Te Awamutu News | March 21, 2024

Artificial turf call

By Mary Anne Gill

A leading Waipā sports organisation wants the district council to convert some of its playing fields to artificial turf.

Details of Te Awamutu Sports Club’s request to the district council are contained in confidential councillor briefing papers released to The News under a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) request.

But the council’s decision last week to strip $86,480 in sports fields improvements out of its budget because of financial constraints makes the plea to turn parts of

Albert Park into artificial turf a long shot and unlikely to even be considered for another five years.

The papers released to The News, sent in a councillors’ weekly mail out, include a Waikato Artificial Turf Study completed by Visitor Solutions who were engaged by Sport Waikato on behalf of Waipā and Hamilton City Council.

The report says Hamilton will soon need three artificial turfs at Marist, Gower and Korikori parks.

In Waipā the need is not as great – it recommends no development “at this time” - but a future location for one is at Tom Voyle

Park in partnership with Cambridge High School.

No details about the turf report were included in a review considered in December which recommended Waipā take over management of its 17 sports fields from clubs and organisations.

Te Awamutu Sports’ lease at Albert Park runs through to 2027.

Pirongia’s Clare St Pierre told councillors at an extraordinary Strategic Planning and Policy committee meeting last week she was concerned at the big reduction in sports fields spend.

“I’d rather see the sports fields improved than perhaps more investment in some of those other reserves.

“At our last Long Term Plan we got some really strong feedback from our community that the sports fields were in a poor state and crying out for some investment,” she said.

Community Services manager Brad Ward said while there were still some operational expenses in the budget for the two recently upgraded fields at John Kerkhof Park in Cambridge, there was nothing more planned in the short term.

Staff had been in discussions with clubs to improve fields but that would now be a long term discussion, he said.

In the mail out last year, Ward said he was sharing the artificial turf report – completed in July - in confidence because there were a lot of moving parts and scenarios which needed to be carefully considered.

The report was not for distribution but was discussed with Te Awamutu Sports so the club understood the study’s finding.

The report said artificial turf was “not the only tool in the toolbox” and recommended a mix of field types including soil, sand dressed, sand carpet, hybrid and artificial.

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It noted Tauranga was finding it difficult to get enough water on its fields over summer which led to grass die back and slower investment through winter. The

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council there was planning artificial turfs in key locations to address the issues.

The report’s authors met on site with various sporting organisations and completed 16 sports field visits in Hamilton, Cambridge and Te Awamutu.

Shortfalls of sports fields were larger in Cambridge than in Te Awamutu, Pirongia, Kakepuku and Maungatautari with soccer clubs across the region needing more space.

Most Waipā sporting clubs perceived they had field quality issues. The visit to Albert Park showed signs of pressure on the number one soil-based field with the condition attributed primarily to use management and maintenance levels.

“Evidence exists to indicate that both the Waipā and the Hamilton field networks are under stress,” the report found.

It recommended moving to a more centralised managed network to control field use, something which Ward in December convinced Waipā councillors was crucial, but is now on hold.

As part of responding to Good Local Media’s complaint to the Ombudsman about Waipā withholding information from The News, the council provided the weekly mailout after reviewing its reasons for doing so.

The Ombudsman is investigating and reviewing other information the council withheld from Good Local.

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Rugby players have enjoyed the artificial turf at Auckland’s Macleans college for several seasons.

Photo: Teamturf.

Brad Ward Clare St Pierre

Which town?

can easily be drawn from the nearby Waikato River.

this country’s development.

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With the publication of the traffic plan in The Cambridge News (February 29) we might need to change the epithet of Cambridge from tree town to traffic light town.

John Windle

Cambridge

Cross at crossing

We were driving from Roto-o-Rangi and slowed as we approached the Leamington crossing, checking both ways. All of a sudden, this silly girl on a bike came barrelling from the right hand side straight over the crossing without checking for traffic. My husband slammed on the brakes as did the car behind us. These kids need to learn they have to respect the rules.

Theresa Dillistone

Cambridge

Good for the goose…

The News had an article from Andrew Johnstone, who lives in Fencourt, an area of Cambridge.

Firstly, I trust the facts and figures he has quoted are correct.

Secondly, consider this. When you look at a map of the North Island, Cambridge area has a central location, bordering on State Highway One and has the Waikato River running through the town. An ideal location for this incinerator plant, where heavy trucks could roll up and down highway one and have easy access to a plant, would be near Cambridge.

The water that is required for this plant

It was great to see so many people come to the Te Awamutu Police Station Open Day last Saturday from across the district.

They enjoyed interacting with Search and Rescue staff with their rescue vessel, a Police handler and his dog, police recruiting, seeing a patrol car set up for a shift and a tour of the station cell block.

It was made even better by the presence of our Hato Hone St Johns Ambulance and Fire and Emergency New Zealand colleagues adjacent with their demonstrations and information stands.

Squealing rubber, revving engines and the associated aftermath of shredded tyres and rubber marks on the road are all too common signs of boy racer and burnout activity around Waipā.

I understand the annoyance and frustration this causes. Sustained loss of traction (burnouts) causes a lot of damage and pollution and can be intimidating to

Thirdly, should this be the case, I wonder if Mr Johnstone would be so keen to support the building of a plant in Cambridge. This would also apply to the elected members of the Waipā District Council who represent the Cambridge area. I am sure the residents of Cambridge would be up in arms and strongly object to the plant being built in their town.

Finally, like other places in New Zealand, we would strongly object to a plant being built at all and we must continue to look at improving our recycling habits through educating all residents throughout this wonderful country we live in and continue the clean green landscape Kiwis are so proud of.

I have been a concerned resident of Te Awamutu since 1984 and if the Waipā District Council go ahead and approve this plant to be built, they will leave us little option but to leave this wonderful town and find another district to live in.

Ron Allbon

Te Awamutu

I’m not convinced

Max Brown’s perspective (letters, March 14) that the Treaty of Waitangi is in the safe hands of David Seymour and ACT does nothing to quell my fears. It’s a bit rich of Brown to criticise interpretations of ‘so-called experts’, and then present ACT’s principles with no reference to Māori rights - a fairly central feature of the Treaty I would contend.

Brown’s ideal of ‘living as one’ seems to be to leave the Treaty in a museum and ignore that Māori have an important part to play in

Thank goodness Māori (and many of Pākehā) won’t take this lying down.

Richard Hill

Cambridge

Treaty response

In response to Max Brown’s The Treaty letter. Of course we can mount an argument for the rights of one ethnicity. It is written in our Treaty Māori would have equality and sovereignty but still haven’t been afforded that.

Pākehā culture has dominated and supressed the Māori culture.

