King Country News | December 12, 2024

King Country

Try time for Otewa

By Mary Anne Gill

It was an early start for the Otewa School team who hit the road for the Tryathlon at Cambridge on Sunday at 6am but well worth the effort, says one of the parents who accompanied them.

Susie Woodward’s four children Kylie, 14, John, 12, Jack, 10 and Charlie, 7, all completed the Weetbix-sponsored event at St Peter’s School in Cambridge.

Isabelle Hepburn, 11, also from Otewa School 10km northeast of Ōtorohanga, was competing in her fifth Tryathlon and third this year.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she told The News.

Susie said everyone enjoyed having breakfast before the racing.

“Our last kid started racing at 11.05am so they all did well to cheer each other on.”

Principal Carolyn Roberts and teacher Annie Vandy were also part of the support

crew.

Otewa travelled to the venue via Leamington and Cambridge and avoided long Waikato Expressway queues from the north.

The Weetbix Tryathlon attracted 2012 children aged 6-15 years to St Peter’s School on the western outskirts of Cambridge.

Hamilton competitors dominated the entries with 45 per cent – about 900 –followed by Cambridge, Tamahere, Te Awamutu, Morrinsville, Matamata and

Ōhaupō. There was even a contingent of 32 from Auckland.

This was the first year St Peter’s has hosted the Hamilton leg. Before that it was held at Waikato University but the closure of the pool there saw organisers go in hunt of another venue.

After much research, St Peter’s was chosen as the next best venue.

Since the event started in 1992, the event has attracted half a million participants.

2 7 7 7 0 2 3 3 3

Otewa School participants with their medals, from left: Isaac Wilson, 11, John Woodward, 12, Isabelle Hepburn, 11, Oliver Hepburn, 7, Jack Woodward, 10, Kylie Woodward, 14, Hannah Wilson, 13, Charlie Woodward, 7.

Photo: Supplied.

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A real kiwi Christmas

Vanessa Drinkwater loves how a float parade draws Otorohanga together.

And it did it again last weekend as 23 floats featuring buzzy bee and goodnight kiwi joined in the Saturday parade.

“Once again it really seemed like families had a great time at our parade,” Drinkwater, Elevate events coordinator, told The News. There was plenty of imagination evident in interpreting the theme of a Kiwiana Christmas.

Led by the Te Kūiti and District Highland Pipe Band, the parade featured classic tractors and cars, fire engines and a good turnout of gleaming big rigs.

Ōtorohanga Lions towed the trailer bearing Santa and his elves. Floats and many costumed walkers assembled in Ranfurly St before

the parade made its way along Maniapoto and Pine Streets, before returning to Ranfurly via Whitington Lane.

The best float prize went to the Ōtorohanga Vintage Machinery Club.

“The club’s entry of a hand-crafted buzzy bee on an old-school tractor was brilliant,” judges said.

Ōtorohanga South School won the best float in the schools section, and judges praised the summer theme comprising milkshakes, ice creams and a Kiwi dairy.

Wireless Dynamics won the best float in the business and commercial category. Judges said the company’s ‘Goodnight Kiwi’ theme was superbly executed, right down to the wheels of the parade vehicle.

wakaora@stjohn.org.nz

The parade was led by the Te Kuiti and District Highland Pipe Band.

Children in the Ōtorohanga Dance Company made a splash of colour when they walked through town.

Give us a wave! The parade attracted 23 floats.

Ōtorohanga Lions had the honour of towing Santa and his elves.

As well as gleaming big rigs, the parade featured tractors and classic cars. .

Choir helps with whanau appeal

By Paul Charman

The Waitomo Caves Choir helped add funds to a family appeal at its Carols In the Caves ‘24 event last weekend.

The money was contributed to the Wallace Whanau Appeal, set up to help a Te Kūiti family who lost their possessions in a house fire in October.

Carols in the Caves ran from Friday to Sunday, and the family appeal moved into top gear on Saturday with a four hour event at the Les Munro Centre.

“Saturday was special in the way that we donated that night’s proceeds to the Wallace family,” Waitomo Caves Music Society President Katrin Woermer said.

“Proceeds and a generous anonymous donation enabled us to donate $2000 to the Wallace Family Appeal.”

The choir was joined by a Titiwai (glow worms) Children’s Choir the first two nights.

Woermer said the children’s choir, comprising 24 children drawn from King Country Schools, had a ball and did a fine job. The caves concerts represented only the third time they had performed in public.

Despite three key voices being absent due to illness, the Caves Choir - conducted

Beth Dalton showcased a high level of local talent.

Each year the three nights demand complex organisation to set up and take away seating and safely shepherd audiences in and out of the venue, Woermer said.

The Sunday night guest spot featured a performance

Ben and Edan

a

and daughter duo who both sing in the choir.

“It was very special, as Ben composes his own songs inspired by his love of nature and people. Listening to two of his songs accompanied by his ukulele and his daughter’s beautiful clear soprano voice blending in was a real treat

for both choir and audience.

“It is always a big commitment for the choir to get ready at this time of year; everyone has their own lives and issues to deal with and we’re conscious that we’re supported by a generous community.

“We managed to find new things to get wrong

every night, singing in five languages is quite a challenge but we had such responsive audiences and they gave us tremendously positive feedback.

The choir also presented song in Te Reo Māori, having been assisted by Shahnee Johnston who helped with pronunciation.

Racing to find new homes for dogs

This week’s announcement that greyhound racing will be banned in New Zealand will have implications for dogs in Waitomo.

It’s estimated efforts will be made to find new homes for about 2900 racing dogs - and that will mean more work for organisations already involved in that work.

The sport will be finished in New Zealand by the end of 2026. It continues in Australia, Ireland, the US and UK.

In October, The News caught up with Michael Lozell and Natthakan Srisuk, who told how they care for up to 12 greyhounds at a time at their Te Kūiti home.

They work with the Great Mates Rehoming Programme, which operates in collaboration with other agencies including Nightrave, Greyhounds as Pets, Kiwikiwi Hounds and May Hounds.

Michael’s parents, Dianne and George Lozell,

were closely involved with greyhounds in the South Waikato during his childhood. He no longer races greyhounds but it still involved in the sport.

Events for retired greyhounds are also regulars on the calendar. In Waipā in September almost 60 former racing dogs were brought together as part of a global event designed to promote them as family pets.

In announcing on Tuesday that dog racing would be banned, Racing Minister Winston Peters said a committee had been set up to help manage a 20-month transition, including rehoming dogs.

The industry had been on notice for several years over concerns about dogs welfare.

Greyhound Adoption Programme general manager Alistair Donald told Radio New Zealand said there were already many more greyhounds than people waiting to adopt them.

It’s likely some dogs could be rehomed overseas.

A check on the Greyhounds as Pets website this

Appeal total rises

The appeal for the Wallace family, who lost their possessions in a Te Kuiti house fire in October, is inching towards the $50,000 mark.

Rāniera Winikerei, involved in organising last Saturdays four hour gathering at the Les Munro Centre, called it an “amazing event”.

He said support from the community had been overwhelming and estimated as many as 300 people came through the doors.

“We thought at the end we had collected a minimum of $6000 – but when we did the count up and added online donations the total was close to $23,000,” he said.

A similar sum has been pledged for Dana Wallace and her family via a give a little page.

Trees to go

Ōtorohanga District Council has acknowledged a decision to remove pōhutukawa trees lining a seawall in Kawhia is “not what many had hoped for”.

The 10 trees on Pouewe St and were subject of a consultation process in October and November.

The council has announced in a statement that “after careful consideration of all feedback and the available options, we have made the difficult decision to proceed with removing the trees.

“This decision was not made lightly but was necessary to ensure the safety of our community, protect the seawall, and manage future costs”.

“We remain committed to preserving the natural beauty of Kāwhia and will explore options for new tree planting.”

The decision was made by the Kāwhia Community Board

“Although the trees have strong community support, their removal is recommended to protect the seawall and improve safety,” the council said.

by

by

Stubbs,

father

Waitomo Caves Choir joined was joined by the Titiwai (glow worms) Children’s Choir on two of its three performances.

week revealed Jock is living in Te Kūiti having finished his racing career of Regal Jock and was looking for a new home.

Natthakan Srisuk and Michael Lozell were pictured out walking in October.

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Council goes with flow

By Paul Charman

At least for now, the Ōtorohanga District Council will work with other Waikato councils on plans to set up a Council Controlled Organisation to provide waters services in the region.

The council voted on Tuesday to be a signatory to a draft heads of agreement relating to Waikato Water Done Well, but it can still go it alone to provide its own water services if that is what ratepayers favour.

Ōtorohanga joins most Waikato councils in signing up to a combined plan – two more were to meet this week while Hamilton and Waikato District Council have decided to go their own way.

process next year.

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The council commissioned a study which showed that it had the lowest cost delivery of water services in the Waikato, Ōtorohanga Mayor Max Baxter said this week.

“What Beca came up with in their research showed that at this stage fundamentally we could probably provide waters services as a standalone entity. But that is only working on the information we have now and with the current costings.

“We have yet to understand whether, even if we might be the cheapest now, what the future implications would be of being a standalone. Are there implications around staff retention or around having budget blowouts in the next few years? And how would things pan out over the next five, 10 and 20 years of being a stand-alone versus being part of a collaborative Waikato model?”

