King Country News | March 27, 2025

King Country

Return to the King

By Mary Anne Gill

Taumarunui is set to return to its natural home with the announcement this week it will go back into the Taranaki-King Country electorate and out of Rangitīkei under proposed boundary changes.

Among those applauding the move are Member of Parliament Barbara Kuriger and Waitomo mayor John Robertson.

The change is one of several announced by the Electoral Commission this week. The changes will be open for public feedback and final decisions will be made in August ahead of the 2026 general election.

“Taumarunui is part of the King

Country. It’s a nice fit and I’m chuffed,” Kuriger said, even though it makes her already large electorate even bigger.

Taumarunui is in the Ruapehu district with the towns of Raetihi, Ohakune, Waiouru, Waimarino (formerly National Park) and Ōwhango but would leave them to go back with Te Kūiti, Piopio and Ōtorohanga.

Though King Country has never been an official name, it is thought to be a reference to Māori King Tāwhiao who fled south after the Land Wars in 1863 to establish Te Rohe Pōtae, said to be established when he threw a hat onto a map of the North Island.

There he stayed in his own

“For all your sales and servicing needs”

independent state until 1881. A large sign of him is installed at the entrance to Taumarunui and a stone monument on the main street.

Taumarunui was a parliamentary electorate from 1908 to 1919 and included Te Kūiti and Ōtorohanga to the north, Ohakune and Waiouru to the south, east to Tūrangi and west to Raetihi and Pipiriki.

It then moved into a Waitomo electorate for 53 years, then King Country and was represented by prime minister Jim Bolger – but in another reshuffle, ended up in Tongariro until 1996 when it was merged into Taranaki-King Country.

“It’s a big electorate but the way I look at it, it’s always been big,” Kuriger said.

Kuriger’s rural electorate skirts around Taumarunui, taking in the neighbouring eastern rural areas of Ōhura and Whangamōmona and across to Taranaki.

“The addition of Taumarunui isn’t a big deal because I’m there all the time anyway. It’s not a great change for me.”

Kuriger says she will stand again and will start planning a party to welcome the town into the King Country family.

Robertson said the boundary changes helped the thought that a King Country district should be formed with the amalgamation of the Waitomo and Ōtorohanga districts.

“If you go back to the original

King Country boundary, Te Rohe Pōtae, Taumarunui was part of the King Country. The place of the hat.” Robertson felt it would be time to bring amalgamation talk back to the table after the Waikato Water Done Well discussion was done.

“If we could get support from both councils, that would be great. It would be good to be prepared.”

The commission has also announced the Māori seat of Te Tai Tonga will lose part of its northern boundary to Ikaroa-Rāwhiti, and there will be several changes in and around Auckland and Wellington.

The Tauranga and Bay of Plenty electorates will be reconfigured, with Tauranga covering the western part and Bay of Plenty shifting east.

The turnoff from SH3 to SH4 to Taumarunui at the ‘Eight Mile Junction’ (11kms south of Te Kūiti). Taumarunui will be back in the Taranaki-King Country electorate. Photo: Chris Gardner

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CONTACTS

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By Jon Rawlinson

A bumper crowd is expected to set up camp in Te Kūiti when the New Zealand Shearing Championships comes to town today.

This year’s event should see the town packed to the gunnels in time for the annual running of the sheep on Saturday.

“I’m hearing huge figures,” mayor John Robertson said. “There are two busloads of tourists coming to town, then there’s the train and RV campers. So, given the forecast is for good weather, I expect Te Kūiti to be really pumping by Saturday.”

Labour leader Chris Hipkins and other MPs are expected to be among the throng.

The three day event is celebrated as part of a three-decade long collaboration between the New Zealand Shearing Championships committee and the Waitomo District Council.

The running of the sheep down Rora Street is the outside highlight of filling the town centre with people, music, stalls and activities on Saturday.

The street flags have been fluttering in anticipation of the event.

The New Zealand Shearing Championships will run over the three days in the Les Munro Centre – starting this afternoon and continuing with morning starts tomorrow and Saturday.

Highlights will include a continuation of the New Zealand v Wales test series on tomorrow. There will also be a speed shearing challenge between the two nations tonight.

The New Zealand combination of David

Buick (Pongaroa) and Jack Fagan (Te Kūiti) will be aiming for a clean sweep in the three test series having beaten Gethin Lewis and Llyr Jones in the first test at Raetihi on March 15 and the second test at the Waitomo Sports Day last weekend.

Last year the Welsh celebrated a 2-1 win.

“Wales got their first ever win on New Zealand soil in Te Kūiti last year,” NZ Shears’ organiser, Sir David Fagan, told The News. “The New Zealand team will be out trying to stop that happening again.”

David Buick won the New Zealand Shears Open final last year in Te Kūiti – a day after telling the audience in the Les Munro Centre how he had fought back following a farm accident three years earlier which left doubts

MAYORAL VIEW

Keep politics out of it

There has been considerable discussion lately on the possibility of central government party politics entering local government.

This has been kicked off by the ACT Party, who have begun a campaign to stand local ACT candidates in elections this year – in David Seymour’s words, for every council from Cape Reinga to Bluff. They intend to stand candidates as councillors, not mayors.

This would be a regressive step for small councils especially. Politics driven by political party machines would not be helpful around a small rural council table like ours.

We see some party politics at work in the larger councils - Auckland, Wellington and to some extent Hamilton.

Fortunately, after amalgamation, Auckland dealt to the worst of it through the creation of a mayoral office by statute.

The mayor has a leadership role over matters like budgets. Wellington lacks this, and so we watch with dismay its many

controversies and political spats.

In smaller rural and provincial councils, certainly in Waitomo, we stay clear of party politics.

We know that our district is made up of many diverse communities and interest groups. We know that to succeed we need to recognise the value of each and the contribution of all. We are woven together, not separate threads.

Our community and interest group leaders represent the concerns and challenges that they face. Elected members take account of these when making decisions on Council priorities and services.

Some local groups are part of organisations with national bodies, like Federated Farmers, the RSA and Citizen’s Advice. But their representatives are local, and their submissions to council are shaped mostly by local concerns, not dictated by policies set by nationwide directives.

over whether or not he would walk again.

The open shearing final will be the last event on Saturday night.

Based on a series of calls to local hotels and motels, The News discovered that the majority were either already booked or expected to be hanging out the ‘no vacancy’ sign by this weekend. Roberston is not surprised.

“A lot of the shearers stay on farms when they come through for the New Zealand Shears, but I’m sure most accommodation in town will be booked out and I would be really surprised if it’s not full by the weekend. Then there’s the camper vans – I expect the council reserve next to Te Kūiti Primary will be absolutely packed.”

Some local groups stand alone and have community at their heart, like those representing marae, domain committees, and clubs. These organisations offer value to certain sectors of our population, while being part of the wider community that makes our district work for the good of all.

So my view on this is that far from enabling discussion about the efficient delivery of services for local ratepayers, having six elected members sitting around the council table wearing different party political hats can only be divisive. Council has enough to do already that is challenging, and that’s without adding party politics.

Local government means what it says. Government by local, for local. Let’s keep it that way and leave party politics out of the council chamber.

John Robertson, Mayor of Waitomo

Red and Black – the two test teams – Gethin Lewis and Llyr Jones (Wales) and David Buick and Jack Fagan (New Zealand) go head to head in the third test tomorrow night. They are pictured with their managers Rheinallt Hughes (Wales) and Neil Fagan (New Zealand).

Polls closing

Voters have less than a day to have their say in the Waitomo Energy Services Consumer Trust elections. The polls close at noon tomorrow and voters are being asked to elect three trustees. Six candidates, Olivia Buckley, Brian Hanna, Richard Harford, Kristen Pari, Cathy Prendergast and Guy Whitaker are standing.

Unseen seen

The unveiling of two photo boards from the Unseen Te Kūiti photo competition was scheduled in Rora Street this afternoon.

Rates Protest

A heckler was escorted from the Waitomo District Council’s chamber on Tuesday after challenging mayor John Robertson on the council’s legal ability to collect rates. Robertson and chief executive Ben Smit escorted the man and two companions from the council chamber, as councillor Janette Osborne called police. A trespass order had previously been made on the man but had not been served, Smit told councillors afterwards.

House fire

Emergency services were called to a structure fire in Te Kūiti early on Wednesday morning. Appliances from Ōtorohanga and Te Kūiti attended.

