Cambridge News | June 8, 2023

Pokies policy poser

By Mary Anne Gill

Waipā gamblers put $10.71 million into pokie machines in the 12 months ended March 31 this year.

But if history is anything to go by, only about 10 per cent of that money will return to Waipā in the form of community grants.

And there is evidence the money raised comes predominantly from the poor and goes to the rich, a report presented to Waipā District Council’s Strategic Planning and Policy committee this week says.

After intense debate, the committee agreed to go out to the community for its views on the council’s gambling policy which regulates the district’s class four gambling and TAB venues. The review is carried out every three years.

Where the money goes

For every $10 put into a pokie machine in Waipā, $9 is paid out in winnings. Here is where the other $1 goes.

Pokies make more money per machine than the average person in the district earns in a year –Problem Gambling

Foundation policy advisor Kay Kristensen

Waipā limits the number of gaming ‘pokie’ machines to 232 at 15 venues and in sites where the primary activity is not gambling. It allows existing venues to transfer their machines to a new venue, but they cannot be next to a school or licensed early childhood centre.

Class four gambling - pokies in pubs, clubs and TABs (excluding casinos) - are classified under the Gambling Act as ‘high-risk, highturnover’.

Council staff prepared a Social Impact Assessment of Gambling in the district as part of the review and presented it to a workshop last month.

That assessment found only a tenth of the pokie money came back to the community, class four gambling was on the increase, about 22 per cent of those people experienced gambling harm and the grants system acted as a “socially regressive tax”.

Funds are raised predominantly from individuals living in more highly deprived areas and distributed to groups living in less highly deprived areas, or from the poor to the rich, the assessment found.

The top five Waipā organisations to get a share of $481,028 in community grants this year

from class four gambling profits in the district are the Puahue Hall Association ($108,380), Te Awamutu Youth Development Trust ($78,706), Cambridge Jockey Club ($40,000), Waikato Water Polo Club ($27,460) and Maungatautari

Ecological Island Trust ($25,000).

At the workshop, Problem Gambling Foundation policy advisor Kay Kristensen, who lives

in Cambridge, said the council had an important role in protecting its community.

Pokies make more money per machine than the average person in the district earns in a year, she said.

“With that comes associated harm,” she said.

About 16 per cent of people

Continued on page 5

Tim

No thanks, boyo

Having driven around Wales for many years where the road signs are in Welsh as well as English, I find it very irresponsible that New Zealand is thinking about Māori names on our road signs. We all know that a few seconds of inattention can have a devastating effect and can cause lasting pain and anguish. Tourism is one of our major industries, and expecting our visitors to understand Māori is a bridge too far. A number of them have trouble even reading English signs. Our drivers here have a lot to learn on road courtesy, and being stuck behind a carload of dithering tourists trying to decipher road signs can lead to road rage and accidents.

Terry Downey Cambridge

What’s the answer?

I’m still waiting to know why Cambridge west growth cells were allowed to go ahead, at great cost to ratepayers - and who thought it was a good idea and why. An unnecessary development has profoundly changed the dynamic and character of Cambridge. A quaint, beautiful village like town has now been rudely transformed and destroyed by our inept council into their vision, not the people’s. No public consultation has occurred, asking whether the people want this. Council’s lack of ‘honesty’ and ‘transparency’ is both plaguing and costing its ratepayers and residents. The forced growth is plaguing Cambridge with problems that are going to cost big money… not to fix, but merely come up with a manageable solution to the need for another bridge, a greater amount of waste, greater environmental impacts, less parking, greater demand on infrastructure and services and greater demand on education and health sectors.

Bernie Fynn Te Awamutu

On the beat with

Valuation objections

Objections to the latest Waipā property valuations have been flowing in and 90 had been received as of last week. Feedback closes on June 29. The revaluations are those at August last year and the market has changed since then, deputy chief executive Ken Morris said, but should not be a reason for any objections.

Hits to the rating tool on the council’s website sat at 4670 as of June 1 and there were another 2500 hits to the rating information page.

Fieldays returns

Roads around Waipā will be closed from next Wednesday through to Saturday for Fieldays. The temporary road closures appear in The News on page 37 today. Details of the Park ‘N’ Ride service from Lamb and Milton streets in Leamington to Fieldays also appear.

Levies increase

Development contributions for Hautapu and Pukerimu will increase as part of a new Development Contributions Policy adopted by the council’s Strategic Planning and Policy committee this week. The first policy was adopted in June 2006 to fund growth related costs through development contributions and reviewed every year.

Help please

Waipā District Council has asked for help from New Zealand kiwifruit growers as it reviews its District Plan rules to cope with the expansion of orchards onto pastureland. The council wants growers to tell them what challenges they face moving into Waipā including shelterbelt planting, boundary setbacks and shade cloth structures.

Man charged

A man who allegedly brandished a screwdriver during a fight outside Countdown Te Awamutu before ramming another vehicle with his car has turned himself into police. An altercation between the man and another person, at about 6.30pm on Friday, was witnessed by members of the public. Police have charged the man with fighting in a public place, possession of an offensive weapon, assault with a blunt instrument and reckless driving.

Senior Constable DEB HANN

Better safe than scammed

Scammers are out in force at present. Cambridge Police have received further reports of significant financial loss at the hands of some determined scammers.

In one case a person was convinced to invest in a European bank. Communications were initially made over several days, the caller had what appeared to be a legitimate LinkedIn profile, they spoke English well with a Kiwi accent and did not give any of the stereotypical indications. Communications via email even included a watermark advising the victim to be wary of scammers.

In other email scams, an email was recently received by a victim which advised of a tax refund being due, providing an ird.govt.nz link for them to click on. The email had what appeared to be correct IRD branding and the only clue was that the address showing as the sender was a

random, non IRD email address. Always check all details on an email for suspicious signs before clicking on any link. Better still, phone the organisation purporting to be the sender and get confirmation of the communication being legitimate before you click. Better safe than scammed.

Following on from the recent Roto-oRangi community meeting, a topic that was discussed was community CCTV. Rural communities have successfully self-funded CCTV cameras to cover key choke points into their area. The benefits of such a camera system are that they are a deterrent to criminals, can provide important information about a vehicle used by an offender, and show the offenders themselves; all providing vital leads for an investigation. Registration plates and detailed vehicle descriptions, the number of occupants in a car and visuals of who was driving, what

they were wearing are great. These sort of CCTV arrangements are already working very successfully in some of our communities. Combined they protect not only the immediate community but contribute to keeping Waipā safer as a whole.

Key things to consider are where the cameras would best be located to capture all traffic into and out of an area, power sources and Wi-Fi accessibility. With costs shared between multiple households, the implementation can be quite manageable when done in this way.

One final word, since my column last week we have had still further thefts from insecure vehicles. Please, please lock your car, even if you are leaving it briefly - and never leave your keys inside and the vehicle running. Have a good week and stay safe.

Briefs…

On hold

The Cambridge Golf Club development unveiled to The News readers last year to create new up-market housing on the course has been abandoned by developers because of the downturn in the property market. The club is now looking at other possibilities which would allow it to make course improvements, including fairway watering.

Quarry feedback

Feedback from businesses on the proposed quarry just outside Cambridge’s eastern boundary has prompted the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce to open its oneminute survey to residents so the chamber can get a clearer community view on the proposal which will see an extra 400 truck movements a day through the town. See Quarries – where are they are in Waipā, page 9.

Annual plan update

Ratepayers will pay Waipā District Council $83.8 million in rates for the financial year starting July 1. Cambridge ward will pay $3.65 million in targeted rates which funds community boards, grants, libraries, swimming pools and museums, Kakepuku $295,790, Maungatautari $493,560, Pirongia $658,887 and Te Awamutu $2.1 million. The average rate increase is six per cent which puts it 0.3 per cent under a consultation trigger.

Website statistics

Our article Loner’s last post about John Patrick O’Brien who lay unclaimed in the morgue until Cambridge RSA claimed him, was the best-read article on the Cambridge News website in May. Second was our home page followed by Top marks for market about our awardwinning farmers’ market, Trio’s glad tidings and A new tree for Marg.

Gardens fee: neighbours fume

By Mary Anne Gill

Some Waipā and Waikato district residents have reacted angrily to news they will be paying $20 to visit the enclosed and themed areas of Hamilton Gardens from next month.

Hamilton City Council made the decision last week to cover the costs of maintaining the world-renowned gardens, arguably Waikato’s biggest tourism attraction.

City residents will continue to be able to go into the gardens for free through use of a Hamilton Card.

Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan told The News her council funded or partfunded facilities which non-residents, including those from Hamilton, used too.

She listed boat ramps, the Velodrome and swimming pools.

“However, I think this is probably the case for all councils so we’re not alone in that.”

Former Novotel Tainui and Ibis Tainui general manager Dick Breukink, who lives in Cambridge but has spent most of his working life in Hamilton, said he always promotes the gardens.

“I have invited numerous groups to visit the Hamilton Gardens and they loved it. Not because it was free, but because it is beautiful.”

Now, because he lives in Waipā, he must pay.

“If it would be a reasonable rate, it would be fine, but take a family of four for $80, that doesn’t fit in the cost of living environment. Totally get it that you have to cover costs, but a fee of $5 to $8 per person, would have been far more affordable,” he told Hamilton deputy mayor Angela O’Leary in a social media post.

Mark de Graaf, in the same forum, asked about those who lives just outside the Hamilton boundary in places like Matangi and Tamahere, which is part of the Waikato district.

“They are considerably closer to the gardens than those living in Rototuna and contribute directly to the Hillcrest economy.”

Other neighbouring out of towners said the gardens would now be off their outing lists.

O’Leary told them Hamilton council would contact Waipā and Waikato councils to see if they would contribute to the gardens to give their residents access.

“It will be up to your councillors whether they think there is value for their constituents,” she said.

O’Regan said her council had not heard from its Hamilton counterparts yet.

“Nor would we expect them to. Individual councils decide for themselves how they wish to fund assets and Hamilton has done that –that’s their job,” she said.

Confidence levels drop

By Mary Anne Gill

A quarter of the 360 respondents to a Waikato business sentiment survey, which showed a material drop in confidence across the region, came from Waipā.

Roads, health and housing were the clear infrastructure priorities, Waikato Regional Economic Development Agency (Te Waka) chief executive Fiona Carrick told Waipā District Council’s Strategic Planning and Policy committee this week. Health, inflation/cost of living, crime, education and skill shortages were the top five priorities overall.

Te Waka is a business-led and governed organisation

established to drive economic growth in the region. Ten territorial authorities plus Waikato Regional Council fund the organisation.

Waipā’s portion is $50,000 per year. It costs the region $2 for each person to fund Te Waka whereas nationally most similar organisations work on $19 a head.

Carrick, who lives in Waipā and is a Home of Cycling Charitable Trust (Velodrome) trustee, has been chief executive since July last year.

Te Waka is focussed on long-term industry growth and efficiently generates value for the region, she told the committee.

The survey of 360 businesses showed 46 per cent of Waikato businesses were seeking to grow moderately while 33 per cent intended to stay the same.

Nine per cent were seeking to expand significantly, up on the six per cent in a similar survey six months ago.

New Zealand’s free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, which came into force at the end of last month, had “instantly” reduced costs for Waipā and ongoing engagement would help improve the district’s economic performance, she said.