Baxter said by agreeing to be a signatory councils was signalling its intention to put the regional water service delivery model up ror public consultation.

“You can only have a true assessment of something as huge and significant as this if you are part of that conversation at the beginning. If you step aside and pay the penalties for coming in late you are already on the backfoot and disadvantaged. It’s like any conversation – its best to be in the room,” he said.

“Being a part of the heads of agreement from the beginning we can get a true understanding of the CCO model. We know some councils have gone straight into Stage 2 (of the CCO) but they have different issues from what we do.

Being a part of the CCO discussions for now would allow Ōtorohanga to gather information to compare the two options and to better understand what they would cost. The council would then lay the facts out before ratepayers ahead of a consultation

“I would imagine we will have a very frank discussion on whether we are a stand-alone or part of the collaborative Waikato model. There’s lots to consider but if we are going out to consult with our community, we must understand the two models in order to compare them.”

QASHQAI

Max Baxter

Nelson praises Shanghai expo

By Paul Charman

New Zealand is trading into a Chinese market which has traded down to less expensive cuts of beef.

Responding to that challenge was one of the aims of a New Zealand delegation to the seventh annual China International Import Expo in Shanghai last month.

Among the 70 companies who sent representatives to the expo from New Zealand, led by Trade and Agriculture

Minister Todd McClay, was chair and farmer elected director of Silver Fern Farms Anna Nelson from Aria.

The event involved more than 3400 exhibitors and 410,000 visitors.

Nelson runs a 1450 breeding and finishing block with husband Blair and inlaws Jon and Kaye.

She has also spent 10 years at a vet practice in central Waikato, has been an associate director at Beef and Lamb and is a catchment coordinator at King Country River Care.

“Chinese consumers like our products in general and beef in particular,” she said. “But with a more challenging economic environment many have traded down to a less expensive cuts of beef. Chinese consumers are still buying our beef; they’re just more challenged as to what they want to pay.”

But she said beef consumption in China was

still exceptionally large and the expo was very much about building trade relationships.

“Let us remember that while China is predominantly pork-eating, it is also huge and diverse

with unique regional tastes. Various parts of China consume various proteins and meats. Some have always consumed beef, and some predominantly eat mutton.”

Demand for beef remained high, but the volume coming from South America was significant and an increasing amount was produced domestically.

Silver Ferm had been considering scenarios if tariffs were introduced by

a new US regime under Donald Trump, but there were no such concerns around China.

“Increased tariffs will be passed on consumers within the US, so we don’t anticipate it having a significant impact on farm pricing. And it would affect everyone, not just meat producers, so we’ll just have to wait and see what policies get enacted.”

With China, though, the doors were open for doing more trade.

She said it was exciting to see how many smaller New Zealand exporting businesses were up there taking part in the expo.

“The challenge for us is more to do with what the Chinese consumers can afford to pay.

“There’s still plenty of opportunity if you seek out your niche markets, meaning the right customers, in the right region with the right product.”

Nelson travelled with a diversity of companies including dairy companies, honey producers, confectioners, supplement manufacturers and dental care product companies.

• See King Country Farmer, starting on p11

Anna Nelson, right, pictured with New Zealand Meat Industry Association members at the expo with Todd McClay, left.

End of an era

the centre of town. The building housed a wananga for several years

existing premises in Queen St. In recent times it has been left

is being carried out by Hamilton based civil contracting

$5.2 million in TLC Discount payments are targeted to go back to beneficiaries this financial year - all because The Lines Company is 100% owned by Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT), your customer Trust. Discount will appear on your December or January power bill as a credit.

the

and a

the company said the job, which would include concrete being crushed on site for road construction, was expected to be completed by the end of January.

CALL OUTS Ōtorohanga

December 4: At 7.07pm the brigade was called out after an alarm sounded in Ormsby Cres. The call was put down to a faulty alarm.

December 6: At 4.08 pm an automatic alarm activated at the Homestead, Hangatiki.

December 8: At 7.28pm the brigade was called to a suspicious grass fire in Ngahape Rd.

December 9: At 12.59am the brigade was called to a suspicious shelterbelt fire on Whibley Rd. At 1.40am the brigade was called to a scrub fire at Maihihi.

December 10: At 1.06am the brigade attended another fire alarm activation at the Homestead, Hangatiki.

December 5: At 12.40pm the brigade was called out to support the Benneydale brigade following a report that a motorcycle had caught fire at Waimiha. They were turned around before arriving.

December 6: At 5.48am the brigade was called to a commercial premises in Waitete Rd following the activation of a fire alarm. The property was investigated but no cause found. At 10.43pm the brigade was called out after a water pipe burst under a house in The Esplanade. The brigade reassured the owners and advised them who to contact to get the pipe repaired.

December 9: At 12.59 am the brigade was called to assist Ōtorohanga fight a vegetation fire at Maihihi. The crew were on their way when directed to another fire in Maihihi Rd, which they put out. At 5.20pm they assisted St John with a medical call to a patient in George St.

in combined TLC Discounts has been returned to WESCT

for the four

The building residents in Te Kuiti knew as the council headquarters is no more. The old Waitomo District Council building on the corner of Taupiri and Alexandra Streets is being demolished, opening up a prime site in

after

council shifted to its

vacant

target for vandals. The demolition

firm Applied Engineering. A spokesperson said for

Te Kūiti

All aboard…not in Ōtorohanga

By Paul Charman

Bill Millar is gutted to learn the Northen Explorer service to Ōtorohanga will be absent from Christmas Day to midJanuary 14.

The service is being canned while track maintenance work is carried out.

The Northern Explorer, a tourist train with a viewing car, visits Ōtorohanga on its northbound journey on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. It pulls into town on its southbound journey

Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Millar, who campaigned successfully in 1993 for the passenger train to visits to Ōtorohanga, said the train was a huge asset to town and brought many tourists to and from Waitomo Caves.

“Closing the track when so many tourists are about is a bad decision - right at the peak of the season it will reduce numbers of visitors experiencing the caves,” he said.

“I think it’s disgusting to

close a service like this at such a busy time of year, especially when we should be doing our utmost to get traffic off the roads.

“KiwiRail also plans to cancel the full Overlander service during the second half of January. Instead of having the whole journey from Auckland to Wellington by train, this will involve running a bus running part of the way - from Auckland to Hamilton - between January 15 and January 27.

“I don’t like to see this

SECOND HAND FLEET

passenger service disrupted this way. What we need is a reliable and predictable passenger rail service between Auckland and Wellington.”

Millar added that passenger rail – which was such a boon to small towns like Ōtorohanga – seemed to get pushed to the margins by unsympathetic governments and councils.

He said an example of the low priority placed on rail as a tourism asset was the fact that the Waitomo District Council was considering removing the town’s turntable for the Te Kūiti Railway Station.

“This turntable enables excursion trains to turn around, making it viable for them to make day-trips into Te Kūiti from Hamilton and Auckland.

Glenbrook Vintage Rail trains use this turntable for their tourist runs through the year. It is totally barmy to even contemplate doing away with a tourism asset like this – just think of the potential for excursion trains to bring tourists into town for celebrations like ‘The Running of the Sheep’.”

Millar was equally unimpressed that no plans existed to make the Interislander ferries railenabled when they are replaced.

“Without rail-enabled ferries, the two islands’ rail networks will be disconnected, restricting the movement of goods and putting the South Island’s whole rail network at risk,” he said.

“Current and future passenger rail services also rely on a viable national rail network.

“The government transport policy statement said it would prioritise making the best use of existing transport infrastructure. The only decision consistent with this policy is to ensure future ferries are rail-enabled and remain in public ownership.

YOUR LETTERS

A fond farewell

Otorohanga has been our pleasant, friendly hometown for more than 75 years, and we have appreciated the local support we had in our photography business. The time has now come for us to move to Australia to be closer to family and we’re pleased that the large collection of Richard Wallace Photography negatives remains here and is in the Otorohanga Museum. This letter is to say goodbye and thank you, Otorohanga.

Richard and Ruve Wallace.

Ōtorohanga

What street?

Best laugh I’ve had in ages! Bottom of page 8  in last Thursday’s paper.

I’ve never seen Haerehuka St spelt like that. Jan Crosland

Editor’s note: Ouch, my policy is always to put my hand up when an error is made, but to avoid further embarrassment by repeating the gaffe, let’s just say it appears the spelling was written phonetically. My apologies to the residents of Haerehuka St.

Bill Millar greets a Russian tourist, Caria Kulikova, at the Ōtorohanga Station. Photo: Paul Charman

Copper thieves target church

By Chris Gardner

Copper thieves have targeted two of Waikato’s historic churches.

The raids on St Paul’s in Rangiaowhia Rd, Hairini, and on St John’s in Te Awamutu’s Arawata St have prompted church staff to start sleeping over. St Pauls dates back to 1852 and the St John site includes Old St John’s which opened in 1854.

St John’s Anglican Church parish priest Julie Guest said staff began sleeping in the church and security systems were installed after a series of incidents beginning with the burning of a car parked in front of the church on George St early last month.

“As St John’s is a concrete structure, the building suffered only scorch marks, but the wreck was visited nightly by those seeking to further loot and destroy the remains. Shortly after that, a copper downpipe was stolen from St John’s,” Guest said.

