TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 1
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
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Destination unknown
By Jeremy Smith
Te Awamutu i-Site may have to close its doors unless it can find more than $155,000 to fund its operation - and the future of its home may also be in doubt. Both the Cambridge and Te Awamutu organisations were given the news Waipā District Council had withdrawn its annual contribution to Destination Cambridge - which runs the Cambridge i-Site, and Destination Te Awamutu last week. Each were getting $157,000 a year. In Te Awamutu, the i-Site’s Gorst Ave building was purpose built by the community, then gifted back to the council for its current use, Destination Te Awamutu chair Shane Walsh told The News.
Destination Te Awamutu leases the building back from council for the purposes of running the i-Site. The News sought confirmation from the council that Walsh was correct. A spokesperson said “given the historical nature with the building itself, we’ll need to do a bit of investigating to get this answer for you. So, we will treat this as a LGOIMA request and respond in due course”. Under the Local GovernmentOfficial Information Act (LGOIMA), the council has 20 days to provide a response, but has historically responded to The News questions much more quickly. The act was designed as an avenue for people to request information held by
local government agencies. In recent years, agencies have turned the tables on questions by filing them as being made under the act, even when they are not. Walsh said he understood the i-Site building was built by community groups for the purposes of Destination Te Awamutu’s predecessor - Te Awamutu Community Public Relations Organisation – having a space which could be used as “community facility”. The Destination Te Awamutu board met this week to discuss ways of keeping its doors open beyond June 30. The district’s i-Sites provide tourism and visitor information in both towns through a service level agreement with the national i-Site organisation. Earlier this year the
council extended the two contracts through to June 30 next year – but prior contracts had been for a three-year term, Walsh said. If the doors do close in July, Te Awamutu i-Site’s three staff will lose their jobs – Walsh said, though, the board would work to find a way to prevent that happening. “It is not going to be easy and it is not guaranteed, but we will be working as hard as we can to keep the doors open and get a positive result for our staff,” he said. Destination Te Awamutu’s 2023 statement of financial performance shows that even with council funding, the i-Site ran at losses for the past two financial years. For the 2022 financial year, the i-Site’s total operating expenses were just over $200,000, and $230,000 to
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June 30 this year. But the i-Site faced a $22,000 deficit at the end of the 2022 financial year, and a $7000 deficit to June 30. Revenue to June 30 this year though was up more than $40,000 to about $220,000 when compared with the previous financial year. Excluding council funding, the i-Site’s revenue from providing goods and services in 2023 – collected from initiatives like rentals and commissions of the space, income from a craft market, hiring out a pavilion, a government subsidy and sales - was just over $73,000. “Truthfully, we don’t know where the additional revenue will come from just yet,” Walsh said. “But for now, all we can say is it is business as usual while the
Shane Walsh
board works hard to find ways to keep the doors open from July. “We had already been looking to find ways of creating more revenue so that we’re not so reliant on council funding any way… we now just have to accelerate that process.” • Tough calls begin – See Page 2
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Board comes clean
By Jeremy Smith
Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board members are planning a community clean-up day early next year following concerns it raised with Waipā District Council about the state of Te Awamutu’s town centre. Chair Ange Holt raised concerns in June, saying pedestrian crossings, median strips and some of the roundabouts were covered in moss and weeds. Last month board member Jill Taylor also raised concerns about a weed-infested State Highway 3 roundabout, near Hamilton
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
Airport, which falls under New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi jurisdiction. Ahead of the board’s meeting yesterday (Wednesday), held after The News went to press, members sought a “please explain” from the council regarding current levels of street cleaning. The request comes as deputy chair Kane Titchener told The News on Monday he had the idea for a community clean-up day as another way of bringing the community together. Titchener asked the board to approve $1000 from its uncommitted discretionary
Continued on page 4
OPINION
Tough calls begin
By Mary Anne Gill
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excluded to protect the privacy of natural persons – a reference to i-Site staff who could potentially lose their jobs because of the decision. But The News contends it was a funding decision – the council does not employ the staff – and debate should have taken place in public. Ratepayers deserve to know that given the likelihood of more heartbreak to follow. Other community organisations could find themselves short of cash as the council looks for savings. We asked whether three Cambridge councillors – Gordon himself, Philip Coles and Mike Pettit – voted against the motion to stop the i-Site funding. The council will consider that request under the Act as well but again The News says the public has a right to know. Both i-Sites say they will do all they can to attract other funding rather than close. In Destination Te Awamutu’s case, its chair Shane Walsh maintains the building it is in was gifted to the council by the community for use as an information centre. We asked the council about that and were again told that request would be considered under the Act. Last month mayor Susan O’Regan told 150 invited guests at the Celebrating Waipā gathering there were some tough decisions coming for her and all elected members. The council would be making some “really hard calls on behalf of our community.” But if those hard calls are going to be made behind closed doors, it will be difficult for the community to understand the rationale behind them. And councillors are going to need that as their phones start to run hot from groups who will find themselves in a similar situation to Destination Cambridge and Destination Te Awamutu.
Meet the little things A popular cartoon makes its first appearance in The News today. The Little Things looks at the highs and lows of parenthood. It’s written by Matt Lawrey and drawn by Peter Lole. Good Local editor Roy Pilott took on The Little Things when he edited the Taranaki Daily News, and it subsequently began an extended run in Stuff newspapers. So he was pleased when Lawry made contact with publisher David Mackenzie recently. The Little Things is the most published New Zealand cartoon since Footrot Flats, and has also enjoyed long runs in The Otago Daily Times and The West Australian. “The original idea was to offer a laugh and solidarity to mums and dads of little kids but we soon discovered that our audience was much wider than we ever expected. Not only do parents connect with The Little Things but grandparents and kids love it too,” Lawry said. We enjoy The Little Things – and hope you Matt Lawrey do too.
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Waipā District Council’s decision last week to cut funding to the two i-Sites in Cambridge and Te Awamutu appears to be the first sign other tough financial decisions will follow. But The News’ attempts to see a report on how and why the council made the i-Sites’ decision has struck a snag. The council says it will use the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (the Act) – giving it 20 working days – to decide whether to release the report considered in a public excluded meeting and earlier in a confidential workshop. Both Destination Cambridge and Destination Te Awamutu were told after the decision was made at the Service Delivery committee that their annual grants of $157,000 each to provide i-Site services had been slashed from July 1 next year. Given local authorities around the country - including our neighbours in Hamilton who face a 25.5 per cent increase - have hinted at double-digit rate rises, this was an opportunity to send ratepayers a message to buckle their belts. But all we have is confusion because a point of order by Cambridge councillor Roger Gordon trying to have the i-Site report pulled remains unanswered. We got a “no comment” from Gordon under the councillors’ no surprises stance when we asked him to provide us with the “change” to the motion he and other staffers mentioned both during the meeting and in email traffic afterwards. The council in an email titled ‘Error in reporting’ asked us where we “got the notion that the reason for public exclusion was changed.” “The clause under the act to protect the privacy of natural persons was in addition to the other three reasons for public exclusion outlined in the agenda,” a spokesperson said. The council says it went into public
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 3
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
Briefs… A big uptick
The bill to restore the Cambridge clock tower and install an automated system by next June has jumped to more than $720,000. That is up from a $450,000 estimate in August and, says, Waipā District Council property services manager David Varcoe, reflects unpredictable market for materials, the deteriorating condition of the tower and the challenging worksite the clock sits on.
