Cambridge News | October 16, 2025

It’s down to specials

By Mary Anne Gill

The political futures of 10 Waipā candidates rest with special votes which are unlikely to be processed before today. (Thursday)

As The News went to

press, Liz Stolwyk and Stu Kneebone were neck and neck in the race for the second of two WaipāKing Country spots - Garry Reymer is comfortably in - on the Waikato Regional Council.

Late drive swelled voting

A Waipā District Council ‘drive and drop’ initiative had pop-up voting stations in council offices in Cambridge and Te Awamutu.

Waipā staffers manned portable voting areas - made obvious by gigantic orange bins and billboards – and walked the streets all morning.

Reminders via the Antenno App and the big orange signs prompted a steady stream of voters and a final flurry arriving in the last half hour before voting closed at noon. Two arrived in Te Awamutu with two minutes to spare.

The voter return excluding special votes was 41.25 per cent – 16,991 votes.

Some people thought they had to vote on the day. One voter believed everyone should vote but cutting it fine “was just the sort of person” she was.

Richard Tiddy had just flown in from America after four weeks away.

“We felt strongly that it was important to vote,” Tiddy said.

“Local government matters and there are some big issues that need to be addressed as well.

“I think voters have more influence in local body elections because they are not tarnished by party politics, they are more accountable and if we are interested, we can often hear directly from candidates.

“It’s a pity local government doesn’t get a greater percentage of the tax take because there are some

Continued on page 3

In Cambridge, Aidhean Camson, Pip Kempthorne, Dave Marinkovich, Hope Spooner, Mike Cater, Barry Quayle, Chris Minneē and Stewart Dromgool are all on tenterhooks.

About 600 special votes are to be counted.

A surge followed last week’s front-page story –Voters leave it late – and a ‘drive and drop’ initiative outside council offices on Saturday, and added 3057 votes in just three days. That took the Cambridge ward return through to 44.47 per cent of all voters and contributed to a hometown Mike Pettit mayoral victory over incumbent Susan O’Regan and Clare St Pierre.

Pettit’s win marks an historic moment – the first Cambridge mayor in 24 years, and only the second in Waipā’s 36-year history.

Pettit’s 1222 vote margin was comfortable enough on Monday for O’Regan to ring and concede. He must now gather whatever troops he knows he has and talk about who will be his deputy and who will chair council committees.

The experienced St Pierre is odds-on, according to The News sources, for the deputy role. It makes practical sense – she lives in Pirongia and has served on council since 2013 – and some say it’s politically the

right move for Pettit.

Roger Gordon is likely to pick up chair of a revamped strategy/growth committee while Mike Montgomerie and Marcus Gower should keep finance and regulatory committees. Service delivery is understood to be under review as a committee, but it seems logical in the interim to have St Pierre continue to chair that as well.

It appears too soon to elevate Jo Davies-Colley to a committee chair - despite her three years as community board chair and being highest polling candidate in Cambridge.

If Kempthorne is bumped out of the top four, then

he will take a spot on the Cambridge Community Board. That would set the stage for a close contest between Dromgool and Minnee for the final seat on the community board.

Spare a thought for Stolwyk, formerly Waipā deputy mayor. Having accepted Saturday’s result, she deactivated her public social media, accepted an invite to attend a tourism conference in China and dropped her work clothes off at Dress for Success.

The early votes were rural ones and Stolwyk’s association with high rate increases at Waipā and a perceived association with

the pro Plan Change One brigade counted against her.

But her staunch support in urban Cambridge added substantial numbers and by Monday she was ahead of Kneebone.

“Who would know?” she told The News. “I’m ready, whatever happens.”

O’Regan was one of three women leaders ousted at the polls. Jacqui Church lost to Aksel Bech in Waikato, Adrienne Wilcock to Ash Tanner in Matamata-Piako and regional council chair Pamela Storey failed to keep her seat. Paula Southgate did not stand, so there are now no female Waikato mayors.

What’s that noise?

Roy Pilott editor@goodlocal.nz

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maryanne@goodlocal.nz

viv@goodlocal.nz

chris@goodlocal.nz

janine@goodlocal.nz

Cambridge has a mystery of Herculean proportions. Things that go bang in the night. For years including recently, people have been commenting on social media about extremely loud unexplained noises in various parts of Cambridge. This includes in the CBD, Leamington, St Kilda, Cambridge East, Hautapu, Maungatautari and other locations. Reports date back to at least 2017.

The noises are heard at different hours including 8pm, 11.45pm, 12.20am and around 3am. Phrases used include massive boom, explosive sound, bomb and shock wave. People report houses shaking and animals going nuts.

Theories suggested in Facebook groups include fog horns, roadworks, gunshots and power system issues. But many agree these don’t go anywhere near explaining the magnitude of the noises and shaking houses. I would love to get to the bottom of this local mystery. I hope someone in the know

Breaches

can shed some light.

Ali Tocker

Camridge

Editor’s note: So would we – email editor@ goodlocal.nz

Game of Cones

We have all noticed the delays in finishing Cambridge Road. Take the last section by Te Awa, it has taken more than three months to finally complete, but not! During the many delays, not mentioning the inconvenience to the travelling public I notice the use of the hundreds of road cones. Where do the costs fall? I am sure that if these costs are borne by the contractor, they would have finished this section of road post haste. So are the costs covered by way of a variation to the contract or covered by the Waipā District Council or roads board poor management? It may require our new mayor to investigate (Congrats, by the way).

Stu Barnett Cambridge

driving issues

Over the past week, Cambridge Police have held several people to account.

A male was arrested for breach of a protection order and possession of restricted weapons, a second was arrested for breaching his Electronically Monitored bail conditions and another for threatening behaviour and again, breaching court bail conditions. Four additional bail breaches were recorded and will be followed up.

On the roads, a male was arrested for assaulting a police officer after being stopped in relation to his speeding.

Our Impairment Prevention Team then caught three more people driving with excess breath alcohol over the weekend.

Concerningly, one of those was reported to have tried to avoid the checkpoint by driving the wrong way up the expressway offramp, towards oncoming exiting traffic. All those charges have appeared before the courts on relevant charges.

Last week I had the opportunity present on elder abuse at the invitation of the Cambridge Baptist Church care team.

I appreciated the chance to spread awareness about the different forms and presentations of elder abuse.

Although, sadly, often committed by relatives or family members of the victim, such abuse may also be committed in institutions or by external caregivers.

As with more general family harm,

elder abuse can take the form of physical, psychological, financial and sexual abuse, as well as neglect and institutional abuse. Our older community members may be especially susceptible to financial abuse. Potential indicators include unusual withdrawals from bank accounts or the frequency with which they are made.

Coerced decisions around money, property or other assets also feature. With an elderly couple, it is not uncommon for one person to fully rely on their partnerspouse for all financial decisions and processes, which leaves them vulnerable if their partner dies or is otherwise unable to continue the responsibility.

Ensure both partners understand and have access to all financial matters. If entrusting a family member with bank details for financial management, set clear boundaries for access and regularly change passwords. While we don’t like to think of family members taking financial advantage, it does happen.

If you are experiencing or witnessing elder abuse, the first step is to speak up. Talk to someone you trust outside of the situation - a family member , friend, doctor, nurse or church leader. You can also phone or email Elder Abuse – details cambridgenews.nz. Where an immediate danger exists, call 111 for police.

Park problem

Waipā District Council’s decision to ban walkers, horses, and dogs from Sainsbury Road Forestry Park [near Pirongia] is appalling both in process and in substance.

To my knowledge, there was no public consultation or formal notification. The community became aware of the change when a photo of a new sign began circulating on social media. It was only after concerns were raised that the council issued a press release and Facebook post. That’s not engagement, that’s damage control.

The council’s reasoning, citing the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, doesn’t hold up. The pine plantation is not an active forestry area. When logging occurs, temporary closures for safety are entirely appropriate and have been well managed in the past. But a blanket ban is excessive and out of step with other regions - Rotorua’s Redwoods, for example, successfully balance active forestry operations with recreational use.

Sainsbury Road Forest Park has long been a valued local space for walking, riding, and enjoying nature. Removing access without consultation shows a lack of respect and trust in the community.

Health and safety matters, but so does good governance and common sense. Waipā District Council do better. Genuinely engage with the community and restore access under sensible, practical safety measures.

Tracey Hancock

Te Awamutu

Students selected

Aspen Gooch and Evelyn Winter, both 17 and in Year 12 at Cambridge High School, are among 24 students selected nationwide by the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand to join its Young Shakespeare Company, which travels to the United Kingdom in July next year. More next week.

Art Alive

The Cambridge Art Society will open its three day exhibition tomorrow (Friday) at the Town Hall. The society has doubled its membership in the last couple of years, so the exhibition is an opportunity for newer members to hang their work up for the public.

New principal

Cambridge Middle School deputy principal Bridget Watkins has been appointed Te Awamutu Intermediate School principal. She will take up the role next year. More next week.

Two on board

Former Fieldays chief Peter Nation of Tamahere and Dick Breukink of Cambridge are joining the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Board.

What a kerfuffle Bicycle Revolution

Cambridge’s popular Kerfuffle challenge around Lake Te Koo Utu with an obstacle packed course testing bike and adventure skills for young bike riders has been confirmed for next month. Toddlers on training wheels will find it a bit hard but all other cyclists would embrace the challenge, organisers say.

Flying high

Hamilton Airport operations

co-ordinator Karen Wilson was named Emerging Leader of the Year at the 2025 New Zealand Airport Awards. Hamilton Airport also won the Medium Airport Infrastructure Project of the Year for the refurbishment of its international terminal.

Freedom – and mum is back

By Mary Anne Gill

Susan O’Regan’s loss to Mike Pettit in the Waipā mayoralty clearly came as a shock, but a recent comment from her son Jack helped her see a silver lining.

“He said to me a while back, ‘Mum, I know that you want to win and I want you to win for you but I want you to lose for me because I want my Mum back.’ So, I can say to him you’ve got your mum back,”

Waipā’s first female and now only one-term mayor told The News on Saturday.

Just two hours earlier Waipā chief executive Steph O’Sullivan confirmed Pettit had been provisionally elected mayor. Last minute special votes were unlikely to change the outcome.

