Te Awamutu News | May 25, 2023

We’re on the bus

By Jeremy Smith

The wheels on the bus go round and round, and Te Awamutu and Kihikihi commuters are increasingly hopping on board.

Figures provided to The News by Waikato Regional Council - which is responsible for overseeing regional bus operations - show more than 11,000 commuters caught the bus service between Kihikihi and Hamilton in April.

Nearly a third, or more than 3700, of the 11,380 passengers who caught the bus into Hamilton last month did so boarding at the Gorst Ave Te Awamutu i-Site - the route’s busiest stop.

In Cambridge, 11,027 people used the respective bus service into Hamilton in April.

Last week, The News was provided data, also given to Waipā District Council, which showed that on two days last month - April 9 and April 17 - no passengers caught the Cambridge bus.

The regional council has since confirmed that was incorrect, attributing it to “technical issues” with its patronage database.

In fact, on April 9, 64 passengers caught the Cambridge bus, and, on April 17, 443 passengers were aboard.

In last week’s Budget, transport minister Michael Wood announced free public transport for children under 13 and half-price discounts for people under 25.

The measures are projected to cost $327 million.

Half price public transport for other commuters ends on June 30.

Last Thursday, The News boarded the 7.30am bus in Te Awamutu to Hamilton.

Rose Anne Morgan – who grew up in Te Awamutu and now lives in Brisbane –was doing the same.

Here visiting family in Te Awamutu for a month, Rose Anne said she had been catching the bus to Hamilton on most days during her stay.

“I really enjoy it,” she said.

“It’s an easy way to travel, to support the Waipā economy and it’s nice to have somebody else doing the driving.”

Her observations of the route in the time she’s been using it are that it’s always “well frequented”.

On the day The News took the ride along, there were mostly school students making their way into Hamilton aboard.

“There’ve been very busy days where there only a handful of seats spare,” Rose Anne said.

“It’s great to see people out and about using public transport and it’s lovely getting to have some wonderful conversations.”

Calvin Linton has been driving the route since October, and driving buses since 2019.

Calvin, who lives near Te Awamutu, drives four trips between Hamilton and Waipā daily.

A second driver does an additional five.

“I’m loving it,” Calvin told The News.

“The passengers are awesome – in fact, I was really moved last year at Christmas time because lots of them even gave me presents.”

On the return trip, Sheila Ingham boarded the bus at the Hamilton Transport Centre on the corner of Bryce and Anglesea streets to go to Te Awamutu.

“Yes, I’ve done it quite a few times and it’s fantastic. It’s a 30-minute drive through a slice of rural paradise,” she

said.

After hearing The News’ observations while travelling the route, Waipā Pironga-Kakepuku ward councillor Clare St Pierre said she was pleased to hear how many people were using the bus service.

St Pierre, who sits on Waikato Regional Council’s regional transport committee, added she’s keen to see that usage keep increasing.

“It’s great so many young people are making use of public transport. I’m also keen to see connectivity – the number of bus services - continue to grow, so public transport is even easier.”

Meanwhile, use of the Te Kuiti Connector service - which travels between Te Kuiti and Hamilton stopping in Otorohanga, Kihikihi, Te Awamutu, Ohaupo and at the Hamilton Transport Centre – has topped 1033 since being launched in February.

The Tokoroa Connector – from Tokoroa to Hamilton, stopping in Cambridge - has attracted 2232 passengers in the same time frame.

Driver Calvin Linton outside his bus at the Te Awamutu i-Site bus stop.

Rose Anne Morgan caught the 7.30am bus from Te Awamutu to Hamilton last Thursday.

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Candidates talk up their strengths

By Mary Anne Gill

One of the candidates for the vacant Waipā Māori seat says because she is a younger candidate, she will be able to connect with all whānau.

Dale-Maree Morgan says her youth is the key point of difference when compared to the other three candidates.

She says connecting with whānau, from kaumatua to rangatahi, is vital for capturing and conveying voices of the community she is keen on serving.

Each of the candidates – Morgan, Bill Harris, Gaylene Roberts and Barney Manaia – were asked by The News to

name their key points of difference.

Roberts says she is an approachable person who is always open to a face-to-face conversation, email or phone chat.

“Giving Māori a voice involves listening to their feedback, engaging in constructive dialogue, and incorporating their perspective into decision-making processes.”

Manaia says he is a fluent Māori speaker and has a Masters in Indigenous Studies.

He sits on the national Miro Māori executive for NZEI Primary teachers Union, which means he can skim read, critique data and think on his feet.

“I enjoy serving communities and talking with people - serve my marae, hapū and iwi while finding time to work in community initiatives that support Starship or mental health initiatives.”

Harris says all Māori have a strong social justice background and that was a key platform for him.

“I’ll leave it to Māori to decide on my worthiness to be elected.”

Each candidate was asked their view on the resignation of Takena Stirling who resigned as the Waipā Māori ward councillor following his suspension as a lawyer.

“Currently all I have is maanaki for Takena,”

On the beatwith Constable Ryan Fleming Our week

Monday - A male breached electronically monitored bail, police attended three family harm incidents and served a warning under the Harassment Act. A suspicious male was seen looking at properties on Alexandra Street – this appears to have been a mental health related matter rather than criminal. We attended a fleeing driver incident, found two stolen vehicles and attended a self-harm incident.

Tuesday - Police attended an attempted theft of a motor vehicle, a fire was set at a public toilet, police were informed of a shoplifting incident, a fleeing driver was stopped with road spikes at Ōhaupō Road. The driver refused to a undergo compulsory Impairment test. We had a search and rescue job at Pirongia, assisted Te Kuiti with an armed robbery where a gunshot was discharged and investigated a fraud matter. We attended an incident at Memorial Park involving youths with weapons, attended a burglary and a family harm incident and arrested a male for a commercial premises burglary

Wednesday - Police attended a suspicious incident at an address in Te Awamutu. A male was located breaching bail. Cambridge Police arrested two shoplifters for offending in Te Awamutu. A missing person was located by police, Police attended a motor vehicle collision and a self-harm incident.

said Harris.

“Here is where tikanga māori is appropriate - it isn’t for me to judge Takena or his actions, I’m in the running for the Māori ward position, for the people I would like to represent, ko te kaupapa te mea nui,” said Morgan.

“Mistakes happen and it’s important that Takena moves through that space and uses his skills to continue helping whanau, hapū and Iwi benefit and improve their circumstances. He has a proud whānau –kia kaha Takena,” said Manaia.

New dress

Karen Morris has a new dress while husband Ken has drycleaned his suit for tomorrow’s investiture ceremony in Government House, Wellington. The Cambridge couple will receive their Queen’s Service Medals for services to the community from governor general Dame Cindy Kiro, and husband Richard Davies in front of family members.

Papakāinga go ahead

The Waipā District Council has approved the Ngāti Koroki-Kahukura Trust’s application to build a further nine houses in its Westlea Road, Maungatautari papakāinga development. The consent is for two five bedrooms, three four bedrooms and four twobedroom homes, three of which are kaumātua houses. Papakāinga is owneroccupied housing owned and occupied by and for whānau, generally with a Māori Land Court registered Licence to Occupy.

