The numbers game
By Mary Anne Gill
A proposal to reduce the number of Waipā district councillors from 11 to eight is still on the table, but only just, after a workshop last week revealed significant disagreements among elected members.
The proposal, initiated and championed by mayor Susan O’Regan was not a silver bullet but a way for councillors to take control of the district’s destiny, she told the workshop.
But four veteran councillors – Lou Brown, Philip Coles, Bruce Thomas and Roger Gordon – were adamant the representation review is unnecessary and a waste of staff time.
And another four – Mike Montgomerie, Andrew
Brown, Marcus Gower and Mike Pettit – who supported a suggestion staff present a report to council later this month, are clearly still undecided.
“I raised this matter and I challenged us to consider how we could be better governors, more professional governors, more dedicated governors,” O’Regan told the workshop.
“More people around this table does not make better representation or better governors.”
Fewer councillors does not mean paying less as the amount of remuneration is set independently and the pot of money would be divvied up among eight rather than 11 councillors.
Stephen Hill from ElectionNZ - Waipā’s
election returning officerstold the workshop residents had been asked to comment on the suggestion to create one rural and three other wards, including a Māori one.
There were 59 responses with 32 saying 11 councillors was too many, 21 thought it was about right and five thought it was too few.
“I was pretty heartened by the feedback we got,” said Clare St Pierre.
Reducing the number of councillors would not see representation suffer and it was clear people wanted that rural voice maintained.
But Gordon dismissed the feedback saying 59 submissions did not suggest the community wanted change.
“I’m not seeing sufficient
A whiff of glory
By Mary Anne Gill
American humourist Mark Twain once said: “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.”
That means his Cambridge namesake has got as good a show as any other horse of winning the Melbourne Cup, the richest horse race in Australasia, at Flemington this year. And the rising five-year-old bay gelding is one up on the other starters – he’s already had a sniff of the $800,000 gold cup which will be handed to the winner’s owners on November 5, the first Tuesday in November.
The cup is on its annual pilgrimage to New Zealand under the watchful eyes of Joe McGrath – its official keeper – and had a photocall at Kingsclere Stables in Cambridge with Mark Twain on Monday.
“Mark”, as he is known around the stables, qualified for the Melbourne Cup with a Kiwi-like come from behind performance at the end of March in the 2600m Roy Higgins listed race at Flemington. That gave him a ballot-free entry into the cup, something co-trainer Robert Wellwood describes as “a boyhood dream even to have a runner.”
Continued on page 2
evidence for the need,” he said while also noting the final population counts had not come out and further change might be needed.
He agreed with one submitter who said a representation review was “a needless and huge waste of staff resources and time.”
Montgomerie, who represents Maungatautari, said a combined rural ward did not “gel with me.”
Rural people who identify Cambridge and Te Awamutu as their towns were different, he said.
Staff will work on a paper to present to the council’s Finance and Corporate committee on July 30.
That will canvas the options available to councillors and include do nothing, sticking with
the status quo with some boundary changes and reducing the numbers by creating one rural ward and having three general wards.
Muddying the waters is whether Waipā will be required to either resolve or disestablish its Māori ward or hold a binding poll. That decision must wait for the current bill before Parliament to be enacted or significantly changed to reflect opposition by local authorities throughout New Zealand.
For - Susan O’Regan Against - Roger Gordon
Cambridge stayer Mark Twain sniffs the 2024 Melbourne Cup held by ambassador, retired jockey Damien Oliver, and watched by from left, Roger James, Matt Ivil and Robert Wellwood.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
A whiff of glory
Continued from page 1
There are 40 years between Wellwood, 29, and his veteran co-trainer Roger James, but the prospect of having a Melbourne Cup winner has them both champing at the bit alongside Mark Twain.
“The Melbourne Cup is the one race that stands out in Australasia,” says James.
“It’s built a name over the years that’s wrapped in history. To be able to have a runner in it is a privilege.”
James glosses over his earlier training experience in the cup in 2007 when Railings finished second to last noting he was not keen to run him “the owners were.”
But Mark Twain is different, and his form is such both men can dare to dream.
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“What could it do for any trainer’s career? For somebody of his (Wellwood) age to win a cup, it would be phenomenal.”
Not a bad result for a 69-year-old either. He has trained six New Zealand Derby winners - including Mark Twain’s stablemate Orchestral – and won 35 group one and more than 1300 races in a 42-year training career.
The mostly Australian owners of Mark Twain prefer to have the New Zealand-bred
horse trained in Cambridge.
“New Zealand is the greatest place to race horses, the best place to bring them up, we’ve got such good land and it’s a good environment to bring them, and they know if the horse is good enough, we can travel it to Australia pretty easily,” said Wellwood.
Add in Cambridge’s synthetic track – next door to the stables – and you have training facilities able to negate what would normally be heavy track conditions for horses.
“Getting a horse like Mark Twain ready for the spring racing, now we’ve always got a track we know takes the variability out of it.”
Wellwood describes the horse as “laidback – a real dude, never has any worries or issues. He loves lots of people. He’s very unassuming, walks out, does his thing, never causes any trouble.”
Minutes later he does just that led out by handler and track rider Matt Ivil and as the two walk around the parade paddock, Mark Twain takes a sneaky look at the cup sitting on the fence.
And when retired jockey Damien Oliver - a three-time winner of the cup and now its ambassador – brings the cup over, the ultrarelaxed stayer could not resist sniffing it.
Tributes to Garry Dyet
By Mary Anne Gill
Outgoing chief executive Garry Dyet attended his final Waipā District Council meeting last week and was given an emotional farewell by mayor Susan O’Regan.
“This will be the last formal meeting that we will have Garry Dyet seating in the CE hot seat,” she said.
“Thanks for everything that you have done for the district and the organisation.
“This is the first of a number of lasts for you and also the start of a whole new chapter for you and Donna and your family.”
Dyet announced late last year he would retire from the council after 45 years mid this year.
We had a wee hot spot of car crime in the Williams, Clare and Vogel streets last weekend and two burglaries in the last week elsewhere in Cambridge.
One offender or group of offenders can be responsible for a number of individual crimes, especially when it comes to dishonesty offending. It is important to ensure that if you do fall victim to such crime, you report it so that we can link potentially associated crimes together and gather the combined evidence to help our investigation.
If your car is stolen, police will ask for permission to tow it when located. While I understand that for those who do not have insurance, this will incur additional costs for them, it is normally covered under insurance.
Towing for a forensic examination is key in enabling us to find evidence of those responsible to be able to hold them to account. I strongly encouraging given authorisation for us to tow it when making the stolen vehicle report accordingly.
Talking about dishonesty offending, school holidays are again upon us for the next two weeks. Time again to ensure opportunists don’t have the attractant, opportunity or means to steal from you.
If you are heading away for a winter
break, my usual crime prevention tips apply. Lock your houses and any garages or shedding. It can be beneficial to create an illusion of occupation, through having a neighbour park their car in your driveway, have someone clear your mailbox, check on your house and if feeding pets, open and close curtains at usual times. CCTV is good to have in place, with most systems allowing easy access to view your cameras via an application on your phone. This enables you to call police if you observe any unauthorised people on your property and provide real-time updates on their actions and locations.
Winter poses additional risks when it comes to road travel with wet, icy and foggy conditions a real possibility. Ensure your tyres have good tread and your car is up to warrant of fitness standard, with head and fog lights working correctly. Remember that the auto setting on car headlights is based around light and darkness, and does not react to fog or other poor visibility scenarios.
As the slogan says, be safe, be seen, so turn those headlights on to manual. Always drive to the conditions and keep to the speed limit. It is better to arrive alive – patience and planning your trip is key.