“This is not the outcome that I was seeking but I have utmost faith that the Waipā district will continue to lead the region, and we’ll see some really positive outcomes meted out as a result of the great decisions that have been made, not only by this council, but by councils before me.”

Her campaign focused on being a mayor for the whole district, while Pettit drew heavily on his Cambridge connections. He becomes the first mayor from the eastern side of Waipā for 24 years, following the late John Hewitt (1995-2001).

“I’ve always been clear that we can’t afford parochialism. We need to stop thinking short term, stop

thinking about the smaller issues and think about bigger, long-term strategic issues,” said O’Regan.

“One message from this election is that people may not fully understand the importance of that kind of thinking.”

O’Regan expressed disappointment at the loss of three strong female leaders: MatamataPiako’s Adrienne Wilcock, Waikato District’s Jacqui Church, and Waikato Regional Council chair Pamela Storey. She also lamented Waipā’s rejection of Māori wards.

“While I respect the voting public, I’m concerned that with such a low voter turnout we’re being swayed by small minority groups focused on short-term issues. That concerns me as a person who’s always wanted to think long-term.”

She declined to speculate on whether Pirongia’s Clare St Pierre split her vote.

“People vote where they find resonance - with a candidate’s story or promises. I believed people would value consistency, experience, and proven leadership over the alternative.”

At her Judge Valley farm home, the lounge was filled with family, friends and supporters. Son Ben surprised her by flying in from Queensland and husband John Hayward had the barbecue going with two joints of beef sizzling.

“When I invited everyone today, it was either going to be a reelection celebration or a freedom

celebration,” she said.

“I’ve made no secret of the toll that this role has taken on me and my family but I’ve learned a lot. I still love this district and am completely committed to its people.”

She smiled as she recalled tidying her office earlier in the week.

“I was actually a little bit excited about the prospect of not having to come back.”

O’Regan will continue in roles not tied to the mayoralty, including as

a Crown appointee on the Waikato River Authority and a board member of Sport Waikato. First, though, she plans to take a holiday.

“I’m looking forward to being with my family - being a mum and being Jack’s mum again.

“I’ve done the best job I could in really trying circumstances. I’m proud of my legacy. I know there are changes from this term that will echo into the future, and I feel privileged to have been part of that.”

Late drive swelled vote count

really good trustworthy people involved who deserve more influence than many parliamentarians.”

Kevin Howard was travelling around in his campervan and racing to beat the clock to get back to Te Awamutu to vote. He made it with eight minutes to spare.

Among them in Cambridge was Taupō MP Louise Upston, who grinned as she confessed to dropping in her son’s voting papers which had been left on the kitchen bench at home.

Also skidding in at the last minute was Karāpiro’s Leah Gillanders, and Canadian-born Hollie O’Halloran who suggested her busy life with the kids explained her delay in voting. A similar explanation came from Jessie Wright, who brought her children along, believing that son Joey, 7, and daughter Violet, 9, could learn something about the democratic process.

Anna Humphrys moved with her husband

and two children to Cambridge last year from Ngaio in Wellington and was keen to have her say but in the busyness of life had left the papers sitting on the kitchen bench until Saturday. She brought the papers into town – minus the envelopes - which council staff provided.

Earlier in both towns other Waipā staff, including chief executive Steph O’Sullivan and executive director Katie Mayes, wandered around carrying boards urging people to vote before noon. O’Sullivan and Mayes visited the Cambridge Farmers’ Market and both sides of Victoria St drawing bemused looks from some bystanders spotted by The News.

“It was a great vibe,” O’Sullivan said. “People were really engaged and excited to be part of the process. The drive-through voting was a real hit and helped make it easy for people to have their say right up until the deadline.”

•

Bech renews water debate

By Mary Anne Gill

Water is back on the table at Waikato District Council following Aksel Bech’s decisive mayoral victory over incumbent Jacqui Church.

Bech returns to the council where he previously served as deputy mayor before losing to Church three years ago. This time, he secured 12,148 votes - up from 6344 - while Church’s support dropped to 6994 from 7253.

Voter turnout in the Tamahere-Woodlands ward was close to 40 percent, but Bech wants changes, including online voting and aligning local elections with the national vote.

“You couldn’t go anywhere in Tamahere today to drop off your ballot papers,” he told The News from his Tamahere home on Saturday.

After three years out of office, Bech is eager to get up to speed on many issues, including water.

“I really favoured the previous model that we had with Water Care where effectively Waikato district retained all the assets and Water Care was a service provider under a 30-year contract.”

He has yet to fully examine the new arrangement with Hamilton City Council and Waikato Iawai - Flowing Waters, which now manages water, wastewater, and stormwater services for both councils.

The organisation plans to invest over $3 billion in infrastructure to support growth and maintain service levels.

“I understand the (old) model really, really well but I haven’t understood what the savings are compared to this new model.

“I am seriously concerned about the future cost of the targeted rates for three and two waters.

“We don’t want a situation of them (Iawai) just saying ‘here is your new rate, please pass it on’. So, setting up the right governance structure becomes really important,” said Bech.

Bech also wants transparency around consultant costs and is pleased new chief executive Craig Hobbs has reduced the size of the executive team. During the campaign, Bech

revealed the council’s annual salary bill had increased by $12.2 million.

He supports shared services over forced amalgamations and has already identified Newcastle-Ngāruawāhia councillor Eugene Patterson as his preferred deputy mayor — if Patterson is interested.

“I know that he’s very keen on the infrastructure role too,” said Bech.

So is TamahereWoodlands’ Mike Keir who was re-elected alongside

Crystal Beavis.

Keir had planned to step down if Church was re-elected but ended up as the ward’s top polling candidate.

Other priorities for Bech include Hamilton Airport, where Waikato is one of five local authority shareholders.

“They’ve been on board with a strategy to extract value from selling surplus land, but that might change,” he said.

He’s also concerned about the potential lapse of the runway extension project.

“We’ll never get that back again.”

Southern Links, a nationally significant road project connecting to the Waikato Expressway in Tamahere, is another looming issue. No decision has been made on where to start construction, but informed sources suggest beginning in Tamahere and replacing the Narrows Bridge.

“That’s Hamilton’s ring road—the back door to Peacockes—and all the interchanges in our district are based on modelling that predicts truck movements through this area,” Bech said.

Because of the alphabet

Bech and Church sat sideby-side for years on the council under former mayor Allan Sanson, who attended Bech’s mayoral celebration on Saturday.

“She would always come very well prepared, have read everything, made notations as to where she wanted to ask questions and so on. I have nothing but admiration for the passion and the work ethic that she brought with her for a very long time,” said Bech.

On the referendum result – Waikato voted to remove Māori wards – Bech said the people had decided and that was binding on the council.

Before officially starting his new term, Bech had 175 campaign signs spread across 400,000 hectares to remove - but he’s already focused on hitting the ground running.

Voters told him they wanted accountability and transparency. He plans to establish citizen assemblies and other forms of participatory democracy, while increasing decision-making powers for community boards and committees.

“We need a bit more truthfulness in the way we communicate,” he said.

Spring Festival in the City

Vetro is bringing the flavour of Spring to Hamilton CBD on Saturday, October 18th, 9am–3pm. The street will be closed and transformed into a vibrant festival space with food trucks, and live entertainment.

Feast on paella, Mizzoni Pizza, Pasta Paradiso, Delicious Dosa, Grumpy Baker goodies, Duck Island Icecream and more.

Bring your friends and family for a day of food, fun and festivity in the heart of the city! Rostrevor Street, Hamilton.

Meet your representatives

Waipā Mayor

Smart teen upscales Cambridge shopping with Comi

Comi, a bespoke new boutique run by and for the Gen-Z generation, is a welcome and long overdue addition to the local shopping scene.

Cambridge has become synonymous with speciality shopping, but until now there has been little to attract younger shoppers seeking contemporary streetwear that is both versatile and a ordable. They’ve had to head to the bigger centres to find the elevated basics that make them relatable with fellow GenZers and social media nomads.

Comi gives them a reason to stay put. It’s a clarion call to the town’s youth to meet up with a bunch of mates and source exactly what they want right in the heart of Cambridge, and if the fashion itself isn’t drawcard enough, the fact that Comi is run by one of their own – 17-year-old trailblazer Brookie Pilcher – is added enticement.

Comi has been something of a hot spot since it opened on August 8.

Tucked into the Laneway arcade that splits the two main shopping streets, good signage in both Victoria and Empire streets make it easy to find.

It was a bold and courageous move to open in the dead of winter, at a time of economic lag and deep in an arcade. Brookie came at it after months of fruitless searching for employment opportunities, so with her parents’ help – both of whom have extensive experience in the business world – she decided to kick o her long-held dream of opening her own fashion outlet, naming it Comi after her two dogs Coco and Milo.

“Fashion has always interested me, and I wanted to end up running my own business … I just didn’t think I’d be doing it at my age,” Brookie explains. “This is a great opportunity for me. I’m very excited to see where I can take it.”

All the important elements are in place – quality, ethics and style. Comi o ers a welcoming,

sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere in which to browse a selection of clothing items and lifestyle goodies carefully sourced from small businesses across New Zealand and Australia.

There are quality jeans, hoodies and t-shirts from numerous labels, trendy tops and trousers and plenty of elevated basics that make cutting-edge style attainable. Despite its youthful focus, the outlet has attracted shoppers across the ages.

Comi also stocks a range of accessories and gifts, including sunglasses from Australia, great jewellery, fragrances, fashion nails, stickers and a soon-tobe growing range of summer accessories.

Also coming on stream is a range for men – that will be in November.

Brookie’s long-term goal is to design her own range, but for now, this intimate boutique tucked away perfectly fills a gap in the market in Cambridge.

St Pierre – third but happy

By Jesse Wood

Clare St Pierre finished third out of three in the Waipā mayoralty race, but says it was an “amazing experience”

She retained her PirongiaKakepuku ward seat on council and is seen as a potential deputy to incoming mayor Mike Pettit.

Les Bennett is set to join her as the second ward representative, succeeding Bruce Thomas, who did not stand.

