South Waikato District Council from your local Council - Issue 49 - November (Whiringa- -monthly newsletter a-rangi) / December A bi (Hakihea) 2019 Gearing up for summer fun in the South Waikato The holiday season is here. For in the riverbed and on the many residents in the South banks. Swimming continues Waikato it’s a chance to enjoy to be discouraged in the Blue the great outdoors and take in Spring environment. This what a Kiwi summer has to offer. taonga is special and beautiful, let's all try to keep it that way. And there is plenty to do for everyone. Picturesque reserves The seasonal pools are open in where friends and families both Putāruru and Tīrau while can soak up the summer sun, the Indoor Pools in Tokoroa will relaxing around a sizzling BBQ continue to be in service right or swimming the waters for throughout the summer. hours on end. Fancy a bit of quiet time? The Jones Landing is a popular South Waikato libraries will camping spot, attracting locals have a plethora of activities and visitors, providing access to and programmes to cater for the lake, a playground and your all ages and don’t forget about usual facilities. Close by is the the STARS programme for our Arapuni leg of the Waikato River younger rangatahi. Trails, which provides rewarding views of the Waikato River and So whatever you and your gets the heart pumping. family get up to these holidays, enjoy the feastive season in the Dunham's Point located east South Waikato at our local parks, of Whakamaru Reserve down reserves and leisure facilities. Ongaroto Road is another location where visitors can park Note: If you plan on camping in up and enjoy the scenery and the South Waikato, you do need be amongst nature. a permit. Apply online at www. southwaikato.govt.nz. Permits Little Waipa, on Horahora Road, are free. rounds out the reserves here in the district and is an ideal spot Top: Jones Landing in the summer where holiday goers can escape is beautiful spot to camp. the noise in exchange for peace. Middle: Take a ride along the In addition to our reserves, picturesque Waikato River Trails. a visit to Te Waihou Walkway Bottom: Enjoy local parks where and Blue Spring is a must. Over there are activities for all. time we’ve noticed a significant improvement of the vegetation Photos: Jodi Sweetman Photography.

• Council’s Civil Defence preparedness was recently audited. - Getting to know our Produced in-house for the Results show a pleasing progress, with some identified new Elected Members South Waikato community by improvements. These will be prioritised. One of the areas 2-7 the SWDC Communications that we will be focussing on is improved engagement and - Tokoroa upgrade Team. education, so our community can expect to see a bit more in 8-9 - What's hot this space in months to come. - Council office hours Editorial: Kerry Fabrie, - Food, noise safety Renee Renata and Anthony • Fertilising of sports fields will see the spring turf renovation 10-11 Momoemausu, 07 885 0340 works completed. - Snippets 12 - Councillor contacts Print: GASP Designs 1 Message from the Mayor The Mayoralty is an honour and a privilege and I am very proud to be your Mayor again for the next three years. Thank you for your support. I want to acknowledge the Councillors from the previous triennium who have moved on – Jeff Gash, Gray Baldwin, Wendy Cook, Adrienne Bell and Herman van Rooijen for their support and effort over the time that they have been on council. Herman has been an elected member on the SWDC for 21 years, that’s a fantastic achievement, Adrienne for nine years, Gray for three years, Jeff for six years and Wendy for a total of six years. I wish them all the very best for their future. And of course a warm welcome We are thrilled with that Brand new facilities in three to our new Councillors Gary response. The future of waste of our reserves – Little Waipa, Petley, Sandra Wallace and Hans management is changing Jones Landing and Dunham’s Nelis representing Putāruru and we need to rise to the Point are a great addition to our and Hamish Daine and Alex challenges, not just as a Council, local reserves. The new shower Jansen representing Tokoroa. but as a community. blocks, bbqs, rubbish and The 2018-19 year has They join me, Deputy Mayor Bill recycling stations are sure to be certainly been a big Machen, Thomas Lee, Arama The Tokoroa CBD upgrade enjoyed this summer season. year. Council has taken Ngapo Lipscombe, Marin kicked off in March. After the bull by the horns Glucina, Peter Schulte to make deciding not to construct a new We supported a number of in terms of supporting, up our Council. Together I am i-SITE building, we redesigned community events this year facilitating, attracting sure we will continue to lead the