“A couple of days later St Paul’s, our historic church in Rangiaowhia Road, Hairini, was violated when the spouting along one side was ripped off, causing damage to the remaining roof. Two days

after that the thieves returned to strip the spouting from the other side of St Paul’s. They just ripped it off with absolutely no care for the building. That this sacred taonga for the whole community should be ravaged in that way is hard to fathom,” she said.

“The worst and final discovery was that thieves have begun removing the flat roofing off St John’s, all of which is copper. A building without spouting or downpipes is messy, but a building without a roof covering is open to weather – on the way to ruin.

“This building has been there for 60 years, and it’s got another 60 years in it,” she said.

Guest told The News the vandalism and theft was a distraction of her church’s work to bring justice and reconciliation following the wrongs committed against Māori in the New Zealand Land Wars.

She has launched an appeal for help, asking the community to keep a close eye on her building, look out for copper roofing being offered for sale, and for financial help to assist with repairs.

Scrap metal dealers are quoting up to $11.30 a kilo for copper – and a three metre copper downpipe will cost about $100 to replace.

HOME MAINTENANCE

St Paul’s was stripped of its copper.

SETTING UP FOR SAFE HOLIDAYS

Preparing your vehicle for the summer holidays is essential for ensuring a smooth, safe, and enjoyable trip, especially if you plan to drive long distances or explore remote areas in New Zealand.

Summer heat does put additional stress on your vehicle, particularly the cooling system, battery, and tyres. Checking and servicing these components before your trip can prevent breakdowns in isolated areas, where help might not be readily available.

A thorough inspection of critical safety features — brakes, tyres, lights, and wipers — is crucial for summer driving. Wellmaintained brakes are vital for handling New Zealand’s often winding and hilly roads, while properly in ated tyres ensure better grip, especially in changing weather conditions.

Summer trips often mean hot days in the car. Make sure your air conditioning system is functioning correctly to keep everyone comfortable during long drives. Also, check uid levels, including coolant and oil, to avoid overheating the engine in high temperatures. The latter is especially relevant if you intend towing a caravan, boat or laden trailer.

A well-maintained vehicle runs more e ciently. Servicing your engine, checking tyre pressure, and replacing dirty air lters all contribute to better fuel economy, saving you money – and potential headaches with breakdowns - on your summer road trip.

Preparing your car well ahead of time ensures peace of mind, letting you focus on enjoying your holiday without worrying about car trouble. It’s a small e ort that pays o with a safer and more relaxing trip.

Across 1. Leave (6)

5. Waken (6)

8. Lip (3)

9. Shake noisily (6)

10. Beer maker (6)

11. Grain store (4)

13. Barrier (8) 14. Instruct (5)

15. Argumentative, hotheaded (5)

19. Weather prediction (8)

Last week

21. Unfeeling (4)

22. Screen (6)

23. Nevertheless (6)

25. Finish (3)

26. Hold in custody (6)

27. Over there (6) Down

2. Look at in detail (7)

3. Play a part (3)

4. Quiver (6)

5. Surprise attack (6)

6. Medical procedure (9)

7. Enchantment (5) 12. Large group of musicians (9) 16. Rifle through (7) 17. Infertile (6) 18. Reliable (6) 20. Colour/fruit (5) 24. Longing (3)

Across: 1. Wrong, 4. Crisps, 7. Ova, 8. Teller, 9. Thrill, 10. Black eye, 12. Tact, 13. Brunch, 15. Emboss, 16. Deli, 17. Spacebar, 19. Allege, 20. Tragic, 22. Eve, 23. Cretin, 24. Rosin. Down: 1. Wheeler-dealer, 2. Oil, 3. Gorse, 4. Cat’s eye, 5. Irritable, 6. Police station, 11. Condiment, 14. Has-been, 18. Alter, 21. Ass.

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ELASTIC ELBOW ELDEST ELITE ELOPE ELUDE EMBELLISH EMBER EMERALD EMOTION

EMPHASIS

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ENDEAVOUR ENEMY

ENERGY

ENGINE ENIGMA

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EVAPORATE EVOKE EXCLUSIVE EXCUSE EXHAUST EYE

puzzles © The Puzzle Company

In memory of Maureen & Keith Wilkie

Dave Swney contract milks on a 124ha farm between Ōtorohanga and Te Awamutu – with partner Alice Trevelyan, and they are also among the 26 per cent of farmers supplementing their business with non-farming income. Trevelyan says she doesn’t know a farmer who is not interested in improving the environment. So their Native Dairy Farmer business is a natural fit. The couple talk to Chris Gardner today on Page 4.

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23-24 – How dairy shaped up

By Chris Gardner

The dairy payout increased by an average of 14 cents to $8.90 in the 2023-24 dairy season, according to the latest annual New Zealand Dairy Statistics report, just 89 cents above DairyNZ’s breakeven milk price for the season.

It was $1.10 per kilograms of milksolids below this season’s current forecast of $10.

The average dairy co-operative payout (including dividends) from Fonterra and Tatua near Morrinsville increased from $8.76 in the previous season. When adjusted for inflation, the 2023-24 payout was $0.35 below the five-year inflation-adjusted average of $9.25 per kg milksolids.

Milksolids production rose half a per cent to 1.88 million kilograms from 20.5 billion litres of milk, the report released by DairyNZ and Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) showed.

The Waikato region has the largest share of the national cow population with 1,075,811 cows, up from 1,057,651, in 3,022 herds, up from 3020 (22.9 per cent, up from 22 per cent) producing 411,769,631 kilograms of milk solids, down from 412,514,347 kilograms. North Canterbury is the second largest with 14.9 per cent of the national herd and Taranaki has 9.5 per cent.

Matamata-Piako district has 843 herds, the largest number in the region, while Waikato district is the second largest with 573 herds and Waipā third with 492 herds, down from 493.

Otorohanga district has 330 herds, down one, and Waitomo district has 55, down from 59.

“The increase in total milksolids production in the 2023-24 season was driven by a combination of the slight increase in cow numbers and favourable weather conditions,” said DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker.

“Milksolids per cow are once again near record levels, which is a result of farmers dedication, technology uptake, and the application of science and insights driving better on-farm decisions and outcomes.”

Milksolids per cow increased to an average of 400kg, 6kg higher than the fiveyear average.

Cow numbers reached 4.7 million cows in 2023-24, slightly up from 4.67 million in the 2022-23 season, two per cent below the five-year average.

The 2023-24 season saw a slight decrease in the percentage of cows herd tested on the previous season, at 77.1 per cent (3.62 million cows), while artificial breeding remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease to 81.1% of cows (3.81 million cows).

“The dairy sector is still producing

Dairy cows produced 20.5 billion litres of milk on he 2023-24 season.

more kilograms of milksolids per cow, which is a great result driven by farmers’ continued increased focus on improving cow productivity and farm efficiency,” said LIC chief executive David Chin.

“While there was a slight decrease in herd testing and artificial breeding uptake this year, it’s important to note that these practices remain critical to our sector’s success and as the economic outlook improves, we’re optimistic that these numbers will rebound in the coming season.

“This year’s Dairy Statistics once again highlight the growing preference for crossbreed genetics, which is delivering measurable benefits for dairy farmers, including a record-high average of 277 days in milk in 2023-24. This trend also

The

supports the breeding of more profitable animals and reinforces LIC’s commitment to improving herd health and productivity through ongoing investment in genetics, diagnostics testing and farm software.”

Campbell says that the Dairy Statistics 2023-24 report indicates another positive production season for the sector and continues to demonstrate the importance of dairy to the New Zealand economy.

“As we look ahead, the outlook for the current season is positive, with increases to the forecast milk price and reducing interest rates. This improved forecast will likely improve the cash position of many farmers this season, which will in turn increase farmer spending, stimulate economic activity, and continue delivering economic growth for the country.”

main figures

• 20.5 billion litres of milk, containing 1.88 billion kilograms of milksolids produced

• Average milk production per cow - 400kg of milksolids

• Cow numbers up marginally to 4.7 million.

• 3.62 million cows herd tested.

• 3.81 million cows mated to artificial breeding.

• Average dairy co-op payout - $8.90 per kg milksolids, up from $8.76.

Confidence on the bounce

By Chris Gardner

Farmer confidence is lifting with beef, sheep and dairy prices.

Sheep and beef are fetching an estimated 30 per cent more at stock sales compared to last year, said PGG Wrightson sheep and beef rep for Piopio and Te Kuiti Bill Harrison.

Dairy giant Fonterra raised the midpoint of the 2024/25 season forecast Farmgate Milk Price by 50 cents to a record

$10 per kilogram of milksolids on December 5 less than a month after lifting the midpoint to $9.50 on November 11.

The lift in fortunes follows Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford’s revelation to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay on November 26 that farmer confidence was at a record low.

The organisation had been surveying farmer confidence for 12 years and things had never been so bad, he said.

Harrison said sheep and beef prices were “coming back pretty good” at stock sales.

“The market is up around 30 per cent,” he said. “It’s looking a lot better than last year.”

Wools of New Zealand national wool manager Simon Averill said the market had been steady for the last few sales.

“Confidence is improving especially with positive forecasts coming out for both the Beef and Lamb markets,” he said.

“The wool price improvement certainly is a positive for sheep farmers around the country.

