Jon Rawlinson

 * The online version contains some corrections to the print copy.

King Country rugby legend Noel McQuilkin, was honoured during a memorial event at his beloved Waitete clubrooms at the weekend.

A coach to many, Noel (aka Snagglepuss, Snags and Snappy) was an all-round ‘good boy’.

“That was one of his sayings,” his son, Kurt, told The News.

“When he was coaching or as a Rugby Development Officer, he’d pick someone and say: ‘you’re a good boy,’ or ‘you’re a good girl.’ It was one of his common calls.”

Noel, 86, died at Te Kūiti Hospital on June 3, surrounded by family including his wife of more than 60 years, Josie. Kurt, a former King Country rugby union general manager, flew from Ireland in time to farewell his father.

“My wife, Barbara, and I were intent on saying goodbye before he passed and, luckily, we got to do that. He had all sorts going on, but his ticker was the main thing, it just gave up in the end.”

Sharing his father’s dedication to rugby, Kurt is an ex-Bective Rangers, Leinster and Ireland centre. As a coach, he worked at Leinster and Dublin’s Greystones RFC. After more recent roles with King Country, he is again based in Ireland, picking up where his dad left off.

“As Dad finished his coaching career with Greystones, I guess it is quite fitting for me to take up the mantle again,” Kurt said. “From a McQuilkin perspective, there’s a fair bit of history there for sure.”

A builder by trade and, for a time, a Te Kūiti fish shop owner, Noel was well known in his community. He poured his heart and soul into rugby.

During his playing days, he represented Waitete RFC and clocked up 11 caps for his province in the early 1960s, alongside such illustrious company as the Meads brothers, Stan and Colin. Noel represented King Country in 24 first-class matches (1958-61, 64).

However, it was through coaching that Noel really made his mark. It began with Waitete, followed by a season with California-based Back Bay before he returned to New Zealand to coach King Country.

His first game in charge was 34-6 loss against Waikato in a friendly at the Island Reserve in Otorohanga on Anzac Day, 1989. His last was a 59-13 loss to Taranaki on June 14, 2000 at Piopio in another friendly.

Noel led King Country to a win the NPC’s Second Division in 1991. The union remained in the First Division for a further five years.

After moving to Ireland in 1992, Noel made a name for himself at Bective Rangers and Greystones. A second stint with King Country, for two seasons in 1999 and 2000, followed.

In 2000 he coached the Divisional XV that toured Samoa and Tonga beating Apia 47-11 and Western Samoa 30-23 but losing to Tonga 34-17. Two years later he capped off his coaching career by seeing his NZ Divisional XV draw 35 all with the John Kirwan coached Italy and then a week later go down 56-3 to Ireland in Timaru.

Despite this lengthy service, Noel was not one to rest on his laurels. He still had some work to do, helping the next generation of lambs become Rams.

“Even after he finished coaching, he did a bit of development work for King Country. Going around the schools and clubs, he still kept his hand in at grassroots level,” Kurt said.

“He had a great career, but all he’d probably say about it was that he played his part. With Waitete, with King Country and in Ireland, he just played his part.”

When the King Country Rams next take the field in the Heartland Championship, they may well wear their hearts, along with black armbands, on their sleeves.

“I don’t know, but I guess the board could discuss it,” said Kurt. “If that does happen, it would be a great thing for our family.”

 * See: Bective Rangers mourn Noel McQuilkin



Waitete honours rugby club great

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

Meghan Hawkes

Woeful roads and a “growing evil’ were among the talking points in the King Country in 1906. Meghan Hawkes looks back.

It was an unfortunate fact that while the King Country was excellent for grass growing, the roading problem was exceedingly serious.

Unless something was done to overcome it there was a fear that some settlements would be abandoned. On main roads the mail contractors had to packhorse everything and the price of provisions, even when settlers could obtain supplies, was costly. Many settlers had already given up holdings, becoming disheartened at the high price of provisions, and the continued wallowing in mud to horse-girth when they got on to so-called main roads.

Getting married in the King Country was inconvenient and expensive as those wishing to wed had to reside three days in Te Awamutu or Waitara before a license could be issued under the present Marriage and Registration Acts.

