Support heard for Ōrākau bill
By Sigrid Christiansen
The next step of an “iwi led outcome” has been taken with submissions being heard on the Ōrākau Remembrance Bill.
The Government’s Māori Affairs Select Committee and its chair, National MP Dan Bidois, met at Parawera Marae near Te Awamutu on Monday to hear oral submssions.
Ōrākau was where 300 Māori held off 1500 British troops for three days in the final battle of the Waikato war in 1864.
The bill proposes to vest the site near Kihikihi in the names of the Maniapoto, Raukawa, and Waikato ancestors who fought there.
The committee asked descendants whether on not the bill reflected their aspirations.
Raukawa Settlement Trust chair – and Waikato regional councillor -Kataraina Hodge, who spoke of the legal process and its “long journey” said “we are here today to support this bill, and the outcome it represents”.
One clause received significant approval – how the land title for the site would work.
Raukawa trust’s Baden
Vertongen said that clause was an iwi lead outcome, recognising the many perspectives involved.
He said it was “a flexible mechanism” allowing iwi to continue to put names forward as they felt comfortable to do so.
He also supported the bill’s initiatives to raise awareness of Ōrākau’s history.
• More teawamutunews.nz
Post inquiry denied
By Chris Gardner
Waipā posties whose RD3 contract was cancelled after they complained their freight was being delivered by other contractors have been denied a ministerial inquiry.
Ian and Danny Kennedy were contracted by NZ Post to sort, process, uplift and deliver “all mail and other items for delivery” for the Tamahere RD3 rural post run from April 1, 2019. They invested $500,000 into the business which ran six vans with five staff.
Their contract was cancelled on November 10, 2023, after they asked why other contractors were sorting, processing, uplifting, and delivering mail in the district.
Professional driver advocate ProDrive chief executive Peter Gallagher
wrote to New Zealand Post chair Carol Campbell and state-owned enterprises minister Paul Goldsmith over the matter on June 5 and again on July 10. Gallagher’s letters were passed to Chris Bishop because Goldsmith is renegotiating the Government’s postal carrier contract with NZ Post and had a conflict of interest, Bishop’s senior press secretary Mikaela Bossley said. The letter was passed on again to Deputy Leader of the House Simeon Brown because Bishop was on leave.
In a statement provided by Brown’s senior press secretary Ben Craven, Brown said: “Under section 5(2) of the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986, operational matters such as those relating to contractors are the responsibility of
the company’s board and management.
Correspondence has been passed on to NZ Post and it will respond directly to Mr Gallagher.
“The Government is not intending to establish a Ministerial inquiry into this issue.”
Taranaki-King Country
National MP Barbara Kuriger, who has been briefed by Gallagher, was surprised to hear that the case had been passed from Bishop to Brown and that Brown’s reply had declined an inquiry.
“I do believe that this
needs to be looked at. I have seen some things that made me feel pretty uncomfortable,” Kuriger said.
“It’s not a good idea for people to be investigating themselves. I don’t know what I can change, but I am obliged to try.”
Responding to a request to interview Campbell, NZ Post external communications lead Greta Parker said: “NZ Post politely declines to comment on the matter.”
Danny Kennedy has spoken of the toll the cancellation of their contract has taken on her and her husband.
“When New Zealand Post cancelled our run we lost our livelihood,” she said.
“We lost the ability to pay the mortgage on the business loan. We had no means or no way to pay that
business loan, and we were forced into a sell situation because we were unable to pay that business mortgage because we lost everything.”
After moving out on June 27 the couple moved to the South Island because they couldn’t afford to stay in the Waikato.
“I’ve left my son and grandkids in Hamilton and a daughter in Auckland. I’ve only ever lived in Waikato and Auckland, it has a terrible cost, and I can’t get back that time I have lost with my children,” Kennedy said.
“Ian is 63 years old, without a job currently, and I am nearly 60. You can’t start again at that age when a company has ripped your financial life apart. Now we live in a 1930s home instead of a brand-new home that we built that was going to be our forever home.”
Kataraina Hodge
Danny and Ian Kennedy, pictured last year while on their run.
Hospice Waikato doubles retail space
By Chris Gardner
Hospice Waikato is almost doubling retail space with a move to new premises, but it needs community help to finish the project.
Hospice Waikato regional retail manager Teresa Bidlake said the 300 square metre George Street shop was due to close next month.
A new 580 square metre store will opening at the old Timmo’s ITM building on the corner of Te Rahu and
Cambridge roads.
