Cambridge News | August 29, 2024

‘We chose Steph’

By Mary Anne Gill

Waipā’s new chief executive was greeted with a powhiri at Karāpiro on Monday, and it was down to business the following day with her first council meeting.

Tokoroa born Stephanie O’Sullivan accepted the challenge of a demanding meeting where elected members debated the future of its Māori ward and then had a workshop on the financial strategy of the district’s most demanding Long Term Plan yet.

“I feel like I’ve come home, and it was time to come home,”

O’Sullivan told The News at her powhiri at a venue looking out towards the Waikato River which

has featured prominently in her personal and working career.

More than 250 invited guests heard mayor Susan O’Regan describe the attributes she and other councillors wanted when they began the search to replace long-serving Garry Dyet.

“We wanted a chief executive who was a very confident decision maker but has a preference for collaboration.

“We chose Steph.”

She repeated “We chose Steph” several times as she outlined the other characteristics they sought which included being a servant leader who focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people in the community to which

New Season Cricket In Store Now

they belong.

“We specifically said narcissists need not apply,” said O’Regan.

“That’s because we wanted a leader who can inspire and motivate colleagues who can foster collaboration and empower others.”

O’Sullivan - who is fluent in te reo and spoke in Māori for five minutes, carried a photo of her late whānau dad Hori Deane into the powhiri. She was accompanied by family members including her mother Mary, sister Marnie, stepmother Karen and nephew Daniel La-aiva and supporters from Whakatāne where she had been the district’s chief executive since 2018. Missing

was her father Paul who had a turn and was admitted to Waikato Hospital on the morning of the powhiri.

“He was so gutted. He was so looking forward to being here today.”

O’Sullivan wore huia earrings given to her by the Whakatane executive because the bird was prominent in the Waipā district before its extinction and was a symbol of the wisdom and connection to the land.

She singled out several people for mention including Dyet who had been “an institution” not only for Waipā but for local government.

Continued on page 7

Māori ward to remain

Waipa Māori ward councillor DaleMaree Morgan made an impassioned plea supporting Māori wards ahead of her colleagues’ decision to retain them this week.

The decision will spark a binding poll at next year’s local body elections where voters will vote on whether they want to keep Waipā’s solitary Māori ward. It will not impact on the current representation review which recommends reducing the number of general wards by three to seven.

Morgan was elected 14 months ago in a by-election and appealed to councillors on “more moral and ethical grounds”.

The establishment of Māori wards was a fundamental issue of justice, equity “and our responsibility as elected officials to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” she said

“Māori wards provided an opportunity to ensure that Māori, as tangata whenua, have a guaranteed voice in our local governance, reflecting the unique partnership envisioned by Te Tiriti.

“As leaders of our community, we must ask ourselves: what kind of a future are we shaping for Waipā? A future where the voices of Māori are sidelined or a future where we stand together in the spirit of partnership and mutual respect?”

Holding a poll to determine whether Waipā should retain a Māori ward was a democratic option, “but we all know the risks reducing a matter of justice to a popularity contest”.

"The decision to support Māori wards should be grounding in our commitment to uphold the rights of Māori as guaranteed under Te Tiriti, not subject to the whims of a majority vote. We have a moral duty to protect these rights, even when it may not be the most convenient or popular path."

Whakatāne’s Te Arani Barrett, left, Stephanie O’Sullivan – with a photo of the late Hori Deane, and her mother Mary O’Sullivan during the powhiri.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Waikeria in bloom

The bridge we have

What about the existing bridge? There has been a lot of focus recently on a third bridge for Cambridge. But have you seen the state of the ‘low bridge’ right now? Rusty, dirty, covered in moss and weeds. The footpath is dangerous with broken and uneven concrete slabs. I just hope the underside of the bridge is faring better.

Come on Waipā council, let’s keep our existing structure in good shape or 30 years will be too long to wait for a new one. The road from the bridge to the roundabout is also in dire need of repair. Money spent on those black rubber baffles, which achieve nothing the roundabout didn’t already achieve, would have been better spent addressing the above issues.

Kathy Johnson Cambridge

No ride for me

Advocates for the retention of the pile of bricks known as the water tower seem to rely largely on nostalgia and emotion to make their case. But Bruce Turner, in support, (letters, August 22) states he has no particular interest in “things” everyone/ratepayers pay for and so, by analogy, those opposed to the tower’s retention should adopt his lack of joined up thinking. He is free to not be interested in “things” he/we all pay for but tower opponents should not be required to be taken along on his or other advocates’ fantasy ride against their will. As to his bizarre posited hypothesis about attitudes to the tower if it had been “built in pre-European times” it shows how desperate tower advocates are becoming. If Mr Turner had taken interest in only one “thing” he/we all pay for, his local library, he would have discovered some factual historical, scientific and engineering evidence proving that the tower could not have been built during that era as the inhabitants of the land did not have the materials, knowledge or ability to construct it. His hypothesis therefore is as redundant as the tower.

Kelvin Dunn Leamington

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This week a counterfeit $50 note was presented at a local business. Where there is one note, there may be more.

The Reserve Bank website provides comprehensive information around key identifying features of legal tender. Some of the initial features to check are as follows: New Zealand bank notes have a clear hologram window which shows the outline of a kōkako, a map of New Zealand and a silver fern when tilted. Counterfeit notes we have previously seen have sellotaped or glued-in attempts at clear plastic inserts which do not show this hologram. The printing on the note itself should be crisp and clear and is water resistant. Counterfeit notes sometimes appear blurred, or ink will otherwise smudge. On legitimate notes, the small bird on the bottom front left corner will have a coloured bar which rolls up and down as you tilt the note back and forth in the light – this will not be present on a counterfeit note.

Please be sure to check notes as you receive payments in your business - $50 notes appear to be a favourite. If you believe a counterfeit note has been tendered in your business, minimise any handling (use gloves too if possible) and place it immediately in a paper envelope. While it is tempting to hand it around staff for all to see, this can

Supporters of the Cancer Society’s annual appeal this year, may well have bought a daffodil from Waikeria Prison.

Around 200 bulbs were planted and harvested by prisoners, which were then donated to the street appeal, allowing the community to purchase bunches of flowers.

“Just like all of us, most of the men in prison know somebody affected by cancer, so this is about being able to give something back, and it creates meaningful engagement for a positive cause,” said horticulture instructor Morgan Quay.

Waikeria Prison has one of the only horticulture-based remand units in the country.

As soon as men come into prison, they can begin learning work skills.

“They are being trained in an industry, having exposure to the daily structure of work, and are engaged in meaningful work. This breaks down barriers when they come out and supports their reintegration back into the community,’ says Quay.

Daffodil Day is just one of the ways the horticulture unit connects to the local community. Prisoners are growing vegetable

compromise evidence. Let police know as soon as possible and preserve any CCTV evidence of the person who presented it. If the counterfeit note is detected at the time of presentation, call 111 while the person who presented it is still in store.

In the seven days prior to writing, Cambridge Police have dealt with the usual mix of incidents. We had seven burglaries, a stolen vehicle, three reports of theft from vehicles, dealt with eight family harm incidents, a police safety order breach, a serious assault, three fraud matters, drunk drivers, two bail breaches, three mental health incidents, trespass matters, three traffic crashes, shoplifting, lost and found property and other miscellaneous traffic offences.

A member of the public recently reported youth seen graffitiing at a local park. Their school was contacted, and police are also speaking with them with appropriate action being taken. On Friday and Saturday nights, two drunk drivers were detected at a checkpoint on Victoria street, with the result that one will face a charge in court for breath alcohol exceeding 400mcg alcohol/litre of breath. The second received an infringement for a lower level reading. Have a good week and stay safe.

seedlings to be donated to the Te Awamutu Food Forest and provide native plants to the Department of Conservation.

“It’s therapeutic work. The men are learning, and they’re engaged in nature,” says volunteer coordinator Nadine Lancaster.

“Connecting the men with the community helps them engage in a pro-social way, and it can be an important step towards making positive change.”

• See: Mission critical for society Page 10

beat with Senior Constable DEB HANN

Morgan Quay and Nadine Lancaster with one of the daffodil plantings at Waikeria Prison, which were donated to the community.

Piarere planning

Motorists will start using the new Piarere roundabout –the intersection of highways one and 29 – in less than four weeks. But getting there will involve closing SH1 south from Piarere for a day on September 24, when vehicles will detour along highways 29 and 27 - adding about 12 minutes to their journey. The detour will not apply to emergency vehicles or residents and school buses.

Cambridge link

Some of the 70 entities in the Du Val Group - put into interim receivership and statutory management earlier this month - had their registered company address at Herbert Morton accountants in Cambridge and Tamahere lawyer Owen Francis Tyrrell Culliney as a director. More than $250 million is owed to creditors of Du Val Group founders Kenyon and Charlotte Clarke.

Board agree

Cambridge Community Board has supported Waipā District Council’s proposal to cut the number of elected representatives by three, from 10 to seven.

New blood Destination Cambridge will have new board members following the resignation of Caron Steffert several weeks ago and the retirement of Jatin Bhai and Dick Breukink at Tuesday’s annual meeting, held after The News went to press. Angelique van der Merwe, Belinda Gelston and chair Lucy Young will continue on the board.

Elm help

Elm trees in in Waipā will be injected with a vaccine designed to improve their resistance to Dutch Elm Disease, which was found in three trees in February. The vaccine, to be imported from Holland by Waipā District Council, will come at a cost of $25,000. DutchTrig has been found to be effective when used annually.

Upston gets unfriendly fire

By Mary Anne Gill

It was a packed house at Taupō MP Louise Upston’s Friendly Forum in Cambridge last week but nothing of a “local” nature was discussed for the first 50 minutes.

Disability advocates from outside the electorate saw it as an opportunity to ask about Upston’s announcement the previous week she would transfer commissioning services for people with disabilities to the Ministry of Social Development.

One woman was distraught as she told of her caregiver funding being stopped.

Upston said she had to “rip the plaster off” and stabilise the disability support system which saw the Ministry of Disabled People run out of money for services.

Others wanted her and the government to take action to prevent further killings in Gaza as part of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Others wanted the importation of “cheap and dirty” coal from Malaysia and Indonesia to stop and coal from Huntly used instead during the current energy crisis.

