Jon Rawlinson

Saving civilian lives cost James Stellin his own.

Now the heroics of this Second World War pilot are being remembered thanks, in part, to King Country’s Maraea Lammas.

Originally from Oparure, Maraea, aged 80, has lived in France for the past 16 years.

While watching a television programme about the Second World War, she was inspired to learn more about Stellin, an RAF pilot from Wellington.

“What moved us most about James Stellin’s story was his bravery shown by saving the village of Saint-Maclou-la-Brière and its people,” she said.

“Recently, we went to the village in Normandy and James’ resting place.”

“I looked online and found information about him. I discovered what an interesting story he has and I thought why had I not heard of him?”

Stellin’s is a captivating saga. This flying Kiwi was killed on August 19, 1944, in the wake of the D-Day landings.

His damaged Hawker Typhoon fighter-bomber was on course to crash into of Saint-Maclou-la-Brière. Rather than bail out and save himself, Stellin manoeuvred his plane away, saving civilian lives at the expense of his own.

Stellin’s parents received a heartfelt letter from a C Jacobs from the French resistance, it read:

‘On realising the great destruction his plane would cause if it were to crash in the centre of the village, the pilot straightened up his plane with a vigorous and supreme effort, made a half-climb, then turning sharp left at an acute angle, it fell rapidly, crashing less than a mile away.

‘We placed the bier in state at the doors of the mayor’s office. Everyone brought armfuls of flowers picked lovingly in the gardens and left them with deep respect and infinite gratitude.’

Stellin was posthumously awarded the French Croix de Guerre avec Palme (cross of war with palms) for performing heroic deeds in combat.

Maraea Lammas (nee Paki) appreciates the value of civic responsibility – her mother, Rora Paki, was a foundation member of the Māori Women’s Welfare League and received an MBE for services to her community.

Maraea’s first visit to a little piece of Normandy, which is ‘forever New Zealand’, won’t be her last.

“On November 11, Armistice Day, we will return to Saint-Maclou-la-Brière to remember this brave pilot,” she said. “Every Anzac Day and Armistice Day we will remember James and all the other brave men and women who served our country.”

A hero remembered

Staff Reporter

Waipā’s second Home and Leisure Show has created a raft of new projects and pastimes – from getting the house clean to getting on a bike.

The show – the second run by Good Local Media, which publishes the Waikato Business News, Cambridge News, Te Awamutu News and King Country News, attracted a steady stream of people through the doors from Friday to Sunday.

They included Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan and chief executive Steph O’Sullivan, who took particular interest in the display by Rotary’s Urban Miners. The miners minimise waste sent to landfill through recycling. (replace divert electrical component going to landfills.

About 75 exhibitors were at the Don Rowlands Centre at Lake Karāpiro and autumn weather was kind to those who set up shop outside.

There was a touch of deja vu on opening morning as the first people through the doors were Marlene Prince and Graeme Hopkins from Highfield Retirement Village in Te Awamutu. They were also at the head of the queue for the opening of the inaugural show 12 months ago.

Other visitors included a group from Cambridge Resthaven and other retirement villages.

Feedback from exhibitors was that visitors were genuinely interested in what was on offer and wanted to discuss their requirements. They reported high quality leads and that visitors came out with specific questions and specific exhibitors they wanted to see.

“Exhibitors signed up for next year before they left the building, already talking about new stands they will build for 2026,” Good Local publisher David Mackenzie said.

The objective for 2026 would be to extend the size of the show so there is more to see.

Numbers were slightly down on 2024, which was a reflection of show numbers across New Zealand to date this year.

Organisers were encouraged by the fact that 95 per cent of visitors people were new to the show and there was strong support from the Te Awamutu, Morrinsville and Ōtorohanga communities.

“I love all of these products because I’m European and it’s all the stuff I’m used to,” Katarina Williamson of Advanced Trees Nursery said as she tasted Meyer Cheese handed to her by Hayley Meyer.

“I rushed here for the cheese before it shut.”

Hayley works in administration and accounts at the Meyer Cheese factory in Koromatua, a family gouda business started in Holland by Ben and Fieke Meyer. It was her first year at the show and she had enjoyed her first day, saying there was a “good selection of exhibitors”.


Day one is over

And with that, day one of the Waipa Home & Leisure Show is finished. Thanks to everyone who visited. If you didn't, doors open at 9.30am tomorrow. See you then.

And with that, day one of the Waipa Home & Leisure Show is finished. Thanks to everyone who visited. If you didn't, doors open at 9.30am tomorrow. See you then.


Waipa Show ... mark two

A total of 76 exhibitors will be promoting their products at the second Waipa Home and Leisure Show at Lake Karāpiro starting Friday.

The event, launched by Good Local Media last year, returns to the Mighty River Domain for three days – Friday to Sunday.

Waipa Home & Leisure Show 16-18 May - Click here for Exhibitors List & Map

Waipa Home & Leisure Show 8-page tabloid feature

“There is something for every member of the family no matter your age, your budget or if you just want a great morning or afternoon out at an affordable price with families or friends in a relaxed and friendly environment,” Advertising and Commercial director Janine Davy said.

“Huis Joinery, back for another year, decided to extend their stand, so that they could hang a barn door between their kitchen and laundry area. One barn door turned into two when they decided to give one barn door away at the show,” Davy said.

Exhibitors include home, building and renovation specialists. Stands will feature custom kitchens, laundry and joinery, carpeting and flooring, cladding, double glazing, garage solutions, solar panels and lighting, heat pumps and air conditioning, magnetic windows, fly screens, security doors, artificial lawns and turf, and professional painters.

Davy said it was an opportunity to support Waipā businesses “who have pulled out all the stops to impress” and national businesses which have travelled to Waipā so customers do not have to go to the main centres.

Waipa Home & Leisure Show 16-18 May - Click here for Exhibitors List & Map

Waipa Home & Leisure Show 8-page tabloid feature

waipahomeandleisure2025 #homeandleisure2025 #cambridgenewsNZ  #teawamutunews #waikatobusinessnews #kingcountrynews #Waipahomeandleisure #homeandleisure

Our exhibitors are:

