Cambridge News | March 20, 2025 by Cambridge News, King Country News, Te Awamutu News & Waikato Business News

When you’ve got to go

Planning for the belated extension of the Waikato Expressway to the new Piarere roundabout is gaining pace.

An animated flyover of the new road is now online. But it’s come at an emotional cost. The new road will sweep through Tunakawa Rd – and claim the only home Ricky Newcombe has ever known. Viv Posselt reports.

Ricky Newcombe thought he would see out his days on the property that has been in his family for 116 years, but he has learned the hard way that history can’t stand in the way of progress.

Just weeks ago, Ricky and his wife Christine shifted from their 44ha Tunakawa Rd property, about 3km south of Mobil Karāpiro, to a new home in Maungakawa Rd.

The move wasn’t something they planned, or even wanted, but it had to be done to make way for the SH1 Cambridge to Piarere expressway that would otherwise pass directly through their lounge room.

“We knew in 2017 about the highway coming through,” Ricky said, “but it was canned for various reasons… changes in government, RMA changes, valuation issues, you name it. It’s been a stop-start process that has dragged on for ages and we’ve been on tenterhooks throughout.

“At the beginning of last year, we were told we should start looking for somewhere else to live. Then we finally signed everything in September last year. It’s a bitter pill to swallow.”

In the end, the couple’s protestations stood for naught. The wrench from the only home Ricky has known all his life, and his struggle to stave it off, has left its mark. He is less

than enthusiastic about the way the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has communicated throughout and resents being left with little choice but to sell.

The move took dairy farmer Ricky out of milking five years ago. He sold his cows when the expressway issue came up, switched to leasing land for grazing and brought in some beef dry stock for themselves.

“We are taking those beefies with us,” he said.

Despite the upheaval, they are looking forward to settling into their 14.5ha property in Maungakawa.

Ricky is particularly sad at leaving behind the history linked to possessions they spent 18 months packing up… Tunakawa Rd is the only home he has known since leaving the Cambridge Maternity Hospital 61 years ago.

His family ties in with Cambridge’s Newcombe Rd. His great-grandfather was English-born Henry Newcombe who arrived in New Zealand with his brother Richard in 1865. Henry spent time on the Thames gold mines before coming to Cambridge, and it was one of Henry’s sons, and Ricky’s grandfather Richard Newcombe, who was a JP and gave his name to Newcombe Rd. He had a hand in planting the trees in Victoria Square.

Ricky and Christine Newcombe have finally come to terms with leaving Ricky’s family home. Photo: Viv Posselt

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CONTACTS

News/Editorial

Roy Pilott editor@goodlocal.nz

027

maryanne@goodlocal.nz 021

viv@goodlocal.nz

chris@goodlocal.nz

janine@goodlocal.nz 027

Owner/Publisher

David Mackenzie david@goodlocal.nz

This week I will start by talking alcohol. The minimum legal age for purchasing alcohol in New Zealand is 18 years. Alcohol affects our rangatahi differently to adults, because they are still developing – physically, mentally, and emotionally. It affects the brain’s ability to function efficiently and perform complex tasks.

Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, it is illegal to supply alcohol to a person under 18 years of age unless the supplier is the parent or legal guardian of the minor – and the alcohol is supplied in a responsible manner, or the person supplying the alcohol has the express consent of the parent or guardian of the minor (as defined in the Care of Children Act 2004), and supplies the alcohol in a responsible manner.

Last Saturday I took part in a Controlled Purchase Operation carried out across Waipā and South Waikato. This was a joint liquor licensing operation involving Waikato Police, Te Whatu Ora (Ministry of Health) and Waipā District Council. Together we checked a total of 24 licensed premises in the Waipa Territorial Authority Areas, to ensure they were adhering to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.

Of the 24 licensed premises checked, only one failed by selling or supplying alcohol

to an underaged person. While a good result overall, it does highlight a lack of training and supervision at the liquor outlet. That case is now reported to the Alcohol Licensing Regulatory Authority with potential suspensions and/or sanctions to follow as a result.

On a different note, last Sunday night we had a spate of graffiti in Leamington. Taggers each have their own defined tag. This will often appear on their personal belongings as well as on graffiti around the community. Any act of graffiti done on another person’s property without permission is wilful damage. It is an offence that carries a penalty of up to 3 months imprisonment or a $2000 fine.

The presence of graffiti can affect a community’s sense of safety and once some is there, more often follows. If your fence or building is tagged, please report it to police and provide any photographic or CCTV evidence possible.

Subsequent removal will deter other taggers from adding to what is already there. The costs to remove graffiti can be substantial as one tagger will spray their tag many places. If you have any information about last Sunday’s offending, please let us know.

The then 500-acre (202.3ha) Tunakawa property was purchased in 1909 and when Henry died in 1921, Richard took over the block. It has been split several ways between family members since then but has, until now, had a Newcombe in residence.

“There have been five generations of Newcombes here,” Ricky said. “It’s full of memories for me … leaving here is very emotional.”

The blue dashes illustrate the route the New Zealand Transport Agency proposes for the expressway.

Debt up

The Local Government Funding Agency has approved an increase in Waipā District Council’s debt level from 2.8 to 3.5 times its revenue. Economic factors make it difficult for growth councils like Waipā to meet their debt limit benchmark. Waipā’s debt is closing in on $400 million and expected to reach $600 million by 2030. Meanwhile Waipā Networks Trust chair Sarah Matthews has been appointed a director of the agency.

Planning underway

Public consultation on Waipā District Council’s Long Term Plan gets underway this week. Hearings will be held in May when the council hears public submissions and will provide residents with the opportunity to present their views in person. Council will adopt its plan in June.

Quarry hearing

A three-day hearing in Te Awamutu next month to consider an application to establish a quarry south of Cambridge in Newcombe Rd will be livestreamed next month following a request from the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

Park of the year

Lake Te Koo Utu is Waipā’s park of the year following a popular vote held as part of Parks Week. The Cambridge lake secured 58 per cent of the vote, edging out Te Awamutu War Memorial Park. Waipuke Park on the shores of Lake Karāpiro was third and Alexandra Redoubt in Pirongia fourth.

One stung

A sting operation test liquor outlets resulted in one outlet facing further action after alcohol was sold to a person under 18 last weekend. The operation run in Waipā and South Waikato covered 24 outlets. See On the Beat today on page 2.

Make mine a double please

By Mary Anne Gill

Hamilton city councillor

Andrew Bydder says he will stand for both Waipā and Hamilton councils at the upcoming local body elections.

Bydder, a 54-year-old Cambridge architectural designer, has ruled out a bid for Waipā mayor citing the need for a supportive council.

“I would hate to be mayor with a council that works against me.”

Waipā’s decision to move its meeting days from Tuesdays to Wednesdays has made it possible for him to sit on both councils, he said.

Hamilton meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“I imagine if I got elected to Waipā, certain people would be quite desperate to change it back,” he said.

“I would argue there is an advantage in having a

councillor on both (councils) because Hamilton and Waipā should be working more closely together.”

Being a councillor was a part time role which made dual representation manageable, he said.

The minimum amount paid to a Hamilton councillor is $83,264 and $37,884 for Waipā, so Bydder could earn more than $122,000 a year if elected to both.

He would not be drawn as to which ward he would stand in. He lives in Cambridge, next door to Cr Roger Gordon, but can stand in any ward.

Deputy mayor Liz

Stolwyk, Mike Pettit and Philip Coles are all Cambridge councillors who live outside the ward.

Bydder could stand in Te Awamutu, PirongiaKakepuku, Maungatautari or Cambridge.

“I think with my notoriety I could stand in any ward, and it would be where the gap needs to be filled.”

Bydder said if he was elected to Waipā, he would not apologise to mayor Susan O’Regan for expletives he used about her in his submission to the council’s Cambridge Connections proposals.

“I’m not going to entertain it.”

Bydder was penalised by Hamilton for a “material breach” of the council’s Code of Conduct when he used a derogatory term commonly used decades ago to describe people with cerebral palsy and for disrespecting others.

He claimed Waipā still has a poor record of consultation and his comments then about where to put a third bridge – dubbed the Blue Blob when it was releasedwas another example of that.

It was “the most astonishing display of arrogance,” he told The News last year.

“They (Waipā) did end up apologising to the community, but I haven’t actually seen them change the way they behave.

“The consultation is still coming out as plenty of spin on what the council wants.

“They’re still intending to remove car parks from the Cambridge CBD. All that sort of stuff,” he said.

Bydder also criticised Waipā’s media practices, claiming the council misleads the public with some of its releases.

“They lack journalistic standards,” he said noting

Andrew Bydder

the council’s media activities often compete with local news outlets like Good Local Media.

The competition comment echoes views put forward by Good Local Media editorial director Roy Pilott.

O’Regan has confirmed she will seek another term, but of her 11 councillors, six have yet to show their hands to The News and two have said they will not seek re-election.

New reporting style unveiled

By Mary Anne Gill

The infamous Hallys Lane toilet block in Cambridge will be demolished and construction on new toilets begin in June.

Paths leading to the public toilets will be improved and dedicated road markings added to affected car park spaces.

Waipā Governance manager Jo Gread presented the update to last night’s Cambridge Community Board meeting, held after The News went to press.

In her Six-Monthly Community Board Reporting paper, she said it replaces the reports which used to go to council “for information” and came this month from Community Services, Service Delivery and Strategy groups.

Next month they would come from District Growth and Regulatory Services and Business Support groups.

The report also included information on the Hautapu and Leamington cemeteries and water restrictions.

The News has been asking in

recent weeks for similar reports and our requests were met with notification they would be considered under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act.

An email from “the Lgoima Response team” said in order to create greater efficiencies, “staff are no longer producing the quarterly activity reports that teams have

Grinter’s

produced in the past” and that the information typically contained in those reports was retrospective, operational and/or had already been made available to the public.

But if Good Local Media asked for the information, it may be billed $38 for each half hour it takes to put it together.

In the report considered by the board, Gread said a new car park

was planned for Leamington Cemetery which will sit alongside the recently installed toilet block.

The new car park will help visitors to the cemetery and allow staff to install new berms and infrastructure for future burials.

As part of the car park installation, an automated security gate will be installed to ensure vehicle access is within permitted times only and reduce the risk of vandalism.

An automated gate is also to be installed at Hautapu Cemetery on Hannon Rd. A camellia hedge will be planted along the new Victoria Rd fence.

Work will start next month and be completed by June.

Construction of the new $105 million wastewater treatment plant stays on track and forecast to be completed within budget.

“However, spend is ahead of forecast which has presented some challenges. A number of projects have been rephased to accommodate the additional spend in the 2024/25 financial year,” Gread said in the report.