“After almost 30 years in Te Awamutu, in three different locations, Hospice Waikato is delighted to move into this fit for purpose site,” Bidlake said.
Hospice Waikato opened a shop in Sloane Street, Te Awamutu in 1995. The shop moved to 170 George St in 2009 and to its current location opposite The Warehouse in 2015.
“With a great team of volunteers, the move is
expected to take about two weeks. We are looking for extra volunteer support from Te Awamutu residents to give of their time. This could be as a painter to finish the inside, a general helper to shift the stock and fittings, or as a longer-term volunteer in the shop.”
Hospice Waikato is also advertising paid roles at Te Awamutu on Seek. It is recruiting a 30-hour-perweek retail assistant, two Saturday retail assistants
and a Sunday position as well.
“The Te Awamutu team are very successful,” said Bidlake.
“In the last year they have sold more than $600,000 worth of goods that have been kindly donated by our Te Awamutu community. This goes a long way to ensuring palliative care services in Te Awamutu are free to patients and their whanau. “
In the last year they have
Next stop US for Rowdy’s
By Viv Posselt
Kihikihi singers/songwriters Blair and Rosie Shaw are planning to perform on the American stage.
The couple, who also featured in this year’s Cambridge Autumn Festival, has been invited to attend the USA Radio Awards in Pennsylvania in October, both as performers and an nominees – for People’s Choice Vocalists of the Year 2024, and Songwriters of the Year 2024. The event will be televised over six US states.
It’s great validation for the duo who formed in 2020 during the Covid lockdown. In a Te Awamutu News story around that time, they said they hoped to launch a new career path in music, and by all accounts that is well underway. They do regular gigs and are fast gaining global radio play, reaching over 181
countries via livestreaming.
The pair were also selected by NZ on Air as New Tracks artists for June 2024 with their new single ‘Shooting Star’, which has hit the high notes on music charts in both New Zealand and the US.
The Shaws said they are “absolutely over the moon” with developments. “While it’s totally unexpected, we believe it’s important to take opportunities like this, so we’re doing everything we can to make this happen and represent Kiwis on the US stage.”
They are accustomed to helping fundraise for groups such as Gumboot Friday and Pink Ribbon events, but right now are busy fundraising in support of their trip.
Part of that schedule, which includes widespread gigging, are two benefit concerts in Te Awamutu this month and the other featuring Jason Kerrison from Opshop in September.
On the beat with
sold more than 17,732 items of bric-a-brac, 1124 items of furniture and 12,589 items of women’s clothing.
Hospice Waikato acting chief executive Susan Hassall was grateful for community support in challenging times.
“We recognise that we keep asking, and that the community continues to be willing to give. In my role, I witness every day the difference that this makes to ensure that those at the end of life, can
their last breath.”
Our week in review
Here’s a look back over the last week through the eyes of Te Awamutu police.
Monday - police attended three family harm incidents, a self-harm incident and a conflict between neighbours. A local man was trespassed from all three supermarkets in town for shoplifting, some youths were caught shoplifting from a retailer and a male was arrested for breaching bail conditions at a family harm incident.
Tuesday - police attended a family harm incident, a male was issued with a warrant to arrest by the Te Awamutu District Court, a male reported a phone scam, two children went missing from home were found playing at a nearby park and police attended a family harm incident.
Wednesday - A male on burglary charges
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was arrested for breaching bail, police transported a female on behalf of mental health and a female breached a protection order. A burglary was reported to police, a male was caught shoplifting at a retail outlet, a male stole items from a large retailer and a male shoplifted from a supermarket.
Thursday - A male was seen with a knife and dealt with by police, a bag was taken from a second-hand store, a vehicle was taken from a popular rural watering hole and a student was assaulted in Kihikihi. Police attended a family harm matter and located cannabis and firearms. Police assisted SPCA with the removal of a neglected animal.
Friday - police attended a minor traffic collision, Police pulled over a vehicle and located a large machete and while working at
this scene a rubbernecker caused a minor vehicle collision. Police attended a family harm matter, and a male assaulted his partner.
Saturday - A vehicle failed to stop for police. Police attended four family harm incidents.
Sunday - police attended two family harm incidents and an assault. A burglary was reported at a building site. Police attended a motor vehicle collision resulting in a licence being revoked for medical reasons, a male assaulted his mother during a family harm incident, a male was stopped and found to be driving over the limit for alcohol and another male was detained for a mental health assessment.
Constable Ryan Fleming
live well until
Teresa Bidlake
Rowdy’s Rose – aka Blair and Rosie Shaw – performing at the Cambridge Autumn Festival earlier this year.