Kuriger speaks
Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger is the new deputy speaker to Gerry Brownlee. She was nominated by Chris Bishop last week. National’s Maureen Pugh and Labour’s Greg O’Connor are the assistant speakers. Kuriger is into her fourth term as an MP and served as an assistant speaker during the Labour led government’s term.
Kiwi plus two
Rate bills mount up By Mary Anne Gill
Waipā’s rates team sent out more penalty letters for unpaid rates this month than staff can recall, financial accountant Nada Milne told the district council meeting this week. And the 95 per cent of rates collected is down on previous years which has deputy chief executive Ken
Morris concerned. “It could be a function of the economy,” he said. The second instalment of rates was due on November 22. The council pinged $299,000 worth of penalties on the overdue ratepayers who owe the council $1.963 million. The council is still owed $338,000 from 194 property owners for the last financial
year ended June 30. Morris said one of the ratepayers owed $30,000 and there were other “quite big and sticky” debtors among the others. Traditionally Waipā is the “envy” of a lot of councils because of its usually low rate arrears, Morris told councillors. In her report, Milne said rates of $83.3 million had
been set for the year. The council’s total income after five months (42 per cent) is currently at 36 per cent ($21.225 million) while expenditure of $61.849 million is at 43 per cent. Building fees are down $562,000 on budget due to slower growth while there is also a decrease of $12.5 million due to the deferral of growth projects.
Waipā roles in ordination By Mary Anne Gill
Waipā parish priests Joe Stack and Leonard Danvers had crucial roles in the ordination of new Hamilton Diocese Catholic bishop Richard Laurenson on Friday. The two monsignors – titles bestowed by the Pope on priests
who have given exceptional service to the church – held the open Book of the Gospels over Laurenson, 55, midway through the ordination. This imposition ceremony symbolises the primary duty of a bishop to preach the gospel. Danvers has been at St Peter’s Church in Cambridge since 2016
while Stack arrived at St Patrick’s, Te Awamutu three years earlier. Their role in the ordination shows the respect the diocese holds for the two senior priests. Before the imposition, Danvers had formally asked that Laurenson – previously parish priest at All Saints by the Sea in Papamoa – be ordained
A kiwi transferred from Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari has hatched the first kiwi chicks born in the area west of Wellington in 150 years. The two chicks were found at the end of November as part of The Capital Kiwi Project’s monitoring programme of 63 kiwi.
More bats
A population of Pekapeka – long tailed bats – has been found at the Waitakaruru Arboretum at Tauwhare.
Powering up
An electric vehicle charging station has been installed at Tamahere Park on Wiremu Tamihana Drive.
Market day
Sunday’s Kaipaki Christmas market attracted 40 stall holders and hundreds of people to Kaipaki Oval. The day featured food, games, face painting, a visit from Santa and musical items from Kaipaki and Ōhaupō school students.
Ken Morris
Betsy Reymer of Te Awamutu, who received the Benemerenti Medal papal honour from the pope six years ago, with the new Hamilton Diocese Catholic bishop Richard Laurenson after his ordination. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
a bishop. The Episcopal ordination was held at the Catholic Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Hamilton East on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with parishioners from Cambridge and Te Awamutu present. Laurenson’s family and friends attended in the cathedral on the same Marist grounds – now Marian School - where Laurenson attended primary and intermediate school. Also, present was Archbishop Paul Martin of Wellington and other New Zealand bishops, Pope Francis’ representative in New Zealand Giosuè Bustire and parishioners from the 30 other parishes in the Hamilton diocese which covers 49,700 sq km and takes in nearly 10 per cent of Waikato’s population. Cathedral pastoral assistant Andrea Savage earlier told the congregation Laurenson – the fourth Hamilton diocese bishop after Edward Gaines, Denis Brown and Steve Lowe and the first born in Hamilton – also attended St John’s College, next to Waikato University. He was ordained a priest in August 1995 by Browne and served as a priest in Waihi, Taumarunui, Fairfield, Te Rapa and Hamilton north before his move to Papamoa. “To the people of God of Hamilton, I pray I will be a good bishop for you and with you,” said Laurenson. A supper was held in the Marian School Hall afterwards, but the new bishop missed out on the food as he was inundated by well-wishers outside the hall wanting to honour him and take selfies.
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Katrina closes for business By Jeremy Smith
It was a job she initially saw as a potential stepping stone – but two decades on Katrina Alquist is part of the foundations of Te Awamutu
College. The school’s business manager will step aside next week – after 20 years in the role. “If you asked me back then, I’d never have thought I would be here
Te Awamutu College business manager Katrina Alquist is finishing up after 20 years in the role. Photo: Jeremy Smith.
this long. But Te Awamutu College has become my family,” she said. Alquist is leaving to spend more time with her own family, and “up the ante” when it comes to her passion for gardening. After initially wanting to be a kindergarten teacher, she started in her role at the college in July 2003, having worked as an assistant accountant at PGG Wrightson in Te Kuiti. “I’ve always had a bit of a forte for numbers and been good with mathematics.” Among other tasks, her “varied” work has involved everything from paying the college’s accounts – including those for the college marae based on school grounds, O-Tāwhao Marae, and Rogers Charitable Trust. She has also organised payroll and set the college’s budgets. She says she has had the best of both worlds – and she gets a sense of pride having contributed to the betterment of student’s lives at school. Principal Tony Membery said Alquist had played a massive role in shaping Te Awamutu College into the school it is today. “She has provided 20 years of loyal, dedicated service to the entirety of our wider school community, from the board to the senior leadership team, staff to students and parents and caregivers. “Her skills, knowledge and amazing work ethic have contributed to us being in good financial health as a school. That
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
is simply the case because she has cared about her work. “We will absolutely miss her.” The departing business manager has seen several changes in school life during her time in the role. When she started there were about 1000 students – that’s risen 40 per cent to more than 1400. “I find it amazing that some of the students I saw come through the college now have children of their own here.” Job wise, “...there were of course computers around back in 2003, but technology and the systems we use certainly develop over time. “It’s become more paperless for sure, although, I still like to have a little bit of paper around. “One other big change I suppose is the fact we don’t do as many payments by cheques anymore. “Back 20 years ago, nearly all payments were by cheque. Now, of course, the vast majority are direct deposit payments.” Looking ahead, first up is a holiday, then some time spent helping her partner with his agricultural contracting business. When it comes to thanks, “…I won’t name any one specifically, in case I miss someone… “But I have worked with so many amazing people throughout the entire school community over the years. “Some lifetime friendships have most definitely been created. “I firmly believe Te Awamutu is very fortunate to have such a brilliant school like the college here.”