 * OUTSIDE 1 - Advanced Trees Limited – Large grade specimen trees, landscape hedging, ornamental trees.
 * OUTSIDE 2 - Brandt Tractor Limited -Lifestyle equipment, Ride-ons, Compact Tractors.
 * STAND 3 + 4 - Air Conditioning Group – We supply and install heatpumps - best prices guaranteed.
 * STAND 5 + 6 - St Kilda Café & Bistro – We will be onsite at the show offering barista-made coffee and fresh food.
 * STAND 7 - The National Party - National Party membership.
 * STAND 8 - Roger Ramsey Building – Waikato renovation experts. Quality workmanship. No job too big or too small.
 * STAND 9 - Bamboo Sweets – Handmade premium chocolates including chocolate bars, bonbons and truffles.
 * STAND 10 + 11 - Outdoor Shade Solutions Ltd - Outdoor blinds, umbrellas, awnings, Shade Sails, Wave Shade, Pergolas.
 * STAND 13 - Kiwi Az Creationz - Indoor andoutdoor rustic wine barrel furniture.
 * STAND 14 - Resonate - Hearing health and hearing aid subscription service.
 * STAND 15 - Sentinel Pest Control – Rodent and insect pest control products.
 * STAND 16 - Wilsons Cambridge - Carpet, Flooring, Curtains, Blinds, Wallpapers.
 * STAND 17 + 30 - Mavis & Mick Shoes - Leather boots, shoes from Europe, plus clothing and bags.
 * STAND 18 - Wash Rite - Exterior house and building washing.
 * STAND 19 - Treetown Designer Kitchens - Custom kitchens and interior joinery solutions for homes in Cambridge, Hamilton and the greater Waikato.
 * STAND 20 - Step Flex Orthotics - Step Flex -flexing foot correctors.
 * STAND 21 - Hallmark Services - Better cleans with the Hallmark Team. Your trusted residential, commercial and carpet cleaners.
 * STAND 22 - Tiles on Devon - Showcasing a selection of our favourite tiles from our extensive range.
 * STAND 23 + 24 - Fowler Homes - Your local award-winning builders - let's talk about your project.
 * STAND 25 - Totalspan - Totalspan Waikato/King Country have you covered for garages, workshops, storage and more.
 * STAND 26 - Cambridge Tiles - Tiles for every style and budget, backed by local expert advice.
 * STAND 27 - Cambridge Solar - Solar panel systems, repair, cleaning, maintenance. General electrical services.
 * STAND 28 - Phiten Health & Performance - Natural products for improved health, sports performance, injury recovery, pain relief, skincare.
 * STAND 29 - Lawn Rite - The grass is greener when you mow it. Lawns, hedges & weed control.
 * STAND 31 - Bellberry Distillery - Gin and Vodka, plus fruit mixes (freeze dry mixes to have with the gin and vodka).
 * STAND 32 - Good Local Media Ltd – Show organiser - Information Desk located in foyer. Also, publishers of Cambridge News, Te Awamutu News, King Country News, and Waikato Business News.
 * STAND 33 - G. J. Gardner Homes – Residential construction.
 * STAND 34 - Double Glazing United - Retrofit double glazing into timber and aluminium joinery.
 * STAND 35 - Cambridge Real Estate -Residential, lifestyle and rural real estate - find your dream Cambridge property.
 * STAND 36 + 37 - Latitude Homes King Country & Waikato South - New home builds.
 * STAND 38 - Meyer Cheese - Locally handmade Gouda style cheeses.
 * STAND 39 - Bioptron NZ - Bioptron healing medical light therapy device and accessories.
 * STAND 40 - Seddon Portrait House – Family photographer celebrating your precious memories via wall portraits and albums.
 * STAND 41 - Alpha First Mortgage Investments - Offering wholesale investors stand-alone loan investment opportunities secured by first mortgages.
 * STAND 42 - Grinters Funeral Home/Rosetown Funeral Home - Pre-plan your funeral arrangement options with our funeral directors.
 * STAND 43 - Momentum Building Ltd - Building company specialising in renovations. Selling our building services.
 * STAND 44 - Daisy Garden Bags & Bins - Green waste collection service. Providing garden bins and bags.
 * STAND 45 - The Designers Colab – The Designers Colab is a collaborative interior design studio featuring industry leaders with decades of experience in residential design.
 * STAND 46 - Truestyle Improvements – NZ Swimming Pools - Fibreglass swimming pools, hard landscaping and concrete.
 * STAND 47 - EziRider - First choice best price fold-up E-bike.
 * STAND 48 - Straight Paint - Residential and commercial painting.
 * STAND 49 - Top Class Concrete Treatments Ltd - Turning ugly concrete into lovely concrete.
 * STAND 50 - NZ Sure Ltd - Life, Trauma, Medical, Income Protection, Mortgage Protection Insurance, Business Insurance.
 * STAND 51 - Cambridge Resthaven - 100% community owned retirement village, apartments, care centres and companion driving service.
 * STAND 52 - Scent with Love – Handcrafted home fragrance, including soy wax candles, melts, diffusers, and room sprays.
 * STAND 53 - Duzz-All Beeswax – Natural beeswax products for leather and timber, Bees Ease for pain relief.
 * STAND 54 - Carley's Kitchen – Affordable kitchen merchandise - your cooking and kitchen will be popping!
 * STAND 55 - Waikato Security Doors - Security Doors, Insect Screens, Magnetic Windows, Pleated and Retractable Screens.
 * STAND 56 + 57 - Cambridge Beds & Furniture - Offering quality furniture and beds for every home.
 * STAND 58 - First National Te Awamutu – We are passionate about helping you with your real estate needs.
 * STAND 59 - Versatile - Garages, farm buildings, sleepouts, cottages and homes.
 * STAND 60 - Bone & Body Blueprint Ltd - Accurate and scientific results for Bone & Body scanning.
 * STAND 61 + 62 - Unreal Lawns & Courts - Artificial Turf for Residential, Commercial, and Sport Court.
 * STAND 63 - Craftwork Garage Doors – New garage doors, including servicing and repairs.
 * STAND 64 - Yard Matters - Garden, lawn and landscaping services throughout Cambridge, Hamilton, Te Awamutu & beyond.
 * STAND 65 - Rotary - Urban Miners - Collecting E-waste, recycling, reusing and diverting it from landfill.
 * STAND 66 + 67 - Huis Joinery – Bespoke joinery - kitchens, laundries, barn doors, customer cabinetry.
 * STAND 68 - Mons Flavors - Six types of non-spicy spice blends, locally handmade, made in New Zealand.
 * STAND 69 - Masada Cladding - Premium NZ made weatherboard you never have to paint.


FOOD TRUCKS

 * STAND 72 - Black & Orange Catering - Low and slow cooked meats and delicious sides.
 * STAND 73 - Bratwurst Grill Cambridge -Bratwurst and legendary currywurst (sausage in curry ketchup), plus vegetarian options, loaded fries and wedges.
 * STAND 74 - Sawadee Thai & Asian Catering - Thai cuisine.
 * STAND 75 - Suzuya Japanese Fried Chicken - Japanese style fried chicken, served with a side salad rice balls (onigiri).

Another show stopper

Viv Posselt

Remko Pootjes is on a mission to save discarded pianos and spread the magic of music, and he wants Kiwi companies to help him roll it out.

For the past few years, Ōtorohanga’s piano man has been saving unwanted pianos from the landfill or the firepit by turning them into community pianos or bespoke merchandising display units to be leased out. Funds from those leases or sponsors go into providing piano lessons for children… hence his tagline ‘Pianos for Kids’.

“Schools today don’t teach piano in the same way they did years ago, so kids wanting to play need to have parents who can afford private lessons,” he said, “and not all kids want to limit their extra-curricular activities to sports.

“I believe piano lessons should be offered as a lifeskill, like swimming lessons, but when I approached 11 schools in the area asking them to support my concept of teaching kids to play, they all declined. It was either too expensive, the pianos were too heavy, or there weren’t enough kids interested. To me, even one student makes it worthwhile.”

Last year, Pootjes set up The Remiano Charitable Trust – a nifty play on his nickname ‘Rem’ and ‘piano’ – as a registered charity to ‘transform old pianos into new opportunities’ and help fund the free lessons.

He finds unwanted pianos from wherever he can, brings them to his workshop in Ōtorohanga, and either restores them to full playing glory or turns them into pieces of furniture. Some go into streets as community pianos, others become eye-catching bookstands or display units in shops.



Pootjes says there are hundreds of unwanted pianos in communities all over New Zealand. A quick internet search can unearth around 100 on any given day, some of them going for just a couple of dollars.

“It is amazing how many just get dumped.”

The trust doesn’t sell the pianos, it only leases them, he said. “People pay a monthly rental fee, but the pianos remain the property of the trust.”

Surprisingly, Pootjes doesn’t play the piano himself, but his partner does. The Dutch-born former engineer came to New Zealand in the 1970s, working in his field as well as in sales and in investigations. He is also a volunteer firefighter.

The idea to repurpose unwanted pianos came during Covid when a friend asked for helping in dumping an old piano. Pootjes wanted to salvage it … and so it started.

In just the past few weeks, Pootjes has launched a new website and is looking for a business partner who will help take his ‘Play Me Pianos’ to most New Zealand cities. He is also fast-tracking a new Piano Depot collection and workshop container concept that he wants to roll out near refuse dumps or zero waste collection points.

Through Pootjes’ efforts, people are tickling the ivories in towns all over the region and children who may not otherwise have had the means are learning to play.

“We are putting new pianos in towns all the time, and are looking at growing the entire operation,” he said. “There is a lot of interest, so exciting times ahead.”

The keyboard warrior

We are at Te Kūiti High School’s Services Academy where we meet the students looking for career options which allow them to serve their communities.

Plus we head out to Otewa to see the schoolhouse which could be moved into Ōtorohanga and our historian Meghan Hawkes tells a harrowing story about the loss of three Linton family members in World War I.

Read more

King Country News - out today

Whether by lining up a target through the sights of a sniper’s rifle, saving someone from a burning building, stopping speeding motorists or even just by instructing the young, there are many ways to serve our society.

While Joel Bradley has undertaken two of these roles, he says his students in Te Kūiti High School’s Services Academy will each find their own path.

