King Country
Facing the sands of time
By Paul Charman
Since 1972 a King Country mining operation has hoovered up hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of iron sand for export to Asian steel factories.
But with a question mark over the future of iron ore as a commodity, the future of the operation seems less certain.
Located on the coast about 90 minutes’ drive west of Ōtorohanga, Taharoa Ironsands Ltd (TIL) sits astride the largest iron sands deposit in the country.
TIL digs up and processes the sand and pumps it as slurry to ships moored to the “Taharoa Terminal”, a buoy mooring 3.5km offshore.
The company has paid the equivalent of $150 million in royalties to iwi landowners since 2017, TIL chief Ian Goodacre told the Waitomo District Council at a District Plan hearing in June.
But this week Goodacre declined to comment when the News asked him whether returns would reduce
over the next decade due to the contracting China property market and other downward economic factors in Asia.
In an August article headed ‘Good while it lasted’, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute has predicted that outcome for companies mining iron ore.
“Australia’s 20-year-long economic party, funded by China, may be drawing to a close, with consequences for federal and state budgets, superannuation returns and living standards generally,” the article said.
“The iron ore price is the most obvious pointer to China’s declining demand for Australia’s raw materials: it has come down from an extraordinary peak of US$144 a tonne at the beginning of January to a spot price of US$92 this month, and the fall is expected to continue.”
TIL seems to be publicity shy, with no telephone listings online.
Established by the New Zealand Government with the support of Ngāti Mahuta hapu and later owned by Australian Minerals firm Bluescope, the company was acquired by a company called TMIL, the parent of TIL, in 2017. Goodacre described the owners as a New Zealand hapu/family owned and operated business.
He told the council Ngāti Mahuta are tāngata whenua and own the land on which the mine operates through the conduit called Proprietors of C Block Inc Ltd (Taharoa C). Taharoa C is a Māori incorporation established under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 and comprised of Ngāti Mahuta hapu. TIL has a lease with Taharoa C
which allows it to use the land for mining purposes until 2062 and in turn it pays Taharoa C royalties.
The mine operates 24 hours a day seven-days-a-week, with a 10hour maintenance shutdown every fortnight on a Wednesday.
It employs about 180 operational staff plus additional contractors.
In 2023 about 80 per cent of mine workers were locally based Māori (Ngāti Mahuta), and 63 per cent of skilled roles filled by Ngāti Mahuta.
Most employees live either permanently or temporarily (during working days) in the nearby Taharoa Village, where TIL owns 75 houses and rents them to
employees at a discounted rate. The company also owns and maintains the community hall, school, shop, two large sports facilities, a marae and the fire brigade.
It provides a bus service, subsidises freight to the village store and has two helicopters on standby for emergencies.
TIL maintains most of the infrastructure supporting the village, including water, wastewater and rubbish collection. It also provides an education payment for travel and boarding for employees’ high-school aged children, at a cost of up to $18,000 a child annually.
The Taharoa plant, southwest of Kāwhia Harbour operates around the clock.
Taharoa Village, where TIL owns 75 houses and maintains facilities including the local marae, hall, school, shop and sports facilities.
Organic Skincare products to treat
Smile, speed camera ahead
By Andy Campbell
Warning signs near the location of speed cameras like the one beside SH3 at Kiokio were expected to start appearing last week – marking the turnover from a police operation to a Waka Kotahi/NZTA operation.
They are now known as ‘safety cameras’ but drivers imaged while over the speed limit will still be fined, David Spiers from NZTA told this months Waikato Regional Council transport committee.
“The signage is to be really clear with people that there is a camera, so no one is surprised - don’t come back and tell us.”
He confirmed to Ōtorohanga district councillor Rodney Dow, the cameras were capable of doing all sorts of things besides recording speed.
There are laws about the use of data obtained from the roadside cameras.
“We are going through a process with the ministry at the moment of getting the policies and practices in place so that we can turn on the seat belt function. The red-light function is already existing but these are not red light cameras. Speed, point to point, all of those things will get turned on in time.
“We have to go through the statutory process making sure that when we gather that data, we are not gathering other data that we
PJs warm up winter
shouldn’t. They are capable of telling what colour your eyes are, if they want to.”
A six-month trial of mobile phone and seatbelt detection safety cameras was run across three locations in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland in 2022. From nearly 13 million vehicles, 199,515 mobile phone offences were recorded, and 43,444 seatbelt offences were detected.
Spiers said the identity of vehicle occupants was protected by statute.
They are targeted at the areas where NZTA knew there was the highest safety outcome. The numbers of cameras would be less than the 800 called by the previous government, he said.
Bronze for Eltje
Waipā Paralympian Eltje Malzbender produced one of her finest rides to win bronze the Women’s T1 Individual Time Trial at the Zurich 2024 Para-Cycling Road World Championships this week
Malzbender lives with a traumatic brain injury following a crash during a training ride in 2016 when she was left on the rural roadside at Marokopa. At the time she was a physiotherapist in Te Kūiti.
After spending over a year in rehab she moved to Cambridge, where the flat terrain, wide footpaths and a residence close to town provided the ideal place to begin rebuilding her life.
She was introduced to riding a tricycle at the Cambridge velodrome and was selected on the Pathway to Podium programme with Paralympics New Zealand in 2018. She represented New Zealand at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games and was fifth in the women’s T1-2 individual time trial.
andy@goodlocal.nz
paul@goodlocal.nz
sigrid@goodlocal.nz
Maru trust’s winter pyjamathon provided a record 1,067 pairs across the district - 497 pairs more than when the appeal began in 2022.
Pyjamas were distributed across the King Country on Maru’s behalf by organisations including Taumarunui Community Kokiri Trust, Ngāti Maniapoto Marae Pact Trust, Waitomo Waipa Women’s Refuge, Ōtorohanga Support House Whare Awhina, Nga Waihua o Paerangi Trust (Ohakune), Maniapoto Whānau Ora Centre, Te Kuiti Community House, Mangakino Health Centre, Te Arawa Whānau Ora ki Mangakino, and Waikato DHB Te Whatu Ora.
“This project has captured people’s hearts,” Maru Energy Trust co-ordinator Jo Meads said. “For those who can afford it, donating a pair of pyjamas is an easy way of doing
something that makes a positive difference, quickly.”
The appeal had also attracted cash donations.
The gift of pyjamas made a huge difference to whānau on limited budgets, Fran Muraahi and Tracey Martin-Potaka from Maniapoto Whānau Ora Centre in Te Kūiti said
“It felt like Xmas for a lot of our tamariki and was a huge relief as parents were hit hard with the unexpected freezing temperatures. To receive the pyjamas came as a welcome relief,” Martin-Potaka said.
The project started in April with a donation of 80 pairs of pyjamas from staff at The Lines Company. TLC is a major funder of Maru Energy Trust and has announced it will donate $450,000 each year over the next three years to Maru to help make local homes warmer, drier and healthier.
Riding in temperatures of around 17 degrees Celsius this week, 62-year-old tricyclist completed the 11.3km route in 24m 8.5s – at an average speed of just over 28.kmh Malzbender, who claimed a silver medal in this event at the 2023 edition, was elated with her performance.
Burns victim
dies
Police say a wheelchair bound Kāwhia resident, who suffered burns while lighting a fire on September 12, has died from his injuries in Waikato Hospital.
Fire investigator Kevin Holmes said the 85-year-old had been starting a rubbish fire with petrol when the fumes caught fire and set his clothing alight.
Ōtorohanga Support House staff Leanne Oldfield, Leah Wallace, Jo Taane, Dot Ngarotata and Pila Rata helped deliver gifted winter pyjamas.
Nanny’s eyes have it
Hināia Waretini-Huata is a four-year-old with, say those who know her at Ōtorohanga’s Iti a Rata Kōhanga Reo, the spirit of her people. She was on stage as part of the opening performance during the Waipā Kapa Haka Festival – Te Taituperepere – at Te Awamutu last Friday.
“Hināia - or as we call her at kōhanga “nanny” has the spirit of her people, proud to be Māori every day,” Te Arai Millar-Hetet told The News.
“He ngākau manawa nui - she has a kind heart, the ability to capture hearts, whether she knows you or not.”
The News can vouch for that - she regularly smiled at our camera through the performance and even blew photographer Roy Pilott a kiss. Millar-Hetet said Hināia had been looking forward to the day and performing to her whānau.
“She loves kōhanga and kapa haka, followed closely by her younger brother Te Ahi a Whakaaha who hits the mark every time with his singing.”
Though attendance numbers were not kept it’s through about 2500 whānau came the watch the festival in the ASB Stadium – among then Rangimarie Waitai who recalled the event’s beginnings in 2006 and commented on huge growth it had enjoyed.