Leith Place area for better including ANZAC Day services, and seeking our Council forward, complete car parking, new toilets and a the Putāruru Waterfest, Festival economic the changes we've started and multi-purpose grassed Plaza of Cultures and Shining Light on opportunities work collectively to achieve our area. Swanston Street and the Dark. to grow and district vision. SH1 stormwater works were improve our completed and hopefully by There has been significant business investment interest in district and South Waikato has faced some the time you read this, the respond to big changes during 2019 and reseal work by NZTA will be the South Waikato and Council has worked hard to bring in new our growing the Council I've led has had complete. We can’t wait to have population to change its whole way of our beautiful modern new Leith jobs to the district and attract Central Government funding. and towns. thinking. Rather than shrinking Place, toilets and Plaza area This has put our footprint we've had to plan open to enjoy. Council continues to collaborate with the SWIF Trust on a range pressures on the for growth and we're working organisation, but we are rising hard to address this change. The Tīrau Walkway was of initiatives from attracting officially opened, providing new business to business to the challenge and already Achievements during 2019 a public open space to walk, training and attracting business 2020 looks set to be another play and relax in. In 2020, the investment. positive year. Work on the district’s four construction of a pedestrian wastewater treatment plant Our focus on improving So thank you everyone. This will bridge across the Oraka stream be my last term as your Mayor upgrades and consent renewals will join the two halves of the relationships is going from continues following extensive strength to strength. We have so we’ve got three years to look domain. We also installed new for a successor, however I assure community engagement. Work ramps, exercise stations and held successful workshop will be spread over many years sessions with individuals, you I will continue to work very a basketball pad and hoop at hard for the best outcomes for to ensure affordability. Prospect Avenue. groups and organisations from business sectors including our wonderful district We talked extensively about the Responding to economic forestry, estate agents, future of the landfill and from Please keep an eye out for growth - both population and agriculture and with our people on their own this those discussions we decided business - has been a focus and Pacific Island communities. that closing the Tokoroa landfill Christmas. This is a time for staff have made progress on a Our relationship with Raukawa kindness and sharing. and transporting waste out District Plan review in Putāruru and other iwi continues to of the district was the best to re-zone land for residential improve as better relationships To our emergency services, option as the risks and cost of and business development. with all our community medical teams, retail and managing a landfill continues to This work has included play an important role in hospitality staff working and escalate mainly due to stringent infrastructure assessments our collaborative delivery keeping us safe over the holiday environmental, health and and by the time you read this of programmes, events and period, thank you. safety controls and monitoring. we will be consulting on new initiatives for our community. And please remember to keep Construction of a transfer funding for infrastructure that This in turn enhances our safe out there, with seat belts on station will begin in January is necessary to support growth. resilience as a community, as a in the car and life jackets out on in preparation for the landfill Growth planning is not isolated district and as a Council. the boat. closure in October 2020. to Putāruru; with investigation A recap of 2019 would sadly work beginning for other towns Meri Kirihimete Waste management is an not be complete without in the district. Merry Christmas ongoing challenging area. At mentioning the tragic events the time of writing we were We gifted a collection of taonga of 15 March. The terrible act of heading into hearings for ‘Te Toko Tokoroa o Matarawa’ to terrorism on this day affected the public submissions on Raukawa. As kaitiaki, Raukawa every New Zealander and household waste collection. will preserve, maintain and care people in our beautifully multi- We had 546 submissions and of for these taonga in the Huia cultural community were no those 35 people indicated that Kaimanawa room at Te Whare different. Hundreds participated they wanted to o Raukawa. in two local community vigils. speak to their submission.

