Council switch shock
By Mary Anne Gill
Waipā council meetings will move to Wednesdays and the spending limit lifted for the mayor and committee chairs to $10 million in more “behind closed doors” decisions expected to be rubber stamped by councillors in public this week.
Debate on staff proposals was scheduled to take 15 minutes yesterday (Wednesday), but the council advertised its intentions around meeting days in The News last week.
February Strategic Planning and Policy, workshop and briefing days, Service Delivery, Finance and Corporate and council meetings were advertised as being held on Wednesdays even though it required councillor approval yesterday.
Contracts of up to $10 million - in the case of urgency - are to be delegated to mayor Susan O’Regan and committee chairs Clare St Pierre, Liz Stolwyk, Andrew Brown and Marcus Gower.
Sources are concerned the limit could result in decisions made without public scrutiny and cite the Cambridge Water Tower as an example of a demolition contract which could be let under those rules.
In an email to the council, editor Roy Pilott said the meeting and agenda moves came “as a bolt out of the blue” to the newspaper which counts local body reporting as a cornerstone of its coverage.
“The ramifications for more than 24,000 Waipā households who rely on (publisher)
Good Local Media …. will be significant,” he said.
“Our deadline is Tuesday afternoon, and your proposal will prevent us
from publishing news about decisions in print for eight days.”
In response Waipā chief executive Steph O’Sullivan said the initiative came after significant research and elected member/staff feedback.
“The intention is to strengthen and support best practice governance of council.”
Pilott said the proposal presents a “major threat” to the business at a time when Stuff and NZME were closing community newspapers and reducing staff numbers.
Publisher David Mackenzie said it was one of many challenges he had been confronted with in recent years which included increased transport, distribution, print and staff costs.
Good Local Media publishes community
newspapers in Cambridge, Te Awamutu and King Country and monthly Waikato business and rural newspapers.
“We take our role in serving our communities seriously,” he said.
“Other publishers close papers, we work around the issues. We’re not quitters, it will mean doing things differently and adapting but we are not able to move any deadlines.
“We’re committed to print because it is what our readers and advertisers say they want.”
In her report to council, Governance manager Jo Gread said the move would ensure a focused workplace, efficiency of staff time and council resources, clear alignment with the calendar year and a commitment to strategic, effective and focused decision-making.
Jo Gread
Information-only reports, which The News often uses as the basis to news stories, will be delivered via an alternative method to a committee agenda.
They will be provided to councillors via email and The News assumes by more council-produced media releases.
“Where relevant and appropriate, any such
David Mackenzie
information will be considered for publication on council’s website to ensure full transparency,” she said.
The housing subcommittee, which deals with pensioner and affordable housing issues, was to be disbanded while a new Road Closure subcommittee was to be established.
• What do you think? Email editor@goodlocal.nz
Waste plan: Wood at odds
By Chris Gardner
Te Awamutu-Community Board
member John Wood was behind one of eight submissions in favour of the building and operation of a waste to energy incineration plant in Te Awamutu (pictured).
Wood ticked the “support parts or all” box on his submission to Waipā District Council in 2023 on Global Contracting Solutions’
plans to build and operate the incinerator on Racecourse Road as he acknowledged “both risks and benefits” with the application.
A majority of the community board, led by chair Ange Holt, oppose the plant, and the Waipā District Council has made a submission against it.
The council received 864 submissions objecting to the proposal.
“We need to find other ways to get rid of our rubbish other than going into land fill,” Wood said in his submission. “This is a good way of disposal of rubbish that does not break down easily, and it also provides some benefits. Power, hot water, steam for other uses.
“I do not see why the waste to energy plant and the waste minimisation plan cannot sit side
Continued page 3
RENNIE PEARSON
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Plan offered for park seats
On the beat
Back to school, already
The school holidays seem to have flown by and here we are at the end of January. It is therefore time for some safety reminders about the return to school.
The start of term 1 will see an increase in traffic on the roads – cars, buses and bicycles. This additional traffic is especially focussed around schools during drop off and pick up times. For this reason, along with the increased presence of children and young people on the road, speed zones around schools are reduced.
While my driving messages always advise to keep to the speed limit and have patience, this is particularly true for school environs. Keep an eye on school bus movements and be aware of children getting on and off. Children are not as road-wise as adults. They can be impulsive and unpredictable in their movements.
If dropping your child off at school, park legally – yellow lines are there to prevent parking in areas that can limit a driver’s visibility around intersections and crossings. Encourage your children to use pedestrian crossings and to walk, not run across the road. If your child is biking to school, ensure they know the road rules and use cycleways where provided. Remind them to watch
out for other road and shared pathway users and to signal their turns. Dismounting when crossing a pedestrian crossing ensures cars have time to react and stop to allow your child to cross safely.
A helmet, besides being a legal requirement, is a key safety feature reducing the risk of a concussion or traumatic brain injury in the event that your child falls off or is in a crash. Helmets are ineffective when left at home, hanging from the handlebars or straps aren’t done up.
A bike lock to secure the bike at school can prevent thefts. If walking or biking, ensure your child is familiar with the safest route to take to school. If they are doing it for the first time, complete a few practice runs with them so you can help them to recognise and handle any situations that arise. If your child is catching a bus, remind them about safe ways to enter and disembark, looking for cars on the road. They also need to be aware of what is responsible and appropriate behaviour on the bus so as not to cause damage, harm to others nor to distract the driver.
If everyone follows these reminders, we will all have a safe start to the school year.
By Chris Gardner
Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board chair Ange Holt has endorsed a $500 repair and maintenance plan for 70-year-old seats at Te Awamutu and District War Memorial Park.
Te Awamutu War Memorial Maintenance Committee member Marc Dawson told the board seven of 13 pipe framed seats remained from the memorial’s establishment in 1953.
“They all come with a cute little story,” Dawson said.
“There were 13 original park seats, subsidised. The public were asked to contribute, brochures sent for them to be donated, a shop in town put one on display, schools were invited to make donations… they decided not to fix names of donors to fixtures in the park in general.”
