King Country
Beware of con artists
They knock on your door with special deals – or call you up posing as your caring bank.
And many of the con artists then make a killing.
Waitomo police are investigating cases of a $48,000 bank fraud – and following up reports that sellers who have been deceiving customers from Kaitaia to Masterton have been operating on their patch.
And they are repeating warning to residents not to be sucked in.
In the fraud case a woman police described as elderly found $48,000 had been removed from her account after a 24-minute conversation with a person she thought was a BNZ employee.
The call was made out of hours – not long before 6pm on August 1 – and the caller conned the woman into sharing details about her accounts and the devices connected to them.
The con artist sent her text messages which convinced her the caller was legitimate.
Ōtorohanga police sergeant Jimmie Walker offered clear instructions to readers of The News.
“Please, never engage with anyone who calls you claiming to be from your bank and trying to speak to you about one of your accounts – we would recommend that you do not respond to them in any way – just hang up.”
The next step would be to call your own bank on its publicly available phone number to discuss the issue, he said.
“This helps to reduce the risk of somebody defrauding your bank account,” Walker said.
Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly last month published a letter in which he called on the banking industry to introduce a confirmation of payee system to check banks account names and numbers match before allowing electronic transactions to proceed. He said he was aware the New Zealand Banking Association was seeking to implement such a system.
Online scams and fraud costs New Zealanders almost $200 million in 2023.
Sergeant Walker was also aware of the second issue being dealt with involving people offering portable generators. A van they used was followed by a homeowner into Ōtorohanga.
Walker said there was a similar incident on July 15 and over the past 14 months 25 reports of electronic equipment being offered for sale had been made between Kaitaia and Masterton.
“A man associated with the van has been documented in the past allegedly selling electronic equipment for grossly inflated pricing,” Walker said.
“Police would caution anyone who has contact with the van and occupants to be wary about dealing with them or purchasing items from them. If they are approached, please consider calling Police on 105 to report it.”
Helping with our medal haul
King Country and Waipā athletes had a hand in many of the nine medals picked up by New Zealand at the Olympics in France as this edition went to press.
And for rowing sisters Jackie Gowler and Kerri Williams – whose parents Brent and Diane manage a coastal block west of Waitomo - it’s been a case of successive games medals.
Gowler, 28, and Williams, 30, with Canterbury pair Phoebe Spoors and Davina Waddy, won bronze in the women’s four to go with the silver they picked up as part of the women’s eight skiff at the Tokyo games three years ago.
The Raetihi born sisters’ rowing careers spans three Olympic games - Kerri rowed with the New Zealand
women’s eight at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 and at Tokyo in 2020 she teamed up with Grace Prendergast to win gold in the women’s coxless pair in record time.
Cambridge and Te Awamutu have also celebrated medal wins
Cambridge-based rowers Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors won the women’s double sculls at Vaires-surMarne Nautical Stadium last Thursday and two days later Emma Twigg picked up silver in the single sculls.
Then on Tuesday, Cambridge’s Ellesse Andrews, Rebecca Petch from Te Awamutu and Tauranga born Shaane Fulton made up the women’s cycling sprint team which picked up silver in the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome in Paris.
This van has been linked to sellers cold calling people to offer electrical equipment.
Kerri Williams
Jackie Gowler
6 Progress Dr, Ōtorohanga
• 07 873 4114 nidispatch@bulklines.co.nz
Daffs: Real thing needed
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YOUR LETTERS
Sing out
After reading your article (Sing along, no move along, The News August 1) I need to respond.
Here we have some middle to older age Christians coming to town at their cost with their own equipment and their God given talents. Their desire to share the good news of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ which consists of love, hope, reconciliation, charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and forgiveness.
So what does Te Kūiti do? They apply the letter of the law and usher them out of town. In a town that has family violence, ram raids, drug addiction and many other activities you would think some good news would be welcome, but no. Thank you Taumarunui and the rest of New Zealand over the last several years welcoming these folks. If a permit is good enough for the
Waikato, it’s good enough for me.
Peter Demchey
Piopio
Love wins
I’ve been reading the Waitomo/King Country News for around 18 years. I’m often discouraged by some of the things reported that go on in our community, but I was so happy to read of the call to pray and the Bible verse printed. When I was 10 years old my parents “humbled themselves, prayed to God, and turned from their wicked ways” and the Bible became the guidebook for our family. Their lives had been a mess and when God came into our family so did love. God is love and true love came into our house. Thirtyfour years later this love, true love, is still there. The Bible is still read and followed. They are still married and have 11 children. (Abridged)
Rebecca Lowry Mokau
Sigrid Christiansen
For the second year running, the Cancer Society has told Te Kūiti Daffodil Day organisers it can’t supply fresh flowers. They’re hoping the community can donate them instead.
“It wouldn’t be the same otherwise,” said project leader, ANZ Te Kūiti rural banker Maree Tregoweth. “There’s nothing nicer than having fresh daffodils for the day.”
Due to the changing seasons, it’s becoming difficult for the Cancer Society to get enough of the yellow flowers. Plus, “it is a huge cost, as the society has to purchase them.”
In 2023, a dozen ANZ staff found themselves visiting four nearby farms, belonging to the Duder, Albrechtsen, Verry and Spencer families – frantically harvesting daffodils and putting them in buckets of water before the big day. In the end, over $6,600 was raised in Te Kūiti.
This year, Daffodil Day is going ahead whatever happens.
On August 30, there will be a cake stall with raffles and produce at the alcove on Rora St near Paper Plus. Lamb Bain Laubscher solicitors, The Warehouse and New World are to have street appeal stalls.
Ahead of time, “all donations of cakes and produce will be gratefully accepted,” Maree said.
Daffodil Day is one of New Zealand’s biggest national appeals: but money raised here, stays here, she says.
“The funds will be allocated to our local Cancer Society to help people in our community who are affected by cancer.”
Assistance includes travel for appointments, support groups, plus accommodation, meals and the hospital shuttle at the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge in Hamilton.
Tregoweth, who has worked for ANZ for 35 years, said cancer was a cause close to her heart – and therefore, a “no brainer” to get involved.
“Unfortunately, we all know people that have struggled with cancer; some survivors and some not so fortunate,” Maree said.
That’s why she put her hand up for the role – she wanted to do something that would really make a difference.
In Piopio, there is a new Daffodil Day coordinator – Paddy Coffin, mum of former Silver Fern Jenny-May Clarkson, who was born in Te Kūiti.
Backing Rural and Provincial New Zealand
Inglewood Office 80 Rata St, PO Box 124, Inglewood 06 756 6032 • Kuriger.Inglewood@parliament.govt.nz
Te Awamutu Office 196 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu 07 870 1005 • Kuriger.Teawamutu@parliament.govt.nz
King Country Virtual Office 021 815 017 Kuriger.Kingcountry@parliament.govt.nz
These fake flowers are eye catching, but Maree Tregoweth hopes the community can supply real blooms in time for Daffodil Day on August 30. Photo: Sigrid Christiansen
Predator in Mangaotaki
By Andy Campbell
The latest version of the Predator movie franchise was filming last week at the former Lord of the Rings location Hairy Feet near Piopio.
Everyone contacted by The News is sworn to secrecy including the Te Kūiti marae and Hairy Feet on Mangaotaki Rd… and a request to 20th Century entertainment/Disney went unanswered.
In Te Kūiti the sign something was up was the pā’s jammed-full carpark on the Wednesday.
Trucks and more trucks crowded the space opposite the railway station, with generators and thick power supply cables connecting some of them.
There was prior notice from the pa advising a marquee at the carpark would be used to store equipment for Disney while the entertainment corporation was filming in the rohe.
The new Predator is unofficially named ‘The Badlands’ and is directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the filmmaker who revamped the franchise with the 20th Century
and Hulu feature Prey. It was set in 1719 and starred Amber Midthunder as a young Comanche woman pitted against an alien hunter. The film was a critical success and broke viewing records for the Hulu streaming plaform.
Trachtenberg reteamed with Prey scribe Patrick Aison for the Badlands story, with Aison penning the script.
The Badlands also has a female lead, actress Elle Fanning, who was spotted in Ponsonby Road last week according to a Redditor.
Fanning earned an Emmy nomination and three Golden Globe nominations for her work in The Great, which ended last year after three seasons.
