2014-03-11

Te Awamutu

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TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014

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Cambridge Savile Cup kings Twice as hot

Wrestlers YMI Wrestling Club is recruiting new members of all ages and abilities. Club nights are held on Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm downstairs in the YMI building on Palmer Street. For further details contact coach Jason Strabridge (ph 871 7090) or Amy Chapman (ph 027 222 0830).

Last post Thank you to everyone who has shared summer photographs with Te Awamutu Courier readers. We have had some wonderful shots sent in over the past three months — some of them came from online readers in other parts of the country and, in some cases, other parts of the world where the weather wasn’t so warm! The final Snap Happy page for this year is published today (page 6).

BY COLIN THORSEN Cambridge A not only won the national Savile Cup polo tournament at Kihikihi on Sunday — they won the majority of the individual trophies to boot. Led by player of the tournament, John Paul Clarkin, Cambridge beat Rangitikei 10-6 in the final at Nga Rakau ground. The first three chukkas were an evenly contested, see-sawing affair with neither team gaining any real ascendancy. Cambridge went into overdrive in the fourth chukka, establishing a two goal advantage — a lead that they steadily built on to become worthy national club champions. ‘‘We saved our best to last that’s for sure,’’ said Clarkin. ‘‘That was clearly our best performance of the tournament, everyone played their socks off today. It was a great team effort.’’ As well as Clarkin being named player of the tournament, his teammate Alan Browne won champion pony with Soffie, while Kit Brookes took out champion string of three ponies. The home ground advantage was not enough to prevent Kihikihi A from losing both their matches in the top flight Savile Cup. The host club team of Andrew Parrott, Hamish Ormond, Robert Watson and Edward Kay started promisingly enough against Rangitikei in their opening game

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RANGITIKEI’S Angus McKelvie scores in the Savile Cup semi-final against Kihikihi A at Nga Rakau ground on Saturday. Kihikihi players, from left, are Hamish Ormond, Andrew Parrott and Robert Watson. on Friday. They led 4-2, only to be run down 9-5 by a determined Rangitikei outfit comprising Angus McKelvie, Glenn Sherriff, Mark Duncan and a recruit from Taupiri, Ross Ainsley. McKelvie recently played for

New Zealand in the test match at Kihikihi against South Africa, won 8-7 by the Kiwis. Kihikihi had a horror start to their must-win second match against Cambridge A, trailing 3-0 in the blink of an eye-lid in chukka one.

To Kihikihi’s credit they did not go down without a fight, but it was a case of too little, too late as Cambridge booked their place in the final, having earlier beaten Waimai A. Further results from the Savile Cup are to follow.

Change of plea to assaulting cop The man who has been denying assaulting sole Kawhia police officer Perry Griffin yesterday changed his plea to guilty when he appeared in Hamilton District Court. Jackie Maikuku was sentenced to nine months in prison, but was also released yesterday having served his time on remand since his arrest in January last year. The charge relates to an incident in Kawhia on January 11, 2013 after Mr Griffin tried to arrest Maikuku. Initially Maikuku and his father Jack were charged with assault and both appeared in Te

Awamutu District Court. The charges against the elder man were dropped and the family has also countered with allegations that the assault was started by the police officer. Outside of court Maikuku’s father said his family were awaiting the outcome of an investigation into the matter that will be presented to the Independent Police Conduct Authority. In court an agreed summary of facts said Mr Griffin was off-duty and fishing with his son at Kawhia wharf when he saw an intoxicated and disorderly Maikuku at the wharf with a friend.

Mr Griffin went home and changed into his uniform before returning to arrest Maikuku on an outstanding warrant when the matter unfolded. Western Waikato Area Commander, Inspector Paul Carpenter, says the sentencing will allow not just him, but the wider local community, to move forward. Mr Carpenter was in the Hamilton District Court yesterday to support the victim. From a Police perspective this vindicates the whole of Police support shown to our colleague and the quite considerable support shown not just by the Kawhia

community but from people from around the country.’’ Pleased that the change of plea will allow not just himself , but the Kawhia community to move forward, Mr Griffin said he remains committed to policing the Kawhia region. ‘‘The support shown not only to me but also to my family through what was a quite a difficult ordeal by firstly the Kawhia community, the wider Police family and to a large number of people from around the country was quite humbling to experience and has helped our family cement our ties here,’’ he says. 9541472AA

Due to the large number of messages coming in there are two ‘What’s Hot’ columns published today. The standard one appears on page 9, while ’Hot Businesses’ is on page 18. Please remember to send brief messages for the ‘What’s Hot’ column. One received recently would fill the entire column by itself! A contact number or name should be included with emails or handwritten notes (especially about businesses) so we know they are genuine.

