Cambridge News | July 13, 2023

Ahead of Hautapu’s 11th appearance in a Waikato senior men’s club rugby final Mary Anne Gill caught up with two players already hard at work.

Hot and Sharp

Jason Thomasen and Nic Jeffcoat typify amateur club rugby at its finest.

During the week they’re out and about before the sun comes up working as a farrier and a butcher while twice a week after work, they’re at Hautapu rugby training in Cambridge.

And their reward?

“The smiles on the faces of the people who have supported our club for years,” says Thomasen, 27.

He and 22-year-old Jeffcoat are apprentices –Thomasen into his fourth and final year as a farrier working around the Cambridge district and Jeffcoat into his seventh month of a butcher’s apprenticeship at New World in Te Rapa.

Their names will almost certainly be on the team sheet as Hautapu seeks its 11th Waikato premier club title when they take on Hamilton Marist at Memorial Park in Cambridge at 2.45pm on Saturday.

Hautapu beat Hamilton Old Boys 33-20 in one semifinal while Marist defeated the other Waipā club, Te Awamutu Sports, 43-19 in the other.

Thomasen, a club centurion nicknamed JT, plays in midfield. It is his job to get the ball out to the side’s try scoring machines, wingers Quentin Hill and Waisake Salabieau. He played his part well in the semi with both men scoring two tries apiece.

Thomasen says he is disappointed the team isn’t playing Te Awamutu.

“I actually thought the young talent Te Awamutu has out there, that we would see them in the final.”

But the experienced Marist team, with players like former St Peter’s School, Waikato, Brumbies and Kubota Spears first five Wharenui Hawera, are going to be hard to beat. Last time the two clubs met was three weeks ago when Marist won 33-31 in Hamilton in heavy conditions.

“If we can get a dry track, play expansive rugby and set our wingers alight, it should be a good game.”

Jeffcoat plays at hooker and caught the eye of All Blacks coach Ian Foster three weeks ago when he was

Continued on page 2

By day Hautapu midfielder Jason Thomasen is a farrier.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Hautapu hooker Nic Jeffcoat is an apprentice butcher in Hamilton.

Photo: Richard Jeffcoat.

Hot and Sharp

checking out the form of lock Josh Lord in his return to rugby for Old Boys against Hautapu in pool play.

“That hooker had a great game,” Foster told The News with a twinkle in his eye. Whether that was because Jeffcoat goes out with one of Foster’s daughters remains a mystery.

Both Hautapu players have had stints in Waikato age group sides with Thomasen going on to play in both Mooloo and Chiefs’ development teams.

But knee injuries, an upcoming birthday and a baby due in December, has him concentrating on his career as a farrier and commitment to club rugby.

“I now play club rugby for the love of it and just the love of our club. I keep coming back for the people that are actually around our club,” he says.

“What this final does to our community and the people behind Hautapu who have supported it for years, it puts smiles on their faces.

“As an 18-year-old coming into this club, we were battling, played promotion relegation. That’s how far our club has come.”

Thomasen grew up in Morrinsville and then linked up with coaches Sean Hohneck and Andrew Douglas in the St Peter’s School first XV and then at Hautapu.

Douglas, who is now the club’s general manager and won two out of three premier titles as coach, said players like Thomasen and Jeffcoat epitomised the spirit of Hautapu.

“That’s the sort of loyalty the club generates,” he said.

Jeffcoat could be playing anywhere else –

he grew up in Raglan and went to Hamilton Boys’ High School but chooses to play for Hautapu.

Even Scottish professional Hamilton Burr, who came to Hautapu four years ago and went on to represent Waikato and the Chiefs, is not about to return home. The 27-year-old lock will play his blazer 50th game for the club in the final after being ruled out of the semifinal with a mild concussion.

The curtain raiser on Saturday features the table topping Hautapu Colts playing secondplaced Morrinsville for the hometown advantage in the final.

And the Waipā success does not end there. Leamington will play in the division one and one B finals against Putāruru and Southern United while Te Awamutu Sports takes on Hamilton Marist in the premier B final.

• See: Eleven up for Hautapu, page 14.

Recently we had a superb catch around the importation and supply of class A drugs, following a search warrant execution involving specialist squads.

It was a good example of the benefits that come from an Air BnB owner-operator being alert and aware of suspicious activity. In the past three years, we have had at least three incidents that I know of, where just such action by alert owners has led to great intel gathering and, in some cases, the arrest of those involved in drug supply.

The implications of drug manufacture and processing can be significant when it comes to contamination of dwellings and associated remediation costs. There are a few tell- tale signs for which AirBnB operators should therefore be on the look out.

It is common for the person booking an Air BnB in these scenarios, to present very well on arrival.

Once checked in however, it would then be likely that other people and vehicles are seen

coming and going to and from the address, often at all hours of the day and night. If a person lives in the local district yet books your AirBnB (for example, lives in Hamilton but books an AirBnB in Cambridge), this may also be a red flag.

Boxes of equipment, chemicals or liquid may be seen being taken inside the property. Equally, packages or boxes may be seen being taken out of the property and loaded into vehicles at random times throughout the booked stay. House windows may be kept wide open for ventilation, even in cold weather. You should also be alert for any chemical odour.

So what should you do if you do suspect illegal activity? If something doesn’t feel right, it often isn’t. CCTV is a good idea to protect the property generally and in such situations can prove vital to showing evidence of illegal activity. If you see such activity, notify the police as early as possible, explaining the reasons for your suspicions,

providing relevant information relating to the occupants and their activity. Reporting suspicious drug activity is all part of the community working together to make Cambridge less attractive for offenders.

On another topic, as many of you know, there are several different teams that work out of the Cambridge Police base. We have representatives from Highway Patrol, Strategic Traffic and Commercial Vehicle Safety Team in addition to our Public Safety Team (frontline), Youth Aid and Community prevention (me).

While each having our own areas of expertise and responsibility, we often work together as an overall Cambridge team when it comes to executing search warrants, managing crash scenes and attending urgent jobs. I hope to tell you a little bit more about what these teams do, a typical shift if you like, in future columns.

Ball boy Tom Hatting smiles as behind him Hautapu celebrate beating Hamilton Old Boys 33-20 to make the final.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Briefs…

Ingham all go

Ingham Motor Group have been granted resource consent to establish a car dealership, showroom and workshop on the site of the old Bunning’s building in Cambridge. The consent was granted on a nonnotified basis by Dr Phil Mitchell, an Aucklandbased independent hearing commissioner.

University pā opens

Kingi Tūheitia opened what has been described as a landmark pā at Waikato University on Monday. The $85 million project to convert A-block into The Pā has been the most significant capital development in the university’s 59-year history

Tirau Rd ramp

The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce is putting pressure on Waipā District Council to address whether an on-off ramp is needed from Tirau Road north onto the Waikato Expressway and south off it. The issue came up following an application to establish a quarry in Newcombe Road. Hundreds of trucks a day using that quarry would go through Cambridge under the proposal.

Wetter days

Eleven sites across the country have already received more rain than what they usually get in a year – the closest to Waipā being Tauranga. Ben Noll from NIWA said their site at Karāpiro had recorded 846mm to last Friday –making it the third equal wettest first six months since records began in 1946.

Milk recall

A raw drinking milk producer based near Raglan is recalling batches which may contain listeria. The milk is sold via home deliveries by Dreamview Creamery Real. New Zealand Food Safety, which announced the recall, says it has not received any reports of associated illness.

Council comms cost rise

By Mary Anne Gill

Waipā council will spend a quarter of a million dollars more than budgeted this financial year because of a restructure in the communications team.

The annual spend will be $722,812 which includes some, but not all, contractor costs. Additional communication and engagement costs to contractors for key projects such as the Ahu Ake Spatial Plan, Victoria Bridge upgrade, Cambridge Connections and Ōhaupō pedestrian crossing are paid out on top of that figure.

A council spokesperson said contractors provided advice and tasks for a range of council projects but denied they were specifically for media liaison, graphic design, photography and communication/ engagement advice.

The News was tipped off to the increase when staff noted changes to the Long Term Plan adopted in 2021 for 2023-24 at the council meeting last month.

Under the heading Operating variances, Strategic Projects driver Melanie Andrews reported to councillors that elected members honorarium had gone up by $87,000.

The Remuneration Authority externally set the rate.

Other increases included interest rates and overhead expenditure. Unspent are community grants to the Cambridge which is offset by increases to the Te Awamutu Safer and Waipā community charitable trusts.

A grant to the Waikato Biodiversity Forum has been redeployed to next financial year.

Communication and engagement had increased by nearly $223,000, said Andrews in her report to councillors.

A Waipā spokesperson said the council had engaged with the community over a number of issues which resulted in additional costs.

They included suggestions on dog policy bylaw, cemetery plans, waste minimisation, playgrounds, fees and charges, reserves, Cambridge and Kihikihi pathways.

Ahu Ake – the spatial plan – was by far the biggest, she noted.

The council has used Beca Group’s in-staff communications advisor, a former staffer at the council for that project.

The communications team was restructured in August 2021 to address workload pressures and clarify roles, responsibilities and priorities and to meet increasing demands for community engagement, said the spokesperson.

“The restructure added a communications and engagement advisor, and a communication and engagement team leader, bringing team numbers from six to eight. It also included grade increases for some positions and allowed for

market salary movements over the last three years.”

Since May last year there has not been a time when all roles have been filled and many are still vacant.

The News understands a new Communications and Engagement manager – Hawke’s Bay-based Lisa Nairne – starts next month. Her previous experience includes nearly eight years in communications at Taupō District Council and a previous two-year stint as a senior communications advisor at Waipā from 2011.

Consultants have been used to back fill positions in the communications team while there were vacancies.

Roundabout tenders called

By Roy Pilott

John Hansen’s dream of seeing a flyover rather than a roundabout at the Piarere intersection of highways one and 29 appears to have been dashed.

The Cambridge resident’s case won a lot of support in Waipā – and from the Waikato Chamber of Commerce – but when he argued against Waka Kotahi’s plan in the Environment Court judge David Fitzpatrick found he did not have supporting data and evidence.

Following on from April’s court approval for the project, Waka Kotahi is now calling for tenders.

The intersection can be a nightmare at times for drivers heading from the Bay of Plenty wait to turn right onto State Highway 1.

Waka Kotahi said it had looked at other options, but a $40 million two lane roundabout was the best choice.

The roundabout will provide for a connection with the Waikato Expressway when it is extended further south.

In arguing in favour of the roundabout, Waka Kotahi said that in the morning peak there was an average delay of 15 seconds and a typical queue length of 26m; and in the afternoon peak there was an average delay of 23 seconds and a typical queue length of 51m.

Hansen said that evidence was out of touch.

He told The News the expressway to Warkworth “is $880 million, that works out at a little under $50,000 per metre for a four lane highway.

“A flyover for Piarere is a single lane of 800

metres and at $50,000 per metre will cost the same as the roundabout and the intersection will be flowing through the south bound traffic, not holding up the traffic on SH29 and SH1 north bound.