2 Warm welcome to our 2019-22 Elected Members The next five pages introduce our new Elected Members to our community. We hope you enjoy reading a little more about each Member. Contact details for Councillors are on the back page of In Touch and all Elected Member details are on our website. Tokoroa Ward First paying job ever: My first a mother’s point of view as My strengths are: - I’m a very job was as a grocery boy for well as a businesswoman. I good listener and I have Bill Machen Eric Andersons IGA in Pentland was born and raised in Tokoroa empathy for people even if Terrace, wage 4 pound 9 and have witnessed the ever their views differ from mine, shillings and 3 pence per week changing economic landscape and I have lots of common today's money = $8.95. and challenges that our sense and life skills. I am socially community faces. However, I minded and have passion and An unknown detail about believe we have a unique skill commitment. I am willing to yourself: During my teenage base and a positive community help anyone with a problem to years I was a nationally ranked that will help us overcome any achieve an amical outcome. athlete competing for Waikato challenges that we have. around the country eventually My favourite things about the winning NZ Championship I enjoy our close knit South Waikato have to be the medals in the Junior (under community and our people, and the green green 20) pole vault and 400 metres. community's ability to band grass of home. After all this is I later turned my hand to together and support each OUR HOME, OUR COMMUNITY marathon races and rugby. other. When we host events and OUR DISTRICT. like the ‘Take a Kid Fishing’, Favourite quote: One of my celebrate the return of local I think our biggest challenge favourite quotes which I remind League Heroes, the community for the District has to be the “A little bit about me. William myself of often is as follows: here is in force to support each Healthy River legislation. This Ernest Machen (Bill or Wiremu is “He aha te mea nui o tea o? He other. Likewise the various is another piece of legislation more acceptable). Tangata he tangata he tangata” community organisations that enacted by Central Government = “What is the most important but funded by the Rate Payer. I first stood for Council are supported by countless thing in the world? It is people volunteers that organise many Not only will it cost every to represent the ordinary tis people tis people. community to upgrade their citizens of this district, the events and support local sporting clubs, art groups or existing wastewater treatment underprivileged and all the Arama Ngapo-Lipscombe plants, but has the ability to good people who I have been just the Senior Citizen groups "Kia ora koutou katoa, are another example our South impact much needed local jobs associated with for many years in and around the rivers. through membership of many Thank you for electing me Waikato Community spirit. It is organisations. My interests in into a second term as your why I am most proud to share Our opportunities for the Council have been to see how it representative for the next with others why I live here and District is our central location. really works and interact with its three years. It is a privilege and I am proud to be an elected With Taupo, Rotorua, Tauranga customers – you and me; and to an honour to represent such a member of your local Council." and Hamilton within an hours' try and make our district a better diverse and vibrant community. -Arama drive, also the Tauranga Port, place to live in, and to visit. Favourite quote: Our value and State Highway 1 running does not diminish because of through three of our towns. The strengths I bring to Council We have land available for are the ability to get on with all someone’s inability to see your worth... business development and soon levels of society and my respect residential land for growth. Our for the diversity of people in Biggest fear: never knowing trade training is getting our our community. I also have had success because I’m too fearful young people up to speed to be experience of managing and to try… work ready and qualified and leading people. I am a good many different fields. The road/ listener and empathetic. I also Greatest challenge: work life rail terminal will only expand. know my weaknesses. balance Last, but not least we have some Our challenge over the next Thomas Lee very good people in Council three years is to finish the working hard to improve our “This is my third term on work already under way, on District.” - Thomas Council and the original reasons budget and on time – we I stood are still the same. I haven’t performed as well as wanted to help people to we should in this respect in the voice their concerns around past. We also have to develop the Council table, and the plans for extra housing My community interests include also to help guide and commercial/industrial focusing on planned growth the direction of the availability of land in the district and youth. I want the South communities within to encourage population Waikato District to be full of our District. increase and job opportunities opportunity for our community and provide exciting activities for our citizens. Climate and My interests in Council like the river trails, cougar park environment issues will also be are the people, the strategic or other community resources a big issue. direction, the rates impacts such as the Maraetai Lake, on our communities and the I am Interested in History and skatepark and Youth Park. direction that Governance Poetry and read a takes us all. lot, although these I stood for Council as I believe days it is a lot of diversity of voice is important. I can bring a perspective from Council literature.” continued over page... -Bill

