What consultants cost
By Mary Anne Gill
Waipā spent more than $14 million on consultants in the financial year ended June 30 – up from $13.7 million the previous year.
The council provided the figure to Cambridge Chamber chief executive Kelly Bouzaid – treating it as a Local Government Official Information Act request - but drilling down even further would have cost the chamber $6000.
“I’ve got no issue with the role of consultants,” she told members who attended an address by new Waipā chief executive Steph O’Sullivan
last week in the Town Hall.
The chamber asked for descriptions of projects’ scope, objectives and key deliverables to understand the ‘value impact’ consultants played on council projects.
“We asked to understand performance and evaluation and we were, I’ll be honest, very interested around the consultant costs for Cambridge Connections which we all know was a train wreck.”
The chamber also wanted to know the rationale behind the use of consultants to which the council responded it could not be made available without substantial
collation and research and estimated the cost at $6000 because it would “unreasonably interfere with the operations of council.”
Bouzaid said she hoped O’Sullivan would create a culture offering the chamber the opportunity to have good, robust conversations, “with a sprinkle of tension”.
“That is a great example of that relationship transparency and it’s an enquiry which is entirely justified,” said O’Sullivan.
“Consultants do form an important part of our business, and I can probably guarantee there will be some consultants who are working
for us in the room tonight.”
They could be consulting on swimming pool facilities, parks, transport or large infrastructure projects.
“They are large complex projects and we could either have those people on staff which will hit your rating base every year and increase my opex (operating expenditure) costs or they could be specialist consultants that are working on large and significant projects that are multi year and sophisticated projects where you require specialist skills that I cannot keep in our organisation the whole time.”
The council would continue to use consultants, but councillors had asked her to look at Waipā’s business. She will do a review soon of the organisation to look for efficiency and effectiveness gains.
“In my experience, we run a pretty lean shop most of the time and we will continue to run that lean shop while we deliver outcomes to the community,” she said because the council was a public service and needed to be transparent.
O’Sullivan told The News she would discuss Bouzaid’s questions with the council team and respond as best she
could because the business community was wanting to understand the use of consultants by Waipā District Council.
• See - New CEO on first two months, Page 5
Ka Whawhai Tonu costumes go on show
Waipā will share a touch of movie magic when costumes from the recent New Zealand film Ka Whawhai Tonu go on show at the Te Awamutu Museum from tomorrow.
It’s the first time costumes from the historical drama, which stars Cliff Curtis and Temuera Morrison and retells the 1864 battle of Ōrākau Pā, will be showcased to the public.
Museums and heritage director Anne Blyth said it’s an honour to be the first museum to display the costumes and tell an important part of the history of Waipā.
Museum visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the story and events leading up to the siege at Ōrākau, one of the most infamous conflicts of the New Zealand Land Wars, through
costumes and images from the film.
The battle site is east of Kihikihi on Arapuni Rd. The Crown forces invaded Rangiaowhia and fought defenders of the Kīngitanga (Māori King movement), led by Ngāti Maniapoto chief Rewi Maniapoto, who is played by Morrison in the film. It was the final battle of the Crown’s invasion of the Waikato.
“The story is set in the 1860s and it inspires, confronts and challenges people’s historical knowledge around Aotearoa New Zealand Land Wars,” said Blyth.
The film was directed by Michael Jonathan and has centres on two teenagers whose lives are caught up in war and colonisation.
The exhibition will run until April 30, 2025.
The exhibit opens tomorrow
Steph O’Sullivan
Volunteers rally around school
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Talking about driving
I hope everyone had a good long weekend. It was great to see the road toll at zero with everyone making it home from their holidays safely.
In the seven days prior to writing, in the Western Waikato Policing district, we have had nine incidents of people driving with excess breath/blood alcohol levels. The legal breath alcohol limit is 250mcg/alcohol per litre of breath. Five of the drivers dealt with returned positive breath alcohol readings in excess of 650 mcg/litre of breath and two were over 1100 mcg/litre of breath.
Drinking alcohol greatly reduces a person’s ability to make choices – especially where decision-making calls for complex judgements. It also slows a person’s reactions, dulling their judgement and vision. The risk of a crash increases as the driver’s alcohol level increases.
Someone under the influence of alcohol is unable to judge their own fitness to drive as alcohol creates a false sense of confidence. If you see someone who you believe to be under the influence of alcohol, reaching for the car keys or driving, phone 111 immediately.
Give as much detail as possible around their identity, the vehicle and intended travel path. Not only are they a risk to themselves and other motorists through their own driving, but also their reaction times when responding to bad driving from others, is extended.
The community are our eyes and ears when it comes to reporting offending in progress.
Thanks to members of the public in Cambridge last Friday we dealt with two family harm incidents on Queen Street involving the same couple who were passing through town - the second incident being an escalation of the first.
I am grateful for the calls from members of the public around this. As a result, a Police Safety Order was issued to ensure separation and prevent a reoccurrence. Police involvement also means that agency support and follow-up can occur in their hometown to assist in reducing harm.
Elsewhere in the last seven days Cambridge Police dealt with jobs that included five family harm incidents, wilful damage, counterfeit money, 13 thefts, two thefts from car incidents, 10 attempts to steal cars and actual car thefts, six burglaries, four mental health incidents, five traffic crashes, threatening behaviour and an aggravated robbery.
Te Awamutu Police dealt with jobs including five assaults, seven mental health incidents, four traffic crashes, four burglaries, four threatening speech incidents, 15 family harm incidents, two wilful damage cases, arson, five traffic matters, a breach of court bail, disorderly behaviour and attempted car theft.
The Labour Weekend timing didn’t work in Waitomo district where road closure applications were declined – but it did work in the Otorohaga district.
While organising a team of 18 volunteer marshals from the school, Robinson said the school appreciated the opportunity to both serve a community event and generate some much-needed income.