Some gasped when Upston mentioned there was talk of importing liquefied natural gas to make up for the drop in the country’s natural gas production.

Friendly forums usually last 90 minutes and give Upston – into her sixth term as Taupō MP - an opportunity to connect with her electorate in person and listen to their concerns.

The biggest “local issue” got an airing two thirds of the way in as Upston was asked for her views on

the third river bridge crossing for Cambridge following Waipā District Council’s decision to take a location off the table. He said she was urging the council to decide so she could advocate in Wellington.

Cambridge Connections is temporarily on hold and a review has suggested a short-term decision could be to install northern onoff ramps at Tīrau Road to allow Leamington traffic to avoid the central business district.

Upston told The News after the meeting she had asked New Zealand Transport Agency to look at it as part of the work the agency was doing on the Cambridge to Piarere Waikato Expressway extension.

Upston was “incredibly frustrated” at the decision to pause the new Cambridge West Primary

School in the Bridleways Estate.

“I thought it was grossly unfair of the previous government to announce it to progress it even though the funding wasn’t available.

“I will be pushing to find out the time frames for that school because I know that’s what the community is interested in,” she said.

Earlier last week Prime Minister Chris Luxon gave local government a rocket at the Local Government conference in Wellington telling them to stop the “nice to haves” and concentrate on the basics – rubbish, pipes, potholes and the maintenance of local assets.

Upston said Luxon’s message was based on feedback he regularly gets.

“People are concerned about rate increases.”

Her Taupō electorate covers

Taupō, South Waikato and part of Waipā districts.

Asked about the spend on things like cycleways which had attracted opposition in Cambridge, Upston asked whether they were a priority.

“If you are going to put them in, how many are needed and does that reflect the views of the community?

“Look, councils, have to make tough decisions just as central government, have to make tough decisions. But you have to be factoring in the economic times that we’re in and whether or not It is wise to be spending on nice to haves in terms of essentials.”

Upston reiterated the need to keep personalities out of it and not attack elected councillors and staff.

“I love my job, but I hate (the) politics,” she said.

St Peter’s head takes extended leave

By Mary Anne Gill

The chair of St Peter’s School board has rejected claims the private Cambridge school is facing another crisis following news Head of School Marcus Blackburn has gone on extended leave.

John Macaskill-Smith, who chaired the board in 2021 when principal Dale Burden left the school amid allegations of bullying, said Blackburn was on leave for “family reasons”, which he

would not go into.

Contradicting claims of a toxic culture, he said “it’s a school that is thriving with great outcomes for the young people and staff”. Blackburn emailed parents last week saying he was having to take an “immediate and extended period of leave for the remainder of Term Three.” He indicated he would be back on October 14. Campus principal Julie Small will act in his place.

The board held a meeting with parents, which Macaskill-Smith said had been scheduled for months, on Tuesday night after The News went to press Blackburn told The News several weeks after he started in his role last year that he was at the school to “facilitate the things we need to do to maximise the potential of the school”.

He was deputy headmaster and Head of Senior School at St Peter’s

College in Adelaide from 2020-2022. The college is a boys only Anglican boarding and day school of 1500 boys. St Peter’s in Cambridge has a roll of 1200.

Former staff and some parents claim there is a “toxic culture” at the school and pinned the blame on Blackburn – but other parents told The News they were happy with the changes at the school and the latest drama was “just a beat up.”

Jono Gibson Funeral Director

Taupō MP Louise Upston gestures for calm at her Friendly Forum last week attended by about 50 people.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Marcus Blackburn

The occasional committee

By Chris Gardner

A council committee tasked with receiving operational reports from the Maungatautari

Ecological Island Trust met once in the two years before the trust’s current cash flow crisis.

Waipā District Council contracts the trust, which operates the $5000 per day world’s largest predator proof enclosure on Mount Maungatautari, to manage Maungatautari Scenic Reserve.

The council has a service agreement with the trust.

The project is partially funded by the Department of Conservation, Waikato Regional Council and Waipā District Council. But he Department of Conservation’s withdrawal of its community fund has left the

project in a precarious position and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari chief executive Helen Hughes campaigning for funds.

Hughes, whose title changes from general manager to chief executive this month, went public with the trust’s cash flow crisis in June - six weeks after the Maungatautari Reserve Committee’s first meeting in two years.

In the two years since the committee had previously met in February 2022 it had lost its chair, councillor Elwyn Andree-Wiltens, after which the then mayor Jim Mylchreest was confirmed as her replacement, never chaired a meeting. He was trust chief executive from 2002-2009. “That reserve committee did not have oversight of money,” he told The News.

And cash flow had been a problem since the project began 20 years ago.

“It’s a real challenge,” Mylchreest said.

“Effectively Maungatautari lives from hand to mouth.”

He believes the project is undervalued and called for a cost-benefit analysis and a fresh look at how it is funded.

By the time the committee met this year Mylchreest was no longer mayor and had been replaced as chair by Maungatautari ward councillor Mike Montgomerie.

Montgomerie was unaware of the lag between meetings, when The News spoke to him in May.

Hughes said the reserve committee received operational reports. Financial reporting was quarterly to the council’s finance committee whose members discussed them in public excluded sessions.

DOC’s seat on the committee was vacant on May 1, 2024, having been filled at the

previous February 16, 2022, meeting by district operations manager Ray Scrimgeour. Scrimgeour has since been replaced by Jane Wheeler who did not attend the last meeting.

Council Customer and Community Services group manager Sally Sheedy said in a statement that the committee met when needed and was just one mechanism by which the trust reported to the council. The trust regularly reports to the council’s Finance and Corporate committee on its financial position.

“There is no set meeting rotation, and its work focuses on overseeing matters that relate to the oversight of the reserve itself and the enclosures,” she said.

The date of the next committee meeting will be set when the trust has drafted its annual work plan.

Appeal starts after job losses

Sanctuary Mountain

Maungatautari volunteers have taken to the streets to raise awareness of the project’s cash flow crisis after seven rangers lost their jobs.

Guided by volunteer co-ordinator Lian Buckett, they are collecting cash, encouraging regular financial support, and offering 10 per cent discount vouchers to visitors.

They collected cash at Chartwell Shopping Mall on August 19, the Te Awamutu branch of The Warehouse on Friday, Te Awamutu Library on Saturday, and plan to collect at Cambridge Library on Saturday.

“We have got a cold call situation,

it’s quite a hard sell in current times,” Buckett said. “Some people just walk by, others say they have heard about it, one person at Chartwell donated $300.”

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari operations manager

Dan Howie spoke of how his job has become really difficult since the project lost more than half of its 13 mountain rangers as the Department of Conservation’s Jobs For Nature funding dried up.

“It’s been hard on the team,” said Howie who has worked on the mountain for almost six years.

“The reduction in staff has made life more difficult. The work on the

maunga does not stop.”

Rangers are tasked with a daily schedule of checking rat traps, tracking tunnels and bait stations every 50 metres within a designated section of the grid.

“This work has to continue,” he said. “But it means some of the other good work we can no longer do.”

“Good work” includes trapping predators outside the predator proof fence before they can get in.

Meanwhile the project has received a grant of up to $78,000 from the Rodmor Trust to cover insurance. It will receive $30,000 this year and a further $24,000 in 2025 and 2026.

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Antique & Collectable Fair

Maungatautari volunteers, from left, Russell Easton, Joy Hood, Ian Hood, volunteer co-ordinator Lian Buckett, and volunteer Allan Gauntlet raise awareness of the mountain’s plight at The Warehouse, Te Awamutu.

‘We chose Steph’

Continued from page 1

“He has been a mentor and a friend to me as well as a colleague and I wish to acknowledge him, his achievements and his dedication,” she said.

“I stand today by this beautiful river, humbled by its strength and beauty.”

O’Sullivan – who attended Forest View High School in Tokoroa and graduated from Massey University with a double major in planning and development studies - held numerous governance roles including the Waikato River Authority, Waikato River Trails Trust, Tauranga People’s Project and chaired the Advisory Board for the University of Waikato Adams High Performance Centre in Mount Maunganui.

“You know the saying when life gives you lemons, make lemonade?”

O’Sullivan went on to say she sustained a foot injury in June which resulted in her being on crutches for eight weeks and resting up rather than holidaying during the break in jobs.

She instead watched the Olympics and reflected on the Waipā district – the home of champions and high performance.

“What a joyous, momentous, amazing event and reflection of human endeavour.”

Local government was more of a change event than a pinnacle event like the Olympics, but the

emotions were similar, she said.

“Local government is in the business of 24/7 and 365 days a year delivery and it’s all out there for the world to see. Pretty much just like those athletes.”

Her role as chief executive was to make the community proud, to concentrate on performance, learning and leadership.

“And this is what excites me,” she said.

“We must get after those things that are important, continually moving in a direction, aiming higher, doing better.”

Afterwards she told The News the powhiri was a “beautiful and slightly overwhelming occasion.”

O’Sullivan revealed she was living in Cambridge and was a keen cyclist.

Local government was going through enormous changes, she said.

“Communities are different and unique and that’s the wonderful thing about being a leader in local government,” O’Sullivan said when asked what was different between Whakatāne and Waipā.

“You get to see communities express themselves in place. But I think there are some structural and system issues in local government that will need to change in years to come. And mayor Susan referred to that and it will be about local government standing up and showing that leadership itself and designing the future for local government.”

Whakatāne’s Te Arani Barrett, left, farewells Stephanie O’Sullivan – with a photo of her Māori koro the late Hori Deane – as she prepares to go to the Waipā side, and Mary O’Sullivan. At the rear are, from left Ngapera Rangiaho, Karen O’Sullivan (stepmother) and Marnie O’Sullivan (sister).

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Te Awamutu Intermediate kapa haka, from left Kenzie Pivott, Zita Harpur and Alyssa Thomas.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

New Lion king has biggest pride

By Viv Posselt

New Cambridge Lions leader Brent Montgomerie believes the time is right for the club to build on its strengths.

Speaking to The News fresh from a monthly ‘Lions evergreens’ tea that celebrates the club’s old guard, Montgomerie said he never intended to become president of Cambridge Lions but was encouraged to take on the role after seeing the work the club does in the community.