He said that amounted to a huge amount of traffic safety and time saving.

Something “doesn’t see right”, he said.

Waka Kotahi is also planning to convert another T intersection in Waipā to a roundabout.

This one is at the intersection of Raynes Rd and State Highway 3.

The intersection is a blackspot and will get busier when Hamilton’s Peacocke development opens.

The roading agency hopes to start work on the project – expected to cost $8 million - before the end of the year.

Celebrating Life - Your Way

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

Grinter’s Funeral Home are dedicated to providing personalised and meaningful funeral services. We are always open to new ideas, and are there for you in your time of need, so please get in touch anytime to discuss your options.

Waipā staff were out in force during one of the community engagement sessions earlier this year for the Ahu Ake Spatial Plan.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Maunga manager is full time

By Roy Pilott

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari will take on a full-time general manager as part of a move to bolster fundraising and its profile.

Chief executive Andrew Peckham, who took up the post in December, said the plan is for a full time role to be created, and when it is filled, he will revert to holding a position on the board.

“I’ll help that person arrive – we feel we need to focus on fundraising – we rely on it and the landscape has changed over the last six to eight months,” he said.

“We are going okay, but this needs attention and we want a full time person in the role.”

Peckham is employed for 20 hours a week and was not able to commit to a full time role.

“It wasn’t an option to go to 40 hours –I’m gracious about it - I put my hand up and said this would be a good move.”

Peckham, a chartered accountant, has filled leadership roles at Air New Zealand, Mercury and Taupo District Council.

He grew up in the Waikato and studied at St Paul’s Collegiate and the University of Waikato. An advertisement for the new role notes “we work to protect an ancient forest which is home to many of Aotearoa New Zealand’s

most endangered species - including kiwi, kākā, takahē, bats, frogs, tuatara and giant wētā. Our successful kiwi recovery programme has regenerated kiwi numbers from zero on the mountain in 2006 to over 2000 birds today.”

Peckham will still be in his role when the maunga’s next high profile residents arrive.

Kākāpō will be introduced – possibly before the end of this month – to a new enclosure designed to prevent them climbing out of the pest proof fence which has enabled the Maungatautari project to

Totara planted to honour Thompson

A totara was planted to honour the late tumuaki, Anaru Thompson, at a celebration of the Waikato Regional Council’s project with Ngāti Hauā Mahi Trust to restore the Karāpiro and Mangaonua catchments.

Anaru, who was the kingmaker for 20 years and one of the founders of Ngāti Hauā Mahi Trust, died in June last year.

His widow, Hine Thompson, in attending her “first community planting” the same week as her husband’s unveiling, brought along a photograph of him to commemorate the completion of the project, which included putting the last 100 trees of a 100,000-tree journey into the ground.

Waikato Regional Council and Ngāti Hauā Mahi worked together with landowners in the Mangaonua and Karāpiro catchments after getting funding of $637,500 from Te Uru Rākau –New Zealand Forest Service’s One Billion Trees Fund, as part of the Jobs for Nature programme.

Ngāti Hauā Mahi Trust CEO Keri Thompson, Anaru’s daughter, said the three-year project had been the start of an incredible journey for the trust, enabling it to ramp up its efforts to restore the mauri of the catchments and help get rangatahi into jobs and reconnect with the land through mātauranga Māori.

succeed.

The nocturnal flightless parrot’s conservation status is listed as nationally critical – the total known population is about 250. It is the only flightless parrot – and the heaviest. It was once one of the most common birds in New Zealand – but introduced predators almost wiped the bird out and a recovery programme has involved moving the birds to offshore islands.

A return to Maungatautari will also be a return to mainland New Zealand.

Altogether, more than 111,000 native plants were planted, 67 hectares of land was retired, and 23.5 kilometres of new fencing was constructed. In-stream fish habitat was also created as part of river erosion control works. The project started and ended on the 187-hectare property belonging to fifth generation farmers Stephen and Hayley Brunskill.

Waikato regional councillor and neighbour Stu Kneebone, who attended the celebration, said it was great to see other locals really passionate about restoring the health of catchments.

Andrew Peckham

Kakapo will be introduced to Maungatautari.

Photo – Department of Conservation.

After the eruption…

By Janine Krippner

“You‘ve never seen it miss this house, and miss that house, and come after you!” said Dr. Jo Harding, meteorologist in the 1996 movie Twister. This quote kept playing through my head while walking around the edges of the lava flow emplaced during the 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption in La Palma, Canary Islands.

Over the three-month-long eruption multiple flows travelled from different vents located uphill, covering many homes downhill in thick, dense rock that will remain hot in places for years to come.

Along the edges of the flows the damage is variable. Some homes had lava flow through the entire building, some a single room. Some have fractures through the concrete and brick walls, others had their roof collapse – also a result of heavy volcanic ash (pulverized magmatic rock) building up on top.

Some caught fire. You can stand in front of one house that was totally destroyed, then the neighbouring homes uphill and downhill seem fine. Small mountains of ash and housing debris have been accumulated from on and around homes next to the lava, and piles of solid rock where lava has been removed from properties and to build new roads.

I have seen several homes where thick lava has actually been removed from inside and renovations have begun. Some homes with fractures through the walls are mended. I don’t know what sort of stability checks have been undertaken. The general thinking is that if lava touches your house it’s game over, but that is not what we are seeing.

If this were Auckland it would look different, with many of our homes being built of wood (which do generally fare better in earthquakes), but the same big questions

Never fight fire with fire

By Murray Smith, Pastor, Bridges Church

we have to think about is how we handle the aftermath. If your back yard had a 5-metre-thick lava flow edge across it but your home seemed fine, what would you do? If your neighbours were mourning the total loss of their home and you are now surrounded by a hot, sharp, rubbly landscape of fresh rock, what would you do? If your land was now under sharp rock up to 70 metres thick, how would you begin to move forward? If this was your home with so many precious memories, where your parents grew up on land handed down through generations, how would you be feeling? This is the anguish the local communities are living through. The stories we are hearing of the impact to mental health here are utterly heartbreaking (we are working to verify everything we are told).

The crisis lasts long after the eruption stops, especially without the proper financial, logistical, and mental health support. This is not just a volcanology issue, it is a political and social issue. As we have seen with earthquakes and cyclones in Aotearoa, it takes all parts of society to band together to help with recovery.

This eruption scenario can happen in New Zealand. It will certainly happen to other villages, towns, and cities around the world. “What can I do to help?” is a heavy question on our minds as we push forward in our research. As individuals we might not be able to change the world, but we can make positive changes in our corner of the world. Every single one of us has the power to support, to help solve problems, and even save lives.

A wailing siren caught my attention while driving in a busy city this week. You know how it goes - at first, it’s hard to determine what it is (fire, police, ambulance) or where it’s coming from. It got louder until, away in the distance, threading through traffic I spotted flashing lights in my rear vision mirror.

Driving in double lanes, I pulled left, preparing to make way - most other drivers began their own manoeuvres peeling left and right, melting a thoroughfare for the rapidly approaching fire engine.

But one driver, entering a single lane roundabout, maybe in shock or a state of ambivalence, cruised along, blithely blocking the fire truck with lights flashing and deafening siren… a blaring horn sent this car careening off the road and the exceedingly purposeful fire-crew barged on through. In that brief moment. Putting out a fire, took precedence over everything.

The fire-crew’s dedication to averting a crisis, got me thinking about averting another national crisis our communities face. Far less prevalent than houses devastated by fire, are homes being scarred by ‘flames’ of domestic violence and relationship conflicts.

Fighting a fire, with more fire is a terrible strategy for extinguishing flames. Yet often, that’s how it rolls… out of hurt, anger or reaction, people erupt, go on the attack and a raging fire is stoked with counter accusations and aggressive responses being exchanged. And it’s worse when accelerated by alcohol or drugs.

Addressing matters at hand quickly, with appropriate strategies could prevent damaging melt-downs. Among the most common points of ignition for relationships

‘catching fire’ are angry altercations, or when grudge-filled offences arise. Our word ‘offence’ comes from a Greek word, ‘scandalon’, which was the bait used to lure an animal into a pit of spears, impaling it. When people are hurt or offended (taking the bait), it creates seething withdrawal or volatile attack- once lit, such consuming fires rage out of control.

The Bible is full of great advice on how to extinguish flareups in any relationship.

In Proverbs it tells us, “A soft answer turns away anger.” So true…a determination to never erupt angrily, rather adapting a quietly spoken, gentle manner, suppresses potential for the sparks to fly.

I knew a man who while driving, was pulled over by a policeman. The driver was in a hurry. His smouldering irritation with the cop who was at first very courteous, grew into a fiery blaze which proved hugely regrettable - and costly.

Purposing to operate out of the opposite spirit to anger or actions that make you feel attacked, dissipates rather than escalates situations.

The greatest example of this is Jesus who told us to, “bless those who curse you.” And also, “When He was reviled, He did not revile in return.” In the Bible the word ‘revile’ means to abuse, to mock or attack with evil words.

The focussed nature of that fire truck crew was impressive - nothing was going to block their goal of getting to those flames and dousing them. That same level of diligence in protecting relationships from going up in smoke, equally warrants every effort.

Rotary looks to Les Quesnoy

By Viv Posselt

The Cambridge Rotary Club’s new president David Partis wants to add a ‘Rotary’ element to the town’s well-established sister city relationship with Le Quesnoy in France.

Among his stated focus areas for his year in office is a desire to form a link between the Rotary clubs of both towns, to form a ‘sister club’ relationship that will be mutually beneficial.

“I have already approached my equivalent in Le Quesnoy,” he said before last week’s club changeover. “They are very excited to form an alliance. Sister clubs are an established part of Rotary International … we’re currently looking at what we both want to achieve within those parameters.”

Early plans are to arrange a ‘friendship exchange’ at the end of his year in office, with Rotarians visiting Le Quesnoy, and Cambridge club members hosting a delegation of French Rotarians.

David took over the role from former club president John Bishop. While relatively new to Cambridge – he moved here in 2020 – he is not new to Rotary. His 15-year involvement has seen him attached to both the Henderson club in Auckland, and the Taumarunui club. He held the reins as president of the latter in 2013/14.

His own entry into Rotary 15 years ago came when he felt he was at a stage in life when he had more time to ‘give something back’. “I was happy with how things were, and I was selfemployed, which does help.”

The Auckland born and raised tech engineer has straddled New Zealand and Australia throughout his working life. He now runs his own web-training business from home.

Other focus areas David wants to tackle as club president include increasing Rotary’s profile in Cambridge and building on the ‘Friends of Rotary’ brand, something that links the club with

AERIAL DRONE SURVEY

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

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

non-Rotary members in the community.

“It’s already being done through our successful Urban Miners initiative, which involves people in the community who are not members of Rotary but who want to do something to help,” he said.

He hopes an increased community profile might also attract new blood into the club – ideally representing a cross-section of the community.