Although unsuccessful in her bid to become mayor, Pirongiabased and Te Rore-raised St Pierre said she learnt a lot from the campaign.

“It’s pretty daunting and demanding, but people really appreciate anyone putting their hand up and wanting to work for the community,” St Pierre said. “They’re very supportive and encouraging. I didn’t expect that.

“Then you realise the things that are important to people, don’t always match the things that have been brought to the council table.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed that I wasn’t successful, but all three mayoral candidates ran good campaigns. We stuck to the issues.”

Running for mayor took her council campaign to another level and it was a positive experience.

“It just affirms what an

amazing district we’ve got, that people that live here really care about it, want to see the best for it, and I just love being part of that.”

St Pierre said she’s pleased the voters in her ward have kept confidence in her as a representative.

“I’m really pleased that the ward I live in has continued to support me because this will mean I’m on for my fifth term,” St Pierre said.

“It says to me that I’ve

been doing the right thing, in the things I’ve been trying to promote, for the PirongiaKakepuku ward during the last three years.

“I really love representing the western and southern sides of the district, the rural communities. I grew up in a rural community. It’s a special part of the Waipā.

“A lot of people live in the rural area and they deserve to have a strong voice around the council table. I’m happy to do

that.”

St Pierre says if offered the deputy mayor role, she wouldn’t hesitate to take it on – “but obviously it’s still early days”.

“The more you get involved in council, the more you realise that there is the possibility to do more in that advocacy role, that more senior members of council can do. It is important. I feel like I’d do a great job of that,” St Pierre said.

Fellow Pirongia-Kakepuku ward councillor Bennett is part of the Better Waipā team, focussed on controlling expenses.

“I don’t know a lot about him but that was definitely my campaign platform too. So, we’re probably on the same page there.”

Bennett said it was a bit of a hard campaign and “a lot of dirt got thrown around”.

“It was a bit sad to see. Especially we had a few councillors that got into the swamp,” Bennett said.

“I suppose you’ve got to expect that, but we’ll have to get past that and work with them in council table.

“Hopefully we can make a bit of change and open up the communications with the community - that seems to be lacking - and get rid of some of the censorship that’s been going on in council,” Bennett said.

Why such a low turnout?

By Jesse Wood

The election elephant in the room has been low voter turnout and councillors are wanting to know why.

New Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Ward councillor Shane Walsh said everyone should have their say.

“I thought this year that the percentage would be higher because of the huge rate increases that people have been facing,” Walsh said. “I thought people would be thinking, we need to vote. We need to have a say. But it didn’t occur.

“I’m lost for words in terms of why that would be the case. I’ve learned that in Australia, it’s compulsory to vote. If you don’t vote, you get fined.”

Walsh is one of two new Te Awamutu-Kihikihi representatives who join Marcus Gower. Lou Brown lost his seat in a bid for a third term.

Fellow newbie Dean Taylor said he hoped that with rising costs, dissatisfaction with some of the things that were happening and rate increases over the last couple of years people would be highly motivated to vote.

“But it seems not and it’s a bit distressing,” Taylor said.

“If your voting papers are still in your letterbox right now, being eaten by snails, you obviously haven’t voted. We need to find out why.”

Taylor said he thinks it’s part of not being involved in the community.

“One of the things I noticed when I was delivering my leaflets, was I was putting leaflets in letterboxes that were already full of other stuff - voting papers, mail, newspapers, pamphlets - jamming letterboxes, why aren’t people aren’t collecting that?

“It worries me, because if you’re not collecting your mail, if you’re not looking at what’s coming to your house, then you’re not invested in your community.

men in business

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Who’s the deputy?

By Peter Carr

Sitting out last week in the greater Wellington area I watched the death throes of the election from afar – by way of my small knee-perched tablet.

So, working backwards, first the result – at least the position as it stood on Sunday – the day after voting closed.

Unless a thunderbolt descends from the Almighty, we have a new (and Cambridgebased) mayor – the first for many years. Take heart there is someone at the helm who understands the local scene here in this rapidly expanding town.

A multitude of new expanding housing areas is covering pristine land and a major review of traffic-related interest is under way. And the ‘new’ bridge is but one part of that exercise.

Turning to the elected Cambridge ward councillors the top two were no surprise and sit in safe situations. However, the next six (who can only claim two seats) will no doubt eagerly await more formal count results later this week.

In summary - with a new face crowning the mayoral chain-laden shoulders - two new councillors with no local body experience and four ‘newbies’ on the community board we are in for an interesting time. With several heavy promises personally made to obtain the votes the road ahead may become rocky. As my French master of many years ago would remind us in the Lower Third form ‘plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose’ (Francophiles forgive me for the lack of requisite adornments to two of the letters). Translated ‘the more things change the more they stay the same’.

In other words, if the new mayor is going to pull a rabbit out of the hat and markedly

re-arrange the fiduciary aspects of the council’s performance he will need to carry a large majority of the new council with him.

His choice of deputy will be interesting and one of his recent opponents in the election carries a worthwhile experience of financial management. I have a concern that the transfer of $200 million of debt, in due course, to the new water management entity will encourage those around the large table to see this refreshed balance sheet value as a reason to launch out towards extravagant objectives.

The Maōri ward result was a surprise to me, and I regret the way it has turned out.

Putting aside the negative race-based rhetoric of some I have always thought there was merit in having someone who can bring the indigenous voice into an open and fair forum and in a quiet and professional manner that is sadly missing in our national parliament.

That said I am pleased that the Waipawide ward will still be in place until October 2028.

That Waipa – and the greater majority of districts (and regions) - failed to entice a worthwhile voting percentage speaks volumes - not the least of which is directly related to the meddling by Wellington seated politicians and government departments. Given a decent budget and a clear road ahead local body politicians can move mountains.

They are earnest, honest and generally devoid of national politics. That said the Act party have meddled this time around with mainly mixed success.

We say… Back to the future

Three years ago, The News’ post local body election coverage highlighted the fact Waipā, Waikato and Matamata Piako districts, Hamilton city and the Waikato Regional Council all had women leaders.

This week none have those roles in local body politics.

Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate retired, district mayors Susan O’Regan (Waipā), Jacqui Church (Waikato) and Adrienne Wilcock (Matamata-Piako) were rolled –and regional chair Pamela Storey lost her Waikato constituency seat.

Those results will be in no small part a signal of electorates unhappy with rate rises – despite the best efforts of those leaders to get the balance right in a time of rising costs.

It’s back to the future in the case of Matamata-Piako and Waikato - the incoming mayors finished second three years ago - while in Waipā the new mayor was pictured on the hustings with the previously ousted mayor Jim Mylchreest.

Without the knowledge of a breakdown of where the votes went, it is prudent to note that in Cambridge, with an electorate of just over 16,000, more than 44 per cent voted.

It was in Cambridge that the council had some of its most difficult times in the last three years with unpopular decisions on making streets more pedestrian and cycle friendly, and a proposed route to a new bridge – branded the Blue Blob – which prompted an angry public gathering.

Overall, 41.25 per cent of voters turned out in Waipā – compared with 39.65 per cent in 2022.

As with every election, talented local body politicians are rejected, and voters take a punt on both experienced and inexperienced campaigners.

Waipā, Matamata-Piako and Waikato district voters rejected Māori seats, and few should be surprised, even if there has been a softening of the no vote. As a barometer, in New Plymouth 52.6 per cent of voters rejected a Māori ward this time – compared to 83 per cent 11 years ago.

Waipā has lost a skilled politician with the defeat of O’Regan and new mayor Mike Pettit has a challenge to guide the ship in a different direction having been supportive of the previous leader before showing his hand and standing for the top job.

Three years ago, Waipā welcomed in a new mayor and deputy in Liz Stolwyk. They went their separate ways in more ways than one - Stolwyk stood for one of two Waipā-King Country seats on the regional council and was involved in a tight race with incumbent Stu Kneebone as this edition went to press. Garry Reymer topped the poll by some distance.

This paper has supported Māori wards, arguing that democracy works very well for the majority but muffles the voice of the minority.

Candidates for those seats which will now disappear in three years might considerer the influence Te Pati Māori’s performance in the House had on the electorate – but at the same time, it might also be asked what efforts were made to show the benefits to electorates of having a Māori voice at the table.

A pause, and then a pump

By Viv Posselt

An emotional Mike Pettit took a tearful moment to gather his thoughts before announcing his win to supporters on Saturday.

Standing high on a box, his back to the open doors of the Gillies St venue he used to host his election party, Pettit wiped his eyes, fist-pumped the air and expressed his deep gratitude to “all you amazing people I have met on this journey”.

“Yeah … wow, sh.. !” he exclaimed. “It seems I have a new job!”

“I want to give a huge thanks to all those folks who have got behind me from the get-go… everyone who has helped get me to this point.”

The call had come from Waipā chief executive Steph O’Sullivan just minutes earlier, but an overwhelmed Pettit took a few moments for himself to let the news sink in.

“It’s all the little bits that have pushed me over the line, and I’m very grateful.”

He spoke of being jolted into action to stand for the top slot after being asked some time ago why he hadn’t already put his hand up for the mayoralty.

Speaking to The News a few minutes after

addressing his supporters, Pettit praised the other two mayoral candidates, Susan O’Regan and Clare St Pierre, for having run good campaigns.

He said once he had made his mind up to stand, there were no moments of doubt around what he was doing and why.

“When you commit to something, you commit, but I wasn’t really focusing on this end point, to be honest. I was just focused on getting the messaging out there and getting the job done.

“But yeah, I guess there were a few nerves around today. You could say there was a long, very pregnant pause when I was first told.”

He admits that leaving the school environment after being a principal for 31 years will be something of a sea-change but knows Cambridge Primary School is in good hands with wife Nic Pettit currently viceprincipal.

Working with a new council team is something he is looking forward to.

“Even with a few changes it is going to be a new team, and I’m ready for that. What won’t be changing is that I can’t sit still for long … I’ll be out and about talking to people whenever I can.”

IT’S DISCOUNT TIME

ARE YOU A WAIPĀ NETWORKS CUSTOMER?

Waipā Networks customers will receive their second discount for 2025 later this month.

