The king of kotahitanga
By Sigrid Christiansen
Today marks the final day of the tangihanga of Kiingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII, who was this morning was to be taken to his final resting place on Taupiri maunga.
The head of the Kīngitanga died early on Friday morning aged 69, surrounded by the whānau pani (the bereaved family) including his wife Makau Ariki Atawhai, three children Whatumoana, Korotangi and Ngawai Hono i Te Po, and his mokopuna.
An official statement from the Kīngitanga announced the news.
“He kura kua ngaro ki tua o Rangiwhakamoe-ariki. Moe mai raa.”
“A chief who has passed to the great beyond. Rest in love.”
The king’s death followed a heart operation on Tuesday, from which he did not recover. Many tens of thousands of mourners converged on Tūrangawaewae marae at Ngāruawāhia over the past week to pay their respects.
Throughout the week, pōwhiri took place twice daily, at 8am and 2pm.
On the paepae, speakers referred to the enduring impact of the King’s leadership, especially in the past year, when his call for a series of hui-a-motu, nationwide meetings, unified te ao Māori and represented an outpouring of pride and mana motuhake, self determination.
One word on everyone’s lips was “kotahitanga,” or unity: the word that encapsulated the King’s legacy and message.
Many speakers also mentioned the love Kiingi Tuheitia had for kapa haka – as the patron of the national
Matatini festival, but also his own stands with the Matatini winning kapa Taniwharau (a reference to the many taniwha of the Waikato river) in his younger days.
As well as immense grief, many grieving whānau expressed a sense of disbelief: just last month, the King spoke several times at the Koroneihana festivities, which, each year, acknowledge the anniversary of his coronation.
The mourning period began on Friday, when Kiingi Tuheitia was moved to the mahau of Māhinaarangi, the ancestral house of Tūrangawaewae Marae.
Immediately, the Kīngitanga and the people of the Tainui Waka began planning the tangihanga, supporting it in all ways, from duties at “the back,” marshalling in the carpark to making sandwiches, to the front, including the whaikōrero, formal speeches, and supporting waiata on the paepae.
The first few days of the tangi were reserved for the Tainui Waka peoples to show their love and support, before other iwi and others in the community including the GovernorGeneral, Dame Cindy Kiro and the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon arrived on Saturday.
Kiingi Tuheitia had just marked the 18th anniversary of succeeding his mother Dame Te Atairangikaahu as the head of the Kingitanga.
The king was born in Huntly on April 21, 1955.
As a child, the man who would become Kingi Tuheitia accompanied his mother at her own 1966 coronation, standing alongside his father, Whatumoana Paki.
Kiingi Tuheitia and the Makau Ariki Atawhai walked to the poukai at Mirumiru Pā ki Marokopa, earlier this year, having flown back early from the Cook Islands.
Kiingi Tuheitia at this year’s poukai at Te Kūiti Pā, together with Te Miri Tamaki who is handing him a jaguar tooth necklace gifted from the indigenous people of Sao Paolo, Brazil. Photo: Sigrid Christiansen
The toddler son of King Country businesswoman Tasmyn Roach, Kahika, met Kiingi Tuheitia after the coronation of King Charles in London, last May, and the two shared a relaxing moment.
The King was pictured two years ago reviewing the latest stages of the Waikato Expressway project around Hamilton. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
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Medals and mishaps
Waipā’s four cyclists have had mixed fortunes at the Paralympic Games in Paris and a pre-games accident ruined the chances for two of them.
Anna Taylor won silver on day two in the women’s C4 3000m individual pursuit.
The 33-year-old, who was raised in Taupō, boarded at St Peter’s School and now lives in Cambridge, picked up New Zealand’s first medal on Saturday.
Ngāhinapōuri’s Nicole Murray, 31, claimed bronze in the women’s C5 3000m individual pursuit on Monday.
The Cambridge-based cyclist, who had set a national record in qualification, went faster in the final to record 3m36.206s.
But Ben Westenberg, 19, –
brought up in Tauranga and now based in Cambridge –withdrew before competition started after he and Cambridge-born Devon Briggs were involved in an accident at their training camp in Switzerland.