Waikato is expected to have the largest population

growth of all New Zealand regions in the next seven years while it saw the second-highest net internal migration in the year to June 2022.

Its economy grew by five per cent last year.

Waikato’s proximity to both major ports – Auckland and Tauranga – gave it supply chain resilience.

Carrick said the areas of growth and opportunity for Waikato came in logistics and distribution, agriculture, food and energy and advanced manufacturing and technology.

“Our role is to improve the economic performance of the region,” she said.

Committee chair Liz

Fiona Carrick

Stolwyk said the work Te Waka was doing was going “unnoticed and undervalued”.

“You’ve brought a lot of people together. Connecting us all together is not always easy,” she said.

Waipā residents will have to pay to see Te Parapara at the gardens.

Photo: Hamilton & Waikato Tourism

Parking rules to be updated

By Mary Anne Gill

Parking on berms in Waipā will be prohibited under an updated bylaw presented to the council’s Strategic Planning and Policy committee this week.

The practice has become commonplace throughout the district and gone unchecked.

The new Public Places Bylaw, which has been rewritten rather than reissued with amendments because of the number of changes made to it, has picked up on it.

New definitions also now appear for mobile trading, trading activity, wheeled recreational devices and shared paths.

Use of one metre x one metre sandwich boards has been

clarified while loading zones can now apply for the loading of passengers as well as goods.

The council will have the power to designate emergency vehicle parks in locations other than near emergency services premises and cycle paths for use by cyclists but not pedestrians.

Other changes include banning vehicle U-turns in designated areas, clarifying anti-social driving and restrictions applied to the Victoria ‘High Level” Bridge in Cambridge.

Clause five in the updated bylaw has 11 sections related to no parking or stopping of vehicles. It is the 11th section which addresses parking on any lawn, berm, garden or other cultivation, footpath, median strip or traffic island adjacent to, or forming part of any urban road.

Pokies: it’s status quo

gambling on pokies present for counselling and the foundation had 48 people who had “self-excluded” themselves from Waipā venues, three in the last year and six in total.

“It’s a measure they have done to keep themselves safe. It’s not an easy decision for anyone to make,” said Kristensen. “We’re concerned at the harm coming from pokies,” she said.

A recent survey showed nearly half of all gambling is done at class four venues.

The foundation called for a sinking cap – no relocations or club mergers – because there was evidence it reduced problem gambling expenditure by 13 per cent.

Just over half of the country’s 65 councils have the policy, she said.

Jarrod True from the Gaming Machine Association of New Zealand said there was no new evidence or data to justify a policy change by the council and only three new people had selfexcluded themselves.

“Changing the policy would be costly and time consuming. Retaining the current policy will not

result in any significant growth. There are currently no venues in very high deprivation areas,” he told the workshop.

In addition to grants made to Waipā organisations, other grants went to regional or national organisations which the district benefited from. He gave the example of grants made to St John for new ambulances.

The Department of Internal Affairs, which also presented at the workshop, confirmed that saying some of the $25 million handed out annually across New Zealand would also benefit Waipā.

“The closure of physical venues does result in an increase in online gambling,” said True.

That was obvious during Covid when online gambling went through the roof, he said.

The foundation suggested most of the 25-30 per cent increase in online gambling went to My Lotto.

Mayor Susan O’Regan said it was a moral conundrum for councillors.

“I’m very acutely aware of the damage and harm by pokies,” she said.

“(But) we benefit hugely from the funding and are able to make some great things happen with

that funding.”

The only exceptions are where is has been designed and laid out, with prior council approval or by an authorised officer in the course of duty.

The current bylaw has been in place since October 2018. Recent consultation with the Chambers of Commerce in Cambridge and Te Awamutu encouraged the council to make changes to the parts of the policy that affect businesses using signs on footpaths and streets.

The new rules limit sandwich boards to one for each business unless a permit has been issued. The change allows businesses to advertise but prevents streets becoming too cluttered.

The bylaw is now out for consultation and feedback will be taken up to July 16.

Staff had recommended the status quo. Councillor Clare St Pierre said she was aware consultation with Māori and the two community boards had not taken place.

“It’s pretty important to me that they have the opportunity to comment.”

Committee chair and deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk said the gambling policy was a difficult matter to think through.

“There is no doubt immense benefit but there is harm too.”

Strategy group manager Kirsty Downey will lead the informal consultation with the community and report back to the committee.

If changes to the existing policy are recommended following the informal consultation, a special consultative process will have to be done under Gambling Act provisions.

Mayoral support

Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan welcomed National’s new housing growth, saying it will provide better outcomes for the district. She said the policy provides more options for councils, such as giving flexibility around where houses can be built and the ability to opt out of the medium density residential zone law put in place last November.

Correction

In our story on the proposed new quarry in Newcombe Road, Cambridge we referred twice to a person called Palmer. That should have been Powell, referring to opponent Rhys Powell.

Liz Stolwyck

Getting to grips with grammar

By Viv Posselt

The more time Ben Worth put into teaching university students, the more he appreciated the value of good grammar.

A few years have passed since then, and Ben is now a communications advisor based in Hamilton.

He is also the author of a book gaining popularity in universities, schools and workplaces, entitled ‘Don’t Hate Grammar’.

It’s a portable guide that presents the nuts and bolts of correct grammar in a simpler way than many others of its ilk.

The book is equally a labour of love that has come at a time when reading levels of New Zealand children are said to be at their lowest on record.

That concerns Ben, but his primary trigger was to ease the path to employment for young people.

A former student he bumped into years later said she still carried with her the old notes he had made for the class on the correct use of grammar.

He also received feedback from employers who found jobseekers were increasingly scuppering their chances because of poorly written applications.

“There is a requirement to write stuff down in a lot of the jobs around today. People are getting caught out and limiting their opportunities,” he said.

“Like it or not, literacy is vital; you can’t even get a driving licence without it.

“The reality is that the better employment future you want, the more pieces of paper you will have to

Visiting Vetro Mediterranean Foods Hamilton, you will always be greeted and warmly welcomed

It is this warmth and customer connection that has set the store apart since opening in September 2020, and secured Vetro the Best New Business award in Hamilton’s CBD in 2021. “You mustn’t walk through our doors without being greeted,” says owner-operator, Cambridge’s Anna Greentree.

“Customer service and a high-quality, a ordable, o ering is everything to us and our customers”.

When searching for white tru e oil some years ago, to replicate a dish they’d had whilst travelling, Anna and husband Daryl found that they couldn’t nd any in Cambridge or Hamilton.

They knew the Vetro brand from Napier and Rotorua, so went about what would become a ve-year journey to get Vetro o the ground in Hamilton.

“We’ve since poured our heart and soul into providing an extensive range of high quality, healthy, a ordable Mediterranean food Waikato-wide”.

The amazing range of products o ered will transport you to France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Turkey - and if you can’t nd what you’re looking for, the team at Vetro Hamilton will do their darndest to nd it for you.

“Nothing makes it into the store without us trying it. We’re very discerning. Please, tell us if there’s anything you’d like us to stock. We’ll do our best to get it.”

They have eggs from Tirau, milk from Raglan, greens, ice cream and duck from Cambridge, bread from Hamilton, berries, and ready-made meals from Te Awamutu.

The “deli is to die for”, as is the beautiful European wine range.

Cambridge born-and-bred, Jo Maxwell, has been instrumental in helping bring Vetro to the Waikato and she has been a key part of the team since before opening the doors.

With her knowledge and prowess in the wine department, you will never leave the store without a fabulous drop with which to enjoy your meal.

The gift box o ering takes all the stress out of giving to that impossibly hard person to buy for. Just give the Vetro team a call, tell them your budget and they will do the rest.

“We want people in Cambridge to know that we’re here for them and we often make wee deliveries on our way home, to those who can’t get to Hamilton”.

Vetro Hamilton’s nut, grain, seed, rice, our, and dried fruit selections are a hit, and great value for money.

produce, and you will be judged on those.”

Ben reckons he was one of the last babies born in the old Taylor St maternity home. He went through his school years in Cambridge and then did a degree in communications, starting at AUT and finishing at Waikato University with his honours and masters in public relations. It was then he began tutoring, then lecturing, and when he wrote a business bridging course.

All the while, his concern grew about the impact of bad grammar. “Lecturers mark an assignment or examination based only on what has been written on the paper they are reading. That piece of work is the evidence they need to determine if that student has understood what was taught and can impart that knowledge clearly. Knowing the rules around good grammar can make a significant difference to the result.”

Ben wrote down the important rules he wanted his students to follow, and it is an expanded version of that – most of it done during lockdown – that he has crafted into the book alongside a host of examples.

He believes the mechanics of good grammar should be better taught in New Zealand and bemoans the fact that you can pass NCEA without really knowing much about good writing.

“Time and time again I have seen how knowing this stuff increases a person’s confidence and puts them in a better position for advancement. Good grammar explained well isn’t really that difficult,” Ben said, “yet it can have such a big impact on your life.”

This month is Italian month in store –every Friday afternoon in June, there will be wine and cheese tastings. Then in July, they will be marking the Tour de France and Bastille Day. Follow Vetro Mediterranean Foods Hamilton on Facebook or Instragram by searching its name.

With easy parking and accessibility, pay the team a visit today.

Open Mon – Fri 9.00am - 5.30pm Saturday – 9.30am - 4.00pm Sunday & Public holidays – Closed

Cambridge born communicator Ben Worth with his nifty advice for Kiwis … ‘Don’t Hate Grammar’.

Council unveils portraits

Waikato District Council has unveiled portraits of Kīngi Tūheitia and King Charles in its chambers.

“Both men hold the mana of their people and play an important role for us here in our country,” mayor Jacqui Church said.

“Acknowledging their presence in chambers will help create a welcoming space for community members to come into, be present and be heard.”

The council is understood to be the first to acknowledge both monarchs with portraits in chambers.

“It was a clear celebration, a showing of Kotahitanga to honour the movement of previous Kings and the Queen of Kiingitanga who have had this moemoeā, or dream, for many years,” Church said.

“This has been a goal since my inauguration, so seeing it come to fruition was a momentous achievement.”

Waikato District Council has two elected Māori ward councillors, Tilly Turner and Pāniora Matatahi-Poutapu and three general ward councillors of Māori ancestry - Lisa Thomson, Marlene Raumati and Kandi Ngataki.

We’re a prime destination

By Mary Anne Gill

Cambridge is “really, really ripe” for small group corporate retreat events, Destination Cambridge general manager Ruth Crampton told an industry get together last week.

Some were already happening, and other opportunities would soon present themselves.

“Groups coming in doing either a meeting or a team meeting or a spa – having just a short break. We’re at the end of the expressway so ideally placed,” she told about 50 people.

She would work with the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism and local operators to make those happen.

The event was to have also been a formal farewell to Miff Macdiarmid who left Destination Cambridge recently but was called away to a family bereavement in the South Island.

Crampton, who has had a long career in the tourism industry, said she had hit the ground running since starting in April.

The first feedback came from groups who participated in the international Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Karāpiro who felt Cambridge was not prepared for them.

“I have met with the council events team, and we’ve had a really great conversation around where we sit in their space.”

Crampton will soon share her Destination Cambridge office with Cambridge Town Hall Trust general manager Simon Brew. The trust now runs the Town Hall for Waipā District Council, and the community organisation is its major tenant.

“My door’s always open, I’m in the iSite,” she said. One area she did want to see improved was the organisation’s imagery library.