Kura from Ōtorohanga and Kāwhia were represented.
Waitomo Group in the running
By Mary Anne Gill
Waitomo Group looks odds on favourites to feature in the Waikato Chamber of Commerce business awards after making five of 10 finals.
The announcement the Te Kūiti-founded company was in the running for the Business Growth & Strategy, Innovation, Marketing, Sustainability and People & Culture awards came at an invitation-only event in Hamilton last week.
The gala dinner, where the winners will be announced, will be held at Claudelands Event Centre on November 15.
Desmond Ormsby founded Waitomo Group in Te Kūiti 77 years ago and since then it has been run by three generations of the Ormsby family, with a period of joint ownership with Mobil Oil New Zealand, before reverting to
100-percent family ownership.
Waitomo’s initial expansion started when deregulation opened up the oil industry in the late 80s and Desmond’s son Grey joined the business.
He convinced son Jimmy to return from the UK in 2003 and join the by now Hamilton-based company which embarked on a nofrills approach to selling petrol.
Jimmy Ormsby who lives in Cambridge, now owns the firm and is its rangatira.
The company describes itself as a market disruptor which offers competition and choice to New Zealanders claiming that because its fuel stops are unmanned, without a retail offering, its overheads are low and is able to pass savings on to its customers.
Finalists: Business Growth & Strategy: Cater Plus, Pure Lighting, Wade Group, Waitomo Group. Community Contribution:
Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust, Kora, Ninja Valley. For Purpose: Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust, The Cake Detective Charitable Trust, Wild Bamboo. Innovation: Vertex Engineers, Waikato Milking Systems, Waitomo Group Ltd. Marketing: Gallagher Animal Management, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rabobank, Waitomo Group.
People & Culture: Livingstone Building, Longveld Limited, Pure Lighting, Waitomo Group Ltd. Service Excellence: Connect Health, Groundcover Landscaping, Whites Powersports. Small Business of the Year: Brainchild, Confinement Escape Rooms Hamilton, Stapleton Consulting.
Sustainability: Pact Steel Limited, Restore Native, Waikato Regional Airport, Waitomo Group.
Emerging Leader of the Year finalists: Ashley Mason, Claire Williamson, Jonty Rae.
Waitomo Group made five of 10 finals, from left: Pearce Watson (CFO), Julie Carruthers (HR Manager), Simon Parham (CEO), Greta Shirley (GM, Customer Experience), Tim Beasant (GM, Revenue), Alastair Wilson (GM, Sales and Operations). Photo: Stephen Barker.
Indigenous food, fibre sector boost
Sigrid Christiansen
A new agribusiness stream at Waikato University will aim to usher in a new generation of rural professionals to support the indigenous food and fibre sector.
The three-year programme, Tupu Rangatahi, Tupu Ahuwhenua - which could be translated as ‘growing young people, and growing farming’ - will be offered by university’s management school from next February.
The University said last year the Māori food and fibre sector was integral to the economic, cultural and environmental prosperity to New Zealand with the wider Māori agri economy, including seafood contributing more than $2.4 billion to the gross domestic product.
Project lead Tom Woutersen said the stream was intended to meet the needs of Māori agribusiness wuthin its existing degree programme.
The cohort would build skills via ‘experience modules’, field trips, and events, internships and iwi partnerships, expected to include Maniapoto body, Te Nehenehenui trust.
Students can submit assignments in Māori or English, and will be supported in the transition from school to university if necessary.
While Woutersen is on the academic staff, he aspires to spend time next year on the other side of the lectern, joining students taking te reo Māori papers.
The university’s project leader of international indigenous development, Te
Kūiti based Luke Moss said he was excited about the opportunity becoming available to students.
Moss said the motto was “ko te tangata i manaaki i te whenua, ko te whenua i manaaki i te tangata” – “if we look after the land it will take care of us”.
The programme is expected to start with a small number and build on it over time.
The New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management - NZIPIM - previously identified an unmet demand in the area, and contacted the university.
Its president, Rob Macnab, said the group represented 1400 mainly degree qualified rural professionals who provided advice to the sector.
They wanted to service Māori agribusiness on all levels, culturally as well as in terms of our technical understanding.
Planning also involved calling on advisors such as Ngāti Porou farm management consultant Hilton Collier, a former president of the NZIPIM - and Charlie Taituha, Māori Strategy and Relationship manager at Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
NZIPIM established a significant number of talented young Māori students had all it took to succeed, but were finding the university environment difficult.
Waikato University was a natural partner in the project because of its existing academic programmes and approach to pastoral care – their ability to “wrap support around these young men and women,” Macnab said.
TYRE BOSS NOW HAS NEW BOSSES
From waiata to Rawhide…
anthem “Nō Maniapoto” also impressed.
Waitomo district children excelled at the Te Kūiti and Combined Schools music festival at the Les Munro Centre last week.
The night also showcased “The most te reo waiata I’ve ever seen in 30 plus years of taking tamariki to the experience,” said Te Kura Rautau deputy principal Annabelle Waugh.
A favourite among many teachers including herself was Ka Pīata because of “the tone achieved by all our kura singing together, Iwi
Whimsical favourites like ‘The Gumboot Song,’ western item ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky,’ a song about cats in several parts and ‘Rawhide’ also featured.
Organiser, Āria school principal Pam Voyce paid tribute to singing tutor and director Beth Dalton.
“We’re so lucky to have someone like Beth; she’s so talented. She teaches the children about breathing properly for singing, how to reach the notes – how to do the rounds and descants.”
The King Country as a region is a challenging one geologically, and its inhabitants rely on their tyres, whether big or small. So, it makes sense that when you are looking for tyres, you’d also choose a business that not only has history, it also is run by people who know the region and its requirements really well.
Tyre Boss in Otorohanga and Te Kuiti is owned and operated by Braydan and Jane Kete; the former being from Marokopa, with more than 20 years as the Engineering Workshop Manager and latterly, a project manager at Taharoa Iron Sands.
An education should be about more than the three Rs, Voyce said.
“My belief is that the arts, singing and music are incredibly important for children, which is why this opportunity is so valuable: when else would they be able to sing in a mass choir like this?’
The festival featured nine schools - Āria, Piopio Primary, Benneydale, Te Kūiti primary, Te Kura Rautau, St Joseph’s, Rangitoto and Pukenui. Several homeschooled children also performed.
long-term expertise in both their locations.
Tyre Boss is known for providing a wide range of associated services that stretch from a good variety of tyres for bikes, cars, SUVs, and utes, to the larger and often more specialised requirements of the heavy transport industry, through to tractors, farm bikes and more.
It has a dedicated fleet tyre repair and maintenance service designed to help keep clients’ downtime as small as possible, understanding well the need to keep business fleets on the road.
Jane (nee Scott) comes from a Hauturu farming background and is equally well-known, having been a former teacher and a guide for black water rafting in Waitomo. She fronts the business and is wellknown for her warm personality that makes customers feel at ease.
The pair’s philosophy is to provide the ethic of honesty, reliability, and providing the community in which they work, live and play with the best possible service. And they do this with great staff who provide
Tyre Boss also has an on-farm callout service, offering specialised tyre fitting and repair solutions right where clients’ most need them – on their own farm.
At Tyre Bosses sites, there are many services available, from puncture repairs, tyre fitting and wheel alignment, through to replacement batteries.
Tyre Boss is open five and a half days a week, from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am to midday on Saturdays in both Otorohanga and Te Kuiti.
Sigrid Christiansen
Children from nine schools wowed the audience at the Te Kūiti and Combined Schools Music Festival.
Photo: Sigrid Christiansen
Grandstanding over toilets
By Andy Campbell
Waitomo District Council’s so far secret redevelopment plans for Te Kūiti’s Centennial Park have entered the public domain in a debate over toilets.
The council was discussing at its meeting this week how a $250,000 budget may be blown out because of work required to transform the grandstand toilets into public ones.
The way those toilets were working was not appropriate in this day and age, CEO Ben Smit said. There should not be a ‘congregational’ area inside a set of public toilets. They would require an external entry and the block wall on the south side would have to be cut into. Quotes had been called for.
“In my mind they are not public toilets,” Cr Eady Manawaiti said. “They are changing room toilets.”
Centennial Park’s public toilets were down by the playground. The toilets in the grandstand were for sports teams, not for the public, it was argued.
“The upgrading of the stadium included the changing room toilets,” Manawaiti said.
The park did not need another set of public toilets. The changing room toilets were for the community teams that used them on the day that they used them.