Jim Goddin JP Funeral Director

A camellia hedge will be planted along the new Victoria Rd fence at Hautapu Cemetery.

Council’s paper pitch

Waipā is print-ready with water asset plans, Mary Anne Gill reports, but Chris Gardner finds one of their proposed partners is still making its mind up.

By Mary Anne Gill

Waipā District Council has revealed it plans to go into the newspaper business.

Good Local Media’s biggest rival wants to put a newspaper into every letter box in the district to explain its involvement in a group of seven councils who could set up a company to manage water assets.

The latest iteration of the former Labour led government’s Three Waters proposal is on course to see Waipā, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, South Waikato and Taupō councils work together.

The group – representing a total of 205,000 people - has been under the Waikato Water Done Well moniker, but Waipā councillors were told last week staff wants the group to be known as the Super Seven.

It presumes that the other six will stay in the tent – but as Chris Gardner reports on this page, Ōtorohanga is still considering other options.

Waipā decided last month to go with the six neighbours for the future delivery of water services rather than team up with Hamilton city and Waikato district.

But it must consult with Waipā residents before lodging a Water Services Delivery Plan with the government by September 3 – and it will invest heavily in advertising it. dismissive of print products, and one

suggested he threw his community newspaper in the rubbish bin.

There were discussions, though, over the content of the document.

In response to a query from Cambridge councillor Mike Pettit about an iwi message in the document, chief executive Steph O’Sullivan said each of the councils were having conversations.

Hinerangi Kara, the mana whenua representative on the Service Delivery committee, said a decision would need to be made about which iwi would make the statement or whether it would be multiple iwi.

Waipā has six water treatment plants, 575 kilometres of water mains and pipes and plans to spend $214.4 million on water in the next nine years.

It has two wastewater plants treating 14,477 properties with 67 pump stations and 304.1km of mains.

The council plans to spend $170 million on infrastructure development, $55 million on the Te Awamutu Plant and $44 million to complete Cambridge.

It’s not quite a water done-deal

By Chris Gardner

Financial data presented at an Ōtorohanga District Council elected members workshop shows ratepayers are better off sharing ownership of the district’s water infrastructure with other councils rather than going it alone.

But an options analysis completed by elected members in a public workshop showed that the decision was not as clear cut.

Council finance manager Brendan O’Callaghan asked councillors to treat his findings with caution.

“This is based on the best information we have at the moment,” O’Callaghan said. “There are a lot of assumptions on this, don’t take this as Gospel. Things could easily change.”

Forming a councilcontrolled water organisation with six other councils scored above Ōtorohanga retaining ownership of its water assets in four assessment categories, but the status quo trumped the multi council option in two categories.

In councillors’

assessments, the Waikato Water Done Well option was preferable in the areas of financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, partnerships, and regional leverage. But an enhanced status quo scored higher in the areas of community connectedness and maintaining viability.

Responding to concern that the Waikato Water Done Well option might take jobs out of the district, Engineering and Assets group manager Mark Lewis said there was nothing to suggest that there would not be any water services staff based in Ōtorohanga, although management may be from outside of the district.

Councillors will come back to the discussion in a workshop next Tuesday before making a decision on April 8 on the preferred option to consult on. Consultation will take place from April 9 to May 8 followed by hearings and deliberations. The final decision on the future of Ōtorohanga’s water delivery will be made at June’s council meeting.

Enriching Experiences

Cambridge Town Hall 2025 Season

The Cambridge Town Hall is delighted to present a range of incredible events for your enjoyment. From world class performers to much loved community events, you’re sure to find something that appeals.

Here’s just some of the highlights in store for you in the coming year.

Premier Concert Series

Some of New Zealand’s top musicians are heading to Cambridge to excite and delight you. John Chen, one of our country’s finest pianists, is performing, as well as legendary violinist Wilma Smith, with the Argyle Trio as part of the Cambridge Chamber Music Festival. There’s also the outstandingly talented NZTrio with their stunning repertoire. Opera fans won’t want to miss internationally celebrated opera singers Anna Leese and Kristin Darragh. Silent Charlie Chaplin films brought to life with musical accompaniment are expected to be very popular.

Thursday Gig Night

We’re mixing it up to bring you a fun night out at the Town Hall. Aussie funny guy Marty Bright features in the Bright Sparks Stand-Up Comedy Night alongside local talent. For your chance to belt out your favourite tunes on the big stage, check out Karaoke Night. Ella Fitzgerald’s legendary partnership with guitarist Joe Pass is going to be reimagined by award-winning singer Ali Harper and guitarist Harry Harrison. In two exhilarating shows, powerhouse performer Taisha Tari returns to celebrate the women who shaped both country and soul music.

Special Events

Enjoy a diverse range of events reflecting the ever-broadening interests of you, our community. From local bands to body building champs, we’ve got it covered.

Festivals and Whānau

Long running favourites mixed shoulders with new events, with something for all to enjoy. Play, build and create at HobbyFest 2025, sing or play an instrument with an orchestra at the Orchestras Central Residency, and get into the Christmas spirit at the Cambridge Christmas Festival

Community Events

The Town Hall is a great place to host your event, and is always busy with events both big and small. The Wellbeing Market is a regular on our calendar, and we’re pleased to host fundraisers for our local schools. Keep updated on all our events by visiting our website.

Book your tickets now

You can book your tickets online at cth.co.nz/events-calendar or in person at the Cambridge isite. Keep an eye out for our quarterly events listing in this paper.

Support us

Keen to help support and enrich your community? Make a donation to help keep the Town Hall running.

Find out more at cth.co.nz/town-hall-appeal. Or scan the QR code above.

Thank you to tier supporters who’ve already made donations to our 2024/25 Appeal

GOLD TIER SUPPORTERS

$550 +

Ron and Sheryl Johns

Kevin and Jane Burgess

One private donor

SILVER TIER SUPPORTERS $350 +

Isiah Roberts

Amanda Livingston

Quick Brown Fox Communications, Cambridge

Corinne Schuitemaker

BRONZE TIER SUPPORTERS $50 +

Anthony Family

Charlotte Stevens

Liam Williams

Jan Seabrook

Leslie Storey

Natalie Gyles

Linley and Mike Steele

Smiley Family

THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL SUPPORTERS:

Sandra Webb

Dr Joseph Harrop

Catherine Polglase

Vicki Jacobsen

Lucy Todd

Simon Brew

Three private donors

Raewyn Kirkman

‘Perpetual student’ lifts the bar

By Mary Anne Gill

Jacqueline Fairey was 17 when she told her parents, “All I want to do is work on a farm,” rather than go to university.

She had finished sixth form at St Peter’s College in Palmerston North and had no intention of using the University Entrance qualifications she had gained.

Her parents insisted she go to Massey University, so she did, begrudgingly.

Ironically Jacqueline (now Todd), 65, who lives in Cambridge, will be admitted to the Bar as a High Court barrister and solicitor tomorrow having spent years studying at the tertiary institutions she wanted nothing to do with nearly half a century ago.

She hated her earlier studies at Massey, passing English but struggled with philosophy.

“I failed all that miserably.”

She left to firstly teach ballroom dancing and care for the horses she finally owned, having wanted animals since she was a little girl and then to become a companion to a woman on a Hawke’s Bay farm.

Other nannying and companion jobs on farms followed, a brief marriage which produced her daughter and then a second marriage to John, recently separated with two children, who had a sheep and beef farm near Waipukurau and was 19 years older than her.

The couple have now been together for 40 years and married for 35.

It was on that Hawke’s Bay farm that Jacqueline discovered a love for academia completing several diplomas and certificates in science, business, rural studies and wool handling as an extramural student via Massey.

“There was also a love of learning. I grew up in a home where academic success was valued and encouraged which I will always be grateful for.

“I knew I had a good brain, but I just wanted to be on a farm and that’s why my parents were so exasperated.” Her two brothers and sister had all done something academic.

Jacqueline also started breeding and rearing thoroughbred horses which brought her in touch with the legendary Sir Patrick Hogan and Cambridge Stud.

She and John bought a 20ha thoroughbred property near Lake Karāpiro in 2000, renamed it Darley Park and so began 16 years of yearling sales, buying mares, planning matings and marketing the horses.

“Then we had a lot of good luck. We just hit the jackpot with a few horses we bred winning big races.”

One was 2002-2003 two-year-old of the year Maroofity trained by Mark Walker at Te Ākau Racing and bought from Jacqueline for $46,000 at the Karaka yearling sales.

“I read the market and I knew horses and I was natural … I worked in with Patrick Hogan and had so much respect for him.”

Fifteen years ago, she decided to return to university, this time at

Waikato where she gained a FirstClass Honours degree in Sport and Leisure.

She then did a law degree in two years, but so much intensive study put her off going on to do professional law studies plus she and John had sold the thoroughbred farm, moved briefly to Palmerston North and then back to a smaller Karāpiro property. They now live in Pukekura.

To satisfy her craving for study she did some master’s level law papers and then, encouraged by a fellow law student, started the process of admission to the Bar.

“It all seems rather surreal as I seem to have been a perpetual student, while at the same time have the strongest leanings towards farming and horses and all at an age when most women my age look to slow down.”

Jacqueline is not looking for a full-time job – she enjoys going to the races and has Poppy, 3, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who she takes to dog shows where they compete successfully.

“I would now love to find a parttime role which can incorporate my greatest loves – horses, sport and legal research.”

Or she could go back to university, do a PhD maybe?

“I should have done that when I completed my honours in sport,” she says, without dismissing the idea entirely.

Jacqueline Todd has always followed her passion and proven you’re never too old to learn.

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Jacqueline Todd with Poppy, 3, her prizewinning Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. On the wall is a photo of Sinndar, an Irish horse she admired which as a three-year-old in 2000 won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Irish Derby and Epsom Derby in the same year and went on to become a successful sire.

Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Friday Night Blues with

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

When: 7pm Fri 4 April

CONCERT SERIES

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:

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

Bright Sparks Stand-Up Comedy Night Featuring Marty Bright. Get ready for a comedy spectacle as eight comedians hit the stage for an unforgettable night! R18

When: Thursday 3 April, 7.30pm

Where: Cambridge Town Hall

Tickets: Adult $15. Senior/Student $10. Online at www.humanitix.co.nz Main Street Carnival

Come along to the Te Awa Lifecare Main Street Carnival and Autumn Art Market brimming with musicians, dancers, entertainers, and original art.

When: Sunday 30 March, 10am–2pm Where: Victoria Street & Victoria Square

ENTRY: KOHA

A colourful dance showcase with contemporary dance, ballet, and dancing from across the globe. Come and be inspired - you might even be tempted to join in!

