THE VILLAGE VOICE the Newspaper of Pirongia

THE VILLAGE VOICE The Newspaper of Pirongia

Winter 2013 FIND US LOCAL LADY CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL Clare St Pierre is standing as a candidate in our Council continued to serve on these elections in October this year. committees as well as Pirongia Born in the district and a pupil of Te Rore School, she grew Residents & Ratepayers Assn., up on a dairy farm and is part of the McMonagle/Krippner and various other committees. clan. She started her career in Te Awamutu with the ANZ She also holds a Management Bank which took her to Head Office in Wellington. She met Degree from Massey University, her husband Tony there through Toastmasters, and moved graduating in the top 5% of to Pirongia Village in 1996 where they currently live. Their students in 2012. five children all attended Pirongia School, and during this time Clare was actively involved with Playcentre and her Currently a volunteer project manager of the Restoration church, being Youth Leader and a member of St Patrick’s Society’s environmental activity centre project, Clare is keen Parish Council. Her husband is a Business Analyst for to see sustainability recognised for its economic opportuni- Waikato Hospital Board and fully supports her decision to ties. She would also like to see women continuing to be stand for election. represented in Council, especially for their integrative Clare considers her extensive qualities. involvement with local groups is a Her priorities for Waipa District would be controlling spend- particular strength that she can con- ing and rates, ensuring that Pirongia Ward’s voice gets tribute if she were elected to Council. heard in Council decision making, and that any development She has been a founding member of would serve the interests of the local community. Part of her Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restora- role as councillor would be to listen carefully to the wishes of tion Society, Pirongia Heritage and locals, and be available to talk through issues. Information Centre, and Pirongia She can be contacted on 07 8719133 or Tourism Association, and she has [email protected].