A rearrangement of districts with registrars solved this with the new districts defined as Awakino, Te Kuiti, Mangapeehi, Mokau and Ohura. In some instances persons previously had to travel 50 miles to comply with the conditions of registration required by law.

Te Kuiti’s popular postmistress was gladly welcomed back after returning from holiday and taking up her numerous duties with renewed vigour.

The town was going ahead and had quite a busy appearance. The butter factory, lime kiln and metal crusher were causing increased traffic. Several houses were being built and farmers were bringing their wives and families to the area.

A new school meant the children enjoyed the same educational advantages as at other, older settled places. There were now two good boarding houses and the nucleus of a good library.

The growing curse of noxious weeds came up for discussion at a meeting of the Waitomo Council.

The eradication of blackberry, sweet briar, and Californian thistle was already compulsory and the council now added ragwort and gorse to the list. The Raglan County Council had written asking the Waitomo Council to join in a request to the Minister of Agriculture that necessary

Mail and mud

Richard Steele

Donald Trump has announced a 15 per cent levy or tariff on everything we export into the United States.

I’m not astute enough in macro-economics to be able to predict how negative the effects will be on little old New Zealand, but I’m savvy enough to know, that the effects can’t be all good.

He must have been badly bullied at school. Then he inherited a vast real estate empire from his father that would have grown bigger if he had never been involved in it, I’m told.

How else can you explain his megalomania and his desire to interfere with world trade, and world politics, to such a negative extent?

Has he stopped the Russian attack against the Ukraine?. Has he stopped the Israelis beating up the Palestinian people? Not as I’m writing this.

He has sucked half the voters into electing him to a second term in office, though I’m sure that says more about the Republicans than anything I could write.

He seems to have world leaders all around the shop dancing to his beck and call, to curry favour with his regime, even though most free thinkers see him as a despot, out of control.

I’m wondering if it’s a good time for our leaders to show some intestinal fortitude, to suffer the levy, but also to tell him to just get stuffed. Like the leadership that promoted and stuck to our world leading nuclear free policy. That has never done us any harm, in fact it seems to me our continued nuclear free policy makes us stronger, alone in the world, standing up to bullies, who haven’t exactly put the world in a very stable place at this precise point in time.

So I don’t get the Republicans voting so strongly for his second term, which has taken the once great nation to a state of international ridicule at a time when sound internal financial decisions could have had the world’s most powerful nation leading from the front.

And where on earth is the opposition to this craziness within the United States?

At least in our wonderful version of democracy, love it or hate it, when one of our leaders suggests something outrageous , our system is robust enough to put that idea in its place.

So it’s a great time for all New Zealanders to hang together and work at creating better marketing opportunities worldwide, so that while we will always be a small trading nation, we will never be reliant on any one countries political whims.

Look around the world right now, I challenge you, the intelligent reader, and see what you think of the world leaders, who are bowing and offering subservience to a person who has no right to be in control.

The word is trumped

Janine Krippner

Last week was an eventful one for the Pacific region, marked by significant geological and oceanic activity. The sequence of events began with a powerful earthquake, followed by a tsunami, then a Russian volcano made an appearance.

At 11:25 am on July 30 (New Zealand time), a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia, within the active Kuril-Kamchatka subduction zone. This is a significant seismic event, clocking in as the largest since the 2011 Mw 9.1 Tohoku earthquake that triggered a devastating tsunami. It can be chaos trying to find good information during large and complex events like this one, so here are a few sources that can be helpful to save for next time.

For events that could impact us in Aotearoa, our own local agencies should always be where we turn for information and advice. That said, there are also some helpful international agencies that provide trustworthy information and context.

For information on earthquakes, earthquake.usgs.gov is an excellent resource. During significant events like this one, they do a great job of summarizing what happened. They also give aftershock forecasts, which estimate the likelihood of additional quakes within the following week, across a range of magnitudes.

For tsunamis in the Pacific Ocean, the international Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) will post tsunami Advisories. However, it is critical that we follow our own local Civil Defence advice for tsunamis. The strong currents associated with tsunamis alone can be dangerous or deadly and should never be underestimated.