Board comes clean Continued from page 2
funds to pay for the day’s anticipated associated costs. He hopes to have a community day in March. “I had seen days like the one we are planning held in other centres,” Titchener said. “And more than just picking up rubbish, the day will also serve as another point of connection between the board and our community.” Council transportation manager Bryan Hudson responded to the board’s latest queries regarding council’s contracted levels of service for street cleaning saying brushing and vacuuming of kerbs and urban streets, the CBD and public carparks, as well as clearing of storm water grates, leaf fall sweeping and a wide range of other tasks were all paid for on a monthly basis, dependent on a certain level of service. CBD Street Cleaning Services has been contracted by council since 2021 to carry out the work, Hudson said, and additional services could be completed on instruction from council staff, provided budget was available.
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
Petition targets heavy vehicles after being hit by a truck in Alexandra St in October. Another pedestrian died after being hit by a truck on Sloane St in March. Council transportation manager Bryan Hudson said in a statement to The News prior to last week’s meeting while it was unlikely all trucks could be excluded be excluded from Te Awamutu’s main street “at this time”, lower cost pedestrian improvements could be included in the Long Term Plan, due for adoption next year. In his report to the committee last week, he said the Long Term Plan included a business case for increasing the use of Mutu St by providing better intersections at the
By Jeremy Smith
Waipā District Council says it is working on long term plans to establish alternate traffic routes through Te Awamutu. A 127-signature petition - handed in to the council offices last month and presented to the council’s service delivery committee meeting - says stock trucks, tankers and contractors in heavy vehicles are “a danger to our community”. The petition, included in the meeting’s agenda and later uploaded online, says a bypass would be a “good solution” for heavy vehicles. Calls for traffic flow changes intensified after an 81-year-old woman died
Lighting the way By Jeremy Smith
Te Awamutu’s Ruby McPhail finds it hard to articulate just what it is she loves most about Christmas. “But every time I see Christmas decorations they make me super happy.” Ruby moved to Te Awamutu five years ago and shared her festive joy by organising the Te Awamutu and surrounds Christmas lights trail. Each year homeowners sign up to be part of it via an online form. The fifth iteration of the trail went live recently and most participants leave their lights up until Boxing Day. “I figured a Christmas lights trail would be a neat way for families to have something else they can do together as they go in search of the houses. I love the idea of that,” Ruby said. “I’m always so grateful when people come on board to be part of each trail, and the effort some of the homeowners go to is astounding.”
Alexandra St and Ohaupo Road ends of town, and taking steps to slow traffic down further, especially on Arawata and Sloane streets. Because of affordability though, other proposed changes are unlikely to be looked at until after the third year of the Long Term Plan, he said. In the interim, a council budget half funded by Waka Kotahi for “low cost” road safety improvements could be used over the next three years to fund main street pedestrian crossing improvements.The call for change come as one company, Fonterra Te Awamutu, confirmed its tanker drivers are already trying to avoid main streets “wherever possible”. “We are doing so because safety is a top
priority for our tanker drivers,” Fonterra Te Awamutu depot manager Simon Aykroyd said. “…the recent fatality on Alexandra Street “makes it clear…” the unidentified petition writer said, “… stock trucks, tankers and contractors in heavy vehicles present a danger to our community.” “Concerned citizens would like all heavy vehicles to be excluded from using the main streets of Te Awamutu.” Hudson said it was entirely understandable that there were concerns in our community. A business case for a heavy vehicle bypass commissioned last year showed it would come at a “high cost”.
This year’s trail features 24 addresses - 18 in Te Awamutu, four in Kihikihi and two in Otorohanga. Voting is now open for the crowd favourite accolade, and the winner will receive a Pak n’ Save Te Awamutu Christmas hamper. The 2023 Te Awamutu and surrounds Christmas lights trail is: Te Awamutu - : 330 Pakura St, 66 Cresta Court, 55 Bowden Pl, 258 Raikes Ave, 32 Domain Rd, 343 Elizabeth Drive, 161 Pokuru Rd, 20 Headlands Dr, 92 Mahana Lane (viewed from Frontier Estate), 73 Ryburn Rd Ōhaupō, 1/1181 Alexandra St, 115 Bockett Ave, 828 Bond Rd, 135 Saddle Terrace, 231 George Melrose Dr, 45 George Melrose Dr, 99 Fairview Rd and 1010 Bank St. Kihikihi and surrounds: 35 Bryce St, 76 Rolleston St, 18a Hall St, 23 Moule St, 102 Whibley Rd (Ōtorohanga) and 63 Phillips Ave (Ōtorohanga). Send your best pics from the trail to editor@ goodlocal.nz - put the words Lights Trail in the Ruby McPhail - with daughters Rosie, 6, and Frankie, 3 - pictured with one of the inflatables visitors will subject line. see when they stop by the family’s Christmas lights display this year. Photo: Jeremy Smith
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6 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
Meghan Hawkes looks back on news in Waipa from 1938
Rest and recreation The Waipā Racing club’s last meeting before Christmas was held at Te Rapa in showery weather but had a good attendance. The event was described as a ‘full on dress rehearsal for the Ellerslie carnival’. Form was completely upset in the hurdle event when Loombination, a Waipā candidate, won in very attractive style. He was very well back in the middle stages but made up leeway to be right behind Green Label as they turned for home and battled on in solid fashion with Gascyne in a spectacular finish. Work on some of the buildings in Te Awamutu was being seriously hampered owing to a shortage of skilled carpenters. Numbers of men working on the buildings before Christmas did not return. A local contractor, who was short of labour, said tradesmen preferred to seek work near the seaside during the summer months. Work was plentiful in all directions and they had no difficulty in securing such jobs. Safety precautions on Waipā roads during the holidays were encouraged by the Main Highways Board with a list of helpful suggestions. Particular attention could be given to gravel surfaces during days outside ordinary working hours when traffic was usually greatest. Notices could be clearly displayed where graders or other machines were working. White line markings could be clearly defined, especially at curves. Bridgeends, approach-fences and warning-posts at bridges and curves could be painted white and have growth cleared away. Warning notices could be erected where roads were under repair or construction. Waipā roads receiving attention included the reconstruction of the Kihikihi-Arapuni highway. At Pārāwera metalling was
News
ON SHAKY GROUND
Watching a crisis unfold A Snip in Time
being carried out at the junction of the Owairaka Road and the main highway and excavation was in progress at Orakau. Near Kihikihi several bends were being improved. It was anticipated millions of miles would be covered by motorists during the holiday season. The demands of tourists for road information, hotel and motor camp accommodation, and travelling equipment were breaking records. A comparatively modern development of holiday touring trailers and caravans - was expected to be in wide use. Noted in the Te Awamutu ‘Holiday Round’ was the Misses Mackay, of Paterangi, who were spending a short holiday at Kerikeri. Mrs McKinnon, of Te Rore, had left by air for Christchurch, where she intended spending a few weeks. Mrs Germann and the Misses Germann, of Paterangi, were spending a week camping at Mount Maunganui. Mrs Clough Blundell, of Alexandra Street, was also spending the holidays at Mount Maunganui. The Misses Kay, of Hairini, had left for Auckland, to spend a fortnight’s holiday. Mrs Empson, Mangapiko Street, left for Great Barrier Island for the holidays. Mrs Jourdain, Young Street, was having a seaside holiday at Tongaporutu. Mrs Connal, of Teasdale Street, left on a motoring tour of the South Island, and expected to be absent about a month.