Officials monitored Westenberg’s condition under concussion protocols and withdrew him on Friday.
Briggs, 20, who went to hospital with pelvic injuries, had been a favourite in the C3 3000m individual pursuit. He missed the finals after finishing fifth fastest and the following day was seventh fastest in the men’s C1-3 1000m time trial. Neither result was good enough to qualify him for the finals.
On the beat with Constable
It became ‘a job for the man’
By Tom Roa, Tikanga Advisor, Waikato University
Tēnā te whaitua nui, Ka pū te taha wānanga, Ha āpiti nuku, he āpiti rangi, Ha whakaotinga aroha ki a koe, Kīngi Tūheitia, Kīngi o Te Kotahitanga.
I write this as we are in the throes of farewelling our Māori King, Tuheitia. The speeches on behalf of the iwi, of the thousands who have gathered and continue to gather on Tūrangawaewae Marae have been memorable for their eloquence, but more for the genuine expressions of regret for his passing. One such sentiment was from the University of Waikato, given in Māori. Here is my translation: ‘Tuheitia - ancestor who became a taniwha; Tuheitiaordinary man who became a King; Tuheitia - truck driver who became a Doctor of Philosophy’, having been awarded the very highest honour a University can bestow on anyone.
Another recognised how uncomfortable Tuheitia clearly was when he was selected by the Rangatira o Te Motu to be their King, and how he was considered to be ‘the man for the job’, who grew into the role over time and affected ‘the job for the man’.
This is perhaps a major point of difference with the Kīngitanga –the Māori King Movement – and all other monarchies; kingdoms;
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How the last week panned out for Te Awamutu police.
Monday - Police attended a shoplifting incident, investigated an attempted burglary and attended a family harm incident at a medical centre. Thanks to those who saw something wrong and called Police. We were asked to transport a mental health patient and attended another family harm matter.
Tuesday - We attended two burglaries and a mental health incident. Police conducting a foot patrol were requested to trespass a female from a supermarket. We received a report of graffiti and attended three family harm incidents. We are also investigating an assault as result of a road rage incident.
Wednesday - Police received a report of damage to a vehicle while it was parked, a male breached his bail conditions and police attended two family harm incidents, one
of which resulted in a trespass notice being served.
Thursday - We attended five family harm incidents, received reports of a vehicle doing burnouts and received a report of shoplifting. Bones found at a construction site and an analysis revealed they were historic animal bones. Police served a Protection Order on behalf of the Court and were called to a residential street after a member of public observed a teenager trying door handles on vehicles. He was located and arrested. It was another great example of calling 111 instead of merely posting to the Facebook grapevine pages. A male was transported to Waikato hospital for a mental health assessment.
Friday - A male was found to be driving with excess breath alcohol. Police attended a family harm matter, arrested a male for
empires. Those kingdoms and empires were established by military conquest, the leader of the strongest of the warring ‘tribes’ promoted by their ‘tribe’ as the monarch, king/queen or emperor/empress.
Over the period of the tangihanga, dignitaries from near and far, will gather to pay their respects. Today – Thursday - the Rangatira o Te Motu – the Chiefs of The Land – will meet in Turangawaewae to decide who will be the King Tuheitia’s successor. Tainui Waka – Waikato – Maniapoto – Raukawa –Hauraki will play no part in those discussions, asserting that we are the guardians of the Kīngitanga, which is the Taonga o Te Motu. Kingi Tuheitia’s calling for unity has captured the attention of many locally, nationally, internationally.
A legacy recognised in his being referred to widely as ‘Te Kīngi o Te Kotahitanga’ – the King of Unity, a legacy to which speakers have expressed their personal as well as tribal commitment.
Ka tauwehe te Pō, ka pō, Pō, ka ao, ka awatea, Paimārire ki a tātou katoa.
breach of a protection order, arrested a male for making a hoax 111 call and attended a disorder on Alexandra Street.
Saturday - Police attended three burglaries, an alcohol fuelled disorder at a rural property, a mental health incident and six family harm incidents. We received a report of shoplifting, arrested a male for possession of cannabis, attended a disorder matter and received a report of theft from a motor vehicle.