This event is a good reminder that a tsunami is not a normal wave like we see at our beaches, and it is also not a tidal wave. A tsunami is a set of powerful surges that can carry vast amounts of water and debris inland, then back out to sea. This series of waves often occurs over hours, and the largest wave might take a while to reach your location. This is why it is essential to follow advice until an advisory is formally lifted.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, headlines quickly circulated claiming it had triggered a volcanic eruption. Klyuchevskoy, the volcano in question, is actually one of the more frequently active volcanoes in Kamchatka. I’ve been fortunate enough to see in person, and its activity is not unusual. The current eruption episode started in April, so no, the earthquake did not trigger a new eruption. There are a lot of active volcanoes in Kamchatka, so having several ongoing eruptions at any given time is normal.

A great place to fact-check volcanic activity like this is the Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program, where eruption dates and descriptions are available in one handy place. Claims of a large earthquake triggering an eruption are common during these events, and it is almost always a volcano that has been erupting for quite a while.

Thankfully, this was not a repeat of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami or the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami, both of which caused catastrophic devastation and tragic loss of life. Still, it serves as a powerful reminder that we live on a geologically active planet, and that events unfolding far from our own shores can still have a direct impact on us.

The Kamchatka earthquake

Chris Aspin - On the Beat

It’s been another busy week for King Country police, with several positive outcomes across both Te Kuiti and Ōtorohanga.

A male driver was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol after being stopped in Te Kuiti at 7am for driving without taillights in low visibility. He blew 1059— more than four times the adult legal limit of 250.

Another significant catch was made after a woman was reported by members of the public for concerning driving behaviour between Ōtorohanga and Te Kuiti. She was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol and found to have used a friend to bypass her vehicles alcohol interlock device. Her vehicle has since been impounded.

A male with a zero-alcohol licence restriction was stopped after failing to stop at a stop sign in Te Kuiti. He was found to have a breath alcohol reading of 469. His licence has been suspended, vehicle impounded, and he has been charged with excess breath alcohol.

A male was arrested following four shoplifting incidents at New World Te Kuiti over two days. He now faces charges including shoplifting, trespass, burglary, and breach of release conditions. Bail was opposed by police and the male has been remanded in custody.

Police charged a male in relation to the daytime theft of a bicycle in Te Kuiti. The bike has since been returned to the victim.

A male who had been actively avoiding Police was located at an address in Te Kuiti and taken into custody for failing to appear in court.

He’s also facing charges connected to a commercial burglary in Ōtorohanga where a campervan valued at $40,000 was stolen. Bail was opposed, and the male has been remanded in custody.

Police responded to two unrelated incidents in Ōtorohanga. Both matters resulted with males being arrested for breaching bail and mental health referrals being made.

Members of the public called to report a male smashing the Ōtorohanga library windows. A quick response from King Country police resulted in the male being apprehended. He is facing charges of wilful damage and has also been remanded in custody.

We appreciate the continued support of the public. If you see something suspicious or notice anti-social road behaviour, don’t hesitate to report it. Your information can make a real difference and held hold people accountable for their actions.

Drink drivers apprehended

I notice with not a little interest a rising call for there to be a rate increase cap to be imposed on regional and district government.

My first reaction is to think “about time”, and my hasty following second reaction, is for there to be a way of slowing rate increases in the next few months and years, as this good idea gains traction. That would ensure councils are not able to crank rates up too far in the meantime.

I would actually go a step further, and make them have a sinking lid rates policy, where every year our rates bills went down a tad. Not by reducing services either, judging from where I sit on a very remote rural road, the services have been reduced a fair bit already. Don’t worry, I’m not concerned about us and ours, we very happily choose to live where we do.

It’s just that when you add the rating base to the central government’s contribution through fuel taxes, we are getting less for our road network, and on the other hand there is a decent push, for the country to make more from our primary producers, and from tourism. Rough as guts roads don’t help these roads improve these lofty ambitions.

And spreading out a million more bloody road cones , doesn’t get one more pot hole filled in.

