Cambridge News | February 27, 2025

Raceway counts cost

By Mary Anne Gill

Police and licensing inspectors have withdrawn their opposition to a renewal of Cambridge Raceway’s liquor licence.

It means the trotting company can go ahead with its racing season and serve alcohol to patrons - but chief executive Dave Branch revealed the club’s legal costs had reached $50,000.

Ratepayers will also foot a considerable bill because Waipā District Council rented the meeting room for two days, prepared papers for, and administered the hearing before three independent Waipā District Licensing Committee commissioners. They also had staff sitting in on it.

Police senior sergeant David Hall and licensing inspector Glynn Jones both conceded at the end of the hearing last week they no longer considered the trotting company to be an “unsuitable candidate”.

They also withdrew their plans this week to oppose chief executive Dave Branch’s manager’s certificate application, which was to have been heard in Cambridge tomorrow (Friday).

A special licence application for the Night of Champions in April, which was to have gone ahead today, will now be resolved through mediation.

Cambridge Raceway can’t recover the $50,000 costs made up of 100 hours of legal time. Branch said he also spent several hours preparing for the hearings and had three key executives sitting in over both days.

He acknowledged the role The News played in covering the hearing.

Hall said he no longer opposed Branch’s application for a manager’s certificate because he was satisfied his comments and statements at the hearing deemed it no longer necessary.

Waipā licensing inspector Maddison Berry said she wanted to withdraw her opposition because the police no longer raised any concerns about Cambridge Raceway,

“Given that Mr Branch is the CEO of the Cambridge Raceway Ltd, it is my opinion that this in turn reflects on the suitability of (him).”

Under police cross examination, Branch answered questions confidently and was clear in his requirements under the Sale of Liquor Act, she said.

In his closing statements to the hearing last week, Murray Branch - Cambridge Raceway’s lawyer and Dave Branch’s father – said he did not agree with the way police and the licensing inspectors were interpreting the act.

“Just because someone is intoxicated, it doesn’t mean there is a breach of the act,” he said.

When police arrested patrons at the Night of Champions meeting last year, they let them go soon after and there were no prosecutions.

But Raceway staff’s reputation was impugned.

“Even though suitability is no longer an issue, there needs to be some recognition about some of the processes, and the integrity of the people trying their absolute best should be acknowledged.”

Branch Snr said Raceway staff felt the way they were treated suggested a “power imbalance.”

Chair changes at city hall

By Mary Anne Gill

First term Waipā councillor Mike Montgomerie is the big winner of an election year reshuffle around the council table.

The Maungatautari ward member takes over as chair of the Finance and Corporate committee from Andrew Brown while deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk has resigned as chair of the Strategic Planning and Policy committee.

Mayor Susan O’Regan has retaken the chair which she has previously held.

Montgomerie comes from the Fonterra governance factory line and after Brown said he was not standing again, his promotion came as no surprise. Brown takes over from Bruce Thomas, another departing councillor, as finance deputy chair.

Stolwyk stepping down from a committee which she led through some significant hearings, including Ahu Ake and annual plans, was unexpected.

The News understands internal politics has been at play for several weeks.

Montgomerie is now the highest paid

councillor earning $62,508 a year with Stolwyk, kept as deputy mayor, still on $58,341.

Cambridge ward member Mike Pettit, a former community board chair and two-term councillor, is now deputy chair of both the Service Delivery and strategic committees.

It completed an eventful time for the council which began just after The News went to press last week with the announcement long-serving deputy chief executive Ken Morris had resigned.

Morris, honoured in the

April after 15 years.

The council has also referred The News’ request for information which previously appeared in committee agendas to its Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act response team. Council now doesn’t have to answer for 20 working days.

• See: Council trio make sharing deal, page 5.

Crowds at Cambridge Raceway’s Christmas Eve meeting. Photo: Angelique Bridson.

2023 New Year’s Honours with the Queen’s Service Medal for his services to the community, leaves in

On our radar

I wish to assure Liz Stolwyk and Waipā citizens that kiwifruit is definitely not “off the radar”.

A group of affected neighbours from three different areas of Waipā is working with the council regarding the plan change. The group had a very full and open discussion at a meeting with the council in November. The group is continuing to work with council as issues raised in the past still remain. The plan change will be notified to the public later this year and submissions will follow.

Carole Searle

Cambridge

Rules ignored

The recent article by Mary Anne Gill about Plan Change 25 (The News, February 20) highlights the ongoing issues around noncompliance by those establishing kiwifruit orchards and having to create new rules to accommodate those new to Waipa ignoring the rules already in place. We ratepayers affected by these rogue

operators have had their radars firmly fixed on them, along with the support from Waipā council staff. But these new orchards, ignoring current rules, are busy planting shelterbelts and getting shade cloth structures built before the new rules are confirmed.

Grant Walker Cambridge

Fight for us

I find it a bit rich that one Alistair Brickell who hails from Whitianga is allocated half a page in this paper (The News, February 9) to explain his submission in favour of the proposed “waste to energy incineration plant”.

This plant to be built in a town 214km from where he lives. This plant is to be built in the centre of what is to be a large residential development once the Waipa Racing Club land is sold to developers. I find it difficult to understand why the Whitianga community are not fighting tooth and nail to have the incineration plant built in their back yard given the huge tourist benefits to follow its

completion.

How does this “expert” from a town which will not be subject to any negative effects of an incineration plant get to place a submission in favour of the plant? Unbelievable. Brian Derbyshire Te Awamutu

Editor’s note: The story was one of a series which review views and comments made in the submission process on the proposed plant, which is open to the public

Contact made

I just want to thank The News. I have had a response from Waipā council (Letters ‘No reply’ February 6). Julie Kitchen from customer support contacted me and assured me the issues I contacted all councillors, and the mayor about will be looked at.

As you know it was about fluoride in our water. I went to the meeting in the town hall, with James Connett lawyer who won his court battle concerning fluoride in USA water supplies. The supreme court in the US deemed fluoride in water supplies an “unreasonable risk”. I was thrilled to see some councillors there.

Family harm is present in every community, and much still goes unreported. This may be because a victim of harm does not feel able to stand up to their aggressor, they are fearful of making the situation worse for themselves or don’t know which avenues to take.

Last Thursday I was proud to be part of a presentation to survivors of family harm at week three of the inaugural running of the “I am Me” programme.

Together with a family court lawyer, I presented around the topics of police safety orders (PSOs), protection orders, parenting and associated occupancy orders.

We looked at the difference between a PSO and a protection order, how to recognise and report breaches and the processes that follow on from that.

The following day, I joined in as a facilitator for the “Loves Me Not” programme being delivered to Year 11 students from Cambridge High School.

The programme was originally developed by the Sophie Elliot Foundation to educate young people around consent, power and control and how to recognise a healthy and unhealthy relationship.

This year’s version was updated to focus on the Grace Millane story.

The course also looked at what we can do as bystanders, where we see unhealthy or harmful behaviour happening around

us with students discussing ways that they could step in, to stop the harm from continuing or escalating.

Early education enables our rangatahi them to recognise harmful relationships in their own lives and also where those characteristics may be present in their friendships or others’ relationships.

The issue of consent is something that applies across all aspects of our day to day living. Knowledge definitely is power in that situation.

Crime never sleeps. Over the seven days prior to Tuesday this week in Cambridge, police responded to three family harm incidents, five burglaries, three car thefts/ attempted car theft, recorded see7 bail breaches, trespass, 2 reports of wilful damage, fraud and traffic offending as well as fielding various queries over the public counter. In addition, the impairment prevention team caught 5 drunk drivers locally.

Te Awamutu police dealt with 7 family harm incidents, 4 assaults including 1 serious, 3 incidents of threatening behaviour, fighting in a public place, 6 burglaries, 2 mental health incidents, fraud, 3 bail breaches, 3 thefts from cars, a traffic crash, drug offending and again, receiving stolen property, various front counter queries at the station.

Since last week, things have changed. New Zealand First have put forward a referendum, which when passed will resolve this issue once and for all. When we have choice, the council cannot put fluoride in our water because too many people object. Choice also means, if you want fluoride, you can use fluoride toothpaste, problem solved. No government agency can persecute or prosecute any council over this issue anymore. Thanks Winston. And a big thank you to The News for prompting some action from Waipa council.

Deborah Harper Cambridge

Kids day

Children’s Day on Saturday will be marked by Te Manawa o Cambridge with a picnic at the town’s newest playground in Bridleways Estate. Music, games, colouring competitions, a sausage sizzle and community stalls feature in Papatakohe Park from 2pm.

Balloons land

Residents of Cambridge Park were surprised when they looked skyward early on Saturday morning to find several hot air balloons hovering over the Leamington suburb. So when the balloons landed on the Oval, the word quickly got around.

New priest

Philip Billing has taken over as St Peter’s Parish Catholic priest from Monsignor Leonard Danvers who had been in Cambridge since 2013 and recently celebrated 50 years as a priest. A Book of Memories with messages from parishioners will be presented to Danvers.

Road closure

Work to rebuild both lane of a section of State Highway 3 between Rukuhia Road and Narrows Road will involve reducing the road to a single lane for about four weeks.

Helping out

Two former international rugby fullbacks, Christian Cullen and Glenn Metcalfe, spoke at a Te Awamutu Sports fundraiser breakfast auction on Sunday. The event was held to raise funds for a senior rugby trip to the Scotlandbased Melrose Sevens tournament in May.

Saddler celebrates

Cambridge saddler Sophia Stratford has won an award at the Society of Master Saddlers’ national competition in England. The former Cambridge High School student left for Enfield, north London in late 2023 to start her Worshipful Company of Cordwainers diploma in saddle, harness and bridle making at Capel Manor College.

School move stays in plan

By Mary Anne Gill

A proposal to move Karāpiro School across the Waikato Expressway and into the Karāpiro village will remain in Waipā District Council’s spatial plan despite Ministry of Education opposition.

The suggestion, part of the Ahu Ake plan – which broadly means to move forward and progress – is part of a greater destination for Karāpiro.

In its submission to the council, the ministry wanted the school’s move taken out of the visionary plan because it had not budgeted for or anticipated moving it from the corner of Tīrau and Karāpiro roads on SH1 into the thriving Karāpiro village.