Images currently used on Destination Cambridge collateral were more than five years old and needed refreshing, said Crampton.

Destination Cambridge general manager Ruth Crampton talks about the opportunities she sees ahead for the town.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Backchat

Cambridge U3A marked its first anniversary with the launch of a series of three lectures signifying a new partnership with the Cambridge Historical Society and focusing on the history of Cambridge and its surrounding areas.

The inaugural lecture was presented on May 26 by esteemed academic and Associate Professor at Waikato Law School, Linda Te Aho. It was entitled ‘Ko Kemureti Tooku Oko Horoi – Our Stories of Cambridge’.

U3A (University of the Third Age) is a worldwide movement introducing education opportunities to mature people. Each group is set up and run based on the requirements of each particular community.

U3A Cambridge started with a public interest meeting on May 24, 2022. Monthly lectures began in the July, and 38 special interest study groups have since been established covering a wide range of topics.

The organisation’s popularity continues to grow. U3A Cambridge co-founder Carey Church said there are now more than 320 members paying a $30 annual membership fee. A bonus arrangement that sees Te Awa provide its meeting room at The Woolshed at no cost has enabled the organisation to expand its activities to include a Mini Lecture Series for members.

The new arrangement with the Cambridge Historical Society is another offshoot activity.

“Our Trust Deed enables us to provide education to the community, and this led to the idea of the partnership with the Cambridge Historical Society,” Carey explained. “We are also able to sponsor the BackChat page in Cambridge News, which will bring that information to the public.

“The lectures are open to current Cambridge Historical Society and U3A Cambridge members. Part of the partnership is to highlight the work of the Cambridge Historical Society and encourage people to join the ‘Friends of the Museum’ to learn more about the history of this town.”

Cambridge Historical Society president Grant Middlemiss said the initiative with U3A Cambridge provides both groups with an opportunity to awaken the curiosity of residents to their rich history.

“It is not well known by many Waipā and local residents,” he said. “We have a history of over 600 years in this area. The Cambridge Historical Society (Friends of the Museum) operates the local museum with the aim of ensuring that Cambridge history is available to current and future generations.”

Cambridge Museum manager Elizabeth Harvey described the partnership as ‘exciting’ and said while the local museum might be small, it had a collection of resources and artefacts that were well worth seeing.

“They don’t just help us look at the past, but help us inform the present,” she said.

From ‘gardeners and warriors’ to a unifying double helix

Associate Professor Linda Te Aho’s talk – Ko Kemureti Tooku Oko Horoi (Our Stories of Cambridge) – walked the audience through the complex history of this area, capturing the essence of the region as it was before the arrival of early Māori “as gardeners and warriors” to the impact and legacy of the arrival of Europeans.

Linda, who is currently on leave from Waikato University pursuing a Judith Binney Research Fellowship, also holds senior governance positions for Waikato-Tainui and is a member of the Institute of Directors. She co-edited Ngaa Kete Kaupapa, 2022, a collection of oral history of Ngāti Koroki Kahukura that contributes to the restoration and protection of te reo Māori and tikanga.

Her extensive knowledge of the region’s history and her involvement with current decision-making around governance as it relates to legal and environmental issues, tikanga or mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), made for a compelling address.

Several key events shaped the area’s history. Linda spoke of the land’s increasing importance to early Māori as northern tribes travelled to the

Waikato

Waikato, newly-equipped with muskets supplied by Europeans and keen to expand their reach. The spread of European settlement and the Māori Land Wars of the 1860s led to the exile of the Māori king, King Tāwhiao, to what became known as the King Country. She said there was large-scale land confiscation across the Waikato, including the land on which Cambridge now stands, and the establishment in Cambridge of the Native Land Court had devastating consequences for Māori as another trigger for land loss.

“That had a major impact on our people,” said Linda. “Māori waiting for court hearings camped at Lake Te Ko Utu … they would wash their faces in the then clear waters of the lake. King Tāwhiao later called Cambridge his ‘washbowl of sorrow’. Ngāruawāhia, a significant site in the history of the King Movement, was referred to as his ‘footstool’.”

That the courtroom needed to be big enough to accommodate up to 600 people was, she said, a

AND LECTURES

significant commentary on the scale of the cases being heard. In exploring stories linked to sites in and around Cambridge, Linda referenced the importance of Maungatautari, Lake Te Ko Utu, Karāapiro and Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia.

Maungatautari – recognised today as an environmental reserve – was a mountain rich with native flora and fauna, and sacred to Māori. The Waikato River had equal spiritual meaning for Māori, particularly the local Tainui iwi, with its steep, tree-covered banks and deep ravines. It was highly navigable before dams were built, and during the 1840s to 1860s – an era described as the ‘golden age’ of Māori enterprise – was used to transport goods to Auckland and Sydney. Now known for its leisure pursuits, Lake Karāapiro’s story has strong ties to Cambridge. It was the site in the 1830s of a battle between tribes. Ngāti Hauā chief Te Waharoa, not wanting his warriors’ bodies desecrated, had them cremated on the rocks beside the river. The name Karāapiro refers to the Māori word karā (stone) and piro (foul-smelling). The name Hautapu (sacred winds) references the odours spreading from that event. The story, said Linda, illustrates the historical significance of names in and around Cambridge.

The evolution of Māori monarchy (Kiingitanga) and the adoption of a Māori coat of arms signified a way forward for all peoples following the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the English version, the Treaty of Waitangi. “We not only borrowed the concept of a monarchy, but we also borrowed a flag and a coat of arms,” said Linda. “I believe the double spiral in the centre of the Te Paki-o-Matariki [the coat of arms for the King movement] signifies where we are now in terms of Cambridge, and more broadly, Aotearoa. To me it represents our unfolding story.”

Law School

Associate Professor Linda Te Aho was the inaugural speaker at the U3A Cambridge partnership launch with the Cambridge Historical Society.

Photo: Bruce Hancock

The stained-glass window of Te Paki-o-Matariki (meaning the fine weather of Matariki), which belongs to Kiingi Tuuheitia and represents the first coat of arms adopted by the King movement.

Celebrating the new partnership are, from left, Cambridge Museum manager Elizabeth Harvey, Cambridge Historical Society president Grant Middlemiss, inaugural speaker Waikato University Associate Professor Linda Te Aho, and U3A Cambridge co-founder Carey Church.

Photo: Bruce Hancock

Quarries – where they are in Waipā

The News reported last week on an application to establish a large quarry on the eastern outskirts of Cambridge.

The application from RS Sand Ltd is expected to meet with opposition from groups and individuals concerned at the impact it will have on the district – it will see up to 400 truck movements a day through the town.

Waipā already has 23 consented quarries operating within the district.

The News asked the Waipā District Council for the list and whether it could provide details of how long the consents were for each of the quarries.

The council provided the list

but said substantial time would be needed to review all of the consents to provide their duration.

The quarry consents are:

Cambridge

59 Parallel Road, RD 3 (Sandwashing) - establish portable washing plant existing quarry.

Norwegian Road, RD 3 (Brown stone) - to operate a metal quarry.

3831 Cambridge Road - sand washing/screening and extend quarry.

75 Parallel Road, RD 3 - quarry extension.

253 Whitehall Road - quarry extensions - Winstone Aggregates Ltd.

720 Taotaoroa Road - Store indoor and outdoor stockpiles of bulk

materials, deposit and/or recontour cleanfill materials, and establish and operate a bitumen plan - Taotaoroa Quarry

1/72 Aspin Road, RD 4 (Sand & Pumice) - Expansion to quarry.

Cambridge Road, RD 3 (Sand)Extension to sand quarry - Valley Sand Supplies

1716 Cambridge Road, RD 3 (Sand) - Extract up to 14025m2 from existing sand quarry - St Peters School.

928 Kaipaki Road, RD 3 (Sand)

- Establishment and operation of a mineral extraction activity (sand quarry).

Hamilton Airport

284 Airport Road, RD 2 (Sand)Sand pit/quarry.

86 Airport Road, RD 2 (Sand) –quarry.

Ōhaupō

984 Kakaramea Road, RD 2 (Sand) quarry.

452 Old School Road, RD 2. (Sand) - Expansion of existing sand quarry operation and an overburden filling operation

62 Cochrane Road, RD 2 (Sand)Expand sand quarry (Stage 7) New Lot 2 DP 457699 (SP/0111/12).

Kakaramea Road, RD 2Undertake mineral extraction activity, concurrent earthworks & clean fill activities.

1/1 Hams Road, RD 3 (Sand)Establish and operate a sand quarry and associated cleanfilling activity.

Pukeatua

2505 Arapuni Road, RD 1 (Sand / River gravels) - Undertake quarry activities (sand and gravel extraction) and to import clean-fill to site.

Te Awamutu

1653 Arapuni Road, RD 2 (Rock) – quarry.

531 Parklands Road, RD 1Operate a quarry

530 Pirongia Road (Sand)Establish and operate a mineral extraction and cleanfill activity.

Te Pahu Wright Road, RD 5 - Undertake a mineral extraction activity in the Rural Zone.

199 Fillery Road, RD 5 (Lime)Re-establish and operate existing lime quarry in the Rural Zone.

This quarry at 3831 Cambridge Road is owned by Shaw’s Property Holdings Ltd and operated by Revital. Its consent expires on December 31, 2035. The quarry can be seen from across the Waikato River on the Te Awa River Ride between the Gaslight Theatre and the Velodrome. This photo was taken from the St Peter’s residential subdivision.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Kane at your service

By Jeremy Smith

Kainga aroha means a home of love.

Te Awamutu’s Kane Rangitonga certainly felt that love while chatting with The News having been awarded a Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for services to social work and the community in the King’s Birthday Honours list announced on Monday.

His was the only name on the list with a Waipā address.

He’s been Kainga Aroha Community House manager for about a decade - and a somewhat shocked Kane is quick to make a point.

“I’m honoured, but it’s never been about me. We’re a team - a family. Nothing’s achievable without the amazing people here.

“I’m over the moon for everyone. They consistently care for, and aim to build up, a resilient, empowered community through coordinated social services.”

Kainga Aroha has about nine staff and up to 30 volunteers.

It offers financial help and support, counselling, family support services, family violence advocacy, and facilitates supervised contact.

The team also runs an annual kids’ camp.

Kane’s family - and loving home life - make his work possible, he says.

He and wife Michelle have seven children and 19 grandchildren.

“I can’t do this without them. I can’t come to work as one type of person, then go home as another. My family grounds me, helping me keep that balance.”

Born in Kopaki, south of Benneydale of Ngāti Rereahu descent, Kane grew up in Taumarunui - spending much of his childhood on his marae, Hia Kaitupeka.

Kane credits that upbringing with instilling in him the principle of manaakitanga, showing care for others, at a young age.

Another key early step on the path he now walks was shifting to Wellington in the 1970s.

Though a culture shock at the time, he still draws on

lessons that season developed in him.

Attending Wainuiomata College, Kane captained the school’s 1st XV rugby team and was part of the kapa haka group.

He recalls one of his teachers - Moana Jackson - as pivotal.

“Moana mentored me from Year 11 to Year 13. He was my rugby coach, my Māori teacher and almost like a second father.”

Now, Kainga Aroha is the culmination of everything life has taught him, Kane says.

Simply put, he’s ultimately passionate about strong whanau.

A significant figure in sparking that aspiration was another mentor - Logan Bannister - who first encouraged him to consider social work.