By Janine Krippner
I arrived at my desk on Tuesday last week to find my concerns from yesterday confirmed. Gunung (Mount) Marapi erupted in Sumatra, Indonesia, he day before, producing an ash plume - not smoke - made of pulverised rock and hot gas to about three kilometres high. Watching the videos my heart sunk deeper and deeper. I spotted a seemingly small grey cloud moving swiftly across the ground below the ash plume, expanding as it went. A pyroclastic flow. A very hot, very fast mixture of ash, rock, and gas. My hopes that no one was on the volcano were quickly dashed. Videos of people with ash plastered to their faces soon surfaced. While I cannot understand the language, I can see the distress. I exchanged messages with another deeply concerned volcanologist and friend as she is looking at monitoring data trying to figure out what side the pyroclastic flow went down. News of 11 dead, still more missing, and survivors taken to hospital with burns is circulating. By the time this column is printed the toll will likely be higher. Those poor, poor people. Their poor families and friends. The responders, those still out there looking for survivors. The volcanologists who will be in response mode. All under immense pressure and stress while I sit here in my comfortable and safe office. Confusion about the volcano pops up. It is Marapi, not the better-known Merapi in Java, and videos of other eruptions are getting plenty of shares. This always happens so I am not surprised. My message about being careful what you read and share is not new. Being an expert in volcanology I see how much wrong information gets shared online, especially during a crisis. It
has made me critical and wary of everything I see, no doubt every expert in every area of life sees this in their field. The next thing to pop up online is blame - why were they there in the first place? Perhaps this is a time better suited to compassion as people are going through the worst moments of their lives. The human need to blame and point fingers, like we don’t all have accidents and make mistakes, is so very sad. Marapi is among many frequently active volcanoes in Indonesia, one of around 120 that have erupted in about the last 10,000 years (that we know of) classing them as potentially active, or young enough to produce eruptions again. Indonesians contend with various natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunami, landslides, storms, flooding. Life in a geologically active region comes with so much risk. New Zealand is not immune to similar challenges. If you travel to areas with active volcanoes, please look up the local volcano monitoring and emergency management agencies. If you are heading to a volcano, look up its activity status and tell someone back home before you head out for the day. Volcanoes are gorgeous, incredible, awe-inspiring environments, but they can turn your day into a nightmare within a second. At this point there are hints it may have been a phreatic eruption driven by steam, the eruptions that don’t give us the same warning, but time will tell what happened once local volcanologists have had a chance to analyse the deposits. Right now, the importance is on monitoring the volcano to help keep rescue teams safe.
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 7
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
Buses: more the merrier The added option of taking the faster Tokoroa and Te Kūiti connector services – which only run once a day – has some appeal to those who know about it, which appears to be Wintec and Waikato University staff and students only. “They’re trial services a little bit dictated by the university and Wintec,” said Seston-Dekic. Staff and students get concessions of up to 50 per cent. Hamilton’s Meteor service, which replaced the Silverdale and Frankton bus services in August, has been a huge success with an 80-84 per cent increase. “Frequency is the solution, and we are seeing that.” Discounts are also available for passengers with appointments at Waikato Hospital. While the Te Awamutu service goes direct to the hospital, Cambridge passengers have to transfer in Hamilton to the Orbiter at no extra cost. Communication on that is something that needs another “mindset transition”, she said. Meanwhile there is still no news on a proposal to set up an on-demand public transport network within Cambridge. The regional council successfully trialled a service called Flex in Hamilton and was looking to duplicate it in Cambridge dependent on funding. It gained further traction when Waikato medical professional Luk Chin added his support to it saying it would be needed when the Cambridge Health Hub he and other investors are involved in, opens next year in Norfolk Downs. He envisaged mini electric buses following a route through town, something deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk said she supported. The News understands it is one of the proposals contained in the long-awaited Cambridge Connections business case.
A Waipā bus service between Cambridge and Te Awamutu is some years off but more buses and increased frequency on existing routes could come as early as next year. The success of the Meteor in Hamilton has shown Waikato Regional Council, which funds public transport, that “frequency is the solution.” Public transport customer focus team leader Sandra Seston-Dekic told The News the 24 Te Awamutu and the 20 Cambridge regional services, which run with four buses, will increase with the addition of new electric and double decker buses. Buses will then run from 6am to 10pm weekly – currently 6.50am to 7.05pm in Cambridge and 6.50am to 6.15pm in Te Awamutu – from mid next year. But a new fixed route from Cambridge to Te Awamutu and return was a number of years away and subject to funding from both New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Waipā District Council, she said. “(Waipā) has a transport business case that stages out the proposed public transport service enhancement and coverage within the district. One of these options included a possible new fixed route Cambridge to Te Awamutu service.” The electric buses will recharge at new depots in Kihikihi and Leamington which are currently under construction on land provided by Waipā. The number of people catching regional bus services between Waipā and Hamilton are now well ahead of pre Covid levels. Cambridge continues to lag behind with 8174 trips last month compared to Te Awamutu’s 8983. The busiest month for both towns was in March when 10,565 caught buses on the Te Awamutu route and 9586 in Cambridge.
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FEATURE
8 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
Spotlight on TE AWAMUTU Merry Christmas Te Awamutu. However you spend your break, we hope it is restful and relaxing. If you are heading away, travel safe - and if you plan to spend your break in and around town over the festive season, there is of course no shortage of fun to be had. For those on the hunt for the perfect last minute bargain which will make the perfect Christmas gift, be sure to check out one of the advertisers below.
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 9
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
Since 1978 Bailey Ingham been aall one stopfinancial shop forneeds. all your Since 1978 Bailey Ingham haswish been aour oneclients stophas shop your We a for Merry Christmas
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Thank you
From the staff at the Te Awamutu News and Cambridge News to all our readers and advertisers throughout the Waipa region for supporting us this year.
We wish you a happy Christmas and a safe holiday period. Your last paper of the year is Thursday 21 December
– we take a two-week break then are back publishing again on Thursday, January 11 next year.
