King Country
Getting marae ready
By Roy Pilott
King Country marae are being made “emergency ready” on twin fronts.
The Lines Company (TLC) has worked alongside Te Nehenehenui to fund six Generation Insertion Points while Civil Defence has held meetings to establish community plans.
A Generation Insertion Point or GIP is a socket unit that a generator can plug into when power is cut.
The latest was installed at Ōtorohanga’s Taarewaanga marae this week.
Five of the $5000 units have been installed at marae and cultural centres on the TLC network. Neighbouring company Waipā Networks co-funded a sixth which is on their electricity network, but within the rohe of Te Nehenehenui.
It is planned to install a further six units.
“In the wake of recent cyclones and other extreme weather events, our people told us they see marae and pā as places of refuge,” said Kristen Pari, Te Nehenehenui Project Manager.
“Equipping these community hubs with the necessary infrastructure to support our people during times of need was key to building resilience and highlighted that we can’t work in silos; we must work together.”
TLC chief Mike Fox said the partnership enabled twice as many GIPs to be installed than had the company worked alone.
“Building resilience during natural disasters is an obvious community benefit, and building resilience together doubles that
community benefit.”
Pinzy Henry of Tārewanga Marae said a number of appliances were turned on during the test and everything worked very smoothly.
“It is reassuring to know
that we can now cater for our wider community from the marae should we need to set up a civil defence hub.”
Meanwhile, Community Connection barbecues in Puahue, Pukeatua,
Wharepapa, Benneydale, Piopio and Arohena from September 23 to October 4 helped promote Shake Out 2024 and discuss household plans.
The annual ShakeOut reminds people of the right actions to take during an earthquake - drop, cover and hold
David Simes, Emergency Management Operations Manager – Waitomo, Waipā, Ōtorohanga – said staff also attended a community meeting at the Honikiwi community hall and are working with the group to put together a Community Plan.
They were also at the Maniapoto Games over Labour Weekend along with the Customer Experience Teams from Ōtorohanga and
Waitomo.
“The main focus was Shake Out 2024 and the discussions around what to do in an emergency,” Simes said in a council report.
Continued progress has been made with the marae preparedness project via incident management courses in Te Kūiti and Taumarunui. Initial draft preparedness plans had been developed with Waipapa, Mangatoatoa, Mangapeehi, Te Kūiti, Taarewaanga, Maniaroa, Pohara and Maungatautari marae along with the Maniapoto Community Centre in Te Anga, he said.
Work has also been completed at Te Kooraha Marae in Tahāroa in preparation for any need to set up the marae during an emergency.
The latest generation insertion point was installed this week at Te Taarewaanga marae in Ōtorohanga.
Civil Defence was at the recent Maniapoto Games.
lamb bain laubscher
Landline loss raises fears
By Paul Charman
Some isolated King Country residents are dreading the loss of land lines from early next year.
Ruapehu District councillor Lyn Neeson says she knows elderly residents who say they won’t cope without the land lines service based Customer Multi-Access Radio (CMAR), which are to be cancelled from March 25.
CMAR is a local access radiobased system designed primarily for use in remote low density rural situations. The technology is still used in 101 households at Ruapehu, 22 at Waitomo and 15 at Ōtorohanga.
Neeson says the loss of the service may result in some people moving to town.
Those Neeson is in touch with include some who have no internet service to run a mobile phone once their landlines go, others – who are elderly - are worried that they will lose contact with people because they don’t know what their new mobile numbers will be.
“Almost everyone with a landline based on the CMAR wonders how they can cope in a power cut,” Neeson said.
“CMAR has its own power source, so it can be used when the power goes off - obviously the internet can’t be.
“One elderly lady asked how she was going to phone in to report an electricity outage to the Lines Company during a
power cut. She is really scared, and rightly so because we often suffer power outages.
“They all told me it’s unfair of Chorus to take away this service without putting something similar in its place. I just don’t think this company has thought through the implications of what they are doing to these people who live in isolated areas.”
Chorus announced last week it still had 1500 customers in remote parts of the country who relied on the radio-based CMAR system, down from 6000 seven years ago.
The technology is used in Great Barrier Island, in the Marlborough Sounds and parts of the King Country.
In a letter to customers using the CMAR it said the first systems were installed more than 50 years ago and the technology supporting them was failing.
“Chorus hasn’t been able to source parts for some systems for years and we’ve been relying on re-purposing decommissioned equipment. With high fault rates and modern, better performing alternative technologies available, a decision has been made to no longer use the radiobased systems.”
Neeson said there was no mention of supplying more advanced technologies to isolated King Country areas.
“Communication and
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connection with neighbours is what helps isolated rural people stay sane.
“Chorus have had all this time to put something in the place of CMAR for those who currently depend upon it. And what have they come up with?
“Meanwhile, we hear that the Commerce Commission is taking legal action against One New Zealand for allegedly exaggerating the scope of its 100% mobile coverage based upon technology provided by Space X.”
A Commerce Commission press release said the Space X tech would not be activated till December next year, it would only apply to text message use, have a delay of up to two minutes and require a line-ofsight to the sky.
Neeson said this showed how rural people were being short-changed on provision of essential communications infrastructure.
“How do they expect us to grow food to feed people in this country and supply export revenue without adequate communications? This area has had a phone service since the 1930s, often installed by willing farmers on their own land. Couple this with the proposed reduction in our postal service and it feels like rural New Zealand is being deliberately run down. How can they even contemplate such a backward step?”
The Altrusa Club of Te Kuiti would like to congratulate the members of OnStage for the professional production of Mamma Mia. What a wonderful evening of entertainment. It was a joy to watch from start to finish. Well done to all who were involved. Your hard work and commitment was amazing. We really enjoyed the use of the stage and the floor as it made us feel part of the story. A great team effort.
Margaret Johnstone Altrusa Club Te Kūiti
Not such a cracker
I am so tired from lack of sleep, no thanks to the inconsiderate few who deem it necessary to let off fireworks each night prior to Guy Fawkes. They have no consideration for those who live nearby. Since the first night they went on sale we have been subjected to a constant barrage of fireworks going off each evening as late as 11pm. Futile attempts by well-meaning residents throughout the country to petition the government to have the sale of fireworks banned seem to have fallen on deaf ears.
Surely, the time has come to finally ban the sale of fireworks to the public.
(Abridged)
Irene Seymour Te Kūiti
Time for a ban
I originally wrote this on November 16 as fireworks were going off around us... again. Guy Fawkes night was November 5. Every night since fireworks went on sale (Nov 1) we have had to endure the constant noise from crackers and skyrockets going off, at times even as late as 11.30pm. Enough. It was 1605 when Guy Fawkes and the Gun Powder plot occurred. It was an unsuccessful attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill James I of England. Captain James Cook did not see New Zealand until October 1769. So why do we as Kiwis (New Zealanders) have this ancient ritual every year on November 5. It’s time we finally ban this outdated English tradition for good and ban the sale of fireworks to the public. I know I am not the only one who thinks along these lines.
Jan Crosland Te Kūiti
Lyn Neeson
One of the CMAR units serving a rural phone customer near Ohura. The radio-based technology has its own power source.
Wintec cuts planned
By Mary Anne Gill
Staff and students at Waikato’s century-old polytechnic have been told jobs and courses will have to go to make the institution – which lost $19.4 million last year - financially viable.
The impact will be felt across the Waikato-King Country, in towns like Te Kūiti, Ōtorohanga, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Tokoroa, Putāruru, Morrinsville and Matamata where students have been able to commute daily for studies at the polytechnic’s three Hamilton campuses, without abandoning their communities.
The news came on the day Wintec celebrated its 100th birthday on November 1 with staff awards and events for students, mana whenua and stakeholders. Several staff reportedly boycotted the celebrations.
It also came days after executive director Huia Haeata and other Wintec staffers visited joint programme partners in China. Their students can pathway into graphic
design, information technology, construction management and music education in Hamilton – among the courses being closely examined for their viability.
Haeta said the proposal split the faculty into three groups, led by directors. Because there were already vacant or fixed term contracts due to expire, the overall impact on staff was 6.4 full time equivalent roles, she said.
Documents seen by the newspaper suggest staff will have to apply for fewer positions under the proposals while voluntary redundancies are on offer but only for staff told their position is “significantly impacted”. Wintec retains the right to not accept applications for redundancy where it affects operational requirements.
