St Andrew’s Church Fair
New vicar
A drone shot of Cambridge’s historic St Andrew’s Anglican Church with the tip of its spire at 33 metres (107 feet) the highest point in the town. Photo: Brian Holden.
St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Cambridge have farewelled interim vicar Ben Ong and are preparing to welcome Stephen Black next week. Black has been chaplain at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls since 2022 and before that served as the Waikato and Taranaki Diocese’s Ministry Educator. He is married to Melanie and they have two sons – Alex and James.
Teen arrested
A teenager faces multiple charges following a spate of burglaries in Cambridge. Police said on Sunday the 18-year-old will appear in court tomorrow on charges of interfering with motor vehicles and burglary and more charges may follow. After cars were broken into last weekend a police dog picked up a scent and a man was found.
Board tells story
Ngāti Koroki Kahukura has unveiled a storyboard at Ahikāroa, part of Taumatawīwī Reserve on Maungatautari Road, south of Karāpiro Domain. The storyboard celebrates the return of the reserve to Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, shares the story of the battle of Taumatawīwī, and highlights the cultural significance of the site. Taumatawīwī Reserve was returned to Ngāti Koroki Kahukura in 2014 as part of the iwi’s Treaty of Waitangi Claims Settlement act.
Lake testing
Lake Te Koo Utu
Sediment testing has been carried out on Cambridge’s Lake Te Koo Utu. It is hoped the results will provide information about fish deaths there in 2025 and get a clearer picture of the lake’s health.
Waitangi Day
Cambridge and Te Awamutu museums will provide Waitangi Day activities from February 5 to 9. At Cambridge there will be an opportunity to explore how the New Zealand Land Wars shaped the area and the ongoing impact of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Raglan boost
Raglan Beach. Photo: Hamilton and Waikato Tourism
Raglan will host the World Surf League Championship Tour in May. The New Zealand Pro event will be staged Manu Bay as the fourth stop on the men’s and women’s championship tour.
Motors running…
These three members of the Cambridge Cruisers Rock ‘n Roll Dancers – Colleen Ryan, Jim Berry and Pam Berry – drew a crowd with their high-flying moves.
The Cambridge Cruisers club will provide live rock ‘n’ roll dance action in Hamilton today in the Chartwell Shopping Centre. The event, with automotive displays is a preview to the Morrinsville Motorama next month.
Dansey steps up
Georgie Dansey
Georgie Dansey, who runs a fitness company and gym franchise in Te Awamutu, will become the country’s newest MP. She will take the seat vacated when Adrian Rurawhe retires on Waitangi Day. Dansey was earlier confirmed as Labour’s candidate in Hamilton East at the November general election. The seat is held by National’s Ryan Hamilton.
Man remanded
A convicted burglar who has been in and out of prison since 2003 has admitted a further raft of charges including a burglary from Kaipaki Nursery and an attempt to steal a television from a Te Awamutu pizza outlet, Open Justice has reported. Kevin Kaukau has been remanded in custody awaiting sentence.
Water chief
Neil Brennan has been named interim chief executive of the Establishment Board of Waikato Waters Limited – the body which will manage Hamiton and Waikato District. Brennan was the chief executive of the South East Queensland Bulk Water Authority for six year to May 2024. A recruitment process for a permanent chief has started.
Lake warnings
Lake Nga Roto
Health warnings for cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) remain in place at Lakes Ngā Roto and Arapuni. Across the Waikato region, the number of affected lakes has reduced from eight at the start of the year to five.