Sunday - We received a report of a suspicious male looking at properties in Kihikihi. Police located a male driving with excess breath alcohol and attended a family harm report. We received a report of shoplifting and were called following a sudden death.
Ryan Fleming
Waipā paracyclist Nicole Murray, right, with an exhausted France’s Marie Patouillet (centre) and France’s Heidi Gaugain (left) after the women’s C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the National Velodrome on day four of the Paris Paralympic Games. Photo: Getty Images.
Bridge opens
Good Local Media’s sister publication Waikato Business News reviews the opening of Waikato River’s newest bridge Te Ara Pekapeka last week which was tinged with sadness because of Kingi Tuheitia’s passing only hours earlier. Waipā and Waikato mayors Susan O’Regan and Jacqui Church were among the dignitaries at the opening. More: waikatobusinessnews.nz
Bishop dies
The Catholic Hamilton Diocese’s second bishop Denis Browne, 86, has died after a long illness. He served as a priest for 62 years. Bishop Browne was a regular visitor to Waipā’s two Catholic churches – St Patrick’s in Te Awamutu and St Peter’s in Cambridge – during his service in the diocese from 1994 to 2014.
Musical memories
Rosetown Choristers will perform songs from wellknown musicals on Sunday, at the Methodist Church, Bank St, Te Awamutu.
Birthday celebrated
Te Awamutu Library’s 150th anniversary was a time to reflect on how far library services had come, Waipā Community Services manager Brad Ward says. Te Awamutu Library was founded in 1874 out of a reading room in the Public Hall on Vaile Street and started with just 17 subscribers in what was then a village of 43 people. The library has moved location or been upgraded nine times since 1874.
Essay competition
Entries for the 2024 Children’s Essay Competition run by the Te Awamutu Rotary Club are open until September 27. The competition is open to schoolchildren as well as those who are home-schooled.
Creative pie
Just over $52,000 is being made available in the latest round of Creative Communities funding for Waipā organisations. Creative New Zealand makes the funds available for councils to distribute in September and March.
Board opposes council cut
By Chris Gardner
Ten heads are better than seven.
That’s Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board’s response to Waipā District Council’s proposal to reduce the number of general ward councillors from 10 to seven.
Waipā Mayor Susan O’Regan and councillors are considering the proposal as part of a representation review requiring the combining of the current Maungatautari and PirongiaKakepuku General Wards. But it has been branded a
complete waste of time and money by board deputy chair Kane Titchener.
“I am totally against this representation review,” he told the latest board meeting. “I don’t believe reducing the number of councillors is going to open democracy at all in this district.”
Council governance manager Jo Gread in a report that went before the board’s August meeting said the combining of the two rural general wards was required to ensure legislative requirements were met for fair representation.
A 10 per cent rules requires the ratio of people to councillor in each ward to be no more than 10 percent greater or smaller than the ratio of population per councillor across the whole district.
If the proposed review was approved, there would be no obligation to undertake a further representation review in 2027.
Board member Jill Taylor thought the status quo would lead to better representation around the council table.
“I totally agree we should stick to 10 councillors and not
go down to seven,” she said.
Board member Sally Whitaker was disappointed that the representation review had got as far as it had.
“I believe 10 is better than seven because we want a bigger pool of thought and ideas and diversity.”
Board member John Wood said the council did not have the money to afford a representation review.
“This just does not sit well with me,” added board chair Ange Holt. “It frightens me, if we cut it down too much, we are not opening it up to diversity.”
the
Oops, we forgot to get permission…
By Chris Gardner
Waipa District Council staff are asking for retrospective permission for the creation of 10 steel panels to be installed on five cycling and walking bridges in and around Te Awamutu Memorial Park.
The panels cost $36,149 to create.
Waipa District Council museums and heritage director Anne Blyth and community services manager Brad Ward asked Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board to retrospectively endorse the creation of the panels at the board’s August meeting.
“Due to an oversight, approval for this acquisition was not sought at the beginning of this process,” Blyth said in her report.
Board member Sally Whitaker said she thought the panels were beautiful.