Students have been told courses they enrolled in may not go ahead and employers told not to expect interns.
One proposal seen by The News is for the School of Media Arts which would decimate the Communication, Music, Performing Arts and
’appily ever after…
It’s a peel-good story: the big apple of Hangatiki has been repainted.
A little over two months after owners Tourism Holdings promised to polish up the seedy looking apple, the company has had the work done.
Piopio resident Karen Barrett got the apple rolling in September when she launched a petition calling for it to be cleaned up.
Ōtorohanga based Dave Rowe painters and decorators added the final top coat on Tuesday – and the core results were sweet. The project involved an initial waterblasting job earlier this month
Project manager Shane Carr of Ōtorohanga said when he returned to the district two decades ago after time overseas, he quickly realised it was one of the area’s icons. And he was proud to be part of its upkeep.
“We used a two-pack system. It cost twice as much, but is three times as durable. The paint job could last seven years.” Don’t get the pip over the red paint’s Australian name - Dulux R14 Waratah. That would be fruitless. The other appealing colours include C23 Shamrock green for the leaf, and Ōkārito white.
Painters in a cherry picker working on the project were greeted with a constant stream of toots from passing motorists, Carr said. “The community love it.”
Contemporary Art courses and in another blow for the country’s publishing industry, its prestigious Journalism diploma.
Consultation closes and applications for voluntary redundancy are due on December 2, feedback reviewed that week and decisions communicated on December 9.
Recruitment and selection would take place in January next year.
Wintec has three campuses in Hamilton – one of which, its Horticultural base at Hamilton Gardens would close and move to Rotokauri. Several of the polytechnic’s rented central city buildings would also close.
The News is not aware of what is proposed at Wintec’s Thames and Ōtorohanga facilities.
The proposal says Wintec has lost money every year since 2017 because of declining domestic rolls, cost increases, changes to funding models, a drop in international students due to Covid and changes to visa requirements.
Wintec began as Hamilton Technical College in 1924 providing trades training for the region. It split into Wintec and Fraser High School in 1968 with the polytechnic offering engineering, science, accountancy, business management and building trades courses.
In the 1990s it started degree offerings in nursing, midwifery, business, sport and exercise science, information technology and media arts. Satellite campuses opened in Te Kūiti and Thames.
The Bachelor of Business was the first degree offered in 1992. In 1999 a campus was set up on Avalon Drive to provide trades, sports and hospitality training and the following year - nursing became the first postgraduate qualification.
Wintec House, the historical corner brick building in central Hamilton, reopened in 2010 after a $17 million refurbishment. Just over a decade ago a new multi storey office building next to Wintec House was opened.
Tertiary Institutes Allied Staff Association (TIASA), the major union and specialist voice for allied (non-teaching) staff said it had asked for the proposals across the country, including Wintec, to be put on hold to enable the sector to stabilise and consolidate.
National president Shelley Weir said the impact on students, staff and communities was immense.
“TIASA has never seen such widespread stress, distress and sheer disillusionment for allied staff.”
Tertiary Education Union assistant national secretary Daniel BensonGuia said disestablishing unique programmes would be devastating for places like Wintec.
A mechanical engineering programme at risk is the only one of its type in New Zealand, he said.
The impact on Waikato communities which relied on the regional institution was significant, he said.
• More on this breaking story kingcountrynews.nz
Tree-top view: Hangatiki’s big red apple was ripe for attention before its refreshment.
Photo: Sigrid Christiansen.
Mayor proposes a mediator
By Paul Charman
There are calls for a mediator to get involved in the Phillips case in an effort to resolve it following a threeyear -impase.
Waitomo Mayor John Robertson has asked children’s commissioner Dr Claire Achmad to get involved and she is understood to be examining the case.
Following a custody dispute in 2021, Phillips disappeared with his children Jayda, now 11, Maverick, nine, and Ember, eight. Police believe the family is still in the Waikato and being supported by locals.
Robertson says a circuit-
breaker is needed as the case had gone on for three years with no sign of being solved.
“And the sad thing is we all want the same thing, whether its Tom, the children’s mother, their grand parents or the community – we all want what’s best for the children.”
He added that being realistic, Tom Phillips main motivation was not to lose contact with his children. Somehow, he would have to be satisfied that his contact with the children would be ongoing.
“So, it’s a complex thing; is there a better way that Tom can come out on grounds that he’s satisfied he won’t be stripped of his children?
“I have had conversations with people involved and have spoken to the Children’s Commissioner. She has not given a view but is interested, as this is a case about children in the first instance. She certainly has the ability to talk to other government departments concerned but it is for her to decide whether she has a power or the ability to get involved.”
Meanwhile, an experienced Waitomo bushman told the News it was impossible to live indefinitely on “bush tucker”. He said people could be sustained by eating the likes of possum, native birds, venison, fern root and cabbage
tree shoots for short periods but the New Zealand bush lacked sufficient diversity of food sources to sustain the family involved. “There is no question the family was being fed by supporters,” the bushman said.
Robertson agrees.
I don’t know the facts of the case but we believe he is being helped.
“So yes, the people helping Tom might become instrumental in solving this. But to me the solution has to be a negotiation that enables Tom to feel comfortable enough to give himself upbelieving he won’t lose the kids.”
Fall left them pole-axed…
It was just one tree – but it took out 14 power poles.
A large tree’s demise last week left parts of the Ōpārau community near Kāwhia without power for a prolonged period.
Waipā Networks faults and events manager Eric Everiss says the weight and way the tree fell caused significant network damage, making restoring power particularly challenging.
The 14 power poles covered 1.3km of rural land.
“While we do get trees falling onto powerlines occasionally, it doesn’t usually cause multiple
lines to fall like this one did. The way this tree fell, unfortunately, caused a flow-on effect impacting the surrounding network,” says Everiss.
Repair work involved replacing 12 poles, repairing of 3km of powerlines, and 11kV high voltage equipment.
“Based on our assessment, we knew restoration would take several days to complete, so the team acted quickly bringing in generators to minimise the time customers were without power while we undertook repairs,” general manager of customer
and community Anna Greenhill says.
Waipā Networks teams on the ground and in the office checked in regularly with impacted customers until the power was restored, visiting them at home and calling at least once a day until their power was restored.
“We also had a team delivering care packages with essential food items because of the duration of the outage.
Greenhill said the community had shown patience while the company worked to restore power.
Claire Achmad confirmed that she had spoken to Robertson.
“He shared his concern of ensuring the children are brought back into the community safely, as soon as possible. That is hugely important.
“My role is to advocate at the systemic level for the rights, interests and wellbeing of children. These three children, like all others in our country, have specific rights that need to be fulfilled, including to safety, family relationships and care, health and education.
“As chief children’s commissioner I’m continuing to keep a watching brief on this situation, noting it has now been three years since they have seen the rest of their whānau, their friends, lived in the community, and given the ongoing concerns for them.”
Ōhura meeting
A special meeting of the Ōhura APH & I Association will be held at the Matiere Hall tonight to establish who will run next year’s show.
This follows a dispute over the installation of a new committee at the annual meeting on August 20.
Organisers say a new committee was elected at that meeting in order to take over the show’s assets as part of a land claim.
While the elected committee is claiming authority, other members believe a special general meeting should dissolve that committee and form new one.
Clare Achmad
Up and running – the new look line of power poles after the repairs.
A supreme disruptor
By Chris Gardner
Grey Ormsby is buzzing because he did not listen to his father.
A quarter of a century after Waitomo Group founder Desmond Ormsby advised his son Grey to exit the fuel supply industry the company won the supreme award at the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
In an exclusive interview with The News current owner Jimmy Ormsby, of Kaipaki, revealed: “In around 2000 my grandfather said we would be better taking the money and getting out of the business.”
Desmond had founded the company in 1947 in King Street, Te Kūiti employing half a dozen people before moving to Carroll Street in 1953. Exxon Mobil Corporation wanted to exit its joint venture with the Waitomo Group around 2000, leaving the family with the choice to go it alone or close.
“My grandfather said to my dad, ‘I think you should take the opportunity to get out. Dad obviously didn’t listen to his father and said, ‘we’re going to go hard.’” Today the low-cost
‘My grandfather… would be smiling down on us, and he’d be very happy, very proud,’Jimmy Ormsby.
company is based in Frankton, Hamilton, and employs nearly 100 full time equivalents and almost as many contractors.