Last month, the school board, staff, ministry representatives, mayor Susan O’Regan and Ahu Ake’s Kirsty Downey and Vanessa Honore met to discuss the upcoming work on the Cambridge to Piarere fourlaning and move into the village.

“The principal was very clear from the outset,” said O’Regan that the school faced disconnection and dislocation.

The school roll had bounced back this term after falling to 30 in November, principal Alana Thompson told the meeting. Some enrolments came from Putāruru to the south.

She and the board had become concerned about the lack of

information from New Zealand Transport Agency over access plans for the school while the four-laning – named as one of the government’s national roads of interest – was under construction.

Initial talks were that a roundabout would be built near the school to enhance safety access but that had subsequently been replaced by an interchange now being considered by the Environmental Protection Authority.

While ministry officials supported the school’s relocation into the village, there was no funding available.

Waipā councillor Mike Pettit told the Strategic Planning and Policy committee this week at its Ahu Ake deliberations, the last thing schools and communities wanted was uncertainty.

A school principal himself, Pettit said if the Karāpiro School board of trustees wanted to leave the relocation option in Ahu Ake, “we should leave it in.”

Downey, council’s Strategy group manager, said the board wanted the council to facilitate a meeting of all parties involved in the school’s future. That would include iwi, transport, education, power company and council officials.

The visionary plans for Karāpiro would see the village become a thriving tourism hub linked to the other side of the Waikato River by a

reopened dam road.

Creating a park space, an early childhood centre and a small retail area, would fit the ‘Destination Karāpiro’ concept and ensure good walking and cycling connections.

In her paper to the deliberations, Downey said relocating the school was not only about capacity but about community connections, safety and resilience.

A conservation architect would be involved to make the school compatible with other heritage buildings.

Karāpiro had a population of 340 at last year’s Census but more during the 1940s while the dam was under construction. Several of the buildings used during that time for workers remain and would form part of the Village Hub.

Gordon figures out bus stats

By Mary Anne Gill

A Waipā district councillor finally got the bus figures he has been asking for in more than a year, but the answer was not what he expected.

Roger Gordon told Waikato Regional Council’s Future Proof Public Transport subcommittee last week he had tried unsuccessfully to drill down into the numbers catching buses from Cambridge and Te Awamutu to Hamilton.

He had asked Waipā staff to source the information, but they had not done so. Instead, he asked the regional council’s Public Transport manager Trudi Knight for the figures which she did last week.

“The thing that really hits me is that 25 per cent and 22 per cent (of bus patronage) is actually within Hamilton,” he said.

“That’s really surprising to me. We as a council have got some work to do to understand that.”

Passenger numbers rose 33 per cent to 118,303 in Cambridge last year and 28 per cent to 127,182 in Te Awamutu-Kihikihi.

Finding out that a quarter of those passengers were within Hamilton city was an eye opener, Gordon told The News.

“I will be sharing this with my fellow elected members and a lot of questions will be coming out of this.”

Public Transport team leader Vincent Kuo told the subcommittee his staff regularly supply data to

each of the territorial authorities, including Waipā. Gordon said elected members needed to understand the dimensions and profiles associated with public transport, and that was why he had asked for a breakdown of journeys within Cambridge and Te Awamutu and in Hamilton.

Waipā deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk, who was also at the meeting, said while patronage was up 38 per cent between the two towns, she also wanted to understand the issues given the district’s high growth.

She was disappointed to hear evening patronage was still low.

“We fought hard to get those extra services,” she said.

Regional council staff have prepared a paper on funding Real Time Passenger Information Displays for $300,000 on the urban public transport network. Stolwyk assumed that meant Hamilton. Transport Policy and Programmes managers Sarah Loynes said the report was Hamilton-centric, but the council could look at an opportunity for Waipā when it went out to tender.

Jono Gibson Funeral Director

Karāpiro School students Devon Hughes (front) and (back, from left) Ronja Epp, Levi Hughes, Aria Maccallaugh and Amelia Seath-Boyte huddle for a photo at their community picnic at school last Thursday. Photo: Steph Bell-Jenkins.

Passengers get on the Cambridge regional bus outside Hamilton Police Station. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Council trio make sharing deal

By Mary Anne Gill

Waipā, Ōtorohanga and Waitomo district councils have agreed to share regulatory services staff in the latest hint Waikato local authorities are thinking “bigger picture”.

The three councils signed an over-arching regulatory shared services agreement last month.

The details were shared with Ōtorohanga and Waitomo councillors this week.

Not covered in the agreement is animal control which has its own shared services deal.

Sharing building consents workload could soon follow.

An existing agreement between Ōtorohanga and Waipā for environmental health – water and food quality, waste disposal, housing and vermin control

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– has been replaced by the new deal.

Under the agreement, any one of the three councils can request additional regulatory support from any of the other councils, on a cost recovery basis.

A council can also offer spare capacity with building consent inspections and processing, compliance and enforcement investigations and response and resource consent processing.

The savings come by not engaging external consultants and the agreed hourly rate is about 60 per cent of what they would usually cost.

The agreement is nonbinding and only on offer if councils have spare capacity.

Whether Waipā will take up the offer is unknown as staff no longer make “information only” reports available in council and/or council agendas.

The District Growth Quarterly report, usually prepared by District Growth and Regulatory Services group manager Wayne Allan for the Strategic Planning and Policy committee was always the go to place for that sort of information.

The period from October 1 to December 31 would

usually have been covered off in a report to the committee this month and include updates on growth cells, major resource consent applications, building consents, District Licensing Committee applications and quarterly statistics.

The deal with Waitomo and Ōtorohanga would potentially have been included in that report.

For a growth council like Waipā, the information was of value not only to media, but developers, businesses, retailers and chambers of commerce.

The News has asked Waipā District Council for the regular Transportation and Property reports which used to go to Service

Delivery and Finance committees.

The request was forwarded to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings (LGOIMA) Act team.

Under the act the council has 20 working days to respond.

Good Local Media has also asked for Allan’s quarterly report.

Tony Quickfall, a former Waipā staffer now group manager Regulatory and Growth at Ōtorohanga council, reports this week his council issued 30 resource consents between July 1 and December 31.

The council approved 55 building consents in the six month period including 22

at Waikeria Prison.

Work at Waikeria Prison has kept his staff busy. More than 2000 inspections have been undertaken and 183 building consents issued over five years, he reported to his councillors.

Waitomo Strategy and Environment general manager Alex Bell told his councillors he hoped to see wider collaboration for building consents across a range of councils.

“This collaboration is looking at how we can share resources… for overflow processing of building consents,” the Te Awamutu born and raised Waikato University law graduate and environmental planner said in his five-page report.

Road work almost ready

Works on the intersection of State Highway 1 and Karāpiro Road is near completion.

New line marking and signs have been installed near the intersection, including electronic signs that will display safety messages.

“The intersection at SH1-Karāpiro Road can be very busy, with local traffic heading towards Karāpiro School, the Mobil service station, and residences, interregional traffic connecting to State Highway 29 and heavy vehicles heading towards the quarry,” acting Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery for Waikato/Bay of Plenty Darryl Coater said. Since 2020 NZTA has been installing a range of safety improvements between Cambridge and Piarere. This has included widening the road, having wider centre lines, installing turnaround bays and median barriers, and other safety treatments.

Tony Quickfall – Ōtorohanga

Alex Bell - Waitomo

Wayne Allan – Waipā

Learn more at www.waipikolanding.co.nz

Show Home Grand Opening

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. Come chat with our team and get inspired for your future build.

Waipiko Show Home 952 Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu Monday - Thursday 10am - 4pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm

952 Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu Sunday 23rd Feb 12pm - 4pm

It’s on the tip of your…finger

By Jesse Wood

Waipā District Council museums and heritage director Anne Blyth says the new digital library of Waipā’s art is an accessible way of looking at our past.

There are nearly 100 pieces of art in the care of the council but not all of them can be displayed at once.

A budget was allocated to manage the collection as part of the council’s 2021-2031 Long Term Plan, The collection of both indoor and outdoor

artworks, including murals, carvings, mosaics, weaves, paintings, sculptures and photographs, have been donated or commissioned in the last 80 years.

Some of the art has been gifted by local iwi and other pieces have come from Waipā and international artists.

Out of the 70 indoor artworks, 25 are on display in Waipā District Council buildings, but all of them are now available to view online.

“Because we’re not able

to display all our collection at one time. We wanted to make it more accessible to the community,” Blyth says.

“Having it displayed digitally means that it’s available at any time for the community to have a look at it.”

Blyth says art is a wonderful way to provide a visual representation of our historical past.

An example of this is a reproduction print of a hand-drawn sketch by Gustavus von Tempsky.

According to the website,

von Tempsky was a member of the volunteer Forest Rangers in New Zealand during the New Zealand Land Wars in 1863.

Von Tempsky was an amateur watercolourist who painted landscapes and the military campaign.

The sketch in the council collection is a view of the Cambridge settlement during 1863.

“It’s quite an important view to see. It shows how Cambridge looked back then and how it has changed over time,” she says.

“Art can provide a representation of a historical event, or a landscape in the case of the von Tempsky, and how things have changed.

“It can depict people in cultural practices, and it can give us a deeper understanding of our past.

“A picture paints a thousand words.”

Some of the collection, particularly watercolour paintings, are sensitive to light.

“The collection is not able to be out on display all at the same time, for various reasons. So, it’s a way that the community can interact with it,” Blyth says.

“We have some pieces

in storage at the moment because they are resting. They need to rest without being exposed to light.

“Otherwise, they’ll just fade and once they fade, you can’t reverse that process.

“It’s about looking after those artworks and making sure that they’re in the right place.”

The outdoor collection includes five pieces by sculptor Fred Graham (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, WaikatoTainui).

Arapuni-born Graham, 96, was recently appointed

a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Māori arts.

Other notable outdoor works include the bronze mare and foal sculpture outside Cambridge Town Hall, pieces in Te Awamutu’s Sculpture Park and pou at Mātakitaki Pā in Pirongia.

“It’s been great to make these artworks available digitally. The images on the website are crisp and clear,” Blyth says.

“It’s a great way of having a look at the art that the council has.”

Nurturing’ sculpture by Fred Graham, located at Sculpture Park, Te Awamutu.