When: Friday 4 April, 6pm

Where: Cambridge Town Hall

Thanks to our Festival Sponsors

Photo credit: Photo by Pete Monk Photography, www.petemonk.com

Hammond Gamble Country to Cambridge Houstoun Plays Schubert and Gershwin

La Voce o Rotorua

Comedy Night

With support from:

Cambridge Can Dance

Youngsters can see the light

By Mary Anne Gill

It’s 6.30am and 20 students line up in the Cambridge High School gymnasium ready to be put to the test in a gruelling programme which will test their physical and mental ability while getting to know the local cops.

American Mason Ostrom, a recent arrival from Olympia in Washington State is waiting for them and ready to use his army training and gym instructor skills to challenge the students.

In the next hour as part of Blue Edge (Education, Development, Growth and Empowerment), a collaboration between Youth Aid and Cambridge Blue Light, they will learn the value of ‘listening before doing’ with a task involving weight plates, running with them and restacking them in less than 15 movements.

Cambridge Police Youth Aid officer Danica Hibdige is there doing the warmups – stars, squats and push ups - and then participates in the plate challenge.

The youth empowerment programme – at Cambridge High School for the first time - is held in schools for children aged 14 to 18.

Through activities such as physical challenges, team-building exercises, and mentoring sessions, Blue Edge aims to foster strong relationships between youth and the police, breaking down barriers and showing law enforcement in a positive light.

It helps students develop key life skills and gives an opportunity for

police officers to engage with youth in a non-enforcement context.

A key aspect is the involvement of Blue Light police officers. Blue Light is a charitable organisation which has delivered youth programmes nationally for more than 40 years.

It is usually held over 10 weeks with two sessions a week – on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Cambridge High - and consists of an early morning tailored fitness programme, communal breakfasts, and inspirational guest speakers throughout the programme.

It ends next month with ‘The Longest Day’ starting at 6.30am for 12 hours where students carry out various activities culminating in a fire engine pull.

“The goal of Blue Edge is to help guide young people towards becoming positive leaders in their communities,” said Hibdige.

Teacher Jeff East who was instrumental in setting Blue Edge up at the school said the programme creates good connections with the police.

“These kids can see Dani in the street and super trust her because she was standing next to them and taking part in the challenges.”

The youths were nominated by the pastoral team and includes the first XV captain, school prefects and students down to Year Nine.

“This is something to be proud of when they finish,” he said.

“It’s not a boot camp but it does create good work habits and sets the foundation for them.”

Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

Work completed

Interim repair work on Shakespeare St – from Cook Street to Fergusson Bridge – finished this month and a more substantial rebuild is rescheduled for the next construction season later in the year to allow sufficient time to engage with businesses and residents and formulate the best and least disruptive traffic management and safety plan.

Disruption ahead

A change of traffic management for the next stage of construction on the Cambridge Rd roundabout between Te Awa Lifecare and Amber Garden Centre will cause some disruption. Traffic will be diverted to the other side of the central island.

Road named

Ostrom is in New Zealand for a year with his wife, a physician in Hamilton, and 12-year-old son. East met him and saw he had the ability to devise some daunting challenges and hired him for the programme.

“This is about setting a mental puzzle and making it physical and then getting them to work as a team,” said Ostrom.

The weight plate challenge had mixed results as students learned

the value of listening, choosing a leader and staying calm. It may have sounded easy but even Hibdige initially struggled with the task until one student put her right.

Breakfast together sure tasted good after that, the students agreed.

As did a visit from police dog handler Vinnie Gibson and his dog Kavik. Proof the relationship between police and the students is developing nicely.

A major feeder road in the Bridleways Estate will be called Te Aka Matua Rise. Mana whenua gifted the name which means “the main vine of knowledge” for the road from Don Gerrand Drive to Cambridge Rd as a way of linking St Peter’s School, the stalled Cambridge West Primary School and Te Arikinui Marae and two large residential growth cells.

Cambridge High School student Brooke Suisted shows Constable Danica Hibdige how to stack the plate weights watched by Mason Murphy and the rest of her team.

Park solution sought

By Mary Anne Gill

Consultation about emergency traffic access is underway with residents and businesses in one of Cambridge’s oldest streets. The 290m long Fort Street is mostly residential but is home to police and St John as well as a childcare centre, hearing clinic and a bridge club.

In a report to last night’s Cambridge Community Board meeting – held after The News went to press

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– Waipā Transportation manager Bryan Hudson said emergency services were concerned about the number of cars on the street which delayed response times.

Residents at a meeting facilitated by St John last week gave initial support for more formalised parking on the street.

Council proposes creating 40 marked parking spaces – angled and parallel - with some no stopping yellow lines to ensure there are two clear traffic lanes for police cars and ambulances.

Several of the properties, including St John and the bridge club, are on leased land managed by the council.

The board was also told of a parking trial running to August in the Cambridge town centre. The trial changes parking times from 60 to 90 minutes and is similar to one run in Te Awamutu last year.

“The trial period would enable council to understand how this change could impact parking management in the town centre, how the longer time limits work for businesses and where shorterterm parking restrictions for higher turnover may be needed in the future before any more permanent changes are made,” said Hudson. Streets affected include Victoria, Duke, Empire and Commerce streets.

Planning for a big one

By Janine Krippner

Scenarios are an invaluable tool for helping prepare for major events. Facing a potential disaster requires scientists, government officials, business owners, families, utility companies, and first responders (and more) to plan together. This provides a structured way to anticipate potential challenges and develop effective responses, helping to facilitate of overwhelming process.

A scenario is essentially a planning tool that outlines a hypothetical event, such as a powerful earthquake affecting a specific region.

Scientists construct these scenarios using extensive research on credible future events, drawing from past occurrences recorded in geological evidence (fault ruptures, landslides), biological markers (tree rings), and historical records if a past event has occurred when people were around to record it. By analysing the data, we can forecast what a similar event might look like today or in the near future.

secondary impacts such as landslides, which could damage roads, disrupt electricity, and even block waterways — leading to flooding.

Once we understand the natural aspects of an event, we can assess its potential impacts — who and what will be affected — and determine proactive steps to reduce or even prevent damage. The AF8 project exemplifies how we are not powerless against Earth’s natural forces. By working together across different sectors of society, we can ensure people are informed and ready to act swiftly. This is a complex, collaborative effort involving many researchers and partner agencies.

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The AF8 hazard scenario here in Aotearoa is one that I look to for a great example of how this process can take place, and how community engagement can be undertaken across a broad region. AF8 models a magnitude eight earthquake along the Alpine Fault in the South Island, a credible event with a 75 per cent chance of occurring in the next 50 years, and with an 82 per cent likelihood of reaching magnitude eight or greater.

Scenarios can be carried out in-person, run as though an event is underway over hours or days, and within or across agencies. This allows us to see what questions we haven’t yet asked, the resources we don’t yet have, and the relationships that need to be in place. It is a safe place to fail and can lead to productive problem solving.

Understanding these potential events is crucial, as the severity of a disaster is often determined by how well we prepare.

The AF8 scenario doesn’t just examine the earthquake’s shaking; it also considers

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Based on the scenario, further planning and response initiatives can be taken, and in this case, there is the South Island Alpine Fault Earthquake Response Framework. This is a fantastic example of how we can start with science, by looking at rocks as a geologist to understand the world around us, to impactful planning and action. Yes, these events are daunting—but they are not some mysterious, lurking threat. With knowledge, preparation, and collaboration, we can face them together and greatly reduce the severity and how long it takes us to get back onto our feet.

Resthaven’s new moon rises

By Mary Anne Gill

A decade of voluntary bush clearing, plant growing, path construction, building bridges and installing retaining walls was honoured with the official opening of Te Puna Marama in Cambridge on Monday.

Representatives present were from Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā, along with descendants of William Moon, the man whose surname was in popular use for decades until the spring was hidden by vegetation.

Twelve years ago, when Resthaven Trust Board bought a block of land south of The Views on Vogel townhouses, they discovered Moon Spring again and launched a restoration

Resthaven.

The tower became operational in 1902 and used water from the springs to supply the town until it was decommissioned in the 1920s after it was discovered the water was polluted.

In the intervening period the spring and the tower became a tourist attraction with evidence of several tracks present when the restoration project began in 2013.

The area around the springs became an overgrown and neglected expanse which was now “a vibrant flourishing sanctuary for many native plants, wildlife and our community,” said O’Regan. Another board dedicated to the guardians of the land featuring Resthaven

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Thoughts from a trip south

By Peter Carr

Last week involved a round trip to Otaki and Wellington mainly to catch up with family members. As we moved south – with Waikato officially in a drought scenario – the only real green land we saw during the travel was between Taihape and the Rangitikei area.

At the home of a daughter their 4.85ha property were almost pure dust with the small posse of horses and cattle being fed (mainly) hay to stay alert.

This was most dispiriting to observe, and the horses were very lethargic and heading either for their stalls or the shade of the tall boundary pines to hide away from the direct heat of the sun.

But when we moved further south to watch Saturday morning school cricket, we came upon a haven of pure verdant pasture alongside the western bank of the Hutt River shortly before it disgorged into Wellington Harbour.

relaxed with coffee in hand, easy chairs, no life pressures and lean looking young men toiling for the glory of their schools.

Later that day I had the chance to tour their school campus and marvel at the extent to which private schools achieve a good mix of facilities, ample grounds and excellent scholastic results. I guess having a strong alumni helps especially in philanthropic terms. Which begs the question as to whether state secondary school pupils get a fair crack of the whip.

It would be interesting to peruse the makeup of the rolls of mainstream universities to assess the balance numerically between private and public schools. Being brought up attending a British public school (here called private) and noting the number of bright seventh-formers (or upper sixth in my school) who gained entry to higher standard universities, one can understand the (British) employment demands where the name of a university counts towards the opportunity of employment. Possibly unfair, but a fact of life.

Either a groundman had hit upon some magic formula that combatted weeks of direct, rainless, sunshine or the Lower Hutt Council had a secret supply of abundant water. The devil in me opined that perhaps a sneaky pipe stuck in the nearby river may well have been the saviour of the pitch for the river water was about to join the ocean via the nearby harbour so why worry?

However it was achieved, the spectacular of year 12 boys battling it out over a T20 event using a strange eight-man team each side was a joy to watch. Batters who had to retire at 25 runs were permitted back on if their last man was declared out and there were still overs to spare. What better way to send a sunny, although windy, morning

But do these private schools attract better teachers? How does their income compare to those employed by the Ministry of Education? Are there figures available to assess how long teachers stay within their current school environment and are young people being fairly exposed to a balance of wisdom, educational care and historical pride? I would be happy to hear from retired teachers as to their views.