No one can not acknowledge the taking of land, the prohibition of tohunga abilities/ Māori rongoā, the official discouragement of speaking Māori reo, racism around employment, the ability to rent, and to even be seen as having values and a culture of worth.

A fair and just society has the intelligence and kindness to hear all of its peoples’ experiences, a desire to right the wrongs and celebrate the forebearers of this land we now all call home.

We lose nothing from allowing others the same privileges and courtesies we are given, in fact we gain a wider view of the world, safer and more inclusive communities and allow space in ourselves to experience new and different ways of thinking and being. To evolve as humans we need to understand the past actions of our ancestors, to be gracious enough to not always think we have all the answers and the strength to confess our short comings.

other road users.

If Police are to take action on more offenders, especially those recidivist offenders, we need more community help. Each call adds weight to the situation and extra information for attending staff. This all adds to the evidence enabling us to take positive action, which may include impounding vehicles, prosecution, fines or alternative/youth aid action. Information we need includes registrations and vehicle descriptions along with possible driver and passenger descriptions and an account of what the vehicle was seen doing.

Perhaps you have CCTV which provides a view of such offending or of the vehicles and people involved. Importantly in prosecution cases, we need those eye-witnesses to also be willing to make a signed statement about what they saw to police and be prepared to appear in court if required.

Yvette Denton Cambridge

Transformer gone

Waipā Networks has replaced its network's final two-pole transformer structure. The Te Awamutu transformer on Mandeno Street was the last two-pole transformer structure on Waipā Networks’ network to be replaced, marking the end of an 18-year project to replace the poles.

Hunting open

Fish & Game has announced that game bird hunting licences for the 2024 season started on May 4 are now on sale. Hunters can secure their licence – which they must have to participate in game bird hunting - online via the Fish & Game website or at selected retailers nationwide.

Around 40,000 licences are sold each year, however, those who hunt on their own land do not need to purchase a licence but must abide by the regulations such as bag limits and hunting hours.

Artefacts found

Work has stopped on the stormwater outfall in the C3 growth cell south of Cambridge Road between Te Awa Retirement Village and St Peter’s School after workers found historic artefacts.

Waipā group manager Dawn Inglis said posts, organic matter and fire pits were found last week. Other items had been found on site some time before those.

Comfortable classical

As part of the Autumn Festival in Cambridge, Orchestras Central (Ngā Tira Pūoru o te Pokapū) will present three events on Saturday and Sunday. It starts with ‘Comfortable Classical’, a specially designed relaxed concert, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for families, first time concert goers and regular listeners.In the evening it will be ‘Vivaldi by Candlelight’ and on Sunday, the Waikato Youth Orchestra, which appeared in the festival last year in the hall, will perform ‘Fire and Romance’ in the afternoon.

Having fun to raise funds

By Viv Posselt

Tracy Chisholm, the daughter of Te Awamutu News’ Person of the Year for 2023, Paul Walker, is hoping next month’s Colour Run at Lake Ngā Roto will be a precursor event set to inject more ‘fun’ into local fundraisers.

Tracy has held the volunteer position of secretary/treasurer of the Hato Hone St John Te Awamutu area committee for the past 16 years. She’s behind the idea to replace the usual street appeal type fundraising with one that will see hundreds of runners daubed in bright colours for a run around Lake Ngā Roto on April 7.

“Maybe it’s time to have some real fun with our fundraisers. Colour runs are held for other organisations, why not do it here?” she said. “For those concerned about the environment, the ‘paints’ will be cornflour… safe, enviro-friendly and even gluten-free. Everything has been cleared with the council.”

Tracy reckons that, like many of her wider family, she has volunteering blood running through her veins.

“I guess I’m what they call a St John ‘lifer’… started when I was 10 years old. I’ve done the cadets, done the paramedic thing, been a youth leader.”

Part of Tracy’s current role is supporting projects aimed at making sure Te Awamutu St John wheels keep turning to finance the many, often hidden, services they provide.

“All the money we raise locally goes back into the wellbeing our own community. That might be supporting staff with training opportunities, helping our volunteers and teams at events or

supporting our teams in responding to incidents,” she said. “Those funds mostly go towards the behind-the-scenes stuff that keeps us going.”

Tracy has taken her attempt to shake things up a little to the next level. The Colour Run will have all the usual side activities, spot prizes and refreshments, and will showcase St John elements such as CPR, youth member activities, plus the major incident support team (of which Tracy is a member), but she is also suggesting businesses ‘buy’ one of the seven colours on offer and get their promotional signage done in that colour.

“It will be a fun way to engage them. We’re very supportive of Black Friday and think it’s a great way for businesses to return the favour.”

• For more details go to teawamutunews.nz

Festive moments…

Viv Posselt spotted some familiar Te Awamutu faces at Sunday’s Autumn Festival in Cambridge.

Tracy Chisholm can’t wait to splatter runners in a flurry of colours next month … all in the name of St John.

Te Awamutu’s Silas Fryett, 14, was at the Cambridge Autumn Festival with the tiny books he makes.

Kihikihi’s Blair and Rosie Shaw –Rowdy’s Rose – are a singing/ songwriting duo who made a name for themselves during the Covid lockdown by releasing a series of ‘Lockdown Tunes’. The pair, who performed at Sunday’s Cambridge Autumn Festival, are pictured with their boys, Jasper, 9, and Jesse, 6.

Cambridge’s Drakkar News, 6, took a keen interest in the wooden spoon carving being done at the Cambridge Autumn Festival by Te Awamutu’s Jeff Fryett. Looking on is Drakkar’s gran, Eileen News.

A day for the next generation

By Jeremy Smith

“Every time the fire siren goes off, I know she wants to come with me.”

Among the hundreds of attendees - many of them families - at Saturday’s Te Awamutu police station open day was three-year-old Harper-mae Shaw.

Wearing her very own firefighter uniform, she was more than happy to smile for The News’ camera as she sat in the front passenger seat of a parked fire truck outside the Palmer St fire station with her grandfather, ‘Poppa D’, Dave Shaw.

Shaw has been a Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade member for more than 30 years and said Harper-mae has already told him she wants to join when she is old enough.

It’s exactly the kind of example which delighted the day’s organisers, acting sergeant Brenton Irwin and senior sergeant Dave Hall.

Hall told The News the day was put together to inspire the next generation, and help anyone interested in a future career with the police learn more about recruitment, as well as about crime-busting technology.

There were opportunities to tour the Roche Street

St John and CommSafe representatives were present.

The police dog team, Search and Rescue, and members of the Armed Offenders Squad were also on hand, and Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade members, Hato Hone

Volunteer fire firefighters demonstrated a car extraction for a large audience.

Hall said he was delighted by how Saturday unfolded.