Website visits

Thursday – A male reported missing was located riding a motorbike. A male was arrested for a serious assault at The Warehouse. He was remanded in custody pending his next court date. A male was summonsed to appear in court for trespass in relation to the assault. Police attended two motor vehicle collisions, a family harm matter, a shoplifting, an attempted theft of a motor vehicle, located a male driving with excess breath alcohol, impounded a vehicle from a male who was driving while disqualified and conducted a search warrant to impound a dark coloured motorbike being ridden dangerously around Te Awamutu.

Friday - Police arrested a male for trespassing

He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance. We attended an attempted theft of a motor vehicle, an aggravated robbery scene, sought a driver fleeing on a motorcycle and located a male breaching bail conditions.

Saturday - Police attended three family harm incidents, investigated a fraud matter, attended a theft by finding incident, a threats/intimidation incident, a burglary and a mental health incident

Sunday – We attended a family harm, a threats/ intimidation incident, a burglary, a disorderly behaviour incident, a search and rescue incident, a vehicle collision and a theft of a motor vehicle.

Well no surprise what has been our best read online story in the last month, our story from Te Awamutu College last week featuring principal Tony Membery’s plea to beware social media myths. Well back in second was our story about the scam alert with two stories about Enrich Plus artists, including the one about a new painting for the mayor’s office, in third and fourth with the new walking and cycling path in Kihikihi in fifth.

Art finalist

Te Awamutu’s Dagmar Elliott is one of 26 finalists in the 2023 Fieldays No.8 Wire Art Award. The Fieldays event challenges artists to turn wire into art and the winners will be announced today ahead of an exhibition of the finalists’ artworks starting tomorrow at Hamilton’s ArtsPost Galleries and Shop. Elliott and son Nick won the competition in 2014.

angela.robertsmp@parliament.govt.nz

Here’s a wrap up of what police in Te Awamutu did last week…

We Say

Dealing with the bullying

Sadly, within days of Te Awamutu College joining the community to observe the anti-bullying Pink Shirt Day, another incident, shared on social media, has come to light.

It has prompted more online complaints about how the issue is being handled.

Last week college principal Tony Membery spoke to the Te Awamutu News about how social media “myths” did not help the situation at his school. He also spoke of the steps being taken to counter bullying.

He could have simply declined to comment on the issue. He chose to front up to it. He spoke of the Monday morning “spill over” at school prompted by weekend social media posts.

Our headline quoting “social media myths” was unfairly interpreted in some quarters to suggest Membery considered the entire issue to be a myth. Other posts following our lead story last week were dripping with sarcasm.

There is no question that the college has been confronted by a bullying problem –often fuelled by online comments made by students about other students.

Membery and his staff are clearly facing a difficult situation. It is also clear that in many cases they are blindsided when incidents are given oxygen on social media platforms and not reported to the school.

Parents and guardians cannot be blamed for being frustrated. Who would not be angered to have to deal with a bullying issue?

What is needed is constructive communication so that all adults can be part of the solution.

That is not a stage the community has reached.

Trying a little kindness

By Jeremy Smith

Te Awamutu has taken its stand against bullying.

Last Friday schools, workplaces and community groups all over town marked Pink Shirt Day - the Mental Health Commission-led day which aims to stamp out bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusion.

Pink Shirt Day donations each year see about 2700 schools and kura nationwide provided with free information, resources and classroom activities helping to promote wellbeing and prevent bullying.

And, throughout the day, as The News made stops at Te Awamutu Intermediate, Waipā District Council, Te Awamutu College and Fonterra Te Awamutu, the message was the same.

Bullying has no place anywhere in Waipā.

At Te Awamutu Intermediate -

where many of the schools more than 500 students had donned pink - principal Pip Mears said the ethos of Pink Shirt Day was an important message to support.

“The day aligns very closely with our values as a school, what we call our shine values. We show respect, we’re honest, we include others, we never give up and we seek excellence.”

More than $600 had been received in Pink Shirt Day donations, Mears said.

At Te Awamutu College, a highlight of the activities marking Pink Shirt Day proved to be a colour run held at lunch time.

Year 13 student Steph Hill, chairperson of the school’s health committee, told The News she got the idea for the colour run from a list of “creative suggestions” for ways to support the initiative on the Pink Shirt Day website.

She paid tribute to a committee of about 40 representatives for the

work they put into the day.

“I’m really glad everyone had fun today, and the overarching message of everything we did was simply this. Be kind.”

Council staff - and mayor Susan O’Regan - at the council buildings on Bank Street were also only too happy to mark Pink Shirt Day.

“The message of inclusion, and of not standing for bullying in any form, is a very important one to be sharing,” said O’Regan.

At Fonterra Te Awamutu – where staff at different plants across the site wore pink - operations manager Russell Muir told The News bullying prevention in workplaces is an important part of building inclusive, and diverse, staff teams.

“At Fonterra, we do this by offering education around building cultures of care. And yes, while being an upstanding person is an everyday decision, each year we specifically take time to recognise Pink Shirt Day to demonstrate our

commitment to showing up for each other, treating each other with care and respect and – at the same timehaving a bit of fun,” he said.

Police support for school’s efforts

By Roy Pilott

Police say schools in Te Awamutu are confronting bullying – but the results of their work is not always evident.

Area Prevention Manager, Waikato West Area, Dave Hall said he was aware of instances where privacy regulations made it difficult for schools to release details of how incidents had been

handled.

That in turn could leave an impression the issue had not been dealt with - however this was typically not the case.

He was commenting after another wave of social media posts this week questioning how Te Awamutu College handled bullying – and a video of a student being attacked - was posted.

It came just days after the

school joined community groups observing the antibullying Pink Shirt day.

Hall said it was clear that bullying at different levels was an issue. A lot was online and outside of school hours, but then spilled over into “real life” at school.

“Police youth staff talk and listen to students regularly and find one has reacted to comments allegedly made by the other - then find the

comments were never made, and at the end of it, the two students then say they have no issue with each other.”

He encouraged parents and guardians to take their concerns to police or the school as first points of contact, rather than social media.

“What I’ve read - yes, some is true, but a lot is not and can make the problems worse for students.

“Police acknowledge that bullying can be extremely distressing for students, and we work hard to resolve these issues and help young people feel safe.”

He was unaware at the latest bullying video or suggestions police had been handed multiple videos of incidents, but said while police were dealing with complaints, there were not a large number.

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Fonterra’s dairy kinds - back row, from left, Stan Lloyd, Brent Miles, Barry Lapthorn, Kelly Bennetto, Kaylee Mant, Jamie Brown, Kelly Johnson and Marlon Weerasinghe, front, from left, Te Amo Pene, Rebekah Taylor, Emma Page and Campbell McDonald.

At Te Awamutu Intermediate - Holly Greenaway, Sienna Derbyshire, Charlie Downie-Boyte and Owen Gower.

Pink is in the air - Chase Kete, front, reacts to getting hit with colour, while Cameron Howells behind him ducks for cover during the fun at Te Awamutu College on Friday.

District growth ‘incredible’

By Mary Anne Gill

Just released Waipā property values show the district’s worth is $35 billion – up 45.5 per cent on the last valuation three years ago.

The rise was expected given the “incredible growth” seen in the district over that period, said deputy chief executive Ken Morris.

But it continues a steady 10 year growth. Waipā’s value in 2013 was $12.795 billion, $16.61 billion three years later and $22.293 billion in 2019.

Revaluations were done by independent valuer Quotable NZ using property sale information,

building improvements, change of land use etc.