He extended his stay beyond June 30 to prepare for new chief executive Steph O’Sullivan who starts on August 26.
Deputy chief executive Ken Morris will be acting chief executive before then.
O’Regan said there would be other opportunities to farewell Dyet but chose to express her gratitude for his “support, guidance and steady brain” at the council meeting.
“(You have) made Waipā the great place it is to live,” she said.
Dyet finishes at the council on July 19.
Senior Constable DEB HANN
Garry Dyet
Briefs…
Search starts
The search for a replacement for Tainui Group Holdings outgoing chief executive Chris Joblin is on with no succession planning in place. The board and Joblin have agreed an extended notice period to mid-November to enable a recruitment process and transition. Joblin, who joined TGH in 2009 as chief financial officer, plans to take time out with family over the summer and consider his next career step.
Green’s ready
Cambridge Central has rolled out the green carpet and was scheduled to host a mixed draw club tournament today. The laying of the $220,000 Tiger Turf synthetic surface also saw Central players using the facilities of the neighbouring Cambridge Bowling Club in what was described a “fantastic” hosting. Central, with a 170-strong membership, now has one grass and one synthetic green.
Cup football
Cambridge will host football giants Auckland City in the last 16 of the Chatham Cup at home on Saturday. City, regulars in the FIFA Club World Cup series, is the most successful club in the country this century and plays a couple of divisions higher than their hosts. Melville United – a past winner of the cup, the oldest knockout competition in the country, host Hibiscus Coast.
Entry date
The deadline for the Waikato Chamber of Commerce business awards has been extended until tomorrow (Friday).
Transport plan
A plan representing $11.8 billion of transport priorities over the next three to six years has been adopted by Waikato Regional Council. The Waikato Regional Transport Committee endorsed the plan at its June meeting. It outlines transport priorities and for the next 30 years and makes a case for central government funding.
Bydder accuses council
By Mary Anne Gill
Former registered architect
Andrew Bydder claims Waipā District Council released his unredacted submission on the Cambridge Connections project to deflect attention from its rates’ rise and increased funding for Karāpiro Domain.
Hamilton City Council confirmed this week Bydder – a first-term city councillor living in Cambridge – will face the second stage of a Code of Conduct complaint about the submission.
In it he used a derogatory term commonly used decades ago to describe cerebral palsy people, told the Waipā mayor to “get off your fat arse” and council staff to “get on your knees and beg forgiveness.”
Hamilton council received 24 Code of Conduct complaints including one from its mayor Paula Southgate, other city councillors, and some Waipā councillors as well as members of the public.
The News has seen a summary of the complaints.
Most refer to “offensive, ableist, disrespectful and derogatory” language used.
But Bydder was unapologetic. He suggested to The News Waipā District Council was using diversionary tactics.
He said he sent the submission in three months ago.
“Clearly Susan O’Regan did not find it offensive enough to act at the time,” he said. “The reason it was done now and not in March, is purely a distraction.”
O’Regan told The News last week she did not see the unredacted comments until June 27 as staff had censored them under the council’s policy.
Waipā rates are going up nearly 15 per cent while the management contract for Karāpiro Domain was awarded to deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk’s company for $4.248 million over five years – with two five-year extensions - an increase of more than $300,000 a year.
“It has everything to do with creating a distraction,”
Just looking…
Old friends who met through the Auckland Camaro Club met up in Cambridge on Saturday for lunch and a look around the shops.
They brought with them five cars – two C8 Chevrolet Corvettes, each worth $250,000 – and three Chevrolet Camaros worth about $100,000 each.
Jan Saunders of Auckland said when they came off the Waikato Expressway a police officer did a double take but speed was not an issue.
Pictured from left were Paul and Sandy Munro (Auckland) with their 2017 Camaro, Marlene and Grant Dickey (Raglan) with their 2019 Camaro and 2023 C8 Corvette factory right hand drive, Nick and Jan Saunders and their 2023 C8 Corvette and fellow Aucklanders Amit and Merlin Chopra with their 2019 Camaro. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
said Bydder.
But council staff maintain they discovered the increase was overdue when they reviewed the domain contract. Stolwyk’s company has had the contract for 20 years – before she was elected to Waipā council - with very few increases. The process used was approved by the Office of the Auditor General pursuant to the Local Authorities (Members’ Interest) Act because she is an elected member of the council.
Of the Bydder issue, Hamilton chief executive Lance Vervoort said an initial assessment of the Code of Conduct complaints by Tompkins Wake determined the matter should be referred to an independent investigator.
“For clarity, the initial assessment is intended as a guide to inform decisionmaking. An independent investigator may come to a different conclusion to that indicated in the initial assessment on the conclusion of their investigation,” he said. Bydder, who lives next
door to an area now known as the blue blob – where a third Cambridge river bridge was to have been built – says he made the submission as a resident, and not a city councillor.
“The (Hamilton) council has chosen to blur the lines between public and private.
“So, I’ve said if that’s the case, I’m doing everything from my council stuff because apparently all my private stuff is now council stuff.”
He also criticised the Waipā elected representatives who had made complaints about him.
“Any public submissions from a councillor about a councillor, they have to show me. The process they (city council) are going through is actually breaking the law. They are required to follow the Bill of Rights (section 17) – the rights to natural justice,” said Bydder.
“The process has been completed without any involvement from me.”
The News asked O’Regan for comment, but none was received in time for our print detail.
• See cambridgenews.nz
Jono Gibson Funeral Director
Paula Southgate Andrew Bydder
It is job almost done
By Mary Anne Gill
Ten new one-bedroom pensioner units are nearing completion in Leamington in a development which has become something of an oddity in other communities.
Waipā is one of the few councils which still provides housing for older people in the community and it has become increasingly rare to see new ones built.
The one-bedroom, one-storey units on the corner of Thompson St and Shakespeare St are next to the council’s existing Vaile Court housing.
Funding for the new units was ring-fenced six years ago and the $3.6 million contract awarded last year.
Livingstone Building built the units to a six Homestar rating equivalent which ensures warmer, drier, and healthier homes. The units include a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living area as well as outdoor space but no garages.
Several trees – none of them native and with no
long-tail bats present - were felled to accommodate the homes while a new road and entrance was built into the complex.
Tenants are expected to move in later this month with an open day planned before that.
Waipā provides housing for just over 100 people in 93 units across seven complexes in Cambridge, Kihikihi and Te Awamutu.
The units offer a home for retired people over the age of 65 who comply with the council’s criteria for subsidised rent.
Habitat for Humanity will manage the rental process at Vaile Court while the council will continue to own and maintain the units under a lease agreement.
The residents in the new units will be 60 years and over under an agreement between Habitat for Humanity and the Ministry for Housing and Development.
Potential tenants must be on the Ministry of Social Development’s housing register.
That’s bloomin’ early…
“Very early.”
That’s the response from Waipā District Council parks team leader Matt Johnston to reports that fully bloomed daffodils could be seen around the
district in the last week of June.
“We don’t normally see the flowers until September/October.”
While the quality of the daffodils’ flowers may not be great “they are
still up and growing a lot earlier than normal”.
Which has The News wonderinganyone seen any newborn lambs? • Email editor@goodlocal.nz
Daffodils in Payne Park, Cambridge.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
The finishing touches are being put to the gardens of the 10 new one-bedroom pensioner units in Leamington. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
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Five Stags failures outlined
By Chris Gardner
The operator of Pirongia’s Five Stags Restaurant and Bar breached licensing laws for years, the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority has heard.
Five Stags operator Night Pearl Ltd, whose sole shareholder is Nora Fu, was told in September last year that the front and left side outside area of the building could not be used to consume alcohol until a licence variation was granted for those areas.