He is one of three longstanding members who were born in Cambridge. The others are Betty Busst and Graham Wiseman.

Aside from a few years spent in Tauranga, Montgomerie has spent

the bulk of his life here and once back in Cambridge, he decided to join Lions.

“I hadn’t long been back and was keen to re-connect with the community and see what I could do to put something back,” he said. “I immediately found it easy to fit in. I’ve enjoyed every moment.”

The Lions Shed has been Montgomerie’s baby for a while. He’s been in charge of operations there for the past year and speaks proudly of its value to the community.

“We are the largest Lions club in New Zealand,” he said, “and our Lions Shed, Foodvan and Trash and Treasure fundraising activities allow us to give back to the community in grants and projects. For the year ending July 2024 we

raised around $314,000; I think that’s the most we’ve achieved.

“Our major grants over the past year have included an all-terrain quad bike to Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust’s Sanctuary Mountain to assist in the kākāpō recovery programme and ongoing kiwi breeding programme,” he added.

“This is not a first for us … we have previously supported the trust in their vision.

“We have also been involved in bridge and track work to Cambridge Resthaven to open up the Moon Springs. With assistance from the Cambridge Tree Trust, the bridge will be open later this year.”

Montgomerie said

many more Lions projects were thriving, including helping those in need and supporting young achievers in their endeavours. They also support Cambridge Community House by donating furniture and other household goods when required for those in need.

“We have volunteers who help with the truck pickups, and students who give up their time to help in the shed. We also have a very strong Leos Club at Cambridge High School led by Judy Costello, and we fund adventure camps to promote future leadership.”

Cambridge Lions also offers an ongoing grant to Cambridge High School to be used at their discretion.

“That is just a snapshot of what we do,” he said.

“We’re always looking for new members to help run our fundraising activities … perhaps people to give a few hours in the shed on Saturday mornings, or retired truck drivers who could help us.”

Montgomerie is keen to build on that legacy. “I have a few ideas up my sleeve regarding future projects … so watch this space.”

In the finals

Dallas Prince, from the Cambridge based Wholly Cow butchery, was a young butcher of the year finalist at the industry’s annual awards last week. Brad Gillespie from Te Awamutu’s Pak’n Save took part in the butcher teams challenge event as part of the Cut Above Butchers who won the best lamb product competition.

Liquor feedbackConsultation on the Local Alcohol Policy, Alcohol Control Bylaw and Alcohol Fees Bylaw has opened. The policy sets out where, when and how alcohol can be sold, supplied, or consumed concerning these sites. Waipā council is also introducing a bylaw to set the alcohol licence fees for applications and renewals. Feedback closes September 12.

MONDAY 6:24pm, Bonfire near house, Harwood Road 7:59pm, Roof Fire, Scotsman Valley Road

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY 6:42am, Building alarm and evacuation, Shakespeare Street

9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street 1:09pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Ruakura Road 11:56pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Hautapu Road

FRIDAY 2:58pm, Cover moves to Hamilton Central Station 3:25pm, Building alarm and evacuation, Ken Browne Road

SATURDAY 12:39pm, MVC, Karapiro Road 4:35pm, Chimney Fire, Grey Street

FRIDAY 8:42am, Building Alarm and evacuation. Maungatautari Road

SUNDAY 12.08am, Cardiac Arrest, Fencourt Road

SUNDAY 3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road

MONDAY 8:35am, Chemical Spill, Elizabeth Street

Brent Montgomerie.

Liquor licence bids hit new high

By Mary Anne Gill

Fire and Emergency have become noticeably more involved in the vetting process for new liquor licences in Waipā.

In his annual report to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority, Compliance manager Karl Tutty said the total number of all applications for the financial year ended June 30 was a record 462 - the highest since the act came into force in 2012 – and 50 up on last year.

“Waipā continues to grow, and more hospitality operations are expected. This also reflects the focus on quicker processing and competing more of the older applications,” he told Waipā district councillors this week.

Having a dedicated police contact – in addition to the extra Fire and Emergency scrutiny – had increased collaboration between the agencies and helped the committee and inspectors’ work.

But poor or incomplete applications challenged the Waipā Licensing Authority which granted nine new on licences, six new off licences, 114 new manager’s certificates and 57 liquor licence renewals.

Training records and manager rosters are often overlooked, and the committee now issues formal directions requesting the information, said Tutty.

The authority refused one renewal – for the troubled Five Stags in Pirongia.

“The recent refusal… was

a clear signal to licensees that there was no automatic right to renewal and that suitability remains a key focus.”

Waipa had 76 on licences, 38 off licences and 28 club licences and 475 manager certificates on June 30.

Hearings are now advertised publicly in part a response to ongoing requests from The News but also to pre-empt expected changes to the Community Participation amendments.

There were more requests from social and support organisations to view applications than in past years, he said.

These agencies often considered labour and employment and conditions of visa issues including licensees underpaying staff

or taking advantage of migrant workers.

For the third year running Tutty urged the government to review the act -which is now 12 years old – and asked for a definition of intoxication in the act.

An arrangement where the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority previously circulated significant decisions seemed to have stopped.

“The District Licensing Committee and staff rely on media and other means to become aware of decisions, including those in other jurisdictions such as the Supreme Court.”

Tegan McIntyre now chairs the Waipā licensing committee with previous chair Sara Grayson helping as required.

Its purpose is to consider and determine applications for licences, manager’s certificates, renewal of licenses and manager’s certificates, temporary authorities and other matters pursuant to section 187 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

• See Five Stags temporarily closed, page 14

Strings on tour

The New Zealand String Quartet will bring its Soundscapes tour to Cambridge Town Hall next month as part of a move to take its music beyond the usual concert hall setting.

New member

Former Christchurch City Council chief financial officer Carol Bellette –current finance director at AgResearch - will become an independent member of Waipā District Council’s Audit and Risk committee. She is already deputy chair of Hamilton City Council’s Strategic Risk and Assurance committee, which is chaired by Bruce Robertson, who also chairs the Waipā statutory committee.

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Karl Tutty

GREAT BED DEALS

‘Mission critical’ for society

By Mary Anne Gill and Viv Posselt

When Pat Chant moved into Cambridge Resthaven 14 months ago, one of her first highlights was seeing the daffodils flower in neighbouring Payne Park.

So, at the weekend, the 94-year-old was out on her walker to check out this year’s crop - some of which flowered a month early – and add her support to the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day tomorrow. (Friday)

More than 100 volunteers will be out around town tomorrow and Saturday

selling daffodils sourced from Waipā growers. Nearly 100,000 stems are needed each year, said volunteer coordinator Debra Jenkins.

Daffodil Day is “mission critical” for the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Cancer Society with cancer diagnoses continuing to climb and a higher proportion of those diagnosed seeking the charity’s support than ever before.

One in three New Zealanders will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime and the society is currently reaching about 25 per cent of these people across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.

Meanwhile, the weather gods turned it on for Sunday’s annual Vintage Car Club (Waikato) fundraiser for the Cancer Society.

Members travelled through Waipā to the club’s Cambridge base at McLean Street, some making a brief stop-over at Victoria Square en route. They came from the Waikato club’s five bases – Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Morrinsville, Matamata and Hamilton

Last year, the Waikato branch raised over $4000 towards the national vintage clubs’ total of about $80,000. • More photos cambridgenews.nz

Pat Chant in one of the daffodil patches in Payne Road near her home in Cambridge Resthaven.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Community Connect

August 29, 2024

We’re doing better, survey says

The results of the latest Annual Resident Perception Survey are in, and Waipā District Council is doing better in the eyes of the community.

Our ‘back-to-basics’ approach in spending and decision making has led to satisfaction with the council’s overall performance rising three percentage points since last year.

Mayor Susan O’Regan says it’s an encouraging sign during tough times for everybody.

“It’s early days, but this gradual improvement shows that Waipā residents are increasingly trusting the council and appreciating its efforts,” she said. “The survey results show we are on the right track and highlights where we need to improve.”

People happy with the council’s services, facilities and infrastructure increased four percentage points year-on-year, and nearly one in seven praised the council for doing a good job, with friendly and helpful staff.

Waipā pride remains strong, with community spirit increasing and 66 per cent of residents rating their quality of life as ‘good’ to ‘excellent’.

Benchmark results against other councils will be available in mid-September and will reveal wider trends across local government.

Waipā’s elm trees to be vaccinated against deadly disease

Roll out of a vaccination for elm trees in Waipā will help protect them against Dutch Elm Disease.

The fatal and fast spreading tree disease was discovered in the district in February. It is caused by a species of fungus and is almost always deadly.

The vaccine will be administered in November on Council parks, reserves and street trees and will extend to privately owned protected trees.

Arborist planner James Richardson said the vaccination would not harm the trees.

“It increases the trees’ natural defence mechanism and greatly reduces the chances of them dying if they get the disease,” he said.

Waipā is following in the footsteps of Auckland Council who have seen a decrease of trees dying from the disease over the past three years since the vaccine was introduced.

“We have only had three reported cases of the disease, but we want to be proactive in slowing the spread.”

The vaccine is manufactured in the Netherlands. It is currently not available to the public. The vaccination programme is estimated to cost $25,000.

Slow fashion September events

We have a range of events planned to celebrate sustainable fashion this month. Get involved and get inspired.

8.00 - 9.00pm, Tuesday, September 3.

Sewing repair workshop with Sarah Sew Love7.30 - 9.30pm, Tuesday, September 10.

$10 op shop bus tours!

• Op shop bus tour to Huntly - Friday, Sept 20

• Op shop bus tour to Morrinsville - Saturday, Sept 21

Our op shop tour events are in partnership with Waikato District Council with a reciprocal tour to Waipā. Free online workshops!

Arborist planner James Richardson with elm trees in Te Awamutu.

Incinerator call welcomed

By Chris Gardner

The company behind the application to build a waste-toenergy Paiwera Recycle Plant near the Mangapiko Stream in Te Awamutu has joined objectors in welcoming the news the decision will be made by a board of inquiry.

Minister for the Environment

Penny Simmonds acquiesced to Waikato Regional Council’s request to call in the resource consent applications by Hamilton-based Global Contracting Solutions (GCS) to build and operate the plant in Racecourse Road.

The decision was announced by Waipā District Council on Friday after it and the regional council received a letter from Simmonds the previous week.