She is known for starring in a pair of Maleficent features for Disney, as well as J.J. Abrams 2011 movie Super 8.
Predator originated with the 1987 movie starring Schwarzenegger. It was followed by the Danny Glover starrer Predator 2, the 2010 ensemble The Predator and 2018’s Predators. There have also been multiple crossover movies pitting the Predator against the antagonists
of the Alien franchise.
Fanning is apparently a fan of the franchise.
Hollywood commentators say
that while Prey debuted directly on Hulu, its distributor Fox has lately been releasing its genre films in theaters. Films like The First
Slippery road strikes again
The accident-prone section of Ngutunui Rd, near Puketotara, has claimed another victim.
A utility vehicle travelling within the area of the road’s temporary 50 km/h speed limit last week was forced off the road by an oncoming truck which had lost traction. The ute went off the road and hit a grass bank, but its driver was uninjured.
The temporary speed limit has been placed on a 1.5 km section of road where the seal is worn out. Ōtorohanga District Council says it must wait for improved weather before repairs can start.
A series of crashes have been reported there in recent weeks, prompting residents to issue a plea last month through The News to drivers to slow down.
The 1.5km stretch of road is near Ngutunui School and extensively signposted with 50km/h signs.
Sergeant Warren Shaw, of the Te Awamutu Police, underlined the condition of the road when he told The News some sections were so worn it could be hard to stand upright in wet weather.
But he said if people obeyed the 50 km/h speed limit there would probably be no issue.
Omen, The Boogeyman and Alien Romulus. Now with an established star, it’s possible Badlands will be a theatrical release.
Japan exchange planned
Plans have been announced to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Waitomo’s sister city relationship with Japanese city Tatsuno, through the xchange programme.
Year six and seven students are being invited to an information session about the plans at the Lyceum Club on Hinerangi St, Te Kūiti, on Friday next week.
The sister city relationship was borne out of a meeting between two former fighter pilots who met at a World War II reunion. One was former Waitomo mayor Les Munro.
Tatsuno is a densely populated city of about 75,000 people about 100km west of Osaka. When the two pilots met, they realised that despite the differences in size, the communities had things in common – notably fireflies and glow worms.
A Tatsuno delegation came to Waitomo in 1993 which led to a 1995 agreement signed at Te Kūiti Pā.
In March last year six Japanese students and a teacher spent a week in Waitomo – the first post-Covid sister city visit.
The movie makers were in town last week.
Speed limit signs are clear on the hazardous stretch of Ngutunui Rd.
Kirton’s petition to stop the rot
By Paul Charman
The petition to save the Chateau Tongariro Hotel has gained more than 8000 signatures – and there are still four weeks to go.
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton launched the petition last month to urge government to take more interest in the 95-year-old building that was closed more than two years ago. At the end of the month he plans to present it to Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.
“What we want for the Government is a roadmap on how to resolve all this. The first thing to stop is deterioration, which is urgent because the roof is leaking.”
He also hopes the Government can help to resolve the ongoing legal dispute between owners, the Department of Conservation, and the previous owners, KAH International. It is understood it relates to maintenance work.
From there, Kirton hopes the Government will be spurred into action to smooth the way
for a new investor to be granted a concession to run the Chateau.
“Iwi must be part of this. I’d like to think we have iwi on our side in dealing with some of the outstanding issues that they might have. I think they will be significant stakeholders with any plan that goes forward.
“We have had meetings with local iwi and we want to keep that process going, rather than trying to keep them outside the tent.
“This is not a call out for the Government to take the Chateau on and pay for everything; its a matter of the Government, as the owner, finding a suitable investor to grant the concessions to run the business.”
Kirton concedes such an investor will need deep pockets to remedy earthquake strengthening and upgrade the facilities to return the venue to high-end use.
“I know one investor who has both the wherewithal and the interest in heritage buildings and DOC has a list of people interested in it.
“Though I am no expert in these matters, I would think the amount of expenditure required would mean the lease period offered to such an investor would have to be substantial. It’s probably going to have to be more like 30, 60 or 100 years.
“But iwi are key in all this; they will have to be happy with the arrangement long-term. They may become partial owners, or it could well be that they lease it, or get concessions for it.
“The main thing is that we get the hotel reinstated and providing top-end accommodation again just as soon as possible.
“And let’s not forget that there are other buildings there - staff accommodation and utility buildings which come with it. These is quite a village up there around the Chateau.”
Kirton regards the hotel, which in better days employed 70 staff and generated $10 millon a year for the Central North Island economy, as a national treasure.
DOC responds to our questions
The King Country News has received answers to the following questions put to DOC.
Has the legal dispute between KAH International and the Department of Conservation, which followed the closure of the Chateau on Feb 5, 2023, now been resolved?
The end of lease matters with KAH are ongoing.
Is the building weathertight?
On transfer of the Chateau Tongariro to DOC in March 2023, several weathertight issues were identified therefore the building is not weathertight.
Is DOC confident that the Chateau building is not deteriorating- and regarding the furnishing and artworks in the building, as it has been shut up for more than two years now, are these being kept in good condition? DOC is operating and maintaining the Chateau Tongariro to ensure a level of security and compliance and to prevent further deterioration where possible. These efforts, however, do not prevent all deterioration risks including to the chattels that remain in the buildings which are owned by KAH.
Is the plan to sell or lease the Chateau and can you offer any hope to offer the Chateau can run as a hotel again?
The future of the Chateau Tongariro is not confirmed nor have all the options yet been fully investigated. DOC is currently developing an expression of interest process to determine whether there is market interest in re-leasing the Chateau Tongariro. If it is to lease the building – what duration are we talking 30, 50, 100 years?
No decision on the duration of any lease has been determined. The duration of any lease would be determined as part of any concession application if re-leasing the Chateau Tongariro is confirmed. What interest has been shown in it by investors. DOC has not received any proposals for investment in the Chateau Tongariro as the expression of interest process has not yet been finalised.
Is it true DOC spends $2 million a year on maintaining the Chateau.
DOC is incurring an estimated $2.2m per annum on operating and maintaining the Chateau.
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The Chateau Tongariro Hotel was mothballed in February 2023.
Door opens for Waitomo Māori wards referendum
The Government move to force council to go to voters decision to review their decision to introduce Māori wards could work in reverse in Waitomo.
When the council made a decision in 2023 not to introduce Māori wards, it was anticipated the matter would not require a review for six years.
But a provision under the bill before the house will restore electors’ right to force a referendum if more than five percent of voters call for it.
The bill will require councils which introduced Māori wards without a referendum to hold a binding poll alongside the 2025 local body elections.
So voters on Māori rolls could be asked to vote for a candidate – then vote whether they want to keep the ward.
“The new bill reinstates the ability for five per cent of electors to initiate a referendum on Māori wards, which would mean that a referendum could be demanded in Waitomo which would require this decision to be revisited,” the council’s strategy and environment general manager Alex Bell said.
Waitomo District Council decided in October 2023 to work with mana whenua through its Te Raangai Whakakaupapa Koorero committee to develop a model of representation that enhanced relationships between Council and mana whenua and provide a platform to discuss and advance issues of interest to Māori.
The council also decided in October to
not introduce Māori wards for the 2025 and 2028 Local Government Elections.
A number of Waikato councils introduced new Māori wards ahead of the last local body elections – including Waitomo’s near neighbour Waipā.
Maori wards were also discussed earlier in the meeting and Waitomo councillors voted against a Māori wards remit for the Local Government NZ national conference.
The remit was that LGNZ lobby central government to ensure Māori wards and constituencies were treated the same as all other wards in that they should not be subject to a referendum.
The council’s conference delegate Janette Osborne said it warranted discussion regardless of the Waitomo decision “which we made on the basis of what we heard and felt was right for our own area… this is more of a nationwide issue”.
Acting mayor Allan Goddard said if the remit got through the message to LGNZ was to spend more time on the issue.
“There’s a lot of issues that LGNZ should be concentrating on, for example funding alternatives for councils which I see is a heck of a lot more important than spending time with this, which is already a bit late.”
Waitomo District Council began a month-long public consultation process on its representation review last Thursday August 1.
Two of the three legal requirements in the review have been completed – a consideration of the voting method, and Māori representation.
The council is now required to make decisions about the structure of the council, whether ratepayers vote for wards or councillors at large and community boards.