“We don’t have as many women in the club as we should, for example. I want to look at ways we can make Rotary a more attractive

proposition for women. I don’t want an all-out recruiting drive, but I do want to create the sort of environment in the club that will encourage them to join.”

David praised former club president John Bishop for the job he had done as the club resumed following its Covid-19 hiatus.

“We’re back to normal now, thankfully. John did a great job in holding the ship steady during that difficult time,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to the year ahead. Cambridge is a growing community with growing needs. There is much we can do to help.

Emergency upgrade

Waikato Hospital’s $3.3 million upgraded emergency department was completed last week. Arrivals and reception have moved closer to the front entrance allowing staff to engage and triage patients immediately. Assessment rooms in the waiting area have also been added. The hospital sees more than 84,000 patients a year.

Hockey success

Cambridge High School finished ninth out of 15 teams in the Tanner Cup competition in Hamilton last week. It was the under 15A team’s first appearance in the prestigious competition. The side beat John McGlashan College twice, Christ’s College and Palmerston North Boys High School but lost in pool play to Auckland Grammar, who went on to finish fourth, and winners New Plymouth Boys’ High School.

Sunday concert

A concert in Te Awamutu on Sunday will feature performances by Waikato Conservatorium of Music students. Organised as collaboration between the Conservatorium and the Te Awamutu Music Federation, it brings together vocal students Breony Bearman, Faamanu Fonoti-Fuimaono, Jordan FonotiFuimaono, Szilvia Hernyak and Niamh Bentley, with Jonathan Dunlop accompanying on piano. The concert is at St John’s Anglican Church.

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

New Cambridge Rotary Club president David Partis, left, took over the reins from John Bishop last month.

Stream ‘green with effluent’

A prosecution taken by Waikato Regional Council against a dairy farming operation in Ngaroma, near Ōtorohanga, has resulted in convictions, fines and an Enforcement Order for offences in 2021.

It is the third time since 2017 the council has brought a prosecution under the Resource Management Act against those involved in the ownership and management of the farm.

Each case has followed complaints from the public about the otherwise clear Matapara Stream flowing from the farm “turning green with effluent”.

In the Hamilton District Court this month Judge David Kirkpatrick convicted and fined contract milker G & V Farms Limited $52,000 for unlawfully discharging dairy effluent into the environment on two occasions between September and November 2021.

Farm owner Cazjal Farm Limited and its director, John Leonard Walling, were convicted and fined in June for similar offending on three occasions between June and November 2021, and for contravening an Abatement Notice. Cazjal Farming Limited and Mr Walling each received fines of $96,000.

An Enforcement Order against Cazjal Farm Limited and Walling requires them to comply with conditions to upgrade the effluent management practices and processes on the farm.

AGE OF REASON

Status quo carries no truck

In the Cambridge cafe aptly for years known as Deli on the Corner, the interior comes to a sharp and narrow pointed extremity. It looks out at the nearby Duke Street roundabout and what used to be the Central Hotel.

Sitting on a shelf in this narrow confine was a black and white photograph taken around the start of the 20th century with the camera, on this site, pointing out towards the long-standing butchery on the opposite side of Victoria Street.

The vista was of an extremely wide road – no grass-topped median strip in those days. So why the extreme width of the road in such a small town? Because this is where the Auckland to Wellington railway was planned to transit on a northsouth journey linking the prosperity and bustle of the Queen City with the slowmoving bureaucracy alongside windstrewn shore of Port Nicholson.

Goodness knows why this was the (then) plan as the topography to the south embracing Taupo and the ravines that herald the start of the Desert Road should have told any engineer worth his socks that the feat was nigh impossible. It is history now, but common sense prevailed, the line was moved to the west

By Peter Carr

and the last spike driven to complete the construction in 1908.

So why this treatise on rail transport? Well, it is really about the wider subject of multi-transport types and infrastructure. It is no secret that we, this once-proud nation, repair yesterday’s infrastructure to maintain the status quo of the past. We do not replace totally inadequate roads with what is now needed to handle a huge number of cars and the over-large 16-metre-long B-train high sided trucks that thunder along the roads.

The current roading mess north of Gisborne is a prime example of political wavering supporting engineering ineptitude. Pity really, for NZTA (yes, I still use that title) have fine engineers and there are excellent roading engineering firms capable of providing high-standard roads promoting both safety and high speed where appropriate.

The current pothole saga is a case in point. Slapping in a spade-full of hot asphalt to allegedly bring a state highway back to ‘prime’ condition is a fallacy. Throwing down another thousand orange cones is a bureaucrat’s way of apparently slowing down the average speed of travel. Rubbish.

The very recent call for overnight passenger rail reinstatement – plus three other daylight passenger trains –is in the too-hard basket for the railway company. They are predominantly freight driven using narrow-gauge track that produces an average speed Auckland to Wellington of 40kmh. I frequently follow trucks well exceeding their permitted 90kmh as they thunder along the highways giving a direct point-to-point delivery that the rail system will never achieve.

If there is to be a reinstatement of any passenger rail it should be in the hands of a separate company who knows what they are doing. Preferably a European one. I well remember telling the (then) chair of the regional council that the subsidy (that’s you and me paying as taxpayers) for the passenger rail shambles that links Hamilton to Auckland would be too high to stomach. And last week the true figures came to light. The subsidy to date is 86 per cent. This is criminal and a prime example of local government wielding the stick of poor governance to seek glorification.

Caron trained at Oxford Brookes University in the UK and has over a decade of experience in NZ. ACC registered - Up to 40 minute follow up consultations. Osteopaths treat more than you think …… including but not limited to :

• Back & neck pain

• Sciatica

• Postural issues and Pelvic imbalances

• Headaches, Whiplash, Concussion

• Hip, knee, ankle & foot pain

• Shoulder, elbow, wrist pain

• Sinus issues

• Sports or work related injuries

• Joint and muscle pain, & strains

• Osteoarthritis pain and mobility

• Digestive and respiratory issues

• Pregnancy & postpartum related pain

Oh brother! It’s Emma’s turn

Emma Poole has emulated her brother to become the first woman to be named New Zealand’s young farmer of the year.

Poole, from Pirongia, won the 55th FMG Young Farmer of the Year title last weekend in Timaru – watched by the 2022 winner, her brother Tim Dangen.

She also returns to Waipā with prized valued at $90,000.

Poole competed at the Waikato Bay of Plenty Young Farmer of the Year over three days of challenges against six other regional winners.

Contestants’ farming skills and general knowledge were put to the test with tasks that included repairing farm machinery, creating a hydroponic system and a race-style challenge with tasks that saw points awarded for both skill and speed.

“I‘m totally overwhelmed, I really wasn‘t sure where I was going to sit. All the finalists have been so great throughout the competition and these last three days have been really tough so I wouldn‘t say I was feeling confident, but I knew I‘d put in my best effort and that‘s all you can hope for at the end of the day,” she said. She told Dangen “we‘ve finally knocked the grass ceiling off the roof”.

“There‘s a long chain of women that have worked really hard to display the important role we play in agriculture. All those women have given me the confidence to stand up and give it a go. I‘m just a product of what they‘ve all achieved.”

More than 600 spectators at the Winchester Showgrounds watched the

action during Friday’s practical day.

Poole, competing at her second final after being there in 2019, pipped Aorangi representative Peter O’Connor. Otago-Southland’s Hugh Jackson was third.

“The most challenging was definitely the Agri-Sports, I had a pretty frustrating start with the baler and the tractor and that comes down to stress, but it‘s no different to what we‘re doing every day. Farming is tough when stress comes on and you‘ve got to find a way

to adapt and carry on.”

New Zealand Young Farmers Chief Executive Lynda Coppersmith said Poole impressed judges with her resilience, broad stroke of skills and knowledge and sheer determination.

“I’m thrilled for Emma – it’s the most prestigious farming award in the country and it’s incredible to see it go to someone who will be such a strong ambassador for not only the contest but for the entire food and fibre sector as a whole.”

Emma Poole competing in the head to head challenge in Timaru.

Champion – Poole is the first woman to be named young farmer of the year.

Recovering at work ‘kept me sane’

When Carl Perry ruptured his Achilles heel, he was worried about taking time off work.

The physical education teacher is the rugby director at St Peter’s School in Cambridge and is often required to be on his feet

But going on a Recovery at Work programme helped him stay on top of his tasks and remain socially connected, giving his

physical and mental wellbeing a boost.

As a former rugby player at club level at home and professionally in Italy, he was no stranger to injury.

But after competing for so many years in such a physical sport, ironically it was social netball that eventually brought him down.

“I went to take off and then ‘bang’,” Perry recalls of the

moment he snapped his Achilles in July last year.

“It just felt like someone had shot me or kicked me right in the back of the leg. I reached down and all I could feel was soft skin – the Achilles had snapped in half.”

After being treated at the nearest accident and emergency centre, Carl was relieved to hear he did not need surgery.

But he was still facing a long road to recovery – he also coaches the first XV and is assistant director of the senior boarding house. With three daughters under five, he was worried about how a lengthy spell off work would impact his life.

His doctor suggested going on an ACC Recovery at Work programme, which allows people to do alternative duties or reduced hours while they get back to full health.

International research shows recovering in the workplace can be good for an injured person’s physical and mental wellbeing, and can help them get better sooner.

Recovery at work programmes also provide structure and routine, a sense of purpose, and social connection – all contributing to a better recovery.

While on the programme, Carl was able to coach from the sidelines and teach most of his classes.

“Staying connected to work was a massive bonus,” he says.

“Being able to work in some capacity enabled me to feel like I was still completing tasks. It gave me a sense of purpose while I was injured.”

Twelve months on from the injury, Carl has only recently been able to start running with his players on the rugby field.

That was a major milestone, but recovering at work helped

him maintain his mental health throughout the rehab process, Carl says.

“It was great to connect socially with my workmates.

“If I hadn’t been able to come to work, I would have been in a dark place. It definitely kept me sane.”

Recovery at Work is based on a team approach, including the injured person, as well as their employer, health provider, whānau and workmates.

ACC also provides financial support, equipment and help getting to and from work. Carl’s support included physio, medical costs, a moonboot, and knee scooter.

He says he couldn’t have made the progress he did without the support of his managers at St Peter’s School and his physios.

St Peter’s director of sport, former Silver Ferns netballer Te Aroha Keenan, made sure the sports department staff did all they could to support him.

“He loves getting involved and he loves our students, so anytime he can get in front of them he always presents the best of himself,” Te Aroha says.

“He could do a lot of his admin from home and, if there were cones or gear to put out, other staff members would do that for him. We’d make sure he was set up for the day and was sitting on a chair, putting his foot up, whenever he could.”

Up and running – Carl Perry is back on the park with his young charges.

Market forces

I have just read the article in today’s Cambridge News (July 6) regarding the farmers market and it raises a few issues for me, certainly one for our council which in no way can approve the market continuing under the present cost structure if the market is no longer running as a trust. It must be treated as a commercial venture and charged as such.

It must also raise the issue of where has the profit of approximately $64,000 a year according to the article been going for the last 12 years. Surely if the council is granting it a licence as a trust then it should be made aware of where the trust is distributing its profits into the community.