In her letter, Simmonds said she considered the proposal to be of national significance.

“The matters have aroused widespread public concern or interest regarding its actual or likely effect on the environment. The matters involve or is likely to involve technology, processes, or methods that are new to New Zealand and affect its environment,” she said.

“In reaching my decision,

I considered the views of the applicant, and the relevant local authorities, the capacity of the local authority to process the matter and the recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority.”

The project is opposed by members of the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board, environmental groups Go Eco and Zero Waste Network and resident group Don’t Burn Waipā.

Go Eco’s spokesperson Kelli Pike hoped the board of inquiry would ensure consistency in the treatment of other incinerator proposals around the country.

“There has been huge community opposition to the proposal in Te Awamutu, raising concerns for the environment, their livelihoods and public health,” she said.

“We hope that the process that follows, includes their voice.”

She said Go Eco would like to see local authorities invest in community operated resource recovery centres, like Xtreme Zero Waste in Whaingaroa.

“They have a high diversion rate from landfill, create more employment opportunities and are consistent with a low carbon future.”

Zero Waste Network Aotearoa spokesperson Sue Coutts described the move as “a really good next step”.

“We are really happy to hear that the minister has made that call. The main thing is for it to be properly considered,” she said.

Coutts feared emissions from the proposed plant would release dioxins, heavy metals and sulphur

dioxide that could prove harmful to human health.

The Barnyard Early Childhood Education Centre owner Michelle Cummings welcomed the announcement.

The building and operation of a waste-to-energy plant in the same road as her business would impact her.

“It just seems a stupid place to put it, right in the middle of town,” she said. “Fresh air is quite important.”

The News also sought comment from Don’t Burn Waipā.

The application includes requests for discharges to air and water.

The proposed plant is expected to incinerate around 150,000 tonnes of waste annually which will be used to generate electricity from steam.

GCS applied to the regional

council for resource consent in December 2021.

“We are pleased a decision has finally been made,” said GCS project director Adam Fletcher.

“We are pleased that we will get to put our side of the story, and others will have the opportunity to put their side across.”

Fletcher said the application complied with all international standards “by a long margin”.

If it goes ahead, the plant will include a cafeteria, visitor education centre, e-bike charging stations, and walkway with feature windows.

According to the Companies Register, Global Contracting Solutions sole director Craig Vernon Tuhoro owns 66 per cent of company shares with the balance belonging to Global Metal Trustee Ltd. Tuhoro is a director of Global Metal Trustee Ltd along with Robyn Ann Blake.

The board of inquiry must include three to five members including an appointee nominated by the Waikato River Authority.

The Environmental Protection Agency will publicly notify the Minister’s direction and will commence the planning and arrangements for a revised submission and hearings process.

There are only 3 one-bedroom or two-bedroom supported living apartments still available in the new Hanlin Building. These easy-living apartments are in the heart of our established retirement village with its own café and village shop right on your doorstep. Enjoy the community vibe and great lifestyle with the added benefit of care and support as you require.

Paiwera Recycle Plant project director Adam Fletcher welcomes a board of inquiry.

Pride goes before a fall

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

An ugly road rage incident occurred recently when a driver in the outside lane of a motorway became annoyed at being ‘tailgated’ by a frustrated driver behind him. The driver in front moved left to let the irritated driver through - coinciding with the ‘tailgating’ driver swooping over to undertake on the left. An angry exchange of gesticulations progressed to both drivers pulling into a side-bay, where it got seriously physical. Assault charges will follow.

It made me wonder about the inner world of both drivers involved and the emotional deficit that allowed such a relatively trivial incident to escalate. Surely with a little humility they could have backed down and carried on with their day?

It’s often mentioned that ‘pride’ has a big “i” sitting at the centre. The big “i” is a critical problem that spells the undoing of so many people - if left unchecked. The need to be ‘top-dog’, self-interest, self-promotion, self-centredness and lots of other elevated ‘self-isms’ contribute to pride becoming entrenched in a person’s life.

I’m not talking about the legitimate sense of ‘self-respect’ we refer to as taking ‘pride’ in managing and doing things well in life. Tempered with humility, that’s entirely appropriate. But to become absorbed with our own importance and prowess we forget two important things - firstly, our human powers and abilities are limited and secondly, no matter how much ability we feel we may have and what we might accomplish, it has all been ‘given’ to us by the only true source of enabling (God). To claim credit unto ourselves without acknowledging Him is a slippery slope. Actually, the essence of pride is charting our own course independently of

God, doing life our own way believing we are selfsufficient.

A record of someone whose pride doomed him, features in the Book of Esther from the Bible. Haman was an ambitious official in the Persian King Xerxes’ court (460 BC). He craved people’s praise and honour, demanding that all should bow to him.

A Jewish man named Mordecai enraged Haman by persistently refusing to comply. Haman’s hatred resulted in him convincing the King to issue a decree to kill all Jews in the Persian empire - thus exterminating Mordecai.

We invite applications for enrolments at Tamahere Model Country School for 2025. We are likely to have the following places available in 2025. Due to in zone roll growth a number of places may not be filled:

We invite applications for enrolments at Tamahe re Model Country School for are likely to have the following places available in 20 25. Due to in zone roll number of places may not be filled:

Eagerly anticipating Mordecai’s pending death, Haman had huge gallows built. Queen Esther (of Jewish identity, unknown to the King), intervened and foiled the plot. She hosted a banquet for the King and Haman. There, she disclosed the plan which Haman had coerced the King into, making a plea for her people to be spared. Furious with Haman for tricking him into signing the decree, the King stormed out of the room - he returned to find Haman throwing himself upon the Queen begging for mercy. The King saw Haman’s action as forcing himself on the Queen - Haman’s prideful ambition resulted in him being hanged on the gallows he had had built for Mordecai.

We will be offering:

We will be offering:

• Up to 10 places in Year 5 & 6

• Up to 12 places in Year 3 & 4

❖ Up to 10 places in Year 5 & 6

• Up to 10 places in Year 2

❖ Up to 12 places in Year 3 & 4

• Up to 12 places in Year 1

❖ Up to 10 places in Year 2

❖ Up to 12 places in Year 1

Enrolments at our school are governed by an enrolment scheme. Details of our school’s ‘home zone’ and priority order, as set out by the Ministry of Education, are available for viewing on our website. Ballot forms and school viewing information are available from the school office. Phone (07) 856 9238 or email reception@tamahere.school.nz

Enrolments at our school are governed by an enrolment scheme . Details of our ‘home zone’ and priority order, as set out by the Ministry of Education, are available viewing on our website. Ballot forms and school viewing information are available the school office. Phone (07) 856 9238 or email reception@tamahere.school.nz

Here’s wisdom to close with, from the Bible… “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:1819).

“Clothe yourselves, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”1 Peter 5:5

Cambridge Tree Trust

www.treetrust.org.nz

Five-finger (Neopanax/ Pseudopanax arboreum)

This is a small native tree growing to about eight metres. Wide spread throughout the country except in the deep south and alpine areas, we see it mostly in second growth bush and occasionally appearing unexpectedly in our gardens. Most of us recognise its glossy palmate leaves with their 5 -7 serrated leaflets, and in summer its clusters of purple fruit. And most of us never give it a second thought.

The deadline for receipt of applications for out of zone places is 3.00pm on Thursday 10th October 2024. Our Ballot will be drawn on Friday 18th October 2024.

The Board of Tamahere Model Country School

The deadline for receipt of applica tions for out of zone places is 3.00pm on 10th October 2024. Our Ballot will be drawn on Friday 18th October 2024

Between June and August large clusters of dark purple buds burst open with hundreds of tiny pinkish white flowers, about 5mm across. Fiona Eadie (100 best native plants for New Zealand gardens, 2008, p. 194)

asserts that these tiny flowers of five-finger, born on both male and female plants, are of little interest to birds. However, many of our native birds appear to have a different view of the matter. In early August I watched with delight for several days as korimako (bellbird) and tui worked their way through the multiple clusters on the tree outside the kitchen window. In summer the dark purple fruit appears on the female plants only – and back come the birds, this time including wax-eye and kereru (native wood pigeon), if you are fortunate enough to have these nearby. So if you have five-finger in your garden don’t chop it out; you have a beautiful birdfeeder right there, and what’s more the birds will keep planting them. It’s a circular economy!

Cambridge Tree Trust would like to thank Mitre 10 for their support for these monthly articles which are intended to raise interest and awareness of trees in Cambridge.

The Board of Tamahere Model Country School

Advertorial

Pirongia bar doors closed

By Chris Gardner

The operator of Pirongia’s Five Stags Restaurant and Bar has closed the business after it lost its appeal against Waipā District Licencing Committee’s decision not to renew its on-licence.

The doors have been shut for about two weeks and Nora Fu, sole shareholder of operator Night Pearl Ltd, could not give a date for reopening.

After the failure to get her licence to sell alcohol renewed, she had been operating the restaurant side of the business under

reduced hours.

Fu’s appeal to Alcohol Regulatory and Licencing Authority in June failed after it heard the Five Stags continued to serve alcohol on parts of the premises not covered by the licence between hearing dates, the bar served alcohol to an underage drinker during a police-led controlled purchase operation in November 2023, and Fu failed to properly appoint and notify a duty manager.

All of this occurred after the Employment Relations Authority ordered the company to pay more

Get Gardening

A monthly gardening column, courtesy of Amber Garden Centre

Spring is nearly here and now is the perfect time to reset the garden. Start attacking those weed's and clean up garden beds. If you planted cover crops get them turned over so they can break down. Add compost and generous amounts of sheep pellets to get them well prepped for spring planting. If the garden is ready, get a new run of brassicas in and start planting peas, lettuces and other salad crops so you are ready for the BBQ season. Focus on getting trees, shrubs and perennials planted so they establish their roots before the heat hits. Also, if you are wanting new potatoes for Christmas, start sprouting them now for planting by mid September, to ensure they will be ready for the table. Happy gardening!

pots. T’s & C’s

than $21,000 following the unjustified dismissal of an employee.

Pirongia Four Square owner Chris McDonnell was disappointed with the closure as he wants everyone in Pirongia do well.

“Nobody knows what’s going on,” said The Hive owner Shereen Parker.