3 visitors. The new carpark and It is my experience and I am really interested in toilets will make for a more knowledge acquired over 40 affordable and sustainable attractive town front. years that I now use for the housing development for benefit of Tokoroa. -Marin our district. If we are to grow continued from A similar process has been employment, which will previous page... taking place in Putāruru, with My biggest fear: that Central enhance welfare and lifestyle, a long term plan for hundreds Government will put so much we need housing. Following of new residential sections cost and responsibility on the from this, we need to focus on First paying job ever: I worked becoming available for District Council that we would stronger infrastructure, namely in Ivan Porters wood yard and prospective residents over the be unable to pay, leaving our key services of roads, three received 50 cents an hour. It next 10 years. the door open for the South waters, refuse and digital doesn’t sound like much now Waikato to be amalgamated connectivity. I know these are One major stumbling block for with Hamilton. but back then an ice block was those industries that want to boring subjects, but they are 4 cents and you could get 4 move to the South Waikato is Greatest challenge: for the the foundation of our district lollies for 1 cent and for 25 cents the lack of new housing in a district is to stay strong and infrastructure and will need you could get a pie, bag modern setting. Putāruru will independent. very careful thought, planning of chips and a small Coke. be the first to benefit from large and funding to maximise the Hamish Daine opportunities we can enjoy. Favourite childhood memory: scale housing development. While attending Amisfield There are many positives, such I would like to take this I have a can do attitude. I’m not School when the hearse went as bike trails, lakes, forests, old opportunity to thank everyone interested in looking at why we pass and was heading to the uncut native trees in reserves who voted for me in the recent can’t do something, but why Tokoroa Lawn Cemetery all close to towns, rivers and parks. triennium elections. I hope to can’t we do it! Obviously there the children in the playground The district has so much to offer, bring a positive and forward are constraints, but let’s be real would stand still and be silent as we can expect a significant thinking role to the job. To all and practical about how we get a mark of respect. population growth. ratepayers, I’m committed to from dreaming to reality. I love you for the whole of the next the South Waikato – the people, Biggest fear: My biggest fear has The South Waikato has parks three years. Please do contact culture and community of it to be letting down the people and reserves which encourages me if you want to talk about all. My desire is to see all our who voted for me. They expect people to use and explore the anything at all that you feel communities connected and me to represent them to the outdoors by making them needs thought and action working at the highest level of best of my ability, and nothing accessible to the public. within our district. Thank you human potential. If we think else will do and failure is not an and let’s engage. small, we get small. Now is the option. Overall the South Waikato District can be one of the best in time to be bold and step up to Marin Glucina New Zealand to live in because the plate. What is really holding of the natural attractions with us back from increasing our pleasant town and country economic impact, our housing living environments. stock, and our lifestyle? Let’s explore this and tie projects to It is my aim whilst on Council these ideas to get our district to encourage and support the firing on all cylinders. Who’s with enhancement of the South me? -Hamish Waikato in the district for visitors and residents. First paying job: My first paying job was at McDonalds Tokoroa. I have had a long term There I learnt what a work ethic interest in town planning and is. I was taught McDonald’s development and note that teams learn about how to the South Waikato will have deliver a fantastic product, significant growth in population in a timely manner, with top over the next 10 years. customer service time and time I was fortunate to grow up in again. These values were key to I stood for Council to hopefully the business success. Avondale, an outer suburb bring a positive voice for you, of Auckland which was on but also to recognise that as Favourite childhood memory: the edge of the city then. We Councillors we are accountable Living in a very loving family