Smit said that was not
what was discussed with the stakeholders. It had always been about public toilets and that was how they were pricing.
Manawaiti said even looking at the priority list, it was getting further away from the original intention. The grandstand was now priority eight, building upgrades.
“That was the start of this for me, that white elephant, the grandstand.”
A $366,000 option 2, an extended parking lot, was a nice to have. He said the goal was to have activity on the fields – and a suitable and presentable facility where teams could get changed, use the toilets, store their gears.
The original kaupapa was getting teams summer and winter, on the fields in front of a presentable stadium, he said.
“All due respect to the working party we are further away from what I thought was the original intent of this project,” he said.
“Activity on the fields, that is the focus.
“If we had a new public toilet by the grandstand, are we saying that 100 metres apart we have got two functioning public toilets? Are we happy with that?
Plus the toilets in the netball centre. People have been using the public toilets by the park for decades and people have been making the effort to walk there for decades.
“Do we want the added
Building “visual” upgrades for the park are costed at $86,600. expenditure of another public toilets 100m away from the ones we have got?”
Smit said the existing public toilets were getting old and public toilets at the grandstand would in future allow the other toilets to be disabled. It would support centralisation of use in the middle of the park, and there were lots of calls from other users that the existing toilets were a long way away.
The council resolved that refurbished grandstand toilets would be for the use of visiting park users, sports teams and other visitors.
Mayor John Robertson said the council was granted $250,000
by the Grassroots Trust for the upgrade of ablutions and changing rooms under the grandstand. That was finalised March 31 this year.
The original tender came back just under $250,000, but there was a change to grandstand plans which councillors had been advised would cost more than $250,000.
“I think there’s a feeling that we don’t want two sets of public toilets sitting in Centennial Park. We have got one set.
“That should be sufficient. And we got back to doing the grandstand with a view that was for teams, public functions,” he said.
Cheese cutter days numbered
Centre road median barriers are expected to become obsolete as new vehicle technology becomes more readily used, councillors heard at the September regional road transport committee meeting.
Ōtorohanga District Councillor Rodney Dow asked if new technology could replace the ‘cheese cutter’ median barriers.
“The new trucks we are buying have all got lane departure, if you go outside your lane they beep and turn the steering wheel back. Is there any thought that NZTA might make it that for every new vehicle that goes on the road has to have that sort of technology?
“Putting wire ropes down the middle of the road is going to take years, but even to put lane departure on cars will take years - but it might make it faster.
“Potentially if it was made mandatory now it might get done faster than putting wire ropes in the middle of every road.”
David Spiers from NZTA/Waka Kotahi said New Zealand’s problem was it has one of the world’s oldest vehicle fleets, cars and trucks.
“And the process to upgrade those would take a really, really, long time. We are actually doing some work on exactly that. You’re right Rodney, that technology will surpass the need for actual physical barriers.”
In some Australian states trucks were now required to have anti-collision braking, so if a truck gets too close to a vehicle in front, it braked automatically, Dow said.
The committee heard earlier that a central median barrier reduced deaths and serious injuries by 65 per cent.
Over 10 years barriers in Waitomo had been struck 81 times, and in Ōtorohanga 18.
Taking care of your crowning glory
Keeping up with the changing needs of your crowning glory is second nature to hairdresser Leanne Massey from Little Scissors at 50 Maniapoto St In Otorohanga.
She’s owned the business for the past 23 years –“It will be our 24th birthday on November 22” – and her meticulous attention to detail is well known across the region.
Little Scissors takes care of all hair needs from perms, sets, cuts and colours. Whatever is needed, from children, boys’ and mens’, as well as women’s hair, Leanne and stylist Danica provide the skills and knowledge of up-to-date fashions. They are also the stockists of products
lines such as Davroe, Joico, 12 Reasons and others, and products like GHD’s hair straighteners.
Pensioner rates apply for those with the Gold Card.
The salon is one that opens at hours designed to suit clients; Monday being 9am to 2.30pm, Tuesday, 9am to 7pm, Wednesday, 9am to 5pm, Thursday 9am to 8pm, Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays by appointment by phoning 07 8738160.
To add to all of this Little Scissors will have sone exciting news in the next week or so.
“Come in and see us – we’ve got some exciting news to share from October 5,” Leanne says.
or
lasting beauty for home,
GARDENING
FOR BLOOMING BEAUTIES AND PLANTS THAT THRIVE
Dr. Scott Mouat (B.Chiro) Chiropractor
Dr. Alana Sherman (B. Chiro) Chiropractor
Creating a view
wisteria to soften the edges and bring life to the fence/wall.
Gardens
Looking out a window to a plain, unsightly fence or wall can feel uninspiring.
Instead of letting the fence/wall dominate the view from inside your home with a bit of creativity you can transform that dull view into a vibrant extension of your indoor space, as a focal point looking out the window.
This can be done with something as simple as some outdoor art. A mural or weatherproof artwork on the fence or wall outside the window creates a visual centrepiece.
Or you could do something like outside the window paint the fence/wall then add vertical battens up the wall/fence and across to the top of the window.
Add a planter box at the bottom. This space is only 1500mm wide from the house to the wall but from looking out the window now you would never know that the space between the house and the fence/wall is a ugly unused space.
The options are endless, this is only one option. Others are running wires up the fence and growing climbing plants like jasmine, clematis, or even a colorful
Adding solar powered fairy lights or lanterns can introduce warmth and ambiance, making the view enjoyable day or night.
With a few thoughtful touches, that once-ugly fence becomes a beautiful canvas for creativity, inviting a sense of calm and beauty into your home.
Katrina Christison Tidy
All power and precision
By Mary Anne Gill
Imagine threading a needle while piloting a helicopter.
That’s the job Warrick Wright, Ōtorohanga aviation company HeliA1’s deputy chief pilot, successfully completed for Waipā Networks in Cambridge on Saturday.
The mission involved stringing new earth wires from the Otahuhu to Whakamaru 220kV overhead line above Hautapu through transmission towers to connect with Waipā Network’s new 33kV substation which in turn hooks into Transpower’s new 220kV grid exit point substation.
Waiting on the towers were contracted staff who caught the wires pulled by the helicopter.
Wright’s passenger, spotter Andy Curtis, had the job of ensuring the handover was completed successfully while perched on the chopper’s boarding step.
They had completed two other earth wires the week before.
“Safe as houses up there,” said Wright, a 12-year helicopter pilot veteran.
“The wind is a very important factor,” he said.
Fortunately, it was windless on Saturday and there were more concerns about sunburn
than windburn.
Pilots train to stay away from power lines but in this instance, they were right above and beside them, he said.
“Most of our business is agricultural work but we are doing more and more of this utility work all over the place.”
Waikato Expressway was closed between Cambridge Road and Hautapu for four hours so the transmission wires could be pulled across the highway.
Watching on from a safe distance was Waipā Networks’ projects delivery manager Dan Linton, born in Te Awamutu, who has the job of ensuring the company’s new substation
gets completed on budget and in time.
When switched on it will treble the electricity capacity for Cambridge and cater for future growth across the district.
The substations are on land Waipā Networks bought in Forrest Road and directly underneath the national grid.
“The project is part of a 30year plan which will see more than 13,000 new homes across Waipā. Demand is expected to grow from 42 megawatts at peak to 50 megawatts.
“They don’t just build for what is happening, to cater for the now or next year. It’s definitely long-term planning
to cater for the future, future growth,” said Linton.
Work on the substations began 12 months ago. The Transpower substation is on track for commissioning in December while the Waipā one will start commissioning in April next year.
Waipā Networks is an electricity distribution utility providing electricity to over 40,000 customers in Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Kāwhia and surrounding areas.
Transpower is the owner and operator of the national grid, a high-voltage transmission network that connects areas of power
Lines chair honoured
The chair of the Lines Company was among three innovators who received Distinguished Alumni Awards at Waikato University.
Bella Takiari-Brame (Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato-Tainui) joined Stephen Knightly and Rukumoana Schaafhausen (Ngāti Hauā, Waikato) at the awards function in the University’s recently opened building, The Pā.
Takiari-Brame was the first in her family to attend university and was recognised for her leadership in governance and advancing te ao Māori perspectives.
In 1999 she graduated from the university with a Master of Management Studies with Distinction and returned in 2014 to study a Diploma in Māori and Pacific Development.
She is a director at Te Ohu Kaimoana and its associate, Aotearoa Fisheries Limited, known as Moana. She is also the Deputy Chair of Te Nehenehenui Trust, guiding the post-settlement transition from a $40m entity to a $250m entity over 18 months.
Her governance experience also extends to major organisations including ACC and Crown Infrastructure Partners, New Zealand Healthcare Investments Ltd, and Braemar Hospital.
