Letters to the Editor – 16 October 2025

Letters to Editor

Tribute to Janene

I’ve always regarded it very important to acknowledge outstanding service in our community.

Janene New

I want to acknowledge the service of Janene New, who has retired from her role as an urban Councillor at Waitomo District Council after three  terms. Janene was an outstanding elected member, always thoroughly prepared, always contributing, and always having the best interest of the Waitomo district at heart.

When she wasn’t involved at council, she was busy in her family business, and her many voluntary roles, which I’m sure she will continue to be involved in. She represented the council on Legendary Te Kūiti – serving roles as chairperson, secretary and treasurer for many years, also Tatsuno Sister City relationship, as well as many other community groups.

Whether it was town rubbish cleanups or Daffodil Day, you would always see Janene (and Phil) fully involved. So, from the wider community, a huge hank you, Janene, for your outstanding service. A perfect role model for our newly elected urban councillors to follow in your footsteps. Well done.

Brian Hanna

Te Kuiti

Letters to Editor

More Recent News

News in brief

Scheme plan for school Increases to the student roll at Ōtorohanga Primary School has seen the Ministry of Education consult stakeholders to find a suitable enrolment scheme for the school. Director of Education for Waikato…

‘Where’s the safe place?’

A couple have been overwhelmed by support from the Te Kūiti community after four thugs carried out an aggravated robbery in their shop. They talked to Dan Tasker. The owners of a Te Kūiti dairy…

Caught in limbo

For more than a decade, Waikato-King Country farmers have lived with the uncertainty of Plan Change 1. Mary Anne Gill was at Mystery Creek to hear what two senior ministers had to say about its…

Farm leaders say hit pause

Two environmental advocates say the government should pause the Waikato Regional Council’s Plan Change 1 rather than put farmers through a compliance process that could soon be overtaken by resource management reforms. Cambridge farmer Graham…