Local Obituary

Farewell ‘greatest champion’

Among the many laudatory tributes heard at Alan Livington’s farewell on Monday, the poignant voices of his grandchildren spoke to what was most important. “He was the coolest person in my life,” said one, “he’d…

Alan: a life of service

Former Waipā mayor and Waikato Regional Council chair Alan Livingston has died aged 74, leaving a regional legacy and a very personal imprint on those who knew him, writes Mary Anne Gill. Two months ago,…

A ‘remarkable’ navigator

Two former Waipā District Council leaders have paid tribute to a woman whose role was key to successfully navigating the early integration of iwi consultation into council decisions. Speaking at Louise Ruiha Doyle’s Te Awamutu…

Hundreds farewell matriarch

There was barely standing room at Sue Storey’s funeral at St John’s Church last Thursday as devoted family and friends took stock of the passing of an icon. Those in the know wore ties, tops…

Sizing up the challenge

Scouts have renamed their annual Lake Arapuni capsize camp to honour a late leader. The camp, held annually at Bulmer’s Landing in Wharepapa South for nearly 30 years, has been renamed the Kahawai Capsize Camp…

Regent mourns O’Brien death

Many Te Awamutu movie lovers will remember the friendly face of David Patrick O’Brien at The Regent Theatre’s front counter. The long serving cashier died in Howick, Auckland on November 1, aged 81. The Regent…

Val was an RSA trailblazer

Talk to anyone about Val Brett and you’ll find she was known as particularly diligent and organised, an irrepressibly ‘no-nonsense’ contributor to her community. What is probably less known is the fact that Val, who…

The ploughman’s legacy

Obituary: GRAHAM FREEGARD: 10th October 1931 – 3rd DECEMBER 2023 Graham Freegard – a man known as much for his ploughing skills and love of tractors as for his brightly painted tin hat – died…

Modest man’s Le Quesnoy legacy

John Gibbons: June 26, 1927 – September 25, 2023 The passing of renown Kiwi bandsman John Gibbons, whose funeral was in Te Awamutu last weekend, holds particular poignancy for Cambridge. Among the 50 marches he…

A lesson in counting the pennies

Just a few weeks ago, Colin Pinkerton shared a sentiment with his son Nigel… one that showed his lifetime of commitment to all he wanted to achieve. While walking near Pirongia, Nigel asked if his…

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