“It's not a recruitment agency for the NZ Defence Force (NZDF). It's a lot more one-on-one based, focused on teamwork, discipline, physical fitness, leadership and all sorts of stuff that gets the kids outside of their comfort zone,” the academy’s director says.

“I'm here to support them with anything they want to do. It’s more about helping them find a career pathway and work with others in the school to help them reach that goal.”

The academy aims to encourage students to serve their communities, but this could involve joining the police, fire brigades or even simply by being good citizens.

Serving as a sniper with a reconnaissance platoon in Iraq, Joel appreciates the value of ‘path finding’ and he’s also an expert when it comes to training.

“We were training the Iraqi forces, giving them the skills they needed to take back their country from ISIS,” he says.

In the last year of his military career, he was part of the NZDF Youth Development Unit with his wife Deeanna Bradley.

“We ran Service Academy courses which gave me a lot of skills.”

Approximately 30 such academies are now running nationwide. While students are given a taste of military life, they are not boot camps. However, perceptions towards careers in the military have changed, Joel says.

“The kids went through a two-week induction course with the NZDF recently. They were straight into a strict military environment. We were all up at five with military physical training and drill. It was just amazing – the kids thrived!

“When we started, I think only one student put their hand up when asked if they wanted to join the military. Now, after seeing what military life can give them, more than half are interested and there’s been no pushing from me.”

The high school’s Services Academy mobilised at the beginning of term one, but it’s not a new initiative and Joel has practiced what he teaches.

“It first ran in 2010. When I was a student in the academy, it gave me the skills I needed to join the army, ones I was lacking such as academics.”

The school lost the programme about eight years ago.

Joel has been working with the principal Gareth Williams to bring it back.

The key to any successful programme run along military lines is willing participation.

“We provide guidance but the students really build the culture through their own camaraderie. If you try to force people into it and they don't want to be part of it, you’ll be banging your head against a brick wall. I won't take students that don't want to be here,” says Joel.

Students thrive in academy

A striking photo of her mother has won Piopio artist Ashley Tutaki a place in the finals of the 2025 Kīngi Tuheitia Portraiture Award.

Her work, titled Back to the Source, has Lina Goldsbury, wearing a long sleeve turtleneck, lying peacefully in water.

The challenge for entrants was to create portraits of their ancestors – tūpuna.

In her entry Tutaki wrote “as she is my mother, it is strange to think of her as “tupuna”, just as it is strange to imagine oneself as growing older and rising through the ranks of the generations”.

“But that’s life, and I believe this to be a true depiction of what a living ‘tupuna’ looks like in many whānau who lose their elders too soon.”

Tutaki, born in 1992, affiliates to the Ngāti Maniapoto and Rereahu iwi of Tainui and describes herself as a young photographer working towards launching her own freelance business to showcase and uplift Māori stories through photography.

The award, a collaboration between the Office of the Kiingitanga and the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakāta, was launched in 2020 to inspire new generations of Māori artists to create portraits of their tūpuna.

Artists are competing for a first prize of $20,000. The runner up and peoples’ choice winners will both get $2500.

Entries were open to Māori artists aged 35 and under who created an artwork within the last two years or specifically for the competition, using any visual medium, excluding AI-generated work, with whakapapa connections to the depicted tūpuna.

The shortlisted artworks were chosen by a panel of judges, including contemporary Māori artist Areta Wilkinson (Ngāi Tahu), Head Carver for Waikato-Tainui Iwi Renata Te Wiata (Waikato-Ngāti Māhuta, Te Arawa - Ngāti Kea Ngāti Tuara), and leading painter John Walsh (Aitanga a Hauiti).

The winners will be announced next month and the finalists’ artworks will then tour the country over the next two years.

Ashley’s angle makes the final

Two Te Kūiti dancers will be on stage at the World Dance Crew Championships in Auckland this weekend.

Alexi Hughes and Patea Tahana travel from Te Kūiti to Hamilton three times a week – a return trip of around three hours – to train with Street Dance Sessions and be part of their competition crews.

Alexi, 12, a Centennial Park School student, has been making the trip since early 2022, while 13-year old Te Kūiti High student Patea, who previously lived in Hamilton, began travelling at the end of 2024 after moving to Te Kūiti.

They will be among 15 dancers making up the Street Squad Varsity and Flawless youth crews at the international hip hop event, described as the biggest of its type and attracting dancers from Japan, Australia, the Philippines and the United States. The event will run from Sunday through to the following Saturday.

Street Dance Sessions was established in a Hamilton church hall in 2018 by Miriana Wetere-Ryder. She began tutoring “40 or 50 kids” – now there are about 200.

Alexi’s mum Naomi says both are passionate about dance and love being part of the Street Dance Sessions whānau.

“There are many reasons they choose to travel such a long distance each week, but it ultimately comes down to their love for dance, the opportunities available to them, and the strong bonds they’ve developed within the Street Dance whānau.”

The two Street Dance crews will also include one Te Awamutu, one Cambridge and two Huntly dancers.

Naomi Hughes said Wetere-Ryder was highly talented and choreographed routines that showcased individual strengths while continuing to challenge and develop dancers’ skills.

“Since joining Street Dance Sessions, both Alexi and Patea have seen huge growth in their technique, versatility, and confidence. So when it comes to the question of travel – spending a minimum of nine hours on the road each week – it’s absolutely worth it.”

Alexi and Patea hop on a world stage

Chris Gardner

King Country farms being burned to a crisp are being offered a $100,000 drought relief package, after the Government declared a drought.

The adverse event classification also unlocks tax relief for farmers and growers and enables the Ministry of Social Development to consider Rural Assistance Payments.

“West of the Waikato River it’s drought conditions,” said Waikato Federated Farmers president Keith Holmes.

“Areas like Tuakau, Piopio and Mahoenui aren’t getting any rain.

“Springs and wells providing stock water have dried up, and farmers are moving to once-a-day milking and sending stock to the works early.”

Sheep and beef farmers relying on income from grazing dairy cattle from eastern parts of the region are running out of feed, and some are having to send them back early in skinny condition.

“That’s a big hit on their incomes, and on the dairy farmers trying to capitalise on the strong milk prices,” Holmes said.

“Maize crops may look good, but with insufficient water, they’re putting on minimal cob and come harvest time they’ll have very little feed value.

Rotowai Farms sheep and beef farmer Natasha Cave said water was probably tighter than feed

“The King Country used to be summer safe, with fairly reliable rain, but no more,” she said of her Aria farm.

“We are making sure we have got good water systems in place.”

Taharoa sheep and beef farmers Chris Irons and Debbie Hastie are doing their best to fend off the drought on their 770ha farm, having received around half of the rain they usually do in January and February.

Around 70mm of rain fell on their Waitete Road farm in January, and 50mm of rain in February.

Irons, Waitomo Federated Farmers chair, said they were coping “due to good management” of more than 2000 ewes and 200 breeding cows.

“We are constantly asking ourselves if it does not rain in the next 10 days, what are we going to do?” Irons said. “Look after your capital stock first. It is what it is. We can’t control it.”

“Hill country farming in these conditions is very challenging,” said Waitomo mayor John Robertson.

“The hills throughout the district are very dry - the driest February that I have seen for many years. The few occasions where we have had up to 5mm of rain through this period have not been sufficient to adequately moisten the soils.”

“March forecasts do not look promising - a little rain, but not the many days of steady soaking rain we need.”

Across the border in Waipā Zane and Marie Kite expect to lose tens of thousands of dollars of milk production this season as they farm through extreme drought conditions.

Their Parallel Road farm, near Kaipaki, is one step ahead of the official drought declared for the region on Friday.

But there has been no rain, to speak of, since before Christmas and the Kites, who have run the family farm for 40 years, are looking at drying their 170-cow herd off a month early.

“I would call it a severe drought,” he said.

“There’s not one blade of green grass in any of our paddocks, but we have got to be positive.”

He has turned to feeding out silage to keep his herd going, and it is producing approximately 1 kg of milk solids per cow per day. Because of the lack of moisture, he’ll be drying his herd off a month early in March.

Holmes is chairing regular meetings with Waikato-Hauraki-Coromandel Rural Support Trust representatives and the Ministry for Primary Industries to monitor the situation.

The group met on Tuesday.

Waiting for rain

Mary Anne Gill

A mystery adventure race that annually transforms Lake Te Koo Utu in Cambridge into a haven for mums, dads and children attracted 473 participants this year.