HOW ALEXANDRA BECAME PIRONGIA When it was first surveyed in 1864, the settlement we now know as Pirongia, in self-governing Auckland Province was originally named Alexandra in honour of the young bride of Prince Edward of England who later became King Edward VII. That name continued to be used for 31 years, despite the existence of another Alexandra in Central Otago. This duplication posed a problem for the national Government and its agencies such as the Post Office and the Telegraph Department. To dis- tinguish been the two settlements, the northern Alexandra was sometimes referred to as Alexandra (Waipa) or Alexandra (Auckland). Nevertheless, after the abolition of Provincial Government in 1876, when all New Zealand settlements came under the jurisdic- tion of one central government, the problem of duplicated place names needed to be sorted out because there were a number of towns with the same names. In 1894, the Government passed legislation determining that each settlement in the country should have a unique name and that the original name should apply only to the first settlement to have used it. This meant that Alexandra in Central Otago was entitled to retain its name and a new name was required for Alexandra on the Waipa. Thus, early in 1895 the New Zealand Gazette called upon the Waipa County Council, which now governed the settlement, to propose a new name. The County Council asked the local people for suggestions and a newspaper account records that at a public meeting in Alex- andra, four possible names were considered. One was Areka, the first part of Arekahanara, the Maori transliteration of Alexan- dra – literally Alex in Maori. A second, less understandable suggestion was Pomare, the name of the leader of a Ngapuhi expe- dition up the Waipa River in 1825, who were ambushed and wiped out by local Maori. A third was Matakitaki, the longstanding name of the Maori Pa settlement near the confluence of the Mangapiko and Waipa Rivers from the days before the arrival of Pakeha settlers. And the fourth was Pirongia, the name of the mountain overlooking the settlement. The meeting petitioned the County Council to re-name Alexandra as either Matakitaki or Pirongia, although there seems to have been some preference for Pirongia. It was the Council which appears to have made the final decision, reportedly because Pirongia was considered more “euphonious” (more pleasant-sounding). The name was adopted officially from 10 May 1896. In December 1895, the Government advised all schools of the change to the settlement’s name. However, it seems ironic that the Alexandra School did not officially change its name until 1928. Of course, the names of the Alexandra Cemetery, the Boxing Day Races and the hotel have never changed.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in The Village Voice are not necessarily those of the Publisher. A MESSAGE FROM ...… EDITORIAL How lucky we are to live in a village where we know our neighbours, are familiar with most of the dog walkers that ST SAVIOUR’S are on our streets each morning, and recognise many of the children walking to and from school. We have a very exciting project unfolding at St Saviour’s this year. We stop and chat to friends at the cafe or supermarket, share produce across fences and ''catch up'' at the month- We are aiming to improve the whole toilet area, which ly market. includes adding a wheelchair access toilet. We also Generally if there's something amiss, there's someone intend adding decks to not only improve access but who notices. and as a result we live in a place that is con- also provide additional areas to socialise, a child friendly area, and hopefully a place to BBQ a sausage or sidered safe for all. two! That said, from time to time there will be an incident somewhere in the district that serves as a reminder that This has been part of a five year plan, and follows the we should not be too casual about staying safe - especial- installation of a new kitchen in 2010. This is a financial ly children and the more vulnerable in our community. stretch for us. However what has put it almost within reach is the generous opportunity for assistance from The following guidelines are a good place to start if you MMM (Mobile Missionary Maintenance). This is a won- are talking to your kids about keeping themselves safe as derful organisation, with its head office in Pirongia, the move around our village, and beyond: which provides skilled help in building, renovating and • Children walking or biking to and from school should maintaining facilities used in conjunction with Christian stay together and use the roads that MOST people use. Activities. We are very grateful for their help. We are also very grateful for the Pironga Craft Group, who have • If approached, politely say NO, turn and walk fast to the been beavering away for some time now, and have nearest shop, house, or home if it is close by and tell raised about a third of what is needed. them, what has happened. If with friends, always stay together, and do not engage in conversation. The building modifications are aimed to take place at • Always tell your parents or an adult if you are ap- the end of November this year, so that all is ready for proached by a stranger and they will ring 111 our 2014 Pironga sesquicentennial celebrations. • Adults if you see children in the village being spoken to We still have some way to go with our fundraising how- by an adult, ask if the child is OK and check that they ever, and seek any help from the community to make know the adult, if you have cause for concern. Be a busy this happen, not only in terms of monetary contribu- body, that’s what neighbourhood watch is about. tions but also materials or assisting the skilled MMM To everyone who lives here I say thank you - thanks for team. (Feel free to contact the St John’s Parish office being friendly, supportive and ''in the know''. Lets keep on 07 871 5568, if you may be able to help). looking after each other On a lighter note, I am thrilled to be bringing you such a St Saviour’s has been part of this village from the very bumper edition of the Voice this quarter— there was so beginning, (150 years ago), so it is very much Pi- much good news to share we simply couldn’t wait until rongia’s church. In a sense, St Saviour’s is a “living- September to get it all to you! We acknowledge that as a room” of the community, a place where the life, joy, result the paper is a little later than usual, and thank you peace and love of Jesus has and continues to be expe- for your patience rienced, in a genuine and relaxed way. I’m hoping that the proposed building improvements will continue to encourage this. I hope you feel the same way too.

Susan Trodden - Editor May God bless and keep you. May he guide, encour- [email protected] age and inspire you, this day and evermore. FIND US In Jesus’ name The Village Voice has it's own Facebook

page. Come and ''like'' us, and feel free to add your event into our newsfeed. You are also welcome to Tim Lloyd message us with articles or suggestions for addition 027 209 7440 A/h 07 854 1529 to future editions of the Voice.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in The Village Voice are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The 150th Jubilee

