Te Awamutu News | August 31, 2023

Pensioner rent review

Thieves hit cemetery

Closed circuit television camera footage could help identify thieves and vandals responsible for an attack on Te Awamutu Cemetery.

They broke into the cemetery early on Sunday to steal tools valued at $3000 and caused $4000 in damage to sexton James Krippner’s shed.

Waipā District Council community services manager Brad Ward said public access by vehicle to the cemetery was closed on Sunday while the extent of the damage was calculated – and checks made to ensure no graves were affected. The road was later opened and it was confirmed there was no damage to graves – but a roller door on the sexton shed has been written off.

By Mary Anne Gill

Councillors went behind closed doors this week to discuss rents for tenants living in Waipā District pensioner houses.

The likelihood of their rents rising is high because superannuation payments rose by more than seven per cent on April 1 to catch up with the cost of living. The council caps pensioner housing rents at 30 per cent of national superannuation, after taking the maximum accommodation supplement into account.

Councillors held their full meeting on Tuesday – the rent debate was one of 10 items listed in the public excluded segment.

The public part of the meeting was completed in less than 30 minutes

BIKES

while the public excluded lasted about 85 minutes.

The News has raised questions about the amount of time councillors spend discussing issues in committee and in public excluded workshops/briefings and challenged the justification for discussing the rent issue in secret.

Council said it was to protect the privacy of residents who would be informed of any decision before it was made public.

The News argues the public has a right to see councillors debate issues of such interest to ratepayers.

The council owns 93 houses for 107 people in seven complexes in Cambridge, Kihikihi and Te Awamutu, according to the council’s website. Pensioner housing rent at Sherwin Village in Kihikihi is $266

for a single person and $280-$345 for a couple.

In Te Awamutu’s Churchill Street, where there are seven one bedroom units, and Mangapiko Street, with three one bedroom units, costs are $266 for a single person and $310 for a couple.

At Dallinger Court, Wallace Court, Dr Tod Court and Vaile Court in Cambridge residents pay $266 a week for a single person and between $285-$385 for a couple.

A total of 65 people are on a waiting list. A further 10 onebedroom units are being built in Cambridge at Vaile Court and there are also plans to build more units in Te Awamutu.

The council’s housing for the elderly units are self-funded, not subsidised by rates, and market

rental rates for the units are reviewed independently each year. Couples over 65 now get an extra $102.84 in superannuation taking payments each fortnight to a net $1527.28, while individuals living alone receive $992.74, $66.86 more than before.

The payments are taxed.

Pensioners also get a tax free Winter Energy Payment between May 1 and October 1 of $20.46 a week for single people and $31.82 for couples.

Waipā is one of few councils in New Zealand which still provides housing for older people in the community.

The council reviewed its pensioner housing policy in 2017 and recommitted to providing and growing its housing for the elderly stock.

“This incident is extremely disappointing. Our cemeteries are sacred places that are valued by our community and the tools stolen are vital to ensuring it is well maintained,” Ward said. Council staff were working with police this week to review CCTV footage.

Pensioner housing in Te Awamutu on Churchill Street .

Waipā's park operations team leader Matt Johnston pictured with sexton James Krippner, right.

McKenzie a friend to Emery

By Mary Anne Gill

Emery Cooper has been a regular at McKenzie Centre in Hamilton for nearly a year and her progress has given parents Kathleen and Stefan hope for their daughter’s future.

Born in October 2020, Emery is the Waipā couple’s third child after Myla, 10, and Arlo,

7. They live in Te Awamutu.

When she was about a year old, she was still not crawling or rolling so Kathleen took her to a physiotherapist.

“Around 14 months old she regressed in her speech and social skills. She stopped babbling, she no longer looked anyone in the eye, and she wouldn’t respond to her name.

“She also lost weight and her head had stopped growing. We were incredibly worried and went desperately searching for answers, and as she lost the use of her hands, we were led to the devastating diagnosis of Rett Syndrome,” says Kathleen.

Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls and leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the child’s life: their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe easily.

First identified by Austrian paediatrician Andreas Rett in 1966, it is usually recognised in children between six to 18 months as they begin to miss developmental milestones or lose abilities they had gained.

Recent research has shown that gene therapy has the potential to treat or even reverse several aspects of Rett Syndrome by restoring the body’s production of methyl cytosine-binding protein 2.

Kathleen says they hope Emery will have gene therapy in her childhood.

“Although we love her just the way she is, we hold on to the hope that she will be able to access gene therapy in her childhood. We think this will give her a chance to gain back the skills Rett Syndrome has stolen from her.”

In the meanwhile, the team at McKenzie Centre provides the expertise Emery needs.

“They’re like a family to us, we go there and feel like the team of therapists and other parents wrap us in their support, care and knowledge,” says Kathleen.

Being with other whānau is another big plus. “I have learned so much from other families who give us ideas.”

The centre was established in 1984 and provides early childhood intervention and support for children/tamariki from birth to school age with a developmental delay or disability.

“Our concerns are always listened to, and they are great at brainstorming new ideas to help Emery and put into place in her life.

“She’s definitely communicating better with her eyes and she’s getting stronger physically since starting at McKenzie Centre.”

Rett Syndrome is so rare there are fewer than 100 children in New Zealand with the condition.

Emery attends McKenzie Centre every Wednesday morning during term time.

“That’s when we can really talk about Emery and what she needs. If there is equipment, we feel she needs, McKenzie Centre do what they can. We bring it up with the occupational therapist or the physio and they make it happen.”

Like Emery’s adaptive push chair.

“That’s something McKenzie Centre hooked up for us,” says Kathleen who found the previous chair was not good for Emery as she was always slumping to one side.

Having the right support is critical as those with Rett Syndrome are susceptible to scoliosis.

Emery also sees a McKenzie Centre speech therapist who uses a low tech eye gaze Augmentive and Alternative Communication system to help learn how much she really understands.

“She is smart, she very clearly communicates what she wants by looking at the correct symbols.

“We are so excited for when she has access to an eye gaze device as she will be able to tell us so much more.”

In three years, Kathleen hopes Emery can mainstream into Te Awamutu Primary School, where her older children go.

“We do think she can keep up intellectually wise. With the right adaption, she should be able to learn with everyone her own age.”

McKenzie Centre offers a variety of programmes for children, delivered in partnership with families/ whānau. A team of passionate and skilled therapists, teachers, education support workers and tuakana (peer workers) deliver multiple services while specialists provide information and skills relating to their professional background. Practical services and support help children/tamariki and families/whānau enjoy and use the time they spend together, every day, as valuable learning opportunities. • More photos: teawamutunews.nz

The Cooper family of Te Awamutu: Kathleen, Arlo, Myla, Stefan and Emery.