But during a police-controlled purchase operation in December alcohol was sold by a 16-yearold staff member to a 17-yearold who was not asked for age identification. The underage drinker was allowed to sit outside the licenced area to consume the alcohol.
“There appears to be an ongoing disregard for the assistance given or an inability to understand the obligations of a licensee,” the Waipā District Licensing Committee found in February. It was not confident that the licensee understood the obligations of a licensee and declined renewal of a licence.
Fu, who had operated with an uncertificated manager on duty, and had failed to maintain the manager’s register, appealed to the authority last Thursday.
Fu’s counsel Sarah Rawcliffe said her client had represented herself
`You need to be able to trust your licensee to understand their obligation and meet them substantiality, not superficially,’ – counsel Robert Davies
before the licencing committee hearing and felt it was incorrect in finding the licence should not be renewed.
Rawcliffe said there was “a significant amount of confusion” throughout the prior process.
Hearing chair Judge Simon Menzies said the appellant’s submission implied criticism of the licensing committee. But Rawcliffe accepted the confusion was the appellant’s issue.
Judge Menzies said the appellant had received a plan showing a clearly defined licensing area that covered to the roofline of the building.
“It was not clear that it could not serve alcohol out the front of the premises,” Rawcliffe said. “This is on the basis that it had been done for many years.”
Judge Menzies asked Rawcliffe: “Is it clear to you?” Rawcliffe said it was.
Robert Davies, counsel for liquor licensing inspector Mary Fernandez, said the key issue was
the applicant’s suitability to hold a liquor licence.
“You need to be able to trust your licensee to understand their obligation and meet them substantiality, not superficially,” he said.
Davies reminded the authority that the Employment Relations Authority had ordered the
appellant to pay more than $21,000 in compensation in 2023 following the unjustified dismissal of an employee.
He also spoke of an overriding impression of a patronage in a considerable state of disorder.
“Is it any wonder the controlled purchase operation failed?’
The Five Stags has been
forbidden from selling alcohol since May 19, but continues to promote “Cold beer, great food, tall tales….” on its website.
The authority reserved its decision, promising a decision in writing.
“I am not going to put a time frame on that,” Judge Menzies said.
At Matamata Country Club you have the freedom to build your retirement home your way.
Starting from one of our set plans, our team will work with you to make your home your own by selecting the features, textures and colours you love. We’ll even keep you up to date with weekly build progress and invite you to site visits because after all - it’s your home, and we want you to share the journey with us.
“Everything is high end. All our friends come in and go ‘wow, this is not what we were expecting’. You instantly love the place when you walk in. Our son-in-law is a builder. And every time he comes to visit he’s always impressed with the quality of the build. He mentions it every time.”
RENZO AND ROBYN VETTORI
Residents of sister village ‘Tamahere Country Club’
RETIRE TO MATAMATA
DO YOU NEED A HEAT PUMP?
Getting prepared
By Murray Smith, Bridges Church
A big part of life is about getting prepared. One way or another, throughout our lives, we’re always in some sort of ‘preparation’ for the next thing’.
Think about that…from birth, to first words, first day of school, first friend, first date, first kiss, learning to drive, learning financial responsibility, maybe graduating, beginning a career, marrying, establishing a home, starting a family, retiring…it all involves your ‘preparation’ in measure… at the end, ultimately your funeral has others involved in preparing that for you.
The Scout motto, in English is, Be Prepared, and most international branches use a close translation of that phrase. It’s great advice since being unprepared can carry very dire consequences.
Such thoughts were provoked recently staring at a picture of the Titanic sinking. There can’t be any more vivid example of ‘unpreparedness’ than this tragedy which caused the loss of over 1500 lives. Crew suffered the most casualties, incurring about 700 fatalities. Third class passengers suffered badly too with only 174 of approximately 710 passengers surviving.
On a clear, freezing cold night in April 1912, the stricken Titanic began sinking in glassy seas after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic. Lack of foresight and inadequate preparation at numerous levels spelled the doom of White Star Line’s trophy vessel on its maiden voyage.
Upbeat over-confidence bordering on arrogance obscured risk analysis, fortifying the illusion nothing (‘even God’ a newspaper said), could sink the Titanic. Numerous reports of icebergs from other ships failed to reach the bridge from the radio room. Some which did, failed to provoke appropriate caution. The Titanic steamed on regardless at 22 knots
(41km/h) just under its maximum speed. It collided beam on with an iceberg and the resulting buckled steel plates and popped rivets below the waterline allowed compartments to flood via a massive ‘gash’, at an estimated rate of seven tons a second. The ship’s fate was inevitable. Over the next two and a half hours water poured in - the angle of incline steadily increasing. Initially, people thought being asked to don life belts was as a joke. They weren’t told the ship was sinking.
The number of lifeboats was hopelessly inadequate. With disaster looming, crew began to prioritise who might be assigned a place in one of the 20 lifeboats… sufficient to accommodate barely half the total number of people on board.
A refined elderly lady was lining with passengers to board a lifeboat. Her turn came and she hesitated - then withdrew, telling crew she needed to retrieve something from her stateroom. Exasperated crew upbraided this wealthy woman for rushing back to fetch (they assumed), trivial baubles of jewellery she had left behind. They pulled no punches expressing their irritation. The lady returnednot clutching jewellery, but oranges. Facing the possibility of death altered her priorities. As it should.
The inevitability of us dying is something that ought to alter our priorities - think; how truly ‘prepared’ are we ? I mean preparing beyond practical considerations like funeral planning… ensuring you have salvation is a must in preparing for eternity - for life beyond the grave. Neglecting God’s offer of eternal life, peace and assurance through Christ, demonstrates thoughtless unpreparedness of a magnitude eclipsing Titanic proportions.
Toasties, daffs and a box of tricks
By Viv Posselt
John Coles’ determination that his QSM meant ‘Quite Some Man’ was probably not too far off the mark, despite it sounding less lofty than ‘Queen’s Service Medal’.
That nugget of information, delivered by his son Philip Coles at John’s funeral, set off a ripple of laughter among those at St Andrew’s Church on Monday to celebrate his life. It set the tone for a farewell characterised by respect and admiration for a man who squeezed every moment from life.
John’s QSM was given in 2010 for services to the
community. The honour was among many he received, most of them tracking his extensive involvement in a range of organisations and groups.
He was presented with a service award in 2013 by the New Zealand National Fieldays Society. In his 40 years with them, he was known to welcome visitors with his special brand of kiwifruit and cheese toasties.
Other certificates were from the Citizens Advice Bureau, Waikato Hospice, Friends of Resthaven, the Cambridge Community Board, a Metlifecare certificate naming him New Zealander
of the Year in 2015, the then Blind Foundation, the Blood Transfusion Service (he donated for decades), and the Cambridge Golf Club. He helped form the Cambridge Bridge Club in 1976 and two years later helped organise the World Rowing Championships at Lake Karāpiro. He had an association with the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust, Cambridge St John, the NZ Cancer Society, and helped Cambridge High Students with remedial reading.
The man at the heart of it all was born in Tauwhare. He started at St Peter’s School
in 1941, beginning a lengthy association that included service on the Board of Trustees. He also attended Whanganui Collegiate School – there were tales of him riding the train over Mangaweka Gorge with his schoolmates, tossing crockery out the windows then counting to see how long it took it to clatter on the bottom.
At age 24, he purchased his first property, starting out with 194 hectares at Arohena. He met Sally Firth, proposed to her on a romantic visit to the glowworms on the farm, and married her at St Andrew’s Church on October 11, 1958.
Sally’s parents were also married there.
