Cambridge RSA president Graham Johns leads the parade on Anzac Day 2026. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
One of the most important parts of any Cambridge Community Board meeting happens before the bulk of our formal agenda even begins.
The public forum is where community members can come directly to the table, speak in their own words, and raise issues, concerns and aspirations that matter to them. It is unscripted, sometimes challenging, often insightful, and always valuable.
Last week’s meeting was a strong demonstration of how powerful that forum can be.
We heard from a representative of Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Koo Utu. Kōhanga Reo are Māori immersion environments committed to revitalising Te Reo Māori, with learning led by whānau and grounded in kaupapa Māori. They foster strong identity, confidence and intergenerational language transmission for tamariki. Having this kaupapa-based learning in our town is something to celebrate, and the public forum provided an important opportunity to share that story.
Damage to the Victoria (High Level) Bridge on the Leamington side. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Residents also raised transport concerns. One questioned whether wide vehicles should continue to use the Victoria Bridge and whether clearer signage or restrictions could help divert them across the Fergusson Bridge. We’ll follow up with the Council’s transportation team.
Other speakers spoke about the volume of heavy truck traffic using Pope Terrace, Cambridge Road from Te Awamutu, and Shakespeare Street. Estimates shared suggest around 600 heavy truck movements a day along this corridor. Residents described damage to their homes, deteriorating road surfaces, and the impact of night time truck movements on sleep.
Similar frustrations were expressed by a resident living adjacent to a quarry on Aspin Road, who raised concerns about truck movements, dust issues, and a perceived lack of monitoring and enforcement.
These are not abstract issues. They affect people’s health, safety, homes and daily quality of life. Raising them in the public forum ensures they are recorded and visible and require follow-up.
A significant portion of the public forum focused on concerns about a commercial site off Cambridge Road. Residents spoke about noise, dust, vibration, safety, and environmental issues, as well as the proximity of landfill activity to residential areas near Cambridge. Questions were also raised about the types of material present on site, potential contamination, and possible health impacts.
Waipā District Council staff and Waikato Regional Council representatives answered questions on the night. A report on these matters will be provided at our next meeting.
Council staff also provided an update on raised safety platforms (speed bumps), following questions about whether some designs are suitable for their locations. A district-wide speed bump review is underway following site visits last month to assess whether improvements can be made without compromising safety. Further work will be returned to the Community Board in August.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the efforts of the Anzac Working Group and everyone who contributed to an incredibly moving Anzac Day Dawn Service and Civic Service over the weekend. The themes of peace, kindness, unity and respect resonated deeply and feel especially fitting as our community works through this challenging period of uncertainty and global disruption.
Cambridge Community Board member Gerda Venter lays a wreath on Anzac Day 2026. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Lieutenant Commander Greg Liddy RNZN salues as Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick and board member Chris Minneé
Anzac Day 2026. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Cambridge RSA president Graham Johns leads the parade on Anzac Day 2026. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