Ratepayers will soon get a letter outlining what has happened to the value of their property. Those in Karāpiro (57 per cent), Kihikihi (51.2 per cent), Te Awamutu (44.9 per cent), Ōhaupō (43.3 per cent), Pirongia (43.1 per cent), Cambridge (41.6 per cent) and Leamington (38.5 per cent) are among the big movers.

Industrial property has gone up 59.1 per cent, lifestyle blocks 53.2 per cent and commercial property 40.5 per cent. At the other end of the scale, dairy and pastoral land has gone up only 26.2 per cent.

Morris told The News the valuations are a point in time – in this instance August 1 last year - and used for rating purposes.

The market had changed since then and would continue to change, he said.

Forces in place since the revaluation include rising inflation and interest rates combined with a cooling real estate market.

Morris said rates were not set using the same percentage increases.

“If your property value has gone up by 40 per cent, it certainly doesn’t mean your rates will also go up by 40 per cent.”

Council had already set the rate increase across the

district for the year starting July 1 to six per cent.

It needs to raise nearly $30 million in general rates and $19 million from uniform annual charges. Targeted rates vary across the district and pay for such things as libraries, pools, refuse collection, halls, capital works, sewerage and stormwater. Water rates are on top of that.

Based on that six per cent average, a residential property in Cambridge now valued at $960,000 would result in a rate increase of $4.09 a week.

A residential property in Te Awamutu valued at $720,000 would have a rates increase of $2.48 a week.

Briefs…

Disaster test

There will be a nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert System on Sunday between 6-7pm. The test will be followed by the Annual Disaster Preparedness Survey which will contain questions about receiving an emergency mobile alert.

Council wins again

Ken Morris

The council has an online rating calculator. Those struggling to understand their rates or need guidance, should contact the council.

Church relaxes cemetery access

A church service on Sunday will see St Stephen’s Church in Tamahere mark its 140th anniversary by opening up access to its historic cemetery.

A memorial berm at the St Stephen’s has been established to address restrictions on access for burials and the interment of ashes.

“We know from written history that the original church and cemetery were established by a wide range of people in the district,” Tamahere Cemetery Committee chairman Don Law said. “We know from talking to people present at

AERIAL DRONE SURVEY

the time the first church was burnt down in 1970 that the replacement church we have today only came about by the will of locals who felt it was important to keep a community church. We wanted to continue the inclusive record of St Stephen’s, so we have created the memorial berm.”

The Dingle Memorial Berm is for placement of memorial plaques and will be blessed on Sunday by Archdeacon Sue Burns, vicar of St Stephen’s, and Bishop Sir David Moxon.

The cemetery was established in

We’ll be carrying out an aerial drone survey of our network power lines over the next few months.

From April until August 2023 we will be surveying power lines across the Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Kāwhia areas.

For further information, updates on survey dates and timings for your area visit: waipanetworks.co.nz/aerialsurvey

1891. The donated land adjacent to the grounds of the first church built in 1883 was originally a burial ground for the people of the Tamahere district.

Only a handful of burial plots remain in the graveyard area and access to this and the cemetery’s ashes berm along the Airport Road boundary is limited to those who have had active involvement with the church for at least 10 years.

The new memorial berm access criteria is broader.

“The person to be memorialised by a plaque on the new berm

only needs to have a stated and recognised connection to the Tamahere area and/or St Stephen’s Church,” Don Law said.

“We know our district is becoming more densely populated, and also there are a growing number of people who feel connected through the Tamahere Country Market and the many other ways in which the Anglican church reaches out to the community. We hope the new memorial berm will meet a need for those who want to leave an enduring memory of themselves right here in Tamahere.”

Waipā District Council has scooped up another major award for its first spatial plan - this time against competitors from across the ditch. Ahu Ake – Waipā Community Spatial Plan has won the Community Impact category at the 2022 Asia Pacific Spatial Excellence Awards held in Australia. In November, the council won the New Zealand equivalent.

Credit rating

For the sixth year running Waipā District Council has retained its AAcredit rating. Sydney-based analysts, Fitch Ratings, have confirmed a continued rating of AA- in their annual review. Credit ratings help in bringing down the cost of borrowing.

Case closed

A Judicial Review appeal by JD & RD Wallace Ltd against a Waipā District Council independent commissioner’s decision to grant land use consent enabling the construction of kiwifruit artificial shelters at 383 Parallel Road, Cambridge, has been withdrawn. A joint memorandum was filed at the High Court last week following the surrender of the original consent and considered in chambers by Justice Geoffrey Venning. The issue of costs was reserved.

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Success at Sky Tower

By Jeremy Smith

Members of Te Awamutu

Volunteer Fire Brigade’s 2023 Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge team have returned home having reached new heights at the event.

Not only did the group fundraise what’s thought to be its biggest total in the brigade’s 18-year association with the climb - receiving $25,814 in donations - but 10 members of the 19-person team also achieved top 10 placings in their respective divisions.

Team captain Lisa Atkinson - after completing what was her second challenge eventpraised “each and every one” of the team, telling The News everyone was “pretty stoked” with how the 2023 climbheld last Saturday - went.

The challenge, now in its 19th consecutive year, sees teams racing 328m up Auckland Sky Tower’s 51 flights of stairs – or 1103 individual steps – in full firefighting kit weighing 25kg to raise funds, and awareness for, Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

The organisation supports patients and their families living with a blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma or a related blood condition.

“I’m just grateful,” Lisa said. “Grateful to the public for being so supportive of our fundraising efforts, and grateful to every single one of our brigade members.

“Whether they were part of the challenge team this yearor they stayed behind on duty in town while we were in Auckland - each one played a part in making our climb a possibility, and a success.

“Of course, the main reason we are there is to support what is a wonderful cause, which we’re completely behind. A lot of our brigade members know people who have unfortunately had to face leukaemia.

“As I reflect on the day, I can’t help but think how grateful I am too that our brigade is full of such great people.”

There were some stand out performers on the day.

“When you get a bunch of sporty, athletic, people together, you can’t help but have a level of friendly competition too,” she said.

Six Te Awamutu team members also took on what’s called the Firefighter of Steel challenge, adding nearly 10 flights of stairs to their climb.

Dave Shaw climbed those 60 floors and was awarded a bronze medal for third place in the men’s masters division

in a time of 15 minutes, 53 seconds.

Anna Alexander won a bronze medal for third in the women’s masters donned division, climbing 51 flights of stairs in 19 minutes, 44 seconds.

Donned categories mean the competitor is wearing, firefighting gear wise, only a breathing pack.

Lisa was runner up in the women’s masters donned division, climbing 51 flights of stairs in 17 minutes, 11 seconds.

Two members of the Pirongia Rural Fire BrigadeJake Zeuren and Jodi Reymer - also joined the Te Awamutu team.

Jodi was runner up in the open women’s donned category, climbing 51 flights of stairs in 16 minutes, 20 seconds.

Meanwhile, Kelly Bennetto climbed the Sky Tower 11 minutes faster in 2023 than she did last year.

The youngest Te Awamutu team member in 2023 was 16-year-old first-time climber Addy Mark, who “did so well”, Lisa said.

“It really was heaps of fun and we were all on a bit of a high as we shared a celebratory dinner together on Saturday night.”

Lisa made special mention

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of chief fire officer Ian Campbell and station officer Danny Smith.