Into their hard-working but idyllic life came three children – Gillian, Annabelle and Philip. John indulged his love of cars, eventually adding Moniqe to his collection, a bright yellow 1922 CV5 Citroen. Sally, John and Moniqe (oddly without the ‘u’) were a familiar sight in Cambridge for years.
In 1976, the family bought a sprawling homestead block in Karāpiro, naming it Chiddingfold after John’s family seat in England. The couple shared a love of gardening and grew many thousands of daffodils for the Cancer Society.
They remember joyous family times at Whangamatā, where John enjoyed a long association with the local golf and surf clubs. He was named the top fundraiser in the 1993 Whangamatā Bike Ride, helping raise money for Waikato Community Hospice.
John spent years researching his family background and encouraged upcoming generations to value those connections.
Grandson Miles spoke of John’s legacy. “He was stubborn, stood by his convictions and ethics, no
matter what… he valued loyalty.”
Another grandson, Thomas, remembers John for his particularly colourful taste in golfing attire, and said: “He was a real community man who loved his family… an active and informed citizen.”
Yet another grandson, James, spoke of how golf stories were conveniently tweaked as his grandfather’s sight and then hearing became compromised, and greatgrandson Toby said simply that John was a ‘bag of tricks’.
“He always had something up his sleeve.”
John Coles’ farewell at St Andrew’s Church on Monday was followed by a tea at St Peter’s School.
John and Sally Coles aboard Moniqe, their beloved 1922 CV5 Citroen.
Time to go
By Janine Krippner
Jutta Mark
MA, BSocSc(Psyc)
Clinical Hypnotherapist
Dip Adv Hyp NZ Reg MNZAPH
Years experience PO Box 113, Cambridge 3450 07 827 6922 | 021 651 949 email.juttas@xtra.co.nz www.cambridgehypnotherapy.co.nz
I am about 18,000 km way from home alongside a lava flow that destroyed communities in 2021. Here in La Palma, in the Canary Islands off the coast of northern Africa, I am hearing very human and relatable stories about the struggles experienced before, during, and after the eruption. I spoke with a resident originally from Germany who has lived here for 25 years. Through her work she was asked a lot of questions by visitors about the volcanic nature of the island, so prior to the eruption her awareness was fairly high. When the ground started shaking, and wouldn’t stop shaking, it didn’t take her long to decide to leave her home on her own accord. Her house was overrun by lava. So many others waited to get an evacuation order, some others left when they saw neighbours running. Why did she choose to leave on her own? I have heard a similar story from a couple who also chose to leave and not wait. What makes these people different?
The first resident had a good baseline understanding of the nature of volcanic activity here and she was watching
the website of the local monitoring agency, seeing the earthquake reports roll in like we do with GeoNet. She also avoided the conflicting information being shared by media and through local social networks.
The second couple had backgrounds in science and were also watching the monitoring data shared online. Additionally, they understood the uncertainty that comes with monitoring data (like the depth of an earthquake is an approximation). They did not wait while their neighbours were standing outside, avoiding indoors because of the intense seismic activity associated with the magma moving towards the surface. Their home was thankfully not hit by lava but it was damaged during the eruption.
These people had enough information to empower them to make their own choices for their safety. It is amazing how powerful information can be if we put it into action when the time comes. The “if it’s long or strong, get gone” tsunami messaging in New Zealand is a great example of this. If you’re by the coast and feel an earthquake that is strong or lasts a
Experienced professionals. Local specialists. Quality advice.
| 07 827 5147
| 07 827 5147
| 07 848 1222 www.lewislawyers.co.nz
while, move up hill. Do not wait for someone to tell you what to do. You don’t need a PhD in tsunamis to put this simple information into life-saving action.
With the La Palma eruption we are collecting information on what people felt, heard, saw, and experienced leading up to the eruption that we can pass on to our communities for this reason. Prior to the eruption here, this information was not passed on to the right people. It wasn’t interpreted to mean magma was rising to the surface, right towards them. As within our Auckland Volcanic Field, in La Palma you don’t know where the next vent will open up.
I deeply love looking at volcanoes and trying to figure them out. I equally love hearing the human side of eruptions, even the very painful parts that make your chest ache, so that we can add these pieces together to truly make a difference for those who will experience eruptions in the future.
CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE
WEDNESDAY
9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street 1:09pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Ruakura Road 11:56pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Hautapu Road
FRIDAY
8:42am, Building Alarm and evacuation. Maungatautari Road
SUNDAY 3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road
Community Connect
July 4, 2024
A chance to celebrate our hometown heroes
Fan festivities have kicked off to celebrate Waipā’s hometown heroes, as they get ready to take on the world’s best at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. We’re calling on our locals to celebrate and get behind the athletes by videoing their messages of support.
The clips will be a part of the Waipā Home of Champions good luck video for the Olympians and Paralympians heading to Paris.
To get involved, send a three to five second video of yourself or your group cheering on Waipā’s hometown heroes to events@waipadc.govt.nz.
We are also asking businesses to to
show their support by decorating their shop and office spaces.
Mayor Susan O’Regan said we want to create something special around the Games, to foster support and community pride.
Waipā’s Fan Festival event will take place on Sunday, August 4 from 9am12pm at Grassroots Trust Velodrome, Cambridge.
“There will be fun activities for the whole family, food trucks and Velodrome tours.
To get involved and find out more: visit waipadc.govt.nz/welovewaipa WaipaHomeofChampions Waipa_NZ
From today, skaters, bikers, scooters, rollerbladers and the rest of the community can have their say on the Pirongia skatepark concept design. Your feedback will help us to finalise a design. Come see the designs, talk with the experts and provide your feedback at our drop-in session at Pirongia Rugby and Sports Club on Saturday, 27 July, 1pm – 3pm. The future skatepark will be fundraised for by the community, alongside seed funding from the Council approved 2021-31 Long Term Plan.
This is a joint project with the Pirongia Skatepark Community Project team, who are fundraising to build the skatepark.
We are looking forward to hearing what you think of the concept design!
Feedback is welcome until Thursday, 1 August. To view the concept design and have your say visit waipadc.govt.nz/pirongiaskatepark.
There will also be guest appearances from previous Olympic medallists as well as some Paralympians,” O’Regan said.
$200,000
awarded to Cambridge Town Clock
A $200,000 Lottery’s Environment and Heritage grant has been awarded for the restoration of the Cambridge Town Clock.
The fund supports plans, reports and one-off projects that will protect, conserve, and promote New Zealand’s natural, cultural and physical heritage.
The funding would go a long way to support the cost of the Cambridge Town Clock refurbishment project and reduce the overall cost to ratepayers.
The Lottery Board said the restoration work to the clock is needed to preserve the iconic historic building that dates back to 1908.
Special thanks to the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga who supported our funding application.
The clock is set to chime and be lit up in mid-July.
School Holidays are here
Thinking of outdoor play, nature discovery, staying active, and fostering creativity? Waipā has everything you need for a fun-filled and entertaining school holiday.
• Discover the stories of Waipā through Te Ara Wai Journeys, a self-guided tour of culturally significant sites across the district.
• Give something new a try with a havea-go session at the Grassroots Trust Velodrome. Scan the QR code to find out more.
• Make the most of a Hairy Maclary interactive reading event at the Te Awamutu Library, on Saturday, 6 July.
• Grab your walking shoes or hop on your bike and get prepared for an unforgettable night at the Te Awa River Light Night on Saturday, 6 July.
• Dive into Te Awamutu’s Livingstone Aquatics or Cambridge’s Perry Aquatic Centre.
• Get creative at the Mini Makers and get a taste of makerspace STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) activities and lego at the Cambridge Library on Saturday, 20 July.
• Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari with your kids. From 6 July to 21 July, kids can enter the Te Tūī a Tāne, southern enclosure for free! Scan the QR code for further information.
We are in the early stages of reviewing the Recreation Reserve Management Plan for Lake Ngā Roto.
Feedback is welcome until Sunday, 28 July. To provide your feedback visit waipadc.govt.nz/ ngarotoreview.
Lake Ngā Roto Recreation Reserve Management Plan Plastic Free July
This month is Plastic Free July, a time dedicated to celebrating and encouraging reduced plastic use. Join us at the Te Awamutu Library for the “Make your own household cleaners” workshop on Saturday, July 27. There are two sessions available: 10.30am to 12.00pm and 1.00pm to 2.30pm. Bring your 2L ice-cream containers, glass jars and spray bottles. Scan the QR code to register.
Pirongia skatepark
Setting sights on the future
By Crystal Beavis, Tamahere-Woodlands ward councillor
Waikato District Council has just adopted its annual plan for the year ahead and has managed to drop the average general rates increase to 11.9 per cent from the 13.75 per cent first proposed.
Guided by public submissions on rates affordability, the council deliberated for three days to find the savings needed.
The rates increase is complicated by the latest rating revaluation which has seen house values in the district rise 21 per cent since October 2020. (Rates increases will vary for properties that have increased in value by either more or less than the average.)
Now, after taking a one-off opportunity to defer our Long Term Plan (LTP) until the new year, we must set our sights on the future once again.
With many details of the Government’s waters and resource management reforms still to emerge, and with our roading contracts up for review and new local arrangements to be made for waters’ services, we are entering a period of major change.
The council’s last LTP was developed with an expectation of 2-3 per cent inflation levels. Instead, we’ve seen 17 per cent inflation in council costs over the past three years, with construction costs for roads and waters services rising by 27 per cent.
When we first embarked on an LTP for 202434, prior to deferring it, there was an expectation that a general rate increase of 13.75 per cent in the first year would be followed by four years of six per cent general rate increases.
So we still need to have serious discussions with ratepayers over service level expectations and affordability.
For example, do we need weekly recycling services? What library services should we provide? Can we reduce parks and reserves
maintenance without affecting Saturday sports activities?
As one of the fastestgrowing districts in the country, we must build the infrastructure needed to support new households, while also meeting rising compliance standards to service our existing 33,000 rateable properties.
According to Stats NZ, in the year ending March 2024, Waikato District Council issued 669 new dwelling consents - more than any other North Island territorial authority except for the cities of Auckland, Hamilton and Lower Hutt. We even outstripped residential growth in Tauranga and Wellington.
This level of growth represents huge challenges for a large rural district with a small rating base. It is compounded by other challenges, including economic uncertainty, climate change adaptation, government reform (as mentioned), and even by the democratic process itself as the complexities of local government have risen beyond many people’s understanding.
It’s notable, for example, that the number of submissions during early engagement on the Keeping of Animals Bylaw outstripped the number of submissions on the Annual Plan.
It’s essential we keep ratepayers informed and engaged as we embark on planning for the future, and as we ask for ratepayer guidance on all sorts of standards in different areas of life for which we hold councils responsible.
Dare I mention, therefore, that along with the new draft Keeping of Animals Bylaw, we are also reviewing our policies on Gambling Venues, and on Road Closures for Motor Sports Events. Submissions on all three close on July 29.
Award for Mitre 10
By Mary Anne Gill
Cambridge megastore Mitre 10 has been awarded the Rose Award by the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association for its inclusive employment practices.
The nomination came from Victoria Dodds whose son Michael, 23, has been working at the store since 2021 after his search for employment in the hospitality industry featured in The News.
“My son Michael has worked part time at Mitre 10 for three years and he loves it.
“The inclusion and support this company give him are incredible. He is included in all staff events, and he is supported by his manager Jan Storm,” Victoria said in her nomination.
Jan is a South African who worked in the diamond mines as a human resource employer and employed many with disabilities.
“Jan shared that he found disabled employees were loyal and trustworthy and they worked hard so he has continued to support people with disabilities in New Zealand,” she said.
The store supported World Down Syndrome Day in March with all staff wearing coloured socks. They invited Michael to work that day so he could share it with them.
The association acknowledged Mitre 10 and said the store displayed a welcoming and inclusive working environment.
“We think you are amazing,” the association said in its citation.
The News’ part in
Michael’s placement was instrumental. Mitre 10 owner Stephen Deverell saw an article about him in the newspaper and contacted Jan to contact disability employment facilitator Selwyn Cook to offer Michael a job.
“The conversations have all been around Michael’s ability and not any disability. This is how a truly inclusive employer thinks. ... thank you, Mitre 10,” said Selwyn at the time.
Michael Dodds with Mitre 10 manager Jan Storm soon after he started at the store three years ago. Photo: Steph Bell-Jenkins.
Waste message from board member
By Chris Gardner
Waipā District Council has been told by a community board member to practice what it preaches before investing in resource recovery centres in Cambridge and Te Awamutu.
Council transportation manager Bryan Hudson told Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board’s June meeting a section of the surplus Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant at Matos Segedin Drive was being subdivided to accommodate a new resource recovery centre.
The centres will be funded by the council’s waste minimisation levy rather than rates, he said, to realise the goals of the districts waste minimisation plan.
“It would be really nice to be on board and practice what we preach, to start practicing some of this,” responded board member Sally Whitaker.
“It’s sort of like the left hand and the right hand aren’t marrying in and it’s not being demonstrated. If we, as a council, are proposing this type of activity from our people and are expecting this behaviour it would be really nice to be demonstrating that.”
Hudson said he fully agreed with Whitaker.
“Our waste management team are always looking for opportunities. We are certainly keen to be reusing as
much material as possible.”
Board member Jill Taylor wanted to know how long it would be before the council would open a resource recovery centre in Te Awamutu.
Hudson couldn’t say.
“There is work going on to investigate suitable land sites in Te Awamutu for a range of council activities into the future, so there is potential that a Te Awamutu facility could fit onto that site as well,” he said.
Whitaker was concerned the council might duplicate work already being done by Waste Management in Daphne Street, Te Awamutu.
Hudson said resource recovery did not have to happen in one location.
“Across the district resource recovery is happening in all of those second-hand stores which are operating, there are community groups who already doing the mahi in this area,” he said.
Board chair Ange Holt wanted to know how much the board could be involved.
“It is the perfect opportunity for the community board to gather supporters and ideas and make contact with interested community parties who want to be involved,” Hudson said.
Discussions were already underway with the Urban Miners, Lions Club and Extreme Urban Waste, Hudson said. But the council had not talked to Waste Management.
Long lunch, strong bids
The Long Lunch in Cambridge Town Hall last month was just what the business doctor ordered with $2500 raised for Cambridge Lifeskills and plenty of robust competition at auction time.
The Cambridge Chamber event served as the perfect platform for organic networking and to build a stronger, more connected community, said chief executive Kelly Bouzaid.
“We believe it’s important to have some fun, celebrate the mahi, and just take a breath
RYMAN PRESENTS
JACKIE CLARKE
SINGING SENSATION & ENTERTAINER
TUESDAY 9 JULY, 2PM
Hosted at Sir Don Rowlands Centre, Karapiro Room 601 Maungatautari Road, Cambridge
Join us for an exclusive Ryman event featuring the captivating Jackie Clarke.
One of Aotearoa’s most popular entertainers, Jackie has toured and recorded with the greats like Sir Paul McCartney and Ray Charles and now it’s your chance to experience her powerful vocals and fascinating stories.
