The Village Messenger What next for Pirongia?
Winter 2022
We listed some of Village's facilities in our last issue: - the Rugby and Sports Club, the Golf Club, the School Hall, the Memorial Hall, and the Community Centre. Other spaces include the Museum, Playcentre, Restoration Society, Historic Centre, playgrounds, parks, and various walks through bush and by the river. More houses being built will result in more traffic, more children at our school and childcare centres, and, we hope, more willing and able adults to support the activities our families are involved in. Council have recently adopted the Long Term Plan (202131) - read the 400 page document at your leisure. We note there is no funding for improvements to Pirongia buildings, or public transport to and from the Village. The proposed Cycle Way has the potential to greatly increase traffice and visitors to the Village. Pirongia – Ngā Roto – Te Awamutu Cycleway connection Council will work to create a recreational cycling route between Te Awamutu and Pirongia. The community supported Council’s preferred option to develop section two of the cycle way between Lake Ngā Roto and Pirongia via Macky Access. Once landowners have consented to providing public access, the project will include a two metre wide path, mostly off road, and will showcase some of the district’s most significant natural and cultural sites. Macky Access is the safest option for cyclists, as it has the largest proportion of off-road track. For added safety precaution, the proposed route will go through a safety audit before construction begins. The total cost of section two is $4,363,456 with $3,275,832 to be provided through external funding.
WHAT'S ON PIRONGIA LIONS MONTHLY MARKET
New loos, footpaths and lighting are in place but what else might we need to accommodate what could be a significant influx of cars, bikes and tourists? There was also approval for skateparks. Although it remains to be seen if Pirongia will make the final list, but Council have agreed that $120,000 be allocated in year one for skate parks across the district, which will be used for site identification, feasibility, geotechnical advice and concept design. $1,730,000 will then be used for the construction and redevelopment of skate parks in year two. Did you know we have 'targeted' rates here? In Pirongia, your rates include $162 of 'targeted rate' of which a $6 goes towards maintenance of the Memorial Hall and $17 to the Rugby Club and grounds. None comes to the Community Centre. Our AGM will be held at the Fire Station on Wednesday July 20 at 7.30 pm. Join us for a short meeting followed by a talk from our Fire Chief. Then, we'll open the floor for a discussion about public facilities, and your thoughts on the future of Pirongia. Get involved in the Association and help drive change, and preserve history. We look forward to hearing from you! To learn more or become a member (it's free!), send us an email or complete the 'signup' form on our website. Recent meeting minutes & our strategic plan can also be found there. Read or download a digital version of this issue from our website - www.pirongia.org.nz.
SO MUCH TO DO... Check out the calendar of events at www.pirongia.org.nz
The market is held on the last Sunday of each month at the Community Centre and is growing every month. As a result we now have a large variety of stalls as well as our regulars. Try our local, organic and spray free vegetables grown by Tony Cato, picked on the morning of the market! We have everything from produce and plants to possum fur and patisseries. With the cooler weather here, our merino clothing suppliers will have something for all ages Cruise the stalls, munch on a Pirongia Bacon sandwich or one of our other delicious food offerings, and enjoy the free entertainment. See you soon!
Monthly Clinics at St Saviours Church: Podiatry Clinic: Ph 027 4242442 for appointment
Mahoe Med GP Clinic: Ph 07 8720923 for appointment
Pirongia Carboot sale Saturday 15 July. Great school holiday activity and an excuse for a clean out. Contact Barbara Atkins to book a space. 027 9084326 Cost: $5.
The Village Messenger is a community project funded by The Pirongia Community Association www.pirongia.org.nz | @explorepirongia | @thevillagemessenger email: pirongiacommunity@gmail.com
A very long time ago in the Village WAIKATO TIMES, 29 JULY 1915
WAIKATO TIMES, 21 MARCH 1936
Do you have a family story or local legend we could share?Get in touch!