In his 14th challenge climb, Danny placed fourth in the open men’s division of the 60-floor Firefighter of Steel challenge, in a time of 15 minutes, six seconds.

“We’re surrounded by a culture of wonderful support, and leadership which works endlessly and tirelessly, and that, honesty, is to such a large degree what makes days like Saturday’s climb possible,” Lisa said.

This year, about 1000 firefighters from around New Zealand – and some from Australia – were part of the challenge.

About $1.48 million was collectively raised.

Lisa said initial thoughts have already turned towards preparations for the 2024 challenge.

Some of the Te Awamutu team at the 2023 Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge last Saturday. From left to right, Rob Willey, Dave Shaw, Glenn Anderson, Scott Stapleton and Helen Wilkes.

Senior firefighter, Rob Willey, was all smiles mid-challenge. Photos supplied

The death of Marie Voice

By Meghan Hawkes

An unfortunate weakness for gossiping was putting a strain on the marriage of William and Marie Voice of Te Awamutu in early January 1903.

William, a blacksmith, had received an anonymous letter in reference to Marie’s tale telling and in frustration had sworn at her. He also locked up her clothes to prevent her going away.

A week later when Marie did not speak to him he gave it no thought until lunchtime when he realised she was not around. Then their 14-year-old son came to tell him he had found Marie’s body floating in the river.

At the inquest William said he could not account for the incident, except that his wife drank occasionally. He had not harmed or threatened her and her children agreed, saying they had never seen their mother mistreated.

But their 17-year-old daughter added that she had heard her mother say about a week before that she did not know what to do with herself, and would jump into the river.

An open verdict – that Marie, 48, was found drowned, but there was insufficient evidence to show how she got into the water - was returned at the inquest.

Curiously, the disappearance of a wife around lunchtime had happened to William before.

In 1876, William, then a 30-year-old blacksmith at Makikihi, near Timaru, found that his wife Lucretia had not got the midday meal ready for themselves, their two small sons and their employee. William prepared something for himself and the children.

Shortly after the employee came to William in distress – something was wrong with Lucretia. William ran back to the house and found her sitting on a box struggling, as if in a fit. But the exotic Lucretia, just 21 and from Chile, had taken a fatal dose of the poison strychnine.

At the inquest William said that they had had no

angry words that day and that they lived together as was usual for man and wife. He had never seen anything desperate in her conduct. She wanted to return to her own country, but he could not sell out, though he had tried. William’s employee testified that William had always treated Lucretia well, but a neighbour, Mrs Hawkins said about 20 minutes prior to her death Lucretia came to her house and began to cry.

She gave Mrs Hawkins some baby clothes and complained that she could no longer live with her husband. Constable Gilchrest said that from William’s conduct he had no suspicions against him and the inquest ruled that Lucretia died from poison, but there was no evidence to show who administered it.

The verdict caused furious exchanges in local newspapers between a doctor and an editor – the latter insisting the cause of death was epilepsy.

William disappeared from view for around 20 years before he surfaced again in Te Awamutu working as a blacksmith in 1886. He was now in a common law relationship with Marie Gaertner, from Germany, a mother of one, with whom he had five children; two of who tragically died in 1894 within days of each other from diphtheria.

Many years later, in 1898, Charles and Marie finally married – she stating that she was widowed in 1878 and William that he had been a widower since 1875.

But in truth Marie had had a son in 1883, to the husband who five years earlier had apparently died, and William had another wife, from Gibraltar, whom he married in England in 1876. Their long wait to get married could perhaps be explained by the fact their secret spouses were still alive.

After Marie’s death, William, aged 60, married for a fourth time. Two years later, in 1908 he died. William was buried at St John’s, Te Awamutu and although there is no record, it is likely Marie was too.

They both, it seems, were telling tales.

Books, books, books

Who loves a bargain? Well, I sure do when it comes to buying pre-loved books at a sale. And we, latent bibliophiles and otherwise, have been rather spoilt for both opportunity and choice when it comes to book fairs of late. The Te Rapa racecourse has seen throngs of people happily and triumphantly clutching bought used books, as has been the case at the Cambridge Town Hall, to be followed this week in Te Awamutu. It provides an opportunity for fundraising by service organisations on one hand and stocking up on reading material maybe for the winter months ahead by enthusiastic patrons on the other.

And everyone seems to be good natured and polite to each other as they browse seeking incredible bargains. A win-win situation for all concerned.

Reading is a favourite pastime. Readers can be transported into imaginary places, empathetic with characters in a gripping story and so on. That literary escapism can also be educational as well: improving one’s knowledge of sentence structure, punctuation, spelling and so forth. It has been said that owning a book is having a very best friend one can turn to.

New Zealand has its fair share of famous authors: Katherine Mansfield, Ngaio Marsh, Frank Sargeson, James K. Baxter, Witi Ihimaera to name but a few. Complementing them are the homegrown poets in Allen Curnow, Sam Hunt, Denis Glover, Janet Frame,

Fleur Adcock and Elizabeth Smither to name a few more.

By Norris Hall

But there is one book which in some homes may languish ignored and possibly neglected. It the Book of books, the best seller in many a version. It contains the nascent history of a Middle Eastern country that stubbornly exists to this very day.

It contains a collection of songs often recited or chanted in worship. It introduces characters not so savoury and others who are inspiring. It also contains numerous letters to cities and individuals, and the account in four parts of one central figure.

It has a running theme of redemption and salvation and wholeness, setting out expectations of how one is expected to accept and put into practice. It is the Book, which when read, may remind the reader of his or her own life experiences both good and bad.

It is called of course the Bible, the Good Book. In some countries, it is a crime to own the Book. In some countries to buy a copy the purchaser must save for many a month, so precious it is to them. Here in New Zealand, we are lucky to be able to own let alone buy a copy. And how precious is it for us to have one in our book collection or library? Is it a precious possession to turn to time and again, like a good friend? Something to think about methinks.

Wait over for newest kiwis

By Mary Anne Gill

Waipā’s new citizens packed Cambridge Town Hall in two significant firsts last week.

The 105 people from 19 countries who made their oaths or affirmations on stage were the largest group to do so in the district’s history and the first in the Town Hall, mayor Susan O’Regan told them.

“Today has been a long time coming... and for some of you a very

long time indeed,” she said.

“I know many of you have travelled a long way, and that for some of you, your journey to get here, and become citizens, has been harrowing.

“Many of you have left family behind and that grieves you and always will,” she said adding that did not mean giving up strong ties to their home country.

Waipā wanted to hear their stories, find out about their customs and ask

why they chose here to make their homes, said O’Regan.

“In sharing our customs, we will be able – I hope – to make you feel even more welcome. And in sharing your background, you will enrich our lives. So we all win.”

In recent years – before and after Covid - the ceremony has been held in the Council Chambers in Te Awamutu and another occasion at Lake Karāpiro.

Moving the ceremony into the historic Cambridge Town Hall represented a new start. They would probably be held less frequently but with more new citizens involved.

And instead of using pre-recorded greetings from the Governor General and a CD version of God Defend New Zealand, the new citizens were greeted with the mayor’s own Spotify mix of New Zealand songs and pianist Joy Hood playing the national anthem. Ironically Hood, who recently moved to Cambridge from Rotorua, is an Australian who has lived in New Zealand for decades and is yet to become a citizen.