“I was a solo parent for many years – and social work sounded exactly like what I’d been doing in that sphere.

“I realised I could help other families walking that same path.”

Gaining a Bachelor of Social Sciences, Kane worked at what’s now Oranga Tamariki - for 10 years, before taking on his current role.

“Kainga Aroha is similar to organisations which supported me throughout my years as a solo parent. I’m privileged to be here.”

Outside work, Kane has a long-standing association with Te Awamutu Sports, and in particular, rugby league.

His “good mate”, Touch New Zealand CEO Joe Sprangers, helped Kane see he had experiences and skills to bring to the table as Kainga Aroha’s manager.

“He could see something bigger than myself was possible – in part, Joe made me aware that by being part of the team here, I’d be involved in impacting hundreds in our community.”

A former premier reserve coach and chairman of Te Awamutu Sports Firehawks Rugby League Club, Kane now gets a thrill watching his mokopuna - his granddaughtersplaying the game.

Looking ahead, he says Kainga Aroha will remain

focussed on the “big picture”, strengthening the foundation first laid when it opened in Kihikihi in 1987.

“Most importantly, it’s about fostering strong community relationships so people feel they can come to us. Many actually do, before going anywhere else. Our door is always open, we don’t judge anyone.

“Te Awamutu is a wonderful community. When needed, others are only too happy to help - that’s a real strength.”

Kainga Aroha Community House manager Kane Rangitonga has been awarded a Queen’s Service Medal.

Conserving our reo

The Māori language is one of our three national languages.

More, Aotearoa/New Zealand is its place of birth, where it has been nurtured since human beings first came into this space. It is where its very survival is dependent on the citizens of Aotearoa/New Zealand recognising it as a birth-right of their’s as New Zealanders and taking a responsibility for it.

Just as ardent conservationists have worked tirelessly for the preservation of native species of flora and fauna, and challenged others to support their efforts, so too should we accord that same consideration to the Māori language. Other immigrants and descendants of immigrants also have the right to preserve their languages. But their languages come from elsewhere.

Should the Māori language die here, it is dead to the world.

In 1972 I was a part of a group of people who petitioned Parliament that the Māori language be taught in schools in a bid to assist in the survival of the Māori language. Research from the New Zealand Council for Educational Research under the leadership of Dr Richard Benton – a self-confessed ‘Pākehā’ with no Māori whakapapa - revealed the

By Tom Roa, Tikanga Advisor, Waikato University

plight of the language and the expectation that within a few generations there would be no native speakers of the language, it would effectively be dead.

In seeking signatures for that petition we met with the full gamut of responses from actual physical violence through to an encouragement for us as petitioners, with offers to help with the petition and more.

The actual papers of the petition are kept in the archives of The National Library in Wellington. Signatories were asked to indicate whether they had Māori whakapapa. Many who have visited those archives have commented on their surprise at the thousands of signatories who had no Māori whakapapa.

More than 50 years later I am not surprised at the negative response from a number of quarters to the announcement of a public consultation of the intention to dispay bilingual Māori-English signage on our roads.

I am privileged to be one of the members of Transport NZ’s ‘Pae Whakamāori’, the group of Māori language experts invited to translate the signage.

Bilingual signage features in other countries like Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Canada where there is a clear and strong

commitment to the survival of local languages.

Having consulted with a number of those other countries, Transport NZ/ Waka Kotahi and Te Mātawai have considered very carefully the safety of road users. The logic of the negative feedback is very difficult to fathom in the light of this international research which shows there is no evidence of bilingual signage confusing or causing a risk to the safety of the road user.

Perhaps it might be considered too costly? To me that would be the only thing that might make sense, as of course there is a cost to be met.

Or perhaps it is because in the guise of following an apparent logical reasoning, the negativity is not because of the bilingualism of the signage but because it is Māori?

If so, surely that should be challenged.

It is not unusual for one to carry a negative bias without recognising that it is a bias and that it is negative.

This too should be challenged.

And from those challenges one should own his/her bias, recognising it for what it is; and if it is negative, to address the negativity of it and its integrity.

Queue for road rage

Police are being updated about road rage incidents which has seen workers on a Waka Kotahi project being abused and threatened.

The abuse has been aimed at Fletcher Construction staff and subcontractors carrying out work on the Waikato Expressway between Horotiu and Taupiri.

Motorists have spat on workers, approached and verbally abused them.

Following incidents there Fletcher Construction has been speaking with police.

Late last month driver took their vehicles into work areas to avoid queuing, Jo Wilton, Waka Kotahi Regional Manager for Infrastructure Delivery said.

There had been a recent escalation in abusive behaviour towards roadworkers.

“These actions are putting road workers at risk and that is simply unacceptable,” says Ms Wilton.

“At times there are 20 or more people working on this project site – and most of them live local.

“They are your neighbours, your community, your people.”

The stretch of road has caused problems for the roading agency since it opened in 2013 and it has been carrying out ingoing remedial work there for months.

THE MADELEINES TRIO

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Nothing beats the energy of a live concert, so come along with family and friends and join in on the fun. The concert will be followed by afternoon tea.

Find out more at rymanhealthcare.co.nz/events

RSVP is essential

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The bank got it right

If there are any readers who read my fortnightly columns regularly, they will know I frequently write about the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and I am usually very critical of their actions or inaction.

This column is about the Reserve Bank’s decision regarding the Official Cash Rate on May 24. I think this time they got both their decision and their projections right.

What did the Reserve Bank say and do? First, they raised the cash rate by 25 basis points to 5.5%. That had been widely expected, though there were some who thought they would raise the cash rate by 50 points. Second, they said that was probably going to be as high as the cash rate goes. That had not been expected.

The release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for the year to June 2023 on July 19 will be a key moment. If the CPI continues to ease down from its March level of 6.8%, the Reserve Bank will leave the cash rate at 5.5%. If the CPI reductions stall or reverse, the Reserve Bank is very likely to press the cash rate brake again. Prior to the Reserve Bank’s recent statement, many

By Peter Nicholl

commentators had predicted the cash rate would peak at 6% and many still have that view even after the Reserve Bank saying 5.5% will be the cash rate’s peak.

Third, the Reserve Bank said people should not expect the cash rate to start coming down quickly as it was likely to stay at the 5.5% level for ‘the foreseeable future’. That too had been expected. Based on the Reserve Bank’s projections, their foreseeable future is to the middle of next year. Their projections have the cash rate beginning to come down in late 2024 as the inflation rate moved back towards the top of their target level of 1-3%.

There are a few optimistic commentators who think the Reserve Bank will start cutting the cash rate earlier than that.

I doubt it. The Reserve Bank will move the cash rate down cautiously as the last thing they want to do is to move it too soon and have to go into reverse if inflation proves to be sticky or starts to rise again.

While employment is still above its maximum sustainable level, the Reserve Bank says there are signs that

labour shortages are easing. A high level of immigration has been a major contributor to this.

Businesses are now reporting that a lack of demand rather than labour shortages is the main constraint on their activity.

There was considerable media comment after the 2023 Budget that fiscal policy and monetary policy were pulling the economy in opposite directions – one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake.

But Governor Adrian Orr in a press conference denied that government spending was hindering the Reserve Bank’s efforts to cool inflation. He described fiscal policy as ‘more of a friend than a foe’.

The Reserve Bank does accept that the 2023 Budget will add to demand over the next year but fiscal policy is projected to dampen demand in subsequent years.

Of course, subsequent years will be the other side of the forthcoming election, so these projections are not much more than guesses.

SUNDAY: Building Alarm and

THURSDAY: Building Alarm and Activation, Hannon Road Building Alarm and Activation, Campbell Street

WEDNESDAY: Chimney Fire, Scotsman Valley Road Building Alarm and Activation, Cambridge Road

TUESDAY:

Smell of electrical burning, Wordsworth Street Building Alarm and Activation, Queen Street

Change of pace for stalwarts

By Viv Posselt

Two months into retirement, the seemingly indefatigable Kevin and Jane Burgess are as ‘present’ in Cambridge as ever.

They retired at the end of March after selling Cambridge Pharmacies 2020, comprising Unichem Cambridge, Unichem Medical Centre and Unichem Family Health pharmacies. For 42 years, they and their team turned customers into friends as they played an integral role in Cambridge’s health.

That was just one side to the Burgesses. They’re both of a sporty persuasion, and while Jane ran a health-food outlet and taught when not working in pharmacies, Kevin’s extracurricular activities placed him at the centre of many sporting and community organisations, supporting a range of athletes.

He has helped judge the Waipā and Waikato Secondary Sports Awards for years, is a Grassroots Trust and Adastra Foundation trustee, and is co-founder of the Perago Trust with Jake Moreland – organisations set up to help promising young athletes. He is also a partner in Inside Running, a sports management company.

Retirement came earlier than planned.

“We put the wheels in motion last August,” Kevin explained. “We both felt worn out by the Covid pandemic and everything that came with it.”

“Without Covid, we might have had a few more years in us … but the pandemic made us realise there is more to life,” Jane said.

A pharmacist uncle lit the spark for Kevin as he left St John’s College in Hamilton. He was drawn to a mix of retail and dispensary and, once qualified,

bought what was Mullins Pharmacy in Cambridge.

Jane, who had been teaching at St Peter’s School, decided to join Kevin in the business. She also opened a small health shop, Fibre Foods in Empire Street, but sold it when they teamed up with Kim and Virginia Munro to launch

Munro Burgess Pharmacy in 1996, trading under the Amcal brand. When Jane found herself underutilised, she spent seven years as retail manager for a Life Pharmacy in Hamilton’s Centre Place, honing her human resources skills.

“That role gave me a lot of experience in managing staff. I

came back here part-time when Kim retired in 2019 and took over the HR and retail side.”

There have been other pharmacy acquisitions over the years. They bought and closed the old Boyce pharmacy in Cambridge, opened at Cambridge Medical Centre nine years ago, and more recently started the Family Health Pharmacy.

Kevin and his pharmacy partners also started one of the first Māori health pharmacies in Hamilton’s Hillcrest area, something he’s particularly proud of. “We wanted to do something for that community.”

The ‘retirees’ moniker applies only to their business life. Kevin, who is a life member of Hautapu Rugby Club, is dipping in and out of the pharmacies as a handy locum, supporting new owners Jordan Hinton and Shaz Rauf. He will remain at the heart of his community work, toiling away for the Cambridge Resthaven Trust Board and other community organisations. He is also part of a group of pharmacists who provide support to a Fijian school.

Jane, who has had a lengthy association with Hospice Waikato, will keep working within the community and they both hope to garden more, holiday more and keep up their active lifestyle.

“This community has given so much to us… we’re very grateful,” said Kevin.

Jane and Kevin Burgess are navigating early retirement after 42 years in the pharmacy business.

Tsunamis in New Zealand

By Janine Krippner

In December 2018 he stood on the beach in the Sunda Straight, photographing Anak Krakatau, between Java and Sumatra, in the distance.

Everything on the horizon had oddly gone dark and the orange glow of the erupting volcano was no longer visible. An “odd incoming wave” larger than the rest rushed onshore towards him. This was enough to trigger a feeling that something was wrong. He ran.

This quick thinking saved Øystein’s life and I still shudder thinking of my conversation with him after the event. While he was watching from 47 km away, the cone of the famous volcano had collapsed into the sea, triggering a tsunami.