Photo: Jemma Chan Photography.

Te Awamutu College’s senior premier netball team, pictured, capped off an impressive season with a premier finals’ performance on Saturday. The side won the Paperplus Te Awamutu Netball Centre premier grade final, beating Fraser Tech Te Awamutu 67-53 at ASB Stadium at Te Awamutu Events Centre. And on the heels of that success, the team is at the week-long 2023 Upper North Island Secondary Schools Tournament. On Monday, they beat Glendowie and Tauhara 45-24 and 54-20 respectively. The event - hosted by Hamilton City Netball Centre - wraps up tomorrow, Friday. - Jeremy Smith

Centre celebrations

Pirongia Heritage and Information Centre staff marked the organisation’s 20th anniversary on Tuesday. The day featured two life membership presentations, to Haupai Puke and Alan Hall. The centre, which opened its doors in 2003, provides information to the public and acts as a custodian of the town’s history and taonga.

New shed

Plans to set up a Cambridge Menzshed are on track following a meeting last weekend. All 32 people who attended signed up to become members of the organisation, which has become an active player in community events in Te Awamutu.

Choir performs

Tauranga chamber choir

Scholars Baroque Aotearoa will perform Henry Purcell’s take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest in Cambridges’ St Andrew’s Church on September 10.

Artistic endeavour

More than 100 Waipā children aged three to 18 have been painting their hearts out in the hopes of winning a prize in September’s Little Artist International Art Exhibition. The exhibition is part of the second New Zealand China Cultural Connection 2023 event, and will be at the Cambridge Town Hall from September 15, with open sessions over the following two days.

Parade date

The Te Awamutu Christmas Parade will be held this year on December 3.

Correction

A brief which appeared in The News last week incorrectly named Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board member Sally Whitaker as Jill. Of course, Jill Taylor is also a board member.

Ka ora, ka ako – it’s ka pai

By Jeremy Smith

Aotearoa’s free school lunch programme – Ka Ora, Ka Ako – is being gobbled up by Waipā school students.

And some of the principals whose schools receive the lunches have told The News they want the “valuable resource which is filling a genuine need” to continue.

One cited the lunches as making a “positive difference” towards increasing school attendance for some.

The comments come as the Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) says new research conducted by Auckland University research fellow Pippa McKelvie-Sebileau - in which students, whānau and principals in four Hawke’s Bay schools were interviewed - marks the first time the views of those most directly impacted by Ka Ora, Ka Ako have been recorded and presented by researchers.

The HCA - which wants to see the programme expanded – submitted a petition to Parliament in June calling for the programme’s scope to be doubled.

The Government agreed to fund Ka Ora, Ka Ako at its current size – 25 percent of schools in what it calls New Zealand’s “most disadvantaged” areas – until the end of 2024.

An HCA spokesperson said the latest research showed over 80 per

cent of the families interviewed – 82 percent to be exact - were experiencing significant financial insecurity. The same percentage identified as Māori, they said.

Student participants in the study reported the lunches had alleviated hunger in a way that was “manaenhancing… because everyone ate the same meal together. For parents, the lunches had a big impact on their grocery bill and increased financial security.”

And collectively, the spokesperson added, the research showed “important evidence of wide benefits” stemming from the scheme.

Health Coalition Aotearoa figures provided to The News show four schools in both Te Awamutu and Kihikihi - Te Wharekura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha, Kihikihi School, Pekapekarau School and Te Awamutu Intermediate School – are part of Ka Ora, Ka Ako.

Two of them - Te Awamutu

Intermediate School and Pekapekarau School – returned requests for comment in time for this edition.

At Te Awamutu Intermediate School – where Ka Ora, Ka Ako began in late 2021 – principal Pip Mears said one of the main pieces of feedback the school regularly received is that parents and caregivers welcomed the programme.

The intermediate facilitates the programme in partnership with Pita Pit and Subway, with a variety of hot and cold lunches delivered to the classrooms.

“We have routines in place at school to also ensure no lunches are wasted and that they are given to others in need,” Mears said.

“Mostly parents and caregivers tell us they appreciate the financial pressure that is eased by not having to supply food for school lunches every day.

“And, knowing that there is a healthy meal provided at school is, simply, a relief. Also, students are noticeably excited when their favourite lunches arrive.”

While the school had not completed any specific research showing whether focus and learning is improved from the lunch programme, Mears said existing research shows concentration is hindered by hunger.

“And we do see this from time to time at school. What we do know from feedback and conversations with students and whānau is that the school lunch programme does make a positive difference to school attendance for some,” she said.

Mears said there are families within the Te Awamutu Intermediate School community who rely on Ka Ora, Ka Ako to supply at least one healthy meal to their children each day.

And that’s one of the main reasons she wants it to continue.

“While not everyone has the same level of need, I would be very disappointed to see any family have this valuable resource taken away when they genuinely need the support.” Pekapekarau School principal Tania Bagley agrees.

“In short, we love the programme and see great benefits. No set menu will ever please everybody, but our provider is highly responsive to our feedback and makes changes accordingly.”

Ninety new citizens welcomed

By Mary Anne Gill

Ninety Waipā residents were sworn in on Friday as New Zealand residents in the second of two citizenship ceremonies held this year.

Nearly a third were from South Africa prompting mayor Susan O’Regan to enlist the support of council staff for help with pronunciations.

Council Human Resources business partner David Dugmore was one of the 29 South Africans to swear their allegiance to King Charles III.

Next was the United Kingdom with 26 followed by India, Brazil, Philippines, Australia and Pakistan.

Countries with one new Kiwi each were Ecuador, Vietnam, Iran, Taiwan, China, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.

The ceremony was held in a packed Cambridge Town Hall.

Among the new citizens are Brazilian family Fabiana De Alemeida, Sergio, 12, Helena, 14 and Miguel Hiraoka who have been in Te Awamutu for eight years. Miguel works at APL Window Solutions in Hautapu, Cambridge.

Australian pianist Joy Hood played the national anthem with newly elected Māori ward councillor Dale-Maree Morgan apologising in advance if she sang out of tune.

“It’s the Scottish in me, not the Māori,” she joked.

The council usually provides details of where the new citizens live in Waipā but chose not to do so this

time.

