Te Awamutu News | August 24, 2023

Split over voting age

By Roy Pilott

A move to lower the voting age for local body elections is getting mixed reviews from the region’s politicians.

Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty introduced the bill into Parliament on Wednesday last week – but it has had virtually no publicity.

The News asked elected local government members and MPs for their opinion.

Early “poll” indications were that the move was supported – of the first half dozen responses, four were in favour, one opposed and one had no objection to the idea.

But when this edition went to press 13 of 24 local and national politicians to respond had given the plan a thumbs down.

If the bill is passed, candidates would have to go “back to school” when campaigning for votes in the 2028 local body elections –in other words, the one after next. The Bill establishes a youth electors’ category of voters and would see the creation of a youth electoral roll.

It has been on the cards since the Supreme Court ruled in November that not allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote amounted to age discrimination.

Labour has not sought to lower the general election voting age because it won’t be able

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to achieve the 75 per cent yes vote required. National favours keeping at 18.

But at local body level, it only requires a majority vote in the house to change the present law.

Waipā local body politicians were divided in The News poll – nine were in favour and eight against.

Alana Mackay, Andrew Brown, Clare St Pierre, Dale-Maree Morgan, Liz Stolwyk, Marcus Gower, Mike Montgomerie, Mike Pettit and Susan O’Regan were in favour, Roger Gordon was neutral.

Andrew Myers, Ange Holt, Jill Taylor, Jo Davies-Colley, John Wood, Kane Titchener, Lou Brown and Sally Whitaker said no.

Bruce Thomas, Elise Badger, Philip Coles and Sue Milner had not responded when this edition went to press.

Waikato District Council has lobbied against the change – mayor Jacqui Church voted no in our poll, as did ward councillor Mike Keir.

Taupō’s National MP Louise Upston said the line had to be drawn somewhere, and her party was happy with 18.

But with the issue coming before the house, she noted “everyone’s views can be put forward for discussion. “That is when we can consider all the evidence and make an informed decision”.

Taranaki King Country MP Barbara Kuriger also voted no, and so did regional councillor Clyde Graf – regional council chair Pamela Storey was in the yes camp. Here’s a snapshot of some of the responses…

• I’m hoping the lower age will generate more interest from younger people – Clare St Pierre.

• If it happens it happens – Roger Gordon.

• Voters need more life experience before voting - Kane Titchener.

• Those with strong political views will vote but the vast majority will notunfortunately – Andrew Brown.

• In general, teenagers at that age are not very aware of what goes on in both local and central government – Jacqui Church.

• …it has to be done in conjunction with civics education in schools… so that young people are informed of how government works… - Mike Keir.

• I believe there is evidence that voting earlier in life is more likely to lead to habitual voting – Mike Montgomerie.

• Young people are heavily influenced by adults such as parents and teachers and therefore subject to coercion – Sally Whitaker.

• I don‘t believe they have enough life experience and interest in politics to make

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an informed vote – Ange Holt

• …most 16 and 17 year olds don’t contribute to rates through rents or rates – Lou Brown.

• I think allowing younger people to vote could see precious money directed their way, when it could be better spent on parents in need – Andrew Myers.

• The majority of 16-year-olds have not yet fully experienced some of the issues facing New Zealand that need consideration when voting – Jo Davies-Colley.

• Left-wing governments and liberals already have an excessive influence on children while at school – Clyde Graf.

• If a person feels they wish to influence the leadership, governance and direction of their community and country then they should be permitted to do so – Liz Stolwyk.

• I am now more supportive of considering a change – Susan O’Regan.

• The small risk of giving the vote to some young people who may not be ready to exercise that right is outweighed by the potential benefits of enfranchising those who are ready – Dale Maree Morgan.

• See full responses teawamutunews.nz

• What do you think? Email editor@ goodlocal.nz

• Next week: Three year term or four?

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Andrew Brown

Clyde Graf

Susan O’Regan

Liz Stolwyk

Dale-Maree Morgan

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Vintage times

Vintage car lovers from around the region braved Sunday’s heavy rain and showed up in their droves at the annual Vintage Car Club (Waikato) fundraiser for the Cancer Society. Car Club members from five Waikato hubs – Te Awamutu, Hamilton, Matamata, Morrinsville and Cambridge – drove their vehicles to Cambridge’s McLean St clubrooms for the event, which last year raised $4000.

Among them was Te Awamutu Vintage Car Club member Russell Hutcheson, who was pictured looking over the 1926 Willy’sKnight in the Cambridge-based clubrooms workshop.

Russell used to own a 1916 Overland, made by the same company that made the Willy’s-Knight. He proudly directed us to our second picture here - a photograph on the Cambridge clubroom library wall, featuring his uncle Alec Hutcheson who in April 1920 was chosen as the driver of the car carrying the then Prince of Wales on his route between the Hamilton Railway Station and the showgrounds.

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This past week was particularly busy for Te Awamutu police with staff assisting enquiries at Marokopa. The enquiries follow sightings of Tom Phillips who has been missing with his three children.

One thing I would like to speak to that was brought to my attention this week was a Facebook post that appeared in various community pages. The post alludes to criminal behaviour at a supermarket in Hamilton. I can confirm that nothing was reported to police for the supermarket involved, nor any of the other ones mentioned in the other versions of the post.

Please be wary of reposting misinformation, the fear mongering has negative impacts on businesses who through no fault of their own receive negative press.

