News in Brief
Body identified
Skeletal remains found on the State Highway 3 roadside between Ōtorohanga and Te Awamutu are those of 46-year-old Colin (Col) Heath who was reported missing in 2022. The body was discovered by a farmer and a group of weed controllers in an area of privet bush near the highway late last week. His death has been referred to the coroner.
Drug count
The Waikato Times, quoting figures obtained via the Official Information Act, says Te Awamutu has overtaken Cambridge as the “cocaine capital of Waikato”. The National Drug Intelligence Bureau data a comes from wastewater drug testing. The use of methamphetamine and cocaine rose in the period from July to September 2025, use of synthetic MDMA drugs like Ecstasy fell.
Land offers
Waipā District Council is working through offers on land off Maungatautari Rd it has subdivided from its Cambridge to Karāpiro cycleway. The council acquired 859 Maungatautari Road in 2021 for $5.32 million. Acting chief financial officer James Graham said, in a statement, the subdivided land was recently offered for sale through a standard listing agreement with a real estate agent.
Harness racing plan
Artist’s impression: A view of how The Raceway will look post developments with rentable shared office space on the top floor.
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing has been asked to consider harness racing in its proposed Pencarrow Road development.
The dual-code prospect comes during national discussions under the Project Stamina moniker involving New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) and the TAB to develop a unified racing infrastructure. Chair Bruce Harvey said the idea would be news to “many in our community” and no decision had been made.
“Our focus remains on progressing a modern, fit-for-purpose thoroughbred racing and training facility for the Waikato. However, we acknowledge New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s request and the wider national conversation occurring through Project Stamina about the long-term sustainability of racing infrastructure across both codes.”
Cross in
Cambridge High footballer Leo Cross has been named in the New Zealand Under 19 national team. The 18-strong squad will play in Malaysia in July. The Oceania Under-19 tournament will be staged in Samoa later in the year. Cross, the sole Waikato school representative, is part of the Ricki Herbert Academy.
Fitting in
The gym Strength Nation Cambridge hosted an event at the Hautapu Sports Club last weekend designed to bring the community together for a day of competition and support. Sixty athletes competed across four events, showcasing their strength, fitness and teamwork throughout the day.
Friendly message
The Safer Cambridge trust has been sharing practical safety information, and encouraging neighbourhoods to build more resilient relationships, telling them strong neighbourhoods don’t happen by accident. The trust has made recent visits to communities in Lauriston village, Robinson Street and was at a Mystery Creek neighbour’s event.
Man charged
Police have charged a man following the assault of two people in Matangi’s Marychurch Road. Hamilton City Area Commander Inspector Andrea McBeth said the 24-year-old is a patched Black Power member and has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Police announced last week they were looking for three people after residents were assaulted when they took exception to a car being driven to perform burnouts.
Speed drop
Motorists travelling past three rural schools in Waipā’s Pirongia ward will soon be required to reduce their speed. A new rule requiring 60 kph speed limits extending 600 metres from rural schools gates will apply to Pirongia, Ōhaupō and Ngāhinapōuri schools.
