The tense relationship between police, liquor licensing officials and Cambridge Raceway over the drunken behaviour of patrons two years ago was laid bare at a hearing this week.
At stake is the renewal of the trotting company’s on licence and its extension into a grassed area at its Taylor Street premises, something the police, Medical Officer of Health and Waipa licensing inspectors oppose.
Health officials were a no show at the twoday hearing, but senior sergeant David Hall used the Night of Champions event on April 14, 2023, to illustrate why police think the company was an unsuitable candidate.
Two patrons were removed and 10 arrests made for fighting, disorderly and threatening behaviour.
Chief executive Dave Branch argued changes made by the Raceway last year, including boosted security and bringing in an independent company to run the general admission areas, demonstrated responsibility and supported a finding of suitability.
The hearing was ongoing as The News went to press and a decision is not expected in time for a special licence hearing next week for the Night of Champions event on
April 4.
Counsel Murray Branch said the police did not oppose a special licence for last year’s event which suggested they accepted the six changes the Raceway made after 2023.
They included bringing in caterers Montana so the Raceway could concentrate on the grandstand bars, had no age concession tickets, implemented a liquor ban area, introduced an intoxication review, trespassed a known troublemaker and agreed all measures with agencies.
Murray Branch, a consultant for Harkness Henry and Dave Branch’s father, criticised
the police response to the 2023 event, arguing that penalising Cambridge Raceway by cancelling its license would put the business and community facility at risk.
He suggested Waipā District Council inspectors sent “misinformation” to agencies like the police and Ministry of Health.
“What seems to be ignored is that the people who caused the trouble chose to act in the way that they did,” he said of the 2023 event. “The police response to these actions is to not prosecute but rather seek to severely penalise Cambridge Raceway.”
Raceway Operations manager Michelle
Thomson provided evidence of the regular training on liquor responsibility and debrief sessions held after events. Much had changed since 2023; she told the hearing.
Dave Branch said trust between the Raceway and agencies had eroded. That was shown during a testy exchange with licensing inspector Glynn Jones at the end of day one when Jones asked whether Raceway staff were successful in preventing incidents in 2023.
“We knew there were changes which needed to be made and we’ve done that,” said Branch.
The licensing agency wants several conditions imposed if a new on license is granted. They include Raceway staff making daily swoops around the neighbourhood looking for rubbish, noise and alcohol management plans be added as conditions and the grandstand have a different designation depending on the type of activity. Cambridge Business Chamber chief executive Kelly Bouzaid provided a testimonial to the hearing saying the Raceway drove significant economic activity for local business from hospitality and accommodation providers to retail and service industries. • Go to cambridgenews.nz for further updates from the hearing.
Waipā opts for regional team
By Mary Anne Gill
A 34-page memo from Delivery Performance manager Sherryn Paterson in an open forum last week helped Waipā councillors decide a seven council regional organisation was the better option for the district.
After weeks of meetings
behind closed doors, Waipā opted to join a council controlled organisation (CCO) to deliver water and wastewater services with Matamata-Piako, Taupō, Waitomo, Ōtorohanga, South Waikato and Hauraki district councils. Thames Coromandel has not entered into a heads of agreement but is expected to join the other six soon.
Hamilton and Waikato, which had pitched a three-council partnership to Waipā the week before, will remain outside the regional model.
The Waipā decision must be formally approved at its meeting on February 26 but given the council released a media release within hours of its workshop last week,
there is little doubt it will be rubber stamped. Consultation will then take place with the community from March 21 and a water services delivery plan lodged with the government by September.
Smaller councils like Ōtorohanga and Waitomo will feel more comfortable with Waipā in the mix. Waipā will be the only high-
growth tier one council in the preferred choice.
Under the preferred model, Waipā would migrate its core water and wastewater businesses to the new CCO on day one – July 1, 2026. Financial modelling for the regional water option shows efficiencies of $10 million over eight years.
Cambridge Raceway operations manager Michelle Thomson, right, gives evidence to the Waipā District Licensing Committee with from left Senior Sergeant David Hall, Waipā licensing inspector Glynn Jones, administrator Nola Stannard and Compliance manager Karl Tutty, commissioners Michael Cameron, Tegan McIntyre, Marcus Gower, Raceway chief executive Dave Branch (partially obscured), solicitor Anna Suckling.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
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New manager at i-Site helm
By Jesse Wood
New Te Awamutu i-Site visitor information centre general manager Harriet Dixon brings many points of difference to her role.
Having been a tourist herself, after living in the Waipā for seven years, she’s ready to help the community and pass on her knowledge.
Harriet moved from England 14 years ago and has lived in Auckland, Nelson, Christchurch, Cambridge and now Kihikihi.
“I came from a town called Leamington Spa, which is a bit strange because I ended up working in Leamington on the other side of the world,” she said.
“I was in Cambridge for three years and I’ve been here in Kihikihi for four years.
I really like the area. It’s so accessible to anywhere that you’d want to travel to.
“I’ve experienced all the different attractions locally and it’s an amazing country. In this area, we’ve got a lot to offer people visiting.
“I miss my family. I miss my friends, but I don’t really miss the lifestyle. Here in New Zealand, and especially bringing up children,
On the beat with
Students are again regularly riding at speed on pavements in the main shopping areas of town on their daily commute. This poses a risk to other pavement users - especially after school - when many customers are entering and exiting retail shops.
Last Thursday afternoon, Constable Anderson and I conducted a foot patrol focused on addressing this issue.
it’s an amazing lifestyle in comparison.”
Harriet took on the Te Awamutu i-Site job just before Christmas and is enjoying her involvement.
“I’m keen to work in my community. It was something that I was looking for in my next step.”
Thieves broke into the building and stole souvenirs and a Bee card (bus card) reader, resulting in a two-day closure.
“There was a little bit of a setback with the break. It’s disappointing as a not-for-profit to experience something like that.
“At the end of the day, it’s the money that we’re using to open the place and serve our community that we’ve lost. That has an effect on everybody.”
The I-Site crew help people with anything from ferry bookings to maps, ticket purchases, souvenirs, Bee cards top-ups and bookings for the Burchell Pavilion space.
“Volunteers are so valuable to the organisation. We couldn’t keep the doors open without them,” Dixon said.
“Some people give a couple of hours just sitting here and talking to people when they
Pedestrians at risk CONTACTS
member of the public after he was witnessed doing burnouts at a local reserve.
The youth was identified and spoken to. A subsequent search of his address located an air pistol and drugs.
He is going through the Youth Aid process accordingly.
Harriet Dixon loves the New Zealand lifestyle. come through the door, while others learn skills to go on to paid work.”
She has a passion for health, well-being and supporting communities.
“I managed Cambridge Community House for three years and that gave me a good insight into social services and communities.
“This job popped up and it was great timing for me. It’s about supporting the community but also bringing people to the area which is really important.”
She said the Te Awamutu Rose Gardens are a great draw card.
“As a town there’s things that we could promote more. That’s going to be one of my priorities.”
She encourages the community to support the people who support them.
“If you come along and support us, we’ll be able to keep our doors open. We have information about places to visit, places to see, things to do in the community,” she said.
“It’s important for the businesses, and for everybody, that we have visitors coming to Te Awamutu.”
Roy
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Owner/Publisher
editor@goodlocal.nz
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We stopped and spoke to several youth, redirecting them to the available cycle paths with the alternative of dismounting and walk their bikes through town. We also reminded them to wear their cycle helmets when riding.
They all appeared to take our message on board and complied. Parents, please reinforce this by encouraging your children to use the designated cycleways when cycling to and from school.