Photo by Viv Posselt
Health expo
Te Awamutu Menz Shed’s planned health session for men is attracting plenty of interest – and shed leader Richard Cato says it’s also prompted two new members to join. The public expo will be held in the Baptist Church in Teasdale Street on Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
Volunteers galore
More than 40 people answered a Department of Conservation call for volunteers to help set bait as part of a pest eradication programme in the Pureora Forest to protect kōkako. The call was published in The News and with a well populated team, DOC has announced it will run the baiting days from August 16 to 18.
Students’ concert
A concert at Te Awamutu’s St John’s Anglican Church on Sunday afternoon will feature performances by students from the Waikato Conservatorium of Music.
Hospital upgrade
Waikato Hospital has completed an upgrade to its laboratory it says provides more space, sees services “co-located” and a Molecular Biology Laboratory added.
Nominations
Trelawney Stud, Waikato Stud and Ray and the estate of Martha Johnson are nominees for the Sir Patrick and Justine Lady Hogan Breeder of the Year award which will be presented on Saturday at the Don Rowlands Event Centre in Karāpiro.
Festival lights up
Organisers of the Great Kiwi Summer Festival at Lake Karāpiro in November have secured the return of the Illuminate Light and Sound show. Last year’s show at the domain was a star attraction at the two-day event, which is scheduled for the second weekend in November. Event
Manager Janette Douglas said the festival will also host an outdoor expo, Armistice in Cambridge, the BMX Big Air Championships and water demonstrations.
Pirongia bar appeal fails
By Chris Gardner
The operator of Pirongia’s Five Stags Restaurant and Bar has lost its appeal against Waipā District Licencing Committee’s decision not to renew its on-licence.
Night Pearl Ltd, whose sole shareholder is Nora Fu, did not have its on-licence renewed in May following a committee hearing that started in September 2023 and concluded in February.
The Five Stags continued to serve
alcohol on parts of the premises not covered by the licence between hearing dates, serve alcohol to an underage drinker during a policeled controlled purchase operation in November 2023, and failed to properly appoint and notify a duty manager.
All of this occurred after the Employment Relations Authority ordered the company to pay more than $21,000 following the unjustified dismissal of an employee.
“Our primary concern is the
An appeal by Pirongia’s Five Stags owners has failed.
suitability of Night Pearl, under the control and management of Ms Fu,” the committee said in its decision.
“We are not confident that Ms Fu understands the obligations of a licensee . . . or the conditions of the licence, or that she can be trusted to comply in the future. Ms Fu’s confusion and lack of clarity about how to operate the premises in a compliant manner was evident.”
Fu took her appeal to the Alcohol and Regulatory and Licensing Authority in Hamilton District Court on June 27, her counsel Sarah Rawcliffe saying Fu felt it was incorrect in finding the licence should not be renewed as there was “a significant amount of confusion” throughout the prior process.
Dismissing Fu’s appeal in a 23-page decision, Alcohol and Regulatory and Licensing Authority deputy chair Simon Menzies said the picture that had emerged through the hearing was a licensee who, through its principal operator Fu, has shown a concerning attitude towards compliance with the obligations under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act and as well, obligations under employment law.
“Even by the time of the appeal hearing, it became apparent that the appellant downplayed the gravity of the situation and was either unable or unwilling to understand and comply with the obligations attaching to a licence,” Judge Menzies said.
“Similarly, it was the appellant’s responsibility to be aware of and
comply with the Act’s requirements relating to the appointment of managers.”
Judge Menzies said the lack of training appears to have contributed to the failed controlled purchase order.
He also commented on an exchange between Fu and the committee chair. Told by the chair checking ID was a basic function of anyone serving alcohol, Fu said: “Yes, it is not complicated. But sometimes I forget it.”
“The exchange with the DLC and Ms Fu relating to the service of minors reflected a lack of understanding of the obligations arising in relation to a critical area of the Act – sales to under aged persons,” Judge Menzies said.
The appeal argued that undue weight was given by the committee to these issues and other positive features such as the lack of opposition was given insufficient weight.
“We disagree,” said Judge Menzies. “The lack of compliance by the appellant on a sustained basis was surprising and concerning.” Some of the issues arose when the renewal application was before the committee, he said.
“Most parties in that position would be putting their best foot forward while the application and the business generally were under scrutiny.
Fu told The News on Monday she was on holiday and was not aware of the decision.
Kuriger to discuss maunga funds
By Chris Gardner
Confusion surrounds the Department of Conservation’s promise to partially fund the world’s largest predator proof fence at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, says TaranakiKing Country MP Barbara Kuriger.
