The Village Messenger - Spring 2022

a small but enthusiastic group

behind the scenes, putting together a full day of events to

100 years of the Pirongia Memorial Hall The latest addition to the day's schedule is a Community Picnic The day's programme will include our world famous Clydesdale horses offering rides throughout the day, an official opening, Karakia and blessing, cake cutting and a remembrance message from the local R S A and what will certainly be a fascinating talk by the inimitable Alan Hall. Families are invited to bring a picnic lunch or even their own BBQ or BBQ food and share cooking duties Tables and umbrellas will be available on the lawn area, and there will be a coffee cart on site too The day will close with the ANZAC oath.

Invited guests will depart from the Heritage Centre for the Memorial Hall by Clydesdale horse and wagon driven by Nic van der Sande The official opening at 11 30 am will include a brief history of the Memorial Hall by Alan Hall, a Karakia and blessing, and a remembrance message from the RSA Local organizations and groups have been invited to promote themselves free of charge with manned displays in the Hall The Pirongia Heritage & Information Centre will be involved and will exhibit the historical values and photos of our Pirongia district Local Pirongia, Te Pahu and Ngutunui school pupils have been invited to perform Kapa Haka and Waiata

The school category finalists in the speech and essay competitions will present their entries on stage while the Hall model and artwork finalist’s work will be on display The Mt Pirongia Lions to present the prizes in the afternoon Free Lamb on the Spit BBQ picnic lunch provided at midday by the Mt Pirongia Lions Music will be provided

This Memorial day is being organized by the Pirongia Heritage & Information Centre in conjunction with the Mt Pirongia Lions and the Pirongia Community Association All locals are welcome. Any queries to the Heritage Centre office open every day except Monday from 10 30am to 3 30pm

07 871 9018

A very long time ago in the Village

special edition: social media of the past!

PIRONGIA NEWS TE AWAMUTU COURIER, VOLUME 58, ISSUE 4194,

KAWHIA

VOLUNTEERS WANTED - COMMUNITY SAFETY

We have all read and seen the effects across towns as ram raids increase Business owners been woken to the news of destruction and theft. We also know that urban and rural crime exists We are fortunate in Waipa to work with the Police and have access to view a variety of cameras across the district. CommSafe manages the Volunteers in the CCTV room at Te Awamutu Police Station

Do you want to join the team that volunteers time to crime prevention? To learn more email tacpcommsafe@gmail.com

TE AWAMUTU COURIER, VOLUME 66, ISSUE 5620, 24 MAY 1943

Volunteers monitor the cameras day and night We are flexible about monitoring times and as long as you have a partner you can choose to monitor these at any time. We have shifts available for 3 hours on a Friday and Saturday evening that we need to fill. You will gain training and new skills in a rewarding volunteer role.

Learn to identify suspicious behaviour and report incidents to Police Work with a team of like minded citizens from your community and meet new people. Meet and know your local Police

As a mostly volunteer led organisation, we know first hand the value and impact that a single volunteer can make in our community Imagine then how much can be achieved when several volunteers take an active role in crime prevention.

Things have been moving along nicely with steady bookings We are looking forward to a busy term with the monthly market leading up to Christmas There are now literally hundreds of people using the Centre every month

There are lots of opportunities for groups to use the facilities, especially in the school holidays The space is super child friendly, warm, and low cost Perfect for a family event, or special occasion! We are having some exciting plans drawn up by the Council on what the community centre might look like in the future. We will share these with the community as soon as they are available Your feedback will be important

We are also thrilled to announce we have received some funding from Trust Waikato to support the ongoing work at the Centre This will help with keeping the building spic and span, and some minor upgrades to facilities We were not successful in getting funding from the Pirongia Ward Committee, which was disappointing Ruth Webb Community Connector | Ph 0211316736 | email Pirongiacommunity@gmail

PIRONGIA SHARING SHED

PLEASE DO:

for everyone

leave plants and surplus produce donate or swap books and (recent) magazines help keep it tidy by removing anything that looks a bit old put a notice on the noticeboard ensure you close the doors on the little library to keep the weather out drop off clean jars our jam makers love them post on the Community group facebook page when you drop something off

PLEASE DON'T

leave clothing, household items, tools or personal items contribute non perishable food items (eg spices, cans, baked goods) leave any food items in full sun if you can avoid it put anything beside the Shed All items need to fit in the boxes