“Some parts of the country like the Hawke’s Bay are experiencing dry conditions which has its own sets of challenges.”

Roto-o-Rangi dairy farmer and Fonterra Co-Operative Council member Andrew Myers welcomed Fonterra’s record Farmgate Milk Price.

“It’s better than good news, it’s fantastic,” he said. “I have talked to one or two dairy farmers, and they are over the moon. There are signs that things are improving. We are just happy that we can contribute to our communities.”

Ongoing compliance costs had hurt farmers, he said. Piopio dairy farmer and Fonterra Co-Operative Council member Paulette Johns agreed with Myers.

“The vibe is very positive,” she said.

“We were a little surprised to get the extra uplift before Christmas and it’s very good news. What’s good for us is good for our

community.”

“We’ve seen a recent recovery in demand out of China as domestic milk production rebalances and demand from Southeast Asia continues to be strong,” Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell told farmers in an email.

“We are continuing to monitor factors that may influence global supply and demand dynamics, including any potential impact from heightened geopolitical uncertainty.”

The first payment to farmers to change will be December paid January.

Upon hearing the news of a record

Farmgate Milk Price, Open Country Dairy supplier John Hayward said: “That’s pretty cool news, isn’t it? It’s positive for the whole community.”

Open Country Dairy had paid him $8.81 per kilogram of milk solids last month and he was using the capital to pay off farm debt.

He was expecting further rises as Open Country Dairy generally paid more than Fonterra.

“You can’t count it until it’s in the bank,” he cautioned.

“We have got a long way to go through the season yet, and things can change. We are in early December, and we have got to get to May. Most guys will be cautious.”

Sharefarming Consultants founder Louise Gibson also cautioned restraint, urging

farmers to use the opportunity to reduce debt and invest in tools that drive efficiency.

“Next year is not the year to rush out into a variable order sharemilking agreement without testing your budgets against historic lows - think $5 or less - or rush into taking on too much debt just in case this is a repeat of cycles of years gone by,” she said.

“If you have contract milkers, consider where you can profit share - they have had to ride the milk price lows through lower inputs and working with infrastructure that hasn’t been improved or repaired on schedule.

“Look at your houses on farm - this could be an opportunity to invest in getting them up to Healthy Homes standard and make them more attractive to staff and sharefarmers.”

Louise Gibson from Sharefarming Consultants cautioned restraint.

John Hayward.

Insects cost farmers dearly

By Chris Gardner

Insects have munched through hundreds of hectares of Waikato crops, forcing farmers to replant at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A combination of high winds, rising temperatures and rain have seen cosmopolitan armyworm and cutworm populations thrive, munching their way through chicory, maize and turnips.

PGG Wrightson technical field rep Neil Dunderdale is working 12-hour days walking Waipa and Otorohanga districts paddocks checking for pest damage.

“You’re unlucky to get one farm in your patch that needs replanting, and so far this year I have had five from Te Awamutu south,” said Dunderdale.

“It’s the busiest two weeks I have had in a long time.”

His patch includes from Te Kawa Crossroads near Te Awamutu in the north to Hangatiki south Otorohanga.

Dunderdale said about 300 hectares of maize had needed replanting since the beginning of November, and another 100 hectares of chicory and turnips at an average cost of around $1,000 per hectare.

His message to farmers: “Keep vigilant as the reps on the road can only do so much. If there’s any evidence get it treated as soon as you can.”

Pioneer Brand Products regional manager Craig Maxwell said his team had covered a lot of hectares checking crops.

“So far we have not had to replant any in the King Country for cutworm damage,” he said. “There has however has been more crops sprayed than usual due to the

increased pest pressure. We have seen more damage than we would usually see with this pest.

“The proactive crop checking and preventative spraying that has occurred in maize has significantly minimised the damage. “

Julie Clark, of John Clark Contacting in Otorohanga, emailed clients warning them to be vigilant just before The News spoke to her and she had heard back from three asking for help.

“It’s rampant,” she said. “We have done some cutworm spraying.”

Clark usually expected to spray in late November.

Te Awamutu agricultural contractor John Austin was also busy helping farmers tackle the insects.

“There’s a lot on at the moment, it’s more intense,” he said. Foundation for Arable Research Arable

Biosecurity and Industry Relationships Officer Ash Mills said: “This is a very bad situation for growers, but the contractors are being extremely helpful and assisting growers and the agronomists as best they can at this time.

“Cutworm can be a difficult pest to manage at the best of times, I believe that this situation is somewhat under control now and growers have been notified in the region to keep vigilant and check crops.”

Waikato Federated Farmers Arable chair Donald

Stobie urged growers to check paddocks for bug and pest damage.

“Planting crops this spring has been a dream run, in regard to the weather and ground conditions,” he said in his latest report to the executive.

“We wound not have had conditions this

favourable in a number of years.

“Maize silage sales have been steady, and with the slightly forecast reduced planted area I would not think there is much spare left to be sold at this stage.

“Maize grain contracts had been few and far between earlier in the season.

“Grass silage got off to a hiss and a roar early in the season but has since slowed down with most contractors probably now not doing the amount of silage that they normally might be harvesting at this time of year,” Stobie said.

Foundation for Arable Research Arable Biosecurity and Industry Relationships Officer Ash Mills said: “This is a very bad situation for growers, but the contractors are being extremely helpful and assisting growers and the agronomists as best they can at this time.

“Cutworm can be a difficult pest to manage at the best of times, I believe that this situation is somewhat under control now and growers have been notified in the region to keep vigilant and check crops.”

Waikato Federated Farmers Arable chair Donald Stobie urged growers to check paddocks for bug and pest damage.

“Planting crops this spring has been a dream run, in regard to the weather and ground conditions,” he said in his latest report to the executive.

“We wound not have had conditions this favourable in a number of years.

“Maize silage sales have been steady, and with the slightly forecast reduced planted area I would not think there is much spare left to be sold at this stage.

“Maize grain contracts had been few and far between earlier in the season.

Neil Dunderdale holds a family of cutworms discovered on a Waikato.

Dairy farmers grow natives

By Chris Gardner

Dairy farmers Dave Swney and Alice Trevelyan turned to growing native plants to earn a secondary income to complement their farm.

Trevelyan drew on her experience as a Waikato Regional Council catchment management officer four seasons ago to turn the tennis court on the family farm between Te Awamutu and Ōtorohanga into a native plant nursery.

The enterprise puts the couple among 26 per cent of farmers a recent survey revealed were supplementing their farming business with non-farming income.

The Native Dairy Farmer, as they called their add on business, is in its fourth season growing around 30,000 plants per year, predominantly for use in riparian plantings schemes on farms.

“It was getting harder and harder to be able to run your own farm,” Sweny, a former DairyNZ field officer, said.

“We knew we had to think outside of the box a little bit. If we could do something that was not dairy farming it was a win,” he added.

“When we started the Native Dairy Farmer things were tough financially so any extra dollar of income, we could generate through this other revenue stream was invaluable,” Trevelyan said.

“Like any new business it has been tough to get started and create a customer base, however now we have a couple of years under our belt we have developed some really cool relationships with our customers.”

“The pressure on the Native Dairy Farmer to produce a profit has been a true reality.”

The native nursery, with its irrigation system, allowed Trevelyan to leave her council job and mother two boys – Walter, aged two, and Rex, aged one.

Orders come in large and small.

“They buy five plants, or 1000,” Trevelyan said of her clients.

“A big part of my role is working with farmers to improve environmental best practice.”

She said she didn’t know a farmer who was not interested in improving the environment.

In the last three seasons the pair have turned to providing their natives in biodegradable pots, meaning farmer do not have to remove and recycle plastic pots when planting, halving planting time.

Riparian planting improves water quality, reduces erosion, lowers water temperature, and increases biodiversity on farms.

“Alice and I are strategic partners,” Swney said.

The couple welcomed Fonterra record Farmgate Milk Price forecast of $10 per kilogramme of milksolids, but as Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) suppliers will wait until the end of the year to learn how it has affected their milk price.

Fonterra raised the 2024-25 season forecast by 50c on December 5.

“Great to see payout looking stronger for the 24-25 season. It is welcome news after a couple of tough seasons,” Trevelyan said.

“With improvement in milk price and a reduction in interest rates it means we can catch up on some capital improvements, repair and maintenance and debt reduction that have been put on hold for the last couple of years.

“OFI will review our milk price based on

data at the end of each month.”

OFI opened a dairy processing plant in Tokoroa last November.

“It was just right for us and our family,” Swney said.

The couple are contract milking 410 Jersey cross cows producing 190,000 kilograms of milksolids on a 124ha dairy farm between Ōtorohanga and Te Awamutu on Ōtorohanga Road.

They are in an equity partnership with Swney’s parents Phill and Deb who has owned the farm for 35 years. The farm also employs second in command Jayson Jacinto and farm assistant Boota Singh.

Swney, who also sits on the national committee of Smaller Milk and Supply Herds (Smash), prefers to graze calves on the property for their first year rather than send them off farm.

He grows 10 hectares of maize and five hectares of chicory and lost some to hungry insects earlier in the season.

“We milk every cow once a day when she calves until we are happy with her eating and appetite (gut fill), typically seven to 10 days post calving,” Swney said.

