• a welcoming foyer leads to a formal lounge, connected to formal dining, leading into an excellent modern kitchen and a generous family room

• downstairs includes a sunny master bedroom with ensuite & walk in wardrobe; main bathroom; bedroom (#4); office and laundry

• upstairs features 2 spacious bedrooms offering panoramic views to Maungatautari and Pirongia Mountains, supported by an additional bathroom

• finished to a very high standard; one run carpet & cork flooring; full insulation; security system; solar hot water plus an underfloor, hot water heating system.

TradeMe search # R1422

Sale by Deadline: Thurs, 20 April 2023 4.00pm

Beef Finishing Dairy Support Lifestyle

• 103(B) Jury Road, Koromatua, R D 10, Hamilton

• 14.4576 hectares

• lovely flat to gentle rolling contour enhanced by pristine presentation

• subdivided with a mix of very good fencing complimented by all gates swinging

• water currently supplied from the adjoining property owned by the vendor

• currently utilised for grazing dairy heifers; ideal also for beef finishing / growing maize

113

Open Day: Tuesday, 28 March 1.30pm 3.00pm

• first class cattle yards; concrete base in main working area; very good loading facilities

• fully enclosed shedding plus a lockable storage building

• aesthetically pleasing with deciduous shade trees scattered throughout

• no dwelling excellent north facing options with panoramic views for a new residence

• a great range of primary and secondary schooling options, some within close proximity

• a dream opportunity for farmers or for those seeking a special lifestyle environment

TradeMe search # R1421

Sale by Deadline: Thurs, 20 April 2023 4.00pm

A superb opportunity to acquire a first class residential dwelling built with an emphasis on quality throughout, situated in a p remium location within close walking distance to medical facilities and shopping in central Te Awamutu further development opportunities is the bonus.

Ph Brian Peacocke 021 373 113

Ph Brian Peacocke 021 373

A delightful smaller, high quality and versatile property featuring excellent presentation, situated in a quiet, private, no exit road location, approx. 10 kms from Dinsdale, the western suburb of Hamilton City.

SECURITY DOORS AND FLYSCREENS

• Locally owned and operated

•

SECURITY DOORS AND FLYSCREENS

• Locally owned and operated Over 25 years experience in aluminium

• Over 25 years experience in aluminium

• Call us today for your free quote

• Call us today for your free quote

• Window and Door Repairs

• Window and Door Repairs

WAIPA ALUMINIUM Simon Whale 022 469 2423 waipaali@gmail.com www.waipaaluminium.co.nz

www.waipaaluminium.co.nz

CHICK, Susan Mary –

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, 18th March 2023 at Radius Windsor Court Resthome, aged 59 years. Loved daughter of the late Julian & Viera. Much loved sister of Karen, Graeme, Regan, Murray, and Simon. Susan was loved by all her extended family. The family would like to thank Radius Windsor Court Dementia Unit staff for their care and love of Susan. A private family farewell has taken place, followed by a cremation. A memorial service for Susan will be held at a later date. All communications to the Chick Family, c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800.

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE!

CARAVAN 180 XL 6.5 metres, all aluminium frame, cert, self-contained with fully enclosed awning, double glazed tinted windows, sleeps 5, microwave, Thetford cassette toilet, 3-way automatic fridge/ freezer (90ltrs), 5 good steel belted radials (8 ply), 90ltrs fresh water, 102ltrs grey, gas cooker & grill, 2 gas bottles, 230 volt & 12 volt lighting, fire extinguisher, excellent storage, beautiful condition. Why would you pay $90,000 or more for a comparable new van when you could have all this for $50,000.

Draft Sainsbury Road Reserve Management Plan Public Consultation

Pursuant to s41 & 119 of the Reserves Act 1977, Waip-a - District Council have prepared a draft Reserve Management Plan for Sainsbury Road Reserve and want your feedback.

View the draft plan online at: waipadc.govt.nz/ your-waipa/majorprojects/sainsbury-road-reserve

Alternatively, view the plan in person at the following locations:

• Waip-a District Council Head Office, 101 Bank Street Te Awamutu

• Te Awamutu Library

• Waip-a District Council Reception, 23 Wilson Street Cambridge

• Cambridge Library

Submissions on the draft plan are welcome until 23 May 2023. Submitters should state whether or not they wish to be heard in support of their submission.

Please direct queries to sainsburyreserve@waipadc.govt.nz

Newspaper Deliverer Wanted

for delivery of the Te Awamutu News, your local weekly community newspaper.

Deliveries are to occur every Thursday.

Are you honest and reliable and would like to earn some money while keeping fit? Our runs are suitable for either youth (minimum age 11 years) or adults.

Delivery runs available in the following areas:

• Kihikihi

• Goodfellow/Laurie Street

Please contact us on E: admin@goodlocal.nz

Provide your name, phone number, and the area you are located.

VACANCY

In the heart of Te Awamutu, Freeman Court makes independent living affordable and a little easier for older people. We have one vacant position to start as soon as possible. COVID-19 vaccination required.

VACANCY

In the heart of Te Awamutu, Freeman Court makes independent living affordable and a little easier for older people. We have one vacant position to start as soon as possible. COVID-19 vaccination required.

• Caregiver (Casual)

Caregiver- casual position. Rostered shifts covering 24 hours and seven days a week

For more information, please feel free to contact Tricia Ball (residential manager) at tricia.ball@habitat.org.nz or call 07 871 5260.

For more information, please feel free to contact Tricia Ball (residential manager) at tricia.ball@habitat.org.nz or call 07 871 5260.

The smart way to mow

H

AM 305

600 m2 working area - 55 m2/h cutting capacity - Max incline 40% (22º)

Ideal for smaller gardens. Connect@HOME puts you in control from your smartphone. Featuring smart technology, weather resistance and theft protection.

$2,190ºRRP

H

AM 405X

Working Area: 600 m2 - Cutting Capacity: 63 m2/h - Max Incline: 40% (22º)

Mows complicated lawns up to 600 m², handling both narrow passages and slopes with perfect results. Easily cleaned and washed o with a hose and supported by AIM Technology.

$3,490ºRRP

H AM 310

Working Area: 1000 m2 - Cutting Capacity: 60 m2/h - Max Incline: 40% (22º)

A robust robotic mower for small to medium sized lawns and complex gardens up to 1000 m2. Easily handles slopes and narrow passages. When the job’s done, the triple-search function nds the fastest way back to the charging station. Easy to use and clean, it can be controlled via your smartphone with Connect@Home and is equipped with a frost guard and weather timer.

$2,790ºRRP

H AM 415X

Working Area: 1500 m2 - Cutting Capacity: 63 m2/h - Max Incline: 40% (22º)

Perfect choice for every mid-sized garden, mows complicated lawns, handling narrow passages and slopes with perfect results. Electric cutting height adjustment and weather timer.

$4,490ºRRP