Cambridge News | December 5, 2024 by Cambridge News, King Country News, Te Awamutu News & Waikato Business News

Legacy with a purpose

By Mary Anne Gill

Barbara Fisher keeps her emotions in check as she talks about the thousands of dollars she and fellow Lyceum House members gave away last month.

It is the legacy from a group of women who came into town with their husbands 84 years ago and wanted something to do while waiting for them.

Barbara - the last Cambridge Lyceum president - sat down with members in August to decide where their accumulated funds should go after they dissolved the organisation.

The money came from the $900,000 sale of their Dick St property three years ago minus what they paid in rent since then.

They settled on five Cambridge organisations because their constitution told them they had to be groups within town that provided a public benefit.

Members selected Cambridge Lifeskills, Community House, Volunteer Fire Brigade, Town Hall and Community Fund to receive more than $150,000 each.

“We always wanted it to go where there’s the greatest need,” she tells The News, sitting in a largely empty

Lyceum House in Dick Street last week.

“Perhaps in particular for women and children.”

One of the recipients will be the new Cambridge Community Fund managed by Momentum which will use the windfall to support women’s education with scholarships.

Lyceum House started with five women who in 1940 met in the street and, realising the second world war was going to go on for “some time”, decided to form a Country Women’s Club.

Rewa McEwan proposed it should be a Lyceum Club like the one set up by Constance Smedley in London in 1903. That was a place where women of all classes and occupations could meet for an exchange of ideas, discussion groups and lectures.

The first “well-attended and enthusiastic meeting” – according to the minuteswas held in their new rooms above Harold Horscroft’s bakery in Victoria St on Monday March 11, 1940.

Evelyn Salome Rishworth of Karāpiro, who died in 1967, was elected president and the first year was spent wallpapering, painting, covering chairs and making curtains.

Their first funds went towards two electric heaters.

Members paid one penny each to cover the cost of power. They also forked out a penny each for a cup of tea. Rationing was in place, so Bessie McMillan donated tea and sugar while Claire Garland gave the club an electric jug.

Nearly all the furniture was donated, and each member could read the New Zealand Herald, The Observer and Free Lance thanks to subscriptions the committee approved. There was also talk of making space available “where menfold could be

entertained.” No mention is made of that later, though Lyceum outlasted the gentlemen’s club in the town.

A decade later membership was up to 200, prompting the committee to go on the hunt for new premises. They bought a section in Duke St but in December 1953, the club bought 20 Dick Street for £5500 ($376,000 today) with a loan from the AMP Society and 481 debentures of £5 each.

The 25 year mortgage was paid off in seven - partly

because they made a profit from Duke St and because of their “prudent natures”. Membership started to dwindle at the end of last century.

More women were working and unable to commit to weekday activities, there were other demands on their time and an increase in retirement homes and villages provided more social contacts.

“In the last 20 years in particular membership has just steadily declined,” Barbara said.

Barbara Fisher, the last president of Lyceum House in Cambridge. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

A lot to sort through, from left Susanne Whitehead, Florence Monson and Kaye Pollock. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Continued on page 2

New role for Maniapoto leader

By Roy Pilott

A former Maniapoto Māori Trust Board chief executive has been named Trust Waikato’s new chair.

Janise Hine-kapetiu Eketone (Waikato–Maniapoto) has held leadership positions with Te Whatu Ora Waikato, including director of Māori Health Strategy.

She has been a board member since 2018.

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Trust Waikato is one of 12 New Zealand community trusts and services the Waikato region. Almost $300 million in grants have been approved for funding since it was established in 1989.

The organisation employs nine staff and its chief executive is Dennis Turton.

In announcing her appointment, Trust Waikato said Eketone’s tenure as chief executive

of the Maniapoto board showcased her ability to drive significant community initiatives, including the successful Nga Wai o Maniapoto settlement.

Trust Waikato also announced a new deputy – Chris Flatt. They have already taken up their positions.

Eketone, steps up from

Police from across the district farewelled former Detective Paul Galletta at a service at Waikato Stadium last Wednesday.

Paul died last month aged 62. He touched many through his involvement in rugby at all levels, his long service in the police and community overall and will be sadly missed.

Sergeant Greg Foster and I were then appreciative last Thursday of a good turnout at a retailers’ meeting, organised by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

Thank you for the opportunity we were given to discuss current trends and crime prevention. It was then also great to see everyone out and about at the Cambridge Christmas parade last Sunday. This year Cambridge Youth Aid officer Constable Dani Hibdige led the way. A little bit of rain couldn’t keep the crowds away from a great family event.

In more news this week, Cambridge staff arrested a male for breach of bail and breaching a protection order. He was remanded in custody and appeared before court. A second male was arrested for an historic assault and wilful damage and will also be appearing in court. I mentioned back in April, a male had been arrested for breaching bail, fraud, being in a stolen car and rural wilful damage offences. He was

Legacy with a purpose

Continued from page 1

She catches her breath when asked how she feels about being the last president and what Evelyn Rishworth would be thinking.

“Hopefully she’ll say Lyceum has served a good purpose for over 84 years. I would have thought she would be very proud.

“So many women have been through these doors and I’m a third generation Fisher member.”

Her aunt and grandmother also belonged to Lyceum.

deputy to outgoing chair Vicky McLennan. The two had held those roles since March 2021. McLennan will remain on the board as a trustee until mid-2025 when she will retire after eightyears’ service. Chris Flatt is the national secretary of the NZ Dairy Workers Union.

recently convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment.

In Te Awamutu, staff conducting an enquiry at a residential address located class A drugs in a quantity for supply along with associated paraphernalia. A female was arrested and has appeared in court on related charges.

Last but not least, another reminder this week around test drives. We had an incident last week that shows even when you try to do all the right things, you can fall victim to opportunist thieves. A member of the community selling a vehicle, arranged to meet a prospective buyer. They agreed to a test drive as long as they went along - good so far.

The owner drove first but when they went to swap over so the prospective purchaser could drive the car back, the woman took advantage of the situation and sped away in the car while the owner was out of the vehicle. Determined thieves will always try to find a way. If dealing with any sort of sale or purchase, especially over Facebook marketplace, I remind you again to be cautious, confirm the identity of the people with whom you are dealing and don’t underestimate opportunism.

When members met representatives from each of the trusts in October to discuss the legacy, the groups were astounded at the women’s generosity, she says.

Members decided each organisation would get the same amount.

“They had no idea how much money was involved but it’s thanks to the foresight of previous members."

The chairs, crockery, silverware, glasses, tablecloths and odds and ends have either been sold or donated. Minutes, honours boards and other memorabilia have been donated to Cambridge Museum and the piano which provided the centrepiece for many a sing-along will go to Judy McColl, the member who has “tickled the ivories” in recent years.

Next Monday Barbara and the committee will pull the doors shut. They had their last hurrah on November 4 and will now meet at other functions. Most are now in their 80s. It’s the end of an era - but Lyceum’s legacy will last forever.

• More cambridgenews.nz

Janise Hine-kapetiu Eketone with Chris Flatt.

Line to open

The Telephone Road crossing on SH1B at Holland Rd, Eureka, closed because vehicles were damaging the railway track two and a half years ago is to reopen in the middle of next year after remedial work is done on the road.

Containing clams

Biosecurity New Zealand is moving to a “long term management” strategy to deal with golden clams in the Waikato River. The freshwater clams, introduced from Asia, are voracious breeders and pose a threat to native wildlife. The plan will be to contain the tiny clams to the river system downstream of Maraetai and exclude it from all other catchments

Cyber award

Waipā District Council won the Best in Cyber Security award at the Association of Local Government Information Management annual awards last week.

