News in brief
Waitomo satisfaction
This year’s residents’ satisfaction survey saw Waitomo District Council perform better than other councils in five key areas. The council scores highest for engagement and Consultation (82 per cent), enquiry handling (84 per cent), regulatory services (82 per cent), open and outdoor spaces (94 per cent) and leadership (70 per cent).
Farmers in
Federated Farmers says its voice will be heard “loud and clear” in council chambers over the next three years after almost 70 candidates linked to Federated Farmers were elected last weekend.
Art Expo
The Taumarunui Arts Centre will host the Art Expo from October 24 to 27. Kathleen Lennie told The News all spaces are booked out “so we’ll have the exhibition room full to bursting with inspiring displays from over 10 different groups or individual local artists and craftspeople”.
Hang on…
Liz Stolwyk
Liz Stolwyk, formerly Waipā deputy mayor accepted Saturday’s result which saw her third in the race for two seat srepresenting Waipā-King Country on the Waikato Regional Council. She deactivated her public social media, accepted an invite to attend a tourism conference in China and dropped her work clothes off at Dress for Success. But by Monday, extra votes had her just ahead of sitting councillor Stu Kneebone. The race was won by Garry Reymer, and the council will be looking for a new chair because Pamela Storey failed to retain her seat.
Joyous Times
Geoff Cole’s new autobiographical book, Joyous Times, includes many shout outs to Ōtorohanga. Cole is making the book available for free but seeking donations for Melanoma New Zealand after the organisation supported him and his wife Joy.
Quentin wins again
Quentin Palmer. Photo: Geoff Ridder Photography
Despite having already secured the North Island Rally Series with a round to spare, Taumarunui’s Quentin Palmer still gave his opponents a run for their money, winning the series’ final round (the BOP Rally) at the weekend. Northern Rallysprint Series’ champion, Northland’s Ben Huband was second in the series with William Menzies (Hawke’s Bay) third.
Powerful people
Electricity supply workers – including entrants from The Lines Company and Waipā Networks – are competing at the Annual Connection 2025 event in Christchurch on October 21-23. This skills-based competition is intended to recognise some of the best in the electricity supply business.
Grim discovery
The identity of a body found in the Whanganui River last week has been confirmed as that of Tina Gray, 56, of Taumarunui. Grey was last seen on the banks of the river on September 25.
Yes they can!
Some of Waikato’s brightest young entrepreneurs will pitch in efforts to hit the right note with judges during the YES (Young Entrepreneur Scheme) regional finals, designed to provide a launch pad for innovative ideas, products and businesses. As this issue of The News went to print, the event was set to take place at Wintec’s City Campus on October 16.
Maru’s free offer
Renee Parkes
Maru Energy Trust estimates more than 1100 homes in Ōtorohanga and surrounding communities now qualify for free home insulation.
Following a government rule change, hundreds of houses which may not have qualified before could be eligible to be made warmer and drier.
Maru Energy Trust team lead Renee Parkes said Maru had also stepped up its own funding commitment and will top up any remaining costs for eligible homeowners.
“It means there will be no cost for whānau, but huge benefits especially for our tamariki and kaumātua. Cold homes make life a lot harder, and in some cases make people sick. It doesn’t need to be like that – and having homes insulated means savings on winter bills.”
She said the money is there and suppliers are ready to go, but homeowners must take the first step and see if they qualify.
“It doesn’t matter where your house is on our network, we want to help. That’s our kaupapa, that’s what we’re here for,” she said.
“It’s really simple. You can call us… if you don’t want to do that, have a chat to someone at Ōtorohanga Support House – Whare Awhina. They can help. The important thing is that if you contact us and your house qualifies, we’ll make it happen.”
The average cost of a full house insulation is close to $4000.
The not-for-profit Maru charitable trust was established in 2018 by The Lines Company.
Back on show
Latitude Homes’ new show home is the first in Ōtorohanga since 1988.
Ōtorohanga’s first show home for nearly 40 years is about to open in the Westridge subdivision and the number of new builds have almost doubled.
Ōtorohanga District Council figures show new build numbers have almost doubled from 12 in April to September 2024 to 22 in the same period this year.
Regulatory and growth group manager Tony Quickfall said an improving economy was likely behind the surge.
“Generally, this trend signals increased confidence, which often follows economic and interest rate cycles,” he said. “Ōtorohanga’s population growth remains modest, so the increase appears to be economy-related rather than demand driven.”
A lack of show homes in the region since the 1980s indicates that demand hasn’t been high, but this could be changing.
“It may relate to Ōtorohanga not being a high growth district, as show homes tend to be located where there is very active housing demand and growth,” Quickfall said. “So, we see the development of this home as being very positive for the town.”
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home has been built by Latitude Homes which completed about half of the 125 new homes being constructed in the Westridge subdivision in Harper Avenue.
“It has all the mod-cons and, being a show home, it is a bit more high spec,” said director Ross Hughey.
“I wouldn’t say demand for new builds is up here any more so than elsewhere in New Zealand, but growth has been steady,” Hughey said.
“Ōtorohanga’s had smaller subdivisions over the years, but this one is a good sign that the town is growing.”