“We had lots of interest expressed ahead of the day,

so to see so many people - including lots of familiesshow up was great.”

The success of Saturday could lead to further open days in Te Awamutu, but the next open day was now being planned for the Hamilton police station.

Constable Ryan Fleming of On the Beat fame talks about equipment carried in patrol cars.

Photo: Jeremy Smith

Three-year-old Harper-mae Shaw sits in a parked fire truck with her ‘Poppa D’, grandad and Te Awamutu volunteer firefighter Dave Shaw.

Photo: Jeremy Smith police station cells and meet frontline staff.

ON SHAKY GROUND

Heat and ice

Standing in South Crater, Ngauruhoe towers above you to the south and all around are thick, old lava flows.

Along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing the path takes you up some of these lavas towards Red Crater, another young vent of the volcanic complex. The name ‘South Crater’ is a little deceiving, it’s not actually a crater at all. This large, beautiful area was carved out by glaciers long ago, as was the Mangatepopo Valley that leads you to this spot. Tongariro used to be larger, but ice slowly carved away sections of the volcano, exposing older volcanic deposits and even resulting in different types of eruptions because of the addition of water.

When you look up at the solid lava flows frozen in place, a question that comes to my mind is ‘where did they come from?’ Something is missing, if you follow them up slope they just reach towards the sky. This is a clue. Another clue is the presence of ‘hyaloclastite’ deposits made up of a chaotic mix of fine, glassy, pulverized ash, and larger chunks of rock. These form when lava mixes with water, usually submarine or subglacial (below water or ice). Another clue. The shape of the area itself shows the history of dense ice, slowly flowing and carving away at the mountain as it goes. Further down on either side of the Mangatepopo Valley are lateral glacial moraine ridges, long piles of ground up rock that are pushed aside by the ice. The clues all begin to add up to tell a

By Janine Krippner

columnar jointing caused by the lava contracting and fracturing into tall columns as it cools. The ice not only changed the shape of the mountain by moving or removing material, it changed the way the eruption products built the volcano. The glaciers may move much slower than eruption processes, but they are incredible modifiers of the landscape and an important part of their history. To know what the past eruptions did it’s important to understand which parts of the mountain were modified by these frozen rivers. This is yet another way that different specialties of science go hand in hand to grasp these dynamic landscapes.

At the top of the Mangatepopo Valley the recent lava flows and pyroclastic flows have begun the slow process of partly filling in the valley with newer rock. The seasons of glacial periods or ice ages, and interglacial periods are a balancing act of wearing the volcanoes down and building them back up. Volcanoes are a great place to study these past variations in climate. Enormous ice sheets on top of volcanoes melting even appear to increase volcanic activity as the pressure is reduced on the underlying magma systems. These processes are much larger, much older, and occur over much longer time scales than we do. We are fortunate enough to

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WHAKAWHITIWHITINGA WHAKAARO

Where did race come into it?

By Tom Roa, Tikanga Advisor, Waikato University

Much is being made of ‘race’ today wherein some sides in the political debate refer to Māori being privileged as a ‘race’ of people; and others refer to Māori as being marginalised because of their/our ‘race’.

This is confusing. And unhelpful.

In 1987 the Court of Appeal said the Treaty signified a “... partnership between races...” and the Court asserted that partnership was a significant Treaty principle which should help the parties find a true path to progress for “... both races”.

However neither Te Tiriti nor The Treaty use the word ‘race’ or anything like it.

The word for a Māori political community was ‘hapū’, each with their own ‘tino rangatiratanga’, their autonomy and independence. The authority to establish a ‘kāwanatanga’ was acknowledged as a new political body responsible for the formulation and installation of just laws and government.

Focussing on Te Tiriti/The Treaty, their articles, and the contextual principles in the signing of Te Tiriti/The Treaty in 1840 to help with the interpretation of Te Tiriti/The Treaty today is very welcome.

And from that examination we need to work out how ‘tino rangatiratanga’ and ‘kāwanatanga’ interact for the benefit of all concerned.

‘Race’ is a classification system which too often reflects the colonial behaviours of the past. The colonised were most often denigrated as inferior to the coloniser. The hierarchy of eugenics was taken to its ultimate extreme with the attempted genocide of the Jews in Nazi Germany in the 1940’s.

People are born into cultures which are informed by place, family and language. New Zealanders with Māori ancestry in their identifying with whānau and hapū celebrate those circumstances of birth with whakapapa, and pēpeha. And they take a pride in classifying themselves with ‘mana whenua’ as ‘tāngata whenua’. Pākehā New Zealanders celebrate their ‘Kiwi’ identity by also identifying

with place, family, and language.

Many have adopted for themselves the term ‘tāngata tiriti’ – a term both aspirational as well as political - ‘people of the Treaty’ - those who have made a home for themselves here in Aotearoa/New Zealand, recognising the authority granted in Te Tiriti/The Treaty to the Crown to ‘govern’, and the right of tāngata whenua to retain their Tino Rangatiratanga.

This is not a question of ‘race’. It is a question of how Tino Rangatiratanga and Kāwanatanga can best be applied to our behaviours as individuals and groups to promote the bet possible outcomes for us all as citizens of this land.

Trent Ganley’s photo of the Kaipaki sunflower farm with Mount Pirongia in the background took out third place

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News A Snip in Time

The flax mill at Ōhaupō again started operations after new owners updated the machinery.

A washer and scraper, which washed and cleaned the fibre of all vegetation after it left the stripper leaving it ready for the drying paddock at once, did away with the old style of washtub. The mill had some of the best flax swamp in the district - over 100 acres of thick heavy flax, free from all rubbish and swamp growth, and of good quality. The proprietors were optimistic about topping the market for quality in dressed fibre.

Dr Cockayne was appointed by the Government to superintend experiments in plant breeding on Government agricultural stations. The first series of experiments

Meghan Hawkes looks back at some of the Waipā news making headlines in 1908.

A burgeoning industry

were to improve the commercial qualities of New Zealand flax.

Work would be conducted on strictly modern scientific lines and variations of flax fully investigated, including the action of different soils on fibre production. It was hoped to materially increase the output of flax and improve the fibre. Such improvements had been successfully carried out in the case of many other plants.

The Ōhaupō Football Club held a fancy dress ball after their victory in winning the caps and the Union’s cup under the Cambridge Rugby Union. The function was the most successful and enjoyable ever held in Ōhaupō, which was considered to be well in the front with social gatherings. The hall was decorated almost beyond a reporter‘s power to describe with native bush palms and evergreens intermixed with flags and fineries. About 100 couples, 50 in fancy dress, made a very striking sight.

