Work starts
A roundabout to tackle what transport minister Simeon Brown says is the least safe part of State Highway One has started at Piarere. The start of the work at the intersection of SH29 coincided with the announcement that the Waikato Expressway will be extended south to Piarere.
Complex to open
A covered multi-sports turf at Te Awamutu College with a projected cost of about $1.6 million will be officially opened – and blessed – next week. The 1900 square metre complex was given a significant financial boost thanks to a $150,000 donation from the Rogers Charitable Trust. It was initially hoped the completed complex would be open before the end of last year. The opening ceremony will be held next Thursday.
Lake warnings
Te Whatu Ora Waikato have issued health warnings for Lakes Arapuni and Whangape. Warnings remain in place for Lakes Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake), Ngā Roto, Hakanoa, Waikare, Kainui, and Rotokauri. Scientific observation and monitoring of the water quality for Lake Arapuni suggests a recent rise in the concentration of cyanobacteria while Lake Whangape has seen a dramatic rise in measured cyanobacteria biovolume.
Operation Neptune
Waikato’s harbourmaster stopped 819 on water vessel stops and 179 on boat ramps vehicle inspections during its just completed Operation Neptune operation. There were 350 breaches, most regarding life jacket rules, speeding offences and towing without observers. At Lake Kārapiro, the harbourmaster conducted 24 individual patrols and stopped 145 vessels.
Love thy council
Julie Guest
Our regular columnist Reverend Julie Guest often inspires us with her columns as Vicar of the Parish of St John, in Te Awamutu.
Today she challenges readers to think about how they can help others. She refers to a situation in Paihia where the community stepped up to solve a significant social problem – and asks what residents can do in Waipā.
“Waipā council’s finances are stretched, so rates will need to increase. Whenever that happens a torrent of criticism is released against council. If we took Jesus’ teaching to heart, we would instead be encouraging those people who are willing to make the hard decisions for us. Can Te Awamutu emulate Paihia’s community effort?” she writes. See: Love your Neighbour
Good neighbours. Photo: Anna Shvets
Travis leads the way
It’s a meeting a few weeks in the making, but it doesn’t take him long at all to show somewhat inquisitive interest in The News’ camera. Pirongia’s Travis Coulter, one month old today, is Te Awamutu’s first baby of 2024. Born at Cambridge Rd’s Te Awamutu Birthing at 11.22pm on January 1 weighing 3900g – or eight pounds, eight ounces -Travis is the second child of Max Coulter and Stacey Littleworth, and a younger brother to 18-month-old Montana.
While Stacey said there had been a handful of sleepless nights so far, the family was adjusting to the newborn schedule. “We almost can’t believe how fast the first month has gone.”
Max said there was another “balancing act” of sorts at play too. “It sounds cliche, but time really does pass so quickly.
“And, as much as that is the case, for us it’s also about savouring and appreciating every moment with our kids,” he said.
The couple expressed appreciation to their “fantastic” midwife Beth Fisher-Evans, and were also grateful for the help of the Te Awamutu Birthing team, led by manager Nicky Helleur.
One month old Travis Coulter with his dad Max and mum Stacey. Photo: Jeremy Smith
Polo fest for Waipā
Polo action
Mystery Creek Polo Club will host its inaugural festival of polo starting tomorrow. The club’s Kaipaki Rd base is home to leading polo players John-Paul and Nina Clarkin – the club’s president and secretary.
The festival will feature international teams and more than 600 horses – and two public events. International Day – tomorrow – features a Trans-Tasman clash, featuring men’s and women’s teams. Finals Day, on Sunday, brings together teams who will compete for the Mystery Creek Festival of Polo 2024 Champion Team in various grades.
