News in brief
Poet with tractor factor
A 10-year-old Korakonui Primary School student is the latest Ōtorohanga poet to have his work in the spotlight.
Harrison Leslie
Harrison Leslie’s poem, an ode to an iconic, hardworking tractor is showcased on the Poets’ Billboard on Maniapoto Street
The first work to feature was by poet and author Sylvia Beveridge, titled ‘Walk Softly’.
Beveridge reviewed a collection of poetry by Korakonui School students before selecting three standout pieces – the other two will have their moment in the sun in the near future.
The billboard is intended to celebrate creative stories by members of the community.
Harrison’s poem, entitled Massey Ferguson reads: I like its grippy tires,
Its tread looks like a ladder. I like the inside of the wheels, they are as round as a donut. I like my Massey Ferguson, it runs on the farm all day.
It mows the grass and feeds the cows, no matter how hard the day, it runs and runs. I like its trailer on the back, it’s like a toddler chasing its parent.
Site confirmed
Inside the old board room at Te Rapa Racecourse, racing club chair Bruce Harvey, left, and chief executive Andrew Castles have planned the purchase for months. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing has secured a conditional deal to buy 150 hectares in Tamahere, marking the first major step toward relocating and modernising the region’s thoroughbred racing operations. The “super club,” – a 2023 merger of Waikato Racing, Cambridge Jockey and Waipā Racing clubs, has chosen a dairy farm site bordering the Waikato Expressway with Pencarrow and Duncan roads on either side.
Mark called up
Mark Seager, a second-year apprentice in Ōtorohanga, will compete for New Zealand in the Asia-Pacific Lacrosse Union men’s championship qualifier next month in Wellington. Seager hopes to help New Zealand win a berth at the 2027 Division 1 world champs.
Christmas in Kāwhia
A Meri Kirihimete is expected in Kāwhia. On Sunday the community hall will host the Kāwhia Kirihimete market.
Butter plant
Costco-branded Kirkland Grass-Fed butter rolls off the production line at Wahāroa. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Open Country Dairy opened a new $50 million butter factory at its Wahāroa site last week. The plant represents a major boost for the Waikato dairy industry and local economy. The plant will produce 20,000 tonnes of premium unsalted butter each year. One line will supply bulk international customers and another will be dedicated to retail packs for Costco USA under a three-year contract.
Springs warning
New Zealand Transport Agency say some people accessing one of Waikato’s hidden gems – the Blue Springs and Te Waihou Walkway near Putāruru – are parking on the state highway when there is allocated parking available which South Waikato District Council has recently upgraded.
Young piper
When the Cambridge and Districts Pipe Band was supported by members of the Te Awamutu and Districts and Te Kūiti pipers at the Cambridge Christmas parade, it was a first for young Archie Anselmi.
Archie Anselmi began learning the practice chanter while in Scotland.
The 12 year old was in the second ranks having learnt and memorised all the parade tunes over the past months.
Archie’s mum Michelle is from Scotland and the family dad Kent, his older sister Caitlin and Archie spent eight months in Britain mostly in Scotland where Archie attended school.
Bryan Marshall, left, with Archie Anselmi and Peet van Dijk.
While there Archie was introduced to learning the practice chanter on the pipes, but he had only just started learning what the notes were before the family returned home.
He wanted to continue learning so in 2024 the family contacted the retired ex-Pipe Major of the Cambridge and Districts Pipe Band, Bryan Mitchell about private lessons.
“The result, unknown to his school mates, is that Archie has been busy learning how to play since March 2024 and has progressed by dedicated effort to the stage he is now a capable piper,” Mitchell told The News.
“His final preparation for the parade was the weekly marching practices within the ranks of the pipe band on the athletics grounds in Vogel Street, done during the month of November.”
Archie’s secret is now out of the bag.
“His friends will now know that apart from hunting, fishing and farming, Archie has a very keen interest in his Scottish heritage and playing the bagpipes.
Archie Anselmi began learning the practice chanter while in Scotland.
“He is learning to master one of the more difficult musical instruments and the Christmas Parade was a real milestone in his progress.
“He has impressed family, tutor and pipe band members with his effort and progress.”
Archie was not only first time participant in the band – another was Peet van Dijk, a tattooist in Empire Street.
“People would be amazed that a Dutchman would want to learn to play the bagpipes,” Mitchell said. Our world is full of surprises and the band is very happy to have developing pipers and drummers.”
The Cambridge and Te Awamutu pipe bands team up regularly and tutoring is available for anyone within the region associated with both towns.
“Both bands are very interested in having more youngsters join Archie within the ranks either playing the bagpipes or drums,” Mitchell said.
“Also, adult learners or people wanting to rekindle their expertise, or just to be supporters, are most welcome to make contact.”
The pipe bands participating in the Rotary Te Awamutu Christmas Parade. Photo: Roy Pilott