Te Mātakitaki i ngā Patupaiarehe o runga o Pirongia, by James Webster.

CONCERT SERIES

Friday Night Blues with Hammond Gamble Country to Cambridge Houstoun Plays Schubert and Gershwin

An intimate solo show from the world-class guitar and blues voice of Hammond Gamble.

When: 7pm Fri 4 April

Don’t miss this stellar line up of 3 talented homegrown country music acts: James Ray, The DCP, and Rowdy’s Rose.

When: 3pm Sat 5 April

With support from:

Photography, www.petemonk.com

Much-loved Kiwi concert pianist Michael Houstoun will play some of the most beautiful melodies ever composed in his recital of works by Schubert and Gershwin.

When: 7pm Thur 3 April

Experience this superb, newly formed male trio singing opera, musical theatre and waiata. These talented young men from Rotorua will wow you with their captivating performances.

When: 7pm Fri 28 March

With support from:

Where: The Woolshed, Te Awa Lifecare Village Tickets: $25 from Paper Plus Cambridge or online at www.humanitix.co.nz

The Big Play and Sing In

‘How Do I Feel?’ Storytime Concert

Experience the enchanting world of tango and Piazzolla, brought to life through dance in the stunning candlelit setting of Cambridge Town Hall. OCT Ensemble in collaboration with Aotango Quintet.

WHEN: 8pm Sat 5 April

This Youth Orchestra Waikato concert takes inspiration from iconic classical works that have become integral to popular culture, film, and even the often-unavoidable TV advert!

WHEN: 7pm Sun 6 April

Join Orchestras

Central’s Rusty Player Orchestra and friends to play and sing your heart out. Musicians and singers of all levels are welcome to take part in this social, fun event.

WHEN: 10.30am–12.15pm Sat 5 April

String Quartet

Storytime concert based on the bestselling children’s book How Do I Feel? Suitable for children aged 5 and up – and for those young at heart!

WHEN: 11am-11.45am Sun 6 April

Where: Cambridge Town Hall Tickets: Online at www.orchestras.org.nz

Thanks to our Festival Sponsors

Photo credit: Photo by Pete Monk

La Voce o Rotorua

Tango by Candlelight Fantasy & Film

Air and health prime concerns

Chris Gardner continues our series of reviews of submissions and reports on the proposed Te Awamutu waste to energy plant.

Nearly two thirds of submissions on the proposed Paewira Waste to Energy Plant in Racecourse Road, Te Awamutu, are concerned with the effects the operation could have on air quality, emissions, and human health, according to a new report.

A total of 1353 submitters made 2173 submissions on the application and 1266 want to be heard by the Board of Inquiry. Among the submissions, 2115 are oppose, 36 support it and 10 are neutral.

Sixty-four percent of the 2173 submissions received regarding resource consent for the project received by Waikato Regional Council, Waipā District Council, and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) raised concerns about air quality, emissions, and human health, the EPA report written by Wratt Resource Management special adviser Carolyn Wratt Says.

“Air quality and emissions to air was one of the most common concerns raised by 1393 submissions,” Wratt said.

“The comments ranged from concern in general that the proposal will generate air emissions, to concern about specific contaminants being released into the atmosphere such as dioxins and nanoparticles.”

The report said the submissions made a clear distinction between emissions arising from combustion of waste, trucks transporting waste and dust from earthworks and construction.

“Often all three generators of air emissions were raised in an individual submission. The submissions raised concerns about what happens to those emissions, particularly the contamination of water supply collected off roofs and contamination of land.”

Human health was one of the most common and emotive matters raised in submissions.

“Many were deeply concerned about the

effect of chemical and particle emissions on the health of their children and other vulnerable members of society.” Wratt said.

“While a large number of submitters expressed concern about the potential for bioaccumulation of chemicals in future generations, it was not often clear whether they considered this would result in a health effect. A large number of submitters noted the absence of a health impact assessment in the application. Another aspect of health impacts was sleep deprivation for shift workers caused by increased truck movements.”

A large number of submitters expressed concern that “inexperienced operator” Global Contracting Solutions proposes to use “untested technology” and “the latest technology is not being used”.

“The most common positive effect identified is that the proposal reduces the amount of waste going into landfills. Other submitters recognised the generation of electricity as a positive by-product, by increasing not only the availability of electricity but diversifying the generation of electricity. A number of submissions identified other locations in the world where similar plants have established,” Wratt said.

Waipā District Council and Te AwamutuKihikihi Community Board are among those opposing the development.

French connection

BACKYARD BBQ WITH THE WINNERS OF COOKS ON FIRE

WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH, 2PM

Join us for a sizzling BBQ at Patrick Hogan Village with Matt and Heather, winners of TV show Cooks on Fire! This is your exclusive chance to see the champs in action, learn top grilling tips, and – best of all – taste their award-winning barbecue.

Expect great food, a fun atmosphere, and plenty of flavour-packed bites. It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore Patrick Hogan Village and see what village life has to offer!

Find out more at rymanhealthcare.co.nz/events

RSVP is essential Call David on 0800 600 446

The next time all these people will be together again will be in France for Anzac Day commemorations at Cambridge’s sister city Le Quesnoy. The 28 students and four teachers from Cambridge High School leave on April 12 for to Paris, Nîmes, Gimont, Annecy and Le Quesnoy. They will stay in homestays while doing the traditional tourist visits to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Versailles and Paris Disneyland and return on May 1. Cambridge Community Board’s Alana Mackay and Waipā councillor Philip Coles will represent Cambridge on Anzac Day. The Le Quesnoy participants, from left are Piper Boreham, Chelsea Bau, Kaitlin McGuire, Zara Baker, Edie Simmons, Bella Green, Betsy-Scarlett Ingram, Maddie Hyslop, Cambridge Community Board representative Alana McKay, holding Mia, 2, Waipā councillor Philip Coles, Danielle D’Ath (holding Monty), Pip Feast (organiser), Alyssa Eady, Elise Langman, Abigail Hopkins, Tayla McCullough, Hayley Taylor, Elin Gainsford, Calie Oliver, Austin Savage, Milla Seath (partially obscured) and Isla Read. Photo: Supplied

More than 1200 submitters on the plan to build a plant which would look like this want to be heard in person.

Finalists named

The winner of a Māori farming award is Waikato’s hope in the New Zealander of the Year Awards.

Three finalists were named in each of seven categories yesterday and include Tīrau based Ben Purua (Tainui) in the young New Zealander section.

His profile explains how he emerged from a troubled upbringing to become a leader in the agricultural sector.

As a 15 year old he served time in Waikeria Prison for manslaughter. There, he discovered a passion for farming, which fuelled a determination to turn his life around.

Purua holds the title of Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year and was named Dairy Manager of the Year for the Central Plateau region.

He is also supporting ex-prisoners, youth, and individuals battling addiction to find employment in agriculture.

He is also a leader on the He Tātai Rangahua Food and Fibre Youth Network,

where he champions opportunities that break cycles of hardship.

• See the list of finalists at cambridgenews.nz

Refs issue SOS

Cambridge’s rugby referees association, which recently celebrated its centenary is warning it may not have the numbers to cover games this season. The association held its annual meeting on Monday.

“The decline in on-field officials has become a critical issue, to the point where we may soon struggle to field enough referees to keep games going,” association president Gareth Coogan said.

“To help address this, we are launching a recruitment campaign aimed at attracting new referees— from retired players to young

adults who want to follow in the footsteps of legends like Nigel Owens, to anyone of any age keen to give back to the game. No prior experience is necessary - just a passion for rugby and a willingness to learn.” Coogan leads the association into the 2025 season. Other posts filled this week were vice president Kelvin Scown, secretary Ivan McIntosh, treasurer Mike McLarn, executive committee and sponsor liaison John Gould, appointments officer Kevin Clarke, Cambridge High School liaison Anna Voss, media liaison Gareth Coogan, Brian Ley.

Ben Purua

Community Connect

February 27, 2025

A game changer for young Māori leaders

When Taane Aruka Te Aho first joined the Tuia Leadership Programme last year, he knew it would be an eye-opening journey.

Te Aho (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Korokī Kahukura), the latest young Māori leader from Waipā to complete the nationally-recognised programme, said being mentored by Mayor Susan O’Regan was a “gamechanger”.

“She was always in my corner, gave me the freedom to be myself and the support to tackle challenges head on. Her encouragement helped me grow, and this incredible opportunity has broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of leadership, culture, and what it means to be connected to the land and people.

“I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.”

O’Regan said working with rangatahi such as Te Aho is a highlight each year in her role as mayor. “It’s humbling, it’s rewarding, and the learning goes both ways. Taane is a simply outstanding young man, well on his way to becoming one of the next generation of Māori leaders.”

The Tuia programme’s mission is to nurture rangatahi Māori (aged 18 to 25) into confident leaders actively shaping their communities.

“Tuia gave me the chance to learn, grow and affirm the power of being Māori today. Being surrounded by other Māori leaders with different perspectives reshaped my views on culture, connection and leadership.

“I would encourage anyone to apply.”

Tuia encourages past participants to return and guide the next generation. For Te Aho, this year’s first

wānanga [learning forum] at his marae, Pōhara, will be a milestone.

“I’m super-excited that Ngāti Korokī Kahukura is hosting for the first time, and I can’t wait to help lead the way.”

Since finishing Tuia and graduating from the University of Waikato with a degree in te reo, Māori and indigenous studies, Te Aho has been working as a contractor for Te Mātawai and also interning with Waikato-Tainui.

“Where my career goes from here, I’m not entirely sure, but I am certain it will focus on strengthening our language, empowering rangatahi to become leaders and promoting our culture every way I can.”

Lake Ngā Roto RMP

Have your say on the draft Lake Ngā Roto Reserve Management Plan to help shape the future of the reserve.

Come along to our drop-in session at Lake Ngā Roto on Saturday March 1, from 9am – 1pm, to chat to the project team and check out the plan.

Shakespeare Street to get interim repairs

Great news for residents and drivers who use Shakespeare Street regularly — repairs are on the way.

The stretch of road between Fergusson Bridge (low-level bridge) and the Cook Street roundabout is scheduled for a major rebuild later in the year but in the meantime interim repairs will be carried out next week, making sure the road is safe and more comfortable to drive on.