This includes the number of councillors to be elected from each ward; whether councillors are elected from wards or ‘at large’, or a mix of both; and whether there should be community boards.
Waitomo District is made up of distinct, geographical communities. The review could consider whether these communities like Piopio, Waitomo, Maniaiti/Benneydale areas) would be better served by specific representation. This could be by introducing community boards or dividing the existing three-member rural ward into three unique wards.
To ensure fair representation, the average resident population of each ward to elected member ratio can be no more or less than 10% different from the total district population divided by the number of members.
This means for Waitomo District’s population of 9,720, each of the 6 councillors must represent between 1458 and 1782 people.
At a workshop discussion on June 4, councillors indicated a preference for remaining with the status quo, Bell said.
Planting project celebrated
By Sigrid Christiansen
Mountain bikers and walkers in Te Kūiti have something new to enjoy in Brook Park.
The Brook park committee have replanted a pond alongside the recreation area’sexisting tracke.
Senior Te Kūiti High School students have lent their strength to the project, helping plant around a pre-existing pond with 300 native seedlings.
“There were five students. They made a very positive contribution, and we all enjoyed having them there,” said Brook Park committee member Elly Kroef.
The work involved about 04ha of land, and will contribute to biodiversity and prevent erosion, she said.
The pond was created by Colin Brook, who had been to Italy and saw how reticulated pond systems supported agriculture there. He later replicated what he had learned at Brook Park.
The area has now been dedicated to the memory of conservationists Arthur and Pat Cowan who planted thousands of trees in the North Island.
Arthur died in 2014, aged 98, and Pat in 2016, aged 86.
The couple farmed at Rewarewa, Ōtorohanga, until the late 1970s and later lived in the Rangitoto area.
The Te Kūiti High School senior students (right) together with members of the Brook Park Committee.
A ranger on the maunga
By Chris Gardner
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
ranger Warwick Prewer has joined the at-risk species he’s been protecting for years.
Warwick is one of eight rangers whose job it is to protect the many endangered species living within the world’s largest predator proof enclosure on Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.
“My job comes to an end at the end of July,” he tells me as we drive out for a day on the mountain.
“It’ll finish when DOC’s Jobs 4 Nature fund dries up, but Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust has managed to find funding for two more months.”
The Department of Conservation, Waipā District Council and Waikato Regional Council clubbed together about 20 years ago to provide baseline funding for what became a world leading ecological project.
But its future is now precarious after DOC changed its funding model and withdrew baseline funding. DOC has continued to support the project with targeted funding allocated to specific projects, like Jobs 4 Nature.
I meet Warwick and a fellow ranger at the Southern Enclosure.
“I’ve seen you before,” he quips. Last time I visited the project Warwick shared his map showing the location of a kiwi sign.
We drive 20ish km around the mountain towards the Northern Enclosure before boarding a light utility vehicle for the last 900 metre farm track ride to the fence.
It’s a cold day, and we’re layered up with thermal base layers, mid layer insulation, waterproof jackets, hats and gloves.
It’s also wet underfoot, sturdy boots are
essential, and Warwick is also wearing waterproof socks and gaiters.
“A week ago, two trail cameras saw what looked like different rats at different locations, one at 80A and the other at 67A” Warwick says.
The alpha numeric designations pinpoint locations on the mountain’s grid system.
Our mission, for the day, is to check DOC rat traps, tracking tunnels and bait stations every 50 metres within a designated section of the grid.
Our walk will take us along the inside of a section of the world’s longest predator proof fence. Every 100 metres we will bush bash our way 200 metres deep into thick and unspoiled bush.
On occasions we will cross waterways, ankle to knee deep, and check the water gates that let water flow off the mountain have not been lodged open by branches or other debris.
“We check the lines weekly,” he says. On occasion they find the odd rat.
“If there’s no detection after six weeks, we assume that the rat’s dead or climbed out of the enclosure.”
Warwick’s switched from securing rat trap door latches with nails to small nuts and bolts. Maungatautari’s fledgling population of three kākāpō had learned how to remove the nails.
Occasionally we find a tracking tunnel where the ink-soaked tracking card is missing, likely dragged into the bush by wildlife for the small dollop of peanut butter bait. So those cards need replacing.
“Just a little bit of peanut butter,” Warwick says.
“That’s the lure, and we don’t want to feed them too much.”
Police attended seven family harm incidents and one mental health callout.
July 30: Police stopped a vehicle outside the Ōtorohanga Police Station. The driver will be charged with failing to wear a seat belt and driving while suspended.
Overnight, between July 30 and 31, A car was stolen from a driveway on Te Kawa St. The vehicle was recovered on August 4 on Waitomo Village Rd.
July 31: At about 8.53am, in Ōtorohanga Rd, police stopped a car whose 31-year-old female driver had an outstanding warrant out for her arrest. She had also been driving while disqualified. At about 10.30am a woman was reported to have stolen tops with a combined value of $289, from a shop in Te Kanawa St.
August 1: Police stopped two vehicles in Maniapoto St and one vehicle in Ballance St and charged their drivers with drink driving offences.
Police attended on family harm incident.
Police attended one family harm/mental health incident.
Warwick also replaces the batteries in tracking cameras connected to motion detectors.
“We got $3000 worth of funding from Waipā District Council for seven of these cameras on internal lines as a way of reducing our tracking card waste,” he says. “We’ve got 38 around the fence line and 17 in the bush, and we probably want another 40.”
“They’ve been really successful, with 36 detections per 100 devices on trail cameras compared to about 10 detections per 100 tracking card devices.”
We stop around mid-day for a break, Warwick shares his coffee, I share the Tararua biscuits I made the night before.
Warwick’s been involved at Maungatautari for years, starting a decade ago as a volunteer. It was the perfect training ground for him to get some professional qualifications under his belt through the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors’ Association (NZOIA).
“When I was here 10 years ago, the mountain was so good for me in terms of training for Bush 1,” he says. NZOIA Bush 1 follows NZOIA Bush Leader with Overnight Endorsement.
“I could use a lot of my time identifying species, brushing up on navigation and all that. It was a formative time.”
He also achieved Kayak and Rock qualifications and worked at Castle Rock Adventures, Te Awamutu, and The Boatshed Kayaks, Cambridge.
“I’ve done some Duke of Edinburgh Award stuff in Auckland, contracting to whoever assessing at camps and schools.”
Warwick isn’t sure what he will do if funds dry up.
Police attended two family harm incidents.
July 30: At about 3pm a vehicle was seen at Te Kūiti and its driver recognised as having a suspended licence. He was located by police after parking in a driveway.
Overnight from July 30 to 31, thieves smashed a window and attempted to steal a car from an address on Rimu St. A steering lock bar is thought to have prevented the theft.
July 31: At about 2.16am on Carroll St police did traffic control while fire fighters put out a fire which destroyed the trailer unit of a NZ Post truck.
Between 2.30am and 6.30am a car was stolen from the driveway of a house in Anzac St. The vehicle is still missing. At about 11.49am police stopped a car on Te Kumi Rd and processed its female driver for drink driving.
A pedestrian was shaken but not seriously injured after being hit by a car on Rora St, near the NZ Post building on August 2. The pedestrian, who had been wearing headphones, crossed the road directly into the path of northbound vehicle at about 8.55am, Sergeant Jimmie Walker of the Ōtorohanga Police said.
At about the same time a car was reported to been seen driving along Rora St in a loud and aggressive manner. Several infringement notices were issued to the driver, including one for having no driver’s licence.
August 3: At about 8.30pm a vehicle was reported stolen from a driveway in Hill St. The vehicle was seen in the early hours of August 4 doing burnouts at several locations in Te Kūiti. The vehicle is still missing.
August 4: At about 2.30am a commercial address in Waitomo Village Rd was broken into and around $3000 of alcohol and cash tills were stolen.
CALL OUTS
August 2: At 9.35pm Piopio and Te Kūiti fire brigades were called to Vector Gas Building, at Māhoenui, after an automatic fire alarm was triggered. Fire fighters from both brigades made an extensive inspection of the site but no cause could be established.
August 5: At 11.39am the Te Kūiti brigade was called to a small fire at the William St Landfill. The fire was centred in the pit area where the rubbish is dumped. A high pressure deliver yhose was used to put the fire out, but once again the cause was unknown.