The music was supplied by a combination of

Music off pat

the Ōhaupō and Cambridge Bands and supper held in a large marquee in which there was sitting room for 80 persons at a time. After justice had been done to the supper, medals were presented. Among the costumes were a Rainbow, an Eastern Night, a Snowball and a bag of Champion Flour.

A mail coach was built to the order of Mr Kirk, of Te Awamutu, for tourist and mail traffic to the Waitomo Caves. The vehicle was capable of carrying 18 passengers. Two seats were in front and the top was fitted with an adjustable hood and blinds. The painting and lining were a work of art. The under carriage and wheels were painted cream, picked out with blue and lined with red, the body was a dark wine and tan colour picked out with black lined with white, the lettering was aluminum shaded with vermillion, and the royal monogram and royal mail in yellow shaded with vermillion.

At Kihikihi an accident

occurred when a single buggy owned by Mr Meredith was just arriving near the Star Hotel, coming into collision with Mr

Laurie’s coach going into Te Awamutu. The impact was rather severe - the coach being upset while the shaft of the buggy was broken. To

bystanders’ astonishment both the coach and buggy, after the accident, were turned in opposite directions to what they were previously.

Kihikihi’s ukulele club’s Irish eyes were smiling ahead of St Patrick’s Day last week. Members, from left, Maureen and Ken Jamieson, Kahu Walker and Sally Marx. were among those to join in the Irish theme for the club’s fortnightly meeting in the Anglican Church Hall on Lyon Street. The club has enjoyed a recent resurgence of popularity, with membership rising to 30.

Photo: Anne Spelchan

Mill hands spread flax fibre to dry at Hairini.

Waipa Workingmens Club

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AGE OF REASON

An autumn celebration

By Peter Carr

Back in 2008 (seems eons ago) The Cambridge Autumn Festival Trust was formed – resulting in the successful launch, the following year, of their initial street-front social, entertainment and arts presentation.

And – Covid interruptions apart – it has gone from strength to strength. Two names stand out as being involved just about throughout the whole venture – Alana Mackay and Alan Milton. I dug deep into the photographic history, actually 2009, and uncovered a photo of two industrious festival worthies adorned in fluoro jackets in the middle of the road – Alan and Alana’s father David.

Along with others these hard-working people have enabled Cambridge to come to life – mainly kerb-side – every year just prior to the millions of tree leaves commencing their turn to autumnal gold and brown.

And the weekend just past was no exception as a cloudy threatening day turned by 10am into a glorious warm sunshine bringing out the local crowds to goggle, listen, consume and giggle their way through a multitude of wide-ranging residents hellbent on enjoyment.

Picture the austere BNZ bank (sorry BNZ you are not alone) with hot-to-trot rock ‘n rollers swinging wildly outside the bank windows. Across the road and round the corner in the Rouge courtyard about half of the excellent 75 strong Cambridge Mosaic Choir were in full flood.

Further north, after passing numerous interesting stalls many displaying handcrafts, we came upon the Victoria Park farmers market area. It was converted from the vegetable, bread and fruit displays of the day before to a number of roofed stands with a well-placed stage hosting a three-man Blues

group. More feet tapping and bodies swaying.

And there was Alana, in the obligatory fluoro jacket, keeping an eye on proceedings. Meanwhile at the edge of the area the Cambridge Lions were busy dolling out their usual fare from their well-run mobile kitchen – with all profits going back eventually into the community.

Across to the Town Hall - with the main auditorium filled with a large collection of frames holding oils and watercolours from local artists. There is plenty of talent in this town. In the adjacent Victoria Room were a magnificent series of photographs which had me itching to get my camera out of the cupboard.

Right outside the front door – much to the relief of many parents and grandparents – a delightful clown was hosting a performance for a large group of little people – who were squealing with delight.

Further down Victoria Street a lone contralto voice with guitar accompaniment presented soulful music that, too, attracted a good crowd of attendees.

This is not a one-day affair – it runs for 10 days with many opportunities to enjoy music, theatres, visual arts and dining. We are heading on today (Thursday) to Te Awa Retirement Village – who ever thought that such an establishment would host a Blues evening in their fine Woolshed facility? But they do and it works well there.

Putting aside the horrors of orange cones, blocked-off streets and emerging cycle paths, Cambridge was in full swing of enjoyment, happy memories and grateful appreciation of the hard working trust.

FAITH IN WAIPĀ

St John’s cemetery

By Julie Guest

The grounds of St John’s Anglican church in Arawata St hold an historical cemetery.

It’s a closed cemetery, meaning that there can be no future burials there. I’m always surprised by the number of people who wander through.

Some come searching for a particular grave, a recently discovered family member perhaps, or someone their extended family has asked them to honour. Some just come in general interest.

This cemetery tells many stories, including that of the history of this area during the period of the New Zealand Land Wars. There are graves that remember babies and very young children, and those who celebrate the great age some have reached, even when the health system left a lot to be desired.

A special family grave in the grounds contains four of the children of John and Maria Morgan. I find this grave particularly poignant in that it helps to tell the story of the cost that early missionaries bore as they sought to share the message of God’s love for all people in Aotearoa.

John and Maria came from comfortably off English families. They each felt the call to come to New Zealand, knowing they would face unfamiliar and difficult adjustments to their lifestyle. They willingly gave up the comforts of their English life because they believed all people deserve the opportunity to hear the message of God’s love. They came determined to all they could to share that message. Old St John’s is a lasting taonga in Te Awamutu which evidences their dedication and work alongside that of mana whenua who welcomed them to live and work among them.

In this cemetery there are also two monuments erected by the New Zealand government to remember those who died during the New Zealand Land Wars at Rangiaowhia and Orakau, along with the graves of four soldiers who died after the fighting ended. These four graves and the monuments are listed with Manatū Taonga, The Ministry for Culture and Heritage. The Ministry makes an annual grant to the church to assist with the maintenance of the graveyard. The grant is enough to cover the cost of mowing the lawns three times! The Parish of St John’s carries the cost of mowing for all the rest of the year.

On top of this, our cemetery is getting old. Some of the headstones have fallen, and subsequently been placed on the ground in front of the grave. Some are becoming unsafe and will either need repairing, if that’s possible, or will need to be knocked over and laid down as a health and safety precaution. There are many graves that need careful maintenance.

Although the graveyard sits in the church grounds, it holds the history of the Te Awamutu community. It seems to me that the upkeep and maintenance should be a community responsibility not rest almost entirely on the donations of parishioners.

Along with the two historic buildings, the people of St John’s church maintain a significant part of Te Awamutu’s history. Other communities have groups such as “Friends of the Cemetery.” If you’re interested in forming such a group to help care for this history, go to teawamutunews. nz for more details.