Bella Takiari-Balme
HeliA1 Helicopter Services deputy chief pilot Warrick Wright and spotter Andy Curtis in front of the AS350B3 “Squirrel” the Ōtorohanga company uses for powerline stringing. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
on for wool drives Piopio doyen Positively
Summer boost for Bevege
whether it would be right for me, and whether I’d enjoy it or just get through it. She said it would be busy and
She left in early June this
The work was only comparatively hard.
“We didn’t even have breakfast until 8:15. It was nothing like my sister Sarah and I would do on our home
And the horse free thing didn’t quite work out – in America, she worked as an instructor in the “horseback riding” programme at a camp near Scranton, Pennsylvania. She even competed in horse events, reconnecting with friends from North and South Carolina, USA, where she had competed as part of the New Zealand Pony Club international team in 2017.
The camp was indeed busy – with up to 500 children at each of the three sessions. A total of 120 children took “horseback riding” – only five were confident riders.
The challenge for Jenny was around being social for that long period of time, which she wouldn’t have been comfortable with in the
“I was never the most social person, but after my concussions, it got even
But at the camp she felt she had stared down that particular demon.
“Afterwards I thought, “I really did it. I couldn’t have done that last year or the one
before.
“But now I feel, if I can do that, I can do something like it again.”
The hardest person to
farewell was “Loz.”
With her boosted confidence, Jenny’s new “work-in-progress” is “the brave project” which
will help others face
challenges, as
life’s
she has. She also blogs as “One Ordinary Girl” on Facebook and dreams of writing a book.
Club member Billie Jones, Dani Darke and Jenny Bevege at the first rally of the season for Te Kūiti and Districts Pony Club in Piopio.
Donations buy maunga time
By Chris Gardner
Philanthropists have met Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari’s cash flow crisis head on with $250,000 worth of funding.
“We’ve moved our cash position out from what ended up being around four weeks to around 20 weeks,” said chief executive Helen Hughes.
“So that’s great.”
Hughes, who has been at the helm of the operator of the world’s largest predator proof fence on Mt Maungatautari for just under a year, went public on the crisis in June sharing fears the operation might have to cease in six weeks after the Department of Conservation changed its funding model.
The project is partially funded by the Department of Conservation, Waikato Regional Council and Waipā District Council. But DOC’s withdrawal of its community fund left the project in a precarious position and Hughes making staff cuts and campaigning for funds.
“We have had several of the philanthropic funders from around the Waikato lean in and provide support to us.
“Over the last few weeks, we had landed around
$250,000 worth of funding, which is amazing.
“The Len Reynolds Trust and the Rodmor Trust have all helped us significantly and we’ve seen an increase in donors giving regularly.”
That includes proceeds from a Donate the Weight campaign in which the donor is encouraged to donate the weight of a bird on a one off, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.
The campaign is already a fifth of the way to achieving its $500,000 goal.
Hughes said the support had given the operation some breathing space.
“We are now turning our heads to the bigger issue. We now need to land the plane with longer term sponsors that can work alongside us over a three-to-five-year programme as we start to transition the business to strengthen tourism, education and other revenue streams to make us more self-funding.”
The Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust, which has run the operation for two decades, has also applied for funding from the Lotteries Commission and is expecting to hear next month.
Hughes will meet the board later this month.
The Maungatautari team
is preparing for another year of moving kiwi from the mountain to other projects around the country.
Meanwhile, Niwha Jones was due to be appointed the Department of Conservation’s representative on the Maungatautari Reserve Committee by Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan on Tuesday.
DOC’s seat on the committee was vacant at May’s meeting having been filled at the previous February 16, 2022, meeting by district operations manager Ray Scrimgeour. Scrimgeour has since been replaced by Jane Wheeler.
The committee, tasked with receiving operational reports from Hughes and her team, met once in the two years before the current cash flow crisis.
The trust will hold its annual meeting next month.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF BENEFICIARIES
Notice is hereby given that the above meeting will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, commencing at 6.00 pm at the Panorama Motor Inn, 59 Awakino Road, Te Kūiti.
The annual meeting will:-
• Report on the operations and financial statements of the Trust and the performance of The Lines Company Limited.
• Confirm auditor appointment for 2024/25 year.
• Conclude with a presentation by The Lines Company Limited.
If you are attending the meeting, The Trust is grateful if you can email your name and address to info@wesct.org.nz to establish
voting eligibility in advance.
The Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust 2024 Annual Report to WESCT Beneficiaries and The Lines Company Limited 2024-2025 Statement of Corporate Intent are available for inspection at public libraries situated in Te Kūiti, Te Awamutu, Ōtorohanga and Mangakino during ordinary office hours from September 26 to October 17, 2024.
Copies can be viewed on the website www.wesct.org.nz or contact info@wesct.org.nz
Celina Yapp │ Secretariat Services Telephone: 027 PH WESCT (027 749 3728)
Pathways programme for rangatahi
Finished high school, but need some help deciding what to do next?
Explore your options, identify your goals, and learn what steps you need to take to get there.
Helen Hughes
Amio
SEPTEMBER 2024 ISSUE
HONOURING THE LATE KĪNGI TŪHEITIA PŌTATAU TE WHEROWHERO TE TUAWHITU
A local government delegation attended Tūrangawaewae Marae on 2 Septemeber 2024 to honour the late Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu.
Pictured here are the Mayors, elected members and staff from Ōtorohanga, Waitomo, Waipā, Waikato District, Waikato Regional, Hauraki, South Waikato and Matamata-Piako councils, along with Sir Paul Adam.
DAFFODIL DAY
Staff supported the annual Daffodil Day appeal this year by dressing up in yellow and running a raffle which raised $220 for Cancer Society.
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS
Kāwhia Community Board Thursday 3 October 4.00 pm
Ōtorohanga Community Board Monday 7 October 4.00 pm
Citizenship Ceremony Tuesday 8 October 10.00 am Grants and Awards Committee Wednesday 16 October 3.00
RATES REBATES
Rates Rebates for the 2024-2025 Rating year are now open and will close next year in June.
To find out if you are eligible for a Rates Rebate, please visit the website at www.govt.nz/ratesrebates or call our friendly Customer Experience team on 0800 734 000 to discuss.
A DAY OF RENEWAL AT HUIPŪTEA RESERVE
Mana Whenua representation, community members and Ōtorohanga District Council Elected Members and staff came together to witness a moment of renewal and connection as eight kahikatea saplings found their new home underneath Huipūtea – a 300 year old kahikatea tree which is a living testament to a significant historical event – a battle between Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāpuhi in 1822.The planting of these trees provides a place for future generations to experience the significance of our history.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Are you receiving invoices by email and if not, would you like to?
Are you receiving invoices by mail and have moved?
Do we have your latest phone contact details?
If you wish to have your invoices and Council corresponds emailed or sent to another address, please complete the form online at www.otodc.govt.nz/contact-us/update-contact-details
DOG REGISTRATIONS
As of 1 August 2024, dog registrations are overdue and may incur a late registration fee of 50% and may also be issued with an infringement notice - a fine of $300. HOWEVER, if you get your dog registered TODAY (27 September 2024) we will waive the late fee!
You can pay at the council office or by visiting our website www.otodc.govt.nz
Talk to us if you’re having difficulty paying - phone us on 07 873 4000 or email info@otodc.govt.nz
LIBRARY
Are your children interested in science, technology, engineering, or maths? Do they want to try new things in a hands-on, fun environment? Do they just love making stuff? Then they’ll love our Term 4 STEM sessions!
Mondays 3.30pm – 4.30pm: Ozobot, for ages 8+
Code the movements of our Ozobots! These clever little fellas use sensors to follow lines and read colour codes you make with markers. They can also be programmed on-screen with OzoBlockly. There’s so much the Ozobots can do; choose paths, race, dance, navigate mazes, and more! Come play with them!
Thursdays 3.30pm – 4.30pm: KEVA Contraptions, for ages 7+
Build structures with “the world’s most captivating construction toy”: towers, bridges, ball runs, chutes, ships, castles... KEVA planks are limitless! This was our most popular STEM class last year, so don’t miss out! Places are limited, please contact the Library to register and reserve your spot.
Phone (07) 873 7175, email library@otodc.govt.nz, or message us on Facebook www.facebook.com/otolib
Interested in these sessions but can’t make it into the library? No problem! We’ve made it easy to explore STEM at home. Sign up to the year-long STEM Mayhem challenge on Beanstack now at otorohangalibrary. beanstack.com Hey kids! Don’t let the days drag on these school holidays… join in Dragon Mania at the Ōtorohanga Library and create some crafts fit for a dragon’s treasure stash!
