Updated 8 May 2025, 6.45pm
88 people experience gastro symptoms
The National Public Health Service in the Waikato has been notified of a suspected gastroenteritis outbreak involving 88 people linked to the Waipa Business Awards last week.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Geoff Crump said the people had experienced symptoms consistent with gastroenteritis after attending the event.
The service was now investigating with the event organiser, Waipa District Council, Cambridge Commerce Chamber and partner agencies.
“Approximately 350 people attended the event, and we expect to better understand the final extent of cases, and what is causing the illness over the next 48 to 72 hours.
“There is no ongoing risk to the public health however anyone who is unwell with gastroenteritis can pass it on to other people and so good hand hygiene is advised,” said Cramp.
Anyone with concerns can call Healthline for free advice on 0800 611 116.
The service will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Viral Gastroenteritis – read more
Gastro woes
Some people who attended the Waipā Business Awards on Friday night have become unwell with symptoms of gastroenteritis. Cambridge Chamber of Commerce sent an email to everyone at the event on Monday saying they were taking the matter extremely seriously and were working with the catering provider and health authorities to investigate the situation thoroughly.
A follow up communication on Tuesday from Dr Geoffrey Cramp, the Medical Officer of Health, asked all attendees to fill in a questionnaire so they can compare those who became unwell with those who remained well so they could determine what caused the illness to spread.
Outbreaks of gastroenteritis can be due to a variety of bacterial and viral and other causes often transferred by food but it is unknown what has caused this illness and Public Health are in the process of finding out.
Service honoured
Sally Davies with Dame Cindy Kiro
Te Awamutu nurse Sally Davies travelled to Wellington last week to receive her King’s Service Medal from Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro at Government House. Davies was honoured for her services to hockey and nursing. She was one of the first nurses in New Zealand to specialise in diabetes management and has volunteered for hockey teams and clubs since 1990.
First up win for Mukuka
Commonwealth Games boxer Alex Mukuka of the Walton Boxing Club won his debut professional bout in Te Awamutu on Saturday night. He scored a unanimous points decision over Ross Malthus, from Whangārei, who was looking for a third successive win. Coach Raymond Richards declared after the fight the Matamata 29-year-old born in Zambia was ready to step up to six-round bouts.
Certified successes
The team, pictured from left, Graeme Martin, Memorie Brooky, Ashton Neighbor, Sally Hastie, Makayla Odlum, Jessica Forkert, Harriet Smith and Kelly Woodmass.
It was a night to celebrate for the Riverside Adventures team last Friday at the Waipā Business Awards staged at Mystery Creek. The team won two categories after being celebrated as finalists in the Excellence in Medium Business, Community Contribution, Marketing and Communications, Contribution to Tourism and or Hospitality and People and Culture categories. The wins came in Contribution to Tourism and or Hospitality and, with Ross and Co Hair Design, the People and Culture sections. Riverside Adventures provides “an authentic outdoor experience” on or along the Waikato River south of Lake Karāpiro. The overall winners on the night were Livingstone Building, which started in Te Awamutu 78 years ago but is now Hamilton-based.
Read: Livingstone’s scoop Waipa awards
LTP consultation
Waipā council will meet tomorrow to approve the consultation document for its long-awaited and delayed 2025-34 Long Term Plan. The council had hoped to go to the community in March but needed to work closely with Audit NZ given the complexities around Local Water Done Well and funding.
Fill it up
SPCA is bringing back its iconic street appeal back, with a new name, Fill Your Bucket. Every dollar collected goes directly to supporting SPCA’s work for NZ animals in need.
Random order
Waikato Regional Council candidate names will appear in random order on voting papers. A selection of key research papers compiled by Local Government NZ consistently found that candidates listed first on the ballot generally receive a higher share of votes. This effect is especially pronounced in elections where voters have limited knowledge of the candidates. Nominations open July 4 with election day on October 11.
It’s Grahame, KSM
Grahame Webber with Dame Cindy Kiro
Long-time Waipā local government representative Grahame Webber of Cambridge travelled to Wellington last week to receive his King’s Service Medal from Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro at Government House. Webber was honoured for his services to local government and farming governance. His service includes long stints at Federated Farmers, Cambridge Community Board, Waipā District Council – serving as deputy mayor, and key roles in establishing sister city relationships with Le Quesnoy and Bihoro.
See: ‘Can do’ cow cocky honoured
Water update
The new Cambridge Wastewater Treatment plant is on track for completion next year. The plant’s centrepiece is a state-of-the-art membrane bioreactor system, which uses microorganisms to break down waste in a carefully controlled environment. It also reflects a commitment to sustainability, with an on-site solar farm planned to power daily operations.