• To see the full list and more photos; www.teawamutunews.nz

Celebrating Life - Your Way

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New citizens, from left Fabiana De Alemeida, Sergio, 12, Miguel and Helena, 14, Hiraoka of Te Awamutu at the Waipā citizenship ceremony.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Morgan’s new roles

Newly-elected Waipā Māori ward councillor Dale-Maree Morgan has been appointed to a number of external organisations, committees, groups and council advisory groups.

In addition to being on the Maungatautari Reserve

committee, Morgan will represent the council on Ngā Pae Whenua Co-Management Board with Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Co-Management Board with Ngāti Hauā for Pukemako, the WaikatoTainui and Raukawa Joint Management Agreement

Get Gardening

Spring is nearly here and now is the perfect time to reset the garden. Start attacking those weed's and clean up garden beds. Add compost and generous amounts of sheep pellets or other organic fertiliser to get them well prepped for spring planting. While Spring is a glorious time in the garden we can still get hit with frosts, so don't be tempted to start planting your Summer vegetable seedlings and plant's just yet. Wait until the threat of frosts has gone in mid to late October. Focus on trees, flaxes, shrubs and brambles instead. Also don't forgot to start sprouting seed potatoes ready for planting in mid September to ensure they are ready in time for Christmas! Pop in to grab yours today.

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committees and the Ngā Wai o Waipā Co-Governance forum as alternate to mayor Susan O’Regan.

Roger Gordon has also been selected Waipa’s representative on the Resthaven Trustees Appointments Panel which meets occasionally to fill trustee vacancies on the Resthaven board.

Security upgraded

A security grille is being replaced and alarms installed as Waipā District Council responds to aggressive behaviour.

The work – which will cost just over $185,000 and should be completed by late September - has been linked to a rising numbers of threats from the public, and three lockdowns in 18 months.

“The current grille could no longer be serviced or repaired, so it needed to be replaced,” customer and community services group manager Sally Sheedy said.

During construction work the reception area will be moved to the left of its present area, providing a “smaller but fully functional customer” support space, she said.

The fear of falling

By Peter Nicholl

The phrase ‘down on the farm’ is taking on a worrying meaning these days.

What’s going down on the farm today are the prices for the things farmers produce and export.

Wool prices are so low that many farmers are saying it costs them more to have the wool shorn than they are getting for the wool when they sell it. International dairy prices have also fallen sharply and are now at a level where many dairy farmers will struggle to break-even this year.

Cheese prices have held up better than other dairy products but even the price of cheddar cheese at the latest global auction was 23 per cent below its peak price, which was only a year earlier.

Fonterra’s farmgate price reached $9.30 a kilo in the 2021-22 season. Since then, farmers have faced increases in prices for many farm inputs. One article I read said there had been a 24 per cent increase in farm costs in the past two years.

Farmers are also facing an increasing array of compliance costs and those with high debt levels will be feeling the pressure from rising interest rates. But the farmgate price for the current season is now being forecast by Fonterra to be between $7 and $8.

This is an alarming situation for New Zealand as we are still heavily reliant on agricultural exports. It is not just farmers who will feel the impact of this sharp downturn in farmers’ incomes. Dairy farmers have experienced these sharp drops in international prices before. Their first reaction is to cut their spending dramatically.

I wouldn’t like to be the owner of a tractor sales business this year. Towns like Cambridge will feel the impact of the

cut-backs in farmers’ spending.

The question farmers and the people who service farmers will be agonising over is how long will these lower prices last.

There may be some short-term relief for farmers in the form of a decline in the value of the New Zealand dollar. Global dairy prices are set in US dollars. The highest exchange rate earlier this year was NZ$ 1 fetching US$0.65. The current exchange rate is US$0.5745 to our dollar. That adds around 11 per cent to the international price when it is converted to New Zealand dollars. But a falling dollar will add to New Zealand’s inflation rate as the price of everything we import will go up and our inflation rate is already well above the Reserve Bank’s target level. A fall in the value of the New Zealand dollar is almost certain to mean that the Reserve Bank will need to keep interest rates at current levels for longer or even to have to raise them further.

The only long-term solution is a rise in international dairy prices. The key to that will be what happens to the Chinese economy over the next few years. In my last column, I said I thought the problems facing the Chinese economy were too big for even them to handle. The latest issue of ‘The Economist’ reaches the same conclusion. Their headline was ‘why China’s economy won’t be fixed’ and they said that “after four decades of fast growth, China is entering a period of disappointment”. If that does happen, farmers and the whole of New Zealand may be in for more than a period of disappointment.

A monthly gardening column, courtesy of Amber Garden Centre

Former trust chair gone

By Jeremy Smith

Former Waipa Networks Trust chair Craig Sanders is no longer a trustee.

Sanders - who led the trust for nine years - told The News on Monday it was because he had moved to Dunedin and felt it wasn’t “appropriate” to continue.

But current trust chair Sarah Matthews – who took up the role in November - told The News Sanders’ trusteeship ceased “because of a refusal to act”.

The network trust owns Waipa Networks Ltd, which is responsible for the electricity lines throughout Waipā, parts of Waikato and Ōtorohanga districts.

Every three years, the roughly 28,000 customers Waipa Networks delivers power to vote for up to six members for the trust.

The trust, in turn, appoints company directors who are responsible for running Waipa Networks.

In the trust’s last election in October 2021, Sanders was elected as a member after receiving the fifth highest number of votes – 2224 all told.

Matthews told The News the trust would avoid a by election because it’s now five-person board could legally operate through until its next election in October 2024.

The remaining trustees are Matthews,

Appeal a success? Daffinitely…

By Jeremy Smith

Te Awamutu’s 2023

Daffodil Day total is $4500 so far – and growing.

Judy Bannon, Ray Milner, David McLean and Marcus Gower - a by election would only be required if that number dropped to four people, Matthews said.

She said the trust’s last election process cost an estimated $70,000.

After the trust held its annual meeting in Te Awamutu last week, Matthews said Sanders had departed last month.

“In my opinion, it wasn’t appropriate to be on the trust anymore simply because I no longer live there,” Sanders said. “It’s not a big deal. I’ve lived in Dunedin for about a year. It’s too far away and I’m busy doing other things.

“Even with technology, it’s a long way away and I think you’ll find all the other people on the trust live in either Te Awamutu or Cambridge.”

Matthews said the trust was “pretty happy” with Waipa Networks’ performance during the last financial year.

“Some of the key performance indicators which weren’t met were in and around reliability, and obviously that was fairly challenging in a year in which there were some severe weather events such as Cyclone Gabrielle.

“I think that’s part of why we were pretty happy with the overall results, because with Gabrielle, on top of growth challenges subsequent impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve done really well,” Matthews said.