New career

Newshub reporter Karen Rutherford has joined Bayleys Cambridge as a salesperson and auctioneer. Rutherford worked for TVNZ, Sky News and served as chief of staff for Newshub for 10 years and as a news presenter for Sky. She won a Voyager Media award for her work on the sinking of the fishing charter vessel Enchanter where Te Awamutu and Cambridge anglers lost their lives.

Tryathlon event

More than 1600 children will participate in the Weet-Bix Kids tryathlon at St Peter’s School in Cambridge on Sunday. The series has been going since 1992 for children aged 6-15 years. Participants get to swim, cycle and run. It will be the first time the event has been in Cambridge. In the past it has been at Waikato University in Hamilton.

Taking sanctuary…

‘I

am me’ hits town

By Viv Posselt

At least one woman a day in Cambridge is involved in a family harm incident that is reported to police and many more incidents go unreported.

It is on the back of escalating family violence that a pilot programme called “I Am Me’ was launched last week.

Developed by women who have experience of family violence, ‘I Am Me’ aims to create an environment for abused women to reclaim their selfworth and empowerment.

Programme founder and Violence Free Waipā co-ordinator Anne Morrison said police statistics from 2022-23 show family harm reports have almost doubled in the past decade from 102,888 in 2013 to 191,640 in 2023.

The Police Integrated Safety Response (IRS) database shows there were 386 reported family harm incidents in Cambridge during 2023.

“That’s more than one a day,” said Morrison. “It’s estimated that there is at least this number again of unreported cases. So, it would be fair to say that Cambridge has a challenge on its hands.”

The new structured pilot runs for eight weeks and the first group starts in February. Participants will be selected by December 20; each woman will have accessed local social services within the past 18 months.

After eight weeks, participants move to the unstructured ‘transitional’ phase which will include ongoing support-group gatherings. The pilot will end with a comprehensive evaluation that will help chart the way ahead for future programmes. An evaluation of the pilot is expected by late May.

The structured phase will address topics including protection and police safety orders, parenting orders, legal aid, navigating the Family Court system, counselling, budgeting,

mental health and wellbeing, spiritual and cultural support, and personal group planning.

The launch took place at the Cambridge Salvation Army premises because it is there, on neutral ground, that sessions will be held.

It was attended by New Zealand’s Minister for Children and the Prevention of Family Violence Karen Chhour, Taupō MP Louise Upston, Eclipse Family Violence Services founder Debbs Murray, police and Cambridge Community House staffers. Speakers emphasised the role the community has in helping break the cycle of violence.

Karen Chhour said it was difficult to get into homes where generational

Jono Gibson Funeral Director

Sunday Cambridge Christmas Parade had only just got underway, but it was all too much for Toma Taute, pulled in a cart by Norma Taute, as part of the Sanctuary Mountain float. Not that Toma knew it, this was Cambridge’s biggest parade in seven years – and umbrellas up or not, it was a cracker. Mary Anne Gill was on hand to catch the arrival of the festive season – see her story and pictures on pages 18 and 19 today. Story and pictures on pages 18, 29 and 22.

Programme founder Anne Morrison, left, with police sergeant Greg Foster and Eclipse Family Violence Services founder Debbs Murray.

Photo: Viv Posselt

Continued on page 10

Confidence hits new low

By Chris Gardner

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay heard at Mystery Creek how low farmer confidence has dropped last week.

The message came from Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford at the Federated Farmers Restoring Farmer Confidence Tour.

The organisation had surveyed its 13,000 members across 24 regions for 12 years and Langford said confidence was the “worst it has ever been”.

High interest rates, inflation and compliance costs had hit farmers in the wallet.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re sheep, beef, arable or dairy. There’s a large number of farms that have been bumping some bills out month to month and a lot that have only just come right recently,” Langford said.

Fonterra, New Zealand’s largest company, raised the midpoint of the 2024-25 season forecast farmgate milk price in November to a record $9.50 a kilogram of milk solids, but it is only about $1 a kilogram of milk solids above breakeven for the average farmer.

Langford said the National-led government had “come through” on nine of a dozen action points the organisation had asked for. It is still waiting for a law change allowing young farmers to access their KiwiSaver, a rethink of the Emissions Trading Scheme Forestry Rules and building the farmer workforce through immigration reform.

Luxon, rural caucus in tow, told the meeting there was nothing more important to New Zealand than the rural sector.

“… about 13 per cent of our people work in this sector, about 350,000 people, you have 40 million people being fed all around the world because of what you do. You are 80 per cent of all our export earnings and, importantly, you generate $10,000 for every man, woman and child in this country.

“You were the sector that powered New Zealand out of Covid. You are the sector that powered New Zealand out of the Global Financial Crisis, and we need you to power us out of this recession that we’ve now had for three years thanks to the last lot,” Luxon said Luxon said the sector needed better communications and to tell more good news stories to mainstream of New Zealand.

Farmers were complaining of spending a quarter to a third of their time on compliance, rather than farming, Luxon said, so the Government had spent its first year cutting the red tape that was “calcifying the sector and slowing it down.”

He said the last government “went to war on farmers”.

McClay told the crowd every time the Government found a rule that did not work it cut it.

Ōhaupō dairy farmer and Waikato Federated Farmers vice president Andrew Reymer said he was not surprised to hear farmer confidence was at rock bottom but “we will see it start to turn”.

Briefs…

Wait for it…

A survey of Cambridge retailers to determine their views on parking times will be taken to a second week by the Chamber of Commerce. A straw poll of retailers at a meeting last week showed a desire to extend times beyond an hour, but a split over taking it to 90 or 120 minutes.

Steelwork goes

A steel ladder and walkway at the top of the Cambridge Water Tower started to come down last week. Installed more than a century ago, the steel ladder has now deteriorated and poses a safety risk.

Hassall honoured

Cambridge-based Susan Hassall’s contribution to New Zealand’s education sector was celebrated last week with the awarding of the Hamilton Kirikiriroa Medal by Hamilton City Council. Hassall was headmaster of Hamilton Boys’ High School from 1999 until earlier this year.

Correction

The hill referred to by architect Antanas Procuta in Designed with maunga in mind (The News, November 28) was Pukekura and not Pukeatua which is tucked behind Maungatautari and not visible.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says farmers produce $10,000 for every person in New Zealand.

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'It’s truly magnificent…'

They say Ōhaupō’s new stables match anything in Kentucky. Mary Anne Gill checks out Breckon Farm.

A Waikato horse breeding legend has described Breckon Farm’s new state of the art complex in Ōhaupō as “world leading” saying no stone had been left unturned at the multimillion dollar development.

Sir Peter Vela said the vote of confidence in the industry by owners Ken and Karen Breckon – who have been breeding harness racing horses near Te Awamutu since 2007 –ensured the future for years and years.

“I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere in the world, it’s truly magnificent. It’s taken technology, logic, horse breeding to the next level.

“Just look at the technology. The windows that are automatically governed by temperature. That’s just so important when you’re dealing with animals,” Vela told The News after the official opening last week.

The stables have two wings housing 48 horses – one for colts and the other for fillies. Each stable has wash bays, feed and tack rooms and feeding facilities which the newly installed horses clearly loved.

The complex also includes a functionentertainment centre with views of Pirongia Forest Park to the west.