A cash flow crisis at the $5000 a day 3400ha project could force the closure of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari by the end of August after the loss of $1.5 million of DOC baseline funding over four years.
Sanctuary Mountain general manager Helen Hughes has been told by Conservation Minister Tama Potaka it is an operational matter and DOC Waikato District operations manager Jane Wheeler hopes “something can be worked out”.
Kuriger, who was present at the May meeting when Hughes made Potaka aware of the project’s plight, is joining Sanctuary Mountain’s board and DOC representatives for a meeting next month to discuss the
cash flow crisis. The meeting will either be held on August 5 online, or on August 26 in person.
“From the conversations I’ve had, there seems to be confusion about what was promised in the first place,” Kuriger said.
Sanctuary Mountain’s baseline funding was initially divided by DOC, Waikato Regional Council and Waipā District Council.
“The third is to keep the place going,” Kuriger said.
“That’s where I am seeing my part of the discussion
going. Seeing what was promised and making sure it is delivered. If we sit around a table, we can get things straight. I don’t like to see what’s been happening to that precious place.”
DOC has withdrawn from baseline funding, switching to project specific funding – and that leaves the trust with less cash to fund the operation of the predator proof fence.
Over the last four years DOC had supported Maungatautari with $589,000 of Jobs for Nature funding to support the work of mountain
Barbara Kuriger
rangers, $441,000 worth of threatened species monitoring funding, such as kākāpō and hihi (stitch bird), and $140,000 worth of operating costs funding.
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Men’s Health Expo
Men’s Health Expo
Organised by
Organised by
You were created to shine
Phil Strong, Senior Leader, Zion
Te Awamutu is a community that offers a wide range of events and initiatives that draw people out of their homes to connect with each other, which I think is fantastic to see.
Te Awamutu Community Menz Shed
Te Awamutu Community Menz Shed
Saturday
business, or sport, or raising children, or writing, perhaps even brain surgery! When we flourish in the areas we have been given as passion or proficiency, we give honour to the One who created us that way.
day
July 27th
Te Awamutu
July 27th
Baptist Church, Teasdale St, Te Awamutu 9am to 1pm
You only have to drive past Te Awamutu Sports ground on a Saturday and see how many cars are parked on the roadside, indicating a horde of players and supporters on the field.
Local markets bloom with stalls and shoppers - hopefully more of the latter. And recently, I heard of a bottleneck of ramblers on the side of Mount Pirongia.
My wife and I recently enjoyed the latest show offered by Te Awamutu Light Operatic Society.
The 1981 movie, Chariots of Fire, gives us a wonderful example of this in Eric Liddell, the British runner competing in the 1924 Paris Olympics. In the movie he says, “I believe God made me for a purpose – but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
Programme:-
Programme:-
9:00 am Mix and mingle
9:00 am Mix and mingle
10:00 am Smoko and chat time
10:00 am Smoko and chat time
10:30 am Special guest - Steve Gordon, ex All Black & Waikato Rugby player
10:30 am Special guest - Steve Gordon, ex All Black & Waikato Rugby player
11:00 am Health groups’ presentations
11:00 am Health groups’ presentations
12 noon Gold coin donation sausage sizzle
12 noon Gold coin donation sausage sizzle
Participating Health Groups :-
Participating Health Groups :-
Dementia & Alzheimer’s; Heart & Stroke Foundation; Prostate New Zealand; Diabetes New Zealand; Mental Health; Menz Sheds.
Dementia & Alzheimer’s; Heart & Stroke Foundation; Prostate New Zealand; Diabetes New Zealand; Mental Health; Menz Sheds.
The cast and crew presented an ‘original production’ with Mavis and Molly leading the audience and cast through a madcap Mediterranean musical. It was a lively, entertaining script with many genres of music and dance.
We watched a friend in the cast embrace his role with vigour, enthusiasm and competence.
I remarked to my wife how I could see he was really enjoying himself and sent him a text of encouragement and thanks the following morning.
It was delightful to see the entire crew thriving in their passion while offering their talent for the benefit of others.
God’s word reminds us that we are created by God and prepared for unique works as masterpieces of design.
You are unique and carefully crafted for your talent to be displayed to the world; whether that be in song and dance, or
Hamilton Gardens changes coming soon
Hamilton Gardens will introduce paid entry to its Enclosed Gardens on 18 September 2024.