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Say it, before it’s too late…

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

Recently a family asked me to lead a memorial service for a loved one. Lots of thought went into the ‘components’ of the service for this lady who I had known well. At least, I’d always thought I did.

Tributes were shared by family and friends. I was one of many gaining increased realisation what a seriously significant lady she was.

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Touching other’s lives deeply, shaping and leading amazing initiatives, her vibrant faith in God resulted in bettering the lot of countless people.

She invested her life in being an encourager, even while dealing courageously with her own challenges. Her care and love for others was real. It showed in the relentless acts of kindness and pouring herself out to uplift others… like a jigsaw puzzle, inspiring stories came one after another - each piece added clarity and grandeur to the overall picture.

Evidently, I’d only known her in measurenot nearly as well as I thought I had. Knowing what I do now, I would have expressed respect and appreciation to her more than previously. It’s too easy to take people for granted while they’re with you.

Many times, I have been a part of a funeral or a memorial service where wonderful eulogies and tributes have been offered in memory of the deceased… and frequently I’ve wondered, “were these appreciative expressions of love, respect and care vocalised for this person while they were still alive”?

It’s a pity that many times we don’t say the things we should to others, while we have them with us. Something to consider,

is that instead of waiting until a person has passed away to express heartfelt sentiments ‘posthumously,’ perhaps sharing our respect and our appreciation for them while they are alive to hear it, would bless them.

I found this with my dad in his later years. Our family planned a “This was Your Life,” style celebration with hundreds of family, friends and associates coming to honour him. Stories were told, visual images and music portrayed his story. He enjoyed a Book of Memories. He loved that evening and often referred to it in the few years remaining until he died. I witnessed what a great lift to a person’s wellbeing it can be to honour and acclaim them while they are alive.

Sitting with a family dealing with a loved one’s terminal condition, I was asked to address an issue on their behalf in a family meeting.

A beautiful, loving Mum was ‘shielding’ her family from pain and loss, refusing to allow any ‘negative death talk’. The family ached to have meaningful and needed conversations as the end seemed to loom closer… while, that communication ‘door’ remained tightly shut. An appeal to prepare well and allow room for important things to be said, was heeded - it brought great release and inner healing in the following days, prior to her passing.

Time is drifting on for everyone - perhaps there’s conversations you should attend to… before it’s too late?

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St Peter’s pair step up

By Jesse Wood

Hautapu alumni Dylan Eti and James Thompson have been floating around the Chiefs rugby squad in 2025.

The pair of former St Peter’s School Cambridge students join a large cohort of Hautapu associated players who are involved in 2025 Super Rugby Pacific squads and wider training groups.

Luke Jacobson, Jacob Norris (replacement player), Ollie Norris, Simon Parker and Bradley Slater are others to be with the Chiefs this year.

Ryan Coxon (Western Force), Laghlan McWhannell (Blues) and Waisake Salabiau (Highlanders wider squad)

are participating elsewhere.

Coming from the King Country and Bay of Plenty respectively, Eti is a fresh face to Hautapu, while Thompson has moved to Patumahoe (Counties Manukau) after several years at the club.

Eti was training with the Chiefs in pre-season and is now in the Chiefs Under 20 squad competing in the annual Super Rugby Under 20 tournament at Owen Delany Park in Taupō.

Pool matches were played on Saturday and Tuesday –and the finals will take place this Saturday.

Eti moved to St Peter’s for his final two years of secondary schooling after attending Ōtorohanga College.

“I’ve loved training with the Chiefs. It was definitely a step up. This time last year I was with the first XV, so it’s definitely a big change and an eye opener,” Eti says.

“It’s an insight into where I want to be fulltime in the future. It was a surprise to get invited to train.

“There are a lot of boys in my position that have played NPC, but I ended up getting a call up. I loved it.”

Eti says he enjoys being part of the under 20 squad too, giving him opportunities to develop his game.

He hasn’t forgotten his King Country roots and frequently visits his parents who still reside in Ōtorohanga.

“[My King Country upbringing is what] made me. I’m down there every other weekend. It’s always good to catch up with my mates from primary school there. I love it,” he says.

“Last year when Ōtorohanga played against Hautapu, it was down there. I spent the night back down there and it was amazing. There’s nothing like home.”

The young lock will return to play for Hautapu this year and has a bright future.

“By the end of this year, I’m hoping to make the New Zealand Under 20 squad and hopefully get an NPC contract or game time at least.”

Eti may follow in the footsteps of recent Ōtorohanga connected Super Rugby representatives Toby Arnold (2024 Crusaders injury cover), Haereiti Hetet (Fijian Drua) and Cortez Ratima (Chiefs).

Fellow second-rower Thompson is still at Chiefs training fulltime after joining as injury cover for Fiti Sa.

He’s no stranger to the Chiefs environment, having spent several years there previously.

Thompson is still waiting to make his franchise debut but got a taste of Super Rugby, in 2024 donning the Blues jersey.

He appeared three times for the Auckland-based side before reconnecting with the Chiefs this year.

“To be back with the team I grew up supporting is pretty special,” Whakatāne-born Thompson says.

“First and foremost, I’m keen to get out and debut for the Chiefs. Then get some time in the saddle and have a bit of involvement in important games.

“The biggest learning I took away from playing Super Rugby was the importance of being physical all the time, along with knowing your detail and nailing the little things.”

Thompson was a boarder at St Peter’s from Year 7-13, a school his father also attended.

After leaving St Peter’s he transitioned to Hautapu, playing several seasons there.

He tries to stay in touch with the club as regularly as possible.

“Hautapu is a special place to me. I’m sitting on 48 or 49 games, so I’m itching to get a couple more and tick over to that 50. If I can do that, it would be a proud moment for me,” Thompson says.

Youth drives Leamington

By Peter Nicholl

Leamington’s Senior A rugby team goes into this year’s competition with a younger team than last year.

A number of last year’s players have gone overseas and will be replaced by players from last year’s successful Colts team.

President David Peters still expects the team to do as well as it did last year, when it made the semi-finals.

He expects their toughest competition will come from Hinuera, Southern United and Putāruru. Their Senior A team has a new coach this year in Daryl Bennison, who has been an assistant coach of the team for the last four years.

The Senior B team is being coached by Hadley Thomas. Leamington play their home games at their own grounds in Carlyle Street, Leamington where they have three fields. Both their Senior 1A and Senior 1B teams will open their season with home games against Putāruru on April 5.

Leamington will field five rugby teams this year. In addition to the two Senior teams, they will have an

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Under-21 team, a Presidents team and will join with the Kio Kio club to field an Under-85ks team. David Peters said Leamington had hoped to field a women’s team this year also. But they have not yet managed to get enough players to field a 15-a-side team. But they do have a keen group of women players in training, and they will take part in whatever 7-a-side and 10-a-side tournaments they can.

Peters said the club fields seven netball teams and is looking to expand into senior hockey.

The Leamington Squash Club is also part of the Club. In all, including squash, they have about 1000 active participants, including around 350 juniors. They also have around 200 social members.

It also does its own fund-raising and makes an annual donation to a worthy local cause. Last year’s donations were approximately $45,000.

The recipients of this year’s donations from the club will be Waikato Kids in Need and the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Day 1: Sat 3 May: 9am - 4pm This day is for:

Day 2: Sun 4 May: 9am - 4pm

Hautapu lock Dylan Eti has been with the Chiefs and is now at the Super Rugby Under 20 tournament in Taupō.

Photo: Matt Gould

Business on course

The annual opportunity for Cambridge Chamber of Commerce members to get to know each other on the golf course was held at Cambridge Golf Club last week. Despite the fairways resembling the Sahara Desert, the 23 teams of four - made up of golfers of various abilities – were undeterred as they participated in the ninehole ambrose event.

Stellar Projects claimed top prize with an impressive 27.25 nett score followed by BuildLink Cambridge in second on 27.5. The competition was fierce, but the atmosphere remained light-hearted and fun.

A unique sideline came with the Yellow Ball challenge where teams paid for an additional ball as part of a separate stableford event within their round. Funds raised went to Cambridge St John adding a charitable twist to the day.

Chamber chief executive Kelly Bouzaid said the event, now in its fifth year, had become a highlight in the calendar with its mix of skill, fundraising and camaraderie.

“This is a great way to foster connections and friendly competition within the local business community,” she said.

Pro boxing for Waipā

Matamata based Alex Mukuka, will make his professional boxing debut in Te Awamutu.

Makuka will feature on a card being put together by Nigel Elliott in the Te Awamutu Events Centre in May.

The 28-year-old Zambian-born New Zealander is regarded as one of the country’s best amateurs.

He is a four-time New Zealand national amateur champion across two weight divisions, lightweight and Featherweight and represented New Zealand at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, reaching the quarterfinals.

He announced he would turn pro after a loss in the last Olympic qualifier in Thailand in May 2024. Makuka enters a relatively lightly populated New Zealand field at featherweight - 57kg – and may have to risk rising to the welterweight class.

His debut will be against Ross Malthus from Whangarei. Malthus has recently had a resurgence in his career and is chasing a third successive win.

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BRIGADE CALLS OVER THE LAST WEEK

MONDAY 9:34pm, Smoke from Building, Duke Street

TUESDAY

6:58am, Building Alarm and Evacuation, Knighton Road

1:56pm, Medical, Fort Street

CAMBRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE C ALLS OVER THE L AST WEEK

10:24pm, Building Alarm and Evacuation, Cambridge Road

WEDNESDAY

4:18am, Rubbish Fire, 11 Hurley Place

9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street

10:56am, Fire in the vicinity, Peake Road

1:16pm, Hedge Fire, Morrinsville Road

THURSDAY

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

21:41, Building Alarm and Evacuation, Cambridge Road

FRIDAY

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

12:35pm, Garage Fire, Noel Street

5:37pm, Car Fire, Thornton Road

11:26pm, House Fire, Greenvale Close

SUNDAY

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

12:56am, Building Fire, Clarence Street 4:11pm, Rubbish Fire, Matos Segedin Drive 11:40pm, Leaking LPG Cylinders, Bryce Street

SUNDAY

MONDAY

3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road CAMBRIDGE

12:36am, Building Alarm and Evacuation, Cambridge Road 7:56am, Medical, Arnold Street

Kurt Hedloff, 1908-?, Berlin,” In der Baubude”(in the building-shed) Zinc etching (Kunst and Leben), 1930, Conservation Framing

Duffart, French, 1924- French Town View, OilonBoard,Signed Chest of Drawers, Mahogany, Finely moulded Ogee Feet, 104cm high, 119 wide, 52 deep, End 18th, early 19th C, good condition.