Dragon Mania craft sessions will be running at the following times:
• Monday 30 September 10am-11am
• Thursday 3 October 2pm-3pm
• Monday 7 October 2pm-3pm
• Thursday 10 October 9.30am-10.30am
Intermediate-aged students and high schoolers can have a go at Dungeons & Dragons, the classic tabletop role-playing game as seen in Stranger Things. This campaign is perfect for beginners and all supplies are provided. Let us know your availability for the dates below and Dungeon Master Molly will be in touch by Monday 30 September to let you know which session you’ll be playing.
• Tuesday 1 October 3pm-4pm
• Wednesday 9 October 3pm-4pm
• Friday 11 October 3pm-4pm
Please contact the library on (07) 873 7175 or library@otodc.govt.nz to register for these events. Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about the Kāwhia kids! Tamariki out at the coast can swoop by the Kāwhia Hall on Wednesday 2 October 1pm-2.30pm and get crafty with Annette and Gaylene! Please let us know that you’re coming via Facebook or email.
Chateau to be boarded up
By Paul Charman
The Department of Conservation says it is no longer looking for a new operator to run the Chateau Tongariro and instead will decommission the building.
A DOC briefing to the Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka admits that decommissioning at a cost of $1.27 million will see the historic hotel deteriorate rapidly.
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton says the problems the Chateau faces may seem difficult but they are not insurmountable and a task force should be set up to save the historic hotel.
DOC’s efforts to attract expressions of interest in the building must continue, he said.
His petition to save the building has now received 12,000 signatures and he will be urging the Government to set up a task force to find ways of saving it.
“The council is aware of credible developers with a proven track record in heritage and hotel development, who have worked with iwi on similar projects, who are eager to explore the opportunity. The door must remain open for these discussions to take place,” Kiron said.
“The Chateau Tongariro Hotel is far more than just a historic building in the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. It represents a legacy of cultural significance, economic vitality, and tourism excellence that is vital to the identity and prosperity of Ruapehu and Aotearoa. Suggestions
of decommissioning this near 100-year-old, Category 1 Historic neo-Georgian building would mean the tragic loss of all that it contributes to our region and nation.”
However, Mike Tully, DOC’s deputy director-general organisation support, says commercial lease options for the Chateau would require significant investment to repair, refurbish and seismically
strengthen the main building.
“Any investment required to bring the Chateau up to standard would need to be funded from a new hotel operator and/or the Crown. Based on the scale of the investment required, the Minister has prudently decided to pause this process and to seek advice from Cabinet on next steps on the future of the Chateau, in due course.”
A 2023 “building condition
appraisal” of the run-down hotel found that some $5.4 million of repairs were either “urgent” or “required”.
Tully said all the chattels including artworks in the Chateau remain the property of KAH New Zealand, a subsidiary of Malaysian-based conglomerate Oriental Holdings Berhad - and these would remain inside the building.
A dozen grants
Twelve environmental projects will benefit from Waikato Regional Council’s latest funding round of the Environmental Initiatives Fund
The council has granted almost $373,000 after receiving 38 applications requesting a total of $1.19 million in funds.
Biodiversity team leader Natasha Grainger said an increase in the natural heritage targeted rate from 2024/25 enabled the council to deliver more money. A total of about $251,000 was granted last year.
Among the successful applications were:
• $25,310.85 over two years to Kakepuku Mountain Conservation Society to replace and upgrade a portion of its trapping network
• $40,000 over one year to New Zealand National Fieldays Society towards developing and implementing an environmental education programme.
• $28,794.43 over one year to Te Taiao o Kāwhia Moana Incorporated in the Ōtorohanga district towards setting up a community trap library and trapline, hosting a community trapping workshop, and undertaking targeted pest plant control.
PROGRESS PARK
Quick check
and secondary school student Kaileb Jones in third.
The regionals round included Foodstuffs owned supermarkets from an area taking in the King Country, Coromandel, Taupō and Rotorua.
The date for the North Island finals has yet to be announced.
Te Kūiti New World’s Daane Kerekere has qualified for the North Island finals as the Waikato’s fastest checkout operator in the region. Close behind in the regional competition was work colleague
Daane Kerekere
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton says efforts to find a new operator for the Chateau must continue.
Rangiaowhia artwork donated
By Mary Anne Gill
A benevolent Te Awamutu resident has donated a piece of artwork to Waipā District Council’s art collection depicting the atrocities of Rangiaowhia in 1864.
It was painted by Hamilton artist Richard Lewer who now lives and works in Melbourne, Australia.
The acrylic painting on canvas was part of the ‘What they didn’t teach me at school’ exhibition held at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery in Wellington this year.
It is one of 14 in the artist’s The Waikato Wars series which also included Rewi’s last stand at the Battle of Ōrākau and Kīngi Tāwhiao laying his patu down before being forced into the King Country.
“It truly was an incredible body of work to have made and looking back now I would have to say the best in my painting life,” Lewen, 53, told The News.
Waipā Museums and Heritage director Anne Blyth told the council this week the donor wanted to ensure the painting remained in the district. The work was valued at $18,000.
Her staff undertook an assessment of the artwork against the council’s Public Art Acquisition Criteria and it scored 28 out of 39, meeting the criteria for public art.
They also consulted Ngāti Apakura Runanga Trust chair Orrin Kapua who was supportive.
The work will initially hang adjacent to mayor Susan O’Regan’s office on the first floor so staff can see and learn about the
history associated with the art.
“Richard’s work frequently investigates difficult subjects. He felt it was important to acknowledge and explore the local wars to help him better understand New Zealand’s complex colonising history,” said Blyth.
The contemporary artwork created by a pākehā artist interpreted a significant and sensitive event in Māori history.
“The addition of this work to the council art collection will provide a challenging and thought-provoking piece regarding a key event in the history of Waipā,” she said.
Curator, writer and arts leader Blair French, a New Zealander also living in Australia, said Lewer created dramatic, dynamic but impressionistic scenes stained with colour.
“Māori defenders appear to fall from hillsides in bursts of red or are consumed in flames (based on the burning of a whare at Rangiaowhia with inhabitants trapped inside).
“The imperial and colonial forces are like manic, menacing apparitions, the most disturbing products to date of Lewer’s stripped back, stylised approach to rendering figures as ciphers of energy.”
In his description, Lewer - who was educated at Hamilton Boys High School - said General Duncan Cameron ordered his troops to march around Paterangi defence and onto Rangiaowhia.
“Rangiaowhia was the economic hub of the Waikato, with the largest settlement of Māori, critical to supply the Kingitanga in the war effort. However, this was the place they’d sent their women, children, elderly and disabled.
There was panic and terror amongst the people. There are conflicting views on how a whare with people inside caught fire.
Several people died in the burning building.
Lewer said when he was growing up in Hamilton he had no idea about Waikato’s history.
“I knew absolutely nothing and it’s embarrassing, it’s shameful.
“As an artist, I place myself in environments that challenge me to confront who I am, and where I fit in the world, this
FARM PROFESSIONALS
includes the past. It was really important for me to learn what happened in the Waikato in the 1860s and to try and process it,” he told the exhibition website.
“It might be a failure of our education system but it’s also a personal failure. I decided it was just as much my journey as anyone’s. It wasn’t easy and I still don’t know if it was wise. But I think as New Zealanders we all have a responsibility to understand, and I think my job, as an artist, is to uncover things.”
WE SUPPORT IT’S WHAT WE DO
We’re committed towards helping New Zealand farmers and growers to do what they do – it’s our true calling. It’s what
Giltrap AgriZone
Ōtorohanga | 07 873 4004
Bryan Ferguson 027 551 1621 | bryan.ferguson@gaz.co.nz
Graham Anderson 027 497 9849 | graham.anderson@gaz.co.nz David Thompson 027 208 9002 | david.thompson@gaz.co.nz
Richard Lewer in front of his exhibition at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery. His Rangiaowhia work is pictured right.
Photo: Jess O’Brien.
There were seven family harm incidents.
September 16: A man entered stores in Maniapoto St where he acted in a suspicious manner and upset female staff. He was trespassed from one store.
September 17: At about 8pm a station wagon was stolen from an address on Turongo St. It was found at an Ōtorohanga address a few hours later. On the same day another vehicle was broken into and an attempt to start it was made on Sangrow Crescent and a third car was broken into on Mountain View Rd. Sergeant Gary Anderson reminded car owners to lock their vehicles, not to leave valuables in them and if they hear or see anything suspicious to report it to police.