The 105 Waipā people who became New Zealand citizens were from Bangladesh, Philippines, Northern Ireland, South Africa, England, Chile, Fiji, Saudi Arabia, India, Kenya, Vietnam, Namibia, France, Thailand, Taiwan, Scotland, French Polynesia and Cambodia.

They were: Monjur Ahmed, Himikaa Ahmed, Faiyaaz Ahmed, Shahida Ahmed Tania (Bangladesh), Ricky Balagot Alota (Philippines), Samuel James Beattie (Northern Ireland), Lee David Burgess (United Kingdom), Tiffany Linda Cawood, Mark Gordon Cawood (South Africa), Maxine

Linda Cawood (England), Cristina del Rosario Assis

Guidotti (Chile), Kapil Sachindra Dutt (Fiji), Angelie

Ensor (Saudi Arabia), Berly George (India), Tertia

Guest (South Africa), Julian Robert Holden (Kenya), Paul Albert Horsford, Tanya Horsford (South Africa), Thi Thanh Nhu Huynh (Viet Nam), Denver Franklyn Johnson (South Africa), Harpreet Kaur, Yatin Kaushik, Deepak Kaushik, Priyanka Kaushik (India), Hannah Kettlety (United Kingdom), Ram Krishan (India), John Robert Mackenzie (United Kingdom), Tracy Milstein (Namibia), Ricardo Jr. Maestrecampo Pascua (Philippines), Priya Pathrose (India), Helen Podmore (United Kingdom).

Erwin Oruga Precilla, Kimmy Apple Barroga

Precilla, Kier Barroga Precilla (Philippines), Zachary Barroga Precilla (New Zealand), Vivek

Raghunathan, Gayathri Rajendran, Yohan

Immanuel Vivek (India), Trevor Roux, Hendrik

Johannes Roux, Jeanine Roux, Jeanmari Roux, Pierre

Francois Roux (South Africa), Dorothy May Sargent (Australia), Amy Scherman, Gillian Scherman, Egbert Johannes Scherman, Christopher John

Scherman, Jakobus Cornelius Gideon Scherman (South Africa), Sandra Evalin Sebastian (India), Oliver Glorioso Sefuentes, Rychelle Liyag Sefuentes, Kailyn Eveth Liyag Sefuentes, Karlie Micaela Liyag Sefuentes (Philippines), Charles Edward Nicholas

Smith, Lucy Megan Smith, Michael Thomson, Deborah Jane Thomson (United Kingdom), Nico

Marthinus Van Zyl, Mariana Van Zyl (South Africa), Ankur Vohra (India).

Hana Beatson (United Kingdom), Lucie Benard, Clement Jean-Claude Paul Dolbeau (France), Tracey Ann Bennett (England), Tanisha Jayne Brogden, Steven Andrew Brown (United Kingdom), Suchira Chaiwat (Thailand), I Wen Chuang (Taiwan), LauraJane Elrick (Scotland), Dale Robert Fairbrother, Thomas Charles William Fairbrother, Zoe Danielle Fairbrother (United Kingdom), Jade Marie Hagger (England), Kim Louise Harrison, Karen Marie Heath, Simon Reynolds, Imogen Aisha Reynolds, Dylan Neo Heath Reynolds (United Kingdom), Gurpinderjit Kaur (India), Vanille Reva Kingi (French Polynesia), Cécile Sylvia L’Hermitte, Francis Michel Edmond L’Hermitte (France). Ryan McHale (England), Jenna Lynn Nicholls (Scotland), Jonathan Raphael Nikitas (France), Lisa Norman, Gail Yvonne Pitcon (United Kingdom), Ayla Beth Pritchard, David Raymond Pritchard, Sam James Pritchard, Wendy Ann Pritchard (England), Diarmuid Micheal Reidy (Ireland), Eileen Mary Rimene (Scotland), Hannah Jane Russell, James Ronald Russell, Katherine Jane Russell, Charlie Russell, Molly Elizabeth Russell (United Kingdom), Silvana Andrea Serei Ferreira (Chile), Komalpreet Singh (India), Christopher Robson, Georgina Rowan Temple Robson, Harriet Temple Robson (United Kingdom), Bunnarith Uy (Cambodia).

Harriet Robson, 9, shakes Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan’s hand after making her affirmation to become a Kiwi. Looking on, from left, are her father Christopher, mother Georgina and little brother Fraser, 4, who was already a New Zealander.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill. • More photos online teawamutunews.nz

Kiwis now: From left, Vivek Raghunathan, Yohan Vivek, 3, and Gayathri Rajendran of Te Awamutu made their oaths to become New Zealand citizens.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Cicada

Kidsare Write all

The way of Winter

First name: Bree

Last name: Colbeth Class: Kotahitanga Age: 12

Weather turning colder, daylight getting older. Flowers beginning to fade, raining on summer’s parade. Bon res, golden and bright

First name: Sophia

Last name: Alderton

Class: Kotahitanga Age: 11

Beneath the Conifer, clinging tightly to its aky bark, hung the golden shell of a Cicada.

When the weather is hot, joyful and harmonious choruses burst forth from wilting grass. They feel free, and at peace when within the village of the Cicada, Kihikihi.

Peace

First name: Amelia

Last name: Hight

Class: Pitomata Age: 9

Sometimes do you just want to go to your peaceful place with nothing around you but your comforts? Well, I do. Sometimes. I’ll tell you what my peaceful place looks like and what is there.

I have a white dragon that sleeps under a willow tree. The willow tree has soft pink owers falling from it and I have a refreshing nap under the hot sun. A warm

Where Tui y, Harakeke and Kowhai trees grow, it is our little country eld. Although they are everywhere, they are especially abundant here.

Some did not wish for them to stay, but I do.

I know there’s a reason why He did everything. Do you think there is something beneath the outer shell?

Or were we all just a coincidence…?

dancing, twirling, twisting light. Air crisp and cold, tells tales of old. Of winters past, of lakes frozen, awless as glass. And as the last leaves begin to fall You can hear them answering winter’s call

To sink beneath the snow so deep And nally succumb to frozen sleep.

My holiday card to a lunatic

First name: Ben

Last name: Corbould Class: Pitomata Age: 10

All my life I have been a pirate. Over the years I have grown to admire one pirate in particular. While many on my ship admire pirates like Blackbeard and Henry Every, I admire the pirate queen herself. The person who conquered the Faroe Islands for the Pirate Guild. The person who sunk ve ships with the ick of her wrist, don’t ask me how she did it but she did. Everyone on the ship has di erent theories on

First name: Eliana

Last name: Norris Class: Atawhai Age: 6

how she did what she did. Jim thinks she has magical powers. No one believes him of course. I personally believe she summoned the Kraken with the ick of her wrist. My friend Bob believes me, everyone else thinks I’m crazy.

In a few days it’s Christmas, so I gured I would send a holiday card to the pirate queen. Sounds stupid, I know but hear me out. If she reads it, she’ll know what an amazing person I am and she’ll make me the captain of the Northern Fleet, if I’m lucky. Since it’s a nice day, I have decided to write my card, overlooking the ocean

summer breeze ows through my hair.

I sit under my willows tree trunk with soft pink owers falling from it. Oh. By the way, this place is called: Peaceworld.

I lean against my dragon’s white hide, while I take a nap under the hot sun. The warm summer breeze ows through my long blonde hair, looks like gold, without me noticing. My white dragon shades my head with its wings and sleeps peacefully in peaceworld.