The proceeds from the Te Kūiti Quota Club poker run have been presented to community service organisations No 12 and the Te Kūiti Community House Trust. January’s the poker run was a joint fundraiser by the club, the Te Kūiti Motorcycle Club, and the Te Kūiti Rod and Custom Club. The two service organisations were presented with $2000 each.
The St John Ambulance and the Te Kūiti Volunteer Fire Brigade each received $1200 from the inaugural 2023 event.
This year, after breakfast in Te Kūiti, car and motorcycle enthusiasts travelled to Aria, Piopio, The Caves Village and Ōtorohanga. They collected a playing card from each location and returned to the Quota Club where the team with the best poker hand won a prize.
“We are thinking of another one next January, I’ve just got to figure out who to give it to this time,” club president Mark Blakeway said.
He’s hoping it will be bigger and better.
“We were supposed to have a group of bikes come over from Tokoroa, but the weather let them down. No fun on a bike in the rain. Hopefully we get a better turnout next time.”
Warwick Prewer
Post losses counted
NZ Post lost about 2000 posted items when one of its long-haul trucks caught fire at Te Kūiti on Wednesday last week.
“At this stage, we are unable to clearly identify impacted items due to the nature of this incident,” the state owned enterprise said in a statement to the News.
“We apologise for any disruption and disappointment caused. If you did not receive something you were expecting, please contact our customer care centre.”
The incident was reported about 2am after the driver got out of his rig at the BP service station in Awakino Rd and noticed his trailer’s brakes were on fire.
He drove the vehicle around the corner to Carroll St, where flames quickly spread to the tyres, then engulfed the trailer. Te Kūiti’s volunteer fire brigade spent about two
hours fighting the fire and mopping up, but the trailer was destroyed.
“The truck was travelling from Wellington to Auckland, with parcels on board bound for delivery in the Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taupō areas,” a NZ Post spokesperson said.
“Some of these were sent from the South Island and some from Wellington. Vehicle fires of this nature are very rare in the NZ Post network – the last time something similar occurred was around 15 years ago.
“NZ Post trucks are fully compliant and have up-to-date Certificate of Fitness (COF’s). This truck had a recent COF and follows a regular servicing schedule.
“The driver followed the correct safety procedures throughout the incident, and we are currently investigating the circumstances of the fire to identify the cause.”
Graffiti inspired art
By Paul Charman
The theme for the next exhibition by Ōtorohanga artist Hiria Anderson-Mita will be Te Matapihi - The Window.
The exhibition at Tim Melville Gallery, Auckland in November is inspired by scenes Hiria has observed locally and outside of the district.
“As Te Matapihi literally means The Window, to me it is a metaphor for a way of seeing, experiencing and interpreting our world,” Hiria said.
She is creating a large group of oil paintings. Many of which are already half finished.
The collection of artworks was inspired by a Te Huia train trip with her nephew.
“We went to Auckland to see an exhibition of world-famous paintings such as Turner and Hammershoi.
“Entering into the Auckland suburbs I started to see explosions of colour against the grey urban landscapes, a steady stream of graffiti. I was quite amazed by the extent of colour, style and skill some of the graffiti presented.
“It wasn’t just the graffiti; it was layered against bland backyard fences backed onto fancy heritage homes. My face pressed the window while concrete underpasses turned into flickering projections of colour exploding in my face.
“Young people were throwing up crip signs with their hands to our train. I waved back frantically like an aunty excited to see them. I’m so
country.
“At train speed these vistas whipped past my eyes. It was a voyeuristic experience. People hanging out clothes, pink and blue text on abandoned warehouses, tagging behind businesses. I was seeing societies, cultures and modernity, existing within the same urban space.
“We are used to the familiar, well presented public spaces. Signage and advertising shows us, instructs us, entices us, trains us, hears us. A train ride shows you life uncurated.”
Another scene which inspired work for the exhibition was an early morning car journey following the death of a family member.
“We were returning home to Ōtorohanga in the early morning
and the mist had settled on the land in between Kakepuku and Pirongia. I felt so many things, it was mystical, spiritual, lonely, ethereal and it prepared us for the pouritanga (sadness) that we were now plunged into”.
At the lighter end of the scale was another “window scene”, is based on the joyfulness of her niece looking out at the world through a set of colourful toy goggles.
Hiria is profiled in the latest Art New Zealand Magazine and will be among artists featured in a forthcoming Listener article on portrait painting.
She was raised in her grandparents’ home in Te Rohe Pōtae and lives in her whānau homestead in Ōtorohanga.
Hiria Anderson-Mita with two of the half-finished paintings for the November exhibition.
The trailer unit of a NZ Post rig was destroyed at Te Kūiti in an early morning fire last week.
GARDENING
FOR BLOOMING BEAUTIES AND PLANTS THAT THRIVE
This space could be yours
Free fire starters
Katrina Christison Tidy Gardens
In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, finding creative ways to repurpose natural materials can make a big difference.
One thing I do is use old flax leaves and dried cabbage tree leaves as fire starters. When the leaves are dead they easily pull away from the plant.
Rather than relying on kindling or paper, which often requires cutting down trees or consuming processed materials, these natural resources offer an eco-friendly alternative.
The process is simple: collect the brown,
dried leaves from flax plants and cabbage trees, which are readily available in many gardens.
Once gathered, tie them into small, manageable bundles. These bundles are incredibly effective at igniting fires, as the dried fibers catch quickly and burn steadily.This method not only reduces waste but also uses materials that you would otherwise have to get rid of.
Both these leaves the dump doesn’t like to take so using them as fire starters is a win win.Not only are you getting rid of your garden waste, you’re embracing a sustainable practice that honors the natural lifecycle of your garden plants.
This approach aligns well with ecoconscious gardening and waste reduction practices, turning what would be garden waste into something useful.
Bill and Irene celebrate 60th
By Paul Charman
There have been two great loves in Bill Millar’s life, his wife of 60 years, Irene, and the town of Ōtorohanga.
That was the message given by several speakers to about 30 friends, family members and well-wishers when the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at the town’s railway station cafe last Thursday.
“Bill just loves his town,” Irene said.
“He’s a great husband, don’t get me wrong, gets up in the morning and makes breakfast; does the dishes at night and all that. But Ōtorohanga is first and foremost, Christine (the couple’s daughter) and I always have a joke that we are way down the list.”
“There could be a cupboard hanging off its hinges at home and Bill wouldn’t notice it. But if there was a big pothole in town or a water leak at a building there, he’d go to the council straight away.”
Daughter Christine agreed: “There’s not many places like Ōtorohanga and Waitomo who have a tireless advocate like my dad. But it wasn’t always easy for the family. I can remember holidays when all the family would be waiting in the car while dad talked and talked to tourists visiting the area.”
We asked Irene’s recipe for a long and happy marriage: “It’s hard to think - just listen to each other and then you can ignore
(what they say) if you like. That’ll do,” she said.”
We asked Bill why he was so fixated on Ōtorohanga. Bill said it was a tourism Mecca for the country due to its proximity to Waitomo Caves, and had a range of successful businesses plus a famous Kiwi House and Museum and so much more.
And how’s it been having a fantastic wife like Irene?
“Well truly fantastic, as you say,” the former taxi driver said.
“I can remember when we met more than 60 years ago. I used to go trout fishing at Marokopa Falls and used to call up the Waitomo Hotel to see if any staff wanted to see them. Irene was a sugarcane tester for the Queensland Government and in the off-seasons she’d travel to different parts of Australia, but that year she’d come to New Zealand. And that’s how I met her – at the Marokopa Falls. And she just fell for me.”
Ōtorohanga deputy mayor Annette Williams said it was an honour to congratulate a couple who had done so much for their community over such a long period. She handed them letters of congratulation from well-wishers, including King Charles III; King Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII; the Governor-General Cindy Kiro; the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and the Minister for Seniors, Casey Costello.
Bill and Irene Miller celebrated on Thursday.
McLean guests at ArtsPost
Sigrid Christiansen
The latest exhibition at Hamilton’s ArtsPost features Te Kūiti printmaker Heather McLean as guest artist.
The theme of the exhibition, running to August 18, is flora.
In the works, McLean has made prints of the flowers observed in family and friends’ gardens, and other places. She wanted to capture the rewards of that labour.