Here’s how the past week shaped up: Monday - A vehicle was stolen and used in a burglary, following a theft from a motor vehicle a card was used at different shops in Te Awamutu. Police attended two family harm, two shoplifter incidents, a mental

health incident, an unlawful interference of a motor vehicle were a card was taken and used, a stolen vehicle was recovered, three attempted thefts of motor vehicles were reported and another stolen vehicle was recovered. A male who breached his bail conditions has been linked with the thefts of the motor vehicles

Tuesday - A male was arrested for disorderly behaviour on Tawhaio Street, police attended a mental health incident, an attempt was made to steal a motor vehicle, a male was warned by police in relation to suspicious behaviour and a firearms licence was revoked on the grounds that the storage of firearm was unsecure.

Wednesday - Police attended a motor vehicle collision on Paterangi Road, two people reported a potential scam.

Thursday - Police attended three family harm incidents and served a protection order on behalf of the court. A male was found to be in breach of his bail conditions, police were called to a firearms incident and a

burglary was reported.

Friday - Police arrested two youths after two stolen vehicles crashed on Paterangi Road, a scam on facebook marketplace was reported and police attended a motor vehicle collision and a family harm incident. A male suspected for a spate of car thefts was arrested for breaching bail and burglary, he was remanded in custody.

Saturday - Police attended a mental health incident, a female was forbidden from driving until a medical assessment could be undertaken as a result of a motor vehicle collision in Pirongia. Members of the public reported boyracers at a rural intersection. Police also attended a family harm incident. Sunday - A female was arrested for breaching a protection order, police attended four family harms incidents and a burglary. A female was found to be driving with excess breath alcohol. Police located a cannabis growing operation.

Briefs…

Daffodil Day

The Cancer Society’s major annual fundraiser, Daffodil Day, will be in full bloom tomorrow (Friday). The society’s Lions Lodge at Waikato Hospital has hosted record numbers of people seeking cancer treatment this year.

Commissioner review

Waipā council is reviewing its list of independent commissioners having had 87 expressions of interest received last month. An evaluation panel of council staff will review the applications and recommend a pool to elected members. The current pool is Alan Withy, Phil Mitchell, Greg Hill, Helen Atkins, Richard Knott, Rob Van Voorthuysen, Simon Berry, Steven Wilson and Tara Hills.

Menopause event

Waikato-based practitioners, including Leamington holistic GP Ala Farah, are running a Waipā Menopause and Mocktails event in Te Awamutu next month. Women from a wide variety of specialties and modalities - life coaching, physiotherapy, breathing practices and functional nutrition – are hoping to raise community awareness around menopause.

Playground concerns

Te Awamutu and Kihikihi

Community Board chair Ange Holt says she’s disappointed to have received numerous complaints about the new playground at Kihikihi’s Rewi Maniapoto Reserve.

In her report to the August board meeting – held last night after The News went to print – Holt said some of the points raised with her included there only being enough apparatus for a small family, while others stand waiting for a long time, concerns about safety because it’s too close to a busy road and questions about whether the playground is too close to the memorial.

Park plan: Holt holds line

By Jeremy Smith

Te

Awamutu and Kihikihi

Community Board chair Ange Holt remains on a collision course with council staff over plans for War Memorial Park.

Holt’s concerns were amplified in a regular column she wrote recently for the Te Awamutu News – and subsequently resulted in her acknowledging some errors.

But in her report to the board’s meeting this week she said legal advice she had received differed from what staff were saying.

Board members have been told the proposed concept plan for the Te Awamutu park is both compliant with the Reserves Act, and specifically provides for historic features to be managed and protected, not removed.

Debate over the concept plan has continued since it was approved two years ago.

Holt has previously indicated a lack of comfort over the plan, having argued the park lake and stonework were part of the memorial the council

was charged with maintaining.

In May, when council staff presented a report regarding the ownership of the various parcels of land which make up the park, the board sought clarification about a specific clause of the act – what classifies a reserve.

Members had questions around council ownership of the various titles, and what the land use was.

A response from Waipā District Council staff, which was part of chair Ange Holt’s chairperson’s report, was to be tabled at the board’s August meeting last night after The News went to print.

“Staff consider that the concept plan is compliant (with the clause)… it specifically recognises, and provides for, the management and protection of the features specified…

as relevant to the site. “However, it also seeks the right balance between such protection and management, while prioritising the overall purpose of the reserve,” the response said.

But Holt wrote in her report that she had received independent advice which differed from that view and she intended to investigate further.

In her column for The News, Holt wrote Waipā District Council owns the land and all parcels are deemed “recreation reserve”.

“That means under the Reserves Act 1977 this land can be used for any sort of recreational purpose,” she said.

“…however there is a clause in the act that states, where scenic, historic, archaeological, biological, geological, or other scientific features or indigenous flora or fauna or wildlife are present on the reserve, those features or that flora or fauna or wildlife shall be managed and protected to the extent compatible with the principal or primary purpose of the reserve”.

Continued on page 8

Councillors in workshop

By Mary Anne Gill

Waipā District Council held another ‘secret’ workshop and briefing day for councillors this week, the second this month and the seventh this year.

One of the items on the agenda was a potential new targeted rate for Te Awamutu, something not discussed at any other council or committee meetings The News has attended in recent times.

Discussions on a contract update for the councilowned Mighty River Domain at Lake Karāpiro, business cases and capital budget were also discussed behind closed doors.

So too was the dog bylaw and policy – something which was still under debate at the Strategic Planning and Policy committee which had been adjourned after submissions were held last

week. The re-adjourned meeting was held after the workshop this week.

Governance manager Jo Gread said the matters discussed at the workshop were for “information only”.

“They are being held in a public excluded setting due to the nature of the content which includes commercially sensitive and legally privileged information, and a requirement to protect the privacy of identifiable individuals. The matters will become public when presented at formal meetings,” she said.