Man sentenced

A 61-year-old Te Kūiti man was sentenced to community detention and supervision last week after being convicted of two charges of criminal harassment, causing harm by posting digital communications to two police officers, and firearms and ammunition charges. The New Zealand Herald reported the man had appeared for sentence in the Hamilton District Court and had been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder.

Mayoralty race confirmed

By Chris Gardner

Waitomo mayor John Robertson can expect to face at least two challengers for the mayoral chains.

First term Waitomo rural ward councillor Janette Osborne and council property officer Richard Ross have announced their intentions to stand against Robertson in the upcoming local body elections.

Osborne has come out against talk of local government amalgamation with Ōtorohanga – Ross calls himself a disillusioned ratepayer who doesn’t believe ratepayers are getting value for money.

Robertson, a proponent of amalgamating with Ōtorohanga District Council to the north of the Waitomo district, will seek a third term.

“While I am really pleased with what council has achieved over the past five years in terms of governance improvement and the financial side - reducing debt, managing through inflation, and controlling expenditure, there are changes ahead that will be challenging,” Robertson said.

“Having continuity at the mayoral level is important.

“These changes include taking council through water reform and possible reorganisation of council boundaries following this major reform.”

Robertson, who lives in Piopio, said Waitomo had lots going on itself.

“We are reviewing our landfill business in light of changing environmental standards. We are releasing land for housing to

accommodate population growth, and we are dealing with the impact of forest harvesting on our roads.”

Osborne wants to call a halt on amalgamation talk.

“I don’t think it’s the right time. Everybody is so busy, and we have got some major

projects on at the moment,” she said.

The council was focussed on working with six other councils in forming a councilcontrolled water organisation called Waikato Water Done Well and they did not have the capacity to explore the

feasibility of merging with its neighbours.

“My focus is going to be on a fresh style of leadership,” Osborne said.

“There should be more emphasis on economic development.”

Hospital’s new helipad opens

Helicopters can land at Te Kūiti Hospital again.

A new helipad was opened with a blessing attended by construction staff and health professionals last Friday –ending the need for patients to be taken by ambulance to a chopper at Te Kūiti airfield.

Health New Zealand says it will be several months before it knows how much the new pad – built to replace an aging one – will cost.

The last time the hospital pad was in operation before it closed was January 20.

Health New Zealand director of operations, Waikato, Stephanie Doe, said the aerodrome was used only twice for hospital transfers during construction, but three transfers have already been made using the new hospital helipad.

The blessing last Friday was intended to “awaken the pad”, said, operations manager rural at Health New Zealand Terry Kawiti

said.

“We’re reinstating a service that’s very important for the hospital. It’s a lifeline because, by ambulance, it’s at least an hour on the road

to Waikato Hospital but it’s much quicker by helicopter.”

This is the second time a helipad at the hospital has been replaced.

“We had to close the

first helipad because it was too close to the building for bigger choppers. It was closed a few years ago and they built another helipad further away from the

buildings… but then, over time, the ground started subsiding. The new helipad has been built to cope with subsidence – it has piles that go right down to bedrock.”

Representatives from Health NZ, Te Kūiti Medical Centre, Philips Search and Rescue Trust and project and construction teams pictured at last week’s blessing.

John Robertson

Janette Osborne

Richard Ross

Our ancient salt

Salt is part of our everyday lives, whether we are eating it or swimming in ocean water. Before it reaches our kitchens, salt is collected in several ways. One method involves evaporating salty water, leaving the salt behind to be harvested. Another source is rock salt, or halite, which forms when large bodies of salty water evaporate over time. These deposits, called evaporites, can originate from vast inland seas that existed hundreds of millions of years ago.

If you use Himalayan salt, that mineral has had quite the journey before arriving in stores. It is mined from the aptly named “Salt Range” in Pakistan, within what geologists call a fold-and-thrust belt. These massive geological features form when tectonic plates collide, causing rock layers to deform over immense timescales. Imagine pushing a rug along the

By Janine Krippner

floor—it folds and buckles as it bunches up. Similarly, when large faults develop, rock layers can be thrust over one another, creating complex geological structures.

One fascinating property of salt is that, under the right conditions, it flows. When thick layers of salt (ranging from hundreds of meters to a kilometre in thickness) are buried by sediments over geologic time, they experience uneven pressure, causing the salt to move. Picture a mattress-sized slab of putty: if you roll over it, the putty will bulge outward, shifting away from the applied pressure.

Salt can also migrate or move toward the surface, forming large domes or even flowing across the land like a glacier. If you search for “Zagros Mountains salt glaciers” online, you’ll find stunning images of multi-coloured salt formations, some even imaged from space to

show their impressive size.

On the seafloor, salt can emerge at the surface and, thanks to a thin protective layer that prevents it from dissolving, create striking geological features. These are particularly abundant on the continental shelf in the Gulf of Mexico.

Buried salt deposits can also play important role in oil and gas accumulation. Because salt is impermeable, it acts as a natural barrier, trapping migrating hydrocarbons beneath the surface.

Salt can come in different colours, depending on its composition. Pure sodium chloride (NaCl) is colourless, while pink Himalayan salt gets its distinctive hue from trace amounts of iron oxide. This is similar to how minerals like quartz exhibit various colours depending on the presence of other elements.

It’s truly remarkable when you think about it.

A vast inland sea slowly evaporates, leaving behind a thick salt deposit. Over millions of years, this deposit is buried beneath layers of sediment, becoming part of the rock record. Eventually, the salt, being less dense and more buoyant than the surrounding rock, begins to rise back toward the surface—just like oil in water or magma in the Earth’s crust. And after this long, extraordinary journey, we harvest it for food, decoration, or even to make salt lamps.

The next time you use Himalayan or other rock salt, I hope you take a moment to appreciate the incredible history this ancient mineral has travelled through time and space.

A New Era for Cambridge based Alpha First

Alpha First is an established Private Credit platform that specialises in property funding, offering wholesale investors the opportunity to invest in standalone loans secured by first mortgages.

To date, Alpha First investors have invested more than $750 million, funding standalone mortgage-backed property loans.

A recent change in shareholding has seen four families acquire a majority interest in Alpha First. Individually their shareholder representatives have extensive interests and experience in property, direct investments, and financial services sectors. This expertise and insightfulness will be invaluable in guiding the company, identifying opportunities, and managing risk. Stephen Crerar, one of the new shareholders and recently appointed Managing Director brings 30 years of senior leadership experience across banking, investment, and property sectors.

“Over the last decade Private Credit has developed into an accepted asset class, playing an important role in portfolio diversification for both institutional and individual wholesale investors,” Stephen explains.

“Whilst this market in New Zealand is in a relatively early stage, it is part of a worldwide trend and momentum continues to build. Private Credit investing provides an attractive option for traditional fixed income investors and those seeking an alternative to equities.”

“Alpha First are good people with good values who share my own careful and conservative investment approach. I believe honesty and transparency build sustainable long-term relationships so I’m looking forward to getting to know more investors throughout Waikato and personally presenting future opportunities to them.”

The team facilitating Private Credit investments requires a strong understanding of the property market, banking and property law, exceptionally strong risk management skills and strategic insight to achieve the best results. And this is where Alpha First truly shines.

Similarly qualified and experienced in the sector are the Alpha First Investment Relationship Managers, Bruce BodleyDavies and Olivia Fraser.

Bruce explains that “Alpha First’s approach is different from many other wholesale investment providers. “We’re not a managed fund, nor do we pool funds. Investors maintain control, choosing the opportunities they want to

invest in, and we don’t deduct costs or fees from investor returns.”

Registering with Alpha First enables potential investors to see what is available, without the requirement to commit any funds.

“Alpha First are good people with good values who share my own careful and conservative investment approach. I believe honesty and transparency build sustainable long-term relationships so I’m looking forward to getting to know more investors throughout Waikato and personally presenting future opportunities to them.”

To learn more and understand if this could be right for your consideration; we invite wholesale and eligible investors to contact Bruce (mobile 021 520 068), Olivia, or Stephen to arrange a meeting at our Cambridge offices. For more info, visit www.alphafirst.co.nz or call 0800 555 621 to schedule an appointment with us.

Alpha First’s offices are situated at Level 1, Unit 104, 86 Alpha Street, Cambridge.

L to R: Bruce Bodley-Davies, Olivia Fraser, Stephen Crerar.

Work won’t be forgotten

“A game changer” is how someone within the tight-knit Whangamōmona community has described the sealing of Tāngarākau Gorge.

A three year project to seal the final 12km stretch of State Highway 43 Forgotten World Highway and make other improvements has now been completed.