As The News went to print, Daffodil Day co-ordinator Kathy Keighley said final totals were still being collated.

But she was “immensely grateful” for everyone who’d helped make the day possible from an organisational standpoint when it was held in town on Friday.

The “team effort” which helped make the day a reality saw more than 70 volunteers involved in everything from facilitating the seven stands which were out and about in both Te Awamutu and Kihikihi, to then helping count donations.

“That’s an extremely good outcome,” she told The News of Monday’s increasing totals.

In a typical year, about 5000 individual flowers - made up of 500 bunches of 10were sold, she said. They are grown

in planting locations established “many years ago” by Keep Te Awamutu Beautiful.

Kathy said support for Daffodil Day increases each year.

“We’d always love more daffodils.”

Daffodil Day, run by the Cancer Society of

New Zealand, raises money to help support Kiwis affected by cancer.

“I can only say a huge thank you to everyone who helps here in Te Awamutu. However they did so, it’s greatly appreciated.”

Kathy added that

help from Te Awamutu cancer support group members across several organisational aspects of the day was also “hugely helpful”. Sowing the seed ahead of next year, Kathy said additional volunteers would always be welcome.

Cervical S mear Tests

Te Awamutu Daffodil Day coordinator Kathy Keighley, left, with volunteer Terry Lloyd after picking their latest bunch of daffodils in preparation for Friday.

Coffee and cake in Kihikihi

By Julie Guest

Many of you will have read before that

I am a mother of five children - all now independent adults, and to the delight of my husband and I, all living in New Zealand. Even more special is that our children are friends as well as siblings and prioritise time to keep in touch.

The spouses and partners of our children have seemingly accepted, or at least coped with this family connectedness.

You are probably wondering why I am sharing this.

I’m not describing anything unique or remarkable.

That’s true, except that our family was and is profoundly affected by having a child who is neuro-diverse.

(That is the language of today – he had other labels as he grew up).

He saw the world differently, was not able to regulate emotional responses in the way others can, his brain processed sounds differently and did not register pain at all.

Pain, and the fear of pain is vital for helping us avoid danger.

All this meant he was difficult and even dangerous in some instances but he was also extremely academically capable. He was loyal and affectionate and I would have walked over hot coals to ensure his safety and wellbeing.

He is my son and I love him to bits.

As a family, we were very fortunate to live in places where there was good access to Cams (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).

These services offered expertise when as parents we had reached the end - and believe me that happened often.

The journey was gruelling and amazingly

rewarding. I believe that the closeness of our family is mostly because we all had to work harder at being family and gained so much along the way.

One of the hardest aspects of having a neuro-diverse child was the isolation I felt. It was very difficult to visit friends.

Because I couldn’t guess what each day would be like, I could not be part of organisations or events that required a commitment.

For years I couldn’t work because even when he was at school, I could be called in at any time.

One of the few safe spaces was our local church. There, we found people willing to listen deeply to us as parents. People who accepted, even loved, our son.

Members of the public would often find it necessary to tell us how to sort out our son, but at church we found people willing to listen to the frustrations and pain we lived with, and who supported us with all our quirks.

That acceptance flowed from Jesus’ teaching that every person is valuable and has gifts and talents that are to be shared for the benefit of all.

Now we want to offer that support to others.

This week, in the Anglican Church hall in Kihikihi (by the cicada on Kihikihi Rd), we will offer an opportunity for parents of neuro-diverse children to gather, share their stories and be listened to as I was. All welcome to Coffee and Cake today from 1pm to 2.30pm.

Four! Councillors want more

By Roy Pilott

Just eight of 30 politicians who responded to a Good Local Media poll said they were comfortable with a three-year term for councils.

Nineteen thought going to four years was a better option, three were undecided.

And among those 11 not convinced, some indicated they could be persuaded to change their mind.

The exclusive survey drew a 100 per cent response from local body politicians in Waipā plus the two covering the TamahereWoodlands ward and the mayor of the Waikato District and Waipā-King Country constituency councillors for the Waikato Regional Council and the chair.

“In my experience I have found we just get going and there is an election,” Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board chair Ange Holt said.

But Cambridge Community Board chair Jo Davies-Colley was among those happy with a threeyear term, saying it gave elected members enough time to have an impact on their community “and see some of their strategies and

goals hopefully come to fruition”.

Cambridge board member Andrew Myers thought three-year terms amounted to a “massive waste of public money” while Waipā councillor Philip Coles was on the same page saying reducing the frequency would save ratepayers’ money.

“Sixty-six per cent of a three-year term can be poorly utilised - the first year for people to get bedded in and learn the ropes, one year in the middle to be of effect, and a final year to win an election,” said Myers.

“(That) money could be spent on other projects that could benefit the community better,” said

Coles.

Pirongia ward’s Bruce Thomas liked four years but… “no longer, as I see difficulty in governance if a majority of the wrong element can have an influence…”

Regional councillor Clyde Graf was on the same page – “four years may be okay, but that‘s the limit.

The likelihood of cronyism and corruption increases with the length of the term”.

Waikato district councillors in the TamahereWoodlands ward, Mike Keir and Crystal Beavis, favoured four.

And Beavis said there was no point changing the term for local government without also changing the

term for Parliament.

“Three years does not allow enough time for effective government at either local or national level.”

Waipā district Māori ward councillor Dale-Maree Morgan understood the issue had been discussed and “council has always supported calls for an extension for the term from three to four years”.

“A longer term will help with the effectiveness of planning, implementing and actually getting things done for our people and communities.”

Waipā’s Marcus Gower also believed the three-year term was “too short to get any big projects underway”. His colleague Andrew

Brown said four years allowed a decent period to get things done “but not too long before voters can have their say”.

Regional Council chair Pamela Storey, Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan and Waikato mayor Jacqui Church all four-year term supporters, agreed that the longer term would enable better planning.

Waikato regional councillor Stu Kneebone was happy with three but acknowledged “there are always plusses and minuses”.

Happy at three was Pirongia’s Clare St Pierre - “for me, three years is already a long time personally to commit to a public role that isn’t well

remunerated while calling for quite a sacrifice at a personal level”.

Of the Waipā district councillors Andrew Brown, Bruce Thomas, Dale-Maree Morgan, Liz Stolwyk, Lou Brown, Marcus Gower, Mike Pettit, Philip Coles and Susan O’Regan backed four years, Clare St Pierre and Mike Montgomerie liked three, Roger Gordon was undecided.