ADVOCATES WANTED - COMMUNITY SAFETY
Commsafe manages safer communities by Neighbourhood Support, Community Patrols and monitoring CCTV in the community. A project is underway to install cameras in Pirongia. To get involved or find out more visit commsafe.co.nz or email info@commsafe.co.nz
The trustee’s, along with all the volunteer community patrollers and neighbourhood support street coordinators ensure the communities are secure and safe to the best of their abilities and the public is aware of crime occurring. The volunteers are on duty for 4 hour shifts in which 2 trained people monitor the streets of Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, Ohaupo, Pirongia and the rural Waipa District. Volunteers are the eyes and ears for the NZ Police while on duty. At times the volunteers are requested to assist police with specific tasks such as maintaining a watchful eye of certain areas where there may have been an increase in crime levels. Our volunteers drive CPNZ marked vehicles. These vehicles are supplied and supported by Open Country.
Matariki rere ki pae mahara”
“Matariki a time to remember and reflect” Matariki is commonly known as the Māori New Year and is marked by the rising of the cluster of stars named Pleiades or Matariki according to Māori. There are many significant Matariki stories, locally, Matariki is known as the daughter of Papatuanuku and Raumati. According to Māori mythology, when their children separated Ranginui, the skyfather and Papatūānuku the earth mother, Tāwhirimātea God of the winds became so angry he tore out his eyes and threw them into the heavens. This was the creation of Matariki. Māori believe that appearance of Matariki in the morning sky in mid-winter marks the Māori New Year, or Te Mātahi o te Tau. It signals a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present and plan for the future. It’s a time to spend with whānau and friends – to enjoy kai (food), waiata (song), tākaro (games) and haka. This year we celebrated Matariki as a public holiday for the very first time (Friday 24 June) but there is more to come. Waipā District Council is commemorating Matariki with a new set of themed street flags displayed throughout Te Awamutu and Cambridge. The flag, designed by Te Awamutu Museum exhibitions coordinator Henriata Nicholas, features the star cluster with a tāniko overlay and the text ‘Matariki’. Waipa District Council will not be running its own Matariki event this year, but Te Awamutu Museum will run a month of free, interactive Matariki activities including ‘Add your star to our Matariki Wall’ and ‘Find the Star Trail’.
Kids
You can also find more resources, including downloads, a podcast and activities for children at: https://www.twoa.ac.nz/hononga-stay-connected/te-iwa-o-matariki
Corner It's the Holidays... 6 free things to do!
Visit Hamilton Gardens - see the new Egyptian Garden, watch for the magical trees in the fantasy garden, and do the free kids scavenger hunt! 2. Take a road trip to Hot water beach, Kawhia - Head to the end of Ocean Beach road at low tide, climb over the sand dunes down onto the beach, then keep an eye out for the hot water bubbling to the surface, once you find your spot start digging to create your very own natural hot water spa right there in the sand. 3. Wander the Kiwiana Walk in Otorohanga - follow the Ed Hillary Walkway through the covered gallery which explores the history and quirky side of kiwi culture. Pick up a quiz sheet from the i-SITE so kids can look for clues in the Ed Hillary walkway. 4. Stay on in Otorohanga and try the new playground! 5. Take your scooter and go right round Lake Rotoroa (aka Hamilton Lake) At Innes Common, on the far side of the lake, there is a new playground with a workout area for adults and parkour area. 6. Te Awamutu Museum has some awesome new displays - how long since you've visited?
Craft Matariki Flax Stars. If you're keen to make your own stars, there are a few things to consider before you hijack all the harakeke in your garden. Respect is the keyword. First, you must give thanks to the plant and also to Tane Mahuta and his bevy of wives who, in Maori myth, were responsible for the natural world. The correct way to cut the flax, is to harvest only the outside spears and leaving the "rito" (baby) and awhi-rito (parents) in the middle so the plant can rejuvenate. Spears should be cut from the outside in and cuts should be angled away from the plant to allow rain to run away from the apex of the plant. This contributes to its ongoing health and well-being. Flax should not be harvested when it's raining, at night or during menstruation. All offcuts and unused flax should be returned to the plant of origin.
