News in brief
Competing cousins
Jack Fagan with one of his hand finished UK combs, and the framed medal from the Royal Welsh Open.
A couple of Te Kūiti shearers fared well in merino shearing contests. Jack Fagan was third in the Royal Perth Show’s Open final while his cousin, James, was fourth in the Open at the NZ Merino Shears in Alexandra. In addition, Piopio woolhandler, Tia Manson won the Senior (three fleeces) event in Alexandra.
Scholarships announced
Te Kūiti High School student, Mikhail Hasanbasoglu has been awarded a three-year scholarship from The Lines Company.
He is heading to the University of Waikato to study a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours and plans to specialise in construction as a civil engineer.
Right, anglers!
Recent river inspections have revealed trout in exceptional condition throughout most catchments, Fish and Game reports. The fishing season, which officially opened on October 1, is expected to net a healthy catch due in part to an absence of major winter floods.
Crime pouch
As revealed at a recent workshop, there are many ways to ensure crime doesn’t pay. While the Ōtorohanga’s security project team works through larger initiatives, including a coordinated CCTV network, information packs, print and digital, are available from Elevate outlining various methods to help protect businesses from retail crime.
Float hosts
They’re making a list. Registrations are now open to join in on the Ōtorohanga Christmas Parade. From now until November 28, Elevate, Ōtorohanga’s development group is inviting businesses and community groups to register floats for the December 5 parade.
Reserve transfer
A 30ha scenic reserve south of Maungatautari is changing hands. Ngāti Koroki Kahukura has gifted Te Reti reserve – one of four reserves in Waipā vested in Ngāti Koroki Kahukura as part of a 2014 claims settlement – to Parawera Marae.
Award winners
Customtone Kitchens and Interior Joinery has won three awards at the 2025 New Zealand Master Joiners Awards. They were for best fitment under two years, best timber project under two and the people’s choice award.
Book signing
Author Roimata Small will return to her marae, Te Koropatū Pa just north of Te Kūiti on Saturday to launch her book Hauoroa, and for a workshop based her first book, Understanding Te Tiriti.Book lauch
New plan
Waikato Regional Council has approved notification of a decisions version of a new coastal plan, which will have implications for the region’s 1150 kilometre-plus coastline including west coast harbours like Kāwhia, Aotea and Whāingaroa. The new coastal plan aims to protect the region’s coastlines, marine ecosystems and community values while enabling sustainable development.
Correction
Otorohanga ward councillor Katrina Christison has not been elected unopposed to her seat, as suggested in a photo caption last week. Election results will be known on Saturday, October 11.
Chance missed
Marae have missed out from receiving the wood from 10 pohutukawa tremoved from the entrance to Kāwhia. Councillor Kit Jeffries told Tuesday’s council meeting the wood had been removed before it could be distributed. “I will leave that one alone,” he said.
Not so fit…
An outdoor fitness station is to be built at Mair Street rather than Waipā Esplanade following an Ōtorohanga District Council decision to on Tuesday. Following recent bad weather, it was determined the proposed site for the fitness equipment was not suitable, community facilities manager Jared le Fleming said.
Public picks
Seventeen Ōtorohanga businesses have been selected by the public as finalists the People’s Choice Business Awards. Category winners will be announced on October 15.
Tea time
The Māori Women’s Welfare League’s Ōtorohanga branch will host an afternoon tea on October 15 to celebrate recent donations to Ōtorohanga Primary School, Ōtorohanga College, Ōtorohanga Medical Centre and Beattie Home. The organisation will also open applications for a Wahine Māori Scholarship at the event.