The lengths of the other secret meetings through the year are unknown but The News understands two hours is usually allocated for “informal” discussion between councillors themselves and then additional time with the executive team.

In the same period, council meetings where public are not excluded and decisions are made have lasted 34, 32, 21, 56 and 35 minutes. Committee meetings tend to last longer.

There is no formal agenda at many of the workshops/ briefings. Comments made subsequently by elected members tend to suggest the discussions allow many of them to form an opinion outside of public scrutiny.

This is contrary to the council’s own Standing Orders which caution against workshops where “de-facto” decisions are being made.

The newspaper has lodged a request under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 asking how many of the workshop/briefings have been held since February.

We have also asked for a

list of topics discussed.

Editor Roy Pilott, a veteran of more than 45 years covering local government, said while not all information given to councillors could be shared publicly, the use of workshops and/or briefings could result in the media and public struggling to follow decision-making.

That was particularly so when decisions were made

with little open debate. Both the Ombudsman and the Auditor General have cautioned local authorities as the workshops are seen as inconsistent with transparency and openness.

The next Workshop and Briefing Day is on September 12 at 10am, according to the council’s website.

• What do you think? Email us editor@goodlocal.nz

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Memorial Park has become a centre of passionate debate.

Scary speed of fire

By Janine Krippner

Last night (as I write this) there was a live burning of a house in Levin aired on Seven Sharp to show the realities of such an event.

My household watched the fire quickly grow out of control with a timer at the bottom of the screen to emphasise the scary speed. This happens to coincide with me starting a new, short-term project on fire risk in New Zealand this week, with the first stage looking into the scientific literature on what factors make households or communities more prone to fires. There are components of how we live that make us more at risk for house fires, and we can address many of them.

Why is a volcanologist working on a fire project? At a basic level, “risk” combines the likelihood of an event happening (like a lava flow, pyroclastic flow, or fire), with the people and things that might be harmed by the event.

It gets infinitely more complicated from there with different mathematical and computer models that dig into the details.

It is important to understand who might need help if the dangerous thing happens, how we can distribute resources to help those people, and how we can help people recover, among other things. This is an analysis we also do with volcanic eruptions, and it was one I was discussing a lot in my recent Canary Islands work trip last month.

While I was working on the La Palma lava flows I saw plenty of fire damage. This ranged from near-total destruction with floors and roofs gone, to significant smoke damage.

The very high temperatures of the lava flows can ignite vegetation and building materials, one of the hazards associated that these “safer” styles of eruptions (as opposed to the more explosive ones).

One story, many angles

By Sam Pullenger, Ministry Assistant, St John’s Anglican Parish

The homes I saw were made of brick and concrete materials, it would be a very different story if they were wood structures.

We cannot stop volcanic eruptions, but there are things we can do to prevent fires in everyday life and give ourselves a chance to make it out alive if one does occur.

Hearing that, increasingly, fires are caused by lithium batteries makes me feel a bit uneasy. I have pretty decent cooking skills and am safe in the kitchen, I don’t smoke, and I use heat pumps as opposed to more dangerous heating methods, all of these lower my risk of experiencing a house fire.

I do, however, have plenty of devices that contain lithium-ion batteries. The advice given is to not charge devices under a pillow, on carpet, on a bed or couch, or any other combustible materials; use the proper chargers given with the device; don’t charge your device overnight; keep an eye out for battery devices getting hot and avoid leaving them in areas where they are exposed to moisture and heat (please look up the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website for more).

This is a good reminder for all of us that there are very simple things we can do to improve the safety of ourselves and our loved ones. In hazard fields like volcanology, we spend a lot of time focused on how to keep people safe, sometimes this might be taking a moment to share a timely reminder to our home communities to have a quick chat about how to make your home a little safer. If you are a firefighter or emergency responder reading this, thank you.

Stories have always played a big part in my life. I can remember, when I was younger, lying on the couch listening to my mum read the first four books of the Harry Potter series.

When it is written well, there is something deeply compelling about story. Somehow it is able to transport us into a world full of opportunity and expectation.

Story, though, is more than simply a way of getting away from the current world we face.

In story we are able to work through our life challenges; we find rest and entertainment, but we are also able to find encouragement to step back into the world we inhabit.

One of the techniques writers can use to get a story across is to show the same event from several different character’s perspectives.

We are first shown the event from the perspective of the main character, but after it finishes, we are brought back to experience the same event from a completely different character’s perspective.

Though the same event happens, we find that there were other factors at play that give more depth to the story.

As we are shown each character’s experience of the same event, we slowly develop a deeper and deeper understanding of all the nuances at play.

When, at first glance, we thought that the event was orchestrated for one purpose, we can find that, in fact, there was a completely different purpose, or possibly several.

The reason I find the technique of offering different perspectives compelling is because it speaks to what we often forget about real

life.

As an individual, I often find that the purpose I give to an event is shaped solely by my own experience of the situation. As the father of a toddler this has come sharply into focus.

We have all been in the supermarket and seen a parent struggling to control their toddler as they tantrum or tear things off the shelves; “Just control your child!” pre-parent me would think. However, for anyone who has had a toddler would know, it is never that simple.

In the Bible, after Jesus has been resurrected from the dead, we see his followers inspired by God.

They go out into the streets and begin telling people about Jesus.

The city they are in is filled with people of all different ethnicities who, amazingly, each hear what is being said in their own language.

One of the meanings this story has is that it teaches us to recognise and honour diversity.

We are all created differently and to experience the world from our unique perspectives. All these perspectives can so easily split us apart into cliques and bubbles. However, like a writer who uses differing perspectives to give deeper understanding, this is an opportunity for us to see things from someone else’s perspective. What would happen if we saw differences as a way of bringing us together, rather than tearing us apart?