I know, I know, that there is a bit of a boom going on with dairy and with red meat prices, and that’s wonderful for rural communities, small towns, and then the whole country,.

But the current good prices will soon come to nothing if our costs are not kept under control, and I see no evidence of any much control of costs from where I sit

There is lots to do. I’m positive enough to think that most people who wish to govern us enter the political world with the best intentions in the world. It’s just that they don’t always succeed and that’s partly the fault of us - the ratepayers who don’t encourage the best people in our communities to stand, or vote people in because they are jolly nice , rather than very good at business.

There is also a call to amalgamate councils again, as we did in the late eighties, I do not see that as being the answer, as I have this deep seated conviction that big does not always equate to better.

It may be the right thing to do sometimes, though I’ve yet to see it. I’m only 77 though, so I may be surprised if I live long enough. Fat chance, I reckon.

In summary then, we need to at least put a cap on rate increases, have a sinking lid policy on future council spending, and only vote for those with proven business acumen.

Controlling the cost

Geology tends to move very slowly, until it doesn’t.

Below our feet are enormous tectonic plates moving at around the speed fingernails grow. Depending on location, there may also be molten magma, faults that will one day produce earthquakes, and for those of us who live on slopes, soil and rock that may one day move downhill. As geologists, it is our collective job to understand these processes and how they might impact us.

Not long ago, we experienced Cyclone Gabrielle, which led to around 140,000 landslides. Landslides also happen to cause the most fatalities out of any geologic hazard in Aotearoa. As with other hazards, understanding when and where they may happen is crucial in preparing ourselves so that we can move people out of the way, prevent injury or death, and recover faster. We have increasingly powerful computing technology to help us to.

After working with researcher Sergio Alfaya over the past month with the GeoTenerife programme, we will be heading into the field to hunt down what we call mass-wasting events. This is a term that basically encompasses soil and rock moving downhill, whether it be a landslide or a rockfall, or any other process where terrain becomes unstable and shifts downslope.

His research has been using Machine Learning to work out which areas of the Canary Islands are most likely to experience these events. Important factors for when and where these processes may occur are the slope – how steep the land is - elevation, geology - the rocks - vegetation and rainfall.

In Machine Learning we create a type of AI to work through large amounts of information, in this case, where past landslides match patterns in those five factors. This is called model training, and in this case, he used a database of well over 1000 landslide events across the Canary Islands. After months of work, he managed to get this to around 90 per cent accurate, a great result especially given the complex terrain.

A surprising find was that elevation is an important factor here, when the assumption was that vegetation and rainfall would be. Through research like this, we understand more of the metaphorical puzzle that is the land we live on.

Over the next couple of weeks we will be going into the field to check out where more recent events have happened, mostly rockfalls in this case, to gather information that we can’t see on a computer screen. Combining computing power with human experience makes this research all the more powerful and will hopefully contribute to helping emergency management planning on the islands.

This is a great example of how new technology can help us work through so much more information to gain more insight into our planet, and guide smarter decisions on how we prepare, build, and respond to our changing landscapes.

As with any hazard, being prepared by understanding the hazards around our homes and having an emergency plan can make a huge difference when it matters most. The National Emergency Management Agency Civil Defence is a good source of more information.

Learning about slides

Today we launch a new weekly column called On the Beat where police update readers on what’s happening in the community and provide advice and information.

Hi there, I’m Constable Chris Aspin, and I’m proud to have recently stepped into the Community Constable role for Te Kūiti.

I bring with me over 10 years of frontline policing experience with three years in Counties Manukau and the past seven plus years in the Ōtorohanga and Te Kuiti area, I’m excited to be a part of the prevention team.

Policing in rural areas presents unique challenges and opportunities. One of the greatest strengths of rural policing is the close-knit nature of the community. We may have a lower crime rate than the cities, however when crime does occur, the impact can be deeply felt. My role is to work alongside you, local agencies, and local police — to listen, provide support, and help prevent / stamp out crime before it happens.