Hoping to present an alternative to replacement to the cash strapped board and council, Dawson added: “I’ve got quotes for $501 to refit galvanised bolts, remove the wood parts, replace three of the panels, paint, and treat the steel frames with primers and rust inhibitors. Just $500. It think that might sound attractive to the ratepayers.”
Holt replied: “It certainly sounds attractive to me, compared with spending $70,000.”
Holt’s comments come after Waipā Community Services manager Brad Ward declined the board’s request for a community led bench maintenance project.
Te Awamutu-Kihikihi councillor Lou Brown said he and board member John Wood planned to meet with the council regarding the seats.
“It was an argument that none of them were original,” he said as he promised to share Dawson’s research.
“I think what’s happened is they’ve replaced the wood parts,” Dawson said.
Ward told The News, in a statement provided by the council’s communications team, that he had reiterated the council’s position at the meeting with park stakeholders.
“We have a carefully planned and budgeted maintenance and renewal programme which is carried out to a schedule, so as to make the best use of the limited resources available, and to use ratepayers’ dollars wisely,” Ward said.
“We need to replace assets that have reached the end of their useful lives, because this ensures the community’s investment in these assets is sustained and in line with best practice.
“We must ensure any maintenance is done to meet our policies and standards, and the work complies with all relevant legislative requirements, particularly regarding health and safety.
“The approach outlined at the meeting was that staff will continue to get quotes and present options for consideration at the next forum for discussion and decision.”
with Senior Constable DEB HANN
Te Awamutu War Memorial Maintenance Committee Marc Dawson says it makes sense to repair historic seats rather than replace them.
Merger on cards?
Waikato Chamber of Commerce has ramped up calls for local body mergers saying rocketing rate rises and central government pressure is hitting ratepayers in the pocket. The region’s 12 councils for 536,200 people was ludicrous, chief executive Don Good said. He suggested amalgamations between Waipā, Waikato, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo and South Waikato should be dominate election debates.
Nearly there
Nicky Chilcott’s wait for win number 700 as a driver continues after the late scratching of Hot Jessie from Race One at Cambridge Raceway on Monday. The 53-year-old trainer brought up 699 earlier this month at the raceway driving favourite Showtym Girl but missed out in Otaki despite have several horses on the grass track over two days.
Event cost
A request for the final cost – sources suggest it was close to $40,000 - of Waipā’s Party in the Park welcoming home Olympians and Paralympians on Victoria Square, Cambridge last month is being treated by the council as a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) request. The News made the request on January 8 –which gives the council 20 working days (February 7) to respond.
RSA returns
A new sub-branch of the RSA has opened in the Piopio Cosmopolitan Club after an almost 40-year-break. The sub-branch is following similar examples of the Te Kūiti branch, which meets in the Waitomo Club, the Ōtorohanga branch, which meets in the Ōtorohanga Club, and the Cambridge branch, which meets at D’Arcy’s Garden Restaurant, Club Lounge & Bar at Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments.
Today is “all about you”
By Jesse Wood
Te Awamutu College’s 2025 cohort of Year 9 students was welcomed with a pōwhiri at Ōtawhao Marae on Tuesday.
Enrolment numbers are subject to change but as of 10am that day there were 326 students in their first year of college.
These new additions were former pupils of neighbouring schools – Kihikihi, Korakonui, Ngāhinapōuri, Ngutunui Enviro School, Ōhaupō, Pāterangi, Pirongia, Pukeatua, St Patrick’s, Te Awamutu Intermediate, Te Pahū, Waipā Christian School and Wharepapa South.
Te Awamutu College is at full capacity with a roll of 1472.
Seven international students have enrolledfour from Japan, one from Cambodia, one from Austria and one from Italy.
Eleven fresh staff members have started in 2025.
Deputy principal Neil
Bauernfeind said bigger year groups are moving through the school compared to last year.
“Year 9 is slightly bigger but overall, the Year 12 group going into Year 13 is a bigger year group than the one that has just left.
“Naturally your numbers will be high.”
On the first day of the first term, principal Tony Membery addressed the new attendees in an assembly prior to the pōwhiri.
“A warm welcome to Te Awamutu College. We all remember our first day of high school or college,” Membery said.
‘You were worried about getting lost, you wanted to get there on time, you listened for your name and what class you were going to be in.
“You were waiting to hear if you got into a class with your best friend in the world. Today is all about you.
“Our goal is to welcome you, make you feel comfortable, you’re part of us now.”
The welcoming ceremony at the college’s onsite marae involved the year 13 students.
The focused, well-dressed senior students set an example for their new college family members, challenging them to fill their shoes in five years’ time.
Waiata were sung, and a haka performed, inducting the tamariki to the whenua.
Parents, grandparents and significant others watched on as their loved ones took the next big step in their lives.
Membery said their aim was to help make “good citizens of Te Awamutu and
indeed, the world”. Year 11 and 12 students returned yesterday with all year levels back on board today.
There are many events to look forward to on the school calendar. One of these is on April 27, marking 40 years since the opening of Ōtawhao Marae.
Waste plan: Wood at odds
by side…” Wood wrote.
“I see the Global Contracting Solutions Ltd proposal as an alternative to landfill with some flow on benefits while waste minimisation plans are initiated and enhanced.”
Wood also voiced concerns around enforcement of disruption during construction of the site, land values, and emissions regulations.
“Substantial volumes of ash and treatment water have been mentioned in the media. I understood that the output would be minimal. While I acknowledge there is a risk such as a traffic accident involving a truck carrying any hazardous waste, trucks carrying dangerous chemicals including from the nearby Fonterra plant already pass
through the Waipā district and through Te Awamutu township,” he said.
“I believe the independent commissioners will have the knowledge and expertise to make a sound decision,” he concluded.
Waipā District Council and Waikato Regional Council asked Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds to call the application in rather than follow the usual resource consent process. Simmonds decided a Board of Inquiry would hear the application this year.
