King Country
Janise in the chair
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.
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 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 eight-years’ service.
Chris Flatt is the national secretary of the NZ Dairy Workers Union.
Vicky is a well-respected member of the Waikato community, the trust said, and it had been privileged to be guided by her exemplary leadership as chair for the past four years and prior to that as acting chair and deputy chair.
“Her leadership and commitment to Trust Waikato will leave a lasting impact and we are grateful for her vision and dedication.”
Vicky will remain on the trust board until mid next year when she will retire after eight years’ service.
Howzat? A good innings for cricket
Plans have been announced to give cricket a near $80,000 boost in Te Kūiti.
There are no adequate facilities in the district to accommodate the cricket community – but a new pitch and nets have been prioritised for Centennial Park.
Waitomo District Council has secured half the needed money for the pitch through Northern Districts Cricket
Association’s Regional Facilities Fund.
A grant of $8650 will go towards the cost of an artificial cricket wicket, and the council is looking for further funding of up $70,000 for nets.
The project is part of the Centennial Park Concept Plan approved earlier this year.
Priorities were set in September, with work on the
Oval and North Field top of the list. That work includes the cricket wicket and nets and installing football and rugby goals and pads.
Community feedback influenced the development plans. Respondents suggested adding carpark marking, a cricket pitch and training nets, picnic tables, a new playground and outdoor gym, improved entranceways
and heritage gateways, visual upgrades to buildings and a new bike pump track.
Chief Executive Ben Smit says projects within the plan will also be prioritised based on funding availability.
“We appreciate those who took the time to have their say. We won’t be able to implement all of the ideas but will work through what can be done in the future, and
what the priority needs are for now.”
“Elected members indicated that our first focus should be on preparing the fields so that multiple sports can be played. This is a great idea, and we are grateful for the funding support we have received.”
The concept plan was paid for by Central Government’s Three Waters ‘Better Off’ fund.
A week to go…
The King Country News Christmas Appeal –first run in 1993 – has a week to run.
Our Te Kūiti office is receiving donations of toys which will be delivered to families in the Waitomo District.
The ideal gifts are for youngsters – from babies to 16-year-olds.
The toy appeal started when husband and wife Maureen and Keith Wilkie began a drive to collect toys at Christmas.
The couple lived in Te Kūiti for more than 40 years and were heavily involved in a range of sporting and community organisations.
Friends helped continue the appeal after Maureen’s death in 2003. Keith died in 2010.
In more recent years the toy appeal has been hosted by the King Country News.
Readers are welcome to drop gifts off to our Te Kūiti office from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday.
Have you visited the
yet?
Janise Hine-kapetiu Eketone with Chris Flatt.
6 Progress Dr, Ōtorohanga • 07 873 4114
nidispatch@bulklines.co.nz
Appeal day for whānau
A fundraising appeal set up to help a Te Kūiti family who lost their home in a fire will feature a four-hour long event at the Les Munro Centre on Saturday.
It will help raise money for Dana Wallace and her whanau to renovate or rebuild their 1950s home.
She was sitting at a table when she noticed the wall getting hot behind her back – and soon afterwards, the family saw flames. They got out with little time to spare.
The house was left with structural damage in
Dana, twins Isaiah and Jayden (29) brother Michael (17) and two children were in the home just before 9pm on October 25 when the fire broke out.
the roof and a bedroom where the fire started and smoke and heat damage elsewhere. It did not have smoke alarms and was not insured.
The Te Kūiti Fire Brigade sent two appliances, a support vehicle and 10 firefighters to the scene.
Saturday’s Wallace Whānau Appeal event will start at 10am and feature entertainment and food stalls.
Become a Health Shuttle volunteer and support your
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 Ka whai tātou i te pikinga o te ora
News/Editorial Roy Pilott editor@goodlocal.nz
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Big changes on the horizon
By John Robertson, Mayor of Waitomo
Many will not appreciate the magnitude of change impacting local government.
Public water services reform is underway. By 2027, it is likely that most councils will no longer own or run their drinking and wastewater infrastructure. Water plants, water reservoirs, and the network of underground pipes that connect water services to homes and businesses will be taken over by another public entity in which councils will be shareholders, not operators. That is the way the landscape is developing.
Auckland’s water services company is already such an entity. Auckland consumers get a bill for water consumption from Watercare, not the Council.
Hamilton is in the process of setting up its own entity.
Council’s operations with another council will strengthen. Overheads, general administration, and even office space will need reconfiguring.
The question is when, not if, such mergers should take place. I am of the view that such a restructure for councils like Waitomo would best take place when the new water services entities become operational. This date is most likely to be 1 July 2026.
Early in the new year all councils in our region will engage with their communities on options for water services reform. By the mid 2025 I expect that all councils will have selected their option – whether to continue with the supply of water services as is, or to support these services being transferred to a larger entity, like Waikato Waters Ltd.
“The Wallace whānau have given so much to our iwi and King Country community, we believe it’s time for our community to give back to them in their time of need,” supporter Rāniera Winikerei told The News.
YOUR LETTERS
Mergers ahead?