September 18: At 10am a 13-year-old was spoken to about the theft of a streaming device from Ōtorohanga Library.
September 18: Two vehicles were taken from a
Domain Dr property and recovered nearby a short time later.
Overnight between September 19 and 20 a home built trailer was stolen from a Main North Rd address.
September 21: At 5.15pm a man was stopped in Phillips Ave and charged with driving while disqualified. His vehicle was impounded and he will appear at the next sitting of the Te Kūiti District Court.
September 22: Some time overnight a quantity of spirits were taken from a room next to a garage on Hinewai St.
Police attended four family harm incidents.
September 18: Between 5.30pm and 9.15pm police deployed road spikes in an unsuccessful attempt to stop a vehicle on King St West. The tyres were deflated. Police had also tried to stop the car at Te Kūiti about a week earlier. Investigations are continuing.
September 18: A fuse box and lights were
taken from the toilets in Ruakuri DOC Reserve, at Waitomo.
September 19: At 3.13pm members of the public complained to police of a woman riding a motorcycle along Rora St without a helmet. She was found to be a disqualified driver. The motorcycle was impounded and the woman was summonsed to appear in court.
Between September 9 and September 20 a television was stolen from a unit at Riverside Lodge.
Between September 9 and 18 three two-year-old steers were stolen from a runoff block in Tikitiki Rd.
A family harm incident was reported last week.
A family harm incident was reported.
At some time between September 14 and September 21 thieves broke into the Women’s Refuge Op Shop at the corner of Hoturoa and Taui streets and took goods for sale.
HOME MAINTENANCE
September 21: At 4.30am the brigade was called to Rangitoto Rd after neighbours confused the heating of stones in preparation for a hangi with a fire.
September 22: Minor damage was caused to a kitchen under renovation at a property on Hospital Rd after a fire broke out at 5.34pm. The brigade put out the fire and ventilated the property. A resident suffered smoke inhalation during the incident. Fire chief Hayden Sheedy the incident highlighted the need to have working smoke alarms in your home.
The brigade had a quiet week with only a single callout. They responded at 9.27am on August 21 after an automatic fire alarm triggered at the Ōtorohanga Timber Company.
PROPERTY YOUR REAL ESTATE GUIDE TO THE KING COUNTRY
DARLINGTON HOUSE - HISTORY AND STYLE
Get welcomed by history and style. A private villa set on 1012 sqm surrounded by native trees and gardens, offers privacy and tranquility. Built in the early 1900, this spacious Californian bungalow is located close to the town centre, with all its amenities.
Enter the beautiful, presented hallway with its stunning detailed wall paneling which leads to the 2 double bedrooms, both with wardrobes.
The spacious formal lounge with its high ceiling offers great comfort, like the window seats with storage. The formal dining area with its French doors flow out onto the veranda, ideal when you like to entertain a dinner party or guests.
At the back of the house is a well-equipped country kitchen, the bathroom, a laundry and the toilet. The original staircase with its skylight leads to another 2 double bedrooms and a family room/rumpus.
Stay comfortable year-round with a heat pump, ceiling fan, and gas mains heating. Hot water is supplied by the califont.
For the busy gardeners there is an additional utility room outside, next to the backdoor, great for washing your vegetables.
With a great home comes a well maintained fully fenced garden with natives, a block-hut with terrasse, currently used as a workshop, a separate entertainment area/patio/BBQ area, a vegetable garden and of course a single garage.
Whether you would like to create a business from home like a bed and breakfast or simply want to enjoy the serenity of a home with space, Darlington House certainly ticks a lot of boxes.
Get in touch today to book your viewing with Craig. Open Home: Sunday, Sept 29, 2pm – 2.30pm.
LOCATION |6 Ngatai Street, Te Kūiti
LAND I 1012m²
HOUSE | 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 garage
PRICE | $739,000
LICENSED AGENT | Harcourts Te Kūiti
LICENSED SALESPERSON | Craig McKellar
027 457 2450
WEBSITE | harcourts.co.nz
WEB ID | OH22494
Ōtorohanga 3A & 3B William Street
The first to buy gets their pick of these two brand-new units in a top notch location. Whether you choose to be near the street or at the rear, each of these units offers something different to the other in terms of sunshine and outdoor space. Designed and built with retirees in mind although equally appealing and practical for professionals looking for an easy or no-maintenance option. These mirror-image duplex units have been built to fill a high demand for quality two bedroom homes on flat compact sections near town. Each unit has open plan living complete with heat pump and great natural light and the kitchen offers a generous amount of bench space. An en-suite bathroom is adjacent to the main bedroom and you’ll be pleased to know there’s a second toilet for guest use as well. An internal access garage also accommodates the centrally located laundry and the rest you can see for yourself on inspection. We anticipate a pre-Christmas settlement so avoid disappointment, enquire today and be the first to choose.
Kerry Harty 027 294 6215
kjharty@harcourts.co.nz
Karen Lennox 027 559 4468
karen.lennox@harcourts.co.nz
Kūiti
Te Kuiti 14 Haines Terrace
Kuiti
An opportunity to own a
The Proven Dairy Performer
A highly sought after land area, production history and location. Renowned for its favorable climates, grass growth and welcoming farming community, this exciting new listing located 18 kilometres east of Otorohanga will tick a lot boxes.
• 118.8861 hectares (more or less) in 3 titles
• Production history exceeding 139,000 kg/ms
• Milking between 332-355 cows
• 26 Aside herringbone Cow shed and usual support buildings
• Five bedroom main home + cottage Surplus to requirements as our vendors look to condense their farming operations, providing a prime opportunity to step into a well set up farm with a proven track record of production.
Ōtorohanga 684 Maihiihi Road
WHAREPUHUNGA
124 Happy Valley Road
Apex Heights - 136 hectares (more or less)
36 ASHB Shed, PK and molasses in shed, 12T silo, two x calf sheds, workshop, American style barn, and 3 Bay implement shed.
2023/24: 420 cows - 150801kg MS - Spring and Autumn calving. Apex Heights presents a very productive fertile farm. Easy rolling contour with a fantastic 'engine room' located to the West, invariably ticking all the boxes.
Vendors have emphasised fertiliser application and pasture management to meet their production expectations. Approximately 75% croppable. Bore water.
A very good example of an easy rolling high producing dairy farm.
Two dwellings - 1 x 5-bedroom, three-bathroom, 1 x 4-bedroom Cottage, and two car garaging.
pggwre.co.nz/TEK40100
NEW LISTING
WHAREPUHUNGA 196 Happy Valley Road
APEX Drystock - 58 hectares (more or less)
Cattle grazing with superb homestead. The contour is easy rolling to steep to plateau country up top. Well fenced, watered and fertilised as it has been run alongside the dairy farm next door. The fourbedroom family home is of open plan design with an abundance of natural light. Other draw card qualities of this impressive home are the dedicated games room, separate laundry and drying room. Detached 3 bay industrial pole shed providing ample extra storage and complimenting the double garage with internal access into the family home and a garden shed also completes the package.
TENDER
Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 3.00pm Wednesday 30 October VIEW
10.00-12.00pm
30 September & 7 October
M 027 654 7434
E tony.foreman@pggwrightson.co.nz
NEW LISTING
TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 3.00pm Wednesday 30 October VIEW
10.00-12.00pm, Monday 30 September, 7 & 14 October
Tony Foreman
M 027 654 7434
E tony.foreman@pggwrightson.co.nz
Peter Wylie
M 027 473 5855
E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz
MAIHIIHI 342 Happy Valley Road
Apex Valley - 90 hectares (more or less)
Entry level dairy farm with good farm infrastructure.
2019 Built 22 ASHB with in-shed feeders. Two x 3 bay calf sheds, one x 4 bay calf shed plus workshop. Undulating contour, approximately 70-hectare platform. Milking 250 cows in this popular district. Last year’s production 70,877kg MS.
Two dwellings-1 x 4-bedroom and 1 x 3-bedroom home, both healthy homes compliant.
The property is in three titles so future options available - great opportunity.
pggwre.co.nz/TEK40103
TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 3.00pm Wednesday 30 October VIEW 10.00-12.00pm Monday 30 September & 7 October
M 027 654 7434 Tony Foreman
E tony.foreman@pggwrightson.co.nz
E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz M 027 473 5855 Peter Wylie
Productive Pokuru
These 152 hectares (Subject to Survey - more or less) presents extremely well to purchasers who desire contour, infrastructure and production. 50 bail Waikato rotary ACR's, 300 cow feed pad worth autowash, 200 cow stand-alone feed pad with effluent storage, 250 calf capacity, and three dwellings. On average 455 cows wintered, 410 cows milked, 202,335kg MS produced. Fencing is top grade, excellent water, easy rolling contour, and wellmaintained races. Very well-located dairy farm with all the levels of infrastructure in place. Quality farmsee you at the Open Days.
