Local News

Ballet star in the making

  Ruby Jack’s wide-eyed enthusiasm for dance at just three years old set her on a course to fulfil her dream career. The St Peter’s Catholic School Year 8 student wants to dance ballet on…

We Say

The axing of community boards is being considered by district councils from Wānaka to Waipā. And in both centres the boards are aggrieved. That’s not surprising – they have proved valuable mouthpieces for communities. What…

From ecstasy to heartbreak

The cycling community, which has its high-performance base in Cambridge, was celebrating an Olympic success then mourning the loss of an Olympian within days. While Cambridge based Ellesse Andrews goes through quarantine on her return…

Webber’s cancer battle

Long-serving Waipā District councillor and former deputy mayor Grahame Webber will not stand for council next year as he battles myeloma cancer. Webber, 73, was first elected to the council in 2001 and is two…

When it comes to rail, councillors are . . . On different tracks

Two senior local authority councillors have mixed views on whether rail should feature in Waikato commuter plans. Hamilton City councillor Dave Macpherson, who played a vital role in lobbying for the establishment of Te Huia…

Railing against the road machines

“Everyone talks about 10 year plans – this should be a five year plan.” Waikato Regional Council chairman Russ Rimmington has jumped back on track to call for rail development in Waikato to be prioritised. He says priority must be given to establishing lines from…

Boards for the chop?

Cambridge and Te Awamutu community boards are fighting for their existence, writes Mary Anne Gill. It takes a lot to get Ange Holt and Sue Milner to break ranks and go against the standard Waipā District Council…

Slip sliding away… 

Well-used equipment in two Leamington playgrounds have been decommissioned for safety reasons following an independent safety audit across Waipā. The equipment did not meet New Zealand safety standards which represent fundamental minimum best practice in…

Social media lost dogs’ new best friend

Social media has become an integral tool for owners of lost dogs and resulted in fewer pooches ending up in Waipā pounds. District Growth and Regulatory Services group manager Wayne Allan made the observation in…

Half a century – time to sell   

With a mixture of sadness and nostalgia, Cambridge businesspeople Graeme and Elaine Haworth are selling two Duke St shops they’ve owned for more than 50 years. The buildings, 61 and 63 Duke St, are tenanted by Dante’s Fine Foods and Point Break Cambridge….

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