Last weekend I worked at ‘Meatstock” along with several prevention team colleagues.
The bbq and music event was held over two days at Mystery Creek events centre. It was great to see that everyone had a good time whilst being responsible, with only two people, out of a crowd of around 10,000, removed for disruptive behaviour.
Highlighting a good catch, a young person was reported in Cambridge as having presented what looked like a firearm at a
And finally, yet another scam has caught out a couple of locals this week.
Victims reported receiving a whatsapp message from a person they didn’t recognise, purporting to be their family member who had damaged their phone and now had a new number.
The person continued on to say their internet banking was blocked and they needed to pay bills urgently. They requested the victim transfer a sum of money to a bank account provided. They said they would pay the money back when banking access was regained.
Believing the story, the victim transferred the money which resulted in further money being requested. At this stage, the victim realised something was wrong.
Please be aware of this scam and verify fully any new whatsapp or other messaging contact is who they say they are. Suggestions may be calling them or asking specific family details.
Senior Constable DEB HANN
Lake feedback
Discussion has opened on how to improve the health of Waipā’s Lake Ngā Roto. Water quality of the lake is a focal point of the plan.
Scholar named
Katie Hollands from Cambridge is one of five people selected for the Meat Industry Association scholarship programme for 2025. Every year, the association provides scholarships of $5000 a year for undergraduates and $10,000 for post-graduate tertiary students studying a subject relevant to the red meat processing industry.
Opening kept quiet
A good news health story was kept under wraps by Health NZ at the weekend.
The opening of a regional renal centre by the Māori Queen Nga Wai Hono i te po was revealed in a statement to Good Local Media after the event. No media were invited to the opening.
Reports dropped
Waipā District Council says information-only reports to councillors which provided many stories for readers of The News have been canned.
“Most of the informationonly reports are no longer being produced, as our review showed the bulk of the information was retrospective, operational and/or had already been made public via media releases and social media,” the council told the News this week.
Piarere Roundabout
The final permanent approach road towards Hamilton is expected to open at the Piarere roundabout, the intersection of highways 1 and 29 next Tuesday.
New Waipā names
Waipā has seven new road names including one named after Alex Boyd, a name synonymous with the asparagus industry, off Hautapu Rd in Cambridge. Other names approved by the district council are: Pukemako Lane (Te Miro), Whakatupu, Whakora and Raakaunui streets (Cambridge), Tumai and Walnut lanes (Kihikihi).
Help, but no school on horizon
By Steph Bell-Jenkins
Help is on the horizon for local teachers desperate for more resources to support students with special learning needs.
Education minister Erica Stanford, who visited Cambridge Middle School and Goodwood School on Friday, says teachers can “look forward to some positive news” on that front.
“We always knew that the first budget was going to be about teacher supply, property, curriculum and resourcing – this year’s budget will be about learning support,” she said.
However, there was no good news about Cambridge’s planned new primary school, which was put on hold last year when the Ministry of Education reprioritised its property investment spend.
Work on the 300-pupil school, designed to address local population growth and cater for children with special needs, had already started at Bridleways Estate in Cambridge west.
The ministry had pumped $8 million of taxpayer money into the project, and Waipā District Council had completed bus and turning bays, footpaths, crossings and landscaping at ratepayers’ cost.
The minister said the school would go ahead eventually but she could not say when.
“I don’t have at this time any advice from the ministry about timelines for this particular school; they’re still working through where the immediate need is,” she said.
Funding for the planning and design of the new school was allocated in the 2021 Budget, after a ministry proposal document noted Cambridge’s population was set to double by 2050, requiring provision for an additional 400-600 primary and 500-1000 secondary students.
The News asked the minister if parents could be assured their children would not end up shoehorned into libraries and corridors, should school infrastructure fail to keep pace with the town’s burgeoning population.
“Frankly there are children all around the country in libraries and corridors – that’s the situation that we inherited and we’re trying to work through that,” she said.
“Of course, an ideal situation is not to have that and that’s what
we’re working towards, which is why we put that enormous budget injection in last year. We will attempt, all things going well, to do that again this year, but that is exactly my priority, to make sure that, even though we may not be building the new school right now, we will make sure that schools in the area are catered for with modular classrooms to cater for the demand.”
Stanford was in Waipā on Friday visiting Cambridge Middle School and Goodwood School.
Cambridge Middle School students Rachel Rutter, Evie Ball and Madison Keenan took her on a tour of their new technology block and visited two classrooms, where the minister discussed the new mathematics and structured literacy curriculum with teachers Danielle Fuller and Harmony Cairns.
Cairns said she thought the new structured literacy curriculum was great.
“It makes it a lot easier for
Celebrating Life - Your Way
beginner teachers,” she said. “I’m lucky because I enjoy literacy, but for beginner teachers who don’t, having that structure is allowing us to plan more collaboratively.”
The minister also talked to teachers about a new mathematics pilot programme due to begin at Cambridge Middle School this week.
“We have got 3000 children across the country that are behind in their mathematics who are getting up to four times a week extra tuition in small groups to get them back to where they need to be,” she said.
Principal Daryl Gibbs said the new curriculum had allowed teachers to “focus back on the importance of good quality teaching”.
“I think there was probably a little period of time when we had national standards and that was very assessment driven and levels of where kids should be at at a given point in time, he said.
“I think over the following few years the pendulum swung a little
bit too much the other way, where it was a little bit too vague in terms of how do we know what’s good teaching, how do we know where children are at? And I think there’s a bit more of a balance now.”
Later, at Goodwood School, the minister spent time chatting with teachers, board members, Liz Kane Literacy representatives and Waikato MP Tim van de Molen.
She also spent time observing reading and spelling lessons in action with year two students April Brewer, Ella Forsman, Riley Bunting and Koda Jacklin-Cox and their teacher Shelley Hack.
“The minister was particularly interested to hear how the school was progressing in terms of implementation of the refreshed curriculum,” principal David Graham said.
“We are seeing exciting progress across our school and are excited by the opportunities the refreshed curriculum has presented.”
Education minister Erica Stanford checks out learning resources while taking a guided tour of Cambridge Middle School’s new technology block with year 8 students Rachel Rutter (left) and Madison Keenan.
Photo: Steph Bell-Jenkins
A new pair of loving arms
By Jesse Wood
Longtime volunteer Zelda Nortje has taken over the reins of Lovings Arms, which has supported thousands of parents and caregivers across the Waikato.
Since 2014, the Te Awamutu-based charity helped more than 6000 babies and their families with clothing, bedding, nappies, toiletries and items such as cots, car seats and prams.
The organisation covers
a circumference of an hour away from Te Awamutu but has also serviced other areas including Taumarunui when volunteers are passing through.
Loving Arms has provided close to $6 million worth of clothing and equipment.
Last year alone they helped 1437 families.
After 10 years at the helm, founder Sharni Budd stepped away last June due to health reasons.
“It actually started a few years earlier than 2014. It
was just my wife saying, ‘I can help you’. There was a 17-year-old mum about to have a baby and had nothing,” co-founder and board member Jamie Budd said.
“Sharni put out her feelers on social media for some items and having a large family, we also provided some. More items kept arriving and then another mum popped up.
“There were quite a few families that we helped before Sharni birthed Loving Arms officially. Then we started capturing information as we became a charity.”
Zelda was by Sharni’s side for nearly seven years and was the right fit for the operations manager role.
“I met Sharni on the side of a soccer field in Te Awamutu. I saw one of the first newspaper articles,” Zelda said.
“I had a blanket to gift her. I always feel that I want to do whatever God puts in front of me. Loving Arms was run out of a container at Zion Church at that stage.