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Te Awamutu Courier

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 7.14am 8.17am 9.06am 9.47am 10.22am 10.56am 11.28am

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Matariki Birthing Unit right for TA mothers we would not have made it if I couldn’t have gone to the two nursing homes Wharenoho and the one in Rutherford Street. Hamilton is too far away and it certainly would be in most cases from country places even further distant

Matariki Birthing Unit must be retained in Te Awamutu. I would not like to see the Matariki birthing unit closed down unless an adequate unit is built to replace it. When two of my children were born, I am convinced

I am pleased to see that the Mayor is demanding more time from the Waikato District Health Board. I wonder how many of the members on the Board have experienced the trauma of babies arriving in a hurry. NGAIRE PHILLIPS

than from where I live. The present Matariki was built too cheaply as a costcutting exercise. More modern and pleasant facilities need to be provided in Te Awamutu so that mothers would be happy to have their babies there.

Police house restoration team needs couch I would like to thank all of the wonderful people who responded to our Police House Restoration article in the Courier. The committee has been overwhelmed and overjoyed with the items you have given us. Thank you very much.

May we ask again if anyone has a couch/sofa of the early 1900’s to 1950 that is in good order, if they would like to donate it to us? We need one to finish the furnishing of the lounge/sitting room. We were given some really interesting clothes, in

particular a Policeman’s old uniform and a wedding dress over 100 years old. Now we are searching for some mannequins to show them off. Can anyone help us? It is exciting to work with such energetic folk that make up the committee and to see the

Historic Precinct coming together. There is still a lot more to be done and we would welcome your help and input should you have time. Please contact me on 870 1924. HAZEL BARNES Chairperson

Lotto ticket sales at Countdown supermarket Now, I do not have a gambling addiction, yet I felt a strong pull to spend money I did not have, to buy an excitement I did not then need, or want. What must it be like if you have a gambling addiction, and have to do the family shopping at this supermarket? I am revolted by this cynical abuse of customers. A supermarket which, I believe, gives surplus produce to an agency

After shopping at Countdown, I sometimes buy a scratchy as a reward, or a diversion. Not often, but sometimes, if I choose to sidetrack over to the Lotto Sales counter when I am done shopping. But the other day as I stood in line at the checkout, there was a Scratchy just begging me to buy it. I almost gave in, before common sense told me to ignore it.

helping the poor is itself causing poverty by encouraging addicts. What will we see next? An application to sell the so-called legal highs? DENNIS HOWELL Following a trial last year, we’ve introduced a limited range of Lotto tickets at some of our checkouts around the country, including Countdown Te Awamutu. Feedback from the trial was very positive, with customers

liking the convenience of not having to queue twice for simple ticket purchases, particularly at busy shopping times. We understand and appreciate that the choice to purchase Lotto is a personal one and our team don’t proactively ask customers if they would like to buy a ticket at the checkouts. VINCE NELSON Store manager — Countdown Te Awamutu

We welcome your letters - preferably via email. Letters should be under 300 words and must have the sender’s name, address and phone number included. The letter will be published with the writer’s name (no pseudonyms accepted) and names will only be withheld in special circumstances at the discretion of the editor. Letters are not usually acknowledged and may be edited, abridged or discarded.

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Rotary club’s off-road safari drives projects BY CATHY ASPLIN Participants in this year’s Te Awamutu Rotary 4WD Safari rated it as the ‘‘best trip so far!’’. Te Awamutu Rotary spokesperson David Samuel says the combination of farm land, native bush and West Coast beaches proved to be a winner. ‘‘The safari has been an annual event since 2001 and traditionally it has been based somewhere around Mt Pirongia. ‘‘But this year we went a little further afield and based it in Waitomo. ‘‘Participants headed to Piripiri, onto Te Waitere and Taharoa, before finishing in Marokopa. ‘‘We had 210 people take part this year — that’s everyone from individuals who are fairly serious about their vehicles to family groups who just like to get offroad in the weekend. ‘‘Often their vehicle is used to go to work or take children to school during the week. ‘‘Around two thirds of the people taking part have been on one of our safaris before, while many of the others were referred by people who really enjoyed it.’’ Mr Samuel says the club fundraiser benfits our community and allows them to provide scholarships. ‘‘Of course the event is only possible through the generous support of landowners, a great team of 4WD enthusiasts who help set the course etc and community groups who supply meals. ‘‘Thankyou to everyone who again made this event such a success.’’