I hope you will be following this up with the council and reporting back to your readers. Thank you for the good work being done keeping us

informed

Bob Russell Cambridge Commercial call

I felt uneasy after reading your article. The concern is that the market is now a commercial concern run as

a business and should therefore have to pay commercial rates for the use of council land.

Other businesses have an obligation to meet its rent, rates etc, It should be no different for the market. The risk is the market becomes uneconomical to run as a business, then maybe use the template and let a charity run it like Lions, Rotary or another community organisation.

As a rate payer I cannot see the sense of council having to foot the bill for the $2750 to reinstate the ground when the income is only $375 per year Why not move it to a more robust location like a carpark?

Roddy Kerr Leamington,

No problem here

The farmers’ market in Cambridge brings locals together, provides amazing local produce, has sustainable practices and is also good for tourism. It brings people into town on Saturdays which benefits all businesses. Why all the scrutiny for something that is working so well?

Sam Brydon Maungatautari

Wintec cancels Wallace degree

Wintec has stripped disgraced businessman and arts patron James Wallace of the honorary Master of Arts he was awarded in 2019.

Cambridge born Wallace, one of the country’s leading arts and film philanthropists and a former rich-lister, was convicted in May 2021 of indecently assaulting three men and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

He was jailed for two years and four months but kept his name suppressed until the end of last month.

Wintec told The News it has academic regulations that cover “situations such as this one” and it had been reviewing the matter since Wallace’s name suppression was lifted.

“As a result, Wintec-Te Pūkenga has formally approved the decision to remove the Wintec Honorary Degree, Master of Arts, from Sir James Wallace.”

The Government has also started proceedings to strip the 85-year-old of the knighthood he was awarded in 2011.

University on the up

By Peter Nicholl

In my column last week, I wrote that Waikato University’s ranking of 250th in the QR global rankings of universities placed it sixth amongst New Zealand’s eight universities. That was wrong. It was fifth. Its 2023 ranking was very close to two other New Zealand universities, Massey at 239 and Victoria at 241. Waikato

CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE CALLS OVER THE LAST WEEK

FRIDAY:

MVC, car vs car, Cambridge-Te Awamutu Road

THURSDAY:

Building alarm and evacuation, Swayne Road

Building alarm and evacuation, Dey Street Smoke from switchboard, Queen Street

WEDNESDAY:

Car re, Waikato Expressway

TUESDAY:

Car vs Pole, Waikato Expressway

University was also the big mover amongst the NZ universities in 2023 rising a remarkable 81 places from its 2022 ranking of 331.

Two other strong results for Waikato University were that it was ranked number one amongst New Zealand universities for Business and Economics for the second year in a row and was also ranked first for citations per faculty. This is used as a measure of the impact of the university’s research.

T & T duo make way for Pat

By Viv Posselt

Two men who have toiled tirelessly for Cambridge Lions’ ‘Trash ‘n Treasure Market’, Bill Cairns and Gus Wackrow, have stepped back to leave new man Pat Whyte at the helm from July 1.

The monthly market has helped the Cambridge Lions Club raise many thousands of dollars for the community over more than 25 years. Its 2022 Covid-prompted shift from the Cambridge CBD to Memorial Park in Taylor Street has realised a host of benefits, and both Bill and Gus feel the time is right for them to hand over the ‘T & T’ reins to someone else.

Both men hark back to the early days of the market when the club was replete with colourful characters finding technology-free ways to get the job done.

There was the late Ernie Goodwin, who drove through town early on market Sundays to shout through the loudspeaker, ‘wakey-wakey, Trash ‘n Treasure time’. There was Scots-born funeral director John Milne, who became a legend at age 78 when he scuppered a thief’s plans by jumping into the getaway car and threatening the teenaged pilferer with a glass lamp.

Gus, a member of Cambridge Lions for 33 years, initially belonged to the Jaycees before he grew too old for them and had to

find another spot from which to serve the community. Lions it was, and eventually he followed Ernie and John in helping run Trash ‘n Treasure.

“I’ve loved it all those years … I’m definitely not stepping down, just stepping back,” he said.

Bill came on board too, joining the club in 2002 and taking on the market’s admin side. He had been running a Learn to Swim programme before a friend asked him when he was going to join the Lions.

“They ganged up on me … I ran out of excuses,” he laughed.

“I might be dropping back from the market but I’m not leaving the club.”

The pair worked like Trojans, building the market from its initial six stalls in Empire Street through the years of sprawl across the CBD, to today’s successful community family event where anything over 300 stalls is the norm, particularly in fine weather.

The shift to Hautapu’s Memorial Park has brought with it several benefits, principally more space.

“We moved there because of Covid restrictions, but the additional space is welcomed by all,” said the new man at the top, Pat Whyte. “Stallholders have more space, there is room to park cars close to the stalls and more room for family-oriented entertainment and activities. Because of that, the

market has a real family-friend vibe … it’s more relaxed. We also have better disability access than we had in town.”

Pat is a Taranaki man who has lived in Cambridge for just over 18 months. The wealth of experience he brings comes from

various careers including teaching, journalism and PR, as well as time devoted to different service clubs around the country fulfilling a raft of roles.

“I looked around the clubs when I came here and liked what I saw at Lions … they are ordinary

people doing great things,” he said. “I have all sorts of ideas when it comes to the Trash ‘n Treasure Market. We do get fantastic support from the business community in Cambridge … it’s grown so much that it opens up a host of new ideas.”

Cambridge 48 Ihimaera Terrace

4 2 1 2

Easy Family Living in River Gardens

- Open plan kitchen, dinning and living. - Double internal acess garage.

- Master with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. - Outdoor BBQ area with vegetable garden. Call Shelby today to arrange your viewing!

Taupiri 60b Jew Road

7

activities.

For Sale Price by Negotiation View by appointment or scheduled open home times www.kdre.co.nz/CB6263

Shelby Garrett M 027 622 4166

Te Kowhai 70 Woolrich Road

4 2 2 1

Step inside the home, and you’ll immediately notice the care and attention to detail that has been put into its presentation. The open-plan layout creates a sense of airiness and connectivity, perfect for 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!

Taupiri 530a Tenfoot Road

0.8ha

Call Gary today to arrange your viewing!

Gary Stokes M 021 351 112

We are delighted to present to you three truly exceptional rural sections. Each expansive section spans across a generous 0.8 hectares, o ering an unparalleled canvas for your bespoke country abode. With scenic vistas surrounding these blocks, every corner is designed to delight your senses. Nestled amidst the captivating beauty of the rural countryside, these sections boast breathtaking views that can only be found in our beloved country. Imagine waking up to the melodious chirping of the birds, spending the day amidst nature, and retiring to the night with a sky full of stars. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Call Kevin or Gary today for more information.

For Sale $1,950,000

View by appointment or scheduled open home times www.kdre.co.nz/CB6284

Gary Stokes M 021 351 112

For Sale $650,000

View by appointment

www.harcourts.co.nz/CB6285

Gary Stokes M 021 351 112

Kevin Deane M 021 970 902

New Trash ‘n Treasure head Pat Whyte, left, with departing duo Bill Cairns and Gus Wackrow.

To infinity and beyond

By Steph Bell-Jenkins

Spencer Cleland is shooting for the stars as her prepares to go boldly where only a select group of budding scientists have gone before.

The St Peter’s School year 13 student is one of 24 around the world chosen to attend this year’s European Space Camp in Norway, an annual week-long learning experience for high flying students aged 17-20.

He was in his lounge, about to watch Netflix, when he got a phone call from the Royal Society Te Apārangi to say his application had been successful.

“It’s kind of mind-blowing really,” he said. “I couldn’t really

speak when I got told; I was very excited. My mum was screaming when I found out and I was just sitting there, not having any words.”

Inspired by his former chemistry teacher to apply, Spencer was one of only of only two New Zealand students to receive a grant to attend the camp from the Royal Society, a not-for-profit organisation that supports New Zealanders to explore, discover and share knowledge.

The driven 18-year-old, an academic prefect who topped his physics, chemistry and mathematics with calculus classes last year, hopes the experience will help him firm up career options.

“Going to Norway, I’ll be able to

find out if I really want to go down the engineering pathway, but also build lots of connections,” he said.

“They talk about how we get to talk to some of Europe’s greatest engineers and scientists, which I think is quite cool, and I think it will be really helpful for my future.”

During his week at the camp, held at the Andøya space centre in northern Norway, he will hear lectures from top academics and work with other students to build and launch a 2.7m long Mongoose research rocket.

Other activities will include sightseeing and tramping.

“They talk about a swim under the midnight sun because it’s always day there,” said Spencer,

who has never been to Europe.

“I’ve been told to bring an eye mask so I can sleep.”

Spencer has lived in Cambridge since he was 18 months old, when his family moved here from New York. He attended Hautapu School before heading to St Peter’s in year 7.

“It’s a big commitment for my parents to send me to St Peter’s so I

really want to make the most of the opportunities that I’ve been given,” he said.

His dream is to work as an engineer for NASA, Rocket Lab or another large firm, or enter the biomedical or aerospace fields. For the talented student, as the space camp organisers put it, “the sky’s not the limit – it’s where the fun begins”.

Pinnacle backs Waikato med school

Pinnacle is backing plans to establish the country’s third medical school through Waikato University. Its clinical director Jo Scott-Jones said the workforce situation in primary care was desperate.

“Doctors are under immense pressure, often having to prioritise their patients‘ wellbeing at the expense of their own,” he said, calling the third medical school one of many solutions needed to address “a dire problem”.

Pinnacle Incorporated is the parent in a group of general practices managing the healthcare of nearly 500,000 people enrolled with 86 practices covering the central North Island and Coromandel.

The government launched a health workforce plan last week which aims to increase the number of medical school places for 2024 by 50.

The National Party has consistently supported establishing a third medical school in Hamilton and says it would see an additional 220 doctors graduating each year from 2030.

Scott-Jones says as the demand for doctors continues to rise, the burden on the healthcare workforce intensifies as professionals depart from practices. He highlighted the potential domino effect resulting from the loss of a single general practitioner in a small community adversely impacting surrounding practices and hospitals.

“The proposed third medical school, with its unique approach to graduate entry and community-focused training, holds the potential to be a transformative solution to the acute medical workforce shortage."

Soldering on - Spencer Cleland hopes to work as an engineer - or enter the biomedical or aerospace fields.

Jo Scott-Jones

Eleven up for Hautapu

Hautapu beat Hamilton Old Boys 33-20 at Memorial Park in Cambridge on Saturday but an all Waipā premier final was thwarted when Te Awamutu Sports went down 43-19 to Hamilton Marist at Albert Park in Te Awamutu.

Hautapu and Te Awamutu Sports were the top two qualifiers and had home ground advantage which the Cambridge team used to beat Old Boys for the second time in a fortnight.

Wingers Quentin Hill and Waisake Salabiau scored two tries each, with

halfback Quintony Ngatai scoring the opener. Cameron Gregory-Ring potted four conversions.