“It can be such physical work; you get a sore back and dirt under your fingernails, but I wanted to capture the wonder and happiness that can be found in a garden.”
She has been working on the exhibit mainly since October 2023, but some of the works are up to two years old, she said.
“In the exhibition, I tried to pull together aspects of all my artmaking over the years, ceramics and textiles as well as printmaking.”
McLean’s “Multiblook woodcuts” are considered the oldest form of printmaking.
Woodcut is a relief process; the artist uses knives and other tools to carve a design into the surface of a wooden block.
The raised areas that remain after the block has been cut are inked and printed, while the recessed areas that are cut away do not retain ink, remaining blank in the final print. McLean uses a different block for each colour.
It’s detailed, time-consuming work.
“Just to cut one block takes two or three days, and each work includes a number of blocks,” she said.
As a young student, at the Ilam School of Fine Arts in Christchurch, McLean majored in printmaking.
The art form was a case of “love at first sight” for her: “I was fascinated by it.”
She studied with two of New Zealand’s
Their printmaking programme was a popular and fiercely competitive for the art students at that time.
Later, as the mother of three children, McLean turned more to ceramics and textiles such as non-traditional art quilting, because she then had no printing press.
However, it was only a hiatus.
“I got back into printmaking by travelling
“They’re all great printmakers themselves.”
McLean has been involved with that group for 10 years, she said.
“Waiprint 2024” is this year’s iteration of the annual exhibition of works by Waikato Society of Arts printmakers.
Dealing with the fine print
Te Kūiti library staff are grappling with a new 3d printer before making it available to the public.
Replying to a question from acting mayor Alan Goddard, community services general manager Helen Beever said at last week’s council meeting library staff were still having training sessions to learn how it worked, before making it available for kids activities.
In her report she said the library has registered to attend the Te Kūiti Tech Step Careers Expo this month – which would be a great opportunity to showcase some of the technologies available at the library.
Staff planned to take a few items from the creation station and have them set up on the day for students to interact with. Library staff were looking forward to engaging with local youth - a demographic rarely seen in the public library, she said.
Staff are looking into options to enhance access for children to borrow materials at the library.
Currently parents/guardians over children under 18 were required to complete an online form and assume responsibility for the membership.
Library staff were hoping to provide a restricted membership in future that children could use without parental assistance.
By allowing children to use the library but limiting the collections they could borrow from, and only allowing them to borrow one or two items at a time, it was the staff belief under 18s would feel more included and that it would help begin their future relationship with the library.
most influential printmakers: Barry Cleavin and Denise Copeland.
up to the Waikato Society Of Arts Print Room with Janis MacDonald, Helen Tutty, Sibyl Iremonger, Helen Sutherland, Jane Gannaway and others from Te Kūiti.
Janis MacDonald, Heather McLean and Helen Tutty at the exhibition.
The Coast
Concern at hall cost, care
Placing the administration of the Kāwhia Community Centre with the Ōtorohanga District Council doesn’t please everyone, the Kāwhia Community Board heard.
The council took over administration of the hall after complaints were taken to the community board in March last year.
Last week resident Steve Morris told the community board he was unhappy with the condition of the hall and a stench that greeted them when it was inspected before use.
“It was quite obvious it hadn’t been looked at for some time,” he said in the meeting public forum.
“We had to rinse buckets outside and fill the buckets from the hot water tap in the kitchen, which to me is a health and safety issue.”
The complaint has been put in writing to the Ōtorohanga District
Council chief, where Morris also asked who was monitoring the hall and ensuring it was being taken care of.
“One further issue that’s come up for me is you used to be able to pick up a key from (the previous hall minders), come down unlock and use it, pay the money and so forth,” Morris said.
“Why has it gone away from Kāwhia and over to Ōtorohanga? And shouldn’t there be someone in the community - a go to person here when you want to use the hall?”
The hall was like a fridge when they opened it up and they couldn’t find how to turn the heaters on, and there was no one local to turn to, he said.
“Thankfully we had a response from the chief executive that the recommendations are going to be looked at, but I would like to submit
there should be someone local rather than someone you can’t make contact with.”
The complaint about the hall’s previous administration was made by Kelly Isherwood from the Māori Women’s Welfare League and Lynn Duggan, organiser of the Move Your Tinana Festival.
They spoke about the access and affordability of the community hall and expressed concerns about the booking process.
Duggan wanted to know if the hall caretaker was a contractor or whether the hall was administered by the Ōtorohanga District Council. She inquired about the system to hire the hall and called for a review of the cost.
“I find $80 an hour quite extreme,” she said. “Especially when we are talking about accessibility, affordability, and availability to our
Sorted…roaming horses reigned in
The ongoing issue of horses wandering on Aotea/ Morrison Roads has been resolved following a meeting last week, according to Kāwhia community board chair Geoff Good.
Photos warning of horses on Aotea Rd appear every few months on local social media.
“We had a meeting this week with horse owners along Morrison Rd, most of you are aware of the issues that’s been happening around that area,” he said at last week’s community board meeting.
“We had a really positive outcome - we had Waikato regional council come over, we had DOC represented, and we had Morgan the new temporary policewoman
that’s here in Kāwhia. She had done a lot of homework leading up to the meeting. And so it was a meeting that had solutions not problems.
“Because we all knew what the problems were. And about half an hour later the solution was all done and dusted.”
Good hoped the solution would apply not only to Aotea Horse Treks, but also the Okapu Marae.
“So there will be a lot safer travels on the Aotea/ Morrison roads in future,” he said.
public amenities that belong to the community.”
Duggan said there was only a land line contact and no reporting back confirming the booking. There was nothing concerning hiring the Kāwhia hall on the Ōtorohanga District Council website
Duggan also encountered surprises in the booking system, learning after making a booking that it was for half the hall. Only part of the hall
New signs to Kāwhia
Kāwhia’s new road signs are at the printer and should be ready for pick up this week, the town’s community board has been told.
The pōhutukawa and moana road signs (pictured) are intended for the Ngutunui turnoff at Puketotara from SH39, and Tihiroa from State Highway 39 to SH31.
could be hired out at a time.
At the time the Ōtorohanga District Council owned community centre was run by a small group of volunteers.
Unlike the other rural halls in the district, the Kāwhia Community Centre was not included on the Ōtorohanga District Council website with the rural halls at Arohena, Honikiwi, Kio Kio, Otewa, Ngutunui, Tokanui Crossroads.
Horses on Aotea/Morrison roads have been an issue.
Camp cook, courier –and knee-high boots
By Sigrid Christiansen
Moira Ammon died on July 15 at Hillview, days before her 96th birthday.
The Te Kūiti writer, historian and storyteller loved fast cars and drove a Triumph GT6 –and nieces and grand-nieces remembered her dyeing her hair purple and loving miniskirts and knee-high boots.
She could skin and butcher a deer, had encyclopaedic knowledge of digger parts and was “parts man and valve grinder” to the family contracting business.
Hers was a life of tractors, Government work and logging - clearing bush mainly for Māori Affairs and the Lands and Survey departments with husband Jack, and three sons including former Te Kūiti mayor Mark Ammon.
The story starts during the gold rush.
After mining in the South Island, Moira’s New Zealand born grandfather Joseph Dollimore and Australian wife Annie were balloted a farm at Āria in the early 1900s, reached by the Mōkau river, a coach to Piopio, then a long walk.
Their daughter Grace married James McArthur and moved to Wellington where Moira was born in1928. They separated, and Grace came to Arohena, 40km from Te Awamutu where Annie then lived. Only child Moira grew up among her cousins.
She attended Hamilton’s Sacred Heart for secondary schooling and spent World War II enjoying life on stepfather Charles ‘Steve’ Stevenson’s farm, mainly dairy but also sheep & beef.
There, she met 25-year-old bulldozer driver Harold John “Jack” Ammon; they married in 1948 when she was 19 and had three boysMark, Don and Carl.
As well as parts expert, Moira was camp cook and lunch courier, driving a Land Rover over rough country.
“Our houses were tractor drivers’ camps, just huts joined together, with no electricity and a wood stove.
“We’d clear 1400ha in one summer,” Mark remembered. “It would be six to eight months from Manuka to grass.”
They worked across the central North Island
including Maungatautari, Tīroa, Benneydale, Taupō and the Aotearoa block, near Arohena.