Cambridge Chamber of Commerce chair Tammee Wilson and Craigs investment adviser Graham Roberts with the Stellar Projects team, from left: Steyn Maartens, Matthew Graham, Marius van de Wall. Photo: Supplied.

young at heart

Of silver service

Forget doing it his way, as the ‘Chairman of the Board’ was little more than an intern when he ﬁrst sang Young at Heart!

So, roll over Frank and give Deano the news because today’s seniors are more likely to consider The Rat Pack positively old school while favouring (in their youth) more contemporary artists such as Alice Cooper, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, Oasis and even Hootie & the Blowﬁsh.

However, Sinatra was right about at least one thing –a young at heart attitude does give us a head start because reaching 50 opens new doors on a world of experiences.

From staying active to

ﬁnancial security, learning new skills, and making a diﬀerence in our communities, this special feature explores the many ways seniors can embrace opportunities and access vital services from organisations and businesses all prepared to prove that silver service can be expected with practically anything we choose to pursue.

So, sit back, dig in and (in some cases) be prepared to help out as we all work together to make the Waipa the place to be during our autumn, or even just late summer, years.

Most Kiwis will receive SuperGold cards automatically after their pensions have been approved, however those not eligible for a pension may still qualify.

In addition, people who have retired from our armed forces can obtain a Veteran SuperGold card in recognition of their service to our country.

Designed to ensure seniors and veterans can access essential services, such as free bus travel, there are many more special oﬀers available through the scheme. From coﬀee to auto repairs, healthcare to haircuts, superannuitants can claim discounts related to a raft of services throughout our region and beyond.

With more than 800,000 card holders nationwide, and

Silver – good as gold

almost 100,000 in the Waikato alone, SuperGold membership is growing by approximately 20,000 each year. As a result, more businesses are ﬁnding the scheme opens the door to a growing market.

Registered business partners gain free promotion for their businesses while giving a little back to a signiﬁcant section of our communities. In 2024 alone, SuperGold registered more than 4.2 million views on its website and app and more than 17,000 followers on its Facebook page. Visit www.supergold.govt. nz or www.facebook.com/ SuperGoldNZ for more information about becoming a business partner or to access the latest special oﬀers. Alternatively, call 0800 254 565.

Meet Ian Calvert - A Man Of All Seasons.

Ian Calvert, of Legacy Funerals

Cambridge, is a man who has much in common with the Waikato families whom he comes into contact with.

Ian’s background is steeped in farming; he was born into it and those early years on the land prepared him well. Later, armed with a tough work ethic and lifelong passion for flying, he took to the skies, successfully running several North Island-based aviation companies.

It was circumstance that brought Ian to the funeral industry – a chain of events that now has him working for Legacy Cambridge. One of the links in that chain was Ian’s wife Raewyn, whose work as a celebrant for Legacy Funerals provided an opportunity, just as Ian was looking for a change. He came on board initially to help where he was needed but, has since stayed on, now having worked two years’ full-time. He is also well on his way to completing his NZ Diploma in Funeral Directing. “I found early on that I really liked the work,” says Ian. “It offers a variety that means every day is different and I enjoy working with the families who come to us. Every funeral brings its different requirements. As a funeral director, my role is to remove as much stress as possible from a family following the death of their loved one. This allows them to start the grieving process while we handle all the practicalities.”

Ian also likes the Legacy model, one which through the Legacy Trust, sees a significant portion of profits generated through Legacy Funeral Homes

gifted back to the community each one serves. He understands service and charities after having put in a few years volunteering with St John.

Ian personalises each funeral. He arranges all of the standard aspects such as music, flowers, photographic tributes and live streaming. All whilst including bespoke aspects of a personalised funeral service. This could include a surfboard on the roof of the hearse, the ukelele club playing a number at the service, or using the family boat for the final journey to the crematorium. No detail is too small to handle.

The funeral industry is a far cry from Ian’s start in life. He was born in Pukekohe and enjoyed a typical farming child’s life, eventually purchasing his first farm, all the while flying when he could. Life then turned him towards aviation. He gained a number of licences and ratings, both in NZ and in the UK, and went on to successfully run several aviation companies, including CTC Aviation outside Hamilton. When the Covid pandemic dealt a blow to an industry whose lifeblood was foreign aviation students, it signalled the change that brought Ian to the funeral industry.

Ian and Raewyn share six children and a growing number of grandchildren, and Ian has a keen interest in golf and large-scale modelling – ships, planes and cars. Legacy Funerals General Manager Kiri Randall says “we are proud to have Ian as part of our team and his commitment to the local Cambridge community.”

@legaacyffuneerralsnz z

Ian Calvert - Farmer, Aviator and now, Funeral Director.

Meeting space at Legacy Funerals Cambridge.

New renal clinic for the Waikato Moving – with the times…

A new specialised unit at Waikato Hospital will save lives, our minister of health believes.

“I am pleased for those patients who will be able to access life-saving care at the new Waikato Regional Renal Centre,” Simeon Brown conﬁrmed recently.

“This is an essential service for those on dialysis and kidney transplant patients living in the central North Island. Having a purpose-built, high-tech building is a positive step in enhancing patient outcomes for the local community.”

Although people of all ages may suﬀer from kidney issues, problems are much more common in people aged 60 and up. Seventy per cent larger than its predecessor, the new centre will grow further to address increased needs, Brown expects.

“It has been designed to allow for future growth, oﬀering a long-term solution that meets both the needs of the community and international standards for dialysis care. Combining all outpatient renal services into a single site will make a real diﬀerence for patients who can now access comprehensive, co-ordinated care in one place.”

The centre underscores a commitment by the government to addressing health needs, Brown added.

“The government has invested a record $16.68 billion to ensure access to timely, quality healthcare, including renal care. I look forward to many more patients being able to access this local, life-saving service in the future.”

Seniors keen to get their motors (or motorhomes) running and head out on the highway can feel free to be wild thanks to a welcome move by Bishop.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop, has helped clear the way for a change to Warrant of Fitness (WOF) and Certiﬁcate of Fitness (COF) requirements.

While consultation is still required, the government aims to reduce the frequency with which vintage light vehicles and private heavy motorhomes require inspection.

“Everyone loves seeing a lovingly maintained vintage car out on the road for a Sunday drive, and cruising around our beautiful country in a motorhome is a quintessential Kiwi dream,” Bishop says. “Light vehicle WOF pass rates actually improve as vehicles age from 40 years [and over] showing that, with proper care, some things really do get better with age.”

All going to plan, inspections will only be necessary once a year rather than once every six months, keeping pace with requirements for most other vehicles.

“Motorhomes and vintage light vehicles travel much less per year compared to most modern cars, and evidence showing that faults in these vehicles are half as likely to have contributed to serious crashes involving these vehicles. That’s true even when factoring in the smaller numbers of motorhomes and vintage vehicles on our roads.”

Initial pass rates for vintage vehicles are higher compared to vehicles less than 40 years old, Bishop adds.

“That’s why we’re consulting on easing the overly onerous compliance requirements… so owners can spend less time waiting in line and more time tinkering happily in the garage or cruising the open road.”

For COMPASSIONATE and INDIVIDUALISED care in Cambridge

Retirement – it pays to plan!

We need not be wealthy, but it is wise to make sure our ﬁnances are healthy before we retire. However, as Kiwi superannuitants are spending more than their pensions provide, those approaching retirement should take note, the latest Retirement Expenditure Guidelines reveal.

“Many New Zealanders hope for a higher standard of living in retirement than NZ Super alone can provide,” report coauthor, associate professor Claire Matthews, says. “It's crucial to recognise that the landscape of retirement planning is always changing. Regularly reassessing your retirement plans to account for external factors is essential.”

Produced by Massey University's Fin-Ed (Financial Education) Centre, the report aims to present real world insights into retirement spending. Overall, those aiming for a ‘comfortable standard of living’ and ‘ﬁnancial stability’ will require more than is provided through superannuation alone.

The report highlights housing, household utilities, transport and insurance as the primary rising costs putting pressure on retirement budgets over the 12 months ending June 30, 2024.

While there is little that people already receiving pensions can do, there is still time for those approaching retirement age and even younger generations need to think ahead.

“In 2029, the last of the baby boomer generation will reach the traditional retirement age of 65. The focus for retirement planning is undergoing a generational shift, with the ﬁrst of generation X now facing retirement in the foreseeable future,” Dr Matthews says. “While millennials have more time, the ﬁrst of that cohort are now around 20 years from reaching age 65, making it an opportune moment for them to begin retirement planning.”

The report estimates that a twoperson ‘no frills’ household in a metropolitan area requires just over $900 per week with a similar household in a provincial area spending approximately $1000. The ﬁgures vary depending on spending choices, but all exceed the NZ Super payment of $799.18 after tax.

Spending is up compared to 2023, due to such factors as inflation, the report indicates.

While Kiwis already receiving pensions should seek expert help

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with budgeting, it’s never too soon to save for retirement, as Nick Hakes from Financial Advice NZ concludes.

“In an ever-changing financial landscape, obtaining quality financial advice is crucial for ensuring long-term financial security in retirement. Professional advice can help retirees navigate the complexities of retirement planning and make informed decisions about their financial future.”

The Retirement Expenditure Guidelines report is accessible in its entirety via the Massey University website www.massey.ac.nz

Backing up…

While saving is the name of the game prior to retirement, reverse mortgages can put a little more into our pockets after we retire.

Many banks oﬀer this option to customers aged 60 or over who have paid oﬀ their mortgage or are, at least, close to doing so.

Eﬀectively, reverse mortgages work as one would expect from their name. However, as there are multiple pros and cons to consider, it pays (literally!) to seek advice. Age Concern’s website, www.ageconcern.org.nz, is a great place to start.

Power to the people?

Timothy Leary suggested baby boomers ‘turn on, tune in and drop out’. However, power prices could be motivating many to turn oﬀ, wrap up and ‘chill’ out instead.

From heating to simply staying connected online, power is even more important for older New Zealanders. So, as prices rise, people on ﬁxed incomes are more likely to feel the burn, as Grey Power president, Gayle Chambers, warns.

“Electricity is a basic human right. It must remain aﬀordable for our vulnerable seniors, either through income support, such as an enhanced winter energy payment, improvements to the capricious wholesale electricity market, or incentives for regulated lines companies to invest more of their owners’ money in upgrades –through debt and capital

- rather than send the bill straight to customers.”

As indicated in Massey University’s Retirement Expenditure Guidelines report, household utilities have been a primary rising cost for retirees.