Sign off fraud hits church

By Jeremy Smith

The newest building at Zion Church’s community space in Te Awamutu is among Waipā projects caught up in potentially fraudulent engineering signoffs.

And the space - which the church had hoped would be open by June - is still not operational following subsequent delays reported to have cost the church “thousands”.

Two weeks ago, The News reported Waipā District Council confirmed it was one of more than 40 councils impacted by the actions of Jonathan Beau Hall of Kodiak Consulting Ltd, who allegedly completed and signed producer statements using the identities of chartered engineers without their permission.

At least 62 building consents in the Waipā are thought to be

affected.

“Our focus is on supporting those impacted… as quickly as we can,” Waipā District Council’s group manager growth and regulatory services Wayne Allan said at the time.

Zion moved to its new Churchill St site – known as the Zion Hub –in June and has been completing work there with a mind to establish it as a “gift” to the Te Awamutu community, in the form of a new community space.

Last week, Zion senior leader Phil Strong confirmed the opening of a separate building next to the church’s new main hub – which the church plans to use to facilitate its children’s programme – has so far been delayed nearly two months as a new design has been completed by a new engineer.

A new building consent has since been approved by council, and building work was underway at the Churchill St site when The News visited last week.

Estimates are the room will now be finished by October, four months after initially planned.

Zion was gifted the outside building by Habitat for Humanity – it was formerly used as a community room space at the organisation’s Palmer St site.

Strong said the church wanted the room to be a temporary building which could be moved if needed – and because of that it needed to have specifically

engineered foundations.

In that process, church staff were referred to Kodiak, and a building consent was issued.

“In that consent a second engineer was named and when we rang him for advice on how to implement the design - he basically said: I’ve never seen these plans before in my life,” Strong said.

‘That was surprising, and we thought it a bit odd – we were just confused by the whole thing.

“We were obviously setting this space up with an expectation kids would be able to use it by June, and they’re still not able to, so that’s disappointing.

“Ultimately, while I can’t give you an exact number, it’s cost thousands to get modified and reinstalled. We’ve now had to pay for the truck to come back and move it twice, we’ve had to pay those additional engineering fees, and we’ve had to pay the builders to prepare it to be reinstalled.

“Those are obviously all cost which we weren’t initially anticipating.”

He remains philosophical.

“We’re back on track now, and hopefully it will be a speedy process from here.

“At the end of the day, this a relatively minor project. I couldn’t

imagine what it’s like for someone who has a commercial building project, or even a house which has been affected.

“As I keep saying we really feel like this is space is here to be some kind of gift to others, and sometimes we’re required to fight for things that are important to us.

“The community hub is working really well – we’ve had lots of community groups in, and the church family is enjoying it too.”

As well as a meeting space, Zion Hub has counselling, training and board rooms, a studio for audio and visual recording and an administration hub.

The building the church plans to use for its children’s church programme last week.

Kākāpō pass first test

Some of Waipa’s newest residents are settling in just fine.

A month after Bunker, Ōtepoti, Motupōhue and Māhutonga made history by becoming the first kākāpō to live on the mainland in almost 40 years, Department of Conservation Operations Manager for Kākāpō Deidre Vercoe is reporting all is well.

“The four young males have settled into their new Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari habitat just as we had hoped.

This is great news for the programme because it means we can begin to prepare for another small group of male kākāpō to join them,” she told The News this week.

To best monitor the birds without disturbing them, they are each wearing a backpackstyle transmitter and GPS unit to track their location and

activity levels remotely.

“From this data we learned that following their long journey from Whenua Hou, Motupōhue was the first bird ready to start exploring after just a brief spot of R&R. Bunker, Ōtepoti and Māhutonga took a more measured approach and remained close to their release sites for the first few days before venturing into their new surrounds.

“One month on, we can see that after some serious initial exploration of the maunga, all four have settled into separate but consistent locations, which may well become their more permanent home ranges.” Each of the birds received a ‘one month mark’ health check by Doc’s kākāpō rangers and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari biodiversity rangers last week.

“They were all found in good condition with a small percentage of weight loss which was well within the range we were expecting at this stage,” Vercoe said.

Samples were also collected that will provide insight into their preferred diet in their new habitat.

“This information, along with transmitter and GPS data, helps us learn how the birds are adapting, and if they can thrive in this new environment.

“We are happy with how the translocation is going so far but it’s still early days. It could be years before we really understand how suitable the habitat is for kākāpō. Until then, the birds will continue to be closely monitored and provide us with key information to help support the future of their species.”

Meghan Hawkes takes us back to Waipā – in 1901.

Celebrations, courts cases and hotels…

A Welcome Home social at Pirongia for the seventh contingent of men returning from the South African Boer War was an eminently successful one.

The public hall had not for many a day contained so many people intent on spending a pleasant evening and thoroughly enjoying themselves. The ladies of Pirongia, who managed the reception, excelled themselves in providing the refreshments. A marquee was to be erected outside the hall for the supper but as the weather was so wet and cold, refreshments were prepared on the stage. With plenty of hot tea and coffee and the best of eatables there was no cause for complaint.

To add to the success of the welcome, the Te Awamutu Orchestral Society, with their

leader Mr Pringle, kindly volunteered their services and assisted in the musical way. Their performance was a great treat to listen to, and greatly added to the pleasure of the evening. The opening item of the programme was played by them as an overture, called ‘Welcome Home’composed by Mr Pringle for the occasion. It was played most expressively and greatly satisfied, time being beautifully kept by all. A terrific explosion followed by a cloud of white smoke startled Ōhaupō residents when the house of Mr Flay caught fire. Flay had returned to his work when Mr McCabe, who was riding along the road, noticed the fire and gave the alarm. Flay ran back, and the two tried to save some of the contents.