Waitomo Group has gone hard, growing from a business-to-business fuel wholesaler to a business to customer retailer.
It opened its first petrol station in 2012, aiming to be 20 cents a litre below the market rate, and its first South Island station in 2019.
Waitomo Group has five stations planned for Nelson in the coming year busting the 100 fuel stops and diesel stops ceiling nationally.
As well as winning the Supreme Award the company won the Business Growth and Strategy Award and the Sustainability Award at the Waikato Chamber of Commerce event on Friday. Waitomo Group was also
a finalist in the Innovation, People and Culture, and Marketing categories of the awards.
“Dad gave me a phone call the next day,” Jimmy said. “He was buzzing.”
“My grandfather, who passed away 22 years ago in 2001, would be amazed. He would be smiling down on us, and he’d be very happy, very proud,” Jimmy said.
On Monday Jimmy took the business award trophies to his dad, who now lives north of Hamilton, to show them off.
“Fantastic, I am so proud of you.” Grey said to Jimmy. “You must be so proud of the team too.”
He is.
On the option to exit, Grey said he was confident the company would perform better under Ormsby family ownership.
Waitomo Group now considers itself a market disruptor, offering competitive prices at retail as well as bulk fuel supply via commercial mini tankers for commercial and farm trade operators.
Jimmy’s wife Ailsa serves on the board while their oldest daughter, Isla, is helping the group manager of revenue in her gap year.
Register a float for the Waitomo District Christmas Parade
Other award winners:
Business Growth & Strategy Award - Waitomo Group, Chief Executive of the Year - Pam Roa, Longveld, Community Contribution - Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust, Emerging Leader - Ashley Mason, Sentinel Homes, For Purpose - Wild Bamboo, Innovation - Waikato Milking Systems, Marketing - Gallagher Animal Management, Small Business - Brainchild, People and Culture – Longveld, Service - Whites Powersports, Sustainability - Waitomo Group.
Thank you High Tea
Beattie Home and Papakāinga Homestead, together with staff and residents would like to extend a very special thank you to all our amazing volunteers who continue to dedicate their time in supporting us all.
We would like to invite all our valued volunteers to an afternoon tea on Tuesday, 17th December at 3pm in the Wilshier Centre, Beattie Home. Please RSVP to info@beattiehome.co.nz for catering purposes by 9 December.
Thank you to ‘Friends of Beattie’ who do an incredible job keeping all the gardens flourishing, running raffles for fundraisers, making our residents feel special celebrating their birthdays and assisting in jobs as needed. To our volunteers who support our residents driving them to appointments, volunteering to help with activities, trips and time spent one on one, we appreciate you. As well as delivering our Meals on Wheels lunches. And to the individuals and groups who come in and sing, perform and entertain our residents, we are grateful to have such a wonderful range of opportunities for our residents to take part in.
If anyone would like to join our team of volunteers, please reach out to Beattie Home at info@beattiehome.co.nz or call 07 873 8789 ext 701 to discuss.
The Waitomo District Christmas Parade is on Friday 13 December from 6pm on Rora Street, Te Kūiti
Waitomo Group’s Grey Ormsby, left, and Jimmy Ormsby with the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
Benneydale
November 16: At 8.50am police were called out after men were reported to be shouting and screaming on Georgetti St.
November 17: At 11.18am a car crashed off SH4 at Kōpaki after a driver went to sleep at the wheel. There were no injuries.
November 7-11: The theft of boat fuel containers was reported from a property on Sulby Dr. November 17: At about 10pm a man was reported to have breached a police safety (protection) order. Police arrested the man, who faces several charges including drug and driving offences.
Police attended 10 family harm incidents.
November 13-14: Batteries were stolen from vehicles parked at the Recycling Centre in Progress Drive.
November 14: At about 3am a customer’s motorcyle was stolen from Otorohonda, Te Kanawa St. People were seen to break into the back yard of the workshop. Police said thieves removed a portion of fencing and lifted the bike out.
Police attended nine family harm incidents.
November 11: Between 2pm and 3pm a property on Colin Brook Pl was broken into and a laptop computer taken.
November 12-13: Overnight wire and tradesmen’s tools were stolen when the gymnasium on King St West was broken into.
November 13: At 11.30pm a motorist whose car had crashed and been left on the side of the road, returned to their vehicle the next day to find their number plate had been stolen.
November 13: A well equipped American hiker was reported missing in bush on the Te Araroa Trail, Mangaokewa North Rd. Police were called to assist ambulance staff to find him and the hiker was found fit and well.
November 15: A customer drove off from the Z Energy, Te Kumi Rd, after failing to pay for $61 worth of diesel.
November 15: At 8.10pm police attended a single vehicle crash on Awakino Rd (SH3). The driver lost control on a wet road and his vehicle ended up down a bank in a paddock. The driver, who was uninjured, was found to be in breach of their licence conditions.
November 17: Between 5pm and 12pm a residential address on King St West was broken into and items to the value of $16,000, including clothing and jewellery were taken.
Look out… thieves about
Police are telling staff to be on the watch at prepay service stations.
November 15: At 7.30am the brigade was called out after a tree fell across SH30. Roading crews cleared the tree away ahead of the brigade’s arrival.
November 19: The brigade was called to an automatic fire alarm activation at a business on Jennings St. The brigade investigated but found no cause.
Ōtorohanga
November 17: At 9pm the brigade was called out after residents at a house on Rangatahi St noticed their barbecue was leaking gas. The brigade removed the gas bottle.
November 19: Between 2pm and 2.14pm the brigade was called out after a car rolled on Ōtorohanga Rd, at Te Kawa. All occupants were out when the brigade arrived and there were no injuries.
Bowlers ride to the rescue
Bowlers have raised $1100 for Te Awamutu’s Riding for the Disabled organisation.
Kihikihi Bowling Club’s latest tournament – won by a Te Kūiti combination - was a departure from the norm, in that all proceeds from the day were donated.
Representatives from the RDA attended the prize giving and co-ordinator Rosalie Rea spoke about the role of the riding for the disabled in the community.
The organisation also has a branch in Ōtorohanga which will be fundraising at the Artbeat even in town this weekend. Bowlers also came to the party with individual donations – and the return of prize money into the pool.
The Tournament attracted a bowlers from throughout the Waikato and King Country and the results indicated the level of competition out on the
green with only one team managing four wins from four and three finishing with three wins and a draw.
The winners were the Te Kuiti team of Kevin Higgins (skip), Steve Woods and Peter Lange. Second place went to a Kihikihi team of Owen Johnston (skip), Irving Garrett and Don Millin. Cambridge Central’s Robbie Davidson (skip), Ron Greenwood and Craig Pilkington were third.
And while the payfirst process might cause consternation for genuine motorists it may help stem a tide of “drive offs” Z Energy at the north end of Te Kuiti has been ripped off on the forecourt at least four times this month by “drive-offs” and BP, in the centre of town has also reported an increase in thefts.
“Police are urging shop staff to be vigilant and keep the pumps on prepay,” Te Kūiti sergeant Gary Anderson told The News.
“Whilst this may cause an inconvenience to honest paying customers, it is a reminder that not everyone is honest - and due to their dishonest behaviour, everyone else has to pay in other way.”
He said police would follow lines of enquiries when incidents have been captured on CCTV.
Payout will put farmers $1 up
By Chris Gardner
The rural economy is about to get a shot in the arm.
The region’s dairy farmers will receive an extra $65 million if Fonterra delivers on its promise of a record payout for this season –although it is only about $1 above breakeven for the average farmer.
The dairy co-operative, New Zealand’s largest company, raised the midpoint of the 2024/25 season forecast farmgate milk price to $9.50 per kilogramme of milk solids from $9 in November. Open Country Dairy and the Tatua Dairy Co-operative typically match Fonterra or pay a little more.
It’s a substantial jump from last season’s $7.83 and $8.33 in the 2022/23 season.
The forecast extra 50 cents a kilogram puts an extra $71,000 in the pocket of the average Ōtorohanga district dairy farmer producing 142,357 kilograms of milks solids, or $23.6 million when multiplied across the district’s 331 dairy farms. If $9.50 is achieved the average Ōtorohanga dairy farmer will take home $1.3 million, worth a collective $448 million to the district.