“I started with volunteering, some washing at home and sorting clothing. It progressed and we became good friends.
“It was really nice seeing Sharni’s journey through it. All the decisions she made, all the new things that have come along. She’s taken one thing after the other in her stride. I’ve been there for the journey but not necessarily carrying the load.”
Zelda said it’s heartbreaking because there’s so much need in the community, but it’s amazing they’re able to help.
“There has been a lot of work from all the volunteers, lots of behind-the-scenes prayer and plenty of support from the community.
“It means a lot that we get to do that.”
Jamie said it’s been huge to have Zelda step up with the same heart as Sharni.
“Loving Arms is Sharni’s baby. She birthed it, loved it, and put everything of herself into it. To know that Zelda has been here for eight years, and Sharni could step away and the heart of it can be carried on is tremendous,” he said.
“Having a community like that who picks up the ball and carries it is amazing. It’s not one person; it’s a community that are doing this together.”
There have been countless volunteers since the project
started.
They enjoy the experience because it’s not a one size fits all, they are encouraged to use their strengths.
At present, there are about 26 volunteers involved including a delivery driver, sorters, washers, sewers and packers.
“You couldn’t do this without the community and our lovely volunteers. We feel like a family, everyone does as much as they can to help wherever it’s needed on that day,” Zelda said.
“I feel very support by our Loving Arms board members and the Budd family.”
Zelda said if families need help, ask for help and Loving Arms can help, they will.
“It’s the starfish story. For this family that we’re packing a box for now, that’s going to make a difference.
“It’d trying not to look at the ones that we might miss because we can’t get there fast enough.
“But for every family that gets something, every story we hear back and every box that goes out, it’s awesome to know they are being helped and there’s a bit of a burden taken off of them.”
Loving Arms operations manager Zelda Nortje (left) with team manager Jackie Wilkins.
Photo: Jesse Wood
Sharni Budd, pictured with Jamie, received a Rotary Community Service award last year.
Good Union - better together
Good things happen when talented people unite, as new owners of Good Union, Ash and Tamati Edwards, are proving. The popular bar and restaurant is the proud home of Good George Brewing in Cambridge, pouring fresh Good George brews. While the couple purchased the business from Good George in October, Ash is familiar to regulars having worked for the wider hospitality group for 20 years before sinking her teeth into ownership. As for Tamati, he’s an accomplished chef with approximately 15 years’ experience under his apron.
“The most popular dishes still feature on our new menu. I’ve kept some old favourites but put my own stamp on it too,” he says. “From burgers to pizzas, platters to pasta, we have tasty dishes to suit people of all ages.
The pork belly is my signature dish, it’s crispy, pan fried with a delicious ginger caramel sauce. Pop down, try the specials and share your feedback.”
In harmony with the menu, Good Union’s brews flow from its taps with a large range of award-winning beer, cider, gin, vodka and cocktails, Ash confirms.
“We’re excited to work with Good George, providing fresh, local brews when dining in and also for you to enjoy o site – they are available to take home. We have new additions to the pack beer range and we’re launching a new wine and cocktail list.”
Serving meals fit for a king, Good Union’s building was constructed during the reign of a queen.
“Originally, it was a church. Although thoroughly renovated about eight years ago, it retains its Victorian charm. There’s something magical here, a perfect blend of the old and new.”
At Good Union, the food and beer are good (as its name suggests) and the historic pink church on Victoria
Street features various areas in which its congregation may pull up a pew.
“My favourite is the mezzanine level. Overlooking the dining hall, guests can be part of the fun while being slightly removed,” Ash says. “When the sun streams through the stained glass windows, it’s a gorgeous sight. With a private bar, it’s ideal for hosting your next private function.”
Meeting friends at the garden bar or enjoying an intimate meal for two in the alcove (a cosy nook at the front of the dining hall), Good Union has spaces for get-togethers of any scale or nature. A hub for the community, it caters for functions with quiz nights, kids movie nights, live music and more.
“We moved to Cambridge recently with our three daughters who started school this term. We love what Cambridge has to o er. We want to get stuck into the action whenever we can and be part of this great community.”
Proving good things are even better when people work together, Good Union combines the tried and true seamlessly with the innovative and new. However, there’s another essential ingredient.
“Our team and customers,” Ash adds. “We’re lucky to work alongside such a dedicated team every day. They share our vision for great customer service and excellent quality food every time. We are working hard to provide hands-on training for our team to ensure a great customer experience one hundred percent of the time.”
“Good Union had loyal regulars but we’ve grown our clientele substantially, hosting even more locals. We’re open Monday to Sunday, 11am until late, for lunch, dinner or a brew. Come by and you’ll understand why ‘good’ is just a starter to us.”
Visit www.goodunion.co.nz for more information, including menus, or simply pop in to see Ash and Tamati.
Playtime draws hundreds
By Mary Anne Gill
They call them destination playgrounds for a reason, people want to go there.
These premium places cater for the wider community not just children in the immediate neighbourhood offering more than just physical activity and play.
They are meeting places for
all generations with special environmental significance.
The new $3.7 million Papatakohe Park Destination Playground in the Bridleways Estate, west of Cambridge, fits the bill perfectly.
Hundreds of families and children who attended the opening on Saturday can attest to its appeal.
The playground, on
a section about 9000 square metres in size, was built using money from developers 3Ms and $2.7 million of developer contributions made to Waipā District Council.
Equipment includes a climbing tower which dominates the skyline over an in-ground trampoline, a flying fox, an accessible carousel, swings, sandpits, a basketball court, workout equipment and water play.
The playground – created by Lynley and Kent Fife of Cambridge landscape architects Line and Design –and built by Fluhler Contracting of Hamilton, has three distinct areas for preschoolers, young and older children.
Enjoying the littler area was Myles Paduch, 15 months, with mother Dominique (nee Cornille) who are recent new arrivals in Cambridge from Mount Maunganui.
Dominique - originally from Te Awamutu and an old girl of St Patrick’s Catholic there and Sacred Heart Girls’ College in Hamilton - and husband Simon recently acquired the G.J. Gardner franchise and were keen to check out the destination playground for Myles and
their two older school-aged children.
Lines formed for the free sausage sizzle provided by Camex Civil while children keenly participated in a scavenger hunt.
Fluhler Contracting, McCaffrey and Cable Consultants and C & R Developments all contributed to the opening ceremony’s cost.
A second destination playground in Leamington featuring water, sand and nature-theme areas is expected to be completed by May.
Council collaborated with mana whenua to incorporate cultural values and stories into the design, focusing on the area’s horticultural history and connections to the river.
The steam roller will stay in the park but be moved to a different spot.
Waipā Community Services manager Brad Ward said many of the district’s playgrounds had undergone upgrades in recent years.
Neighbourhood playgrounds were just as important as destination ones, he told The News.
The council recently ran its third annual playground data project collecting information
at eight playground sites – four in Cambridge, three in Te Awamutu and one in Kihikihi – to decide how to upgrade and develop play spaces.
The survey asked users what they thought of
upgraded playgrounds and assessed what equipment was popular or not. Older playgrounds nearing upgrades were also assessed by capturing numbers at them and ages of children using them.
Myles Paduch, 15 months, tries out the new equipment at Papatakohe Park Destination Playground. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Kairi Smith, 3, has plans to be a doctor one day but was trying out the police uniforms first, with Youth Aid officer Constable Dani Hibdige. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Learn more at www.waipikolanding.co.nz
Show Home Grand Opening
952 Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu
Explore our amazing show home, perfectly positioned in a prime location, close to everything you need.