The Pirongia Community Association represents the residents, businesses, and organisations based in Pirongia Village and its immediate surrounds. Our role is to provide advocacy, connection, and information sharing for our community. The organisaiton

with other community organisations based in the village such as the

existed for over 25 years and enjoys strong

We have recently learned that the Pirongia Fire Station, under the current rural categorisation, engages firefighters who are not trained to use breathing apparatus to fight a fire inside a building As a growing community (substantial predicted growth) we have been approached by local residents and businesses with concerns that our Pirongia Fire Fighters are unable to enter a burning building, and we know that time waiting on an urban unit to arrive which is estimated at between 25 to 45 minutes is too long to wait. We would request that strong consideration be given to recategorizing the Pirongia Fire Station status from Rural to Urban.

community are very supportive of this decision and several organisations, including the Association, are willing to consider financial support to assist in the costs associated with this change, for example for the purchase of equipment and training costs We hope we can work together to reach a great outcome for our community and look forward to hearing from you on this matter.

The much loved handle club on Wednesday night now includes Wine club and mega quarts. Quiz nights have returned to Thursday nights, and there have been plenty of meal

as the new crew work to bring Five Stags back to its 'heart of the village heyday.

a good range of tap beers, including Guinness and a

along with the usual range of bottled

event

Saturday,

Protecting our Maunga

The goats are thought to occupy 14% of New Zealand, mostly on public conservation land and came with European settlers, initially for food and the fibre from their coats as well as weed control Some escaped or were released and thrived in the native bush, and so whilst it is not known just how many there are, the estimate is put at several hundred thousand Fortunately, some efforts to control the pest are proving successful 1News met hunter Jason Hart at Pirongia Forest Park in the Waikato region, and a target for DOC hunting efforts

In the park 843 goats were killed in the 2021 2022 hunting operation, which involved 1427 hunter hours on public conservation land Another 200 goats were killed on private land nearby This was just one site in the Department of Conservation goat control programme. DOC’s Tinaka Mearns said the type of damage that goats can do to conservation land can be “devastating'' ''Feral goats in particular don't really care for boundaries as we do and that's why they cause a lot of destruction” she said. “The ultimate aim is to decrease the population that we've got here so that we can see more of our forest coming back”

From Northland to Southland, communities will be wading into their waterways to test what native plant life and animal species are there, thanks to funding from the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) Wai Tuwhera o te Taiao Open Waters Aotearoa eDNA programme.

This round, 21 community groups received funding for environmental DNA (eDNA) kits and to have their samples tested at Wilderlab laboratory Environmental DNA, or eDNA, refers to the tiny traces of genetic material left behind as living things pass through water or soil

The EPA’s General Manager Engagement, Paula Knaap, says: "Testing of samples taken from waterways around the country will show the plants and animals that are present. These results can then be added to an online map that anyone can access This empowers communities to make decisions that help their local environment to thrive.''

Pirongia School news

"Maōri, farm and urban communities, and school groups are among those who’ll be taking part. They all have a strong passion for improving the environment for future generations of New Zealanders "

One of the successful applications was for a project run by NZ Landcare Trust and Maungatautari to Pirongia Ecological Corridor society. They plan to use eDNA testing over the next five years to measure the impact of their efforts to improve the water quality in the highly degraded waterways in their area.

NZ Landcare Trust Project Coordinator Bexie Towle says: "We haven’t got much operational money, so support like getting the eDNA kits from the EPA is fantastic The eDNA testing will give our project community a chance to discover what’s in our own backyards and hopefully inspire others to help us to protect it "

Congratulations to all of the students who took on the responsibility of rearing a pet lamb, kid or calf this year and then showing them at our school Ag Day! The sun shone and the animals mostly behaved! Congratulations to the students who managed to win a ribbon A special congratulations to these students who won enough points over the day to take out their category: Paige H and Bella M, Harrison H, Thea I, Cooper B, Liam H, Arlo W, Jacob W, Austin F and Pippa E

The school has again been invited to help in the Ballance Agri nutrients tent at Fieldays. This awesome opportunity will result in over $3500 being donated to the school by Ballance. We need 21 willing, enthusiastic volunteers (plus a few extras for backup!) to help out for a day (or more if you’re keen) Dates are Wednesday 30th November Saturday 3rd December. It’s a tonne of fun (ask someone who’s been before) and shifts run 8 am 5 pm or 9 am 3 pm Food and drink will be supplied Duties include serving food, delivering drinks, clearing tables, and smiling at people. Is school pick up/drop off a hassle? get in touch and we’ll do our best to make a plan! You get free entry to Fieldays and car pooling can be arranged.

To know more or get your name on the roster and secure your preferred day contact: Sarah Keelty | 021 667 682 | keeltykiwis@live.com

Clean Up Pirongia Day - story by Ruby Webb

How did the clean up day start?

