Hug me, Mum!
Millie Walker
Millie Walker, snapped by her mother Christie, completes the obstacle course at Roto-o-Rangi School’s carnival and fun run on Saturday. The fun run sent participants around a field, over hay bales, through a tunnel, across a slime pit and down a slip ‘n’ slide as they were drenched with water and splattered with vibrantly coloured powder, cheered on by parents, teachers and community members. The carnival was hosted by the school’s PTA to raise funds for new playground swings. Christie said the sheer enthusiasm and community spirit on display made it a day to remember.
Remembering them
Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day has been observed in Waipā in recent days and in Cambridge RSA president Tony Hill, left, and Cambridge Community Board chair Jo Davies-Colley were pictured during a service at the Cenotaph on Monday.
Trust support
Two Waipā recreational reserves are getting a $30,000 boost between them, thanks to the WEL Energy Trust. Leamington Domain and Tūrāta Reserve in Kihikihi will each see projects completed under the trust’s capital beneficiaries project funding. Parking spaces will be installed at Leamington Domain and signs at Tūrāta.
Road works
Nearly 100 roads around the district, including 50 rural roads, will be repaired and resurfaced between now and March by Waipā’s maintenance contractor, Downer. There will be fewer road cones used, said Transportation manager Bryan Hudson aimed at minimising driver frustration and saving money.
Sheila’s cup
Sheila Luxon and husband John Symons.
Former Cambridge trainer Sheila Laxon notched up her second Melbourne Cup victory last week – 23 years after her first when Ethereal won the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double. Knight’s Choice ridden by Irish jockey Robbie Dolan paid $63.50 on the TAB for the win. The best placed New Zealand horse was Sharp ‘N’ Smart in 16th, who beat fellow kiwis Trust in You and Cambridge’s own Positivity home.
Resthaven donation
Friends of Resthaven Foundation yesterday presented diversional therapy equipment for the Cambridge retirement facility’s two care centres. The Omi Vista mobile interactive system is award-winning technology designed to help those living with dementia and the team at Resthaven say it will increase physical participation, positive interactions and enjoyment.
Clarification
Jack Sharman of Cambridge’s letter to the editor (7 November 2024) referred to the community board not checking its facts properly around fluoridation. He was referring to Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board, not Cambridge.
University celebrates
Waikato University celebrates 60th anniversary at The Pa on campus. Photo: Stephen Barker.
No bikes please
The regional bus stops at the Velodrome to pick up a student for Cambridge but no bikes are allowed on the service in the meanwhile.
The bike racks might still be on the buses but a new national order from the Bus and Coach Association prevents passengers putting their bikes on them. It follows a safety alert recently published by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi stating that operators with bike racks on the front of buses are not complying with safety rules at night. While no bike racks will be physically removed from buses, bus users will not be permitted to use them the matter is resolved.
Karāpiro review
Water skiing on Lake Karapiro
A review of the Lake Karāpiro Reserve Management Plan will look at the management and development of the 19ha reserve and guide future decisions. A reserve management plan is required under the Reserves Act to guide the use of and protect reserve land and includes its legal status and classification. Waipā council will also develop a separate masterplan for more detailed visual guidance on the reserve developments. Feedback is open until December 8.
Miss Daisy tops
Driving Miss Daisy in Cambridge.
Driving Miss Daisy, which has a strong Waipā presence with its companion transport service, has won the Supreme Franchise system of the year at the Westpac New Zealand Franchise awards.
Devoy talk
Former world champion squash champion and Race Relations commissioner Susan Devoy is guest speaker at Cambridge Rotary Club’s president’s breakfast on Sunday. Funds raised will benefit Days for Girls, an organisation that provides sanitary products for women and girls in the Pacific.
Money for key events
Waipā event organisers will benefit from $75,000 in funding to support 27 domestic events.
The funding, which aims to strengthen community connections and boost economic activity, includes $6000 each for the National Waka Ama Sprint Championships and the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rowing Championships (Maadi Cup Regatta), $5600 for Balloons visit Waipā, and $5000 each for the Cambridge Cycling Festival and Dragon Boat National Championships.
Events that demonstrated strong local interest or showcased unique and innovative experiences, such as the Stragglers Charity Car Show, Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder NZ Series, and Whakamaumahara – Rangiaowhia Commemoration Day, also secured support.