And both the president of the self-proclaimed Republic of Whangamōmona John Herlihy and village publican Richard Pratt believe there’s already been an increase in people to the area as a result of the safer, more efficient highway.

“Last weekend a whole lot of vintage cars came through – they wouldn’t have gone through the gorge if it hadn’t have been sealed,” says Mr Herlihy.

Stratford District Mayor Neil Volzke said people using campervans and rental vehicles could now use the road, where previously many had been restricted from travelling on the unsealed road.

“We’d expect to see an increase in tourist numbers. When we did the original business case there were some good numbers included in that and so we’re hopeful those will come to fruition.”

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi senior project manager Sree Nutulapati says the crews, who based themselves at the

Whangamōmana Hotel and campervans alongside SH43 over the last three years, have been welcomed into the community and have done an outstanding job.

Stratford Councillor Amanda Harris lives in the community and has been a vocal advocate for the sealing project and has been

keenly watching developments.

“This road is iconic and what’s been achieved here leaves a legacy for the communities for many, many years to come. I want to see more people of this road, enjoying it and exploring safely.”

In addition to sealing the 12 km gorge, other improvements on the highway included constructing

four new retaining walls, building two new bridges, replacing a culvert, installing more than 220 signs, adding guardrails and removing hazardous trees. Inframax was the main contractor on the project and Construction Manager Stu Fraser says the project is one of the most rewarding they had worked on.

Letters…

Kiwi and 1080

Clyde Graf’s opinion piece on kiwi releases from Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain casts unfounded aspersions on efforts to protect brown kiwi. He is also ill-informed about the practice of taking kiwi eggs from the wild, raising the chicks in captivity and releasing them back to where they came from as strong, young adults, a practice known as Operation Nest Egg. This is how more than 90 young kiwi were released into Okahu Valley in Te Urewera to boost and replenish the population. Without this method, unprotected kiwi populations are doomed to extinction from predation by mustelids.

The Tongariro kiwi population is far from a “disaster”. It is a large population with occasional set-backs such as incursions of ferrets from nearby farmland. With extra trapping for ferrets and stoats, and repeated aerial 1080 operations, the kiwi are successfully raising chicks. The number of kiwi calls per hour has gone from 1.1 per hour in 2011 to 4.5 per hour in 2023, the sign of a thriving population. Whio and other native wildlife have also benefitted from this predator control. More than 600 kiwi have been monitored through aerial1080 drops nationwide, and not one has died from 1080. Monitoring of birds transferred from Maungatautari is the responsibility of the Department of Conservation, not the Sanctuary. Kiwi have flourished in predator-free Maungatautari. Now they are making a big contribution to the survival and reintroduction of kiwi all around the North island. A conservation success story. Selwyn June Hamilton

Long serving Stratford mayor Neil Volzke speaks at the ceremony to mark the completion of the project.

MARCH

POUKAI AND POP UP

Kanohi ki te kanohi – Pop Up Council

With over 70% of our residents living outside Ōtorohanga township, we know that traditional engagement methods do not always work. That’s why we created Kanohi ki te kanohi – Pop Up Council – a proactive approach that brings Council directly to our community.

Last week, our staff along with our leadership team and elected members were privileged to attend Pop Up Council and Poukai at Waipapa and Maketū Marae. These face-to-face engagements reinforced our commitment to being present, listening and strengthening relationships with our people. By meeting in spaces that are meaningful to our communities, we continue to break down barriers, build trust and ensure that local voices help shape our district’s future.

Pop Up Council isn’t just about gathering feedback – it’s about listening, responding, and ensuring community voices shape our decisions. It’s a commitment to making engagement meaningful, accessible and effective for everyone.

When you see us out in the community, we encourage you to stop by, share your thoughts and be part of the conversation. Together, we’re building a more connected and engaged district.

MONTHLY ROAD MAP UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

STAY IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT AND KEEP UP TO DATE WITH OUR ROADS!

Check out our website to find details about our roads and streets including maintenance, how to report issues, traffic management, stock crossing permits, vehicle crossings, temporary road closures and more. www.otodc.govt.nz/council-services/roads-and-streets The 2025 resealing programme has begun and you can find out more on our website.

WHAT’S ON AT THE LIBRARY?

Always wanted to know how to use the apps the library has? Don’t know where to start?

Join us at one of our ‘appy hours to learn. This series of workshops will show you how to use each of the library apps we have and how to get the most out of them.

COMING UP:

26 March:

• Using Libby (eResource platform) 10.30 – 11.30 am

• Using BorrowBox

COMING UP

Ōtorohanga District Council is planning how we’ll deliver safe, reliable water services in the future, as part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well policy. We are currently exploring the options available to us and will look for your input once this process is completed.

GROWING COLLECTION

We are lining our Ōtorohanga District Library shelves with an expanding collection of Te Reo Māori books, supporting our commitment to bilingual literacy and cultural inclusion. This initiative aligns with our goal to make Te Reo Māori more accessible to all members of the community, from fluent speakers to those beginning their language journey. From children’s picture books and beginner readers to advanced literature, historical texts and contemporary works, the collection caters to a wide range of interests and age groups.

Library Manager Heather says, “We recognise the importance of Te Reo Māori as an official language of Aotearoa and want to provide our community with resources here in our Library to cater to everyone. Whether you’re reading to your tamariki, studying for school, or simply enjoying a good book, we have something for you.”

The growing collection includes works from celebrated Māori authors such as Airana Ngarewa alongside beautifully illustrated children’s books like Kara te Kākāpo. The library also offers Te Reo Māori translations of popular Englishlanguage books, providing a familiar entry point for learners. For those wanting to develop their language skills, the collection includes Te Reo learning resources such as dictionaries, grammar guides and structured learning books suitable for all levels.

We invite you to explore the collection, borrow books and participate in activities that celebrate Te Reo Māori. Whether you are a fluent speaker or just beginning to learn, there is a place for you at Ōtorohanga District Library.

For more information on available titles or upcoming events, visit the library or check our website and social media pages.

• Using our Library App 10.30 – 11.30am

• Using Beanstack (an app with fun reading challenges) 2.00 – 3.00 pm

STEMLITTLEBITS

Mondays 3.30pm –4.30pm

STORY TIME

Thursdays 10.30am –11.00am

STEM - LEGO Thursdays 3.30pm –4.30pm

Ages 6+

WRIGGLE & RHYME

Fridays 10.30am11.00am

Phone (07) 873 7175, email library@otodc.govt.nz, or message us on Facebook www.facebook.com/otolib

PLANNING TO BUILD?

We have implemented a new online building consent application system.

Objective Build is simple and intuitive to use with agents and owners having full visibility of how the application is progressing.

The Objective Build building consent application platform covers all aspects of the building consent process including applying for amendments to an approved building consent or applying for a code of compliance certificate when you have finished building.

Guides on how to get started are available here: www.otodc.govt.nz/council-services/building-consentsand-information/building-consents

Una tests smart solutions

A recipient of a scholarship from The Lines Company (TLC) has returned to conduct research on the company’s network that promises to benefit the customers who helped fund her education.

Una Drayton is in her third year towards an electrical engineering degree from Canterbury University. She was raised near Ohakune – part of TLC’s southern network area.

“I was extremely grateful to receive the Inspiring Local Minds Scholarship from TLC,” she said.

“Coming back to the area to do research on their network is a great full circle moment.”

Drayton describes herself as “that annoying why-why-how kid,” growing up.

“I always wanted to know how and why things worked. Growing up rural, my dad was always coming up with innovative contraptions to fix things on the farm; and I guess that rubbed off on me.”

Drayton went on to excel at maths, science and physics throughout school and engineering seemed a perfect fit.

“Because electricity is such a huge part of our daily lives, I thought electrical engineering would be a very purposeful career.”

Enter PSC Consulting - a specialist engineering consultancy, founded in New Zealand 30 years ago.

making better use of existing equipment and extending the life of plant.

“It makes delivery of electricity to customers more efficient and economical,” said Drayton. She ran models or simulations of what smart meter-based load control system would look like on the TLC network.

“She showed that significant capacity upgrades to the network could be deferred by using effective load control. While the research was conducted on TLC’s network, results can be applied across the industry,” said Jenkins.

Drayton’s passion for engineering isn’t just about the how and the why, but also about building future sustainability.

“The electricity sector plays a huge role in global decarbonisation. We must find innovative and environmentally friendly solutions to generate and store more energy as demand grows.”

When Drayton heard about PSC’s own scholarship and internship programs, she made contact and was signed on for the December 2024-25 vacation break to do research work.