Community day

Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board members will be present at a CommSafe community day next month. The event is planned for September 23 and the public will be welcome to come along and ask questions.

Plant opposed

Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board member Jill Whitaker presented a notice of motion to the board’s August meeting last night asking the board to make a public submission following public notification opposing the Waste to Energy Plant being proposed for Te Awamutu. The meeting agenda said the board’s objections include concerns for the health, traffic and queries about whether incinerators are old technology.

Suddenly there was a terrific explosion, which blew the house to atoms. Twelve pounds of dynamite were stored in a camp oven in the house, which, on the fire reaching the spot, detonated. The two men had a most miraculous escape and one of them had his hat knocked off by a flying piece

of burning timber, some of which was thrown 200 yards.

At the Te Awamutu Magistrate’s Court, a man was found guilty of four charges of sending letters containing indecent remarks and drawings to four ladies in Kihikihi. He was sentenced to two years hard

labour. The Bench remarked that it was worst case that had ever come under his notice. Other Kihikihi cases included a man being fined for allowing an ‘entire horse’ to stray on Lyon Street, and an old age pensioner convicted of being drunk and disorderly, ordered to forfeit one month of his pension. Far more savoury was Mr Ross, of Kihikihi, who applied for a patent for a very ingenious little apparatus which obtained an easy flow of milk from what were generally known as tough cows. It worked on the scissors principle, and the inventor claimed that it was a long way ahead of the device in use, as with his instrument there is not the slightest danger of injuring the membranes.

News A Snip in Time

At a meeting of the Te Awamutu Band of Hope – an organisation that abstained from intoxicating liquors - regret was expressed that so many meetings of clubs and societies in which the young men of the district were interested in were held at hotels. They earnestly trusted that steps would be taken by parents and those responsible for such meetings, to avoid temptation being thrown in the way of young men.

The Te Awamutu Orchestral Society.

Māhutonga – pictured after his health check.

Photo_ Department of Conservation.

Kapa haka event postponed

By Jeremy Smith

Te

Awamutu’s

longstanding kapa haka festival Te Rā Whakamana Rangatahi is set to make an “exceptional” return in September 2024.

It’s been confirmed the 2023 event will not go ahead.

Last November’s festival in Te Awamutu, at Te Wharekura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha, attracted nine schools and early childhood centres from the greater Te Awamutu area.

Kihikihi School was to host this year’s festival, initially planned for later this year.

Principal Sunny West told The News a collaborative approach was key, and the postponement would give organisers time to work towards creating a positive event for the community.

“The festival is a wonderful celebration of our students and their commitment to kapa haka,” she said.

A joint letter written by

organisers to the wider Te Awamutu school community said the collective decision had been made after “careful consideration and extensive discussions” among participating schools.

“The decision was reached with the intention of enhancing the festival’s organisation, and overall experience for our rangatahi,” it said.

“In the past, the responsibility for hosting the Te Rā Whakamana

Rangatahi… rested solely on one school. While that approach had its merits, we have recognised the tremendous potential in collaborating as a community of schools to ensure the success of this important event and ensure its sustainability.

“We firmly believe that by working together we can create a more sustainable, vibrant and memorable festival that continues to uphold the intent of the event,” the letter went on to say.

Sunny said when the festival does return it would resume its annual schedule.

“Because one school is not solely responsible for all the organisation, and because our Te Awamutu schools work so well together as a collaborative group, it made sense to combine it as a community event.

“We have an outstanding committee of really committed schools.”

The decision to postpone this year’s festival had been made with the “utmost consideration” for its future, the joint statement said.

“By allowing for more time to plan and coordinate the festival collectively, we can better plan an experience

that ensures all schools have an opportunity to participate, as well as help manage the event,” the letter said.

Following the postponement, schools would be actively engaged in “collaborative efforts” to bring the festival to fruition.

There was a sense of excitement as schools embarked on the collective journey of “… pooling our resources, knowledge and passion to create an unforgettable event that reflects… strength and unity…” the statement said.

It added that while news

of the postponement would come as a disappointment, “we firmly believe that the benefits gained from this collaborative approach will far outweigh any temporary inconvenience.”

“By working together, we can ensure Te Rā Whakamana Rangatahi kapa haka festival’s legacy continues as it was intended when it first began.

“We believe that this postponement will ultimately lead to a stronger, more inclusive event that will leave a lasting impact on our rangatahi and our wider school community.”

Te Wharekura - Te Wharekura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha hosted last year’s kapa haka festival.

Photo: Benjamin Wilson

Kihikihi deputy principal Cedric Kapa, son and student Wiremu Kapa, and wife and teacher Erin Keremeta-Kapa at last year’s Te Rā Whakamana Rangatahi.

Photo: Benjamin Wilson

Interest grows in Alpha revamp

By Jeremy Smith

Community groups appear to be lining up to ask about using spaces available at Kihikihi’s Alpha Hotel once it reopens as a community hub.

In March, The News revealed the Alpha Restoration Group, made up of representatives from

surrounding communities and trusts, had been working to re-open the building since its owner, former National MP and Auckland city councillor Arthur Anae, offered for it to be used free of charge in perpetuity.

Ngāti Apakura Runanga Trust chair Bill Harris approached Anae, who has

since gifted the lease for the Alpha to the Kihikihi community for as long as it’s used for the community.

While no completion date is set in stone as yet, Harris told The News interest is steadily increasing as work continues.