“Both herds are then milked twice a day until the heat starts to ramp up around Christmas when we put the young cows on once-a-day milking for the rest of the season. The other herd continues to be milked twice a day but kept close to the cowshed.”

“We have a long skinny farm,” Trevelyan said.

“Because of that we do things a bit differently,” Swney added.

They have also installed a feed pad at the approach to the milking shed to give their herd a boost.

Native Dairy Farmer owners Alice Trevelyan and Dave Swney enjoy their native nursery with their boys Walter, aged two, and Rex, aged one

Relationship Property Claims by CHILDREN - Part 2

Our last article discussed claims by a partner on separation or death.

Conversely, some blended families want to provide for their new partner on their death and seek to minimise the risk of a claim by their respective children.

Under the Family Protection Act (FPA), parents owe a moral obligation to make adequate provision for their children in their Will.

To minimise the risk of FPA claims, couples may change the ownership of their assets so that those assets do not form part of their estate and are not open to claims under the FPA.

Some common ownership structures include:

1. Transferring property into a discretionary family trust; and/or

2. Transferring property into joint names so that it passes by survivorship on death.

These ownership structures make it more difficult for children to make claims against estates.

However, s 88 of the Property Relationships Act (the Act) allows an executor to make an application for division of relationship property against the surviving partner, where refusing them the right to do so would cause a “serious injustice”. If an executor is not willing to make the claim, the deceased’s children may apply to the court to have them removed.

If most relationship property is jointly owned or was transferred to a trust during a relationship, then that could meet the threshold for a serious injustice. In these circumstances the court may divide relationship property so that the estate has property available for the children to make an FPA claim.

Government gets the credit

“…we’ve

The Government’s move to stop carbon credits being earned on productive farmland is welcome news, but Federated Farmers also wants changes to how international emissions targets set.

The Feds made rethinking New Zealand’s ETS Forestry rules and climate targets one of its 12 key policy priorities in the lead-up to the last election.

“Stopping the “relentless march of pine trees across farmland was applauded.

“We’re really pleased – and farmers across the country will be too – that the Government is taking action…” forestry spokesperson Toby Williams said.

“Federated Farmers also welcome the cap on carbon farming on Class 6 land as a further step to safeguard against large-scale carbon farming.”

Williams says New Zealand’s rural communities are bearing the brunt of misguided climate change targets and more than 200,000 hectares of productive sheep and beef land have been planted in carbon farming in the last five years.

“Alarmingly, we’ve seen sheep numbers in New Zealand fall 4.3 per cent in just the last 12 months, and this comes on the back of

decades of reductions.

“We’re seeing schools close, rural bus runs stop, and local clubs fail as jobs are lost from communities across rural New Zealand.

“Planting our rural communities in pine trees simply doesn’t align with the Paris Agreement requirement of achieving lowemission development in a way that doesn’t threaten food production.

The Government announced brought New Zealand’s emissions trading policy “more in line” with the Paris Agreement, by removing the incentive to take high-quality land out of farming.

Williams says people can still plant forest on their lands if they wish, so there is no impact on property rights.

“However, the Government simply won’t incentivise this behaviour by allowing these forests to earn carbon credits through the Government’s ETS.

“We understand these changes are also not retrospective, so won’t affect existing forests.”

He said the underlying issue remains the way international climate targets continued to rely on huge levels of carbon farming to be achieved.

“Past governments have set targets that can be achieved only with huge levels of forestry planting, and that has put New Zealand in our current situation.”

Modelling released by the Climate Change Commission suggested that, to achieve a new proposed 2035 Paris Target, New Zealand would plant up to 850,000 more hectares of forestry, reduce dairy cows by up to 15 per cent, and reduce sheep and beef stock by up to 24 per cent, he said.

“I think most people would agree that’s a recipe for total ruin for a huge number of rural communities,” Williams says.

“The numbers may add up on a spreadsheet in Wellington, but they make no sense to rural communities already suffering from falling stock numbers and encroaching carbon farming.

“To truly address the drivers of carbon farming, the Government needs to distance itself from such plans and make sure the new Paris Target it’s set to announce can be achieved without swamping rural communities in carbon farming and threatening food production in the process.”

A contracting out agreement is one of the only tools that can help to prevent these types of claims.

Libby McDonnell

Federated Farmers says more than 200,000 hectares of productive sheep and beef land have been planted in carbon farming in the last five years.

Science award for Reed

DairyNZ Hamilton-based scientist Charlotte Reed has received the 2024 Australasian Dairy Science Symposium Emerging Scientist Award.

The Symposium brought together 140 science and extension professionals from across Australasia.

Reed shared research on ‘What do milk urea concentrations tell us in temperate grazing systems?’ from a collaboration between DairyNZ, AgResearch, Lincoln University, and Fonterra under the Low Nitrogen Systems research programme.

The programme is investigating how

combining mitigation options can help farmers reduce nitrogen losses while meeting viability goals

“I am really proud of the collaborative efforts of the research team to help farmers manage their nitrogen use efficiency and contribute to improving freshwater quality,” says Reed said.

The work relates milk urea concentrations and the of surplus nitrogen in the herd’s diet.

Milk urea indicates the crude protein level and therefore the amount of nitrogen in a cow’s diet. If a cow’s diet is rich in protein, it might produce more urea, which is usually

excreted in the urine and higher levels can be detected in the milk.

When the diet lacks nitrogen, the cow’s body recycles the urea back into the rumen.

Reed specialises in cow physiology, reproduction and behaviour.

She graduated from Victoria University in 2020 with a PhD in cell biology, focusing on how egg quality affects dairy cow reproduction. She also holds an Honours degree and a Bachelor of Science in physiology and animal science from Massey University.

A word from Bruce for Luxton and McClay

Bruce Rowe had the Prime Minister’s ear when Christopher Luxon sat down next to him at Mystery Creek.

The former dairy farmer, who now breeds cattle near Cambridge, was joined by the Prime Minister at the Federated Farmers Restoring Farmer Confidence Tour before Luxon took to the stage.

It was a brief discussion filled with niceties, but Rowe also took the opportunity to talk to Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay to push for a review of the legislation that led to the formation of dairy giant Fonterra in 2001.

“It has been a disaster since day one,” Rowe said of the legislation.

“I am very supportive of Fonterra. It’s the backbone of the country. When I see competition, it riles me.

Rowe was particularly concerned with foreign owned entities competing with Fonterra in New Zealand.

“I believe in looking after Kiwis and the land,” he said.

Rowe thought he got a favourable hearing, with assurance from McClay that the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act would be reviewed next year.

“He said he would look at it,” Rowe said.

The act requires the Minister of Agriculture to undertake periodic reviews, including the state of competition in the dairy processing sector, must be initiated after July 31 next year, with a report presented to Parliament no later than June 1, 2027.

The terms of the review will require Cabinet approval and stakeholders will expect full and transparent

Reports backs lower target

A new report shows methane targets set for farmers are too high, Federated Farmers says.

It calls the findings of an independent review of New Zealand’s biogenic methane science and targets a constructive step in the right direction.

“Federated Farmers opposed the current 2050 methane reduction target of 24-47 per cent from day one, because we knew there was absolutely no credible science to underpin it,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford.

“Those figures would require farmers to go much further and faster than is required to stop our contribution to further warming, at a huge economic and social cost to our rural communities.”

“When farmers looked at those targets, we could see no real way to achieve them without simply reducing stock numbers and completely undermining the profitability of our farms.

He said the new report showed that, under a scenario where global temperature increases are limited to less than 2°C, methane cuts of 14-15 per cent by 2050 are all that would be needed.

He said it was encouraging that the Government had taken the step of commissioning the review – “but we now need them to go one step further act on its findings”.

Waipā farmer Bruce Rowe has a discussion with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the Federated Farmers

Wayne Langford

Pascoes to appeal Mt Messenger ruling

By Paul Charman

A Taranaki couple have been ordered to pay costs as a consequence of their failed efforts to stop the Mt Messenger Bypass.

The Environment Court ordered Tony and Debbie Pascoe to pay $180,000. Tony Pascoe says that will ruin them, and they will appeal.

The court awarded the costs to the Minister for Land Information after ruling in May that 11 hectares of Tony and Debbie Pascoe’s farm required for the bypass project could be purchased under the Public Works Act.

Tony Pascoe said the couple, who farm beef cattle in Mangapēpeke Valley, would be left with no home and no way to make a living. He has lived in the “beautiful, natural and clean” valley all his life

The couple have been involved in multiple court cases involving the Mt Messenger Bypass since 2017 and intend to appeal the decision.

The bypass project has faced ongoing challenges resulting in extensive delays, many through legal challenges.

In May, Waka Kotahi estimated the impact of being unable to start work on some land during the 2023-2024 summer construction season at $37million.

Construction on the $280 million, 6km bypass, Te Ara o Te Ata, began in late 2022 and is expected to be complete in two years’ time.

It will include two bridges about 125 and 30 metres long –one over a wetland – and a 235m tunnel.

It will replace the existing steep and winding road over the mountain and is expected to have significant economic benefits.

Tony Pascoe said did not regret opposing the bypass, which he said would sacrifice a beautiful valley and all it contained.

“When I take young people back here and show them the birds and the eels and fish in the creek… the trees and the massive amounts of different vegetation… they are just like ‘I wish we had this. This is beautiful’.