Chat with our team and get inspired for your future build. Enjoy complimentary nibbles and refreshments while you explore. See you there!
Explore our amazing show home, perfectly positioned in a prime location, close to everything you need.
Chat with our team and get inspired for your future build. Enjoy complimentary nibbles and refreshments while you explore. See you there! Sunday 23rd February 12.00pm - 4.00pm
952 Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu Sunday 23rd Feb 12pm - 4pm
Fluoride bill welcomed
By Roy Pilott
Antifluoride campaigner and local body politician
Kane Titchener is celebrating New Zealand First’s call for a referendum to review the move to put decisions over fluoride into the Ministry of Health’s court.
Winston Peters accepted Fluoride Free NZ’s petition - that the House of Representatives stop water fluoridation – last week and on the same day New Zealand First introduced a member’s bill that would repeal the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2021 and mandate councils to hold binding referenda.
The Act is the legislation which authorised the Director General of Health to mandate the fluoridation of local water supplies –and saw outgoing director general Ashley Bloomfield make orders to a host of councils, including Waipā, which was told to add fluoride to the Cambridge supply.
The district council is abiding by the demand, but Titchener, deputy chair of the Te AwamutuKihikihi Community Board has consistently called for councillors to resist.
Titchener hosted a meeting in Cambridge last week where US lawyer Michael Connett, who scored a significant Federal Court case win for anti-fluoride campaigners, spoke to a full Cambridge Town Hall.
In the US a judge, Edward Chen, ruled plaintiffs had proven fluoridation of water at 0.7 mg a litre - the level prescribed in the US and used in New Zealand –“poses an unreasonable risk of reduced IQ in children”.
“Everyone who attended that presentation is now up to date with the latest science,” Titchener said. “It just can’t be denied any longer that fluoride is a neurotoxin and should not be added to the water supply. We are calling for a moratorium and a public inquiry.”
Winston Peters said of the party’s bill the only people who would oppose it are “those that oppose democracy” – but there is no indication National MPs would support it.
National made the first move a decade ago to remove fluoridation decisions from local government to district health boards with then associate Health minister Peter Dunne saying water fluoridation was a healthrelated issue. It was shifted
instead to the DirectorGeneral of Health in 2021.
Titchener said invites to last week’s meeting went to all district councillors. He said one, Philip Coles attended, as did Cambridge Community Board members Jo DaviesColley and Andrew Myers. Coles left early.
The US judge ruled that “fluoridation of water at 0.7 mg per litre poses an unreasonable risk of reduced IQ in children.” Connett received standing ovations
at each of the packed eight public events throughout his New Zealand tour. He spoke to councillors from Whangārei, Kaipara, Far North, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, and Palmerston North. Rotorua District Council have also called for a public inquiry after listening to Michael Connett’s workshop presentation. Whangarei District Council are taking legal action in order to not start fluoridation due to
the health concerns from neurotoxicity.
Meanwhile, Winston Peters stepped in to support Whangārei district councillors who are resisting the fluoride mandate this week. “It is chilling that we have got to a point in New Zealand where elected politicians are being threatened with imprisonment just for doing their jobs, standing up for democracy and asking for a vote,” Peters said.
Houston, Gamble lined up
By Mary Anne Gill
Concert pianist Michael Houstoun and blues singersongwriter Hammond Gamble have been confirmed for next month’s Cambridge Autumn Festival.
The pair will perform on consecutive nights at The Woolshed in Te Awamutu Lifecare Village. This will be their debut at the festival, which started 15 years ago.
The festival has a reputation for fostering young talent. This year’s group to watch is La Voce o Rotorua, a recently formed male trio likened to Sol3 Mio, singing opera, musical theatre and waiata.
The biggest public involvement is on March 29 with the Main Street Carnival and Art Market in Victoria Street and on the Square while the Repair Revolution has arrived at the festival with workshops and demonstrations on how to mend school uniforms and broken ceramics.
For those thinking of running away to join the circus, there is even a workshop on learning circus skills.
The festival starts and finishes in the Town Hall - on March 28 with the Art Exhibition and Sale and April 6 with Youth Orchestra Waikato taking inspiration from classical works that have become integral to popular culture, film and television.
Kane Titchener
Michael Houstoun will make his first appearance at the festival.
Photo: Pete Monk Photography
Constrained by circumstances?
By Murray Smith, Bridges Church
I’ve been watching some tenacious tomatoes growing in our vegetable patch. Among a crop of normal tomatoes spreading up against trellis on a wooden paling fence, a few have grown very weird. They must have flowered in the gaps between the fence’s wooden palings and from there, they’d begun growing unnoticed in that confining space.
What I’m describing is a really difficult place to ever mature if you’re a spherical tomato - I mean it’s a gap of about 2.5 centimetres (or one inch).
When I first discovered these oddly shaped tomatoes, they were firmly wedged in the gaps, still remaining determined to grow. Unable to grow in girth, they’ve resorted to growing in length. Now I have these unusually elongated tomato ‘extrusions’ exercising the only option they have - that is, to continue to grow longer. In doing so, they’re jamming themselves further into their wooden surrounding.
I don’t know what their future looks like. Will they ripen into fully fledged tomatoes? And I’m uncertain how you would harvest them since they are immovably imbedded, having grown the way they have.
Since this isn’t a gardening column, I’ll get to making my real point. Looking at these poor tomatoes, I felt a strange sadness - they reminded me of a state that many people arrive at. Trying to manage the hand they’ve been dealt, they’ve become stuck. Growth of any type doesn’t flourish optimally where constrictions and constraining factors are at work. Yet over a lifetime of journeying, things are likely to occur that could restrain our personal growth - if allowed to. When setbacks are not handled well, it easily
‘shapes’ us negatively, distorting our outlook on life.
Recently I watched a story of an incredible young African American, Darrius Simmons. He was born with one finger on his left hand and three fingers on his right hand. As a toddler he had both legs amputated and later had prosthetics fitted. Darrius was blessed with a grandfather and a mother who steadfastly encouraged him to never accept limitations.
A natural musical gift was nurtured through involvement growing up in a church environment. At 14, as a self-taught pianist, Darrius was recorded playing. That video was posted on-line and went from hundreds, to tens of thousands of views, ultimately going viral. That acclaim resulted in Darrius being invited to play at the prestigious Carnegie Concert Hall.
Adversity has not defeated this gifted writer composer. Using prosthetics to use piano pedals and his four fingers to play, Darrius is a champion for refusing to let difficult circumstances constrain his development and progress in life. Where some people take on board despair and hopelessness when experiencing setbacks, others refuse to argue for their limitations. I have noticed how often those with a strong faith in God seem especially enabled to find hope and perspective in spite of really difficult challenges. The good news is that there’s someone who has been where you’ve been, cares and knows exactly how you feel. Nothing betters experiencing the comfort and help from knowing Jesus.
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ON SHAKY GROUND
Volcanoes and fake views
By Janine Krippner
There seems to be a race to be the first to post about an eruption these days. The desperation to go viral might have something to do with it.
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Misinformation is not new. Sometimes confusion reigns and wrong information is innocently shared. Sometimes tabloids make clickbait headlines that are wildly misleading, so you visit their website, and they make money. Now we also have people on social media posting misinformation for likes in stressful and even dangerous situations. This situation is so urgent that I wrote about the topic online last week.
I am following the situation around Santorini, where there is real danger to people experiencing frequent earthquakes. This is a situation that is truly impacting communities and there is a risk that something worse may happen, like a larger, more damaging earthquake. Now that we have AI and much more convincing fake videos to contend with, we must be even more cautious and sceptical, especially if we are viewing something on social media. So how can we tell?