CountryLife 10 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
FEATURE
DECEMBER 2023
OBITUARY – GRAHAM FREEGARD: 10th October 1931 -3rd December 2023
The ploughman’s legacy By Viv Posselt
Graham Freegard – a man known as much for his ploughing skills and love of tractors as for his brightly painted tin hat – died earlier this month. The lifetime member of the Waikato Vintage Tractor & Machinery Club was farewelled last week at Cambridge Raceway. He was, said his son Kevin, simply worn out. That exhaustive work ethic was noted by several speakers at the service, among them family members, co-workers through the years and members of the local vintage tractor club. They alluded to a man who never stopped working, one who passed his ‘extraordinary
knowledge, skill and work ethic’ down to his children and grandchildren and left a legacy among some of diesel in their veins. “He worked constantly,” said Meshelle, the youngest daughter of six children – three boys and three girls – born to Graham and his wife of 66 years, Marie. Graham’s first job was working with a hay-making gang, driving a World War 11 jeep with a sweep on it. He also toiled on an early gas pipeline project, driving a D7 winch tractor, sometimes in areas so steep you had to scale the hills on your hands and knees. It was during his time working on the pipeline that Graham acquired his tin hat, one that had US links and ended up taking on the
A line-up of Graham’s beloved tractors stood in the Cambridge Raceway grounds. Photo: supplied
colours of the Chamberlain tractors that Graham subsequently owned and repainted. He never did like their original bright orange. “He was a very good ploughman and later on became involved with vintage ploughing,” said Kevin, reflecting on how his father used to position the tin hat on fences as something he could spot
Graham’s coffin was driven to Hautapu Cemetery on a trailer he built. Driving the tractor is his grandson, Thomas Mansell. Photo: supplied
from a distance to keep the furrow lines true. During the down seasons, Graham would pick up bobby calves from around the district. Graham’s late teens were blighted by a serious accident that saw him misjudge a bend and drive his Matchless motorcycle under a milk tanker. There wasn’t much left of the bike frame, it was said, and the two motorcycle wheels ended 4.5 metres high in a hedge on the other side of the road. He was seriously injured and in hospital for months. Things looked so bad that condolence cards started coming in and doctors said the teen was unlikely to make old bones. The National Fieldays Tractor Pull was an obvious attraction for Graham and his sons. In one memorable year, they entered three Chamberlains and took out the top three positions… that was an occasion followed by a change in the rules. He came home one evening having discovered a huge marijuana plant growing in a
Graham Freegard in his happy place – atop one of his beloved tractors. Photo: supplied
maize lot. “Look what I have found,” he declared. Marie promptly tossed the plant on the fire, a move that left the neighbourhood reeling and left the family with a lifelong ability to recognise the distinctive smell of dope. Graham’s work ethic was etched into him by the sun, with the outline of white socks, a watch mark and white singlet permanently left on his skin by long hours
on the tractor. His penchant for speed was offset during a rare holiday in the green Valiant where cops pulled him up for going too slowly and holding up traffic. It was the little things as well as the large – his powerful strength, his misspelling of two of his children’s names when registering them, and his love of a cup of tea – that made Graham the special character he was.
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THE PLAN AHEAD
A burning issue By Stu Kneebone, Waipā-King Country councillor
Work has been underway by Waikato Regional Council (WRC) for much of the past year preparing for our 2024–34 Long Term Plan budget. We are looking to go out to the public with our formal draft in March and following consideration of submissions from the community, we will be formally adopting the plan in June. The regional council is no different to every other council throughout the country at the moment, and is facing a number of challenges in terms of maintaining the levels of service expected by our ratepayers within an acceptable rates envelope. The challenges faced by regional councils are somewhat different to those face by city and district councils (territorial authorities) in that Regional councils do not have the infrastructure maintenance and upgrade challenges that territorial authorities do, so it’s a bit unfair to compare the two in terms of rates increases as they are quite different, however the challenges of inflation and limited funding mechanisms (for example rates) is common to both. Inflation alone means that we are looking at a 6-7 per cent rise just to stand still. Combined with the ongoing challenges of things such as biosecurity, freshwater improvements, public transport, flood protection infrastructure and the multitude of unfunded mandates from central government (new responsibilities given to us that we are required to fund from rates), our 14 councillors are engaging in some robust debates as we endeavour to reach some sort of consensus on what our long term plan will look like for the next three years. Councils funding comes from three main sources. Rates make up approximately two thirds of income and are a mix of general rating (targeting all ratepayers based on property value), uniform
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 11
COUNTRYLIFE
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
annual general charges (a per-property rate not connected to property value) and targeted rating (specifically targeting particular services such as flood protection, catchment and drainage management). The balance is made up of fees and charges from our resource consenting process, government grants (transport) plus a small contribution from our investment fund income that is currently utilised to offset rates. With the new coalition government signalling a number of changes to legislation that directly impacts a number of activities undertaken by councils across the country, Waikato Regional Council is waiting to see what these changes will mean, as any changes in this space will inevitably impact our work programmes. The council is about to undertake a representation review. We have 14 councillors representing six general and two Māori constituencies, however we are required to undertake a review of this at least every six years to ensure our representation arrangements are consistent with the latest population data, demographic trends and communities of interest. The latest electoral population figures for the Waikato are 513,700, made up of 432,200 on the general roll and 81,500 on the Māori roll. Our constituencies are determined on electoral population numbers and must be within plus or minus 10 per cent of each other. One of our constituencies, Waihou general, does not meet this requirement, hence we will have to make some changes. Waipa district is part of the regional council’s Waipa – King Country constituency, which covers an area stretching from Cambridge in the north to Mokau in the south on our boundary with Taranaki Regional Council.
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Report it, farmers told Farmers should report all criminal activity to keep pressure on the Government. And judges “need to stop going lightly” on those convicted of illegal hunting and the killing or stealing of livestock. Those were two reactions from Federated Farmers rural policing spokesperson Richard McIntyre to the findings of Federated Farmers’ 2023 Rural Crime Survey. The survey showed almost half those who responded had not reported crime because they thought police were too stretched or wouldn’t be interested. And farmers are keeping stock out of roadadjacent paddocks because animals are being spooked and injured as a result of boy racer activity. Of more than 1000 farmers surveyed, 67% had experienced a crime or suspected they had. The percentage of those who answered yes in the 2021 survey was 52 - and 41 in 2016. The latest percentage was boosted because for the first time, farmers were quizzed about issues with illegal street racing – something the Waipā District Council has announced action on this month and which Waikato West area commander Will Loughrin was dealing with last weekend following a major gathering in Hamilton. “The often-dangerous antics of sometimes hundreds of boy racers in isolated rural areas is very intimidating for families,” McIntyre said. The number of surveyed farmers reporting single incidents of crime had dropped slightly since the 2021 survey. But McIntyre was “alarmed” that the number who had been hit by five or more criminal incidents has nearly doubled to 33.4 per cent. McIntyre acknowledged some exasperation
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
Richard McIntyre that nearly half of those farmers hit by crime had not reported. “All crime, and even suspicious vehicles and activity, needs to be reported. Police have told us time and again it helps them pick patterns of offending that boost the chances of an arrest,” he said. He also suggested failing to report crime let the government “off the hook” on adequately resourcing police. “Just 15 per cent of farmers who experienced crime in the last two years said police had investigated and prosecuted the offender. It’s only when we have more police dedicated to rural areas that we’ll boost that figure.”