These repairs will take place overnight to minimise disruption and keep the road in good shape until the full repair can be completed in the upcoming construction season.

The work is scheduled for Wednesday March 5, and the road will remain open under stop/go traffic management between 7pm and 6am.

In the event of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the work will be postponed until the next suitable day.

Parks Week

Waipā is celebrating Parks Week with a range of fun, free activities to recognise the vital role open spaces play in creating liveable cities and thriving communities.

Story time: Stories and Sunshine

Bring your tamariki along to our kids’ storytime. Location: Selwyn Park, Te Awamutu (next to the library)

Date/time: Thursday March 6, 10.30am – 11am

Location: Cambridge Library

Date/time: Thursday March 6, 10.30am – 11am Zumba in the Park

Location: Centennial Park, Te Awamutu

Date/time: Tuesday March 4, 6pm – 7pm

Location: Lake Te Koo Utu (lakeside), Cambridge

Date/time: Thursday March 6, 6pm – 7pm Novels in Nature

Bring a book or borrow one of ours and join us to read in the park.

Location: Gwyneth Common, Cambridge

Date/time: Wednesday March 5, 6pm – 7.30pm

Location: War Memorial Park, Te Awamutu

Date/time: Friday March 7, 6pm – 7.30pm

For more information and to check out the selfguided activities, visit waipadc.govt.nz/parksweek or scan the QR code below.

Tuia graduate Taane Aruka Te Aho with Mayor Susan O’Regan and members of the council’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee.

COMMUNITY BOARD COMMENT

Anzac and water plans

By Jo Davies-Colley, Chair, Cambridge Community Board

The Cambridge Community Board has had a busy start to the year. We have begun planning the town’s popular Anzac commemorative services. With the Town Hall’s renovations well underway, we are planning service options for both inside and outside on the piazza. The commemoration concert the night before is a popular event with the Cambridge Brass Band always putting on an amazing show.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of our sister city relationship with Le Quesnoy, the small town in northern France liberated by Kiwi troops in 1918. A small delegation from Cambridge is attending commemorative services there on Anzac Day. I would encourage all Cambridge residents to learn more about the battle and liberation of Le Quesnoy and the strong military connection it has with Cambridge. It’s a fascinating tale of bravery and Kiwi ingenuity.

Over the past few weeks, I have attended council workshops on water services delivery. Under the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation, all councils across New Zealand are required to produce a water services delivery plan by September.

There is a critical decision ahead on how Waipā’s water services will be delivered, and it has been valuable to be involved in the discussions. Council has indicated that in the future, a single Waikato wide Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) would likely be formed to provide all water services. A larger scale entity could provide greater benefits to residents but cannot be achieved in the short term. At the workshops, councillors considered

information on joining two possible local water entity options, a sub-regional option with Hamilton City and Waikato District Council or a regional option known as Waikato Water Done Well. If Waipā DC joined the Sub-Regional CCO, this would include three of the largest Waikato council populations, all growth Councils. If they joined the regional option, a model with a wider rural and provincial focus, this would likely provide a great operational model, workforce, civil contractor and relationship benefits across the shareholding councils.

After a lot of discussion, councillors gave a strong indication the regional option was their preferred one. It was encouraging to see the councillors and staff discuss at length the option that would benefit the residents of Waipā the most and would give them the best outcomes in terms of water delivery and quality. Council will make a formal decision on its preferred option on February 26.

Council will soon ask the community our thoughts on both the preferred option and the status quo, and information will be provided on the impacts of proceeding or not proceeding with the proposal, potential impact on rates, debt, levels of services and any charges for water services.

This is one of the biggest decisions council will make for the future of Waipā and how our water is delivered, please give your feedback.

Our next meeting will be on March 19 at 6pm in the room behind the Cambridge Library. All are welcome.

ON SHAKY GROUND

Understanding deformation

By Janine Krippner

Measuring deformation is an important part of the volcano monitoring toolbox. Deformation is a change in the ground surface or shape, whether that’s up (inflation), down (deflation), or sideways.

Understanding what the cause could be, the uncertainty involved (what we don’t know, or errors introduced by processing the data), and incorporating information from other monitoring techniques allows us to narrow down what might be happening below the surface.

We can measure deformation using highprecision GPS (Global Positioning Systems).

Another way is using radar satellites, a technique called InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) that allows us to measure down to millimetres or centimetres of change from space.

After experts process this data, we can then investigate different causes behind the change while taking into account the local geology and hydrology.

One cause is magma movement. If magma is rising towards the surface as an intrusion, it can push the ground upwards and/or outwards. As magma reaches shallower depths the pressure on the magma is reduced (deeper in the crust equals more pressure). At lower pressures gases are released from the magma and they expand, increasing the pressure within the magma and on the surrounding rock, which can cause slight movement of the surface. This is often millimetres to centimetres in scale.

Sometimes this is much more obvious.

Leading to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, the north flank bulged outwards at about two metres each day. Magma was pushing up into the volcano, erupting with catastrophic consequences on May 18.

Magma rising does not mean an eruption will

happen. It can stall and stop, slowly cooling and solidifying into crystalline rock over time. It can remain an intrusion. This process can cause some slow subsidence of the land above it.

Another cause is fluids, like geothermal water. Volcanoes often have geothermal systems because of remnant heat from older eruptions heating water at shallow depths. This water can be rainwater percolating down through the ground, it can also be fluids released from the magma.

Volcanoes can also be in areas with a lot of faults, and they can produce deformation when they move. Faults can move because of processes that have nothing to do with the volcanic system, or they can become active because of magma or fluids moving within the ground.

The ground can also subside when fluids or gas are removed, like magma erupting or the extraction of water or geothermal fluids.

The removal of groundwater in California’s San Joaquin Valley resulted in about 8.5 metres of ground subsidence from the 1920s to around 2015. A single storey room is typically 2.4 metres high. We have seen similar subsidence with geothermal steam extraction in New Zealand. Spread out over large distances, this can be difficult to see just by looking.

The surface itself can also slump because of gravity and instability, or sinkholes can form.

While we think of the ground below our feet as solid and stable, it still moves. This is sometimes very slow, other times very fast, and geoscientists study all aspects of it to understand what has happened, what is happening, and what might happen next.

UNLOCK YOUR BUCKET LIST ADVENTURE

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When you purchase an occupation right to an independent apartment or townhouse by 31 March 2025, we’ll give you a $15,000 House of Travel Gift Card*.

Ryman’s lock and leave lifestyle means you’re free to take off, knowing your home will be cared for. With fewer chores and more freedom, now is the perfect time to explore.

Where will your next adventure take you?

*Participating villages only, terms & conditions apply

Is this confidence justified?

By Peter Nicholl

Three central banks, the US Federal Reserve, the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand have announced decisions on their Official Cash Rates in recent weeks.

The US Fed was first and was also the most cautious. On January 29 it left their cash rate unchanged at 4.25 to 4.5 per cent.

The reasons given were that inflation remained ‘somewhat elevated’ and the future path of global inflationary pressures had become uncertain.

They did not mention the Donald Trump effect, but you could see his shadow behind the caution.

Australia was next. On February 18 it reduced the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.1 per cent.

The bank said the ‘turmoil in global inflationary pressures could derail further easing’. It had also become cautious about the global inflation outlook.

New Zealand was the last of these three and the most optimistic.

On February 19 the reserve bank reduced the cash rate by 50 basis points to 3.75 per cent.

Our reserve bank now has a rate significantly below the other two. What’s more, it predicts further cuts this year and that the cash rate could come down to 3 per cent by the end of 2025. The bank did refer to ‘geopolitics, including uncertainty about trade barriers’ in their statement. But their concern was that this was likely to weaken global growth.

Unlike the Fed and the RBA, our reserve bank did not seem to see these geopolitical events and uncertainties as also having

inflationary risks.

It said the Consumers Price Index was near the mid-point of their 1-3 per cent target band and ‘the economic outlook remains consistent with inflation remaining in the band over the medium term’. This is a more optimistic and confident view than shown by the other two banks recently.

The domestic component of our inflation is still above the top of our reserve bank’s target range. The reason that our CPI is within the bank’s target band is that imported inflation has been low, at times even negative.

The Fed and the RBA are worried that could be about to change. But our reserve bank, rather than becoming more cautious because of these global uncertainties, said it now expected to cut the OCR faster through 2025 than it had announced last November.

Lower interest rates here could put further downward pressure on our exchange rate. Our dollar has fallen almost 6 per cent on a trade-weighted basis in recent months. A lower exchange rate is good for exportersbut it isn’t good for inflation.

The reserve bank took the OCR too low during the Covid period and kept it low for too long. At the time, they referred to this policy as one of ‘least regrets’. They seem to have dropped that phrase.

But I fear they are starting to make the same mistake of claiming victory over inflation just as other central banks have become worried that the beast could be waking up again.

Something’s missing…

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

Have you ever tossed around in your mind the question of ‘is there something missing in my life?’ If so, you’d certainly be in good company because it appears to be one of the most pondered lines of thought human beings wrestle with. Often in conversations, people casually acknowledge they are aware there ‘must be more than this.’

Contemporary culture’s mirror of music provides a telling reflection and this “something missing” theme recurs repeatedly in the lyrics of popular songs. Marcia Hynes wrote “Something’s Missing in My Life,” which included words which many people would relate to. “Got my house, got my fancy car, everything’s going like I planned so far, something’s not there, should be there, I’ve got to find it somewhere…”

The song goes on to suggest that perhaps what’s missing is a romantic connection; “Maybe it’s you…” That’s a common quest; the sense of life being made complete by a relationship that will meet our needs and “complete” us.

Freddie Mercury, lead singer Queen died in 1991. One of his last songs on The Miracle album asked, “Does anybody know what we are living for?”

In spite of amassing a fortune and attracting millions of fans, he admitted in an interview shortly before his death that he was desperately lonely.

He said, “You can have everything in the world and still be the loneliest man and that is the most bitter type of loneliness. Success brought me world idolisation and millions of pounds, but it’s prevented me from having the one thing we all need - a loving, ongoing relationship.”

John Mayer reiterated the theme - “Something’s missing, and I don’t know how to fix it, something’s missing, and I don’t know what it is, no I don’t know what it is, at all…”

So, if meaning and purpose ultimately isn’t found in achievement, relationships, fame, success, possessions or pleasure seeking, where is it found? This troubling question has percolated in the hearts and minds of people over time.

Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) was a French philosopher, mathematician, scientist, inventor, and theologian. As a theological writer, he was a staunch defender of Christian faith claiming, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of everyone which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ”.

So, in a certain sense Marcia Hynes, Freddie Mercury and countless others were right to speak of an ongoing relationship as the one thing we all need. Yet no human relationship will satisfy entirely. Nor can it be completely ongoing. There always remains something missing. That is because we were created to live in a relationship with God. Jesus said, “I am the Way”. He is the only One who can bring us into relationship with God that goes on into eternity.

Trying to experience a movie on-line with it buffering because the wi-fi signal is weak is frustrating. You know there’s more. Plugging in an ethernet cable changes everything. Life without a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, is attempting to live without being “plugged in”.

Did

Cambridge Tree Trust

Cambridge Tree Trust

www.treetrust.org.nz

www.treetrust.org.nz

Come join Cambridge Tree Trust

Five-finger (Neopanax/ Pseudopanax arboreum)

Five-finger (Neopanax/ Pseudopanax arboreum)

If you’re new to Cambridge or recently retired, Cambridge Tree Trust would welcome new members. Currently we are a group of about 20, men and women, who meet at 9 am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at our base, 89 Thornton Road. Most go out together planting, weeding or mulching at one of our many sites around Cambridge, while a few remain behind raising plants in the nursery. At 11 am we stop work for a cup of coffee and a natter back at base.

We’re from a variety of backgrounds: there are teachers, accountants, farmers, doctors, electricians, plumbers, agricultural contractors, a psychiatric nurse, horticulturalists, and a historian – all now more or less

Cambridge

Cambridge

retired. Asked why they had joined most said it was for the company; those new to Cambridge or even to the country were able to meet others while being active in the outdoors. ‘It saves me going to the gym,’ said one. There’s also great team work and a ‘give it a go’ attitude. All are united in their love of trees, even though many admitted they did not know much about them. There are no qualifications for membership, just a willingness to learn and to share what skills and knowledge you have; and no obligation – go for your holiday, take time out for family or whatever.

So come and give it a go. As one said, ‘It’s a convivial group, with plenty of laughter, enjoying the fresh air, and fantastic to know that you are planting trees that will last well beyond your lifetime and give pleasure to other generations. It makes you feel good.’

Advertorial

Denniston model heads south

By Viv Posselt

A model of the brakehead at the top of the Denniston Incline is moving today to Westport, where it will be donated to the ‘Friends of the Hill’ Museum.

The Greater Waikato Railway Modellers (GWRM) model’s completion has been a passion project for the Cambridge modellers. It was started a few years ago by the late modeller Colin Robinson. He and his wife Paddy were both members of Friends of the Hill, a community group created by former Denniston residents. Colin’s original intention was to donate

the completed model to the museum at Denniston, which is housed in the settlement’s former high school, but he died before he could finish the work.

The project was then adopted by the Cambridge crew with the blessing of Colin’s widow.

Leading its modification was retired British mining engineer Alf Stubbs, who had visited Denniston several times. He enlisted the aid of fellow GWRM members.

The famous incline, known to some as the eighth wonder of the world, is considered a triumph of engineering. It opened

in 1879 to move coal in railway wagons from the steep Mt Rochfort Plateau to Denniston, covering a drop of 518m over 1670m distance. The gradient in some places is 1:1.25 (80 per cent).

Key to its operation was the brakehead at the top the incline, and it is that section that has been replicated by railway modellers. Its story has numerous join-the-dot coincidences.

The Mt Rochfort Plateau –also known as the Denniston Plateau – was named after English-born John Rochfort, a surveyor-engineer who helped map and open up early New Zealand. His discovery of coal at Denniston led to the naming of the plateau. Rochfort later moved to the North Island where he continued surveying in the Waikato until his death at 60. He is buried in Kihikihi.

Another link ties the model to Ōhaupō’s Val Millington. The News covered last November’s launch of her book ‘Ellen of Denniston’, telling the story of her mother’s life at Denniston.

Alf has been reading the book, and on a recent visit to the modellers’ clubrooms in Leamington, Val stumbled

upon another of Alf’s passions – a model of Middleton Colliery, outside Leeds in Yorkshire. It was where Alf lived and started work on the mines straight after school.

Val’s great-grandparents had come to Denniston from Middleton Colliery, where Ellen’s grandfather Allan Moseley was a miner. When they arrived at Denniston and saw the steep walk to get to the plateau, they put the youngest of their nine children and a few possessions into a coal

wagon to scale the incline.

Mining at Denniston has long since ceased and the settlement, once home to over 1500 people, now houses just a handful of stalwarts.

Taking the model down to Denniston today will be modellers Alf Stubbs, John Curtis and Rex Beech.

Accompanying them will be Hamilton father and son, Graham and Sam McClung. Sam was introduced to the Cambridge modellers when visiting with Alf’s son and has followed the model’s

development with interest because his grandparents were residents on the plateau and worked the Denniston mine.

Val Millington will also be there – as guest speaker in the very classroom in which her own mother’s tragedy at age 17 unfolded. Three years in hospital and 30 operations later, Ellen’s life changed dramatically. She moved from ‘The Hill’ and went on to achieve recognition for developing the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek.

United through a shared mining history, railway modeller Alf Stubbs and Ōhaupō author Val Millington at the modellers’ clubrooms in Leamington.

Former mining engineer now railway modeller Alf Stubbs, pointing out some of the detail in the model of the Denniston Incline.

Photo: Viv Posselt

Why ‘Space Dave’ backs Nasa

By Chris Gardner

Te Awamutu’s “Space Dave” has complete faith that Nasa and other space agencies can deal with a rogue asteroid heading towards Earth.

He says we should treat the emergence as a planetary emergency drill.

Astronomers warn there is a two per cent chance of space rock 2024 YR4 hitting our planet in 2032.

“Nasa and other space agencies are always on the lookout for potentially dangerous near-Earth objects,” Te Awamutu Space Centre astronomer and founder Dave Owen told The News.

Owen has operated the space centre in Lyon Street, Kihikihi, since 2014.

“As they find new ones, it takes time to figure out their exact orbits,” he said.

“During this early tracking stage, it’s normal for the odds of hitting Earth to fluctuate. That’s what’s happening with this asteroid. While the odds are currently around two per cent, my best guess is that this will come down to virtually zero soon. However, it could be as late as 2028 before we know for sure.”

Even in the unlikely event 2024 YR4 is on a collision course with Earth, Owen said there lots of time to prepare.

“…we know what to do. We just need to send

a rocket to the asteroid and give it a little nudge to change its direction enough to miss Earth. Nasa has already tested this procedure, and it worked.”

Nasa tested and proved the technology for redirecting asteroids in 2021.

“There are also other space agencies such as the European Space Agency, who would likely be involved. Even New Zealand’s Rocket Lab could potentially play a part.”

In the absolute worst-case scenario, Owen said, humanity had time to calculate where it would hit Earth and evacuate that area.

“This could mean displacing a city-sized population, which is bad, but it’s not an existential threat,” he said.

“Whether or not this asteroid turns out to be a problem, one thing is almost guaranteed: It’s only a matter of time before we do face a serious asteroid impact. That’s when everyone will suddenly be happy that we have a spaceflight programme because that’s what will save us.

“Any concerns I have are not with Nasa, they’re with politicians.”

Owen said he had seen US apocalyptic political satire black comedy film Don’t Look Up and its message was a serious one.

“This is a completely solvable problem, as long as politicians and the general public are willing to fund the solution.”

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Josef Scharl, 1896-1954, “Comedians”, Medium: Original Woodcut, Handprint on Japanese Paper. Numbered 20/25 Signed: in the plate and on Revers, Size 350x 262mm, Date: 1935

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The Best Heat Pump Solution

Te Awamutu Space Centre’s “Space Dave” says Nasa, the European Space Agency, and Rocket Lab could all play a part in deflecting an asteroid impact.

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Get Gardening

Autumn is nearly upon us, but the weather is still very hot and dry. Deadhead or cut back summer flowers to encourage fresh flowers. Pick hydrangeas, roses, dahlias, sweet peas, sunflowers and other perennials for the vase. Keep feeding strawberries and other berries to give them a boost for more fruit into Autumn. Fruit will be ripening so pick them before the birds beat you. Many summer crops will be harvested and pulled out of the ground in the coming month. While the garden is empty, take time to replenish the soil with a new layer of compost. You can start refreshing your flower gardens with Autumn flowers now. Poppies, primulas, violas, and cyclamen are becoming available and will flower through the winter months. Happy Gardening!

Money for the maunga

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari has welcomed a $750,000 lifeline from the latest conservation grants.

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka made the announcement last weekend saying he was confident the funding, spread over three years, would help the sanctuary “continue their work with our precious native species”.

The News revealed in mid-2024 that money concerns were so serious the sanctuary did not have funding confidence beyond a matter of months, and it subsequently reduced its ranger numbers.

“Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is home to more than 730 native species of flora, fauna, and fungi, including endangered wildlife such as the North Island brown kiwi, kākāpō, and Hochstetter’s frog,”

“The significance of this funding cannot be

A TRAILER THAT IS TOWED

The Government announcement came at it boosted investment in

the QEII National Trust to reinforce the protection of biodiversity on private land. It amounted to an additional $4.5 million for conservation body over three years.

QEII Trust works with farmers and landowners who voluntarily set aside permanently protected areas including forests and wetlands on private property using covenants.

“Many of our most at-risk plants and animals are found on private land,” Potaka said. “Landowners provide a significant contribution to conservation efforts through additional planting, pest control, and fencing work.