The entertainment will be followed by complimentary refreshments, so don’t miss this opportunity to attend this wonderful event and learn more about our village.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Find out more at rymanhealthcare.co.nz/events
RSVP is essential
Call David on 0800 600 446
PATRICK HOGAN VILLAGE
23 Hugo Shaw Drive, Cambridge
sometimes.”
The event was a sell-out with a full house of 104 people which included mayor Susan O’Regan, deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk, Waipā Networks chief executive Sean Horgan and car dealer John Ingham. Accommodation and air travel to Queenstown attracted the toughest bidding. It went from the floor for $2500 while two nights stay in a luxury Cambridge apartment, went by silent auction for $700.
Jane Burgess raises her hand to bid while in front of her husband Kevin wonders how much higher the prices could go.
Making a difference Dallas cuts into final
A Waipā butcher was one of two to secure places in the Pact Packaging Young Butcher and Anzco Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year competition last week.
Cambridge’s Dallas Prince from Wholly Cow Butchery won the young butcher category and Alex Pellow, from New World Mt Maunganui, apprentice category at the regional finals in Te Awamutu.
Competitors carved their way through a two-hour cutting test last Wednesday at Pak’n Save in Te Awamutu hoping to securing a spot in the finals in Auckland next month.
Prince has been a qualified butcher for five months.
“This is my third regional competition and the second time I have made it to nationals, so I am really stoked to be competing again, this time as a qualified butcher rather than an apprentice,” he said “I’ll be focusing on working cleaner and creating better signage for my products in the lead up to the grand final.”
Pellow, who is near the end of his apprenticeship said said he went in with a plan that he had practiced and stuck to it.
Participants showcased their butchery expertise in demonstrating their skills in boning, trimming, slicing and dicing. They were required to break down a beef short loin, whole pork leg, square-cut lamb shoulder, and two chicken barrels into a display of value-added products.
Head judge Peter Martin who is the butchery training advisor at Skills for Work in Auckland, said the regional competitions underway were turning out a very high standard of displays.“It’s been outstanding to see the level of support the competitors have from their work mates and whānau at these competitions,” he said. “It’s important for the competitors to be well supported which ultimately contributes to how they perform on the day.”
Both Prince and Pellow won $150 and a trophy.
In response to popular demand, we've added an extra day to book in - grab the opportunity for a brighter, healthier smile!
ENGINEERING SUPPLIES
Waipā Networks is inviting applications for funding to support projects and initiatives that make a difference in communities.
Waipā Networks, general manager of customer and community Anna Greenhill says groups and organisations looking for financial support of up to $1000 can apply for level one sponsorship.
“As part of Waipā Networks’ wider programme to inject funding back into Waipā communities, each year we coordinate two sponsorship rounds that are designed for smaller projects that need a funding boost. We have a total funding pool of $10,000 for each level one round,” Greenhill said.
Applications for the first level one round of funding for 2024 will close at the end of the month. A second round will close on at the end of December.
“We prefer community projects and events that are free of charge, support community well-being, and help create better communities,” Greenhill said.
If you have a problem, come in and see us.
There are only 5 one-bedroom or two-bedroom supported living apartments still available in the new Hanlin Building. These easy-living apartments are in the heart of our established retirement village with its own café and village shop right on your doorstep. Enjoy the community vibe and great lifestyle with the added benefit of care and support as you require.
Dallas Prince
Call to help save kōkako
The Department of Conservation’s Maniapoto team wants volunteers to contribute a few hours to help kōkako at Mapara.
Mapara Wildlife Management Reserve near Maniaiti/Benneydale is a habitat for a significant population of kōkako.
Kōkako were common in New Zealand forests a little over 100 years ago, but they were eaten almost to extinction by introduced pests before conservation efforts kicked in late last century.
Claire Jones, a biodiversity ranger in Maniapoto, is leading an operation to bait hundreds of stations across the reserve, where introduced predators continue to pose a threat.
“DOC’s Maniapoto team is a small tight-knit unit – but this is a big job and we’re seeking support from the wider community to deliver this crucial conservation work,” Jones said.
Mapara is 1435ha of steep and undulating terrain at points with access via tracks and over farmland. There is a network of 2200 bait stations (50 metres apart) along bait lines which follow the spurs, ridges and gullies.
Three rounds of baiting start in mid-August before the start of the birds’ breeding season.
Baiting will continue through the season to February/March to ensure the best survival of the young chicks. The baiting work supports efforts to reduce rat
numbers in the reserve.
“We want to ensure the kōkako chicks at Mapara have the best chance of survival and can go on to thrive,” Jones added.
“This work also supports overall forest health in the diverse Mapara ecosystem.”
Volunteers would carry a weighed amount of bait in a backpack to each bait station along lines through the block. The baiting days will be about six hours in the bush. Food and accommodation will be provided.
“A good level of fitness is needed as volunteers will be carrying backpacks over steep terrain. A basic knowledge of the bush and bush navigation would be an advantage, although training will
be given. Volunteers will be in pairs and GPS used to navigate,” Claire said.
The Department of Conservation
website puts kōkako numbers at about 2300 pairs. The bird’s South Island cousin is thought to be extinct.
Memorial seat damaged
By Mary Anne Gill
- built in 1983 to commemorate a century of worship by the Presbyterian congregation -has been damaged by a vehicle.
Details of what happened to the seat outside the Good Union Restaurant on the corner of Whitaker and Victoria streets are sketchy but sources say the damage was done sometime last Thursday.
The foundation stone of the Trinity Presbyterian Church was laid on 2 March 1898 by Rev William Evans, and was opened three months later on 22 June at a cost of £813 6/11d.
A typical Gothic style in kauri and rimu, this building was built to comfortably seat 250 parishioners by J Lye & Sons from designs by
architect Mr E Bartley. It was the first public building in the district to be illuminated by acetylene gas. F C Daniel was architect to changes to the church in 1926
The Presbyterian and Methodist churches united in 1975 after an arsonist razed the Methodist church. The Trinity St Paul's Union church had been built in its place on the corner of Queen and Bryce Streets and the old Presbyterian church building was sold to Gordon and Barbara Campbell to become the Cambridge Country Store.They painted it pink and it became known locally as the Pink Church.
In 1992 it became the Cambridge Country Store and in 2016, it opened as the Good Union, home to Good George Brewing.
Kokako numbers are thought to have reached about 4600.
A memorial seat made from Hinuera stone
One end of the memorial seat made of Hinuera stone is broken. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Love the choice.
Retirement can be blissfully laid back, or it can be wonderfully unretiring and active.
At Summerset, it’s your choice. From day to day, you have the freedom to pursue all your passions and hobbies, or just find a place to relax. All set within a secure, warm and friendly community.
Love the life you choose.
EASY
Brand new homes available now at Summerset Cambridge*
At Summerset, our retirement villages are designed to make sure you get the best out of your retirement. Summerset Cambridge is no exception, with a range of brand new homes ready to move in to now.
Two-bedroom homes are available with flexible pricing from just $675,500.* Plus, for a limited time, we’ll help you every step of the way with $15,000 cash back and a complementary moving package. Simply sign a sales application for a selected home between 01 July 2024 and 30 September 2024, and then settle by 6 December 2024.#
Open Day
Thursday 11 July 10am - 2pm
Summerset Cambridge
1 Mary Ann Drive, Cambridge 07 839 9482 | summerset.co.nz/cambridge
terms, conditions, exclusions visit summerset.co.nz/cambridge-o er
Once our stunning village centre is complete, residents and their families will be able to enjoy a range of resort-style facilities, from an indoor swimming pool and spa, to a hair & beauty salon and a public café.
Come along to our next Open Day to see why our residents love the Summerset life. Or, if you’d like to hear more sooner, just give Nikki Matthews, Sales Manager, a call and she’ll take you on a guided tour of this vibrant village. Our sales o ice is open 7 days so you’re welcome any time.