watch a 'how-to' video here https://youtu.be/GTdQDCvS1mQ:
The children at Impressions have had a busy start to winter. We are lucky to be in a prime location to get out and about in the community, you may have seen us out walking in our fluro vests making the most of what the village has to offer. We have been out visiting our neighbours and have been lucky enough to meet baby piglets, alpacas, goats, and sheep. We often walk to the park and enjoy the playground; we walk along the river track and have recently loved watching all the diggers and trucks doing earthworks and creating new roads. We also love being involved with the school and take every opportunity we can to head on down there and join in with what ever is happening. We go to the Whakatau’s where they welcome their new students which often means it is one or more of our preschoolers that will be starting school. We are lucky to be able to support them in taking this next step to becoming primary school new entrants. The junior school production this term was also a highlight in recent weeks, we took up the invitation to attend the matinee, we had prime front row seats and were so happy to see lots of our ex Impressions friends up on the stage.
In the centre our days have been jammed packed with all sorts of learning experiences and fun. We have had lots of messy play, carpentry, and construction. The Junior children have planted herbs, harvested them and used them in cooking. We had Zoey from the Waikato District Council Dog control come in and give us some lessons on Dog Safety. As part of our Matariki activities this year we were lucky to be able to finally allow visitors back into parts of our centre and had a hugely successful Whanau morning in the Preschool. Over Autumn our teachers/staff have kept themselves upskilled and taken part in lots of Professional Development including a full day workshop run by Arko Tika on local legends, story telling and tikanga which was hugely valuable and has inspired Kaiako in many ways for new and exciting ways to enhance story telling and other dramatic play. We are all excited and have loads more winter activities planned, and look forward to the days getting a little longer and all things Spring coming before we know it. We currently have a few spaces across our centre in different rooms on different days so feel free to pop in or call anytime we would love to show you around. enquiry@impressionschildcare.co.nz | 07 871 9109
Te Pahu Preschool is a small community-led Preschool which prides itself on Manaakitanga and providing quality inclusive early childhood education for children aged 2-6 years. ''Our unique local curriculum empowers children to learn and grow through play, meaningful relationships and nature - based learning experiences which inspire their curiosity to explore'' says head teacher Pip Russell. ''We also run a Forest schooling programme once a week for our tuakana which is central in our transition to school curriculum. These experiences facilitate opportunities for ngā tamariki/children to establish a deeper connection to local whenua, awa, native wildlife. '' Through their involvement children also gain increased self confidence, independence and a deeper relationship with Papatūānuku/mother earth which nurtures their holistic well-being.
731 Te Pahu Rd. Te Pahu Hamilton / Pirongia Phone - 07 825 9908
pip@tepahupreschool.co.nz - Head teacher sharon@tepahupreschool.co.nz - Administrator
Pirongia School news Next year is Pirongia School's 150th birthday! This is a significant part of not only our school’s history but also the village. A Facebook page has been set up as one of many ways to connect to the school. Going forward, there will be information in local papers as well as our newsletter. Jubilee road signage will be going up next term as well! Pirongia School Boys Club! Ollie and Ryley from Te Awamutu Sports & Recreation Club come to school on Mondays as part of their Community Sports Delivery programme. They take sessions that help get our tamariki active and help develop their teamwork skills, communication skills and much more. They also take our boys (and some girls) for 'Boys Club' games that get them playing those rough and tumble kind of games that they so need and love!
Term 2 Mon 2 May to Friday 8 July Term 3 Mon 25 July to Fri 30 September Term 4 Mon 17 Oct to Wed 14 December Staff Only Days 2022 - School Closed: Friday 3 June Friday 8 July Friday 30 September Stat Holidays - School Closed: Friday 15 April - Good Friday Mon 6 June - Queen's Birthday Fri 24 June - Matariki Mon 24 Oct - Labour Day
FOCUS ON BUSINESS CARL TURNER ROOFING
New roofs, re-roofs and extensions for your long run project. We are a small family business based in Pirongia specialising in long run roofing. We pride ourselves on excellent communication and workmanship using trusted Colorsteel products. Get in touch with Jazz to organise a no obligation quote.