RAGLAN 680 Waimaori Road
Waimaori - 492 hectares (more or less)
Predominantly easy rolling cattle contour situated 18km Southwest of Raglan. Grass only policy wintering as at 30th June 2024, 279 x 27 month steers, 217 x 15 month steers, 415 x EH, 1040 x MA Ewes, and 25 x Rams. Outstanding four-bedroom homestead which is presented to a very high standard. There is also a three-bedroom Managers house, three stand woolshed and three bay lockable shed. Multiple water systems, long fertiliser history, and riparian planting throughout. This is a farm where attention to detail is evident throughout and a true turnkey operation.
Across: 1. Sudoku, 5. Unsure, 8. Nun, 9. Kindle, 10. Starve, 11. Josh, 13. Sanitary, 14. Smirk, 15. Tipsy, 19. Delicate, 21. Garb, 22. Humane, 23. Almond, 25. Rum, 26. Sleepy, 27. Either. Down: 2. Uniform, 3. Old, 4. Uneasy, 5. Unsung, 6. Startling, 7. River, 12. Hurricane, 16. Strange, 17. Bakery, 18. Defame, 20. Equal, 24. Met.
TE AWAMUTU 1288 Pokuru Road
Peter
TRADE PROFESSIONALS
DEAD OR ALIVE
$$$$ TOP CASH $$$$ $$$$ PAID $$$$ Hiace, Hilux, Corolla, Landcruiser, Liteace, Townace, Trucks, Nizzan vans & utes. From $200 to $5000 Same day pick up Ph 0800 551 7004
Grazing Wanted
GRAZING WANTED for weaner and dairy heifers. Contact Bryan 027 4154 122
GOATS WANTED Will buy or muster feral goats Prompt pick up Ph Gavin 027 877 7512 or 07 877 7512
SCRAP GOLD WANTED
We
Turn
DOGS for
3
FIREWOOD - Ph Sonny 021 617 349 or 07 873 9190.
SPLIT FIREWOOD new season’s, shed stored, 3 cubic metres, $350 delivered Tkt/Oto area. Fresh sawdust $5 bag. P 027 584 4505 or 07 894 5872. For Sale
PAINTING
Painting interior/exterior
Exterior house washing
Small jobs welcome
Contact Steve 022 676 1839
No obligation free quotes
Maru Trust Team Lead
Due to the growth of Maru Energy Trust, we are excited to expand our team!
Do you want to make a difference in your community?
Do you enjoy working with passionate people?
Are you a natural leader?
As Team Lead, you’ll manage daily operations, fundraising, and ensure the smooth delivery of energy efficiency programmes for homeowners in need. You will collaborate with our coordinator to build relationships and drive impactful initiatives.
Maru Energy Trust, established by The Lines Company, helps families create warmer, healthier homes through sustainable insulation and heating solutions.
Enjoy great benefits like Wellbeing Incentives, Medical Insurance, and Additional Leave.
Sound like you?
Visit The Lines Company Careers page: thelinescompany.co.nz/about-us/work-for-us/
Need a Decorator - Call Now
Dave Rowe Painter & Decorator 027 290 8776 - 07 873 9104
decorator@daverowe.co.nz
Servicing the Waipa and Waitomo districts for over 20 years
Anything too big for a shovel - give me a call • Vegetation removal • Driveway prep - Auger • Landscaping • Trenching • Water tanks Manga Roach Ph 027 431 9959
Attn Farmers: Universal Beef Packers Te Kuiti are running a $6.00 schedule for your cull dairy cows from now to the 31st of October (conditions apply)
HANDYMAN
Property maintenance and construction Lawns, trees, stump grinding, sections, moss & mould treatments, Chemwash, waterblasting, gutter vac, water tank and trough cleaning fences, retaining, odd jobs and more. References available GST registered. Mike & Allana 027 350 0836 info@handy-man.co.nz
SITE MANAGER BIOGIENE LTD. BENNEYDALE, WAIKATO MANAGEMENT (CLEANING IN A MANUFACTURING SITE) FULLTIME
About the Company
BioGiene provides a specialized Food Processing facility cleaning and sanitation service, delivering our partners improved value, and brand security throughout New Zealand and Australia.
About the Role
As a Site Hygiene Manager for an industrial/food processing clean-up crew, you will be responsible for ensuring the operational hygiene of the largest Food Processing facilities in the country. You will be working in a multi-skilled role and be exposed to specialty cleaning equipment and processes. The role is a night shift position located in Bennydale, Te Kūiti.
Main Responsibilities include:
• You will be managing the site by providing contingency; mentoring and coaching the supervisors; providing supervision and direction to employees.
• Effectively manage key stakeholder relationships, service delivery, staff development, financial performance, contract performance, and organizational procedures.
• Ensure compliance and quality assurance for daily operating protocol and quality control procedures.
• Following site safety, and H&S requirements and reporting any hazards.
• You will also participate in daily cleaning verification checks to ensure the quality outcomes are achieved.
Skills and Experience Required:
• Experience managing teams of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Sound knowledge of managing and coordinating staff in Abattoirs, Food Manufacturing, or Industrial Cleaning will be highly regarded.
• A ‘can do’ attitude and be physically fit to partake in the variety of tasks within this role.
• Well-presented and able to communicate in both verbal and written formats.
• Maintain documentation, including rosters, timesheets, training records, employment verifications, and traceability reporting (both internally and for clients)
• Having sound knowledge about Health and Safety and First-Aid would be highly regarded, but not essential.
What you need to do now
If you’re interested in a role within this high-growth business, and an opportunity to embark on a journey of progression and development, forward an up-to-date copy of your CV to HRNZ@biogiene.co.nz
Situations Vacant
Trades & Services
Waitete RFC are seeking coaches & managers for our Senior & U21 teams for the 2025 season.
Our preference is to have these roles filled by mid October, with the KC 7s tournament in mind
For queries or expressions of interest, phone Jamie 021 668 430 or email waiteterugby@gmail.com
Part-time Customer Service
Shop assistant required for busy Te Kūiti store two to three days a week. Approximately 15 to 25 hours per week.
This includes weekends and public holidays. Applicant must be interested in learning new skills and gaining knowledge on our vast product range.
If you enjoy working with the public and take pride in giving good service please collect application from our front counter or email and we will send tekuiti@mitre10.co.nz
ACCOUNTANCY ROLE
We are looking for a person to join our team either fulltime or part time, who has a people first attitude and understands the importance of delivering in a positive, timely manner.
You will be joining an accountancy firm with a large farming client base along with many progressive businesses. Flexibility to work from either our Hamilton and/or Ōtorohanga office as well as from home, as our offices are cloud based.
About us
We are more than just about numbers. Our mission statement is ‘Making a positive difference in your life’ which relates to both staff and clients. We are a small growing innovative accounting firm of 12 providing a fun, friendly, flexible working environment. Check out our awesome website for the history of the firm and testimonials.
Qualifications & experience
• Minimum of 2 years experience in a New Zealand Chartered Accountant’s office
Benefits
• Flexible working environment
• Offices in Hamilton and Ōtorohanga
• Payment of professional membership fees
• Staff savings scheme and paid day off for birthday
• Fun progressive team environment
• Being totally cloud based the team are all able to work remotely from home
To be held after morning service Sunday, September 29, 2024
Tenders
Request for Tender
Contract Name Ōtorohanga DC Reseals 2024/2027
Contract Number C1157
Description of service
This Contract is for surface resealing at various sites throughout the Ōtorohanga District. These works include the undertaking of specific site treatment design, site preparation, sealing, sweeping and pavement marking. All works are located within the Ōtorohanga District Council Boundaries.
Tender Open date 2.00pm Thursday 26 September 2024
Tender Closing date 2.00pm Thursday 17 October 2024
Where can parties get more info from e.g. ŌDC Webpage
www.GETS.govt.nz website with RFx ID: 30204175
Don’t forget to
5th October 5, 2024 10.30am - 1pm
Venue: Was Indoor Bowling Hall now Hillview Hall
12 Queen Street, Te Kūiti
Matters:
1 Apologies
2 Previous AGM minutes - Matters
3 Chairperson report - Matters
4 Treasurers report - Matters
5 Trustee resignations
6 Election new trustee
General business
1 A8 history
2 A8 future
3 Discussion/matters
Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
JKD2024 Limited has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Ōtorohanga District Council, Ōtorohanga for the grant of an off license in respect of the premises situated at 144 Maniapoto st, Ōtorohanga known as Thirsty Liquor. The general nature of the of the business conducted (or to be conducted) under the license is a bottle store. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol (or intended to be) sold under the license are Monday to Sunday 9am to 10pm. The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Otorohanga District Licensing Committee, Ōtorohanga District Council, Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga. Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 15 working days after publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the District Licensing Committee at Ōtorohanga District council, PO Box11, Ōtorohanga 3940. No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105 (1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on September 19, 2024.