“For nearly half a century, QEII Trust has worked with landowners, councils and others to protect over 187,000 hectares of land in 5200 covenanted areas…”

CAMBRIDGE

CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE CALLS OVER THE LAST WEEK

TUESDAY

1.23am, Building alarm and evacuation, Burns Street 5.07am, Building alarm and evacuation, Maungatautari Road

WEDNESDAY

WEDNESDAY

3:52pm, Building alarm and evacuation, Hooker Road 6:29pm, Building alarm and evacuation, Hooker Road

THURSDAY

6:38pm, Medical, Cardiac Arrest, Arnold Street

FRIDAY

9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street 1:09pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Ruakura Road 11:56pm, Building Alarm and evacuation, Hautapu Road

9.35am, Fire in the vicinity, Te Miro Road

10.55am, Building fire, Riverglade Drive

1.10pm, Vegetation fire, Maungatautari Road

1.47pm, Building alarm and evacuation, Thompson Street

7.23pm, Alarm sounding, Southey Street

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

MONDAY

SUNDAY

3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road

7.31am, 2 car mvc, Waikato Expressway 11.10am, Building alarm and evacuation, Hillcrest Road Hamilton 1.45pm, Grass fire, Fencourt Road

Sanctuary Mountain co-chair Norma Taute said.

South Island Takahē – total population around 500 – take sanctuary on Maungatautari.

National RSA post for Hill

By Viv Posselt

Several months into his role as one of two national vice-presidents with the NZ Returned Services Association Cambridge’s James ‘Tony’ Hill MBE is contributing to guiding the organisation to better fit with today’s world.

In his time as president of the Cambridge RSA and district president for Waikato, King Country and Bay of Plenty – positions he still holds – Hill has reinvigorated the local RSA, streamlining its processes to deliver swift support to veterans when needed.

“I’m currently wearing all three hats, but they all dovetail,” he said. “If you have a good committee and people are team players, it just works. Our Poppy Trust is making a real difference in the lives of veterans and their families.”

Hill’s is one of the biggest RSA regions in the country, made up of 35 groups across the Waikato, King Country, Bay of Plenty, Thames Valley and Coromandel. As district president – one of eight in the county – his role is to advise the national board on the interests of local RSAs.

In January the association returned to Piopio as a sub-branch of Te Kūiti and Districts RSA after closing in 1987.

The sub-branch was following similar examples of the Te Kūiti branch, which meets in the Waitomo Club, the Ōtorohanga branch, which meets in the Ōtorohanga Club, and the Cambridge branch, which meets at D’Arcy’s Garden Restaurant, Club Lounge & Bar at Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments.

By national standards, Cambridge is big. Its RSA has 188 members, 131 of them having seen service in the defence forces. Hill said having members who had never served wasn’t always the case; today they are seen as invaluable members of the team.

“We’ve had some great people joining us, people who really want to be part of the RSA.”

At national level, the RNZRSA is implementing a modernisation programme intended to broaden support of veterans and their families. It aligns perfectly with Hill’s regional approach.

The organisation was founded in 1916 to ensure New Zealand soldiers returning from the Gallipoli

Campaign could share their experiences and access support. In the 108 years since, the RNZRSA has grown to encompass 180 associations and has more than 250 trained support advisors.

Each association (RSA) is an independent entity that follows national guidelines. It’s a complicated structure currently being reviewed to strengthen the relationship between the national body and local RSAs. What won’t change is the current structure that keeps assets and money belonging to each RSA within its community, or decisions by local RSAs to continue operating hospitality venues should they want to.

“A lot of RSAs are transitioning from the hospitality-centric model to focus on support for veterans and their families, and being good community

citizens,” he said.

“We place strong emphasis on that, and on providing practical welfare where it’s needed.”

Hill said some RSAs struggling with falling membership are co-locating with other clubs and venues to ensure a more sustainable future.

Hill did more than 30 years with the New Zealand Army, serving as an officer with the Royal New Zealand Engineers. His military career covered multinational coalition operations to logistics, human resources and a diplomatic role. On leaving the military, he worked for a private firm based in the Middle East, seeing service in Kenya, Somalia and Yemen.

His three-year role as vicepresident also calls on him to stand-in when required for the national president, Sir Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford.

to the Editor

Cambridge RSA president, Tony Hill is months into his new role as one of two vice-presidents of the national body. Photo: Viv Posselt

An experts guide to downsizing and decluttering

Whether you’re ready to make the move to a retirement village or just exploring your options, this is a free seminar at Summerset Cambridge that you won’t want to miss.

Starting a downsizing and decluttering project can feel overwhelming, we’ll help you tackle each part in bite-sized stages, keep yourself motivated, and understand realistic timelines to stay on track.

You’ll learn lots of tips and tricks and we’ll answer your questions like “what if my husband and I don’t agree with what we keep and don’t keep”, and “what do I do with all these tools”?

A fun and informative session for any family needing to downsize or declutter before considering a move.

Get in touch with Nikki Matthews, Sales Manager, on 07 839 9482 or email cambridge.sales@summerset.co.nz to find out more.

Join our Downsizing & Decluttering Seminar at Summerset Cambridge

At Summerset, our retirement villages are designed to make sure you get the best out of your retirement. Summerset Cambridge is no exception, with a range of brand new homes ready to move in to now.

Two-bedroom homes are available with flexible pricing from just $638,000.* We’ll help you every step of the way with $20,000 cash back, $2,000 towards your legal fees, a moving service package, and no weekly fees for 12 months. Simply sign a sales application for a selected home between 01 February 2025 and 30 June 2025, and then settle by 31 October 2025.

Downsizing & Decluttering Seminar

Wednesday 12 March, 11am

Summerset Cambridge

1 Mary Ann Drive, Cambridge 07 839 9482 | summerset.co.nz/cambridge

Or, if you’re ready to settle a little sooner by 30 June 2025, we’ll give you an extra $10,000 cash back, so you can really treat yourself.#

Join us at our free Downsizing & Decluttering Seminar at 11am on Wednesday 12 March. Or, if you’d like to hear more sooner, just give Nikki Matthews, Sales Manager, a call and she’ll take you on a guided tour. Our sales office is open 7 days so you’re welcome any time. Love the life you choose.

Spotlight on Cambridge

FIVE STAGS

Five Stags at 9 Campbell St in Leamington is styled on a hunting lodge; where you can enjoy the warmth of a fire, catch the game with mates over a few drinks or enjoy their well-known menu featuring some of the best foods New Zealand has to offer from slow roasted beef, venison burgers, pork ribs, to southern fried chicken, and the best fresh fish.

JOE’S GARAGE

Joe’s Garage, at 107 Swayne Rd – “halfway between the high school and the motorway,” is part of a nation-wide franchise. From cooked breakfast, a good range of burgers, fish and chips, pizza, steak meals to a wide variety in the cabinet of sweet and savoury, hot and cold foods, Joe’s Garage open seven days a week, will have something to suit.

FORAGE

Forage customers love the healthy range of cold pressed juices, kombucha, tonics, nut milk, smoothies and raw slices with no additives, sugar, gluten or dairy used. Gut health is hugely important so a range of fermentation kits and culture starters are available. Explore Forage’s full range of products, at 21 Empire St, or foragejuice.co.nz

MASCARPONE $25

MOSEN WELDING

TARTUFOSA MOZZARELLA, MUSHROOM, TRUFFLE PASTE, ROCKET, TRUFFLE OIL $25

VERDUROSA POMODORO, MOZZARELLA, SEASONAL VEGES, EVO $22

Manufacturing and repair. Whenever you need something to be welded, Brad Mosen from Mosen Welding in Cambridge is your go-to man. Whether working on heavy equipment like concrete mixers, or light sheet metal work, Brad has years of experience behind him. Always best to be contacted at 021404814 or mosenbrad@gmail.com.

PORCA POMODORO, MOZZARELLA, SALAME, HAM, SAUSAGE, EVO $26

ORTO DI MARE MOZZARELLA,

GOOD UNION

The popular bar and restaurant Good Union Cambridge, the home of Good George Brewing, serves a large range of awardwinning beer, cider, gin, vodka, and cocktails. In harmony with the brews, the menu serves everything from burgers to pizzas, platters to pasta, they have tasty dishes to suit people of all ages. Pop down, try the specials, or visit www.goodunion.co.nz for more information.

WAIKATO STONECRAFT

Waikato Stonecraft specialise in a wide range of memorial work, from unique, specially carved memorials, through to traditional granite headstones, cremation, and burial plaques. They can custom design using a range of sizes and colours to suit all budgets. Call us on 07 827 5226 or call in at 39 Shakespeare Street, Leamington, Cambridge.

Five Stags Leamington is the home of Stonegrill in the Waikato Cook your meat to perfection on a 400 degree stone Available daily for lunch and dinner

Historian with church in his DNA

By Viv Posselt

Monsignor David Bennett, pastor at Cambridge’s St Peter’s Catholic Church for 13 years before he took retirement, died earlier this month, aged 81.

Not only was he Pastor Emeritus of St Peter’s Church in Cambridge, but

also of St Mary’s Church in Rotorua – where his farewell service was held – and the Catholic Cathedral in Hamilton. He also served in parishes in Auckland, Tokoroa and Te Awamutu.

In addition, he spent many years as chaplain with the New Zealand Police. Had his story turned out

differently, Mons Bennett may never have been a Catholic priest who went on to hold the titles of Vicar General and Prelate of the Papal Household.

His grandfather, Bishop Frederick Augustus Bennett, became New Zealand’s first Anglican Māori Bishop in 1928, and earlier records tell of an earlier Bennett Methodist minister in Ireland. One of Bishop Frederick’s 19 children from two marriages, and David Bennett’s uncle, became the Anglican Bishop Manuhuia ‘Manu’ Bennett.

Mons Bennett was born in Hamilton in 1943. His mother died when he was eight, and when his father remarried, it was his Catholic stepmother who may have been influential in his shifting from the family’s Anglican heritage.

In a 2018 interview with The News, one that marked the 50th anniversary of his entry into the priesthood, he said the church was in his DNA. He claimed that with the middle name Tiwha –loosely translated to ‘sign of the heavens’ – his path was set early.

After leaving school, he

spent three years at the Holy Name Seminary in Riccarton, then completed a theology degree at the Holy Cross College in Mosgiel. He told The News that he particularly enjoyed the ecumenical principals espoused by the college that encouraged Catholics, Presbyterians and Anglicans to study together.

AUTO DIRECTORY

Mons Bennett was ordained in June 1968 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Auckland.

For much of his retirement, he lived quietly at Cambridge Resthaven in Vogel St, with his beloved Swedish Vallhund, Aneke.

It was there that The News discovered he was widely considered to be the family historian. His cottage was filled with genealogical references, including one that affirmed his family name, Bennett, as meaning ‘blessed’.