POSITIONS VACANT: (FULL TIME OR PART TIME) 1x apprentice chef or CDP | 1x Kitchenhand assistant
Jazz Turner 0273 701 018 carlturnerroofing@gmail.com
UR O Y E S TI ADVER E! R E H S ES BUSIN
Chef - are you wanting to get into the industry or are someone with a couple of years experience? Are you passionate about food, have a good work ethic and are eager to learn? Then this is the perfect role for you! The kitchenhand position will suit someone who likes to clean, is organised. and can help the chefs with prep work and be part of a progressive team. We have been adding to our menus and have lots of exciting plans ahead. Call into the kitchen for a chat with Harry.
Our dogs have been developed for a purpose - whether that’s a herding dog, gun dog, bully breed or other - and I believe that we owe it to them to fulfil those genetic instincts to help them be their best selves. It can be really hard to fit that into a busy work week with so much going on though, so I’m here to help. When you work with Wolfe Dogs you are getting the benefit of a true passion for dogs, a life packed with experience with all sorts of dogs in both pet and working capacities, common sense from a bull farming background, as well as a deep love for understanding and applying canine behaviour science. Kelly is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, and has full insurance. You can book a training consult or a free meet and greet regarding walking services from the website. Walking services are currently available within the Te Awamutu, Otorohanga, and Pirongia areas for medium-large dogs needing a purpose. Training consults may be available in other areas by prior arrangement.
hello@wolfedogs.nz www.wolfedogs.nz Pamela Thackray Residential / Lifestyle Consultant (07) 871 5044 021 184 1255 pamela.thackray@ljhta.co.nz
“Pamela was great and we really felt that we could trust her with everything, she communicated very well with her clients.”
ADVERTISE WITH US
Business Card Size: One issue: $50 | Four issues: $150 Quarter Page: One issue $100 | Four issues: $300 Your own flyer inserted in every issue printed: One issue $150 | Four issues: $500 The Messenger is printed quarterly and delivered to every letterbox in the village boundary, available at local stores and on our website. Contact pirongiacommunity@gmail.com to book space.
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Corner
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Waipa businesses support Plastic Free July: Local supermarkets, fruit and vegetable shops, butcheries and schools are teaming up with Waipā District Council to encourage residents to reduce their single use plastic during Plastic-Free July. Waste minimisation officer Sally Fraser said local businesses have been eager to come on board to try and reduce plastic bag use in Waipā. The thin plastic produce bags are commonly only used once before being thrown out.
Council is running a poster competition for Waipā primary school students. Students have been invited to create posters on how to look after the planet and be plastic free. Three winners will win a zero waste prize pack. Teachers can contact council for entry forms.
“Our local supermarkets and fruit and vegetable shops will be encouraging shoppers to swap out their plastic produce bags for reusable produce bags. Each store has 100 reusable produce bags to giveaway to customers,” Fraser said.
There are also pop up stalls with free product samples like a shampoo bar to “try for July”. Te Awamutu Library on Saturday 16 July, 9:30am – 1pm or Pak n Save on Friday 29 July, 9am -2pm will have a pop up stall on site.
“Plastic-Free July is a great way to get people thinking about their everyday habits and single use plastic. It’s awesome to have the support of local businesses to promote some easy solutions, like reusable items.” source: WDC website (abridged)
“It’s great to see how people have adjusted to no plastic shopping bags at the checkout, now we want to see some change around adding reusable produce bags to the routine,” Fraser said. For more information on the activities council are doing during Plastic Free July visit www.waipadc.govt.nz/wasteminimisation-events.