Community board deputy chair Kane Titchener was tasked with writing a submission opposing the application late last year on the grounds it would create dangerous toxins.
“The Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board with much opposition demonstrated by our communities, research and consideration oppose with a majority the proposal,” the submission Titchener penned for the community board said.
“We need to be focusing on recycling, reusing, and reducing waste. Raglan’s Xtreme Zero Waste has shown that it can recycle 75 per cent of what goes through their gate. By comparison, the incinerator is proposing to recycle only 17 per cent of waste. The incinerator will need a continuous supply of waste and by definition will not be encouraging a reduction in waste at all.” Wood was absent from the meeting when the board’s submission was discussed.
Wood told The News he stood by his submission, although he wondered whether an alternative site could be found.
“Te Awamutu may not be the place to put it, but I don’t have an idea where else they could put it,” he said.
“What do we do with plastics? I have got paint tins I
need to get rid of.”
Titchener was aware Wood was in favour of the proposal.
“I have not seen his submission,” he said.
“I was not aware that he had put one in. Only eight submissions for the application out of nearly 900 is incredible. But he’s entitled to his opinion.”
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Continued
John Wood – “what do we do with plastics?”
Kane Titchener – “he’s entitled to his opinion.”
The Year 9 students walk onto the Marae grounds during the pōwhiri. Photo: Jesse Wood
ON SHAKY GROUND
Planning for pets
By Janine Krippner
There have been plenty of harrowing and emotional stories coming out of the LA fires disaster.
Videos of people reuniting with, or helping, pets really pull the heartstrings, bringing forward thoughts of how I would cope if my cats went missing during a fire. For many of us, animals are part of our families and we love them dearly.
Animals are an important consideration for disaster preparedness, and if we fail at this it can also endanger human life.
The most significant risk factor for people failing to evacuate is owning a pet, especially for people who don’t have children.
During hurricane Katrina in 2005, emergency shelters did not allow pets and 44 per cent of non-evacuees who chose not to evacuate did so because they refused to leave pets behind. An estimated 50,000 to 150,000 pets died.
Psychological trauma can occur when people are forced to leave them.
One study found that pet loss is a significant predictor of post-disaster distress. Conversely, having a pet can also reduce stress and promote lower levels of posttraumatic stress disorder.
Health care workers, who are desperately needed in a disaster, may also refuse to work if their pets are not safe. Additionally, disease spread is also higher through non-evacuated animals.
The dangers continue, with an estimated 80 per cent of people returning to evacuation areas prematurely doing so to rescue a pet.
I mentioned last year that my friend Danni Molisee could not evacuate prior to the first hurricane that impacted Tampa, Florida. She managed to evacuate for the second
hurricane, but it broke her heart leaving two missing pets behind.
One kitty was found, and she still goes back with hope for the other.
Pets became ill from the polluted waters that came from the storm surge. She says it is tragic seeing posts from people saying they are looking for fosters for their pets because of difficult living conditions.
There can be very real consequences when we don’t take our pets into account and community safety can be impacted.
I have discussed the steps we can take to prepare (you can look up “Pets and disasters” from 2023), such as having a plan and knowing where your items like carriers, pet photos, food, and any medications are for a quick getaway.
We also need larger plans in place for when evacuations are needed.
Plans for places people can go with pets, or a safe place for pets to stay with the right care. It is also important to have places without animals for those with allergies.
After Katrina, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (Pets) Act of 2006 was established in the US, and Animal Evac New Zealand has been working towards changes.
What is clear is that preparation needs to happen at different levels, from within the home, in our communities, up to our leadership.
As with so many aspects of disaster preparedness and resilience, we are not powerless and there is so much we can do to help ourselves and our loved ones big and small.
A sense of belonging
By Julie Guest, St John’s Church, Te Awamutu
I was speaking to someone who had recently travelled.
“Do you know where your forebears are from?” she asked me. “I think there’s Welsh way back in the bloodline,” I said. “Have you ever been to Wales?” she asked. When I replied that I hadn’t she urged me to go. She went on to explain that she had discovered Scottish blood in her background, so made a point of visiting Scotland the next chance she had. “I can’t explain it,” she said. “There’s an immediate connection. As if the place knows you belong. There aren’t words, but there’s a knowing. This place and you are connected. I really understood what people mean when they say they are ‘grounded’ when I felt that.”
For most of her life, this person had not even been aware of a Scottish background and yet being in Scotland still had that effect on her.
I have also heard this described especially by Māori who have returned to New Zealand. Often, when asked why they have left a career on the rise to come to New Zealand, they say something like, “the land was calling,” or “it was time to return to where I belong”.
This sense of belonging, of knowing where and who we are, is something that Jesus worked to bring, especially to those whom society had shut out.
When he sat and ate with outsiders, and offered healing from disease that caused separation, Jesus was offering a path of belonging to outsiders.
I write about this today because it is but a month from the day when we commemorate the massacre at Rangiaowhia.
The people there were chased from their
land, their place of belonging.
The pain of not being able to return is deep, not to mention the memory, passed through generations of those who were killed. Te Awamutu is a place where there are many are still affected by the loss of land and connection.
Jesus is unequivocal in his attitude to this. In Luke’s gospel he quotes words from Isaiah’s ancient prophesy to announce that he is sent to bring good news to the poor, release the captives, bring sight to the blind and announce the year of jubilee. And all those who follow him are called to continue that work. It’s a challenge.
In Te Awamutu there are many people who struggle, who are on the edge of our community, who do not feel they belong or are valued.
Often those who struggle are then blamed, as if they have chosen to have a mental illness, or be abused, or be poor.
When you are not shown empathy, care or respect it’s difficult to offer it to others, so a cycle of struggle, loss, and rejection leads to behaviour that repeats the cycle.
As citizens of Te Awamutu we can recognise the power of and need for connection.
We can support groups that offer easy opportunities to build connections. One such group is the Monday meal held at St John’s Te Awamutu each Monday from 5pm. A meal, hospitality and care are offered. This is the love of Jesus in action, which permeates the whole gathering. Everybody present is better off for belonging here. Come along and try next Monday.