Nerves played a big part in the Te Awamutu result. Playing their first home semi-final in 32 years and against the team they beat on the same ground 33-31 two weeks before, they struggled for ascendancy throughout.

Hautapu will now play Marist in their 11th grand final keen to avenge the only loss of the season, in the last of the round robin matches, to the Hamilton side 25-21.

Cross town team Leamington will be in two finals, division one for the Mooloo Shield against Putāruru – following their 34 all draw in the South Waikato town on Saturday - and the second team against Southern United in division one B.

Meanwhile Hautapu Colts continued their winning way beating Hamilton Marist 22-7 in a top of the table clash to lead the table by one point.

Te Awamutu has some consolation as its second team takes on Hamilton Marist in the Premier B final in Hamilton on Saturday.

Results: Premier, semifinals - Hautapu 33 Hamilton Old Boys 20, Te Awamutu 19 Hamilton Marist 43.

Premier B - Te Awamutu 46 Hamilton Old Boys 24.

Division One (Mooloo Shield) - Pirongia 7 Southern United 19, Putāruru 34 Leamington 34.

Division One B - Pirongia 7 Southern United 45, Putāruru 10 Leamington 13.

Colts - United Matamata 24 Leamington 36, Te Awamutu 3 Pirongia 10, Hamilton Marist 7 Hautapu 22.

Hautaupu halfback Quintony Ngatai waits to clear the ball from the maul supported by from left, flankers David Morris and Shi Jie Yong.

Photos: Mary Anne Gill

•Pre vehicle inspections

•Maintenance and regular

•Diagnostics for engines,

18 Riverhurst Drive, Te Awamutu. 27 Progress Drive, Otorohanga.

Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan had one eye on the live stream from the Te Awamutu v Marist game and the other on the Hautapu action. She was a sponsor’s invite with husband John Hayward, right, and from left, Forsyth Barr investment advisors Andrew Flexman and Mike Raynes.

Ball boys for the Hautapu v Hamilton Old Boys semifinal were: from left, Tom Hatting, 11, Kaipaki School, Conrad Pukape, 10, Leamington, Ben Hatting, 9, Kaipaki School, Harry Pluck, 11, Cambridge Middle School, Blake McKenzie, 10, Cambridge Primary.

Winger Waisake Salabiau cuts inside Hamilton Old Boys fullback Jayden Green.

Hooker Nicolas Jeffcoat and halfback Quintony Ngatai in the build up to Hautapu’s opening try by Ngatai.

’s time to celebrate a milestone birthday and were excited! This August marks 20 years for HTSL. It’s �me to celebrate a milestone birthday and were excited! Check out our socials for informa�on on our 20th Anniversary giveaways and our celebra�on event!

Explore your Backyard

Morrinsville, cream of the country

Morrinsville (Cream of the Country) is only 30 minutes drive from Cambridge and offers a quality range of accommodation, restaurants and eateries. Complimented by a full range of retail and other services. The colourful range of cows in the town are dotted on street corners, outside businesses and are a truly magnificent sight to behold. It's literally "a must see" when you visit this wonderful town.

If art is your pleasure, stroll around the town and follow the “arts trail” of historic homesteads and buildings. The Matamata Piako District Council produced a "Heritage Trail" booklet and this is now available from the Morrinsville Information Centre. The booklet covers the three towns of Morrinsville, Matamata and Te Aroha.

A visit to the Wallace Art Gallery on Thames Street is a "must see" for all visitors. The continuous change of art exhibit's ensure repeat visits are essential. Morrinsville also offer a variety of

Beauty Therapy Services

 ADVANCED SKIN CARE

 ULFIT - NON SURGICAL FACELIFT

 MICRO NEEDLING

 DERMA PLANNING

MICRODERMABRASION

 LED ACNE, PAIN MANAGEMENT, HEALING

 IPL FOR FACIAL VEINS & HAIR REMOVAL

 LVL LASH LIFT

 PEDICURES | MANICURES

 MASSAGE

 WAXING

 SPRAY TANS

walks, along the river or around the town. Take a relaxed stroll through recreation grounds, stop for a swim or a picnic. There are also a number of other walks and bike tracks in the region. Step back in time with a visit to the "Heritage Centre" located on Canada Street (opposite the library). Follow the story of Morrinsville and district to see how the town and community has developed over the years. A visit to the 'McDonald Cottage' built in 1873 is amazing. The Cottage was relocated to the new site and forms part of the Heritage Centre building.

Call in to the i-SITE Morrinsville Visitor Centre/AA Agency to find out what is on.

Appearance Medicine

Dr Saif Sulaiman

DERMAL FILLERS - SILHOUETTE SOFT FACELIFTS

MICROSCLETHERAPY - VEIN TREATMENT

PRP - PLATELET RICH PLASMA FACIALS

MOLE SKIN CHECKS - SURGITRON REMOVAL

with Jan Bilton

Midwinter merry making

Throwing a midwinter Matariki party is high on my celebration calendar this year. It will be a great antidote for the winter blues. I love a cheerful get-together with family and friends. And the cooler temperatures are more suited to indulgent dishes.

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in midwinter and for many Māori it heralds the start of a new year. Iwi across New Zealand understand and celebrate Matariki in different ways and at different times. This year, New Zealand will celebrate Matariki will on Friday 14 July.

As this coincides with Bastille Day in France, this could be some weekend.

Tip: To make your own Irish cream for the boozy banana trifles, combine half a cup each of cream and milk with a 395gram can of sweetened condensed milk, three tablespoons of chocolate syrup, a teaspoon of instant coffee granules, one teaspoon of vanilla essence and 400 millilitres of Irish Whiskey. Mix gently using a hand-held eggbeater. It can be stored sterilised bottles in the fridge for up to two months.

LAMB RACK WITH HERBS

Herb Coating: 3 large cloves garlic, crushed

1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

1 tablespoon finely chopped thyme leaves

2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary leaves

salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Lamb: 2 racks lamb, 6-8 cutlets each freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 teaspoons olive oil

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Combine the ingredients for the herb coating in a small bowl.

Season the lamb with the black pepper. Heat the oil in a large frying pan on medium-high. Add the racks and brown for 3 minutes on each side.

Place the racks in a small roasting pan. Pat the herb coating on the tops. Prepare in advance if preferred — cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Return to room temperature before roasting. Roast the racks for 15 minutes. Loosely cover the racks with foil and continue roasting for 5-8 minutes (internal temperature 60-65°C). Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serves 6.

MULLED WINE RED CABBAGE

Can be prepared a day ahead and reheated. Use the remaining half of the mulled wine to serve with the lamb.

Mulled Wine: 750ml hearty red wine

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 orange

2 each: star anise, bay leaves

1 teaspoon each: black peppercorns, whole cloves

Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

Cabbage: 1/2 (750g) medium red cabbage

75g butter, chopped

1 large onion, thinly sliced

3 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced

2 red-skinned apples, cored and thinly sliced

Place the wine and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Peel the orange thinly then squeeze out the juice. Add both to the saucepan together with the remaining mulled wine ingredients. Simmer for 5 minutes. Cool. It can be refrigerated overnight. Preheat the oven to 160°C.

Remove the core from the cabbage. Thinly slice the leaves.

Melt the butter in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the onion and garlic and cook gently until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the cabbage and apples. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain half the mulled wine over the cabbage. Pour into a suitable baking dish, cover and cook in the oven for 1 1/2 - 2 hours until the cabbage is softened and the flavours have developed. Serve immediately or cool and chill overnight, then reheat. Serves 6.

BOOZY BANANA TRIFLES

The Irish Cream marries well with the bananas. However, a coffee or orange liqueur could be substituted. The dessert can be made 24 hours in advance, covered and refrigerated.

300ml cream

2 tablespoons icing sugar

1/2 cup Irish cream

1 teaspoon vanilla paste

200g chocolate sponge, chocolate cake or brownie

2 large bananas, peeled and sliced

1 1/2 cups vanilla custard

1/2 cup butterscotch caramel sauce (Barkers)

grated chocolate to garnish

Combine the cream, icing sugar, 1 tablespoon of the Irish cream and the vanilla paste in a bowl. Whip until thick.

Crumble the chocolate sponge into six serving dishes or glasses. Drizzle each with 1 tablespoon of the Irish cream. Top with the bananas and custard. Pipe the whipped cream on top. Just before serving, garnish with the butterscotch sauce and grated chocolate. Serves 6.

Lamb rack with herbs

Boozy banana trifles

Last week

Across: 1. Polka, 4. Tragic, 7. Bar, 8. Stop-go, 9. Untidy, 10. Footstep, 12. Ease, 13. Assume, 15. Titter, 16.

Down: 1. Petrol station, 2. Lap, 3. About, 4. Trumpet, 5. Authentic, 6.

Wordsearch

LWDPKAAGKEEPINGDBA

MORREHAUNTEDQNSHRY

XBOTKEVWUIREMMUSOW

XWTUWKOQKIRYLSTPKN

DQREHTAEWRGABXXCEP

MOGNITNUOCDAERIPNT

ANSTATIONINFLLONUH

PRISONPOPDIBBHCOCG

MOTSUCCQYWOUDPYOEI

RARRJTODFAPALLOTGL

ZEIEEANURCOATLADOG

MJKDDELDNRNRNGDECK

EOYAWLIUHTARRESTTK

TMPEENODPIREWOPRTH

IRRTGROHNJXYIPARTY

HBOATLBEVSSALGHWUY

WBUILKDWARMINGBMDF

WMDSPARLIAMENTQFKK

St Kilda

Last week

NMMUOJYJDTKNWDAINK RSIQDGTRBOREREIVCZ RTDLORIBEETLEDKIWB AYGNLBAOPASGZITUQA TZEMYISUSJRMSHWALP SFADJXPSLUGWVPDOSF UIAEQAIELGRXIAIARS CLDSLXRHDMUYCGWDNM OMSDCFHSEEBIQHPAER LENSAOTVLICEBHIWLR JAYXHCRSCARABLCEGE YLFYAMPPKCENTIPEDE TYNYMPHSITNAMHYVES CBTERMITEOOJOOHIFL EUCOCOONKINRWIGLAM SGCULEXDPZNMAGGOTO NALIEGNIWECALARVAT IOMOSQUITOTBGNATFH

Bach, 17. Downcast, 19. Vigour, 20. Flabby, 22. See, 23. On edge, 24. Range.

Indispensable, 11. Touch wood, 14. Endorse, 18. Wafer, 21. Awn.

THE BIG %

*Finance available on New Nissan Qashqai and X-TRAIL models (excluding X-TRAIL Ti-L ePower) registered between 01/07/2023 and 31/07/2023. Approved applicants of Nissan Financial Services New Zealand only. Fixed interest rate of 1% p.a. only available on loan terms up to 24 months (3.9% p.a. applies for 2536 months, 4.9% p.a. applies for 37-48 months and 5.9% for 49-60 month loan terms). No deposit required. Terms and conditions apply. This o er includes an establishment fee of$375, PPSR fee of $8.05 and $10 account keeping fee. All lease and some eet purchasers excluded. Nissan reserves the right to vary, extend or withdraw this o er. Not available in conjunction with any other o er. Additional terms and conditions can be viewed at www.nissan.co.nz.