So far this year, we’ve returned around $2.8 million to homes and businesses across the Waipā district. If you were connected to Waipā Networks and registered with an electricity retailer as of 23 October 2025, you’ll qualify for a discount. This will appear on your next electricity bill.

As a customer-owned network by the Waipā Networks Trust, we’re proud to return value directly to our customers. It’s all part of our commitment to keeping every dollar local and supporting the region we call home.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Visit waipanetworks.co.nz or call 0800 800 769 to learn more about how customer discounts work.

It’s a no to housework

By Viv Posselt

Roger Gordon was at Mike Pettit’s election party when he got the call telling him he had been successful in retaining his Waipā District Council Cambridge ward seat.

After throwing his arms in the air in a gesture of relief, he threw them around wife Jo, without whose consenting ‘nod’ he wouldn’t have entered the fray at all.

Now Gordon is looking forwards to another three years working with whatever council is formed to advance Cambridge’s various causes, and Jo is looking forward to having her man busy and out of the house.

“If he wasn’t, chances are he’d sit at home and tell me he knows all about housework… he hasn’t done any for 50 odd years,” she laughed.

“I’m looking forwards to more debates and discussions around the council table,” Roger Gordon said. “But I do realise that regardless of what I think should happen, it has to be collaborative. Jo and I were in business for many years… we could control the decisions made. That doesn’t happen in council.”

He admitted to having new ideas bubbling away in his head and said Cambridge had been up against some real challenges over the past three years, some of it generating strong responses from the community.

“It’s been a period of time when a lot has happened, but I’m excited to see where this new council takes us. It will be all go from here on … and, of course, I’m mindful that Jo doesn’t want to see me under her feet.”

On the Hustings – with Mary Anne Gill

Fresh start, stalwarts gone

And that’s it, the people have spoken.

Maybe not in their droves, but we’ve had our say.

A new mayor. Stalwarts like Susan O’Regan, Lou Brown and Philip Coles gone from the Waipā District Council.

The Māori ward is consigned to history in three years’ time. A crop of fresh faces is on the Cambridge Community Board –with Andrew Myers the notable exception - and the winner of the best portrait campaign photo got in on the Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board.

Website statistics since September 9, when voting began, gave Good Local Media a taster for who and what readers were interested in. Unfortunately, they did not tell us who would win.

In Cambridge, the top election story was ‘Waipā council’s last stand’. Second was ‘The friendly five’, about Waikato District Council’s Tamahere-Woodlands candidates. Third was Stu Kneebone’s candidate Q&A page, followed by Liz Stolwyk’s and Clyde Graf’s.

Other top-performing Cambridge stories included: Cambridge candidates and Cambridge Community Board candidates in their own words, Garry Reymer’s candidate page, ‘O’Regan does it again’, ‘Principal in the clear’ and Regional council candidates’ views.

The other best performing individual candidate pages were in order: Hope Spooner, Pip Kempthorne, Mike Pettit, Dave Marinkovich, Stuart Matthews, Charlotte FitzPatrick, Stuart Hylton, Ian Hayton, Susan O’Regan, Aidhean Camson, Karla Lugatiman and Aksel Bech. Several weeks ago, we

asked award-winning photographer Christine Cornege to pick her top portrait shots, and she went with Hope Spooner, Jo Davies-Colley, Peter Mayall, Charlotte FitzPatrick and Aksel Bech as her top five from the Cambridge News. Only Mayall, and potentially Spooner, missed out on election.

And in Te Awamutu she chose Liam Bullen, who was elected to the community board.

Digital marketing expert Josh Moore chose Clare St Pierre, Garry Reymer, Barry Quayle and Crystal Beavis portraits as his best. Three of the four got in. In King Country, Cornege went for Liz Stolwyk’s portrait.

Despite strong efforts by Māori ward candidatesDale-Maree Morgan and Yvonne Waho – nearly 7000 voters opted to remove the ward from 2028.

Morgan was re-elected and will serve a final term. She and husband Steve Hutt have also been elected onto the Ngāruawāhia Community Board.

Sources tell us there was quite the party going on in

Gillies Street on Saturday night where Mike Pettit hosted friends, family and supporters. Our own Viv Posselt left at a respectable hour – she had copy to file for our online platforms.

Among the glitterati were Tauranga mayor Mahé Drysdale and former mayor Jim Mylchreest.

A big high five to Waipā District Council staff for their Saturday morning efforts to get people voting.

In both Te Awamutu and Cambridge, they donned sandwich boards, orange high-vis, and wheeled orange bins around to collect last-

minute votes before polling closed at noon.

The News saw many young families, including newcomers to the district, making the effort

We saw the same commitment from Hamilton City Council staff a fortnight ago in Garden Place, where they partnered with Your Neighbourhood to highlight the importance of councils in our lives.

They were helped by a false fire alarm at Centre Place, which sent shoppers spilling into the council display - featuring Neighbourhood Watch,

libraries, emergency planning, water, and swimming pools. The crowd favourite? Two diggers where children could move sand from one side of a square to the other.

Brilliant stuff.

Good luck to all our newly-elected representatives – The News has kept copies of your promises, your social media postings and will be keeping a close eye on you all.

And to those who missed out, good on you for putting your names forward. It is never easy to stick your head out of the sand, so well done.

New entrance opens

Long-time Te Awa Lifecare residents Barbara Edgecombe (left) and Gayle MacMillan cut the ribbon to officially open the retirement village’s new entrance on Arikura Lane last week. The project has been more than two years in the making and was dependent on Waipā District Council completing a roundabout, which includes two new underpasses for pedestrians, cyclists, and mobility scooter users providing direct access to the village midway between Cambridge and the Velodrome.

The newly named road into the village – honouring a significant Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā pā site located on the nearby banks of the Waikato River and at the southernmost terrace of the property – now leads from the roundabout into the retirement facility and its 200 residents.

The old entrance on Cambridge Road is now closed with the land behind it being put back into grass for the retirement village’s sheep.

The last users of the old entrance and the first users of the new exit were attendees at the monthly UA3 meeting in the village’s Woolshed facility. Guest speaker was Simon Keable-Elliott who spoke about his grandfather, World War 1 chaplain Robert Keable and his scandalous novel.

10:05am, Building alarm and evacuation, Hanlin Rd

9:55am, Cardiac Arrest, Bryce Street

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

4:15pm, Rubbish fire, Kaipaki Rd SATURDAY

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

12:48pm, Building alarm and evacuation, Queen St SUNDAY

FRIDAY

12:49pm, Fire in the vicinity, Williamson St

MONDAY

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

4:41pm, Building alarm and evacuation, Clare St

SUNDAY

3:53am, Medical assistance, Karapiro Road

7:52pm, Cardiac arrest, Burns St 10:07pm, Electrical box fire, Dominion Avenue

Power play

Waipā Networks and The Lines Company staff will be competing at the threeday Annual Connection 2025 event in Christchurch starting next Tuesday. The event, organised by training provider Connexis, involves a series of skills-based challenges for line mechanic crews and cable jointers from the country’s electricity supply companies.

Little libraries

The Waikato Literacy Association celebrated International Literacy Day earlier this month with two new Little Libraries built by the Cambridge MenzShed. Two association member schools will receive the Little Libraries which will be installed on their school grounds as a free book swap space for students.

Highest honour

Former Waikato University chancellor Sir Anand Satyanand was awarded an Honorary Doctorate on Tuesday for his significant contributions to the university and to the people of New Zealand. Sir Anand was chancellor from 2019 to June this year and helped set the university’s direction with strong leadership, commitment and courage.

Rock winners

Te Awamutu Intermediate band Thursday’s Cancelled has picked up the top prize at the Rockshop Bandquest. More than 300 bands took part in the 24 regional events and the final was staged online with regional winners submitting video performances. The line up of Maraeroa Te Kanawa, Zita Harpur, Ronan Hinchliffe, Frances Bowmar and Ryan Tonks won a $2000 credit with NZ Rockshop.

Jumble record set

By Viv Posselt

Cambridge’s Jumble Around op-shop has done it again.

It has broken all previous records with its 2025 distribution, having just handed out $220,000 to 97 not-for-profit organisations and groups in the Cambridge area. Last year, the op-shop distributed $200,000.

Jumble Around president Marianne Jarvie is delighted, particularly as their own costs have risen over the past year and there are now more opshops competing in the same market.

“With rising operating costs, we have had to work harder to achieve this profit. Many of our committee work after hours washing and cleaning items for sale so we can obtain the best possible prices,” she told The News last week.

Jarvie said many of the groups rely heavily on funds from Jumble Around to continue operating.

“When people donate their good quality items to us, we can guarantee our recipients will receive ongoing support from us year after year. Everyone who works in Jumble Around is a volunteer, which makes this a very special outlet.”

Jumble Around started in 1968 in the old Leamington

Hall. It was set up initially to help support the construction of Cambridge Resthaven; once that was built, the decision was made to keep it going to raise funds for the benefit of the wider community. It has returned well over a million dollars to the community.

Organisations and groups go through a funding application process each year. Among the larger recipients this year are the Philips Search and Rescue Trust, Cambridge Community House and the Cambridge Community Menzshed. Others include Riding for the Disabled, Kiwi Outreach, Interlock Trust, Cambridge St John, schools and other support groups.

Another recipient group, the Cambridge Blind and Low Vision Support Group, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. Two

of their members, Gaye Miller and Kitty Higgins, said the $3500 the group received will be immensely helpful in meeting various needs, including the support of their volunteer drivers.

The Mana Hapori Charitable Trust received $3000 this year. One of their team members, Ngaio Gillies, said they were very grateful for the funding, much of which will this year be channelled into providing school lunches in the Cambridge area.

Jarvie said those two organisations were among several who invited Jumble Around volunteers to share their special events during the year by way of thanking them.

“We are very grateful to those groups who share their appreciation of what we do. It means a lot to us.”

What is ‘true’ beauty?

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

The old saying, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” was illustrated last month at a Christies’ art auction held in Hong Kong. A 1944 painting created by famous Spanish painter and sculptor, Pablo Picasso was auctioned, selling for $HK196.75 million…that’s a staggering $44 million in New Zealand dollars!

Christies’ result, as top art dealers in the Asian market left me boggled at the price-tag art commands, while wondering if it was love for its beauty, or love for its investment potential that was the motivation!?

