News in Brief
Networking on show
Waipa Networks staff assisted in the aftermath of last week’s devasting storms in the South Island. They had been competing in the Connexis Annual Connection Cable Jointer and Line Mechanic Competition in Christchurch.
Three of the competition team stayed on to support after the event finished and were joined by Wel Networks and Unison.
The North Islanders – who offered to help for a week depending on what work was needed – supported Mainpower in returning power to customers in their region. The southern half of the South Island took a hammering last week and states of emergency were declared in Southland and Clutha – while high winds caused extensive damage in the southern half of the North Island.
Scholars named
Tiffany Walker (Te Papa-o-Rotu marae,Whatawhata) and Ryan Metcalfe (Te Kaharoa Marae, west of Ngāhinapōuri) have won Pokaia Nepia scholarships through Waikato University. A total of five recipients of the Pokaia Nepia and Taki Turner scholarships were announced last week. The scholarships were established to support Waikato-Tainui descendants in pursuing studies at the university.
Weeding out
Te Awamutu Lions and Waipā District Council are spearheading an attack on the South America introduced woolly nightshade, which is well established through the region. People will be encouraged to remove the plant and drop them off at the corner of Arawata St and Scount Lane. The noxious plant has velvety leaves, yellow-purple flowers and purple berries – and an unpleasant smell.
Battery clearance
Partnership sealed, from left Mandy Higgins, Mathew Jennings, Shelby Mcclelland, Mark Hanlon and Ricky Robson. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Waipā’s Urban miners – who divert electrical components from landfill – will hold a Halloween themed digital graveyard “tech or treat” tomorrow – where they will recycle digital waste free of charge. The event will be held next to Achievement House in Wilson Street Cambridge and Waipā District Council has provided a grant to cover the costs.
Warehouse on market
The former Bunnings Warehouse on Lake Street, Cambridge, was being offered for sale, closing yesterday.
Cambridge’s former Bunnings Warehouse store could soon change hands.
The 2616 metre squared building on a 6851-metre squared freehold site on Lake Street was being offered for sale by Colliers by deadline private treaty closing yesterday.
The Australian hardware and garden centre chain closed its Cambridge and Te Awamutu stores in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic in June 2020 with the loss of 50 jobs. Bricks and mortar retailers are finding it tough, with competition from online stores and the cost-of-living crisis.
See: A site for sale
See: A temporary booking?
See: From gardens to cars
Battling weather gods
Waipā has continued to avoid the worst of recent storm damage. Labour Day – traditionally a time for getting summer vegetables planted – brought heavy rain. Waipā District Council reported no major issues – but the track and Lake Ngā Roto and a section of Cambridge’s Settlers Track remained closed – the latter dating back to July as a result of erosion caused by high river levels.
More homes
Te Awamutu is on the lates list of Waikato communities where a total of more than 210 new social homes will be built by Community Housing Providers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say. A similar announcement was made for Te Kūiti in July
First meeting
Sir Don Rowlands Centre at Mighty River Domain, Lake Karāpiro.
The inaugural meetings of Waipā District Council and Cambridge Community Boards will be held tomorrow (Friday) at the Sir Don Rowlands Centre, Mighty River Domain. The date of Te Awamutu Community Board’s first meeting has yet to be set.
New manager
Antoinette Van der Weerden
The charitable trust that manages The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum has appointed Antoinette Van der Weerden as manager to replace former owners John and Dorothy Wakeling. The move is part of a transition of the park which is now owned by a foundation.
Men’s health focus
Maungatautari ceramicist Lee Johnston is among 20 men exhibiting at Mandarin Tree Art Gallery in Gordonton. The Boys will be Boys exhibition in support of men’s health provides a space for vulnerability, reflection and conversation.