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Roa backs tribunal changes
By Roy Pilott
Tom Roa has cast a vote of confidence in the refreshed compilation of the Waitangi Tribunal.
He did not have his warrant renewed this month when Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced a new line up of members.
Eight new appointments were made and five of the existing 20 members - Dr Ruakere Hond, Derek Fox, Kim Ngarimu, Dr Hana O’Regan and Professor Sir Pou Temara - were retained.
Appointments are for a three-year term and the new members include Vanessa Eparaima, chair of Te Wananga o Aotearoa council and Professor Tafaoimalo
Tologata Leilani TualaWarren, Dean of Te Piringa Faculty of Law at Waikato University.
Tania Simpson of Tamahere was among those not reappointed. She has served on the tribunal since 2008. Ken Williamson, a Waikato business leader who has ties to Waipā through St John, was appointed in October last year.
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer called the appointments a whitewash and said some
of Te Ao Māori’s greatest thinkers had been replaced “with pale, stale males”.
Roa, Professor in the Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Waikato regularly shares his view with readers of The News –his latest column appears in this edition.
He said recent publicity, especially in social media, regarding some of the new appointments “and the non-renewal of my and other long-serving members’ warrants has to be a concern with the strength of its negativity”.
He said the new appointments brought a diversity of rich experience to the tribunal “which should be welcomed”.
“They will quickly familiarise themselves with the role of the tribunal under the Act and their role as members. The judges, staff, and sitting members will make good use of their knowledge, skills, and experience in guiding those new members in their role.”
Roa said he had been honoured to serve on the tribunal for 10 years and was personally and professionally proud of his contribution.
The Waitangi Tribunal is a permanent commission of
inquiry set up by the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975. Its role is inquisitorial, and it seeks to establish the “truth or otherwise” of an allegation that the Crown has breached the Treaty.
It also has a role in examining and reporting on proposed legislation and makes recommendations about certain Crown forest land, railways land, stateowned enterprise land, and land transferred to educational institutions.
Roa said the tribunal fulfilled an essential, principled, role in advancing race relations and held elected representatives to account in ensuring that “not only do they govern according to our will but they do so in the context of the Treaty of Waitangi, ensuring that the rule of law is upheld”.
Claimants, their legal counsel, and Crown counsel in their interactions with tribunal panels also had a responsibility to assist the tribunal in its deliberations.
“Reasoned and thoughtful debate will continue,” Roa said.
“We should remind ourselves that our parliamentary system is based on the Westminster system in which we have
a Government, and an Opposition. The primary function of the Opposition is to oppose, that is to hold the Government to account.
In any debate exaggeration and hyperbole can be very effective tools to advance a position.
“We should guard against
debates which promote personal attacks, are essentially negative, and do not offer thoughtful and rational alternatives.”
Cancer patients’ guardian angel
Ellyn Proffit was so convinced cancer patients should be able to have a key support person with them while in hospital she became a successful advocate.
For two decades as a clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner at Waikato Hospital she supported thousands of young people throughout the region through their cancer diagnoses.
Nine years ago, she was named Waikato District Health Board’s nurse of the year and completed her Master of Nursing at Wintec. Her research as part of the studies involved reviewing Te Awa, a metaphorical conversation using the metaphor of a turbulent and twisting river to help people
Rachel and Anika are experts on medicines. They are available for appointments, and can help you:
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Ellyn Proffit stresses the value of having a whānau member or friend acting as a key support person for cancer patients. Continued on page 7
Showing an ability to achieve
By Mary Anne Gill
It is Mykal Dimond-Grey’s birthday. A morning tea shout, birthday card and a rousing version of Happy Birthday puts a beaming grin on his face.
His work colleagues at Achievement House in Cambridge surround him as he gets the birthday card from programme supervisor Shelby McClelland.
But minutes later, it is back to the floor. This is a workplace where smoko time is just that, enough time for a drink and snack in between completing clients’ contracts.
Interim manager Karen Scott is quick to say Cambridge Disability Enterprise, which owns Achievement House manufacturing plant in Wilson Street, is running a business which just happens to be a charity.
Describing its aim as “not for loss” rather than the usual “not for profit” descriptor
hints at how the organisation is reshaping itself as it closes in on its 50th anniversary.
Established in 1976 as the Cambridge Disabled Sheltered Workshop – it dropped sheltered workshop in recent times as it no longer describes who they are or what they do – Scott’s role is to grow the organisation. And that means picking up more contracts like the ones they have with Shoof and Industrial Fittings and looking at jobs in the community for the 40 staff who all have a disability of some sort but the work they do is vital to the organisations who utilise their skills.
“They’re just doing it at their own time and their own skill ability and that’s what we’re here to support them with,” says Scott who was appointed to the board in August last year and asked to step in as interim manager soon after.
“We have our existing
commercial customers, but we want to expand,” she says.
“We are a manufacturing plant for people with disabilities which enables them to work.
“Getting disabled people into employment is really exciting.”
She describes the work they do as putting parts of things together which a robot or processing plant cannotbolts, sockets, plastic bottles, lids and parts - adapting the process to suit staff.
“So, if someone for example isn’t able to count, we have a board they put out and they fill those and then they’re packaged up.
“It’s adaptive employment within supported employment.
“I never think of it as tokenism. I think it’s giving people an opportunity at their abilities to do a job. It’s a stepping stone for individuals to get a routine in a safe environment, but this is a workplace. You don’t come here and not work.”
Staff sign employment contracts, fill in time sheets, ask for annual leave, call in sick and most importantly, get paid.
“They are working in a workshop style environment, and I think that’s what makes it different to many other disability services,” says Scott who lives in Cambridge with husband Roger and son Oliver.
Her career in the sector began as a 17-year-old support worker and she went on to be a project manager working with the police on youth and alcohol-related harm and in recent times
chief executive at Enrich Group in Te Awamutu. She now works as a contractor in the sector.
