News in Brief
Library stats
Te Awamutu Library
New figures show a surge in Waipā library use for the year ended June 30. Te Awamutu Library saw a 3.5 per cent increase to 172,023. In Cambridge book issues rose by 24,097 – nearly eight per cent – to 328,911. Visitor numbers also climbed: Cambridge was up 5.3 per cent to 84,594, while Te Awamutu rose 3.3 per cent to 86,829.
On the move
Te Awamutu Museum team outside the Rickit Road site
Te Awamutu Museum Education and Research Centre’s temporary Rickit Road site closed this week, and staff will now prepare for the move back to Roche Street which was deemed earthquake-prone in October 2022. Since then, extensive strengthening work has been completed, ensuring it is safe for visitors, staff and taonga.
National award
Ahu Ake – World Cafe group photo
Ahu Ake – Waipā Community Spatial Plan is a finalist in the Local Government New Zealand SuperLocal Awards announced tonight (Thursday). The plan is in the SuperEngaged – Tū Hononga Award category, which celebrates councils that use creative ways to involve their communities, including voices that are not always heard. The approach included a ‘World Cafe’ and saw staff and elected members take to the road, visiting 11 towns and villages across the district.
Petition calls
A petition has been launched calling on Ōtorohanga District Council to review its December 2024 decision to change its logo from a three-kiwi inspired design to one representing a nest.
Powering ahead
Members of a five-strong team from Te Awamutu’s Trainstation gym qualified for August’s national powerlifting champs at an event in Pukekohe this month. The team comprised Gary Hobb, Chara Reti, Rob Blacket, Ash Claperton-Tiney and gym owner Mike Smith.
New appointment
Waikato broadcaster Karyn Fenton-Ellis has been appointed to the Board of the Broadcasting Standards Authority.