“All the people I have spoken to just can’t believe that’s happened. It’s such a loss to the community. They just want someone else to take it over and run it.”

Waipā Pirongia-Kakepuku Ward councillor Bruce Thomas was surprised with the closure as Fu had promised to get things right.

“I don’t think the locals are happy with not having a place to go and have a drink. It’s quite disappointing.”

Art scene is alive and kicking

By Viv Posselt

Anyone who thinks the art scene isn’t pumping in Cambridge is seriously misinformed.

The upcoming Art Alive exhibition in Cambridge Town Hall will have well over 120 pieces of work on show, most of them for sale. All have been done by artists and potters who are among the Cambridge Society of Arts’ almost 80 members.

Many of them regularly frequent ‘The Painting Place’, the society’s studio in Thornton Rd.

The exhibition in the town hall – September 6 to 8, with an official opening on September 5 – is one of just two exhibitions the society holds annually.

The other is in March as part of the Cambridge Autumn Festival.

Cambridge Society of Arts (CSA) president Lynn Waters said September’s

Sent to the

“Send him down to the Shed” is the theme for this year’s Menz Shed week being held throughout New Zealand in early September. Activities are being organised by sheds in the Waikato to promote the week.

Men of the newly revived Cambridge Menz Shed are renovating the recently acquired old Leamington dairy factory. Myles Prebble, spokesman for the shed, says it is “all go” at present. Men are cleaning out the inside of the building, and the outside is being prepared for painting.

Once cleaned and machinery installed, the shed will be ready for business. Prebble is encouraging Cambrigde seniors to get out of their armchairs and “call by the shed”.

“It is just a great place to be, yarning with old mates and making new ones,” he said.

Following on from their successful Men’s Health Expo, the Te Awamutu

exhibition is for art society members only, while the March affair features work sent in from around the country.

CSA is a group of amateur and professional artists.

Aside from the time they put in at the studio, they also host workshops by

visiting artists, exhibit their work at other local events, and hold children’s and school holiday classes. They have recently opened The Painting Place on days that coincide with the Cambridge Lions Club’s Trash & Treasure Market Days.

sheds…

Community Menz Shed is embracing the week with a presentation by Sanders Pharmacy about gout.

Historically regarded as an “old man’s” problem, it has become relevant in today’s fast-moving world, chairman Richard Cato said.

“Getting older men to speak about and seek help is a continuing problem for health professionals. When they are within their own company, they tend to “open up” more about their situation.

“Loneliness is one of the biggest killers of men, especially when they finish work. The shed offers men a sense of purpose, a safe, caring, and supporting environment,” he says.

A quote from their recently published “Sheddies” book sums up what happens to men who become armchair-bound and stay home.

“I have found the comradeship and fellowship at the Menz Shed most rewarding. It stimulates the mental

well-being of fellows, and I have enjoyed teaching others the skills I have learned over the years. I tried to get my brother-in-law to join but he turned me down and just ‘cabbaged away’. I am still going strong and enjoying it at 89, doing what I love doing, working with wood,” says long time shed member, Ian Stratford.

The key message, Ian says, is “send them down to the shed”, where they will meet new mates, learn new skills, and most of all drink cups of tea.

Helping the community is a big part of the shed’s ethos, says Cato.

“Couples who downsizing their homes, or where a partner has died, often do not have a place to store excess tools or other equipment and often they generously donate it to their local Menz Shed. Such donations are very welcome, and are either added to the equipment used in the sheds or are recycled through garage sales.”

Cambridge Society of Arts president Lynn Waters, left, with Linda Bannister, at front, and some of the other artists at work in The Painting Place.

Photo: Viv Posselt

ON SHAKY GROUND

Demystifying volcanic ash

By Janine Krippner

Since Whakaari is reminding us that we live with active volcanoes, it’s a good time for a reminder about what volcanic ash is, and what it isn’t. I haven’t yet seen any cringey headlines claiming that it is “spewing smoke” or “toxic ash”, but these are common when volcanic activity hits the news so let’s go over them.

Volcanic ash is generally magma that is blown apart (fragmented) by rapidly expanding gases within it. External water like lakes, the sea, or underground reservoirs/groundwater may add to this as the water flashes to steam, expanding rapidly and potentially adding to the explosive power of an eruption.

Ash is volcanic rock 2mm or less in size. When it’s 2 to 64mm in size, it’s lapilli, bigger than that are blocks (solid) or bombs (fluid). Together, this is called tephra. It doesn’t have to be magma though. Rising gases, including steam from vigorous geothermal activity, can fragment the rock around it to produce ash. Older ash from past activity can be also incorporated. This is still pulverised rock, but it doesn’t need to be fresh magma. We can tell the difference looking at the ash under a microscope.

A plume coming out of the volcano is definitely not smoke, that’s a red flag warning that someone doesn’t know what they are talking about. The material is different, and importantly, the impacts are different. Whether it be an ash plume or gas emissions (including steam), calling it smoke is just plain wrong.

Steam is a large component of gas plumes. Gas, or gas-and-steam plumes, appear white. Once ash (fresh magma or not) is

incorporated into it we get the light to dark grey colouring. Generally, the darker the grey, the higher the ash content (cloud cover or light conditions can also make plumes appear grey).

When it comes to “toxic ash” headlines, they are often also wrong. Ash itself is not toxic, it’s just small bits of rock. Depending on the gases, it may have a coating of something like fluorine that can be toxic depending on the concentration. Testing must be done to confirm this. If a headline is claiming ash is toxic straight away, chances are they are making that up, it’s another red flag.

There is a lot of misunderstanding about what happens when you inhale volcanic ash. It won’t shred your lungs, even though it is sharp and abrasive. If it is getting into your lungs, it must be small enough. This can cause issues, especially if you have conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, so a mask should be worn if you find yourself in an affected area. What areas are impacted depends on how much ash or gas, how high it is reaching, and the wind strength and direction. Ash and gas plumes get blown by the wind, so this is when working with meteorologists becomes an important part of volcano monitoring.

Eruptions are an important and healthy part of the natural processes on Earth, so when they are in the headlines, I hope this helps you to spot red flags that inevitably pop up. As always, follow GNS Science/ GeoNet for updates.

Reflecting on our role

By Jo Davies-Colley, Chair, Cambridge Community Board

An independent residents survey has revealed over half of the community believes the primary role of the Cambridge Community Board is to advocate for its residents. This response supports the importance and expectations that residents place on the board to represent their interests and concerns effectively and signals that a significant portion of the community continues to look to the board to be their voice to Waipā District Council.

As we move through the second half of our three-year term, we recognise our important role in representing the community’s needs, especially in complex and controversial issues such as the Cambridge Connections project. With the recent release of the independent review into Cambridge Connections, we have reflected on our role in the project. From early in the process, the board recognised the potential impact the project could have on the community, and we took proactive steps to advocate for the community’s needs and concerns. We worked hard to make sure our public forums were a welcoming space, where everyone’s opinions could be presented. We worked closely with council staff and elected members making sure the community’s voice was heard and considered in the decisionmaking process and we stayed close to those in the community most affected.

We welcomed mayor Susan O’Regan’s decision to have the process independently reviewed and believe it showed a commendable step in learning where shortcomings had been and addressing them head-on. We acknowledge the review highlighted the same concerns and considerations the board were hearing from

FONTERRA FOCUS

Good for us, good for business

A $40 million injection to the Waipā economy was announced on Thursday morning, and hopefully I was not the only dairy farmer celebrating. To my wife’s amazement, I took my family out for a curry at a local restaurant.

Fonterra’s 50c per kilogram milk solids lift in forecast payout for this season is the cause for our joy. Around 80 million kilograms of milksolids are being produced in Waipā. With what can so far be described as a near perfect 12 months of weather, this spring’s grass growth is ahead of target, cows are in

better body condition, and farmers are ahead on production. On our farm we are 29 per cent ahead for this time of year. Our cows are one month away from their normal peak milk production, however we are already doing more milk than normal peak. Farmers have been able to reduce use of stored silage, which instead they will be able to use during the dry of summer. All in all, worth writing about. Interest rates, inflation and labour market tightness have been simultaneous challenges for all industries. It has been a nervous wait where we have just had to keep check on

By Andrew Myers

spending and the budget. While this is not over, it is good to see some sunshine coming through the clouds.

Fonterra is controlled and owned by New Zealand families who work hard every day to supply the best possible milk to our customers. We couldn’t do this without the local businesses who support us and help us along the way. All the returns made by Fonterra farmers flow back into the local economy and the rural communities. We hope this also brings a bit of support to local family businesses in town.

For other dairy farmers, there is some not

the community and were encouraged to see council’s commitment to the future transparency, accountability and improvement of future Cambridge Connections work. We were also pleased to hear the mayor and councillors agree the reset suggested by staff was not significant enough and they wanted a slower, more community-focused process. The continued involvement of the community board was also encouraged, a further nod to our role in this important project. We are hopeful the next steps in the Cambridge Connections work will show a greater focus on working alongside the community, fostering trust and confidence amongst residents, whilst working together for our town’s transport goals.

There is a lot of work to come, and the community board is looking forward to our role in this important project. We welcome your feedback on this or any other issue concerning you. Our monthly public forum is open to anyone in the community wishing share their concerns or opinions.

Council is also undertaking a representation review, and we are considering our own submission and encourage the community to also have their say. Consultation closes on September 5 and the focus of the review is to better understand how people want to be represented around the council table, and if there is an opportunity to make changes to the ward structure or the number of councillors. Council will adopt its final proposal later this year, so that any changes to the structure are in place in time for the 2025 local authority elections.

so good news. Local Synlait suppliers face uncertainty about the future of who will be picking up their milk next week. Here’s hoping it all goes smoothly for them. Overall, the pay increase is something to cheer about this week, before we batten down for the rest of what spring can throw at us. Bring it on!

• Andrew Myers, a dairy farmer from Roto-o-rangi, is the Fonterra Co-operative Councillor for the Waipā ward.

JOIN A club

Making Bowls Fun

Schuler shines

Cambridge sprinter Alex Schuler continued the recordsetting displays at the UCI Junior Track Cycling World Championships in Luoyang, China.

After Southland’s Riley Faulker set a national record in the female sprint qualifying, the Cambridge High School rider also set a national record in the male sprint qualifying.