Despite higher costs for generating and distributing power, Chambers says, grid operator, Transpower, and most distribution companies may earn more than $17billion in revenues in the period from April 2025 to March 2030.

“This represents an increase of nearly 50 per cent compared to the current five-year regulatory period ending in March,” she says referencing figures from a Commerce Commission report. “This massive increase in lines charges comes as seniors struggle to adjust to the end of low-user fixed charges, which restricted the fixed

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daily charge for low users to 30 cents per day. The daily cap… will rise again in April to $1.50 a day.”

Eventually this price cap will be removed, likely resulting in even higher prices, she adds.

“With increases in power bills, Grey Power will continue to advocate strongly for all seniors,” Chambers conﬁrms. “We know the importance of reliable and resilient electricity, and it’s not free, but the cost pressures are piling on our members. Grey Power will be raising these points at upcoming stakeholder forums and in its next round of meetings with government ministers.”

For more information about Grey Power’s eﬀorts to stem power prices email our local branch greypower.cambridge@ gmail.com or visit the national website www.greypower.co.nz.

Our team of highly quali ed and experienced Ophthalmologists have many years of fellowship training in their area of expertise.

We pride ourselves on being able to o er our patients a comprehensive range of diagnostic, management, and treatment services inhouse at our clinic alongside our purpose-built Day Surgery – Bridgewater Hospital which is on the same site.

From the rst visit to our clinic, throughout your whole treatment journey with us, your care will be of the highest standard.

If you have concerns about your eye health please chat to your optometrist or GP, they can refer you to one of our specialists for your particular needs. Or you can get in touch below.

Our specialists can help with the following

• General Ophthalmology

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• Macular Degeneration Treatment

We are an a liated Southern Cross provider, and can assist with prior approval for surgeries if needed. We are also able to see ACC cases, these do need to come with a letter of referral from your GP.

info@goldsmithsgallery.co.nz 427 Victoria Street, Hamilton 07 838

www.goldsmithsgallery.co.nz

Welcome to Resonate’s customised approach to better hearing.

Your long-term hearing health is unique to you. It is a lot more than selecting a hearing aid product.

That is why Resonate set up in 2022 as a subscription hearing service rather than just another hearing aid sales business.

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Premium hearing aids

Have a look at our customer happiness checklist.

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fee for the rest of their life.

Volunteering – all ages, hands up!

When our working lives are done, do we just want to have fun? By the time most Kiwis retire, they have already contributed a great deal to our communities. However, some might ﬁnd they have a little more free time than they know what to do with.

“Retirees make up a signiﬁcant proportion of the volunteering population,” Michelle Rae from Volunteering Waikato conﬁrms. “With more time available, they often turn to volunteering for social connection, the opportunity to give back, or to try something new.”

According to a recent report, the need to focus on paid work is one of the major barriers to volunteering. As a result, many Waikato retirees, who may have a little more time on their hands, are lending a hand while making our region a better place to live for all.

Youthful enthusiasm is valued by the organisation, but there is no substitute for experience. With a wide range of skills obtained

across every industry there is, and an aging population, there is both a greater need for seniors as volunteers and a greater supply of willing individuals.

“Older volunteers often bring a wealth of life experience, having spent many years in the workforce or in various community roles. Retirees also tend to be highly reliable, oﬀering consistent and dependable support. They’ve often developed more empathy and patience through their life experiences too, making them especially suited for roles that involve direct care or working with vulnerable people.”

Retired volunteers are especially well suited to one important programme in particular, Brighten an Older Person’s Day.

“It’s one of the programmes that Age Concern Waikato has listed with us. It’s about people going to visit the elderly in their homes to ensure they remain socially connected. Because a feeling of isolation can be damaging to health as well as our general

wellbeing, this programme is essential and, as a lot of volunteers for this are retirees, it can beneﬁt the volunteer as much so as the person they’re visiting.”

Volunteers may be much younger, but older participants can be more relatable towards those being assisted, Michelle conﬁrms, and just one hour each week can make a huge diﬀerence.

There are also various conservation projects and DIY jobs ideal for those who are ﬁt and handy with a hammer or able to dig in with a spade. Whether planting trees, painting or assisting with farm work, for example, there are many ways seniors can pitch in while drawing on their varied skillsets.

Whether you’re a manager, a skilled handyman or just a compassionate person ready to share a chat and a cuppa, visit www.volunteeringwaikato.org.nz for more information.

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Legal Experts in Elder Law

An elder law solicitor can advise on all aspects of future planning and undertake a full review of your affairs to ensure you receive the right entitlements and care, and that your estate is managed according to your wishes. The team at Lewis Lawyers covers an extensive range of matters including occupation right agreements, succession planning, wills, enduring powers of attorney, PPPR applications (property manager and welfare guardian), capacity issues, residential loans and subsidies, asset protection and elder abuse.

Proving that one can teach old dogs (people at least!) new tricks, Age Concern Waikato offers a range of regular programmes as wells as one off events intended to inform seniors while helping to build confidence and develop skills.

In particular, the Staying Safe: Refresher Courses for Older Drivers ensures we can retain our freedom and independence on the open road while staying connected to family and friends. This theory based refresher course brings drivers up to speed with changes in traﬃc rules and even provides advice regarding other transport options so we can slow down when we're

ready rather than come to a grinding halt.

Another popular option, Making the Most of Your Phone or Tablet sees Age Concern Waikato partner with Hamilton Senior Net. Providing one-to-one support, this programme makes programs as well as aps, the internet and more, easier to navigate and master.

Buying or selling? Downsizing to a smaller home or a retirement community? The Home for Life seminar series sees real estate experts deliver the right advice so we can make all the right moves.

Relaxed, sociable and informative, Age Concern’s educational options are available in Hamilton and, in some cases, throughout the Waikato. Visit www.ageconcernwaikato.org.nz/ education for details.

LEANNE WOOD Legal Associate | Legal Executive

JOANNE JOGIA Associate

REBECCA SANFORD Senior Solicitor

High…and dry

By Chris Gardner

When you can see the mountains it’s going to rain, when you can’t see the mountains, it’s raining.

“It’s going to rain,” says Mat Sherriff hopefully. From high on his wife’s family’s drought stricken Rotomate sheep and beef farm, a short drive from Piopio town, Sherriff can see across the Central Plateau to the mountains at Tongariro National Park and down the coast to Mount Taranaki.

It’s a crystal-clear day, without a cloud in the sky.

The sun is shining, the temperatures are in the mid-twenties, and Rotomate hasn’t had any rain to speak off since before Christmas.

“This is excessively dry,” Sherriff said. “My biggest problem is water.”

One of Sherriff’s principal water sources on the 350ha block he leases across the road is drying up.

All up, Sherriff and his dentist wife Kim Tatham, runs an 1150ha farm, 870ha of it effective with the test as retired bush.

“It’s not looking too good,” he said. “Last week I was panicking quite a bit about the water, but we have made a few plans since then,” he said.

“We have dug a new hole, created a new stock water pond, and got new pumps and pipe to fill another pond who’s level has dropped about one metre.”

It’s cost the farm about $15,000, but it has given Sherriff more

certainty in less certain times.

“We feel like we are pretty lucky when we drive around the country.”

He’s a regular visitor to the Waipā district, where he has family and Hamilton city, where his children attend school. Max, 15, is at St Paull’s Collegiate, while Zoe, 13, is at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls. He has seen far drier conditions to the north.

“We are getting a share of grass, we are pretty good at managing that,” he said.

Sherriff, who has been farming Rotomate since 2012, having moved from Taupō, is planning to introduce break-feeding with silage, allowing livestock a small area to graze each day. Other farmers used to describe the King Country as summer safe, farming parlance for guaranteed enough rain in the summer to grow good crops and livestock, but this sentiment is a thing of the past.

“We have had more dry summers than we have had wet summers,” he said. “Last year was the second driest summer in 30 years.”

In 2024 the farm received 1733 millimetres of rain compared to 1650 millimetres in 2005 – it usually receives about two metres.

“Stock manager Darren McNabb came up from Cheviot so is used to the dry,” Sherriff said. “He spent all last year telling me how wet it was.”

Regardless of McNabb’s views, it’s all about pivoting to being better prepared for ongoing dry conditions in the summers.

“We feel like we are getting the hang of managing them. Our stock is in really good condition,” Sherriff said. Instead of finishing cattle at 550kg, they are being finished about one month early at 500kg.

Sherriff and Tatham also run a corporate retreat on the farm, and up to 12 guests stay at a time in quarters once used to home Sir Peter Jackson’s cast and crew filming The Hobbit. Parts of the farm appear in a few seconds long sequence about three quarters of an hour into the first film: An Unexpected Journey.

‘Wrong’ call made on levies

By Chris Gardner

DairyNZ board chair Tracy Brown says the organisation got it wrong when it asked farmers to chose one of two levy rises.

Asking farmers whether they wished to maintain current science and research, at between 4.4 cents and 4.6 cents per kg of milk solids, or expand investment in science and research, at 4.7 cents to 5 cents, had created some confusion and angst, Brown

said.

“In hindsight we should have had a third option to make that clearer,” Brown said. Brown, who is also a Waikato dairy farmer, told The News the organisation had not raised its levy from 3.6 cents per kg of milk solids since 2009.

The options consulted on will increase the milksolids levy payment by at least $800 per 100,000 kilograms of milk solids and be as much as

$1400 per 100,000 kilograms of milksolids.

“If they were to choose 3.6 cents, they are choosing to further downsize DairyNZ, and stop doing a lot more work,” Brown said.

DairyNZ budgeted for $67,790 of levy income in 2025, and a total revenue of $81,773. Expenditure is budgeted at $85,252.

Government funding had decreased from about $14 million to about $4 million in

the last decade, Brown said.

Te Awamutu dairy farmer and DairyNZ board member Chris Lewis said dairy farmers were able to comment on the options as they voted.

“We have had 10 or 12 consultation meetings on this, and I have been to about half, and it was not a very good turnout,” he said.

He had reviewed around 1500 pieces of feedback.

Waikato Federated Farmers president Keith Holmes

said DairyNZ had made “a bad assumption” that dairy farmers accepted that DairyNZ needs an increase in levy.

There was no “no increase option” nand suggested the decision makers were “dancing with the fairies”. Ōhaupō dairy farmer and Waikato Federated Farmers vice president Andrew Reymer agreed.

“While they have lots of justification for putting the levy up, they have a declining milk pool, and it makes sense. But if the farmers are not feeling the love on the ground, then it’s a hard sell. People are saying Dairy who? I don’t think there’s a lot of support to put the levy up.”