Those at his funeral service spoke of his endearing cheeky smile, his gentlemanly manner and his shock of white hair.

Following his funeral, Mons Bennett was buried at his family urupa in Ngongotaha.

The reasons for rotation

Rotating your tyres, ensuring proper wheel alignment, and balancing are essential for maintaining vehicle safety, performance, and prolonging the lifespan of your tyres.

Tyre rotation ensures that all tyres wear evenly, as front, and rear tyres experience different levels of stress due to steering and braking. Regularly rotating them every 10,000–12,000 km promotes even wear, prolonging tyre life and ensuring consistent traction. It’s important to note your tyres should match in terms of make and model, certainly in width. Uneven tyre wear can reduce grip on the

Pop into see Jarrod at Tyre & Wheel Solutions (behind 4WD Solutions) for your free tyre check.

road, especially in wet or slippery conditions. By rotating your tyres, you maintain optimal tread depth across all wheels, which improves braking and cornering performance, making your vehicle safer to drive. This regularly prevents premature wear, reducing the need for early replacement. This not only saves money on new tyres but also improves fuel efficiency by reducing uneven drag. You also need to think about wheel alignment. What this does is ensures your tyres are set to the correct angles, so they meet the road properly. Misaligned wheels cause

uneven tyre wear, poor handling, and can lead to increased fuel consumption. Regular alignment ensures your car tracks straight, improving driving comfort and safety. Next is correct balancing. Unbalanced tyres cause vibrations, uneven wear, and stress on suspension components. Balancing distributes the tyre weight evenly, ensuring a smoother ride, longer tyre life, and better handling. By rotating tyres and maintaining proper alignment and balance, you enhance vehicle safety, performance, and save on long-term costs.

David Bennett pictured in 2018 with the framed definition of his family name.

Photo: Viv Posselt

David Bennett pictured shortly after his ordination in 1968.

Leaders stumble at Leamington

By Mary Anne Gill

Tayla Fredrickson’s unbeaten 64 paved the way for an upset Cambridge win over leaders Morrinsville Piako in a Hamilton and Waikato Valley senior women’s cricket match at Leamington Domain on Saturday.

Her 72-ball knock in Cambridge’s 170-7 total over 35 overs included 12 fours on the artificial drop in pitch.

In reply Morrinsville, who won the toss and elected to bowl, looked unlikely to go

close when the seventh wicket went down for 126.

But a rear-guard action aided by some loose bowling made the run chase look likely when the last pair needed six runs off 16 balls.

So, there was great delight when Cambridge’s Hannah Jacobsen, fielding at short mid-off, caught Alla Wynen off Poppy Jamieson’s bowling to end the innings.

Several of the Cambridge players were back on Sunday turning out for Waikato Valley women in their four wicket win

over Bay of Plenty on Victoria Square in Cambridge.

Bay of Plenty won the toss and elected to bat on a pitch that looked ripe for runs. The visitors struggled early though and were five wickets down for 59 before Brittany Jenkins steadied the ship picking up a valuable 32 runs from 31 balls, which included three fours. Bay of Plenty finished 121 all out from 28.1 overs with extras being the top scorer on 34 - 33 of them wides.

In reply Waikato Valley lost their opener with no runs on

the board bringing Charlotte Bell in early. She hit 34 off 67 balls, including five fours, but was bowled by Hailey Scrimgeour with the score at 67-3. Second best scorer in the innings was extras with 30 runs from 25 wides, one no ball and four byes.

Mia Guzzell, 18, and Hannah Kendrick, 19 not out, saw Waikato Valley home with 123-6 but one suspects both team coaches will be spending extra time with the bowlers before the next fixtures on March 9.

Cambridge and Surrounding Area

Thunder on the horizon

The Frankton Thunder Automotive and Community Festival will feature a start in Cambridge.

One of the festival’s traditional features is the Cruise-in ‚ which leaves from the Cambridge Race Course and allows participants to choose their own route into Frankton.

Streets then become a flood of automotive colour.

Organising committee chairman Ken McGeady says organisers are looking forward to a record number of cars, motorcycles, military and vintage machinery for the March 9 event.

“We have interest from a number of Auckland car clubs along with steam train experiences offered by the Glenbrook Vintage Rail which links into Frankton’s past as an historic rail junction,” he said.

Glenbrook Vintage Rail is planning two days of steam excursions run from Frankton Rail station.

O’Dwyer wins rowing gold

Cambridge rower Tegan O’Dwyer was a member of the Waikato team which won the women’s eights at the national rowing championships competed last weekend. The series was held in the South Island on Lake Ruataniwha where the Christchurch based Avon club dominated.

Cambridge players rush to congratulate Hannah Jacobsen on her catch to win against competition leaders Morrinsville Piako at Leamington. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

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Super stone fruit

My lifelong addiction to fresh fruit began in Hawke’s Bay. ‘Harvest country’ was my childhood playground. Languid summer Sundays were often deliciously dedicated to PYO peaches, apricots and nectarines in the region’s inviting orchards.

Mum crammed our laundry shelves with preserves prepared from fresh surpluses. We were never short of bottled fruit or chutneys, pickles and sauces.

Peaches originated in China and were taken to the Middle East in pre-Christian times via the Silk Road. However, the Golden Queen peach is said to have first been grown in New Zealand in the garden of a Mrs Reeves in Tauranga. Golden Queens are a late season peach popular for bottling. There are different varieties. Some are ‘freestone’, where the flesh easily separates from the stone, and others are ‘clingstone’. Still known (some say controversially) as the black boy peach (prunus persica), this taste treat is now also called the blood peach or red-fleshed peach. This late-summer yummy with its port wine skin and ruby flesh, is high in antioxidants and is a choice peach for both cooking and enjoying raw. The riper it is, the sweeter it is and more easily peeled.

Roasted stone fruit

One of my mother’s moreish desserts with a ‘wow’ factor was stone fruit roasted in sweet sherry and served warm or cold with whipped cream. In keeping with changing tastes, I’ve substituted white wine and a dash of maple syrup for the sherry.

2-3 each: peaches, nectarines, large apricots

2-3 tablespoons caster sugar

1/2 cup white wine

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 each: star anise, small vanilla bean pod, split open 25g butter, diced julienned orange peel to garnish

Preheat the oven to 200°C fan bake.

Halve and stone the fruit. Peel the peaches, if preferred. Place snugly — cut-sides up — in a roasting dish. Sprinkle with the

caster sugar. Combine the wine and maple syrup. Pour over the fruit and top with the star anise and the vanilla pod. Dot with butter.

Roast for 30 minutes until the fruit is tender. Garnish with the julienned orange peel.

Excellent served warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or ice cream. Serves 4-6.

Tip: To prevent the fruit discolouring (oxidising) during preparation, dissolve a 1/4 teaspoon of vitamin C powder in a 1/4 cup of cold water and drizzle over the fruit in a bowl. Vitamin C powder is available from health food stores.

Black boy peach galettes

These galettes can be cooked ahead, refrigerated then reheated on a hot oven tray until just warm.

2 sheets ready-rolled flaky pastry

1/2-3/4 cup apricot jam, sieved if lumpy

4-6 black boy peaches

1 1/2 tablespoons cornflour

1/2 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted and chopped

Preheat the oven to 190°C. Line one or two baking trays with baking paper.

Using a 10cm diameter bowl or similar, cut out 4 rounds from each pastry sheet. Place on the paper-lined trays. Brush the rounds with a little jam.

Halve, stone and peel the peaches. Place cut-side down on a chopping board and thinly slice. Place the slices over the pastry circles, overlapping them slightly like scales on a fish. Lightly dust with cornflour. Brush with more jam. Bake for about 25 minutes, until the pastry is crisp and slightly browned around the edges. Sprinkle with the pine nuts. Excellent served with crème fraiche, whipped cream or ice cream. Serves 8.

Plum & cassis fool

This makes a great topping for pavlova. It’s also luscious layered with fruit (blueberries, sliced strawberries or plums) in tall glasses.

500g red plums

1/3 cup sugar

3 tablespoons each: water, cassis (or Kirsch)

1 1/2 cups cream

1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional

Halve and stone the plums. Place in a saucepan with the sugar and water. Cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until soft. Stir occasionally.

Place in a food processor or blender. Process, until smooth. Cool. Stir in the cassis.

Whip the cream, until thick. Fold the plum purée into the cream. Add lemon juice to taste. Serves 6-8.

Roasted stone fruit

Black boy peach galettes

Graham

Paulette

Rachael

$1,149,000

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$1,650,000 $1,680,000+GST $1,749,000 $2,295,000 $4,100,000

Cambridge 3A Glover Street

As

Cambridge 83 Whare Marama Drive

area of Cambridge. Designed for e ortless family living, this 280m2 residence is set on a generous 2,500m2 (more or less), section, o ering privacy, sunshine, and room to breathe, a rare find in today’s world. Step inside to a beautifully designed open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, where seamless indoor-outdoor flow invites you to enjoy the covered portico and expansive grounds.

Set on a generous 7,567 square metres, this modern home, built in 2006, o ers an impressive 254-squaremetre floor plan designed for comfort and style. Step inside to discover four spacious bedrooms, two well-appointed bathrooms-including an ensuite-and a well-appointed kitchen, complete with a wall oven, gas cooktop, and dishwasher. The open-plan layout creates a warm, inviting space perfect for family gatherings.

Cambridge 4 Abergeldie Way

Step into the open-plan kitchen and dining area, designed for seamless family meals, and retreat to the separate lounge that flows e ortlessly onto a private patio. With full insulation and two heat pumps/air conditioning units, you can stay cozy all year round. Outdoors, a fully fenced, secure section awaits, perfect for kids and pets. Green thumbs will adore the vibrant fruit trees-lemons, feijoas, plums, limes, and mandarins-as well as raised veggie and herb gardens and a large garden shed.

1.5 1 2.5 Cassie Emmett M 027 215 9334

Rebekah Bloodworth

Cambridge 22a Madison Street

This home is the perfect mix of comfort, style, and convenience. You’ll enjoy the warmth of the

to run, pets to play, and even the DIY enthusiast to tinker away in the large garage with a workshop. Nestled in a friendly, established neighborhood, this home gives you the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and opportunity.