Schuler recorded 10.155s for the flying 200m qualifying, which broke the eight-year-old record of 10.223s set by Southland’s Bradly Knipe.

In a blisteringly fast qualifying session, the Te Awamutu Sports club rider was 21st fastest in qualifying with eight riders going under 10 seconds and Australian Tayte Ryan one of two riders under the old world record mark.

Schuler produced an outstanding effort to pip David Peterka (CZE) in a photo-finish in the first round of matchracing but was edged by 0.01s by Great Britain’s Oliver Pettefer in the second round.

Football on the up

By Roy Pilott

Cambridge’s top men’s and women’s football teams remain on course for promotion to the Northern League.

The men have demolished opposition in the Southern Conference – and made it 19 wins from 19 on Saturday ahead of a midweek clash with Claudelands played after this edition went to press.

And the women have been almost as dominant in the WaiBop women’s league – with 15 wins and a draw from 17 outings.

In both cases, they now go to home and away September clashes against Northern Conference winners, with the prize a place in the next level up – Northern Leagues which include clubs from Auckland.

The opponents for

the men will be either Waitemata, Waiheke or Northland. The women face Papakura or Onehunga Māngere, also home and away.

Cambridge was crowned Southern Conference men’s champs at the weekend and celebrated with a 13-0 home win over Otumoetai.

Should Cambridge men win promotion they could be in familiar company. The Northern Championship

league is already home to Ngāruawāhia – and next season will also have Hamilton Wanderers, who will be relegated from the premiership.

Melville, second to bottom in that league, could make it four Waikato teams in the championship next season – meaning a potentially lower travel bill, but strong among those clubs competition for players.

Hinuera wins

A

Results

JOIN A club

Nursery and Education Centre 89 Thornton Road Cambridge PO Box 624 Cambridge New Zealand.

• www.treetrust.org.nz • Email: info@treetrust.org.nz

If you are recently retired (or not!), still fit, and interested in improving and maintaining the green environment of Cambridge, come and join us. Meeting at 9am each Tuesday and Thursday at our base at 89 Thornton Road, we spend the morning planting neglected areas of the town, or weeding one of our many previous plantings. There is

work at the base growing and potting up plants. And we always finish the morning with coffee at base. So if you are enthusiastic about working in the outdoors, want to put your green fingers to good use, believe in the importance of

trees in the urban environment … bring your gardening gloves and gumboots and join us.

Contacts: Peter Fisher (Chairperson) 07 823 4412, Connie Scholten (Secretary) 07 827 6149

Alex Schuler in his New Zealand record sprint.

The first of many: Zachary Mayo jumps high in the box to head home Cambridge’s opener over Otumoetai.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

A Hinuera four won the annual Bupa St Kilda twoday Classic Lawn Bowls Tournament last weekend.

total of 104 competitors graced the two greens at the Cambridge Bowling Club on Thornton Road.

- Deb White (Skip) Kevin Smith, Bruce Milne, Paul Casey (Hinuera) 1, Jenny Stockford (Skip) Teri Blackbourn, Roy Shepherd, Roslyn Brown (Composite) 2, Denise Te Momo (Skip) Warwick Flintoff, Lynda Bennett, Chris Osment (Composite) 3, Alan Sutton (Skip) Andrew Leota, Alana Nicholas, Megan Pohe-Chubb (Putaruru) 4.

Still bringing back the shine after 40 years

There’s times when experience really counts and none more so when it comes to panelbeating.

Lee Collision Repairs in Carters Crescent in Cambridge has been operating for more than 40 years, starting o as Lee & McMillan Panel & Paint.

Current owners, siblings Darren Lee and Sue Molloy, whose father was one of the original business partners, say a lot has changed since then.

“The technology has certainly advanced a lot in the last few years with advanced collision warning systems, di erent types of panel construction and more electronics,” they say.

The business takes on a wide range of vehicles from cars and SUVs, through to utes and light commercials and most of the work they do is insurance work.

This has come about through the decision by large insurance companies back in the 1990s to contract which panelbeaters they would deal with when it came to client insurance repair work and Lee Collision repair was one of those.

Repair assessments are all done onsite, estimates and images are sent to assessors for review electronically.

“We still do private work as well, as we always have,” Sue says. The industry is one however where

there are fewer panelbeaters than there were in the past and certainly less who will do large structural work as Lee Collision Repairs can.

“Parts availability can be one of the biggest challenges for the industry, with some repairs having to wait eight to 10 weeks for parts from overseas. Some secondhand parts these days can be worth more than new ones, depending on their scarcity.”

The longevity of the business has meant that they’ve had a lot of repeat happy customers over the years, people who have been pleased with an initial job on a car and who have come back with another job even

years later.

“It’s important to us that we do the best we can for our clients,” Sue says. No job is too big or too small. From a small ding in a door to a structural job, Lee Collision Repairs have the expertise to be able to do the repair and paint match the existing colour of the vehicle.

They can also give your car or ute a cut and polish to bring back the shine and if your car paintwork is past its useby date – Lee Collision Repairs expert spraypainters will have it looking like a new car in no time. They are open ve days a week from 7.30am till 5pm.

Left to right Frank, Ben, Troy, Tyler, Darren, Bridgit

Spotlight on Cambridge

Nothing be er than your local

Whether you want a great place to hang out with family or friends, enjoy a fabulous meal any time of the week or have a special night organised for you, it’s always great to know there’s a great place right in your local neighbourhood that can cater to just that.

Five Stags at 9 Campbell St in Leamington is a unique bar and restaurant that is styled on a hunting lodge; something warm and comfortable where you can sit around and enjoy the warmth of a re, catch the game

with mates over a few drinks from their extensive drinks catalogue, or enjoy their wellknown menu featuring some of the best foods New Zealand has to o er from slow roasted beef, venison burgers, pork ribs, to southern fried chicken, the best fresh sh (and seafood chowder) and much more.

There’s great burgers as part of the pub classic menu, a wide variety of pizzas and platters on o er and there’s even a great kids’ menu too.

Finish this o with a great dessert such as a cookie skillet or a warmed chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce and vanilla icecream – and it’s a sure bet you’ll be back.

Five Stags o ers regular nights, so you know what to expect –Mondays its grill nights, with steak from $25 – or a stonegrill steak special night on Wednesdays. You can be part of the cocktails night

on Fridays and let’s not forget the live music every Saturday night after the rugby action on the big screen.

There is always something happening at Five Stags – and if you have a special event from a birthday to a work do you’d like to hold there, just give them a call, there’s room there and they have everything you need to make it a spectacular success.

Five Stags Leamington is the home of Stonegrill in the Waikato Cook your meat to perfection on a 400 degree stone

Where every bite is a delight!

PIZZAS

MARGHERITA POMODORO, MOZZARELLA, BASIL $20

SPUTA FUOCO (FIRE BREATHING)

POMODORO, MOZZARELLA, SPICY SALAMI, NDUJA, MASCARPONE $25

TARTUFOSA MOZZARELLA, MUSHROOM, TRUFFLE PASTE, ROCKET, TRUFFLE OIL $25

VERDUROSA POMODORO, MOZZARELLA, SEASONAL VEGES, EVO $22

PORCA POMODORO, MOZZARELLA, SALAME, HAM, SAUSAGE, EVO $26

ORTO DI MARE MOZZARELLA, ZUCCHINI, GARLIC PRAWNS, ROCKET, PARMESAN $25

PIEDINA ROMAGNOLA PROVOLONE, PARMESAN, ROCKET, PARMA, HOT HONEY, GORGONZOLA $26

SMALL SHARE PUFFY BREAD EVO, FLAKY SALT $13

MARINARA BURNT BUTTER, POMODORO,

$17

GARLIC BREAD GARLIC GINGER CHILLI,

$17

Meet the friendly team at 5 Stags-Tommy and Hayley

Wedding You Your &

Getting on the same page

There are so many options when it comes to getting married – far more than there ever used to be.

The traditional church wedding followed by what was known as a wedding breakfast has now been expanded into everything from island paradise beach weddings, specialised and private venues, right down to the beauty of a home garden wedding.

While your budget may mean that exotic destinations are off the menu, it doesn’t mean you can’t use your imagination to capture the essence of who the pair of you are in even the simplest of ceremonies.

It pays to sit down and have a discussion very early on in the piece to find out what is most important to both of you. Once you have the basic idea sorted, it is easier to present this to friends and family –who quite often have different ideas on what makes a wedding day a great one.

And this is an important part of the process, ensuring everyone is on the same page as the pair of you from the beginning.

Once done, you can put together boards on sites like Pinterest. These are excellent ways of putting together ideas ranging from colour palettes, table decorations right through to wedding dresses, cake, and floral ideas.

It’s also important to involve your main wedding party such as maid of honour or bridesmaids. Decide early on who is paying for what. If you intend paying for what they wear, make sure the design and colours you want suits all members of the party in terms of shape and sizes.

Don’t forget the small things, such as shoes, when it comes to what will work with dresses.

Remember to purchase a small specific gift, like jewellery, for each of them, with the groom doing the same for his groomsmen (or women).

If you are not using a wedding planner – and many don’t – check in with your celebrant when it comes to specifics you’ll need on the day. They have a lot of experience, see many different kinds of weddings and sometimes, their knowledge can be invaluable.

Perhaps the biggest thing is to ensure you have memories of the day afterwards. Often brides find they don’t remember much on the day – and photos and videos are a priceless memory.

Encourage people to take photos on their phones, while reminding everyone not to get in the way of any professional photographer you might have on hand.

S ymbol A Sentimental

Rings are the most fundamental part of a wedding; symbolising the commitment both are making to each other and to the family they will create by doing so.

While some can be bought straight off the velvet display board, for others the commitment can mean anything from designing their own, to incorporating jewellery of loved ones who have passed, or gifted on.

For Rose Coppard, her gorgeous wedding rings are just such a combination.

“My nanna, Nella Skelton, [wife of the late jockey Bill Skelton] was a very important part of my life –someone I looked up to and aspired to be like,” Rose says.

So much so, that the day she and her husband James chose to be married was also the wedding anniversary of the well-known couple.