The XRace, held on a humid Friday afternoon last week, took competitors an average of one hour, seven minutes 17 seconds to complete.

The Korakonui duo of daughter Gemma and father Grant Honeyfield blitzed the field, completing the 10 mystery challenges in just 43 minutes and 18 seconds.

The New Zealand Home Loans-sponsored event which started in 2013, was created by Shane Hooks of Auckland. It went through many name changes before XRace was finalised.

This mystery adventure race pairs parents with children aged 6-14 to race together, locate and complete mystery challenges, and compete against the clock and other family teams. The challenges range from physical (like tug-of-war) to mental (like memory challenges) to knowledge-based (like music challenges), and they change from year to year and course to course.

No two XRaces are the same. Events are held in Whangārei, Devonport, Tauranga, Taupō, Napier, Hutt City, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Hamilton, and Auckland.

Medals this year in Cambridge were presented by New Zealand representatives Zack Rumble (rowing), Bennett Greenough (BMX), Danielle Aitchison (Paralympian sprinter) and Becky Leigh (rowing).

Results:

Overall winners: daughter and father - Gemma and Grant Honeyfield (Korakonui), son and father - Harris and Adam O’Leary (Cambridge), daughter and mother - Jamie and Caitlyn Phillips (Hamilton).

Age Divisions

Junior (under 7) girls Zoe Gerritsen 1h4s, boys Marlow McDonald 56m44s, 8 year old girls Leina Kaelin 1h2m57s, boys Sam Panting 57m19s, 9 year old girls Chloe Blackstock 55m, boys Cian Moore 46m42s, 10 year old girls Charlotte Tate 50m21s, boys Harris O’Leary 43m25s, 11 year old girls Sophie Hickey 54m14s, boys Connor Moore 46m39s, senior girls Gemma Honeyfield 43m19s, boys Alex Simmonds 48m56s.



 

Honeyfields show X Factor?

The Stubbs family of Awatiro Farm are preparing for the return of kiwi.

“There’s talk of creating a Kiwi sanctuary nearby,” said sheep and beef farmer Ben Stubbs.

He’s from the fourth generation of the family to farm Awatiro off Te Anga Road near Waitomo village, and the family has found kiwi bones in its cave system over the years.

“The sanctuary will bring their genetics back to our place.”

Read more

Latest AgriBusiness news

King Country Farmer

Waikato’s Chamber of Commerce has renewed its call for local body amalgamations and suggested Waitomo and Ōtorohanga district councils should be the first ones off the block.

It is no secret that Waitomo mayor John Robertson is a fan of merging with the council’s northern neighbour, but outgoing Ōtorohanga mayor Max Baxter is not.

Waikato chamber chief executive Don Good told The News having 12 councils in the Waikato region for 536,000 people – which includes King Country and Waikato Regional Council – is “ludicrous”.

Amalgamation should be dominating election debates this year, he said.

“The duplication is immense. The inefficiency that causes costs ratepayers. Ratepayers are voters, and ratepayers are not happy with 15 per cent rate increases,” he said.

Robertson, who has experience in amalgamation talks when he was a commissioner in Northland, is on record as saying Waitomo and Ōtorohanga are two councils of comparable size and population.

Savings would come from having procurement savings, fewer councillors, one district and one long term plan.

Good has even floated the idea of a ‘mega’ southern council of South Waikato, Waitomo and Ōtorohanga as a first step and a natural geographic fit.

A decade ago, an amalgamation between Waipā, Waitomo and Ōtorohanga was floated by the Property Council of New Zealand.

Sources told The News Ōtorohanga would favour a merger with Waipā over one with Waitomo.

“Downsizing of council staff is one solution but should have been done years ago,” said Good. 

“Sharing tasks among the councils is another that could work to reduce costs, but not complete centralisation.

“That seldom works, and invariably reduces democracy,” he said.

Poisonous parochialism would be the undoing of any amalgamation plan, Good said as would councillors and council staff who protect their patch at the expense of ratepayers.

“Many have developed cosy, comfortable, monopolistic attitudes and relationships.”

What do you think? Email us editor@goodlocal.nz

A ludicrous dozen

Janine Krippner

Last week a dramatic storm swept through Hamilton and it left its mark. One unlucky trampoline ended up tangled in powerlines, roofs were damaged, fences flattened, and some experiencing a power cut. This happened around the time an emergency alert popped up on my phone, but not for our region. A perfect reminder, really, that our weather doesn’t always follow the script.

We’re lucky to live in a land of incredible variety, with islands, mountains, and rapidly changing terrain, all surrounded by ocean. But with that natural beauty comes a price: complex, fast-moving weather systems.

That’s why it’s up to us to take personal responsibility for our safety. That starts with understanding the natural hazards we live with — including tornadoes — and what steps we need to take.

When I was living in the United States, I learned just how seriously they take tornadoes over there. “Tornado Alley” is practically a household term, and they’ve got a full-blown season for the things. But here in New Zealand, we tend to forget that we’re not immune.

Most of our tornadoes are short-lived, narrow — about 20 to 100 metres wide — and travel just a few kilometres before they run out of steam. They usually sit around EF0 to EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale (that’s the international measure for tornado intensity), with winds that can hit up to 180 km/h. That’s enough to throw around sheds, snap trees, and send trampolines sky-high.

A tornado is confirmed and an EF rating assigned after the damage has been assessed. Survey information is compared to damage indicators and degrees of damage, which help estimate wind speeds.

Our most deadly and damaging tornado was also in Hamilton in 1948. It damaged or destroyed 163 buildings and 50 businesses, and three people lost their lives. One house was even moved across the street. The estimated wind speeds reached 220 to 265 km/h, giving it an EF3 rating.

So what should we look out for? Tornadoes sometimes come with little or no official warning, so it’s helpful to know the signs: sudden heavy rain or hail, a dramatic shift in wind direction, and an eerie, roaring noise — like a freight train approaching. Tornadic systems can produce low, dark clouds, flying debris, and lightning. You may also feel a pressure change, like when your ears pop.

This is not the time to grab your phone and head outside for a cheeky TikTok. If you suspect a tornado’s nearby, act fast. Get inside, and head to an interior room without windows — a hallway, wardrobe, or even a bathroom can work. Stay away from windows and doors, and if you’re outside definitely do not shelter under a bridge (that’s a myth borrowed from Hollywood — and a dangerous one).

It’s a great idea to take this opportunity to learn more. Head over to the Civil Defence website and look for the page “What to do during a storm.” NIWA’s website also has great info, including the New Zealand Historic Weather Events Catalogue — a fascinating record of our tornadic past.

Stay safe out there, use your eyes and ears, and keep your trampolines tied down — they’re not meant to fly.

Stormy skies, smart choices

Josh Moore

The 2025 local body elections are fast approaching, so candidates need to be planning how they’ll market themselves to their community.

Running for local office is as much about visibility as it is about policy. So effective marketing is essential.

The Local Electoral Act 2001 sets strict limits on how much you can spend during your campaign. That means every dollar must work hard to build awareness and trust. People need to see your name and face multiple times in different ways before they will vote for you.

One of the easiest wins you can give yourself is getting a professional photo taken. Too many candidates last time opted for DIY pictures - some even submitted what looked like passport photos where they weren’t smiling! That doesn’t convey confidence or approachability. A professional headshot will go a long way to looking competent and trustworthy. Use it consistently across all your campaign material, including when submitting your nomination, as this is used in the official voting packs.

Social media will likely be part of your strategy, but keep in mind that unless you already have a strong following, posts won’t reach far organically. Running ads is the best way to increase reach - but there’s a catch. Facebook (and Instagram) have strict requirements for political advertising. You’ll need to go through an approval process that includes identity verification, page disclaimers, and other admin hurdles. It’s not something you can do last-minute, so start this process well in advance.

Don’t underestimate the value of local print newspapers. They remain highly trusted by many voters, particularly older demographics. Advertising in them can boost your visibility, especially if you manage to secure a front-page ad. These premium spots are limited and book out quickly, so get in early if you want to lock one in.

Traditional fence signs still play a big role in name recognition. Focus on placing them along high-traffic routes and think strategically - can someone encounter your signs three or four times in a single trip across town? That kind of repetition sticks. Digital billboards are also useful and more affordable than traditional billboards. Again, book early.

