Elizabeth’s journey
When Te Awamutu’s Elizabeth Douglas called The News to say she was getting her head shaved as part of her cancer journey, we asked for a picture and some words. What eventually arrived was a heart-warming, often humorous story of her journey. We’ve decided to share it with readers – and we’ll keep you posted.
In October, I had a cold and discovered some lumps in my neck. Within three weeks, with blood tests and trips to the hospital, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma stage two.
I found that this explained why I was walking less, sitting down more, and leaving so many tasks uncompleted. I was the designated mower-of-lawns, and they looked terrible.
Days after the diagnosis I went to get a haircut and was immediately encouraged to go wild if I was going to lose it anyway. I had less than 4 months. First just a cut-andcolour, then on a dare from a loving younger sister, I went bright blue.
In support my sisters came from Tauranga and changed their hair colours – one to wacky red-and-pink, and the other purpleand green. And my mother went purple too. Less than two weeks later I noticed that some hair was falling out so my beautiful new “do” was going to have to disappear. Devastating for any woman. So, I called my stylist again. When I arrived (having cried when I made the appointment) every stylist was wearing pink and was ready to celebrate my No. 2 cut. Shout out to the lovely team at Vivo in Te Awamutu! The church elders drove from Hamilton to visit, pray, and offer support and meals. It surprised me how much people were willing to do to help. I found myself in hospital with a blood clot. They diagnosed it swiftly, and moved me into a ward, where the oncology nurses treated me like a princess. On Sundays at the hospital the Salvation Army play hymns outside the wards and if you sneak out (shh!) they will quietly hand you a Bible verse. I was told that church would be a dangerous place for me during treatment.
I am now in my second round of chemo. I am exhausted but happy because family called after my first day and an auntie offered out of nowhere to drive me home. It is these people who have seen me through –the small laughs and jokes, and the hospital lady who remembers my drink order. It hasn’t been all beer and skittles (which is OK because I don’t like beer or skittles).
Obviously losing my hair, the necessity of wearing make-up for a person to whom it doesn’t come naturally, having to ask people to perform the most basic tasks, such as fetching me things that are just out of my reach, but because I have been assured that I was enough of a hypochondriac to see those lumps as something strange and taking them to the doctor, I have been assured of a 99 per
cent chance of recovery. I have been given a timeline. I may not always be able to stand, but I can still (usually) laugh. It has been a roller-coaster, with one medication causing me a lack of sleep and strange bursts of energy, leading to some entertaining stories, such as weed-spraying the courtyard at 3am, moving chairs, table, and pot-plants right under the window of a sleeping family member who didn’t wake up. Another time the family member found me cleaning the range-hood filters in the wee small hours – she rolled her eyes and went back to bed. They adjusted my medication after that.
My life has had to go on hold for a few months. I was already on a sickness benefit, but I help teach English as a second language in a couple of evening classes, and I help with a friend’s three-year-old, taking him to Playcentre.
Every time you mention cancer people always relate it to a family member or friend who has (or has had) cancer. Noticing cancer early is the greatest treatment option you can offer yourself, so don’t delay. Personally, I found it surprising the number of people who stepped forward in a world that I considered to be tapped out who would drive, pray, visit, cook meals, and care for my carer, because cancer is timeconsuming, it interrupts your routines (and theirs) and is exhausting for everyone. Strangely, the greatest gift you can give is food and a (short!) visit. I have found these to be the highlight of my experience. It also brings families back together even though our society takes us far away. I have seen more of my sisters than I would normally, and it is wonderful to speak to my friends, sometimes daily.
Is that me in the mirror? Elizabeth Douglas with the Vivo team, from left, Matty Turlington, Emerald Barlow, Lily Jennings, Katrina Lindsay Rogers and Sammy Fataaiki.
Who came with the X factor?
By Mary Anne Gill
A mystery adventure race that annually transforms Lake Te Koo Utu in Cambridge into a haven for mums, dads and children attracted 473 participants this year. The XRace, held on a humid Friday
Invites members and friends to:
Waipa Workingmen's Club, Albert Park Drive.
Thursday 20 February, 1pm for a 1.30pm start.
Guest Speakers Heidi and Sue
Bone & Body Blueprint
Door charge $2, usual raffle and cuppa.
afternoon last week, took competitors an average of one hour, seven minutes 17 seconds to complete.
The Korakonui duo of daughter Gemma and father Grant Honeyfield blitzed the field, completing the 10 mystery challenges in just 43 minutes and 18 seconds.
Catches and con artists
Starting with catches, police in Cambridge responded to a family harm event last weekend where a male was reported for threatening to kill a female. He had left the address but was found to also be breaching court bail conditions and subsequently located. He faced charges in court accordingly. In another incident, another male was reported as behaving disorderly in a retail store, having stripped to his underwear whilst appearing to be under the influence of an unknown substance. Police attended, located and arrested the male. He was subsequently provided medical assistance and required hospitalisation due to his drug taking. Our attendance at the latter incident highlighted a couple of things. While the intoxicated male was being escorted out of the store, members of the public were trying to squeeze around the officers, presumably in a hurry to exit. With the nature of the male’s behaviour, those people put themselves at potential risk from an unpredictable person. They also slowed the officers’ exit. Once outside, a parked vehicle then began reversing out when the male was about to be placed into a waiting patrol car stopped behind, causing delays to that process.
It is a good follow on to last week’s column to remind you that when police are on scene and dealing with an incident, please be patient and aware of the complications caused when people trying to push past us
or otherwise hinder our progress.
In Te Awamutu, a few people have fallen prey to scammers in the past week. In one instance, a person making a purchase on Facebook marketplace was asked by the seller to pay a deposit due to a high level of interest in the item. Once the deposit was paid through online banking, the seller blocked all communication and needless to say, the trade did not proceed - leaving our victim out of pocket. Be wary of anyone asking for a deposit for something you have already arranged to pay for on collection.
Similarly, a second person paid in full online for a marketplace purchase. Once that payment was received, the seller requested further payment to cover insurance for the courier. A quick call to the courier company showed that this was not something they do. The trade ceased and the buyer never got the original money back.
As I always say, when purchasing through Market place, it is best to pick up and pay on collection, especially for items costing a monetary amount that you cannot afford to lose. A New Zealand bank account is not necessarily always a sign of legitimacy.
In a third example, a person received a phone call from someone pretending to be from Inland Revenue. After duping the person into providing private bank details, the scammers made an unauthorised money transfer out of the account. Spread the word and be scam aware.
The New Zealand Home Loans-sponsored event which started in 2013, was created by Shane Hooks of Auckland. It went through many name changes before XRace was finalised.