I am amused to now see councils all over New Zealand moving to form large water entities for drinking and waste water. After spreading false information before the last election about the last government’s Three Waters programme and backing the new government to repeal the laws they are now spending more public money to set up the same system.
In the end we will likely see the 10 water entities proposed by the minister before the election. We may even see local councils disappear into 10 regional councils thereby saving massive amounts of ratepayer money .
After all, 10 regional councils will only be the size of a city of 500,000 people population wise, which is not massive in today’s world. There would be massive savings to be had with the need to have 67 mayors and so on gone along with all the trimmings that go along with having 67 council offices all doing the same thing.
Gordon Walker Piopio
A top show
david@goodlocal.nz
In the Waikato Region “Waikato Waters Ltd” is on the drawing board for all other nine councils to consider. On Tuesday last week Waipa and Waitomo led the way by endorsing its establishment. Matamata-Piako and South Waikato followed on Wednesday.
I expect most other councils to do the same.
As water services reform is advanced this will trigger further reform. Councils will need to restructure their operations as they lose around twenty percent of their current operations.
With water services gone, the case for merging the rest of Waitomo District
If you have a concern that you would like to talk to me about please contact my office to make an appointment.
Email Kuriger.kingcountry@parliament.govt.nz or phone 021 832734 to schedule an
In the mind of central government, business as usual is not an option. The evidence internationally is that scale is advantageous for public water service delivery, both cost and efficiency wise.
The “Three Waters” reforms proposed by the previous government failed for several reasons. The “Local Waters Done Well” proposals of the current government are progressing at pace. These reforms will change the face of many aspects of local government, aspects not limited to the delivery of public water services.
• See story page 3
I had the privilege of attending the final show of Mamma Mia in Te Kūiti. Wow, what a talented group of people we have in our community. It was highly entertaining from start to finish - you should all be so proud of yourselves. The leading ladies were awesome - Jacqui, Sidney, Anita and Rosie - well done ladies and the lads and support cast were just as good - stellar performances all round.
Rosie, you did Julie Walters proud, we laughed and laughed and sang along with all the songs, the sets were extremely well done and looked impressively like Greece.
Fantastic production - take a bow cast and crew of On-Stage Te Kuiti. Michelle Freebairn Te Kuiti
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MAYOR’S VIEW
Brothers Isaiah, Michael and Jayden Wallace pictured in their home after the fire.
Waitomo takes the plunge
By Chris Gardner
Waitomo District Council has followed Waipā District Council into the Waikato Water Done Well agreement.
Waitomo councillors agreed last week to enter into a Heads of Agreement as part of the Waikato Waters Done Well project on the same day Waipā councillors made the same decision to continue the development of an option to jointly deliver waters services.
The motion was proposed by Waitomo district mayor John Robertson, seconded by deputy mayor Allan Goddard and passed unanimously.
The decision commits the councils to working together to investigate the establishment of a council-controlled organisation (CCO) to deliver water and wastewater services.
Matamata-Piako District Council and South Waikato District Council have also followed suit.
Waitomo District Council chief executive
Ben Smit told The News the decision would give the council a second option to take to its community beyond the status quo.
“Waikato Water Done Well is coming together really well,” Smit said.
“The Waikato is quite a long way ahead with the development of water regions.”
Kāhu Manawa managing director Vaughan Payne appeared before Waikato Regional Council on Thursday with an update on the regional approach. Payne has been leading Water Done Well on behalf of the Waikato Mayoral Forum and local iwi chairs for 18 months and holding weekly meetings with council chief executives for two months.
Ōtorohanga will decide on December
10, Waikato on December 12, and Hauraki on December 18. Taupō and ThamesCoromandel district councils are also yet to decide.
“We are definitely signing,” said Hauraki district mayor Toby Adams.
“By signing up to this it gives those councils agreeing to working together the opportunity to design something that will work for all councils and communities.
Payne told Waikato Regional Council the traditional approach saw every council looking at wastewater treatment plants in
Woodwards give it a try
By Mary Anne Gill
A north King Country family is ready to add its name to the lengthy list who have competed in one of New Zealand’s most iconic events.
The Woodwards, who live on a dairy farm on Puketawai Rd, 10kms south of Ōtorohanga, will travel to Cambridge on Sunday for the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids tryathlon where they will join more than 1600 children.
Kylie, 14, who goes to Ōtorohanga College and her siblings, Ōtewā School students John, 12, Jack, 10 and Charlie 7 will cycle, run and swim their hearts out at St Peter’s School
The first tryathlon was held in 1992 for children aged 6-15 and since then more than 495,000 children have tried it. Sunday’s event
will be the third of the season.
“They’ve done the school events, but this is a step up,” said mother Susie.
“They have been practising and between them we have varying degrees of competitiveness.”
The Woodwards milk 300 cows over the sort of terrain ideally suited for training, she said.
The event aims to inspire children to get active and build their confidence in a fun and inclusive environment.
This year, sporting legends and sisters Chelsea and Alana Bremner, both Black Ferns stars, have returned as ambassadors.