Guests from around New Zealand and Australia made the opening one of the most high-profile events in the racing calendar but it was Ken Breckon’s down-to-earth speech which stole the show.

He talked of starting a small plumbing distribution business while his late brother Peter worked in the alcohol industry.

When they wanted to expand the plumbing business, they needed funding so called on family members to help. When told their mother might lose her house, the brothers went to the South Island and came back after two months having turned over $700,000 in business.

Suffering from stress, the brothers thought buying a horse might help so they went to the Karaka sales in 1995 and bought Megaera which went on to become a Group One winner and filly of the year.

“They called us the Blues Brothers,” Ken told guests at the opening.

“She was lot 68 and she was going in the ring as we arrived. So, we went straight up, put our hands up, we’d never been to an auction in our lives, and we bought that horse for $35,000.”

But the brothers had not registered, and the auction had to be stopped halfway through to allow their details to be taken. Once bought they had no idea what to do with Megaera as they had no horse float or farm to take her to until they saw trainer Roy Purdon who organised for his sons Mark and Barry to make arrangements for her. The rest is history.

Peter Breckon died of a heart attack in 2003 after the brothers had established themselves as successful harness owners and breeders.

In 2007 Ken and Karen bought Sandy Yarndley’s 75ha standardbred farm in Ōhaupō and set about becoming one of the country’s premier standardbred breeders.

“The moment I came into this beautiful area, I fell in love with it,” said Ken.

“I say to people ‘if you have got a bucket and you wanna get rid of your money, this one here’s a hole in the bucket’.”

It was clear the operation needed to expand though as the number of yearlings grew so, in 2019, they announced plans to build the new facility after visiting several stud farms around New Zealand, including Cambridge Stud which provided the “clincher”.

Five years later despite the setbacks Covid presented, the stables were complete.

“It’s as good as anything around people are telling me, as good as anything in Kentucky,” said Ken.

Before Harness Racing New Zealand chief executive Brad Steele cut the ribbon to open the complex, he said Ken and Karen Breckon had made significant contributions to the industry.

“They’ve actively shaped its future and continue to push the boundaries of excellence whether through their leadership, investments, tireless advocacy of raising standards, (they) have been instrumental in the growth and development of harness racing in New Zealand,” said Steele.

“Today we celebrate not just their success, but their vision for the future of this great sport.

“These new facilities are more than just a building project, they represent a significant leap forward for our industry, providing world class resources for horses and investors.

“These world class amenities will serve as the benchmark for others to follow,” said Steele.

• More photos – see cambridgenews.nz

Ken and Karen Breckon with star mare Millwood Nike.

Comfort for retailers

By Roy Pilott

Cambridge retailers have been told to expect a sharper focus on shoplifting from police in 2025.

At a retailers' gathering last week Cambridge police sergeant Greg Foster said Richard Chambers brings that focus as the country’s new police commissioner.

Father of two Chambers, who has family in Waipā, is 52 and was appointed last month to succeed Andrew Costar.

Foster told retailers police in Cambridge had recently got on top of “massive car crime” and would be looking at shop crime.

He acknowledged that police success was not always highlighted. Cambridge does not have its own courthouse and offenders who are caught in the town are often from out of town.

The News can vouch for the difficulties in getting information from courts when cases relating to Cambridge are heard. The courts do make information available easily and when they do it can be so long after the event as to no longer be newsworthy.

The weekly On the Beat column in the Cambridge News penned by Senior Constable Deb Hann does provide updates on police successes.

At last week’s gathering Foster

repeated an often heard warning from Waipā’s community constables to make 111 call a priority over posts on social media.

“Empower your staff – someone’s got to pick up the phone when offending is detected,” he said.

Deb Hann told the audience appearance was not the ultimate way to identify a thief - “anyone can be a shoplifter”.

She encouraged retailers to look at their closed circuit television (CCTV) and ensure cameras were pitched at a level to help police with identification.

The view of offenders’ faces from a point above shoulder height can be obscured by the peaks of caps.

Police provided retailers with a retail crime prevention checklist which included nine points related to access points, customer engagement, use of CCTV, how aisles should be arranged and the provision of a secure place for staff in case of danger.

Retail NZ, which describes itself as the voice of the retail sector in New Zealand, says the $2.6 billion annual cost of retail crime flows through from retailers to customers to the New Zealand economy. It says aggression, violence, and other retail crime is getting worse.

“Criminals are becoming increasingly organised and brazen, putting retail employees and customers at risk.”

Double decker delight

By Mary Anne Gill

Electric double decker buses were out and about in Waipā last week as drivers trained on them in preparation for their debut on the Cambridge and Te Awamutu routes.

Passengers on the Cambridge 20 and KihikihiTe Awamutu 24 services will soon board the three-axle vehicles which have the capacity to carry 80 seated, 20 standing and one wheelchair passenger.

New Zealand family-owned bus and coach company Tranzit has the Waikato Regional Council contract to provide public transport services in Waipā.

The company’s specialists designed the double deckers with the chassis built in China and the body in Malaysia.

It is believed to be the first of its kind, after modifications were made to a similar prototype that landed in New Zealand last year and will be

COMINS PHARMACY

the first double decker EV in the Waikato region. Single level electric buses are used on the Taupō Connector and Waipā routes, where the Cambridge and Te Awamutu buses typically travel 350-500 kilometres a day, some of the longest public transport routes in New Zealand. Electric buses in Waipā use are charged at depots in Leamington and Kihikihi provided by Waipā District Council.

Diesel double decker buses have been in Hamilton since 2018 on the Orbiter route around the city.

Tranzit has been at the forefront of bus electrification in New Zealand since 2014, supplying EV buses for AUT in Auckland and Wellington in 2018, Palmerston North in 2021, Taupō last year and now Cambridge and Te Awamutu.

Other electric buses operate in Auckland, Waiheke Island, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Nelson and Dunedin.

LATE NIGHT SHOPPING

One of the two electric double decker buses in Cambridge last week for driver training.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Having a wine old time

By Roy Pilott

Waipā’s Monavale orchard is toasting success borne out of disaster.

Just over two years after a budding crop was almost obliterated by an unseasonable October frost which hit both production and employment, Monavale has reinvented itself as a champion winery.

Its blueberry wine was named the country’s best table fruit wine at the national Fruit Wine and Mead awards in Nelson General manager Marco de Groot says the recognition has been a welcome boost to morale.

“In any horticulture – especially organic – you are at the mercy of the elements. The frost wiped out our fresh produce market opportunities in 2022 and significantly impacted our production of our secondary products,” he said.

In October 2022 Monavale told The News it had been planning to harvest five tonnes of berries a day from January to March 2023 but in the wake of the frost – and before further damage from Cyclone Gabrielle – it was looking at just 100kg.

But the orchard was back in The News in early 2023, using what fruit it had to produce a gin – Blue 2022 - in batches of eight.

A little under two years on, as the latest berries ripen, it’s a wine that’s drawing praise. The fruit wine and cider awards it won at drew almost 130 entries.

De Groot said recovery in the blueberry orchard was slow but in line with expectations. Blueberry bushes will take a few more years to reach full cropping volumes after the damage from the frost.

“Last year, we had some modest production, and we are ramping up gradually. We expect to be able to be back to our full capacity as a local employer in a couple of years.”

“We would normally have 150-300 people employed over the season, which brings a lot of new people into Cambridge, and we are looking forward to getting back to that.”

He said there would be plenty of fruit available for its café and Cambridge and Hamilton markets.