Her boys loved Moira’s stories, songs and sense of fun: “She still did things that kids do, like cooking wild apples over a fire.”
Their diet included wild venison and pork, and Jack once shot a deer late in the evening.
“It was just on sunset, too dark to do anything. We came back the next day and Mum butchered it herself.”
Later in life, Moira had time for writing.
She published a poetry book about the Coromandel, and articles like, “To Arohena from Chunuk Bair,” published online by the Auckland war memorial museum, about stepfather Steve.
Visceral detail was her talent:
“Sometimes, if Tom Kelly’s truck was home a bit early from Te Awamutu, he crammed us all on to the canvas covered deck, among empty cream cans and groceries, barbed wire, beer crates and batteries, and sometimes even a coffin, and gave us a ride,” she wrote.
She remembered a pet sow following her everywhere.
“It was very embarrassing as I was almost 15 and didn’t want to be seen in public walking with a pig.”
Later, Jack and Moira worked at Kaiaua on the Hauraki Gulf, where he bulldozed for mineral companies, and lived at Te Puru north of Thames.
Moira “wrote more, painted, helped Dad, and fossicked for old bottles in the abandoned Thames goldfields,” Mark recalled.
After Jack died in 2014, she moved to Te Kūiti for the friendly community.
On her 90th birthday, Moira told Waitomo News that her long life wasn’t explained by hard work, but by the love of humanity.
“People are what interests me.”
But also, she advised that we “don’t control other people’s lives” they are theirs, to do what they want with.
After her death, she requested her ashes be spread in the bush and left a poem for family and friends – reflecting her view of the connections between all beings.
“You’ll find me still, in moss a fern a tree,” she wrote. “Know I am with you in another guise.”
Te Kūiti talent leads in musical
Te Kūiti talent Jono Freebairn takes centre stage in the musical The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown, at Hamilton’s Riverlea Theatre in Hamilton.
Known for his versatile performances across Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, Freebairn has the role of Jamie in this emotionally charged production.
The Last Five Years, which runs to August 17, explores the rise and fall of a relationship through a series of songs.
Freebairn began his theatre journey in Te Kūiti and has gone on to entertain audiences throughout the middle North Island with performances in numerous productions.
“Getting the role in the Last Five Years, is the biggest role I’ve had in community theatre performance in a musical especially the last 10 years,” he said.
Jono who is a restaurant manager in his day job, said the previous comparable role was the dentist in the Little Shop of Horrors in 2014.
“This is what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Hamilton has a vibrant theatre and musical theatre scene with several production houses regularly producing live theatre.
“It’s only going to keep expanding especially now with things like the Wintec performing arts degree that they have, with very accomplished tutors from around the country who have done professional theatre – which is drawing more people to Hamilton to perform and to upskill as well,” Freebairn said.
Cambridge resident Kerry BlakeneyWilliams is the show photographer, and stage manager is another Cambridge resident Tracey Riddell.
Moira married Harold “Jack” Ammon in 1948. They later had three sons, Mark, Don and Carl.
Moira Ammon, at 90, knew how to take this bulldozer apart and put it together again.
The Last Five Years will be performed at Riverlea Theatre at the South end of Hamilton in from 3rd to 17th August. Tickets are available now at iticket.co.nz.
Te Kūiti’s Jono Freebairn stars with Jordin Moore in the musical The Last Five Years in Hamilton.
Chat Room looks for sponsors
By Paul Charman
A counselling support service for men’s mental health has lost some of its government funding and is now looking for sponsors in the King Country.
The charity run by the Hamilton-based Male Support Services organisation sends a caravan to visit Waikato, King Country and Hauraki locations on a three-weekly cycle.
“We’d love to link up with individuals or businesses in this area who like what we do and are prepared to sponsor us,” says Chat Room host Steve Rickard.
“We come to Te Kūiti every three weeks on a Thursday, and I park the caravan opposite New World. Quite a few men are now dropping in to chat.
“We know life can be a struggle sometimes, and we know talking about those struggles can help.”
Rickard says the free mobile service can provide a safe space for me to share their struggles.
“Anyone can pop in and have a yarn or seek help and advice.”
He says the service was set up about 15 years ago for male survivors of sexual abuse.
At that time there was nothing for men in that position, so a King Country farmer, Mike Holloway, sold his farm and put the profits into setting up Male Support Services.
“We currently have over 1000 active clients. At this point maybe 70 per cent would be survivors of sexual abuse while the rest face more general mental health issues
- around things like anxiety, depression or relationship issues.
“Men can approach us by just rocking up. The thing with men is regularity is important, so the more they see me here the more likely they will be to pop in. They need to see I’m not just a fly-bynighter who will turn up once, then disappear.”
However, Rickard said it could take three or four times noticing the caravan parked opposite New World in Rora St, before men decided to pop in for a chat.
“I am not a trained counsellor myself, but I am trained in connecting with men. Often men just need a safe place to come and have a chat and offload stuff that’s bottling up inside them, which helps avoid taking it home to the family.”
Chat room host Steve Rickard.
It’s been twelve years since Mike and Bronwyn Tubman set up Otorohanga Automotive and in looking back on the anniversary, Bron says the community have been “truly supportive; a fantastic place to have a business and truly a great community to be part of.”
Mike and Bron would also like to acknowledge when their son died two years ago, the community really got behind us and supported them.
There is a full complement of automotive services Otorohanga Automotive has on o er – warrant of tness, servicing and repairs on all vehicle makes and models including cars (including hybrid and EV), horse oats, trailers and farm vehicles.
They are authorized Ford parts and service agents, covering all Rangers and Ford models, and they cover lease plan vehicles and are roadside breakdown agents. They are recognized WINZ repairers, and MTA Assured. They have a well-stocked parts department, including tyres and batteries and can source
12 YEARS OF GREAT SERVICE
and supply parts for all makes and models, saving people time in not having to go any further than Otorohanga.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s replacing a battery, lights, gearbox, clutch, brakes, shocks, tyres, cambelts or timing belts right through to replacing an engine, the team can do it for you.
Mike and Bron also extend a big thanks to their team, especially Neville and Robyn who have been with them since the beginning.
“We have been fortunate to have great team members who have supported us along the way.”
Otorohanga Automotive is open at 51-53 Turongo St, Otorohanga, Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5pm.
Left to Right- Bronwyn, Mike, Clay, Yamsan, Rajitha, Mike P, Dylan, Neville, Mohan and Robyn
Hazel’s environmental journey
A Waitomo student who aspires to be an architect took a deep dive into the latest
environmental thinking, thanks to the Blake Inspire Challenge, a programme set up in the memory of Kiwi sailor, explorer and Antarctic conservationist Sir Peter Blake.
Hazel Kersel-Stubbs, 16, a Year 11 at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, was the only King Country youngster to win a scholarship to attend the 32-student programme in mid-July. The programme runs four times a year around New Zealand.
The course was based at St Peters School, Cambridge, and delegates spent a week visiting sites at Raglan and Rotorua, plus predator free zone Maungatautari, and Dennley Farms, the Ballance environmental award-winning dairy operation run by Tīrau farmers Adrian and Pauline Ball.
“I’ve always loved looking after the
environment, and it was so cool to learn more about that and meet new people,” Hazel said.
At one point, Hazel and her new friends donned virtual reality headsets to explore the clear waters of a marine reserve, before visiting Raglan Harbour.
They learned from the programme’s marine biologists about how sea creatures like mussels and cockles keep the water sparkling.
“It was amazing to see how many little animals live inside the mud. In a handful, there are probably thousands,” she said.
Hazel’s highlight was going to Te Puia – the Rotorua geothermal park and Māori cultural tourism business – to see how they earned their many environmental ticks. One example was encouraging visitors to plant seeds, using a disposable cup in which they had been served kawakawa tea; the seeds would later grow into
native trees.
While the Stubbs family are also passionate about the environment, it was helping to restore Kukutaaruhe Gully in Hamilton’s Fairfield with her Dio schoolmates (her year 9 and 10 science cohort) that was her most immediate inspiration.
Hazel’s school groups planted trees and helped control pests, in a series of school camps. The 12 ha Fairfield
Project is an urban biodiversity and gully restoration project centred around Kukutaaruhe Gully responsible for planting nearly 30,000 trees.