PSC’s Operational Technology Manager Dylan Jenkins said PSC had a history of collaborating with electricity businesses and investing in university talent.

“TLC was already on a digital improvement journey and were keen to support changing what was a hypothetical, theoretical

project into a practical project. We brought all the pieces together –research funding through Callahan Innovation, specialist engineering support from PSC and an electricity network through TLC while supporting aspiring engineering talent.”

The research project investigates smart meter control for load management.

“Throughout the day, there are

fluctuations in electrical demand,” Drayton said. “This causes peaks at high demand times, like early morning or after work - peaks that the network must be able to handle. Better utilisation of load management through using smart meters means we can flatten the peaks by shifting load to another time of day.”

Benefits include deferring capacity-related network upgrades,

TLC’s Chief Executive Mike Fox said he was proud of the company’s Inspiring Local Minds Scholarship programme which was introduced in 2018.

“It is awesome to see one of our scholarship students doing summer vacation work in the electricity sector that could ultimately benefit TLC customers.

“It’s even more rewarding when this investment makes a difference by benefiting our customers in the future.”

Caption: Una Drayton (left) visits a TLC sub-station with General Manager Operational Excellence Craig Hackett and Asset Engineer Substations Ash Singh (right).

GARDENING

FOR BLOOMING BEAUTIES AND PLANTS THAT THRIVE

Priya gets a taste of kiwi

By Chris Gardner

Priya Singhal has been in New Zealand for a matter of months – but is fast become an expert in Kiwiana.

Singhal, 28, has immersed herself in history and heritage by joining Ōtorohanga Museum as a volunteer after being connected with director Liz Cowan by the Ōtorohanga Employment Hub.

Singhal is supporting director Liz Cowan behind the scenes three days per week, and giving visitors guided tours of the many exhibits and buildings.

Preparing for winter

Katrina Christison Tidy Gardens

As we move further into the season, the weather may start to cool in the mornings and nights but the days are beautiful. Lucky they are as there lots you can do to get your garden ready for winter. Now is the time to focus on the tasks that will set you up for a strong start in spring.

Here are some essential garden chores for the week ahead:

Clearing away dead plant matter: With colder weather approaching, it’s crucial to clear away any dead plants, leaves, and spent blooms from your garden beds. This helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden. By tidying up now, you’ll reduce the risk of issues come spring and create a cleaner environment for new growth.

Mulching for winter protection: Mulching is one of the best ways to protect your plants during the winter months. Apply a layer of mulch around your perennials, trees, and shrubs to help insulate the soil, retain moisture, and regulate temperature. It will also suppress weeds and improve soil quality as it breaks down.

Protecting tender plants: If you have tender plants or plants that are more sensitive to frost, start thinking about how to protect them. You can cover them with

fleece, burlap, or garden fabric, or even bring potted plants indoors if possible. Ensuring they are shielded from harsh winds and freezing temperatures will help them survive the winter.

Prepare garden tools: Take some time to clean and sharpen your gardening tools, especially your shears, spades, and rakes. Maintaining your tools now will make sure they are in top condition for the spring gardening season. Clean off any dirt, rust, or sap, and oil any moving parts to prevent corrosion.

Planning for spring: As you prepare your garden for the colder months, take some time to think ahead to the spring season. Now is a great time to research new plants or garden designs you’d like to try.

Order seeds and bulbs, and start planning any changes or improvements to your garden layout so you can hit the ground running once the weather warms up.

The next few weeks are critical for giving your garden a strong foundation for the coming months, so make sure to take advantage of the time you have before winter sets in. By staying proactive, you’ll ensure your garden will be ready for the beauty of spring.

And remember if you need help with any of the above please don’t hesitate to give Tidy Gardens a call.

“Liz is really so nice, she is one of my favourites people here,” Singhal said.

Singhal came to New Zealand from Haryana, New Delhi, India, three months ago with her husband who has a job out of town with a government department.

“I am here to learn the language and learn the work culture,” Singhal, who has a Bachelor of Technology (Electronics and Communications Engineering) degree, said.

“Everything is new to me. One of the most important facts I read was that New Zealand was the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote.”

Her favourite exhibit is the waka in Te Wao Nui o Tāne which she described as amazing.

“I love to see it and read about how it was made,” she said. “So precisely without modern tools and how the shape is made to be selfdraining. I really like the waka.”

She is also impressed with the museum’s newspaper archive dating back a century,

so carefully preserved.

Before moving to Ōtorohanga, Singal felt a special connection with New Zealand through researching High Commissioner to India, Nepal and Bangladesh Sir Edmund Hillary.

“In my school days I used to read about the first climbers on the highest peak of Mount Everest. There is a road in the embassy area of New Delhi after his name.”

She was pleased to discover the Ed Hillary Walkway in Ōtorohanga town centre.

“I went to Sir Ed Walkway when I moved here. It was truly fascinating, and I felt so

delighted to see it,” she said.

“I read about the silver fern, which represents New Zealand and is also used in the national rugby team’s emblem. Then, I learned about the haka, - I also discovered many Kiwi slang words.”

Before coming to New Zealand Singhal had heard that New Zealand was very clean.

“It’s totally about the natural beauty,” she said. Singhal is looking for work and would love to stay in Ōtorohanga.

“People are so helpful. They are really so nice.”

Mayoralty race confirmed

Osborne believed the council decision to pull out of Hamilton and Waikato Tourism was shortsighted and it could work better with the Legendary Te Kuiti development initiative.

“We need to make the most of improving our economy and get some of the people coming from Waitomo to turn right at Hangatiki.”

Osborne, who runs a sheep and beef farm near Waitomo Caves village with her husband, would like to see more of the village’s 300,000 visitors to visit Te Kuiti and shop there.

“Stop and take a look at some of the lovely shops. That would make a huge difference.”

Ross announced his intention to stand for mayor and for council last weekend.

He has worked for the council since 2022. He has previously worked in hospitality in Australia before 2014, and in retail at Mitre 10, Briscoes, and Farmlands.

“Throughout my career, my focus has

Continued from page 3

always been on ensuring that people receive the service and value they expect, something I believe should also apply to local government,” he said.

“Over the past 28 months, I have come to realise that I am not in the right position to create any meaningful change I believe is needed,” he told The News.

Ross, who lives in Te Kūiti, described himself as a disillusioned ratepayer.

“If there is a ratepayer in the Waitomo district who truly believes they are getting value for money, I have yet to meet them. Ratepayers deserve responsible financial management, and I believe change is necessary to ensure their voices are heard.”

He said discussions on matters like amalgamation will come in time.

“For now, my priority is engaging with the community and advocating for a path forward that brings real change,” he said.  If he is elected, he would be required to resign from his present council role.

Asked where she wanted to be photographed, Priya Singhal insisted on in front of the Ōtorohanga waka house.

Saturday 29 March 2025 10am - 3pm

Waitomo backs team approach

By Chris Gardner

Waitomo District Council would prefer to hand about a quarter of its operations over to a council-controlled water authority, than retain responsibility for it.

Waitomo councillors unanimously decided on Tuesday that joining six other councils in the Waikato Water Done Well organisation was their preferred option to take to public consultation.

They are Waipā, the first of the seven to choose the model as its preferred option, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, Ōtorohanga, South Waikato and Taupo district councils.

The agenda item was dealt with in just a few minutes, having been thrashed out in workshops, as councillors reviewed a yet to

be publicly released consultation document on the option.

Council strategy and policy manager Charmaine Ellery told councillors the financial information in the document was not final and only intended to show trends.

“They are indicative only,” she said. “They are based on the material that has been provided.”

Chief executive Ben Smit said the consultation document included a financial model.

“It’s not intended to be a business plan.”

Ōtorohanga councillors heard the same story earlier in the month when council finance manager Brendan O’Callaghan asked them 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.” Mayor John Robertson described the situation as complex.

The National-party led government required councils to consult with their

ratepayers on at least two options for drinking and wastewater management after scrapping the last Labour-led government’s three waters legislation.

Consultation on the matter opens on Friday and runs until April 30, and there is scope for a public hearing if necessary.

Meet Martin and Troy

Our story in the King Country Farmer last week about Te Kūiti’s Martin Leveridge fell short on one key point – we transposed a picture of fellow fencer and friend Troy Brooky. So, to put matters right - and with our apologies – here is a photo of them both in action together –Martin on the left, Troy on the right. Leveridge and Brooky will be competing in the fencing competitions in June at the Mystery Creek Fieldays both as individuals and a team.

Security video network discussed

By Jon Rawlinson

Ōtorohanga businesses are focusing on bolstering security measures.