The profile blurb in the voting packs is critical. When writing your blurb think, “Does my blurb present me as someone credible and trustworthy who can help tackle the issues people care most about?”

Finally, if you want to run for mayor, you should also have a website to share more about what you stand for, and link to from your social media ads. (This isn’t as crucial for councillor candidates, but it will help you stand out). I recommend using Rocketspark for a cost-effective and easy website.

Ultimately, you’re asking voters to trust you. A well-presented, well-planned, professional campaign is important for earning that trust.

See: Rating the candidates by their picture

Smart marketing for candidates

What was the world’s most powerful earthquake like? In a word: devastating.

On May 22, 1960 the Earth ruptured in southern Chile. The rupture raced along the fault at a velocity of 3.5 kilometers per second, extending across about 1000 kilometres. The Valdivia Earthquake, or the Great Chilean Earthquake, registered magnitude 9.5 — the largest ever recorded.

The rupture occurred along the boundary between the Nazca and the South American tectonic plates, just offshore from Chile, and on the far side of the Pacific Ocean from us. I would hope that many of you at this point are wondering: was there a tsunami?

The answer is yes — a massive one.

The earthquake triggered a tsunami that surged across the Pacific Ocean, well before the days of our modern Pacific-wide tsunami warning system. It took about 15 hours to reach Hawai’i, plenty of time for a modern warning to be issued and life-saving actions to be taken. Thankfully in 1960 there was a warning, but warnings only work if people take action.

The first waves that hit Hilo around midnight were about 1-2 m high. Then, at 1:04 am the largest waves arrived, reaching 4.3m. A tsunami wave is not a normal wave, it is far more dangerous. Tsunamis move immense volumes of water with relentless force, surging water up and across the land across much greater timespans.

A total of 61 people were killed in Hawai’i and 43 were injured.

On the other side of the Pacific, in Japan, the tsunami struck about 22 hours after the quake, having travelled over 16,000 kilometres. Despite warnings, around 122 people died. Waves reached over six metres in some locations.

Back in Chile, the devastation was catastrophic. Over 58,000 homes were destroyed, displacing about two million people. At least 1655 lives were lost — but as with many major disasters, the true number remains uncertain.

In Aotearoa, tsunami waves were also detected, triggering widespread evacuations. Observations came from over 120 locations, including the west coast. Run-up heights reached about 4m in Nelson and 3.5m in Gisborne and the Chatham Islands.

The impact was described by the late David Johnston and colleagues as “considerable minor damage” to homes, boats, shops, and coastal infrastructure.

At the time there were calls for improved warnings and public awareness about tsunamis. Today, we’re lucky to have access to a wealth of information at our fingertips. But we must engage with it.

There will be more large tsunamis. While we now have improved warnings and education, we also have far more to lose. In 1960, New Zealand’s population was around 2.4 million. Today, it’s more than double that, and many more people live, work, and play along our vulnerable coastlines.

The 1960 earthquake and tsunami were devastating. The words we use to describe the next major tsunami will depend on the actions we take now—as individuals, scientists, governments, and communities.

Even in the face of the Earth’s most powerful forces, we are not powerless.

The day the earth roared

Supplied

Otorohanga District’s kiwi should never have left the nest.

Perhaps some on our council team behind the decision to replace their logo with a nest have little knowledge or appreciation of how Otorohanga became the Kiwitown of New Zealand.

It was the vision and far-sightedness of local pharmacist Barry Rowe, who with veterinarian Ian Wright and others, set about to research our national icon. Despite the kiwi being recognised internationally as the emblem of New Zealanders, very little was known or understood about the character and habits of our unique national bird. And sadly, it was on a fast track to extinction.

This dedicated group succeeded in incubating the first Kiwi chick to be hatched in captivity. Its success garnered nation-wide attention, effectively giving Otorohanga the title of Kiwitown of New Zealand. It truly was a very exciting time to be living here.

This led to the building of the nocturnal house by an amazing group of passionate naturalists, supported by a diverse group of skilled tradespeople and volunteers from throughout the district. Otorohanga launched the very first kiwi house in New Zealand. Development of the aviary and native bird park followed. Yet it didn’t stop there. The first purpose-built kiwi breeding centre was established.

The first kiwi rescue missions in this country were undertaken, where populations were known to exist but at risk through proposed developments, by members of Otorohanga Zoological Society.

When the native bird aviary was built, it was the largest aviary in the southern hemisphere, giving protection to many native bird species. This encouraged awareness and gave enjoyment to locals and visitors alike, through the efforts of local committed conservationists.

Alongside the caves at Waitomo, the Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park complex are significant tourist attractions.

Ōtorohanga’s historical connection to the kiwi has been proudly portrayed by Otorohanga District Council’s logo. To have it replaced by what appears more like an attractive wreath – more association with death than nesting - strikes as absolutely inexcusable.

Some questions needing answers. Was it essential for the council to have a new logo and if so, why were residents and ratepayers not consulted? And why has it taken six months for the public to learn about it?

Now we ratepayers are clobbered with the cost of $100,000 to redesign the website to accommodate the new logo – which seems exorbitant - in addition to the $40,000 cost of the wreath design (more than six months wage for many). Already we are seeing some of council’s fleet swanning around with these wreaths on their vehicle doors.

This move draws into question the council’s wisdom in investing hard earned ratepayers’ money in what appears to be a fanciful and futile venture.

The logo represented a significant historical connection with kiwi and should never be “phased out” of Otorohanga’s District Council’s logo.

Shame on you, our council - Kiwitown forever!

A change for the worse

Meghan Hawkes

“Are you sure this car is going back? I want to get to Queen Street,” asked the elderly man of William Clark, a butcher. The men were on a tramcar in Auckland’s Customs Street around 10pm on a Thursday in January 1914.

William said he would ring the bell so that the old man could get off at the next stop. When the tram was only about halfway between the stops, he alighted but missed his footing and was thrown from the tram. William, along with others, got off the tram and found the man unconscious in the street. He was conveyed to Auckland hospital where he gradually sank and died without regaining consciousness.

He was afterwards identified as 65-year-old Patrick Ligertwood, schoolmaster at the Waitomo Caves School. He had left Waitomo at the beginning of the week for Auckland, in order to see the Exhibition, having booked a room at one of the city hotels in advance. Newspapers called his demise an ‘Old Man’s mistake’ and the ‘Death of a country visitor.’

At the inquest William Johnston, farmer, of Waitomo, who had identified Patrick, said he had known him for about 12 months, but to his knowledge he had no relatives in the country. Patrick was unmarried, and originally came from Aberdeenshire, in Scotland. The coroner found that Patrick died from a skull fracture caused through jumping from an electric tramcar while it was in motion. The next week resolutions of regret were passed by the Education Board respecting the loss of Patrick.

Patrick’s teaching career in New Zealand seems to have begun around 1877, at Clarks Flat School, Otago. He was praised as possessing great ability and having the thorough confidence of the scholars.  After a lecture at Clarks Flat by Rev Skinner on David Livingstone, the famous explorer, Patrick said that he had accidentally met Livingstone in Scotland in 1864. Over the next 36 years he taught in schools around New Zealand being either admired as the ‘popular Pat Ligertwood’ or leaving under a cloud.

While at Stoney Creek School, Manawatu, he was noted in a ‘Ramblings of a tramp’ newspaper story as a ‘scholastic curio’. An attempt to have him removed from this school backfired, being the action of a few malcontents. When he did leave there were some difficulties with a certificate and when he applied for further employment the Education Board did not hold out any hope of giving him any.

By 1897 he was at Pongaroa School, near Pahiatua, where he stayed for around 12 years. He was active in local clubs and was also correspondent for the local paper. Here he was caught up in a spat about where to hang a chart of the Ten Commandments.

In 1911 he left Pongaroa for the King Country. Now in his mid-60s he taught at Wairere Falls School and in 1913 came to Waitomo Caves School.

The man who had accidentally met David Livingstone was not returned to Waitomo but buried at Auckland’s Waikumete cemetery in an unmarked grave.

The story of Patrick Ligertwood

Tom Roa

Interestingly, the recent expulsion of the members of Te Pāti Māori from parliament for a period of time appears partly to be a result of their performing a haka in the house.  It raises questions about what a haka is.