Notice of herbicide use
Waikato Regional Council advises that herbicide may be used on public and coastal reserves throughout the Waikato region from now until July 2025 for the control of exotic weeds as part of the Coastcare restoration programme.
This includes (but is not limited to) the Port Waikato, Raglan, Ruapuke, Aotea, Kāwhia, Kiritehere, Mokau and Whiritoa areas. The work will be carried out by contractors in accordance with the Waikato Regional Plan. A spray plan is available on request.
Herbicides which may be used, and their HSNO classes, include (but are not limited to):
• Associate 600WDG: 6.3B, 6.4A, 9.1A, 9.2A
• Conquest/Tordon Brushkiller: 3.1D, 6.1D, 6.3B, 6.4A, 6.5B, 6.9B, 9.1A, 9.2A, 9.3C
• Dicamba 500SL: 6.1E, 6.3A, 6.4A, 6.9B, 9.1A, 9.2A, 9.3B, 9.4B
• Gallant Ultra: 3.1D, 6.1D, 6.1E, 6.4A, 6.9B, 9.4B, 9.1A
• Garlon 360: 3.1C, 8.1A, 6.1D, 8.3A, 6.5B, 6.9B, 9.1A, 9.2A, 9.3C
• Grazon: 6.1D, 6.3B, 6.4A, 6.5B, 6.9B, 9.1A, 9.2A, 9.3C
• Vigilant II: 6.5B, 6.9B
• Weedmaster G360: 6.1D, 6.4A, 9.1B
• X-Tree Wet & Dry: 6.1E, 6.4A, 6.5B, 6.9B, 9.1A, 9.2A
For more information, please call the Coastcare programme manager on 0800 800 401. Or visit waikatoregion.govt.nz/coastcare
CDA McLay Chief Executive
Send your CV and covering letter to Osbornes Chartered Accountants Ltd team@osbornesca.co.nz
Piopio Bowls –New World $50 voucher – Snow No.193, Ute load of firewood – Glenda No. 21. Raffle Results
Garage Sales
Koha Aroha Shed. 85
Esplanade, Te Kūiti. 9
– 1pm. Everything must go.
Raffle Results
FRIENDS OF HILL-
VIEW RESIDENTS
Te Kuiti Op shop
Sept 24
$50 raffle winner
#26 Val Brett ☺
Congrats and many thanks to all, for donations, help and support. $1400 raisedawesome!
PIRONGIA MARKET
Pirongia Community Centre, Crozier St Sunday, September 29, 9am - 1pm
SCHEDULE
Last Sunday of every month Email jim1@xtra.co.nz or ph Jim 027 366 5842
Annual General Meeting
Te Tokanganui a noho Māori Womens Welfare League
Monday, September 30 @ 6pm Te Kuiti Community House
All interested welcome Enquiries – 021 256 5636
Tuhua 33C3B1F2
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Venue: Board Room, Te Kūiti Community Trust House, Level 1, 28 Taupiri St, Te Kūiti 10.30am start Agenda
1. Receive AGM Updates
2. Election of three new trustees
Enquiries: Lorraine Anderson, Chairperson
Email: andersonlorraine@xtra.co.nz Mob: 021 137 6208
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice calling for trustee nominations Maraeroa A and B Trust will be holding it’s annual general meeting at the Journey Church, 10 Sheridan St, Te Kūiti at 11am, Saturday, September 9, 2023.
Te Ra: Saturday, October 19, 2024 Wahi: Journey Church, 10 Sheridan Street, Te Kūiti Registrations: 10.20am Hui commences: 11am
AGENDA
1. To receive apologies
2. To receive the minutes of the last AGM held October 7, 2023
3. To receive the Chairs Report
4. To receive the Financial Report
Notice is hereby given calling for nominations from adult registered descendants for three (3) positions as trustees. Nominations must be in writing on prescribed nomination forms that can be obtained by contacting Debbie Walker (details below).
5. Special Resolution: Trust Deed – Trustees seek approval to suspend clauses 12.5 (3 & 4) of the Trust Deed for 5 years
6. To appoint an Auditor
7. To attend to the election of Trustees
Completed nomination forms are to be received by Debbie at the registered office (address below).
Nominations close August 4, 2023 at 11am.
8. General Business
Debbie Walker - Maraeroa A and B Trust
The Annual General Meeting will conclude with lunch
46 Taupiri St PO Box 61 Te Kuiti 3910
St Luke's Anglican Church
Bereavements
DEMPSEY, Colin: The Dempsey family wish to thank everyone for the kind words, donations etc for the loss of Colin. Many thanks to Dr Buswell and Te Kūiti Hospital for the care of Colin. As many addresses are unknown, we want to thank everyone.
SWINDELLS, Jean Fay
Enquiries:
Phone: 07 878 8145
Email: debbie@mkf.co.nz
Email maraeroaab@gmail.com or Contact Debbie, Murray Kidd Falconer Chartered Accountants Ltd, 46 Taupiri St, Te Kūiti Telephone 07 878 8145
All welcome
CHURCH
Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga Service times Sunday 10.30am Everyone welcome Contact 07 873 8685
ARAPAE TRUST AGM
Arapae No.1 Block
Saturday, October 19, 2024 Ōtorohanga ClubSouthern Lounge 170 Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga
AGENDA
10am Registrations 11am Mihimihi/Karakia
Apologies/proxies
Minutes of last AGM
Chairman's report
Financial reports
Property reports
Trustee elections
New Trust Order
General business 2pm Lunch
For further information Secretary C/- 20 King St East, Te Kūiti Ph 07 878 8135
QSM: Peacefully at Hillview Home, Te Kūiti on Friday, September 20, 2024. Aged 102 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Jim. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Helen Sinclair, Joan Mannering, Marlene Macey, Glenda and Peter Wilson. Adored Gran of Catherine and Sarah, Tim and Peter and Kate. Great-gran of Finn, Maia, Marlin and Storm. A private cremation has been held. A celebration of Jean’s life to be held VJ Williams & Sons Chapel, King Street, Te Kūiti on Saturday, October 19 at 1pm. All communications to Swindells Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ
HITCHEN, Jean
Isobel: 31.12.42 –
24.9.23. Hi Jean, cleanest girl in town. 1 year has passed since you left us my darling and soulmate ��. You will always hold in my heart a special place. Miss you so much. Frank, Julie Ann, Warren and grand, great grand and great great grandchildren and Henry. Love forever.
KNIGHT: Arthur Lawrence: In loving memory of our treasured Dad and Grandad, passed away suddenly 25 years ago today, 67 years young. Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. David, Sheryl, Ryan, Mitchell, Claudia and families
RANKIN James Walter Douglas (Doug): Peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2024. Aged 90. Soulmate of Christine for 66 years. Loved father and father-in-law of Leslie and Raewyn, Queensland; Lauran and Garry Robinson, Diane and Thomas Croke, Queensland; Pop of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A big thank you to the District Nurses, Te Kūiti Hospital, and Hillview for the wonderful care. A private family cremation has been held. A memorial service will be held at a later date. All communications to Rankin Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ
READ, Peggy Doreen: Peacefully at Beattie Home, Ōtorohanga on Friday, September 20, 2024, 95 years old. Dearly loved wife of the late Keith. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Elaine and Frank; John and Chyrel; Bill and Gary. Adored Nanny to all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren + great-great-grandchildren. Many thanks for the loving care given to Peggy by the wonderful staff at Beattie Home. A private cremation has been held. A memorial service will be held at a later date. All communications to Read Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ
SHERMAN Barbara Alice: Peacefully on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, surrounded by family, aged 75. Beloved wife and best friend of Bryan. mother and mother-in-law of Bruce, Brenda, and Erin. Grandmother of Rhiannon, Owyn, and Ava. Sister to Spence, and sister-in-law to Julia, and Vikki. We love you Barb, the world is a sadder place without you in it. We will miss your joyful smile and laugh always. A service to honour Barbs life will be held at 11am on Friday, September 27 at the Baptist Church in Ōtorohanga followed by a private cremation. Flowers can be sent to 6 Rabone St, Arapuni. All communications to the Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ.
Daylight saving starts Sunday. Put your clocks forward one hour.
In Memoriam