Cassie Emmett M 027 215 9334

Rebekah Bloodworth M 022 361 9879

Gordonton 1905C Gordonton Road

Urgent Action. Vendor Moving.

$1,040,000

91 Shakespeare Street, Leamington

- Three bedrooms, a large office/ fourth bedroom and a formal lounge perfectly positioned on a generous 1012m² (more or less) section.

- Ducted air-conditioning, new carpet, brand new Treetown Kitchen. Open Home Sunday 10.00 - 10.30am

and Stylish Easy Living

Negotiation

40 Jarrett Terrace, Cambridge Park

- Bright &modern interior, built in 2017 complete with double glazing.

- Indoor/ out flow for entertaining with the louvre-covered patio.

- 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

- 3 bathrooms (2 in the

and 1 in the B&B

- Open-plan living area flows seamlessly to a outdoor entertaining space, accessible through French doors to the saltwater pool. Open Home Saturday 1.00 - 1.30pm

Charmed 1012 sqm

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.

Two spacious bedrooms, both with double wardrobes, and a beautifully renovated modern bathroom with stylish tiling.

- Stunning new kitchen, thoughtfully designed with engineered stone benchtops, elegant tiled accents, and high-quality appliances. Open Home Sunday 12.00 - 12.30pm

5.3% Yield -

Bids at Auction!

This property attracted significant interest from savvy investors after it hit the market in December. These newly constructed, high-profile premises boast not one, but three national brand tenants!

• JA Russell

• Village Bakery Cafe

• Liquid Laundromat

Each tenant is secured by brand-new, long-term leases, ensuring a reliable and stable income stream of $140,000 per annum.

One of the feature auctions that sold at our recent Bid Day Out in Cambridge.

Looking to sell your commercial property? Give us a call

Alan Copeman

Waikato Commercial Manager | Cambridge Branch Manager

M 021 874 222

P 07 595 0835

E alan.copeman@pb.co.nz

Tony Wakelin

Commercial Sales Consultant

M 021 569 299

P 07 595 0835

E tony.wakelin@pb.co.nz

Matamata

Cambridge 41 Fencourt Road

A rare find

This sprawling country home makes the lure of a new home simply too hard to resist. Appealing to the most discerning buyers, the 354 sq m tailored masterpiece just outside Cambridge is something truly special. Attention to detail at every step, highquality finishes, and a large, landscaped site ensure the property stands out from the crowd. Your new home journey couldn't be better with this fabulous custom design residence built by master builder Rob May. It is awash in luxurious comfort, showcases uncompromised style, and is perfectly positioned for country views and lifestyle convenience. Its detailed interiors, encompassing two inviting living areas, and fabulous alfresco domains give a family plenty of room to relax and entertain. The heated saltwater swimming pool promises hours of fun and backyard exercise, and the approximate 4,096 sq m section provides ample space for the kids to run about. The area is serviced by school buses and just a short drive from Cambridge central.

Cambridge 67 - 71 Shakespeare Street

pb.co.nz/CBC192588 Tony Wakelin M 021 569 299 E tony.wakelin@pb.co.nz Alan Copeman M 021 874 222 E alan.copeman@pb.co.nz

Heat Pump Specialists

•

Garden Maintenance

McLAUGHLIN, Colin – On

Monday, 17th February 2025 in his 90th year. Beloved husband of the late Eva and loving father of Ian. Grandfather to Talyn and Kaellen. Our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Resthaven on Vogel, Cambridge. Messages to the ‘McLaughlin Family’ can be sent c/- Grinter’s Funeral Home, 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Colin’s online tribute book at www. grinters.co.nz. A service to celebrate the life of Colin will be held at the Greenwood Chapel, 395 Morrinsville Road, Newstead, today, Thursday, 27 February at 1.00pm, followed by a private cremation.

Family Notices

• Engagements

• Weddings

• Births

• Anniversaries

• Bereavements

ROTO O RANGI MEMORIAL HALL AGM

Time & Date: Thursday 13th March 2025 at 7.30pm

Venue: At The Hall, 6 Kairangi Road, Rotoorangi All Welcome

CAMBRIDGE

HOUSEKEEPER wanted. Energetic and reliable, for Te Miro/Whitehall house $80 for 3 hours per week. Phone 827 9355 anytime.

WANTED

WANTED for cash - estate jewellery, all types and art, in the Waikato area. Contact Mike 0272793408

WORK WANTED

LOW COST cleaner available, including carpet shampoos. Phone 020 4081 3773

PANELBEATER available for onsite repairs. Accident damage – rust repairs –motorbike tank and plastic fairings – welding. No insurance work. Ph Geoff 021 464 687

Classifieds

CONTACTS

News/Editorial

Roy Pilott editor@goodlocal.nz

TAYLOR MADE

22a Taylor Street, Cambridge

Speaker: GAYLE CHAMBERS

President Grey Power Federation

For enquiries: E: greypower.cambridge@gmail.com

Visitors aged 50+ keen to become Greypower members are welcome to attend. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

Jobs, terrific bargains, useful services, legal notices and announcements – these are some of the great things you’ll find in your newspaper’s classified ad section. Connect to your neighbours in a proven reliable way. When buyers and sellers need to connect… YOUR NEWSPAPER Still DELIVERS

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

• 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.

• In Memoriam etc Call Janine 027 287 0005 or email janine@goodlocal.nz

Cambridge Seventh-Day Adven�st Church

Cr. Shakespeare & Browning Streets

Bible Study Each Saturday: 9.30am – 10.45am

Worship Service: 11.00am

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

Phone: 027 677 6433

Hope Channel – Freeview Ch 27, Sky 204

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

Carter Funeral Director

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE – Alpha – Dick – Duke Streets on Sunday, 9 March 2025

Please note that the road/s listed below will be closed to ordinary vehicular traffic for the Waipa Fun Run between 6:00 am and 12:30 pm on Sunday, 9 March 2025

• Alpha Street – between Victoria and Bryce Street

• Dick Street - between Queen Street and Duke Street

• Duke Street - between Victoria Street and Hallys Lane Arrangements will be made for access by emergency vehicles during the closure, if required.

For more information, please contact Waipa District Council on 0800 924 723 or email events@waipadc.govt.nz

Steph O’Sullivan

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE – Head and Stokes Roads on Sunday, March 9, 2025

Please note that the road/s listed below will be closed to ordinary vehicular traffic for the Head and Stokes Roads Bent Sprint between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm on Sunday, March 9, 2025

• Head Road – between Stokes Road and Maungatautari Road

• Stokes Road – between Maungatautari Road and Head Road

Arrangements will be made for access by emergency vehicles during the closure, if required.

For further information, please contact Waipa District Council on 0800 924 723 or email events@waipadc.govt.nz

Steph O’Sullivan

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

ACCOUNTING OPPORTUNITY

We currently have an opportunity for an intermediate or senior accountant to join our team.

The role will provide you with the opportunity to work within an experienced, collaborative team. You will be providing a range of services and liaising with partners, clients and our friendly, approachable staff. You will be preparing tax returns, financial statements and GST returns for companies, partnerships and trusts. Depending on your experience, you may also be preparing budgets, forecasts, cashflows and monthly management accounts.

We can offer you access to the latest business technology, training and support from our friendly, professional team. We are an Approved Training Organisation with CAANZ so we can help you to progress your accounting qualifications should you wish to do so. Please forward an application and your CV to:

Accounting Position

McKenzie Strawbridge P O Box 37 Otorohanga 3940

Or email to: rebecca@msca.co.nz

Having problems with your hearing aids?

Not happy with your current aids or service?

Not happy with your current aids or service?

Given up wearing them altogether?

Given up wearing them altogether?

Worried about the cost of replacing them?

Worried about the cost of replacing them?

Welcome to Resonate’s stressfree approach to better hearing.

JENNY & ALI, RESONATE TAUPŌ

We invite you to come into one of Resonate’s hearing health studios and try some of the world’s best hearing aid technology, the ReSound Nexia 9, from Denmark.

We invite you to come into one of Resonate’s hearing health studios and try some of the world’s best hearing aid technology, the ReSound Nexia 9, from Denmark.

If you like what you hear you can start your complimentary one-month subscription period.

If you like what you hear you can start your complimentary one-month subscription period.

If you are still happy after the initial trial, you can just keep wearing your new hearing aids, for $90 a month. It is as simple as that.

If you are still happy after the initial trial, you can just keep wearing your new hearing aids, for $90 a month. It is as simple as that.

• No hidden charges; tuning and hearing consultations are all part of the service

• No hidden charges; tuning and hearing consultations are all part of the service

• No deposit

• No deposit

• No minimum contract period

• No minimum contract period

• Free upgrade to the latest technology, every 3 years

• Free upgrade to the latest technology, every 3 years

Contact Resonate 0800 737 662 | resonatehealth.co.nz

Contact Resonate 0800 737 662 | resonatehealth.co.nz Welcome to Resonate’s stressfree approach

More happy customers.

More happy customers.

TERRY NELLIE & SILVER , RESONATE CAMBRIDGE

The whole process from walking in the door for my first check to being fitted with my new aids and having a follow up appointment to see how I was coping, was so friendly and relaxed. The bonus in all this was the amazingly low cost of the hearing aids and the follow up services. I wish I had known about Resonate a long time ago.

The whole process from walking in the door for my first check to being fitted with my new aids and having a follow up appointment to see how I was coping, was so friendly and relaxed. The bonus in all this was the amazingly low cost of the hearing aids and the follow up services. I wish I had known about Resonate a long time ago.

CAROL

CAROL

I am very happy with Resonate Health. The attention I received was first class. My new Nexia hearing aids are performing really well and are a vast improvement on my old aids. Everyday life is now much more rewarding and I can easily watch and hear TV now without having to use headphones. Paying $90 a month is very affordable without having to break into savings to pay thousands.

I would certainly recommend you pay a visit to Resonate, you won’t be disappointed.

I am very happy with Resonate Health. The attention I received was first class. My new Nexia hearing aids are performing really well and are a vast improvement on my old aids. Everyday life is now much more rewarding and I can easily watch and hear TV now without having to use headphones. Paying $90 a month is very affordable without having to break into savings to pay thousands. I would certainly recommend you pay a visit to Resonate, you won’t be disappointed.

TERRY

Visit resonatehealth.co.nz to read more of our 5-star reviews