Within Achievement House she wants to increase the organisation’s role into more health and wellness aspects.
“That’s what we really need to be mindful of. We’re talking about people that haven’t got the same access to (other) full time employment.”
Funding is complicated and even more so since disability support services transferred back to the Ministry of Social Development and Disability Issues minister Louise Upston commissioned an independent review of the system.
The minimum wage exemption scheme remains in place and the government supports initiatives which enhance the employment prospects of disabled people.
The wage exemption formula, as an example, takes an activity that should take five minutes and compares it with a disability provider that has someone with one arm or an intellectual disability, among other things, which makes them slower physically or cognitively.
The task may take eight minutes so the scheme tops that up.
“It’s about taking the ability of the person and then working at their pace so there’s no stress, but they are still in paid employment,” Scott says.
“If we’re not churning out quality products, then we don’t get new contracts. And
I think that’s commendable to everyone that’s worked here for 50 years. People keep coming back to us because the quality is phenomenal.”
Clients can come in and see the team at work.
“They’re getting their disability awareness and awareness of people with differences and stuff through a completely different way that you don’t have in a dayto-day workplace.
“And if anyone’s ever worked with someone with disabilities, they are sticklers to the rules, so if you say to them ‘this is what you have to do in this time frame’, it’s
done,” says Scott.
“Oh, and if we were inferior, we wouldn’t keep getting contracts.
“It might not be the traditional workplace that people know, but it’s a workplace where people come to work at their rate and their ability for paid employment.”
Scott believes there are other businesses in Waipā or the greater Waikato that would benefit from Achievement House’s expertise and other disability organisations they could partner with.
“We are a stepping stone.”
Brett Sager of Cambridge working on a plastic project in Achievement House.
Hamilton’s Jeremy Piecry catches the bus daily to Cambridge to work at Achievement House. He’s wrapping plastic sauce bottles for distribution.
Terry Barnett of Cambridge working on putting lids and straws into plastic bottles, a contract Achievement House has with a manufacturer while David Peacock of Hamilton works in the background.
Photos: Mary Anne Gill.
Gail Longley of Hamilton puts stickers on bottles using a system devised to assist her and other workers at Achievement House.
O’Brien ‘excited and humbled’
By Chris Gardner
Incoming Te Wānanga o Aotearoa kaiwhakatere chief executive Evie O’Brien says she is excited and humbled to be appointed.
O’Brien was welcomed back to Te Awamutu head office on Tuesday with a pōwhiri.
“It has what many tertiary organisations spend years searching for, yet few rarely find, and that is a transformational and inspiring
vision,” O’Brien said.
“That is about the communities we serve rather than the organisation, values and staff who are dedicated to these in every way not least in the way that programmes are designed, delivered and where tauira experience and success is to the forefront.
“It is a complex eco-system rather than an ego-system.”
Tuesday’s welcome on O’Brien’s first day on the job was a bit of a
homecoming for her. Her whakapapa is Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Maniapoto.
It is 10 years since O’Brien left the organisation as acting Kaihautū National Delivery, and O’Brien will work alongside current kaiwhakatere chief executive Nepia Winiata before his farewell on February 13. He has served the organisation for 15 years.
Te Wānanga has 23,000 students studying through about 60 sites across New Zealand.
Cancer patients’ guardian angel
Continued from page 5
talk about different aspects of their cancer diagnosis.
In 2009 she created the model which allows conversations ranging from coping with the impact of cancer, the positive and negative effects it can have on relationships with friends and family, various treatment pathways and emotional and psychological coping skills.
“My job isn’t just about helping people with their physical needs, it’s also about being there for them emotionally and psychologically. I feel like I’m making a real difference in people’s lives,” she said at the time.
The Hamilton-based nurse – who is originally from the North Island’s East Coast –puts that compassionate and empathetic nature to good use.
She now wants to raise awareness at the importance of having a whānau member or friend acting as a key support person for all cancer patients to improve outcomes through the treatment journey.
Key support people were initially introduced to support adolescents and young adults aged 12-24 going through cancer treatment, but Proffit’s advocacy has helped expand the role and make the option
available to more patients.
“It is clear how crucial it is to have whānau by the patient’s side, particularly during challenging times.”
Research shows that a key support person can help improve patient outcomes, enhance the patient and family experience, reduce the risk of medical errors, and lower the chances of unplanned readmissions. They work collaboratively with staff and their involvement helps clinical teams better understand the patient’s needs, while ensuring patients feel safer and more supported.
She has spoken to staff, visitors, patients and key support people about their experiences with key support people. She encourages patients being admitted to Waikato Hospital to let staff know if they want a key support person as it can be outlined in the care plan.
Harry Ballantyne had wife Susan to help him.
“It was 20 times better with her there,” he said.
“She helped me avoid potential conflicts during a stressful time and made sure nothing got lost in translation, which was especially important as we are both Māori.”
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa kaiwhakatere chief executive Evie O’Brien was welcomed this week.
The democratic system
By Tom Roa
We have farewelled 2024, its ups and its downs. We bid a warm welcome to 2025 and its potentials.
Many, if not most, of us assert a faith and a positivity in our being a democracy here in Aotearoa New Zealand. I suggest there will be many of us who know that the idea comes from the Greek demos – the people – and kratia – power/rule –that is, a way of governing which depends on the rule of the people.
The will of the people is tested regularly with eligible members of the democracy asserting their democratic right to vote for individuals and/or groups of individuals to take the lead in governing them.Many of us will not know that the celebrated Greek philosopher Aristotle considered democracy a corrupt form of government in which the majority is able to use its power to abuse minorities.
In Aotearoa New Zealand we, as do a number of other democracies, have a system of Mixed Member Proportional representation which is an attempt to ensure that the minority voice can be heard. It pays to remind ourselves also that in the governing of us here in Aotearoa New Zealand we have a legal system which provides checks and balances in ensuring that our elected representatives do indeed govern according to our will as the people.