They have been offered deals on security cameras, but development board Elevate says it is working with Ōtorohanga District Council and police to negotiate a coordinated CCTV solution.

The move comes in the wake a of a two-month burglary spree which resulted police announcing they had issued a warrant for an Ōtorohanga man.

A 35-year-old man charged with burglary appeared in court in Hamilton last Friday.

A day earlier businesses owners, including victims of the recent burglaries, met Elevate, police and council last Thursday to discuss

improvements to the town’s security systems

“There is a mixture of CCTV and alarms operating in our business community now,” Elevate’s chair Marain Hurley told The News.

“CCTV is another tool in the box to help prevent and deter crime, another means to relieve stress among owners of businesses.”

An expanded CCTV network would help deter or catch crooks without compromising the privacy of the law abiding people, Hurley believes.

“We would like an integrated system, to link them all and livestream back to police.”

“The police would have access to all footage. As the cameras would be located in public areas, there would

be no privacy risk. CCTV operates in nearly all cities, and a lot of towns, with no privacy issues. It is set up to enhance security by deterring crime, providing visual evidence to aid investigation and identify perpetrators.”

An expanded CCTV system could cover the majority of Ōtorohanga’s CBD and industrial areas.

Marain Hurley

Positively

on for wool drives Piopio doyen

Maverick Owen is no wild card

By Jon Rawlinson

An old TV show claimed that ‘Maverick didn’t come here to lose.’ Fortunately, Waikato Bay of Plenty Mavericks’ striker Owen Brown has no intention to lose, and he knows much more about hockey than hoakey TV westerns.

From Āria Primary and Piopio College to New Plymouth Boy’s High and Canterbury University, Brown credits his grassroots setting the foundation for his growing sporting goals.

However, it’s on turf – home or otherwise – that this King Country farmer’s son is coming into his own.

Asked if strikers get all the glory in hockey without having to do the hard yards, he says “No, there’s still a wee bit of running involved… If midfielders and defenders don’t do their job, you can’t get the ball in the circle to do anything useful with it.”

Next on the scoresheet for Owen is April’s Junior Hockey League (JHL). The tournament follows a rough season in 2024 for Owen’s Waikato BOP Mavericks as both the men’s and women’s squads were served wooden spoons. The squad’s juniors will have a point to prove.

“The JHL is the equivalent of Premier Hockey League (PHL) for junior players, under 21s,” he says. “The PHL was disappointing, but we have to look towards the future and how can we improve and be better next time around.”

Since first playing hockey at school, Owen has risen through the grades alongside another Piopio-Āria sportsman, Southern Alpiners’ midfielder, Gus Nelson.

“I’m a first generation hockey player in our family,”

Owen says. “I played from a reasonably young age but it’s more a secondary school sport, so I didn’t really pick it up properly until then. Gus went to Hamilton Boys High a year before I went to New Plymouth Boys. We’ve played against each other at school, but we’ve also played together in the junior grades and for New Zealand.”

At international level, Owen and Gus are part of a promising next generation of Kiwi hockey players.

The Junior Black Sticks finished fourth among six teams at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia late last year. The tournament provided invaluable international experience ahead of the upcoming Junior World Cup in India.

“We didn’t actually lose a game in regular time. We won a couple, drew a bunch and then lost in shootouts in our final game,” Owen says. “But we’re putting a lot of work into the junior system to develop players, and we are looking quite promising at the moment, so I think we have a very good chance at the World Cup.”

While Gus graduated from Lincoln University last year, Owen is still working towards a Bachelor of Science at Canterbury University. He has been spending his summers back in the King Country often working on his family farm, however his future could take him much further afield.

“There’s very little chance of making a career from hockey here, you need another job if you want to play in New Zealand only. So, I’d like to play in Germany or The Netherlands, but I’d still want to play for the Black Sticks, 100 per cent.”

With hockey cut from next year’s Commonwealth Games, these two promising players will have to wait a little while longer to go for gold. Especially seeing as New Zealand has only won one medal of any colour at the Olympics – the men’s team in 1976 – bringing Olympic laurels back home is a dream Owen agrees is worth pursuing.

“Winning an Olympic medal would be pretty awesome – yeah, almost unbelievable really. It’s too early to say yet, but I think we will have a good shot. There’s definitely been a lot of development into the next group coming up as they’re looking to reshape the Black Sticks for the next Olympics.”

PICTURED: Owen Brown, in action for the Junior Black Sticks against Australia at the 2025 Oceania championships. Photo: Simon Watts.

SPOTLIGHT ON OTOROHANGA

Health without surgical intervention

Dr Scott Mouat opened King Country Chiropractic at 27a Maniapoto St in Otorohanga in 2008.

“Whether you are healthy and want to ensure you maintain your current state of wellness, or you are feeling sore or unwell, we can help you, from children to the elderly,” Scott says.

All about your crowning glory

Leanne Massey from Little Scissors at 50 Maniapoto St In Otorohanga knows all about keeping your crowning glory.

She’s owned the business for the past 23 years – 24 next monthher meticulous attention to detail is well known across the region. Little Scissors takes care of all hair needs from perms, sets, cuts and colours, for men, women and children.

Award winning orist

Iona van der Pasch owner of Moss & Co orists at 31 Maniapoto St in Otorohanga for the past ve years, is an award winning orist with 26 years’ experience in providing customers with unique designs suited speci cally to their requirements. From wedding designs to dried oral arrangements, if you want your owers to say everything, Moss & Co is a great place to go.

The store with everything

The Budget Warehouse, found at 19 Tuhoro St, Otorohanga, is setting a new standard for local shopping, o ering a popular and diverse range of products similar to the main big brand stores elsewhere.

Whether you’re looking for home essentials, kitchen gadgets, or the latest electronics, The Budget Warehouse has it all.

Dr. Scott Mouat (B.Chiro) Chiropractor

Dr. Alana Sherman (B. Chiro) Chiropractor

Visitors score decisive wins

By Norris Woodbine

The two local club rugby preseason matches on Saturday played out a similar theme as Te Rapa from Hamilton and Cobras from Te Aroha came and conquered their King Country opponents in comprehensive fashion.

Both games attracted large crowds demonstrating a long-awaited desire from fans for some on field action and with underfoot conditions hard and fast the rugby was highly entertaining.

At the picturesque Ōtorohanga Island Reserve number two field a real picnic atmosphere greeted the Waitomo and Te Rapa sides with family groups enjoying the shaded areas under the trees.

Te Rapa play in the Waikato First Division and are required to field two teams each week so arrived with a large squad of players looking confident and well drilled.

However once play got under way it was a fired-up Waitomo side that applied all the early pressure and within five minutes second five Eden Kawhena surged through a midfield gap and dotted down under the posts gifting Kees Muller an easy conversion.

With Rangi Mulligan-Green. Englishman Adan Leese and Zylah Hatu-Pratt leading the way, behind them Dylan Coull, Brooky Pye with Muller prominent in the loose the Waitomo pack took control and dominated field position.

A Muller break from the back of a lineout saw a long pass find a flying Pye who crossed out wide before a driving maul saw Coull driven across close to the posts

Te Rapa replied with tries set up by the astute boot of Thomas Hayes and the teams went to halftime locked at 19- all.

After the break the Te Rapa coaches injected a new forward pack featuring some of their more notable players and their

backline began to profit out wide. Kawhena, Mitch Clark, Freemin Te Whare and Hemi Keefe-Edwards clearly demonstrated their defensive qualities however when Muller was dispatched to the sin bin for 10 minutes gaps eventuated and the second half belonged to the visitors who ran out 38-19 winners.

Waitomo head coach Steve Edwards mixed and matched his players throughout and once again expressed his satisfaction with the progress his side is making as he looks ahead to the King Country Premiership.

Down in Te Kuiti Waitete suffered a similar fate as they began the match against Cobras well and worked their way to a halftime lead before fading in the face of a larger squad in the visiting side.

Veteran flanker Shaun Burr opened the try scoring and Callum Hedley converted before star mid fielder Baven Brown Junior set the crowd alight with a brilliant try.

Up 12–7, hopes were high in the Waitete camp but sheer weight of numbers from the visitors saw them take control as the heat became a factor late in the game. Cobras ran away with the second half to win 45-12.

Manager Russell Smith said Waitete were under strength with several players away with other commitments.

“We played four youngsters just out of school who got their first taste of senior rugby and in the end fresh lags got the visitors home.”

Athol Snedden, Hedley and Phayzen Marshall were all in fine form in the backs while big prop John Siaosi provided real impact up front with some arrestable charges in open field.