On our website

Online readers now head straight to cambridgenews. nz home page for the latest, website statistics for last month show.

The best read post was our story on Waipā District Council taking a $57 million budget hit with news of blow out costs for wastewater treatment plants in Te Awamutu and Cambridge.

Close behind was how retailers would make the

call on longer parking times in the CBD and third was the story about Glenys Miller who lives next door to the proposed quarry in Newcombe Rd.

Our popular News in brief was fourth and Sheila Luxon’s Melbourne Cup win in fifth.

The second most popular page was the link to the full online version of the newspaper followed by the contact details tab.

Dwyer will head inquiry

Environment Court Judge Brian Dwyer will chair the inquiry into Global Contracting Solutions’ resource consent application to build a giant incinerator in Te Awamutu. He will be joined by Resource Management Act hearings commissioner Nicholas Manukau and air quality specialist Myles McCauley.

Café Catch Ups with Tim

and a chat at a cafe near you.

Tamahere Punnet Eatery, 337 Newell

Environment Minister Penny Simmonds announced the line up.

The inquiry will assess more than 900 public submissions, most of them against the proposal, and make the final decision on the plant proposed for Racecourse Road.

Submissions close on December 18, and the board has nine months to make a decision.

‘I am me’ hits town

Continued from page 3

violence existed, where people had no idea of what healthy relationships looked like, and spoke to no-one out of fear and shame. The problem did not discriminate and a one-size-fitsall solution was not the answer.

“Nearly 100,000 adults in New Zealand experience family violence each year and that doesn’t tell us how many incidences each day they all experience,” she said. The creativity of organisations like you means we can learn how to be more effective.”

Louise Upston said many in Cambridge did not believe the town had a domestic violence problem, but the facts spoke for themselves. She urged people to be more aware of how they speak to others.

“I would ask people to stop using some of the language we have seen directed towards others… towards those in offices, government agencies and the like. We should call that stuff out for what it is because what we don’t deal with, we tolerate.”

Debbs Murray, founder of the national Eclipse Family Violence Services, had a role in developing the ‘I Am Me’ programme. She spoke to her own experience and described the programme as one that will change lives through survivor-led healing.

She encouraged the community to get involved where it could.

“This is our issue in our community, and it would be appropriate for our community to support our women. We would welcome all offers of help,” she said.

9.30am - 11.00am 12.30pm - 2.00pm 9.30am - 11am

to these local cafes for making their venue available for the community and I to connect.

Community House manager Gabby Byrne, left, with trustee Te Hiiri Taute, Minister Karen Chhour and programme founder Anne Morrison.

Photo: Viv Posselt

The Monavale team is celebrating a gold medal for its organic Blueberry Wine.

by Candlelight - Monavale Homestead, Capenwray Christmas FestivalCambridge Town Hall, 10am - 8.30pm every day Venite Choir of Cambridge - St Andrew’s Church, 7pm

MarketLeamington Domain, 4pm

at Kaipaki Market

Carols with the Salvation Army - Raleigh Street Christian Centre, 7pm

VIP Party - Five Stags, from 3pm

Installation by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. Key landmarks illuminated including Town Clock, National Hotel, Cambridge Town Hall and surrounding trees.

Community Marae Christmas Market, 8am

Concert - Victoria Square, 12 noon

at the Raceway, Harness Racing, first race 2.30pm

to all those who came along to the New World Cambridge Christmas Parade on Sunday. The effort this year was next level – thank you to you all.

We’d like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors and a few special supporters.

Christmas Light Trail Map around Cambridge homes from 01 December. View the list at www.blackfox.nz/xmas-lights

Old building, new service

By Mary Anne Gill

An historically significant Karāpiro building has been given a new lease of life by a Waipā sporting family.

Olympic rower and rowing coach Mike Rodger, wife Robin Aylett, son Shem Rodger – a former professional cyclist – and his fiancée Whitney Macky from Te Awamutu have refashioned a building which serviced a bustling dam construction community in the 1940s.

It closed as a bar and restaurant complex more than five years ago and when the Ariki St property went up for tender in 2021, the family snapped it up for $1.2 million with all the restaurant chattels included.

“Shem, Robin and Mike have

lived in Karāpiro forever, we’ve always thought this was a cool building. We walked inside and said: ‘oh this is epic’,” said Whitney.

The family decided high-end accommodation was the perfect solution for the building and have spent on sleeping, bathroom, laundry, dining and kitchen facilities. Mike, an upholsterer, did up the furniture left behind - such as the large wrap around couch and the “ugly leather tub chairs” which now provide both trendy and functional seating.

Now named the Ariki Lake House, it is a 32-bed facility for large sporting groups – forward bookings for events like the Maadi rowing or cycling at the Velodrome have been taken by schools and clubs – and corporates.

The dining area features highstud, exposed beams supporting wood roof trusses, and polished wooden floors. Included in the beams is Entebbe, the training boat used for the 1977 New Zealand world champs coxless four crew of Mike’s brother David, Des Lock, David Lindstrom and Ivan Sutherland.

It was named Entebbe after the drama at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda when Israelis and the Air France crew were held hostage.

It was built in 1976 by boat builder Bob Stiles in Christchurch and is one of the few remaining examples of the craftmanship

needed before composite materials were introduced in 1978.

The 1131 sq m property – with 75m of front deck seating with views of the dam, Lake Karāpiro and Maungatautari in the distance - comes with an upstairs selfcontained 95sq m two-bedroom flat which Shem, Whitney and their two daughters Emerson, 5, and Romee, 2, lived in during refurbishment.

Also included in the chattels was a concrete vault which has been converted into a kitchen. Inside this is a safe where dynamite was stored when workers were building the Karāpiro Dam.

Macky was brought up in Te

Awamutu, went to Te Awamutu College and then transferred to St Peter’s School in Cambridge for her final two years of school.

Her background is in hospitality, working on super boats in Monaco, and then in New York and Melbourne before moving to Auckland to a sales’ role where she met Shem. The two had briefly known each other in Te Awamutu when Whitney’s father cycled with Shem.

The couple moved back to Waipā five years ago when their oldest daughter was born and now live in Cambridge.

• More photos, see cambridgenews.nz

This photo of the worker accommodation which existed before the river was dammed, hangs among other historic photos in Ariki Lake House. Photo: Supplied.

Family project: Back, from left Shem and Emerson Rodger, 5, Whitney Macky, Romee Rodger, 2. Front, Robin Aylett, left and Mike Rodger. Photo: Supplied.

Our offices will close for the Christmas break on Friday 20 December 2024 and will open on Monday 6 January 2025 with a skeleton staff.

Full staff will return Monday 13 January 2025. The team at Lewis Lawyers wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year

Experienced professionals. Local specialists. Quality advice.

Cambridge | 07 827 5147 Hamilton | 07 848 1222 www.lewislawyers.co.nz

The

Best

Cheer up, it’s Christmas

The Cambridge Christmas Festival is once again filling the town hall with festive décor, music and gift ideas. The event is run annually by the Cambridge Christmas Festival Society, with funds raised going back into community organisations. Funds raised at last year’s festival hit their highest ever in the event’s 20-plus year history, enabling the distribution of $37,340 to 17 Waikato charitable organisations.

A range of musical groups and choirs will perform at differing times throughout the festival – a list of dates and times is on the town hall door. There is also a model railway display entitled ‘White Christmas’ mounted by the Cambridge wing of the Greater Waikato Railway Modellers. The event will run in the hall to December 15.

• See more photos at cambridgenews.nz

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Sharing a spot of festive cheer at the opening are, from left, Cambridge Christmas Festival Society president Philippa D’Ath, with railway modeller Paul Murphy and his wife Dianne. Photo: Viv Posselt

new serviced apartments

New serviced apartments now open.

Bupa St Kilda Retirement Village in Cambridge has 19 brand new serviced apartments that are now open. Our spacious one and two bedroom apartments feature either an ensuite or separate bathroom, kitchenette and open plan lounge and dining area. Enjoy the freedom of independent living with a domestic services package, which includes weekly housekeeping, linen laundry and two meal services daily (lunch and a light dinner). Contact Megan on 07 280 0798 or Sonya on 07 245 1746. bupa.co.nz/stkilda | 91 Alan Livingston Drive, Cambridge

A 12 week wait starts

By Peter Nicholl

On November 27 the Reserve Bank reduced their Official Cash Rate by 50 basis points to 4.25 per cent.

This was what most market participants had been expecting, though a few were hoping for a bigger cut of 75 basis points. Most banks reduced their mortgage and deposit rates in response, though not many by 50 points.

The bank’s next decision will be in on February 19.

It argues pre-announcing dates for Official Cash Rate decisions a year ahead gives financial markets and borrowers certainty.

I think all it does is force people to worry and try to anticipate what the bank will do. I was involved in making monetary policy decisions in the Reserve Bank for about 15 years.

From my experience, the best time to make policy decisions doesn’t fit into any pre-announced timetable.

The Bank seems to think inflation and financial markets go on holiday over our summer, but market shocks can happen at any time.

So instead of the usual gap 6-7 weeks between cash rate decisions, we must now wait 12.

One good thing about this gap is the bank will see the Consumers Price Index (CPI) outcome for the year to December. That outcome could be important.

Most economic commentators have recently been using expressions like ‘it is good that inflation is finally under control in New Zealand’. I worry that they could be claiming victory a little early when we have only had one CPI figure within the Reserve

Bank’s 1-3 per cent target range.

That figure hit the range because tradedgoods inflation was negative. Non-traded goods inflation, the bit we largely produce ourselves, was still over 4 per cent.

Since our September CPI data, news about inflation stimuli overseas has largely been negative. There is Trump-era tariffs and tax cuts and continued instability in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Global financial markets have started pricing in increases in global inflation over the medium-term.

The Reserve Bank in their November statement raised the level of the Official Cash Rate’s ‘terminal level’ - the level the cash rate could fall to at the bottom of this cycle, to just over 3 per cent. That implies there is still more lowering of the cash rate to come - and it not going to drop anywhere near the 0.25 per cent it was at from March 2020 to August 2021.

We need to remember that the adoption of unconventional monetary policies of extremely low interest rates and huge amounts of liquidity creation by most central banks, including the Reserve Bank, during that period was what triggered the inflationary cycle the world has been going through recently.

I hope the Reserve Bank’s specification of a ‘terminal level’ of the Official Cash Rate around 3 per cent means they have ruled out any repeat of the huge mistakes they made in 2020 and 2021. But I may be being optimistic. The bank has never admitted they made any mistakes in those years.

Battling bureaucracy

By Mike Keir, councillor, Tamahere Woodlands Ward

As I have previously said, it has been an interesting experience getting involved in local government as a councillor. We are currently working through our Long Term Plan and trying to minimise future rates rises can feel like a battle.

The machine of local bureaucracy is almost impossible to change.

Everyone knows that cutting levels of service and focusing efficiently on our core business of roading, waters and waste along with dogs, parks and certain community services as per this governments direction is necessary.

However, councils continue to invest in a wide range of areas they cannot afford and hamstring themselves with regulation and compliance, much of which is mandated by the very government advocating for a focus on core business.

Good luck to David Seymour with his push for de-regulation. The situation is a mess, a tangle of bureaucratic complexity impossible to unravel.

We are like mad collectors of regulations, continually adding more and more while never getting rid of the old stuff. The garage is full.

We are supposed to balance being a regulator with being an enabler. However, there is no balance, our enabler function has been neutered by regulation.

I am regularly contacted by ratepayers at their wits end as to how to manage their way through council bureaucracy and all I can do is refer them to others who are unlikely to have a solution.

Often the only way through is via a torturous timeframe and additional costs including the hiring of expensive

consultants who encourage and survive off this system.

Along with this a lack of accountability and transparency are the biggest issues within our local government sector which leads to a culture of poor performance.

I would add the Waikato District Council (WDC) is one of the better performing councils in the region so ratepayers in other districts have my sympathies.

That said the rates burden in WDC is becoming unaffordable for many and is what I want to focus on in the time I have left as a councillor.

WDC is forecasting a 6 per cent rate rise for the next three years.

This is on top of a 19 per cent rise over the last two years. Getting it under 3 per cent should be the aim and would be a win for all our ratepayers.

Many people seem to get quite wound up about race-based issues but a far more critical issue confronting our nation is the declining level of performance in our public sector organisations.

This is something everybody should be paying closer attention to as it impacts on all of us.

This is not limited to New Zealand. The democracies of the world are struggling under the burden of bureaucracy. Small wonder someone like Trump could win in the US.

New Zealand would be lucky if it could have an innovative disrupter like Elon Musk come in to look at our public sector organisations as the need for this sort of review becomes increasingly urgent.

A Shade S olu tion for You

ON SHAKY GROUND

Big lesson from a tiny coin

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

Among several coins that I have dating from the antiquities is a genuine ‘widow’s mite’.

Also known as a lepton, meaning ‘small,’ these coins were made of bronze. Their tiny size matches their value - we would understand that value as being about half a cent in their day. Nowadays, speaking relatively from a collector’s point of view, they still aren’t very valuable, nor are they terribly rare,. These little coins weren’t very well struck which means their markings are quite nondescript. But they’re special nonetheless because holding a genuine mite in your hand stirs the memory of a significant incident in the Bible in which they are mentioned. They were minted well before Jesus’ time and were still in circulation during His ministry on earth.

A curious incident occurred one day as Jesus sat in the Jerusalem Temple. This resplendent ‘world wonder’ gleamed in the sunlight as the massive stones used in its construction were sheathed in gold. Sitting by the treasury where people did their ‘giving’ Jesus was observing a parade of wealthy people ostentatiously putting large sums into the coffers.

A poor widow came along. She put in two small coins (mites) amounting to about one cent. Drawing His disciple’s attention to her, Jesus stated that she had given more than all the contributors to the treasury since they gave from their surplus, whereas she gave out of her poverty - putting in everything that she had to live on.

Strangely, this story is mis-used by many who overlook Jesus’ intention in His teaching from the incident - they end up preaching the exact opposite to what Jesus actually taught. This wasn’t a lesson about doing little things

with big love and it’s certainly not saying that giving is about what it costs you, rather than the amount given. Jesus is not praising the widow’s action - rather He’s observing the burden that cruel religion has laid on her.

Directly before this event, Jesus had given His disciples stern warning about religious expressions devoid of God’s heart saying, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets. They Devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation”. (Mark 12:38-44)

The story continues with the disciples admiringly pointing out to Jesus the temple’s beauty. He replied, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” How confronting for the aghast disciples.

Jesus is totally unimpressed by the trappings of religion - especially when perpetuated at the cost of a poor widow’s livelihood. He saw beyond the veneer to a time in AD70, just a matter of decades in the future when the armies of Titus would utterly destroy the temple, plundering its treasures, stripping the stones of their gold overlay.

Jesus points us away from pretentious holiness to authenticity, demanding care and justice for those like the poor widow and a thorough examination of the state of the ‘real’ temple…our heart, the ‘inner’ temple which God sees.

Aotearoa’s night of terror

By Janine Krippner

Early in the morning of 10 June 1886, surveyor John Rochfort in Kihikihi experienced a bizarre show on the horizon beyond Maungatautari.

“I was awakened by what sounded like an irregular discharge of artillery… I went outside to try to discovery the cause, and watched for about two hours what appeared to be a splendid electrical storm… intermittent flashes of sheet lightning played, while at short intervals balls of fire shot up...”

Along with many others in the North Island, Rochfort was witnessing the Tarawera eruption. Explanations for what people were seeing, feeling, and hearing varied as people were woken by what sounded like cannon fire. People from Auckland all the way to Christchurch tried to make sense of hearing distant explosions in the early hours. Residents in Blenheim were woken by “sharp and regularly repeated reports”.

Those in Wellington thought they could hear thunder and could see distant lightning. In the Manawatu region, one thought their neighbour’s horses were trying to kick their way out of stables. Another thought burglars were trying to steal his safe, and someone else thought the noise originated from a “lunatic confined in the police cells”.

In Whanganui and Kawhia, people went out to try to locate what sounded like a ship in distress. Many around the island thought the Russians were attacking, as a man-of-war ship Vestnik just so happened to be nearby.

Ash smelling of sulphur fell at Whakatane and Tauranga,.

Closer to Tarawera the stories get more harrowing, triggering goosebumps as I read them. Reactions ranged from confusion and awe to sheer terror as people grappled with

the ground below them shaking, an eruption opening up across Tarawera, then material falling from the sky with a backdrop of intense lightning and “fire” (lava).

These people were experiencing a very violent type of eruption and the most destructive in our recent history. A 17-kmlong fissure opened up along Tarawera and through what is now Lake Rotomahana and the Waimangu volcanic valley.

Dozens of vents were active over around 4 hours, some violently ejecting lava and ash high up into the air, while others produced a deadly, steam-rich pyroclastic surge. Vents opened below the lakes containing the Pink and White Terraces, coating the area with lake sediments now known as the Rotomahana mud. This heavy, thick mud collapsed homes and caused the landscape to be difficult to cross during the search for survivors.

The numbers are unclear, but around 120 souls lost their lives.

To think of much of the country today being woken by the sounds and sights of this exceptionally explosive eruption is harrowing. Could we be woken up by a large eruption? Yes. When and where will it happen? We don’t know.

The impacts would be much, much greater today, with a larger population and our modern infrastructure.

Thanks to Ronald Keam arranging these accounts in his 1988 book ‘Tarawera’ we have an extensive record of that time. It’s our job to make sure we are prepared for when it’s our turn. We are not powerless.

They really do know it’s Christmas

By Mary Anne Gill

It was just what the community needed - a Christmas Parade with lots of happy, smiling faces, despite the steady rain.

Pop in a visit from Santa Claus as well and a dry run from halfway through, then count it as a huge success.

The New World-sponsored and Destination Cambridge-organised event attracted 51 floats – the most since 2017 – and its recycling theme meant no one had to spend a fortune on their entry. In fact, the more recycled items the better in the case of Cambridge Primary School whose float was a testament to reusing whatever you can.

It was the overall winner after earlier capturing the Cambridge Community Board school category prize.

Marky and Sparky took out the Waipā Networks business category, Cambridge Kindergarten won the Kaz Design pre-school award and the Jumble Around Community group category went to the resourceful Lions Club of Cambridge.

The Grinch tried to steal Christmas – hopping into Te Manawa o Cambridge’s van which was towing children in a trailer. The van stalled due to over heating right on the Town Clock roundabout.

Ironically the van’s windows said “help, help” a reference to the assistance the community hub provides to support Cambridge whānau. The trust provides a safe and welcoming space for connection, learning and growth by offering resources and support to strengthen the community.

The float held up the parade for a short time while the driver tried to get it going but some strong men gave the van and the trailer a big push through the roundabout …… and on went the parade.

No one complained.

Within 45 minutes, thanks to the volunteers from Cambridge Rotary, Rural Tours and New World, the parade was finished, the streets were cleared and Santa was in the Town Hall at the Christmas Festival.

Crowd estimates varied between 1000-2000 – difficult to estimate because of the numbers of umbrellas there were – despite it being wet for the second year running.

They’re a hardy lot in Cambridge!

CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE C ALLS OVER THE L AST WEEK

CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE CALLS OVER THE LAST WEEK

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

2:34pm, Car vs Trees, Robinson Street

9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street

WEDNESDAY

Jutta

Mark MA, BSocSc(Psyc)

Clinical Hypnotherapist Dip Adv Hyp NZ Reg MNZAPH

1:09pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Ruakura Road

2:13pm, Trees down on cars, Victoria Street

8:20pm, Smoke in the vicinity

THURSDAY

11:56pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Hautapu Road

2:54pm, Grass fire, Hogan Road

FRIDAY

5:19m, Building Fire, Sloane Street, Te Awamutu

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

SATURDAY

7:44am, Fire in the vicinity, Cambridge Road

SUNDAY

3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road

MONDAY 10:10am, Building Alarm and Evacuation, Wilson Street

LIST WITH THE TOP TEAM, AS VOTED BY CAMBRIDGE!

20 Years experience PO Box 113, Cambridge 3450 07 827 6922 | 021 651 949 email.juttas@xtra.co.nz www.cambridgehypnotherapy.co.nz

Cambridge Kindergarten won the Kaz Design pre-school category float.

It wouldn’t be a Cambridge Christmas Parade without the Cambridge & Districts Pipe Band; its number boosted by Te Awamutu colleagues.

Marky the Sparky won the best business float.

A helping hand for Te Manawa o Cambridge - a community hub dedicated to supporting whānau in Cambridge – whose van stalled at the roundabout.

Tiana, 7 months, is fast asleep with mother Unia Gurung of Nepal as Mary, the mother of Jesus, on the Cambridge Baptist Church float.

Cy Co Coffee Cart’s Miriam Ellis rushed back from Taupō where she had been working to participate in the parade.

Rotary Cambridge and Achievement House would like to acknowledge the generosity of businesses and organisations which contributed

The Rotary Club of Cambridge band, The Bruised Brothers, was on hand to provide the day’s musical entertainment and Achievement House sta said without the generosity of our local hospitality industry the lunch wouldn’t be the same.

We thank the following supporters:

Alpino

Cambridge RDA (Riding for Disabled) could not bring the horses to the parade so dogs filled in for them. Photos: Mary Anne Gill. More page 22 and cambridgenews.nz

Claus.

Our year in review!

Let’s reflect on what we’ve achieved together in the 2023/2024 year. From connecting communities to strengthening our Waipā District, we’ve delivered nearly $130 million in projects across 160 programmes – what a year it’s been!

Everything we do reflects our commitment to our values and building a brighter future together.

about people—putting you and

Paving the way for Waipā

Key infrastructure we’re taking care of:

Waipā at a glance

A snapshot of the work shaping our communities this year.

109,000

160,000

400,000+

3280

1339

493

13 consultations with 21,000 views of our engagement website Resident

Where your rates go: from collection to action

Ever wondered how your rates are put to use? Let’s break it down to see how your contributions shape our district. It’s all about keeping things transparent and making every dollar count!