“Our marshals looked after a 30 km stretch of road, from Otewa Rd to Mangatuitu Rd, with our people taping off gates, driveways and openings along that section of the rally.
“I was touched at how our people were prepared to give their time over the long weekend to help the school in this way. It’s the kind of good-natured support you often find in country areas - and we certainly have that here,” she said.
The volunteers themselves told The News that they were more than happy to help.
“It was this of look after kids for the day – I knew which one I was going to choose,” one man said.
“I have a lot of time for the Targa,” one woman added.
“As share milkers we have lived in seven locations and each one of them has been in an area where the rally went past our gate. We’ve found it to be well run and absolutely no inconvenience. If anything, it just adds a bit of spice to life.”
The four-day 570km rally, completed on Monday, took in roads in and around Ōtorohanga, Kāwhia Harbour and King Country and finished in Rotorua.
Top honours in the rally went to Marcus van Klink and his co-driver Matt Richards –who also won the 2023 rally.
The Targa Rally can be a win-win for motor sport fans and the local communities
who host it, says Maihiihi Primary School deputy principal Katie Robinson.
Some of the 18 volunteers from the Maihiihi community who acted as marshals for their section of the Targa Rally on Saturday. Back row from left, Katie Robinson, Deb Druce, Aaron Robertson, Mathew Szytkiel, Steph Berge, Lyall Carr, Duncan Roobottom and Zach Walsh. Front, Kohen Henry, Joeli Henry, Shekinah Henry and Amanda Roobottom.
Photo: Paul Charman
Briefs…
Awards open
Entries for Waipā’s business awards, which recognise accomplishments, contributions and diversity in the business community, open tomorrow. (Friday).
Population up
Waipā’s population is 62,700, Census figures released by Statistics NZ last week show. It was 55,000 in 2018. Nearly a third are in the 40-64 age bracket and the median age is 40.6. A total of 12,400 people (19.2 per cent) are 65 years and older.
Roger that
Roger Gordon was again
Waipā District Council’s lowest paid councillor receiving $41,280 for his efforts in the financial year ended June 30. Fellow Cambridge ward representative Mike Pettit earned $43,246 to be second lowest. Highest paid councillor was Claire St Pierre with $53,075 while deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk got $66,835 and mayor Susan O’Regan $145,391.
Boundary change
Frontier Estate in the Te Awamutu T1 growth cell will move from the PirongiaKakepuku rural ward into urban Te Awamutu-Kihikihi for next year’s local body elections to comply with the Local Electoral Act regulations. Pirongia growth had resulted in the ward’s two councillors each representing a population of 6175 this term compared with the 5100 the three Te Awamutu councillors represent.
Top engagement
Waikato District Council was overwhelmed by the nearly 2000 responses to its Long Term Plan prompted by the appeal to residents to tell councillors where savings could be made and which of its 33 community halls should remain ratepayer funded. The council was to consider the responses yesterday, after The News went to press.
Senior platform set for revival
Discussions on mapping a way forward for Waipā’s seniors will dominate a forum organised by Cambridge Grey Power and Waipā district councillors.
Cr Roger Gordon said Grey Power and councillors want to find the best way for seniors to express their views to council.
A senior council established several years ago, with three or four
meetings a year held alternately in Cambridge and Te Awamutu, was designed to facilitate communication between seniors and elected council officials, he said. However, feedback from those indicated some seniors believe their voice has been ignored and council’s focus is on meeting the needs of younger residents.
Gordon also said it
was thought that because of differences between Cambridge and Te Awamutu, any future forum for seniors might be more effective if it is localised to each town.
“There is a real wish for some kind of forum to be re-established,” he said.
It could include considerations around the general disability sector.
“The forum will also
consider the Waipā District Council’s ‘Age Friendly Policy’ and ‘Age Friendly Implementation Plan’ documents written in 2016. These have informed interaction between council and our seniors.”
It will include presentations from Cambridge Grey Power past president Val Massey and Te Awamutu Grey Power president, Michael Cullen.
Supporters shed vandalised
The sharing shed after it was damaged.
By Roy Pilott
It’s been kindly described as someone having a temper tantrum.
And tempers were certainly raised when a photo of a vandalised Te Awamutu Sharing Shed was circulated on social media last week.
The shed, a wood construction which has had a home on Anzac Green since 2017 been a place to share books and food.
Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board chair Ange Holt is one of the “fairies” in the community who quietly look after the shed, keeping it all fresh –and sometimes removing items which should never
have been left there in the first place.
Last week Shed lovers were shocked to see it had been pushed over the damaged.
“Someone has had a temper tantrum,” Holt said. The Shed is no longer there – but The News understands more fairies have appeared and have taken it away to restore.
The Shed was launched by Sarah and Shaun O’Dea in in 2017 with the message – “if you’ve got a surplus of produce or a good book to share with someone in your community, you should visit The Sharing Shed on Anzac Green. Show your generosity or maybe just start a convo with one of your neighbours,
it’s a hub where ideas, books and fresh fruit and veges flow freely.”
The couple are now based in Canada.
Over the years it has been a help for many – but not without its problems when unwanted visitors dump equally unwanted clothing and other items there.
“Holt said the shed has managed to “look after itself” thanks to help from the community.
She mentioned it in her regular column in The News in January last year when she wrote it had been a great asset to the town, “enabling the community to share produce, swap books and put up notices”.
But she also noted the
clean ups had involved taking away boxes of expired food and rubbish.
The Shed’s contribution is also acknowledged this week by Sam Pullinger in his Faith in Waipā column today on Page 8.
Songs for the saints
Paul Gough is confident his planned concert to raise funds for St John will be a success.
The Te Awamutu musician and the band he plays in, Early Daze, will perform at Te Rahu Hall – their regular venue –on Sunday afternoon and he is hoping the gold coin entry event open to the public will draw a good crowd.