The Waitete coaches Gareth Williams and Josh Ostern will take many positives from the game as they head to Te Awamutu Marist this week to play Waikato First Division side Frankton with a full squad available.

Early season champs

The King Country Centre ran its first championship indoor bowls events of the season on Monday.

The men’s and women’s singles have not been contested since 2008.

Six women played a round-robin competition.

Susan Grace, with four wins, took home the Turner Trophy and Marlene Walker was the runner-up.

The men’s field comprised 10 players and was a qualifying event. Top qualifier was John Whitehead with four wins and eight points. Bruce Grace, Eric Drabble and Paul Walker each recorded three wins.

Grace and Walker won a playoff to reach the final where Grace triumphed to claim the Booth Trophy.

The King Country season opened last Friday night with the John Hill Memorial Trophy event in Ōtorohanga. John Hill created this event as a means for new players to be introduced to the game while playing for and with the previous year’s

Wife and husband Susan and Bruce Grace were both crowned singles champions this week.

representative players.  Winners on the night were Liz Morrow, Bryan Wooten, Michelle Tapara, and Lance Chapman. In second place were Carol Lovell, Peter Fisher and Sybil Mills. Third place went to Paul Walker, Mike Profitt, Nick Hewlett and Ken Morriss.

On Sunday players from chartered clubs in the Central North Island area gathered in Tokoroa to play in the Ernie Dunstan Fours. Ōtorohanga Club’s Gordon Lang, Warren Davis Richard Beaumont and Carol Houghton finished third in the event.

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Last week

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with Jan Bilton

Pear perfect

Ralph Waldo Emerson (American essayist) said ‘There are only ten minutes in the life of a pear when it is perfect to eat.” He said this in the eighteen hundreds. Today we have controlled refrigeration to preserve the pear’s wellbeing. But determining ripeness can still be a challenge. A pear is ready to eat, and at its best, when it has softened slightly near the stem.

A good summer variety — and one we have in the garden — is the bell-shaped Bartlett pear. It changes from green to yellow as it ripens but also can quickly deteriorate. There are also red-skinned Bartletts available which are a juicy delight to eat raw and great poached.

Mid-season Beurre Bosc pears are juicy but crunchy and retain their sweet flavour and elongated shape when cooked. The warm cinnamon-brown of their skin is caused by russeting. The latter is a skin condition that causes rough, brownish patches on pears and apples. It’s caused by damage to the fruit’s epidermal (outermost) cells. However, russeting is only ‘skin deep’ and not harmful. The nutritional value and flavour of the pear is not affected. And you can eat the skin. The flavour is best after refrigerating for a couple of weeks.

Spiced pear & apple sauce

I used Bartlett.

1.5 kg pears

500g cooking apples

1 lemon

3/4 cup water

1 cinnamon stick

2 star anise

Peel the pears if the skins are tough. Halve and core the pears and apples. Coarsely chop. Place in a large saucepan. Thinly peel the lemon and add to the fruit. Add the water, cinnamon stick and star anise. Squeeze in the juice of the lemon.

Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is very soft, about 30 minutes.

Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise. Purée the fruit

mixture until smooth. Bring to a simmer then pour into hot, sterilised bottles or jars to the top. Seal. Makes about 5 cups.

Grilled pears with goat’s cheese & walnuts

1/2 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

freshly ground sea salt to taste

2 ripe but firm pears

1 teaspoon butter or table spread

1 cup baby rocket

100g goat’s cheese, crumbled

1/2 lemon

Combine the walnuts with the oil, vinegar and salt.

Halve the pears and scoop out the cores with a teaspoon.

Cut each half into four wedges.

Lightly butter a non-stick ridged frying pan and heat on medium-high. Pan-fry the pears — loosely covered — until the pears have charred lines. Turn the wedges and cook the

other sides.

Divide the rocket between 4 serving plates. Top with the pears. Crumble the cheese on top and drizzle with the nut dressing. Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Serves 4 as a starter.

Baked pears with sour cream & cranberry

2 pears, cored and peeled

6-8 tablespoons sour cream

4-6 tablespoons cranberry sauce (from a jar) 1/4 cup lightly toasted sliced almonds

Preheat the oven to 220°C.

Halve the pears and remove the cores with a teaspoon.

Place the pear halves in a baking dish, cut side up. Remove a sliver from each pear base if they are not level.

Place a spoonful or two of sour cream in the centres. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the pears are soft.

Heat the cranberry sauce in the microwave.

Place the baked pears on serving plates and pour the cranberry sauce over. Sprinkle with the almonds. Serves 2-4.

Spiced pear & apple sauce

Grilled pears with goat’s cheese & walnuts

7 Meads Street, Te Kūiti

This exceptional residence offers a blend of comfort, space and private living, all set on a generous 5377sqm (approx) section - and with a spacious building area of 260sqm (approx) plus garage, it’s perfect for families seeking room to grow and enjoy.

The property features four spacious bedrooms designed for relaxation and privacy, two well-appointed bathrooms, including an ensuite for the master bedroom, plus an additional separate shower and toilet for convenience.

Enjoy the open-plan kitchen and dining area that flows

seamlessly into the lounge, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Two dedicated study areas provide the perfect space for productivity and hobbies, plus you’ll stay cosy year-round with the new closed fire and heat pump.

Step outside to your own private retreat featuring an in-ground salt water swimming pool and a spacious deck/ patio area, ideal for outdoor entertaining. The internal access double garage is complete with remote door openers and offers ample storage. Partially fenced grounds with

bush and

views

create a serene environment for relaxation. There’s so much more to see here, this is a must see property.

For Sale $799,000

View Sunday 30 March, 1.45 - 2.15pm rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30289

sections (sizes are approximate)

9 Sunset Close, Otorohanga, 750sqm in popular Westridge.

163 Old Te Kuiti Road, Lots 1 & 4, 5517-8932sqm, easy

Lot 1, 627 Waitomo Valley Road, Otorohanga, 8105sqm rural

Lots 90-108 Harpers Avenue, 486sqm to 962sqm, Westridge II

576C Mangawhero Road, Otorohanga, 1ha, fenced, sensible covenants. Ph Noldy

2/823 Ngahape Road, Otorohanga, over 6000sqm, elevated building site, rural views. Ph Noldy $450,000 3/823 Ngahape Road, Otorohanga, over 6500sqm of land, power to boundary, fencing in. Ph Noldy $450,000 Te Kūiti sections (sizes are approximate)

5 Robin Azariah Place, Te Kuiti, 906sqm, quiet neighbourhood. Phone Buzz. Offers over $199,000

54A Ailsa Street (Lot 1), Te Kuiti, 2159sqm, end of a cul de sac, STT. Phone Buzz By

54A Ailsa Street (Lot 2), Te Kuiti, 1707sqm, end of a cul de sac, STT. Phone Buzz By

10 Robin Azariah Place, Te Kuiti, 600sqm level section. Phone Buzz $239.000

Other sections (sizes are approximate)

0 State Highway 3, Piopio, 984sqm. Phone Buzz By Negotiation

171 Ngahape Road, Te Kawa, 5001sqm. Phone Cherie $470,000

0 Raglan Road, Kawhia, 2648sqm lifestyle section, no covenants,

Baggott

027 855 8472

Carley Reeve Drive, Marokopa

Team Kerry & Karen

Kerry Harty 027 294 6215

kjharty@harcourts.co.nz

Karen Lennox 027 559 4468

karen.lennox@harcourts.co.nz

Charming character home

Situated on a 461 m2, flat section, this 1910-built weatherboard home offers character and convenience. Featuring three bedrooms and 90 m2 of living space, it's perfect for first-home buyers, downsizers, or investors. Set on concrete piles, with corrugated iron roofing and timber joinery, this home enjoys street frontage, town water supply, and council sewage connection, with electric water heating for convenience. A clothesline adds practicality, while nearby transport, shops, and schools enhance everyday ease.

Home sweet Hospital

Set on a 809

cladding and a durable corrugated iron roof, making it a reliable and low-maintenance choice. Inside, the home is well-insulated with both ceiling and floor insulation, complemented by a heat pump to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. The layout provides a practical flow, making it a fantastic option for families, first-home buyers, or investors alike. Enjoy the added bonus of offstreet parking, while the partially fenced section offers plenty of space for outdoor activities. Conveniently located close to schools and a few shops.