Taupō MP Louis Upston almost had a bob each way. She was happy with three-year terms but opened by saying “there will be a variety of views around a four-year term, and it’s something I’m open to”. Gordon looked at a bigger picture.

“The turnout of voters, the participation in consultation exercises, the representative reflection around the council table, and even in some degree the picture painted by the recent satisfaction survey, are suggesting that the current system is not fit for purpose, a little broken. We need to concentrate on that challenge.”

• Read what all the politicians said at teawamutunews.nz

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

Bruce Thomas

Ange Holt

John Wood Lou Brown

Death of an ‘aristocrat’

By Meghan Hawkes

When a mystery horse came back from the Pūnui River in November 1888 without a rider it was taken into Kihikihi and identified as that of Sir Willoughby Dixon. He had last been seen riding up the road past Mr Bryant’s farm and appeared to have followed the road down to the river. A search party set out but it was too late – the honourable gentleman was found drowned at Anderson’s crossing, caught in an eel weir. It was an undignified

end for the district’s reputed aristocrat.

Willoughby was the third son of Sir Jeremiah, Knight Companion of the Bath and Colonel in the British Army, and his wife Dame Jemima. Born in Lancashire, his family spent some time in Switzerland where his mother died of scarlet fever when he was seven. Willoughby had five siblings and after their father died in Scotland in 1848, Willoughby, 24, and his brother Charles, 26, struck out on their own for New Zealand, arriving at

Auckland on the Ennerdale in 1849. In 1851 tragedy struck when Charles, riding towards Onehunga one evening, suddenly dropped from his horse. An inquest found he had died from apoplexy, caused by a brain vessel rupture.

Willoughby was farming at Titirangi but by the mid 1850s he was living and farming at Rangiaowhia. He partnered with John Cowell at Te Rore and they ran a large number of cattle on their leased run. The two men had the finest house built at that time in the

By Meghan Hawkes

Waikato, which was burnt down by Māori on General Cameron’s advance up the Waikato in 1864.

By his late 50s Willoughby had stopped farming and lived the life of a gentleman. It was while returning home from celebrating the Prince of Wales’ birthday in Kihikihi that tragedy struck. He appeared to think he was on the road to Alexandra, but he took the back road by way of Anderson’s farm, which led to the river close to an acacia grove.

At the inquest, held at Kihikihi’s Star Hotel, a verdict of found drowned was recorded. It was supposed that he attempted

to ford the river in the wrong place, taking the water where it was 14 feet deep instead of at the shallows. Willoughby was very much intoxicated, which accounted for his having missed his road. He did not seem to know where he was going. His funeral was held at Paterangi in bad weather, but there was a large attendance. Willoughby was one of the oldest settlers in the district and was remembered for his quiet demeanour and obliging disposition.

Despite being known as ‘Sir’ Willoughby Dixon and receiving mail addressed to ‘The Honourable

ON SHAKY GROUND

Pets and disasters

By Janine Krippner

Last weekend I was having breakfast with friends who experienced Cyclone Gabrielle in the Hawke’s Bay area.

As is natural for many conversations in my life, it started out talking about eruptions, then moved on to earthquakes and extreme weather. A common thread through all of these events is that people who experience disasters did not think that it would happen to them.

Those who experience loss are often unprepared and don’t think it will be that bad. This continues from my work on the 2021 La Palma eruption, where many people had 15 minutes to grab what they could and leave. I’ve written about having a list of things that are important – documents, medications, items that you would hate to lose. The next step is having these things in one place, in a “grab-bag” so you don’t have to think when a crisis hits, remembering that we do not think normally when in the middle of a crisis. There are plenty of sites online with recommendations for putting these together.

Something else crucial to many of us are our non-human family members. Through too many disasters I have heard of people refusing to evacuate because they couldn’t take pets with them. Even more stories exist of pets missing. I have two cats and my heart aches even thinking of losing them. I have gone over what I would do if something like a large earthquake hit and at the top of my mind is always making sure they are okay. Thankfully, mine are very happy indoor cats, so unless there is major structural damage to

Willoughby Dixon’ he was not actually a baronet. His name was Robert Willoughby and his surname spelt Dickson. His estate amounted to five pounds – enough for a good suit of clothes and not much else.

my home I will at least know where they are.

My friends spoke about people who had cows and sheep turn up on their property, horses in odd places, and a goat on a boat after the cyclone. Have you thought about a plan for your pets or animals?

Do you have any medications somewhere that are easy to grab and run? Do you know where your pet carriers are? Having our pets microchipped can greatly help when it comes to reuniting with our furry friends if they get lost. Do you have friends or neighbours nearby who could check on your animals (and vice versa) if you can’t get home? During a disaster, roads can be blocked, bridges can collapse, and communications networks can go down. What is your plan if you are stuck at work?

There are websites that have clear information on pet safety during emergencies and how to prepare for your pets, with simple things like having printed photos handy in case you find yourselves separated. Having some extra food and supplies around at all times, where possible, can really help. I understand that not everyone can easily afford this. If you can, having a pet get-away kit could make a huge difference.

There is so much on our minds in everyday life, hearing about yet another thing to do is not usually welcome. I get it. Having a chat about your household plan over dinner tonight might just save you major heartache down the track.

SHOWHOME OPEN TO VIEW

The first townhouse showhome is open to view at Ryman’s newly named Patrick Hogan Village in Cambridge. We currently have two and three bedroom townhouses available now.

Two bedroom townhouses exclusively priced from $770,000.

All offer spacious open plan living with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, and your own private patio.

Plus, purchase any Ryman independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2023 and receive a $20,000 credit on settlement.* Imagine a new smart TV, a winter escape or furniture for your new home. It’s yours to spend!

*Terms and conditions apply, visit rymanhealthcare.co.nz/ts&cs

23 Hugo Shaw Drive, Cambridge

a

Athletics is the foundation sport for most other sports. Many of our top sports people did athletics as a child.

Our ‘Club Nights’ are Tuesday’s commencing from the 10th of October.

Juniors (Ages 3 to 9) are from 5.30 to 6.30.

Seniors (Ages 10 and up) are from 6.30 to 7.45.

The 3 to 6 year olds have running races and games. The 7 to 9’s have two or three races and a field event each week.

The Senior athletes usually have a sprint and distance race, two field events and a Relay. Some coaching is provided for the Seniors, focused more on the 12’s and up.

www.sporty.co.nz/teawamutuathletics

TE AWAMUTU CREATIVE FIBRE

We are a group of people who explore, inspire and create with bre.