Over the past month, we’ve seen an increase in reports of rural theft, including fuel being siphoned from farm tanks and equipment stolen from sheds. There have also been several vehicle thefts in the residential areas.

Prevention starts with awareness. A few simple actions can go a long way - lock up homes, vehicles, and sheds, install motion sensor lights or cameras, get to know your neighbours and look out for each other and photograph and record the serial numbers of tools and equipment.

I encourage everyone to report crime — no matter how small it seems. If you see something unusual, let us know. Call 111 in an emergency, or 105 for non-urgent matters. You can also report online or anonymously through Crime Stoppers (0800 555 111).

Some good results:

Charges have been laid in relation to some rural burglaries in the Benneydale area.

A male was arrested and charged in relation to a disorderly incident that took place in the main street of Ōtorohanga after he was seen acting aggressively and driving in a dangerous manner.

Several arrests have been made in relation to people breaching their bail.

My aim is to be visible and accessible — so if you see me around, don’t hesitate to have a chat. Be safe and stay well.

On the beat

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Norris Woodbine

A large crowd descended on the Centennial Park Oval last Saturday to see Maniapoto take on Counties-Manukau Māori and few left disappointed.

In scoring four tries with one converted Maniapoto were the victors 22-21 as the visitors managed three converted tries in a game where both sides played with flair and skill.

After the northern side of Te Kuiti was rocked with rousing haka where the Maniapoto side were supported by the champion Waitete Under 11 and 13 players laying down the challenge, the game kicked off on a superb playing surface.

It was immediately apparent the visitors, who fielded a huge forward pack, were a cohesive unit and set about their task with the benefit of combinations and an effective game plan.

After the early exchanges Maniapoto lost young lock Tipene Perawiti who broke his arm making a crunching tackle and his youthful team mates appeared to be caught in the headlights and shell shocked.

Counties/Manukau swooped and within the first 10 minutes raced to a 14-point half time lead. It was a different story after the break with Kyan Reymer receiving great service from his pack his outside men Kauri Coffin and Diego Rangi.

Fullback Maanaki Rhind sliced through after 10 minutes, scoring a great try, and soon after was across in the opposite corner as his side moved the ball deep in their own half and he kicked ahead before out pacing defenders with ease.

Time and again during this period of play only desperate cover defence kept the now rampant Maniapoto back line at bay but the dam had to break and Ben Hedley showed great agility and speed as he raced in a try from 40 metres out and Rhind kicked the vital conversion.

This spurred the visitors into action and their big pack again set about domination and were rewarded when crossing under the bar from an unstoppable maul to set up a 21–17 scoreline with eight minutes to go.

Maniapoto reverted to their back line moves and swept onto attack and appeared to have been held out before right winger Freemin Te Whare latched onto a superb passing move and produced a stunning side step before sprinting clear to dot down nonchalantly in the corner for the winning score.

Maniapoto in nail-biting win

The Maniapoto rugby squad selected to celebrate the refurbishment of Centennial Park in Te Kūiti now has chance to lift the 105 year old Peace Cup.

The team beat Counties Manukau Māori in a friendly match to mark the re-opening of Centennial Park last weekend.

Eady Manawaiti selected the group after his Bush United club was unable to field a squad this season.

The former King Country rugby player, who coached Bush for five years, said the lack of numbers had been a struggle for almost two decades.

As he wasn’t coaching during the club season, he had the chance to travel the North King Country region and watch other teams’ matches.

“This short two-game campaign has been really encouraging and uplifting for local players in Te Kūiti as well.

“Centennial Park has a long and proud history. Over the years, there’s been an under investment in the council ground and facilities. But this term we were determined to reinvest back into it,” Manawaiti said.

“The grandstand facilities were upgraded, new changing rooms, showers, disabled toilets, the field was upgraded, rugby posts were added and getting the rugby field marked was an exciting time for the community. Now they can get involved and participate with sport there.

“We’ve got King Country Touch relocating back to Centennial Park and we have a league tournament booked in September.”

On Saturday, the Maniapoto team have a unique opportunity in Rotorua.

“The current Peace Cup holders, Hamilton Rugby Union, pulled their team from the competition this year as there weren’t enough teams for a Peace Cup competition,” Manawaiti said.