Recently at a ceremony in celebration of the life of a friend, I offered a eulogy in Māori which I then translated for those in the congregation who had little or no Māori.

During the subsequent afternoon tea a lady approached me, introducing herself as being Welsh, celebrating the revival of her native tongue with that of our Māori language and seeking advice from me.

She said her son had married a Māori woman, and they had sent their children to a local kohanga reo, and then the kura kaupapa Māori – immersion Māori language schools.  She had attended their prize giving ceremony at the end of the school year.  A much loved, much respected teacher was retiring.  She saw how much the teacher was loved by the interactions she had with her students including how her (my questioner’s)  grandson and others interacted with his/their teacher, freely hugging and kissing her and being hugged and kissed back.

When the announcement came of her retirement, the whole school, students, staff, and some parents and whānau erupted into a ‘ginormous’ haka!

She asked me, ‘Why were they so angry?!?’

I asked her if she was familiar with the term ‘mana’?  She said yes.  I said the school community were passionately, enthusiastically, dramatically  expressing their mana, but more, recognising the mana of their teacher, colleague, friend.  I offered the opinion that what appeared to be anger, was an unbridled passionate expression that we often see today almost anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand in particular the sports fields.

I also gave the opinion that haka are not performed for nothing, nor for ‘nobodies’!  The more passionate the rendition of the haka, the more significant the occasion, and if it is directed at a certain person/people, the more significant that person/those people must be.

When sports teams perform their haka, the more passionate their rendition, the more significant the occasion, and more important the opposition.

Labour MP Peeni Henare has apologised for stepping away from his seat and onto the floor of the debating chamber,  a clear breach of the rules of Parliament.  But he was firm in his commitment to ‘my passion towards seeing this bill defeated [which] I stand by wholeheartedly.’,

It is clear to me that as a society we have much to learn, and to perhaps unlearn, about our interactions with one another.

Kia kaha tātou!

The haka in Parliament

Richard Steele

People seem fixated on coffee. I’ve never understood that.

It’s just a drink. Not even a particularly good one. Not a very efficient thirst quencher, and when mixed with milk and sugar, probably not even that good for you.

Tea is similar, but more benign, seems less addictive though it does a better job of wetting the whistle.

I couldn’t care actually, the outbreak of cafes in my lifetime, quite long, is a phenomenon future generations will look at askance, and wonder what came over us during the years from 1975 to 2025.

Then I saw in the news, that the new Tauranga council has invested $470,000, on a coffee machine, so that they and their staff can drink endless cups of coffee all day, at the ratepayers’ expense.

And I thought whoop tee doo! These folk have really got their electorate at heart.

How many jars of instant coffee is that, at eight or nine bucks a jar, that’s 53,333 jars of the stuff, their life blood over five years. Good Lord, I thought, I hope the tea and chocolate drinkers are being looked after.

So, there’s all this hullabaloo about school lunches, and the cost of providing them, when it turns out we are providing drinks for the parents of the children we are providing lunches for.

Where does it all end? What ever happened to looking after yourself, and those who you are responsible for.

I’m not talking about not providing food for hungry children but surely no-one in the council offices needs feeding by the ratepayers.

It would appear that I’ve led a sheltered life. A parallel existence if you like.

Because if I ever needed a drink or lunch at work, there was never another option, than make it, and take it.

Then one of life’s small pleasures is eating out. For remote rural folk like us, it’s a real treat to go to a cafe or restaurant, when on the way to, or in town, though I’d never seriously considered, that anyone else should have to pay for it for me.

Imagine if you will, how my already fragile reputation would suffer, if I requested free coffee at my favourite cafe. The towns around New Zealand are service centres, the money we producers spend in our towns ensures their very survival, whereas our councils produce absolutely nothing.

My concern was only prompted by the coffee.

What it really means is far more serious, for I fear that nationwide our councils are taking ratepayers to the cleaners with entitlements that us mere mortals do not have.

That ratepayers to councils, are that mythical creature, who provide all the money, for them to do with whatever they want.

And that’s the worry.

Even though throughout our beautiful country, rates have been rising far faster than the rate of inflation, infrastructure is still being neglected. Water systems are failing, every city pours sewerage into the sea, and the roads are a shambles that’s getting worse.

The mayor though will have a new car. The coffee will be provided, and all will be well between the hallowed walls.

So far from the real world.

Give me a (not coffee) break...

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The drought – and the impact downstream

The King Country Indoor Bowls Centre played two Champion of Champions events in the last week.

At Otorohanga the home team of Gordon Lang, Peter Fisher, Yvonne Longman and Richard Beaumont prevailed.

On Tuesday at Waipa, the home team of Kevin Marshall, Olga Barnes, and Marion Christensen was the winning team.

Five players from the Centre are attending the National Championships in Ashburton. Play starts on Saturday and runs through to the following Saturday.

Liz Morrow, Paul Walker, Pat Waghorn, Marlene Walker and Susie Rushbrooke will be waving the King Country flag.

Walker has been selected as the male reserve for the Masters grade North Island team, which will play the South Island on Wednesday.

Bowls results

Norris Woodbine

The Waitomo Rugby side’s miserable season continued on Saturday when a clearly under strength and casual Tongariro United side put on a clinical 16 try demolition for a 90–3 victory.

With the weather and track conditions making for a great rugby spectacle the home fans were hopeful that an improved performance would be forthcoming on the return to their home track.

Any hopes were however quickly dashed as it took the visitors just three minutes to score their first try and from there on encountered little resistance from a Waitomo side who appeared totally disorganised and at times disinterested.

One bright spot for the locals occurred just before the half time break when live wire flanker Kees Muller kicked a penalty goal to register their only points in a 40–3 half time scoreline.

The second half became more of a procession as the only time Waitomo could exit their half was from the regular restarts as they conceded a further eight tries as the Tongariro pack took complete control and the backs unleashed.

Down in Taumarunui Baven Brown Jnr celebrated his 75th game and his blazer performance for his beloved Waitete Club with three individual tries as they ran out 38–22 victors over Taumarunui Eels.

The win locked in third place on the ladder for the Te Kuiti based club who are enjoying a resurgent season based around a powerful forward pack and some exciting young backs.

Prop Livai Toofooa and his travel mate Michael Lea both franked outstanding seasons with tries while Liam Knight broke his drought with a touch down as the pack asserted real dominance.

Callum Hedley nailed four conversions to put the icing on the cakes.

In the other game in Taumarunui, Piopio appeared to have moved into top four contention with a hard fought 22–15 victory over Taumarunui Districts but following an appeal have lost their points due to fielding unregistered players.

Caleb Foote continued his try scoring exploits with two while Chay Havea also scored while Stormy McCarthy converted two.

This Saturday will see the local derby game out at Waitomo Domain as the home side will be looking for some magic to hold Waitete to a respectable scoreline while the men in blue will be looking to improve their for and against equation as they move to encounter the top two sides.

Piopio have the bye while the two Taumarunui teams will battle each other and the top two sides in Tongariro United and Taupo Marist will play Friday night in Turangi.

Space is up against us this week – but our rugby picks competition saw Peter Hurley fall a further point behind by picking Piopio, who won on the park but were docked points.

Craig McKellar continued his perfect run to remain clear of the field. Normal service will resume next week.

Brown’s milestone, and points lost

If King Country Club Rugby is in the doldrums someone forget to tell the 44 Waitete and Piopio players who took to the Rugby Park Te Kūiti field last Saturday as they turned on a most exhilarating display of rugby entertainment.

On an autumn day made for rugby and a field presented in exceptional state the scene was set with a huge crowd in attendance and the blue colours of the home side in prevalence.

The home crowd had to wait until time was up to celebrate a win.

The action on the field was only two minutes old when after storming on to the attack the Waitete forwards rumbled inside the Piopio 22 and big lock Aministai Rakoli crashed through the defence to score allowing Callum Hedley an easy conversion.

Down 7–0 the visitors pack gained ascendancy and after 16 minutes levelled the scores when their skipper Caleb Foote peeled away from a lineout beating several players before battling across for the try which Stormy McCarthy converted.