My appreciation of art is broad - but not all encompassing. Finding art beautiful and appealing is after all, subjective and about personal perception. There’s many works by Picasso that I appreciate but this particular oil painting on canvas titled, ‘Buste de femme,’ done in the abstract geometric style known as Cubism, is among those I find unappealing…owning it however would be amazing because of whose signature is on the work!

Universal benchmarks don’t really apply for objectively determining value or beauty for anything in life. So…what causes us to put value on certain things – and why will one person perceive something as eminently desirable, whereas another won’t? Circumstances and life-experiences can shape what an individual values above everything.

I’ve written before about a rich, older lady on board the Titanic as it was sinking. She insisted on returning to her stateroom, exasperating crew members trying to usher her onto a lifeboat. They assumed her quest lay in retrieving diamonds or costly jewellery— rather, she returned clasping several oranges.

Crisis, compels the re-evaluation of

priorities! In times of health and plenty, complacency abounds.

Right now, humanity faces a critical, desperate ’spiritual’ crisis which most fail to even grasp.

Like the woman clutching her oranges, our plight is perilous.

You see, we all carry the sentence of death as a result of our sin — that means eternal separation from God. The good news is that Jesus Christ was nailed to a cross taking upon Himself our death penalty sentence. In that dreadful occurrence, Jesus suffered as OUR substitute, making an ‘exchange’ possible.

He demonstrated unsurpassed love for us in His beautiful act of atoning mercy. The prophet Isaiah described it this way, “His appearance was so disfigured, beyond that of any human being and His form marred beyond human likeness…He had no form or majesty that we should look at Him, and no beauty that we should desire Him.” (Isaiah 52:14 & 53:2)

In other words, Jesus not only became sin for us; He became ‘ugly’ for us. The ugliness of all our sin was placed upon Jesus as He bore in His bodily torments, the penalty for our sin. At that moment it was hard to look at Jesus, yet in this life-changing moment, what Jesus accomplished is beautiful and precious beyond anything else. Our forgiveness and reconciliation to God has been made possible.

It’s true, ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’…maybe you’ve never seen the inherent beauty in Jesus, missing the eternal value and importance of all that He offers you. With fresh eyes and an open repentant heart, will you take another look?

ON SHAKY GROUND

A new chapter begins

By Janine Krippner

Last week I took a short hiatus from this column as I had a busy time moving down to Wellington, and I have had a fairly typical welcome. I had emotionally prepared myself for the wind, and just as well! Several nights now the wind has woken me, and my long hair has experienced some… more natural styling. The wind really roars here, at times shaking the house with some of the heftier gusts, it’s incredible to feel and hear nature in action. At least, that is how I am choosing to look at it.

Looking for a place of my own to live, I have been conscious of my thoughts as I go as someone who happens to spend a lot of time thinking about hazards and disasters. I don’t find this line of thinking stressful or dramatic; I tend to take a practical approach. I know that those who experience dramatic events like earthquakes, eruptions, and tsunamis often say that they didn’t imagine it would happen to them, so I don’t have the comfort of believing that it won’t happen to me. I also know that what we do shapes our experience during and after these events. We are not powerless.

The gorgeous, wild landscape across the Wellington region is shaped by several fault lines, which have formed the hills and gullies that funnel the impressive winds. As a geologist, I can look at a map and trace the linear landscape features that are the faults themselves.

The flatter areas are more desirable for living, but they come with their own risks, like the possibility of tsunami inundation or even being built on top of a fault. I have

driven across the blue lines across the roads that mark where I should be passing up hill if we find ourselves under a tsunami threat. If I find myself in a low-lying area and I feel a long or strong earthquake, I will be heading above those blue lines, hopefully along with everyone else around me.

I am aware that there’s a higher chance of experiencing a significant earthquake down here, and how I experience an event might also be impacted by where I end up living. Different areas experience varying levels of shaking depending on the underlying geology, but in any case, preparedness is the key.

Essentially, my own actions will greatly impact my experience if a significant earthquake and/or tsunami were to occur. I already have a bag in my car with first-aid supplies and anything else I might need if I get stranded, whether due to a car breakdown or something like a landslide. Once I find my own place, making sure I have the right preparedness items on hand will be a priority. I will give you an update on how that process goes.

There’s no shortage of inspiration for topics to write about down here, from the steps communities are taking to prepare themselves, to conversations with the many hazards and disaster experts who live and work in the region. I look forward to sharing with you what I learn in this next chapter of life in the land of wind and fault lines.

100-plus on quake register

By Jesse Wood

More than 100 buildings now deemed “earthquakeprone” in Waipā and King Country will be reviewed when new legislation is introduced.

Waipā has about 62 buildings on the Earthquake Prone Buildings Register, held by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the King Country region has 40.

Ōhaupō Memorial Hall, Regent Theatre Te Awamutu and St Peter’s Catholic Church in Cambridge are on the list, as are the Piopio Senior Citizens Association and Mokauiti Hall.

The government plans to replace the country’s earthquake-prone building assessment system with a risk-based approach. It is expected about 2900 buildings will be removed from the register, saving more than $8.2 billion.

After the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Act 2016 was introduced, making major changes to the way earthquake-prone buildings were identified and managed under the Building Act, more than 8000 buildings were added the

register.

“As a council, we’ve already completed seismic assessments on a small number of our own buildings, like the Cambridge Museum, Ōhaupō Memorial Hall and the Roche Street office and Museum building,” outgoing Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan told The News last week.

“These reforms won’t change our duty and responsibility to address genuine risks, but they should allow for more proportionate, staged solutions that keep people safe without undue compliance costs.”

Unreinforced masonry buildings under three storeys in small and rural towns of less than 10,000 people will no longer require remediation or warning notices.

Owners must still secure the facade before the building can be removed from the earthquake-prone register.

This change recognises that the risk of a facade falling on a pedestrian is simply lower in communities with fewer than 10,000 residents than it is in larger urban centres,

because there are fewer people on the streets.

“Priority buildings” definition will also be narrowed to include only those blocking emergency routes and those with unreinforced masonry facades in high pedestrian/ vehicle traffic areas.

Hospitals, schools and

fire stations will no longer automatically qualify as priority buildings.

There are 41 Cambridge buildings, 17 in Te Awamutu, three in Ōhaupō and one in Kihikihi on the register.

In the King Country, there are 19 buildings on the register in Te Kūiti, 13 in

Let’s dance…

Ōtorohanga, three in Piopio and two in Aria as well as one each in Hangatiki, Kāwhia and Mōkau.

Waitomo District Council has listed buildings in Te Kūiti, Piopio, Aria, Hangatiki, Mōkau but has identified additional buildings that required further assessment prior to

being issued an earthquake prone building notice. They have until the end of 2027 to issue the notices to those building owners, but given the announcement, they have chosen not to issue these until the new legislation is finalised and they have clarity on their obligations.

Hub gets some love

By Jesse Wood

The focal point of Roto-o-Rangi – the community hall – is getting some love.

The Roto-o-Rangi Memorial Hall committee are preserving the history of their beloved 87-year-old building while bringing locals together.

Grants and sponsorship co-ordinator Lynda Curin was on the committee 30 years ago and has reignited her involvement in the last three years.

“I’m very passionate about the hall and the community. I want the hall to be there for my grandchildren and further generations to come,” Curin said.

“My own family have had a wedding, a 21st, a 60th, an engagement and lots of good times in the hall. It means a lot to me.”

The small village between Cambridge and Te Awamutu has many residents who are proud of their hall and keeping it relevant.

Curin, chairperson Graeme Norvill and the other six committee members are working hard to raise money, make improvements and keep the community spirit alive.

‘Friends of the hall’, volunteers who help when needed, also put in countless hours.

Indoor bowls is one of the committee’s latest ventures. Table tennis and a book exchange are also on the cards.

“The book exchange is outside the front entrance of the hall. Any donations of books would be great. People will be able to pop down and swap a book,” Curin said.

“It’s another way of getting people down to the hall to have a bit of a chat.

“We’ve recently had children’s parties, a 21st, a funeral, a wedding and there’s a playground for kids too. It’s a real asset for

the school as well. Use is starting to pick up.

“The hall is the hub of the community. When there is an event on or a social, it’s lovely.”

The Roto-o-Rangi hall is only one of three in the Waipā district to not receive council funding.

For some years, the committee have asked the community for a yearly $50 donation to ensure the hall remains in the care and ownership of the Roto-o-Rangi residents.

Householders are more than welcome to make further donations as the building needs upgrades to keep it going for future generations.

“Most of the other areas have their hall levy incorporated into their rates, which we don’t,” Curin said.

“We are raising money to replace the ceiling in the supper room. We had a quiz night with Matt Hicks last year, which brought in some funds to help with that.

“We have a lot of rotten boards on the hall that need fixing, painting, a roof that needs to be replaced. All sorts of things on the hall that need to be upgraded.”

On November 1, the committee is hosting a Maize Paddock Fun Day at the Curin’s farm on Norwegian Rd.

They’re hoping to entice at least 200 motocross riders to race on different courses.

“It’s on our farm and we are taking the grass off prior to the event. Afterwards, we’ll plant the paddocks with maize,” Curin said.

“Went want people from across the region to come along, have fun and the hall benefits from the day.”

They’ve had plenty of community backing from sponsors. Funds will be raised

from entries as well as an all-day barbeque and a coffee cart.

“Money is tight out there but the businesses in Cambridge and Te Awamutu that have supported us, big and small, have been amazing.”

In 2026, the committee is planning “a good country social” with The Bruised Brothers Band, formed by Cambridge Rotary members.

“We can’t wait for them to come and play,” Curin said.

“It’s just getting the community together. The community own the hall. It’s their hall and we want them to enjoy it.

“The committee would like to enhance the community spirit and use the hall as it was intended by the original committee of 1938.”

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY • FARMING EMPLOYMENT PERSONAL

Dogs dress up for love in Cambridge

By Jesse Wood

Dogs and owners from all walks of life gathered at Cambridge Raceway for the Great Global Greyhound Walk.

The Waipā-based event placed first in New Zealand last month, numbers wise, courtesy of 72 sighthounds attending.