“I’m doing this for everybody else, not just for us.”

A statement from the family read “to leave the Pascoe whānau homeless and without the ability to make a living

GRASS HARVESTING

• Kuhn combi

- Round baler/wrappers

• Case big square baler & wrapper

• Forage harvester with trucks or tractors/trailers

• Full mowing services

• Bale stacking

• Hay/silage for sale

• Maize silage contracts available

The bypass will go to the east of the existing route over Myt Messenger

would be barbaric and an abomination under the Public Works Act.”

Opponents have argued 44.4 hectares of indigenous forest and wetlands, home to dozens of threatened or atrisk endemic species including kiwi, frogs and bats will be destroyed.

Waka Kotahi has made a point of highlighting environmental efforts being made as part of the bypass project.

It recently won the Environmental Excellence Award from the Australasian division of the International Erosion Control Association, recognising its work to minimise impacts on the surrounding landscape and waterways.

In his decision Judge Brian Dwyer said the court found rather than the Ministry not behaving appropriately, the Pascoes had been difficult to deal with.

CULTIVATION/PLANTING

• Full service available -

- Disc, power, harrow, roller drill

• Striptill maize planting

- 1 pass with Base/Starter fert

• 8 row planter

• Fodder beet planter

• Direct drills

- Fert/seed/slugbait/clover bins

• Side dressing/Spraying for maize ground

• Spray truck with 15 metre boom, interrow shut o

• Solids Muck spreader

- E uent

- Drain cleanings

- Chicken manure

- Bobcat for calfsheds

• Diggers

- Bulldozers

- Metal cartage

Tony Pascoe’s land comprises a narrow valley which will be used as part of the new bypass route.

Photo: Paul Charman

Effluent – money going to waste

By Chris Gardner

Dairy farmers are spending millions of dollars on effluent storage for no environmental benefit, says Agricultural Business Associates natural resource engineer Fred Phillips.

Phillips questioned the effectiveness DairyNZ’s Dairy Effluent Storage Calculator (DESC) during Waikato Federated Farmers Executive meeting in November as it is spun out of a two-tier system classifying farms as either high or low risk based on soil type.

The region could do better than loading an additional $80,000 capital expense for the construction of dairy effluent ponds on dairy farmers because of collective ignorance, Phillips said.

hectares, according to New Zealand Diary Statistics 2022-23 published by DairyNZ and the Livestock Improvement Corporation.

Waikato produced 22 per cent, or 412,514,347 kilograms, of New Zealand’s milk solids. There were 595 dairy herds in Waipā district, 331 in Ōtorohanga district and 59 in Waitomo district.

“Of the 685,542ha of dairy land in the region I would estimate that at least 120,000ha or 17 per cent is incorrectly designated as High Risk including about 60 per cent or more of the Region’s peat based agricultural soils,” Phillips said.

“The excessive storage being recommened as a result of ...misinformation has a cost of about $400 per hectare ... and it has zero environmental benefit.”’

“If that pond takes out 0.4 hectares of productive land, then there is an ongoing income reduction of $2200 per hectare,” Phillips said.

– Fred Phillips.

“At best this is just irresponsible. The excessive storage being recommended as a result of this misinformation has a cost of about $400 per hectare or $48 million and it has zero environmental benefit.”

“If the pond does not result on an improved environmental outcome than who benefits?”

Farm effluent system salespeople would be rubbing their hands together at the prospect of Fonterra raising the midpoint of the 2024-25 season forecast farmgate milk price from $9 per kilogram of milk solids to $9.50, he said.

The Waikato region boasts the greatest concentration of dairy herds in the country with 1,057,651 cows in 3020 herds (28.5 per cent) grazing 362,204 total effective

Liquid Waste

“Two categories of soil risk are totally inadequate when it comes to storage requirements,” Phillips said.

“There are also thousands of Ha of volcanic soils that should also be classed as Very Low Risk that the DESC does not get right.”

“DESC assumes that farmers will irrigate on every available day.

“The soil guidance maps are not fit for purpose.

“This causes major conflicts.

“Unless Federated Farmers takes some leadership in this, farmers will continue to

We’re

On The Case Servicing the King Country District for 21 years

WAITOMO LIQUID WASTE

be required to spend millions of dollars for no environmental benefit.

“Farmers need to push DairyNZ into Action.

“The calculator is a dog and has never been ground truthed for very low risk soils.”

“The proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 says we have got to use DESC,”

“If we fix the DESC we don’t need to change plan change 1.”

Bluett told The News he would be taking Phillips concerns to DairyNZ.

Phillips shared his findings with Waikato Regional Council in August.

said Waikato Federated Farmers Executive member and Te Pahu dairy farmer John Bluett.

Fred Phillips (insert) says the region could do better than loading an additional $80,000 capital expense for the construction of dairy effluent ponds on dairy farmers.

‘Drop in day’ for funding

By Stu Kneebone , Waipa-King Country councillor

Several months ago I wrote about funding available to assist landowners and managers with riparian restoration, soil conservation work and forest remnant protection.

A heads up for those who farm in the Waipā catchment that Waikato Regional Council will be holding a “drop in day” on Monday (December 16) in Te Kuiti between 10.30am and 2.30pm at the Waitomo DC Railway building in Rora Street.

The purpose of this “drop in day” is to provide a one on one opportunity to talk to our catchment team about your own farm situation, and how you can potentially utilise regional council funding assistance and advice for stuff like farm planning and better management of erosion prone areas and other environmental and water quality related issues that intersect with farm operations.

Funding is available from the council as well as the Waikato River Authority and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). This funding is generally targeted towards priority catchments, so if you are interested, call the council on 0800 800 401 and ask for one of our catchment management officers Natalie Mapp, Kane O’Keeffe or Paul Smith – they’ll be happy to discuss stuff with you.

The council recently closed down it’s “Shovel Ready Programme” of work, following a successful completion of a bunch of projects that delivered significant benefits to our region.

As part of the response to Covid 19, the government of the day called for interest in what they termed “shovel ready” infrastructure and environmental restoration projects that would stimulate the construction and environmental economy, provide public and regional benefit and create jobs. The

council applied for and received grant funding for more than 20 hard infrastructure and environmental projects. Because of the nature of the accountability requirements for this funding and the size of the work programme in the Waikato region, the council established a specific project to manage and oversee this work over the four years it ran for.

The project was a combination of environmental and infrastructure works across the region. Key outcomes from an environmental perspective included over 1.6 million native plants in the ground, over 660 hectares of land not suitable for livestock retired, 127 hectares of wilding pine control and the creation of a national significant wetland for wading birds.

The hard infrastructure projects included upgrading of some of our flood protection stopbanks and constructing two fish friendly pump stations. This amounted to a programme of works totalling nearly $60 million, and council received $30 million in grant funding from the government.

This “shovel ready” work programme met and in many cases exceeded the original targets set. Over 200 full time equivalent jobs were created, with a big focus on employing Iwi local to the various projects.

Throughout this programme, the council was able to demonstrate its ability to deliver and create constructive relationships with central government agencies, which will support the exploration of future funding opportunities with central government.

Dealing with arthritis

By Anna Martyn

If you like computer modelling, algorithm and biometry (biological statistics), then understanding DPX (Facial eczema index) and how Ramguard dosing fits into it is just simple mathematics for you.

However, I would assume, this is not what floats the boats of most farmers. So here goes, at trying to make it a bit simpler for you to understand exactly how to interpret these figures.

The key points are:

• The higher the DPX the better the likely FE tolerance

• The more rams in that flock being tested (i.e. higher percentage of the total potential) the more reliable the index (i.e. there are more data points about familiar lines and sire performance being fed into the maths.)

• Individual dosed rams and their results confirm what that animal inherited (remember that it is 40 per cent heritable)

The DPX index (Dual Purpose FE) uses the GGT21 BV multiplied by the financial impact assigned to this trait. A rating of an animal’s ability to tolerate an FE challenge, based on the RamGuard system. Based on GGT21 BV.

GGT is the name of an enzyme that can be measured in the blood that gives an indication of liver damage.

With Ramguard testing, we measure the level of this enzyme prior to dosing and then repeat the test 21 days later (peak elevation time, hence GGT21 BV).

Animals may be dosed anywhere from 0.1 to 0.65 now depending on what information is available on the likely tolerance of that animal.

Now, due to complicated statistical comparisons, this dose rate is not directly

FARM

used in the DPX, which seems very strange to most farmers.

However, deep diving into the maths, it is indirectly attributed as the GGT21 from that group of rams in that dose rate allocation are compared.

The level of challenge can differ between farm so this index is most accurate for comparisons within farm and birth year.

Recently there has been a lot of research looking at the mechanisms involved in FE tolerance in the hope of having a different testing method that would allow more animals to be tested in a safer manner.

They are still working on the commercial availability of this testing but it did highlight that, like most things in biology, there were multiple difference components that provided tolerance which probably reflects the 40 per cent heritability.

If, hopefully when, this test is available, it would fast track a lot of FE programs and allow female lines to be directly tested as well. It is potentially a game changer, so fingers crossed it gets over the line.

If FE tolerance is very important to your flock, the best way would be to purchase dosed rams that have passed the Ramguard test at a higher level.