Gough was inspired to promote a concert when he saw St John missing out on funding.
He says he owes his life to St John, who came to his aid three times in the last two years as he battled heart issues.
“If it wasn’t for them I’d be dead,” he said. “But it’s not about me.”
Early Daze has been playing for about five months and Gough says about 40 people regularly attend monthly music club gatherings – which encourages singer-songwriters to show their talents - at the hall.
Helen Carter Funeral Director
Roger Gordon
New partner for EDMONDS JUDD
To be a successful litigator, you need persuasive oratory skills, the ability to work long hours and perhaps most of all, a passion for research that leads you to the indefinable something that will either help your opponent see reason - or win your case.
For Te Awamutu-based Edmonds Judd’s lawyer and soon-to-be newest partner, Joanne Dickson, all those things are an everyday part of her life along with a genuine desire to help people navigate what can be a very difficult issue or life event. Yet being a litigator wasn’t a choice she’d made early on.
“About 20-odd years ago, I was working in accounts roles; I didn’t enjoy them and decided to go to university,” Joanne says.
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study and had enrolled in a selection of papers. Another student I met at university said to me during the first year, “I’m trying to get into law school; it’s really difficult.” and I thought, “Hmmm, challenge accepted.”
Joanne says that as she worked through her degree, she wasn’t sure what area of law she wanted to work in. But when that same student asked her if she wanted to join a mooting competition (where you debate in a pretend court, trying to get the “judge” to see your point of view), she agreed - and got into the finals to argue her case in front of a High Court judge.
“And that was it. I was hooked – I think I was a born litigator,” she says.
Coming out of Auckland University with great grades it wasn’t long before Joanne was employed by a top New Zealand law firm, Simpson Grierson. Joanne quickly developed skills in commercial and civil litigation and a special interest in the highly technical areas of intellectual property law and media law.
For Joanne, working in the law has been an exhilarating time.
“I love everything about this work. Working out our arguments, drilling down into the facts and the law, working out what clients want and how to achieve it. I just love it, it’s in my blood,” she says. Being a commercial and civil litigator doesn’t always mean she and her clients end up in court.
“It’s important to try and facilitate an agreement between parties outside of the courtroom. So, we use negotiation, or mediation or other methods to try to help the parties reach a resolution,” Joanne says. “But, if court is what is needed, then that’s where we go”.
Joanne says: “My work covers a broad range of areas, including issues such as relationship property, trust and estate disputes, through to commercial clients who are disputing a contract or seeking to enforce their intellectual property rights.”
For the past 15 years, Joanne has worked hard, moving to Edmonds Judd about three-and-halfyears ago to lead their litigation team.
“I love Te Awamutu, it’s a friendly, busy community. You don’t have to go to Auckland to get great legal advice and results,” she says.
“The other partners have strong knowledge in each of their respective areas of expertise. That means I have great resources for the litigation side of the practice – if we need specialised information, I can have a chat with another partner and get the information I need.”
Joanne has several successful cases behind her, and one of her favourites is the successful court hearing of Christian v Bain in the Auckland High Court in 2022.
“That case was challenging, both legally and physically. I’d not been in the team long, just a few months – when our client, who’d already been defending the case by himself for some time –asked for our help. The trial date was just a few months away.”
She says it was a lot of hard work getting to grips with the case and preparing witness evidence in that tight timeframe.
She remembers that on the night before the last day of trial, all she got sleep-wise was about an hour in an armchair in the office.
“I’d worked all night to make sure I was ready to make my closing submissions in front of the judge.”
And the effort paid off.
She says it was really rewarding: “To run the whole case, to get it over the line in time, and to succeed, especially on a fairly new defence in defamation law, was pretty special.”
An appeal to the Court of Appeal was also successfully opposed, as was an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.
“I am so happy that our client was able to achieve closure, and I was a part of that”.
She says the biggest part of her job she loves is working with people to help them with the problems they can’t resolve on their own, through what is often a very emotional time for them.
“The work could be anything – from relationship property disputes, to trust and estate issues, business partnerships and shareholder issues, restraint of trade, employment, franchise mattersthe works really. Whenever there is a problem that can’t seem to be sorted, that is where I step in.”
The shift from special counsel to law firm partner is a natural progression.
“Offering Joanne a role as a partner of the firm was an easy decision” Chris Grenfell, the firm’s managing partner at the time, says.
“Joanne is an excellent lawyer, considers the practical outcomes, and is a highly empathetic and caring person. She embodies the values of
Edmonds Judd and the partners are excited to be part of her journey in the law.”
On becoming a partner, Joanne says: “It means the buck stops with you; you are fully responsible as a business owner.”
She says she is focused on growing her team to be the best they can be.
“I have a great team, bright and very capable. A large part of what I want to do is grow the litigation side of the practice,” she says.
A mum of three children (“I started university with one child and then married and had two more children before I graduated”), Joanne says her husband Byron has decided to change careers and is 18 months into a law degree at Waikato University, so it’s definitely an ‘in the family’ passion.
Her oldest child is married and living in the UK, her two younger children are both students at Te Awamutu College, with the older of those two off to university next year.
She says her move to Te Awamutu was the right one.
“It’s a great community and I feel very blessed that we can offer a big city service with a proven successful track record in a such a lovely place.”
NEW PARTNER Joanne Dickson
New CEO on first two months
It hasn’t taken Steph O’Sullivan long to get her feet under the first floor desk at Waipā District Council.
Except the desk could be anywhere because she has spent so little time at council headquarters in Te Awamutu since she started last month.
The new chief executive is eight weeks into the job – part way through her 30, 60, 90 day plan - and visiting as much of the 1447 sq kms of the district and meeting as many of the 62,700 residents as she can.
It was the turn of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce last week in the Town Hall – hastily booked when the council’s Cambridge service centre was too small to cope with the 100 plus members who had RSVPed.