The pair travelled a great deal during Bill’s time as a jockey and on one international trip to South Africa, Nella was presented with two rings with large gems sourced from the Kimberley mines, a diamond in one, and a sapphire and smaller diamonds in the other. Both were set in white gold.

They were permanent reminders of a wonderful time Bill and Nella had, and Rose knew how much they had meant to Nella as a reminder of their trip.

wedding rings and the two rings she had been given, along with the design she had created to celebrate the joining of the combined rings.

All parts of the South African diamond ring, which featured a very high setting, were incorporated into the design of her wedding set, which she says took about eight weeks to complete.

In a secondary ring, which she wears on her other hand, the original smaller stone was removed and the large sapphire put in its place.

“I received these rings when Nanna passed away and I really wanted to incorporate them into my own wedding rings,” Rose says.

“These were both rings [mine and hers] with enormous sentimental value to me and I wanted to be able to acknowledge that in an everyday setting.”

She researched designer jewellers and took her

Rose says the values Nella had toward her marriage and her lifelong constancy with regard to being Bill’s other half remain a lasting legacy for her, and the joining of the rings enables her to acknowledge the former First Lady of racing in this way, as well as to celebrate her own marriage.

“With these rings, that I wear every day, I know I have the support and love of my husband – but also that of Nanna. It really is for me, the best of both worlds.”

Cambridge’s Newest Wedding Venue Cambridge’s Newest Wedding Venue

Our venue accommodates 100-150 people seated, along with options for a small private intimate room seating up to 16.

Catering options available to suit your requirements from casual to formal at the venue or supplied to the venue of your chose or home setting.

Full Bar + Cocktails available on site.

We can decorate your venue or work with you to decorate. Start with drinks and canapes on the covered patio or grass area in front of the venue,

Move inside for the more formal proceedings, either buffet or formal sit down.

Rose Coppard’s wedding rings – designed incorporating hers and her husband’s choice, along with the sentimental rings of her grandmother, the late Nella Skelton.

Rose Coppard and her grandmother Nella Skelton - whose rings were incorporated into Rose’s wedding set. Rose says her grandmother remains an inspiration for her and the rings reflect this.

SAY “I DO”

AT JETPARK HAMILTON

Our Bridal Package includes everything important to make a wedding go off without a hitch. Book your wedding function today and let us create a day you'll cherish forever.

Planning Tackling Process the

Getting engaged is a joyful time as you share your exciting news with family and friends. But the biggest party of your life can be overwhelming as you ponder how to make it all happen. Use our checklist below for inspiration on how to get started.

• Work out a budget and plan according to how much you have to spend.

• Start a guest list.

• Choose your wedding party.

• Reserve a date and book venues –decide whether the ceremony and reception will be at one venue, or at separate locations.

• Choose and book a celebrant, photographer and videographer.

• Book entertainment, a florist, and a caterer – then decide on menus.

Keepsake Bouquets

Flowers are a key part of the wedding style and theme.

It is important to pick a florist whose work you admire, and who can relate to you and the look you want to achieve.

Ask friends for recommendations of florists and visit their shop. Don’t necessarily go for the cheapest quote, you get what you pay for and there are many factors that affect the quality of your wedding flowers.

Good florists will source the best flowers direct from the growers – other florists may source from elsewhere and freshness may be compromised.

Most bridal parties will have

Rcolour themes, and flowers will traditionally fit in with the colours of the bridesmaids’ dresses.

However, a new trend is to have the flowers as the main style focal point – with brides opting for large bouquets of big bright blooms such as large roses.

Bridesmaids hold smaller versions of the bride’s bouquet.

Roses are traditionally symbolic of romance and ever popular calla lilies and gerberas - along with lisianthus - are also trending.

Hydrangea styled loosely with lisianthus are reminiscent of childhood gardens and are fresh and romantic for a bride.

• Purchase your wedding dress, or organise a dressmaker.

• Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories.

• Book accommodation for out-oftown guests.

• Launch a wedding website, or Facebook page.

• Select or design wedding invitations.

• Choose and book a cake.

• Plan your ceremony – decide on readings, speakers and toasts.

• Reserve structural and electrical necessities, such as outdoor seating.

• Organise official documents like your marriage license. Be sure check your passports are current if you’re going overseas.

• Arrange transportation for the wedding party and guests.

• Plan your honeymoon.

• Start a wedding register if required.

• Schedule your hair and make-up artist.

• Book the rehearsal dinner venues.

• Assign seating.

• Choose your music. Is it a live band, a DJ, or is the music planned for during the ceremony, dinner or the entertainment.

• Purchase the rings.

• Print your menu cards and place settings.

The planning process can be overwhelming, but breaking down the planning process into bite-sized pieces will make it feel much more achievable and fun.

Across 1. Simple (4) 4. Stitch (6) 8. Surprise (7) 9. Platform for performers (5) 10. Skinny (4) 11. Stirred up (8) 13. Record player (9) 17. Be naturally well suited (3,2,3) 19. Twirl (4)

Last week

21. Whinny (5)

(6)

(7)

“Sunday” meal (5)

Prepared (5)

Fabric produced by caterpillars (4)

(4)

(4)

Across: 1. Basic, 4. Barred, 8. Eclipse, 9. Mirth, 10. Shrub, 11. Crystal, 12. Septet, 14. Tricky, 17. Respire, 19. Dough, 21. Koala, 22. Gradual, 23. Repeat, 24. Delay. Down: 1. Breaststroke, 2. Solar, 3. Capable, 4. Bleach, 5. Rummy, 6. Erratic, 7. Shilly-shally, 13. Passage, 15. Red card, 16. Weight, 18. Irate, 20. Usual.

EPPANCELDEENSTIPMW NDDITHREADTTITTAIL IMWGNITTUCYNCHVDRN MEOIZFMNTLEHBRCATI SEAMTFTEEEGVNOCAEL QECGROSUAIXEPINSMP IILEHNOIHSAFLOZHUO ZHDVVYNWZSUDAJZXTP SGARALLOCESRJYUPSF EWBMFGFTVRHREUSUOA RDZDVREEAPTQOFSRCB OJFURSAULIORFSKTSR EGRESVLYSTLUSUSMGI DSILKCATEKCOPSDIZC TBUTTONSHAPERYGDCG UPATTERNCVVFBSPRQS

ADAPT ADJUST BUTTONS CHIFFON CLOTH COLLAR COSTUME CUFFS CUTTING DART DENIM EDGE FABRIC FASHION FELT FRAY FURS GARMENT HEMS LACE MACHINE MEASURE NEEDLE PATTERN PINS POCKET POPLIN PRESS SATIN SCISSORS SEAM SELVAGE SERGE SEWING SHAPE SILK SIZE STITCH STYLE TACK TAILOR TAPE THREAD TRIM

This newspaper is subject to NZ Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing, within one month of publication, to the editor’s email address. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P O Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www. mediacouncil.org.nz

Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.

CAMBRIDGE OPEN HOMES

Saturday

60B

59 Robinson Street $715,000 12.30-1.00pm

183 Taylor Street PBN 1.15-1.45pm

Sunday 1 September

122A Tennyson Street $850,000 10.15-10.45am

Pengover Avenue

5 Kingsley Street PBN 11.00-11.30am

Place PBN 11.30-12.00pm

13 Alpers Ridge $970,000 11.30-12.00pm

3 Hillary Place $815,000 11.30-12.00pm

3/7 Anzac Court PBN 11.30-12.00pm

Sheridan Crescent

HARCOURTS

33a Isobel Hodgson Drive

A modern view over the world!

Experience luxury living, just minutes from the Cambridge township. This stunning 284sqm (more or less) architecturally designed home, set on 1.872ha (more or less), offers uninterrupted views. Private and elevated, the home is just over two years old, featuring innovative design, high-performance materials, and smart energy systems. Inside, enjoy soaring ceilings, polished concrete floors, a dramatic kitchen with high-end appliances, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the natural surroundings. The home includes five double bedrooms, a master suite with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, solar energy, and dual ducted air conditioning. Outdoor living is a highlight, with a covered portico, heated swimming pool, and private walkway through native plants leading to your own wetlands. Ideal for families or couples, with easy access to Cambridge, Hamilton, and local schools. bayleys.co.nz/2350821

$1,950,000

- A 292sqm (more or less) floor plan with favourable layout, stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom plus powder room.

- Features include: spacious office, media room with sound proof insulation, separate laundry, ducted air conditioning, designer kitchen with scullery, beautifully tiled bathrooms, carpeted triple car garage, open plan layout with access to the generous entertainers deck and loads of yard space.

- Private, quiet and spacious with a relaxing rural aspect.

- Step through the welcoming entrance and into a thoughtfully designed open-plan space, featuring a dining area, modern kitchen with a scullery, and spacious living area with a separate lounge.

- Master suite is a retreat in itself, featuring outdoor access, a walkthrough wardrobe to your luxurious tiled ensuite.

- Additional features include a double carpeted garage, separate laundry, gas fire and heat pump for year round comfort.

- Set on a 696m² (more or less) section with attractive plantings.

- Sunny and inviting 2 bedroom unit has been lovingly and thoughtfully refurbished.

- Appealing new kitchen (with new appliances) provides a generous amount of cupboards and storage space.

- Entire home boasts attractive new floor coverings, interior being freshly painted, new hot water cylinder, electrical switches, light fittings, just to name a few of the wonderful upgrades.

- With 2 heat pumps as well as an HRV system. Recently Refurbished - Handy to Town

- Landbank, develop or family retreat.

- Nestled on an expansive ¾ share of 4135 m² (more or less) section, featuring a generously proportioned 3-bedroom family home.

- Ultimate comforts - wood burner, ceiling fan, heat pump, HRV system, alarm system and an abundance of storage options.

- Super-sized bedrooms (two with very generous walk-in robes) and a wonderful living area with plenty of indoor-outdoor flow to the sun-drenched and privatised front of the home.

- This 180m² home offers a versatile 4-bedroom layout—three bedrooms upstairs and one downstairs.

- Also features two full bathrooms , the master with ensuite and a walk-through robe, an additional separate toilet downstairs.

- Multiple outdoor areas provide plenty of space to enjoy the summer months and a sunny balcony—perfect for your morning coffee.

- Recent upgrades include the installation of gas water heating, a new switchboard, and impressive landscaping.