Firstly, who is the source? Is it a trustworthy agency who checks facts? Is it an expert or trusted local - or someone who tends to post a lot of dramatic videos for likes with captions containing all caps and hyped-up language?
Does something seem off about the video? Is the colouring wrong? Does something about the physics, like water behaviour, seem a bit weird? Is the colouring saturated or a bit unrealistic? If there are people, is their behaviour odd? Are features blurred? AI generated images can get things wrong, like adding the wrong number of fingers. Are people responding as you would expect them to during an eruption?
There is a term ‘uncanny valley’ that refers to feeling ‘off’ when looking at something that isn’t quite real. Go with your gut and check again.
Looking at the landscape is important. Santorini is a very recognisable island with steep slopes and the classic white buildings. Some people have shared a video of Whakāri with a gas plume. EuroNews used reverse image search to identify our backyard volcano was standing in as a fake.
I’ve even seen an old computergenerated simulation of an Auckland volcanic field eruption shared with
AGE OF REASON
claims of It depicting past eruptions at other volcanoes in very different landscapes. That was made back when it was obviously not real… if you take the time to look. What else is in the image or video? Is everything to scale? Make sure there isn’t any strange blurring between objects, or any areas that look too smooth or air brushed.
Is there any text? There might be repetition of words or bad spelling if there is.
Sometimes it just takes slowing down and taking a few seconds before sharing something online, but it is getting trickier. We can point out when something isn’t right in the comments so that others can see it too.
In hazardous situations we all have a role to play in making sure we are sharing good information. We might be all the way over here in Aotearoa, but people being impacted by these events can see what’s posted online and this can cause very real distress.
Three decades, no improvement
By Peter Carr
Thirty two years ago our household was divided over the matter of the referendum that canvassed opinion as to MMP – or not. I was strongly against it as I felt that a 61 seat (or so) parliament was sufficient for the current circumstances and was concerned that the standards of representation would drop.
I sincerely feel that I was right as witnessed by antics in the House over recent weeks.
Have we been well served since?
members (or senators) midterm. And Germany has a strange mix due to regional balances.
Two key matters arise here. Question –do we want what we currently have plus one third longer? And, more importantly, do we suffer a tit-for-tat shambles when there is a change at the end of a triennium?
by both major parties while building costs and materials rise sharply in price frustrating the erection of a total - and not partial - hospital. And the educational performance levels of a large group of our young people are descending to third world status.
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Are we a better nation as a result of MMP? Are we being served by totally professional and well-reasoned representatives? Do we have faith in what is our current lot? So, for the moment let me state, on a personal basis, a firm no to all of those questions.
But the whole mess is overlaid by the relative short terms of our parliaments.
A quick canter through Google reveals that, across the world, only 2.5 per cent of nations stick with three years, 31 per cent with four, 49 per cent with five and then a drop back to 7.5 per cent for a six year term. Most systems elect members for the whole term although the US and Argentina roll partial elections for
Clearly there is an option for (at least) the two major parties to take the common shared options for longevity and continuity in health, infrastructure and education. It was pleasing this weekend to read that National and Labour are moving, sensibly, towards common ground to ensure that major structures (for example, Dunedin Hospital, improved roads and bridges) are continued regardless of who holds the Treasury benches.
The shambolic nature of our health system with three top managers jumping ship tells its own story. The 2017 Labour government kowtowed to the minority Greens to stop the Cambridge to Piarere extension to the Waikato Expressway.
The poor people of Otago and Southland have been treated shamefully
And beware of the panacea to all major decisions – referendum. The shambles in Australia over the supply of a wellplaced Aboriginal political voice was drowned by left-wing academics and those who clearly did not understand what was in mind. John Key’s new flag, likewise, became subject to the whims of minor vociferous factions who most certainly did not have the wit to perceive the meaning of nationhood. And perhaps Key, in his heart, already knew that a referendum was a guaranteed avenue to kill the subject - unlike Mr Albanese across the ditch.
Beware those standing for public office. Many of them do not know what they are capable of doing - or undoing. Which brings me to Waipā District Council… sigh.
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Remembering the music with Dee
By Viv Posselt
Doris Vosper, known to many as ‘Dee’, was a transformative piano teacher in her day, a woman whose passion for music touched many people in and around Cambridge.
Her death last month at 95 inspired a wave of memories from those whose lives she impacted. They remembered her zest for life and music, her much-loved Cavalier King Charles spaniels, her positivity and cooking abilities.
Dee’s musical journey started with piano lessons at age seven. She nurtured that early interest through music and singing at St Cuthberts in Auckland, later taking instruction with Sister Mary Leo Niccol, a New Zealand religious sister known for training some of the world’s finest sopranos, including Dames Kiri Te Kanawa and Malvina Major.
Dee was described as “a young girl with perfect pitch”. Her abilities won her a place at the prestigious Royal College of Music in post-wartime London. She emerged four years later with a Bachelor of Music degree with distinction, having sung on numerous occasions with the college choir at the Royal Albert Hall.
New Zealand was always home, however, and she returned from the UK in 1950.
Dee was born in Helensville. Her father was a baker, her mother had previously worked as a jeweller in London –both continued working in those fields when they came to
Zealand and settled in
The family moved to Cambridge in 1940, so it was to Cambridge that Dee came back to after London, and here that she started her life as a piano teacher.
In November 1952, she married Jack Vosper, a young man
she met at a dance in the Cambridge Town Hall. They raised their children – Philip, Amanda and Sara –on a farm in the Piarere valley from where Dee continued teaching the piano. She also played for school and other productions and co-wrote the music and lyrics for operettas. Her ability to play by ear was legendary, and family speaking at her farewell service remembered sing-alongs around the piano, often well into the wee small hours.
Dee was known for much more besides her music. She found success in breeding Cavalier King Charles spaniels, was known for her fine baking and cooking, and a love of gardening. Her dignified demeanour and kind, forgiving nature endeared her to many and the friendships she forged were lifelong.
An entirely uncharacteristic talent emerged. It turns out Dee was a bit of a petrolhead, and even at age 75 was remembered for doing a spot of ‘hard-out paddock racing’.
She also made garments for tiny, premature babies, and will be remembered for her longtime involvement with the Cambridge Christmas Festival Society.
Dee spent many years working alongside the festival ladies, crafting Christmas items that were displayed or sold at the annual festival in the town hall. She had a particular fondness for the fact that the festival takings were donated to community groups in need.
Dee is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
WEDNESDAY
SUNDAY
9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street
1:09pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Ruakura Road
2.18am, Sleepout on fire, Bracken Street 1.32pm, Car rolled, 126 Maungakawa Road
11:56pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Hautapu Road
FRIDAY
FRIDAY
7.17am, Car off road, Cambridge Road 2.47pm, Single car MVA, Tirau Road
8:42am, Building Alarm and evacuation. Maungatautari Road
WEDNESDAY
SUNDAY
3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road
5.36pm, Car fire in paddock, Karapiro 9.53pm, Fire in backyard, Madison Street
New
Waimauku.
Doris ‘Dee’ Vosper, who died last month.
Photo: supplied
Dear diary, looks like the lawn mowed itself again today
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Andrews sets new world mark
Olympic Games double gold medallist, Ellesse Andrews set a world record, while the kiwi endurance riders dominated on the final day of the UCI Oceania Track Cycling Championships in Brisbane.
The Cambridge-based sprint cyclist set a world record in the time trial, increased this year to 1000 metres to make it the same for both male and female riders.