She started her address with a bit of history – telling the chamber she grew up in Tokoroa but had an ongoing relationship with Cambridge where she used to coming for shopping trips.
She felt very privileged to now be in the public service and in Waipā which is one of the top five growth districts in New Zealand.
“Our business is not like your businesses,” she said.
It had 1445 unique legislative obligations and was annually assessedmaking its ability to be entrepreneurial, move swiftly and adapt very difficult.
“We are a creature of statute. We’re a creature created by central Government and you’ve just seen with Wellington City Council, we’re under the purview of ministers who don’t hesitate to move.
“So that’s what makes our business
different.”
O’Sullivan said when she started the job in Waipā, councillors told her she had to make sure the district was fit for the future, hence the extended road show.
“We’re working with the community, not doing things to the community… placing council in the best position to deliver for you, our community.
“And that’s not an easy journey, so can you give me a few months?”
In introducing O’Sullivan, chamber chief executive Kelly Bouzaid talked about prudent financial and risk management and transformational leadership.
“I’ll be going about that work particularly in the first year as I get my feet under the table and understand where we’re at,” said O’Sullivan.
She told The News the council had lost the trust of the Cambridge community earlier this year with what has now been termed the Blue Blob debacle but was actually Cambridge Connections.
“It didn’t go according to plan,” she said of the project which named a preferred site for a third Waikato River bridge through an established part of the town.
“We’re up for that conversation again. I totally accept that council didn’t live up to the mark on that and didn’t meet community expectations and it’s eroded trust and confidence in us. Mea culpa, didn’t get that right, go back to the drawing board on that one,” she had earlier told the meeting.
O’Sullivan has already made her
presence felt around the council table telling councillors at a recent Long Term Plan workshop the 17 per cent rate increase should not have come as a surprise to them.
“The staff have been signalling them, in particular at the executive level. That trade off between moving to an enhanced annual plan last year did not negate or minimise or reduce the difficulties we’re going to face this year,” she told The News.
Staff had also followed councillors’ instruction not to cut services, she said at the workshop when there was a suggestion the council might have to do that.
As a growth district, Waipā was experiencing economic pains over and above what other districts were.
“But what couldn’t have been anticipated was what happened in the economy,” she said.
“I don’t think you can expect senior execs and local government to do something that nationally recognised economists can’t do.”
Making it worse for Waipā was when developments were put on hold or delayed, so too were contributions to the council which are paid at their completion.
O’Sullivan said she was enjoying her job and meeting residents.
“There’s a lot of people that are challenged and affordability is an issue, and we know a lot of people are really doing it hard at the moment, but I think there’s great opportunity here.”
Steph O’Sullivan
Gangs of men put to work
In preparation for the influx of holiday traffic, which was always heavy in the Waikato district, the Public Works Department had several large gangs of men at work making considerable improvements to main highways.
It was hoped to have a dustless surface over the entire highway before Christmas. With the exception of a small length near the Mangapiko Bridge, the construction of the main highway between Hamilton and Te Awamutu, 18 miles long, was finished. Once that portion was sealed it would mark the completion of reconstruction and sealing of the 35 miles of the Great South Road between Ngāruawāhia and Ōtorohanga which had started three years previously.
The construction of state houses at Te Awamutu was about to begin after the government approved the purchase of 42 acres. The property would provide a total of 24 building sections. This land belonged to the Waipā Racing Club. The area acquired adjoined a reserve of approximately 3.5 acres bounded by Mahoe, Tawhiao, and Mangapiko Streets. This reserve had been set aside when the Teasdale Settlement was surveyed as it contained the graves of three Imperial soldiers who were killed in the days of military occupation. It was understood that as quickly as possible the Ministry of Housing would proceed with the first instalment of the housing scheme in Te Awamutu and as soon as the preliminary work was
Get Gardening
A monthly gardening column, courtesy of Amber Garden Centre
This time of year is without doubt the most exciting time in the gardening calendar! Milder temperatures means you can grow all your favourite Summer crops like tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, melons, capsicums, squash, chillies and corn. Herbs are also essential to compliment your kitchen garden. They not only add depth to every dish, but also make great companion plants. Sage, basil, mint, parsley, thyme, coriander, and rosemary are great growers in the warmer months. Need beautiful blooms? Try annuals like petunias, begonias and impatiens, these also grow well in hanging baskets and containers. Perennials like armeria, bacopa, delphiniums and daises make a great show and will also attract pollinators. Happy gardening!
Grow
own veggies
completed the construction of the dwellings would begin.
At the Wellington Musical Festival Miss Jessie Shaw of Kihikihi competed with distinct credit and the results were very gratifying. In the sacred solo she placed third; in the Irish national song, second; in the contralto solo class, third, and in the operatic solo was narrowly beaten into second place.
In the Chappell solo the Kihikihi vocalist was very highly commended. She gained similar honours in the solo by a New Zealand composer, singing a composition by Myra Booth of Hamilton. In the classes for a Scottish national song and an African American spiritual she was very highly commended. The judge referred to her voice as rich and adequate with distinct
possibilities.
It was not often that the mayor and borough councillors were prosecuted for an offence but at the Te Awamutu Magistrate’s Court these parties were defendants in a prosecution by Mr Webb, noxious weeds inspector, who successfully maintained that they, being the occupiers of certain lands in the Pirongia West
A Snip in Time
district, had failed to clear the land of ragwort, and keep it clear. Mr Swarbrick, the Borough solicitor, stated that the work of clearing had been commenced, and he suggested that the case be adjourned until next court day. This his Worship declined to do and recorded a conviction and a fine remarking that he must treat the defendants just the same as private landowners, some of whom were in very straitened circumstance yet were convicted of similar breaches.
Parking woes
By Ange Holt, Chairperson, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board
Te Awamutu may be getting a change in the length of time you can park in the main street. Retailers, Business Chamber, Grey Power and some residents have made the Community Board aware that longer parking times would be preferred.