This mystery adventure race pairs parents with children aged 6-14 to race together, locate and complete mystery challenges, and compete against the clock and other family teams. The challenges range from physical (like tug-of-war) to mental (like memory challenges) to knowledge-based (like music challenges), and they change from year to year and course to course.
No two XRaces are the same. Events are held in Whangārei, Devonport, Tauranga, Taupō, Napier, Hutt City, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Hamilton, and Auckland. Medals this year in Cambridge were presented by New Zealand representatives Zack Rumble (rowing), Bennett Greenough (BMX), Danielle Aitchison (Paralympian sprinter) and Becky Leigh (rowing).
Results:
Overall winners: daughter and fatherGemma and Grant Honeyfield (Korakonui), son and father - Harris and Adam O’Leary (Cambridge), daughter and mother - Jamie and Caitlyn Phillips (Hamilton).
Age Divisions
Junior (under 7) girls Zoe Gerritsen 1h4s, boys Marlow McDonald 56m44s, 8 year old girls Leina Kaelin 1h2m57s, boys Sam Panting 57m19s, 9 year old girls Chloe Blackstock 55m, boys Cian Moore 46m42s, 10 year old girls Charlotte Tate 50m21s, boys Harris O’Leary 43m25s, 11 year old girls Sophie Hickey 54m14s, boys Connor Moore 46m39s, senior girls Gemma Honeyfield 43m19s, boys Alex Simmonds 48m56s.
Joel Roil, with seven year old Kyo, of Te Awamutu during the stick game. More teawamutunews.nz.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Party cost
Waipa’s Party in the Park
to celebrate the district’s Olympians and Paralympians last year cost ratepayers nearly $16,000, not the $40,000 sources had suggested. The money came from existing operational budgets, the council told The News in a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act response. Read more online at teawamutunews.nz
Headline act
New Zealand born Kaylee Bell, the most streamed female country artist in Australasia with more than 60 million streams will be the feature act at Cambridge Raceways’ Night of Champions in April.
Market change
Kaipaki Market has been held in the community’s hall for the last time after two years. From later this month it will move to Selwyn Park in Te Awamutu and be renamed the Rosetown Monthly Fair.
Meeting cancelled
Waipā District Council’s Finance and Corporate committee meeting next week has been cancelled.
Raceway hearing
A two-day hearing has been set down for next week in Cambridge to consider an application by Cambridge Raceway for renewal and variation of an on licence. The hearing on Monday and Tuesday will be in the Totara Room of the Bridges Church. Later in the month a third application for a special licence – for the club’s Night of Champions event on April 4 – will also be held.
Correction
Ellyn Profitt is not a nurse practitioner as reported in The News (January 30) but a clinical nurse specialist and she wants to raise awareness at the importance of having a whānau member or friend acting as a key support person for all patients, not just cancer patients.
Council told to join fight
Waipā District Council has been ordered to add fluoride to Cambridge water supplies. Last week anti-fluoride campaigners introduced American lawyer Michael Connett to underline their opposition – to an audience that, bar one, appeared to need no convincing.
By Chris Gardner
Waipā District Council should join other councils in a legal challenge against the Ministry of Health edict to add fluoride to Cambridge drinking water, says campaigning US lawyer Michael Connett.
Asked by The News what advice he would give the capacity crowd who attended a public meeting in Cambridge Town Hall last week, Connett said Waipā could potentially join Rotorua Lakes, Tauranga and Whangārei in a legal challenge against the edict.
“It should be a decision for this community. This is not just a problem in Cambridge. It’s a problem in other areas. This is a national problem right now.”
Prior to 2021, local authorities decided whether to add fluoride.
Legislation changed that year, supported by most councils, to the director-general of health.
Waipā has never had community water fluoridation and was ordered in 2022 to do so in Cambridge.
The council has already begun costings, design and a timeline for the work. Part of the funding, about $480,000 for the capital works, will come from the ministry. The amount of any funding for capital works has not yet been confirmed.
The work is expected to take nine months and once implemented cost
Cambridge ratepayers $130,000 a year to put fluoride in the water.
Connett won a legal battle against fluoridation in the United States last year, in which the court had found scientifically credible evidence establishing that fluoride poses a risk to human health.
“It is associated with a reduction in the IQ of children and is hazardous at dosages that are far too close to fluoride levels in the drinking water of the United States,” the ruling said.
Connett spent some time discussing neurotoxicity, crippling skeletal fluorosis and severe dental
fluorosis with the crowd.
“The next chapter in all of this is yours to write in New Zealand,” he added.
“I have met over the past few days with council representatives from Whangārei, Tauranga, Rotorua, and there is deep concern about stopping fluoridation. They are being pressured by the Ministry of Health,” Connett said.
While there were half a dozen empty seats in the town hall at the start of the meeting, there were more than a dozen people left standing at the back of the room as Fluoride Free NZ campaigner Kane Titchener
introduced Connett. Titchener, deputy chair of Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board, said Cambridge was on a precipice as the council prepared to obey the Ministry of Health.
At the end of the meeting, He told the crowd he planned to present a petition on the matter to Deputy Prime Minister and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters early this week.
The News has sought comment from Waipā District Council but it has previously said it would be an offence under the Health Act to ignore the directive.
Dental expert bemoans ‘truth decay’
By Mary Anne Gill
Cambridge volunteer dentist
Penelope Roberts has removed mouthfuls of rotting teeth from children, travelled New Zealand and the Pacific islands on mercy missions, practised at the world-renowned Paddington Hospital in the UK and provided life-changing dentistry for more than 30 years.
But at last week’s Fluoride Risks meeting in Cambridge Town Hall, she was a lone voice arguing the benefits of community water fluoridation.
In a statement the Ministry of Health said it does not attend every event related to the topic, but health officials do meet with local authorities.
The crowd heckled her, shouted her down, suggested she should listen or leave. She left the meeting visibly distressed and was again heckled outside.
She told The News the meeting should have been called “Truth Decay”.
“He really manipulated the findings and used only the sections of the scientists’ testimonies that backed
up his argument. All the evidence he was using was for high fluoride situations.”
US lawyer Michael Connett mentioned four times parts per million at one point which was nowhere near what would be in Cambridge’s water supply, she said.
Fluoride is added at 0.7 ppm in the United States and New Zealand and at those levels there was no conclusive evidence of any effect on children’s IQ. None of Connett’s studies were done in the US, said Roberts.
“There was so much manipulation
of the evidence and effects to get his court ruling and to make his argument sound plausible. He really knows how to manipulate an audience with half-truths.”