The forecast puts an extra $84,000 in the pocket of the average Waitomo district dairy
farmer producing 168,452 kilograms of milks solids, or $4.9 million when multiplied across the district’s 59 dairy farms. If $9.50 is achieved the average Waitomo dairy farmer will take home $1.6 million, worth a collective $94 million to the district.
Ōtorohanga dairy, kiwifruit and forestry farmer Duncan Coull, former chair of the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council, welcomed the news.
“A lot of farms are in consolidation mode,” he said. “We are coming off a very high inflationary period.”
He thought it would be six months before the benefits started to flow through rural communities. The future is looking pretty good.”
Ōtorohanga mayor and dairy farmer Max Baxter spoke to The News fresh from paying bills.
“It gives us a chance to breathe,” Baxter said.
“We have faced incredible price increases across the board, absolutely debilitating,” Baxter said
“The extra 50 cents is making a lot of guys profitable,” said Waikato Federated Farmers executive member and dairy farmer John Bluett.
Most farmers would use the extra cash to pay their debts in the
short term.
“There’s a lot of debt sitting there from the last couple of years, service industry credit, and it’s given them the chance to pay it off.”
In the long term, farmer will use the extra cash to start new projects.
“Guys will be in a good position,” he said.
He advised farmers to save a portion of the payout in a sixmonth term deposit to make the most of the bonus.
While 10 cents more than the record $9.40 payout, Bluett said the end of season payout would need to be closer to $11 to have a similar effect considering rising costs.
A good message…
The project involved 1400 tonnes of asphalt.
Asphalting work on State Highway 3 on Mt Messenger is set to finish almost a week earlier than expected, ending overnight closures. The work, started on November 10 is expected to end tomorrow. Crews have delivered 1400 tonne of asphalt on the stretch of state highway Central North Island media manager Blair Cunningham said.
“The resurfacing work will improve the resilience of this part of the network,” Cunningham added.
Max Baxter
community champions
Sashtree - she’s everywhere
By Paul Charman
“I love my little town, I’ve got heaps to learn and my glass is always full, so I just get another cup.”
It might sound hollow if you or I were to sum up our lives this way, but not so from the lips of Sashtree Montgomery.
Sashtree is an Ōtorohanga District Council communications and engagement advisor and its community programmes coordinator. Her enthusiasm is 100 per cent genuine, as colleagues at the council, as a wide circle of friends and as kindred spirits on a string of community committees can attest.
The 32-year-old mum’s day-job at council involves dealing with the media people like me, engaging with people like you, building relationships and working on an array of community programmes. Think Ōtorohanga Ora grants admin, conservation work (planting waterways), building resilience at local marae and assisting with programmes outside of the regular scope of the Ministry of Educations funds at Ōtorohanga College.
And that’s not all.
After hours Sashtree serves on the Area Committee for Hato Hone St John, trains as a volunteer recruit fire fighter; is chair of the netball committee at Ōtorohanga sports club, organises netball in town, supports her marae committee to drive initiatives, is an active supporter of the Otorohanga Support House Whare Awhina and is involved in the White Ribbon anti-family violence initiative, also being one of the Violence Free Maniapoto Champions.
She would have played netball this year too, but a back injury
early in the season required major surgery. If it’s slowed Sashtree down at all, it’s hard to see how.
Growing up the daughter of Ōtorohanga couple Ernest Montgomery and Donna Hemara, the girl named after Indian cricket star Ravishankar Shastri learned about community involvement at the kitchen table.
Here at the News, files recorded her interviewed in 2010 as a Year 13 student at college.
Then she captained the girls’ first X1 hockey team, played in the A netball squad, played basketball and cricket and ran interhouse sports events during lunch breaks.
And the teenage Sashtree was first to put her hand up to help organise mufti days for Cancer Society, CanTeen and the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation.
Little wonder that in 2012 she was chosen as one of the first entrants to the Rangatahi Tuia Programme, part of the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs. The national initiative that sees young leaders mentored by mayors saw her become the protege of Dale Williams and also Max Baxter. The role involved attending wānanga to grow and network, flying to Wellington and Invercargill to attend conferences, attending aspiring leaders’ forums and taking part in efforts to establish a youth council in town.
Sashtree then studied psychology in Auckland, though the cost of a student life and the birth of daughter Leia-May - who is now five - has put that ambition on hold for a year or two.
Sashtree moved closer to home to work while studying, then to have her child, observing that Waikato’s green paddocks meant so much more to her than the concrete
jungle.
“For me making sure people are okay and that they are happy makes me happy as well. The lens I was given before I moved to Auckland – going to all these wānanga and conferences - opened up my eyes to see the big and bright things outside of our district. But we can do things here and be just as great – though a smaller version. I have so many friends and network groups who I shoulder tap and say, ‘hey this event is going on, on such-and-such a day, and drag them in (as helpers).”
How can the rest of us get more
involved?
“Number one is just show up – obviously actions speak louder than words. If somebody picks something out and says, ‘hey I am looking for volunteers to do this’, even if you don’t know how to do it, they will show you. And I know from sitting on a few committees there are many who are at the point of moving on, or they’re ageing out and looking for fresh people to replace them, even if that’s trainingup a replacement for a couple of years.
“Yes, volunteers are very scarce at
the moment; for example, Fire and Emergency New Zealand is looking for more volunteers and St John need more cadet leaders. So if you feel you want to get involved, just show up when you see an annual meeting advertised. And just be there.
“With my little girl I have gained a new perspective – it’s making sure that she grows up in a community that’s thriving.”
And a future goal?
“Well, hmm, what could that be? I think I’d like to be Mayor one day, why not?”
Sashtree Montgomery – “number one, is just show up”.
Award for Drake
A trip to the US is now on Dani Darke’s calendar.
The Āria mum of three daughters was one of four Nuffield Scholars named earlier this month and she will wants to visit a place she calls “a hotbed of new technology, especially in their arable sector”, the USA.
Dani Darke has won $50,000 Nuffield New Zealand farming scholarship, in the farming and governance category.
The award is supports research and overseas travel and she will research ways to use technology to boost New Zealand farming.
The three other scholars for 2025 are Golden Bay business owner Alan McDermott, Southland dairy farmer and councillor Jon Pemberton and Wairarapa agribusiness professional Lisa Portas.
“We want our rural communities to thrive, and that can only happen if farming business is profitable,” Darke said.
When farms are making money, a “virtuous cycle” can come into play – such as when farmers can afford to hire managers who then send their children to school, she said.
She said country children had the edge over others, due to their talent for innovation, practicality, and ability to take the odd risk.
“Farms grow many things, one of the most important is growing great humans”, she said.
Darke and husband Anthony farm a 630ha sheep and beef operation in Āria. After earning a degree in agriculture, Darke embarked on a career in agri-banking and later was livestock manager for a meat exporter.
She has also held leadership roles including chair of the Beef and Lamb Mid-Northern Farmer Council, and in 2019 served as associate director with Ospri. She is a partner at Rural Coach and a director with Ballance Agri-Nutrients.
Feasting pests decimate crops
By Chris Gardner
Farmers have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars replanting after insects munched through Waikato crops.
A combination of high winds, rising temperatures and rain have seen cosmopolitan armyworm and cutworm populations thrive, and they have feasted on hundreds of hectares of chicory, maize and turnips.
PGG Wrightson technical field rep Neil Dunderdale is working 12-hour days walking Waipā and Ōtorohanga districts paddocks checking for pest damage.
“You’re unlucky (generally) to get one farm in your patch that needs replanting, and so far this year I have had five from Te Awamutu south,” said Dunderdale. “It’s the busiest two weeks I have had in a long time.”
His patch includes from Te Kawa Crossroads near Te Awamutu in the north to Hangatiki south of Ōtorohanga.
Dunderdale said about 300 hectares of maize had been replanting since the beginning of November, and another 100 hectares of chicory and turnips at an average cost of around $1000 a hectare.
Pioneer Brand Products regional manager Craig Maxwell said his team had covered a lot of hectares checking crops.
“So far we have not had to replant any in the King Country for cutworm damage,” he said. “There has, however, has been more crops sprayed than usual due to the increased pest pressure. We have seen more damage than we would usually see with this pest. The proactive crop checking and preventative spraying that has occurred in maize has significantly minimised the damage. “
Julie Clark, of John Clark Contacting in Ōtorohanga, emailed clients warning them to be vigilant just before The News spoke to her and she had heard back from three asking for help.
“It’s rampant,” she said. “We have done some
cutworm spraying.”