Currently, there are predominantly one hour parking spaces in the main street and in the first block of each side street with a handful of loading zones, disabled carparks and other options. There is little or no signage highlighting our longer term carparks.
This has been the case for many years in Te Awamutu and it previously had not caused an issue due to fairly lax enforcing which has improved noticeably in the last few years.
As a rural service town extended parking times would make it easier for our rural residents to come into town, get a park to do their jobs and some shopping. The suggested two hour time limit would also enable movie goers (particularly those with mobility issues) to park closer to the movie theatre, residents and visitors
to get a park, have lunch and do some shopping, without fear of an infringement notice.
Next steps are for representatives from the retailers, business chamber, Grey Power and Community Board to come together with council staff to come up with a plan. We also hope to include some better signage to point out the longer-term carparks including the ones behind Fresh Choice and the Te Awamutu Club, and some education regarding our parking. The addition of a loading zone beside The Sharing Shed has been suggested so people do not get a $750 fine for parking in the disabled carpark when dropping off or collecting produce, or swapping a book.
If you would like to provide feedback please contact me, as we welcome input from interested parties.
Council have spent the last four years developing a district “Spatial Plan” known as Ahu Ake. They conducted community events a couple of years back and a series of “World Café” sessions to find out what the community wants and what is important to us.
The feedback and information you gave, along with that of mana whenua and other significant stakeholders has shaped this blueprint. Once approved Ahu Ake will inform and to a degree direct other plans over the next 30 years to ensure that community’s aspirations and wellbeing are taken into consideration.
Community Board has basically supported the proposed packages, however we have highlighted the need for health considerations to be built into the plan. This could include the impact on community health of businesses like the waste to energy plant and fluoride in our water. Health is an important consideration and one that councils have a legislated responsibility to uphold, so that what they implement is not detrimental to our health. Our submission will be available for you to read when they are presented to council. Submissions close on November 4. This is an important document and your input is crucial to its success.
Modern machinery used for grading and formation on the Hamilton – Te Awamutu highway.
COMMUNITY BOARD COMMENT
Board wants fluoride stalled
By Chris Gardner
A community board on one side of Waipā wants plans to put fluoride on the other side on hold.
Waipā District Council has been asked to push back against the Director General of Health’s directive to introduce fluoride to Cambridge water after a US Federal Court ruled fluoridation was an unreasonable risk.
Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board voted 3-1 for deputy chair Kane Titchener’s motion requesting the council seek an interim order, or some other appropriate legal remedy, to put fluoridation on hold until the end of a new court case involving Health New Zealand.
The board also requested the council liaise and work with one or more of the 13 other directed councils to push back against the directive and acknowledge to the community that the US Federal Court had ruled that adding fluoride to the water supply at 0.7 to 1ppm is an unreasonable risk relating to neurotoxicity.
Titchener’s motion was seconded by board member Sally Whitaker and supported by chair Ange Holt. Cr Lou Brown voted
Background to debate
One of outgoing Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield’s final acts before finishing his term in July 2022 was to order 14 councils to add fluoride to their water supply.
The move in Waipā was puzzling because it applied only to Cambridge. Waipā has not previously added fluoride to its water. Councillors were required to complete the job between 2023 and 2026.
The decision prompted protests, including one in the Waipā District Council meeting room where councillors were abused.
Fluoride opponents subsequently scored a win on paper when the High Court ruled Bloomfield’s orders contained a procedural error – in that specific consideration had not been given to the New Zealand Bill of Rights – but the Health Ministry responded with a steady as she goes edict to those councils.
against the motion.
“The council’s going to be putting in $140,000 per annum on this, so I think it’s some serious money for absolutely no benefit for a major risk,” Titchener – an anti fluoride advocate - said.
“There are definitely councils around the country wanting to push back, so I’m requesting the council reach out to those other councils.
“If we are going to put a neuro toxin into the water supply, we really need to be telling the community that, and that is the basis of the US court case.”
Board member John Wood said he didn’t understand the implications.
“My understanding is if it’s in the water and 0.8 or below it’s safe. I’m not a scientist, so I struggle with some of it. I don’t know where I stand
on it.”
“The judge ruled it’s an unreasonable risk looking at all the information,” Titchener said.
At 0.7, Titchener said, studies showed a lowering of IQ and increase in ADHD.
“Blind Freddy can now see that we have a serious problem. I’m really requesting help from the council to do something about it.”
Whitaker said everybody needed to have an open mind and suspend judgement.
“The most up to date evidence clearly outlines that fluoridation causes significant harm. The council has obligations under the health act to protect the people. It is vital, with all this conclusive evidence, that council need to consider these duties under the act.”
“Amongst people I have spoken to, there is a lot of support for us not to have fluoridated water, they would prefer to make that choice themselves.”
Holt said Scotland had achieved a 33 per cent decrease in cavities from just teaching kids how to brush their teeth.
“I have been inundated with emails from the community requesting we support Kane’s motions. I still haven’t finished responding to them all, I can’t tell you how many. I keep getting them. There are definitely people from our community making an effort to write well written and well considered emails requesting that the fluoride is kept out of our water and that it’s a personal choice and not a mandated one.”
Though The Bill of Rights provides for people to refuse medical treatment, The Supreme Court had ruled in 2018 that councils could fluoridate water supplies.
While supports claim fluoride is a significant ally in fighting tooth decay, opponents claim a link it to a lower IQ level in children and have likened it to the dangers of leaded petrol..
In New Zealand they have religiously monitored their American colleagues’ efforts to succeed with legal challenges to adding fluoride to water supplies and have been buoyed by some of the decisions – including the last one which has prompted a call to freeze the Waipā introduction.
There has been a multitude of reports supporting and opposing each part of the debate and as with the United States, it has taken up court time here.