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Council starts water checks
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 13
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
Weekly monitoring of water quality in Waikato lakes and rivers will run through to the end of March. An annual Waikato Regional Council programme involves testing samples for levels of E. coli and cyanobacteria. E. coli provides an estimate of faecal contamination, while the blue-green algae cyanobacteria can produce toxins harmful to people and animals. Monthly Monitoring of hydro lakes Karāpiro, Maraetai and Ohakuri runs through to April. Two students workers are assisting with weekly checks in five other lakes – Ngā Roto in Waipā, Taupō , Puketirini, Kainui and Rotokauri. Checks are on the Waikato River from Hamilton to Tuakau, and other rivers Waipā, Kauaeranga and Waihou, run
through to the end of February. Waikato Regional Council Water Scientist, Dr Mafalda Baptista, says many of freshwater sites in the region graded poorly for E. coli. “As a rule of thumb, you should avoid swimming near potential sources of contamination such as flocks of birds, stormwater or wastewater outlets. Avoid swimming for at least two to three after heavy or prolonged rain, even for sites that have good water quality,” says Dr Baptista. “Most algae are harmless, but cyanobacteria may be toxic and blooms may result in health warnings being issued. “El Niño this summer will translate to warmer growing conditions in our lakes and rivers, and we are likely to see more occurrences of algal blooms.”
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answered questions “candidly” and provided a more information and detail on Monday. “They will also be emailing us the assessments completed so far on transport and urban design.”’ She said some residents had raised concerns that they knew nothing about the latest plan change proposal “until now” when discussions had been going on since April.
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The dream has started, you get to complete the project. How about the great escape to a beach town property, nestled opposite the estuary banks, set back from the road with space to park the boat and set up the tents. The Cabin is a new build, complete with light fitting and plug but no power to site. The cabin consists of one room, with a generous deck, wood board and baton exterior with a colour steel roof. Current owners make use of the camping ground facilities nearby with a kiwi cash fob. Contact Vayle to arrange a viewing, she loves an escape to the beach.
$315,000
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Across 1. Throng of insects (5) 4. Nonchalant (6) 8. An affair (7) 9. Separate (5) 10. Ballroom dance (5) 11. Ordinary (7) 12. Materialise (6) 14. Soft shade of a colour (6) 17. Bung (7) 19. Art of sound (5)
Visit waiparealestate.nz for more details
Vayle Hammond Licensed Agent REAA 2008
Ph 027 226 9532
waiparealestate.nz
35 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu
Wordsearch 4
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21. Fool (5) 22. Inactivity (7) 23. Fit in (6) 24. Add fuel to (5) Down 1. Skill in persuading people to buy (12) 2. Siren (5) 3. Makeup item (7) 4. High-kicking dance (6)
5. Rattle (5) 6. Determined (7) 7. Race with obstacles (12) 13. Pledge (7) 15. Without purpose (7) 16. Weeping (6) 18. Outdoor paved area (5) 20. Altercation (3-2)
Last week Across: 1. Mucky, 4. Anthem, 7. Aim, 8. Suburb, 9. Uproar, 10. Heebiejeebies, 14. Rival, 15. Actor, 18. Master bedroom, 23. Modify, 24. Ransom, 25. End, 26. Better, 27. Other. Down: 1. Mauve, 2. Crumb, 3. Yabber, 4. Amused, 5. Throb, 6. Erase, 10. Harem, 11. Eaves, 12. Intro, 13. Strum, 16. Prayer, 17. Weirdo, 19. Abode, 20. Twist, 21. Ranch, 22. Odour.
Sudoku
C H A M P A G N E T A C S U M W T K P I N O T N O I R A R E I N G O I V G L P A S S Y A N N O D R A H C N I P I N O T A G E N Y P I G R O D N Q A L A S R A M E A T K J T I L G I P E K L C X T B K G E O K O E O A E I N Q L A O B O R K D S M N D R M W N A M E R I T A G E Q G E I A A A S O S B E O K P J S J U V R P M B Y I T S I L T P Y P X S I A L O J U A E B U O M A R S A N N E Q O Q G N X R L O B A R D O L I N O W T S O A V E A R X E N N O L L I M E S M J M C T N E H C A N E R G O T L C A V A L S C S C O R T E S E U Y A R D E R A I X G A T T I N A R A O O A U Y C R N J F U M E B L A N C S E V Q H D E A X N A N G I R A C E M A L B E C T W D BARDOLINO GAMAY BAROLO GATTINARA BEAUJOLAIS GRAPPA BOAL GRENACHE CARIGNAN KIR CAVA MADEIRA CHAMPAGNE MALBEC CHARDONNAY MARC CLARET MARSALA CORTESE MARSANNE EISWEIN MEAD FUME BLANC MERITAGE
1
BEGINNINGS OF THE IDEAL BEACH HIDEAWAY
Update for neighbours Fonterra’s Hautapu neighbours have had a frank discussion with the company over a land zoning change it wants. The company’s Private Plan Change involves land it and APL owns and which is destined to become a major industrial complex. It says the proposed change is part of the “staged industrialisation” of the growth cell covering the area. Neighbour Lesley Dredge told the News this week a Fonterra representative had
OPEN HOME SUN, 2PM - 3PM
MERLOT MUSCAT NEBBIOLO PINOT BLANC PINOT GRIS PINOT NOIR PINOTAGE PORT RETSINA ROSE ROUSSANE SEMILLON
SHERRY SOAVE TOKAY VIOGNIER
323
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
MEDIUM
All puzzles © The Puzzle Company
Last week Sudoku
Wordsearch F O U R T F I G H T F S B D E M I U W R F T R Y I N I T S F K O L A T F I F T E U F A N E S O K A F S U E F U N N D K N O D V G G I R A A U T Y F O S C F A K I I F L O O F K V L F
H A I C A F F F F R Y E R C S N D R
D F L J I V V F R Y M C A F E C R A F T S O R F J O V Z H F A I N T A D Z O O Y C S F O A L F E C L T F A T I G U E I R U R N A C E S F A M Z E O X E L F O F S F E V G I V S O L G T L V S R N B R P F U T A I O O E I R E M A K K F S V W V F E I N L E M U F F G E H I D G L M O Y D A P F R L F E H L M O M S Y E N F I A U T O O X T E R F I L B C F L I M S Y A F G A U I E J K D K N F A F N N A B J N H G X H C D E G L E N N A L F D T