93 Chapel Drive, Te Awamutu P 07 871 4520

First name: Isabella

Last name: Arenhold Class: Atawhai Age: 6

This is a monthly page giving student’s from primary and intermediate schools the opportunity to have their writing published in their local community newspaper.

Loner’s last post

By Mary Anne Gill

John Patrick ‘Aussie’ O’Brien was a “hell of a nice guy”, yet his body lay unclaimed in the Waikato Hospital morgue for two months.

Despite appeals for family to come forward and claim the body of the former army staff sergeant, who friends describe as a loner, no one did.

So up stepped the Cambridge RSA.

O’Brien was farewelled with a graveside memorial service at the Hautapu Cemetery’s RSA section last week thanks to Grinter’s funeral director Jim Goddin who uplifted the body from a first storey Hamilton unit on behalf of the coroner on March 4, two days after his death.

It was Goddin who made the formal application to authorities to claim O’Brien’s body from the morgue after notices placed in newspapers and army publications resulted in nothing.

He approached Brigadier Jon Broadley and Cambridge RSA president Tony Hill who said they would give O’Brien a proper farewell befitting his 20-year army service.

Retired chaplain Ants Hawes led the service and bugler Doug Rose played the Last Post. Broadley read details of O’Brien’s service and Hill gave him an emotional sendoff noting he knew two of the men buried either side of him and they were top chaps.

Two men who served in the New Zealand Army with him were there

– Mike Madden and Lionel Orr – as was Julie Strawbridge, the neighbour who found O’Brien’s body, and her friend Dawn Babbington.

Sharon Smith, the Waikato Real Estate property manager for his Thames Street, Hamilton unit and Rob Good, the maintenance manager, both attended as did Darren and Janine Sutton, his former neighbours in Te Awamutu when O’Brien worked at the Fonterra factory.

Rounding out the onlookers were Andrew and Cathy Cuming, John Taylor and Goddin himself.

Seventeen people in all – including The News – recited The Ode of Remembrance “We will remember them.”

But missing from those memories are whether Aussie O’Brien had any family.

What is known is he was born in Australia on March 14, 1943 – so he died 12 days before his 80th birthday - and came to New Zealand as a young boy. When his family returned to Australia, he stayed put and joined the army on February 6, 1963, serving in the Service Corps, which included a two-month stint in Vietnam in 1965.

He left the army on February 20, 1967, but 52 days later he rejoined and was transferred into the Corps of Transport where he stayed until March 28, 1983. Lionel Orr met him in 1971 at Waiouru where O’Brien was the barrack commander and a staff sergeant at the Regular Force Cadet School.

“We called him Crinkley because he was tough on us cadets.”

Blueberry Gin

O’Brien would take some of the cadets, who were away from their families for the first time, into Taupo in his Leyland P76 to go to the hot pools.

“He cared about people but when he fired up, he fired up,” said Orr.

O’Brien served in Singapore with Mike Madden as his commander in E Platoon 18 Transport Company.

Orr met up with him again there and recalls O’Brien coming to his wedding but not attending many of the platoon celebrations.

“He was always a loner.”

After he left the army, O’Brien worked at the old Hillcrest Tavern as a barman which is where Cuming –a newcomer to Hamilton - met him in October 1984 and struck up a friendship.

“I last saw him the week before he died. I’ll miss him.”

The two used to swap books. “I’d give him a David Baldacci and he’d give me John Grisham.”

O’Brien then worked several years at Fonterra in Te Awamutu where he met the Suttons who had just bought their first home.

“When we first met, he had a sewing machine car which he later replaced with a gold Jaguar,” said Darren Sutton.

One day he was water blasting his house while perched on a high ladder and had a fall. On his subsequent retirement from Fonterra, O’Brien moved into Hamilton to rental accommodation in Thames Street which is where he first encountered Rob Good 12 years ago.

“He made a good cup of coffee.”

O’Brien still had his Jaguar then and crashed it twice. He got a green Mazda which he crashed as well.

“He was a nice guy, a hell of a nice guy,” said Good.

Sutton said he would visit O’Brien and in later years tried unsuccessfully to get information out of him about any family.

Julie Strawbridge lived next door. He would look out for her, bring over meals because he told her he was a chef in the army, which is not borne out by the facts.

She had the spare key to his unit and found him two days after his death when she hadn’t seen him around.

“I’ll miss him,” she said.

John Taylor, who was also at the funeral service, thought it was the same John O’Brien he worked with

at a Waikato contracting firm. Now he is not so sure but paid his respects anyway.

Now the loner has a final resting place in Cambridge and the RSA will look after him and tend his plot.

But down in Wellington at Defence Force headquarters, there are four unclaimed service medals. O’Brien never picked them up or wore them at Anzac Day commemorations or service reunions.

There will be others like John Patrick O’Brien who served their country and are now living in our communities who have dropped off the face of the earth, said Orr. “We need to reach out to those people.”

Te Awamutu neighbours of Aussie O’Brien, Janine and Darren Sutton.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

The only recent photo of Aussie O’Brien shows him on the balcony of his Hamilton unit.

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Exploding lava

Many of us might think of eruptions in Hawai’i when we think of lava flows, or recent eruptions in Iceland or La Palma in the Canary Islands. There are generally two main types that we group lava flows into. Pahoehoe is a runnier (less viscous) smoother lava, and ‘A’ā (“ah-ah”) are the more viscous flows with sharp, rubbly surfaces that move forward much like the tread on a bulldozer. In both cases you can usually out-walk lava flows, except for when they are moving within a channel or tube that keeps them hot and fluid. In terms of all the dangerous aspects of volcanoes, lava flows tend to be the less dangerous hazard type. This is not always the case.

Nyiragongo volcano in the Democratic Republic of the Congo unleashed deadly lava flows from its lava lake full of very hot and fluid molten rock, flowing at velocities around 100 kph in 1977 with devastating impacts on nearby populations. A similar event occurred again in 2002. Even at speeds where you can slowly walk away, they can crush buildings and anything else in

By Janine Krippner

their path that cannot evacuate. They can bury homes in lava fields that can reach tens of metres thick that take years to cool.

Another way that lava flows can turn deadly is when they explode. Not the lava itself, but water, snow, or ice trapped below them. With the high temperatures of lava reaching around 1000°C, underlying water can heat to steam, build pressure, then sometimes explode. This can send chunks of lava flying into the air, forming dangerous projectiles. This occurred at Etna in Italy in 2017 when a friend and colleague was with a media team beside a lava flow capturing the event. First, a white plume of steam shot upwards with some darker streaks, followed by sounds of rocks zooming past the people who were running for their lives. Thankfully, there were no fatalities but “many injured - some head injuries, burns, cuts and bruises, very shaken though - it was extremely scary” was reported by BBC’s Rebecca Morelle.

Another example was at Kīlauea in 2018. where the lava met the sea,

Get Gardening

A monthly gardening column, courtesy of Amber Garden Centre

Winter gardens don't have to be dull! There's so many options for flower lovers to choose from Plant winter colour like cyclamen, cornflower, bellis, calendula, polyanthus, stock, primula, pansies, violas, poppies, snapdragons, cineraria and sweet peas Or grab the ever-popular ‘Winter rose’, Hellebore This super hardy, shade loving, easy to grow plant will reward you with vibrant flowers from Winter to early Spring and comes in a range of gorgeous colours Right now we are also enjoying the earlier varieties of Camellia which are in full bloom but we can also look forward to seeing some of the more colourful varieties as we head into their main season from late winter to mid spring So there’s still time to get yours!