- Wonderfully refurbished 1950s family home offering a spacious, ergonomically designed kitchen with fantastic chattels and large separate lounge.

- French and sliding doors opening to your choice of sunny decks.

- Tidy 6,007 sqm (more or less) property (including two generous paddocks and an orchard paddock to-be).

- Great parking options (double garage with workbench and ample off-street).

an escape in luxury to Tahiti WIN

OUR PROMOTION ENDS SOON.

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Graham Ban Paulette Bell

PULLINGER, Judith Ann

(Ann) – formally Reid

Passed away at home on Sunday 18 August 2024 after a short illness. Much loved and loving mum of Jaye, Brenda and Tanya. Adored grandmother of Harlee, Cantona, Karter and Robson. Cherished sister of Prue, Liz (deceased), Rachel and Rebecca. A memorial service for Ann will be held at St Andrews Church, 85 Hamilton Road, Cambridge tomorrow, Friday 30 August at 11:00am.

YOUNG, Irvine (IY) – Born 24th June 1939. Passed away peacefully at Resthaven Cambridge on 20th August 2024 surrounded by his family. Much loved husband for 62 years of the late Zena. Dearly loved father of Kevin and Bec, Sharyn and Andrew, Simon and Catherine. Treasured grandad of Sean and Emily and Lincoln, Kate and Jules, Scott and Vanessa, Sian, Eddie and Gaby, Mair, Alice and Ben, Leo and Cassie, Maisie and Zoe. Always in our hearts. Will be missed for his endless optimism and classic jokes. Rest easy Dad. A service for Irvine was held at St Peter’s Catholic Church, Anzac, 21 Avenue, Cambridge on Saturday 24th August at 11am.

Mr BJ and Mrs RM BOURKE

Married on the 31st of August 1974. Wishing you both a very happy 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary. Your love has stood the test of time, and your bond continues to inspire us all. With love from Stuart & Lisa, Robert & Tracey, Duncan & Sarah, Cameron & Mereika and your much cherished 12 grandchildren.

FRONT window out of Datsun 1600, Offers, Ph 021 0263 7484.

CAMBRIDGE Next Meeting Wednesday SEPTEMBER 4 1:30pm Start

PLAN CHANGE 26 TO THE WAIPĀ DISTRICT PLAN

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF DECISIONS ON INDEPENDENT HEARING PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 102 OF THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT 1991

Plan Change 26 (Residential Zone Intensification) to the Operative Waip-a District Plan implements the Intensification Planning Instrument required under section 80E of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) by incorporating the Medium Density Residential Standards and giving effect to policies 3 and 4 of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020 (with related provisions).

TAYLOR MADE 22a Taylor Street, Cambridge

Speakers: Senior Students from St Peter’s High School Cambridge

Enquiries: President Dave Ph 027 231 7609 E: greypower.cambridge@gmail.com

Visitors aged 50+ keen to become Greypower members are welcome to attend.

Janine 027 287 0005

Waip-a District Council resolved at its meeting on 19 August 2024 to accept all recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel on PC26, except for recommendations relating to:

• Extent of Infrastructure Constraint Overlay at Cambridge

• Site Coverage exemption within Stormwater Constraint Overlay

• Relocated Buildings

• Financial Contributions

The rejected recommendations (together with reasons and alternative recommendations) have been referred to the Minister for the Environment for a final decision under clause 101(2) of Schedule 1 of the RMA. The reasons for rejecting the recommendations and Council’s alternative recommendations are set out in full in the Council’s decision which can be viewed as set out below.

The affected parts of Plan Change 26 as altered by recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel or corrected as minor errors that have been accepted by Council will become operative in accordance with Clauses 104 and 20 of Schedule 1 of the RMA on 30 August 2024. Where to view the decisions

The Waip-a District Plan as updated to incorporate the operative provisions of Plan Change 26, the associated Independent Hearings Panel recommendations, and Council’s decision including the four recommendations that have been rejected (with reasons and alternative recommendations) can be viewed at the following:

• Online at www.waipadc.govt.nz/our-council/ waipa-district-plan/waipa-district-plan-plan-changes/ current-publicly-notified-plan-changes/draft-plan-change26-residential-zone-intensification

• At Waip-a District Council offices and libraries in Te Awamutu and Cambridge

Steph O’Sullivan

Chief Executive

For and on behalf of Waip-a District Council

PROPOSAL TO GRANT NEW LEASES OF RESERVE LAND

Waip-a Council (“WDC”) proposes to grant the following community leases in respect of land owned and administered by WDC as Recreation Reserves under section 54(1)(b) of the Reserves Act 1977:

Leamington Domain

Lessee: Cambridge Netball Centre Incorporated

Leased Land: Approximately 7,500m2 forming part of the recreation reserve located at 12 Scott Street, Leamington, Cambridge and known as the Leamington Domain, which is registered under Record of Title 451551 and legally described as Allotment 569 Town of Cambridge West

Term: 5 years with 2 rights of renewal of 5 years each

Rent: Initial annual rent of approximately $47.00 plus GST

Permitted Use: Netball and tennis related activities including training and competition

Karapiro Lake Domain

Lessee: Cambridge Rowing Club Incorporated

Leased Land: Approximately 900m2 and forms part of the Karapiro Lake Domain recreation reserve located at 601 Maungatautari Road, Karapiro which is registered under Record of Title 433904 and legally described as Section 2, 5-7, 16 Block XIV Cambridge Survey District

Term: 5 years with 2 rights of renewal of 5 years each

Rent: Initial annual rent approximately $55.00 plus GST

Permitted Use: Clubrooms, boat storage, changing facilities and utility area

Karapiro Lake Domain

Lessee: St Peter’s School Trust Board

Leased Land: Approximately 300m2 and forms part of the Karapiro Lake Domain recreation reserve located at 601 Maungatautari Road, Karapiro which is registered under Record of Title 433904 and legally described as Section 2, 5-7, 16 Block XIV Cambridge Survey District

Term: 5 years with 2 rights of renewal of 5 years each

Rent: Initial annual rent approximately $20.00 plus GST Permitted Use: Boat storage and changing facilities

For more information, please contact Waip-a District Council on 0800 924 723 or email info@waipadc.govt.nz.

Anyone wishing to make a submission or objection may do so in writing by post or by email, to be received no later than 5 pm Monday, 30 September 2024. please state in your submission if you wish to be heard in person.

Address all correspondence to:

By Post:

Waip-a District Council

Private Bag 2402

Te Awamutu 3840

By Email:

Email: info@waipadc.govt.nz

For more information, please contact Waip-a District Council on 0800 924 723 or email info@waipadc.govt.nz.

Dancing to defeat

By Peter Nicholl

I was going to write this column about the Commerce Commission’s recent report on competition in our banking system – and I will do that in my next column. But there is something I experienced in Wellington two weeks ago that has been bugging me and if I don’t write about it know it will be too late.

On August 10 my two children who live in Wellington gave me a late 80th birthday present – we went to see the All Blacks play Argentina at Sky Stadum. It was a lovely thought, and as they say with presents it is the thought that counts.

But the actual event was a disappointment – for three reasons. The first two reasons any of you who watched the game will already know. The All Blacks lost, and they made many basic mistakes that not even the Hautapu club side would make.

The third reason was the whole atmosphere of the event. A high-level sports event is like the theatre – the atmosphere has to be appropriate for the type of performance we are watching: musical, comedy and drama for example.

A rugby test match featuring the All Blacks should be a drama – and this match developed all the elements of a nailbiting drama: a close score, the lead changing, an outcome in doubt. But the atmosphere that the rugby union created in Sky Stadum had no sense of drama at all – it was that of a musical comedy. Every time there was the slightest break in the game, loud pop music was blared over the speakers and people in the crowd would sing and get up and dance. The music and the dancers didn’t always stop as soon as the game restarted.

The rugby union would probably say they are getting the crowd involved. The recent Paris Olympics showed what getting the crowd involved really means. The crowds there were ‘involved’ totally in the actions that were happening before them in the stadiums. You could see this when an athlete signalled the crowd in the athletics stadium for silence – 70,000 people were instantly silent.

The musical interventions at Sky Stadium did not get the crowd involved in what was happening on the field. They were a total distraction from that. They were a different event entirely.

For some people at Sky Stadium, the music seemed to be the most important event. They sang and danced happily as the All Blacks were being beaten. I am not sure if some of them realised what was actually happening in the ‘drama’ unfolding on the field.

Privacy Statement: Any personal information you provide as part of your submission or objection will be used for the purpose of the engagement process, including informing you of the outcome of the consultation. All objections/submissions (including names and contact details) may be provided in full to elected members and Council officers for this purpose. Objections/submissions (including names but not contact details) may be made available to the public at our office and on our website. All information collected will be held by Waip-a District Council, 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu with submitters having the right to access, and request correction to, their personal information. You can read our full privacy statement at waipadc.govt.nz/privacy-statement.

I have in the last 15 years watched test rugby matches in England, France and Italy. I also watched a test rugby match in Sarajevo between Bosnia and Luxemburg but that doesn’t really count as there were only about 200 spectators and Hautapu would have comfortably beaten both sides.

Nothing like what happened at Wellington recently happened at these test matches in London, Paris and Milan. They were put on as ‘dramas’ not as ‘musicals’.

The NZ Rugby Union seems to totally lose sight of the product they are supposed to be marketing. I don’t know what it is like for the players to play in such a distracting atmosphere.

The weather was fine, but the stadium was far from full. As a marketing strategy it can’t be judged a success either.

Tirau wins

Tirau Community Board secured the Enhancing Communities Award at the Local Government New Zealand Community Boards awards last week for transforming a largely unused reserve into a beautiful community asset, complete with suspension bridge, pump track, BBQ area, restrooms, and onand off-lead dog areas.

Water plan unveiled

Waipā and Ōtorohanga district councils have acknowledged a report released by the Waikato Mayoral Forum which says the region would be better off if local councils worked together to deliver water services.

Waipā councillors this week directed staff to investigate two options - one which would see new chief executive Steph O'Sullivan negotiate a non-binding agreement for Waipā to join a regional waters organisation and a second, with an assessment due late next month, to determine if council determine can go it alone.

The independent report from the forum said a regional waters entity could save $338 million across the region with most savings driven by improved capital works and planning.

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