“What I am concerned about is the artwork has been commissioned without the advanced approval.”
Deputy chair Kane Titchener asked: “If it’s already been designed and created, what are we actually approving?”
Ward answered: “It has to be signed off by council, and they’ll be looking to do that in their September meeting, but usually we come to the board for an endorsement.
“At this point we have put measures in place to
make sure that we do catch those going forward. An example of that is that we have now got kickstart meetings for all of our projects so that all of the ins and outs of the project are captured early on in the piece so that we don’t get to the same situation.”
One of the bridges crosses the Mangapiko Stream on State Highway 3, another crosses the Mangaohoi Stream connecting Mutu Street and Shanel Place, and three cross the Mangaohoi Stream in Te Awamutu War Memorial Park.
“The artistic panels aim to illustrate council’s values to nurture and respect our unique cultural heritage,” Blyth said.
“Following initial consultation with Ngā Iwi Tōpu O Waipā, a Cultural Advisory Group was established involving mana whenua representatives to help inform the look and narrative for the panels. The Cultural Advisory Group identified Korotangi Paki, artist and son of the late Kīngi Tuheitia, to be the designer for the panels.”
The design focus on the confluence of the Mangaohoi and Mangapiko streams and the significance of Kaipaka Pā.
The Returned Services Association also worked on a panel for each Te Awamutu War Memorial Park bridge outside of the project.
Manufacture of panels began in February 2023, and they are ready for installation.
A ceremony is being organised in partnership
with mana whenua and the RSA.
Board member John Wood proposed the panels be endorsed by the board, Councillor Lou Brown seconded the motion, and the board agreed.
“They look beautiful,” chair Ange Holt. “It’s going to be exciting to see them all up.”
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Holt was also worried that the public was not informed of
workload of councillors.
Kane Titchener
The designs of five pairs of 1770mm by 1060mm panels are expected to raise community awareness of the history of occupation by Māori.
John Bertrand Collectables Buying in Te Awamutu and Waikato Next Week
Once again, the gold and collectables buyers from Wellington company John Bertrand Limited are visiting Te Awamutu and Waikato next week. Mr Tony Grant from the company says, “If you are downsizing or wanting to dispose of things because they no longer serve any purpose to you or your family bring them in”. “Next week will be a great opportunity to have any items you want to sell assessed by our buyers” said Mr Grant. Particularly wanted are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Coins, Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Small Collectables.
“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant. “Nothing is too small for our consideration. We are just as happy buying 1 item as we are buying 1,000 items” he said. The buyers will be in Te Awamutu and Waikato next week (see details below).
As Tony Grant points out “If you are in doubt about any items you may wish to sell, bring them along for an instant appraisal.”
Gold & Silver At Near Record Prices
During these uncertain times
we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals. The gold price in New Zealand is at near record levels so gather up all your unwanted items and take them along to the buyers. Tony Grant says “We can buy old gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc), Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said.
Interesting Small Collectables Wanted
The buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, visiting Te Awamutu and Waikato next week, are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc. Also wanted, pre 1950’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items.
“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Tony Grant, buyer for the Company. “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said.
Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes
Early New Zealand Banknotes dated before 1932 are currently fetching big money! This is according to Mr Tony Grant, author of the John Bertrand New Zealand Coin & Banknote Catalogue. Mr Grant is in Te Awamutu and Waikato next week on a buying trip for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would be very keen to see any of these issues. “We will pay at least $300 for any undamaged Ten Shilling or One Pound
banknote from a New Zealand trading bank dated 1932 or before.
Denominations of five pounds and higher would be worth from $700. “Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr Grant. Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues.
Collectors Need War Medals
Currently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts. New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars. General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group” stated Mr Tony Grant, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said.
Old Coins Can Toss Up a Rarity
Do you have a bunch of old coins sitting around in your drawers and cupboards? You just never know what rarities may be lurking there. The advice from Tony Grant from John Bertrand (Collectables) Limited is to “bring them in and let us have a look”. “No need to sort anything out just bring them in ‘as is’ and please don’t clean them! We can go through coin accumulations and collections fairly quickly” he said. The buyers are particularly keen to buy pre 1946 New Zealand Silver Coins for at least 10 times their face value (more for quantity). “In any event we will buy All Coins,” said Mr Grant.