The Enclosed Gardens are 18 award-winning themed gardens. Visitor-favourites include the Indian Charbagh Garden, Surrealist Garden, Ancient Egyptian Garden, Chinese Scholars’ Garden, and the Italian Renaissance Garden.
$20 single admission
$50 annual pass
Cardholders, including SuperGold, will receive a 10% discount on their entry fee.
I’ve recently been personally challenged in this area while reviewing life priorities; past, present and future.
While pursuing personal success is an attractive ambition held by many of us, imagine how it would feel to climb to the top of the ladder of success only to discover it’s leaning against the wrong wall.
One writer in the Bible, Paul of Tarsus, adds to the challenge of my consideration with his personal revelation that all position, privilege, prize or power is worthless when compared to the richness of knowing Jesus Christ as friend and Saviour.
He uses strong language, saying he considers all else “dung,” save for this one critical thing.
We should celebrate each other and the gift we are created to be to the world. We should shine with all our talent and zeal. But we should not forget to turn amidst the praise to give all credit to the designer who creates us to shine.
If you live or pay rates in Hamilton, you can continue to explore the Enclosed Gardens for free with a validated MyGardens pass (proof of address required). All under 16s can explore for free.
There’s still so much to see and do without a pass. Outer areas of the Gardens (not part of the Enclosed Gardens) can be visited by anyone without a pass. Everyone, no matter where you live, can continue explore the bush walks, spot fish in Turtle Lake by the waterfall, walk through the rhododendrons, enjoy a picnic amongst the roses, visit the cafe, and play on the playground.
hamilton.govt.nz/mygardens
Artists on show
The work of several artists utilising Waipā disability services feature in the IHC Art Awards exhibition at Webb’s Auction House in Wellington and in an online gallery.
The IHC Art Awards provide artists with an intellectual disability the opportunity to have their talent recognised, their voices heard and to sell their work.
Auckland’s Amy Hall won the awards and a $5000 prize with her needlework self-portrait Love Cats. Hamilton’s Cherie Mellsopp, who won in 2009, was third with her work Veil of Gold.
Voting for the L’affare People’s Choice Award closes on Sunday. Work in the exhibition includes pieces entered by Waipā artists Kathleen Bayer, Ben Bayer, Stevi Taylor, Cameron Viles, Peter Crawford, Ian Cotterell, Caitlin Thomas, Paul Morriss, Willy Bardoul, Julie Tate, Karma Grieveson Pask, Andrea Meddings and Pauline Bueno.
• More photos cambridgenews.nz
Waipā move a good idea
By Mary Anne Gill
When David Huxtable peered into the window of an Alpha Street building in Cambridge back in March, he had an inkling his two-year search was over.
The Waikato-King Country Idea Services area manager’s team had been sharing office facilities in Hamilton but they had outgrown them and the search until then had produced nothing suitable.
Huxtable, who lives in Cambridge, has been working for Idea Services – part of the IHC Group of Charities – for 30 years.
For his first decade Idea Services had a base in Cambridge – in Queen Street and then in Dick Street – but 20 years ago moved into Hamilton.
Idea Services supports adults of all ages with intellectual disabilities to live independently and be part of their local communities.
This includes residential care, supported living and vocational support.
They have four residential homes in Cambridge, two in Te Awamutu, three in Te Kūiti and Ōtorohanga and three in Taumarunui as well as a rural block in Ōhaupō for people with high and
complex needs.
“We’ve got a massive green house there that we want to open up more for gardening opportunities.”
The Tarr Road property – off Kaipaki Road near Mystery Creek Polo Club – has three houses called Cottage, Farmhouse and Flat with around the clock care workers for up to 10 people who require support.
They grow vegetables, have chickens and fruit trees which provide an abundance of food.
A recent review resulted in two Idea Services areas becoming amalgamated into Waikato-King Country which takes in Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Ōtorohanga, Te Kūiti, Taumarunui, Thames, Paeroa and Waihi.
The service area supports 264 people.
Cambridge was tagged for the headquarters provided Huxtable could find something big enough, easily accessible, central to town and close to public transport.
The concrete block space next to Anytime Fitness and opposite Briscoes was perfect.
Two days later, Huxtable had signed a tenancy agreement with landlord Andrew Minett who agreed to fit out the shell
for the disability services organisation.
It was opened on Monday by deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk and included a performance by Idea Services kapa haka group Te Roopu o Hauraki me Te Rohe Potae which is preparing for the kapa haka nationals in November.
“It’s now time to get this place going, get the team happy and make it a place to come and work from and families can come too,” said Huxtable.
“It’s been a long time but we’re back in Cambridge.”