Overseas pre-production model shown

Make this the year for bold conversations

Death and dying is not always a subject that people want to think or talk about, however when the time comes it could make life easier for those left grieving if some pre-planning has been committed to paper. The death of someone close can bring great sadness, emotional turmoil, and stress. Grieving families have a lot to deal with and organise, as well as many decisions to make.

Increasingly, people are planning their own funerals, mainly to lessen the responsibilities for the family at such a di cult time.

If you would like a copy of Grinter’s Funeral Home’s Pre-Arrangement Form, get in touch and we can make a time to go through everything with you (either at your place or ours).

Thinking about your own funeral plans may seem odd to

some but it is on the increase as a practice.

There is satisfaction in knowing your a airs are in order and your family will not experience extra distress at this di cult time.

As many funeral directors will tell you, it is not unusual for the grieving family to be unaware of the deceased’s funeral wishes.

Prearranging and/or prepaying your funeral means your wishes about how you would like

things to be at your funeral are known and respected. The money is protected in a separate funeral trust and can be accessed by Grinter’s Funeral Home.

Grinter’s Funeral Home will arrange for the costs of the funeral to be paid from your prepayment.

If any money remains after the cost of the funeral has been met, this will be returned to your estate.

If your prepayment does not cover the cost of your funeral, Grinter’s Funeral Home will make arrangements with your family or estate for the balance.

If you would like to talk to one of the Grinter’s Funeral Home team members about preplanning or pre-paying your funeral, give them a call on (07) 827 6037 or 0800 GRINTER (0800 474 683) 24 hours.

A SELECTION OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

ALIGN HEALTH 07 827 4519. Need help with an injury that is getting in the way of life? Their skilled and experienced team will tailor a plan to get you back to your best.

CAMBRIDGE FAMILY HEALTH 07 827 4234. Focusing on Continuity of Care.

CAMBRIDGE MEDICAL CENTRE 07 827 7184.

Cambridge Medical Centre o ers a range of general medical and urgent care services.

DR. K PILLAY LTD 07 827 9933. We are a general practice aiming to provide quality healthcare to you and you family.

DUKE ST HEALTH & MEDICAL CENTRE 07 823 0281.

Duke Street Health is a family centered surgery o ering a full range of general practice services for you and your family.

FOCUSED PHYSIOTHERAPY 07 823 1393.

Focused Physiotherapy’s aim is “Movement for Life” and their team of highly skilled physiotherapists ensure your recovery is their priority.

LEAMINGTON MEDICAL CENTRE 07 827 5959.

Serving the local community, new patients welcome.

ORIGIN OSTEO 021 297 5173. Supporting your health at all stages of life, we are committed to providing you with professional individualised care in a friendly and supportive environment.

RIVER RADIOLOGY 07 957 1835. At River Radiology we deliver a boutique, personalised radiology service. We provide scans, x-rays, MRI, ultrasound, and specialised injections. We take all referrals, and we have appointments available within three days.

Jim Goddin of Grinters Funeral Home.

Where there’s a will….

Wills are often funny things – we tend to leave them until later on in life and creating one can be fraught with di culties, especially in this age or large estates and blended families. Getting it right for all concerned when it comes to your nal wishes is as important as any other decision you will ever make.

When it comes to writing a will, you should take certain considerations into account to ensure your wishes are properly documented and your loved ones are taken care of. Here are some important pieces of advice for the elderly when writing a will:

 Seek professional assistance: If you are likely to have a complex estate, this is imperative. A good lawyer, experienced in estate planning can provide guidance, ensure legal compliance, and help navigate complex matters such as tax implications.

 Be clear and speci c: Clearly articulate your wishes and intentions in your will. Specify how you want your

assets distributed, including any speci c bequests or charitable donations.

 Choose a reliable executor: Select someone you trust to act as the executor of your will. This person will be legally responsible for carrying out your wishes and handling the administrative tasks involved in settling your estate – and answerable if challenged from a legal perspective. They don’t have to be a lawyer; a trusted family member or two can do the job.

 Update regularly: Review and update your will periodically, especially when major life events occur such divorces, births, or deaths in the family. This ensures your will re ects your current circumstances and intentions.

 Communicate with family members: Consider discussing your intentions with your loved ones to prevent potential con icts or misunderstandings after your passing. This can provide clarity and minimise disputes among family members. Everyone knows where they stand. And why.

 Consider healthcare directives: Alongside your will, consider creating healthcare directives such as a living will or a Power of Attorney for your nancial a airs and/or your healthcare. These documents outline your medical treatment preferences and designate someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

By following these guidelines, you can create a comprehensive and legally sound will that re ects your wishes and protect your loved ones in the future.

Enhancing the well-being & quality of life

Age Concern is a nonpro t organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for older people in the community and is very active in both Cambridge and Te Awamutu.

With a rich history of supporting seniors, its volunteers provide a range of services and programs tailored to meet the unique needs of older individuals. The organisation is committed to promoting active aging and social inclusion; this is especially necessary in an age known to be prone to social isolation and vulnerability. It’s focus includes various activities, workshops, and events that encourage seniors to stay connected, learn new skills, and engage in meaningful

interactions with their peers. From exercise classes and arts and crafts sessions to social outings and educational seminars, Age Concern strives to foster a sense of belonging and purpose among older adults.

In addition to the social aspects, Age Concern also provides essential support services. It o ers a wealth of information and advocacy to help seniors navigate the complexities of government agencies, health services, and legal matters – and, more often than many realise, their own families. The trained volunteers and sta are available to o er guidance and assistance, ensuring that older individuals can access the support they need. By valuing and respecting the contributions and experiences of older people, the organisation plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall well-being of the aging population in the Waipa region.

New and

unique

gym in Cambridge for women

Become part of a community of like-minded women connecting and supporting each other to achieve their goals.

Femme Fit offers sessions for:

• Strength and Stability

• High Intensity Interval Training

• Beginners classes

• Yoga

Our vision for Femme Fit is to provide an environment that all women feel comfortable to work out in.

Staying active in your 50s and beyond can be the best gift you give to yourself.

The owners, Heather McEwen and Amanda Vosper are local businesswomen (SaaSam Group and Vosper Law).

Getting around has never been easier

Choosing the right mobility scooter is a crucial decision that can signi cantly impact your independence and quality of life for the better. With a wide range of options available these days, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure the scooter meets your particular needs.

Travel scooters are lightweight and portable, suitable for those who need transportation assistance outside the home. On the other hand, full-size scooters o er more comfort and stability, ideal for longer distances and outdoor use and often come covered in case of rain or other unexpected elements. Next, assessing the terrain in which you are likely to travel, and the environment around it is crucial. If you intend to use the scooter primarily indoors, or travel a lot, a compact model with a tight turning radius – some are even foldable

- would be appropriate. But this would not be ideal in some areas where older footpaths with steeper access points from the road or driveways have yet to be modernised.

Outdoor use usually require a more robust scooter with larger wheels and higher ground clearance to navigate those uneven surfaces.

Consider the weight capacity and seating options as well. It’s important the scooter can comfortably support its rider’s weight, and that the seat is adjustable and cushioned for optimal comfort during extended use.

Safety features are paramount. Look for scooters with anti-tip mechanisms, good suspension, and reliable braking systems. Bright lights, re ectors, and a horn can enhance visibility and alert others to the scooter’s presence, along with a neon ag.

Think about bags or baskets for carrying, or a place to securely attach a walking stick.

Be sure you understand how long the

Grief. Joy. Nostalgia. Pride.

We’re here for it all, 24/7.

Every one of us has a story. A story created from our first breath to our last. We believe funerals aren’t just a place to tell these stories. They’re a place to embrace them. That’s why every service is bespoke, helping you celebrate your loved one’s life the way they lived it. For memories that live on in your head and in your heart.

Legacy Funerals Cambridge

2 Albert Street, Cambridge 3434

battery will last for, how often and for how long it should be charged (trickle or overnight, for example) and whether or not it and the scooter’s electrics can handle wet conditions.

Lastly, try to test-drive di erent models whenever possible to assess manoeuvrability, ease of use, and overall comfort. Additionally, consider the

availability of service and support. By carefully considering your needs, the environment, its safety features and comfort, you can choose a mobility scooter that promotes independence, enhances mobility, and ensures a higher quality of life for you.

A busy retirement lifestyle

The Waipa region o ers a wide range of activities and programs designed to cater to the needs and interests of an elderly population. Many come from a farming background, and others come for the quiet serenity of rural life, while still being close to the many activities both Cambridge and Te Awamutu have to o er.

From recreational pursuits to educational opportunities, seniors in Waipa have numerous options to keep themselves engaged, active, and connected within the community.

One popular activity for the elderly is joining senior centres or clubs. These often organise social gatherings, card games, arts and crafts sessions, and exercise classes tailored to the needs of older adults.

Cambridge even o ers a mobility scooter club. These

clubs provide a welcoming environment for seniors to socialise, make new friends, and participate in activities that promote mental and physical well-being.

For those seeking more physically active pursuits, the Waipa region boasts beautiful natural surroundings, making

it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. Seniors can enjoy leisurely walks or bike rides along scenic trails, engage in gentle exercises like tai chi or yoga in local parks, or even try their hand at shing in the region’s rivers and lakes. Waipa also o ers various educational programs

and workshops targeted speci cally at seniors. These include computer literacy classes, language courses, gardening workshops, and cooking demonstrations and classes. There is even an annual opshop bustrip for those who enjoy ‘treasure hunting”. Or, you could

become a volunteer at one. These opportunities not only provide mental stimulation but also encourage lifelong learning and personal growth. Additionally, Waipa hosts regular community events and festivals that are inclusive of all age groups. Seniors can enjoy music concerts, art exhibitions, cultural celebrations, and local markets, fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement.

Seniors living in Waipa can nd a plethora of opportunities to lead ful lling lives and maintain an active and vibrant lifestyle. All it takes is a quick chat with Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern, or check with your local council, library or newspaper as to some of what is on o er.

Expand Your Horizons, And Keep Learning Come along to U3A Cambridge

Only $30.00 per annum to join and for that you get monthly lectures, and the option to get involved with a special interest study group (or two) Guest lecturers each month on topics to keep your brain engaged, and socialise with other members

2nd Friday of the month, 10 for 10.30 until 12.00

Upcoming lectures:

Dr Hayden ThorneThe United States Supreme Court: Unregulated Power?

Friday 21st July, 2023

Dr Fahima SaeidRefugee journey –looking backward and moving forward

Friday 11th August, 2023

Special Interest Study Groups:

We have over 38 different groups that study topics as varied as Art History, Birds of New Zealand, Philosophy and Current Affairs. These are small groups, you decide how you want to study, what you want to study, where and how often you want to meet - its up to you.