Mr Anthony (Tony) W. Grant
(Collectables) Ltd
Pay as they grow…
By Mary Anne Gill
Lucy Ryan is confident Hamilton Gardens will continue to be popular with Waipā residents despite the city council’s decision to introduce an entry fee for out of towners.
The gardens’ director estimates about a third of the record 537,584 people who visited the enclosed gardens in the year ended June 30 were domestic visitors.
And anecdotally she knows a big percentage of those were from satellite towns like Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Morrinsville, Matamata, Ngāruawāhia, Ōtorohanga, Te Kūiti, Putāruru and her own hometown – Huntly.
The cost - $20 to visit the enclosed gardens which accounts for only 10 per cent of the gardens themselves – is
unlikely to put people off, she says.
She compares that with what visitors pay when they visit Kew Gardens in London or Hunter Valley Gardens in Australia.
The award-winning Hamilton Gardens – which regularly features in Tripadvisor’s list of top things to do in the world – are Kew’s equal after a $12 million investment.
Ryan knows Waipā well – she taught at St Patricks Catholic Primary School in Te Awamutu.
The Te Parapara fertile land, where the gardens are, was covered in food crops and was confiscated during the Waikato Land Wars of the 1860s.
It went on to become a rifle range, a sand quarry, a dog dosing area, a go karts track and the city’s rubbish dump.
Since the Rose Gardens opened in the 1970s, followed a decade later by the first enclosed gardens, Hamilton Gardens has become the most visited place in the city.
But it was Hamilton ratepayers who paid to develop and maintain the gardens and despite politicians repeatedly saying they wanted to introduce an entry fee, none of them were brave enough to take that final step.
Until two years ago, about the time Ryan took over from the long-serving Peter Sergel.
It costs around $6 million a year to run the 50 hectare site which includes the Indian Charbagh, Surrealist, Ancient Egyptian, Chinese Scholars’, and the Italian Renaissance gardens.
Under development are the Medieval, Pasifika and Baroque gardens.
Chamber has vacancies
By Chris Gardner
Te Awamutu Business Chamber needs to fill two board vacancies at this month’s annual meeting later this month.
The vacancies were created after board members Rachel Cooper resigned earlier in the year and Mark Derbyshire announced his intention to stand down at the annual meeting.
Cooper, a senior solicitor at Gaile Miles, resigned in April after serving on the board for about two years.
Ask about achievements during her tenure, Cooper pointed to Black Friday Blow Out, which saw people visit Te Awamutu from outside the area to enjoy a carnival atmosphere and spend locally.
“We have had numerous Business After 5 events which are designed to showcase individual businesses at their place and in a relaxed environment.” Meeting for drinks and nibbles after work at the local business to learn about how they do things their way.”
She recommended getting involved.
“You will be working alongside a champion team who work hard and have a good time doing it. You will gain a support network of like-minded business owners and have the opportunity to connect through many events throughout the year. I guarantee you will walk away with new ideas, new friends and invitations to coffee for the next six months.”
Derbyshire, a residential sales specialist at Ray White Te Awamutu, has served on the board for three years. He said it was good to bring fresh face and new ideas into the organisation.
“The biggest challenge at the moment would be the economy. You can sense that when you are talking to businesses in Te Awamutu. It will start to pick up reasonably soon.”
Derbyshire said he would be leaving the business chamber in safe hands.
Daniel Smith, director and registered architect of Edwards White – who designed the Hamilton Gardens Visitor Arrival Centre - with Hamilton Gardens director Lucy Ryan in front of the new entrance which officially opens on September 18.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
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A voice of reason for today
By Murray Smith, Bridges Church
You may be familiar with one of the most famous trademarks of the 20th Century. It features a little dog that I think is a fox terrier, looking down the horn of an oldfashioned gramophone. He has a puzzled expression on his face and his head is tilted quizzically.