had all the benefits of the city to you the ratepayer. My and community. We had so without living a city life. decisions will be based on what many good times with our When I arrived in Tokoroa in you tell me, allied to the best neighbours. People were kind 1980 it was a thriving town outcomes for the district. Not and connected. It felt like I "Having been re-elected to the was growing up united with South Waikato District Council similar to Avondale. Since then only do we need to protect we have not had a population our existing assets, we can also everyone I had contact with. for the third time gives me an Everyone looked out for each opportunity to see real change increase. build on them by capitalising on sustainable opportunities like other and shared whatever to the district take place, My schooling was at the local assets and resources they now that the South Waikato Te Waihou Walkway, night school and I later went to markets in the recently brought to the table – literally! is a district with a growing Auckland University to study population. re-developed Leith Place in Favourite quote: Learn from Science, then Law. This lead to Tokoroa, and housing projects my career and life in Tokoroa. other people’s mistakes, you Council has had a long term in both Putāruru and Tokoroa. can’t make them all yourself – plan to re-develop Leith Place, Usher. This is about being smart Tokoroa and improve the and not reinventing the wheel. amenities for residents and

4 Time is short, learn from others to bring concerns and ideas Putāruru Ward Challenges will be and get on with it. Don’t get back to Council for further attracting new bogged down in the primordial consultation. As a Council, Sandra Wallace businesses to soup! Rise above it. we have the responsibility to town and more “Hi I’m Sandra Wallace and provide a safe community, employment would like to thank everyone Alex Jansen develop residential areas opportunities. With who voted for me. I feel and maintain our assets. I more housing brings “I decided to run for Council very privileged to be able to would like to see our district more people, this will as someone to represent the represent the Putāruru Ward. youth. Being 20 years old, I develop a better reputation give us a better work force. have an understanding of what and encourage more people to Over the years I have been Main highway and rail also gives changes my generation wants, come here. involved with many different opportunities and affordable groups and organisations and commercial/business areas. We and how we work to make our I bring ethical, considerate I now want to be able to make need to be approachable and voices heard. Studying politics and well thought out decision a difference in our area hence accommodating. at Waikato University, I will making to Council, good my main reason for wanting to be able to apply my learning communication between We are lucky to have the Plaza stand for Council. to Council and share ideas myself and the community, Theatre here in Putāruru and all from what I have learned in and a fresh perspective. I am an the wonderful shows and events an immediate manner. I did a advocate for easy accessibility that are held here we can all be Gateway placement of work for everyone, safe roads, safe very proud of. experience in 2017 at Council, parks, and safe footpaths. I not alongside Mayor Jenny Shattock only bring the perspective and I hope to be able to support our and the previous Councillors. advocate for youth; I am in elderly to ensure they feel safe Doing this I was able to see Council for everyone, from my secure and listened too. more of what goes on in Council Grandparents who live locally, Sporting facilities are also a very and get an understanding of to the local business owners, the background work the public huge part of our area and it is right through our constituency important that these are also don’t see. I have not entered to my peers. into being a local government well cared and looked after. Councillor without some Being the youngest member Youth are a very important part knowledge of what is required of Council allows a fresh of our area and I will ensure of me over the next three years. perspective and an idea of what that they get looked after and I would highly encourage any youth want and need. I would considered as much as I possibly other youths who may be like to see this Council focus can. Strong families can ensure a interested in politics to also on climate change, continue happy environment. enter a Gateway placement to clean up our district and I believe Putāruru ‘s new three at the South Waikato District encourage growth throughout Putāruru is my home, but as a Councillors will be a fabulous Council. the South Waikato. I hope to see Councillor I will be doing my team and do our very best. this Council focus on creating best for our whole area. We will be having our own a high trust model with the Putāruru meetings so we will Businesses need to have a community, ensuring each have a strong voice to represent voice and I am happy to hear others' communications are Putāruru urban and rural. concerns. both heard. One of our biggest challenges We need to get our basics right I