Geoff Edwards was the one who put the idea out there when he saw the event advertised on Keep New Zealand beautiful He wanted help with the organising and reached out to the community association for help. That is when The Kereru Club heard about it and asked if they could organise it The Kereru Club is a youth club that started from homeschool learning.

Who were the sponsors?

We were sponsored by The Pirongia Lions, who gave The Kereru Club a gift card to Pak N Save to fund the sausage sizzle, they also let us borrow their gazebo. The Pirongia Community Association was another of our sponsors they let us use the Community centre for our base for free. Waipa District Council provided us with rubbish bags for any of the rubbish collected. And our last sponsor was Ruth’s ReCreations Ruth donated all of our prizes that she handmade.

Where was the event?

We had a map allocating where people were sent off to. The event was in the Pirongia village and we managed to complete a litter pick covering all of central Pirongia, with only the outline (more rural roads) not done, which is planned to be completed at a later date

Who was involved?

We had over 30 people come to our event These people ranged from a 7 week old baby to retirees

There were also 3 members from ''The Kererus'' who came and represented the club These 3 people were Ruby Webb, Amy Webb, and Addison Brears

The sausage sizzle

The shopping process was very fun, (we paid with the gift card that The Lions gave us) we bought chocolate, sausages, onions, and sauce We had to buy the bread at Fresh choice, as Pak N save didn’t have any bread. I (Ruby) made brownies and we donated lollipops. The food was all free to anyone who walked around and picked up litter.

Best Moments

Some of our cool and funny moments were Addison’s Dad, (Mike Brears), let us use his barbecue which was a Masport brand A car pulled up to our base and came up to Mike and handed him a water bottle and an apron He then said “Thank you for supporting Masport, you’re keeping me in a job ” We were stunned!

There was then a family walking past our base. They came upto Mike and asked him how much the sausages were Mum (Ruth) came up and said you can get a free sausage if you walk around the block and pick up litter. That’s what they were doing anyway, so they happily went around the block. So that was a story about how they were roped into the event.

The last moment I (Ruby) would like to mention is when a man came up and asked Mike how much the sausages were for He explained what we were doing The man said that he was on his way to work and he wanted a sausage for lunch. So he said “Can I please get 2 sausages for $8?” We gladly said yes That money was donated to The Kereru Club.

Sorting the rubbish

At the end we sorted out all of the rubbish into piles. Some of the piles were aluminium cans, recycling, landfill, glass bottles, interesting things and masks There were 57 aluminium cans, 30 glass bottles, and ten masks We got 5 yellow rubbish bags full of litter for landfill There was around 38 kilograms worth of landfill rubbish. We recycled what we could.

Winners!

The winner of the heaviest bag (and the most) was Yorrick Webb which was collected mostly from Pirongia Road and the Cemetery Yorrick got a total of just over 8 kgs! Cherie and Nevel Kemp came in second with a total of 6 6 kgs (If you count the block of concrete they put in their bag!)

The best attitude was a tie between all the kids that participated in the event. And the most interesting item went to Sian and Julie Beare, with a decapitated dinosaur toy Overall The Kereru club would say that it was a success!

Keep Pirongia Beautiful has a pick up on the 1st Sunday of each month Bring along a bucket or bag, gloves and hi viz gear To participate contact Geoff 0273646211

Waipā rating revaluations have been delayed until February 2023

Revaluations of all properties across the district were due to be finalised this month Council’s independent provider, Quotable Value (QV), has advised it cannot provide a robust and quality result in that timeframe Instead, the revaluations will be completed in February 2023, with all Waipā property owners advised of new valuations by March

Waipā District Council deputy chief executive Ken Morris said the delays are a result of QV staff shortages, changed and more complex regulations, and a rapidly changing residential property market. “QV have advised that those factors combined have created enough concern for them to recommend delaying the valuations,” Morris said. “QV’s absolute priority is to get it right and deliver a robust result That’s Council’s priority too Right now, it’s like trying to hit a moving target. On that basis, we have accepted their recommendation of a delay.”

Councillors will take their oath of office on October 31

The day will begin with a 9am whakatau at the Sir Don Rowlands Event Centre The inaugural Council meeting, including the oath, will follow at 11am, and is expected to be attended by a large group of family and friends

All meetings are open to the public and will be held in the Te Manawa o Matariki room.

Councillor'snotebook

I am encouraged that as one of your sitting Council representatives I am returning to continue to help enable the people of Pirongia and the new Pirongia Kakepuku Ward keep progressing in a positive manner, eg Pirongia’s new skate park in particular.