This trademark has quite a touching story. It comes from an 1898 painting called His Master’s Voice. The dog has a name — Nipper. He got this name because of his frisky habit of greeting strangers when they came to the house, with a little ‘nip’ to their ankles. Nipper (1884-1895) had been a homeless stray until he was taken in and adopted by Mark Henry Barraud, a scenery designer for a London theatre. After Mark’s death in 1887, Nipper went to live with Barraud’s younger brothers, Francis and Philip.
Francis, a gifted artist, noticed Nipper often curiously staring down the gramophone horn, listening to the sound of Mark’s voice which had been pre-recorded before he died. The whimsical scene of little Nipper trying to figure out how Mark had got inside the gramophone ‘box’ and now evidently stayed in there because he could hear his voice, made a lasting impression on Francis. Three years after Nipper’s death, Francis re-created the scene on canvas in a painting he called “His Master’s Voice.” He later sold the painting to The Gramophone Company which formed Electric and Musical Industries Ltd (EMI) and HMV.
From early childhood I’ve liked this painting, and I connect with its winsome story as a dog owner. There’s something irresistibly gratifying about your four-legged friend affectionately scrambling up at you,
having heard the sound of your voice. It’s somewhat similar to a frequently occurring analogy in the Bible referring to us being God’s ‘sheep’ and with Him being our ‘shepherd’, we lean in, inclining ourselves to hearing his voice. In that Middle Eastern context, the relationship between shepherd and sheep differs markedly from New Zealand pastoral practice. I’ve witnessed sheep there following their shepherd - not ‘driven’ from behind… rather, called by name - they follow as the shepherd leads from the front. Recognising his ‘voice’, they have learned to confidently trust him.
The nurturing, protective intimacy conveyed in this relationship was reiterated by Jesus who stated, ‘I am the Good Shepherd,’ demonstrating a love and delight for His ‘sheep’ that even extended to Him being willing to lay down His life to save us. He seeks to tenderly lead, guide and watch over us as His ‘flock’…learning to hear His voice personally is integral in this relationship. The Bible is His word to us - it’s timeless truth, His voice to our soul.
Perhaps it’s struck you, how many confusing ‘voices’ in the world today claim attention, seeking to manoeuvre us into alignment with one thing or another. It really matters what messages we listen to and that we carefully discern the source and the intent of ‘voices’ out there.
Knowing Jesus as ‘Master’ and friend and recognising “The Master’s Voice” produces unequalled confidence and peace in life…we were built for this - without it, we’ll never be complete.
ON SHAKY GROUND
By Janine Krippner
Many picturesque photos taken in the Auckland area have Rangitoto in the background. Situated within the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF), this cone stands out in several ways.
Rangitoto island, or its full name, Ngā Rangi-i-totongia a Tamatekapua, is the youngest of the 53 known vents within the AVF, and it’s the odd one out. It is different to all the other vents or eruption centres in that all the others are what we call monogenetic - they formed during one eruption. One eruption may last a few weeks or months, or even years. A good example of a longer eruption of this sort is Parícutin in a volcanic field in Mexico, which erupted in the middle of a cornfield and lasted from 1943 to 1952.
Rangitoto is also the biggest by far, making up roughly half of the known volume of erupted materials (lava, ash, ballistics, etc) of the entire field. It grew this size during multiple eruptions, and like many volcanoes, these eruption styles were different through time.
If you look online, you’ll see that not too long ago we thought it formed during two eruptions around 600 to 700 years ago, but more recent research shows that activity probably began around 6000 years ago. This was figured out by drilling 150 metres down into the island and collecting rock along the way, allowing volcanologists to study changes in the deposits through time. As usual, the more research is done, the more complex the story gets.
The most recent eruption phases occurred around the years 1300-1400 and 1400-1450 AD, with the latter being a smaller volume but more explosive eruption that formed several scoria cones at the summit. It is
important to understand these past eruptions in case we see our next eruption at the same place.
One of the first and most critical questions when unrest begins is ‘what can we expect an eruption to look like?’ Important and impactful decisions will need to be made quickly with this information.