That first small wave was the beginning of the tsunami sequence. Over 430 people died along the shorelines around the straight that night.

We are fortunate to have tsunami warning systems in place, but they work for events triggered much further away.

When you are at the beach, your warning signs include any long or strong earthquakes, the water going out more than usual (but not always), or the water looking really rough, also described as the water looking like it is boiling. It is rarely the big, tall wave we see in movies, and within this series of waves the first may not be the biggest.

This isn’t just like the gentle tide coming in, it is powerful. You can’t stand up in it. Once it travels inland it can pick up all sorts of objects, making them dangerous, and throw objects and people into buildings or other immovable things. It can also drag objects back out to sea.

Tsunamis can be triggered by processes

including earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, meteorite impacts, and sometimes atmospheric events. How far away a tsunami begins is important for what kind of warning we get, if we get one. In the case of an earthquake close to our shores, the earthquake is the warning. Do not wait for an official alert.

Since the 1840s at least 70 tsunamis have reached New Zealand, some began as far away as Alaska.

I am working on updating our records for the most recent events, including the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption tsunami.

Most historical tsunamis have been pretty small here, but every small tsunami is a chance to solidify in our minds what we will do when a larger one hits.

When I am at the beach I always look for where I could go if a long, strong earthquake happened, or if a tsunami alert was sent out. It’s important to note that the beach you are at might not have a tsunami siren. What routes lead to higher ground? How would you get there?

Keep in mind that traffic might leave you and your car stuck, so a bike or on foot will likely be your best options. At some beaches you will see signs that include information like evacuation zones, always check these out.

Quick actions can save you, your family, and those around you. Often as humans in a crisis we look to those around us before acting. Know the signs, know where to go, and be the person who takes decisive action.

Ask and you will receive…

By Murray Smith, Pastor, Bridges Church

The words in the heading for this article are well known, although their origin and meaning, for the most part, are barely understood. They were Jesus’ words.

The context was Him teaching about the need for faith. His hearers - like us, had lots to learn about prayer and He was explaining the necessity of faith when asking God for anything. Faith is not checking your brains in at the door and taking a leap in the dark. Simply put, it’s attributing trustworthiness to God.

I heard of a wealthy Saudi sheik arranging a golf tournament. He wanted to attract a particular top US celebrity golfer’s participation. His proposal to the golfer was that he would receive a very special golf club for agreeing to play in the tournament.

The champion golfer felt he didn’t need another club but was intrigued about what made the one offered so desirable… would it have a gold shaft with diamonds? Or could it be platinum? He asked the Sheik what made this club so special, that he’d even want to own it.

Taken aback, the Sheik told the golfer he’d have to trust him. Intrigued with the offer, the golf champion accepted the proposal and played in the tournament. Afterwards, one of the Sheik’s staff handed the golfer an envelope. Inside was a thankyou letter accompanied by the title deeds to a famously lavish international golf club.

The golfer’s anticipation of receiving a ‘golf club’ was drastically out of step with the generosity the Sheik had in mind. In that light, the celebrity’s challenge, ‘what’s so special about the club you’re offering!?’ was poor taste.

This story might be one of those ‘legends’ that’s done the rounds, nonetheless it

illustrates the approach many people have towards God. The fact is, relatively few have any comprehension of God’s true nature. They harbour lingering mistrust of God, doubting His goodness and trustworthiness. Can you see how such lack of faith would be an impediment to asking and receiving?

If you ever pray, asking God about anything, you’re in good company, going by results of a poll run by a UK Newspaper. Interestingly, this poll found the majority of people turn to prayer when in a crisis. It revealed people who claim to be ‘unbelievers’, frequently turn to prayer as an instinctive response to difficulty.

Family tops the list of subjects of prayers at 71 per cent, while praying for healing (40 per cent) and for friends (40 per cent) also featured strongly. Personal crisis or tragedy is the most common reason for praying among the non-religious, with one in four saying they pray to gain comfort or feel less lonely.

It occurs to me that desperation can awaken some level of “faith,” towards God whatever is believed about Him. “Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity,” an old saying goes. Not believing in God typically means believing in something else. When the chips are down, when everything looks hopeless, as the poll revealed, people turn to God in the hope of reaching someone or some ‘force’ bigger than their problem…

Experiencing God’s intervention in our life starts by approaching Jesus with simple faith.

cap music month

Ukulele players from around the region gathered in Te Awamutu late last month to enjoy a jam session marking the final days of New Zealand Music Month.

The event was organised by Waipā District Council outreach librarian Dee Atkinson and held outside the Te Awamutu Library in Selwyn Park. Participating groups were the Kihikihi Ukulele Club, the Cambridgebased Riverside Ukes and their offshoot foursome ‘Raw Talent’, and the Morrinsville Ukes.

• See more pics at cambridgenews.nz

Alys Antiques & Fine Art

Accompanying throughout the jam session was Hamilton’s ‘Possum’ Allen, who plays regularly with different groups throughout the region. His adapted washboard has multiple additions, including bells, wooden spoons and whistles.

Raw Talent – an offshoot of Cambridge’s Riverside Ukes – are, from left, Tony Hill, Chris Follett, Hilary Wilson-Hill and John Worth.

Peter Nicholl, left, is a regular columnist with Cambridge News and Te Awamutu News. He is also a member of Riverside Ukes, and is seen here playing with fellow Riversider, Archie Griffin.

Leah gets tips from the top

By Jeremy Smith

It’s said there’s a first time for everything - and Cambridge’s Leah Hibell experienced two at once early on Monday morning.

When she boarded a plane bound for Brisbane it was her first trip to Australia –and first international flight.

She has gone for a 10day working holiday with renowned Australian driver Pete McMullen.

It’s an opportunity the 22-year-old harness racing junior driver has becauseearlier in the year - she won the closely fought second annual Hygain Revell Douglas Memorial Junior Drivers Series.

The series is a tribute to trainer and administrator Revell Douglas, who drowned while saving children swimming at

Karioitahi Beach near Waiuku in January 2021.

“It’s going to be a good learning curve, a great chance to gain some fresh perspective. I’m always keen to learn,” Leah said of visiting McMullen.

“There’s a lot he can teach me and that I can glean.”

Speaking of firsts too, Leah was a first-time series entrant this year, ultimately toppling defending champion Alicia Harrison by a single point, 48-47, after four races in the North Island - at Hawera - and one in the south, at Motukarara.

During that “pretty stressful” final South Island race, Leah did just enough to claim the series.

Speaking to The News last Friday before flying out, Leah reflected on the emotional moment Revell’s mother Laura, father Don

and sister Paula presented her with the trophy after she claimed the series win.

“I know Revell was a big supporter of junior drivers and seeing them have opportunities,” Leah said.

“When I met his father, Don, he gave me a big hug. It was really moving.”

Leah - who works for trainer-driver Nicky Chilcott at White Star Stables - has only been driving for a couple of years.

Yet the wheels are already in motion for what looks set to be a stellar career.

“Nicky’s given me lots of opportunities, it’s been fantastic. What I love is that no matter how many questions I ask because I’m keen to learn and grow, she’ll make time to answer them,” Leah said.

Nicky is a top guide.

In September she achieved

her 500th training win and became the first solo woman to train 500 winners in New Zealand and achieve the training and driving 500 double.

So, what’s Leah’s secret to early success? “You’ve got to love your job and I definitely do. Nothing beats the high you get from winning a race, I reckon.”

Nicky says a key factor too is the right horse.

And, in Katies’ Princessowned by Taranaki’s Alan and Lyn Messenger - they found the right fit for the series.

“The stars have got to align, so to speak,” a proud Chilcott said of Leah.

“Yes, she had a good horse, but we can’t take

anything away from the fact Leah also drove really well. “She’s a very hard worker, she listens, she’s eager to learn and when you put that together with her undoubted natural talent, she’s going to go a long way for sure.”

Beyond Australia, Leah’s already setting her sights high. She wants to drive in a group race one day.

Future champion in the making

By Steph Bell-Jenkins

It’s been a great month for year 7 student Taane Young, who is captured here putting his body on the line for Cambridge Middle School’s hockey team.

His side put in a strong performance at the annual Waikato Intermediate Middle School hockey tournament in Hamilton, beating Matamata 9-0, Maeroa 8-0, Te Awamutu 6-0 and Berkley 5-0 before losing the final to Rototuna in a penalty shootout.

Taane is just as handy with a tennis racquet as he is with a hockey stick. He took out Cambridge Racquets Club’s junior singles title and won the junior doubles trophy with partner Cameron Hill at the recent club championships.

Undefeated in inter-club singles games this season, the 12-year-old is now ranked as Waikato’s number one U12 and U13 tennis player and is the region’s third-ranked U14 player.

He is set to represent Cambridge Middle School in tennis at the 2023 Zespri AIMS Games – a national sporting event where more than 10,000 11-13 year-old athletes from New Zealand and invited countries compete in 25 codes – in September.

The outstanding young sportsman also holds the Cambridge inter-school 100m sprint record for 11-year-old boys (13.21 seconds).

• For more action snaps of Taane and his Cambridge Middle School hockey team, check out cambridgenews.nz.

Leah Hibell with KD Coruba while at work in Cambridge last Friday. She flew out to Brisbane early on Monday morning for a 10-day working holiday with driver Pete McMullen.

Revell Douglas’ mother Laura, father Don and sister Paula presented Leah with the trophy after she won the second annual Hygain Revell Douglas Memorial Junior Drivers Series by a point.

Taane Young throws everything he has into a shot for his Cambridge Middle School hockey team.

On the ball…

Netball eyes at the weekend were on Hamilton’s Claudelands Arena where two Auckland teams – not, according to their daily newspaper, enamoured with having to leave their city, met in the ANZ Premiership final. Well ahead of that, at grassroots level Mary Anne Gill was courtside at another derby as Leamington took on TVP Phoenix and won 57-21.

BMX riders star in Europe

North Harbour’s Rico Bearman has been making headlines for New Zealand as a Waipā-dominated New Zealand contingent of nine competes in Europe.

The US-based professional claimed successive wins in the men’s under-23 in the opening double round of the 2023 UCI BMX World Cup in Turkey.

The teenager has moved to the top of the Under-23 world rankings with his two wins.

“I am super-happy with how it has started. We race again in three weeks in Holland and this has given me some good confidence to take into the next World Cup,” he said.

With eyes already on next year’s Paris Olympics, the World Cup becomes more important, particularly for kiwi riders with the opening double round of next year’s calendar set for Rotorua next April.

Rotorua’s Megan Williams enjoyed a strong day, making it through to the semifinals of the women’s under-23

competition where she was pipped for a spot in the final by just 0.3s.

Cambridge riders Leila Walker and Baylee Luttrell made it to the quarterfinals.

All four New Zealand under-23 male riders qualified through to the first round of elimination races where Cambridge’s Jack Greenough was edged out. His brother Bennett won his race with Bearman and another Cambridge rider, Rico d’Anvers also progressing.

Only Bearman made it through to the semifinals, with both Bennett Greenough and d’Anvers finishing fifth in their respective quarterfinals, both just 0.3s off a spot in the semis.

North Harbour’s Michael Bias qualified well in the men’s elite competition but was edged out in the first round by 0.08s in getting through to the quarterfinals, while Te Awamutu’s Cole McOnie missed out on the elimination rounds.

