Emma Anselmi with her late son Nate
A day for Nate
Emma Anselmi with her late son Nate
Almost $15,000 has been raised for the Child Cancer Foundation thanks to Nathan Anselmi. Nathan’s “Fun-draiser” was organised by his mum, Emma, as a way of celebrating his birthday. Nate was just four when he succumbed to an aggressive form of brain cancer.
The recent event at Ōtorohanga’s Windsor Park featured many of his favourite things including superheroes.
“The vibe was on point – everyone who came was there to have a good time and raise money for a worthy cause,” Emma said.
“Friends, family and the community gathered and gave generously. It was an amazing day dedicated to one of best kids any parent could ask for.”
From rides on Toby the Train, and with the Ōtorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade, to face painting, raffles, music and more, the event proved a fitting celebration.
“The day started with not a cloud to be seen and a group of awesome volunteers arrived at Windsor Park with enthusiasm to make it a great
day,” Emma said. “This just couldn’t have happened without the generosity of our community.”
See: Doing it for Nate
Clean it up
Legendary Te Kūiti is planning an after work town clean up December 10, and helpers will meet at the Railway Plaza. Gloves, bags and hi-viz will be provided.
Upper cutters
Te Kūiti’s Jack Fagan claimed the Wagga Wagga Speed Shear men’s title at the weekend while Wagga Wagga-based Sacha Bond (Piopio) won the women’s event and Arahia Tuwhangai (Kāwhia) secured the woolhandlers’ Quick Throw. Fagan’s victory follows his open title win at the Corriedale Champs, Christchurch, where Piopio’s Tia Manson claimed the woolhandling senior final.
Marae games
Whakamārama Marae won the Whānau Ki Waenganui Games at Te Awamutu College last weekend. Maungatautari Marae came second and Rāwhitiroa and Parawera Marae joint third. Aotearoa, Pōhara, Mangatoatoa and Te Kōpua Marae also participated in the long-running event.
Carrying on…
Businessman Zane Beckett says it’s “business as usual” at ZB Homes. “We have been doing a tidy up with our accountants, winding up non trading entities, such as Zane Beckett Construction,” he said. “…it did trigger the standard “in liquidation” adverts in the newspaper classifieds. We can assure you it is business as usual here and there is no change to our ZB Homes business at all.”
Cat attack
Conservation Minister and Hamilton East MP Tama Potaka’s announcement that feral cats will now join possums, rats, stoats, weasels, and ferrets on the national target species list has been welcomed by local bodies. Waipā District Council. District growth and regulatory services group manager Wayne Allan said at present there is no national law for cat management and that limited councils’ ability to respond to public concerns.
Road on track
A full road replacement on Lawrence Street is progressing and should be completed by Schick Civil Construction on or ahead of schedule. A basecourse had been laid but it has required time to dry fully before chipseal is laid. Weather permitting, the work is still on track to be completed by mid-December.
Waste not
Although the 2009 Solid Waste Bylaw remains in place, a full review is expected to consider modernisation, compliance and how to improve waste-minimisation in the Waitomo District. The review will be completed before June 2026, the council expects.
Lane gains
Improving Waitomo’s transport network is on the agenda for the recently-elected council. The council was briefed by the NZ Transport Agency last week regarding work to be undertaken within the district on both local roads and state highways. The council also discussed extensive repairs required due to storm damage sustained in July and October this year.