14 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
EXPERTS AIR CONDITIONING
ARBORISTS
AIR CONDITIONING
Heat Pump Specialists • Free quotations and home appraisals • Sales, service and installation
The Professional Arborists
Your Trusted Local Air Conditioning Contractor
Chipping, Felling, Maintenance, Pruning, Removals, Stump Grinding, Hedge Cutting and much more Fully insured and qualified
DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL
• Serving Cambridge, Otorohanga, Te Awamutu and surrounding areas
AIR CONDITIONING, HEATPUMPS, HOME VENTILATION, SERVICING, FILTER MAINTENANCE & REPLACEMENT Call today: 0800 772 887 Web: www.pratts.co.nz
DENNIS CLEMENTS 0508 TREE QUOTE / 027 485 1501
021 737 443 | admin@waipaheatpumps.co.nz 72 Lyon St, Kihikihi | www.waipaheatpumps.com
www.totaltreecare.co.nz - totalnz@gmail.com @TotaltreecareWaikato
EARTHWORKS
DRAINAGE
EARTHWORKS
WE HAVE TRUCKS, DIGGERS & OPERATORS AVAILABLE NOW FOR SMALL & LARGE JOBS
• Drain camera surveying up to 2m diameter • Drain jetting trucks • Drain camera vans • Septic Tanks
• Wheel & Track Bobcats • diggers • 4 wheeler tipper • 6 wheeler tippers and trailer • heavy vehicle transporter • sharp levelling system • Supply, deliver and spread: EARTHWORKS Rotten Rock – Metal – Sand • Site preparation: • Residential & Commercial Shed pads – House sites floors – Driveways – Soakholes We have over 25 years’ experience. www.a1bobcats.co.nz
FENCING
GARDENING
HOUSE WASHING - ROOF TREATMENTS HOUSE WASHING - ROOF TREATMENTS
HOUSE WASHING - ROOF TREATMENTS OUSE WASHING - ROOF ASHING - ROOF GUTTERS TREATMENTS - TREATMENTS MOSS REMOVAL RURAL . RESIDENTIAL . LIFESTYLE GUTTERS MOSS REMOVAL GUTTERS - MOSS REMOVAL -SATISFIED MOSS REMOVAL TERSGUTTERS - MOSS REMOVAL 100’S OF CLIENTS www.ewash.co.nz 100’S OF SATISFIED CLIENTS www.ewash.co.nz RETAINING WALLS 100’S OF SATISFIED CLIENTS www.ewash.co.nz SFIED CLIENTS www.ewash.co.nz 00’S OF SATISFIED CLIENTS Phone MarkQuote for a FREE Quote Phone Mark for awww.ewash.co.nz FREE Corey Hutchison
garden resurrection rose pruning hedge trimming maintenance
KIWI VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED
ggworkz@gmail.com
HIRE
PAINTING
For Local Service You Can Trust
The difference is in the detail
For Local Service You Can Trust You Can Trust For Local Service • Broken Windows/Doors
PLUMBING
Need a plumber? • Bathroom Renovations • Gas Hot Water • Repairs, Service, Installation
0800 PRATTS
Your local heating specialist
HELPING YOU GET IT DONE When it comes to getting the job done, hiring from Hire Centre Te Awamutu makes good sense.
We have the right gear for your project! Landscape Lane behind Phone:
SECURITY DOORS
Septic Treatment Solutions
WAIPA ALUMINIUM
supply & installation of new tanks
Other Showroom Locations: 6 Main North Road, Otorohanga | 100 Roche St, Te Awamutu
office@paintergirl.nz | www.paintergirl.nz
PLUMBING
• Improved wastewater treatment,
AVAILABLE FROM: 10 Albert Street, Cambridge 07 827 5400 | cambridge@pratts.co.nz | www.pratts.co.nz
021 800 286
07 871 5077
• Solutions for failed septic systems
A division of Pratts
• House Painting – Interior & Exterior • Wallpapering • Free Quotes • No blaring music • No inconsiderate behaviour • 5 year guarantee on workmanship
• Effluent disposal fields • Dripper line upgrades
0800 772 887
SECURITY DOORS AND FLYSCREENS PRA230923_C
• Table •Tops • New Glazing Guarantee allSplashbacks our Work & Deliver •WeSplashbacks Service with a Smile! We Guarantee all our Work&&Deliver Deliver We Guarantee all our Work P: 07 871 4621 Service with a Smile! E: info@waipaglass.co.nz Service with a Smile! W: www.waipaglass.co.nz P: 07 871 4621 P: 07 871 4621 SHOWROOM: 274 Rickit Road, Te Awamutu E: info@waipaglass.co.nz E: info@waipaglass.co.nz 24/7 CALL OUTS 021 500 839 W: www.waipaglass.co.nz W: www.waipaglass.co.nz SHOWROOM: 274 Rickit Road, Awamutu SHOWROOM: 274 Rickit Road, Te Te Awamutu 24/7 CALL OUTS 021CALL 500 839 24/7 OUTS 021 500 839
fruit tree care residential & commercial tidy up special occasions
021 037 3685
tier1fencing@outlook.co.nz tier1fencing.co.nz
GLASS
••Broken Windows/Doors Broken Windows/Doors • Insurance Approved • Insurance Approved • Insurance Approved • Frameless Showers • Frameless Showers • Frameless Showers • Pet Doors • Custom • Pet Mirrors Doors • Custom Mirrors ••Table Tops • New Glazing Pet Doors • Custom Mirrors • Splashbacks• Table Tops • New Glazing
RURAL RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL
027 210 2027
dge Owned & Operated
870 3081 | 027 432 2412
AJ EARTHWORKS
For all your earthwork needs contact us! ADAM ROBINSON: 027 310 8555 ajearthworks@outlook.com
EXTERIOR CLEANING SERVICE Cambridge Owned & Operated Cambridge Owned & Operated ambridge Owned Operated Cambridge Owned &&Operated
Phone Mark for a FREE Quote 870 3081 | 870 027 432 2412 3081 | 027 432 2412 one Mark for a FREE Quote Phone Mark for a FREE Quote 870 3081 | 027 432 2412 70 3081 | 027 432 2412
y dl g ou tin 92 Pr era 19 op nce si
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
• Locally owned & operated • Over 28 years experience in aluminium • Aluminum Window and Door Assessment and Repair Service Simon Whale 022 469 2423 waipaali@gmail.com | www.waipaaluminium.co.nz
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 15
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
EXPERTS SEPTIC TANKS
OPEN HOMES
FAMILY NOTICES
TE AWAMUTU OPEN HOMES
Family Notices
FIRST NATIONAL Saturday 16 December 80 Wetere Drive
Formerly Cambridge Septic Tank Services - still the same owners!
Your Local Septic Tank Cleaning Experts
• • • •
Septic Tank Cleaning Liquid Waste Disposal Sump Cleanouts Drain Unblocking
0800 11 44 90
office@cstgroup.co.nz | www.cstgroup.co.nz
$1,425,000
12:30-1:00pm
30 Wynyard St
$669,000
12:30-1:30pm
Lo1 1 Marokopa Rd
$350,000
2:00-3:00pm
Lot 2 Marokopa Rd
$315,000
2:00-3:00pm
Sunday 17 December
Contact listing agent prior-visiting as Open Homes times can change.