This is of course an over-simplification of our democratic way of life. Albeit a
cliche, it pays to remind ourselves that we are far from enjoying a perfect system, of government. But as we move into 2025 and past the very recent inauguration of President Donald Trump in the United States, comparisons between our form of democracy, theirs in the States, and other democracies around the world, are posed.
I suggest another cliche... good people can make a bad system work; and bad people can wreck a good system. This begs the question of course – what do we mean by ‘good’?
Aristotle asserted that a good person is a person of virtuous character, courageous, temperate, liberal, magnanimous, honourable, patient, amicable, and sincere, who behaves accordingly.
‘Rangatira’ is a Māori language term often translated as ‘chief’. Implicit in the term is an understanding that the ‘rangatira’ is a good person, a ‘noble leader’. The term is often described as being an amalgam of the terms ‘raranga’ – to weave; and ‘tira’ – a group of people moving together toward a common goal.
The ‘rangatira’ therefore weaves people together as they move together to common purpose. Rau rangatira mā tēnā huihui tātou.
Targets: what’s achievable?
By Peter Nicholl
The Government has been announcing a lot of ‘targets’ recently.
When I worked in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 10 years, the international community set lots of targets for Bosnian institutions. Some had a positive impact on performance, many were poorly designed and were ignored. Because of these diverse outcomes, I gave quite a lot of thought to target design.
The first characteristic a good target needs to have is to be clear and unambiguous. Targets like ‘improving peoples’ well-being’ don’t score very well on this criterion. The target should be challenging so that it stretches people. If the target is so ambitious as to be unachievable it won’t motivate people. They won’t be able to meet the target no matter how well they perform. It should also be clear who is responsible for trying to meet the target and how they will be held accountable. A good process for developing the target should involve those people in the process.
One recently announced target was to double New Zealand’s exports over the next decade. How does that ‘target’ stack up against the criteria in the previous paragraph? It is certainly clear and unambiguous, so it ticks that box. It is also challenging – but is it an achievable target? Over the past decade, New Zealand’s exports grew by about 47 per cent. A target of 100 per cent growth seems to be bordering on the unachievable. I suspect it was the brainchild of a public relations firm rather than one developed by analysis of export capabilities. It also was not clear who was going to be responsible for achieving the target and
Te Awamutu AUTO DIRECTORY
how they would be held accountable. Two areas that were described were trade agreemenåts and tech industries. Two countries identified for improved trade agreements were China and India.
These countries are very important trading partners for us – but New Zealand is an incredibly small trading partner for them. For example, we send 22 per cent of our total exports to China. China sends 0.003 per cent of their total exports to New Zealand. They won’t give the same priority to trade agreements with New Zealand as we do. New Zealand sometimes forgets just how small we are on the global stage.
Encouraging growth in the emerging tech industries is a fine objective. But many other countries are also focusing on this emerging sector as their saviour.
One sector New Zealand clearly has significant comparative advantages is agriculture. It has been the mainstay of our exports for a long time and produces around 70 per cent of our exports.
Promoting other sectors is fine. But if New Zealand is going to have any chance of meeting the target of doubling our exports over the next decade, agriculture will have to continue to be at the forefront.
Have recent governments been prioritising and promoting this important sector? No. If that continues, New Zealand’s chances of meeting the 100 per cent export growth target are, in my view, zero.
Keeping up with the fluids
Regularly checking your vehicle’s uids is
for maintaining optimal performance and preventing mechanical problems.
Engine oil lubricates the engine and prevents overheating. It should be checked monthly and always before long trips. When the engine is cold, use the dipstick to check oil levels and top up if needed. Typically, oil should be changed every 5,000–10,000 km, depending on the vehicle, whether it’s petrol or diesel, and the oil type.
Coolant, also known as antifreeze, regulates engine temperature, preventing overheating in summer and freezing in winter. Check the coolant level at least once every three months or before any long trips. The system should be ushed and re lled as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, usually every two to ve years – more often if you intend
towing a heavy weight. Transmission uid keeps your gears shifting smoothly. For automatic transmissions, check the level monthly or as part of routine servicing. Low or dirty transmission uid can lead to shifting problems. Change it every 50,000–100,000 km, depending on the car model.
Brake uid is essential for e ective braking. Check the uid level during each oil change or service. Low levels or discoloured uid can indicate leaks or contamination. Brake uid should be replaced every two years.
Power steering uid allows easy steering control. Check it every few months or during routine servicing. If steering becomes di cult or noisy, it may indicate low uid levels. By checking these uids regularly, you ensure smoother operation, prevent costly repairs, and keep your vehicle road-ready.
A woman of style and ambition
By Viv Posselt
There was much more to Judy Bannon than her upright posture and elegant attire… or even her involvement with local council.
Those at her funeral last week heard she came from a line of strong women - she was the fifth generation of her family to be christened in New Zealand - and at age 16, she attended a party on the Royal Britannia yacht during Queen Elizabeth II’s 1963 visit. That invitation came because her grandfather was secretary for the Royal Akarana Yacht Club at the time.
Judy’s daughter Kim said her mother was patient, kind, had a great sense of humour, was honest and always hard-working. “Intelligent, knowledgeable and with a flair for dress,” she added, “you could never predict what colour outfit she would be wearing when she walked through the door.”
Judy was born in Auckland, the elder sister to three brothers. Growing up around Onehunga, with a spell on Motutapu Island, she enjoyed an idyllic young life and forged a particularly strong connection with her grandmother.
It was in her late teens that she met Jim Bannon… on a blind date of sorts where Jim caught Judy in overalls, painting the ceilings and with paint in her hair. It was said to have been love at first sight. They married in 1969 then moved to a cottage in the middle of four acres of bush in Waimauku.
The family moved to Cambridge in 1973,
primarily for the better schooling options for young James and Kim.
Undeterred by gender norms of the day, Judy went back to work when the children were preschoolers. “Dad raised us while studying,” Kim said. “He was the only dad at kindergarten pick-up. Mum broke down barriers… she never thought of herself as brave, but she was. She could brick a house, wallpaper, clean the guttering, paint a ceiling, sew a dress, dig a vegetable garden… she would give anything a go.”