Clark usually expected to spray in late November.
Te Awamutu agricultural contractor John Austin was also busy helping farmers tackle the insects.
“There’s a lot on at the moment, it’s more intense,” he said.
Foundation for Arable Research Arable Biosecurity and Industry Relationships Officer Ash Mills said it was a very bad situation for growers, but the contractors were being helpful and assisting growers and the agronomists as best they could.
“Cutworm can be a difficult pest to manage at the best of times, I believe that this situation is somewhat under control now and growers have been notified in the region to keep vigilant and check crops.”
Waikato Federated Farmers Arable chair Donald Stobie urged growers to check paddocks for bug and pest damage.
“Planting crops this spring has been a dream run, in regard to the weather and ground conditions,” he said in his latest report to the executive.
“We would not have had conditions this favourable in a number of years.
Dani Darke, second from left, pictured with fellow scholar Ian McDermott, Lisa Portas and Jon Pemberton. Photo: Mark Coote
Neil Dunderdale holds a family of cutworms discovered on a Waikato farm.
A matter of principle
By Sigrid Christiansen
Children swelled a march through the Te Kūiti town centre, part of a nationwide show of opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill.
The Thursday whīkoi started at Te Kūiti Pā before travelling along Rora St and Taupiti St, past the Maniapoto Whānau Ora centre and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Centennial Park School senior teacher Mani Borell was impressed by the level of community support as they stepped out for the student led whīkoi.
The Centennial Park - Te Kura Rautau -
students were joined by around 20 others from Te Wharekura o Maniapoto.
“We expected around 150, just us and parents,” Borell said., “but there were far more.
Borell said her class were more politically savvy than she had been at their age.
She said she gets a kick out of playing devil’s advocate in school debates.
“In 90% of my conversations, I’m the coloniser.”
“They’re so interested in what’s going on in the world.
“They’ll bring a question in and sometimes we don’t know the answer.”
Leech breeders eye retirement
By Viv Posselt
Maria and Robert Lupton have been breeding leeches for about 34 years. They started out in Northland, then moved to Aranga where they managed a farm for four years before purchasing a farm at Matiere in the King Country in 2000. After selling that in 2007, they moved to their current Te Miro farm, housing their precious leeches in an adapted cowshed.
Millions of the parasitic worms have gone from their care to serving a critical purpose in hospitals around the country (and further afield) where they
have become mainstream in aiding wound healing in the aftermath of surgery.
2024 has been a particularly busy one … it’s tracking to be a record year in terms of demand for the little suckers.
The perfectly-designed blood feeders have been used medicinally for thousands of years. In today’s hospitals, they help prevent a postoperative condition called venous congestion, which occurs when the blood pools and stagnates in veins cut during surgery. As the leeches feed on areas of damaged tissue, they reduce the risk of blood clotting, thereby allowing time for new, healthy tissue to grow.
Each tiny bite comes with a shot of naturally occurring anaesthetic that helps numb the area.
As the only leech breeders in the country, the Luptons carry a weight of responsibility that they say will drive their next decision. They want to retire, so are selling the farm and its boutique leech operation.
Mindful of how important the leeches are, they want it to go to someone who shares
their understanding that what they do is first and foremost a service to the community.
“You have to have a social conscience to do this,” Robert said. “Time off isn’t always guaranteed. On several occasions we’ve been about to head out fishing for a day or so when the call has come in for more leeches. So, we head back in, pack them up and deliver them to the hospital – sometimes with the boat on the back.”
Any call for a delivery of leeches is urgent. Hospitals keep only a few, so when the need arises, more must be swiftly delivered because once a leech has had its fill, it won’t feed again for months. Up to 300 will be dispatched at any time, either couriered to nearby hospitals or flown further afield. Their records relate stories of many reattached fingers, or lips and ears healed after traumatic injury.
As they move into summer, they know the need will increase – five calls over five days recently attest to that.
“Springtime is when the DIY’ers start doing things like slicing off fingers in skill-saws,” said Maria, “or
people are out and about doing more things with tools. Summer is always busier.”
The Luptons currently have around 50,000 leeches in their shed. They sell between 4500 to 5500 of those each year, but the numbers are rising as New Zealand’s population grows.
The couple’s start in leech farming was almost accidental. It began when their children sent leeches they found on their Northland property into a creepy-crawly exhibition at Auckland Zoo. The resultant media interest caught the eye of a Middlemore surgeon who was struggling to get the blood flowing in a post-operative patient. The leeches worked their magic.
Since then, they have melded international care systems with their own ‘trial and error’ learnings on how to raise the leeches. A few years ago, Maria spoke to a gathering of Australian and New Zealand surgeons whose stories of successful outcomes using leeches validated all their efforts.
Now, with retirement looming, they are determined that the operation remains
sustainable.
Not much gets in the way of the production cycle.
They have one part-timer who helps them in the shed, and there is a need to constantly monitor the leeches’ living environment.
In recent years, they’ve taken issue with events such as the recent Targa New Zealand rally, held annually on public roads in the area.
The route has seen the road closed for a full day, and
while organisers pledge to open it when needed for medical-related reasons, they worry that they won’t be able to get leeches to where they’re needed in the event of an urgent call.
“We’re on call 24/7 and have been lucky thus far,” said Robert.
“We haven’t had to test that pledge yet. But that and other similar events where there are road closures worry us.”
Maria and Robert Lupton overlooking one of the viewpoints on their Te Miro farm.
Photo: Viv Posselt
Some of the slippery yet handsome Richardsoniasnus mauianus leeches being raised by the Luptons. Photo: Viv Posselt
Youngsters were to the fore during the whikoi in Te Kūiti last Thursday. Photo Leon Hemara.
Become a Health Shuttle volunteer and support your community
Are you interested in a volunteering role, and have a passion for helping people?
We’d love to hear from you. We have driving and non-driving roles.
Call our local office to find out more: 0800 846 9992 or email wakaora@stjohn.org.nz
Hato Hone St John’s purpose:
To make life-changing differences with our communities
This newspaper is subject to NZ Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing, within one month of publication, to the editor’s email address.
If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P O Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www. mediacouncil.org.nz
Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.
Across 1. Charges (4) 4. Positive aspect (6) 8. Thick fog (colloq) (3,4)
9. Head adornment (5) 10. Memorandum (4) 11. Respite (8) 13. Woodworker (9) 17. Trespasser (8) 19. Lure (4) 21. Banish (5)
22. Buying and selling (7) 23. Defeated (6) 24. Prophet (4)
Down
2. Stretchy (7)
3. Retail outlet (4)
4. Unparalleled (13)
5. Soak (8)
6. Male duck (5)
7. Trainee (5)
8. Breathe heavily (4)
12. Quarrel (8) 14. Understand (7) 15. Two-legged creature (5) 16. Male deer (4) 18. String (5) 20. Rostrum (4)
Across: 1. Marge, 4. Gibber, 8. Sublime, 9. Outdo, 10. Noise, 11. Dungeon, 12. Equity, 14. Sextet, 17. Parable, 19. Spare, 21. Elves, 22. Imagine, 23. Plunge, 24. Yield.
Down: 1. Misinterpret, 2. Rabbi, 3. Evident, 4. Greedy, 5. Brown, 6. Entreat, 7. Round the bend, 13. Unravel, 15. Ecstasy, 16. Recipe, 18. Basin, 20. Agile.
EOLAFFUBOGEBOULDER SBRAMBLEOKEANKBBBB ABWOEKDVNJBONEUORB BRRLZACLBTEIMOLEIA
TELUEIMAPGLBYKAFTL SIBBIBYALBBRETKSTC ADOBNSEETBMOHZEHLO CAOEWSELLNUKKBAKEN DGKAOQOBORBEPORRBY AILCRSACBVANEUEUBN OREHBNAOUEEBNTDUKO RBTBQBMARDIDKINMRT BBLUEBERRYBLBQABET OUECSJAHCUUBLUTUTU UTNHMZYQTBEWUESCSB NLEKIEGLXABUSNYKIG DLZBEOECRDASHEBELA LEUGTRHDBEGUILETBN
BACON BALCONY BANQUET BARLEY BASE BEACH BEAD BEARD BEGUILE BELL BELOVED BEST
BIZARRE BLACK BLINK BLISTER BLUEBERRY BLUSH BOIL BOMBSHELL BONE BOOKLET BOULDER BOUND
BOUTIQUE BRAMBLE BRAZE BREATH BRIGADIER
BRITTLE
BROADCAST
BROKEN
BROWNIE
BRUISE
BUCKET BUD
BUFFALO BULK
BUMBLEBEE
BUNKER BUOY BUTLER BUTTON BYSTANDER
Harbour Home or Holiday Spot
Whether you are looking for a holiday home for the family or a home at the beach, this 1980’s property could be the one for you. This has a spacious open plan living area which flows out to a conservatory on one side, or to a sun porch on the other with a deck in between. Four bedrooms give space for family or visitors. The house sits on the elevated part of the section and the harbour can be seen. Towards the rear of the section is a double garage - great for storing those beach toys or the boat.