As we have already alluded to, the other factor to look at is how much testing this farm is doing - i.e. what proportion of the rams available are dosed, are they all from one sire or multiple sires?

This will help indicate how accurate the DPX indexes of the non-tested rams are.

Close, but no cigar

A members bill that would amend KiwiSaver rules to make things easier for young farmers and farm staff is a good first step but doesn’t get a pass mark from Federated Farmers.

In the lead-up to the 2023 election, Federated Farmers called on the Government to allow young farmers to withdraw their KiwiSaver funds to buy a first home, farm, herd or flock.

Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne’s KiwiSaver (First Home for Farm Land and Service Tenants) Amendment Bill would allow someone to withdraw their KiwiSaver funds to buy a first farm – but not their first herd or flock.

It would also open the door for those living in service tenancies, such as farm staff, to use their KiwiSaver to buy their first home without having to live in it straight away.

“This bill will go a long way in supporting young people in our rural communities to get on the property ladder and build some equity,” Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre says.

“That can only be a good thing for the next generation of farmers who are really struggling with high interest rates and a lack of support from their banks.”

“What’s incredibly disappointing is that this bill won’t allow people to withdraw their KiwiSaver funds to buy their first herd or flock,” McIntyre says.

“From my perspective that’s absolutely critical for famers who are just starting out – particularly sharemilkers – to build equity as they progress through the sector.

“We’ve got young farmers scrimping and saving to get the cash together to buy their first herd, and sometimes

they’ve got tens of thousands of dollars in their KiwiSaver they can’t touch.

“At the same time, we’ve got plenty of people at the other end of their career looking to sell their farm or get a sharemilker on, but can’t find anyone with enough capital.”

Allowing more flexibility to buy a first herd or flock would help address both these significant issues and support the next generation of Kiwi farmers.

“It would put young farmers in a much stronger financial position with their initial equity, but they’d also have less debt – which means they’d be paying less interest too.”

Federated Farmers will be pushing hard for all political parties to support this bill and for amendments to allow the purchase of a herd or flock.

VALUED: A key message that came through at Mystery Creek was that the Government values farmers highly and wants to see rural confidence restored.

Remarkable Lifestyle Property!

This remarkable lifestyle property combines modern living with the tranquility of rural life. Nestled on a generous 1.7525ha plot (approx), this stunning home offers everything you need for comfortable living and entertaining.

This beautifully designed home features five generous bedrooms, including a luxurious master suite with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe.The heart of the home is the open plan dining and designer kitchen, perfect for family gatherings and entertaining friends. The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances, ensuring culinary delights are easy to create.

The home boasts a separate lounge for relaxation, and two family rooms for casual gatherings or for the kids. Enjoy year-round comfort with a combination of heating options, including heat pumps, underfloor heating and a cosy closed fire. The property is well-insulated, ensuring warmth in winter and coolness in summer.

Step outside to your own slice of paradise! The property features established maintained grounds with stunning views of the surrounding bush and rural landscape as well as the Te Kuiti township and beyond.

Internal access triple garage, a three-bay shed with power and water and additional off-street parking ensures there’s plenty of space for vehicles and toys.

The water is off the roof with an added bonus of bore supply for top up. The water tank is equipped with UV filters so you can enjoy sustainable living while reducing your environmental footprint.

This property offers the perfect balance of rural charm and modern convenience and is packed with extras. Enjoy peace and quiet while being just a short drive from local amenities, schools and recreational activities.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to own a lifestyle property that truly has it all! Contact us today to arrange a private viewing and experience the magic.

LOCATION | 100 Tate Road, Te Kūiti

LAND | 1.7525 hectares

HOUSE | 345m2 5 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, 6 car garaging

PRICE | By negotiation

LICENSED AGENT | Ray White Te Kūiti

LICENSED SALESPERSON | Buzz Linn

Email: buzz.linn@raywhite.com | Mob: 027 496 0053

WEB ID | rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30270

Ōtorohanga sections (sizes are approximate)

9 Sunset Close, Otorohanga, 750sqm in popular Westridge. Phone Lorraine or John $219,000

163 Old Te Kuiti Road, Lots 1 & 4, 5517-8932sqm, easy covenants. Phone Lorraine From $250,000ea Lot 1, 627 Waitomo Valley Road, Otorohanga, 8105sqm rural lifestyle section. Phone Julie $370,000 Lots 90-108 Harpers Avenue, 486sqm to 962sqm, Westridge II subdivision. Phone John From $220,000ea 576C Mangawhero Road, Otorohanga, 1ha, fenced, sensible covenants. Ph Noldy Offers over $385,000 Te Kūiti sections (sizes are approximate)

5 Robin Azariah Place, Te Kuiti, 906sqm, quiet neighbourhood. Phone Buzz. Offers over $199,000 54A Ailsa Street (Lot 1), Te Kuiti, 2159sqm, end of a cul de sac, STT. Phone Buzz By Negotiation 54A Ailsa Street (Lot 2), Te Kuiti, 1707sqm, end of a cul de sac, STT. Phone Buzz By Negotiation

10 Robin Azariah Place, Te Kuiti, 600sqm level section. Phone Buzz

Other sections (sizes are approximate)

71 Hone Street, Kawhia, 1012sqm, FREEHOLD, short drive to boat ramp. Phone Julie

171 Ngahape Road, Te Kawa, 5001sqm. Phone Cherie

0 Raglan Road, Kawhia, 2648sqm lifestyle section, no covenants, completely off grid. Ph Julie $340,000

147 Maukutea Drive, Kawhia, 600sqm, covenants apply, services

1961 SH31 Kawhia Road, Otorohanga, 16.95ha, bikes,

342 Mangawhero Road, Ōtorohanga

Saturday 14 December

Kawhia

2.30 – 3.00pm 241C Cowell Street $629,000 2 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22555 3.15 – 3.45pm 150B Lentfer Lane Offers

Sunday 15 December

Ōtorohanga

11.00 – 11.30am 60 Hinewai Street $500,000 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22567

1.00 - 1.30pm 537 Honikiwi Road $537,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22553 1.45 - 2.15pm 89 Main North Road $498,000 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22563 2.30 - 3.00pm 33 Mountain View Road $595,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22573 2.45 - 3.15pm 8 Sargent Place $745,000 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23729

3.15 - 3.45pm 10 Long View Crescent $779,000 5 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH22562

Te Kūiti

12.00 – 12.30pm 22A Edward Street $539,000 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/OH224558 1.00 – 1.30pm 14 John Street $435,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/KC6486 1.30 – 2.00pm 5 Massey Street $315,000 3 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/KC6568

Te Awamutu

11.30 - 12.00pm 22 Te Aranui Drive $998,000 4 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23682

12.15 - 12.45pm 590 Puahue Road By Neg 4 6 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23698

12.30– 1.00pm 383 Taylor Avenue $789,000 5 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23727

12.30– 1.00pm 360 Racecourse Rd By Neg 4 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23683

12.30– 1.00pm 1/1 Goodfellow Street $699,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23645

1.15 – 1.45pm 436 Fraser Street By Neg 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23724

1.15 – 1.45pm 161 Ohaupo Road $549,000 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23626

1.15 - 1.45pm 52 Tui Crescent $869,000 4 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23673

1.30 - 2.00pm 9B Ballance St, Kihikihi $750,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23678

2.00 - 2.30pm 19 Hiskens Place $595,000 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23549 2.00 - 2.30pm 229 Young Street $1,195,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23623 2.00 - 2.30pm 2A Whitmore St, Kihikihi $549,000 3 1 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23697

2.00 - 2.30pm 26 Rolleston St, Kihikihi $675,000 3 2 blueribbonharcourts.co.nz/TA23695 3.00 –

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

For sale on George Are you looking for a set of three 1 x bedroom units and longterm tenants? Look no further!

Features:

• Three single units

• All currently tenanted with long term tenancies

• Essentials to shower, cook and live simply

• Flat section and level property

Location:

• Close proximity to Te Kuiti town center, schools, and amenities

• Easy access to public transportation and major highways

Piopio 13 Pukeiti Road

Te Kuiti 1A George Street

GARDENING

Gifts for the gardener

the

Looking for the perfect gift for the gardener in your life? Here are my top recommendations, and I guarantee you can’t go wrong with any of them!

Niwashi traditional Japanese garden tool - This light-weight hoe features a super sharp blade for slicing through shallow weeds just below the soil’s surface and breakup up the crust of the soil. Ideal for delicate weeding in and around seedlings and for working in small spaces, it’s a brilliant cultivator for quick and light work in your garden beds.

Bird Feeder - A hanging bird feeder (pictured above) in your garden brings a variety of joys that can enhance the beauty and tranquillity of your outdoor space. First and foremost, it offers the pleasure of birdwatching. It also invites a sense of connection with nature, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Beyond this, a bird feeder helps attract diverse wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and creating

a thriving, vibrant garden. The cheerful chirps and fluttering wings of birds add a sense of liveliness, while the act of feeding them can feel rewarding, knowing you’re contributing to their wellbeing.

Solar Lights - Help them add some ambiance to their garden with solarpowered lights. These energy-efficient lights are easy to install and add a magical glow to any garden or outdoor space.

Battery pruner/small chainsawBattery-operated pruners are typically lighter than their gas-powered counterparts, making them easier to handle, especially for those who need to use them for extended periods. This makes pruning less physically taxing on the hands and arms, reducing strain and improving comfort.

