News in Brief
Howzat?
Thomas Gardner, 11, pictured with the two team skippers, Mitch Santner, left and Charith Asalanka.
It was a proud day for Te Awamutu Cricket Club youngster Thomas Gardner who was the “ANZ Coin Toss Kid” at the one day international between New Zealand and Sri Lanka earlier this month. Thomas’ favourite player, Will O’Rourke, starred on the night of a comprehensive New Zealand win, removing the tail enders, taking three for 31 off 6.2 overs after finishing three not out with the bat.
Festival season
Cambridge artist Jake Nelson performing on the River Stage during the Sunday afternoon of Festival One. Photo: Joseph Vink
Festival One, New Zealand’s premiere Christian music and arts festival, starts at Hartford Farm, Karāpiro, tomorrow and runs until Monday. More than 100 performers will take to five stages over the weekend.
Business theme
The Waipā Networks Business Awards will celebrate a century of service to the community by taking on a 1920s theme at this year’s gala dinner. Entries for the awards, which have 17 categories, are open to March 10.
Community centre progresses
The builders of Te Awamutu Presbyterian Community Centre on Mutu Street are expected to hand the keys over to the church in about five weeks.
Hut review
The Conservation Department says it will review the pricing of Pāhautea Hut in Pirongia Forest Park next financial year. Adult trampers pay $10-15 a night to stay in the 20-bunk hut near the summit of Mt Pirongia. Hut prices are reviewed every three years.
Tourism for Upston
Taupō MP Louise Upston speaking at a packed Friendly Forum in Cambridge. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Taupō MP Louise Upston has picked up the Tourism and Hospitality portfolio to go with Child Poverty Reduction, Community and Voluntary Sector, Disability Issues and Social Development and Employment. She was also named Deputy Leader of the House in Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s reshuffle at the weekend. She moves up one in the rankings to number seven following Shane Reti’s demotion from four to nine.
Business theme
The Waipā Networks Business Awards will celebrate a century of service to the community by taking on a 1920s theme at this year’s gala dinner. Entries for the awards, which have 17 categories, are open to March 10.
Looking for leaders
Mayor Susan O’Regan with 2024 Tuia recipient Taane Aruka Te Aho.
Candidates are being sought for the Tuia programme which aims to develop the leadership capacity of young Māori. Successful applicants undertake 100 hours of community service and receive mentoring – in the case of Waipā, from the district’s mayor. Last year mayor Susan O’Regan worked with Taane Aruka Te Aho.
Cowan’s pin
Peter Cowan receiving his Paralympian Pin from Jana Rangooni
Paralympian Peter Cowan was presented his numbered pin by Paralympics New Zealand at the Waka Ama National Sprint Championships held last week at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge. Cowan, 29, from Hastings, competes in an adaptive version of waka ama and picked up a bronze in Paris last year.
The winners are …
To the victors, the spoils, the Zambian team, from left, Mary Jellis, Kayleigh Clayton, Nunu Henderson and captain Emily Paterson. NZ v Zambia polo. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
To the victors, the spoils, the Zambian polo team, from left, Mary Jellis, Kayleigh Clayton, Nunu Henderson and captain Emily Paterson which beat New Zealand in Leamington last weekend. See: Polo, pitch and a picnic.