There’s a smoke-house and three water tanks in total. The exterior of the house is Palliside, very easy care with just a quick wash needed at times.
The beach is just a short stroll away and is great for swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating, relaxing and having fun.
Aotea is a little piece of paradise, unheard of by many. It is only about an hours drive to Hamilton, Te Awamutu or Otorohanga. Kawhia is about a 10 minute drive and has all the daily essentials.
LOCATION | 127 Ash Terrace, Aotea
LAND | 883m2 (0.22 acres)
HOUSE | 120m2, 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 car garaging
PRICE | $630,000
LICENSED AGENT | Ray White Ōtorohanga
LICENSED SALESPERSON Julie Burgess Email: julieburgess@raywhite.com | Mob: 021 184 1382
WEB ID | rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30242
Te Kuiti 7
Team Kerry & Karen
Karen Lennox 027 559 4468
karen.lennox@harcourts.co.nz
The Fantasy Lifestyle
A commanding position with emphasis on the wide reaching rural views, this property will get interest from anyone looking for a home that not only provides space for a growing family but also the capability of providing a self-sufficient lifestyle from the land. If you enjoy entertaining and hospitality, the themed uniqueness of this home would attract visitors as an AirBnB with 5 bedrooms split over 3 levels, multiple living areas bathrooms and the bonus of an in ground pool. Located within in a 5km commute of town, the property can be purchased either in its entirety of 24.9537ha or as a smaller 11.5ha property with the remaining 13.3ha title available separately as a bare block for those wanting to build the house of their dreams. A real bonus for the speculators is the fact that the property also has resource consent to be subdivided into 7 separate lots. Reign supreme in your very own castle, this property must be viewed to truly appreciate the architectural elegance and careful planning that has been put into creating a magical property in magnificent lifestyle location.
For Sale Deadline closes Thurs 12 Dec, 1pm View Open Days: Sun 24
GARDENING
FOR BLOOMING BEAUTIES AND PLANTS THAT THRIVE
Ribbon
Kerry Harty M 027 294 6215 E kjharty@harcourts.co.nz Blue Ribbon Realty Limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008
Full landscape plans not always necessary
Bruce Spurdle M 027 474 4430 E bruce.spurdle@harcourts.co.nz
When it comes to enhancing your outdoor area, many people assume they need a comprehensive landscape plan to achieve their desired results.
However, not every garden or outdoor space requires such extensive planning. Sometimes, all you need is some expert advice from a seasoned designer or a knowledgeable plants person to help you make the right decisions for your garden.
The Power of a Walk-and-Talk Consultation
One of the most valuable services a gardening expert can offer is a “walk-and-talk” consultation. This involves a knowledgeable designer visiting your garden and walking through it with you. During this session, they can provide on-the-spot advice, answer your questions, and offer creative solutions to any issues you might be facing.
A walk-and-talk consultation is ideal for those who:
Need Quick Advice: If you have specific questions or minor concerns about your garden, a brief consultation can provide the answers you need without the commitment of a full design plan. This could also include a maintenance plan to care for your garden.
Have a Tight Budget: Comprehensive landscape plans can be costly. A walk-and-talk session is a more affordable option that still gives you access to professional advice.
Want to DIY: If you enjoy working on your garden yourself but need some guidance, a professional can offer tips and
recommendations that you can implement on your own.
Redesigning Specific Elements
Another common scenario is when you want to redesign a specific part of your garden, such as a pathway or a flower bed, but you aren’t sure where to start. In these cases, a targeted consultation can be incredibly helpful. An expert can provide you with ideas and practical steps to take, ensuring that your redesign fits seamlessly with the rest of your garden.
For example, if you’re looking to redo a path in your garden, an experienced designer can help you:
Choose the Right Materials: Based on your garden’s style and your personal preferences, they can suggest materials that will enhance the look and feel of your space.
Plan the Layout: They can help you determine the best route for your path, taking into consideration factors like functionality, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance.
Consider Plantings: A designer can recommend plants to border your path that will complement the overall design and thrive in your garden’s conditions.
Conclusion
Not every garden project requires a full landscape plan. Sometimes, a simple consultation with a knowledgeable designer or plants person is all you need to make informed decisions and achieve beautiful results. Whether you need advice on plant selection, design ideas for a specific area, or guidance on a DIY project, expert input can be invaluable. So, before committing to a comprehensive plan, consider whether a walk-and-talk consultation or targeted advice might be the right solution for your gardening needs.
Katrina Christison
Tidy Gardens
Te Kūiti 127 Tate Road
30 Potter’s oven (4)
32 Muzzle (5)
34 Occurrence (5)
72 Vigour (6)
73 Musical string plucking (9)
75 Implore (7) 77 Prod (3)
80 Foreign (5)
81 World War II leader (7,9)
82 Take up again (5)
83 Tenderly, softly (6) 84 Exciting anticipation (8)
85 Wear away (5) DOWN
2 Stubborn (9)
3 Reflection (5)
5 Ladder step (4)
6 Blue (7)
7 Nervous and easily upset (6-6)
8 Killed violently (5)
9 Put on show (7)
10 Early Peruvian (4)
11 More than is needed (6)
12 Sudden flood (5)
13 Winged horse (7)
14 Polish dance (7)
16 Balance (11)
22 Climb (6)
23 Silhouette (7)
24 Stealing intruder (7)
25 Debated (6)
27 Petty (7)
28 Reddish porous lava (6)
36 Stringed instrument (4)
38 Skin-pitting disease (3)
42 Small and dainty (5)
43 Revealing (7)
44 Reverberation (4)
45 Of a horse (6)
46 Idolise (5)
48 Climber (11)
49 Nonsense! (7)
50 Tree (3)
51 Claimed (anag) (7)
52 Centre (6)
53 Abdominal disorder (12)
54 Deprivation (4)
57 Coughed mucus (6)
64 Derided (9)
65 Predicted (7)
66 Courtroom offence (7)
68 Golf course avenue (7)
70 Acute (7)
71 Catch fire (6)
72 Piano key material (5)
74 Beltlike divisions (5)
76 Anaesthetic (5)
78 Tangle (4)
79 In this way (4)
DOWN: 2 Obstinate, 3 Image, 5 Rung, 6 Unhappy, 7 Highly strung, 8 Slain, 9 Display, 10 Inca, 11 Excess, 12 Spate, 13 Pegasus, 14 Mazurka, 16 Equilibrium, 22 Ascend, 23 Outline, 24 Burglar, 25 Argued, 27 Trivial, 28 Scoria, 30 Kiln, 32 Snout, 34 Event, 36 Harp, 38 Pox, 42 Elfin, 43 Telling, 44 Echo, 45 Equine, 46 Adore, 48 Mountaineer, 49 Hogwash, 50 Elm, 51 Medical, 52 Middle, 53 Appendicitis, 54 Loss, 57 Phlegm, 64 Ridiculed, 65 Foresaw, 66 Perjury, 68 Fairway, 70 Intense, 71 Ignite, 72 Ebony, 74 Zones, 76 Ether, 78 Knot, 79 Thus.