Roberts practised as a dentist in the UK, including Paddington Hospital – founded in 1845 as a voluntary hospital for the sick and poor in north London - Sydney and New Zealand. She was a dental lecturer but resigned from that to volunteer with Youth with a Mission Ships Aotearoa and Trinity Lands Ltd - a charitable trust which owns
Continued on page 5
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US lawyer Michael Connett, left, with Fluoride Free NZ’s Kane Titchener, before the meeting got underway. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Water under the bridge?
By Mary Anne Gill
Election year rifts among elected Waipā District Council members appear to have been sorted out just in time for crucial decisions about the future of water supplies and local government mergers.
Two councillors, Roger Gordon and Liz Stolwyk, were unhappy with the recent closed-door workshop on water services.
The Water Done Well workshop last week included presentations from competing water organisations – one from Hamilton city and Waikato district councils and the other from a consortium representing MatamataPiako, South Waikato, Thames-Coromandel, Taupō, Waitomo and Ōtorohanga.
Councillors were to discuss the proposals before making their decision in an open session yesterday (Wednesday) after The News went to press.
Last week, Gordon asked at the Strategic Planning and Policy committee why the following workshop with the two parties was being held in committee.
Mayor Susan O’Regan was expected to provide reasons at the workshop. However, the livestream to the meeting was cut off and not restarted for the workshop, so the public never heard her response.
The News sought a transcript of the discussion held after the plug was pulled.
In response,
communications head Lisa Nairne said “the Governance team have confirmed that there is no transcript. The reason for public excluded is as per the website,” which was to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank expression of opinions.
Gordon said the Three Waters issue was the biggest one facing the community.
“What happens with waters also determines what happens to the rest of council,” said Gordon.
Stolwyk, who chaired the Strategic Committee, shared similar concerns about the lack of public transparency saying she felt “uncomfortable”.
“I always believe that the best outcome is one where the community feels like they have been brought along the journey,” she said.
Following the closed-door sessions, several councillors requested a public workshop to discuss the water proposals.
Gordon was among those.
“Given we will make a decision one way or the other, a huge resource will be compartmentalised away from the council,” he said.
“It’s important for our ratepayers to understand that this is not just about Three Waters. It’s about the future of the entire local authority structure.”
Asked whether rumoured rifts between councillors were delaying decision making, Gordon said: “If there are peripheral issues that are taking away people’s energy and application to
Roger Gordon
looking at these important issues, then they should put those off the table. Get rid of them.
“This year is so important that we do need to put our absolute focus onto the matters in hand. And anything that takes away from that focus is detrimental.”
The council is not legally obliged to broadcast meetings and can turn them off at will. But the decision to censor a council debate comes in the wake of their shock decision to switch meetings from a Tuesday to a Wednesday.
That came despite a late email from Good Local Media editor Roy Pilott who said it would mean meetings were held the day after the Cambridge News and Te Awamutu News went to press.
The council also voted to stop sending reports in agendas – reports which The News has developed into stories. Governance manager Jo Gread said where relevant and appropriate, such information would be considered for publication on council’s website.
New Menzshed to open
By Mary Anne Gill
A Waipā Menz Shed will open its new workshop on Saturday.
Te Awamutu’s sister group the Cambridge Menz Shed is using the Leamington Dairy Factory in Carlyle Street.
For the past nine months a group of retired men – last count 65 – have transformed the 123-year-old building, with its leaking roof, rotten timber weatherboard cladding and broken windows, into an ultramodern workshop.
The renovation cost $100,000, some in kind and some from donations. Following some vandalism, the building is kitted out with an alarm system and monitored cameras.
The building is a Category C Waipā-listed building that had become an eyesore.
Cambridge Menz Shed secretary Myles Prebble had been on the lookout for something suitable since the organisation held is inaugural annual meeting in November 2023 following an article in The
Dental expert bemoans ‘truth decay’
Continued from page 3
farms, orchards and forestry in South Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
“This is a first world country, but we have third world oral health,” she said.
Trinity provides free fillings and extractions to eligible residents around New Zealand.
Roberts says it breaks her heart to see the state of New Zealanders’ teeth.
Something as simple as community water fluoridation – where fluoride is added to the water supply at a level recommended for preventing cavities – would reduce oral health inequities, she said.
Ministry of Health Public Health Agency deputy director-general Dr Andrew Old said over 60 years of international and New Zealand research shows community water fluoridation is a safe, effective and affordable way to improve oral health.
“Last year, the Ministry of Health published a new evidence review of the risks and benefits of community water fluoridation, taking into account the latest international evidence. The review found community water fluoridation provides ongoing clear benefits even when alternative forms of fluoride (such as fluoride
toothpaste) are available,” said Old.
Also last year, a University of Queensland study found no link between exposure to water fluoridation as a young child and negative cognitive development.
Professor Loc Do from UQ’s School of Dentistry said the IQ scores of 357 people who had taken part in the 2012–2014 National Child Oral Health Study were assessed by registered psychologists to see if their exposure to fluoride as a young child impacted their brain development.
The study showed the participants, now aged 1626, had IQ scores 0.28 points higher on average than those without.
Roberts tried to make the
point at the meeting that her experience showed the education of a child with decaying teeth suffered more than children with health teeth.
There were no Ministry of Health representatives at the meeting but previously they have said Cambridge was chosen because of its population, the “likely savings” of adding fluoride to the water and the “significant improvements” it would make to oral health outcomes in the community.
• Mary Anne Gill is a former Waikato District Health Board communications director who took part in a successful campaign which resulted in 2014 with Hamilton adding fluoride to its water supply.
News which appealed for interest. It is now an incorporated society. Active Menz Sheds also operate in Ōtorohanga, Te Kuiti, Hamilton, Matamata, Mangakino, Morrinsville, Paeroa, Pauanui, Tokoroa, Tairua, Taupō, Thames, Whangamata and Whitianga.
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Dentist Penelope Roberts, front centre, among the audience at the Fluoride Risks meeting in the Cambridge Town Hall.
Photo: Mary Anne Gill
SUMMER HAS ARRIVED. WHEN WILL YOU?
Join us for our Open Days and enjoy an ice cream, on us.
Friday 21 & Saturday 22 February, 10am – 2pm. Arvida Whai Mauri Ora, 319 Manaia Road (off Frontier Road), Te Awamutu.
With acres of gorgeous grounds to enjoy, there’s nothing quite like Arvida’s Whai Mauri Ora in summertime. Join us at our open days and explore the beautiful gardens and properties, all while enjoying a free ice cream as you explore.
Located on 31 acres of prime land in Te Awamutu, we have a number of architecturally-designed brand-new villas available now to view. Don’t miss your chance to secure your spot in this special community.