Andrews, who has an endurance background, clocked 1m 4.697s in qualifying at an average speed of 56kph. That broke the first world record over the new distance for women of 1m 7.287s set by Belgium rider Marith Vanhove recently at the Zolder Velodrome.
Andrews went 0.3s slower in winning the
final from teammate Shaane Fulton.
Bryony Botha earlier set two world records in the women’s individual pursuit,which has been increased to 4000m.
The times set a benchmark for riders in the upcoming European Championships at Zolder.
The powerful showing by the kiwi contingent was emphasised with wins for the pairings of Botha and Samantha Donnelly and Campbell Stewart and Tom Sexton in the exhausting two-rider Madison, where one rider is always in play, swapping with a onehanded sling.
Stewart and Sexton had a ding-dong battle with leading Australians Oliver Bleddyn and Blake Agnoletto, winning the 200-lap, 50km
race by just four points. The kiwi pair won eight sprints, but were relegated from one sprint before finishing third in the final doublepoint sprint to secure the title.
It was an all-kiwi battle in the women’s Madison over 120 laps with Botha and
Donnelly edging out teammates Rylee McMullen and Emily Shearman by six points. Elite riders are preparing for next month’s UCI Nations Cup competition in Turkey and the national championships in Invercargill in two weeks.
Visitors win polo test
By Jesse Wood
Ngāhinapōuri’s Dean
‘Weka’ Fullerton was part of the New Zealand polo team beaten 11-9 by England at Mystery Creek Polo Club recently.
The 14-goal North Island international test match drew spectators from near and far, and the Melbourne Cup even made an appearance.
The curtain raiser saw match John Paul Clarkin Bayleys team beat Kit Brooks’ Vosper Law line up 5.5-4.
Cambridge’s Missy Browne was a standout for Vosper Law, while a fierce competitor for the winning team was Georgina Duncan from Hunterville.
Cambridge High School Ava Bell, 13, performed the New Zealand national anthem before the six-chukka main event began.
Fullerton stood out for his side with much excitement coming from the crowd each
time he neared the ball.
Coached by Clarkin, the home team also contained Edward Elworthy-Jones, Ethan Wade (Auckland) and experienced captain Glenn Sherriff (Gisborne).
It was Fullerton’s second appearance for the senior New Zealand team and first at home.
Several generations of his family were there in support.
The English team of Jimbo Fewster, Ben Malasoma, Ollie Jones and Charlotte Pykett were grateful for the horses
New Zealanders had let them borrow.
“New Zealand is a wonderful country. There’s a lot of good people,” Fewster said.
Mystery Creek Polo Club president David Fullerton said they were thrilled to host the event.
“Hosting the English team was great for the club. It was also great to have so many of the local Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Ōhaupō people there for the evening,” he said.
Ellesse Andrews on her way to setting a new world record. Photo: Mat Gilfedder, Oceania Cycling Confederation.
Dean Fullerton (right) in action for New Zealand.
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New rules for kiwifruit
By Mary Anne Gill
Waipā District Council looks set to make some radical changes to its District Plan to accommodate the burgeoning kiwifruit and horticulture industry.
Proposed changes include reducing road and internal boundary setbacks for protective structures over fruit from 15 to six metres, allowing transparent cloth as a colour option for the structures, and replacing shelterbelt shading rules with new height and road setback measurements. These changes, the 25th under the current plan, have been prompted by the influx into the district over the last three years of kiwifruit growers who established unconsented shelter structures.
Ōhaupō life styler Nick Jennings settled with the council last year following mediation. He had filed papers with the Environment Court over the council’s decision to let his neighbour in Parallel Road establish a kiwifruit operation. He argued that the expansion of the kiwifruit orchard around three sides of his rural property blocked his views and ruined his rural outlook.
Similar issues have arisen elsewhere in the district on land previously used for farming.
Policy planner Alice Morris presented the proposed changes at an elected members’ workshop last week.
Work on the plan change began last year. Planners reviewed shelterbelt planting rules, rural zone boundary setbacks, building coverage rules, and colour standards for shade cloth structures. They considered the impact of shelterbelts on neighbouring properties, road safety, and road maintenance. There was feedback from
more than 70 individuals and groups.
Morris emphasised the importance of enabling the “full use” of rural land for primary production while balancing the need to maintain outlooks, views, appearances, and cultural values.
Deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk said she hoped the suggested changes would be well communicated, suggesting after the original publicity two years ago, it had disappeared from people’s radars.
Mayor Susan O’Regan said the work had been tricky because it needed to balance all the competing values. Some of the setbacks had been “outrageous” so it was pleasing to see some compromise among submitters.
“But (Waipā) is nevertheless a rural food producing zone.” The plan will now be finalised and sent to iwi authorities before its adoption mid-year by the Strategic Planning and Policy committee.
New book is going strong
More than 5000 copies of Farmstrong’s Getting Through book have been distributed around the country and another 5000 are being printed.
The book features the stories of more than 20 farmers, growers and industry leaders speaking after the cyclones and floods of 2023.
It discusses what it takes to get through severe weather events.
The book and an accompanying website includes a toolkit of mental skills and daily habits designed to help people manage workload, stress and pressure.
Farmstrong Programme Director Gerard Vaughan said the uptake of the book had been very encouraging and demonstrated how much the rural community valued the wisdom and experience of other farmers and growers.
“These resources are full of practical, actionable advice about what works and what doesn’t when you’re facing a long-haul recovery. That’s why we’re keen to get as many people across them as possible.”
“It is a new year, but with that comes the unknown. Getting Through is a tool for not just farmers and growers, but anyone facing uncertainty or tough times.
“I really encourage anyone visiting any of
the Field Days or shows this year to come and find us on the Farmstrong stand. We are always up for a chat, and we will have free copies of the book available for you to take home and read in your own time”.
Farmstrong is a nationwide rural wellbeing programme, was launched in 2015 by the Mental Health Foundation and rural insurer FMG with support from the Movember Foundation.
Submitters argued the protective structures destroyed rural views and dominated the rural landscape as these structures in Parallel Rd, Ōhaupō show.
Paying for public transport
By Stuart Kneebone, Waipā-King Country Councillor
Waikato Regional Council recently confirmed its proposed Annual Plan budget.
Thanks to a lot of good work by our chief executive and his staff, careful consideration by councillors and following a series of workshops with councillors last year, we collectively managed to reduce the rates increase proposed in the Long Term Plan from 8.6 per cent down to a proposed 5.9 per cent.
The proposals associated with this change will be consulted on in April.
One key issue that I do want to highlight is the changes we are making to the way public transport is managed and funded. Regional councils are responsible for the planning, management and provision of public transport in the region. Traditionally this has often meant that district and city councils have collected the rates funding for public transport in their area or district and handed this over to the regional Council to operate the service. This has invariably meant it was a complicated system with a range of different approaches in terms of how the rates portion to fund public transport was collected. This also made it challenging to plan transport across the region, and didn’t contribute to providing an ideal network of services throughout the Waikato.
In an effort to improve things, the regional council resolved via the recent Long Term Plan consultation process to take over the rating to fund public transport across the region.
As a reminder, there are essentially three components that make up the public transport funding system. One is the fare component paid by the actual bus users. The remaining portion (which is effectively the main component) is 51 per cent funded by the government’s National Land Transport Fund (road users) and the remaining 49 per cent is funded by councils (ratepayers). The rates component has
traditionally been collected differently (for example, general rates, targeted rates or per-property charges) depending on the approach of the particular council.