There will be the chance to have more open forums, meeting space in the building is perfect for family meetings and for sharing resources with other like-minded organisations.
“Why invent something people have already got?”
Artwork hanging on the wall has been completed by people Idea Services support – some of the artists have been prize winners in the annual
IHC art awards - and is for sale.
The public is welcome to “wander in, have a look,” said Huxtable.
Community relationships already exist with groups like InterlockNZ Trust – which connects people through crafts, woodwork, cooking and social activities – and Hautapu Sports who give the kapa haka group somewhere to practice.
• More photos teawamutunews.nz
Kim Colquhoun of Te Awamutu helps area manager David Huxtable put client artwork up in Idea Services new Cambridge office. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
An idea to flag
Initially I was going to write about anthems – or to be more focussed, anthems declared by countries as national. National anthems are written and ‘performed’ as either (Collins) ‘rousing or uplifting songs identified with a particular group or causesometimes national’ and/or ‘a musical setting of a religious text during a church service’.
AGE OF REASON
By Peter Carr
when more than one language is used as here in New Zealand (still the official name despite TV1) and also in South Africa. Further, New Zealand has two ‘official’ national anthems – as does Denmark. God Save the King remains as the other anthem officially in vogue. And there may well be others. But putting aside multi-lingual demands what does our current national song do for national pride? Further does the Maōri version directly reflect the meaning and ethos of the English version?
What brings me to this subject today was the weekend TV sharing, with a group of about 20 others, the screeching warbling of a lady in San Diego attempting to, almost successfully, murder the New Zealand national song. We cringed as she drew the rendition out to well over 120 per cent of its normal timed length noting, also, with the camera closeups that the majority of the All Blacks were not mouthing the words (in either language).
Now place this shambolic spectacle alongside groups of Americans, French, Argentinian and even Australians when their anthems are used for kick-starters at sporting and other group events. Stirring, patriotic, tear-jerking (certainly the French), meaningful, understandable and presenting an aura and perception of total national pride.
Now this especially comes to a peak
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Go into a classroom of five-year-old children at a school in the United States where a clean and non-tatty national flag flies proudly outside.
These wee children can all stand proudly, hands on hearts, pounding out their national anthem. Incidentally while the words of the American anthem were written by an American lawyer the stirring music originated in England – something that the Americans would rather not mention. That aside they are extremely patriotic.
Likewise, the stirring words (and music) heard in France centre very much on national pride although the translation to English is a bit bloodcurdling. Reference to the blood of one’s enemies ‘watering our furrows’ is
ON SHAKY GROUND
possibly only apt at Stadium France in Paris when the boys in blue face the All Blacks. That said the pre-match throat slashing gesture at the end of the current pre-match haka leave something to be desired. Certainly ‘up there’ with the furrow watering rendition. So back to the beginning. The administrators of New Zealand Rugby either have a blinkered approach to falsetto-range warbling and desecration of the national anthem - or perhaps they do not care.
Do they vet the well-meaning singers who are experiencing their moment of individual glory? A return to a strong male voice (sorry ladies) has far more chance of bringing the All Blacks and the crowd on board. A former (now deceased) Mayor of Dunedin was a splendid leader of a desired rendition of the anthem, and one could well think that the whole of that fine city were in the crowd with the deafening support of the lead singer.
If we are going to experience national pride perhaps the start point should be in the primary schools. Starting with the flag could be an apt action.
Communities and volcanoes
By Janine Krippner
Much of my work in volcanology is around the intersection of communities and volcanoes.
I have been spending a couple of weeks here in Tenerife leading a group of university students through an exercise that is teaching them how to begin to prepare a town for the possibility of future eruptions. We know that there will be eruptions, we don’t know where, when, or how big. There is no list of steps to take to prepare a community for an event or disaster because the community itself is such a critical part of the equation.
I don’t believe scientists should just waltz on into a town and tell people what to do. The first step is listening and understanding who the people are and what their needs are. There is so much we can do to empower our communities to be prepared for the events that might impact us, and to know how to act instead of waiting around for help. This isn’t just applicable to volcanoes or natural hazards.
The town we picked is close to where we are staying and is high up on the side
of the island, surrounded by scoria cones and old lava flows. Some of the questions the students have been asking are about trust and where people get their information from. Who are the trusted community members who can help us to understand the community’s needs and to also help get the right information to their people? This also changes within the community with aspects like age. Would you turn straight to social media for information if a crisis hit, would you turn on the television, or would you turn to friends, family, and neighbours?