Back came Waitete and winger Kelvin Sopepa showed great pace when finishing a sweeping back and McCarthy then narrowed the gap with a penalty.

Play then settled into something of an arm wrestle until on the stroke of half time Baven Brown Jnr found the try line out wide.

Piopio took complete control up front and the start of the second half and Isaac Griffin finished off a stunning move after Foote was presented with acres of space in midfield and ran some 60 metres before off loading at the perfect time to the big man in support.

Centre Jeff Davis was next to get into the action almost from the kick off and with McCarthy accurate from the tee Piopio was ahead 24–17.

The home side appeared somewhat rattled and when skipper Sean Burr was dispatched to the sin bin things looked dire. With barely 15 minutes left Waitete centre Isaac Wana hobbled from the field and Jared Crosland was injected from the bench into the midfield in a match defining move.

Almost immediately from an attacking scrum it was Crosland who, celebrating his King Country Rams selection, proved to be unstoppable from close range and scored. The Hedley conversion locked things up 24–24.

Not to be out done Piopio shot back onto attack and Brock Gower silenced the large crowd crossing for a try in the corner and once again the visitors were in front 29 – 24 as McCarthy’s wide conversion was waved away.

Finally in a frantic final five minutes Waitete lifted as expected and with 80 minutes up on the clock Crosland tied things up inches in from the touchline.

Cometh the moment cometh the man and young Hedley soaked up all the pressure before slotting a mammoth sideline conversion and Waitete took the win 31-29.

In other results the dismal Waitomo season continued as they were defeated 128–0 in Taupo while Taumarunui Districts couldn’t contain the rampant Tongariro United 62 -15.

This week local action will centre on Waitomo Domain when they host Tongariro United while Waitete and Piopio both travel to take on the Eels and Districts respectively.

Piopio or Taumarunui Districts? Our tipsters got it all right last week – but are split on this one.

Waitete snatch last gasp victory

With the first round of King Country Premiership Club Rugby done and dusted the lop-sided nature of the competition is engineering much concern among club land as to the short-term future of rugby in this region.

Results on Saturday saw the Taumarunui Eels travel to Turangi for a Hetet Shield challenge, which should be a pinnacle event, and return home having been beaten 130–0 (I am reliably informed this was the final score)

Almost as bad was the “match of the round” result in Taupō where a rampant Marist side destroyed a reasonable Piopio side that included quality players in Caleb Foote, Isaac Griffin, Keyen Reymer, and Chey Havea with a 102–0 scoreline.

When in a seven-team competition the gap between top sides and the rest is the stark reality of century points tallies and one-sided affairs supporters begin to question the point.

This could lead to defaults and non-results as the cold foggy frosty King Country weather kicks in and player enthusiasm wanes and under strength sides find recruitment struggles mount.

The King Country Union has announced some radical changes to the make-up of their governing board including a new chairman and vice chairman and it is hoped the refiguration of club rugby is high on their agenda.

Rumours abound that the Taupo clubs are looking toward Rotorua for their future competition which would leave rugby followers in this region and Taumarunui with restricted opportunities.

The one bright spot is the rise of the local Waitete club. A disastrous 2024 campaign has been well and truly turned around and with victory over defending champions Taumarunui Districts last week the team has  locked down third place on the ladder.

After leaving Te Kuiti on a cold foggy morning, they were greeted by an outstanding autumn day at the Taumarunui Domain and although without Jared Crosland, Wiremu Harris and Isaac Wana still fielded a powerful side which included a debut for 18-year-old Api Williams.

Another positive saw NZ Māori under 20 rep Rico Bell take the field for the first time in 2025.

With the battle for third up for grabs the game began in frantic fashion and play swept up and down the field before in the 17th minute a sweeping backline move saw Waitete open the scoring when young Ivan Reid crossed in the corner.

Just three minutes later outstanding hooker Mike Lea ranged up in midfield smashing through defenders and showing real pace to surge across under the bar giving Callum Hedley an easy conversion and a 12–0 lead.

District fought back and scored a converted try before star centre Baven Brown Jnr extended Waitete’s lead to 17–7 as the half time hooter rang out.

The second half started much the same as the first as Districts attempted to exert some dominance however after 10 minutes Waitete sealed their lead as Phayzen Marshall completed another sweeping backline excursion scoring handy enough for Hedley to convert.

Down 24–7 Districts then struck back with a try before the superior fitness and cohesion of the visitors pack saw them take control and put replacement winger Shannon Yorke over in the corner to post the 29–12 victory.

For Waitete prop Ryan Joyes secured the MVP points and he is in outstanding form anchoring the powerful scrum, the classy Bell, who shone on both attack and defence, secured two points while Lea franked his form securing one point.

This week will see Waitete host Piopio in Te Kuiti, Waitomo is on the road to Taupo Marist and Tongariro United host Taumarunui Districts. 

Our tipsters are in agreement this week, and Craig McKellar with 21 remains a clear leader in the King Country match result contest.

Big wins - but it's little good

More line up for New Plymouth

It has been a busy few days for indoor bowlers in the King Country, with the main events being the qualifying rounds of the NZ Mixed Pairs and Fours being played at Ōtorohanga on Saturday. 

The winners of these events go forward, along with the winner of the  Henselite singles winner, Maryanne Tanfield and the winners of our Master Fours event, which will be played next Saturday, to the zone finals at New Plymouth July 4-5. 

Four teams entered the fours, and after two rounds, two teams had two wins. 

Liz Morrow, Bryan Wooten, Carol Lovell and Lance Chapman ran out the winners by the narrowest of margins, beating Bruce Grace, Jim Parsons, Pat Waghorn and Susan Grace 7-6 with an umpire's measure required to decide whether Bruce had one ot two shots on the last end. 

Had the game finished as a draw, both teams would have had the same number of ends and points, which would have required them to play another game.

The pair's event was similarly very close. Only two of the eight teams qualified for post-section play. Warren Davis and Yvonne Longman and Blue Hancock, and Carol Lovell. These two teams had met in the preliminary round, and the result was a draw. 

In the final game, Davis and Longman led 4-1 after three ends and 8-4 after seven of the nine ends had been played. Hancock scored three on the eighth end and held three on the last end with Davis having the last bowl. Davis played the perfect shot to briefly hold the win -  then his bowl fell over, and Hancock and Lovell had two shots for the win. 

Two Club championship events were played during the week. Gordon Lang carried on his winning way at the Ōtorohanga Club, taking out the pairs championship with Mike Afendoulis. At the Waipa Club, Kevin Marshall and Marion Christensen took out the title. 

A representative team that travelled to Kapuni had an enjoyable, if not successful, trip. The King Country players were much less experienced at this level of competition but competed well in the circumstances. The final result was a win to Taranaki by 80.5 to 27.5 

The top individual for King Country was Marlene Walker, and the top team, just, was Brendon Hand, Rod Ward, Margaret Taylor and Russell Vincent.


Two new club champs

The Ōtorohanga Tennis Club finished the with two new club champions – Donna Russell and George Butcher.

The women’s singles final featured  some long rallies between Russell and Joyce Wong who was a first time finalist.

The men's singles final kept spectators entertained with even longer hard fought rallies with Butcher beating the defending champion Paul Fleming in the third set tiebreaker. 

After some close matches the men's doubles club champs winners were Brendon McNeil and Levi Udy, with runners up Jazz Stafford and Paul Fleming. Women's doubles club champs winners were Marj Carr and Donna Russell, runners up Dorothy Carr and Jo Leslie.

Mixed doubles club champs winners were George Butcher and Zoe Clapcott, runners up were Holly Carr-Paterson and Marcus Paterson.


Hunt even on target

Top shots were noted for their efforts during the recent annual Wild Hunting Competition organised by Piopio Cosmopolitan Club.

 Entrants came from as far as Tauranga and Port Waikato, club president Waide Jones said. “It’s a magic community event and I hope everybody enjoyed it as much as we do,” Jones said. Entry numbers were similar to last year – 128 adults and 100 children.

This year’s major prize winners were: Heaviest boar: Buster Kerr, 82.9kg, Heaviest red stag: Nathan Marshall, 126kg, Heaviest fallow stag: Donovan Morris, 58kg, Longest snapper: Kevin Stott, 75cm, Heaviest kahawai: Rosie Donald, 1.93kg.