Councillor's notebook This month Council adopted the Annual Plan, setting the budget for the coming financial year starting on 1 July. Councillors were pleased they were able to limit rates increases to an average of 4.4% despite the strong inflationary pressures we are seeing across the economy. It has meant a lot of work by staff to trim budgets. Declining some requests for funding was especially hard, because of how tough people are finding things at present. To see what your property’s rates will be, use the online rates calculator here: https://www.waipadc.govt.nz/ourservices/rates/rates/proposed-rating-informationdatabase-for-202223 The re-opening of the Mangaotama Bridge on State Highway39 on 28 June has to be a highlight for anyone doing a northerly commute from Pirongia. I want to thank everyone for their patience while the work to upgrade the bridge was completed. I’m looking forward to finally being able to go 100 kms on that stretch of road. There is some damage to the road surface on the detour route which Council staff are aware of. It is difficult to make good long-lasting repairs in the middle of winter so the plan is to hold the road in a safe condition and make proper repairs over summer. All costs will be claimed from Waka Kotahi. Expect some action soon on the reserve at 205 Sainsbury Rd. Council has recently engaged consultant Amanda Banks to progress the concept plan developed in 2015. It is planned to form a focus group shortly with local stakeholders and finalise a reserve management plan by next year. Once that is in place, implementing the plan can proceed.
We have some important consultation about to start which I’d encourage readers to have their say on. Waikato Regional Council have been working on a Public Transport Plan and they are opening consultation from 4 July for 4 weeks. They will also be running 2 webinars to get feedback from the public. I have been stressing the need for the plan to cater for rural communities as well as the large urban centres, but in a cost-effective way that suits those living in locations such as Pirongia. This could mean park and ride services, ride share or ondemand and flexible routes by mini-vans. I need you to follow up on that by giving your feedback to the Regional Council. With fuel prices forecast to continue rising for the foreseeable future and the national plan to reduce emissions, having good public transport options for Pirongia Village is critical. Dogs will also be in the spotlight over the coming months with a review of the Dog Control Policy and Bylaw being signalled. Council is seeking feedback on all aspects of the policy, including a range of changes suggested by the public and other stakeholders to change dog controls on Kakepuku Maunga, War Memorial Park in Te Awamutu, Lake Te Koo Utu in Cambridge and the sports grounds at Kihikihi Domain. Views on proposed new off-lead areas for dogs, as well as any other suggestions would be most welcome. Stay safe and well Clare St Pierre - Pirongia Ward Councillor Email: clare.stpierre@gmail.com | Ph: 027 324 8195
Patience Grasshopper! The term Kung Fu refers to the martial arts of China. Many people had their first interaction with Kung Fu following the enormously successful television programme of the same name that screened in NZ in the 1970s. Kung Fu originated in a place called the Shaolin Temple, where monks practiced Kung Fu for health and selfdefense during their quest for enlightenment. The first Shaolin temple was a Buddhist monastery built in 377 A.D. in the Henan province of China. In 527 A.D. a Buddhist prince, Bodhidharma, or Da Mo in Chinese, traveled to the temple for religious teaching, but found the monks weak and in poor health. To find a way to give the monks strength and vitality, Da Mo locked himself in a room for nine years of meditation. His resulting work, Yi Jin Jing, a series of exercises which developed strength, vitality, and internal energy, is considered the original Shaolin martial art. Kung Fu in China was an integral part in the education of scholars and the leaders of government. The Chinese people placed great value in the practice of Kung Fu because they felt it taught respect, patience and humility. Many believe that Kung Fu is a term that describes a single martial art, much like Taekwondo, Judo, or Aikido but, Kung Fu is a general term that includes hundreds of styles of Chinese martial arts. Mangapiko Nam Wah Pai Kung Fu Club trains at the Mangapiko Hall, Monday and Wednesday 6pm to 7.30pm. Classes are family focused with Adults and Children training together. Just turn up or contact Club head instructor Gavin Fuszard 027 27 88 777 or Guy Lyons 07 871 9293
Get involved - get active
Pirongia Golf Club MONDAY SPECIAL..... $10 greenfee (inclpublic holidays) more at: pirongiagolfclub.co.nz
COMMUNITY CENTRE UPDATE
More than 1000 people pass through the Community Centre and Chapel every month - as well as the market, there are exercise groups, Scouts, a school, playgroup and private events. There's also the busy, and always interesting Sharing Shed. We have recently added a Citizens Advice Beaureau clinic, and Ruth, our community connector, is in the process of establishing a drop in office at the front of the building. ''The building is old, and it needs love. We are looking at ways we can improve the facilities - and find money to do so!'' Ruth is keen to hear your ideas for the community and our centre. And, we are always looking for enthusiastic people to join the Association Board to help drive initiatives. Keep up to date on our website and Facebook page - or come along to our AGM on July 20 for more information. contact: Ph 0211316736 or email Pirongiacommunity@gmail.com For a calendar of events at the Centre, visit www.pirongia.org.nz
Raglan have done it - now it's our turn! Do your bit for plastic free July...and beyond! Grab your reusable bags and bring them to Four Square or the market - it's easy!