Te Awamutu Creative Fibre has an extensive library, a range of equipment for use with bre,

regular workshops in all areas of our interests, spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet etc. Members are encouraged to share their knowledge and skills base. We have approx 40 members who meet in one or all of our

3 groups. Our group is a liated to Waikato Creative Fibre and also the Creative Fibre NZ. Subscription is $55 per year. Contact Kathy Mitchell on 021 108 5333 for more details.

If you are looking for a fun, challenging, non contact sport, suitable for

Contact: Murray Green (President and Head Coach) 0276216608

Grey Power TE

AWAMUTU

Grey Power is an advocacy organisation promoting the welfare and wellbeing of all those in the 50 plus age group. Help us in�luence legislation and make Te Awamutu the best place for older persons to live while enjoying the social side of belonging to a group.

The bene�its of belonging to Grey Power include discounts from many retailers, the opportunity to join Grey Power Electricity, receive a quarterly magazine and newsletters, cheaper medical insurance with Partner Life, regular updates and input at national level for members' wellbeing, and regular social meetings with interesting guest speakers and other activities.

The focus for the Te Awamutu Lions Club is to service the community but there is also a strong emphasis on fun and fellowship. Our meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at the Te Awamutu Club 542 Alexandra Street starting at 6pm.

Michael Cullen: 021 242 4220

Bernard Westerbaan: 0274 916 763

Meryl Reardon: 021 161 3290

We support a number of local projects:

Te Awamutu Health Shuttle Trust

Te Awamutu Riding for the Disabled Cancer Society Lions Lodge

Facilities we have provided for the local community:

• Castleton Park Playground • Te Awamutu Community Health Shuttle Building • Restoration of Climax 1317 train

Contact Alan Taylor 021 0383290 or secretary-teawamutu@lionsclubs.org.nz

Ngāhinapōuri Golf Club

Ngāhinapōuri Golf Club will play host to the Mark Keesom Twilight Series commencing on Thursday, September 28 and continuing every Thursday during daylight-saving hours.

Tee o is between 3:30pm and

6pm, and costs $10 per player for nine-holes. Both handicap and nonhandicap golfers are welcome and there are prize categories for both groups. Ra es, refreshments, and meals are also available for purchase.

Summer memberships are

$310 for the 6 months from the 1st of October to the 31st of March.

This is a six-month full membership, giving you a handicap index, which will then allow entry into all club competitions.

Ngāhinapōuri Golf Club is a nine-hole country course with

27 Reid Road, Ngāhinapōuri E: pourigolf@xtra.co.nz P: 07-825

Rosetown Lions is an all-women’s service club that serves the community by assis�ng other organiza�ons for over 30 years.

We welcome new members

We meet every second Wednesday of the month for a informal dinner mee�ng at the TA Club from 6.30pm and every 4th Wednesday of the month at the Burchell Pavilion from 7pm.

Contact Jenny Elers – 021 118 4399 to join a group of ac�ve women and help our community.

genuine country hospitality established over 90 years ago. Fully watered greens and fairways o er golfers of all levels an enjoyable experience throughout the summer. This easy walking course is just 20 minutes from central Hamilton on Reid Road near the Ngāhinapōuri School.

2760 W: countrygolf.co.nz Ngahinepouri Golf Club

Kidsare Write all

The old man

Name: Joseph Room: 14 Age: 8

The old man’s robes glittered gallantly in the sun. His robes were white and looked like they were woven from the threads of rainbows. His black sta glittered in the sunlight. He raised his weary head. His face was covered

I am…

in wrinkles but there was a young man’s twinkle in his eyes that still made people smile.

The eagle spread his wings. His golden eyes scanned the perimeter, sharply looking for danger.

He was a full-grown golden eagle with deadly talons that glittered in the sun. He stretched his talons once more, preparing for ight. The ight feathers on his back were a perfect aerodynamic shape. He angled his body and took wing…

Name: Mia Room: 14 Age: 8

I am as …

Slow as a slug eating breakfast, Fast as a cheetah running through the desert,

Climbing Mt Pirongia

Name: Jack Room: 14 Age: 8

It was a very sunny day, the perfect day to climb to the top of Pirongia.

It took ages. It took a day to go up and down.

I was exhausted after we climbed to the top of the mountain. I had to have a break.

From the top, I saw the blue sea. It felt like it went on forever.

I saw a huge ship.

Letter to the council

Name: Georgia Room: 14 Age: 9

Dear Waipa Council, I am writing to complain about that horrible big bad wolf that has moved into Pirongia from the Three Little Pigs forest! Everyone knows that wolves are the bad guys. They keep blowing down our houses. We are getting very frustrated because

Happy as a ower opening it’s petals, Sad as a rain cloud crying tears of rain.

Small as an ant walking around Large as a giant stomping on the oor

Quiet as the breeze blowing through the air

Loud as a dinosaur stomping through the village.

The Gruffalo

Name: Parker Room: 14 Age: 7

I could see a helicopter ying around Pirongia.

I heard the helicopter because it was a little bit loud.

Some more people arrived at the top.

Going down was a bit easier.

It took only two hours to go back down, while it took ve hours to go up.

I deserved my ice cream at the bottom. The cool avours slithered down my throat.

housing materials are going up in price. Whenever he blows down our houses, we are wasting our time and money rebuilding. This has to be stopped. The wolf keeps chasing us so we need to run into other people’s houses. They get caught up in the whole housingwolf situation. It’s not just me that’s annoyed. Everyone else is being disturbed. The wolf follows us into their homes, even if he has to clamber down their chimney when we won’t open the door. The wolf threatens us. He says “I’m coming

There is a monster in the forest. It is breaking all the mature trees and scaring the baby trees who can’t run away. They try and hide with the creatures on the ground. The monster is terrifying the birds in

The purple alien

Name: Mason Room: 14 Age: 9

Je walked and walked until he found a purple alien. The alien ran away. Je chased after him. He stopped and Je slowed down. Now Je walked up to him. “Bleep! Blop!” he says. Je didn’t understand him.

for you. Run, run! Here I come! I’m ready for something tasty and yum!!” We have to stop the wolf of Pirongia! He scares the little kids walking home from school. Kids are having nightmares about their homes being blown down, being followed around the village and being gobbled up in a single bite. The big bad wolf has to realise that he is harming people. The wolf can blow down any house except those made with bricks. But I’m just warning you, you are not safe in a house of bricks. This nasty wolf

the sky because they don’t know where to land or build their nests.

The mice call the monster the Gru alo because he grumbles and groans as he stomps through the bush.

He stomps his heavy feet and leaves huge footprints beside the trees.