Parade a cracker

Name game for lacrosse

By Steph Bell-Jenkins

A best selling author is helping raise funds for a New Zealand team via a Trade Me auction.

David Baldacci is auctioning the chance to name a character in his next novel.

And the funds will help the New Zealand at the AsiaPacific women’s lacrosse championship world

The Waipā link to the story is through teenager Piper Russell, who has been selected for the team.

Baldacci’s 50 novels have sold 150 million copies. His first novel, Absolute Power, was published in 1996 and adapted into a film directed by and starring, Clint Eastwood. His latest book is To Die For.

In an email, the author said, “using character names

for me, and I look forward to crafting a great character”.

The auction had a starting bid of $1000 and offered the winner “fictional immortality”, a chance to have their name “known across the globe” and an autographed copy of the finished novel.

Piper, a 17-year-old Cambridge High student, said it was “pretty cool” to have the support of an

in the squad

“A lot of the older girls have been to American universities on scholarships – it’s pretty big over there – so I get to play with them and see how that’s helped their lacrosse. I’ve been looking at opportunities to do that myself for six months and I’ve had a handful of good offers I’m looking into.”

in the world women’s U20 championships in Hong Kong in August.

Her goal is to represent New Zealand at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

A top four finish for New Zealand in January across the Tasman will qualify the team for the World Cup in Japan in 2026.

Piper has represented Waikato and New Zealand

Piper is joined in the team by two former Cambridge High School students, Alice

INTRODUCING A BRAND NEW INDUSTRIAL PREMISES FOR LEASE

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Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan with son Jack Hayward and driver Nigel Weber in his 1929 Rolls-Royce Springfield Phantom.

Strive Performing Arts are surrounded by bubbles as they head around the Cambridge Town Clock roundabout.

This little tot from Busy Bees Cambridge bravely walked through the rain but seemed to have his eye out for some respite.

Cambridge Rotary volunteers begin the clean-up. From left: Tim Gurnsey, Malinda Chandrasekhar, Bill Robinson, Maurie Marshment, Beverley Rogers, Camille Guzzwell from The Breeze, Laurie Graham, Don Wilson, Bill Wilson, Alan van Niekerk.

Cambridge Lions declared themselves the Kings of Recycling and judges agreed presenting them with the community group award.

Thumbs up from volunteer and youth leader Jack Redpath of St John Ambulance.

Across 1. Incorrect (5) 4. Chippies (UK) (6) 7. Eggs (3) 8. Bank clerk (6) 9. Exhilarate (6)

10. Shiner (5,3)

12. Diplomacy (4)

13. Late morning meal (6)

15. Engrave (6)

16. Food shop (abbr) (4)

Last week

17. Largest key on a computer keyboard (8) 19. Claim (6) 20. Heartbreaking (6) 22. The day before (3) 23. Imbecile (6) 24. Amber block used on bow strings (5) Down 1. Scheming trader (colloq) (7-6) 2. Grease (3)

3. Unwelcome woody shrub (5) 4. Road marker (4,3) 5. Fractious (9) 6. Cop headquarters (6,7) 11. Salt, pepper or sauce (9) 14. Someone past their best (3-4) 18. Change (5) 21. Pompous fool (3)

Across: 1. Accuse, 4. Pauses, 9. Cargo, 10. Apricot, 11. Secrete, 13. Path, 14. Connoisseur, 17. Tsar, 18. Look-see, 21. At a loss, 22. Adapt, 24. Latest, 25. Bestir. Down: 1. Accost, 2. Car, 3. Score, 5. Apropos, 6. Secateurs, 7. Sate, 8. Materialise, 12. Croissant, 15. Nervous, 16. Better, 19. Orate, 20. Bail, 23. Act.

TLAMTEVUDRUMMERSQY AEDFQLTMWAKELGPUBU LSOIFHDEAMDHLGTONA FMRXGOCYRANOITCIDC EASUUNDLFTCLGCABZM DDABEBDIEIHXFFDUIW RRLFTHMILCTSEGIDME DEEDOIKADASYATFSCX

TDEEBTBDOUGHEDFAHD STRGDHTCCPLAIMRNVO ANGREDDIKDYKJGAELC CAAELFAYDTOHSSCDAU NNSEIWMINMTIJITFMM WIIQVMCIRADYLGIKIE OMDAEEARNYMMVYOCCN DOWARDSDUCTILENUET WDTGYDRIZZLECCHDDI

DAFFODIL

DAINTY

DAIRY

DAME

DAMSEL DASH

DECIMAL DEDUCTION DEFENCE DEFLATE

DEGREE DELIVERY

DICE

DICTIONARY DIESEL DIFFRACTION DIGEST DIM

DISAGREE DISGRACE DITTO DOCK

DOCUMENT DOGFISH

DOILY DOMINANT DORSAL DOUBLET DOUGH

DOWNCAST

DRAIN

DRAMATIC

DRAUGHT

DRAW

DREAM DRIZZLE

DRUMMER DUBIOUS DUCK

DUCTILE

DUEL

DUVET

DWARF DYNAMIC

2 1 2

Welcome to this tranquil property! Situated on 5.0845 hectares, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence o ers the ideal combination of modern comfort and tranquil country living. Built in 2011, the 120 sqm house is thoughtfully designed for both convenience and lifestyle enjoyment. Come see what life could be like at 115 Puketirau Road. Book a viewing today and explore the endless possibilities that await in this exceptional home!

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Nestled within the sought-a er over 50’s Freedom Lifestyle Village of Cambridge Oaks, this ‘Victoria’ Villa presents an architecturally designed sanctuary. This villa boasts a spacious designer kitchen with stone benchtops and so -close drawers. The striking raked ceiling frame in the open-plan north-facing living area, seamlessly extends to a fully enclosed, louvered conservatory which ensures all year-round enjoyment. According to the Retirement Villages Act 2003, the purchase price covers a beneficial interest in the house only, excluding the land. 3 2 1 1

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Tamahere, Paddocks, Golf & Sparkling Pool

- 3-bedroom home featuring pine sarked ceilings, exposed beams, and a warm, rustic charm set on 5.26ha (more or less) property.

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- Three

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Welcome to Karapiro Edge, an exceptional lifestyle subdivision offering a rare opportunity to live amidst the natural beauty of Lake Karapiro. With 57 expansive sections ranging from 2,513sqm to 6,318sqm (more or less), this development is your chance to create the perfect family home or embark on an exciting new build project in one of New Zealand's most desirable locations.

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6,347 sqm

Price by Negotiation

View by appointment

Melissa Langsford 027 372 3237 melissa.langsford@bayleys.co.nz

Jonte Wright 027 621 2424 jonte.wright@bayleys.co.nz

SUCCESS

Boundary lines are indicative only

Cambridge Karapiro Edge (4 Hydro Road)

Property ladder purchase

Our vendors are purchasing their forever dream home and need this one sold - a lovely property that's been made super tidy, in a great Pukete location just a short drive to The Base, and walking distance to Braithwaite Park and the Waikato River walkway. Set back from the street on a rear section, the home offers privacy and a secluded outdoor courtyard with freshly stained deck and newly laid lawn. Inside, the new gleaming white kitchen has soft-close cabinetry and complements the open plan living, made comfortable year-round with a heat pump. Downstairs also features a separate laundry room, separate toilet, and internal access to the single garage. Upstairs, two comfortable bedrooms share a bathroom; the north-facing master bedroom has a ranch slider that lets in plenty of sun, and opens to a newly rebuilt balcony overlooking the courtyard below. Beautifully presented inside and out, this property is zoned for Pukete School and is ideal for first home buyers, investors and downsizers alike.