Rotomate sheep and beef farmer Mat Sherriff says pond levels have dropped about one metre on his farm.

Tracy Brown

Waipā’s dairy winners

Zac van Dorsten is the 2025 Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year.

Van Dorsten, 27, manages Tony and Louise Collingwood’s 455-cow 165ha farm at Scown Road, Ōtorohanga.

Van Dorsten, who is from Te Awamutu and attended Hamilton Boys’ High School, won $10,523 in prizes at last week’s Dairy Industry Awards after coming third in last year’s competition.

The Collingwoods encouraged Van Dorsten to enter the awards and take courses to continue his professional development.

“There’s also an emphasis on innovation and technology which makes our day-to-

day operations easier and minimises work hours,” he said.

He is thrilled to be moving to a contract milking position next season that aligns with his financial, personal and farming goals.

“The New Zealand dairy industry has unique progression opportunities and I’m excited to continue my journey to farm ownership,” says van Dorsten.

“The industry is evolving, and I want to be part of that as we expand and become more innovative to suit the overseas market.”

Ōtorohanga farm manager

Oliver Vincent was runnerup in the dairy manager category, bringing home

$6,299 in prizes.

Vincent, who attended Te Awamutu College, works on his parents Garry and Angela Vincent’s Haurua Road 260cow 100ha farm, is passionate about the dairy industry.

“My life is farming. It’s all I really do, or think about,” said the 26-year-old.

They’ve had a tough season, thanks to the drought.

“It’s really not good out here,” he said.

Many had become complacent after two wet summers.

But supplements is the answer.

“With a $10 payout we can chuck a bit more feed in and make it work, but not for too long,” he said. “We are not going to be able to grow any grass for another five or six weeks.”

Vincent is expecting to dry off his herd about three weeks early, as he prepares to go sharemilking on his parents’ farm next season.

He’s looking to enter the share milker category in a few years.

Vincent is thankful the awards introduced him to a wide range of people who he would never have previously met.

“This is how I like to live, and the awards process

allowed me to do this with other entrants, judges and sponsors.

“It also challenged my understanding of my role,

the business I work in and our industry and is a great platform for me to learn more in these areas.”

Pirongia farm manager

Benjamin Schilt placed third and won $4,554 in prizes. He works on Chris, Emma, John and Anne Poole’s 180ha, 401cow farm at Pirongia.

Ōtorohanga farm manager Zac van Dorsten is the 2025 Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year.

A question of confidence

By Chris Gardner

Farmer confidence has flipped to its highest level in a decade, according to the latest Federated Farmer survey, having flopped from the worst it has ever been.

But the results of the latest national farm confidence survey had the feeling of a false summer, to Waikato Federated Farmers president Keith Holmes.

“While I agree with the general survey results, there is nothing internationally to suggest that we are in a period of prolonged economic and political stability,” he said.

“Nor are farmers making a profit. Many more will be able to pay their bills but in actual fact they are still mining their balance sheets, which is a very serious non sustainable predicament for New Zealand.”

Farmer confidence in economic conditions surged from -66 per cent in July 2024 to a net positive score of two per cent in January 2025. It was the largest one-off improvement since the question was introduced to the survey in 2016.

A net 23 per cent of farmers expect better economic conditions over the next year - the highest confidence level since January 2014.

There has also been a sharp lift in profitability, with 54 per cent of farmers now reporting making a profit – equating to double the number in the last survey six months ago.

Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford, who only last year led the Restoring Farmer Confidence tour with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, said he had noticed a significant shift in the mood of rural New Zealand.

“The last few years have been bloody tough for a lot of our farming families, with falling incomes, rising interest rates and unpaid bills starting to pile up on the kitchen bench.

“At the same time, we’ve also been struggling with an incredibly

challenging regulatory environment and farming rules that haven’t always been practical, affordable or fair.

“These survey results paint a clear picture of a sector finally able to breathe a sigh of relief as some of that weight is lifted.”

The survey results show regulation and compliance costs remains the greatest concern for farmers, followed by interest rates and banks, and input costs.

The survey shows farmers’ highest priorities for the government are the economy and business environment, fiscal policy, and reducing regulatory

REGIONAL COUNCILLOR’S VIEW

Following the kiwi

Last week, councillor Downard, chair Pamela Storey and I were guests at Maungatautari, watching the annual kiwi translocation. Up until now I’ve been a bit dubious about the Maungatautari pest-free project. However, over time my view has changed somewhat, and given the project has now been in existence since 2002, I think it’s worth persisting with. Making it self-funding is the ongoing challenge.

The project consists of 3400 hectares of forest encompassed by a 47 kilometre long pest-proof fence. It’s reportedly the largest predator-free enclosure in the world. There are an estimated 3000 kiwi now living on the mountain, and there’s little doubt kiwi are one of the species benefiting from the antimammalian fortification.

Chief executive, Helen Hughes has been at the helm for 18 months. Her vision for the Maunga is decisive, and her ideas for financial sustainability, are creative and novel.

Helen discussed the kiwi programme, which involves kiwi being raised within the enclosure for translocating out to other projects around the country. In

Setting up in business

Setting up a new business, so you are working for yourself, is exciting! The vast majority of businesses in New Zealand are small to medium businesses, set up by individuals who, for a variety of reasons have decided not to work for somebody else.

One of the early decisions that you will need to make is what entity will conduct the business. There are a number of ways that the new business can be owned.

A sole trader is a structure that may work for a small operation – advantages: simplicity, ease of administration; disadvantages: the owner remains personally liable for all business debts and obligations.

burdens.

“If the government are serious about their ambitious growth agenda and doubling exports over the next decade, this is where they need to be focusing their energy,” Langford said.

“For farmers to have the confidence to invest in our businesses, employ more staff, and grow our economy, we need to have confidence in our direction of travel as a nation too.

“As a country, we’re never going be able to regulate our way to prosperity, but with the right policy settings, we might just be able to farm our way there.”

By Clyde Graf, Waipā-King Country Councillor

2023 61 adult kiwi were shipped to the Tongariro Kiwi Sanctuary experiment, and in 2024, another 88 - with dozens more this year. I was also informed that Sanctuary Mountain doesn’t currently monitor the outcomes of the birds they give away. I’ve been following the kiwi survival statistics for the Tongariro Kiwi Sanctuary for 20 years, and the project is a kiwi disaster. A mad-scientist experiment. Hundreds of radio-tracked kiwi have died in the Sanctuary since 2000, and they continue to do so. Many are from Maungatautari. Ongoing aerial 1080 operations have been disrupting the Tongariro forest since 1999. Hundreds of kiwi have been translocated into Tongariro, but very few come out. Most die prematurely, often as chicks. Hundreds of them. This has been confirmed by Official Information Act requests. Conversely, and aside from Sanctuary Mountain, the Department of Conservation (DOC) said in another Official Information Act request (OIA) that it has removed 99 kiwi eggs, and seven kiwi chicks from the Okahu Valley between 2000 and 2017. DOC

states that the Okahu Valley, which borders Te Urewera National Park, has never been aerially poisoned with 1080, and has not had stoat or ferret control undertaken. The forest was logged in the 1960s and is open to pig and deer hunting all year round. Kiwi have survived the logging, they’ve survived the pig hunting, and they’ve survived the absence of pest control in the Okahu Valley. In fact, they’ve thrived. That’s why DOC can raid their nests in order to boost populations in its poisoned forests. The High Court recently ruled that the Department of Conservation permitting the New Zealand Transport Agency to kill protected wildlife during the Mt Messenger Bypass project, was unlawful. I think it’s now crucial for the Maungatautari Trust and local iwi to ensure that the outcomes of their translocated kiwi, are monitored. The success of the Maungatautari project depends on those kiwi being legally protected from the mad-scientist experiments. My view, not necessarily that of council.

A partnership is commonly used for professionals working together – advantages: simplicity, ability to share costs and responsibilities; disadvantages: the partners are jointly and severally liable for all partnership debts and obligations.

A limited liability company is a very common structure for a new business – advantages: the liability of the person or people who set up the business is limited so the owners are not personally liable for the company debts; disadvantages: more complex registration and compliance requirements.

A trust that runs a business - referred to as a trading trust. If used appropriately, the owners may gain protection from business debts, but it is essential that the trust is well managed and documented.

Guidance from your professional advisors is imperative in making your decision about the business entity, and then as you work through the initial processes and ongoing operation.

Mandy Rasmussen

When Prime Minister Chris Luxon, pictured here speaking at Mystery Creek in December with Wayne Langford looking on, farmer confidence has flopped. Now it’s flipped.

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Bush Road lifestyle starter

This 1.63 ha block on Bush Road (just off Tahaia Road), Otorohanga, has a substantial new 3 bay shed with roller doors and a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment-like accommodation and is now available for someone wanting their first lifestyle block opportunity. Build your dream home now or when it suits - get ready to raise lambs, calves and chooks. Whether you're looking for a lifestyle change, a home-business base, or an investment opportunity, this property ticks all the boxes.

Going to auction - get auction ready and make this lifestyle starter all yours!

1 6 Auction 10.30am, Wed 2nd Apr, 2025, (unless sold prior), Hautapu Sports Club, 8 Laurent Road, Cambridge View Sun 23 Mar 11.00 - 11.30am Web pb.co.nz/TWL190135

David McGuire

M 027 472 2572

E david.mcguire@pb.co.nz

Teresa Moore

M 027 288 0553

E teresa.moore@pb.co.nz

Otorohanga 56c Bush Road

Cambridge St Peters Tiny Home

Extra space needed? Here's the solution!

St. Peter's School have put a lot of effort into creating a functional and sustainable cabin! It's impressive that they used recycled materials, like the iron roof from the cowshed, which is both eco-friendly and resourceful. The addition of electricity, carpet, and a sliding door really adds comfort and utility to the space, making it more versatile. It would be interesting to know what the cabin will be used for - is it a classroom, a meeting space, or perhaps a He shed or a She shed? Or will your kids use it instead?

We will be auctioning this impressive cabin on Wednesday 02nd April 2025, 10:30am at the Hautapu Sports Grounds, 8 Laurent Road, Cambridge and all the funds raised will be donated to the Salvation Army.

St Peter's would like to thank the following business/individuals involved as they couldn't have completed it without their contribution -

Asset Group Ltd, Cambridge ITM, Guthrie Bowron, SignBoss, Flooring Design, STP Electrical, Redman Hiabs Ltd, Property Brokers, Red Stag, Supreme Lock & Hardware, Carey Family and Mason Family.