AT YoungHeart March

The world is a retiree’s oyster

From before he even left school, Ken Carston’s professional life was already mapped out. He was going to be a painter and decorator. And from the age of 11, after school and during the holidays, he began a half century of work ethic which was “pretty hard” to let go of when it came to retiring.

The former Te Awamutu resident says retiring isn’t as easy as you might think.

“You might have the nuts and bolts of it all sorted in terms of nance and where you might like to go for the big OE. But getting your mind around not being that fully productive member of society anymore isn’t as easy to get to grips with.”

Ken says the hardest part was realising that having the big three-quarter acre section with its big gardens and a sprawling home simply had got too much for he and his wife Heather.

“We’ve always been keen gardeners, but more than 50 years of painting has left me with arthritis and all of a sudden I’ve got to consider what I realistically can’t do these days.”

Making the transition between working and retirement wasn’t a sudden one.

“We spent 10 years putting together a plan speci cally geared towards this time, and the last two years with me getting my head around the fact that time is here and that I had to make the bigger-than-I-thought step between working – and not. And I think it’s important men particularly, take that into account.”

He says the one thing he is grateful for is the number of choices available for retirees these days.

“You can choose to downsize to a retirement village type scenario, which has a great community feel and plenty of activities to choose from day-to-day; it’s a very interactive way of life, what with tennis courts, or games or gym or whatever interests you.

“We did look at that, especially as the gardens are manageable and you can make the transition from there to assisted living or resthome easily while still keeping your support network of friends around you.”

But as someone who is used to space and not wanting to be hemmed in at this stage of life, Ken has embraced the idea of life on the road, something that ever-increasing

numbers of retiring Kiwis are doing every year. Especially as groups like New Zealand Motor Caravan Association continue to buy or lease parks throughout the country.

“We’ve travelled a fair bit over the years and it’s a great lifestyle –tens of thousands of people are doing this now, much more than used to when we were young.”

This is borne out by the increasing membership of the NZMCA, whose members veer very much towards retired and which now exceed well over 100,000 and by the strong lobbying position it has in relation to both local bodies and central government.

“There are people from all walks of life; those who sell their home and buy great tow vehicles and vans or buses, those who downsize to something smaller and buy a campervan – but with the focus on activities from guided RV tours to electric bike tours, the world is the oyster of the retired group these days no matter what your retirement fund or income is,” he says.

“It’s important you have a base to come home to though, and for us, we’ve chosen a lock-up-and -leave situation which allows us to travel for several months of the year and come o the road in winter if that’s what we feel like doing.”

“It’s a section with a small easy-care garden that is inexpensive to maintain if we are away, and a good-sized shed that can be locked up – we either continue to live in our caravan while we are there or could put a tiny home on it depending on council requirements. It’s all we need.”

He believes the fact there is so much to do for the newly retired these days is a reason so many are living longer.

“When I was a kid, our nanas and grandads lived at home until they died or before ending up in a resthome and most were gone before their 80s. These days, 80 is the new 70 – so I’m told!”

For Ken and many others in that half a decade between deciding whether to stop work or not, the reality is the choices available mean it does not mean people have to sit and “wait for God”.

“Honestly – there is so much out there to go and enjoy and do and if I’d realized the extent of those choices, I’d have planned to have done it much earlier,” he says. “While you don’t need a zillion dollars in assets or in the bank to do much of it, you do need to know how to live reasonably frugally and plan ahead for contingencies.”

His passions are shing and gold panning and while he admits his knees are no longer any good in a river on a West Coast winter, the great summers the South Island is renowned for ensure he keeps his hand in most years.

Ken Carston, recently retired contemplating the wide array of choices he has in front of him.

AT

YoungHeart

Keeping active

Being active is something all experts agree on when it comes to keeping both mind and body healthy as we age.

It doesn’t mean you have to join a gym and set your goals towards a body building competition – but de nitely getting out of your house is a great start, even if it’s just for a walk around the block, or going to a card night at the local senior citizens hall, or meeting up for a co ee with friends on a regular basis.

Te Awamutu and Cambridge both o er a wide variety of clubs ranging from croquet to bowls, darts to shing and many more in between as be ts towns that have a high population of retirees.

The number and variety mean that your personal level of tness means there will be something for you to enjoy – even if it is just getting out on your mobility scooter with a group of others.

In today’s technology age, it’s important to keep abreast of what is on o er out there and more importantly, to educate yourselves so as to protect yourselves against the ever increasing cyber crime. As families continue to move onward and outward, there is never a better time than to learn how to use technology to keep in contact via face calls and other programmes. Both of Waipa’s town have strong Senior Net classes that will enable you to learn or update your skills when it comes to computer or device skills.

Volunteering is another great way – many retirees don’t realise the fabulous skills they have learned that can be passed on, or simply the gift of time they have to o er in an area where there is increasingly less and less volunteers – something every community desperately needs.

Classes are another excellent way to keep your mind sharp as well as providing great social networking opportunities. There are many choices out there, from as simple as learning a hobby like painting or pottery through to deciding to go back to university and study for a diploma or degree just because you’ve always wanted to. You could also turn that around and volunteer your time teaching old skills, from preserving fruit or growing vegetables, to shing.

If you had been a successful businessperson, think about volunteering your time as a business mentor or as a budget advisor. In today’s times, these skills are much needed.

Network through your church or your facebook groups, start up a co ee morning once a week or once a month.

If you are t enough join a seniors swimming or tennis team – even a lawns bowl or darts team.

Whatever you decide to do though, make sure you do keep active. It keeps away illness, depression and a myriad of other illnesses.

It’s Time to Experience Premium Independent Retirement Living

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

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

Our Residents Enjoy the Benefits of:

• A family focused and dedicated Management Team

• Friendly, welcoming and supportive staff

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

• A safe and secure living environment

• Beautifully landscaped well-established and maintained grounds

• A vibrant community atmosphere and sense of belonging

• A focus on health, fitness and well-being

• Maintenance free, lifestyle living

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

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

Elderly abuse – more common than you think

When we think of elder abuse, we tend to think of domestic violence.

But it’s important to realise that is not the case at all.

When elderly people become more dependent on others for their health and well-being, or for nancial matters, often the change from independence to being abused can be an insidious, slow process that isn’t recognised until it’s too late.

So what is it, exactly? Legally in New Zealand, it is described as any act that causes harm to an older person, including: psychological abuse – this can range from anger to threats, humiliation or harassment that causes feelings of distress, shame or powerlessness nancial abuse – this could include illegal use of someone’s

money or assets, or being pressured to change a will or sign documents physical abuse – including any physical harm or injury sexual abuse – including any non-consensual sexual activity neglect of any kind, whether intentional or unintentional not providing food, housing or medical care.

At its most extreme, abuse may be criminal – but it can also be more subtle. In most cases, people experience more than one type of abuse.

Unfortunately, studies have shown abusers are often someone the older person depends on for support or care. They often live with the person, or are someone close to them – a family member, friend or a neighbour. Many elderly in this position don’t or won’t say anything; they don’t want to make a fuss, or are afraid they

will lose that support – or afraid of the person who is abusing them. Some may not even be aware that what is happening is regarded as abuse.

There are speci c things you can watch out for when it comes to your elderly loved ones:

 fear of a particular person or people

 concern about the whereabouts of their money or cash cards

 unexplained hiding of valuable items

 worry, anxiety or irritability

 depression or withdrawal

 disturbed sleep

 changes in eating habits

 suicidal thoughts

 shaking, trembling, or crying

 rigid posture

 expressing helplessness, hopelessness or sadness

 Reluctance to talk openly, or letting others speak for them

 avoiding contact with a speci c person – even down to not making eye contact or talking to them.

Often those more at risk include those who:

 have poor health

 su er from mental illness or dementia

 depend on others to help them take care of themselves or get around

 don’t have friends or family close by, or have con ict or dysfunction in their family relationships

 have older or adult children or dependents with a disability or health issue

 had limited education.

 are in a poor nancial situation – or conversely, are considered well o with easy access to accounts.

If you’re concerned that someone is experiencing elder abuse, consider talking to them. The sooner you reach out, the sooner they can get help. The O ce of Seniors advices you to ask:

 Are you ok?

 Do you want to talk?

 Is someone hurting you?

 Is there anything I can do? Always remember to listen to what your elder has to say and not jump to conclusions. Be there for support, rather than giving advice or telling them what to do.

Remember that abuse can create feelings of shame for the elderly. The older person may need to work through things in their own time. If you have serious concerns, you can talk to organisations such as Age Concern, your local GP – or if serious, call police.

A champion’s year

By Viv Posselt

Emma Poole’s tenure as FMG’s first female Young Farmer of the Year is nearing its end.

Last July, the Pirongia farmer, already the Waikato Bay of Plenty Young Farmer of the Year, became the first female national champion in the competition’s 55-year

history.

It gave the young mum, farmer and veterinarian a massive buzz, one that prompted her to say at the time, ‘we’ve finally knocked

the grass ceiling off the roof’. She reflected recently on what that win has meant.

“It’s been a blast, for sure, with two main elements to it,” she told The News.

“Winning the title creates a lot of opportunities around personal growth, and I’ve really benefited from those. Then there is what you do with the title and how you use that public profile. I hope I’ve used that to create a more positive side to the sector. There has been a lot of negativity around farming in recent years, and I’d like to think I have balanced that out with more positive messaging.

“The fact I’m the first woman to win it has certainly attracted a lot of attention. I’ve been approached by a lot of women since my win, for sure, and quite a few have said they now feel they can give it a go.”

Emma found her own impetus to give things a go far earlier in life. She is one of five siblings who grew up on their parents’ Muriwai dairy farm and considers herself lucky to have parents who never made her feel her future should be defined by gender.

“I am fortunate with my upbringing. Confidence is the biggest element … my advice is to surround yourself with people who give you confidence.”

Her brother Tim Dangen, now the third generation to run the family farm, was the 2022 FMG Young Farmer of the Year winner, and her husband, Chris Poole - who went head-to-head with Tim in the competition that year - won it for Waikato Bay of Plenty in 2023. Emma was also a finalist in 2019. All are focused on encouraging the next generation. Tim works with young people in Auckland through an MPI-supported pathways-

focused initiative, and Emma and Chris have twice offered a ‘Young Farmer Competition’ at nearby Pirongia School. The latter is more about offering hands-on experiences. Its success is behind a decision to do more school events and perhaps encourage other Young Farmer members to pair up with schools to replicate it elsewhere.

The Pooles rear about 11,000 calves across two family farms in Pirongia. Parked by a shed on the farm they occupy is the fully equipped ute Emma uses when on callouts for her other job – as a veterinarian with Vetora in Te Awamutu.

The win netted Emma around $100,000 in prizes and she’s grateful for the financial leg-up, particularly in the current tough financial climate.

She has also travelled a lot during her year, initially linked to an emissions scoping project she was working on with Fonterra and latterly as a trade ambassador for the global agricultural machinery manufacturer New Holland.

“The Fonterra project is finished now but I enjoyed the synergy it provided in combining my two roles – that of farmer and vet,” she said. “Just seeing how other people farm is enormously valuable. The best thing about this year is the people I’ve met, the connections I’ve made.” There are even busier days ahead as Emma prepares for the birth of her second child next month, a first sibling for the couple’s 2-year-old, Beau.

She is also working on her input into the next FMG Young Farmer final in Waikato, something she said will come this year with a touch of ‘watch this space’ as she looks to change things up slightly.

Pirongia’s Emma Poole remains unstoppable even as she awaits the birth of her second child.

Guests get the genuine product

By Mary Anne Gill

A Kaipaki dairy farm hosted 70 Vietnamese distributors last week as part of an exclusive insight into New Zealand’s dairy industry.

The 200ha farm owned by the Bardoul family is home to 600 HolsteinFriesian dairy cows and the processing base for Kaipaki Dairies.

Hamilton-based nutritional products company Carefore Global – which started up

last October manufacturing premium adult nutrition products – exports colostrum and milk-powder products to Vietnam. They use contract manufacturers in Auckland and the Waikato and brought the distributors to New Zealand to give them a first-hand experience.

The visitors got the genuine product in Kaipaki including heavy rain and calving. The Bardouls have been farming on Kaipaki Road

since the mid-1980s and have their 600-plus milking cows, in two herds, produce about 400,000kg/milksolids a year.

Calving is in spring and autumn so when the Vietnamese arrived, their first stop was a visit to see calves from newborn to two weeks old.

The Bardouls’ relationship with Kaipaki Dairies’ John Heskett, Claire Williams and Riley Chick started three years ago as a supplier

and stepped up a gear when they became quarter shareholders last year. They opened a new processing factory on the Kaipaki farm soon after with milk coming directly from the cow shed via a 100m underground stainless line. Carefore Global’s chief scientist and founder Grant Washington-Smith and consultant Alan Cresswell accompanied the delegation to the farm where farm manager Paul Gibson gave them a quick tour. It included a walk into a nearby paddock to see some of the biggest cows in the Waikato, courtesy

of an American genetics programme, animal welfare and a feeding regime which does not rely on pasture alone.

Carefore’s product Colos IgGold – a powdered dairy drink with immunoglobulins from colostrum - was developed for flavour and best health and suits the health-conscious Vietnamese consumer.

“This visit was an opportunity to showcase the meticulous journey of Colos IgGold, from the lush pastures of New Zealand to the hightech manufacturing facilities in Hamilton and Auckland,” said Washington-Smith.

Dairy farmer Paul Gibson with a week-old calf.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Part of the Vietnamese delegation brought to New Zealand by Carefore Global checks out newborn calves at the Bardoul farm in Kaipaki. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

REGIONAL COUNCILLOR’S VIEW

Plan: have your say

By Clyde Graf, Waipā-King Country Councillor

It’s Long-Term Plan time again at Waikato Regional Council. The LTP review happens every three years, falling within the second year of the council term. It sounds boring, but it’s an important planning document, which impacts us all.

It forecasts council’s budgets for the coming 10 years, with in-depth focus on the first three. The Annual Plan, reviewed every 12 months, is based on the LTP, with some small room for variance.

As is always the case with bureaucracies, budgets increase, year on year. The Waikato Regional Council’s rates are forecast to increase from $130 million to $178 million by 2034. That money is collected from all ratepayers via various mechanisms and rating models – mostly through General Rates and Targeted Rates – with the intention of limiting annual increases to 10 per cent. Fingers and toes crossed on that one.

There are several issues council is focusing on in this LTP and councillors hope to receive feedback from the public, including from you.

The council is planning to streamline the rating of public transport, effectively removing the requirement of local councils to collect the funds on regional council’s behalf. This shift in the rates collection is offset by the cessation of public transport rates collected by your district or city council.

Another planned change is the disestablishment of the Regional Development Fund, which was created during the 2015-2025 Long Term Plan, to provide funding to regionally significant projects.

The funding of Te Waka, a regional

development agency, has been another contentious issue. In a controversial decision, determined again behind closed doors and avoiding the scrutiny of the public eye, Council voted (8-6) for continuing the funding of Te Waka, at a sum of $750,000 a year, for the next 3 years. The funding will come from remaining money within the Regional Development Fund, instead of being returned to ratepayers. Other areas of focus are the Te Huia train service, and a change to the permitted activity monitoring rating model. The heavily subsidised Te Huia service is supposed to operate as a trial until 2026. A decision on central government funding is expected soon. If government doesn’t back it, should you?

An increase in the Natural Heritage rate is the third main issue to be considered. The most recent State of the Environment Report identified many gaps in biodiversity management. Council is considering options to increasing the rate of $5.80 per property to either $8.68 or $15, with the latter effectively increasing the fund by an additional $1.403 million.

So, it’s your feedback we’re keen to hear and need to hear. Are the proposed increases reasonable or way out of line? Is it a small price to pay for better focus on biodiversity, or will it mean money down the drain?

Should regional development money be returned to ratepayers, or given to Te Waka?

There are LTP community engagement opportunities in March and April.

Farm debt mediation

Dan recently called to talk about some issues he was having on farm. It’s been a tough season, and the bills are mounting up. Every day there are calls from creditors wanting to be paid, and the Bank Manager is coming out next week for a “chat”. Dan suspects the Bank is going to stop his overdraft. He’s not sure how the bills due on the 20th are going to be paid. His line of credit at Farm Source has been stopped, and there is talk of the local grazier enforcing a security interest over Dan’s cows.

Dan’s situation is not unusual. Often however the processes available under the Farm Debt Mediation Scheme are overlooked or not understood. These processes can provide some options for Dan, and those in this type of situation.

How does the Mediation Process work?

The Scheme is administered by MPI. Mediation is carried out by professionally trained and approved people, in a neutral environment. Once mediation is requested, the parties have twenty working days to advise if they will participate in mediation, and then a further sixty days to complete mediation (or

Google that one…

Father of five Logan Dawson hit the bullseye with a shot at redemption . Last week he and partner Sian were named winners of the region’s Share Farmer of the Year category at the Waikato Dairy Industry Awards last week.

“I wanted my kids to find something positive about me when googling and I’ve spent the past decade trying to be the best role model I can be for them and my team,” he revealed. As of this month, that’s mission accomplished. Just over a decade ago Logan Dawson was discharged without conviction, but fined, after admitting animal cruelty charges – related to encouraging his dogs to attack boars to train them for pig hunting.

“I am so sorry and have used the experience as an opportunity for personal growth and I lead our team to diligently display best animal welfare practices,” the 36-year-old said after

last week’s win. The couple are equity partners and 50-50 share milkers for Ōhaupō’s Jim and Sue van der Poel on their 333ha, 1350-cow farm. They won $19,960 in prizes and three merit awards. The 2024 Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year category winner was Matthew Macdonald, farm manager for David and Jenny Macdonald on a 74ha Hamilton farm.

Ōtorohanga Farm Manager Annie Gill was runner-up in the Dairy Manager category. She works on Doug and Lorraine Courtman’s 56ha, 142-cow property. Zac van Dorsten, who works on Louise and Tony Collingwood’s 165ha, 470cow farm, also at Ōtorohanga, was third. Kirwyn Ellis, the 2024 Waikato Dairy Trainee of the Year. He is the herd manager for Hamish and Sheree Germann on their 130ha property at Pirongia milking 475 cows.

longer if they both agree).

What are the costs?

The costs of Farm Debt Mediation are estimated at $6,000. Under the Act the farmer can only be required to pay a maximum of $2000 towards the costs of the Mediator, with the Creditor responsible for paying balance of the mediation costs over and above the $2000 farmer contribution. MPI administers a hardship scheme that can assist with legal and accounting costs as part of the Debt Mediation process.

What if someone refuses to go to mediation?

Both the creditor and farmer must participate in the process in good faith. Under the Act a creditor must have a “good reason” to decline to participate in mediation. If a farmer refuses to participate in mediation, the creditor can apply for an Enforcement Certificate. If a creditor refuses to participate, the farmer can apply for a Prohibition Certificate. If an Enforcement Certificate is in place, the creditor can take action to recover the debt without the need for further mediation. If a Prohibition Certificate is in place, the Creditor is

prevented from taking further steps to recover the debt for a six month period (or such other period as contained in the Certificate).

Next steps:

If you are a farmer, farm debt mediation may provide options for dealing with creditors. You should make sure you are familiar with the process, and the timeframes involved.

If you are a secured creditor that provides goods or services to farmers, you should ensure you properly understand how the scheme operates. Some creditor organisations may need to update terms of trade to cover off the Farm Debt Mediation Scheme requirements.

For

Advertorial

with Jan Bilton

An appealing pair

Yale University researchers have discovered a way to relax: inhaling the scent of apples. Tests conducted with an apple fragrance in the lab produced a significant calming response.

My husband thinks sipping an apple cider or two has a far more soothing effect.

One of the earliest cultivated fruits, the apple has played a part in religion, magic, superstition, folklore, history and science time immemorial. Over 10,000 varieties have been identified internationally but only fifty to sixty named varieties are marketed commercially.

English gourmet Edward Bunyard remarked that while it is “the duty of an apple to be crisp and crunchable, a pear should have such a texture as leads to silent consumption.” Instant taste bud ecstasy versus a sensual experience.

While the apple is more widely eaten today, in ancient times the pear was considered to be the superior fruit. Why? Perhaps because the flavour of the pear is delicate and subtle while the flavour of the apple is robust.

Pears do not ripen well on the tree and are generally picked and sold green. To hasten ripening, place hard pears in a paper bag or a covered fruit bowl and leave at room temperature.

BAKED PEAR & GINGER CHEESECAKE

Base: 250g gingernut biscuits

100g butter, melted

Filling: 1/2 cup caster sugar

3 tablespoons finely chopped crystallised ginger 500g well drained poached pears

750g cream cheese at room temperature

1 cup sour cream

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a 23cm springform cake pan. Completely cover the outside of the pan with a large sheet of foil. Press it firmly onto the pan.

Crush the gingernuts finely, preferably in a food processor. Combine with the butter and press evenly onto the base of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and cool.

To make the filling, place the caster sugar and chopped ginger

in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Add the pears and whizz until smooth.

Place the cream cheese in a large bowl. Whip with an electric beater, until fluffy. Beat in the sour cream. Gradually add the pear mixture. Slowly beat in the eggs. Add the vanilla essence. Pour into the pan. Place in a large roasting dish. Pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until the centre is almost set. Remove from the oven, stand for 5 minutes then carefully lift the pan onto a wire rack. Remove the foil. Cool slightly then refrigerate the cheesecake covered loosely with foil. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours to set.

The top can be garnished with whipped cream, or 2 brandy snaps dusted with icing sugar. Serves 10-12.

APPLE CROSTINI WITH SHEEP CHEESE

Goat or feta cheese could be substituted for the sheep cheese. Chopped flat-leaf parsley could replace the microgreens.

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, crushed

12 x1cm thick slices French baguette

1 red-skinned apple, cored and thinly sliced

1/2 cup fruit chutney

100g soft sheep cheese, crumbled smoked paprika for dusting microgreens to garnish

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Combine the olive oil and garlic and brush over both sides of the bread. Place on an oven tray. Bake for 4 minutes each side, until crisp. Cool.

Place a slice of apple and dollop of chutney on each baked crostini. Top with a slice of cheese. Dust with paprika. Garnish with the microgreens. Makes 12.

PEAR & SALMON TARTARE

An easy and innovative starter.

Sauce: 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup orange juice

2 teaspoons brown sugar

Tartare: 200g skinned and boned salmon fillets, finely diced

2 teaspoons diced chilli

1 cup peeled and diced ripe pear

1 tablespoon each: lemon juice, chopped mint, extra virgin olive oil

flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste small mint leaves or whole chives to garnish

Combine the vinegar, orange juice and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer until reduced by about two-thirds. It will be quite syrupy and will thicken as it cools.

Combine the ingredients for the tartare. Mould in small metal rings or biscuit cutters and turn out onto serving plates. Drizzle with the syrup and garnish with mint or chives. Serves 4.

Quick crossword

Across 1. Savour (6)

4. Set of buttons for operating a device (6)

9. Scallywag (5)

10. Boozy soft drink (7)

11. Restricted (7)

13. Pong (4)

14. ‘Feeling in your bones’ (11)

17. Run quickly (4)

18. Celebratory (7)

Last week

21.

12.

19. Frighten (5)

20. Dull pain (4)

Across: 1. Case, 4. Kitbag, 8. Cushion, 9. Raise, 10. Ahoy, 11. Patience, 13. Deodorant, 17. Obstruct, 19. Smug, 21. Grand, 22. Upstage, 23. Bereft, 24. Evil.

Down: 2. Abscond, 3. Epic, 4. Kangaroo court, 5. Terminal, 6. Align, 7. Deter, 8. Clad, 12. Porridge, 14. Timpani, 15. Boggy, 16. Ogle, 18. Spate, 20. Isle.

Sudoku Wordsearch

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All puzzles © The Puzzle Company

Last week

Baked pear & ginger cheesecake

Apple crostini with sheep cheese

Sudoku Wordsearch

Skiing action

Some great skiing action will be at the Zealand Water Ski Nationals at Piarere Water Ski Club from Tuesday through to Sunday next week.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the nationals, which are held here every six years or so.

Spectators can enter free of charge to view the 109 competitors, aged from around 9 to 70 plus, in action. Piarere is considered one of the country’s best courses for spectators.

• See teawamutunews.nz for more.

Rider success

Waipā rider Bennett Greenough held off younger brother Jack to win the under 23 national BMX title at the UCI BMX Racing World Cup in Rotorua. Fellow Cambridge rider

Leila Walker won the female elite while club mate Rico D’Anvers was third in the male elite.

Te Awamutu’s Amber Robson was third in the women’s under 23.

Council says sorry

Waipā council has apologised to residents in the area where maps show a third Cambridge bridge could go over the Waikato River. In a letter drop to the hundreds of householders in an area including Bryce, Grey, upper Duke, Queen and Alpha streets, MacKenzie Place, Dallinger and Wallace courts

and Haworth Ave up to Hamilton Road in the north, Transport manager Bryan Hudson said the council had intended to notify residents before details appeared in The News. “We apologise unreservedly that this did not happen.” A public information session will be held on March 21 to discuss the proposal further.

Equestrian conference

Cambridge hosted some of the world’s most renown equestrian scientists at the International Society for Equitation Science’s conference at the Don Rowlands Centre at Karāpiro.

The 160 delegates were also treated to a day of site visits to Cambridge Stud, Riding for the Disabled, Pike Racing Stables, Takapoto

showjumping stables and Eventstars.

The theme of the conference was ‘A Good Life for Horses” and the programme included topics such as the equipment being used, detecting positive equine emotions, racehorses in their second careers, and safe, effective and ethical horse-human interactions.

Vicky Wilson, wife of former club president Nigel Wilson, is looking forward to competing in the upcoming tournament.

Photo by Viv Posselt

Cambridge Owned & Operated

Cambridge Owned & Operated

Cambridge Owned & Operated

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100’S OF SATISFIED CLIENTS www.ewash.co.nz

Phone Mark for a FREE Quote 870 3081 | 027 432 2412

Phone Mark for a FREE Quote 870 3081 | 027 432 2412

Phone Mark for a FREE Quote 870 3081 | 027 432 2412