MA D E MOVING
Cambridge at your fingertips
It’s all on your local App –are you?
The Cambridge App is the go-to place for your latest mobile news, sport and opinion.
Every day, locals open the app to stay informed about what’s happening in Cambridge.
But there isn’t only news on this app: it features upcoming events, funeral notices, the latest properties for sale, places to eat and drink, activities, local businesses, and much more.
Download the Cambridge App, look around, you might be surprised by what you find. •News • Property
CountryLife
Reach a targeted rural and lifestyle audience each month by advertising your business in CountryLife; featured inside the Cambridge News and Te Awamutu News.
Readership 70,470 Distribution 26,100
Scan here to download the app
To list your business, event or activity, contact Advertising Director Janine Davy: 027 287 0005 or janine@goodlocal.nz
Main office 55 Victoria St, Cambridge
Young star bags triple century
By Mary Anne Gill
Xavier Bell’s sensational cricket form has continued in England with the year 13 St Peter’s School student thumping 338 runs against Forest School last week.
Despite his outstanding performance, St Peter’s lost the two-day match against the London school by two wickets.
When Bell, 17, was out at the picturesque Walthamstow school ground, the English opponents rushed to congratulate him.
Bell’s form all year has been outstanding. He wrapped up the season scoring two double centuries in two weeks.
The year 13 student lives in Matamata with his father Russell Bell, who runs a tiling business, and mother Tracey Thompson-Bell, a dentist. He went to primary and intermediate school there.
As well as representing St Peter’s, he played for the Northern Districts U19 academy, Northern Districts senior men’s reserve team and Waikato Valley’s top senior men’s team. Before St Peter’s played Forest School, the
players visited Lord’s Cricket Ground, the home of cricket, where Northern Districts’ pundits predict Bell will one day feature.
The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first and were dismissed for 101 with Bell out caught for two and Kees Butler scoring an unbeaten 38 to give some respectability to the score sheet.
In reply Forest School Snaresbrook declared on 391, a lead of 290, with Bell nabbing four wickets for 76 with his right-arm medium pace bowling.
The day finished with St Peter’s three wickets down for 101 – still trailing by 189 in their second innings - with Oliver Jeffares on 50 and Bell on 17.
Day two was a run fest with Bell reaching his century in 77 balls, his double century in 121 balls and the triple in 164 balls. His dismissal came on the 184th ball he faced when he skied one into the outfield with a tired-looking shot with the Cambridge side on 526/7. They were soon all out for 534, a lead of 244, which the home team succeeded in chasing down with the loss of eight wickets.
Inghams expands
Ingham Motor Group has added the Mitsubishi brand to its Cambridge dealership.
As well as vehicle sales, Inghams also became the authorised parts and service dealer for the brand this week.
The previous parts and service dealer was Queen Street neighbour Keyte Automotive.
When Inghams came to Cambridge it purchased the former Bunnings building in Queen Street with plans for a four year project and a “spade in the ground” before the end of the last year.
There has been no sign of development yet
– but in February the company, established in Ōtorohanga in the late 1960s – announced it had purchased Windsor Nissan, next door to the Bunnings Site.
Bunnings closed its two Waipā outlets in 2020 and one, in Te Awamutu, was subsequently bought by the Waipā District Council as a site for Te Ara Wai, its flagship museum project.
There was considerable speculation – and social media suggestions – on what could be done with the Cambridge site before Inghams announced it had bought it.
Xavier Bell of St Peter’s, Cambridge pictured in front of the scoreboard following his 338 runs in England.
Photo: Supplied.
St John Cambridge Health Shuttle
Across 1. Shares a house (5) 4. Safe (6) 7. Small child (3) 8. That is to say (6) 9. Land surrounded by water (6) 10. Final straw (8,5) 14. Close to the centre (5) 15. Power tower (5) 18. Captured combatant (8,2,3)
23. Set alight (6) 24. Pests (6) 25. Perceive (3)
10. Airship (5) 11. Boredom (Fr) (5) 12. Relative by marriage (2-3)
Radio mode (5) 16. Otherwise (6) 17. Journey (6) 19. Rascal (5) 20.
Across: 1. Suburb, 4. Stupid, 9. Paddy, 10. On a roll, 11. Lectern, 13. Heed, 14. Double cross, 17. Used, 18. Remorse, 21. Evasive, 22. Valet, 24. Outage, 25. Settle. Down: 1. Supply, 2. Bad, 3. Rhyme, 5. Teacher, 6. Professor, 7. Dull, 8. Downhearted, 12. Croissant, 15. Budding, 16. Centre, 19. Movie, 20. Memo, 23. Let.
FPASDLPSBSOPLISRFC RHDRGEOTAOAOLHNCJO AOEGTLSEHPPTUSEUHM MTTHURGSPVETKWLFLP EOATJROCERTRECLBAO EYIEAMJPBEIITAEOTS COLLAEUVRUVNSUERII NANTBTMWZFTHTYRDGT AETEHEBOIPNTDFSEII LETLOROXFHFHOJGRDO APYBLMEPSOZCPNOCCN BGXAPRNHOGUXISCALE ROTCEJORPSEGRAINSW SHADOWPGSSENTHGIRB
Mums are in the same boat
By Steph Bell-Jenkins
Qualifying for the Olympic Games is tough enough, but Cambridge rowers Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors have powered through that challenge while navigating the choppy waters of new parenthood.
The two mums will represent New Zealand in the women’s double sculls at the games in Paris this month.
Both women are former world champions. Spoors won silver in the women’s eight at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Francis won silver in the women’s double.
“After Tokyo I wanted to start a family, and I didn’t see that as a barrier to continuing in sport,” said Francis, whose daughter Keira was born in September 2022.
“So I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of having Keira with me this cycle, and almost the challenge of having her has made it more rewarding in lots of ways.
“It’s probably made me enjoy every day just that little bit more, just having her, and having that perspective of every day is slightly different and it’s not going to be perfect. That’s almost a good mindset, being an athlete, that you’re not necessarily looking for perfection every day, but you’re looking for consistency and showing up and you know that you’re probably tougher than what you think you are.”
Francis moved to Cambridge 11 years ago and owns a house in town
with her husband Jeff.
“I love it,” she said. “I particularly love it, having a family. The streets are safe, there’s lots of parks, there’s always things to do on the weekends, whether it’s the trains or the market, so we love living here.”
Spoors, her boatmate, did her final year of high school at St Peter’s Cambridge and has lived here for more than 10 years.
“Definitely I consider Cambridge home now, I’ve been here for long enough,” she said.
“I love Cambridge. I think coming
from Christchurch, coming from a busier town, I’ve always loved, I guess, the quaintness of Cambridge and I love feeling part of a smaller community, and I’ve always felt this community has supported me to row well.”
She and her partner Brook Robertson had their son, Rupert Robertson, in December 2002.
“I knew I had potentially another Olympic Games in me, so I thought if it’s possible I need to give it a shot, and it’s been really special to give it a shot with him alongside me,”
Briefs…
Name confirmed
Cambridge’s old Masonic Hotel will be renamed The Clements Hotel, managed by Capstone Hotel Management and reopen in spring. The name comes from Archibald Clements who played a role in developing the Masonic. Clements was mayor and a member of the road and Waikato Hospital boards before retiring to Auckland, where he died in 1927 aged 91.
Plan adopted
Waikato District Council adopted its enhanced Annual Plan at last week’s council meeting, It will see an average 11.9 per cent general rate revenue increase.
Web views
Spoors said.