With the regional council taking over the rating across the region for public transport, a decision has to be made as to how we do this. Last year the council spent some time engaging with other councils across the region to understand their views. Following this consultation, we are proposing to rate for public transport across the Waikato via a per-property charge applied to all ratepayers across whole region. There is also an option for a capital value charge to apply for Hamilton City ratepayers. This perproperty charge will be different, depending on which part of the region you are in, given this affects your likelihood and ability to use public transport. This does mean that areas with no bus services do pay something, recognising that public transport does take cars off the road, and thus does provide some benefits for everyone.
In addition to this, New Zealand Transport Agency has directed that councils are expected to increase the private share component (bus fares) of public transport funding. In response to this, the council is proposing to increase public transport fares by 11.4 per cent from July 1 to reflect inflationary increases in public transport operating costs and to meet the government targets. Fares will then increase by 10 per cent a year in the four subsequent years. Formal consultation on these options will be undertaken in March or April of this year, providing an opportunity for public feedback to council. We will be looking to adopt the 2025/26 annual plan budget in May.
Ward in rural chase
No longer just learning the ropes, Rylee Ward will be hoping to have the competition over a barrel during the annual Rural Games in Feilding next month.
The rodeo star, now based in Waipā having moved from Central Hawke’s Bay, will be going for glory as the pride of the country competes in a diverse range of events, from the traditional to the avantgarde, including speed shearing, rodeo and harness racing, as well as gumboot and cowpat throwing just to name a few. However, unlike most of his counterparts, Ward is up for more illustrious honours as a finalist in the New Zealand Rural Sports Awards, held as part of the festivities.
“This year’s nominations set a record for athletes and contributors,” convenor of judges, Paul Allison, said.
“The awards play a vital role in celebrating the outstanding achievements of rural sportspeople, from competitors excelling in their fields to those working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of these sports.”
In addition, accolades across further categories, including a Lifetime Legacy Award and Sportsperson with a Disability Award will be presented during a gala dinner on March 7.
Finalists: Sportsman of the Year, Jack Jordan (Taumarunui) – Timbersports, Tim Garrick (Gisborne) – Fencing, Blair Orange (Rolleston) – Harness Racing. Sportswoman of the Year: Steph Dryfhout (Tauranga) – Tree Climbing, Catherine Mullooly (Gisborne) – Sheep
–
of
Shearing, Samantha Ottley (Christchurch)
Harness Racing. Young Sportsperson
the Year: Rylee Ward (Cambridge) –Rodeo, Carter Dalgety (West Melton) –Harness Racing, Karaitiana Horne (Raetihi) – Motocross.
Rylee Ward, pictured in rodeo action, is in the running for a rural sports award.
Straight from the Horse’s Mouth: Your Legal Duties When Selling a Horse in New Zealand
Selling a horse privately might seem simple, but it comes with serious legal obligations. While the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) and Fair Trading Act 1986 (FTA) don’t apply to private sales, sellers must still comply with contract law principles to ensure a fair transaction. Misrepresentation: The Truth Matters Honesty is non-negotiable. Misleading claims about the horse’s age, health, training, or temperament can lead to disputes, claims for damages, or even cancellation of the sale. If a buyer asks a question, you are legally bound to answer truthfully.
Selling “As-Is”: Cover Your Bases
Selling a horse “as-is” might limit liability for postsale issues, but it’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card. Misrepresentation during the sales process still carries consequences. Protect yourself by using a clear, written contract that explicitly outlines the “as-is” condition and terms of sale.
Buyer Beware: Good Faith Still Counts While buyers are expected to do their own due diligence, “buyer beware” doesn’t let sellers off the hook. Acting in good faith and providing honest, accurate information remains a legal duty.
Why Honesty is Your Best Policy
Being upfront about your horse’s condition isn’t just about avoiding disputes—it builds trust within the equestrian community. For professional guidance on drafting agreements or navigating the sale process, contact Edmonds Judd. We’re here to help make your sale smooth, transparent, and hassle-free.
Fiona Jack
Farmers wait for plan change ruling
By Chris Gardner
Farmers have only weeks to wait to learn the extent of a Waikato Regional Council water quality plan change on their operations.
As they wait for the final version of Plan Change One to fall out of the Environment Court process, following appeals from key primary industry players, council chair Pamela Storey and Federated Farmers Waikato president Keith Holmes are recommending the industry be prepared for change.
The Environment Court is expected to release its decision on Plan Change One before the end of March after the regional council was challenged by key primary industry players.
Plan Change One proposes a wide-sweeping set of rules for agricultural land use to improve freshwater quality in the Waikato and Waipā River catchments. It will apply to around 10,000 properties and a land area of 1.1 million hectares within the two catchments.
“Waikato Regional Council has heard from stakeholders that a roadmap is needed for how farmers and growers will be supported to implement Plan Change One,” said Storey.
“It’s impossible to predict what the Environment Court might decide, but farmers and growers in the Waikato and Waipā river catchments have been aware that new rules are coming.”
Storey is married to a fourth generation Waikato dairy farmer Ian. She is also a former member of the Dairy Women’s Network Trust Board.
“While it’s not easy to do when we don’t yet know what Plan Change One will look like, our stakeholders are fully engaged with our Primary Industry Engagement team,” she said.
“As part of this, staff are also looking at systems
to support landowners to meet their Plan Change One obligation. Farmers, growers, and regional sector representatives are actively involved to help us ensure these systems meet their needs.
“They’ve been doing a great job already to actively implement good farming practices which are at the heart of farm environment plans.”
Farm environment plans help manage environmental risks and improve profitability and long-term viability.
“They look at the farm and farm system, identify work which have already been completed and plan any environmental work which needs to be undertaken in the future to protect land and water quality. They’re designed to be a living document – that means they can be updated as the business or other factors change.”
Holmes said while a lot was
the Environment Court many proposed policies and rules on the basis they didn’t make sense on-farm,” said Holmes.
Examples of issues Federated Farmers appealed include which waterbodies stock need to be excluded from, setback distances, how critical source areas are identified and managed, and how often fertiliser spreaders need to be calibrated.
“Along with other parties, we’ve been on a long journey of council hearings, mediations and, more recently, Environment Court hearings,” he said.
“This has been an incredibly drawn-out, expensive and uncertain process for everyone involved, including Federated Farmers.”
The aim was to reduce the cost to farmers and bureaucracy.
“Time and money are better spent on environmental mitigations than expensive consenting processes,” he said.
still uncertain farmers could start thinking about their record keeping assisting with preparing farm plans and demonstrating all the work, they’re already doing to lighten their environmental footprint.
“The rule making process began in 2012 and Federated Farmers has been involved at every stage, appealing to
“We’re crossing our fingers that the end might now be in sight and that the final wording of Plan Change One works for the environment and is also sensible, practical and affordable for our productive sector.”
The Environment Court is working through some technical issues that Holmes hoped would be resolved in the next month or so.
“Federated Farmers’ efforts to propose pragmatic solutions for unworkable parts of the plan have made a significant difference,” Holmes said. “A lot is still uncertain.”
Original proposals included that farmers might not be allowed to cultivate within five metres of a water body, and there were significant limitations on when and how much nitrogen fertiliser could be applied.
“There’s a lot at stake, not just for the viability of local farms and the Waikato
The outcome will matter for all farmers around New Zealand as what happens here could set a precedent that will impact other regions. Other councils are watching on to see the outcome of this, so what happens here could have flow-on effects to other
The Environment Court ruling is not the final word on the
DairyNZ general manager of farm solutions and policy David Burger hopes to achieve workable evidencebased solutions for farmers.
The repeal of the Resource Management Act before the next election will have implications for these rules.
“It is still unclear exactly how a new Resource Management Act may affect the Plan Change One rules,” Holmes said.