85 Erode.
75
61 Invite,
60
ACROSS: 1 Toxic, 4 Draughts, 9 Driver, 14 Maple, 15 A snake in the grass, 17 Cocoa, 18 Tea, 19 Firebug, 20 Opulently, 21 Assure, 24 Bullseyes, 25 Asylum, 26 Skates, 29 Heartbreak, 31 Rag, 32 Select, 33 Dive, 25 Urn, 37 Opal, 39 Indolence, 40 Narrative, 41 Douse, 42 Extremes,
47 Pamphlet, 51 Madam, 55 Full house, 56 Impromptu, 58 Game, 59 Red,
Nail,
62 Due, 63 Split hairs, 66 Pigeon, 67 Raffle, 69 Dying wish, 72 Energy, 73 Pizzicato,
Beseech, 77 Jab, 80 Alien, 81 Winston Churchill, 82 Renew, 83 Gently, 84 Suspense,
TRADE PROFESSIONALS
Les Te Kanawa Director 027 271 6167
Lorrene Te Kanawa Director 027 333 8531
Te Kanawa Director 027 271 6167
Les Te Kanawa • 027 271 6167
les.tk@xtra.co.nz www.1stscaffolding.co.nz
Lorrene Te Kanawa Director 027 333 8531
Lorrene Te Kanawa • 027 333 8531
NOW HIRING! Museum and Accounts Manager
Part time / 24 hours per week
• Exude manaakitanga?
• Have exceptional organisation and administration skills?
• Thrive on supporting your team to achieve their best?
• Complete monthly accounts with your eyes closed?
les.tk@xtra.co.nz www.1stscaffolding.co.nz
les.tk@xtra.co.nz www.1stscaffolding.co.nz
Then this could be the opportunity for you!
We are looking for the ‘glue’ that will hold the diverse business strands of the Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre together, ensuring the organisation is operating effectively and meeting key service deliverables.
If you are a strong communicator and are passionate about helping a community organisation succeed, please contact the Secretary, wcmuseumboard@gmail.com for further information or an application pack.
TIROA E TRUST
Wharekiri Station
Wharekiri Station is a 1080ha effective property situated in Benneydale, 35 minutes from Te Kūiti and part of the Tiroa E and Te Hape B group of farms covering 7500ha effective. Wharekiri Station winters 12,000 stock units made up of a high performing breeding ewe flock and beef finishing system.
GENERAL SHEPHERD
This role will be based around 30% stock work and 70% general work including stock / yard work, tractor work (including feeding out) and general farm maintenance. The successful applicant will have a good level of fitness and the skills to get on with the job either working alone or alongside the rest of the team.
We require you to be an excellent communicator and a strong team player with a sound awareness of H&S requirements for your role but above all else we are seeking someone energetic and keen. This position comes with competitive remuneration, a great work environment and good housing. Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa and will be required to have a clear pre-employment drug test.
For further information please contact Jason Taitoko (07) 8784834, or email your CV to sharon@tiroatehape.maori.nz
Applications close Wednesday, December 3, 2024 TIROA E & TE HAPE B TRUSTS
Dave Rowe Painter & Decorator 027 290 8776 - 07 873 9104 decorator@daverowe.co.nz
Situations Vacant
Servicing the Waipa and Waitomo districts for over 20 years
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
& Allana 027 350 0836
Vacancy – Health, Safety, Quality & Environment (HSQE) Administrator
Inframax Construction is a mid-sized civil construction and road maintenance company proudly providing excellent service results for public and private clients across the Central North Island. We connect our rural communities.
Based in our Te Kuiti office the HSQE Administrator reports into the HSQE Manager.
Maintaining the administrative aspects of the HSQE team, this role is varied.
The main purpose is to support and co-ordinate the compliance and record keeping for the organisation from a HSQE perspective.
Key Responsibilities include:
• Manage sub-contractor preapproval process and ensure compliance
• Maintain all compliance records on HSQE management system
• Complete HSQE Employee inductions
• Coordinate and organise training and development, driver licensing and competency assessments for employees across the business
• Organise drug testing across the business, with option to qualify and complete tests after incidents
• Produce weekly compliance reporting for the business
• Maintaining communications for HSQE across the organisation
• Assist the HSQE team to drive the culture of “Safety First” within the business
The right candidate will be:
• An experienced administrator
• Well organised and highly motivated, a multi tasker able to juggle multiple priorities and a great communicator
• Experience in the health, safety quality and environment disciplines
• Superbly organised, process driven and manages from a best practice risk perspective
• Someone with a can do attitude – no task is too big or too small and no job is left incomplete
• IT savvy, the team might need help formatting a spreadsheet!
• Able to start today!
We offer an attractive remuneration package based on the individuals experience. To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand. You will undergo pre employment medical and drug testing.
Fencer General Taumatamoana Station (TMS)
Are you passionate about Fencing and ready to take the next step in your career? Taumatamoana Station (TMS) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Fencer General to join our team! Taumata Moana has developed a ‘Farm Pride’ programme which encompasses all facets of highly motivated farming business with a culture of producing premium stock from top facilities
About the role:
• Position: Experienced Fencer General
• Location: Beautiful coastal property in the Waitomo District (75km west of Te Kuiti)
• Farm Size: 3400 HA sheep and beef property Located and hour from Otorohanga on the west coast.s
Responsibilities:
• Hands-on role working closely with the Station Manager and Livestock manager.
• Important that you have good fencing capabilities. We have the best equipment.
• Ensure all equipment is respected and looked after.
What we offer:
• Competitive salary package
• Tidy and recently renovated 3-bedroom house provided
• Opportunity to work on medium to steep hill country with a scenic coastal backdrop
Requirements:
• A strong work ethic
• Be a team player
• Display competent fencing workmanship
• A clean, tidy ‘can do’ attitude
• The ability to drive heavy machinery would be an advantage, (diggers dozers.)
• Dogs not required
If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding role in a stunning location, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now and be part of a high-performing team dedicated to excellence in livestock management.
How to Apply: Submit your application, including a resume and cover letter, to tmsmanager@outlook.com by Friday, November 22. Please phone Brent for more information - 0272202161.
Join us at Taumatamoana Station and help shape the future of our high-performance livestock!
Email your CV and tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our team to nicki.raffills@inframax.co.nz by November 29, 2024.
Situations Vacant
Notice of Annual General Meeting
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
6PM
Farmer
Reach a targeted rural and lifestyle audience each month by advertising your business in King Country Farmer: featured inside the King Country News as its own liftout.
The Beattie Home Community Trust invites you to attend our Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024 Time: 6:pm Venue: The Wilshier Centre, Beattie Home, 172 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga
We warmly welcome members of the public to join us as we review the year, discuss future plans, and celebrate the community support that makes our work possible.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Trust and how we serve our residents and community.
For more information, please contact Beattie Home on 07 873 8789 or reception@beattiehome.co.nz
Community Meeting Invitation - Te Kūiti
Flooding update
Te Kūiti residents are invited to attend a public community meeting to receive updates on Waitomo District Council’s stormwater projects and the improvements that have happened over the past year.
An update will also be given on Council’s short and medium term goals in this area.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Date: Thursday 5 December 2024
Time: 6.30pm
Place: Council Chambers, Waitomo District Council, 15 Queen Street, Te Kūiti
Situations Vacant
Wanted
– New Head Coach for Piopio Senior Mens Rugby Team
Are you a passionate and experienced rugby coach looking for your next challenge?
Piopio senior mens are hunting for a dynamic Head Coach to lead our rugby team to new heights. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the game, proven leadership skills, and a passion for supporting community rugby.
Key responsibilities:
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance player performance and team strategies.
• Lead the team in all matches, providing tactical and motivational support.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that promotes sportsmanship and personal growth.
What we offer:
• A great team of players, keen to grow the club.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A supportive and enthusiastic team environment.
TIROA E & TE HAPE B TRUSTS Annual General Meeting
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Benneydale Hall Maniaiti Road BENNEYDALE/MANIAITI
10am (Registrations commence 9am)
Any enquiries please phone (07) 8788640 or email: sharon@tiroatehape.maori.nz
RUAPUHA UEKAHA HAPU TRUST (Hauturu East 8)
Primary, Intermediate and Secondary Grants 2025 School Year Education Grant Round NOW OPEN
Karanga mai - calling all descendants of Tanetinorau Opataia, Te Aroa Haami Haereiti, Te Riutoto Aihe & Whatakaraka. You are invited to apply for education grants in the following areas; Primary, Intermediate and Secondary grants for 2025 school year
You can download a application form from the RUHT website www.ruht.co.nz or by contacting educationgrants@ruht.co.nz.
To be eligible for a grant you must be registered with the Ruapuha Uekaha Hapu Trust. Before applying if you are unsure whether your children are registered, please email register@ruht.co.nz.
Applications close Friday, 06 December 24. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
For all queries phone 0800 525 626 or email educationgrants@ruht.co.nz.