NEW: Limited Series Mini Lectures

These series of four lectures are first in first served on different topics (additional fee of $10-20 per series).

Cambridge St John

An upgrade project underway at the Cambridge St John station will help sta to better serve the community when it’s nished, St John Cambridge area committee chair Jim Goddin says.

The Fort St premises is a “central education hub” from which all internal Waikato St John sta training is carried out.

First aid courses for the public are also facilitated.

The work includes a larger classroom space and upgraded sta facilities.

Additionally, a new generator will ensure that, in the event of an emergency, the station can operate at full capacity.

“The upgrade will help bring the station into the 21st century as St John sta serve our growing community,” Jim said.

At the same time, he said, the Cambridge area committee has several ideas and initiatives which they plan to introduce in the community.

“People will begin to see St John sta around at di erent events even more as we seek to grow our public pro le.

High eld Country Estate

“We want Cambridge to know – even more so – the ways in which we’re here to help.”

Meanwhile, Jim said, Cambridge’s St John Health Shuttle in Cambridge - a koha based service run by volunteers Monday through Friday - is becoming an extremely wellused service.

It helps residents attend Waikato Hospital appointments they otherwise wouldn’t be able to get themselves to.

The health shuttle also removes the stress of needing to nd a car park when visiting the hospital, he said.

For more information, phone 027 268 6051.

Family owned and operated, Te Awamutu’s Award Winning, High eld Country Estate was established in 2012 and is set in tranquil and beautifully landscaped grounds. Commanding sensational views across to Mount Maungatautari, the retirement village currently houses 116 villas and due to unprecedented demand, is proud to announce the limited release of an additional 50+ villas. “The reality is that people living here enjoy it so much, they tell their friends, and we want to be able to o er the same lifestyle to more people,” explains High eld General Manager, Sheryl Thomas. Expansion will start shortly, with future High eld residents able to select from a variety of oorplans. The well-appointed

two- and three-bedroom properties feature spacious, open plan living, coupled with quality ttings and appliances.

The heart of the Village is The Lodge - a community centre which o ers a range of facilities and social gatherings, including a gymnasium, indoor pool and spa, movie theatre, library, Menz Shed, bar, pool tables and much, much more. The weekly newsletter is appreciated by all residents as it outlines the comprehensive programme of social outings, events, and activities.

The vibrant community atmosphere and sense of belonging are key components in the well-being of those living at High eld. Dave and Shona Hollinshead moved in when the village rst opened: “One of the

best decisions we made was to move into High eld, where we know, and our family knows, that we live in a safe, happy, and friendly environment where people look out for one another. We love living here and if you’re lucky enough to get the opportunity to purchase a villa, please come and join us and enjoy your retirement.”

The dedicated management team and supportive sta understand that peace of mind is important for both residents and their families. A safe and secure living environment is assured with security gates, and 24/7 monitored emergency call buttons in each villa. Come and see for yourself why High eld is such a sought-after option for maintenance free retirement living.

L-R: Outside the Cambridge St John station is Peter Spiller, Henry Strong, Reverend Michele Willis, Cynthia Harfoot and Chris Reynolds.

It’s Time to Experience Premium Independent Retirement Living

Family owned and operated, Te Awamutu’s Highfield Country Estate was established in 2012 and is set in beautifully landscaped grounds.

Due to unprecedented demand, we are proud to announce the limited release of an additional 50+ villas with earthwork construction starting soon. Select from a variety of floorplans with the well-appointed two and three bedroom properties featuring spacious, open plan living with quality fittings and appliances.

Our Residents Enjoy the Benefits of:

• A family focused and dedicated Management Team

• Friendly, welcoming and supportive staff

• A comprehensive programme of weekly social outings, events and activities

• A safe and secure living environment

• Beautifully landscaped well-established and maintained grounds

• A vibrant community atmosphere and sense of belonging

• A focus on health, fitness and well-being

• Maintenance free, lifestyle living

“One of the best decisions we made was to move into Highfield, where we know, and our family knows, that we live in a safe, happy, and friendly environment where people look out for one another. We love living here and if you are lucky enough to get the opportunity to purchase a villa, please come and join us and enjoy our retirement.” –

Dave & Shona Hollinshead

To learn more about the benefits of independent lifestyle living at Highfield and to organise a personalised tour of our facilities contact General Manager Sheryl Thomas - 07 871 2020 (Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am – 3pm) manager@highfieldcountryestate.co.nz | 397 Swarbrick Drive, Te Awamutu

The Lifestyle You Want, the Peace of Mind You Deserve -

Make your retirement home t your needs

Choosing a retirement unit in Cambridge is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting a retirement unit in this beautiful town.

Consider the proximity to amenities, such as medical facilities, shopping centres and recreational activities. If you are still able to drive or walk for any distance, location might not be so important, but if you require a mobility scooter to get around, then this should be at the forefront of

WAIKATO’S LARGEST SPECIALIST EYE CLINIC AND HOSPITAL

Our team of highly quali ed and experienced Ophthalmologists have many years of fellowship training in their area of expertise. We pride ourselves on being able to o er our patients a comprehensive range of diagnostic, management, and treatment services inhouse at our clinic alongside our purpose-built Day Surgery – Bridgewater Hospital which is on the same site.

From the rst visit to our clinic, throughout your whole treatment journey with us, your care will be of the highest standard.

If you have concerns about your eye health please chat to your optometrist or GP, they can refer you to one of our specialists for your particular needs. Or you can get in touch below.

Our specialists can help with all the following:

• General Ophthalmology

• Cataract Surgery

• Strabismus

• Medical and Surgical Retina

• Pterygium Uveitis

• Oculoplastic & Lacrimal Surgery

• Glaucoma Management

• Acute Eye Conditions

• Neuro-Ophthalmology

• Visual Electrophysiology

• Medical Laser Treatment

• Macular Degeneration Treatment

We are an a liated Southern Cross provider, and can assist with prior approval for surgeries if needed. We are also able to see ACC cases, these do need to come with a letter of referral from your GP.

hamiltoneyeclinic

07 834 0006 • 130 Grantham Street, Hamilton www.hamiltoneyeclinic.co.nz

Legal Experts in Elder Law

An elder law solicitor can advise on all aspects of future planning and undertake a full review of your affairs to ensure you receive the right entitlements and care, and that your estate is managed according to your wishes.

The team at Lewis Lawyers covers an extensive range of matters including occupation right agreements, succession planning, wills, enduring powers of attorney, PPPR applications (property manager and welfare guardian), capacity issues, residential loans and subsidies, asset protection and elder abuse.

your choices.

Secondly, assess the facilities and services o ered by the retirement village. Look for features that align with your needs and interests, such as a communal clubhouse, swimming pool, tness centre or social activities. Additionally, enquire about the availability of healthcare services, on-site sta , and security measures. Many o er additional services, right through to be able to utilise a central dining room if you don’t wish to cook, or an inhouse button for emergency medical assistance.

Carefully review the nancial aspects. Understand the ownership model, whether it’s a purchase or lease, through to a license to occupy, and ensure you are comfortable with the associated costs, including ongoing fees, and any potential exit fees.

The most important aspect is to visit the

retirement village you think you’d like to live in, in person. Take a tour, speak with current residents, care providers, and observe the overall atmosphere. This will provide valuable insights into the community and help you determine if it’s a good t for your lifestyle and preferences, both current and for the future.

Lastly, seek legal and nancial advice before signing any contracts. An independent expert can review the documentation, clarify any uncertainties, and ensure your interests are protected. Choosing a retirement unit requires thorough research, thoughtful consideration, and expert guidance. By focusing on location, facilities, nances, community, and seeking professional advice, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your retirement goals and aspirations.

Hamiltons largest ophthalmology practice

Hamilton Eye Clinic is Waikato’s largest ophthalmology practice. Our mission is to provide an Ophthalmic service of excellence to the greater Waikato and Central North Island community. We strive to create an environment where you are greatly cared for and will be given the best eye-care service available. Our most recent additions to the team are Dr Verona Botha and Dr Thiyaga Krishnan.

Dr Botha is a comprehensive ophthalmologist specializing in cataract, oculoplastic, lacrimal and orbital surgery. Dr Botha is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care and is actively involved in oculoplastic research.

Dr Krishnan specialises in retinal and macular disorders, such as retinal detachments, epiretinal membranes and macular holes. Dr Krishan also has experience in complex cataract surgeries. He has a holistic patient centered approach to providing ophthalmic care.

Adjoining Hamilton Eye Clinic is Bridgewater Day Surgery, a specialist day surgery facility with two fully equipped theatres utilised by the surgeons of Hamilton Eye Clinic.

LISA LYNCH - Solicitor

LEE - Solicitor

Local Groups, Activities and Support for 50+

Whether you are looking to be part of a local group or trying to stay t or simply enjoy a game of bridge, Cambridge has something for everyone, below is a small sampling of activities for more information contact the Cambridge Citizens Advice Bureau on 07 827 4855 or at their o ce at 62 Alpha Street.

CAMBRIDGE

BRIDGE CLUB

Club always welcomes new members, they run sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and an introduction to bridge on a Friday morning, to join or for more information please contact Ian on 0274 706 070.

CAMBRIDGE

CREATIVE FIBER

A vibrant active group that meets the rst, third and fourth Thursday of the month

at the Cambridge Health & Community Centre from 9.30am – 2.30pm. For more information, please contact Margaret Cairns (President) 0211 121 584.

CAMBRIDGE GRAY POWER

Meet on the rst Wednesday of every month at the Taylor Made Community Space. All visitors 50+ keen to become a member are welcome to attend. Grey Power is an advocacy organisation promoting the welfare and well-

being of all those citizens in the 50 plus age group.

CAMBRIDGE MOSAIC

MODERN CHOIR

Mosaic is an un auditioned community choir, made up of regular individuals from a wide range of ages that enjoy to sing!

CAMBRIDGE RIDING

FOR THE DISABLED

If you have a love of horses and would like to volunteer call Vanessa on 021 902 892 or

email cambridge@rda.org.nz

Riding for the disabled is run entirely by volunteers so they can never have enough people!

CAMBRIDGE

TREE TRUST

Help keep Cambridge green to volunteer email – info@treetrust.org.nz

INDOOR TAI CHI

Meets every Wednesday and Friday at 1pm in Trinity Union Parish, 43 Queen Street. $5.00 per session. Please contact Bob

& Claire Hughes 027 480 4041 for more information.

PERRY AQUATIC CENTRE

Centre o ers aqua aerobics classes, 9am – 10am Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and 5.30 – 6.30pm on a Tuesday and Thursday, these classes are $8.00 per session and open to anyone.

SIT & BE FIT

Meets Mondays at 10.45am at St Kilda Retirement Village this class is open to nonresidents.

STRONG & STABLE (60+)

Meets at the Cambridge Baptist Church on Mondays 9.30am and St Kilda Village Tuesdays at 9.30am, gold coin donation.