Happy gardening!

Get your Winter colour sorted! We have new season Hellebores available now in a fantastic range of colours

amber garden centre

Trail signs missing

By Jeremy Smith

witnessed by a boat full of people. Though lava had been entering water for a while, the conditions were right to trap water and trigger an explosion that showered rocks onto the observers. These rocks travel at great speeds, and are very hot and heavy, so they are very dangerous. In this case 23 people were injured. Most videos of lava flows you will see do not include explosions occurring from the lava itself. When will this less common explosion type happen? We can’t tell. Is it safe to stand by a lava flow and watch the beautiful show? These explosive interactions don’t happen very often, and we are still learning the exact conditions that cause them, there is definitely danger in being too close to even slow looking volcanic activity. With the weight, speeds, and temperatures involved with flying volcanic rocks, there is unfortunately no replacement for just avoiding the danger to begin with.

These are signs of the times - but they’re either missing or in need of an upgrade.

And, doing so could cost about $60,000, the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board has been told.

After the board advised Waipā District Council staff of missing heritage trail signs in both Te Awamutu and Kihikihi, they were due to be updated at the board’s May meeting - last night (Wednesday) after The News went to press - regarding a November audit by museum staff which found 36 heritage trail signs missing across both towns.

In Te Awamutu, 31 signs were missing, as were five of Kihikihi’s 17 signs. Two signs in Te Awamutu and six in Kihikihi were in “poor condition”. Replacements and upgrades will cost between $1200 and $1500 per sign.

The report to the board said the audit highlighted the fact the interpretation was “somewhat dated”.

Staff suggested the text,

methods used and sites interpreted would benefit from a “review and refresh, rather than just replacing like with like.”

Council staff are developing a process to determine the replacement and future development of heritage interpretation across Waipā. Board members were told there’s no budget allocated to the replacement of the missing signs, or the greater Heritage Trail signage network.

Council staff proposed including the upgrade and replacement costs into the 20242034 Long Term Plan – when the interpretation guideline project is complete.

Meanwhile, the board was briefed on War Memorial Park following “an ongoing difference of opinion regarding its ownership”.

A tabled report said council staff would continue implementing a concept plan adopted by the Strategic Planning and Policy committee in June 2021, in collaboration with council’s iwi partners and stakeholders.

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St Peter’s top of the three

By Steph Bell-Jenkins

St Peter’s Cambridge has won the 2023 Battle of the Waipa Schools, beating Te Awamutu College and Cambridge High School to lift the trophy.

The private school hosted the annual interschool event, which involved hundreds of year 9 and 10 students, last Thursday.

St Peter’s won girls’ and boys’ badminton and sevens rugby, girls’ year 9 and 10 basketball, boys’ year 10 basketball, erg rowing, girls’ football, lacrosse, general knowledge and theatre sports.

Te Awamutu College dominated in chess, year 10 netball and girls’ volleyball and Cambridge High took out year 9 boys’ basketball, boys’ football, girls’ and boys’ hockey, year 9 netball and boys’ volleyball.

St Peter’s sports prefects Murdoch Bech and Milana Tapper organised and ran the day with teacher and student support.

Milana said it was a good chance for students to have some friendly competition with schools they might not usually play.

“I know we usually play Hamilton teams for a lot of events – Te Awamutu or Cambridge might not be in our pool usually,

or in our division,” she said.

“It’s also a chance for players who are usually in, say, a prem team, to actually be able to play with their mates, and the year 9 players being able to step up and play with some year 10 players as well, which is think is good for their development”.

Murdoch said the highlight for him was watching the St Peter’s girls’ sevens rugby team.

“There were heaps of people out there supporting them and the roar – you could hear it from down the lacrosse field,” he said.

For Te Awamutu College year 10 student Anna Swney, it was a chance to “step up as a leader” and captain her lacrosse team while

sharing some of her tips and knowledge with year 9 students.

Te Awamutu College sports director Chris Wynn said the day was about encouraging physical activity and building relationships between Waipa’s three high schools.

“The idea is to get people just interacting,” he said. “There are winners, there are points, but at the end of the day, as long as we’re all out here and we’re doing stuff I’m pretty happy with that. That’s what it’s about.”

Te Awamutu College graphics and design teacher Noel Cox said the day had been “fantastic”.

“The kids have thoroughly enjoyed themselves,” he said.

• More pictures online teawamutunews.nz

Te Awamutu College lacrosse player Anna Swney vies for position with Cambridge High School players Georgia Wynne (right) and Eden Honeyfield.

Sid Davis carves upfield for Te Awamutu College.

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Quick crossword

US & HAVE SOME FUN

Across

1. Join together (5)

4. Appetiser (6)

7. Glass container (3)

8. Light, sweet cake (6)

9. This one or that (6)

10. Blood feud (8)

12. Speed contest (4)

13. Funeral vehicle (6)

15. Mass migration (6)

16. Interlock (4)

17. Cabbage

Last week

Across: 1. Caftan, 4. Can Can, 9. Scrub, 10. Intense, 11. Obscene, 13. Meek, 14. Fascinating, 17. Menu, 18. Shudder, 21. Sparkle, 22. Untie, 24. Dieter, 25. Knotty.

Down: 1. Custom, 2. Fir, 3. Amble, 5. Attempt, 6. Concerned, 7. Need, 8. Hide-and-seek, 12. Stalemate, 15. Chuckle, 16. Greedy, 19. U-turn, 20. Used, 23. Tut.

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Complex off the ground

By Jeremy Smith

An ambitious project underway Te Awamutu College - a covered multisports turf with a projected cost of about $1.6 million –looks set to take the school’s sporting facilities to new heights when it’s complete.

And, as work continues at the complex site, Te Awamutu College deputy principal Wayne Carter told The News, “...we’re currently aiming to have it up and running by term four, which starts in October.”

Carter is on a Te Awamutu College Board property subcommittee alongside Jock Ellis and David Peehikuru and all three have been helping to drive the project - which was given a boost by a “generously donated” $150,000 from Te Awamutu College Rogers Charitable Trust.

Donations continue to be received in the fund via Momentum Waikato.

The project’s total projected price tag includes a canopy over the whole facility, the turf, lighting, a public address system, fencing and mobile netball and hockey goals.

When finished, the

roughly 1900 square metre complex will be used as a practice turf for lacrosse, hockey, netball, football and other sports, as a space for practical physical education classes and as a venue for school house assemblies.

Carter said the multisport turf will perfectly complement the college’s existing sporting facilities - including a double-gym complex with a fullsize basketball court, a swimming pool, playing

We put you first

fields and tennis courts.

Initial site work began in December, and Carter said since then much time has been spent “...trialling and devising a range of engineering techniques to resolve groundwater issues

on site”.

With those recently completed, estimates are that work on the canopy shade system - which the bulk of the projected cost is tied up in - will now be finished in coming weeks.

Then, the aim will be to complete the fencing around the site by July and start work on the turf by August.

Carter said Te Awamutu College, last year, had 46 sports teams across 21 different sports - a “considerable number”.

So, he’s simply “very excited” about seeing the new complex up and running.

“Alongside opportunities for cultural activities provided at school, there’s intrinsic value in our students having sporting opportunities too.