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DRIVER Ashley Cole from Auckland about to enter a stream at Te Waitere, while (below) some of the 73 vehicles entered negotiate pasture land near Piripiri.

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‘New Kiwis’ site matches skills Alongside stunning results from this quarter’s business confidence survey, skills shortages are impacting on New Zealand businesses, and leading employers to actively seek new sources of skilled workers. Many are choosing employees with international or overseas work experience, suitable qualifications and an attitude of ‘work readiness’. Migrant workers often have language skills, specific job training or experience working in offshore markets that is highly valued by Kiwi employers. There is also a reported shortage in specialised skills — particularly in the engineering, hospitality, healthcare, information technology and manufacturing industries — where employees from overseas can contribute valuable experience. Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce chief executive Susan Trodden says that talent from overseas can help address skills shortage gaps in our marketplace, including the need for specialist com-

munication, cultural and business skills. ‘‘In the Waipa we also have additional pressure on the dairy and associated engineering industries. ‘‘Employees from overseas bring new and different talents, experience and expertise, contributing necessary insights and know-how, particularly for New Zealand Businesses offering a range of products and services globally.’’ Recognising demand, the Chamber has put in place initiatives to facilitate the employment of new migrants in New Zealand and to help fill these skills gaps. One of these is the New Kiwis website, a joint initiative with Immigration New Zealand, which provides employers with direct access to skilled new migrants. New Kiwis liaison for the Chamber of Commerce, Cheng Goh, says employers appreciate the simplicity of the process in matching skills requirements with candidates, the convenience of

being able to search the site, identify a shortlist of suitable candidates and download CVs straightaway — all at no cost to the employer or the candidate. The website also provides practice resources for employers to assist in supporting and facilitating the transition of new recruits into the New Zealand culture and workplace. She confirms that migrants can plug skill shortage gaps. ‘‘The results of the annual New Kiwis Employers Survey in 2013 indicated that having the right skills in the absence of a local candidate was the top consideration when employing a migrant, followed by having the right attitude and good English language skills.’’ Employers utilising the New Kiwis service acknowledge that they gain from the specialist knowledge that these ‘New Kiwis’ bring to their teams. ■ For more see: newkiwis.co.nz, email [email protected] or call 0800 18 23 23.

7.00pm-9.00pm - Thursday 27 March 2014 at Order of St John Hall, Kakamutu St, Otorohanga

and 7.00pm-9.00pm - Thursday 3 April 2014 at Kelly and Bryant Chartered Accountants 411 Greenhill Drive, Te Awamutu

Ticket Price - COMPLIMENTARY! Bookings Essential - RSVP NOW! ph 07 8702185 mob 027 5800339 email [email protected]

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Te Awamutu Courier

Tuesday, March 11, 2014 9541365AA

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Courier Successful Shakespeare Te Awamutu

Your community newspaper for over 100 years. Circulated free to 12,216 homes through Te Awamutu and surrounding districts.

CIRCULATION 12,216* (6994 urban, 5272 rural) We welcome letters - preferably via email. They should be under 300 words and must have the sender’s name, address and phone number. No pseudonyms are accepted and names will only be withheld in special circumstances at the discretion of the editor. Letters are not usually acknowledged and may be edited, abridged or discarded. MANAGER Alan Price [email protected] EDITORIAL Dean Taylor (editor) [email protected] Cathy Asplin (journalist) [email protected] Colin Thorsen (journalist) [email protected] ADVERTISING Dorinda Williams [email protected] Julie Jackson [email protected] Bookings [email protected] CLASSIFIEDS Tania Cortesi-Western, Rhonda Bird, Nicola Yuile [email protected]

This year’s Shakespeare in the Park was the aptly named The Comedy of Errors. The short (by Shakesperean standards) and witty Apocolypse Lounge production was most appreciated by a good crowd at Te Awamutu War Memorial Park earlier this month. The Comedy of Errors is about the confusion caused by two long-lost sets of twins — Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Ephesus and their servants Dromio and Dromio —

when they are in the same town. The tangle that unfolds is clever and has more than a few unsuspecting twists. The outdoor production was the last for this year’s season and followed performances at the Hamilton Garden Festival. The free annual event is brought to the public by Te Awamutu Free Concert in the Park Trust, with support from Waipa Creative Communities, Waipa District Council and Te Awamutu Courier.