Although Hazel had to go home, the Blake Inspire Challenge did not really end on July 19 –instead, the environmental experts on staff will help the youngsters if they start their own projects.
Her mum Biddy Stubbs
was pleased the “very special programme,” offered scholarships, making it a realistic option for any student in the King Country. Before his death in 2001, when he was shot by pirates on the Amazon River, Sir Peter Blake was passionate about helping the community care for the environment – through “adventure, participation, education and employment.”
New rugby head named
Taupō’s Kieran Hema (pictured right) is the new King Country Rugby Union general manager, replacing Kurt McQuilkin who resigned in July.
Raised in Mangakino and Taupō, Hema coached King Country age-group teams in recent years and gained an appreciation for the work union staff did.
“I was raised in Mangakino and Taupō and have always had a sense of connection to KCRU,” he said.
“I’ve had the privilege to volunteer in community rugby, and seeing the level of care and commitment the operations team provides in the widespread rugby community is inspiring.”
Hema takes up the reins following several years as logistics manager at dairy processor.
He was excited to bring “his passion for innovation, strategic growth and fostering a culture of excellence” to the union.
“I’m looking forward to fostering relationships at all levels, being able to support our team to grow the game and provide opportunities for higher performance. I’m committed to holding the vision, values, and proud history of King Country Rugby.”
Hema will take up his new role in the middle of the month.
Leapt (6)
Back of the neck (6)
Singe (6)
Cut off (3)
Uncontrolled
(6)
(4)
Ecstasy (5)
Cotton (6)
The day before (3)
Extra, 4. Bruise, 7. Use, 8. Scared, 9. Supple, 10. Outdated,
Pick, 13. Banana, 15. Splint, 16. Mesh, 17. Restrict, 19. Degree, 20. Employ, 22. Ape, 23. Stupid, 24. Pants.
1. Encouragement, 2. Tar, 3. Audit, 4. Besides, 5. Unpopular, 6. Selfconscious, 11. Death trap, 14. Airhead, 18. Sheep, 21. Pan.
Gesundheit (5,3) 21. Neat (4)
Inhalation (6)
Hazel Kersel-Stubbs (right) with new friends Maddison Lynch and Natalie McCall.
Low maintenance home in top location
Nestled away off the road in an excellent location very close to town and amenities, is this well presented 1980’s brick and tile 130sqm (approx.) easy care, cosy home on a flat section.
With only several minutes’ walk to town, the doctors, swimming pool, schools and sports fields - it is close to everything you need.
Enter the home through a warm, north facing conservatory with a security screen, and into the well proportioned and sunny open plan lounge, dining and kitchen area.
The home has great flow with two double bedrooms, a separate toilet which is elevated for the elderly, and the all important internal access garaging which offers good storage options.
Completing the package in the home is the DVS brand ventilation system, three ceiling fans and a good sized heat pump which keeps the home warm in winter and cool in summer.
A real bonus at the property is the fully fenced rear section which offers peace of mind and security for those with little kiddies and furry friends.
Whether you are downsizing, stepping onto the property ladder or just needing a property that requires little to no maintenance, this darling of a property at a great price is worthy of your serious consideration.
With the owner on the move, this sweet little home must be sold. Call Lorraine any time for enquiry.
OPEN HOME: Sunday, August 8, 12.15pm-12.45pm
LOCATION |49C Hinewai Street, Ōtorohanga HOUSE I 130m2
HOUSE | 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1 garage PRICE | $499,000
LICENSED AGENT | Ray White Ōtorohanga
LICENSED SALESPERSON | Lorraine Fox 027 664 4087 WEBSITE | rwteawamutu.co.nz
Mahoenui 7 Gribbon Road
Kopaki
Te Kuiti 1 South Street
Te Kūiti
Yearling
Cattle Fair
Friday, Aug 9
Start 12 noon
1150 Assorted cattle comprising:
100 14mth Ang / Frsn strs
395 1yr Angus strs
215 1yr Exotic strs
50 1yr H/F + D/B strs
30 H/F Aut born strs
40 14mth Ang / Frsn hfrs
190 1yr Angus + H/A hfrs
55 1yr Hereford hfrs
86 1yr Exotic hfrs
25 1yr H/F + D/B hfrs
SPLIT FIREWOOD new season’s, shed stored, 3 cubic metres, $350 delivered Tkt/Oto area.
Fresh sawdust $5 bag.
P 027 584 4505 or 07 894 5872.
FOR SALE - 10 purple/red flax plants in pots. Grows up to 2 meters. $6 each. Ph 07 878 1611.
Grazing Available
Runoff/Grazing
Block
SH3 Kio Kio 18.92
Quality Painting
HANDYMAN
Property maintenance and construction
Lawns, trees, stump grinding, sections, moss & mould treatments, Chemwash, waterblasting, gutter vac, water tank and trough cleaning fences, retaining, odd jobs and more. References available GST registered.
Mike & Allana 027 350 0836 info@handy-man.co.nz
Hayes Building Limited are looking for an experienced builder to join our growing business and to be a part of our friendly and professional team.
Requirements:
- Reliable and able to work 5 days per week
- Have own tool set
- Have an eye for detail and a very high standard of work
We offer:
- Competitive hourly rates
Specialising
Don’t
- Company vehicle
- Awesome team
If your interested in this position please get in touch with Jeremy on 027 873 5507 or email us at jeremy@hayesbuilding.co.nz
Country
Comedians campaign in Waitomo
ha (46.6 acres) 13 paddocks permanently fenced for young stock, electricity to all. Bore water with dosatron system. Cattle yards on concrete for 60 head. Calf rearing facilities. All flat with fertile summer safe soil. Central race.
Interested?
The Fat Pigeon Cafe in Piopio is an award-winning cafe, producing top quality home-made fare with a touch of city panache. Our purpose-built cafe is modern and aesthetically pleasing, and is popular with passers-by as well as locals. We also provide out-catering. Our kitchen produces a wide range of foods, both savoury and sweet, on a daily basis for our cabinet and extensive made-to-order blackboard menu.
Dave Kilbride Bayleys 027 436 7082
Owner 07 873 1507
Cook
We require a Cook to join ‘the pidgee crew’. The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:
• be passionate about all things food;
• able to prepare tasty, well presented dishes;
• able to work efficiently in an often super-busy kitchen and multi-task;
• willingness to provide our customers with the best cafe dining experience;
• be keen to learn about and adhere to our Food Control Programme; • assist with catering, as required.
This position is on a rostered basis, therefore some weekend work is applicable.
Cafe Assistants
We require a FOH Cafe Assistants to join ‘the pidgee crew’. The ideal candidates will possess the following skills and attributes:
• be friendly, eager and excited to serve;
• greet and serve customers at the till;
• prepare and present cabinet food to cafe standards;
• food delivery to tables;
• barista skills would be an advantage however full training will be provided;
• assist with catering, as required. These positions are on a rostered basis, therefore some weekend work is applicable.
Please phone 07 877 8822 or email your CV to fatpigeon@xtra.co.nz
PIOPIO COMMUNITY & DISTRICTS CHARITABLE TRUST
APPLICATION FOR GRANTS
Application forms for individuals and organization’s may be printed off the Piopio website or buy emailing the Trust. Email: piopiotrust@gmail.com
Areas covered for grants include Piopio township and the districts of Mairoa – Mangaotaki – Mahoenui – Aria – Mokauiti – Mapiu – Kopaki –Benneydale – Oparure and Rangitoto. Te Kūiti Borough is not included.
Applications close at 5pm on August 31. Late applications will not be accepted.
We are recruiting now! Would you like to work for us?
We'd love to hear from you.
We are currently recruiting for the upcoming 2024/25 summer season for guides, conductors, drivers and maintenance staff. If you're passionate about the Ruapehu region and want to enjoy working outdoors in a positive industry get in touch with us today.
CV and cover letter to: careers@fwa.co.nz
Notice of Public Annual Meeting
Public Notice
Opening Hours - Tuesday 20 August
The WDC Customer Service Centre, Library and Admin Building will be closed on Tuesday 20 August 2024 until 11am.
We will still be available by phone on 0800 932 4357.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Meetings
Notice of upcoming meetings of Ōtorohanga District Council
Details of upcoming meetings can be found at www.otodc.govt.nz/ about-council/meetings
Tanya Winter Chief Executive
www.otodc.govt.nz
Availability of the 2024 Chairperson’s Annual Report, Financial Statements, 2024-25 Annual Plan, and Waipa Networks Ltd Statement of Corporate Intent.