Call Juliet on 021 240 7192 or visit arvida.co.nz
New manager at i-Site helm
By Jesse Wood
New Te Awamutu i-Site visitor information centre general manager Harriet Dixon brings many points of difference to her role.
Having been a tourist herself, after living in the Waipā for seven years, she’s ready to help the community and pass on her knowledge.
Harriet moved from England 14 years ago and has lived in Auckland, Nelson, Christchurch, Cambridge and now Kihikihi.
“I came from a town called Leamington Spa,
which is a bit strange because I ended up working in Leamington on the other side of the world,” she said.
“I was in Cambridge for three years and I’ve been here in Kihikihi for four years. I really like the area. It’s so accessible to anywhere that you’d want to travel to.
“I’ve experienced all the different attractions locally and it’s an amazing country. In this area, we’ve got a lot to offer people visiting.
“I miss my family. I miss my friends, but I don’t really miss the lifestyle. Here in New Zealand, and especially bringing up
Wetland day popular
World Wetlands Day at Lake Rotopiko just south of Ōhaupō was an overwhelming success for its organisers, attracting close to 200 visitors in just four hours.
The collaborative family day was held in alignment with the United Nations-designated World Wetlands Day, an international event held on February 2 each year to mark the anniversary of the 1971 signing of the Convention on Wetlands Treaty.
Organisers of the day at Lake Rotopiko included the Te Awamutu Rotary Club, DOC, the National Wetlands Trust, both Waikato Regional and Waipā District councils, and Landcare Trust.
There have been several World Wetlands Day (WWD) events at Rotopiko since the sanctuary was built. Other WWD events have been held across various Waikato wetland locations over the past 25 years, with the exception of the Covid years.
children, it’s an amazing lifestyle in comparison.”
Harriet took on the Te Awamutu i-Site job just before Christmas and is enjoying her involvement.
“I’m keen to work in my community. It was something that I was looking for in my next step.”
Thieves broke into the building and stole souvenirs and a Bee card (bus card) reader, resulting in a twoday closure.
“There was a little bit of a setback with the break. It’s disappointing as a not-for-profit to experience something like that.
“At the end of the day, it’s the money that we’re using to open the place and serve our community that we’ve lost. That has an effect on everybody.”
The I-Site crew help people with anything from ferry bookings to maps, ticket purchases, souvenirs, Bee cards top-ups and bookings for the Burchell Pavilion space.
“Volunteers are so valuable to the organisation. We couldn’t keep the doors open without them,” Dixon said.
“Some people give a couple of hours just sitting
here and talking to people when they come through the door, while others learn skills to go on to paid work.”
She has a passion for health, well-being and supporting communities.
“I managed Cambridge Community House for three years and that gave me a good insight into social services and communities.
“This job popped up and it was great timing for me. It’s about supporting the community but also bringing people to the area which is really important.”
She said the Te Awamutu Rose Gardens are a great draw card.
“As a town there’s things that we could promote more. That’s going to be one of my priorities.”
She encourages the community to support the people who support them.
“If you come along and support us, we’ll be able to keep our doors open. We have information about places to visit, places to see, things to do in the community,” she said.
“It’s important for the businesses, and for everybody, that we have visitors coming to Te Awamutu.”
Harriet Dixon loves the New Zealand lifestyle.
Uncertainty can be corrosive
By Peter Nicholl
Donald Trump has been dominating global news since he took office as he keeps up a constant stream of ideas, decisions, postponement of decisions and the flying of all kinds of kites.
He has created an enormous amount of uncertainty almost everywhere. This got me thinking about a policy-making lesson I learnt in my early years working in the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. We had a visit from Paul Volcker, the then Chairman of the US Federal Reserve. He gave a talk to a group of young staff of the bank, and someone (not me) asked him: what are the most important lessons for young policymakers?
He replied that one lesson is far more important than all the rest. It was that the worst thing policy-makers can do for the private sector is to generate uncertainty. He went on to say the private sector can cope better with bad policies than they can with uncertain policies. They won’t like the bad policies and will lobby to get them changed - but they will make what they think are the most sensible business decisions given the rules in place. But if there is a lot of uncertainty about what the rules are, investment becomes very risky and the most rationale response of the private sector is to do nothing, wait and hope that some clarity will appear before too long.
It was probably about 1975 when Paul Volcker made those comments. Trump has brought them back to the forefront of my mind. The statement in the title of this column doesn’t come from me. It is from a
recent article in the UK Economist magazine. They said Trump is playing a dangerous game that can lead to miscalculations and corrosive uncertainty for the global economy.
Trump’s decisions on tariffs are one example. He ordered tariffs of 25 per cent on Canada and Mexico. On Tuesday they were put on hold for a month. What happens in a month’s time? No-one knows.
But the miscalculations the Economist refers to can come about because of Trump’s ego. What could determine whether the tariffs are reimposed in a month may be determined by the decision that in Trump’s view will best avoid him looking weak.
Some people have told me that Trump won’t carry on making decisions and threats at the speed and range of his first two weeks in office. He has wanted to grab the world’s attention, and he has certainly achieved that. Now that he has done that, they expect him to slow down and become more ‘normal’. I hope they are right, but I do not share their confidence. Prior to Trump’s arrival in office the general consensus on the US economy was that they were going to have a soft landing from their recent disinflationary cycle. If Trump carries on the way he has started, few countries, if any, will have soft landings. Trump won’t be making America ‘great’ again – but he will succeed in making America ‘grate’ again.
Ā Our common problem
By Murray Smith, Bridges Church
The Auschwitz prison sirens wailed long and loud in 1941 announcing a prisoner’s escape. In reprisal, 10 fellow prisoners would die - a slow starvation, buried alive in a specially constructed concrete bunker.
Tortured by sun, hunger and fear, the prisoners were lined up while the German commandant and his Gestapo assistant sauntered between the ranks to arbitrarily select the chosen 10. The commandant pointed to a prisoner, Francis Gajowniczek, who cried out in despair, “my poor wife and children”. Another man with sunken eyes and round glasses in wire frames stepped out of line and took off his cap. “What does this Polish pig want?” asked the commandant.
“I am a Catholic priest; I want to die for that man. I am old, he has a wife and children,” said Father Maximilian Kolbe. “Accepted” retorted the commandant, moving on.
That night, the priest with nine others went to the starvation bunker. Two weeks later, three of the men and Father Maximilian were still alive. The bunker was required for others so on August 14 the remaining four were disposed of. After two weeks in the starvation bunker and still conscious, the Polish priest was given an injection of phenol ending his life at the age of 47.