Auction 10.30am, Wed 2nd Apr, 2025, Hautapu Sports Club, 8 Laurent Road, Cambridge View Sun 23 Mar 11.30 - 12.00pm Sun 23 Mar 12.00 - 12.30pm Web pb.co.nz/CBU202304 Alan Copeman M 021 874 222 E alan.copeman@pb.co.nz

Cambridge 197 King Street

5 2 2 2

Explore the potential of 197 King Street, Cambridge East.

This fairly original condition 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on a generous 809m2 section, o ering a prime opportunity for a savvy buyer. Whether you’re looking to do-up, demolish or develop, the options are endless in this sought-a er location - don’t miss your chance to make your mark on Cambridge East!

3 2 1 1

Auction 3 April 2025 unless sold prior View by appointment or scheduled open home times www.kdre.co.nz/CB6597

Cassie Emmett M 027 215 9334

Rebekah Bloodworth M 022 361 9879

Terry Came Drive

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

Cassie Emmett M 027 215 9334

Rebekah Bloodworth M 022 361 9879

Cambridge

22a Madison Street

This home is the perfect mix of comfort, style, and convenience. You’ll enjoy the warmth of the cozy fireplace, the ease of having two lounges for multiple activities, and the year-round comfort

For Sale $1,159,000 View by appointment or scheduled open home times www.kdre.co.nz/CB6579

Cassie Emmett M 027 215 9334

Rebekah Bloodworth M 022 361 9879

Superbly Private - Spacious Family Home

1D Fort Street, Cambridge

- Just footsteps from Cambridge’s main street and local amenities, this three generous double bedroom home, including a master suite with a walk-in robe and private ensuite.

Open Homes Saturday 11-11.30am & Sunday 10-10.30am

Residence - Privacy, Prestige

5 Cooper Crescent, Cambridge

- Step into a world of elegance with this stunning 300m² architectural masterpiece, nestled on a sprawling 1,653m² (more or less) section.

- Outdoor Entertaining Oasis – Overlooking a pristine in-ground pool.

- Five expansive bedrooms, Private study/home office. Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 11.00-11.30am

- Set on a spacious 750m² (more or less) fully fenced section. - Converted garage into self-contained additional lounge, kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom - unconsented.

Homes Saturday 11 - 11.30am & Sunday 1 - 1.30pm

Charming,

Secure & Stylish 81A Wordsworth Street, Leamington

- Beautifully modernized 2-bedroom bungalow with converted garage. - State-of-the-art kitchen, the living room is a haven of relaxation, with high ceilings adding to the sense of space. Open the French doors onto the expansive deck & low-maintenance, manicured gardens.

Homes Saturday & Sunday 12.00 - 12.30pm

Longing To Be Loved Again

open-plan kitchen, which effortlessly flows into the dining and lounge areas whilst a separate lounge offers a cozy, quiet escape.

- Ventilation system & 2 heat pumps, ensures the perfect temperature. Open Home Sunday 2.00 - 2.30pm

Graham Ban

Paulette Bell Debbie Towers Trevor Morris

Contact Eilish, Amy or Taylor

Sold by Lenie

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Sold by Eilish, Amy & Taylor

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Sold by Marisa

Sold by Debbie & Trevor

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Sold by Eilish, Amy & Taylor

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Sold by Debbie & Trevor

Contact Eilish, Amy or Taylor

Contact Graham

Contact Paulette

Contact Debbie or Trevor

Contact Rachael

Contact Paulette

Contact Eilish, Amy or Taylor

Contact Paulette

Contact Eilish, Amy or Taylor

Contact Marisa

Contact Lenie

Contact Debbie or Trevor

Contact Eilish, Amy or Taylor

Contact Rachael

Contact Eilish, Amy or Taylor

Contact Debbie or Trevor

Contact Graham

Contact Eilish, Amy or Taylor

Contact Debbie or Trevor

Contact Eilish, Amy or Taylor

Contact Debbie or Trevor

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Sold by Debbie & Trevor

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Contact Rachael

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HARTE, Sadie (Sarah) Edith

– Passed away peacefully on 16th March 2025, aged 94yrs at Lauriston Care Centre surrounded by her loving family. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Sandra and the late Lloyd Hazelton, Adele and the late Merv Capewell, Steve Harte, and Lynaire and Barry Phelps. Cherished Nana of Andrew and Irma Hazelton, Anna and Dean Capewell/ Wilkinson, Rochelle and Tony Earl, Hayley and Kris Bacon, Julie-Anne and Marcus Williamson, Jamie and Alesha Capewell, Ben Phelps and Naomi Phelps. Precious great Nanny of Max, Charlotte, Ella, Emily, Reuben, Jack, Ashton, EvieRose, Danni and Meed. Treasured Kiwi Mum to Sissi, and dear friend of Xianping, (Christchurch).

“The loss is immeasurable but so is the love left behind” A celebration of Sadie’s life will be held on Thursday, 20th March, 1.30pm at the Trinity St Paul’s Union Parish, cnr of Queen and Bryce Streets Cambridge, followed by cremation. The family would like to acknowledge the outstanding care and love given to Mum by Dr Alf Pinfold, and the Lauriston Care Centre Team. In memory of Sadie, donations to the Cancer Society can be made online. Communications to Sarah’s family C/- Legacy Funerals Cambridge, PO Box 844 Cambridge 3450.

RANKIN, Naomi Lonsdale

– Passed away peacefully on Friday 21st February 2025 at Waikato Hospital. Dearly loved mother and motherin-law of Christine and Willie Forsythe, and Fiona Ambler. Much Loved Nanna of Emma, Garth; Cameron, Hamish and Ale, and Duncan. Always in our hearts, never forgotten A private service has been held as per Naomi’s wishes.

Richardson, John Michael

– Passed away peacefully at Waikato Hospital on Sunday 16 March 2025, aged 88 years. Much loved and loving husband of the late Christine. Dearly loved Dad of Emma, Lucy and Kate, father-in-law of Luke and Grandad of Connor, Noah and Mila. A celebration of John’s life will be held at The Woolshed, Te Awa Lifecare, 1866 Cambridge Road, Cambridge on Friday 21 March at 2:00pm.

ROGERS, Peter David – On Wednesday 12 March 2025 at Franklin Village, Pukekohe. Beloved eldest son of the late Ethel (nee Shaw) and Daniel Rogers. Much loved brother of the late Frank, Stephen, Alan, Maurice, Mavis (Hatwell), Frances (Cotter), Dorothy, Mick and Colleen (Tarr). Loved uncle of his many nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed. A celebration of Peter’s life will be held at 12:00pm Saturday 22 March 2025 at the Cambridge Town Hall, Cambridge. All communications to Legacy Funerals, PO Box 844 Cambridge 3450.

Family Notices

• Engagements

Weddings

Births • Anniversaries • Bereavements

• In Memoriam etc

Call Janine 027 287 0005 or email janine@goodlocal.nz

CHURCH NOTICES

Cambridge Seventh-Day Adven�st Church

Cr. Shakespeare & Browning Streets

Bible Study Each Saturday: 9.30am – 10.45am

Worship Service: 11.00am

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

Phone: 027 677 6433

Hope Channel – Freeview Ch 27, Sky 204

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

NORRIS, Keith Alan – Ann and family would like to acknowledge and extend their grateful thanks to so many who have supported us and our much loved husband, father and grandfather. Cambridge Lions for their support and generosity. Our wonderful District Nurses for their love and care over so many years. Waikato Hospital staff for their outstanding care and dedication. Cambridge Hospice Shop volunteers for their love and support. Marion Kuper and Eric Tan who enabled Keith to overcome a real challenge. Grinter’s Funeral Home for their kindness and care of Keith. Peter Lord-Cowell who helped us give Keith a perfect farewell. Our village residents and generous friends who encouraged us all in amazing ways. Keith fought so many battles with faith and hope so it is very sad and difficult for us to accept that he was taken by a tragic accident. His final words were “Thank You” and we echo his gratitude.

DAIRY GRAZING available – productive finishing farm Te Mata, Raglan. Up to 100 May to May heifers. Excellent care, facilities. High incalf rate history. Stock moved daily. Inline minerals incl. Refs. avail. Brett 0274 830 856

Got a job to fill?

ADVERTISE YOUR VACANCY WITH US

Call Janine 027 287 0005 or email janine@goodlocal.nz

WORK WANTED

QUALIFIED builder – for all your building and painting needs call the professionals. Call Ross 021 079 4514

QUALIFIED builder available for immediate start. Renovations, new builds, decks. No jobs too big or too small. Just ask. Call Jake 022 108 2330.

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.

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When buyers and sellers need to connect… YOUR

Still DELIVERS

Ian Calvert Funeral Director

WAIPA DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING NOTICES

Pursuant to Section 46 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 notice is hereby given that:

The following meetings will be held in April 2025 –

Wednesday 1 April 2025 Strategic Planning & Policy Committee

9.10am

Council Chambers

101 Bank Street TE AWAMUTU

Wednesday 9 April 2025 Workshop & Briefings Day

9.10am Council Chambers 101 Bank Street TE AWAMUTU

Wednesday 9 April 2025 Cambridge Community Board 6.00pm Cambridge Service Centre 23 Wilson Street

CAMBRIDGE

Wednesday 16 April 2025 Council 9.10am

Council Chambers 101 Bank Street TE AWAMUTU

Wednesday 16 April 2025 Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board

6.00pm Council Chambers 101 Bank Street TE AWAMUTU

Please visit the Council website for all meeting information. Electronic copies of Council agendas are available on the Waipa District Council website prior to meetings.

Steph O’Sullivan Chief Executive

Are you the Senior Accountant we are looking for?

If you are an experienced professional ready for a new challenge in an authentic and supportive team environment, we’d love to hear from you!

We’re looking for a skilled Senior Accountant with either a CA qualification or long-term experience, to join our vibrant team in Cambridge. In this key role, you will help care for a diverse range of clients and assist in a wide range of high-level accounting, tax, advisory, and review work—all while maintaining the highest professional standards.

While we prefer full-time, we’re happy to discuss reduced hours for the right candidate. If you have experience in a Chartered Accountancy office, are proficient with Xero, and are committed to delivering outstanding client service, you could be who we are looking for!

This position offers:

• A competitive salary

• Flexible working hours

• Ongoing professional development opportunities

• Potential for remote work

• A friendly, supportive team environment

• Diverse, interesting clients

• A fun, active Social Club

• Convenient parking

• A state-of-the-art coffee machine!

To apply, visit our website at https://www.accounted4.co.nz/join-our-team/ to submit your cover letter and CV.

Become part of a thriving team that’s dedicated to success—we can’t wait to meet you!

Kawasaki

High

Kawasaki

Cut

Kawasaki