I hereby give notice that on Friday the 23rd of August 2024, commencing at 10.00am, a Public Annual Meeting of Beneficiaries (Connected Consumers) will be held at Waipa Networks, 240 Harrison Drive, Te Awamutu. At the meeting the Trustees will report on:
· The operation of Waipa Networks Trust for the year ended 31 March 2024.
· The Financial Statements of Waipa Networks Trust for the year ended 31 March 2024.
· The performance of Waipa Networks Limited for the year ended 31 March 2024.
· The compliance of Waipa Networks Limited with its Statement of Corporate Intent for the year ended 31 March 2024.
· The Annual Plan 2024/25 of Waipa Networks Trust. At the meeting the Beneficiaries will be given the opportunity to:
· Appoint the Auditor for Waipa Networks Trust for the 2025 financial year.
· Speak on all matters being considered at the Annual Meeting.
Please note that the above named documents are available for public inspection on the Trust website or at the offices of Waipa Networks Limited at 240 Harrison Drive, Te Awamutu during ordinary business hours.
KM Heeringa Trust Manager
Mangarapa Trust AGM
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 11am
Where: Te Ahoroa Marae RD2, Te Ahoroa Rd, Rangitoto Enquiries to bettyholden@yahoo.com
NOTICE OF
2024 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.. Agenda:
Karakia/Mihi
Apologies
Chairman’s report
Financial report
Initiatives report
Minutes of the previous meeting
2024 Election
General business
Karakia whakamutunga
Lunch 1pm
Preliminary election result
In the event of a tangi at Te Korapatu Marae, an alternative venue will be advertised on the Trust’s Facebook page and website www.ruht.co.nz
Are you passionate about livestock management and ready to take the next step in your career? Taumatamoana Station (TMS) is seeking a dynamic and experienced livestock manager to join our team!
About the role:
• Position: Livestock Manager
• Location: Beautiful coastal property in the Waitomo District (Taharoa)
• Farm Size: 3400 HA sheep and beef property
• Livestock: High-performance Romney flock and approximately 850 Cow Angus herd with excellent genetics
Responsibilities:
• Hands-on role working closely with the station manager
• Involved in breeding and stock performance direction
• Assist managing a team of 3 staff and a support shepherd
What we offer:
• Competitive salary package
• 4-bedroom house provided
• Opportunity to work on medium to steep hill country with a scenic coastal backdrop
Requirements:
• Proven experience in livestock management
• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Passion for animal breeding and genetics
If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding role in a stunning location, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now and be part of a high-performing team dedicated to excellence in livestock management.
How to apply: Submit your application, including a resume and cover letter, to j.mcoviney@steelfort.co.nz by Friday, August 8. Please phone John for more information 027 442 3921. Join us at Taumatamoana Station and help shape the future of our high-performance livestock!
PROPOSAL
TO CLOSE ROADS TO VEHICULAR
TRAFFIC –
Kāwhia Rowing Regatta Club 115th Annual New Years Regatta
In accordance with the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974, notice is hereby given that the Ōtorohanga District Council, for the purpose of allowing the Kāwhia Rowing Regatta Club 115th Annual New Years Regatta, proposes to close the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic for the period indicated hereunder:
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 From Kāwhia Community Centre on Jervois Street and including Omimiti Street, Kāwhia
Period of Closure:6am to 5pm
There will not be any detour in place.
Access for emergency vehicles will be allowed in the event of an emergency.
Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, any person objecting to the proposal is called upon to lodge notice of their objection and grounds thereof in writing before 4pm Friday, August 30, 2024 at the offices of the Ōtorohanga District Council, 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga or by contacting Andrea at andrea@otodc.govt.nz
ACCOUNTING POSITION
We are now looking for a person to join our Ōtorohanga office.
Duties will include:
• Preparation of financial accounts for farmers and businesses
• Preparation of GST and income tax returns
• General business and taxation work
The successful applicant may have a suitable qualification, but must have a keen interest in accounting, computer skills and clerical work, with attention to detail. Excellent people skills, integrity and professionalism are required.
While some past experience and farming knowledge would be preferred, training will be given to the successful applicant.
Our firm is an Approved Training Organisation with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
We would also offer professional development opportunities through distance learning.
While this is a fulltime position, we would consider applicants looking for reduced hours.
We offer a friendly environment with great family orientated staff.
Please email with your CV to: Bailey Ingham Limited Chartered Accountants
Email: info@baileyingham.co.nz
Enquiries to: Bridget Boshier or David Bailey 07 873 7325 Situations Vacant
Livestock Manager Taumatamoana Station (TMS)
Situations Vacant
Situations Vacant
Don’t
Kio Kio Hall
Committee
AGM
To be held at the Kio Kio Hall
Tuesday, August 13 at 7.30pm
Everyone is welcome
Contact details: Jill Donnelly 07 873 1855
PIOPIO TENNIS CLUB
AGM
Monday, August 12 @ 7pm at the clubrooms
New members welcome Enquiries to Matt Buckley 027 231 8088
Meetings
TE KŪITI AND DISTRICT
Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 1pm at the Waitomo Club
Business
1. Apologies
2. Moment’s silence for those who have passed
Confirmation of minutes from annual general meeting 2023
Election of officers
General business
Nominations are now open until the \meeting and financial members only are eligible to vote. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the meeting.
Please
Time:
Please
Contact: Waikura Jacobs 022 329
WALLBUTTON Ronald Earl:
Peacefully on August 3, 2024 at Waikato Hospital. Aged 94 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Marion. Loved father and father-in-law of Rhonda and Paul, Queensland; Karen and Owen, South Australia; Julie and Trevor, Otorohanga. Loved grandad of Steven, Craig, Jack and Georgia plus great granddad of Sophie and extended family. Thanks to the staff at Beattie Home for their care. As per Ron’s wishes a private cremation has been held. All communications to Wallbutton Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ
GRAYSON, Robert Kennedy, (Bob):
Peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Dearly loved husband of Ngaire for 66 years. Much loved father and father-in-law of Linda and Murray; Robyn and the late Ku; Paul and Sara; Michael and Jee. Adored grandad to his 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. A funeral service for Bob has been held. We both made a promise That we’d never part It was forever My Sweetheart All communications to the Grayson Family C/PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ.
Grayson, Robert: A respected, past staff member of St John Te Kūiti.Thank you Bob for your service.
878 7878
9.30am - 12.30pm..............................07 878 8011
9am - 12.30pm..................................07 873 7294
- Fri, 9am - 3pm................................07 873 7676 Waitomo Women’s Refuge Helpline........07 878 5081
0800 733 843 Te Kūiti Hospital.......................................07 878 7333
Society supportive care nurse...0800 227 744
“Comfort, comfort my people” says your God.
Isaiah 40:2
A call to pray for Te Kūiti
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.
Jeremiah 29:7
The Harvest Centre, 5 Tuhoro St, Otorohanga 07 873 8890 I 027 493 0117 • harvest.pc@xtra.co.nz Pastors Peter & Carole Coventry (An Assemblies of God Church)
Until God opens the door, praise Him in the hallway (Nicky Gumbel)
WAITE, Nancy Joan: Passed away peacefully, in her 100th year, on August 5, 2024, born December 18, 1924. Much loved mother of Linda, Richard and John and adored mother-in-law of Paul. A celebration of her long and distinguished life will be held at V J Williams & Sons, 33 King Street, Te Kūiti, at 1pm Friday, August 9, followed by private cremation. All communications to Waite Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. In the care of VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ.
Walker
day, August 8, 2pm Legacy Funerals, 53 Te Okuroa Dr, Papamoa At peace forever in our hearts
Roy: 1/7/144 - 1/8/2024.
and
Roy Dean: Dearly loved brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend of David and Rosaline, Julie and David Thirtle, Tania and Greg Adams (deceased), Craig and Hilary, Brad and Nicki and families. Memorial service Thurs-
WALKER,
Son of Mary
Walter Walker, brother of Mary (dec) Edward (dec), Ivan (dec), Kathleen, Jean, Joan (dec), Marion, David, Helen, Faye (dec). At rest.