“We are a group of passionate people who want to see the Alpha up and

running again, and we’ve already got lots of people asking us when it’ll be available.”

Te Awamutu Business Chamber chief executive Shane Walsh is among those given a tour to get a sense of the shape the community hub is taking to date.

“It’s undoubtedly a community asset so it will be wonderful to see it open for use by the public and to observe the benefits which will come from having that space open again.”

Registered by the Historic Places Trust as a category two building, the Alpha Hotel opened in 1867. A second floor was added 15 years later.

When the new community hub is finished, it will feature various spaces such as meeting rooms, a kitchen and dining area and other gathering spaces.

Harris told The News various community groups – and several businesses -

had extended offers of help towards the project since it was announced in March.

“It’s going to be wonderful to have a variety of options here for the community.”

The kitchen and dining area is the first to be open, Harris said the hangi for Kihikihi’s Mānawatia a Matariki celebrations was prepared and cooked there.

Continued from page 3

She believes that clause supports the view that historic features in the park “are to be managed and protected, not removed”.

In her chair report she said “…in a nutshell, council’s interpretation of this clause is that the purpose of the park is a recreation reserve.”

“I have sought independent advice and, as it differs, I am going to investigate further before laying this to rest.

“My advice stated that the law will look at the intent. In the case of the Te Awamutu War Memorial Park there is intent documented … that demonstrate that the purpose of this particular recreation reserve was to create a memorial to remember those who were lost during World War Two. “That memorial was created as a park with linked stone features that were intended to be protected and maintained.”

For

Ngāti Apakura Runanga Trust chair Bill Harris at the Alpha Hotel.

Te Awamutu attracts golf open

By Jeremy Smith

“You’ve only got two choices in this world – you either lie down, or you stand up.

“And disability golfers aren’t those to just lie down.”

In meeting Te Awamutu golfer

Mick Henderson, something’s immediately clear – he’s got drive.

And not just in his golf game.

Largely, it’s that drive which

has seen Te Awamutu Golf Club – where Mick’s the sole disability golfer among about 400 members – named to host a prestigious event open to both Kiwi and international golfers.

The 2023 Disability Golf New Zealand Open, to be held over two days in November, is coming to Te Awamutu.

It’s the first time the longstanding open has been held in town – and it’s expected to attract about 120 competitors.

Also open to able-bodied golfers, participants play in three categories, including World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (wr4gd), European Disabled Golf Association Access Pass (EdgaAccess), and supporters and visitors’ divisions.

The day before the open, a have a go day is planned.

Mick and a handful of others are helping coordinate bringing the open to town – and with the Edga having a membership comprising 36 national federations, 14 of those from beyond Europe and New Zealand Disability Golf included, it’s hoped many international disability golfers will attend.

Simultaneously, Mick – who owned Alexandra Street’s The Redoubt Bar and Eatery for about 20 years – is getting behind facilitating fundraising efforts towards another first.

He’s helping raise $50,000 so Disability Golf New Zealand can purchase a paragolfer cart.

It is designed to help golfers living with a disability play and has the user strapped in the cart’s seat which can be adjusted from a seated position to suit various playing stances - including standing.

It is thought the only other such cart in New Zealand is privately owned in Turangi.

Mick said having a cart owned by Disability Golf New Zealand – and regularly available for use in Te Awamutu and nationwide –would open doors to a “vast array” of people who have felt golf wasn’t possible.

He was diagnosed with a hereditary blood circulation problem in his 40s shortly after running his sixth marathon and both his legs were amputated below the knee in an 18-month timeframe when he was in his sixties.

He said he’s noticed a key difference in his game since his surgeries.

“I can’t drive the ball as far overall as I used to, but I seem to be able to hit it far straighter.

The 74-year-old has played golf since his twenties and discovered the open two years ago.

He’s since played in one held in Auckland – describing it as “incredibly special”.

Now, it’s “bloody outstanding” the event is coming to Te Awamutu.

“It’s amazing to play with such an incredible group of people. I’m

blessed I’ve got fantastic mates around me who are so supportive.”

Te Awamutu Golf Club manager Mary Wano is equally excited.

“We’re absolutely honoured the open is coming here,” she said. Disability Golf New Zealand president Andrew Woo said about 30 disability golfers have signed up so far, saying there’s a “buzz” in the air regarding coming to Te Awamutu.

“We aim to bring golf to as many new people as possible. So, having the open in a different part of New Zealand will be brilliant.”

Statistics New Zealand data shows more than a million people in New Zealand – about a quarter of the population – identify with having a disability, and Mick

undertakes regular public speaking engagements aimed at positively motivating those who hear him. “It’s a platform I’ve been gifted which, through using it well, I can hopefully inspire others.” He said many of the able-bodied golfers entered might be surprised just how good some of the “awe inspiring” disability golfers they’ll play alongside are.

The 2023 Disability Golf New Zealand Open is held in Te Awamutu from November 13-14 with a have a go day on November 12.

Disability golf is not an official Paralympic sport but there are growing calls from around the world for the sport to be recognised as one.

Mick Henderson at Te Awamutu Golf Club.

A graphic showing an example of a paragolfer cart similar to one Mick wants Disability Golf New Zealand to own.

Jarrod’s golden slalom run

By Jeremy Smith

Jarrod Gilbert is about to trade the cold winter air of Wanaka for the warmer waters of the pool at Livingstone Aquatic Centre.

And the Te Awamutu Special Olympics athlete will do so with two new gold medals in his possession, having also staked a rather strong claim to be in contention for selection for the World Winter Games in Turin, Italy in 2025.

Jarrod swims competitively under coach Shelley Blair, but last week he swapped the pool for the slopes and the snowboard.