HOUSES WANTED
PUBLIC NOTICES
Houses Wanted for removal
CONTACTS
Great prices offered
TOWING
Towin owinG G W A I PA
0 8 0 0 1 WA I PA
Roy Pilott 027 450 0115 Call us today 07 847 1760
SERVICES
Anywhere - Anyday - Anytime LOCAL TOWING
starting from $90
• Approved towing service for all insurance companies • NZ Police Approved
YOUR BUSINESS
ADVERTISE WITH THE EXPERTS
News/Editorial
EXTERIOR PROPERTY WASHING
Boost your home’s curb appeal with a safe professional so� wash. • Exterior building washes • Roof treatments • Gu�er cleaning • Spider / Insect control treatments • Deck, pa�o, and fence cleaning • Driveway / pathway cleans
Learn more www.bigso�y.co.nz
022 675 9342 Request a free no obliga�on quote from TA local Jimmy
editor@goodlocal.nz
Mary Anne Gill maryanne@goodlocal.nz 021 705 213 Viv Posselt 027 233 7686
viv@goodlocal.nz
Jeremy Smith 022 317 9499
jeremy@goodlocal.nz
• Engagements • Weddings • Births • Anniversaries • Bereavements • In Memoriam etc
Helen Carter Funeral Director
Celebrating Life - Your Way Dedicated to providing personalised and meaningful funeral services.
07 870 2137 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu www.rosetown.co.nz
Garth Williams Funeral Director, Owner
Locally owned and operated
Our team is caring and compassionate. We give the utmost attention to detail in all aspects of our service.
Advertising Manager Janine Davy 027 287 0005
FUNERAL SERVICES
janine@goodlocal.nz
Owner/Publisher David Mackenzie david@goodlocal.nz
Office/Missed Deliveries 07 827 0005
admin@goodlocal.nz
Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of contributions are entirely at the discretion of editorial staff and may be edited. Contributions will only be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s full name, residential address, and telephone number. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. The Te Awamutu News is published by Good Local Media Ltd and is the most widely distributed newspaper in Te Awamutu and rural surrounds.
Call Janine 027 287 0005 or email janine@goodlocal.nz
PROPERTY SERVICES FOR Property Management call James Parlane phone 027 380 9233
For a look you will love Call Dave Rowe • Interior painting • Wallpapering • Exterior painting • Spray painting
decorator@daverowe.co.nz www.daverowe.co.nz
Thank you
CALL LIZ ON 027 809 9933 or email liz@goodlocal.nz
to all our readers and advertisers throughout the Waipa region for supporting us this year. From the staff at the Te Awamutu News and Cambridge News.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe holiday period. Your last paper of this year is Thursday 21 December
Missed Delivery? Phone 07 827 0005
Deadlines Booking and copy setting 5pm Monday 18 December. Finished artwork – ready to print noon Tuesday 19 December. Office closes 2023 5pm Tuesday 19 December.
Your first paper of the New Year is Thursday 11 January
Deadlines Booking and copy setting 5pm Monday 8 January. Finished artwork – ready to print noon Tuesday 9 January. Office reopens 2024 by appointment from Monday January 8 throughout the month.
16 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2023
Make your lawn better H TC 138T Husqvarna Series™ V-Twin Engine 23.0hp - 38” Cutting Width
HOT PRICE!
H TS 112 Husqvarna Series™ Engine 10.9hp - 38” Cutting Width
INTRO PRICE!
Compact yet powerful garden tractor offers intuitive operation and delivers excellent results on large open lawns. Its streamlined design enables effortless navigation in narrow passages and convenient storage.
H TS 138 Husqvarna Series™ Engine 19.0hp - 38” Cutting Width User-friendly lawn tractor with foot-pedal operation, side ejection cutting deck and powerful engine to tackle smaller size blocks
NEW
$4,690
H TS 142 Husqvarna Series™ Engine 19.0hp - 42” Cutting Width
HOT PRICE!
$5,390 While stocks last
H TS 142T
H TS 142 TXD
Husqvarna Series™ V-Twin Engine - 23.0hp - 42” Cutting Width
Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin 21.5hp - 42” Cutting Width
An efficient garden tractor that offers excellent collection of grass clippings giving tidy cutting results.
Ideal for small to mid-size gardens. Side ejection, smart design plus a powerful engine and pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission.
Compact side discharge tractor with smart, user-friendly design, developed for use in small to midsize gardens
Ideal for homeowners with larger gardens who need a durable and comfortable tractor with high manoeuvrability. Differential transmission gives superior traction in slippery conditions and slopes.
$5,990
$5,990
$6,990
$7,990
L TS 242 TXD Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin 21.5hp - 42” Cutting Width
HOT PRICE!
Ideal for regular use in medium-sized to large gardens with an efficient ClearCut™ deck, intelligent design and simple starting process for ease of use. Differential transmission gives superior traction in slippery conditions and slopes.
$9,390
L TS 248 TXD Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin 23.0hp - 48” Cutting Width
HOT PRICE!
A powerful and comfortable side discharge tractor with sturdy ClearCut™ deck for medium to large sized gardens. Differential transmission gives superior traction in slippery conditions and slopes.
L TS 354 Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin 24.0hp - 54” Cutting Width
HOT PRICE!
L TC 242 TX Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin 21.5hp - 42” Cutting Width
Premium tractor with ClearCut™ fabricated deck, heavy-duty transmission with electric diff lock and superior comfort features. Differential transmission gives superior traction in slippery conditions and slopes.
Powerful and comfortable tractor for use in mediumto large-sized gardens. Pedal-operated, hydrostatic transmission and low vibe deck drive. BioClip® from the 15” deluxe seat, LED lights and soft rim steering wheel.
$11,390
$10,490
9,690
Husqvarna Kids Toys
A passion for gardening can start at any age! With realistic sounds and interactive triggers and buttons, the kids will love getting outside and helping you to make your garden better!* (*Suitable for ages 3+. Batteries included.)
Available from $69.90 Shop in-store or online today!
$79.90 RRP
$72.50 RRP
SHOP ONLINE TODAY
$139.00 RRP
$69.90 RRP
$72.50 RRP
$99.00 RRP
Christmas- New Year Hours • Friday, 22 December 8.00am – 3.00pm • Saturday, 23 December 9.00am – 12.00pm • Monday, 25 December CLOSED • Tuesday, 26 December CLOSED • Wednesday, 27 December 8.00am to 5.00pm
• Thursday, 28 December 8.00am – 5.00pm • Friday, 29 December 8.00am – 12.00pm • Monday, 01 January CLOSED • Tuesday, 02 January CLOSED
Normal operating hours from Wednesday 03 January 2024
We wish all our customers a very merry Xmas and happy New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2024.