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(ABOVE) WRONG MAN: Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse are bemused by the misguided advances of Antipholus of Ephesus’s wife Adrianna .

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POSTAL ADDRESS 336 Alexandra Street, PO Box 1, Te Awamutu 3840

(LEFT) LOCKED OUT: Dromio of Ephesus (left) is miffed at being locked out of his master’s house by Dromio of Syracuse.

OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-4.30pm PHONE 07 871 5151 | FAX 07 871 3675 ISSN 1170-1099 (Print) ISSN 2253-4075 (Online) *Circulation Source: Audited Bureau of Circulation, 1 YE Dec 2012

Applications are invited from community organisatons to be the recipient of our Community Work Day to be held on Friday April 11th 2014.

GYDE WANSBONE COMMUNITY WORK DAY PO BOX 482, Te Awamutu 3840 Applications close March 20th 2014.

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EVIL Witch ‘Oar’ is helped by a member of the audience to tie up Brave Mouse. Te Awamutu youngsters were treated to the first performance of Brave Mouse on Children’s Day an interactive play they helped make-up on the spot. Pocket Pantos actors played a variety of parts in the story of how to save Te Awamutu’s cheese and rid the town

BRAVE Mouse learns that if you tickle Te Awamutu youngsters they will give up the cheese they hide in their pockets.

of the Evil Witch who had banned all dairy products. Children helped out during the show — made possible by Te Awamutu Free Concert in the Park Trust and Waipa Creative Communities, with support from Te Awamutu College and Te Awamutu Courier.

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(LEFT) SWIFT ARRIVAL: Nicole Westerbaan tried hard to catch a monarch hatching on one of her swan plants. ‘‘But I had no success so I took a photo of a just-hatched one. It’s great to see the butterflies around the garden.’’ TC110314SP06D

(BELOW) FINAL ROUNDUP: Cheyanne (11) and Blake (7) Morrison on their aunt’s farm finishes this year’s Snap Happy series. TC110314SP06C

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COMMUNITY FACILITY: Katy Hanara snapped this photo of Kihikihi Town Hall, which she describes as a beautiful building. ‘‘I’ve recently retired, so I’m hoping to find a wee place to rent in Kihikihi soon, near dear friends.’’

(RIGHT) LOVELY STROLL: A small group of residents from Freeman Court were able to enjoy morning tea and a wander through the tranquil setting of Alexandra Gardens, Pirongia. Pictured is resident Doris Williams with caregiver Jill Andersen (right).

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DAWN Small of Kihihihi took this photo of a bee at a friends garden in Whakatane. ‘‘This poor little guy had to be helped out of the pumpkin flower. Just how much pollen does one little bee need?’’

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Te Awamutu Courier

Altrusa Club helps get children back to school

THURSDAY at SELWYN PARK 3.00pm to 6.00pm

FRESH WELCOME IN THENEW NEW YEAR SEASON WITH FRESH NEW SEASON VEGETABLES VEGETABLES

BY CATHY ASPLIN Te Awamutu Altrusa Club president Robyn Atherton called in to see Attendance Officer Helen Bright last week. She was carrying a cheque for $6629 which brought a beaming smile to Mrs Bright’s face. ‘‘It’s a huge help — I can do so much with that money. It will help break down some of the barriers that are in the way of getting several children to school,’’ says Mrs Bright. As an Attendance Officer based at Te Awamutu College, she is funded by 20 local schools. ‘‘They have pooled funds to keep me working here, rather than being based in Hamilton. ‘‘The money from schools covers my salary, car and phone expenses etc. ‘‘But there are times when extra money can help in some situations — to provide a lunch, a fee for a school trip or a ride to school when it’s raining. ‘‘It’s often a small thing, but it can go a long way to ensuring a child attends school.’’ Mrs Bright is also a fan of children being involved in sports at school. ‘‘So if there’s an issue with fees or equipment I like to help there too, if I can. ‘‘Through sports, children can stay active, remain engaged and they work with some great role models.’’ The money donated to the Truancy Programme was raised through the Altrusa Garden Ramble. Mrs Atherton says the funds are the culmination of a project called ‘Switch, Start, Success’. ‘‘It began last year when Altrusa catered breakfast for about 80 people and

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