Both Jim and Judy studied in the evenings. Judy completed a certificate in commerce in 1984 then and became general manager of operations (practice manager) at Tanner Fitzgerald and Getty in Hamilton. She furthered her studies by completing an MBA in 1997 and completing the inaugural landscape design course at Hamilton Gardens.
In 1998, she became manager at the Auckland-based patent attorneys, Baldwins. It was after she retired from there that she did a director’s course and became a trustee for the Waipā Network Trust and an elected Waipā councillor.
Judy’s involvement with the Cambridge community was with the harriers club, netball, the Cambridge Tree Trust, Waipā District Council, the Cambridge Community Board, and Waipā Networks Trust.
Jim died in 2009. Judy always supported his own adventures … from breaking in a racehorse or sailing the Amazon, to completing his PhD in freshwater ecology.
Pinnacle rewarded
Pinnacle Midlands Health Network has been acknowledged with the highest rating in a Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand cultural audit for its “alignment with Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and commitment to improving Māori health outcomes”.
The five-week audit, conducted before Christmas, looked at Pinnacle’s service delivery and how well it met its obligations to provide culturally safe and equitable care for Māori, said chief executive Justin Butcher.
Pinnacle is a not-for-profit primary health organisation, managing healthcare across Tairāwhiti, Taranaki, Rotorua, TaupōTūrangi, Thames-Coromandel, and Waikato.
The audit, documented in the He Ritenga report, gave Pinnacle the top rating of Ka Mutu Pea for its “exceptional integration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles into governance, operations, and service delivery.”
“This recognition reflects the effort and dedication of our team and the strong relationships we have with iwi, hapū, and Māori communities,” said Justin. “Te Tiriti and health equity are at the centre of what we do, so we’re really pleased to see this recognised.”
The report highlighted Pinnacle’s work in areas such as marae-based clinics, equity-focused initiatives, and workforce development, and commended the organisation’s focus on cultural safety and creating meaningful partnerships.
Rāwiri Blundell, general manager Māori and Equity, said Pinnacle had been on a long journey toward biculturalism, embedding these principles across its governance, leadership, and operational teams.
“This mahi has been essential in making sure the services we deliver are authentic and culturally responsive,” he said.
Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk said Judy, who served on Waipā District Council from 2013 to 2019, became a trusted voice on local
issues. She was an active supporter for the building of Cambridge’s new swimming pool and worked to bolster Civil Defence funding.
Judy, second from left, joined a call ahead of the 2022 local body elections encouraging women to get involved in local body politics. Also pictured were Sue Milner, Jo Davies- Colley, Liz Stolwyk and Alana Mackay.
Photo: Michael Jeans.
Judy Bannon, seen here in a photograph from a few years ago, was known for her sartorial flair. She died on January 19, age 78.
Judy Bannon as a young woman.
Pinnacle’s CEO Justin Butcher and GM Māori and Equity Rāwiri Blundell.
Community Connect
January 30, 2025
Use water - keep it shorter!
With a hot, dry and windy summer in full swing, Waipā District may soon be facing outdoor water use restrictions for the first time in three years. While improvements to water treatment plants and supply pipelines, public education and particularly the installation of water meters have helped reduce the need for restrictions, demand is continuing to rise. Water Services Manager Karl Pavlovich said while we are not implementing water restrictions just yet, the increased demand means it is likely if the forecast dry conditions continue through February. Water meters have been a huge help in Waipā over recent years, but Pavlovich says that they can no longer solve the problem of increased demand during a prolonged dry period.
Summer is when our water use peaks, and our treatment plants can only supply so much. The increase in water demand across the district, combined with this summer’s dry conditions, means we will need to bring in water restrictions if things don’t change.
The restrictions apply only to outdoor water use. Under Water Alert Level One, sprinklers can only be used between 6-8am and 6-8pm, and you can use handheld hoses any time. At Level Two, sprinklers are limited to alternate days during the same 6-8am and 6-8pm hours, and handheld hoses are still allowed any time.
For commercial customers who use water as an essential activity – such as landscaping, nurseries and sports fields – outdoor watering is allowed in both Levels One and Two.
Pavlovich says the aim of moving to one of the lower
alert levels is to prevent the district from having to move to more stringent restrictions in future, should the dry weather continue. “The measures required at Levels One and Two are not asking much more of people than to be sensible – the kinds of measures we should all be taking, all year round, to help conserve this precious resource.”
Council staff are continuing to monitor water demand and supply carefully, and will notify the public in advance of moving to a water alert level including advertising on radio and through our social channels.
Why do we need to have water restrictions in Waipā?
In Waipā, some of our water comes from streams and bores but most of it is sourced from the Waikato River.
Councils can only take a certain amount of water each year from various water sources, including the Waikato River, and have an obligation to ensure that any water taken is used responsibly and wisely.
Since the installation of water meters was completed, our residential water use reduced by at least 25% per household. Customers were also easily able to detect leaks, and once fixed this helped to significantly reduce demand and water bills.
However, while water meters have been a great help, they are no longer enough to manage the increased demands.
Putting water restrictions in place means we maintain enough for everyone and it also protects the ecosystems that rely on the river and stream networks.
Tips on saving water
Tips to reduce water use around the home include:
• Water your garden in the early morning or the evening to avoid evaporation
• Use a good mulch to keep moisture in the soil
• Take shorter showers
• Sweep paths and driveways instead of hosing them down
• Clean your car with a bucket and sponge, not a hose
More water-saving tips for the garden and around the home can be found at smartwater.org.nz.
Why save water?
We are privileged to have water on tap 24 hours a day but it is a finite resource and we can’t take it for granted.
By using water carefully, we are protecting the health and well-being of our freshwater ecosystem. We are also ensuring that water is not wasted and there will be enough to go around when rain is scarce.