U3A CAMBRIDGE

An organisation where mature people can share their knowledge and learn from experts and other speakers at monthly lectures. Meetings held on the second Friday of the month with refreshments at 10am for a 10.30am start for more information contact Carole 021 401 951.

What A Spot! Large 3 Bedroom

Negotiation

6 Austen Place, Leamington

- Set on a generous 1,001m² (more or less) section in a quiet cul de sac, step inside this 210m² home & discover endless possibilities.

- Large living area & open plan kitchen/dining space with new flooring.

Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 11.00 - 11.30am

The Ultimate - Don’t Wait, You’ll Love It!

Negotiation

36B Clare Street, Cambridge 2 1 1

- Refurbished to a high standard; spacious open plan living is proportioned beautifully to include a grand sized lounge.

- A kitchen to celebrate - large sink, huge amount of bench space and storage, soft-close drawers, and double fridge space.

Sunday 12.00 - 12.30pm

Stunning Jennian Home

Negotiation

24 Ruru Street, Cambridge

- Built in 2021, high quality, low maintenance home.

- You will immediately relish the linen drapes, plantation shutters and open plan floor-plan with formal living plus family area.

Open Home Sunday 1.00 -1.30pm

Delightful, Secure - Move in Ready

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 Cres, Cambridge

3 3 1

- Section spans 946m2 (more or less) & boasts a charming home with large entertainment deck, sep garage/workshop & carport.

- Plus self contained unit, consented as office/storage with plumbing. Open Home Sunday 12.00 - 12.30pm

Full of Surprises - Lake Karapiro

Negotiation

348 Lake View Drive, Karapiro

6 3 3

- Spacious 280m2 Hinuera Stone home of 4 bedrooms, plus a stunning 2 bedroom separate accommodation, park-like grounds.

- Large living areas, separate media room, great indoor/outdoor flow to sunny deck. Large 90m2 workshop with office. Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 2.00 - 2.30pm

Highlight & Delight On Madison

- A real find - safe, secure, easy access to the expressway.

- Exciting outdoor covered entertainment in manicured & easy-care grounds. Lots to discover - easy to love.

Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 3.00 - 3.30pm

Stunning View - Great Location

Negotiation

5 Morton Place, Leamington

- Bigger than you would believe ( 150m² plus 74.5m² more or less)!

- Warm sleep-out/office (heat pump) with separate toilet and basin within the garage/workshop building is such a bonus.

- New carpet and flooring, spacious kitchen and open plan living.

Open Home Sunday 11.00 - 11.30am

Negotiation

Lot 6/957 Taotaoroa Road, Karapiro

- 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.

OPEN DAY

PRICE REDUCTION

OPEN DAY

NOW PRICED

Graham Ban

DONALD, Kerry Mervyn – It is with much sadness we tell you that Kerry passed away peacefully on Friday, 7th July 2023. Aged 71 years. Much loved husband of Wendy and father of Simon Pemberton, Carrie Donald-Thomson and Hayden Donald. Adored by all his grandchildren. The service for Kerry has been held. All communications to the Donald Family, c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.

YEARBURY, Cyril

Edward

Philip – Passed away peacefully at Waikato Public Hospital on Monday, 3rd July 2023. Aged 89 years. Loved husband of the late Anne. Loved father of Grant and the late Sue. Loved grandad of Dylan, Deanna and Scott. Loved brother & brotherin-law of Noel & Sally. The service for Cyril has been held. All communications to the Yearbury Family, c/3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.

SHORT, Hazel & Michael Married 11th July 1953 St Chad's Church Whanganui

Happy 70th Wedding

Anniversary

Love from all the family

NOTIFICATION OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

Waipa District Council will consider an application to close the following road to ordinary vehicular traffic:

• Maungatautari Road – between Gate 1 and Gate 3 of Mighty River Domain

Between 6:30 am and 3.30 pm on Saturday, 14 October 2023 for the Karapiro 100K Flyer.

The application will be considered under the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974.

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

Any objections to the proposal must be lodged with Waipā District Council, in writing, to events@waipadc.govt.nz before 4.00pm on Friday, 21 July 4, 2023. Please include the nature of the objection and the grounds for it. See the Privacy Statement on the Council’s website for further information. For more information, please contact Waipa District Council on 0800 924 723.

Garry Dyet CHIEF EXECUTIVE

0272531053

Cambridge Community Marae

Annual General Meeting

LANGSFORD, Wayne

Robyn and family would like to give a big thank you to all for your kindness and support. Your presence, messages, flowers and food were a huge comfort to us and we are grateful to you all for such an amazing send off for Wayne.

6.30PM Monday 24 July 2023

Cambridge Community Marae Cnr Bracken St & Pope Tce, Leamington All welcome to attend. Trustees & committee members sought.

NOTIFICATION OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES

Waipa District Council will consider an application to close the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic:

• Aspin Road – 2kms from its intersection with Fencourt Road to its intersection with Te Miro Road including its intersection with Flume Road.

• Te Miro Road from its intersection with Flume Road to its intersection with Waterworks Road including its intersections with Harbutt Road, Maungakawa Road and Gray Road.

• Waterworks Road, from its intersection to the finish 250 metres from its intersection with Chepmell Road.

Between 12:10 pm and 4:50 pm on Tuesday, 24 October 2023 for the Targa New Zealand Rally 2023.

• Mangare Road, 350 metres from its intersection with Rotogata Road to its intersection with Pukewhau Road, including its intersection with Landing Road.

• Pukewhau Road, from its intersection with Mangare Road to finish 350 metres from its intersection with Waipapa Road

Between 09:45 am and 2:15 pm on Wednesday, 25 October 2023 for the Targa New Zealand Rally 2023.

The application will be considered under the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974.

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

Any objections to the proposal must be lodged with Waipā District Council, in writing, to events@waipadc.govt.nz before 4.00pm on Friday, 21 July 4, 2023. Please include the nature of the objection and the grounds for it. See the Privacy Statement on the Council’s website for further information. For more information, please contact Waipa District Council on 0800 924 723.

Garry Dyet CHIEF EXECUTIVE

3-4 BEDROOM house, good size section/land. Cash buyers. Ph/text

PACKHOUSE WORKERS REQUIRED

Boyds Asparagus is well established in the industry, and we have vacancies available for our upcoming season.

Based in Hautapu, Cambridge, we require seasonal workers who are hardworking, honest, reliable, and willing to work on a roster basis, including weekends. We have positions available in our packhouse for: Packers/Graders – approx. 40 to 50 hours per week

Logistics – Some data entry is required, and a forklift license is preferred – approx 40 to 50 hours per week

Cleaners – approx 15 hours per week

The asparagus season runs from late August to 23rd December 2023. Experience is not essential as full training will be provided.

Please email your interest along with your contact details to info@asparagus.co.nz

CAMBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

EXAMINATION SUPERVISORS

Cambridge High School are running our Senior School Practice NCEA Examinations from Thursday 7 September to Tuesday 19 September. We are looking for applications to fill the examination supervisor roles. Duties will involve working with the Principal’s Nominee and other CHS staff, supervising students entering and exiting the examinations and monitoring the examinations whilst they are in progress. Full training will be provided, and the number of days involved can be flexible, based around your availability. If you would like to be involved in supporting the CHS school community, where you will meet an awesome crew of local people, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Joanna Bartch (Principal’s Nominee) with your CV and cover letter. Or if you have any queries regarding the role(s), including pay rates. jbh@camhigh.school.nz

Applications close Monday 24 July

Got a job to fill?

ADVERTISE YOUR VACANCY WITH US

Call Janine 027 287 0005

Museum is at your service

You should be able to trust the ads you see.

By Jeremy Smith

It’s time to get scanning at Te Awamutu Museum Education and Research Centre.

With staff already undertaking the process of digitising - either scanning or photographing - much of the taonga the centre holds in the form of exhibition items, its doors are now open to the public wanting to preserve their own precious memories in the same way.

Access to two different scanners is being provided as part of a free service - an overhead scanner for items such as scrapbooks, photo albums and handwritten diaries, and the museum’s newest flatbed scanner which can digitise old photographs, slides and negatives.

Te Awamutu Museum

Education and Research Centre collections manager Sarah Dawe told The News the idea to offer the public the opportunity came about as centre staff looked to provide more ways for people to connect with the museum.

“As part of that, we’ve set up a research room which as well as the scanners includes published collections of books on the history of Waipā, our births, deaths and marriages microfichewhich is a great asset - and access to a huge resource called Ancestry Library Edition.”

Those who have items they would like to digitise can book a time in the research room to scan them and create high resolution digital copies.

Museum staff shifted to Rickit Rd in March after the centre’s former building near Waipā District

Council’s Bank St building was closed overnight last October following a seismic assessment which showed it was vulnerable in an earthquake.

Exhibitions co-ordinator Henriata Nicholas said she likes to think of the new location as a “learning activation space”.

“Every time anyone of any age visits us, our aim is that they don’t just have a look, but that some level of learning is activated, and they feel connected to what we’re doing here.”

To that end, each of the next six months at the museum will have a handpicked theme.

Programmes for children and young people have also been running during the school holidays.

July is Matariki month, Henriata said, adding it’s hoped starting to invite the public to scan their items will also prompt people to think about history ahead of plans for Ancestry month at the centre in August.

“Every family will have documents of some kind which are part of their history,” Henriata said.

“And this is a great way in which to preserve them.”

Anyone who books a time to use the scanners will be taken through a brief induction and training session regarding how to best use the equipment, based on what it is they would like to digitise.

Sarah said she’s looking forward to welcoming people who book in to use the scanners.

“I’m excited - people often love to share their own stories, and through the special items they bring in it’ll be nice to connect with the community like that,” she said.

If an ad is wrong, the ASA is here to help put it right.

Te Awamutu Museum Education and Research Centre collections manager Sarah Dawe gets ready to scan - or digitise - a slide from the centre’s Mandeno collection.

Make your ride better

L R316TSX AWD Rider

Powerful and versatile with twincylinder engine and All-WheelDrive. Suitable for landowners who demand superior manoeuvrability, e ciency and perfect results all year round.

$17,690

L MZ54 Zero Turn

Take performance, productivity and comfort to a new level with ClearCut™ fabricated deck was designed for superior cutting performance, with top-quality blades and an aerodynamic design.

L Z254F Zero Turn

Built to withstand tough conditions with a rock-solid frame, powerful engine and high performance ClearCut™ fabricated deck for a superb nish.

H R214TC Rider

Husqvarna

Features a combi cutting deck that provides two cutting options – BioClip® mulching and rear ejection cutting for higher, tougher grass. $8,590

L RC320TS AWD Ride

Tough, versatile rider with innovative anti-clog collection system, power steering and AWD. Excellent ergonomics and huge collection capacity. with 103 cm deck

$22,380

L Z248F Zero Turn

High performance mower with a ClearCut™ fabricated cutting deck designed for durability, performance and an even cut.

$10,990

L MZ48 Zero Turn

The intuitive operator interface, heavyduty steel frame and commercial rated hydraulic system combine to create the ultimate mowing experience.