At the Special Olympics National Winter Games at Wanaka’s Cardrona Alpine Resort, Jarrod won the SB snowboarding intermediate giant slalom event with a combined time over two runs of 1 minute, 18.67 seconds.

He also won the SB snowboard cross with a combined two-run time of 1 minute, 28.59 seconds.

Both events were closely fought battles between he and the games’ other Waikato entrant - and silver medallist in both

disciplines - Hamilton’s Kaa Dekker.

“I love snowboarding, it’s a really fun way to hang out with all my friends,” Jarrod – who works at the Cambridge Velodrome – said.

Around 50 athletes from 18 clubs will compete at this year’s national games, which wrapped up last Friday.

They are held every four years.

The squad to compete in Italy is set to be announced in late 2024 – with Jarrod keen to add to his success on the world stage.

He won a gold and bronze medal in snowboarding at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria in 2017.

The 2021 World Winter Games were cancelled due to Covid.

Meanwhile, in the pool, Jarrod was one of 20 athletes Shelley helped prepare to swim in at the National Summer Games in Hamilton in December.

Unsurprisingly - under Shelley’s watchful eye - Jarrod’s also finding success in the pool, so he’s looking forward to diving into his swimming aspirations again.

“Shelley’s such an awesome coach,” he said.

Jarrod Gilbert celebrates his gold medal in the SB snowboarding intermediate giant slalom event at last week’s Special Olympics National Winter Games.

Photo: Special Olympics New Zealand.

Girls on the ball

The Women’s World Cup has sparked a huge surge of interest in football – and it was on show in Cambridge last weekend as Te Awamutu and Cambridge battled out an entertaining sevenaside Under-10s game. The visitors came away with a 2-1 win. Te Awamutu’s player of the day was Kyla Pegler, while Pippa Spence stood out for Cambridge. Mary Anne Gill was on hand to catch the action. • For more pictures go to teawamutunews.nz

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School Directory List

Year 1-6

Pekapekarau School 742 Te Rahu Rd, Te Awamutu 07-871 6025 www.pekapekarau.school.nz

Year 1-8

Kihikihi School 71 Whitmore Street, Kihikihi 07-871 6152 www.kihikihi.school.nz

Ohaupo School 4010 Great South Rd, Ohaupo 07-823 6736 www.ohaupo.school.nz

Pukeatua School 2110 Arapuni Road, Pukeatua 07-872 4862 www.pukeatuaschool.co.nz

Te Pahu School 671 Te Pahu Road, Hamilton 07-8259849 www.tepahu.school.nz

Year 7-8

Te Awamutu Intermediate 646 Hazelmere Cres, Te Awamutu. 07-871 6377 teawamutuint.school.nz

P!terangi SCHOOL

Puahue School 573 Puahue Rd, Te Awamutu 07-872 1838 www.puahue.school.nz

Te Awamutu Primary School 401 Teasdale St, Te Awamutu 07-871 5378 www.taps.school.nz

Koromatua School 355 Koromatua Rd, Hamilton 07-847 9828 www.koromatua.school.nz

Paterangi School 1326 Paterangi Road, Ohaupo 07-871 5203

www.paterangi.school.nz

Rukuhia School 58 Rukuhia Road, Ohaupo 07-843 6967 www.rukuhia.school.nz

Waipa Christian School 93 Chapel Drive, Te Awamutu 07-871 4520 waipachristian.school.nz

Ngahinapouri School 1185 Kakaramea Rd, Ngahinapouri 07-825 2701 www.ngahinapouri.school.nz

Pirongia School 100 Beechey Street, Pirongia 07-871 9727 www.pirongia.school.nz

St Patrick’s Catholic School (Te Awamutu) 625 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu 07-871 4669 www.stpatta.co.nz

Wharepapa South School 14 Wharepapa Road, Te Awamutu. 07-872 2826 www.wharepapa.school.nz

Te Wharekura o Nga Purapura o Te Aroha 190 Factory Road, Te Awamutu 021-225 7577 tari@npota.school.nz

Out of Zone Enrolments 2024

Out of Zone Enrolments 2023

The P!terangi School Board of Trustees wishes to inform the local community that we have the following out of zone places for the 2023 school year.

The Paterangi School Board of Trustees wishes to inform the local community that we have the following out of zone places for the 2024 school year.

Up to 10 places for Year 0/1

Up to 4 places for Year 2

Up to 5 places for Year 5

Up to 5 places for Year 6

Up to 4 places for Year 7/8

The exact number of places will always depend on the number of in zone applications we receive so the above numbers may change if we receive a signiÞcant number in speciÞc year groups.

Families of in-zone children are encouraged to pre-enrol now or to let the school know when you have children starting next year.

If the number of out-of-zone applications exceeds the places available, the students will be selected by ballot (as per priority guidelines). The deadline for 2024 Out-of-Zone applications is Fri 27th Oct 3pm and if a ballot is required, it will be held on Wed 1st Nov 2023.

If the number of out-of-zone applications exceeds the places available, the students will be selected by ballot (as per priority guidelines). The deadline for 2023 Out-of-Zone applications is Wed 19th Oct 3pm and if a ballot is required, it will be held on Fri 21st Oct 2022.

To apply for an out of zone enrolment, please complete the Out-ofZone ‘Application’ online form (also found on our website): www.tinyurl.com/Paterangioutofzone

For more information please contact the School Office on (07) 871 5203 or visit our school website under the School Information/Zone tab www.paterangi.school.nz or email office@paterangi.school.nz

For more information please contact Carol-Lynn Hill (Principal) on 027 6833017 or visit our school website under the School Information/Zone tab www.paterangi.school.nz or email principal@paterangi.school.nz

Cambridge’s Natalie Ball and Nina Diack of Te Awamutu battle for possession.