“I still remember the thrill of crossing the finish line, exhausted but so proud. My sister and I completed five tryathlons growing up, and now we get to help kids experience that same joy,” said Alana.
isolation of what was happening in the rest of the Waikato River.
Using a Waikato River catchment approach, rather than a wastewater treatment plant by plant approach, would save millions of dollars across the region as it had for Matamata-Piako District Council.
“Instead of having five different consent applications they combined them into one, even though some consents expired in 10 years’ time they decided to get them to all have a common expiry date and get them considered together,” Payne said.
“At a $6 million budget they spent $2 million on the consent, so a $4 million saving on consent processing, and they expect a $20 million saving on capital works because they are looking at nutrient balancing between the plants to get the best return on investment for the Firth of Thames.”
Under the Government’s Local Waters Done Well legislation, all councils are required to produce a water services delivery plan by September 2025, with a focus on ensuring future delivery is financially sustainable and meets quality standards.
Waitomo District Council agreed to continue the development of an option to jointly deliver waters services with other councils, after major upgrades to its waste water treatment plant.
The Woodward kids are ready for the tryathlon. From left: Jack, Kylie, Charlie and John. Photo: Supplied.
Change for the better, says Chorus
By Paul Charman
Residents who lose their copper connections will have access to a superior replacement, Chorus says.
The telecommunication company was responding to concerns raised in King Country that people would be left marooned when some rural landlines are turned off next March.
Other services could replace the wire and a Chorus spokesperson said “we’re yet to find an address that can’t access satellite or wireless services.
The issue was highlighted in The News when concerns were raised over Chorus’ intention to cancel rural landlines based on the
so-called Customer Multi-Access Radio (CMAR) technology next year.
At present 113 households use CMAR in the Ruapehu District, 27 in Waitomo and 15 in Ōtorohanga.
Ruapehu councillor Lyn Neeson took up the issue last month asking if it was fair that people who depended on CMAR for their phonelines would have difficulty changing to another system.
Chorus said the company believed people needed access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
It plans to “fully retire” the copper network by 2030 and the decision to quit Customer MultiAccess Radio (CMAR) and Country Set (CS) equipment, the first step,
Dwyer heads inquiry
Environment Court Judge Brian Dwyer will chair the inquiry into Global Contracting Solutions’ resource consent application to build a giant incinerator in Waipā. He will be joined by Resource Management Act hearings commissioner Nicholas Manukau and air quality specialist Myles McCauley.
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.
“Paewira” would burn 150,000
tonnes of waste sourced from council across the Waikato to generate 15MW of energy – enough to provide power for 14,000 homes.
Global Contracting Solutions say they will use the latest technology in their proposed plant – which would be sited next to a stream in Te Awamutu’s Racecourse Road.
But residents have already staged street protests against the project and Waipā District Council and Fonterra are both expected to present submissions opposing it.
Submissions close on December 18, and the board will have nine months to make a decision.
was announced in September.
“Our copper network has played a pivotal role in our national infrastructure, however looking at the future demands of consumers and the growing coverage provided by alternative technologies, it’s
clear that it is end of life technology that is prone to faults and is not sustainable or suitable to meet the growing connectivity needs of Kiwis.
“In terms of alternative technologies available, satellite
A second serving
internet is available in all parts of New Zealand capable of receiving a satellite signal and there are over 37,000 connections in rural areas currently - the highest per capita in the OECD,” the spokesperson said.
had some
issues with last
Old hands take Ōtorohanga Plumbing and Gas
Neal and Tania Savage have returned to their King Country roots.
The Kihikihi couple, who were born and raised in Ōtorohanga, are the new owners of Ōtorohanga Plumbing and Gas in Progress Drive.
The pair, who have run Waipā Plumbing and Gas since 2009, purchased the long-established Ōtorohanga company from Alan and Maree Busch in early November.
For Neal in particular it is a bit of a full circle having worked for the company in his youth.
“It’s been very exciting for us to just catch up with people who we have not seen for a while,” Neal said. Neal was born in Ōtorohanga, lived in Longview Crescent and went to Ōtorohanga Primary School and Ōtorohanga College.
Tania was born in Otorohanga and lived on the family dairy farm on Otewa Road and went to Otewa Primary School and Ōtorohanga College. Her maiden name is Davison.
While the purchase of the company will see some changes behind the scenes, in many ways nothing will change for clients. They would like it to be business as usual for everyone and thank all the customers for their patience and understanding as the process of taking over is underway.
The couple and their family replace roles left vacant by the previous owners but have kept on Ōtorohanga Plumbing and Gas staff. Tradesman Plumber and Gas Fitter Matthew Grainger has worked for the company for nearly six years, while Apprentice Sterling Ward has been with the company for nearly three years.
They are also able to call on extra staff from their Waipa business when needed so they have the ability to take on all types of jobs, large or small throughout the whole of the King Country area.
Service includes plumbing, gas fitting, drainage, and home heating for both domestic and commercial clients and new housing.