In July two groups were ordered to pay costs following an unsuccessful challenge to Hastings District Council – one of those 14 councils - restoring fluoride.
Closer to home, in August it was suggested Tauranga council could face costs or repayments running into millions of dollars if it did not meet deadlines. Fluoride was scheduled to be added last week despite its Waipā based mayor Mahe Drysdale opposing it.
In Cambridge the Community Board has heard submissions opposed to adding fluoride, but has not been a bullish as the Te Awamutu-Kihikihi board whose members have also been outspoken in questioning plans for a waste to energy incinerator in Waipā.
Kane Titchener
Sally Whitaker
Lou Brown
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Think of generosity
By Samuel Pullenger Ministry Assistant, St John’s Anglican Parish
As many of us will be aware, this last week, the Sharing Shed, in the ANZAC Green opposite the Waipa District Council offices, was severely damaged.
The shed acts as a community drop off and pick up point for anyone in need of extra food, or a book to borrow and read. Throughout the week generous people from all over the community drop their excess of fresh fruit or bread at the Sharing Shed, enabling others to enjoy it too.
The point of the Sharing Shed, though, is not to be a dumping ground for unwanted extras.
The Sharing Shed is a real, physical example that at the heart of community, is generosity.
Generosity happens when a person or group moves from thinking about themselves to thinking about the other. This can be an incredibly hard thing to do in the current time we are living in.
Our culture has shifted strongly towards individualism, where my thoughts and life matter more than anyone else’s.
The effect this has on a society is that it breaks down those long held bridges of trust and commitment that many of us remember a small town, like Te Awamutu, having.
The Sharing Shed, then, is one of the bridges that draws the individual people of Te Awamutu into community.
One of the famous stories about Jesus, in the Bible, is the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. In this story Jesus has been teaching thousands of people out on a hillside all afternoon.
As he comes to the end of his teaching he realises that it is too late in the day for all
Know Your Local Childcare provider
Ka āwhinatia te tapu ranga pea o tātou tamariki Tamariki and whānau are supported to achieve their full potential
these people to head back into town and find food, so instead he asks what food they have to offer all these people.
In the end a child offers their lunchbox of a few fish and some bread, and after blessing it, Jesus guides his disciples to pass the food around.
Miraculously everyone in the crowd is fed, even having several baskets of food left over.
Though this can be read as a miracle of food coming from nowhere, some have suggested that the generosity of the child encouraged the crowd to be generous with their own food they had brought. And so, as the child’s food was passed around, people began to offer what they brought with them and soon all were fed.
In Te Awamutu, the Sharing Shed is not the only place that encourages generosity. Although there are many, one of the vital organisations in our community is the Food Bank, located beside the Methodist church. In the past year or so, the amount of Food Bank parcels being packed and delivered has risen dramatically.
So far the generous donations of individuals, businesses and churches has been able to keep it running. However, as the cost of living rises, the need for food parcels will also continue to rise.
So, as the Sharing Shed is repaired and we reflect on the impact it has on our community, I invite us all to think about how our generosity can help build and repair our community through our donations to organisations like the Food Bank.
Hazelmere, Kihikihi and Rewi Street kindergartens are well established in our community and have been providing high-quality, affordable early childhood education for generations. We offer a child-led, learning through play philosophy that enables tamariki to grow at their own pace. Our large, well resourced outdoor play areas provide challenges and space to explore.
All of our kindergartens strive to embrace te ao Māori values, to connect our tamariki to our history and heritage. We celebrate diversity and create a culture of inclusiveness for a more connected community.
We offer low fees and extra support to ensure all tamariki can access early childhood education. All of our kaiako (teachers) are fully qualified.
Our centre is located right in town, we are a small family orientated centre licensed for 40, its our choice to sit around 30-32. We have a minimum of two 6-hour days a week and are open from 7.30-5.30. We provide nutritious meals and nappies. Within our centre we have two indoor rooms, however we all share our playground providing children learning opportunities
with a variety of ages. This is loved by families with siblings sharing special moments throughout the day together.
During our days we love to get messy and have fun. We hold strong values of aroha, manaakitanga and our local curriculum. If you would like to know more about our centre please feel free to call in or phone for more information.
Hazelmere Kindergarten 1246 Hazelmere Cres, Te Awamutu 07 871 4548 | hazelmere@centralkids.org.nz
Kihikihi Kindergarten 5 Linden St, Kihikihi 07 871 4545 | kihikihi@centralkids.org.nz
Enquire now 8.30am - 3.30pm
Open during term breaks
Rewi Street Kindergarten 60 Rewi St, Te Awamutu 07 871 5438 | rewist@centralkids.org.nz www.centralkids.org.nz
Powering up the country
By Chris Gardner
Lines Company’s and best line mechanics and cable jointers competed against national peers at the annual three day Connection at
Castleton Park, last week.
The News caught up the Waipa Networks team as they were rushing to the arena to compete.
They were Gary Muraahi of Te Awamutu, Jamie Milne of Kihikihi, Leighton Butler Hemara Otorohanga, and trainee Ashton Pullinger of
Cambridge.
“I’m fairly happy with how we are placing,” said Muraahi.
“The biggest challenge is the heat,” said Butler Hemara in 21 degrees.
Pullinger described the competition as a good experience. “It’s good learning,” he said.
Waipā Networks’ Zak Ramsey placed third in the Cable Jointer Competition. Ramsey has worked for the company for eight years having joined the industry from school as a trainee aged 17.
He enjoys getting the power back on most. “It’s satisfying, fixing the fault and reinstating power,” he said.
“I remember one day I reinstated the power at the top of Cambridge Road and watched all the street and house lights switch on like a wave. What a feeling! “
He enjoyed the focused training time he had in the weeks leading up to the competition, as well as completing jointing tasks as well as study at home.
Te Awamutu AUTO DIRECTORY
•
•
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The Annual Connections event was run by infrastructure sector training provider Connexis and hosted by Waipā Networks and The Lines Company.
Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger said the event presented a unique opportunity each year to raise the profile of the electricity supply industry and its work keeping New Zealand connected.
“The event shows off the value this work brings to their local communities to ensure our lives can be healthy and prosperous,” he said.
“It is an opportunity, not just to compete but to share knowledge, promote excellence, and connect skilled workers from across New Zealand who will be our industry’s future leaders.
“This year’s event has been a huge success. It was an intensely fought competition this year, with all competitors demonstrating just how good they are.”
• More: teawamutunews.nz
The Lines Company team placed second in the Line Mechanic Competition, beaten by Top Energy Ltd and followed by Omexon.
Servicing for longevity and performance
A well-serviced vehicle is less likely to su er from unexpected breakdowns, which in turn reduces the risk of accidents. Routine checks ensure that crucial components like brakes, tyres, and lights are functioning properly, keeping you and others safe on the road.
Over time, wear and tear can a ect how your car handles and operates. Regular servicing includes engine tuning, oil changes, and lter replacements, all of which help your vehicle run smoothly and e ciently, improving fuel economy and overall performance. Minor issues, if left unchecked, can lead to major and expensive repairs down
the line. Routine maintenance allows mechanics to identify and x problems early, saving you money and preventing inconvenient breakdowns. Cars that are regularly serviced tend to last longer. Proper care reduces strain on engine components, ensuring your vehicle can remain reliable for years. And there’s no forgetting that a vehicle with a consistent service history will appeal to buyers and often, commanding a higher resale price. So, servicing also protects your investment. Regular vehicle servicing is a small, proactive step that ensures your car remains safe, e cient, and cost-e ective in the long run.
Sparks flew in Te Awamutu. Waipa Networks and The
Waipa Networks competitors Leighton Butler Hemara, left, Ashton Pallenger, Jamie Milne, and Gary Muraahi.
ON SHAKY GROUND
A chance to meet and learn
By Janine Krippner
It’s amazing to think that a long while ago we were surrounded in Waipā by active volcanoes, now sleeping giants that will never wake again.
They were once producing beautiful eruptions and modifying our landscape through time. They have since been weathered down by gravity and the elements, with the rocks contributing to productive soils across the region.
Next Thursday (November 7) at 7 pm volcanologist Oliver McLeod will join us at the Te Awamutu Library to give a public presentation on his research on the geology of Karioi volcano, near Raglan.
This is a free event where all ages are welcome. Having been to his presentation on his similar work on Pirongia, I highly recommend coming along. I will be joining Oliver to give an introduction before he takes the room, and I would love to see you there.
Until recently, we didn’t know a lot about the volcanoes surrounding us. The most recent work was led by Oliver in a new and beautiful geologic map and book for all of us to enjoy which describes the history of Karioi .
Karioi is part of the Alexandra Volcanic Group, along with Pirongia, Kakepuku and Te Kawa volcanoes, all located along a straight line. Oliver’s book takes us to locations around the volcano with photographs accompanying explanations of what we see in cliff faces, and why the landscape looks like it does.
Karioi began erupting around 2.6 million years ago near the beginning of the ice age and went on to have a very productive life. Over 200,000 years the large cone we know
as Karioi went through stages of growth and collapse.
The great thing about studying old volcanoes is that we can see some of their insides. Cliffs and river channels cut through the layers of rock that make up the volcano and the surrounding area, telling us about the types of eruptions that formed them.
Through this we now know that eruptions ranged from violent, producing large ash plumes similar to recent events at Ruapehu (for those of us who see the 90s as recent) to gentler lava flow eruptions more like what we see on the news out of Iceland.
More than 50 scoria cones formed nearby, a similar situation to what we have in the Auckland Volcanic Field. There are also tuff rings, formed when magma mixes with water to produce a more violent eruption. Dykes are now exposed at the surface, showing us how the magma rose through the ground, producing signs of volcanic unrest as they went if we were there to experience them.
The rocks also tell us about the magma that rose from deep below, feeding the eruptions over many millennia. Oliver’s work describes two distinct magma types that rose from two very different depths within the earth.
Understanding volcanoes requires looking at processes over very large distances, across very large spans of time.
Karioi is a beautiful example of an entire life cycle of a volcano, right there on our doorstep.
CUSTOMER DISCOUNTS ON THE WAY
Every year, we provide two discounts for customers connected to our network.
Our latest discount is now on the way with customers set to receive an average of $118 (including GST) off their next bill.
Since 2001 we’ve paid back more than $100 million to connected customers.
If your property is connected to the network and has been registered with a retailer on and as of 23 October 2024, a discount will be paid directly into your account through your retailer.
More information can be found at:
waipanetworks.co.nz/disclosure/customer-discounts/
talk2us@waipanetworks.co.nz
0800 800 769
waipanetworks.co.nz
Quick crossword
Across 1. Look casually through a book or magazine (6)
5. Running from justice (6) 8. Spoil (3) 9. Soak up (6) 10. Swallow (6) 11. Witty remark (4) 13. Increased (8) 14. Peculiarly (5)
Last week
15. Eccentric (5)
19. Negligent (8)
21. Long tale (4)
22. Frugality (6)
23. Light (6)
25. Possesses (3)
26. Mourn (6)
27. Dictator (6)
Down
2. Rise again (7) 3. Romance (3)
4. Symbol (6) 5. Scare (6) 6. Talented and inventive (9) 7. Undue speed (5) 12. Crush (9) 16. Constrict (7) 17. Boil with anger (6) 18. Help (6) 20. Loathe (5) 24. Neither (3)
Across: 1. Habit, 4. Scrape, 7. Opt, 8. Slogan, 9. Unsure, 10. Humpback, 12. Lieu, 13. Tissue, 15. Pretty, 16. Daze, 17. Position, 19. Fiasco, 20. Limpid, 22. Rut, 23. On edge, 24. Yacht.