Sighthounds include greyhounds, lurchers, deerhounds, salukis, Afghan hounds, Italian greyhounds, Ibizan hounds, podencos, galeos, whippets, borzoi, Wolfhounds and sloughi.

Organised by Jenny Bartlett and the Shoebox Appeal, this marked the third time Cambridge has hosted a segment of the international movement.

The annual event started in the United Kingdom in 2010 and went global in 2014.

On the same day, throughout the world there were 659 walks in 47 countries, involving 16,562 sighthounds. Cambridge placed 40th in the world.

“In New Zealand we had 23 walks and a total of 496 sighthounds,” Bartlett said.

“It was huge. It’s really cool to be part of a global event to showcase our retired racers and other sighthounds.”

This year’s event at the raceway also served as an adoption information day.

Three retired dogs found new homes via May Hounds rehoming agency.

animals are,” Bartlett said.

“Even if people that have greyhounds had questions to ask, we had professionals on hand, helping with questions and answers. It was a very good day.”

The theme was love and plenty of awards were dished out.

Best dressed, furthest travelled and newest adoption were among the categories.

“The newest adoption was from only a week before and she’s got that dog in Cambridge,” Bartlett said.

“The one that travelled the furthest was a gorgeous little 7-year-old named Ariel and she was a pink fairy because it was dress up time.

greyhounds. She had them all done up with red tutus and had little sticky hearts on their coats and foreheads.

“People really went for it, they got right into it.”

Next year all the “weird and wonderfuls” will arrive for the theme of Mythical Mutts - an Armageddon Expo-like event for sighthounds.

“It was fabulous seeing and meeting dogs that I knew when they raced, now retired in their forever homes,” Bartlett said.

“The biggest thing at the end of day, is seeing how many wonderful people are adopting these amazing dogs. That’s the key to it – and it’s not slowing down.

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“It gave us an opportunity for people to meet these dogs and see what great

“The dogs that won it were amazing. It was a woman that had five

“If you are not in a position to adopt a dog then please consider fostering one.”

Cambridge High’s style class

By Steph Bell-Jenkins

A designer from a New Zealand action sports and streetwear clothing company helped to create Cambridge High School’s new uniform.

“We worked with the

design team from SAS – the designer was from streetwear label Ilabb – to create the new range,” principal Greg Thornton said.

“It has landed well so far with positive response to the design. I am getting really

good feedback from the students in particular. They love the new design, the new look and feel of the fabric.”

The makeover began in late 2023, after the school’s board got feedback from students unhappy with the existing uniform.

“Feedback from students was a uniform that didn’t work in so many ways,” Thornton said.

“Once we started engaging, we realised a lot was wrong with it –jackets that weren’t warm or waterproof. Polos, white shirts, trousers and the fit, cut and fabric were all

wrong.

“Across our sports codes we had a such a variety of uniforms that it was really difficult to see who represented CHS across the codes. So it became obvious we needed to re-design the look.”

He said the re-design created a chance to tell the school’s story and build on the belonging and connection theme in its house system, while modernising garments.

The new uniform was split into a junior uniform with navy shirts and blouses for students in years

9-11, and a senior uniform with light blue shirts and blouses for year 12 and 13 students.

Fabric had stretch to improve comfort and moveability.

Shorts were slightly longer, trousers more tailored, and skirts A-line for a better fit.

A new jersey brings the navy and light blue colours of the junior and senior uniforms together, “visually tying together the year levels”.

The school jacket is now fleece-lined and waterproof. There is also a dark navy

blazer, not for purchase, which will be gifted to members of the student executive.

Thornton said students had been canvassed throughout the re-design process and their feedback incorporated.

“This will be a much better uniform, and we have options to help families with the finances if that is needed,” he said.

New uniform items will be compulsory for years 9, 12 and 13 in 2026 and optional for years 10 and 11. From 2027 they will be compulsory for all students.

New scholarship empowers dairy women

By Chris Gardner

Dairy Women’s Network has launched a new scholarship fund designed to support and empower members with leadership development.

The fund, supported by veterinary diagnostic tools and software provider Idexx, aims to break down systemic barriers and increase the representation of women in decision-making roles across the dairy industry. Applications are now open for the initiative that will

award scholarships up to a total of $10,000 per year, over five years.

The fund’s total commitment of $50,000 will create sustained impact by enabling women members of the network to access leadership training, courses, conferences, and mentorship programs.

Hamilton-based Dairy Women’s Network chief executive Jules Benton described the scholarship as a meaningful initiative.

“We know that leadership capability among women

is not lacking—it’s the opportunities and resources that often are,” she said.

“This fund helps bridge that gap.”

The scholarships are intended to support a range of leadership development activities such as training, conferences, mentorships, and further education.

Recipients will also benefit from strengthened networks and support structures, positioning them for success in governance and management roles within the sector.

his company was passionate about supporting the people who shape the future of farming.

“Partnering with Dairy Women’s Network to launch this scholarship fund is especially meaningful, it helps open doors for women in the dairy sector to step into leadership roles and make their mark. We’re excited to see the impact these scholarships will have on individuals, their businesses, and the wider industry.

Smooth roads ahead

By Jon Rawlinson

Work continues on a major road renewal programme across the Waikato, Waipā, Bay of Plenty and King Country.

From now until March, road workers are undertaking a significant rebuild programme on state highways including the Waikato Expressway, south of Cambridge, and SH3 near Te Awamutu.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) project is running alongside resealing and resurfacing work throughout the region and is an addition to regular summer maintenance.

The road renewal programme will help prevent further deterioration, reducing costs and minimising disruptions, NZTA’s Waikato system manager, Andrew Oakley, said.

“This summer, we’re targeting the renewal of approximately 112 lane kilometres across the Waikato, excluding the State Highway 1 Tīrau to Waiouru project. This work is essential

to maintain the quality and safety of our state highways and to ensure all road users have a smoother and safer journey.”

Inevitably, roadworks will delay travellers in the short term, but such disruption will be kept to a minimum, Oakley said.

“We know closures on the state highway network are inconvenient, however it’s important that we’re able to get essential rebuild work done when it needs to be done, in the warmer weather.”

Fair weather enables work to be completed faster, reducing delays overall and improving resilience, he said.

At least 10 road rebuilds are planned alongside widespread asphalt resurfacing.

“By the end of the project in 2026, we’ll have rebuilt 66km of SH1 in total. This work is lifting the road to a much higher standard, meaning less disruptions and less maintenance

needed in the future.”

In addition to the road renewal project, NZTA is taking a pot shot at potholes. The State Highway Pothole Prevention Fund is helping ensure potholes are fixed within 24 hours.

“In the Waikato, we’ve repaired 9312 potholes and more than 97 per cent of these were fixed within 24 hours,” Oakley said.

“The goal for this fund is simple – to get our state highways and local roads up to the safe and reliable standard Kiwis expect so they can spend less time worrying about potholes and more time enjoying the ride.”

While works are underway, NZTA is asking motorists to slow down, adhere to road signs and above all exercise a little patience.

“Our crews will be working long hours, day and night, while many are enjoying their summer road trips,” Oakley said. “Slowing down through work zones helps keep everyone safe.

Rugby rivals rally for brigade

Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade has received $31,100 from Leamington Rugby Club following a fundraiser. The fundraiser was a rugby match between the Leamington senior rugby team and Eastern Suburbs whose team included All Black Lima Sopoaga.

“Although Leamington came second on the day, it was a fantastic event filled with fun and community spirit, all for a great cause,” said Leamington Rugby Sports club chair Dave Peters.

Jonny Schick of Shaws Wire Ropes donated personalised rugby jerseys for the Leamington team – each proudly displaying the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade logo –which were auctioned off in aid of the brigade.

The club also ran a barbecue and refreshments throughout the afternoon.

The money raised will go towards several upcoming brigade projects currently in the pipeline.

CHRISTMAS PARADE FLOAT ENTRY

Sunday 7 December 2025, at 2.00pm

Please complete the following in BLOCK letters and tick where applicable:

‡ FLOAT Dimensions _____________ long by ____________ wide by ____________ high

‡ WALKING No. of Participants _____________________________________________________

‡ OTHER No. of Participants ___________________

‡ Please describe e.g. Cycling/Marching/Animals _______________________________

‡ SOUND Do you intend to have music/sirens etc? Yes No

Tell us great things about your club/group/school/business

(This information will be used to introduce your float/organisation on the day)

All floats and participants must be decorated or costumed appropriately

(The only exception to this rule can be the vehicle driver)

A SIGN WRITTEN VEHICLE IS NOT A FLOAT

As this float's official representative I hereby sign that I/we have read and agree to adhere to the Christmas Parade Terms & Conditions/Health & Safety Plan regulations attached and understand that the Lions Club of Cambridge and Parade Management shall under no circumstances be liable in contract, tort or otherwise to compensate us or any other party for any loss, injury or damage arising directly from the event. Entry at own risk. Organisation _______________________________________

(Note: this person must accompany float on the day) PLEASE TICK ONE

‡ Business Entry - $40 Administration Fee Enclosed

‡ Club/Organisation/Society/School Entry (no fee)

14 Anzac St, Cambridge. Ph (07) 827 7533.

Hours: Mon – Sun 7.00am – 9pm

BY: 4pm, Friday 28 November 2025

For Terms & Conditions/Health & Safety Plan please email: info@cambridge.co.nz for a copy. Please return this form to: Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, 47 AlphaStreet, Cambridge

Further entry forms are available from: info@cambridge.co.nz For Terms & Conditions/Health & Safety Plan please see email: info@cambridge.co.nz for a copy. Please return this form (with payment) to: Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, 47 Alpha Street, Cambridge

Thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers. Without your help and commitment this community event would not be possible.

CountryLife

Mohair and milk

By Chris Gardner

Michael Woodward never wanted to milk cows.

But that all changed after the son of Mohair New Zealand founder John Woodward met Susie, the daughter of an Upstate New York dairy farmer in Canterbury while working on Synlait’s 3000 cow farm in Dunsandel. They were two of 19 staff.

The couple married and graduated to a 50/50 sharemilker set up with 10000 of their own cows in Canterbury.