I’ve stood in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, where many years following his death, the memory of Father Maximilian was commemorated, thus revealing its true perspective. Present in the crowd of 150,000 was Francis Gajowniczek with his wife,
Meghan Hawkes takes us back to 1900 and the Waipā stories of the day.
A forest under fire
Larrikins shooting pigeons in the Pirongia ranges were the cause of one of many fires that flared up there. These fires did a great deal of damage to the bush, scorching and killing trees at its edge.
The next fire cleared them off, and, year by year, the primeval forest was disappearing. It was feared the beautiful Pirongia ranges would be as bare as the bald hills above the township if these continual fires were not stopped. It was an absurdity that if a farmer found an old dead tree in the bush suitable for posts and split
it up, someone amongst his neighbours informed the police and the government prosecuted him, but the bush could be burnt wholesale, and no one took any notice of it.
A ball held by the Kihikihi Lawn Tennis Club was a brilliant success. The hall was decorated with evergreens interspersed with the colours (pink and white) of the club, and tennis nets and rackets were tastefully placed in prominent positions. A large proportion of the invitations had been accepted, and the dance floor was comfortably filled. The music, refreshments and table
decorations were of the very best and there appeared to be no ‘gooseberries’ – that unwanted third person when two people want to be alone. Chinese gooseberries however were abundant at Kihikihi. The annual shipping off to the Auckland market saw several tons sent by local growers who were rewarded with good prices. The crop, with the exception of a little frost damage, was very good.
It was many a long day since Te Awamutu looked as bright as it did on the opening of the Waikato West Industrial Exhibition. Bunting flew in all
directions, and the township was crowded with visitors. The object of the exhibition was to provide pleasant employment for leisure hours, to develop the skill and inventive faculties of the young, and to foster a taste for the cultivation of plants.
The Prime Minister, Mr Seddon, had been unable to attend but sent a telegraph which said “exhibitions such as yours do a huge amount of good to the colony and act as an advertising medium. They further tend to promote the friendly feeling of rivalry between the different centres so essential
his children, and his children’s childrenindeed, many had been saved by that one man taking the place of another. The death of Christ is similar although much more amazing. He died not just for one man and his children’s children, but for every individual in the whole world. While there is something of dignity about all human beings since we were created in the image of God, nonetheless, we’re all born with a propensity to do evil. Like a bowling ball with its bias, we are drawn to bad and self-destructive behaviour. That image of God has been to a greater or lesser extent tarnished and in some cases almost eradicated by ‘sin’it’s a problem common to all.
Have you noticed how prone we are to compare ourselves with other people? Comparing ourselves with others, we’ll always find a way to make ourselves look pretty good. But the only true measure is the righteous standard found in the life of Jesus Christ - against that ‘yardstick’ of perfection, we realise just how much we’ve fallen short. Perfection? We all need forgiveness and when Jesus was crucified, He paid the penalty for every wrong thing we ever did. A legal exchange took place. He died to remove our guilt and to free us from addiction, fear and ultimately death. He took our sin, so we can receive His free gift of righteousness… that’s no guarantee we’ll never commit a sin again… but the miracle is, He so changes our hearts, we won’t want to.
to the development of our manufacturers and natural products.”
in Time
Among the exhibits some of the most notable were Māori curios - a carved waka, stone axes, and taiaha as well as an exceedingly choice collection of flax mats. Another article which attracted a lot of attention was a patchwork quilt made in 1817 - a most beautiful piece of needlework. Pictures and panels – one painted with toes – were also on display. Among the competitions were guessing games, one wanting to know how long a monster candle had been burning in Mr Ahier’s shop window (79 hours and 42 minutes). The nearest guess was that of Master Cecil Stitchbury, who guessed 80 hours. For a handsomelydressed bridal doll no one was successful in guessing the name (Naomi) that had been bestowed upon it.
Sports hub planned for Pirongia
By Jesse Wood
A committee of Pirongia residents are working towards creating a community sports hub in the village.
Members Michael Earwaker, Layne Kerr and Don Gray asked for community feedback and received 87 submissions.
The feedback was passed on to Design Management Consultants Ltd (DMC) in Hamilton. DMC produced a visual plan based on the sporting numbers of the next 30 years.
“It’s come from a need for upgrading the sports facilities but also working closely to pull the community together,” Earwaker said. “We’re seeing what else is around the community that needs looking after for future generations. You’ll drive past it on the main road. Whether you live here or not, you’re going to see it.
He hopes to see work start on the building within two years and it completed by 2034 debt free.
“We want buy-in from the community with like-minded people wanting to help in the project. It’s a challenge, but it’s achievable.”
The plan is to have a gymnasium catering to many sports, a gym, three squash courts,
four tennis courts, two rugby fields, one bowling green, several rentable spaces for private use and bigger areas for function hire.
Pirongia has been Earwaker’s home for more than two decades, while Kerr and Gray have lived there for in excess of 40 years.
The committee says the centre is not just about sport, it is just the vehicle they’re using.
“We’re saying to the people, we’ll make the space available, but we want you to use it and to have faith in the whole organisation.
As well as Pirongia, the facility could service Kāwhia, Pāterangi, Ngāhinapōuri, Ōpārau, Whatawhata and Raglan.
“This is an opportunity to join our community together and if we can make it an enjoyable experience, it will entice more people.
The idea also brings the possibility of rehoming the Pirongia Memorial Hall facade as the current building continues to deteriorate. That is still to go through community consultation.
“We’re trying to keep the old with the new so that we can bring the past forward into the future and it’ll last another 100 years,” Earwaker said.
“It’s lasted more than 100 years. How do we stop something with so much history from falling down and losing it forever? Yes, it’ll cost money, but we want to give it another life.”
Anzac services and markets are among the many community events that could be held at the facility.
“The big thing for the community is we want them to have what they’ve got now, but we also want them to have more,” he
ON SHAKY GROUND
When volcanoes shake
A very important part of volcano monitoring is understanding seismicity, meaning earthquakes or vibrations that move through the Earth that we sometimes feel at the surface. Most volcanic earthquakes are too small to be felt by us, but seismometers record them and capture valuable information.
Geophysicists are the experts who study these phenomena and untangle the sometimes very complex signals to unravel clues about what is going on below the surface, using their expertise, experience, and technology. Just to be clear, I am not one of these experts.
When there is an increase in seismicity at or near a volcano, an important start is figuring out what the cause is. Is it volcanic or not? It could be magma, fluids, gases, or faults. Volcanoes are often located in areas with plenty of faults, so earthquakes could have nothing to do with the volcano itself. They can also be produced by shallow geothermal activity, which is likely what those in Taupō were feeling a few weeks ago. When they are near the surface and close, they can feel more intense. If something is moving below the surface, it could be magma, fluids, or gases. Fluids can be a mix of water and other components like CO2 that are released from magma. It can take time and hindsight to work through the signals to understand what caused them.