Down: 1. Hallucination, 2. Bag, 3. Tonga, 4. Stuck-up, 5. Resilient, 6. Perfectionist, 11. Possessed, 14. Explore, 18. Salty, 21. Mac.
FGGSPARTSQBJSETIB YRDOCJTERACLZLNLJ AEETOUGHVFLWIUESS CVPBTFZCFUKPLVMHM HOEYMJYUHLSTIZEJE TLRROUHOERRSHEYRT SYIUSCTCVAIETRPRO AOLLJEOEITUNVJOYT LEVILOBFHMTAAUKWT AOITYBLUCIHLEHEON DREYOTRLJXGPLURMI IDIAUCSAYEISURGER EEHRNSCUTRFUSRTEP UREDGHWIMSNOOPSLS MACSNIWJRDDCAERMC MWVCJMCHEYKERPIAR THYMENURCSLAROMQY
Church rocks to jazz
St Andrew’s Church fair attracted the crowds again on Labour Day Monday despite the squally showers with just over 140 stallholders represented. Entertainment in the church was
by the Cambridge Brass Band and the
pictured, because as singer Heather
admitted “sometimes we’re big, like today, and sometimes we’re little.” The band, which will play at the Armistice Day service in the Town Hall, played a mixture of fast and slow – from Spanish Eyes to That Old Devil Called Love with a Don’t it Make Your Brown Eyes Blue and Singing in the Rain thrown in for good measure.
Appointments made
Crs Dale Maree Morgan and Mike Montgomerie will join Cambridge Community Board member Andrew Myers as council appointments to the Karāpiro Domain Reserve Management Plan review which is taking place because there have been significant changes in the number and range of facilities, activities, events and visitors.
Surplus down
Waipa council made an operating surplus of $35.5 million –down on its $48.2 million budget – in the financial year ended June 30. Development and reserve contributions were down $21.5 million. Subsidies were $9.9 million higher because of additional fundings for the Cambridge and Kihikihi Pathway projects from New Zealand Transport Agency. The council completed just under $130 million of work across 160 projects and maintained its AA- Fitch credit rating.
Hall a finalist
Cambridge Town Hall has been named one of three finalists in the Entertainment Venues Association’s small venue of the year (under 1000 seats) awards. The Town Hall is up against the Globe Theatre (Palmerston North) and the Turner Centre (Kerikeri). General manager Simon Brew is also a finalist in the Team Leader of the Year award. The winners will be announced on December 4.
Award winner
Cambridge’s new wastewater treatment plant, a partnership between the district council and iwi over the design has won an award from Ace - a non-profit organisation for consultant engineering companies - for its commitment to collaborate, embrace indigenous knowledge and honour the principles of guardianship
Different spot
Cambridge Farmers’ Market has been using the northern end of Victoria Square while its more usual south home has been regrassed in time for the start of the cricket season on the square next month.
New cul de sac
Construction of a cul de sac in Grey St at the intersection with Hamilton Rd gets underway soon. Pedestrian crossings and footpaths will be upgraded on the street up to Clare St and a new walking and cycling path built to enable safer trips by Cambridge Middle School students. The work is part of the Cambridge Pathway project funded by New Zealand Transport Agency and Waipā council.
Mini nationals
The rain gods stayed away for the 175 minis and their owners who gathered at Lake Karāpiro from Invercargill to Northland and even one from Melbourne, Australia for the NZ Mini Nationals. Quite a few chose the camping out option with a mixture of swanky motorhomes to pup tents. Some even had special tents for their minis.
The
provided
Cambridge Big Little Jazz Band,
Connolly
Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
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Email text for ad (max 120 characters, including word spaces) through to admin@goodlocal.nz week prior to your garage sale day.
Payment due Tuesday prior to garage sale day. Te Awamutu News is published on Thursdays.
Kaiāwhina/ Associate Teacher
Te Awamutu:
He tūranga e wātea ana ki te Kura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha. E kimi ana mātou i tētehi Kaiāwhina e mōhio ana ki ngā mahi whakaako tamariki mō te kura. Me matua mōhio hoki te kaitono ki ngā mahi whakahaere i te akomanga, me ngākaunui hoki ki ngā mahi whakaako tamariki. Me mōhio te kaitono ki te reo māori me ōna tikanga. He kura tēnei e hāpai nei i ngā wawata me ngā tumanako o ā mātou tamariki mokopuna. E whakapono ana mātou, he taonga te tamaiti, ko rātou hoki te pūtake o tā mātou kaupapa.
Ka katia tēnei tono hei te 31 o Oketopa,2024.
Tukua rānei tō Tātai Oranga ki te Kaiwhakahaere: tari@npota.school.nz
Attention: Te Wharekura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha. Enquiries (07) 871 4844
Newspaper Deliverer Wanted
for delivery of the Te Awamutu News, your local weekly community newspaper.
Deliveries are to occur every Thursday. Are you honest and reliable and would like to earn some money while keeping fit? Our runs are suitable for either youth (minimum age 11 years) or adults.
Delivery runs available in the following areas:
•Taylors Ave/Greenhil Drive area •Turere Lane/Bridgeman Road area
Please contact us on E: admin@goodlocal.nz
Provide your name, phone number, and the area you are located.
JULES RIDING
A well known player of Christian music here in NZ and overseas. He has written and released many songs. Jules will be performing at the Parish of St John. Sat Nov 9th St John’s Te Awamutu 2pm Sun Nov 10th St Saviours Pirongia 2pm Entry – Koha Afternoon Tea - Koha
LONG TERM HEIFER GRAZING AVAILABLE NOW.
Good to rolling contour. Well fenced and watered. Summer safe (eczema free). Experienced dairy support farmers for over 30 years. Have two blocks available.
Come and visit us! Contact 027 487 7854 or 07 878 7703.