Through the rocks we figure out the story and look at other similar eruptions for clarity. For example, Rangitoto Island is a good place to see pahoehoe and ‘A’ā (pronounced “ah-ah”) lava types, similar to lava flows from eruptions in Hawaii. The flanks were built up mostly from many overlapping lava flows through time, forming our relatively small shield volcano that is much smaller than Kīlauea. If you could go back in time and watch the eruptions, you might get a sort of similar view to what we have also seen recently in Iceland.
Another fascinating aspect is that it was witnessed by Māori. There is archaeological evidence of people living in the area at the time and there are several myths that could represent eruptions. The last eruption in Auckland was when people are living there. That’s really not that long ago in the lifespan of a volcano or volcanic field.
Between this activity, the destructive Tarawera 1886 eruption, and the much more recent 1995-96 Ruapehu eruptions, New Zealand often forgets our potential for being seriously impacted by eruptions. While an eruption at Rangitoto would give one heck of a view from our largest city, it would certainly be much more disruptive today,
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Meghan Hawkes looks back on headlines from 1914, including the marking of 50 years since an infamous battle.
Ōrākau, a field day and phones
The 50th anniversary of the Battle of Ōrākau attracted many veterans including 16 from Whanganui.
They reached Te Awamutu by train at 3am and were met at the railway station by a member of the Ōrākau Jubilee Committee, then
driven in brakes to the township. Refreshments were provided but unfortunately beds could not be procured. However, as daylight soon appeared most of the party strolled about, those veterans who had been there in the old days pointing out the places of interest to the others.
those veterans present being literally covered with them. Despite the lack of beds, the Whanganui contingent, whose average age was over 72, were quite proud of what they achieved on the trip without taking their clothes off - it reminded them of the old days.
Of most interest were the old Anglican Church and churchyard, where a large number of men killed during the troubled times of 1862-1864, were buried. Many were known to the Ōrākau veterans. At 11am the party was driven out by motor cars to the historic sight of the fight, where the committee provided a free luncheon, and at 2pm the ceremony of unveiling the monument took place. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the party was provided with afternoon tea, returning to Te Awamutu about 6pm.
One of the most pleasing sights of the function was the meeting of old veterans, in many cases men who had not seen each other for over 40 years. It was an unusual sight to the younger generation to see such a display of medals; a few of
A Farmers’ Field Day was held in Mr Pollard’s paddock, Ōhaupō Road, to welcome returned special constables – men, mainly farmers, who had been sworn to help control Auckland’s 1913 waterfront strike. There was no charge for admission, and hot water, milk and tea were provided by the committee. The function was arranged by the Te Awamutu branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union and included a very good programme of sporting events. The grounds were ideal for picnic parties, and the 16th Waikato Regimental Band played various selections throughout the day. Catering was provided by the proprietor of the Empire Café and fruit, confectionery and soft drinks were available. In the evening a reunion took place in the local Town Hall at which the special constables were entertained.
The installation of telephones into private houses at Pirongia, which had been held in abeyance for some time past, seemed to be getting nearer. This would prove a great boon to businesses and to the farms lying some distance from the township, bringing them closer in touch with their neighbours. Also at Pirongia residents were looking forward to the Farmers’ Union social, and all sorts of frills and furbelows were being found for the occasion. Even hoary-headed farmers were hunting round for their dancing shoes. Given a fine night, lovers of the terpsichorean art were promised a delightful time.
A complete set of moulds for making counterfeit sovereigns, half crowns, and shillings was discovered at the residence of a Hairini resident. As well as the moulds police found a quantity of lead, solder, files, rasps and ladles. The coins seized by the police were described as excellent work, their forgery being only detected by the ring of the coins. The man appeared
A Snip in Time
at the Te Awamutu court on a charge of making and attempting to utter counterfeit coin. His defence was that he was not sane.
What they were reading
The closure of Pirongia’s Five Stags Restaurant and Bar reported in last week’s Te Awamutu News was the best-read story and most visited page on teawamutunews.nz last month.
Our ever-popular News in Brief came in second with Sent to the sheds – our ongoing updates on Menz Shed activities in third.
Teawamutunews.nz home page was the second most popular page, followed by Publications, the pdf version of our newspaper.