Earthquakes can be classified into types, given a magnitude, and a location including depth. Here is a very simplified guide. Volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes occur when rock breaks. This can be through faults moving because of tectonic forces or migrating magmatic fluids and gases putting stress on them from a distance, or magma and gases breaking rock
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as they move.
said. “If someone comes up with a really good idea, let’s try it.
“This is the design concept of where we’re at and it’s subject to change. We’ll update the community as we go. There’s a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and then, but I’m confident that it will be built, and hopefully faster.
“The biggest thing is we want community buy-in, this is all for them and feedback is greatly appreciated.”
By Janine Krippner
As magma, fluids (magmatic or hydrothermal), and gases move through cracks they can produce long-period (LP), very-long-period (VLP), or low-frequency (LF) earthquakes. This can be a sign that magma is on the move, but not necessarily.
Tremor is a continuous seismic signal that can indicate that the volcano means business with magma moving or an eruption is even underway, or that there are so many earthquakes that it’s hard to distinguish between them all. Keep in mind that many processes can produce signals at once This includes ‘noise’ at the surface like animals or human activity, or other natural processes like wind, landslides or waves. We need our seismologists around to figure it out!
Since seismicity is a normal part of being a volcano, active or not, it’s important to know what the “background” or usual level of activity is so that we know when something is changing. Incorporating other data such as gas or deformation (movement of the surface), also helps to clarify what’s happening down below.
While these earthquakes are usually small, they can also be very harmful, especially when people live close to where they are originating. As Taupō has seen in the past, seismicity during volcanic unrest can be damaging even without leading to an eruption. Shaking can cause building damage that can result in injuries, or trigger landslides, which can sometimes even lead to a tsunami. It is always important to be prepared and know what to do in our volcanic areas, so be sure to visit getready. govt.nz for more.
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The concept idea for the front of the new Pirongia Community Sports Hub – the gateway to the building. Image: Design Management Consultants
Community Connect
February 13, 2025
Come out and play!
Waipā’s newest destination playground at Cambridge’s Papatakohe Park on Hugo Shaw Drive will open with a celebration event on Saturday, February 15, from 12 30pm to 2 30pm
Tamariki can explore the new playground and enjoy a free sausage sizzle put on by contractors Camex Civil, a scavenger hunt and colouring activities. The highlight will be a free throw competition on the fullsized basketball court, with great prizes to win.
Community Services Manager Brad Ward is excited for the event.
“We can’t wait for everyone to check out the awesome new space. Playgrounds are essential for healthy, vibrant and connected communities, offering a space to explore, play, learn, and stay active.”
Built by developers 3MS in collaboration with Waipā District Council, the new park is in the Bridleway Estate subdivision.
“It’s going to be a fun day out for the whole whānau, you can bring a picnic, enjoy the food trucks, or grab something from the free BBQ.”
The park boasts a range of exciting attractions, including a double flying fox, exercise equipment, water and musical play features, and three distinct play areas designed for pre-schoolers, intermediate-aged children, and older kids. Parking is available, but people coming along are encouraged to walk, bike, or scoot to the event if possible.
The community event is being hosted in collaboration with developers 3MS and other contractors who have helped build the new park – Fluhler Contracting, McCaffrey and Cable Consultants, Camex Civil, and C & R Developments.
Waipā’s public art goes digital
People can now explore Waipā’s public art collections online.
Waipā District Council cares for nearly 100 artworks –all of which have been donated or commissioned over the last 80 years. The collection includes both indoor and outdoor artworks, such as murals, carvings, mosaics, paintings, sculptures and photographs. As the council doesn’t have enough suitable locations to display all of the indoor works, putting it online is a way for it to be instantly accessible for everyone. A brochure has also been created showcasing the 29 artworks in the outdoor collection, encouraging
people to explore and discover art around the district. Notable works include the iconic bronze mare and foal sculpture outside Cambridge Town Hall, pieces in Te Awamutu’s Sculpture Park, and pou at Mātakitaki Pā in Pirongia.
The outdoor collection also includes five pieces by acclaimed sculptor Fred Graham (Ngāti Korokī Kahukua, Waikato-Tainui).
Waipā’s public art can be viewed online at tamuseum.org.nz/publicart, or visitors can pick up a brochure from the Te Awamutu Museum or one of the council offices.
Waipā is at Water Alert Level 1
Under level one, sprinklers can only be used between 6-8am and 6-8pm, but you can use handheld hoses any time.
For commercial customers who use water as an essential activity – such as landscaping, nurseries and sports fields – outdoor watering is allowed in both level one and two. However, we encourage all business owners to follow the rules for using sprinklers during the restricted times.
What’s on
Pirongia Four Square Movie Night 14 February 2025, 7.30pm - 10.30pm Rangimarie Reserve, Pirongia Bring a picnic and enjoy a family movie.
Rosetown Monthly Fair 22 February 2025, 9am – 1pm Selwyn Park, Te Awamutu
A community event to enrich the experience of living, working and shopping in Te Awamutu. Whakamaumahara Rangiaowhia Rangiaowhia Commemoration Day 21 February 2025, 6am – 11.30pm
Rangiaowhia Road
A commemoration of the lives lost at Rangiaowhia on 21 February 1864.
Arapuni Powerboat Regatta 22-23 February, 8am – 5pm
Arapuni Landing
Over 30 boats competing.
Brothers in arms for the Chiefs
Former Te Awamutu Sports players Gideon and Malachi Wrampling are preparing for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific
Fellow former Te Awamutu Sports representative Tai Cribb is also training with the Chiefs wider squad.
The Chiefs are set to face the Blues in a round one clash at Gideon, 23, made his Chiefs début in 2021 and has three caps Younger brother Malachi, 20, is in his second season with the franchise but is yet to make an appearance.
The brothers reunited on the field with Te Awamutu Sports in 2022 thanks to head coach at the time, Travis Church. Older brother Jotham was also part of the coaching set-up before moving to
The pair went on to play for Hamilton Old Boys and Waikato together. This year the Chiefs may be added to that
“I liked it in Te Awamutu. The community was great and got around the club footy,” Gideon said. “We played a couple of games together. I came back from injury and Malachi was playing. It was awesome to run around with him.
“We’re living out our childhood dreams and doing it together makes it that much better.
“I’m just grateful to be a part of his journey, see him grow and be in his corner every step of the
Versatile as both a midfield back and on the wing, Gideon is a former New Zealand Secondary Schools captain and brings a physical approach to the game.