Kudos for Ōtorohanga

Ōtorohanga, looking for its first win in the Waikato senior men’s football competition, agreed to postpone its home match against Tokoroa, which was stricken with injuries and players unavailable, last weekend.

The club’s response to being asked to put the game off would not be forgotten, Tokoroa coach Dean Tereu said.

The competition intensified at the weekend.

Unbeaten Cambridge fell at Hamilton’s Galloway Park to one of the three Claudelands teams in the league while Te Awamutu made it two wins in a row at Huntly.

The focus will be on Galloway Park again on Saturday. Cambridge is at Claudelands again, to play league leaders the Wallys while Ōtorohanga is also at Galloway to play Claudelands Stallions. Neighbours Te Awamutu hosts Unicol.


Weekend woes for club sides

By Jesse Wood

It was a tough weekend of away games for Ōtorohanga Sports in Waikato club rugby, succumbing to three losses

The Ōtorohanga premier golds and premier B blues travelled to Bedford Park to face United Matamata Sports.

The women’s premiership team played University in Hamilton.

Matamata won the men’s premier game 47-26.

The home side scored seven tries to four and Matamata pivot Logan Allen knocked six of the conversions over.

Vereti Peceli, Jake Laurent, Gabriel Simpson and Delane Bell were the try scorers for the golds.

Manaaki Rewi-Wetini converted three of the scores.

The blues development team fell 15-12 in a close encounter with Matamata B.

Siki Bari and Inia Titoko were the two to cross the chalk for the visitors.

Eseroma Nabalawa had a conversion rate of 50 per cent, missing one of the kicks.

Matamata B grabbed three unconverted tries.

University posted a 34-12 win in the women’s premiership game.

Blues Super Rugby Aupiki player Paris Mataroa scored seven of Ōtorohanga’s points.

The women’s squad will head up the road to face Kihikihi this Saturday, while it’s the men’s turn to pay University a visit.

Kio Kio United Cattle Dogs fell 38-0 to Beachlands Maraetai in the combined Waikato-Counties Manukau Under-85kg rugby competition.

This Saturday, they will host the Pukekohe under-85kg team at Maihihi.

It reads as a tough battle as the 11th placed Cattle Dogs facing the second placed visitors.

 

Sports News in brief

Jesse Wood

Lee Stevens enjoys leading a club which, he says, can help take the stress out of life.

He’s the president of the Te Kūiti BMX Club and he is encouraging the community to get involved in a sport he says can help all ages improve their mental health.

“It’s about getting people exercising and off the computers and screens. It's a really good family gathering. Kids and adults all hang out and have fun together,” Lee said.

“It takes about 50 seconds to do one lap around the BMX track. You actually burn your fight-or-flight mechanism.

“If you're building up stress for weeks. You can go out and thrash it, five laps around the track. You're burning all those endorphins off. You're on a bit of a high for a couple of days afterwards. It gives you a mental health lift.

“I'm much happier if I'm regularly riding.”

The Te Kūiti BMX club started in 1986 and is one of six New Zealand affiliated clubs in the Waikato region.

“We're really lucky in the Waikato because we’ve got Te Kūiti, Hamilton, Te Awamutu, Cambridge, Te Aroha and Paeroa BMX clubs,” Lee said. 

“It’s like a hub. If we host an event, we'll get people from other clubs coming along to help us run it.

“We recently had an open day, a have a go day, and about 80 people came along. It was good.”

Te Kūiti members meet every Tuesday and include training and games to get children used to manoeuvring their bikes on their floodlit track.

 “You can turn up with nothing, hire a bike and helmets and get to ride around the track. You just have to be fully covered, no skin showing.”

Lee joined the William St based club in 2019 after several decades away from the sport.

He had previously been involved with the Masterton club in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

As the cliché goes, it was just like riding a bike, he hadn’t lost his passion for it.

“When I found out we had a track here and there's a BMX shop in Ōtorohanga to get bits and pieces for bikes, I thought that was cool. Then my youngest daughter got into it too,” Lee said.

“It’s an awesome sport and it's an individual sport. Whatever you put in is what you get back.

“The BMX community is awesome. If you want to meet a really good bunch of people, get a race licence, start racing and you can meet cool people up and down the country.”

He says the Te Kūiti track is good for beginners.

“I race in the 50 plus category and there’s about 25 of us in New Zealand that have race licenses. Then there's 55 plus and then there's 60 plus and 65 plus. It goes up every five years.

“I've been racing again for about five years and the guys in our age group, just rock up to the track and have a chat. We race and have a good yarn afterwards.”

Another valuable member in the club is life member Richard Scott, a member of the Te Kūiti BMX Club for 19 years.

Richard began racing BMX in 1979, also starting in Masterton. He loves the sport and family environment.

Karl Thurston, a 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships rider, has recently run free BMX lessons for children in Te Kūiti.

He was born in Te Kūiti but moved to Tauranga in recent years.

“What kid doesn't like riding a bike? When I was at primary school, high school, I rode everywhere. Even once I got my driver’s license, I'd still ride all over town to go to my mate's places or to go to the track, because - especially in Te Kūiti - you could do that,” Karl said.

“I grew up in Te Kūiti and no matter what happened in life, I'd always end up back at Te Kūiti BMX. It's just the nature of sport. When you're involved in any sort of club, it becomes your family.

“I could go to the track and it didn't matter who you were riding with. You just got to go hang out, help each other and try things you're working on to get better.

“Te Kūiti BMX Club was the glue of that, I could always fall back on it.”

Karl said the sport has taught him invaluable life skills. He recommends everyone to give it a chance.

“It's like a bug when you enjoy it, you just want to keep going,” he said.

“I love team sports, don't get me wrong, but through life you’ve got to learn to battle out on your own a bit. I got a lot of that resilience from BMX growing up.

“It’s also very positive. You've always got people around you that help get you back up and get going again. If you have a crash, it teaches you pretty fast to get up and at least finish the race with pride.

“It’s all or nothing. You can't blame someone else for what you’ve done wrong and then when you achieve something, you've achieved that. It’s satisfying.”

Spokes, and speaking of BMX

While the men’s premier side sat out a bye it was the Waitete women’s side competing in Waikato Division 1 who took centre stage at the Maniapoto Rugby ground in Te Kuiti on Saturday.

On a balmy King Country autumn day, the match against northern neighbours Pirongia attracted a large crowd and the on-field entertainment had the spectators enthralled as the home side ran riot notching a 75-point victory.

After an early testing out period whereby the visitors held their own the Waitete machine clicked into gear as the game plan designed by coach Wayne Fraser took shape and his bigger pack took control.

Within 15 minutes storming number 8 Aprilia Huata, who proved impossible to contain all afternoon, had notched two tries brushing defenders aside at will.

Ebonieshy George and Katelin George were next to score and fullback Chanelle Macrae slotted a handy conversion to put the home side up by 22–0 before Pirongia managed to get their hands on the ball.

Outside centre Abbe Putaura then bashed through in midfield to score before Huata scored again under the bar allowing Macrae an easy conversion and before the break the speedy Janaya King-Rewi crossed for a double to post a 45–0 half time scoreline.

Pirongia notched something of a revival early in the second half and held the home side out for a 15-minute period before the flood gates opened again and the Waitete pack took complete control.

Tauvalea Law scored a double, Huata another two to take her match tally to five, all converted by Kelsi Barnett to frank the comprehensive victory.

Up front the Waitete pack excelled with Law, Renee Mauntin, and the experienced Mary Tapu to the fore while locks Emma Burgess and Darlin Johnson, who dedicated her performance to her recently deceased mum, were prominent with ball in hand.

In the King Country men’s premiership Tongariro remain the only unbeaten side after their 48-0 victory over Piopio while Taupo Marist remain second after defeating Taumarunui Districts 40-12 and in a shock result between the two bottom teams Taumarunui Eels slayed Waitomo 85-0.

This week Piopio travel to play the fancied Taupō Marist side, Tongariro United will look to complete an unbeaten first round when they host Taumarunui Eels in Turangi and Waitete travel to Taumarunui looking to cement third place with victory over Districts.

Waitomo will be looking to regroup for the second round as they sit out the bye.

Peter Hurley dropped a point by opting for Waitomo this week - will he make it up by picking Taumarunui districts this week?

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