They had four children, Kylie, 15, John, 13, Jack, 11, and Charlie, eight, before moving north.

Then, while visiting family in Tirau in 2019, they started to look around at Waikato farms and found what is now Cowgora Hills on Puktetawai Road near Ōtorohanga up for sale.

“We had our eye on a place in Raglan, and this was on the way through,” Michael said.

“I grew up on undulating land, and it reminded me of home,” said Susie. They also enjoyed the feel of the

township, with its hanging baskets.

“This is a good town.”

Since 2019 Michael and Susie Woodward have owned and operated Cowgora Hills, a blended A2 milk dairy cow and angora goat farm.

A mixed herd of cows and goats graze the land, each consuming different parts of the pasture.

The pasture-based farm is a far cry from the cut and carry system operated by Susie’s parents in the US.

Back in the US, farmers are reluctant to share information about their business, so Susie welcomes the openness of the kiwi agricultural sector.

The 170-hectare farm, with 150 effective hectares, supports 300 cows supplying to Synlait and 150 angora goats supplying to local and overseas buyers. But they will soon be looking to supply to another dairy company as Synlait exits the North Island.

The move to the North Island was not without its challenges, with Susie saying the first year or so came close to breaking them.

Once they had shipped 1,000 cows

north, the country went into lockdown, making it had for the family to settle into a new community.

Then they had to get their herd accustomed to the hill country, which was quite different from the flat farms it was used too.

Things quickly changed after the pandemic, with their sons joining the Ōtewā School where Michael was coopted onto the school board four years ago.

He has also recently joined the board of Ōtorohanga College where their daughter is a pupil.

He has also just been elected onto Ōtorohanga District Council. The Woodwards employ one staff member.

They are in their second season of twice a day milking, having milked once a day since their arrival at Cowgora Hills.

“Financial pressure has forced us into that decision,” Michael said.

“We hope to go back to once a day.”

Last season the farm averaged 400 kilogrammes of milksolids per cow, or 110,000 kg of milksolids – 10,000 kilogramme more than once per day milking.

The Woodwards are advocates of the Dairy Industry Awards, having been a finalist and regional winner.

“We have got better at what we do,” said Susie.

The feedback from judges helped. Susie now serves on the awards committee and the Mohair New Zealand Producers’ Board.

About 80 per cent of the mohair production is split into 17 different grades and sold overseas where it is used in blankets and suits.

Angora fibre produced by the Woodwards goats sells for between $4 and $65 per kilogramme, depending on grade.

They supplement their fibre, which is sheared twice per year, with fibre from other producers.

“I will drive up to Northland with a trailer and pick it up,” Michael said.

“We’ll do big, 12-hour days.”

3 Things You Might Be Getting Wrong About Retirement Villages

Retirement villages are becoming a popular option for New Zealanders planning their retirement, but it is not the same as buying a house. Most villages provide an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA), which gives you the right to live there and use the facilities rather than legal ownership. Here are a few common misconceptions that can catch people out.

1. “Weekly fees cover all my costs”

Weekly fees usually cover village services (gardening, security, communal facilities), but residents often still pay for utilities, care services, or extra support.

2. “All the money will go back to my family when I die” Your entry payment will likely not be returned straight away when you leave or pass away. In reality, it depends on the terms of the ORA and can often require the unit to be re-licensed to a new resident. Most villages will also deduct what’s often called a deferred management fee which can be up to 20–30% of the original entry price

3. “All Contracts Are the Same” Not all retirement villages play by the same rules. Fees, exit conditions, and benefits vary, and small differences can have a big impact.

Moving into a retirement village is a big decision, both legally and financially. If you are considering this step, it is important to seek advice from your lawyer, so you fully understand what it means for you and your family.

Georgia Willard

Peak production

By Jesse Wood

Dairy farmers are optimistic about the season as they reach peak production.

Following a drought, high rainfall and a record payout, October is an important month for farmers.

“If we get of an interest rate drop again in the next six months, we’re going to be in a reasonable spot, but it depends on putting production in the vat,” Pukeatua-based DairyNZ board member Chris Lewis said.

“Things are looking alright for the next six months. The record payout is very welcomed. But it makes up for a few years of being lacklustre. One year doesn’t make a lifetime of achievements. Farmers are hoping for it to be maintained for the season.

“We should get some summer rainfall, and I think farmers are going to be reasonably optimistic.

“The good thing is the beef and sheep farmers are also doing all right in our area. It’s not very often you get the triple whammy. Lamb, beef and dairy.”

Lewis said it’s not often that all three industries have “a little bit of optimism” and it should be celebrated as it’s good for everyone.

Heading into October, the rainfall hasn’t taken a break and it’s affecting many farmers across the region.

Crops will be planted late due to the weather.

“October is an important month and busy month for farmers. Busier than spring,” Lewis said.

“We’ve started mating. We’ve got crops to go in the ground and it’s our peak production month.

“We had the drought in autumn, but since May we’ve had big rainfall months. We usually get an average of 1100 millilitres year to year. We’ve already had that, with a drought.’

The last week has been just as wet as winter and Lewis said he’s hoping for a week or two of fine weather soon.

“As a farmer, you’ve got all that to contend with planning wise and mentally. It’s still challenging,” Lewis said.

“At the moment, our cows are very slow cycling because all the wet and cloudy days we’ve had.

“You want the cows to peak and if the cows don’t peak high at the moment, it’s hard to keep the momentum going for the rest of the season. It’s a critical month, October.

“If you don’t produce anything, you don’t get paid the record prices. I’m a glass half full.”

He said although it’s more expensive to do business than it was 12 months ago, “we’re still better off”.

Waikato Federated Farmers

president Phil Sherwood echoes the sentiment of optimism.

“We’re forever the optimistic. You keep going and plan for another good year. You put the drought behind you and take the season as it comes,”

Sherwood said.

“There’s a fair bit of optimism out there. Farmer confidence is fairly good according to the Federated Farmers surveys. Obviously, on the back of beef prices being good too.

“On the back also, of interest rates dropping. The only thing we can do is just keep watching farm working expenses and my understanding is the

banks are having a lot of capital paid back in.”

Sherwood said most farmers will be optimistically cautious and “looking to make hay while the sun shines” as the payout will drop eventually.

“It’s that optimism, we always love this time of year. Everything’s full go, cows are blooming, production looks like it’s up on a monthly basis,” Sherwood said.

“Through the King Country area, they’re still waiting for that grass to fire away but as soon as you get north of Ōtorohanga, it all seems to be in good stead for the Waikato.”

Sheep and beef farmers bullish

By Jon Rawlinson

A scorching summer drought had farmers praying for rain early this year.

Now, wetter weather is encouraging many to try and summon some sun… but not too much.

“Recently, the grass has come on, but more sunshine would be the best thing for us right now,” Te Anga sheep and beef farmer Tim Stokes said.

“For me, the previous summer wasn’t too bad, but going through the winter it was a bit tighter.”

Stokes was one of many farmers to send some of his lambs away to be finished rather than see them struggle through the drought.

“I did send some store lambs away, but mostly because the opportunity came up to get good prices, and the lambs I held on to did well. There’s always a trade off if you’re taking feed away from breeding animals, but I don’t think it was too detrimental for me this year.”

Earlier in the year, there were concerns that ewes battered by the drought might not be in top shape for lambing. However, it appears recent rain has dampened the drought’s impact somewhat.

“My ewes are possibly a little lighter than usual, but still in reasonable condition,” Stokes said. “I scanned about the same number of ewes as last year, or maybe we’re slightly ahead.”

Overall, the fallout from the drought will become clearer during weaning.

In the meantime, Stokes is looking to take advantage of a ‘bull market’ which is also paying strong prices.

“I’m looking at, maybe, offloading some of my fattening cattle because there’s strong

demand and good prices for beef,” he said.

“If I sell now, I can build up a bit of money to help me through the start of summer and then see how it progresses after that.”

Not too far afield, Waitomo Federated Farmers branch chair Chris Irons is also calling for a little sun.

“The grass is coming away, just not as quickly as everyone would like,” Irons said.

“But too much rain at the moment’s not a good thing – so we want more sunshine, but just the right amount.”

Irons said the weather has been good for lambing.

“Survivability has been, probably, up a little because of the August weather. A lot of farmers have been saying they’ve had fewer ewes die during lambing, which is definitely a good thing.”

However, he isn’t counting his lambs until

they’re out the gate.

“Farmers who lambed in August seem to have had a pretty good survival rate. As for the ones who lambed later, in September, I’m not too sure how that will pan out because of the stormier weather more recently,” he said.

“We won’t really know until weaning. People might have good docking tallies, but what really matters is what goes out the gate.”

Strong lamb prices have helped farmers, but what goes up will come down.

“Prices are high because of limited stock and farmers want to put extra weight on their stock to try and capitalise on the spring growth,” Irons said.

“Prices will go down, but no one can know exactly when and by how much.”

In general, Irons said King Country farmers have cause to be positive.

“Everyone’s (more or less) in the same boat. I’ve talked to quite a few farmers and things are fairly tight at the moment, but they’re reasonably optimistic,” he said.

“We’re now on the right side of spring, days are getting longer and warmer and prices are good. However, Mother Nature will decide what happens, which way the wind blows.”

Te Kūiti’s Jack Fagan said there is cause for optimism across rural King Country. A champion competitive shearer, he also runs beef cattle on a lease block.

“Farming in general is looking very optimistic at the moment,” he said.

“Beef’s had the highest jump in prices we’ve seen in a generation. I think farmers are over the moon with that, but it also means their margins will tighten because of the cost of replacements.”

Prices for beef and sheep meat should drop, as usual, over summer.

“When the grass starts drying off and there’s less feed, the meat price comes down because everyone wants to offload more animals so there’s more supply in the market.”

In addition, wool has been fetching healthy returns, helping farmers recoup more of their shearing costs.

“I would love it if farmers could, one day, breed sheep again purely for wool,” Fagan said. “Until then, it’s just awesome for our sheep farmers to get a good return on their wool.”