A sub-committee of the Residents and Ratepayers For example, the Heritage Centre will mount a special Association, chaired by John Wood, continues to display and on Saturday afternoon, it is hoped that meet regularly to plan Pirongia’s 150th Jubilee Year the Rugby and Netball Clubs may be persuaded to commemorations in 2014 which are now less than 12 hold fun games played under old-time rules. Similar- months away. The Residents & Ratepayers group is ly, there have been suggestions that a hangi might be focussed on promoting three main occasions during sponsored at the school, a social event could be cen- the year: tred on the Alexandra Hotel, and that an arts display Pukehoua Bridge Centennial and/or a craft trail might be arranged for some stage (16 February) of the weekend. The committee is also keen to hold a Jubilee Parade Later this year, the Pukehoua Bridge will be 100 years at some stage during the weekend, or at another suit- old. Its first century will be celebrated on the after- able time during 2014. The parade would represent noon of Sunday 16 February 2014 with a ceremonial eras of development and it is anticipated that as in re-opening of the bridge for its second century, fol- previous jubilee celebrations, the various local organi- lowing which a procession of vehicles representing zations would take part, signalling their roles in local eras of transport, from horse-drawn to contemporary, development will cross and proceed to the Memorial Hall for an af- These ideas would make the weekend attractive to ternoon tea and activities for families. former residents, some of whom who are already th 150 Jubilee Celebration showing interest in returning to Pirongia for the jubi- (31 May - 1 Jun) – Queen’s lee. However, they require commitments to be made Birthday Weekend by the end of July so that the programme may be publicised. The main commemoration of the establishment and Boxing Day Races development of Pirongia and its district will take place over Queen’s Birthday Weekend. (26 December) Planning is under way to re-enact a settlers landing The Boxing Day Races will be the last public event of from the Waipa River on Saturday, 31 May to start late the Waipa District’s Jubilee year. It is hoped that morning. It is also hoped that residents will be in peri- some special commemorative events might be incor- od dress for the occasion. porated in the regular programme. These, which may On the Saturday evening, a group of enthusiasts are include some unusual picnic-type amusements and planning an Edwardian Ball to be held in the Pirongia activities, are yet to be negotiated. Memorial Hall. In the meantime, if you are associated with a club or On the Sunday morning (1 June), negotiations are organization which might contribute to the pro- under way to hold an inter-denominational church gramme in some way, or if you would simply like to service, probably also in the Memorial Hall. help, contact a member of the Residents & Ratepay- On the Sunday afternoon, Pirongia School will organ- ers Sub-committee: John Wood, Clare St Pierre, ize an afternoon of old-time activities for children and Sabina Owen, Sally Uerata, Joy McGregor, Jan Cul- families on the Rangimarie Reserve. len or Alan Hall. During this weekend, other local clubs and institutions are being encouraged to supplement this core of activities with other events.

PIRONGIA CRAFT DAY CELEBRATES 35 YEARS Pirongia Craft Day is an annual event which has been operating for 35 years. It is organised by a volunteer committee of dedicated local arts and craftspeople who endeavour to keep the original theme of “NZ Handmade or Homegrown” thereby ensuring only quality NZ items are sold. The Pirongia Cottage Crafts Festival Day began in 1978. A group of local cottage crafters who had been involved in the relocation and preservation of the original Pirongia School building (which is Pirongia Play- centre as we know it today) planned a Festival Day. Initially this was for local stallholders only and a donation was made from the Festival organisers to Playcen- tre each year. Anyone wishing to sell items on Craft Day can contact Eventually Playcentre took over the provision of food Craft Day Registrar, Chrissy Cullen 871 9006. The re- for the day as their fundraiser. The Festival Days were quirements are that your products are NZ handmade intended as a way to support local Non-Profit commu- or home-grown. No commercial, second hand or im- nity groups. The current Pirongia Craft Day Committee ported goods are accepted. As previously mentioned, is striving to see that this continues through inviting Food stalls are provided by non-profit community such groups to hold food stalls (free of charge). groups only. The Craft Day Committee have been meeting regularly Mark it in your diary and come along! Saturday 28 throughout the year in preparation for this big event. September, 9am to 3pm. Please leave your dogs at All committee members are volunteers and each per- home this day, thank you. son has a particular job they are responsible for, such as traffic management for the thousands of cars ex- pected on the day, Wheelie bins and Portaloos essen- tial!), Live entertainment and Allocation/ marking of sites. Stallholders pay a fee of $80 per site which co- vers those costs, and all leftover funds each year are PIRONGIA RATEPAYERS redistributed to community groups who are involved on the day. We also hope informing the local commu- ASSOCIATION RINGING IN THE nity of the intention of Craft Day will help ensure this CHANGES vision is upheld'' says Committee member Sonja Bar- The AGM for the Association was held this month low. and as well as gaining some new members, the organisation is looking forward to some exciting new PIRONGIA TOURISM MORE changes. A Special General Meeting will be held in 2 months to THAN JUST FOR VISITORS discuss and potentially ratify some changes includ- The Pirongia Clydesdales Function Centre was buzz- ing the name of the organisation. ing at the recent Pirongia Tourism Association’s The Association also has some new members to its AGM. Over 30 people heard Hamilton and Waikato executive committee, including Clare St Pierre, Su- Tourism’s CEO Kiri Goulter give the wider picture of san Trodden, Shirley Kewish and Amanda Haigh. visitor trends and initiatives for our region, especially the dominance of domestic visitors and Chinese tour- ists’ growing numbers. The new Tourism Association committee are keen to take forward the suggestions from the open discussion and networking that followed the formal part of the evening. These include collabo- rating with neighboring areas, developing offerings for high performance recreation, and improving promo- tions. For more information, please contact Clare St Pierre on (07) 8719133.

PIRONGIA TE AROARO O KAHU PIRONGIA ACTION AUTOMOTIVE STAR SHINES BRIGHTLY RESTORATION SOCIETY The last few months have had some thrills for society mem- Pirongia Action Automotive has been recognised for its per- bers. A second cohort of North Island Robins (Pītoitoi) was formance at the Waipa Networks Business Awards. As well released onto Mt Pirongia in April, bringing the total number as team member Robert McWhat making the finals of Em- of trans located birds to 60. Over 40 volunteers had spent ployee of the year, The ''A'' team won the Te Awamutu Cus- the previous day at Mangatutu in Northern Pureora Forest tomer Choice award, and were awarded overall winner for capturing the birds, and since release at least one unband- Waipa Excellence in Business - small business catego- ed robin has been sighted. This provides physical evidence ry. The judges examined 9 areas of the business including that the Robins released last year have bred successfully – community and Industry contribution, strategy, financial re- not possible for over 100 years. Funding from Waikato Re- porting, people and performance, and environmental sus- gional Council has made this milestone possible. tainability. The awards evening held at the Don Rowland Centre earlier this month was the culmination of a nine month process The next major translocation project which the society involving mystery shopper visits, judging of applications for would like to undertake is Kokako. With this in mind, the business excellence, and customer voting to determine the guest speaker for the society’s AGM on Thursday July 11 at winners of the fifteen awards that were presented. The black Pirongia School Activity Centre commencing at 7-30pm is tie event is jointly hosted by the Te Awamutu Chamber of to be Kokako specialist Ollie Overdyck. Members of the Commerce and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce who public are welcome to attend. Our envirocentre project has see it as an opportunity to unite the 2 towns and bring the only progressed slightly during this period due to our efforts business community together. The awards ceremony and directed at the Robins project; however the electricity has gala dinner is Waipa’s most anticipated business event of been connected thanks to Waikato Regional Council fund- the year and 300 guests were in attendance. ing and Dave Peryer from Pirongia Electrical Service. Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce CEO, Susan Trodden,

said the two chambers were proud of the premier business Please contact Clare St Pierre (07 8719133 or event, and the process behind it. “It is a very beneficial pro- [email protected]) if you would like to volunteer for cess for any business to undertake from a business develop- planting, bait station filling or monitoring opportunities. ment point of view, and each year many entrants comment on the value of the Judges feedback on their entries. It is also a great opportunity for all businesses within Waipa, no matter how large or small, to receive recognition for their LIVING HISTORY achievements, and to celebrate the contribution individual businesses have made to Waipa. ” On learning they were finalists, Colette Burr from Pirongia RIGHT HERE Action Automotive commented: 'It has been a fantastic expe- It was standing room only at the AGM of the Heritage rience to look at the Pirongia Action Automotive over the last & Information Centre on 18 June. The 44 people who 7 and a half years and realize the systems and develop- attended exceeded the expectations of the commitments that have taken place to streamline the team and the tee who brought in extra chairs from next door as the running of the business. We’ve got a better idea of the Centre filled, but a few latecomers were still left strengths of the business and areas that we can improve on. standing. We have an awesome team and would not have got to While the Centre stalwarts may like to think that the where we are without them- Thank you from the bottom of AGM was the draw card, the real attraction was more our hearts (from Grant and Colly) to James, Sara, Robert, likely the speaker who provided the “after-match en- Nic and Ash!!!" tertainment”. Mayor and local historian, Alan Living- ston gave an informative and interesting illustrated talk about the history of the district West of the river Waipa. He focussed particularly upon the development of Harapepe, Karamu, Te Pahu and settlement of the Limeworks Loop Road area. His historic photographs which included reminders of days past were outstanding and stressed the importance to development in the area of roading and particularly the Te Rore bridge. Incidentally, the AGM, which received the customary set of reports and elected a new Executive Commit- tee, was successfully completed in 30 minutes IT ALL STARTED IN Thus, for example, 1000 acres was accumulated and offered for sale where the Parekura farm at Paterangi was later established. 1864 The other outcome was that the exodus of militiamen Alexandra was established in June 1864 as a military occurring throughout the Waikato meant that by 1867 settlement of men from the 2nd Regiment of the the remaining settlers at Alexandra, Harapepe, Kihikihi Waikato Militia. Each militiaman was allocated a town and Cambridge were no longer capable of defending acre and a farm allotment to become freehold when the frontier should they be challenged by Maori from he had completed 3 years’ service. For the majority the King Country. As a result, in 1867 the Governor who volunteered in late 1863, that would have been disbanded all the regiments of the Waikato Militia, and by late 1866. volunteers were called to form an Armed Constabu- Under their conditions of enlistment, the men under- lary, a division of which was located at Alexandra in stood that they would remain on military pay until 1868. peace was declared, or for three years. They were also promised that after they were de-mobilised, they Despite these events, a nucleus of settlers remained. and their families would receive rations for a year Many of them were married and a number had mem- while they broke in their farmland. Unfortunately, bers of their extended families in the area. Some had however, the government was financially embar- married into the Maori-Pakeha families who pre-dated rassed by the costs of the war which continued else- the Waikato War. It is from this era that the district still where in the North Island and chose to make savings remembers names like Finch, Garmonsway, Turner, by striking Waikato garrison settlers off pay, early in Reynolds, McGruther, Ormsby and Aubin. 1865, as soon as they were allocated town lots, even before most had been allocated farm allotments. This affected some 200 men in Alexandra. They were also denied back-pay from the time when Alexandra FRIDAY NIGHT FIT was established. To make matters worse, the promised rations were halved and no rations for family FOR A FEAST members allowe4d. Nevertheless, in order to remain Drive by the Community Centre in Crozier St on a Friday eligible for their land, unpaid monthly attendance at night and you'll see Carolyn and her family hard at work military parades was still required. whipping up dinners from their food truck called ''The Beach Hutt''. Angry protest meetings were held in the village and Carolyn has a focus on providing healthy, family friendly petitions to parliament by the local settlers followed, meals at unbelievably good prices - a wrap of quality meat, some of them as combined actions with similarly af- salad and a homemade tasty sauces will only cost you $5 - rd th fected settlers from the 3 and 4 Regiments at Cam- and there's Seafood Chowder available all winter, along bridge and Kirikiroa (Hamilton), but all to no avail. As with $3 petite puddings, (a different pudding each a result, some militiamen paid others to take their week). The last Friday of every month is a little different - in places, and many simply deserted. Others stuck out June we enjoyed Burger night, and July 26th was Filled Po- the three years’ service required to freehold their land tato night. and then sold it for what they could get before leaving Winter hours are 4.00 - 7.30pm, and if you're feeling a bit for opportunities in places like Auckland, Australia or reluctant to stand and wait in the cold for your dinner, the Thames goldfields. you can text or phone in There were two major consequences. One was that orders. 021 027 939 68 many town acres and farm allotments quickly changed hands. This allowed a few entrepreneurs from Auckland to buy and consolidate 50 acre farm lots into sizeable farms which were then sold on to newcomers with capital.

Pirongia School Student PIRONGIA PLUNKET Report CARSEAT SAFETY SESSION Pirongia Plunket together with Action Automotive and It’s now term two at Pirongia school and I Impressions are running a Car seat Safety Session in Pi- have some exciting things to share with rongia. Emma the Te Awamutu Car seat Coordinator will you. be present and able to check car seats and answer any We have just had our cross country and we all ran our hard- relevant questions for parents/caregivers, so do come est. The people who were in the top five for their age group along. went into Lower Waipa. The age groups went from years 1- Ph Penny Wacker 8719211 8 (whole school) that participated. When : Thurs. 11th July 1pm - 2.30pm At Pirongia school C-team has introduced a new thing to Where : Impressions car park the school called CRAZE! Craze is where a group of people from C-team get selected by Mrs McKenzie to do a craze FIRST AID TRAINING each week involving different things to do such as stilts, Frisbees, etc. Once you have done your craze for the week Pirongia Plunket together with St John are running a free it doesn’t come back. Basic First Aid Training Session for any parents/ C-team is also doing mini science fair boards that are going caregivers. to have photos, explanations about their topics and show- Ph Jenny Brears 8719666 or ing how they did their experiment. D-team are also doing email [email protected] to book in. their large boards for their science fair showing their experi- When : Tues. 30th July 10am - 12noon ments. Where : Pirongia Sports Centre A and B Team are also enjoying learning about the Planets

and space too. PLUNKET LIBRARY There is a fantastic free library of parenting books in the Plunket Clinic for parents/caregivers to access. Contact Jenny Brears ph 8719211 Pirongia Hosts A Pink Ribbon Morning Tea

The Pink Ribbon morning tea raised over $430 for the New PLUNKET CLINIC Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation Pink Ribbon Appeal, Kelly the Pirongia Plunket Nurse continues to run a clinic which goes to cancer research within the Waikato Area. We here in Pirongia twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Thurs- enjoyed good homemade baking (made by friends), freshly day; and Barb the Karitane runs a Karitane clinic here ground filter coffee which was donated along with the milk once a month. Ph 8725291 to book an appointment with by Persimmon Tree Café. Kelly or Barb. Spot prizes and auction items were generously donated by Te Awamutu Events Centre, Showcase Jewellers, The PLUNKET BEAR HUG APPEAL Warehouse, Pak n Save, Avon (Jess Amoore), Tupperware Plunket had their Annual Appeal in March. We would like (Lylie Mallak), Pirongia Golf Club and Pirongia Hotel. to say a massive THANK YOU to those who supported Pirongia Plunket and made a donation. We raised A big thanks to the helpers and to EcoFX Ltd for printing the $516.60 which was an increase from the previous promotional material. year. Funds raised goes towards the costs of keeping Anyone who was unable to come along and would still like our local clinic running, and providing parent education to make a donation - it's not too late. Contact Ruth Webb courses (including the First Aid Course above). We on 0211316736. Thanks. would also like to say a very big THANK YOU to The Per- simmon Tree Cafe, Four Square, Village Cafe, Bakery, PIRONGIA GUIDES GOING STRONG Birdsong Gallery, Mobil, Impressions and Action Automo- An awesome group of girls meet each Tuesday at the Rugby tive who supported our Appeal and allowed people to Club for Pirongia Guides. Led by Sarah and Sonja Barlow the donate at their business. All of your support was very girls enjoy the ’hands on’’ programme loved all around the world. Contact Sonja on 027 233 0502 for more information. much appreciated :-)

Quality Childcare in a village environment We cater for 3mths to 5 years Under 2’s, Over 2’s & Preschool 805 Crozier Street Pirongia Ph: 871 9109 Fax: 871 9106 www.impressionschildcare.co.nz Creating lasting Impressions for your child’s future Finally to our great pride we were the winners of the PIRONGIA VOLUNTARY RURAL Health and Well-being section of the Waipa District Council / Trust Power Regional awards. This was an in- FIRE FORCE BITS AND BOBS spiring event where we were able to see first-hand the Recently your Brigade sent out an Envelope appeal to wide and diverse range of volunteers in our Waipa Dis- 1200 homes within this area for financial support. We are trict. It was an honour to receive this award particularly grateful for all the households whose generosity is greatly as the standard was so high in all categories. appreciated. Final reminders So what exactly do you get for your donation? 1. Electric Blankets - Worn and old electric blankets can cause electric shock, fire and possibly even death. Apart from the obvious knowing that you are supporting Please get them checked or choose to buy a new one. your local Fire Brigade, of which we average 55 calls a 2. Take care when using candles or any naked flame and year, there are numerous ways your financial support NEVER leave unattended. helps us. Assistance with the monthly running costs of 3. Watch open and log fires with distances so that cloth- our two vehicles which average $140 a month in fuel ing and people are not too close. costs, to renew a branch (hose nozzle) alone requires Have a safe and happy Winter. over $1000 to purchase. We have on-going needs which range from working gloves, photocopying paper to tar- Jean McKenzie paulins, not to mention insurance and rates! This list is Secretary and Senior Firefighter only a small part of running an organisation such as ours. PIRONGIA SCOUT GROUP The summer has been a high needs one with the nation- GROWING AGAIN wide drought. Brigades throughout the country have been affected by the number of call outs. Your Brigade was no different with multiple calls many of which were The group is now two years old, and after a period of during the day. With the rain came a reduction, thank only running ‘Keas’ (6-8 year olds) is almost ready to goodness. start ‘Cubs’ again. Open to both girls and boys, the group meet at the Pirongia Community Centre every Our Cadet unit has begun the year with a new group of Tuesday during term time. For more information please 11 – 12 year olds. They are ably supported by Brigade contact Tracey Edger on 021173 7567 members who come along to participate in this programme. We have some Brigade members who are tak- ing this on for the first time this year as well. Our previ- WAIPA RIVER RESTORATION ous Cadet group have moved to either Year 13 at College or onto jobs. It is noted that three of last year’s cadets WINS FAVOUR had been members for three years. The new group have th brought freshness to the Cadet programme with their en- On 19 June, the public meeting about the Waipa thusiasm and high interest level. River produced a positive outcome. Those present expressed encouragement to the Ratepay- The Brigade hosted Robbie Morris's 58 years of service in ers’ Association to continue investigating options April this year. As Station 58 it was a special occasion for for extending the restoration of the Waipa River the Brigade with over 100 guests including Mayor Alan margins beyond the current wetland develop- Livingston. Beginning with a guard of honour the even- ments at Matakitaki Pa site and below Aubin ing was an opportunity to recognise a truly dedicated Fire -fighter who has been a Fire-fighter in Te Awamutu then a Close, and the practicalities of incorporating a member of our Brigade as an advisor and trainer for the walkway/cycleway. The committee will report last 17 years. back to the community in December. PIRONGIA HISTORIC VISITOR CLASSIFIEDS CENTRE - CLEANER AVAILABLE MOVING WITH THE TIMES Phone Cat on 871 9917 or 022 047 0033.

The Centre is delighted that they are now able EXPERIENCED BOOK-KEEPER to employ Faith Haakma for 10 hours a week now that we have secured some funding. She is AVAILABLE versed in accountancy and that has been a boon To help keep (or get!) your accounts in order, and/ or to us. A number of the Executive attended the ready for your accountant, give me call. opening of the newly vamped Purekireki Marae Faith (NZDipBus): 871 9293 recently. Pity about the rain but even that was OR ALE catered for until one of our members fell head- F S Untreated wood offcuts - firewood or play wood for long in the mud! kids. $6 small sack, $12 large sack ph 027 5728128 This month we were visited by a museum specialist from Te Papa. Sally August is to give advice on CALLING ALL GREEN FINGERS our accessioning and acquisitions. As well as an Would you like to meet with like minded gardeners? extensive collection of important historical docu- Are you interested in visiting the amazing gardens of mentation, we have quite a collection of memora- others or having others visit yours? bilia from the district - an old sign for the trig was Want to learn more about plants? recently found by a tramper on Mt. Pirongia and Lets start a garden group here in Pirongia! Contact Jenny Mortland 871 9199 handed in to us. We have recently been given an old WW1 hat badge belonging to an old identi- COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR HIRE ty. We are waiting for the Country Women's Insti- Hire the Pirongia Community Centre for your next tute memorabilia that includes a photo album and event! This is a community facility and is there for use an i80-year old wall clock. by both organisations and private individuals at very Have you seen our trig? Now cleaned and re- low cost. Both the hall and chapel are available— stored it holds pride of place outside our build- contact Chris Oden (Custodian) to make your booking. ing. Many of our visitors travel through to the Wai- tomo Caves or New Plymouth. It's surprising how many from different parts of the world pop in either to see our displays or to ask questions about Did you know there's a book discussion Mt.Pirongia tracks. Recent photographs show group in Pirongia? that work is proceeding up at the hut site in prep- The group works on a book-share system aration for a 20-bunk hut in 2014. There are even and has a focus on in depth discussion of more camping spots and a shelter. the book. Did you know that there is a family cycle track at Call Paula on 8719585. the group meets Kaniwhaniwha that takes you to the Nikau grove? on the second Monday of each month at 7 Have a look at the Waipa Mountain Bike Club pm at the home of a group member website for photographs of the great work they have done there.

John & Jenny Mortland Brackendell Boarding Kennels and Cattery

Somersal B&B / Wedding Venue Steve & Raewyn Gollop

750 Beechey Street, Pirongia 1724 McClure Street, RD 6, Pirongia Ph: 871 9735 Te Awamutu 3876, New Zealand www.brackendell.co.nz

Ph: 871 9199 or 021 232 3981 Open for pet drop offs and pick ups and see www.somersal.co.nz 8.00 - 10.00am and 4.00 - 6.00pm seven days.

for information and photographs. Inspections welcome. DIARY OF REGULAR EVENTS IN PIRONGIA. EVENT DATE CONTACT LOCATION Anglican Church Service Every Sunday Tim 027 209 740 St Saviour's Church Craft Group Monday Barbara 871 9494 St Saviour's Church Plunket Clinic 1st & 3rd Thursdays Kelly 871 5291 Sports Centre Mt Pirongia Lions 1st & 3rd Tuesday Warwick Brown 871 9788 Pirongia School Hall Creative Fibre Group 3rd Tuesday Nynke 871 9595 Memorial Hall Bookworms Last Tuesday—10am Joyce.Brown 871-9788 Persimmon Tree Cafe

Pirongia Senior Citizens 1st Wednesday Jessie 871 8802 Pirongia Bowling Club Ratepayers Meeting 3rd Wednesday John 871 9548 Community Chapel Women's Institute 2nd Wednesday Beryl 871 9618 Memorial Hall Interdenominational Service 3rd Sunday Evening Trevor 872 8102 Community Chapel 500 Card Club Friday Evenings Jessie 871 8802 Mangapiko Hall Te Pahu Playgroup Friday Mornings Nicola 07 825 9908 Te Pahu Preschool Pirongia Country Market Last Sunday Shirley 871 9536 Memorial Hall Table Tennis Monday Evenings Brett 07 847 7569 Te Rore Hall Lawn Bowls Monday's 9.00 am Office 871 9784 Pirongia Bowling Club Twilight Lawn Bowls Thursday's 5.45 pm Peter Kewish 871 9662 Pirongia Bowling Club Neville Northcott 871 9526 Mainly Music Thursday Morning Susan 871 8128 St Saviour's Church ICONZ Wednesday Fortnightly Graham 870 2400 Community Centre Pippins Tues 3:15 – 4:30pm Sharlene 871 9079 Pirongia Sports Centre Brownies Mon 3:15 – 4:45pm Sharlene 871 9079 Pirongia Sports Centre Guides Tues 6 – 8pm Sonja 871 9518 Pirongia Sports Centre Pilates Monday Topsey 8719290 Pirongia School Hall Pirongia Fishing Club 1st Wednesday Grant 871 9608 Various members homes Harold Dickson 871 4936 Indoor Bowls Tuesday Evening - Apr - Aug Mangapiko Hall Merle Wyllie 871 7618 Pirongia Tennis Club Thursday 6:30pm Isabell 871 9667 Pirongia Sports Centre Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu 2nd Thursday 7:30pm Clare 871 9133 Pirongia School Activity Restoration Society clare.stpierre @gmail.com Centre Pirongia Annual Craft Day Committee monthly Chrissy 871 9006 Pirongia School Activity Centre Nam Wah Pai Kung Fu Mon & Wed nights 021 996 801 871 9293 Mangapiko Hall OTHER LOCAL CONTACTS Pirongia Golf Club Murray 871 9880 www.pirongiagolfclub.co.nz Heritage and Information Centre Sabina 871 9992 [email protected] Pirongia Playcentre Office 871 9669

Pirongia Volunteer Fire Brigade Office 871 9986

Pirongia Rugby Club Te Oti Kaihe 027 590 2435 Pirongia Junior Rugby Chris Gibson 027 438 7883 Pirongia Sports Clubs (Chair) Layne 021 179 7824 [email protected] Pirongia Netball Audrey Kaihe 872 0268

Is your event missing? Email us in time for our next issue: [email protected] The Village Voice - a community project of St Saviour’s Church, Pirongia. The Village Voice is also available to view at hppt://stjohnsteawamutu.wainet.org