News in brief
Road works
Road resurfacing at the Bond Street roundabout on State Highway 3 in Te Awamutu is scheduled to start tonight (Thursday). Work will run over six days from 9pm to 5am. SH3 will be closed to all vehicles between Bond Road and Rogers Place and Cambridge Road will be closed at the intersection of SH3.
Burgess inducted
Kevin Burgess with Dame Cindy Kiro.
Kevin Burgess received his MNZM for services to governance, the community and sport from the governor general Dame Cindy Kiro last week. He has been a Trustee and Chair of the Adastra Foundation and Chair and founder of the Perago Sports Trust, providing opportunities for rangatahi and aspiring athletes. He is a director of The Grassroots Trust. He is involved with the Waipā and Waikato Secondary Sports awards. He has been instrumental in establishing the Cambridge Information Centre, the Cambridge Retailers Association and the Cambridge Community Fund. He is a Trustee with Cambridge Resthaven Trust. He facilitated a group of New Zealand pharmacists to fundraise for and provide tools for Nawaka School in Fiji. Mr Burgess is a Life Member of the Hautapu Sports and Recreation Club.
New chair
Peter Carr, left, with Chris Flatt. Photo: Chris Gardner.
Paua Architects business development manager Phil Mackay has succeeded Chris Flatt as co-chair of the Community Reference Group that is helping Waipā District Council shape the future of transport in the town. Co-chair Peter Carr said Mackay, a former president of Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, had a strong feel for the needs of the town and its residents.
Phil Mackay
Correction
The price of taking the bus between Cambridge and Leamington and Te Awamutu and Kihikihi is $2.67 per ride not $1 as reported in last week’s The News. We apologise for the error.
Volunteers sought
Nominations have opened for the Volunteering Waikato awards. The awards celebrate the contributions of volunteers throughout the Waikato from preserving history to providing services and leadership.
Build starts
Groundworks underway at Tauwhare Pa playground, with the base taking shape as construction progresses.
Great progress is being made on the new playground at Tauwhare Pa (Tauwhare Reserve), with construction now well underway on site. The project is expected to be finished in May 2026.
Once finished, the playground will provide a welcoming space for tamariki and whaanau to play, connect, and enjoy the outdoors.
Vandals strike
Police have spoken to youths following incidents of vandalism at the Cambridge Golf Club and the Cambridge Central Business District
Ton up
Evan Cram with Hautapu’s Luke Jacobson at the Chiefs training. Photo: Supplied
Cambridge’s Luke Jacobson celebrated his 100th outing in a Chiefs jersey in the 22-17 win at Rugby Park over the Hurricanes last Saturday.
More bowls
Almost 100 players took part in the Cambridge Bowling Club’s latest twilight competition. A club spokesperson said the club was enjoying increasing popularity and had been attracting groups from a number of organisations, including U3A and residents from Patrick Hogan Ryman village and Lauriston Park.
Stud boost
Cambridge Stud have bolstered their stallion roster with the addition of World Champion miler Charyn. Cambridge Stud will stand the three-time Group One-winning son of Dark Angel in partnership with Nurlan Bizakov’s French operation Sumbe.
Petition presented
Clare St Pierre
Waipā District Council says concerns about heavy truck noise, vibration, and road condition in parts of Cambridge are being investigated. A 111-strong signature petition was presented to the council’s Service Delivery Committee last Thursday on the issue. It was signed by residents of Cambridge Road, Pope Terrace, Cook Street and Shakespeare Street. Seven residents of Golf Road, Te Awamutu also signed the petition.
The petitioners raised concerns about road deterioration and asked the council to consider limiting heavy vehicle access at night, for urgent road maintenance and resurfacing, speed reduction measures, and ongoing engagement with residents on its plans for the area. Service Delivery committee chair Clare St Pierre said the councillors acknowledged the strength of feeling in the community and had asked staff to further investigate the issues raised.
Staff have been asked to provide further data on traffic volumes over the last five years, road condition, and maintenance history. The council is considering longer-term transport and freight route options for Cambridge as part of Cambridge Connections.
In the pink
Pink breakfast
Waikato residents are being invited to gather with friends, family and colleagues in May to host or attend a Pink Ribbon Breakfast to raise funds for Breast Cancer Foundation. Pink Ribbon Breakfast, the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, encourages people to connect over a shared meal.
Hornets stung
The battle to contain yellow legged hornets – a major threat to the country’s honey industry – is showing signs of success. The Ministry for Primary industries has invested $12 million on an eradication programme over the last six months and says the number of queens being found has dried up.
Sudden death
Police say a sudden death at a rural address north of Ōtorohanga has been referred to the coroner, and initial indications suggest Covid 19 and asthma may have been contributing factors.