Water infrastructure, including treatment plants and pipes, is expensive. Reducing the amount of water that we use reduces the pressure on our existing infrastructure and can prevent or delay increased investment in new infrastructure. Using less water also reduces the amount of energy needed to provide clean safe water and to treat wastewater.
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At Te Awamutu Funeral Services our dedicated team is passionate about providing valuable guidance and a personalised service at a time when you need it most. - Offering Generations
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Across: 1. Cinema, 4. Abated, 9. Rapid, 10. As a rule, 11. Sustain, 13. Duck, 14. Dairy farmer, 17. Howl, 18. Cleanse, 21. Cheapen, 22. Utter, 24. Reader, 25. Height.
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Golf links to be reviewed
By Chris Gardner
Waitomo Golf and Country Club’s $1 million course and clubhouse could soon be handed back to members in a proposal from owners Ōtorohanga Club.
Ōtorohanga Club and Waitomo Golf and Country Club merged in 2012 after the golf club faced financial difficulties, Ōtorohanga Club president Jock Gollan told The News.
Since then the golf club founded in 1912 in Golf Road has operated its own committee through the Ōtorohanga Club in Maniapoto Street.
He said for some time Ōtorohanga Club members had questioned the reasons for continuing to have the golf club.
The proposal is to form a new incorporated entity. Gollan told The News he hopes the existing golf club and country committee will assume governance.
“They are in a far better position than they were in 2012,” Gollan said.
There’s a new committee, and president in Steve Wilshier.
“We will try and give it back to them. The golf club building needs $250,000 to $300,000 spent on it. They have got the numbers for doing that building up. It probably costs us about $20,000. It’s a beautiful site.”
About 240 golf club members pay about $720 annual membership to play an 18-hole 5875 metre championship course, Gollan said.
“Ōtorohanga Club can’t sell it, because it’s part of the amalgamation agreement, we can’t lease it, and we still have to run it, but we can give it to an incorporated society.”
Gollan feels giving the $1 million golf course to a new entity is the only option.
“We wish them well,” he said. “They have done an excellent job. Every time they have a tournament they are fully booked out. We will
continue to help.
Ōtorohanga Club has called a meeting of all 1700 members on Sunday, (February 2) to discuss the proposal.
Gollan is not expecting all members to turn out, annual meetings usually attract about 120 members. Regardless of turnout, Ōtorohanga Club members will decide on the proposal. Three quarters of those attending the meeting must approve for the proposal to pass and then Waitomo Golf and Country Club Committee is required to wait 31 days before responding to the proposal.
“It will be good for our town,” Gollan said.
The club’s proximity to Waitomo Caves meant tourist-based tournaments could be organised.
In a notice advertising the meeting published in The News Ōtorohanga Club secretary and manager Bronwyn Merrin said the decision was significant for the future of both clubs.
“This meeting will provide an opportunity to understand the reasoning and implications of this proposal, ask questions and share your perspectives,” the notice reads.
“Your attendance and participation are crucial. Together, we can make an informed decision that aligns with the best interested in both clubs and our community.”
The club’s most famous son is former world amateur champion Phil Tataurangi who became club champion when he played there while his parents were teaching at Kawhia. He attended Te Awamutu College.
The News sought comment from Wilshier and other Waitomo Golf and Country Club members who declined to comment.
Waikato Golf Association executive officer Terry Booth said Waitomo Golf Club had a stable and loyal membership.
“It’s a well-presented golf course, it’s a bit of a hidden gem,” he said.
To create successful clients for life by understanding our clients needs, managing their risk, building strong relationships and going above and beyond with customer service
The Waitomo club has been catering for golfers for more than 100 years.
The future of Waitomo Golf and Country Club will be decided at a members’ meeting on Sunday.
EXPERTS
WANTED TO LEASE
WEBSTER, Bruce – Passed away peacefully at Waikato Hospital on Thursday, 23rd January 2025, aged 86 years. Loving husband and best friend of Mary (nee Feisst) Loving father and father-inlaw who will be dearly missed by John, Stewart, Meg, Matt and the late Duncan. Special Poppa Bruce to his grandchildren Sam, Stella and Nika. A celebration for Bruce will be held at Te Awamutu Golf Club, 2293 Kihikihi Road, Te Awamutu on Friday, 31st January at 1:30 pm followed by private cremation. The service will be livestreamed, please email office@ teawamutufunerals.co.nz for the link. All communications please to the Webster family, P O Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.
Te Awamutu Needs Your Help!
Gardening Work
garden resurrection rose pruning hedge trimming maintenance fruit tree care residential & commercial tidy up special occasions ggworkz@gmail.com
Are you fit, enjoy working outdoors, looking for extra income?
If the answer is yes then we have something for you working in a small team 1-2 days a week, possibly more for the right person.
Please send your CV to ggworkz@gmail.com or call 027 238 2517.
CLEANER
As a member of our Community team, you will play an important role assisting our
For this position you will need to have:
• your own vehicle
• a clean driver’s license
This is a full time Monday to Friday position (with flexible hours if required).
If you are honest, hard working and like to clean
Citizens Advice Bureau Te Awamutu is looking for volunteers to join us in our mission to make a positive impact in our community. Call us on (07) 871 4111 or pop in to our office in the Ray White Arcade 213 Alexandra Street to learn more about what we do.
Waipa District Council will consider an application to close the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic, to enable organisers to hold the Kairangi Loop Bent Sprint:
On Sunday 6 April 2025, from 9am to 5pm
• Kairangi Road - from start of Robinson Road to end of Robinson Road
• Robinson Road - entire road Hewson Road, Rahiri Road, Dillion Road and Griggs Road will be affected by the road closures.
The application will be considered under the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974.
Emergency Services will have complete right of way at all times during road closure.
Any objections to the proposal must be lodged with Waipa District Council, in writing, to events@waipadc.govt.nz, before 4.00pm on Friday 14 February 2025. Please include the nature of the objection and the grounds for it. See the Privacy Statement on the Council’s website for further information.
For more information, please contact Waipa District Council on 0800 924 723.
Steph O’Sullivan CHIEF
Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