Hamilton relinquished the cup, so Central Bay of Plenty and Maniapoto rugby will play a winner takes all challenge at Marist St. Michael’s rugby ground on Saturday.

Manawaiti said the community support for the side has been overwhelming.

“We were delighted to have a presentation by Ngāti Maniapoto iwi member Doug Ruki on the history of the Tupuna Maniapoto,” he said.

Ruki has also written a haka for the team.

“The history lesson itself created an opportunity for the players to connect to that side of their whakapapa or genealogy, whether Māori or non-Māori.”

About 25 players have put their names forward including former Waikato player Murray Iti.

The coach said the energy brought by the Waitomo club players in particular has been contagious.

“The energy they’ve brought after what could be described as a very challenging season, is amazing,” Manawaiti said. “These guys have brought all the energy and enjoyment. They’re very engaged in playing for this team.

“Players are coming home from Hamilton and from all over the North King Country area to represent their roots. The response has been quite fabulous.”

Peace Cup chance calls

A haka before the final Wools of New Zealand Shearing Test may have spurred the Kiwis on to a dominant performance in Wales.

Although their win could not salvage the series, won 2-1 by Wales, King Country’s Jack Fagan and Northland’s Toa Henderson ended their tour in style.

They pair finished 4.05 points clear of Llyr Jones and Gwion Lloyd Evans at the Corwen Shears at the weekend. In the Open All-Nations final, Henderson was second and Fagan fifth.

“We had a good win,” NZ team manager, Neil Fagan (Jack’s cousin), said. “We go into each test hoping for a win, so the last test made for a positive end to the tour.”

In the test, Fagan posted the fastest time, secured best points in the pens and overall quality points, shearing 20 lambs in 11.23 minutes. Henderson, who was six seconds behind, had the best points in judging.

The Kiwis finished with a 3-3 record for their Northern Hemisphere tour, which also included a loss to Scotland and wins against England and France.

Fagan and Henderson secured numerous individual honours on tour.

Henderson won Open finals in France and at the Royal Welsh Show, was third at the Great Yorkshire Show and fourth at Lochearnhead in Scotland.

Fagan finished second in Yorkshire and France, third at the Royal Welsh Show, fourth at Cothi and Corwen. He also won four speedshear titles on tour.

“I’m very proud of them, they have shorn their best. It just goes to show they are both competitive over here,” Neil Fagan said.

Shearers finish  on winning note

After a somewhat intensive build up for administrators, players and supporters behind the scenes, the Maniapoto Representative Rugby side will join forces with Waitomo District Council to officially open the new improved facilities on the oval at Centennial Park on Saturday.

The day will feature a clash between Maniapoto and Counties-Manukau Māori.

In some ways the event will be back to the future for many rugby followers as the Maniapoto side will feature descendants of local rugby legends from by gone eras and a swathe of instantly recognisable names.

One such name is that of the Coffin family and the mantle of leadership for this group has fallen on the shoulders of Kauri Coffin who was presented with the captain’s arm band in an emotional ceremony by coach Tanirau Manawaiti on Sunday during a cultural presentation.

Many will remember the legendary exploits of Hutana Coffin Snr for both Maniapoto and King Country along with Uncle Phillip Coffin who became an All Black after representing Maniapoto.

Kauri will be joined by his cousin Josh Coffin who has recently experienced Heartland Rugby with both King Country and Ngāti Porou East Coast and will be passing his experiences onto the younger brigade of players in the squad.

Murray Iti has represented The Mighty Mooloo colours at NPC level and will be following in the footsteps of his legendary father Clarry Iti when he suits up.

Campaign Manager Paul Senior-Partridge said it was “entirely fitting we are creating a little bit of history here at Centennial Park... many of our boys attended the Centennial Park School and over the years the focus for our community centred on the park”.

“There has been some negativity thrown toward our players that they are not really “local” players because they now play for clubs outside our region however this is just a natural progression for young men hoping to improve themselves”.