All their work is fully guaranteed in accordance with the Consumer Guarantees Act and in addition to the normally high standard of work required to meet the Master Plumbers code of ethics, clients are covered by the Master Plumbers, Master Gasfitters and Master Drainlayers guarantee which gives all customers a safe, superior, and professional service. They value their team members and only like to employ the best, so they know that they take pride in
their work and do their best. The goal is to make any plumbing situation that you have a positive and friendly experience.
The company offers a complete 24-hour, seven day a week service.
Neal and Tania would like to thank Alan and Maree for the opportunity and the time and effort with the transition of taking over Otorohanga Plumbing and Gas and wish them all the best for their future endeavours.
Left to right: the Otorohanga Plumbing and Gas team, Allan Busch, Neal Savage, Sterling Ward, Matthew Grainger
We
proofing
week’s King Country News and the caption for a photo from the ArtBeat Festival in Ōtorohanga was one of the victims. So to put the record straight, pictured at the Riding for the Disabled sausage sizzle were, from left, Sheila Pulham, Tim Waaka, Sarah Snookes, Linda Baines and Wendy Roberts
Kudos for council as road fixed
A notorious stretch of Ngutunui Rd has been repaired by Ōtorohanga District Council Contractors milled the existing unstable surfacing on the road, adding additional metal for strength and longevity. They also reshaped and compacted the road before adding chip seal.
Residents in the area approached The News in July complaining that cars were skidding off the road every week because of the worn out state of the seal. The council acknowledged that a problem existed but said repairs could not be made till the weather improved.
Karen Crake said though diversions had made life a bit more complicated in recent weeks it was great now to see the road finally fixed.
“The council has done well in my view; over winter we had many cars skidding off the road nearly every week but now the road surface has been repaired. They said they would make repairs once weather allowed it
and that’s just what they’ve done - the extent of the work is even a little more than what we’d envisaged.”
Meanwhile, following the announcement from Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency’s funding allocations for the next three years, Ōtorohanga District Council has to find the cash to fund a shortfall in roading funding for the current and upcoming financial years.
The council receives a portion of the funding needed for roading work from the government, with the rest coming from rates. known as ‘the local share’, council group engineering and assets manager Mark Lewis said.
Last month the council decided to apply the unmatched local share for the 2024-25 year, while considering the potential for future Waka Kotahi funding in future years.
It had planned to spend $41.7m on roading over the first three years of its Long Term Plan 2024-2034. However, the Waka Kotahi funding allocation for these years is now
$31m, leaving a $10.7m shortfall.
Despite this reduction, the council is confident key components of the roading programme are achievable, as the previous three years saw $27.7m invested in the district’s roading network.
Councillors resolved last month to apply a portion of the unmatched local share to some capital and operating projects for the 2024-25 year. They also decided to keep a portion of the surplus funding in reserve, ready to support future Waka Kotahi funding opportunities, should they arise.
Lewis said the council was committed to working with the community and ensuring that the roading network continues to meet needs.
Trees in tow…
Volunteer group Legendary Te Kūiti was out this week on its annual Christmas tree run, delivering trees to stand outside shops and businesses in the business district to provide a “Christmasy feel” to town during December. Pictured from left were Andy Connors, Amy Smythe and Brian Hanna.
Residents told The News of their concerns about the road in July. Pictured from left were Allan and Delwyn Knighton, Margaret Ormsby, Karen Crake and Barry Blackford.
Nancy left a dancing puzzle
By Paul Charman
An exhibit at Te Kūiti Museum tells the story of one of the King Country’s famous dancers.
It depicts a mannequin dressed as Nancy Waite (nee Howell), a Te Kūiti identity who died in her 100th year on August 5.
But in assembling the display museum archivist Toni McConnochie has been perplexed by the lack of information on a report Waite won a world championship in Scotland.
It’s understood she won a title in 1948 for highland dancing at the The Cowal Gathering, a highland games festival held in Dunoon.
“We have the accounts from Nancy about how she went to Dunoon with her then husband Kevin Cotter. In 1947 the couple had sailed from New Zealand to England, where Kevin was to train RAF Mosquito pilots in Leconfield, Yorkshire,” McConnochie said.
Then, on New Year’s Day 1948, the couple sailed down the Cylde from Glasgow to Dunoon, where she was to take part in the Cowal Gathering. Nancy’s writings paint a romantic picture of this voyage, describing a piper standing at the prow of the boat and playing all the way.
Once at the gathering, Nancy is said to have been among, “a great number of expatriate highland dancers who hailed from South Africa, Australia, Canada, England,
Scotland and New Zealand. And I won,” she said in her memoirs.
But McConnochie’s research has been hampered by a lack of official confirmation of the win from Cowal Gathering records.
“So much of this amazing story remains a mystery but whatever happened at the Cowal Gathering there’s no doubt Nancy was a remarkable woman and one of the King Country’s dancing identities.”
Indeed, well before marrying Kevin, Nancy had made a name for herself. She was crowned Miss Waikato in 1944, led the King Country’s first marching team, was secretary of the Te Kūiti Swimming Club and a member of the Woman’s Volunteer Service. After marrying Kevin she taught dancing in Yorkshire.