“It wasn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be, but for me it was adapting to life as a mum, and adapting to how that made my rowing environment different… having to be flexible with just the normal juggles of being a mum was probably the thing that took the most getting used to for me.”
She said being in the same boat as Francis – in more ways than one –had meant a lot.
“We’ve definitely learned to lean on each other,” she said.
Our story about an effigy, abuse and threats which became national news last week was the most read article on the Cambridge News website last month. It beat out Viva Las Vegas – our online wrap up of the Cambridge High School ball in second. Hits to the website were up 4.37 per cent on May
Correction
Zara Thompson is in the ensemble of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and not the chorus as reported in The News (June 27).
Lucy Spoors and Rupert (left) and Brooke Francis and daughter Keira celebrate the naming of the New Zealand Olympic rowing team at the Sir Don Rowlands Event Centre in Cambridge last month.
Photo: Steph Bell-Jenkins
Step Inside & Feel At Home
- A well-appointed kitchen with loads of storage and butler’s pantry.
- Open plan layout; formal and informal living areas; indoor-outdoor flow to the multiple outdoor living spaces.
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Family Entertainment A Dream!
- Offering five bedrooms and two bathrooms, including master bedroom with generous wardrobe and luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Sanctuary - A Must View!
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SUNDAY 1.00 - 1.30PM
- Three well-appointed bedrooms provide ample space for relaxation and privacy.
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- Enjoy outdoor entertaining in the backyard in a fully fenced section.
- Great opportunity for investors seeking a low-maintenance property, with strong rental potential. Discover Tranquillity Down The Drive
ALDERMAN, Maurice Gladstone (NZDF 639985)
– Passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday 23 June 2024, in his 100th year. Much loved and loving husband of Joan for 66 years. Loved and respected father and fatherin-law of Kevin and Paula, Glenys, Wayne and Denise, and Sandra. Adored Poppa of Leighton and Whitney, Deena, Hayden (deceased), Tylla and Alex, Daniel and Sophie, Mitchell, Jake, Lucy, and Brenna. Great-Poppa of Oliver, Isabelle, and Riley. In accordance with Maurice’s wishes, a private service has taken place.
ANDERSEN,
Annette Ruth
– Passed away peacefully at Waikato Hospital surrounded by her loving family, aged 59 years. Dearly loved partner of Bryce, adored mother to Jamie and the late Justine and Nanny to Alice. Loved brother to Bryan & Catherine. Special thanks to the nursing staff of Waikato Hospital for the love and care shown to Annette over the recent weeks. A celebration of Annette’s life will be held at The Hamilton Park Chapel, 395 Morrinsville Road, Newstead on Tuesday, the 9th of July 2024 at 1:00pm. All communications to the Andersen Family, 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.
BROWN Thomas Wynyard
"Tom" – Dearly loved only son of the late Ned and Merle Brown. Great friend and cherished brother and brother-in-law of Jen and Rod Limmer Gill and Roger Blake Sue and Bill Garland. A selfless, kind and caring soul at rest.
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BROWN, Thomas Wynyard (Tom) 1941-2024 – Dearly loved husband of Barbie for 56 years. Loved father and father-in-law of Wynn and Tracy, Tony and Coby, and Chris and Helen. Special Grandad of Thomas, Henry, Katie, and Molly; James and Ben; Dylan and Olivia. “Tom’s last race”. Messages to the ‘Brown Family’ can be sent c/Legacy Funerals, PO Box 844, Cambridge 3450 or in Tom’s online tribute book at www.legacyfunerals.co.nz.
A service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, 85 Hamilton Road, Cambridge on Friday, 5 July at 11.00 am. The service will be followed by a memorial service at the Woolshed, Te Awa Lifecare, 1866 Cambridge Road, Cambridge commencing at 12.30 pm.
GUY, Barbara – Passed away peacefully at Waikato Hospital, surrounded by her family on Saturday, 29th June 2024, aged 75 years. Adored mother and motherin-law of Belinda and Lynette & Stu. Treasured Nana to Carey, Jaime, and Kayla. A private family farewell for Barbara has taken place. All communications to the Guy Family c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.
WILSON, Andrew Peter (Andy) 23.09.1952-23.06.2024
– Due to a short illness, passed away peacefully at Waikato Hospital. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Lesley and the late Lance, Jane and Chas. Uncle to Sarah, Lorna, Robert, and Rachel. Loved great-uncle to many. A best mate of Matty. A private service has been held.
CAMBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
ENROLMENT SCHEME 2025
Because of our growing in-zone roll, Cambridge High School has an enrolment scheme in place. A limited number of out-of-zone places have been made available by the Cambridge High School Board. If the number of applicants exceeds the places available, a ballot will be conducted.
For further enrolment scheme information, please visit our school website.
Closing date for Out-of-Zone Applications - Thursday 29 August
Ballot, if required - Friday 30 August
Parents notified - Tuesday 3 September
Any enquiries: Tel: 07 827 5415
Email: enrolments@camhigh.school.nz www.camhigh.school.nz
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Multiple arrests made by police
Waikato police have made a significant number of arrests in recent days – including four in Te Awamutu.
They say four young people were caught after fleeing from police following the burglary of a store in the town just after 1.30am last Friday.
In a statement police said they arrested several adults and youths over the course of the holiday weekend for a series of incidents.
attempted to hijack another car. Three males aged 16 and 17 have been charged with burglary, demanding with intent to steal, and unlawfully using a motor. A fourth has been referred to youth aid.
“The victim and their children were terrified because of this cowardly act, and will be referred to Victim Support," Bird said.
"Our staff have arrested a number of people this weekend for their part in burglaries, car thefts and driving offences, including fleeing police.” District Commander Waikato Superintendent Bruce Bird said.
A long list of incidents were covered in the police statement.
They used spikes near Tīrau to halt a vehicle after its driver was chased having been approached by police near Rotorua. Four people ran from te vehicle and
Spikes were also used at Nawton, Hamilton last Friday night after police received reports of stolen cars travelling in tandem. One car was found to be carrying weapons. Four youths were arrested. It was one of three incidents reported in Dinsdale and Nawton resulting in arrests.
Five youths as young as 11 involved in a string of burglaries were arrested after a ram raid in Morrinsville and burglary at Waihi Beach. The vehicle they were in was stopped at Puketaha.
Bird said the actions of some offenders had been “incredibly dangerous”.
Tea Time at Harold’s place
Ōhaupō’s Community Sports Centre will host a fundraiser for Life Education New Zealand this month.
Waipa King Country Life Education Trust requires more than $200,000 a year to maintain educational initiatives across the region – and on July 12 it will be raising funds via a high tea.
Mascot Harold the Giraffe, and friends Nicky Wise and Abby Miles, plan to charm children and caregivers at Harold’s High Tea.
Children and adults will be invited to don their finest attire and join Harold for an elegant high tea experience.
The event will feature disco dancing, colouring activities and a lucky prize draw — plus the opportunity to engage in a reading session with the author and illustrator of Harold’s Spots.
“We are excited to host Harold’s High Tea as a fun-filled way to support the invaluable work of the Waipa King Country Life Education Trust,” said Wise and Miles, the trust’s teachers who are involved in teaching life skills to local school children.
“Through our Life Education programmes, we empower tamariki with essential skills to navigate life’s challenges and make healthy choices.”
Wise and Miles love to work with the children of the region’s primary and intermediate schools, teaching them how to look after their bodies with good nutrition and good decisions, and also teaching about how to be good friends with lots of ideas about how to work together and be a great community member.
Waipa King Country Life Education Trust members are volunteers. The trust funding pays for two classrooms and educators, who last year visited more than 50 schools and taught lessons to almost 9000 students.
Education’s Harold the Giraffe practises his high tea etiquette.