Auction 12.00pm, Wed 11th

2024, (unless sold prior), Property Brokers, 34 Victoria Street, Cambridge View Sat 7 Dec 1.00 - 1.30pm Sun 8 Dec 1.00 - 1.30pm Web pb.co.nz/CBU183515

Pukete 159A Totara Drive

The position is voluntary and trustees are expected to attend 11 meetings per year, as well as the Trust AGM.

HĀRVEY, Brian William

– Passed away peacefully with his sisters at his side on the 25th of November 2024, aged 77 years. Loved son of the late Laurie and Pearl. Cherished older brother of Maureen and Lorraine and families. A service to honour Brian’s life has been held. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart Foundation would be appreciated. Correspondence to the Harvey family c/- Legacy Funerals Cambridge, PO Box 844 Cambridge 3450.

PARNWELL, Neville Albert

– Passed away in his happy place (on the farm) on Monday, 25th November 2024, aged 81 years. Dearly loved husband of Kathy. Cherished father and fatherin-law of Mike & Lisa, Donna & Tony, and Denise & Warren. Much loved Popa to all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nev’s family wish to convey their heartfelt thanks to the police, Land SAR, and Horahora community, for their help and love shown to them over the past few days. A celebration of Nev's life has been held. All communications to the Parnwell Family, c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.

TUBMAN, Philip John, (Phil)

– He has taken off his work boots for the last time. Phil passed away on Sunday, 24th November 2024. Aged 76 years. Loved husband and best mate of Rhonda for 40 years. Loved and respected father and father-in-law of Micheal & Bronwyn, and Maria. Respected ex fatherin-law of Ivan. Grandfather of four grandchildren.

‘Phil, you will often be in our thoughts and forever in our hearts.’ At the request of the Old Boy, a private celebration has been held. All communications to the Tubman Family, c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or online on Phil’s tribute page at www.grinters.co.nz.

WELTEN, Tony – On 30 November 2024, peacefully at home in Papamoa, with Joy by his side. Dearly loved brother of Cabby and Lyall Keyte, and loved uncle of Matt and Sonya, and Moira, and their families. Rust zacht, mijn lieve broer. Our family chain is broken.

BIG garage sale – household lot, camping, garden and workshop tools. Saturday 7 December. 69 Ormsby Road, Pirongia. 8.30am to 4pm

Notice under section 46 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (Act)

The following meeting will be held on Wednesday 11 December 2024 –Audit and Risk Committee 9.10 am

Council Chambers 101 Bank Street TE AWAMUTU

The following meeting will not be held on Monday 2 December 2024 Audit and Risk Committee 9.10am

Council Chambers 101 Bank Street TE AWAMUTU

Te Awamutu Courier 8x3

The Audit and Risk Committee meeting to be held on 11 December 2024 was not publicly notified not less than 5 days before the end of November 2024 as required by section 46 of the Act, as it was not known at that time that the meeting would need to be delayed to allow for information on the 2025-2034 Long Term Plan to be completed.

Business to be transacted at this meeting will be business that is normally considered at an Audit and Risk Committee meeting.

Please visit the Council website for all meeting information.

Electronic copies of Council agendas are available on the Waipa District Council website prior to meetings.

Steph O’Sullivan Chief Executive

CHURCH NOTICES

Cambridge Seventh-Day Adven�st Church

Cr. Shakespeare & Browning Streets Bible Study Each Saturday: 9.30am – 10.45am

Worship Service: 11.00am

Like us on Facebook: h�ps://www.facebook.com/cambridge.sda.9 email: cambridge.sda.nz@gmail.com

Phone: 027 677 6433

Hope Channel – Freeview Ch 27, Sky 204

We oﬀer detailed study of the Bible and inspiring worship experiences. All Welcome.

Helen Carter Funeral Director

WAIPA DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING

Finalised Local Alcohol Policy

Notice is given under section 80 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (the Act) that Waipa District Council wishes to adopt the finalised Local Alcohol Policy (LAP).

Under section 81 of the Act, the LAP will be adopted 30 days after the date it is publicly notified. The adopted policy will come into force on Monday 10 March 2025.

Copies of the LAP are available on Council’s website.

Alcohol Fees Bylaw 2024

Adoption of Waipa District Council Bylaw

Council has adopted the Waipa District Council Alcohol Fees Bylaw 2024, which will come into effect on 1 July 2025.

Copies of this bylaw are now available to be inspected, or obtained at the following locations:

• Public Libraries within the Waipa District at 106 Mahoe Street, Te Awamutu or 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge;

• Waipa District Council offices at 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu or 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge; and

• Council’s website, www.waipadc.govt.nz

Alcohol Control Bylaw 2024

Adoption of Waipa District Council Bylaw Council has adopted the Waipa District Council Alcohol Control Bylaw 2024, which will come into effect on Monday 16 December 2024.

This revokes and replaces the Waipa District Council Public Places Alcohol Control Bylaw 2015.

Copies of this bylaw are now available to be inspected, or obtained at the following locations:

• Public Libraries within the Waipa District at 106 Mahoe Street, Te Awamutu or 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge;

• Waipa District Council offices at 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu or 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge; and

• Council’s website, www.waipadc.govt.nz

Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012

PUBLIC NOTICE

Of an application for On Licence

Te Awa Lifecare Village Ltd, 1866 Cambridge Road, Cambridge has made application to the Waipa District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an on-licence in respect of the premises at 1866 Cambridge Road, Cambridge, and known as Te Awa Lifecare.

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Retirement Village and Café. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 10am to 11pm.

The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Waipa District Licensing Committee, 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu or 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge.

Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the date of the publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at: Waipa District Council, Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840.

No objection to the issue of a renewal licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

This is the second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on 28 November 2024.

CAMBRIDGE OPEN HOMES

CAMBRIDGE REAL ESTATE

Saturday 7 December

2C Sanders Street

$560,000 10.30-11.00am

8D Burr Street PBN 11.30-12.00pm

1829E Tirau Road $1,695,000 11.30-12.00pm

396 Aspin Road Tender 12.45-1.30pm

443 Scotsman Valley Road $1,179,000 2.15-2.45pm

Sunday 8 December

48 Goodwin Road

$2,295,000 10.15-10.45am

1 Cotter Place PBN 10.45-11.15am

63 Grosvenor Street PBN 10.45-11.15am

8 Creswell Place PBN 11.00-11.30am

29 Saffron Street

$1,318,000 11.00-11.30am

38 Richmond Street $820,000 11.00-11.30am

48 Noel Street PBN 11.00-11.30am 1/139 Maungakawa Road $1,695,000 11.15-11.45am

Walter Court PBN

Taylor Street

Place

1 Boyce Crescent PBN 12.15-12.45pm 60B Bryce Street

1.00-1.30pm 9B Saffron Street $1,085,000 1.15-1.45pm 57 Campbell Street $715,000 1.15-1.45pm 1 Longfellow Street PBN 1.45-2.15pm

5/14 Thornton Road PBN 1.45-2.15pm 15 Hehan Close $1,090,000 1.45-2.15pm

6 Corrielea Crescent PBN 2.00-2.30pm 12 Glover Street PBN 2.00-2.30pm 6 Donald Lane PBN

HARCOURTS