The couple then had three children as they moved around RAF bases across Europe. Beverly was born in England, Richard in Holland and John in Germany. But tragedy was to strike. On December 3, 1957, Kevin was killed in a car crash in Germany.
Nancy returned to New Zealand, starting the Nancy Cotter School of Dancing in Te Kūiti in 1959. She went on to work for 10 years as a home economics teacher at Te Kūiti Primary School.
In 1971 she married Arthur Waite and the couple ran the Queen St Diary, living behind the shop. In 1973 Nancy became an occupational therapist working out
of Te Kūiti Hospital, and retired in 1978.
“We have so many accounts of Nancy’s involvement as a teacher of dance and participation in local shows. She danced in them when she was young and later became choreographer for the Choral and Operatic Society. There’s no question that this giftened and charismatic woman deserves a special place in the history of our town,” McConnochie said.
Te Kūiti Museum’s new archivist Toni McConnochie with a model representing Nancy Waite.
Nancy, in one of the pictures in the exhibition, won a host of dance awards.
“It’s truly magnificent…”
They say
Ōhaupō’s
By Mary Anne Gill
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
new stables match anything in Kentucky. Mary Anne Gill checks out Breckon Farm.
loved.
The complex also includes a function-entertainment 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
SALES | PARTS | SERVICE
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.
Ken and Karen Breckon with star mare Millwood Nike.
GARDENING
FOR BLOOMING BEAUTIES AND PLANTS THAT THRIVE
Mulching for a beautiful holiday garden
Katrina Christison
Tidy Gardens
As the Christmas and New Year period approaches, mulching will ensure that your garden remains beautiful and wellmaintained while you’re away.
With moisture retention, weed suppression, and soil enrichment, you won’t have to worry about the garden becoming overgrown or dried out during the festive season.
So, whether you’re heading off for a welldeserved holiday or simply want to enjoy a stress-free summer, mulching is the key to a low-maintenance, attractive garden. When you return, you’ll be greeted by healthy plants, beautiful flowers, and a garden that’s ready to shine throughout the holiday season.
Moisture Retention: One of the biggest challenges in summer gardening is ensuring that your plants receive enough water. Mulch acts as a barrier that helps to retain moisture in the soil. By slowing down evaporation, it ensures that your plants stay hydrated Weed Suppression: Weeds can quickly take over a garden, especially during the growing season when the soil is warm and dry. Mulch prevents weed seeds from germinating by blocking sunlight from reaching the soil. This means you won’t have to worry about your garden becoming overrun with weeds while you’re away.
Improved Soil Health: As mulch breaks down over time, it adds organic matter to the soil, enriching it and improving its structure.
This helps plants grow stronger and healthier, making your garden more resilient to pests and diseases.
Organic Mulches: These include materials like wood chips, bark, straw, leaves, and grass clippings. Organic mulches are great for gardens because they break down over time, enriching the soil.
Inorganic Mulches: Gravel, pebbles, or rubber mulch are durable options that don’t break down. They’re perfect for pathways or areas where you want long-lasting coverage, but they don’t contribute to soil fertility.
Living Mulches: Ground covers like clover or creeping thyme can also act as mulch, providing natural weed control and moisture retention, as well as a decorative touch to your garden.
Applying mulch is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps:
Prepare the Soil: Before mulching, remove any weeds or debris from the area you want to cover. If you’re preparing a flower bed or vegetable garden, water the soil well. Then I like to spread newspapers or cardboard this gives an extra layer of protection against weeds.
Apply the Mulch: Spread a layer of mulch over your garden, making sure to leave a small gap around the base of plants and tree trunks to avoid rotting.
Be sure to cover the entire soil surface evenly. Once applied, water the mulch thoroughly to help it settle and activate its moisture-retaining properties.
Happy holidays, and happy gardening!
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
CALL OUTS
Te Kūiti
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”.
November 30: At 1.06pm the brigade assisted St John with a patient lift at Te Kūiti.
Ōtorohanga
November 27: At 11.58am a kitchen fire was reported at a house in Taupiri St. The brigade put the fire out and ventilated the property. A resident received treatment for burns from St John. At 4.38pm the brigade put out a small rubbish fire at Mangatea Rd.
November 29: At 10.52am a member of the public reported smelling gas outside Stoked Eatery in Rora St. An investigation narrowed the source down to a gas metre at the restaurant. Repairs will be followed up with the gas company.
November 27: At 10.39am the brigade was called to a rubbish fire in Harpers Ave. A householder was burning plastics and the wind was blowing the smoke into a neighbour’s property. They were asked to put their fire out.
November 28: The brigade attended medical call at Ōtorohanga at 9.05 am.
December 1: The brigade attended a medical call on Harry Hooker St at 9.34pm.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says farmers produce $10,000 for every person in New Zealand.
The man behind the overdrive
Robin Ratcliffe watches the television series Moving Houses with more interest than most.
It was he and his engineers who developed the specialised trailer technology needed to shift houses and buildings by trucks over some of the most challenging landscapes in the world.