look forward to working is waste, rubbish, recycling including footpaths, roads, alongside Council and the – which we are looking at, waste, water as this is our core. community over the next three at the moment. We need to years. Together, we can make My campaign of a voice for minimise our waste, get better things happen.” -Alex Putāruru, energy to burn, at recycling, take pride in our passionate, community minded, First paying job ever: At 2 area, and educate people. There family values will continue Brothers Joinery. I went on a are opportunities here to have a throughout my councillor Gateway placement there, and clean green attractive area. journey.” -Sandra helped build cabinets and clean, Another area of concern is this led to me working for them First paying job ever: Rousing to lack of housing. Council is part-time, a few days a week earn money to go on a Putāruru We live in an amazing, and also looking at this, so we get after school. It also led me to High School Geography trip to beautiful part of New Zealand. subdivisions ready for new know that building is not my South Island aged 15. We have a mix of many cultures, housing. are very centrally placed strongest skill. Favourite childhood memory: Some of the best things in the not only in the heart of New Favourite childhood memory: Family trips to the beach, South Waikato that I see are Zealand, but also conveniently Going on holidays around swimming in the surf and firstly all the wonderful people on State Highway 1, have the the country, or overseas with stopping for ice cream on the who live here and also the rail line right in the middle of my family. I enjoy spending way home. our industrially zoned hub; natural beauty of our farmland time with family and making Biggest fear: Don’t know about and we have modern, amazing and our wonderful walking and memories alongside them. biggest, but fear is more the facilities that can host big cycling tracks including unknown. Going for Council events. If we can encourage Biggest fear: I absolutely hate Te Waihou, Jim Barnett reserve – will I get in? Public speaking major events and organisations snakes and spiders. The sight of and the Waikato River Trails. – Will I be nervous? Once I get to our district, then that creates one will have me jumping out I would love these to remain focused, I just go for it and give tourism throughout our district of my skin. Both are a hard NO a very important part of our it my best shot. Things don’t and will hopefully boost our from me. area and possibilities here of always go to plan but I just do local businesses. I am open to expansion; I would love it to be the best I can. differing views from around the more than a dream. district and am comfortable continued over page...

5 Hans Nelis nice neighbourhood, people a well-balanced Council that of the Tīrau Community Board know each other, and there the community can trust and (TCB) and it was sad to see “I have been are many active groups that respect. It’s not about me, it's Cassandra Robinson and Clive associated operate around the district and about us. Collingwood step down. Good with give opportunities for people luck and all the best! Putāruru for to meet each other and support approximately 40 other members of our area. I would like to congratulate years. When some Farmers already have a natural Holly Blair, Kerry Purdy, Sharon people asked me to inclination to meet each other Burling-Claridge and Kevin stand for Council, I felt it was my at different organised functions, Slater for their election to the duty to contribute to our town which is healthy, enjoyable and TCB. I am looking forward to and district and give our farmers spreads knowledge. working with them to achieve a voice in Council. great things for Tīrau. I would like to see our town grow, keep up with the modern I stood for Council last time and times, and create work for again this time to give back all age groups. The aging to the South Waikato as this underground infrastructure district has been good to me. will be a financial challenge, My main interest is creating but depreciation over the last business opportunities and decades should finance future facilitating job creation so that upgrades. our young people don’t have to leave our district in search Our population is living longer Having been on several of jobs. I have a business of and thus getting older, and committees I bring knowledge my own and therefore a good Council needs to be aware around areas of compliance head for business. My passion of this in their planning and procedures. An important is to help people who want programme. The Rangiuru strength I bring to Council is to better themselves. I love Centre is another great example common sense. The South the South Waikato, our rural of local initiative that you often Waikato as a community has community and our townships, only see in small towns. much to offer; a community that each with its own unique is vibrant by nature and safe. personality and vibe. One of our After a long time milking Many thanks for your support.” biggest challenges is to attract cows I would like to challenge -Hans Future challenges ahead around new businesses to the South myself with a different role in Favourite quote: “I came across development of new business Waikato; this has to be a priority our society. At the age of 60, I this quote in a café in Hillary and residential which will bring for our Council to ensure our did a post-graduate degree in Bay, Perth: ‘If you don’t build growth. However that will come communities continue to thrive. dispute resolution at Waikato your dreams, someone will hire with added pressure on internal University. The last time I was you to help build theirs.’ It was systems for example wastewater at uni was 42 years earlier; my dream to own a farm and and sewerage.” -Gary things have changed and I was hence as a twenty-two-year-old, on a steep learning curve to Favourite childhood memory: I immigrated to New Zealand Christmas at my grandmother's understand it all especially the from Holland. use of technology, but it was in Marchant St when our a very interesting time and I Greatest challenge: The greatest whanau would gather to get thoroughly enjoyed learning challenge for me will be to sit everyone there she would many new things. around the table with a diverse simply say this could be last representation of our district Xmas Having six children, my population and sort out the empathy goes to the youth, and An unknown detail about issues on our agenda. Each yourself: When I left school I with the other two Putāruru and everyone has their special Councillors I would like to thought I was small enough to projects at heart. Passion for the be a jockey. It will come as no focus on this group. I have people and the district should been involved in planting of surprise that with a nickname result in a healthy debate with a like Puku that dream was never wetlands and riparian areas and positive outcome. enjoy creating areas of native realized. plantings. I believe Te Waihou Gary Petley Biggest fear: The only fear I have Walkway is a great example “Firstly thank you to the people is one of failure. of what can be achieved with of the Putāruru Ward for voting Looking back over 2019, the vision and dedication. me onto Council. Tīrau Ward TCB, the Domain Action Group under the leadership of Hans Having been self-employed My reason for standing is Peter Schulte Nelis and our Council has done most of my life, budgeting simple. I want to make a a fantastic job in getting the and financial analysis comes "My second term as the Tīrau continued difference on railway crossing loop walkway naturally to me, and I would like Ward Councillor has started how Council performs and open. Good to see the Okoroire to use these skills in my new job and I am extremely proud to participate in decisions that Street park had a basketball as Councillor to ensure our rates serve the Tīrau Ward and our will have a positive trickle- hoop and pad installed, some money is being used in the most District. The last three years down effect on the District. exercise equipment and new effective way. as Councillor has been an Working with Council and skate board ramp. the community to supply education for me to say the The best thing about living in least. We all can be very proud the South Waikato is that it is services based on need. I'm a small community. We have a interested in turn being part of

6 Now to the next three years. I’m retired I have some time increase in traffic continuing to isn’t good available and thought I could grow and the improvements with Council, Money has been allocated give something back to the of highways from Auckland to so I thought I for the bridge over the Oraka community. the Wakiato, this is our greatest may be able to Stream to connect the upper challenge. This of course is New help in some way and lower domain. In the I would like to see the work Zealand Transport Agency’s and to give locals a Domain I would like to see at the Tīrau Domain keep responsibility and not Council, voice. further development on the ticking over, but people but I hope to very much keep upper Domain, maybe with a must be patient as it takes updated on progress through I am not in Council for BMX track for our youngsters. time to process requests the TCB on this very important personal gain or have any That all still has to be decided through Council. The biggest issue. hidden agendas, I just want and money allocated. thing for me is to keep that Tīrau to be the best town out communication up. I said I This little town in my view there, to have people want We all know that our footpaths has so much to offer as the to come see our awesome are a problem, especially for gateway to the South Waikato. businesses, our amazing our elderly. I know the problem It needs to stay unique and community and to reach our and I am sure that our Council quirky, but more forces need full potential with help from our is doing its best to mitigate the to come together to make this Council to ‘go forth and prosper’ slippery blocks. happen as the Council, with the even more in the future. Next is the three waters – guidince from the TCB, cannot do everything it on its own. It My goals are security cameras stormwater, wastewater in our town ASAP and I want to and water supply. All of our needs support from other areas, like the community, landlords, get the