“Seeing our students involved in sport is really key because it gives them a greater sense of belonging at school, and in their community, as well as there being other benefits like friendships which come from playing sport, team building and even growing their sporting skills.

“When it’s open, I think this is another facility we can be really proud of here at school - a fantastic asset which further serves our broader vision of providing students with a wide range of sporting options.”

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6/34 Beatty Street, Melville

Great Investment Opportunity

Vendor has relocated - needs a sale! Designated managers unit, live in or long term stay permitted, currently rented at $360 p/week, ready-made investment seeing returns. Located close to the Waikato hospital. Great entry level investment property. Cleaner available if you are an out of town owner. Wet floor bathroom and mobility car park space. Call Vayle to get more information, arrange a viewing and start your property portfolio.

Vayle Hammond

Licensed Agent Ph 027 2269 532

Te Awamutu College’s new multi-sports turf as it looked from above when The News visited.

Contact listing agent prior-visiting as Open Homes times can change.

SCEPTIC TANKS

• Drain camera surveying up to 2m diameter

• Drain jetting trucks • Drain camera vans • Septic Tanks

Registered Nurse

Are you interested in working in a progressive and creative care team with very low staff turnover and a great culture? Are you interested in working for a care provider that will listen to what you have to say and embrace your ideas? Would you rather be at the coalface working hands on with our Residents than being stuck behind a computer?

If you are the right RN for us, we will work with you to create the job package you are looking for.

Call Andrew on 0275 532614 for an initial chat, or send your CV to manager@teataresthome.co.nz

CUSTOMER:CORESTEEL BUILDINGS WAIK PROOF TIME 15/02/2023 11:19:10 AM

REP ID: NZT139

STUMP GRINDING

AFFORDABLE STUMP GRINDING

Get rid of those ugly stumps easily! A ordable Stump Grinding, will remove them, our tracked machine only places 4lb per inch weight on the ground so no ugly wheel marks on the lawn.

Phone 021 1852755 for a free quote

PUBLIC NOTICES

2 POSITIONS - OTOROHANGA

LAST RUN: 03/09/23

Te Kura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha

Kaiāwhina/ Associate Teacher Part-time (30 hours per week) Te Awamutu:

He tūranga e wātea ana ki te Wharekura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha. E kimi ana mātou i tētehi Kaiāwhina mō te kura, e mōhio ana ki ngā mahi whakaako tamariki. Me ū te kaitono ki te reo māori me ōna tikanga. Me matua mōhio hoki te kaitono ki ngā mahi whakahaere i te akomanga, me ngākaunui hoki ki ngā mahi whakaako tamariki. E whakapono ana mātou, he taonga te tamaiti, ko rātou hoki te pūtake o tā mātou kaupapa.

NZ-11985100AA

SIZE: 15X2

Beattie Home is in need of the following to join our amazing team; Full-time Receptionist

- Must be reliable with a can-do attitude.

- Excellent communication skills. Organised - Knowledge of Excel, Microsoft Word & Outlook Part-time Caregiver

- 4 hours a day

- Can work from 5PM to 9PM

If this sounds like you, please email your CV to reception@beattiehome.co.nz

Site Manager Roles

Is working on a Construction site part of your DNA?

Been in the game for a long time or just starting out in taking the reins

We are looking for optimistic and confident leaders to fill Site Manager Roles.

Work alongside amazing talented people that share the same passion for building Competitive Wages, Company Vehicle, a Tool Allowance and Cell phone comes with the job

An investment into your career by training and creating career pathways –are just a bonus!

You don’t have to dress up or update your resume or study up on Algorithms and Brain Teasers

If you’re striving to be the best at what you do, we would love to connect with you!

Call Annette Venter on 021 948871 or send your CV to annette.venter@wcml.co.nz

Ka kati tēnei tono hei te 09 o Hune, 2023 Tukua tō Tātai Oranga (CV) ki te Tumuaki: tari@npota.school.nz

Tukua mai mā te poutāpeta rānei ki:

Attention:

Te Wharekura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha. Enquiries 021 225 7577

Recruitment Open Day

St Kilda Care Home

Wednesday, 31st May: 1:00pm – 6:00pm

Bupa St Kilda are HIRING NOW. A great opportunity to work close to home while being part of a company that delivers refreshingly different person- rst commitment to care.

We are hosting an afternoon tea as part of our Recruitment Open Day. Support will be available to submit your applications and progress to interview on the day. Open to all who would like to express interest in our permanent full time, part time, and casual opportunities:

• Registered Nurses

• Caregivers

• Kitchen Assistants and Cooks

• Activities Assistants

• Cleaners / Housekeepers

• Laundry Workers

Bupa is a community, and together, we share a purpose - helping people live, longer, healthier, happier lives, and make a better world. This is an incredible opportunity to work in a rewarding environment, where our residents are at the heart of everything we do.

Bupa can offer you:

• Professional Development – in-house and external training and development.

• Fully subsidised Southern Cross health insurance to our permanent NZ employees (from 1st July).

• Industry-competitive remuneration and bene ts.

• No matter who you are or where you come from, we encourage you to ‘Be You at Bupa’.

We would love to meet you! Come by and chat with the General Manager, Clare Coles, during our Recruitment Open Day, located at 91 Alan Livingston Drive, Cambridge 3493.

You can also apply ahead of time through the Bupa Careers page https://careers.bupa.co.nz/

Te Awamutu

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Women’s Section RSA

Notice of AGM

Te

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting and Election of the Executive Committee will be held at the RSA Clubrooms, 381 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu on Sunday 27th of June commencing at 1.00pm

to be held at the RSA on Thursday 8th June, 2023 at 1.30pm

Nominations for members of the committee open on Monday the 17th of May and close Sunday 30 May. Forms are available from the Club’s Office.

Notice of Motion must be in the hands of the Secretary by Sunday 6th June.

A newsletter with candidates nominated profiles will be available at the Clubroom on Monday 7th June, it will also be emailed to members.

Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012

PUBLIC NOTICE

Of an application for Off Licence

Voting for the Executive Committee will be from Monday 14th to Friday 25th June 2021.

The Audited Annual financial report to the 31st March 2021 will be available at the clubrooms on the Friday before the AGM.

W.J. Lyford, Secretary/Manager

NZ Valley Spirits Limited, 22 Eastridge Terrace, Huntington, Hamilton 3210 has made application to the Waipa District Licensing Committee for the renewal of a off-licence in respect of the premises at 11 Lyon Street, Kihikihi known as BottleO Kihikihi.

The general nature of the business to be conducted under the licence is retail liquor store. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday-Sunday from 9am10pm.

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

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

CALLING ALL CHEFS/COOKS & KITCHEN HANDS

Te Awamutu & District Memorial RSA are seeking Kitchen Staff for our seven day Lunch and Dinner Service operation at Te Awamutu & District Memorial RSA Inc, 381 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu.

Please send your CV and cover letter to tarsa@xtra.co.nz or drop it off direct to our Office at Club

Join

our foal watch team!

Pencarrow Stud has vacancies available for some limited foal watch shifts for the 2023 season, starting end of July to December.

Evening and night shifts available. Central location on the outskirts of Hamilton and excellent rates.

Come and be part of the team that are the first to welcome our foals to the ground.

To express your interest, email us at office@pencarrowstud.co.nz

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

This is the second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on May 18, 2023.