Ratcliffe, 76, founder of Modern Transport Engineers in Hamilton, can rightly be called the genius behind the innovations.
Modern Transport is regarded as number one for trailer manufacture in this part of the world spawning offshoots in diverse areas of business and philanthropy.
“Anything is possible,” is his philosophy developed in Taumarunui where he grew up and went to Taumarunui Primary and High schools
and also worked after school in a local engineering shop.
Taumarunui historian Ron Cooke relates Ratcliffe’s remarkable rise in “From Low Gear to Overdrive Volume 4,” written for the Taumarunui Historical Society to record development of the transport industry in the King Country.
The text has numerous examples of how Ratcliffe would go the extra mile to design a bespoke truck-trailer specifically for this or that job, for example starting work at 4.30am if the job demanded it.
A theme that comes through was his early realisation that the old world was changing and engineering standards in the transport field would have to conform to increased regulation.
In 1982, Kelvin Grey of Grey Brothers in Greytown asked Ratcliffe to design a house removal trailer for them.
The one-off design he worked out with the help of his customers and his team was to usher in a new modern group of house removalists.
Ratcliffe says he has had so many setbacks and learned so many life lessons on
perseverance and the value of positive relationships that he is determined to pass some of these on if he can.
The key one is: ‘Be
yourself, everyone else is taken.’
He funds tertiary education charities aimed at – if possible - giving those who
have previously been beaten down in the education system an opportunity to develop their skills, gain new confidence and flourish.
• Read Paul Charman’s story about Robin Ratcliffe in the Waikato Business News waikatobusinessnews.nz
A Contracting Out Agreement (COA) is an estate planning necessity for blended families. The relationship property landscape is changing, and some popular protection tools are becoming less e ective. Trust busting cases like Clayton v Clayton show the court’s willingness to treat trust property as relationship property in the event of separation, especially where assets are transferred into a trust during a relationship.
A COA is the most e ective tool to ensure a couple’s assets and liabilities are divided as they intended on separation or death.
If there is no COA, then couples in a marriage, de facto relationship or civil union are exposed to claims against potentially all of their assets and liabilities (even if in trust) on a 50/50 basis.
On death, the surviving partner can elect to either:
(a) Apply for division of relationship property in
accordance with the Property (Relationships) Act (the Act), the presumption being a 50/50 split; or
(b) Accept the gift under their partner’s Will and retain any individually and jointly owned property.
A COA can prevent a surviving partner (or their children, as discussed in our next article) from making a claim for division of relationship property under the Act on death.
A timely reminder to make sure the needs of our furry companions are sorted as we head into the silly season. If you are planning on travelling with your pets, make sure they are up to date with vaccinations and ea and worm control. This ensures your pets are safe from catching diseases from other animals or places you take them to (many diseases
WISDOM TEETH
Have you ever wondered why wisdom teeth can cause so much trouble?
Anthropologists believe wisdom teeth were especially helpful for our prehistoric ancestors, whose diet consisted of rough plants, seeds, and foliage. However, with the modern development of cooked soft foods, our jaws have diminished in size. Smaller jaws mean there can be a lack of room for
like parvo can live in the soil for up to 2 years). It also ensures they are not spreading eas and worms to other animals or humans they encounter. This is also a great time to check microchip details registered are correct. If you are planning on placing your pet into a cattery/kennel boarding facility over the holidays, be sure to check their requirements and
the wisdom teeth to fully emerge into the mouth. This can lead to multiple problems such as impaction against the tooth in front, food getting trapped in between the wisdom tooth and the tooth in front or under the gum that overlays the wisdom tooth. Overtime, tooth decay and gum disease may develop where the food is trapped and can lead to toothache.
stand down periods to prevent any inconvenience. If your pet is on long term medication or prescription food be sure to give your veterinarian a call to prevent running out during the holidays. Be proactive. Set reminders on your phone or write on your calendar so you don’t get caught out at the last minute before you head o on your holiday.
Routine check-ups are important to manage these issues. If appropriate wisdom teeth can be removed before a toothache event occurs. However, if you do start to experience discomfort with your wisdom teeth it is recommended to maintain meticulous oral hygiene and rinse with a warm salt water until a further management plan is discussed with your local dentist.
KELSI BARNETT
Robin Ratcliffe: ‘Be yourself, everyone else is taken.’
Two Kenworth trucks moved this old vicarage in New Plymouth to a new site – 100 metres from where it previously stood.
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)
Fractious (9)
Cop headquarters (6,7)
Salt, pepper or sauce (9)
Someone past their best (3-4)
Change (5)
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.
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
Sun-kissed rural retreat awaits!
Sit on the deck and soak up the sunshine pouring in!