“Federated Farmers is highly engaged in the process to replace the Resource Management Act, and we will continue to update farmers on implications for local rules as more information comes to light.”
DairyNZ was another organisation to appeal against the plan change.
General Manager of farm solutions and policy David Burger said DairyNZ had invested significant resource into the plan change for more than a decade. The organisation wishes to achieve workable evidencebased solutions for farmers while delivering on the outcomes sought through the vision and strategy for the Waikato Waipa catchment (Te Ture Whaimana).
“DairyNZ has concerns with the decisions version which places unnecessary costs and compliance on dairy farmers through resource consents and reporting requirements,” Burger said.
“DairyNZ’s evidence provided aims to reduce the unnecessary cost on farmers whilst still delivering on the outcomes sought.
“DairyNZ recognises that there are around 2000 dairy farms impacted by Plan Change One and although the decision is not yet made, we are working with dairy companies and Waikato Regional Council to support farmers through the process.”
Once a decision is made, DairyNZ will communicate it to farmers, and support farmers with education, awareness, and technical science support for those impacted.
Waikato Regional Council chair Pamela Storey says council staff will support farmers when the new rules land.
Waikato Federated Farmers provincial president Keith Holmes says famers should be thinking about record keeping as Plan Change One’s ruling is imminent.
Across 1. Vessel (4) 4. Lubricate (6) 8. Good-natured (7) 9. Hesitate (5) 10. In pristine condition (4) 11. Foresee (8) 13. Beautiful and perfect (9) 17. Collect discarded material (8)
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Cambridge 22a
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30 Shelley Street, Leamington
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40 Jarrett Terrace, Cambridge Park
- Bright &modern interior, built in 2017 complete with double glazing.
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- Freehold title, Heatpump for year round comfort, elegant wooden shutters, and built-in fly screens on select windows and ranch slider. Open Homes Saturday 11.00 - 11.30am & Sunday 10.00 - 10.30am
- Buy one or landbank by buying this and the neighbour (total 2040sqm more or less, including driveway).
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Goldsmith Street, Leamington
- The interior has been freshly painted, new flooring, with a touch of modern neutral tones throughout.
- The rear section is beautifully landscaped and offers you space and privacy perfect for summer BBQ’s.
Homes Saturday & Sunday 11.00 - 11.30am
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828m² (more or less) fully fenced section.
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Nestled in Cambridge’s equine heartland, 1242 Kaipaki Road offers a dream lifestyle with income potential. Set on 8,330sqm (more or less), this iconic homestead blends heritage elegance with modern comforts. The fourbedroom, two-bathroom home boasts polished timber floors, bay windows, and high ceilings, while bi-folds invite natural light and lush garden views. A covered verandah leads to a private pool and outdoor fireplace - perfect for entertaining. Step through the garden gates and into the Designers Co- lab and well-known Lily Pad Cafe, operating seamlessly on-site. With established leases and scope for creative expansion, this is a rare chance to enjoy country living with a passive income, just minutes from Cambridge. bayleys.co.nz/2350862
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BESWICK, Hayden Wayne
– Passed away peacefully on the 12th of February 2025 after his brave battle, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Hayden was 48 years old. Deeply loved husband of Emily and children Stella, Harry and Max. A kind and gentle, mighty totara has fallen. A private cremation has been held, and a memorial service to celebrate Hayden’s life will be held on the 28th of February 2025 at 12pm at Woodside Estate, 130-132 Woodside Road, Hamilton. Communications to the Beswick family C/- Legacy Funerals Cambridge, PO Box 844 Cambridge 3450.
HILL, Colin John, Service No. Q596059, WOII, RNZE
– Passed away suddenly on Friday, 14th February 2025, aged 87 years. Dearly beloved husband of Nan (Tuppy). Loved father & father in-law of Christine & the late Les, Patricia & Neville, Shirley & Wayne, Diane & Brett, and Michael & Mel. Cherished grandad to his 10 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. A celebration of Colin's life will be held at the Cotton's Chapel, 697 Main Street, Palmerston North on Thursday, the 20th of February 2025 at 11:00am, followed by the burial at The Kelvin Grove Cemetery RSA Section. Military service medals are to be worn please. All communications to the Hill Family, c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.
LEWIS, Valerie Anne (Val)
– Passed away peacefully at Ultimate Care Cambridge Oakdale, surrounded by her family on Saturday 8 February 2025, in her 90th year. Dearly loved only daughter of Les and Jean Waite. Much loved Mum of Roger, Diane and Christine. Adored Nana and great nana of her seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. In accordance with Val’s wishes, a private funeral service has taken place.
NISBETT, Joy Noeline, (nee Brownhill) – Peacefully passed away at Waikato Hospital on Thursday, 6th February 2025. Aged 78 years. Much loved wife of Leonard, mother and mother-in-law of Lynette, Vanessa & Mark, and Stuart. Dearly loved grandma to Tiana, Skye, Kayla, Blake, Charlie & Joe. At Joy's request a private family farewell has taken place. All communications to the Nisbett Family, c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434.
Check out our website cambridgenews.nz for more copy and photos?
BENNISON, Audrey Mary – It’s been eleven years and you are still greatly missed. We love you Mum – Tom, Craig, and Daryl.
CHURCH NOTICES
Cambridge Seventh-Day Adven�st Church
Cr. Shakespeare & Browning Streets
Bible Study Each Saturday: 9.30am – 10.45am
Worship Service: 11.00am
Like us on Facebook: h�ps://www.facebook.com/cambridge.sda.9 email: cambridge.sda.nz@gmail.com
Phone: 027 677 6433
Hope Channel – Freeview Ch 27, Sky 204 We
ST CLAIRE, Catherine –
Peacefully passed away at James Wattie Retirement Village Havelock North on 12 February 2025, aged 83 years. Cherished Mum of Angela and Peter and muchloved grandmother of Siena. Best friend of Elizabeth. ‘We will miss you every day.’
Family
Notices
NOTICE OF WEED SPRAYING IN LAKE KARĀPIRO
Property owners and lake users are advised that the herbicide diquat will be applied to control lake weed (hornwort) by helicopter and boat at the following locations:
• Horahora Domain
• Lake Karāpiro/Mighty River Domain
• Navigation Safety Zones 1 through 12
• Little Waipa Reserve
Operational Period
• Application by boat will occur over 2 days between Monday 24 February – Friday 28 February.
• Application by helicopter will occur over 2 days between Monday 3 March – Thursday 17 April.
• Operation is dependent on suitable weather conditions. Work will not take place on public holidays or weekends.
Precautionary Measures
AGISTMENT
GRAZING available – Dairy heifers, 70 head, excellent water, checked daily enquiries to 022 488 3887 or 07 889 6653
• Do not gather food, consume water, use it for irrigation or swim in the treatment area for 24 hours after spraying.
• Warning signs will be placed at authorised public boat ramps during treatment and removed 24 hours after completion.
Stay Updated
• Notices will be posted at www.linz.govt.nz 24 hours before planned spray dates.
• Scan the QR code below for the latest updates.
Further Information
Hazard classification for diquat: 6.1C, 6.3A, 6.9A, 8.1A, 9.1A, 9.3C.
Full details of LINZ’s annual weed control programme: www.linz. govt.nz (under “Crown Property”).
Contact Boffa Miskell Ltd: 0800 638 943 (office hours), biosecurity@boffamiskell.co.nz, or PO Box 110, Christchurch.
Weed control in Lake Karāpiro is supported by the Waikato Regional Council, Waipa District Council, Mercury Energy and Land Information New Zealand.
Goddin JP Funeral Director
Ian Calvert Funeral Director
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