The insects dig holes to hide or they run away too.

But some stay to sting the Gru alo to make him go away!

Luckily, he had his alien translator with him and he used that.

The alien says “Bleep! Blop!” again but this time Je heard “Help!” but this wasn’t coming from the alien. Je followed the alien who ran to a hole with two other aliens in the bottom.

Je had a rope and he threw it down. The aliens grabbed it and held on tight while Je pulled them up. The aliens came out safely. Je said goodbye and walked back to his spaceship. He xed it and ew away.

will climb down your chimney to get into your house. The only way we can protect ourselves is to have a hot pot of boiling water at the bottom of our chimney, with the re lit! We shouldn’t have to waste our rewood supplies and money that we should be spending on buying food. (Now that will be the subject of my next letter!)

By now you will understand that there is a massive problem in Pirongia and we need our Council to help us trap and rid us of this wolf problem.

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

Wedding

Josh and Bayley Storey on their big day

“People probably weren’t expecting it to be honest,”

Te Awamutu’s Josh Storey says with a smile. Unbeknownst to the watching audience, he and new wife Bayley had a surprise - unveiling their rst dance on their wedding day.

“We went to Tauranga for dance lessons then - for about two months beforehand - we practiced every morning in our gumboots on the farm.”

Married at Karapiro’s e Red Barn on May 20 amidst “pouring rain”, the couple had a clear goal on their special day. “We were really relaxed and went into it thinking ‘let’s just have fun,’” Bayley said. e pair, both 24, rst met when they were 12 – though it would seem they have di ering recollections of the occasion.

“Josh was obsessed with me from that night onwards,” Bayley smiles.

“I was not,” Josh smiles back.

“We went to di erent schools, but we had mutual friends so somehow we just kept crossing paths.”

In 2017, both Josh and Bayley ended up in Queenstown studying hospitality management. Josh worked up the courage to ask Bayley on a date while they were both in Taupo completing an internship.

“But, ve minutes before the date, she said no,” Josh smiled. When they nished their respective studies, there was a time the pair lost contact for a bit. Josh moved back up to the family farm near Te Awamutu –on which he’s the sixth generation of his family to work – Bayley stayed in Queenstown. Enter lockdown in 2020.

While Josh “drove the tractor around”, much of that time was also spent talking to Bayley on the phone.

“We spoke pretty much every day.” at May, Bayley told Josh she was moving north to start a new job in Hamilton.

“I had an idea,” Josh said, “I’d put my shining armour on and go and pick her up, then we could road trip back up to the Waikato together.”

“I suppose you could say those three

days in the car ended up being our rst date,” Bayley smiled.

Engaged last November, the couple now work alongside each other on the farm, which Josh’s parents own.

Calving twice a year, they have 450 cows and 100 young stock on 170 e ective hectares.

“We’re pretty lucky,” Bayley said.

“It’s awesome to work with your wife,” Josh added.

“We share our whole lives together - I love that we’re each other’s number one support person. “We love humour and having a laugh together too,” Bayley smiled.

“We always have each other’s back.”

Whatever spare time they get, they’re “active relaxers” - snow skiing in winter, mountain biking and time at the beach in summer.

Photographer: Amy Bell.

hen you’ve recently gotten engaged, adorning your third finger with the rock of your dreams is at the top of a girl’s priority list.

At this stage, few couples give thought to the wedding rings - often leaving their purchase until closer to the wedding.

Wedding

ou are now Mr and Mrs. e wedding reception is where you relax a er the formalities and really start to celebrate.

But this party still needs attention to detail. Remember you are hosts. While you fuss over your photos, guests at your wedding will focus on the venue, food and music.

Make sure everyone remembers your wedding for the right reasons.

Receptions DOS

Stick to the people you really want there. Don’t be afraid to go small in numbers.

Listen to your venue manager’s experiences.

Make a schedule of what happens when and liaise with venue

management and caterers. Have an MC.

If your guests must wait for a sitdown meal, make sure they have nibbles, drinks and some entertainment.

Reception Do’s and Don’ts Y

Schedule speeches a er the main course to avoid overcooked or cold food. Include speeches as follows.

e father of the bride welcomes guests and toasts the bride and groom.

e groom toasts the bridesmaids and bride and thanks the in-laws.

e best man toasts the parents and absent friends. e bride speaks too.

While this is not traditional, come on girls, you can do it.

Reception DON’TS

Let the speeches go on for too long. Run overtime with your photographer.

Let speech givers get too tipsy.

While this is good for the pocket, a er all you don’t want to shock the groom with a double purchase of bling, it does pay to have an idea of the wedding ring you want when shopping for the engagement ring.

Consider if you want to wear the engagement ring and the wedding ring together. If so, they will have to not only t well together on the nger, but also complement each other. Most choose the same metals, but yellow and white gold can also look chic depending on the design.

However, if you are going to wear your wedding ring on its own you may want something more interesting than a plain band. Jewelers report that wedding rings with stone settings are now more o en requested than plain settings. Also consider if you want ‘his and her’ rings which give a nod to each other’s design in order to re ect your romantic bond. You can also request for your rings to be engraved with the wedding date and initials, or something personal to you both.

Photographer: Amy Bell.

Tackling the planning process

Getting engaged is a joyful time as you share your exciting news with family and friends. But the process of planning the biggest party of your life can be overwhelming as you ponder how to make it all happen. Use our checklist below for inspiration on how to get started.

• Work out a budget and plan according to how much you have to spend.

• Start a guest list.

• Choose your wedding party.

• Reserve a date and book venues –decide whether the ceremony and reception will be at one venue, or at separate locations.

• Choose and book a celebrant, photographer and videographer.

• Book entertainment, a florist, and a caterer – then decide on menus.

• Purchase your wedding dress, or organise a dressmaker.

• Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories.

• Book accommodation for out-oftown guests.

• Launch a wedding website, or Facebook page.

• Select or design wedding invitations.

• Choose and book a cake.

• Plan your ceremony – decide on readings, speakers and toasts.

• Reserve structural and electrical

necessities, such as outdoor seating.

• Organise official documents like your marriage license. Be sure check your passports are current if you’re going overseas.

• Arrange transportation for the wedding party and guests.

• Plan your honeymoon.

• Start a wedding register if required.

• Schedule your hair and make-up artist.

• Book the rehearsal dinner venues.

• Assign seating.

• Choose your music. Is it a live band, a DJ, or is the music planned for during the ceremony, dinner or the entertainment.

• Purchase the rings.