Science is most impactful when it goes hand in hand with our everyday lives and considers the diversity, challenges, interests, and cultural aspects of who we are as a group of people living in an area. If, for some reason, we had to evacuate our town (like for a large fire), we would need to know who would need help. Who doesn’t have a car? Who has health issues or disabilities that would require assistance? Where are our elderly care facilities? Would our children be in school with parents working somewhere
else like Hamilton? There would be so many moving parts and we, as a community, would need to do our best to not leave people behind.
Would you know what to take with you? I have encouraged you to have a list somewhere of the things that are important for you to take if you needed to leave quickly, having heard stories of how you can’t think straight about this during a crisis. Having a go bag, something you can grab with some essential supplies, is a great idea. Having cash in case we have a power cut (or a global IT crisis) is a good idea for buying things like food or petrol. Knowing that many in our towns can’t afford to have cash and spare food on hand is also important.
The complexities of humans (and our animals) living on an active planet are endless. It’s good to remember that at the end of the day we are in this together. If disaster strikes, your neighbours could be your first responders.
Discover our charming one- and two-bedroom cottages at Cambridge Resthaven, where you can enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere in the heart of our retirement village. These classic brick cottages, built in the 1970s and 1980s, are available to occupy under an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) basis, starting from $360,000. There is 50/50 shared capital gain benefit if the ORA value has increased when you leave.
Contact: Sandra Fairhurst 07 827 6097
Bridges, books and graves
The driving of the first pile of the new ferroconcrete bridge over the Mangaohoi Stream at Te Awamutu was an occasion of ceremony.
The chairman of the County Council was unfortunately not present, but Mr Teasdale, the member for the Rangiaowhia Riding, was in attendance on behalf of the council. Mr Teasdale said Te Awamutu was to have the first ferro-
concrete bridge in the district, and was to be congratulated on this progressive step. He was pleased to see that at this junction of five roads a bridge which would stand and meet requirements for very many years. The striking of the first blow of the pile-driver by Mr Teasdale was followed by cheers for the council and contractors.
The Rev F W Clarke,
coming from Pirongia, had the misfortune to lose his bag containing his robes which were of considerable value to him, and with the exception of the bag, were useless to anyone else. When the loss was discovered, he drove all the way back to Pirongia, but failed to discover any trace of the missing articles, and he heard no more tidings of them. The bag was
stamped on the side with the gilt letters F W C.
A social and dance in aid of funds for the public library took place in the Te Rore schoolroom. The building was well filled with an audience that came from all the surrounding districts. At the conclusion of the programme the chairman said he had a very pleasant task to perform, that of making a presentation to Miss J J Brooks on the occasion of her resigning her position as schoolmistress.
He spoke of the good work done by Miss Brooks during her stay in the district, and said she had always been a ready and enthusiastic helper in all social matters, acting as accompanist at nearly all the social functions, besides taking an active part herself in these gatherings. Her amiable disposition had endeared her to everyone. Mr McKinnon also spoke of the readiness of Miss Brooks to assist in anything she was called upon; in fact he added she was always the ‘busy bee.’ The presentation
A Snip in Time
consisted of a very handsome electroplated tea and coffee service. The school children presented Miss Brooks with a case containing half a dozen teaspoons and sugar tongs. Refreshments were then partaken of, and the room cleared for dancing.
A visitor from Auckland heard much of the healthy climate of Te Awamutu and its grand and central position for a fine district. He decided to spy out the land, and found the realisation beyond the promise. But when he visited the graveyard he was sad to see that such neglected spot should be permitted in a township with such evident of prosperity. The paths were over-run with weeds and the rest with bramble and many of the graves were in need of repair.
Ring return for Masson
Brisbane based Te Awamutu cruiser weight boxer Floyd Masson will launch his comeback next month against a fellow kiwi. Masson lost his IBO cruiserweight title when he was stopped in six rounds by Belgian Yves Ngabu last September and returns on August 17 to face Auckland born Joshua Francis in Mansfield, Brisbane.
Boxing scribe Benjamin Watt indicated the brutality of the Ngabu fight when reporting southpaw Masson – handicapped by an awful cut over his right eye - had been “recovering after having such a tough fight, and surgically repairing injuries he sustained”.
“The New Zealand Cruiserweight division has become one of the hottest divisions in sport currently. We can see this with the rise of David Nyika, John Parker’s first attempt at a major regional title, Joshua Francis getting fights in Australia, and now the return of Floyd Masson,” Watt said.