Editor Roy Pilott said it was “increasingly obvious’ the Te Awamutu News website were filling an obvious void in between weekly copies of the newspaper.
“While we know we have a loyal band of readers who love the look and feel of a ‘real newspaper’, there are others who like our website as well.
Out and About
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.
Contact: Sandra Fairhurst 07 827 6097
-Zion Pastor Phil Strong, left, with Waipa District Council community advisor Corren Ngerengere and deputy chief executive Ken Morris at a recent Te Awamutu Business Chamber Business After 5 event at Zion.
TREES AND POWERLINES
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
TREE TRIMMING DANGERS
Trimming trees near power lines can be extremely hazardous.
Contact with a power line can cause:
• Injury or death to yourself, family, community members or livestock
• Damage to property
• Damage to power supply facilities and electrical appliances
• Damage to third parties
Before attempting to clear tree foliage in the vicinity of live conductors you should phone Waipā Networks for advice.
Branch Movement: Although the tree foliage may appear to be at a safe distance from the lines, once you begin the work the tree may move due to pressure placed on branches, random wind gusts or other external interference.
Be wary of any tree branches that may flick up as they are trimmed or as surrounding branches are cleared.
Wet Weather: Branches often hang lower when the leaves are wet, so if it starts to rain, or if the leaves are already wet you should expect some movement.
Debris: Ensure there is clear space to allow for debris when tree triming.
ELECTRICITY REGULATIONS
The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 set out the responsibilities of tree owners and lines companies in relation to trees and power lines. Waipa Networks has developed procedures to meet these regulations, summarised below:
• If Waipa Networks become aware of a tree that you are responsible for growing within the Notice Zone, you may be issued with a Hazard Warning Notice.
• If Waipa Networks become aware of a tree you are responsible for growing within the Growth Limit Zone, you will be issued with a Cut or Trim Notice.
• You must have the tree trimmed so that it no longer encroaches the Notice Zone or Growth Limit Zone. Dispensation can be applied for if there is a valid reason for the tree to be allowed to grow within the Notice or Growth Limit Zones.
• Tree triming is available free of charge from Waipa Networks provided it is the first trim. Subsequent trimming is the responsibility of the owner.
• At any stage you can declare ‘No Interest’ in a tree and Waipa Networks will meet the costs of any future trimming, or may decide to remove the tree altogether.
• Where we become aware of a tree close to the lines and likely to cause danger to the public or property we have the ability to remove the tree or branch causing the hazard.
THERE ARE RULES ABOUT SAFE DISTANCES BETWEEN TREES AND POWER LINES
In the Zone
The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 define two zones: a Growth Limit Zone and a Notice Zone.
Growth Limit Zone
In relation to Waipa Networks equipment this is the area within 1.6 metres in any direction of our 11kV electrical lines or 0.5 metres for 400/230V lines. If any of your tree foliage is within this Zone then it must be trimmed to beyond the Notice Zone.
Notice Zone
This is the area 1 metre in all directions around the Growth Limit Zone. If we become aware of trees growing in this zone we may issue you with a ’Cut & Trim Notice’ to let you know that the tree must not be allowed to grow into the Growth Limit Zone For further information contact our Vegetation Team 07 872 0745 or trees@waipanetworks.co.nz
Proud
Proud to support this worthy cause
Proud to support this worthy cause We’re proud to be supporting ‘Blue September’ helping the more than 4,000
Proud to support this worthy cause We’re proud to be supporting
329 Benson Road, Te Awamutu
We’re proud to be supporting ‘Blue September’ helping the more than 4,000 Kiwi men who will be diagnosed with prostrate cancer this year.
TE AWAMUTU
OTOROHANGA
329 Benson Road, Te Awamutu P: 07 870 1091
63 Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga P: 07 873 8640
E: teawamutu@flooringxtra.co.nz
E: flooringxtra@murrayhuntfurnishers.co.nz
OTOROHANGA
63 Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga P: 07 873 8640
63 Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga
flooringxtra@murrayhuntfurnishers.co.nz
Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu o ce@rosetown.co.nz
Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu o
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