• Print your menu cards and place settings. The planning process can be overwhelming, but breaking down the planning process into bite-sized pieces will make it feel much more achievable and fun.

Bouquets

Flowers are a key part of the wedding style and theme.

It is important to pick a florist whose work you admire, and who can relate to you and the look you want to achieve.

Ask friends for recommendations of florists and visit their shop. Don’t necessarily go for the cheapest quote, you get what you pay for and there are many factors that affect the quality of your wedding flowers.

Good florists will source the best flowers direct from the growers – other florists may source from elsewhere and freshness may be compromised.

Most bridal parties will have colour themes, and flowers will traditionally fit in with the colours of the bridesmaids’ dresses.

However, a new trend is to have the flowers as the main style focal point –with brides opting for large bouquets of big bright blooms such as large roses. Bridesmaids hold smaller versions of the bride’s bouquet.

Roses are traditionally symbolic of romance and ever popular calla lilies and gerberas - along with lisianthus - are also trending.

Hydrangea styled loosely with lisianthus are reminiscent of childhood gardens and are fresh and romantic for a bride.

COME JOIN US & HAVE SOME FUN

By Chef Louise Chidlow

Quick crossword

Wordsearch

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JBOTSCAUUVCHURCHESE

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Sudoku

308

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

Across 1. Sample (5)

4. Optimistic (6) 7. Lid (3)

8. Mischievous (6)

9. Chess piece (6) 10.

BSEYENODNOLBECALAPR

PKOMVICTORIAGXRICYL

EMBANKMENTXRITRADGO

PEXSYQTEERTSYELRAHO

AIRPORTS

BARS

BIG BEN

BUSES

CHELSEA

CHURCHES

CITY

Last week

Across: 1. Ballot, 5. Snitch, 8. Ale, 9. Poetic, 10. Cocoon, 11. Diva, 13. Ignorant, 14. Decry, 15. Beast, 19. Et cetera, 21. Torn, 22. Bamboo, 23. Racket, 25. Due, 26. Lately, 27. Throng.

Down: 2. Agonise, 3. Lit, 4. Tactic, 5. Second, 6. Incorrect, 7. Clown, 12. Agreeable, 16. Surgeon, 17. Melody, 18. Garret, 20. Tiara, 24. Cur.

CLUBS

CROWDS

DOCKS

EAST END

EMBANKMENT GLOBE

Last week

Sudoku

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company

Wordsearch

MEDIUM YRDETSIWTDEKNIKDLP YYTDOSTBGLAJDYERGB TLLUEETIXISCUHIOXB TKGNOLNINWXQSJIEJV ONPZMRDSCMNETLANKX RIBPCUTDMKMFYSHORT GRLUDOIYUNYGBHBLVI ZCRTNLTLEMHJFELUGY PLFKVOYGNIRTSDERND YTRRUCRMDFFBMDAAIK DPDSIUZEGSIUAICVLD AMLEBZBSDMNLTNHELE NENBLMZSJEBOTGELAL DKYIOPDYVPLOEHDLFG RNNCVWMEUNTIDYYEUN UUNHFJNUDKBMONNDXA FUBORINGRLZPMCSJPT FGDIRTYRASTRAGGLYD

Masters eye southern rowing competition

Masson title fight slated

Waipā born boxer Floyd Masson will defend his IBO World Cruiserweight title next month.

Masson’s first defence will be against experienced Belgian Yves Ngabu at Eatons Hill, Queensland, on September 9.

Ngabu, 34, has a record of 21 wins and two losses – the last a split decision in May to Evgeny Tishchenko where one judge gave him one round and another eight out of 10.

His other loss was to Britain’s Lawrence Okolie who scored a points decision over Kiwi David Light in March.

“Masson has fought some good-quality opponents, but this will be the next big test, as he begins to fight more international opponents,” boxing expert Benjamin Watt told The News.

Masson has been training in the United States, in the same camp he prepared for the Turchi fight.

New Zealand-born Benjamin Kelleher will defend his Australian national cruiserweight title against Luke Modini on the undercard.

TE AWAMUTU OPEN HOMES

By Jeremy Smith

Te Awamutu Rowing Club members are looking to make a splash at next month’s 2023 New Zealand Masters Championships.

When the two-day event hits the water at Twizel’s Lake Ruataniwha on September 16 and 17, twenty Te Awamutu rowers will be among those competing - one of the largest Te Awamutu contingents to attend the event in recent years.

Off the back of a “very successful” club and school season, club publicity officer Alya Mexted said there was a sense of excitement about sending such a large group – which would now be looking to make its mark on the national stage.

She said “key preparation” had been required in the lead up to the

hard yards of training on – and off – the water, and fundraising efforts.

“On these brisk winter mornings, we’ve completed long distance rows with the club from Horahora Domain to Mighty River Domain – a distance of about 11km,” she said.

Efforts to held pay for the trip included a successful fundraising evening – a quiz night - held at Pirongia Rugby Sports Club.

The evening attracted more than 150 participants, Alya said.

Rowers heading south from the club are Wendy Reynolds, Rochelle Panting, Roz Harrison, Pip Leppard, Chenae Swinerd, Piri Craig, Jess Adlam, Kirsty Moffat, Laura Collier, Richard McDermott, James Bryan, Ann Edmondson, Tony Edmondson, Tanya McDermott, Claire Hood, Allen Loomb, Aaron Leppard, Les Craig, Wayne Asplin

OpenDay

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

Contact listing agent prior-visiting as

Oh, they don’t make them like they used to. This 1930’s weatherboard cottage, situated on a rear crosslease section with an easy walk to CBD, is complete with good tenants happy to stay. A great start to your rental portfolio. Currently rented at $460 per week. If you are looking to invest, start here. Talk to your mortgage broker about the return on your investment or if you are a first home buyer, why not pay your own mortgage rather than someone else’s. This is a cutie

Floyd Masson

Te Awamutu Rowing Club’s masters eight crew gets in some training on Lake Karapiro ahead of going to Twizel.

Te Awamutu

Tennis Club

AGM

Monday 4th September 2023,

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

Te Kura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha

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

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

Ka kati tēnei tono hei te 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

clearance stock (unless otherwise stated) and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. See in-store for details. We reserve the right to correct errors or misprints. 30 day Comfort Guarantee Ts and Cs apply. on Q Card Flexi Payment Plans. A $50 Annual Account Fee and $55 Establishment Fee for new Q Cardholders or a $35 Advance Fee for existing Q Cardholders will apply. Minimum payments of 3% of the monthly closing end

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on our

and conditions please see your nearest store or visit our website bedsrus.co.nz