Parker – brother of heavyweight Joseph Parker – has signed to fight unbeaten Fijian Alivereti Kauyaca in Hamilton in September. Francis was in former heavyweight Shane Cameron’s stable before suffering his second loss to London born New Zealand based Jerome Pampellone, whose own perfect record ended in April.
He is now working with Terry ReidBatchelor and in May won on all the judges’ cards in beating the highly rated Benjamin Kelleher.
Francis’ record is 15 wins and two defeats, Masson’s is 13 and one.
“This is a very tough fight for both boxers as they have similar boxing styles, heavy punchers and strong chins that are hard to knockdown let alone stop,” Watt said.
The pile-driving ceremony on first ferro-concrete bridge in Te Awamutu County.
Te Awamutu AUTO DIRECTORY
Come down and meet the HTSL Diesel Mechanical team – your local diesel technicians based in Te Awamutu and Otorohanga, with a larger service network operating through Morrinsville and the Bay of Plenty! We’re a reliable and friendly bunch with a huge amount of experience in our HTSL team and across our wider IGP Group, made up of BLM Engineering in Morrinsville and Central Diesel Services in Tauranga, Rotorua and Hinuera.
Providing repair, maintenance and general servicing, parts and procurement of all things heavy diesel, motor rebuilds/replacement, brakes, engineering services, Certificate of Fitness (CoF) lanes and 24/7 call out services.
Proudly locally owned and operated for 21 years. You can trust us to get the job done. Lets get to work.
• Pre vehicle inspections (PVA), COF inspections
• Maintenance and regular servicing intervals
• Diagnostics for engines, transmission, drive train, braking and electrical components
Spam, 4. Parish, 8. Prowler, 9. Slave, 10. Echo, 11. Fearless, 13. Treatment, 17. Ambition, 19. Diva, 21. Mince, 22. Idolise, 23. Corset, 24.
Prophet, 3. Melt, 4. Perfectionist, 5. Reserved, 6. Shake, 7. Heist,
Peek, 12. Restless, 14. Trinity, 15. Balmy, 16. Bare, 18. Banjo,
Posy.
NOTICE OF
Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Ruapuha Uekaha Hapū Trust will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Te Korapatu Marae, 102 Hangatiki East Rd, RD6, Te Kuiti starting at 10am. Registrations and special voting for the trustee election will take place from 9a..
PUT YOUR HAND UP
TU TO RINGA
Volunteer for Citizens Advice Bureau Tuao mai mo Nga Pou Whakawhirinaki
Want to make a difference to people’s lives?
Pop in and see us in the Ray White Arcade, 2/213 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu or call us on 07 871 4111
or call 0800 FOR CAB (0800 367 222)
In the event of a tangi at Te Korapatu Marae, an alternative venue will be
and
on the
Waip-a District Council will consider an application to close the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic, to enable Targa NZ to run the Targa New Zealand Motorsport Event 2024.
Saturday 26 October 2024 between 12:35pm and 4:35pm
• Mangare Road – Between Rotongata Road and Waipa District Boundary Road affected by closure: Landing Road
Saturday 26 October 2024 between 12:15pm and 4:15pm
• Aotearoa Road from its intersection with Waipapa Road to the Waipa District Boundary
Sunday 27 October 2024 between 09:25am and 5:10pm
• Waterworks Road – from its intersection with Chepmell to Te Miro Rd.
• Te Miro Road – from its intersection with Waterworks Rd to its intersection with Flume and Aspin Roads
• Aspin Road – from its intersection with Te Miro and Flume Roads to its intersection with Fencourt Road. Roads affected by closure: Flume, Gray, Harbutt and Maungakawa Roads.
Sunday 27 October 2024 between 10:25am and 6:10pm•
• Maungakawa Road – from its intersection with Fencourt to Te Miro Road
• Te Miro Road – from its intersection with Maungakawa Road to its intersection with Brunskill Road
• Brunskill Road – from its intersection with Te Miro Road to its intersection with French Pass Road.
• French Pass Road – from its intersection with Brunskill Road to its intersection with Maungakawa and Thornton Roads.
Roads affected by closure: Gudex, Oliver, Baker, Lovells and Smart Roads.
The application will be considered under the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974.
Arrangements will be made for access by emergency vehicles during the closure, if required.
Any objections to the proposal must be lodged with Waip-a District Council, in writing, to events@waipadc.govt.nz, before 4.00pm on Friday, 9th August 2024. Please include the nature of the objection and the grounds for it.
See the Privacy Statement on the Council’s website for further information.
For more information, please contact Waip-a District Council on 0800 924 723.
Garry Dyet CHIEF EXECUTIVE