Garden Trug - a versatile and practical tool that every gardener can appreciate. This shallow, open container is designed for collecting and carrying, harvests, or tools, making it an essential part of any gardening routine. And if you still are note sure a Mitre 10 voucher will do the trick!

and Waitomo districts for over 20 years

HANDYMAN

Property maintenance and construction Lawns, trees, stump grinding, sections, moss & mould treatments, Chemwash, waterblasting, gutter vac, water tank and trough cleaning fences, retaining, odd jobs and more. References available GST registered. Mike & Allana

Katrina Christison Tidy Gardens

EXPERTS

Heat Pump Specialists

•

•

•

ABANDONED LAND TENDER

Under conduct of the Registrar of the District Court at Hamilton at the request of the Waitomo District Council and in exercise of the power of sale contained in the provisions of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, the Waitomo District Council offers by public tender the properties listed below:

6 Rata Street, Aria

Valuation number: 0585127500

Section 3 Block VI Town of Aria and being all the land contained in Certificate of Title TN65/107 approximately 1012 square metres more or less. The property is situated at 6 Rata Street, Aria and is within the territory of the Waitomo District Council

10 Barclay Road, Aria

Valuation number: 0585126000

Section 6 Block III Town of Aria and being all the land contained in Certificate of Title TN59/22 approximately 1012 square metres more or less. The property is situated at 10 Barclay Road, Aria and is within the territory of the Waitomo District Council

2 Kuku Street, Piopio

Valuation number: 0588013000

Lot 13 Deposited Plan South Auckland 5558 and being all the land contained in Certificate of Title SA21A/108 approximately 1097 square metres more or less. The property is situated at 2 Kuku Street, Piopio and is within the territory of the Waitomo District Council.

Rangitoto Road, Te Kuiti

Valuation number: 0586229000

Section 20 Block II Pakaumanu Survey District and being all the land contained in Certificate of Title SA1C/1226 approximately 283 square metres more or less. The property is situated at Rangitoto Road, Te Kuiti and is within the territory of the Waitomo District Council.

8 School Road, Maniaiti / Benneydale

Valuation number: 0586517100

Section 66 Block X Mapara Survey District and being all the land contained in Certificate of Title TNJ1/193 approximately 736 square metres more or less. The property is situated at 8 School Road, Maniaiti / Benneydale and is within the territory of the Waitomo District Council.

TENDERS CLOSE 4pm, Wednesday 22 January 2025.

Tender documents are available by contacting Debt Management Central (DMC), on 0508 436 269; dmc@mw.org.nz, DMC, DX PA84005, Feilding or from http://www.debtmanagementcentral.org.nz

Tender documents and all enquiries are to be submitted to DMC the agent for the Local Authority.

Late tenders will not be accepted.

This notice is authorised by:

Ben Smit

Chief Executive

Waitomo District Council 25 November 2024

A Christmas Letter

Please remember Christmas

And all that it stands for

How a man from heaven above

Came to open the door

We walked the same old streets we walk

And heard the same old talk we talk

Yet he healed the sick, the blind, the lame

Fed the poor whenever they came

Raised the dead which he’ll do for you too

Won’t leave you in the grave, but lift you up new

This man the prophet, the Christ he was

Who bled on a cross, and this was because

He wanted us back in heaven above

His heart full of love on the wings of a dove

“I am the door just come to me

“My arms are open, I’ve paid your fee.”

So remember at Christmas, because its true,

The man from Galilee, is watching over you.

Adrienne Graham

Te Kūiti

Situations Vacant

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 THE HILLVIEW

Farms for Sale

FARM / Large Lifestyle block. 110 acres/43.7ha, med hill, 2 houses 3 bed + 5 bed, 3 sheds 5x8m2 large sheds 20x10m, natural spring, forestry, QV $1.29m, tokirima. Ph 07 8957 844 graaf.allan@xtra.co.nz

Livestock For Sale

TE KUITI LAMB & CATTLE SALE Friday 13th December 2024

(Please note start times) Lambs 11.30am Cattle 12.30pm (no later)

2200 Lambs comprising: 1250 x M/S Terminal Lambs

950 x M/S Romney Lambs

300 Cattle comprising:

30 x 2Yr Beef x Steers

25 x 2Yr Beef x Heifers

120 x 1Yr Hfd/Frs x, Ang/Frs x Steers

60 x 1Yr Hfd/Frs x, Ang x Heifers Plus 50 Assorted

AGENDA:

• Chairperson’s report

• General manager’s financial report

• Election of trustees

• Nominations are open for two trustee positions, due to retirement by rotation.

Apologies to - gm@hillviewtk.co.nz

Please contact Hillview via email for a nomination form: gm@hillviewtk.co.nz

Nominations close: 5pm December 20, 2024

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.

Situations Vacant

Quarry Excavator Operator

Rorisons RMD is a family owned and operated company with a 60+ year proud history supplying high quality Agricultural Lime, CalciMag and AgriBlend fertilisers across the central North Island.

We are looking for a skilled and experienced excavator operator to join the crew at our Lime Quarry in the Piopio area of the King Country.

The successful candidate will be responsible for operating our new 50T digger to extract limestone, load materials into dump trucks, and perform general site duties. This role is crucial to ensuring the efficient and safe operation of our quarry.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Safely and efficiently operate our new 50T excavator to extract and load limestone.

• Conduct routine inspections and maintenance of equipment.

• Follow all safety procedures and protocols.

• Collaborate with the team to ensure smooth and continuous operations.

• Assist in general quarry duties or operate other plant as required.

The right candidate will have:

• Proven experience as an Excavator Operator, preferably in a quarry environment.

• Strong knowledge of and commitment to, quarry safety regulations and practices.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Physical fitness and the ability to work in a demanding environment.

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• A strong work ethic, reliability and a willingness to get stuck in.

Benefits:

• Competitive rate, based on experience.

• Supportive work environment.

• Ongoing training and professional development available.

If this sounds like you and you have a great sense of humour, build strong relationships and are a reliable team player, join us at Rorisons and help shape the future of our quarry operations!

Rorisons is committed to a safe and drug free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical and drug/ alcohol

Deaths

St Andrew’s Housing Trust Board

Notice of AGM

To be held at Hillview meeting room

Sunday, December 22, 2024 1.30pm

AGENDA:

• Apologies

• Minutes from Meeting 17/12/2023

• Chairpersons Report

• Financial Report

• Appointment of Trustees

Apologies to Maree Tregoweth 021 056 8353

WEEKLY SCHEDULE ON

END-OF-YEAR PRESCRIPTIONS

The Ōtorohanga Medical Centre would like to remind our patients to order repeat prescriptions early. Repeat scripts may be ordered via the MyIndici patient portal (see our website for registration details) or by phoning 07 873 7079.

The medical centre will be closed 25th-29th December 2024 and 1-5th January 2025. The MyIndici patient portal will not be monitored during this period.

PEAKE, Claire: Much loved Claire; strong, determined, sincere, caring and fun-loving sister-in-law of Raewyn and the late George. Dear aunt of Carey and Deborah, Wayne and Leeann and their families and Brennan (deceased).

CORBETT Garry Bruce: Passed away after an illness on 3rd December 2024 at Bupa Rosendale. Son of the late Bruce Corbett and Bev Corbett of Otorohanga. Father to Lance, Eisha, Tiana, Shilara, Zadrianna and Zarria. Brother to Bernie, Tony, Allan (late), Warwick, Dean, Karen, Lorraine and Vernon. The family would like to acknowledge the care and support of the nursing team at Bupa. “May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back” A service for Garry will be held at Alexandra House Chapel, 570 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu on the Friday, 20th December at 11am. All communications to the Corbett family, P O Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840. Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ.

Meeting NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting for the beneficiaries of Te Kūiti Pā (Pukenui 2V1, 2V2 and Te Pukenui No. 3) will be held at Te Kūiti Pā, Awakino Road, Te Kūiti on Sunday, 15 December 2024 at 10:00am – 12:30pm. AGM Agenda Mihi whakatau/karakia timatanga

Lunch will be provided at the end of the AGM. Following lunch, the Ngāti Rōrā Trust hui

24th December 7-8pm

We would love you to join us as we celebrate the real Christmas message. Christmas carols, Christmas cake & coffee!

HALCROW, Helen Jeanette (formerly Perry): Peacefully at Reshaven on Burns, Cambridge on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Aged 88 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Don. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Kate and Perry; Diane and Ross. Loved grandma of Michael, Adele, Nicola, David, Megan and their families. In accordance with Helen’s wishes a private family service has been held. Thank you to Resthaven on Burns for the wonderful care of Helen. All communications to Halcrow Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

McNie, Onyx Amelia (Goddard): Peacefully at Hillview Home on Friday, December 6, 2024. In her 100th year. Much loved Mother and Motherin-law of Tony and Michelle, Craig and Tricia. Loved Grandmother of Tracy and Goran, Elizabeth and Daniel, Matthew and Amanda, Jamie and Mariana and Great-Grandmother to Seth, Tyler, Charlie and Archer. Thank you to everyone at Hillview Rest Home for their amazing care given to our lovely Onyx over the last 9 &1/2 years. A private cremation has been held.

Public Notice