Welcome to this stunningly renovated 1910s three-bedroom dwelling, perfectly blending character and modern comforts. Enjoy:
• Renovated interior with fresh wallpaper, paint, and carpet
• Expansive rural views across farmland from the comfort of your home
• Attached sleepout with garage, fully painted and carpeted, perfect for guests or a home office
• Ample off-street parking and a spacious workshop for vehicles or machinery
• Additional shedding and utility buildings for all your storage needs
• Tank water fed from the roof, topped up with spring water support
• Small paddocks ideal for a few stock and producing walnut trees
Perfect for:
• Families seeking a larger property with privacy and space
• Lifestylers wanting a peaceful retreat
• Agricultural businesses looking for a well-suited base
Don’t miss out! Contact us today to arrange a private viewing and make this sun-kissed rural retreat yours!
LOCATION | 13 Pukeiti Road, Piopio
LAND | 3.3050 hectares more or less
HOUSE | 120 m2 more or less, 1910’s dwelling, three bedrooms
PRICE | $749,000
LICENSED AGENT | Property Brokers Te Kūiti
LICENSED SALESPERSON | Mary Tapu Mob: 027 474 9869 | Email: mary.tapu@pb.co.nz
WEB ID | https://marytapu.propertybrokers.co.nz/ property/TEL194469/piopio
Renovated three bedroom home!
Perched on a hill, this charming three-bedroom home boasts stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. The tidy kitchen is perfect for whipping up meals, and the heat pump ensures a cozy temperature all year round. But the real showstopper is the ample 1,315m2 section - a dog lover's dream come true! With plenty of space for your furry friends to run and play, you'll enjoy a peaceful lifestyle in harmony with nature. 3 1
For Sale $420,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU186063
Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869 E mary.tapu@pb.co.nz
Te Kuiti 23 Edward Street
Benneydale 6 Gannon Street
Te Kuiti 2 Massey Street
Kuiti
Kuiti 5 Sturgess Terrace
Kerry Harty 027 294 6215
kjharty@harcourts.co.nz
Karen Lennox 027 559 4468
karen.lennox@harcourts.co.nz
Ōtorohanga 5 Sargent Place
Ōtorohanga 91 Mountain View Road
Ōtorohanga 21 Maniapoto Street
For
Kūiti
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
les.tk@xtra.co.nz www.1stscaffolding.co.nz
Lorrene Te Kanawa • 027 333 8531 les.tk@xtra.co.nz www.1stscaffolding.co.nz
and much more!
Wait Staff
Bar Managers Certificate preferred Ideally 20 years or older
Full Time and Part Time 20+hours per week
Competitive hourly rate
Email andy@stokedeatery.co.nz
Check us out on https://stokedeatery.co.nz/ or on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok
• Customer focused and communityminded
• Reliable, motivated and flexible
• Enjoy working outdoors
We are looking for a reliable and motivated person to join our team to provide site operations at the Piopio Transfer Station. You will be the first point of contact for our customers, providing exceptional customer service and ensuring an effective solid waste management service is delivered. This is a permanent part time role, 3 days per week, 4 hours per day, including weekends.
To be successful in this role you will be:
• Customer-focused
• Motivated with a roll-your-sleeves up, can do attitude
• Physically fit to work outdoors
• Flexible and available to work weekends
• Health and Safety orientated
To apply for this position, please visit our recruitment website www.joinourteam.co.nz
Applications close: 11 December 2024
Trades & Services
HANDYMAN
Property maintenance and construction Lawns, trees, stump grinding, sections, moss & mould treatments, Chemwash, waterblasting, gutter vac, water tank and trough cleaning fences, retaining, odd jobs and more. References available GST registered.
Mike & Allana 027 350 0836 info@handy-man.co.nz
Letters to the Editor
• Letters should not exceed 200 words
• They should be opinion based on facts or current events
• All letters to be emailed to editor@goodlocal.nz
• No noms-de-plume
• Letters will be published with names
• Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only
• Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the editor’s discretion
• The editor’s decision on publication is final.
RUGBY CLUB
New liquor licence hours: Monday
Situations Vacant
FARM Employment – weed sprayers required on large farm. Experienced in knapsack, truck reel and hose spraying. Ōtorohanga district txt or ph 027 478 1783.
SEAN CURRAN ROOFING
Specialising in re-roofing, roof maintenance, spouting, downpipes and
TE KŪITI CATTLE SALE
Friday, Dec 6
Special Entries:
A/C RD & L Oliver 20 Aut-Born 18mnth Hfrd/Frsn x strs
A/C D Burnell 20 Top Ylg Frsn Bulls
TE KŪITI
CATTLE & LAMB SALE
Friday, Dec 6
Lambs 11.30am start Cattle no later 12.30
Special Entries:
Contact Len Sheeran 027 473 5859 Stock Sales
A/c H A Tucker Ltd
500 Shorn Romney male lambs
A/c DG & MH Black 45 18mth Aut born Hfd Fries x strs
A/c RD & L Oliver 20 18mth Aut born Hfd Fries x strs
TE KŪITI RAM, LAMB & CATTLE FAIR
Friday, December 6 (Please note start times) Rams 11am Lambs 11.30am Cattle 12.30pm (no later) 30 Rams comprising
1shr Char/Tex/ Poll D x rams 2500 Lambs comprising 1300 Rom & Rom x male lambs
M/s Terminal x lambs
Sewing machine & overlocker repairs and maintenance
Scissors/knives sharpened
Ph Neil 027 587 8538 helen.neilpotter@gmail.com
Need a Decorator - Call Now Dave Rowe Painter & Decorator 027
Situations Vacant
Servicing the Waipa and Waitomo districts for over 20 years
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.