Mary Tapu

Te Kuiti 76 Taupiri Street

Te Kuiti 44 Hospital Road (extension)

Te Kuiti 2 Saint Lukes Crescent

Piopio 4/5 Kaka Street

Te Kuiti Cattle Sale

Friday, March 28

Start 12pm

A/c – C & L Dunphy

12 18mth Char x strs

6 18mth Ang/Frsn x strs

A/c – Te Toko Station

4 18mth Spec park strs

6 18mth Hfd/Frsn x strs

3 18mth Char x strs

Len Sheeran 027 473 5859

Te Kuiti Cattle Sale

Friday, April 4, 2025

Start 12pm

C & L Dunphy 12 15mth Angus Hfrs 10 15mth Red Devon x Hfrs FARM SOLD

Len Sheeran 027 473 5859

Stock Sale

Te Kuiti Cattle Sale Friday, March 28 Start 12 noon

6 M/A Sire bulls

30 2.5yr steers

150 18mth Angus, Char x, B/Blue xstrs

50 18mth Hfd Fries x strs

45 18mth Angus & Ang x hfrs

20 Wnr Dairy Beef x strs

20 Wnr Dairy beef x hfrs

Stockfeed

Maize Husk and Grain Silage Bales

A by-product of hybrid maize seed production.

A palatable product which is an ideal fibre source for high concentrate diets.

Feed Value( typical analysis)

• Drymatter 45%

• Crude Protein 7.1 %

• ME: 10 MJME/kgDM

Bale weight: 650 kg to 750 kg.

Average 700 kg.

Cost: $60 per bale plus GST ex Gisborne yard plus freight.

For more information: Pat Butler 0274 888980

This newspaper is subject to NZ Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing, within one month of publication, to the editor’s email address.

If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P O Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www. mediacouncil.org.nz

Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.

SPLIT FIREWOOD new season’s, shed stored, 3 cubic metres, $350 delivered Tkt/Oto area. Fresh sawdust $5 bag. P 027 584 4505 or 07 894 5872.

FIREWOOD for sale. Mac and gum mix $110 cu/m. delivery Tkt/Oto. Ph 021 107 1967.

FIREWOOD for Sale – Dry Pine 4 cubic metres, delivered King Country area. Ph 027 951 9855

Columns,

Editorials

A newspaper is more than just news. It involves you in the community with personal stories, thoughts, viewpoints, humour and helpful tips. Your newspaper is a one-stop source for analysis, opinion, great writing and personality. Nothing else is so focused on community. When buyers and sellers need to connect… YOUR NEWSPAPER Still DELIVERS

SEAN CURRAN ROOFING

Specialising in re-roofing, roof maintenance, spouting, downpipes and light commercial work and roof leaks

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

ROUND 12 equivalent hay bales, round 12 equivalent silage bales. Ph Chris 027 302 9743.

CONRAD Meier Fish Harvester - Torpedo. $1200. Ph Paul 021 205 6377

WANTED

PAINTING

Painting interior/exterior

Exterior house washing Small jobs welcome Contact Steve 022 676 1839

No obligation free quotes

Septic Tank Cleaning

• Emptying septic tanks

• CCTV pipeline inspection

• Jetting drainage pipelines

• Spreading animal effluent

Waitomo Liquid Waste Disposal 021 111 3911

Bocock’s Calf Rearing Pete 027 433 1440 Mark 027 474 6917

CALF MILK

Brookdale Farms Ltd Clearing Sale Farm Machinery & Sundries 560A Hikumutu Road, Taumarunui Saturday 5th April 12:00pm

Hyundai Robex 55 7 Digger, Tilt bucket , Rock & Trenching Buckets, Manual Thumb, Set of Track Guides, Track Grips, Spare Track Rollers, 2 Idlers (6800hrs), Uni 8 Tonne Tip Trailer with Hydraulic Tailgate Release, 6 Tonne Alloy Digger Ramps, Fiat 93/65 4wd Tractor, Loader, Bucket , Forks, Twin Crowd Rams (3900hrs), 3m Rubber Tyre Roller, Bertallini 400Lt 3ptl Sprayer with hose, gun & rose, Giltrap Bale Feeder 3ptl Model RDF799, Pearson Softhands Bale Grab, Euro Hitch, Fert Spreader 500kg(Machio 3ptl), Bale Sweep 25m, Transport Tray, Grader Blade 6ft , Feildmaster HD 60 Topper, Quad Trailer with Crate 1200x 1800 deck (Brent Smith), Champion Log Splitter with table (22 tonne ram), Champion Water Blaster 3000psi, Race Sprayer for Dipping Sheep with Electric Motor, Sheep Weighing Crate 2 way draft , Sunbeam Shearing Plant , TAS Petrol Dagging Plant , Tepari Docking Shute 2.6m, Tepari Docking Irons, Tru-test Scales & Load bar (ezi weigh 2 model), Alloy cattle weighing platform (Highway), Cattle Headbale, 3 Electric fence units, 2 x 7 Pod Kline Irrigators, Honda GX270 Effluent Pump & 60m layflat hose, 2 x Solo hand grass/fert spreaders, Concrete tank killing house, 3 Bay Dog Kennels (Mitre10 model), Stihl BT20 Posthole Borer with 8" auger, Electric Concrete mixer, Wheelbarrow, Hustler hydraulic top link , plus assorted sundries.

Terms: Cash, Eftpos or NZ Farmers A /c

Contact Agent - Vaughan Rogers 027 452 1568 Vendor - Mark Couper 027 375 3527

Auger

Landscaping

Trenching

Water tanks Manga Roach Ph 027 431 9959

Need a Decorator - Call Now

Dave Rowe Painter & Decorator

Phone 027 290 8776 decorator@daverowe.co.nz

Servicing the Waipa and Waitomo districts for over 20 years

HANDYMAN

Property maintenance and construction Lawns, trees, stump grinding, sections, moss & mould treatments, Chemwash, waterblasting, gutter vac, water tank and trough cleaning fences, retaining, odd jobs and more. References available GST registered. Mike & Allana 027 350 0836 info@handy-man.co.nz

School Holidays

SAMDHYAN LIQUOR LTD, a private company of Te Kūiti, 3/35 Carroll St, Te Kūiti has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, Te Kūiti for the renewal of an off licence in respect of the premises situated at 3/35 Carroll St, Te Kūiti known as Blackbull Liquor, Te Kūiti. The general nature of the business conducted (or to be conducted) under the licence is bottle store. The days on which and hours during which alcohol is (or is intended to be sold) are Monday to Sunday 9am-10pm. The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Waitomo District Licensing Committee, Waitomo District Council, Queen St, Te Kūiti. Any person who is entitled to object and wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the date of the publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, PO Box 404, Te Kūiti 3941. No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the first publication of this notice.

The Kiwi Kids Club

At the Anglican Church Hall. Monday to Friday but closed for public holidays. We open from 8am to 5.45pm. For children ages 5 to 13. Cost from $50 to $65 + GST depending on the day’s activities. Winz subsidy available. We pick children up from Te Kūiti between 8-8.30am drop-off 5-5.30pm We pick and drop off from home if you live in town, or around the Warehouse car park. We have some cool stuff to do. Tie dying. Easter egg hunt, cooking and games. Trip days Te Awamutu Movies, Leap, Hamilton Peter Still Army vehicles, McDonalds, Paradise Valley Lion Park, Rotorua 3D Trick Arts and tractor farm tour feed animals Rotorua. To enrol your child for the days you need or more information Contact Wiggs 021491616.

PREMIUM HOLDINGS LIMITED, private company, 728 State Highway 3, Hangatiki has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Te Kūiti for the renewal an on licence in respect of the premises situated at 728 State Highway 3, Hangatiki known as Caves Motor Inn. The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is that of a hotel.The days on which and the hours during which liquor is sold under the licence are; Monday to Sunday 9am to 2am the following day. (Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and up to 1pm ANZAC day for dining only and 24 hours/seven days for those living on the premises) The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, Queen St, Te Kūiti. Any person who is entitled to object and wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the date of the publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, PO Box 404, Te Kūiti 3941. No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the first publication of this notice.

Part Time Teacher 1 day a week

Are you a collaborative teacher? We have a position to cover classroom release. There is some flexibility in the day. If you are interested please email principal@ppp.school.nz Start date negotiable.

Te Whetu A5 Section 1 Trust

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The trustees invite all registered beneficiaries to attend

Venue: Kaputuhi Pa Waitomo Caves Rd, Hangatiki

Date: SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025 Time: 9.30am – 1pm.

AGENDA

1. Karakia/mihi

2. Apologies

3. Financial Report – Donna Tarawa

4. Chairperson Report – Jessica Beau

Paul

5. Election of a new trustee

6. Notified General Business ONLY

7. Closing karakia

8. Light refreshments

Nominations for a new trustee must be received by the secretary prior to the AGM.

