News ….. in brief

Cambridge Police investigating a spate of vehicle thefts and recent burnouts around the township have identified two youths.

Early on Wednesday, September 25 a stolen ute was used to perform a series of burnouts on the road outside the Cambridge Police Station on Victoria St.

As a result of investigations into the incident, and a spate of vehicle thefts in the town, a group of local youths were identified.

A 15 year old local has been referred to Youth Aid for stealing six vehicles. A 16 year old has also been referred to Youth Aid in relation to the thefts of 12 vehicles and for Operating a Vehicle Causing a Sustained Loss of Traction.

Car crime continues to be an issue in Cambridge, said Sergeant Greg Foster.

“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour on the roads. It not only endangers the drivers and other motorists but also causes damage to road surfaces that can become hazardous for other road users.”

“If you see any suspicious behaviour around vehicles please call 111 and report it immediately.

“We also encourage people to park their vehicles off the roadside, in driveways or well-lit areas and in front of any CCTV cameras, when possible. Don’t forget to lock your vehicles and remove all valuables.”

13 November 2024 8pm

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.

More Recent News

Season messages

Rev Jennie Savage Vicar, St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Cambridge Many take a journey over Christmas and the summer, to have a holiday, or to visit family or friends. Sometimes they have been long planned, postponed,…

Safety message on the water

Water safety agencies are calling on people to take care on the Waikato River this summer, particularly around dams and lakes in the Waipā and South Waikato districts. Water Safety New Zealand statistics showed 287…

Community comes first

The church leader who helped drive a $10 million affordable housing project is the Te Awamutu News person of the year for 2024, and speaks to senior writer Chris Gardner. Zion People church pastor Phil…

Future proofing the farm

“That eel has been here longer than I have,” says Judge Valley Dairies farmer John Hayward. “That’s exciting,” Hayward told the audience he welcomed onto his Judge Rd, Roto-o-Rangi, farm near Te Awamutu for a…