Cambridge’s Isla Lee and Ashlyn Murney of Te Awamutu in action.

Te Awamutu player of the day Kyla Pegler dribbles forward under the watchful eye of her team mate Ayla McArthur and Cambridge’s Natalie Ball.

Te Awamutu’s Heidi Beattie looks to beat Natalie Ball to win possession.

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Sudoku

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Across

1. Something handed down (6)

4. Profoundly (6) 9. Lukewarm (5) 10. Public facility (7) 11. Luxuriant (7) 13. Part of foot (4) 14. Adhesive used by painters (7,4) 17. Luxury car (abbr) (4) 18. Muddy, sucking sound (7)

Last week

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Expensive (6)

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2. Space (3)

3.

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Across: 1. Abet, 4. Queasy, 8. Condone, 9. Enemy, 10. Plot, 11. Straddle,

13. Frivolous, 17. Loose end, 19. Fall, 21. Bathe, 22. Imagine, 23. Mousse, 24. Loam.

Down: 2. Bunk off, 3. Tool, 4. Questionnaire, 5. Elevator, 6. Speed, 7. Hyper,

8. Copy, 12. Tireless, 14. Stamina, 15. Globe, 16. Flue, 18. Outdo, 20. Tail.

Last week

Puzzle Company

TATLKLXNBEHSFAMILY ISBELAOXXDEVORPPAC NSIASTCPLKNXDIZZYI SUFRTTOSLMETSYSHKN URBUWURESEGEIRSRFD RABAMHDCNEHUGESEUE ANZZOZLKGORNNTULNP NCDUPEESALHPATPICE CESPCVSSAPFPLAPATN EEDACPSCSFEBEBLBID GARDENINGPENELILOE CONFIDENCEETDDEENN PROTECTIONECYARTOC DNIMFOECAEPXIENORE ZZRMURETTIMSNARTOQ GHACCESSHOPSNALARM SVHGDCGSENIORSHRZZ EMERGENCYAMBULANCE

Nestled within the charming embrace of Ohaupo, this remarkable 21 03ha (52acres) property is coming to the market for the first time in over 100 years For six generations, the same family have farmed and developed the land, enjoying the rural lifestyle and close connection with the land Having been leased out over time, this flat contoured land unveils a myriad of opportunities for those with a vision Perfect for grazing or maize production, the property is well-subdivided with a central race, assorted farm buildings and on the Pukerimu Water Scheme, making management a breeze At the heart of the property, the warm and inviting four-bedroom family home beckons you to create new memories The two-story residence enjoys a bright open-plan kitchen and dining area effortlessly transitioning into a separate lounge with closed wood burner to cosy up to on winter evenings With multiple decks around the house there will always be a perfect spot to relax and entertain As the sun sets, enjoy a wine and embrace the stunning rural vistas that envelop this private sanctuary The current owners, now on the cusp of semi-retirement, have been the stewards of this remarkable property They have cherished not only the lifestyle it offers but the central location to Hamilton, Cambridge and Te Awamutu, the proximity to schools and the enriching local community Seize the moment now and contact David to make this extraordinary property a part of your own story

VACANCIES

In the heart of Te Awamutu, Freeman Court makes independent living affordable and a little easier for older people. We are looking for people for the following positions:

VACANCY

• Kitchen hand/relief cook –30 hours/week

• Kitchen hand – casual

• Volunteer meal delivery drivers

In the heart of Te Awamutu, Freeman Court makes independent living affordable and a little easier for older people. We have one vacant position to start as soon as possible. COVID-19 vaccination required. Caregiver- casual position. Rostered shifts covering 24 hours and seven days a week

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

Contact Tricia Ball, Residential Manager, for more information. tricia.ball@habitat.org.nz 07 871 5260

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

Ka kati tēnei tono hei te 01 o Mahuru, 2023 Tukua tō Tātai Oranga (CV) ki te Tumuaki: tari@npota.school.nz Tukua mai mā te poutāpeta rānei ki: Attention: Te Wharekura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha. Enquiries 021 225 7577

Automower® Robotic Lawn Mowers

Explore our Automower® range to nd the ideal robotic lawn mower for you and your garden. A perfectly cut lawn 24/7 – no matter the size, shape or terrain.

Working Area: 1,000 m2 - Cutting Capacity: 60 m2/h - Max Incline: 40% (22º) Robust entry level mower, for small to medium lawns. Easy to use and clean, it can be controlled via your smartphone and comes equipped with a frost guard and weather timer.

$2,790˚

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

High performance model suited for smaller yet more complex lawns up to 600m². Easily handles slopes and narrow passages with perfect results. Comes with GPS assisted navigation, an electric cutting height adjustment and Automower® Intelligent Mapping which allows you to personalise your lawn with total zone control right from your phone.

AM 430X L

Working Area: 3,200 m2 - Cutting Capacity: 133 m2/h - Max Incline: 45% (24º)

Smart enough to navigate large and complex lawns, multiple narrow passages, obstacles, tough terrain and slopes with superior control thanks to the GPS-assisted navigation and Automower® Connect.

Working Area: 5000 m2 - Cutting Capacity: 208 m2/h - Max Incline: 45% (24º)

The most advanced and high performance model suited for large and challenging properties. It’s intelligent enough to negotiate the challenges of large and complex lawns, like narrow passages, obstacles, tough terrain and slopes thanks to the GPS assisted navigation. Comes with advanced cutting features, built in sensors for objective detection and the ability to control from your smartphone.

$5,690˚

AM 310 ll H