Waitomo District Rates Reminder - Instalment 2
This is a friendly reminder that the second instalment of your 2024/2025 rates is due by 5pm, Friday 29 November 2024. Rates invoices were posted out in October. Payments received after 5pm, 29 November will attract a 10% penalty.
Rates payments can be made at the Customer Service Centre, 160 Rora Street, Te Kūiti, over the phone by credit card, on our website or by Internet Banking using your valuation number as your reference.
Please contact our friendly Customer Services Team on 0800 932 4357 for further assistance.
Ben Smit Chief Executive
www.waitomo.govt.nz
If you are ready to take on this exciting opportunity and drive our team to success, we would love to hear from you. For further details please enquire to piopiorugbyclub@gmail.com.
Check
WEEKLY SCHEDULE ON OUR WEBSITE
Piopio Rugby Football Club AGM
Thursday, December 5, 2024 7pm All welcome Piopio Rugby Club
HE PANUI WHAKAHIRAHIRA MO
Ngāti Rōrā
On April 22, 2024, Ngāti Rōrā whānau appointed a Ngāti Rōrā Trust Steering Committee to look into the formation of a Ngāti Rōrā Trust.
The Ngāti Rōrā Trust Steering Committee are now calling for all Ngāti Rōrā Hapū affiliates to a Hui-ā-hapū.
On November 3, 2024, the Ngāti Rōrā whānau held a hui at Te Kūiti Pā. This hui confirmed that the Ngāti Rōrā whānau were in agreement that this trust should be established.
PURPOSE OF HUI
To nominate and elect trustees for a Ngāti Rōrā Trust; and one of the purposes of this trust is to assist with realising opportunities arising from Ngāti Rōrā whenua via settlement.
WHEN: Sunday, December 15, 2024 2pm (sharp)
WHERE: Te Kūiti Pā
AGENDA:
Karakia
Introduction
Update from Trust Steering Committee
Nomination of Trustees
Election of Trustees
Future Planning Workshop
Karakia Whakamutunga
Please note nominees must be present at this hui.Bring your awesome whakaaro, listening taringa and a kai to share with the whānau!
Ngā Mihi
Ngāti Rōrā Trust Steering Commitee
Shannon Manawaiti, Isaiah Wallace, Tawhana Ball, Wayne Ball, Pia Searancke, Gannin Ormsby and Aroha Wehi-King.
PIRONGIA MARKET
Pirongia Community Centre, Crozier St Sunday, November 24, 9am - 1pm Entertainment
Last Sunday of every month Email jim1@xtra.co.nz or ph Jim 027 366 5842
ŌTOROHANGA BAPTIST CHURCH
Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga Service times Sunday 10.30am Everyone welcome Contact 07 873 8685
St David's Presbyterian Church Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga
Services Sunday 10am Session clerk Ph 07 873 8735 Room bookings Ph Nina 027 237 2382
PIOPIO ARIA MŌKAU CO-OPERATING PARISH All Saints 22 Moa St Every Sunday 10am Service
St Peter’s By The Sea, 25 Aria Tce, Mōkau 1st and 3rd Sunday 2pm Service
Piopio contact: 07 877 8097
Mōkau contact: Mrs Dorothy Lowry 06 752 9123
St Bride's Anglican Church Haerehuka St Ōtorohanga
service 10am Ph 07 873 7006
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting for the beneficiaries of Te Kūiti Pā (Pukenui 2V1, 2V2 and Te Pukenui No. 3) will be held at Te Kūiti Pā, Awakino Road, Te Kūiti on Sunday, 15 December 2024 at 10:00am – 12:30pm.
AGM Agenda
Mihi whakatau/karakia timatanga 1 Apologies 2 Confirmation of 2023 AGM minutes (13/05/2023) 3 Matters arising from previous minutes 4 Co-Chairs Report 5 Treasurers Report - Annual Financials 2023/2024 6 Maintenance Report 7 Marae Development Report 8 Te Whakakitenga o Waikato Reps Report 9 Trustee elections (x3 vacancies) 10 General business 11 Karakia whakamutunga 12
Lunch will be provided at the end of the AGM. Following lunch, the Ngāti Rōrā Trust hui will take place from 2pm.
All AGM Reports will be sent out to those who have provided their mailing details. AGM Reports will be available at the hui and also on www.tekuitipa.co.nz
Funeral Services
• Casket sprays
• Wreaths
• Arrangements
• Catering
Jobs, terrific bargains, useful services, legal notices and announcements – these are some of the great things you’ll find in your newspaper’s classified ad section. Connect to your neighbours in a proven reliable way.
96 Rora Street, Te Kūiti 07 878 8882 or 027 567 1930 bloomsandbrewsnz@gmail.com
RANKIN, J W Douglas: We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the incredible love and support shown to us a the time of Doug’s passing, a loved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. It was very much appreciated. Christine, Leslie, Lauran, Dianne and families. God bless you all.
King Country Grey Power Inc
FINAL OPEN
MEETING 2024
Monday, November 25, 2024 @ 2pm
St Lukes Church, 85 Esplanade, Te Kūiti
Everyone welcome Entertainment: Barry Batley Quick fire raffles and sales table Meeting followed by shared afternoon tea
This is notice that a MEETING for the uri of Huia Tawake and Rauputu Tumokemoke the owners of ACCESS BLOCK LOT 1 DEPOSITED PLAN 10776 is scheduled to be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024 @10.30am Mokaukohunui Marae, Piopio.
The main purpose of the meeting is to discuss and decide transferring the land back to Māori Land.
Nau mai haere mai RSVP by Nov 25
You can contact Harata Manawaiti: 021 150 5446 E: hmanawaiti1@gmail.com or Alicia Fraser 027 485 2034 E: waynefraser@xtra.co.nz
Church Notices
10 Sheridan St, Te Kūiti An Assemblies of God church
10:30am Sunday
DERBY, Marion: It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Marion Derby (nee Kayser) who left us on the November 16,2024. Loved wife of l ate Gordon. Loved mother and mother in-law of Aileen, Bronwyn and Leonard, Leanne and Mik, Russell and Debs, Kevin and Tracey and Ted. Cherished Nana and Supergran to many who loved and adored her. Mum’s service to celebrate her life will be held at VJ Williams & Sons Chapel, King Street West, Te K`uiti, on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 11am, followed by private cremation. Forever in our hearts. Her warmth, kindness and wisdom touched everyone who knew her. All communications to Derby Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ.
LUDBROOK, Peter Wilson: Born October 21, 1941. Died November 13, 2024. Cherished husband of Lisa. Much loved father and father-inlaw of Richard & Felicity, and Hannah & Quentin. Adored by his seven grandchildren. As per his wishes a private family funeral has been held. All communications to the Ludbrook Family, c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.
10 Sheridan St, Te Kuiti Pastor Terry & Rowena Bradley 07 878 8694 021 703 008
An Assemblies of God Church We welcome you to our 10.30am Sunday service. If you are unable to attend, please email officejourneynz@gmail.com for the video recording Grace, peace and strength
Another successful year for the annual Piopio Lions Club Paddy's Market, which raised approx $5000 to be distributed to various local entities, including the annual senior citizens Xmas dinner.
The club would like to thank Paula and Tony Buckman, Donald McRae, Marty Maarhuis, Raewyn from R@K Partnership for their sponsored deliveries of pamphlets, Mick from RD5 and Carolyn Weinberg from Piopio Village, Hynds Concrete for their donation, Jai Bates for his magnificent auctioneering and Piopio College for the use of their gymnasium.
ROSSITER, Glenice Kay (Glen): Peacefully at Waikato Hospital on Saturday, November 16, 2024, with both her girls holding her hand as she went. Dearly loved wife of the late Michael (Goldie). Cherished and much loved mum to Sarah and Abby. Loved nana to Cameron, Charlotte and Ruby. Loved sister to Michael, sister-inlaws Susan and Avril, brother-in-law Glenn. Many much loved nieces and nephews Tasha, Renee, Alannah, Sam, Rachel, James, Kate and Jack. Always and Forever in our hearts mum, we all love you so so much. You can now be reunited with dad xoxoxo. A celebration of Glen’s life will be held at St David’s Presbyterian Church, Ōtorohanga on Thursday, November 21 at 1pm, followed by at private cremation. For live streaming details please email sarahrossiternz@gmail. com before 5pm on November 20, day before funeral. All communications to Rossiter Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ