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.
Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
JD2023 Limited has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Ōtorohanga District Council, Ōtorohanga for the grant of an off license in respect of the premises situated at 6 Maniapoto st, Ōtorohanga known as Kiwitown Liquor Centre. The general nature of the of the business conducted (or to be conducted) under the license is a bottle store. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol (or intended to be). sold under the license are Monday to Sunday 9am to 10pm. The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Ōtorohanga District Licensing Committee, Ōtorohanga District Council, Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga. Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the District Licensing Committee at Ōtorohanga District council, PO Box11, Ōtorohanga 3940. No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105 (1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 This is the second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on November 28, 2024
ST LUKE’S MARKET DAY
This Saturday, December 7
8am-12 noon
Carpark 85 Esplanade, Te Kūiti
$10 per space
Sellers and buyers welcome Enquiries: 021 201 0355 or 027 243 6312
DON’T MISS Carols in the Caves
‘24
A few tickets are still available for Sunday, December 8.
Ring Waitomo i-site for details & booking. booking and details ph 07 878 7640
Ministry of Health advicePlumbosolvency
Sometimes small traces of metal can accumulate in plumbing fittings. Although the health risk is small, the Ministry of Health recommends that you discard a mugful of water from your tap each morning before use, to remove any metals that may have dissolved from the plumbing fittings. This simple tip is recommened for all households (both public and private water supplies).
St Bride's Anglican Church Haerehuka St Ōtorohanga SUNDAY Morning service 10am Ph 07 873 7006
ŌTOROHANGA
GRAY,
Jill Marion nee Carrington
BAPTIST CHURCH Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga Service times
10.30am
welcome
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
NOTICE OF HERBICIDE USE
Department of Conservation advises that under Resource Consent 124871 spraying of pest plants growing in aquatic locations will commence over the next three months.
Pest plants to be sprayed are listed in the Regional Pest Management Plan and include (but are not limited to): alligator weed, golden dodder, crack & grey willow, mexican water lily, spartina and yellow flag iris. Herbicides to be used are glyphosate, haloxyfop, metsulfuron-methyl and triclopyr. Application method is location dependent and may be by helicopter, gun and hose, mistblower or knapsack.
All herbicide use will be carried out by DOC staff and contractors according to the standard NZS8409:2004 by qualified applicators. Pest plants that may be controlled include, but are not limited to, golden dodder, yellow flag iris, alligator weed, water primrose, grey & crack willow, blackberry, pampas, privet, woolly nightshade and spartina.
Operational areas are spread throughout the district and include:
• Lakes Whangape, Rotongaro, Rotongaroiti, Hakanoa, Areare, Rotopiko, Rotomanuka & Ruatuna
• Whangamarino, Moanatuatua & Toreparu wetlands
• Takupu Island (Waikato River)
• Kāwhia Harbour
Spraying is weather dependent and will occur during daylight hours on any day, including weekends but excluding public holidays. For further information or to request to be notified, please call 0800 ASK DOC. Occupiers who have already requested to be notified will be contacted prior to spraying. For additional notification or further information, please email the Waikato Operations Manager Niwha Jones at njones@ doc.govt.nz
Niwha Jones Operations Manager - Waikato www.doc.govt.nz
Services
10am Session clerk Ph 07 873 8735 Room bookings Ph Nina 027 237 2382 St David's Presbyterian Church Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga
07 873 8685 10:30am Sunday 10 Sheridan St, Te Kuiti Pastor Terry & Rowena Bradley 07 878 8694 021 703 008
10 Sheridan St, Te Kūiti An Assemblies of God church Church Notices
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
An Assemblies of God Church
Passed away November 29 after a short illness. 92 years young. Moira, Warwick, Deb and families would like to thank everyone at the Hillview Resthome for their amazing care of our mum, nana, great nana and great great nana. As per mum’s instructions there was a private cremation. All communications to Deb Wright, 32 Awakino Road,Dargaville. We come from the earth, we return to the earth and in between we garden.
KNIGHT Elizabeth Louisa Marshall (Beth): Peacefully at Beattie Home, Ōtorohanga on Monday, December 2, 2024. Aged 86 years. Finally at peace. Loved wife of the late Don. Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Carey and Mike; Tracy and Neville; Paddy (dec) and Stu. Much cherished and loved Beth to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. A memorial celebration of Beth’s life will be held at the Ōtorohanga Club, Southern Lounge on Sunday, December 8 at 1pm. Please dress for a day at the races. All communications to Knight Family C/PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ
MURCHIE, Samuel George (Sam): Passed away December 4, 2023. Forever in our hearts. Miss you, Jo and Luke, Sheryl and Mark, Trev and Jodie, Olivia, Sabrina, Ashley, Henry, Lauren and Kate.
In Memoriam
Church Notices