Across 1. Grief-stricken (6)

5. Person dependent on something (6)

8. Glutton (colloq) (3)

9. Arch of a road surface (6)

10. Make certain (6) 11. Partiality (4)

13. Spotted beetle (8)

14. Pass on (5)

15. Small, magical figure (5)

Last week

19. Idiot (8)

21. Lifeless (4)

22. Compassionate (6)

23. Very hot and dry (6)

25. Misrepresent (3)

Cure (6)

(6)

Inspect (7)

Flow out (3)

Excite (6) 5. Meeting plan (6)

Instrument panel (9)

Paid personal helper (5)

Across: 1. Quote, 4. Clammy, 7. Eke, 8. Vendor, 9. Resist, 10. Et cetera, 12. Step, 13. Pompom, 15. Nearly, 16. Once, 17. Gluttony, 19. Bikini, 20. Upshot, 22. Fur, 23. Seemly, 24. Pants. Down: 1. Questionnaire, 2. Odd, 3. Eerie, 4. Certain, 5. Assistant, 6. Miscellaneous, 11. Euphemism, 14. Magnify, 18. Usurp, 21. Sin.

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Step inside to discover four spacious bedrooms, including a master suite with walk-in robe and ensuite, and enjoy the flexibility of two separate living areas ideal for growing families or entertaining guests. Year round comfort is assured with ducted heating, while the stunning covered outdoor area with fireplace invites long evenings under the stars with friends and family.

KARAPIRO 4/366 Karapiro Road

Premium Cambridge Further Opportunities

Massive possibilities abound with this 168.4889 hectare (more or less) farm, 12km from Cambridge. The rolling contour and neighbouring land use changes highlight the farm's versatility, with use for conversion to dry stock, equine, kiwifruit, or lifestyle development.

Confirmation of six (6) Environmental Benefit Lot entitlements in exchange for the protection of a total of 16.38 hectares of bush and restoration areas is a key element with this property given its fantastic locality. The elevated immaculately presented four-bedroom homestead, built in 2010 and recently refurbished, offers comfort and style in a peaceful rural setting.

Currently operating as a productive dairy unit, this farm has been astutely managed to maximise output and soil fertility. With an average production of 256,856kg MS over the past six seasons. Currently milking 450 cows. 44 ASHB, 600 cow feed

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Extensive specimen

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Plus GST (if any)

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Positioned on a sunny corner site in sought-after Cambridge Park, 1 Clifford Close blends modern style with everyday ease. Surrounded by parks, playgrounds, and cafés, it’s a location designed for lifestyle. Enjoy weekend walks along the Waikato River or a Sunday coffee in town, all just a short stroll away. Light-filled open-plan living features polished concrete floors, a designer kitchen with an island bench, and seamless flow to the deck and gardens. Four double bedrooms include a master suite with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, supported by a family bathroom and separate toilet. Practical comforts include double glazing, tinted windows, a heat pump, and a double internal-access garage with loft storage. With parks, cafés, and riverside walks nearby, this home offers a lifestyle made easy.

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Built in 2022 by Brad Payne Building and designed by INK Architecture, this home captures the beauty of the modern barn aesthetic - cedar, board and batten, and glass blend perfectly within its rural setting. Inside, the main living pavilion makes an instant impression. Soaring raked ceilings, black steel beams, and walls of glass flood the space with natural light. The open plan layout connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas in a way that feels expansive yet warm, anchored by a striking fireplace and a 5.4 metre porcelain island that sets the tone for both entertaining and daily life.

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4 1 2 2

Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Tue 4 Nov 2025

Lakewood, Unit 1, Block C, 36 Lake Street, Cambridge

Phone for viewing times

Jess Rose 027 444 9546 jess.rose@bayleys.co.nz

Karen Grootscholten 021 062 6319

karen.grootscholten@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS

4 2 2 2

Tender (unless sold prior)

Closing 10am, Wed 5 Nov 2025

Lakewood, Unit 1, Block C, 36 Lake Street, Cambridge View 2.30-3.15pm Sun 19 Oct or by appointment

Jonte Wright 027 621 2424

jonte.wright@bayleys.co.nz

SUCCESS

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The Cambridge Lifestyle Awaits

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Market Appraisal

Dismay over forest access

By Jesse Wood

The Waipā District Council says it could be prosecuted by WorkSafe New Zealand if an incident occurs at the Sainsbury Road Forest in Pirongia.

Recreational users of the reserve are up in arms about the situation after a new sign was installed earlier this month announcing walkers and horse riders are prohibited from accessing the site. (see letters, page 2)

Residents have been invited to meet council staff to provide feedback at a drop-in session next Wednesday.

Property services manager David Varcoe said public safety is the main reason for the sign update. The previous sign incorrectly identified the area as a public recreation reserve.

“The terrain is steep, the forest roads have blind corners, and mountain bikers can reach speeds of 20–30km/h on the tracks. Shared use without proper oversight put people at risk,” he said.

“We understand this change has caused concern, and we are committed to working with the community to find future recreational opportunities that balance access with safety and compliance.

“Council cannot manage these risks effectively if access is open to the general public without oversight, and if there was an incident we could be prosecuted by WorkSafe New Zealand.”

Varcoe said while the council recognises the forest has long been enjoyed by walkers, dog owners and horse riders, unsupervised access to the forest presents significant risks.

The commercial forest is owned and operated by the council who have a responsibility to adhere with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

A cycle trail network is leased to the Pirongia Mountain Bike Club.

Public access to the internal forest roads is not permitted but the unformed section of Sainsbury

Rd, extending for about a kilometre past the signage, remains open to pedestrians.

A neighbouring 41-hectare reserve at 205 Sainsbury Rd is available for horse riders to use.

The council says it is working closely with an equestrian group to develop new tracks on that site.

“We remain committed to working with the community and is open to ideas for future recreational opportunities in the area, provided they meet health and safety

obligations,” Varcoe said.

Dog trainer and behaviour consultant Kelly Wolfe said it’s scary times for Waipā canines.

“I walk my dogs in that forest, relatively regularly, because it’s an appropriate spot for them,” Wolfe said. “I’m really concerned for the future of the dogs in Waipā, especially the higher energy ones that need access to spaces like this.

“I work with a lot of clients who really struggle being in urban environments and not having

appropriate spaces to exercise dogs.

“The Sainsbury Forest for me, is a great space to recommend to people to exercise in nature and walk their dog in a relatively quiet space.”

Wolfe enjoys hiking but said there’s not many places her dogs can walk with her anymore.

Lake Ngā Roto, the only other local space, has a narrow boardwalk which is difficult when several dogs are there.

WALDRON, Veronica

Margaret ‘Vonnie’ – Passed peacefully at St Kilda Care Home on Wednesday 8th October 2025. Much loved wife of John Arnold Waldron and mum to Geoff, Claire, Barry, Jan and Peter. Much loved nana, great nana, sister and aunty to her extended family. A private cremation was held and family memorial to be held at a later date. Rest in peace Vonnie.

Caring support when you need it most.

FENCOURT HALL AGM

Monday 3rd November at 7.30pm

at Hall 529 Fencourt Rd beside Goodwood School

All welcome

Graeme Roil Chairperson

Section

101,

Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012

PUBLIC NOTICE

Of an application for On Licence Monavale Blueberries Limited, 109 Tuwharetoa St, Taupo has made application to the Waipa District Licensing Committee for the renewal of a on-licence in respect of the premises at 156 Turkington Road, Monavale, Cambridge known as Cafe Irresistiblue.

The general nature of the business to be conducted under the licence is cafe. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday, 9am to midnight.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

The Waipa Community Facilities Trust is holding its Annual General Meeting at 6.00pm on the 28th October 2025 in the Stadium Boardroom at the Te Awamutu Events Centre.

Business of meeting:

The annual general meeting shall carry out the following business:

(a) Receive the minutes from the previous annual general meeting; and

(b) Receive the Trust’s statement of accounts for year ending 30/06/2025; and

(c) Receive report from the Chairman of the board and from the CEO; and

(d) Announce retirement of current Trustees and the appointment of new Trustees; and

(e) Appoint an auditor; and

(f) Consider and decide any other matter which may properly be brought before the meeting.

Ruby McPhail - Secretary

WAIPA COMMUNITY FACILITIES TRUST

827 7649 legacyfunerals.co.nz

The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Waipa District Licensing Committee, 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu or 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge.

Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the date of the publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at: Waipa District Council, Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840.

No objection to the issue of a renewal licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the only publication of this notice.

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Clause 5 of Schedule 1, Resource Management Act 1991

The following private plan change to the Operative Waipā District Plan has been accepted under delegated authority for public notification by Waipā District Council:

PROPOSED PRIVATE PLAN CHANGE 35: TE AWAMUTU

RETAIL CENTRE

In summary, the proposed private plan change request seeks to change the Operative Waipā District Plan by:

• Rezone 638 Cambridge Road (Lot 1 DPS 10271) from Medium Density Residential Zone to Commercial Zone and associated amendments to planning maps

• Amend Appendix S1 - Te Awamutu Growth Map to remove 638 Cambridge Road from the T11 Residential Growth Cell

• Replace the existing Appendix S6 - Te Awamutu Large Format Retail Site Plan with the revised plan to include 638 Cambridge Road

• Amend performance standards and assessment criteria within Section 6 - Commercial Zone and Section 21- Assessment Criteria and Information Requirements.

The full proposal can be viewed:

• Online at www.waipadc.govt.nz/planchange35

• At Waipā District Council offices in Te Awamutu (101 Bank Street) and Cambridge (23 Wilson Street).

Submissions

Any person can make a submission by sending an electronic or written submission to Waipā District Council by one of the following methods:

• Online: Download Form 5 on the Waipā District Council website at www.waipadc.govt.nz/planchange35

• Send to: Freepost 167662, Waipā District Council, Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840

• Email: districtplan@waipadc.govt.nz

• Deliver to: Waipā District Council, 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu OR 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge

The submission must be in the form as set out in Schedule 1 of the Resource Management (Forms, Fees, and Procedure) Regulations 2003 and must state whether you wish to be heard on your submission. Copies of this form are available from Waipā District Council.

Submissions close at 5pm on Friday, 14 November 2025

Steph O’Sullivan - Chief Executive

For and on behalf of the Waipā District Council

WITH US! Call Janine on 027 287 0005 or email

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