Bruce Thomas Pirongia Ward Councillor Email:Bruce.Thomas@waipadc.govt.nz | Ph: 0274 728671

Massive thanks for re electing me to Council There will be a lot happening this coming term and I encourage you to participate as fully as possible in the plans and consultations coming up, whether it is finalising the Sainsbury Rd Reserve or having a say on the Community Spatial Plan which will set the tone for the next 30 years for our communities The Pirongia Community Association meetings are a key way to be kept informed of council business, but you are also welcome to contact me (details below) Councils are most effective when they have strong relationships with residents.

Clare St Pierre Pirongia Ward Councillor Email: clare.stpierre@gmail.com | Ph: 027 324 8195

New Mayor announces Council Committee structure.

Newly elected Mayor Susan O’Regan announced her Council Committee structure this week. She considered experience, track record and personal strengths before making her final recommendations, she said

“I’ve called upon some of our most experienced councillors to step up but I’ve also given succession planning some thought. Over coming years, our district will have big decisions to make that will impact on generations to come Deputy chairs will play an important role in ensuring there’s a deep knowledge base around the decision making table ”

At the first formal Council meeting on October 31, O’Regan will put forward her appointments for chairs and deputy chairs for five main Council Committees:

Strategic Planning and Policy Committee chair Liz Stolwyk, deputy chair Mike Montgomerie Finance and Corporate Committee chair Andrew Brown, deputy chair Bruce Thomas Service Delivery Committee chair Clare St Pierre, deputy chair Mike Pettit Regulatory Committee chair Marcus Gower, deputy chair Clare St Pierre

source:WDCwebsite(abridged)

SEPTEMBERWARDCOMMITTEEUPDATE

Grants allocated as follows:

CommSafe $2,000 Diabetes New Zealand $600

GirlGuiding New Zealand $500

House of Science NZ Charitable Trust $1,500

Koromatua School PTA

$1,000

Loving Arms Charitable Trust $1,000 MS Waikato Trust $500

Ohaupo Ngahinapouri Lions Club $750

Pirongia Community Association DECLINED Pirongia Golf Club $500

Pirongia School Board of Trustees $1,500

Royal New Zealand Plunket Trust $3,500

T/A Community Health Transport Trust $1,600

Te Pahu Hall Society Inc $1,000

Te Rore Table Tennis Club $450

True Colours Children’s Health Trust $1,000

The Pirongia Community Association notes its disappointment to be the only organisation not allocated funding we requested funds to support the work of the Community Connector and ongoing upgrades to the Centre.

Commsafe Craft Group

Creative Fibre Group

Mangapiko Nam Wah Pai Kung Fu

Mt Pirongia Country Music Club

Mt Pirongia Lions

Pirongia Annual Craft Day Committee

Pirongia Bowling Club

Pirongia Clay Target Club

Pirongia Scouts

Pirongia Fire Brigade

Pirongia Fishing Club

Pirongia Golf Club

Pirongia Heritage & Information Centre

Pirongia Memorial Hall

Pirongia Mountainbike Club

Pirongia Netball

Pirongia Playcentre

Pirongia Rugby Sports Club

Pirongia School

Pirongia Senior Citizens

Pirongia Sports Club

Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society

Pirongia Tennis Club

Pirongia Women’s Institute

Plunket

St Saviour's Church

Waipa Girl Guides Young at Heart exercise group

info@commsafe co nz

Mondays at St Saviour’s Church 3rd Thursday of each month, Memorial Hall Gavin 027 2788777 | Guy 07 871 9293 2nd Sunday of the month, 12 30pm 4 30pm $4 entry jim1@xtra co nz

Lawn bowls Mon 9am | Twilight bowls Thurs 5 45 pm

Tuesdays during term time | mandjearwaker@gmail com Roan.Gouws@fireandemergency.nz 1st Wednesday of each month

www pirongiagolfclub co nz pirongia hvc@xtra co nz | pirongiaheritage org nz

adrianbathgate@paradise.net.nz | www.pirongiamtb.co.nz

pirongia@playcentre.org Carl Sheridan 021 712 690

Bowling Club the first Wednesday of each month

www mtpirongia org nz Thursdays 6:30pm at the Pirongia Sports Centre 2nd Wed of each month in the Memorial Hall Clinic 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month | rhiannon waswo@plunket org nz stjohns.awa@xtra.co.nz Michelle: michellegirlguide@gmail com Wednesday and Friday 9.15 at the Chapel | Norma Cleverly Tuatara or Paula McWha

PirongiaCraftGroup