The floating boardwalk at Lake Ngā Roto is closed until further notice. Repairs will be undertaken by our contractor as soon as water levels allow this to be carried out safely. If walking the track, please take heed of the signs placed approximately halfway (2.5km) asking you to turn back.
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
Is your organisation missing? Contact us: pirongiacommunity@gmail.com
Commsafe info@commsafe.co.nz Craft Group Mondays at St Saviour’s Church Creative Fibre Group 3rd Thursday of each month, Memorial Hall Mangapiko Nam Wah Pai Kung Fu Gavin 027 2788777 | Guy 07 871 9293 Mt Pirongia Country Music Club 2nd Sunday of the month, 12.30pm - 4.30pm $4 entry Mt Pirongia Lions contact: jim1@xtra.co.nz Pirongia Annual Craft Day Committee Pirongia Bowling Club Lawn bowls Mon 9am | Twilight bowls Thurs 5.45 pm Pirongia Clay Target Club Pirongia Scouts Tuesdays during term time | contact mandjearwaker@gmail.com Pirongia Fire Brigade Roan.Gouws@fireandemergency.nz Pirongia Fishing Club 1st Wednesday of each month Pirongia Golf Club www.pirongiagolfclub.co.nz Pirongia Heritage & Information Centre pirongia.hvc@xtra.co.nz | pirongiaheritage.org.nz Pirongia Memorial Hall Pirongia Mountainbike Club adrianbathgate@paradise.net.nz | www.pirongiamtb.co.nz Pirongia Netball Pirongia Playcentre pirongia@playcentre.org Pirongia Rugby Sports Club Carl Sheridan 021 712 690 Pirongia School Pirongia Senior Citizens Bowling Club the first Wednesday of each month Pirongia Sports Club Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Societywww.mtpirongia.org.nz Pirongia Tennis Club Thursdays 6:30pm at the Pirongia Sports Centre Pirongia Women’s Institute 2nd Wed of each month in the Memorial Hall Plunket Clinic 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month | contact rhiannon.waswo@plunket.org.nz St Saviour's Church stjohns.awa@xtra.co.nz Waipa Girl Guides Michelle: michellegirlguide@gmail.com Young at Heart exercise group Wednesday and Friday 9.15 at the Chapel | Norma Cleverly-Tuatara or Paula McWha
EAT DRINK AND BE MERRY NEWS AND VIEWS Kids playground Happy hour Wed You may haveand heard that Cafe on Thurs Franklin will be closing in a few Live music every week! weeks. New menu We will miss them in theOUT village. NOW!
There are plans for the land and building, and the Association is in conversation with the developer. More information will be available in the next issue of the Village Messenger. We are also sad to be sharing the news that the Annual Craft Day will not be going ahead this year. Keep up to date on progress via their Facebook page. In the meantime, if your community group would like to fundraise, please contact Pirongia Lions there's space every month for local groups.
ISE T R E V D A YOUR HOSPO SS BUSINE HERE!
Pirongia Mountain Vegetables As well as making the TV news recently, PMV are regulars at markets around the Waikato. Grown right here on the outskirts of the village, get your greens at the Monthly Market.
MONTHLY MARKET The Pirongia Arts, Craft and Food Market last Sunday of each month. Pirongia Community Centre, cnr Crozier & Ross Sts.