News in Brief
New officers
Chris Johnstone handed over the presidential chains to Nick Bartosiak at a change of officers function for Te Awamutu Lions last Sunday. Bartosiak’s incoming team comprises vice president Ken Huberts, secretary Alan Taylor, treasurer Robert Greenwood and directors Errol Carter, Russell Easton, Tristan Brown and Craig Holtz.
Medical passed
The Government has approved a business case and $83m in funding for a new Waikato University medical school as part of a plan to strengthen the health workforce. The medical school is expected to add 120 doctor training places annually from 2028, offering a graduate-entry programme providing a flexible new pathway into medicine that helps attract a broader range of students and build a stronger, more diverse workforce.
Burial costs
Waipā District Council has confirmed significant increases in burial-related fees for 2025-26 and 2026-27 in its 2025-2034 Long Term Plan. A standard adult burial plot in Te Awamutu or Hautapu now costs $2783, rising to $3284 next year. The interment fee has also increased to $1271, with a further increase to $1460 expected in 2026-27.
Board Elections
Triennial School Board elections in September will come a month ahead of local body polls. Parents and caregivers at state and state-integrated schools vote for parent representatives to govern their schools and students at schools with pupils above year 9 will have student representatives.
Careers Expo
Cambridge High School, St Peter’s Cambridge and Te Awamutu College are teaming up to run a community careers expo in Cambridge later this month.
Cycling events confirmed
Cambridge Velodrome
Waipā will be centre stage when Cycling New Zealand signals the start of the campaign towards the 2026 Commonwealth Games with two key track events in December.
Cambridge’s Grassroots Trust Velodrome will host the Omnium and Madison National Championships on December 10 and 11 as standalone national events.
Organisers are hoping to also confirm a UCI Class 2 international track competition to follow on from the championships.
“With the omnium and madison to run as part of a standalone event, we thought it was an ideal opportunity for the Grassroots Trust Velodrome to play host,” said Craig Rodger, Grassroots Trust Velodrome Head of Programmes & Coaching.
“The omnium and madison races usually attract our best riders, especially at that time of year leading up to the international track season early in the year. Both track events are novel and exciting and we believe will prove popular with everyone in Cambridge.
“While discussing this with Cycling New Zealand, we also felt that a UCI C2 Level event would help provide a week of quality international racing and ranking points for riders both from New Zealand and within the Oceania and Asian regions.
Library rethink
Te Kuiti Public Library.
Te Kuiti’s cramped library could be moved to the under-used Les Munro Centre if a community facilities rethink spurs action. The Waitomo council would look to replicate what has been done in Takanini which blends traditional library services with community spaces, a kitchen, play area and meeting rooms. Cambridge has a similar space issue with its library.