“The fact that they have put their hands up to represent our rohe and support their mates means they have my utmost respect and what a great chance for locals to get down to the park and enjoy the rugby entertainment they will provide”, he added.

Counties-Manukau Māori will arrive in Te Kuiti sure to be primed for a big performance having enjoyed a comfortable victory over Central Bay of Plenty in Te Kauwhata last Saturday.

The mere fact a representative team from a professional union will be gracing a little country town with their presence is a great boost and a great opportunity for local players to test themselves at a higher level, Senior-Partridge said.

Kick off will be at 2.30pm and the venue is Centennial Park Te Kuiti and will be preceded by a Waitomo District Council ceremony to officially acknowledge the improvements at the grand stand.

Rugby feast for new look oval

With the King Country Premiership Club Rugby season now behind us with Tongariro United crowned champions with a hectic 17–10 victory over Taupo Marist it is time for local rugby supporters to turn their attention to the representative season.

Disappointedly there will only be one Heartland fixture at Rugby Park Te Kuiti when old foes Horowhenua Kapiti come to town on September 6. The Rams’ other home games are at Taupo (twice) and Taumarunui. There are only eight games in the overall round robin programme.

As expected, there is a sparse number of players named in the Rams squad from the North King Country Clubs with three from Waitete and one from Piopio in the 27-man line up.

New Zealand Heartland 15 number eight Caleb Foote would have been one of the first names out of the hat after an outstanding club season and he will be joined by New Zealand Māori Under 20 rep Rico Bell from Waitete in the loose forward mix as he continues to develop.

Waitete’s star Baven Brown Jnr was another certainty. His try scoring exploits earned him a cult following and he will be joined by first five Callum Hedley who gained in confidence over the season and is a fine goal kicker.

Interestingly brother Patrick Hedley has been named as a loan player from Hawke’s Bay and these two will be battling for a starting spot which will spark local interest.

With the Rams looking to improve on their fifth placing last season hopes are high that natural improvement will see them push into the top four this year.

There is a better northern representation in The Big Horns (KC Development) with seven North King Country players featuring - four from Waitete, two from Piopio and one from Waitomo.

Slim picking for Rams

Hawkes Bay won the Division Four North Patterson Trophy at Te Kūiti’s Gallagher Recreation Centre by just half a point from King Country at the Interprovincial Championships at the weekend.

Nationwide, four clubs claimed a Patterson Trophy for topping their divisions and Hutt Valley secured the Welch Trophy, winning Division 1 for the first time in decades.

Hawke’s Bay has a shot at promotion while King Country will compete in an amalgamated Division 4 next year, against teams from the North and South Islands.

King Country’s Paul Walker said the team did not expect to finish as high as second.

“We started off well and three of our players were in the top four after the first round. We managed to maintain that position for, pretty much, the whole weekend and the result wasn’t decided until the last bowl of the event.”

Next up, King Country will take part in an inter-division contest at Waihi Beach which includes teams of 16 from divisions one, three and four from the Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.

“It will give us a chance to compete against some of the best players in the country,” Walker said.

Bowlers finish second

By Jesse WoodŌtorohanga basketballers Khloe Christison, Pianika Emery and Tiana Hill-Brown were part of the national championships bronze medal winning Waikato under-16 girls team at the Akau Tangi Sports Centre, Wellington this month.

The three teenagers attend Hamilton Girls’ High School and were previously Ōtorohanga South School students.

Competing with the best of the best, Waikato were pipped by eventual champions Canterbury A by just six points in the semi-finals.

There were 20 teams competing - four pools of five – and Waikato finished top of Pool A.

Taumarunui born head coach Celine Selwyn led them to victory in every pool match, beating Counties Manukau, Otago A, Taranaki and Gisborne. In that quartet of games, Waikato scored 392 points and conceded 155.

“The girls had a fantastic campaign. We knew we could go all the way and get on the podium if we stuck to our game plan and did all the small things well throughout the week,” Selwyn said.

After defeating Tauranga 103-62 in the quarterfinals, they fell short in a tight semi-final against Canterbury A, 70-64. Waikato then faced North Harbour A in the third and fourth playoff, taking an 87-79 win.

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