He’s had a few injuries in recent years but is feeling fit for the start of the season.
“We’ve had a good pre-season with the
team. I’m just looking forward to ripping in,” Gideon said. “The jersey carries a lot of mana, so you’ve got to do it justice and put your best foot forward every time.”
Much like his brother, Malachi makes his presence felt on the field but as part of the loose forward trio.
Number eight is his preferred position but he’s also handy at blindside flanker.
“I got struck by injury last year, so hopefully I can steer clear of that. I’m just trying to get to the start line first, t round one, and then hopefully be in the mix,” Malachi said.
“Being in the environment is special, we’re closely bound together. Donk (head coach Clayton McMillan) has taken it a step further this year, making sure our team is even more connected than last year.
“We’ve had a camp down in Taranaki and also did off-field activities pre-Christmas.”
With 2024 All Blacks Player of the Year
Wallace Sititi out with a knee injury, there could be a chance for Malachi to get his debut early in the season.
“We’re all just here to make each other better. Wally is injured and he’s taken it on the chin,” he said. “He’s been helping the team out and helping our loose forwards out. Everyone’s just got a really good drive to make sure our team goes the whole way this year.”
If, or when, that first appearance comes, older brother Gideon will be an extremely proud man.
“I’ll be really proud to see him take the field,” Gideon said. “I’ve seen him grow from a young boy into the man he is now, and the footy player he has become. It will be one of the proudest moments of my career.”
Gideon Wrampling is proud to be in the Chiefs squad alongside his brother Malachi.
Malachi Wrampling is set to make his Chiefs debut in 2025.
At Te Awamutu Funeral Services our dedicated team is passionate about providing valuable guidance and a personalised service at a time when you need it most. - Offering Generations of Experience -
& CATERING FACILITIES
Quick crossword
Sudoku Wordsearch
Across 1. Unfilled (5) 4. Prisoner (6) 7. Beard of barley (3) 8. Hairdresser (6) 9. Unmarried (6) 10. Commercial (13) 14. Ice house (5)
15. Measuring device (5) 18. Misjudge (13) 23. Rough drawing (6)
24. Motor (6)
25. Have (3)
26. Bewildered (6) 27. Laundry appliance (5)
Down
1. Uninteresting (5)
2. Stroll (5)
3. Martial art (6)
4. Assert (6)
5. Musical note (5)
6. Claw (5) 10. Farewell (Fr) (5) 11. Legitimate (5) 12. Surplus (5) 13. Trio (5) 16. Technique (6) 17. Be present (6) 19. Nude (5) 20. Glorify (5) 21. Humid (colloq) (5) 22. Radio mode (5)
Across: 1. Taxing, 5. Cobble, 8. Ash, 9. Hacker, 10. Exodus, 11. Omit, 13. Sorcerer, 14. Adore, 15. Gaffe, 19. Estimate, 21. Guru, 22. Vacant, 23. Turnip, 25. Aye, 26. Museum, 27. Rubber.
Down: 2. Alarmed, 3. Irk, 4. Garish, 5. Cherry, 6. Boomerang, 7. Louse, 12. Terminate, 16. Furtive, 17. Bantam, 18. Better, 20. Snafu, 24. Rob.
AKTCLBEEUKNGYMCBLO UIHUURNCTSZOTYAOLZ
GLCOTDYENISUOMILAE
HRYSALUMINARYGPJIN
EWURELJDLAWNUVAOTG DLYVIALACROSSEELYE
WGOHWCLOLLIPOPVCMI
YLHOZQAALANDFORMAP
HCNYLUBLIQUORICEPL
PLAMBENTLETTERBOXZ LJGFLRLABYRINTHMMA
LABEL
LABYRINTH
LACE
LACQUER
LACROSSE LADY
LAGOON
LAITY
LAMBENT LAMP
LANDFORM LAST
LATENT LAUGHED LAUNCH LAWN LEARNT LEATHER
LEGENDARY LEOTARD LETTERBOX LEWD LIFEBUOY LIGT
LIMOUSINE LINEAR LIQUORICE LISLE LITMUS LOATHE LOBSTER LOCKER LOCUST LOLLIPOP LOVELY LOW
LOZENGE LUCRE LUMINARY LUSTRE LUXURY LYING LYNCH LYRICAL
TERTIARY EDUCATION GRANTS
For Course Fees/Study Materials
Tertiary students undertaking short or long term study at an approved tertiary institution in 2025 are invited to apply to Waipa/King Country Provincial Rural Women for nancial assistance with their studies. Applicants must have a home base within the boundaries of the Provincial Applications close 5pm, Thursday 27th March 2025
For details and forms: E-mail: supacann@xtra.co.nz or send a stamped self-addressed envelope to Sue Hall (Grants Co-ordinator) 127 Wharepapa South Road, RD7, Te Awamutu 3877
RELIEVERS WANTED
We are looking for casual relief teachers to add to our relieving pool. Maihiihi School is a fantastic little country school with amazing children and friendly staff. Situated only 15 mins from Otorohanga, 20 mins from Te Awamutu and 45 mins from Hamilton.
Please contact principal@maihiihi.school.nz or give us a call to discuss 07-873-2887
MAINTENANCE POSITION – TE AWAMUTU
BMW Series 2 218i 2019, 32,000km, $24,000. Ph/Txt 0274 176 379
MAZDA CX-5, 2012, 126,000km, $14,000. Ph/Txt 0274 176 379
TE AWAMUTU CONTINUING EDUCATION
Wednesday 19th February 2025 10am Entry: $4 on arrival Waipa Workingman Club
Speaker: Guy Slocum
Topic: Ex RAF Fighter Pilot survival of 4 high altitude ejections.
PIRONGIA
Toni Ann LOZA
My mind still speaks to you, My heart still cares, Every day we still miss you so.
Love as always Mum, Justin and family.
AGM
Ohaupo Darts Club
16 February 2025 • 1 pm
Ohaupo Memorial Hall
TE AWAMUTU
MAHJONG CLUB
NZ-12151653AA
Everybody Welcome More info phone 07 870 3223
TE AWAMUTU 60'S UP MOVEMENT
MEETING
We are a fun and social club who are holding 6 weekly lesson for anyone interested.
Please contact for more information:
Robin 027 266 2259
Pauline 027 632 6733
COMINS Graeme Hamilton – Passed away on 5th February 2025, aged 76 years. Loving husband of Lyn and cherished Dad of Ian & Carmen, Jo & Stephen, Bryan & Kelly. Devoted Poppa to Shayarna, Bowen, Mason, Jamie, Tessa, Jess, Sam, Brya, and Hayden. “Always right and never forgotten” In accordance with Graeme’s wishes a private family service has been held. Thanks to the wonderful staff at St Kilda Care Home, Cambridge and Waikato Hospital Cardiac Care Unit. All communications to the Comins family, P O Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.
Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
Helen 027 330 1870
ADMINISTRATOR – TE AWAMUTU – PART TIME
Focused Physiotherapy is looking for a maintenance person who is a jack of all trades to join our team!
Focused Physiotherapy is seeking an administrator to join our team in a part time capacity in our Te Awamutu clinic. The successful applicant will be required to work Monday to Wednesday, 7:45am to 5pm.
Our ideal candidate will be:
Your recovery is our Priority Clinics located in Te Awamutu, Ōtorohanga and Cambridge
We have a network of clinics and vehicles across the Waikato and require someone with an eye for detail, friendly attitude, organised personality and professional appearance to support our clinical team and keep our clinics and vehicles looking great!
21st February 2025 from 10.30am At Waipa Workingmen's Club Albert Park Dr Te Awamutu Morning tea followed by a Speaker Entry $4
Contact Person Lloyd 8714097
-No referral needed from your GP, just call for an appointment -
• Well-presented and a good communicator both in person and on the phone
This position will be between 16-24 hours per week – days negotiable. Main base will be from our Te Awamutu site daily and you will be required to travel at times to undertake scheduled or urgent tasks.
• Able to interact with a variety of clients, age groups, ethnic groups and team members
A team player with a positive attitude and willingness to learn and grow with the position
Requirements include: odd jobs in clinics, painting touch ups, vehicle coordination and cleaning, gardening and general maintenance tasks (but not limited to)
• Accurate with an eye for detail and able to follow and stick to processes
• Be able to multi task, prioritise and manage time effectively.
• Strong administration and computer based skills
• must have full licence and be able to pass NZ Police check If you are interested in applying for this role please email: recruitment@focusedgroup.co.nz
• Professional manner and confidentially essential If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and covering letter to recruitment@ focusedgroup.co.nz
ADMINISTRATOR – HAMILTON – FULL TIME
CARE GIVER
Focused Physiotherapy is expanding and we are looking for another superstar administrator to join our team. The clinic is located at the hospital end of Hamilton with parking available on site.
AM and PM shifts
This is a permanent full time position and will be based in Hamilton. Initial training will be based in our Te Awamutu clinic for approximately 4 weeks.
Hours of work are 7:45am to 5pm Monday to Friday
If you are an empathetic person with the “X” factor that all good care givers have and would like to join a committed caregiving team in a supportive work environment.
Our ideal candidate will be:
Well-presented and a good communicator both in person and on the phone
Able to interact with a variety of clients, age groups, ethnic groups and team members
A team player with a positive attitude and willingness to learn and grow with the position
Accurate with an eye for detail and able to follow and
Be able to multi task, prioritise and manage time effectively.
Strong administration and computer based skills
• Professional manner and confidentially essential
If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and covering letter to recruitment@ focusedgroup.co.nz
WANTED for cash - estate jewellery, all types and art, in the Waikato area. Contact Mike 0272793408
WORK WANTED WANTED
QUALIFIED builder – for all your building and painting needs call the professionals. Call Ross 021 079 4514
A conversation about Death to help you live more fully
A conversation about Death to help you live more fully
11am Tuesday
11am next Tuesday
20 August 2024
Parish of St John’s Lounge 162 Arawata St Te Awamutu
18 February 2025 John’s 162 Arawata St Te Awamutu
ALL WELCOME
ALL WELCOME
No cost, but koha welcome
No cost, but koha welcome
GRAZING available for dairy heifers. Ph 027 415 4122
GRAZING – Silage 50 bales Ph 027 5790887
PURSUANT TO SECTION 41(6) OF THE RESERVES ACT 1977, Waipa District Council invites public submissions on the draft Lake Nga Roto Reserve Management Plan (RMP). The draft RMP can be viewed online at waipadc.govt.nz/ngarotoreview and at the Te Awamutu and Cambridge Council offices and libraries. The draft RMP covers Lake Nga Roto, adjoining reserve land, paper roads surrounding this reserve land, the recently acquired property at 114 Bank Road and any land that may be acquired in the future to enhance the reserve and improve the health of Lake Nga Roto.
The draft RMP sets a clear vision prioritising the restoration and protection of Lake Nga Roto and directs management and development of the reserve, including what activities can occur and what infrastructure will be established or maintained. The draft RMP has been informed by feedback received through the first round of public consultation and engagement with mana whenua, Peat Lake Accord partners, adjoining landowners and lake users.
Members of the public and organisations are invited to formally submit on the draft RMP and will also have the opportunity to speak to their submissions at a public hearing.
Share your thoughts:
Submissions can be made online at waipadc.govt.nz/ngarotoreview, or emailed to haveyoursay@waipadc.govt.nz with ‘Lake Nga Roto Recreation RMP review’ in the subject line.
You can also write to us at Waipa District Council, Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840.
Submissions close at 5pm, Monday 14 April 2025.
MAIN, June Rose –Passed away suddenly, but peacefully at Waikato Hospital on Monday, 10th February 2025, aged 63 years. Dearly loved wife of Warren. Adored mother to Emmy & Craig, Issac & Bree, Abby & Ben, and the late Hannah. Cherished Nana to Lindsay, Byron, Quinn, Evelyn, Lennon, Lillian, and Leila. “A very special lady who will be so greatly missed”. A special thanks to the Waikato Hospital ICU team for their love and care shown to June, and family in her last days. A private family farewell has taken place. All communications to the Main Family, c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800
School Nurse
Te Awamutu College recognises that students who are healthy are ready to learn and participate fully in school.
Te Awamutu College has a Registered Nurse on site in its Health Centre 8.30am-3.30pm daily, 32.5 hours per week, term time only
We are seeking the services of a Registered Nurse who can work Monday to Friday during school term time. The Nurse we are looking for will have:
• A current Annual Practising Certificate
• A current workplace First Aid Certificate (min Level 2)
• Practice Nurse experience or Primary Health care experience
• The skills and passion appropriate for health care and health & wellbeing promotion
• Self-confidence and ability to work both as a team player and independently
• A willingness to undertake further Professional Development relevant to the role
This position is subject to Police Vetting.
A Job Description is available and must be requested prior to application.
Please send your CV with a cover letter to: The Principal Te Awamutu College PO Box 369 Te Awamutu 3840 or email: info@tac.school.nz Applications close Monday 24 February 2025.
Draft Lake Ngā Roto Reserve Management Plan open for submissions