Leila Walker, in black, made it through to the women’s Under-23 quarter finals I Turkey.

Leamington Premier Reserves shooter Zarah Higgins gets a headful of red hair as she prepares to pass. Leamington beat TVP Phoenix 57-21 in Cambridge netball action from the weekend.

Kate Watson in action for Leamington Premier Reserves on their way to a 57-21 win over TVP Phoenix in Cambridge netball action from the weekend.

Leamington Premier Reserves wing attack Sophie Brittenden in action.

Leamington Premier Reserves centre Phoebe Pettit fires the ball into the circle watched by wing defence Tegan Branton.

Come and play PICKLEBALL

A low impact sport with a mix of tennis + badminton + table tennis

NEW SESSIONS

Every Monday Start 12 June 10.30am–12.30pm

Every Wednesday Start 7 June 4.30pm–6.30pm

$10 per session or purchase a Concession Card $60 for 10 sessions

Played at the Cambridge Badminton Hall, 5 MacLean Street, Leamington, Cambridge 3434

Give it a go. Equipment provided. Non-marking sports shoes essential.

Enquiries: pickleballcambridge@gmail.com

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CountryLife

Today in Paterangi…

By Jeremy Smith

Twice a week, it’s lights, camera, action for Paterangi farm manager Andrew Macky - and thousands seeking a glimpse of New Zealand farm life are there watching him.

Last Friday - as he would normally upload the second of two weekly videos, or vlogs, to his YouTube channel -The Once A Day FarmerThe News was there.

Three years after starting it, about 23,500 people subscribe.

Andrew regularly getting 13,000 viewers and estimates 80 percent are watching from overseas.

When Andrew told his wife, Holly, he wanted to film vlogs, “...go for it,” was her response.

“I wanted to share what I’m doing, interact with people and promote positive dairying.”

Committing to such a schedule requires a “staggering” amount of work from the 2022 Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year.

“It’s crazy it’s been that long - it’s very challenging, yet rewarding. Who knows how long I’ll do it, but I do enjoy it.”

Editing a typical video takes up to three hours.

“It takes a little longer to get through other jobs on the list on video days.”

Viewers tune in for a modern-day glimpse at Macky family life – but the family’s Paterangi history is also a compelling story.

The Macky family’s been in Paterangi for 150 years.

Andrew’s great-grandfather bought the farm in 1912. Subsequent generations have farmed it.

“Back then, they wanted to be here so the kids, including my grandfather, were closer to the then Ngaroto train station.

“It’s not there anymore, but as the story goes, the would ride their horses there, leave them in the paddock, catch the train to school for the week then return on Fridays.”

It’s Andrew’s fifth season managing the farm for his father William.

“I love getting to work with him, and being outside with animals is fantastic.”

Though he’s had other jobs around New Zealand, and the world, home has always been calling.

After gaining his Farm Management Diploma from

Lincoln University, he went shepherding for three years.

He’s been an agricultural contractor both here in New Zealand and in the American Midwest, and worked on a dairy farm in Scotland.

He and Holly relish raising their

three children - Willie, 4, Frankie, 2, and nine-month-old Tayla where Andrew spent his childhood.

“It’s a wonderful place to watch them grow up.”

Next season, Andrew and William will milk nearly 300 cows once a day on roughly 93 effective hectares.

“The once a day system works well - and makes a lot of sensein our case. It gives us a good mix between family life and farm work.” Stewarding the environment well is a key on-farm passion too.

After winning the Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year title last year, Andrew became a DairyNZ dairy environment leader - and part of a nationwide network of environmentally conscious farmers.

“One of my biggest goals is to consistently take intentional steps towards a sustainable environmental future. “One day - if one of the kids wanted to farm here - I’d want them to take over an already well cared for, sustainable environment.”

Soon, Andrew will establish native plants on roughly 1.2 hectares of the farm.

“The environment is incredibly important. As a dairy environment leader, I would encourage others to join.

“As we’re each environmentally active within our own farming communities, we will all collectively be doing our bit to help.”

Future generations are, in fact, already watching Andrew it seems. “Young kids message me saying watching my vlogs makes them want to farm.

“Kiwis are the world’s best dairy farmers - hopefully the videos showcase that for everyone to see.”

Paterangi farmer Andrew Macky says hello, once again, to his nearly 24,000 YouTube subscribers in another video last Friday.

Diversification – more than

By Heather Carston

Raw milk, cheese, lavender, kiwifruit, truffles, and tea alongside cows, beef and sheep – the diversification of Waipā farms is emerging as a necessary strategy for farmers.

The region, which is a good part of the 1.3 million hectares of Waikato’s agricultural land, is known to have a significantly higher proportion of quality soil than most other areas of New Zealand, providing a springboard in the past for financially lucrative side hustles.

These are turning into main money makers as traditional dairy, and sheep and beef farming operations financially flatline because of increasing regulatory costs, often running into the millions of dollars, begin to bite at its sustainability.

Waikato Regional councillor Stu Kneebone says the council has been aware for some time of the need to focus on diversification and what that could mean within the environmental regulatory framework.

“People looking at diversification need

to demonstrate what contaminant production will be – for example, a dairy farmer might decide to turn 20 acres into a sheep milking operation – which has a lot less potential environmental contamination than if a sheep farm was reverted to dairy. What you create as a new part of operations has

to be less than what it was,” he says.

“The council has developed a strategic direction designed to enable growth and productivity actively, while having a desired minimal bureaucracy involvement.”

He admits that’s easier said than done.

“We do need to make sure the regulatory framework gives investment confidence.”

“At the same time, it’s not a bad idea to encourage farmers, who, for example, might be looking at a cowshed that needs replacing, come to us with the view of “do I spend a million dollars on this, or are their other [land use] options?” and we can show them what’s being done or developed that may create other options for them,” he says. This coupled with the changing dynamics of the global agricultural sector, and growing concerns about environmental long term health, have prompted farmers to explore new avenues for diversification, while at the same time, keeping an eye on potentially problematic regulatory Land Use changes.

PGG Wrightson North Island manager Camron Meade said in a recent article many farmers were working for free.

“Even though the payouts are good, there are escalating costs in terms of investment for the future

to meet growing policy changes,” he said.

“For those with smaller farms, that might need capital investment for say, a new milk shed or envirorequired effluent ponds for example, banks are going to look at that and say well, you can afford the farm – but you can’t afford the millions required to bring it up to policy standards.”

Environmental sustainability is the driving force behind diversification efforts.

Concerns about water quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and nutrient runoff have prompted the change. For instance, some dairy farmers have diversified into growing crops for silage, hay, or organic produce. By incorporating these crops into their farming systems, they reduce their reliance on imported animal feed, and minimise their environmental footprint. Another area of diversification gaining momentum in Waikato is the production of value-added dairy products. Rather than solely focusing on raw milk production, farmers are venturing into the processing and manufacturing of

dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream. This move allows them to capture a greater share of the value chain, thereby increasing profitability. Moreover, it enables farmers to capitalise on the growing demand for high-quality, locally produced dairy products. Farmers are also exploring opportunities to grow fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops alongside their dairy operations. This diversification offers the potential for better land and nutrient management practices while contributing to regional food security,

Barbara Kuriger

Stu Kneebone

a means to an end

reducing the region’s reliance on imported produce, especially as urban growth in South Auckland’s lower reaches continues to creep into traditional cropgrowing areas. Kiwifruit for example, traditionally a Bay of Plenty product is now finding a strong foothold in the Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Ōhaupō areas.

As long as farmers can show the environmental impact through contaminants is not greater than it was before, Stu Kneebone says there should be no issues when it comes to Land Use Changes regulations, although he admits the permissions framework being worked on in Plan Change 1 (PC1) is still to be fully formalised as it makes its way through court.

The adoption of innovative technologies has also played a crucial role in facilitating diversification on farms. From precision agriculture, robotic milking systems, and advanced data analytics to improve operational efficiency and get around the complexities of a flagging labour market, these technologies help make informed decisions,

optimise resource allocation, and identify niche markets for diversified products.

King Country-Taranaki MP and dairy farmer Barbara Kuriger says she understands the need for diversification and thinks it’s a good idea.

“Farmers these days spend 25 per cent to 30 per cent of their time filling out required paperwork.

“What we need to do is work

similar to a successful model I’ve seen in Southland; where [a local group administer] their catchment area, look at what is being farmed or grown working alongside the basic things we do need to do such as [legislating for] fresh water and environmental impacts while sorting out the land use to best fit their situations.

“There’s too many

A must for survival

“Everyone is exploring it,” Federated Farmers Waikato president Keith Holmes said when asked about farm diversification.

“The rank-and-file farmers are desperate for cashflow. Even with a good milk solids payout, it’s not enough and it’s the number one reason why everyone is looking into it.”

He says the reality is the ‘bread and butter’ of farming just isn’t paying its way.

“It’s really concerning – we would not need the Rural Trust Support if farmers had enough put away; some are starving.”

He believes bureaucrats have a lot to answer for.

“They’ve imposed draconian legislation and regulations – and the Waikato Regional Council has to administer those. They are pushing farmers to the limit – and that’s why we see members looking at milking sheep or deer for example.”

complications – we should be looking at what is complementary and what is contradictory, and working towards best outcomes. Unfortunately, these regulations are a one-sizefits-all – and that doesn’t work,” she says.

“People need to be able to sit around a table in their own catchment areas and decide what works for them.”

“PC1 [Plan Change 1] is a big thing; it’s been in the embryonic stages for the past 14 or 15 years and it’s a very prescriptive way of managing land use. To be quite honest, we are all shitting ourselves.”

What PC1 will mean in terms of that, he says, is people will be told they can’t grow lavender here, or tea there for example, and that they have to destock/reduce their livestock numbers, reduce fertiliser and agri-chemical use along with all the other regulations and changes that are quite simply, costing farms their actual sustainability.

“People need to remember agriculture provides 85% of our exports – what’s the alternative if that falls over? How are we going to fund schools, hospitals, roads? It’s economic suicide.”

Camron Meade

Keith Holmes

Nurturing nature

Stephen Risi is encouraging other farmers to get involved in community planting projects after partnering with a Waipā school to improve a stream on his farm.

“Get hold of Trees for Survival if you have a place you want to plant and work with your local schools or Fonterra. It doesn’t have to be so expensive; they’re often looking for places to plant these trees.”

Risi and his wife Raewyn have been working with Cambridge High School to restore a 1km stretch of stream flowing through their 180-hectare dairy farm, near the foot of Maungatautari, since last year.

The school had been growing native seedlings, donated by the Trees for Survival trust, in its nursery and needed somewhere to plant them. The Risi’s 340-cow farm was perfect – close to town and easily accessible.

Risi donated his time to prepare the stream site, spending a day on his digger reshaping the banks to create a much gentler gradient down to the water and allow more capacity in the channel.

The stream flows into Lake Karapiro, which will be a little cleaner with the new plants sieving out pollutants and reducing soil erosion.

“Everybody who lives downstream will benefit, everybody who uses the lake will benefit,” Risi said. “There’ll be more wildlife, more native birds here, then you’ll get a few more eels in the creek, freshwater crayfish, that sort of stuff.”

Cambridge High students completed the first planting phase last year, sinking about 800 native trees and shrubs into the soil.

“Those trees are now waist-height and doing really well. We probably had about 95 per cent survive.”

Another 900 plants have just been added

in phase two.

For the four classes of year 9 students involved this year, it was a chance to get some fresh air and sunshine, squelch in the mud, and have the science around riparian planting really sink in and take root.

Neve Woodhams had never planted a tree before – now she’s a dab hand at it.

The 13-year-old teamed up with her classmate Shavaun McCarthy to plant dozens of native trees and shrubs including flaxes, cabbage trees and manuka along the stream banks.

Cambridge High School science teacher Karen Hughes said the stream was home to a diverse ecosystem.

“Last year we had students going through rotations looking at the invertebrates in the water and they were amazed at how many different things were living in the stream, even though it’s only 20cm deep,” she said.

Risi, whose daughter Sophie is in year 10 at Cambridge High, has enjoyed being involved in a project that had helped grow the students’ knowledge.

Facts at Fieldays

By Stu Kneebone, Waipa Reegional Councillor

Waikato Regional Council will be at Fieldays again this year in the Mystery Creek Pavilion. We are sited on the same two adjoining sites -PE 36 and PE 38 - that we have had in previous years.

Helping farmers understand the likely requirements of the pending Freshwater Farm Plan regulations is one of our focus areas, and I would encourage all farmers to call by and take the opportunity to get up to speed. Plan Change 1 (Waikato/ Waipa catchments) will likely be operative in approximately 12 months. The Ministry for the Environment) has chosen Waikato and Southland as the two regions where the National Freshwater Farm Plan regulations will “turn on” first, which at this stage means no later than December 31, 2025. This means most of the region’s farms will be required to operate under a certified Freshwater Farm Plan, impacting approximately 9200 farms in the Waikato.

These regulations will “turn on” later this year, hopefully with a staged roll out across the Waikato. Its important to understand where your farm operation fits into this staged implementation, as these plans are mandatory.

Nitrates in water. If you have a groundwater supply for your property, we will have staff from GNS on our site providing testing for nitrate levels in bore water. You can either bring a sample with you or take a free testing kit home.

Winter is of course the ideal time for planting trees, so if you are after some ideas and/ or advice about riparian or erosion control planting projects, there will be plenty of information and fact sheets to take

home. Our catchment management staff will be on site to talk though any plans you might have and can provide any advice or help you might need. We are also able provide assistance in a range of different ways depending on the project and where in the catchment it is. This is also about showcasing to our urban cousins the good stuff farmers are doing to improve the environment.

We will have plant and animal pest staff on site, with a focus feature on Kauri Dieback. We have a really cool virtual reality experience that demonstrates the work that goes on to protect this iconic species.

New weed incursions are becoming increasingly challenging for all of us, and it’s never been more important to ensure you are able to correctly identify problem weeds when you see them. As in previous years, we’ll have identification guides, and information on how to go about controlling the various weed and animal pests present in the region.

A range of factsheets, booklets and handouts will also be available on all this stuff, and free to take away.

And remember that there is a free bus service to the Fieldays for those with a pre-purchased ticket.

The buses will run every half hour from Cambridge (Cambridge BMX Club, corner of Milton and Lamb Street) and Te Awamutu (i Site, Gorst Avenue).

The buses will operate every 30 minutes between 7am and 11am to Fieldays and between 1pm and 5.30pm to come home. For details visit www.busit.co.nz

Stephen Risi

with Jan Bilton

In vogue veg

Versatile cauliflowers have become firmly established as the darlings of the vegetable lovers’ society. In recent times they’ve been: ‘riced’, cut into veggie steaks, roasted whole, mashed, stir-fried and ‘souped’ up. “The advantage of the cauliflower is that if all else fails, you can always cover it with melted cheese and eat it.” William E. Simon, American businessman and philanthropist.

Caulis are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin K and folate. They also contain fibre, B vitamins, plus several other vitamins and minerals and only five carbs per 100grams. Cauli is a member of the brassica family that is thought to inhibit some cancers.

However, as with cabbages, caulis aren’t popular when reheated. The brassica flavour tends to dominate the dish.

Carrots are native to Afghanistan and early varieties were purple. It wasn’t until the 17th century that the orange carrot was developed in the Netherlands. Choose medium-sized, smooth-skinned, brightly coloured carrots. Large, thick carrots tend to be tough and have less flavour.

The kumara is a tuber, the thick rounded part of a rhizome (underground stem) that stores the plant’s food. No wonder they’re so good for us. They’re packed with more vitamins C and E (antioxidants) than potatoes, pasta and rice and are a very good source of fibre and potassium.

CAULI & PASTA CHEESE

Orecchiette resemble little ears.

2 cups orecchiette or small spiral pasta

1 small cauliflower, cut into 3cm florets

250g sour cream

1/2 cup milk

1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard

2 cups grated tasty cheddar cheese

2 medium tomatoes, sliced

4-6 rashers streaky bacon

Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Add the pasta and boil for 5 minutes. Add the cauli florets and boil for about 8 minutes, until the cauli and pasta are al dente. Drain well. Add the sour cream, milk, mustard and 2/3 of the cheese. Stir over low heat until the cheese begins to melt. Tip into a

baking dish. Top with the sliced tomatoes and sprinkle with the remaining cheese

Meanwhile, preheat the grill. Twist each slice of the bacon and place on a small oven rack. Grill until crispy. Place on top of the pasta mixture and grill until golden and bubbling. Serves 6.

CARROT & FETA FRITTERS

I used goat’s feta.

300g carrots, peeled and shredded

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

4 spring onions, finely chopped

200g feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 bunch coriander leaves and stalks, chopped

1 large egg

2 tablespoons self-raising flour

1/4 cup olive oil

Topping: sliced avocado, microgreens, lemon wedges

Combine the carrots, coriander, spring onions, feta, chopped coriander, egg and flour in a bowl.

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick frying pan on medium heat. Take a 1/4 cup of the carrot mixture to form a fritter. Cook about 3-4 at one time.

Cook 2-3 minutes each side until golden. Keep warm in a 100°C oven. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Top with avocado, microgreens and lemon wedges. Great

served with crusty bread if preferred. Serves 4 as a light meal.

LOADED KUMARA

olive oil

2 large purple-skinned kumara, halved lengthwise

1 small onion, diced

1 small red capsicum, diced

1 teaspoon each: ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano

390g can black beans in chilli sauce

Toppings: 1 avocado, stoned, peeled and mashed (or guacamole)

1/2 cup each: sour cream, grated tasty cheddar cheese

1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves

Lightly brush the kumara with oil. Wrap each one loosely in baking paper. Microwave on high power for 8-10 minutes, until the kumara are tender when tested with a skewer. Remove and cool a little.

Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan. Sauté the onion until softened. Add the red capsicum and sauté until softened. Add the seasonings and chilli beans and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Lay the kumara halves — skin-side down — on a plate. Cut a cross in the flesh and squeeze the kumara to loosen the flesh. Spoon the bean mixture over the kumara then garnish with the toppings. Serves 4.

Eureka 19 Appleton Lane

Te Kowhai 70 Woolrich Road

4 2 2 1

5 2 3 2

Gary Stokes M 021 351 112

For Sale Deadline Treaty (22nd June 2023, 12:00) unless sold prior View by appointment or scheduled open home times Immerse yourself in this 3.19-ha lifestyle property located east of Hamilton just a short drive from the Expressway and o ering a quiet retreat from the rush of the city whilst keeping you well connected to amenities. Adding to this package is the ever sought a er shedding providing space for the toys or lends itself to the option of a workshop also. Adjoining the shed is semi self-contained unit perfect for guests or Air BnB. Call Gary or Kevin today to arrange your viewing!

Kevin Deane M 021 970 902

modern family living. The kitchen boasts high-quality appliances and ample storage, making it a pleasure to cook and entertain in. The adjoining dining and living areas provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, ideal for gatherings with family and friends. The property’s shed and man cave is a true standout feature. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a DIY enthusiast, or simply in need of extra storage space, this impressive facility will exceed your expectations. Call Gary today to arrange your viewing!

Gary Stokes M 021 351 112

For Sale $1,090,000

View by appointment or scheduled open day www.harcourts.co.nz/CB4014

Cambridge 85 Arnold Street

3 1 1 1

Entering via an attractive tree clad driveway you will find this cedar clad 5 bedroom home sitting nicely on an elevated setting with stunning views of Mangatautari and surrounding farm land. Large lawn with fruit trees complement the home, and with 3.65ha of rolling country there’s room for horses/sheep or a few beefies. Concrete floored workshop complete

Mark Ingram M 027 495 5941

Calling all first home buyers!

Step inside this delightful home and enjoy the cozy interior layout. With a total of three bedrooms, there’s plenty of space for flatmates, family or guests. The well-proportioned rooms ensure comfort and privacy for everyone. The single bathroom is conveniently located and o ers all the necessary amenities. With a fireplace for heating and an HRV installed, you are ensured to be comfortable during the cold winter months. Call Shelby today to arrange your viewing!

For Sale Deadline Sale 4th June 2023, 12:00pm unless sold prior View by appointment or scheduled open home times www.kdre.co.nz/CB6292

Shelby Garrett M 027 622 4166

Cauli and pasta cheese

Carrot and feta fritters

TENDER OPEN DAY

• 670 Fencourt Road and Beer Road, off Victoria Road, Cambridge

• 60.1055 hectares (sts) flat to easy rolling contour; some steeper sidlings

• a mix of complex clay & sandy loam soils sand pit on property

• currently utilised for finishing lambs but ideal also for dairy support, beef finishing, calf rearing or maize growing

• fertility benefits from Fonterra wastewater irrigation on part of the property

FIXED PRICE

• a good range of older but functional buildings including a 10 aside herringbone farm dairy and large shedding ideal for calf rearing; new heavy duty bridge

• no dwelling building sites with panoramic views to Pirongia & Maungatautari

• excellent primary and secondary schooling options within easy travelling distance

• additional option for inclusion 2 ha with large 2 storied homestead & additional shedding on elevated knoll with north facing outlook over the property p.o.a.

TradeMe search # R1424 Sale by Tender Closing Date: Wednesday, 21 June 2023

Country Living Cambridge & Affordable Inspection by appointment

Enjoy the benefits of a well located property in an attractive rural environment, situated within an easy distance of quality schooling, approximately 6/7 kms north of Cambridge.

• 201 Flume Road, Fencourt district, Cambridge

• 8,897m² of land

• flat contour with scope for a pony or a few animals

• 4 bedroom dwelling; cosy, sheltered and sunny

• open plan kitchen / dining / lounge

Brian Peacocke 021 373 113 / bjp@prl308.co.nz

• log fire plus HRV heating Healthy Homes Standards Report available

• single garage with covered walkway to dwelling

• 2/3 kms from Goodwood Primary School; 5/6 kms to Cambridge High School

• $700,000 and ready to be occupied

• opportunities for inspection to be arranged call 021 373 113

TradeMe search # R1423

$700,000 inclusive of GST

Ph Brian Peacocke 021 373 113

An attractive versatile property with access from two separate roads featuring an appealing mix of contour, located in the Fe ncourt district, approx. 7.5 kms north of Cambridge.

A Private Oasis with Modern Comforts

Deadline Sale

9 Damio Place, Cambridge

- Three bedroom home with additional study or home office, generously proportioned separate lounge, fresh decor.

- Fenced back section offers great privacy & paved courtyard.

Stunning Jennian Home

24 Ruru Street, Cambridge

3 2 2

- Built in March 2021 this co-operatively designed home radiates comfort, warmth and style.

- Relish the high quality fixtures, plantation blinds and linen drapes.

- A garden sanctuary awaits – cleverly and thoughtfully landscaped.

- 1.30pm

Cleverly Designed - One-Off Design

A fairer commission rate of 2.8% to first $300,000 then 1.8% on balance + gst Plus FREE, tailor-made marketing worth $2,500+

Charming + Self Contained Unit

Negotiation

5 Corrielea Crescent, Cambridge 3+ 3 1

- Secure, sunny - and a surprise awaits your discovery!

- 946m² (more or less) section, private studio unit.

- North facing home with full length deck capturing all day sun.

11.00 - 11.30am

Nicely Refurbished - Handy Position

$680,000

11A Dallas Place, Leamington

- Recently refurbished kitchen with near new appliances.

Auction

51 Baxter Michael Cres, Cambridge

- Generous open plan living opens to outside portico entertainment and sliders to access the north facing lawn area.

- Thoughtfully designed, offering master and family wing separation.

Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 2.00 - 2.30pm

Everything On Offer! - Cowley Drive

Deadline Sale

47A Cowley Drive, Leamington

- A 2785m² (more or less) section with heated inground pool.

- Spacious 5 bedroom home plus office/6 bedroom home; configured with a sizable granny flat (2 bed, ensuite, lounge & kitchenette).

- A separate studio with toilet/basin and single garage workshop.

Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 3.00 - 3.30pm

3 1

- Carpet and vinyl have also recently been replaced, along with other soft furnishings and light fittings.

- Bathroom is fresh & inviting having had all new fixtures installed.

1.00 - 1.30pm

Smartly Styled - Premium Central Location

- Discover the feeling of vibrance and refurbished living – huge outdoor deck and neat gardens add to the degree of satisfaction.

- New chattels, powder room and bedroom skylight to watch the stars. Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 2.00 - 2.30pm

Stunning Views - Great Location

Negotiation

Lot 6 / 957 Taotaoroa Road, Cambridge

- Exceptional opportunity to build your dream home looking to the horizon over rolling hills and green rural pastures. North facing.

- 2700m² (more or less), power to site, title due soon.

- Set amongst premium properties, positioned for privacy.

- Neighbours are not on your boundary and are out of sight.

Magical elevated rural views

Stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, cottage minutes from Cambridge

Plenty of character that provides the “wow” factor

Own waterfall and manicured gardens on 5000m²

DEADLINE SALE: Closes 4pm Wednesday 21st June 2023 at the office of Cambridge Real

Estate, 47 Alpha Street Cambridge

OPEN DAY: SUNDAY: 12 30PM-1 15PM

PRICE REDUCTION

LET’S GET MOVING

Relaxed country living on 7929m² just 10mins from Cambridge

$1,750,000 4 2 2

Immaculately presented warm and stylish brick home with Open plan living with great flow to the outdoors to enjoy beautiful sunsets

Plenty of scope to further develop the grounds

2 00-2 30PM

374 & 378 VICTORIA ROAD

INVEST AND WATCH IT GROW

16 85 ha or 40 4 acres in two titles, with two access points

Superbly located just a few minutes to Cambridge

Build dream home & run a business or grow whatever you want Including 5000m² section

Sherry

Alison Boone

Sacha

FINAL NOTICE

Focus

MILLER, Jacqueline Anne

Barbara Phyllis HARTMAN

–

Passed away suddenly but peacefully at Waikato Hospital on Monday, 29th May 2023. Aged 82 years.

Much loved wife of the late John. Loved mother and mother-in-law to David & Heather, Ian & Julie, Norman & Tina, Trevor & Gina, Rosanna & Aaron and the late Daphne. Loved gran and great-gran to all her grandchildren. Special thanks to Ria and May, and the Good Companions Dance Group for their continued support and friendship over the past years. The service for Jacqui has been held. All communications to the Miller Family, c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.

PRINT, Richard Graham, (Graham) – Passed away peacefully at Waikato Hospital on Tuesday, 30th May 2023 to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Aged 85 years. Dearly loved husband of Esther. Much loved father and fatherin-law of Ryan & Jeannie, Deryk & Hannah and the late Dayna. Loved Poppa of Pippa, Levi, Alister, Pearce, Talyn, Harvey and Ari. The service for Graham has been held. All communications to the Print Family, c/-3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.

Passed away 9th June 2022. One year ago, wonderful wife, mother, and nana. Sadly, missed by her three boys Greg, Craig, Nigel and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Especially missed by her husband and best mate Brian. Until we meet again, my sweetheart.

FIREWOOD – Dry mac mix $140 per metre. Delivered. Ph 027 492 0601

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE – Mystery Creek Road, McEldownie Road, Mellow Road, Lamb Street and Milton Street from 14 June to 17 June 2023

Please note that the roads listed below will be closed to ordinary vehicular traffic from 14 June to 17 June 2023 for the National Fieldays.

MYSTERY CREEK

5.30am to 12.00pm

• Mystery Creek Road – between Gate 2 and Gate 5 –(vehicle pass holder access only)

• Mystery Creek Road – between McEldownie Road and Mellow Road (resident access only)

• McEldownie Road – between Kaipaki Road and Mystery Creek Road (resident access only)

5.30am to 12.00pm

• Mellow Road (Southbound) – between Kaipaki Road and Mystery Creek Road

• Mystery Creek Road (Eastbound) – between Mellow Road and Gate 5

Traffic is free to move on Angus Road, but there will be no left turn into Mystery Creek Road.

1.00pm to 7.00pm

• Mellow Road (Northbound) – between Kaipaki Road and Mystery Creek Road

• Mystery Creek Road (Westbound) – between Mellow Road and Gate 5

Traffic is free to move on Angus Road, but there will be no right turn on to Mystery Creek Road and access will only be available from Gate 5 direction.

CAMBRIDGE PARK ‘N’ RIDE

1.00pm to 11.00am

• Lamb Street (Westbound) – between Cambridge Road and Milton Street

• Milton Street – between Lamb Street and 115 Milton Street

1.00pm to 7.00pm

• Lamb Street (Westbound) – between Burns Street and Cambridge Road

• Milton Street – between Lamb Street and 115 Milton Street

Arrangements will be made for access by emergency vehicles during the closure, if required.

For more information, please contact Waipa District Council on 0800 924 723.

Garry Dyet CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Section 131, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012

PUBLIC NOTICE

Of an application for On and

Off Licences

Owen Bryden Swan, 16 Meridian Drive Rukuhia RD2 Hamilton 3282 has made application to the Waipa District Licensing Committee for the renewal of on and off licences in respect of the premises at 16 Meridian Drive Rukuhia RD2 Hamilton 3282 known as The Wool Shed.

The general nature of the business to be conducted under the licence is tavern. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: On Licence – Thursday to Saturday 12pm to 1am the following day, Sunday 12pm to 8pm; Off Licence – Thursday to Saturday 4pm to 8pm.

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

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

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

This is the second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on June 1, 2023.

SITUATIONS VACANT

ACCOUNTANT

With 2+ years of experience working in an accountancy office

Due to exceptional growth, we need another keen, enthusiastic person to join our firm.

Option to work in in our Otorohanga or Hamilton office with flexibility to work from home.

The role will include completing GST and income tax returns, annual accounts, wages and management reporting and working with the latest cloud based software.

You will be joining an accountancy firm with a large farming client base along with many progressive businesses – aligned to our core purpose of ‘making a positive diffrence in their life’.

Send your CV and covering letter with a photo of your favourite holiday destination to:

Osbornes Chartered Accountants Ltd.

P.O Box 1, Otorohanga 3940 Or email team@osbornesca.co.nz

Pouako - Kura Takawaenga (Tau 7-8)

“He Taonga te Tamaiti”

He tangata mōhio ki te manaaki i te mauri me te wairua o te tangata? He tangata e ngākaunui ana ki ngā tamariki? He pūkenga pouako rawe āu? Kei taumata kē tō arero tūpuna me ngā kōrero tuku iho? Tēnā, tono mai!

E rapu ana mātou i tētehi pouako e kaingākau ana ki ngā mahi whakaako tamariki. Me mōhio hoki te tangata ki ēnei kaupapa:

• Behavior Management (PB4L)

• Differentiated teaching and learning

• Te Marautanga o Aotearoa

• Mahi tahi, hei painga mō te katoa o ngā tamariki o te kura mai i te tau 0-13

We are seeking a kaiako to support the wellbeing of our tamariki. Our aspirations are to uplift, inspire and nurture our young leaders within the context of our Poutikanga and kaupapa matua, he taonga te tamaiti.

Our kura is located within the takiwā of Ngāti Apakura, Raukawa ki Wharepuhunga. If you are interested in being part of a dynamic team who focus on the mauri of our tamariki and strive for excellence.

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

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!

CAMBRIDGE OPEN HOMES

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.

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

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

Permanent Relief Milker

Required for every second weekend and school holidays for all of the season. Extra milkings available also. 700 cows, 66 bale rotary must be experienced as will be left in shed during some milkings. Drive in position as no accommodation available.

10 mins for Cambridge 15 from Te Awamutu.

Also require assistant for calf rearing from July to September. Can be the same person.

Please phone 027 282 1854

Bruce is Scotland bound

By Jeremy Smith

The roll of the bowl has gone the way of Cambridge’s Bruce Sayers.

The Central Bowling Club member has been named in a 12-person New Zealand team, six men and six women, to compete at the 2023 International Deaf Lawn Bowls Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland in September.

And, financially, his efforts to get there have been given a significant boost thanks to a $4000 grant from the Lions Club of Cambridge.

A separate fundraising day Bruce held at the club greens last month also attracted more than 100 people.

“It was thoroughly enjoyable,” he said of the gathering.

The team for Edinburgh was selected based on trials held in New Plymouth in October.

And now, as Bruce turns his attention towards Edinburgh, his goal is clear.

“We’re not going there just to make up the numbers. Undoubtedly, playing on the international stage takes the game to a whole other level. Put simply, I’ll be playing to win.”

Bruce knows what international competition requires.

Call

In 2019 – just his second year of playing bowls – he represented New Zealand at the International Bowls for the Disabled World Championships in South Korea.

Bruce, who is 85 percent deaf, took up the sport when looking to “get out and do something”.

He says his parents first discovered

he was deaf at around age five, as he started school.

“I’ve always been one to give everything a go, and I love that bowls is a social event in which you’re

mixing with, and meeting, other people.”

He was introduced to parabowling by Te Awamutu para-lawn bowler Lynda Bennett, and to deaf

bowls by Te Awamutu’s Warwick Flintoff.

Lions Club of Cambridge president Elbe Moreland said the Lions are delighted to support Bruce.

“Localjobsforlocalpeople”

Central Bowling Club member Bruce Sayers, front left, with Lions Club of Cambridge president Elbe Moreland, Central Bowling Club president Kerry Bovey and Lion Heidi Wehrle.

Big Deal savings are available on selected New Nissan Navara models registered between 1st - 30th of June 2023. $11,600 savings on Navara Pro4X Auto (D23PRA). Big Deal price of $59,990 includes GST but excludes on road costs of $1,340 (for initial 12 month registration & WOF, 2,000km RUC, fuel and vehicle delivery) + CCF (Clean Car Fees) of $3,335. Clean car tax increase’s 1st July. While stocks last, Not available in conjunction with any other o er.