Please attach a brief Bio outlining experience and suitability to be a trustee.

Please note: The AGM for Taipahi A1 will be held following light refreshments.

Nau mai, haere mai

Trust Secretary Tui Ashe

Mob 0211636405

Email: tui.ashe@xtra.co.nz

GLEN ALLAN HEKA, 714 Waitomo Village Road, Owner Operator, has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, Te Kūiti for the renewal of an on licence in respect of the premises situated at 29 Waitomo Village Rd, Waitomo known as The Tomo Bar & Eatery.The general nature of the business conducted (or to be conducted) under the licence is tavern. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is (or is intended to be) sold under the licence are Monday-Sunday, 9am-2am. The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Waitomo District Licensing Committee, Waitomo District Council, Queen St, Te Kūiti. Any person who is entitled to object and wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 15 working days after the date of the publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, PO Box 404, Te Kūiti 3941. No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the first publication of this notice.

WAITANGURU

SUNDAY, MARCH

https://kingcountrynews.partica.co.nz/ king-country-news/

Meetings

The Trustees of Kaingapipi 9A1 (Mokau Kohunui Marae)

invite all Trustees and whanau to attend the Annual General Meeting of the marae.

Sunday 4th May 2025 at 10.30am followed with lunch (potluck)

Venue: Mokau Kohunui Marae 20 Moa Street, Piopio. The purpose of the AGM will be to:

1. Present the Annual Financial Review of the marae

2. Review the Charter and Strategic plan of the marae

3. Review the events of the previous year

4. Discuss and vote on any resolutions required

Agenda:

1. Karakia

2. Attendance and apologies

2. Declaration of Interests

3. Election of TNN Rōpū Whakahaere members

4. Receive previous AGM minutes of 2024, Matters arising, amendments

5. Review of Charter and Strategic Plan

6. Presentation of Annual Financial Accounts for 2024

7. Appointment of Financial Reviewer for 2025

8. Trustee nominations, removals

9. Marae Komiti nominations for Office Holders

10. Annual Reports

11. General Business

12. Karakia Whakamutunga

Please contact Kristen for more information mokaukohunui01@gmail.com

Letters to the Editor

• Letters should not exceed 200 words

• They should be opinion based on facts or current events

• All letters to be emailed to editor@goodlocal.nz

• No noms-de-plume

• Letters will be published with names

• Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only

• Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the editor’s discretion

• The editor’s decision on publication is final.

Annual General Meeting Ōtorohanga

Historical Society

Sunday, April 6 - 2pm

Ōtorohanga Museum

All welcome

WEBSITE

PIRONGIA MARKET

ŌTOROHANGA BAPTIST CHURCH

Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga Service times

Meeting at St David’s

Presbyterian Church

Ōtorohanga

South School

2025 Gala Sponsors

Thank you to all of our sponsors.

You make our Gala possible Thanks

Apperleys Timber & Landscape Supplies

Appliance Plus

Ōtorohanga

Bailey Ingham

Bosco Painters & Decorating

Bulk Lines Ltd

BurgerFuel Te Awamutu

Customtone Kitchens

Cyril Morris

Giltrap Agrizone

Heli A1

Independent Air Spread Kalman Farms

Kerry & Karen @ Harcourts

Liquid Laundromat

Main Road Training Ltd

McKenzie Drainage & Earthworks Ltd

McKenzie Strawbridge

Mitre 10 Ōtorohanga

Mr Whippy

Nick Rattray Builders Ltd

OTL Group Ltd

Service..........07 878 8767

Services North King Country

505 050

- Fri, 9am - 3pm................................07 873 7676 Waitomo Women’s Refuge Helpline........07 878 5081

0800 733 843

Te Kūiti Hospital.......................................07 878 7333 Cancer Society supportive care nurse...0800 227 744 Te Kūiti Community House ......................07 878 5272

NKC Family Support Mon - Fri, 9am - 3pm...............................07 873 6502 Noise Control

BRETT, David Errol: Forty years ago on March 30, 1985. Although we smile and make no fuss, No one misses him more than us; And when old times we often recall, That’s when we miss him most of all. Still remembered and loved by Val, Michelle, Janine, Wayne, Chris and familes. In

Jimmy NIKORA

Special thoughts of a loving Husband, Dad and Papa who passed away nineteen years ago tomorrow.

Time slips by

And life goes on

But from our hearts

You’re never gone Forever loved and missed by Kathryn, Averil, Bonnie, Jaymee and families.

Ōtorohanga Auto Electrix

Osborne’s Chartered Accountants

Ōtorohanga Club Inc

Ōtorohanga Collision & Repairs

Otorohonda Paper Plus Ōtorohanga

Paul Rattray Builders

PGG Wrightsons Ltd

Pizza Zone

Prescott Toyota & Caltex

Pumpn

R&L Drainage Ltd

Rahim Projects Ltd

Scholastics

Stand Easy Coffee

The Native Farm Thornwood Farms

Tong Family

TS Tree Services

V E Veterinary Services Ltd

Waitomo Discovery

Woolworths Te Awamutu

GLEN ALLAN HEKA, 714 Waitomo Village Road, Owner Operator, has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, Te Kūiti for the renewal of an off licence in respect of the premises situated at 9 WaitomoVillage Road, Waitomo known as The Tomo Bar & Eatery.The general nature of the business conducted (or to be conducted) under the licence is tavern. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is (or is intended to be) sold under the licence are Monday-Sunday, 7am-10pm. The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Waitomo District Licensing Committee, Waitomo District Council, Queen St, Te Kūiti. Any person who is entitled to object and wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the date of the publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, PO Box 404, Te Kūiti 3941. No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the first publication of this notice.

Sunday 10am

Everyone welcome

Contact 07 873 8685

A small note of huge gratitude and appreciation for the help and care we received after our accident near Mangaokewa Road on Friday, March 21. To all those first on the scene, the Benneydale fire crew, the ambulance crews, the chopper pilots and medics, you are all amazing in your mahi. On behalf of the Packers’, the Hodgsons’ and our families, we wish to acknowledge each and every one of you. Nga mihi nui kia koutou katoa.

HE PĀNUI HURA KŌHATU UNVEILINGS

He reo pōwhiri o te whānau o IKE HEREMAIA TANGIHAERE rāua ko PIERRE RAYMOND HAIMONA STOCKMAN ki a koutou katoa.

Our whānau would like to extend an invitation to the unveilings of Ike and Pierre.

At: Te Kūiti Pā

On: Saturday, April 5, 2025

Time: 11am

Followed by kai hākari back at the Pā

Our Ike and Pierre passed away within a week of each other, Ike (28/03/24) and Pierre (16/03/24), and as a whānau we are inviting you to join us in the unveilings of their headstones.

BAKER, Brian Herbert: Passed away peacefully surrounded by his 3 loving children on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, aged 69 years. Beloved husband of the late Christine (Chris) Baker, amazing father and fatherin-law of Sharleen and Jacinta, Anthony and Calleigh, Geoff and Caroline. Cherished grandad to his seven grandchildren. A celebration of Brian’s’ life will be held at The Te Awamutu Bible Chapel, Chapel Drive (today) March 27 at 11am followed by burial at the Te Awamutu Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed, please email office@ teawamutufunerals. co.nz for the link. All communications to the Baker family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840. Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ.

CONROY, William: Sadly, Bill passed away on Saturday, 22 March 2025 aged 94 years. His funeral took place on Wednesday, 26 March 2025. We would like to thank the Te Kuiti Hospital staff for their wonderful care of Bill. We love you and will miss you every day. Rosemary, Tanya, and Mikaela.

MCGUIRE, Swastika Devi: Peacefully on Monday, March 24, 2025, after a short illness, with family by her side. Much loved wife of John and daughter of Subramani and Lakshmi. A service for Swastika will be held at VJ Williams & Sons Chapel, King Street West, Te Kūiti on Friday, March 28 at 1pm, followed by interment at Te Kūiti Cemetery. All communications to McGuire Family C/- PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

DONOVAN, Judy Mary: Born December 23, 1944. Sister of Winsome, mother of Andrew, Nic and Anna. Friend to many. Died in the Northern Pureora Forest, March 2024. The family would like to thank everyone involved in the extended search and eventual recovery of Judy. There will be a funeral to celebrate Judy’s life: 11am Saturday 10th May, St Andrew’s Church, Pukekohe. All welcome.

Church Notices

hunt furnishers