footpaths in our main wastewater treatment plants streets sorted so no one gets have to be upgraded to comply shop retailers, working together to continue to make this a hurt slipping or tripping over with the new standards and that them, also ASAP! costs a lot of money. Then there vibrant, sustainable place to is rubbish; the landfill in Tokoroa work, live and play. I worry with Tirau being smaller is going to close and a new All the TCB members are we may get overlooked, but transfer station has to be build. looking forward to the will work hard to make sure this That again costs money. challenges ahead in the long won’t happen! and short term for Tīrau." Nobody likes rate increases, but would be eyes and ears for the I appreciate your time and hope -Sharon they are a necessity to pay for all Council and living next to the to cross paths with each and of this. Let me assure you that Village Green in Church Street Kerry Purdy every one of you in my term on Councillors and the Mayor are (children's park) and very close Council." -Kerry well aware of the impact of rates “Kia Ora, My name is Kerry to town, I see a lot going on. Holly Blair on our residents. Every year the Out of the four people on the Purdy and I have been asked to Elected Members agonise over Tirau Community Board I have tell you a bit about myself and "My name is Holly Blair. I am a the rates in what can be saved been chosen to be chairperson. my journey into Council. stay-home-mum of two young and what cannot. It’s not an We have a great team, myself boys - Jude is four, and Haddin easy decision. The rates in the and three ladies. I look forward is two years old. South Waikato are still cheaper to working for Tirau over the than in other Councils." -Peter I run my own Accounting next three years." -Kevin practice from home, Tīrau First Paying Job: Job during Sharon Burling-Claridge Accounting. My husband Ewan school holiday with a roofing is a counsellor. company. I was deemed not “I stood again for TCB because suitable because of my fear of I felt my time wasn’t done heights. yet, and I wanted to carry on with some projects not yet Unknown detail about myself: completed. I don’t like going for walks Favourite quote: With perseverance any problem can be solved. Tīrau Community Board I live in Tirau, have done for over Kevin Slater 20 years and am married to “I put my name forward for the Brett and we have four children. Tīrau Community Board and I I joined the Tīrau Community We are sharemilking on my Board last year in the bi- was lucky to be one of the four husband’s family farm and I candidates to make it through election. As a local homeowner, am also the Tīrau town postie, business owner and most the election. I have lived in Tīrau which I love! for the last six and half years. importantly a parent, I want My partner Mariea and I have I guess the decision to stand to help Tīrau to be the idyllic eighteen grandchildren and for Council came from the South Waikato town for my Tīrau has some challenges to sons to grow up in - safe, fifteen great grandchildren, face over the next few years, local community. With my job I so we have a busy family life. interact with people every day understanding, and with plenty traffic management I would say, of activities." -Holly We love Tīrau and are now will be the biggest. With the and hear what is good and what retired. I did have my own electrical business, but now that

7 Tokoroa CBD Upgrade As the Leith Place development begins to take shape we can’t help The iconic Chainsaw Man stands proud of the forest and represents but feel a sense of excitement about how the area will look once the our strong forestry history. Te Toko Poutangata also celebrates project is completed. industry. These three poles bind the other poles together. To date we’ve seen the completion of Stage 1 with highlights like Collectively the forest celebrates our heritage, history, multi-cultural the development of the new Shared Zone, the installation of the society, merging of cultures, wisdom and guidance. Talking Pole Forest and the complete rehabilitation of SH1 done by NZTA. The Spore pou – by nature disperses and germinates seeding new plants, is the final work in the stand of pou that signifies community The main benefits of Shared Zones include more space for growth and the emergence of a community that is vibrating with pedestrians to gather, relax and enjoy, more space for events and life. activities, they encourage traffic to drive at a safer speed and create an attractive destination for people to visit and business to develop. By the time you are reading this the SH1 rehabilitation would have been completed to go along with the new stormwater repairs that It's intended that our Shared Zone will complement the Plaza area were completed earlier in the project. for events, carnivals, markets and other activities. Users - drivers and pedestrians - are encouraged to show respectful and courteous behaviour. The paving is quite different from a normal road and this indicates that you are in a slower paced environment (walking speed for cars of 10km/h). This makes it easier for users to navigate around each other. Further Shared Zone education and signage will be delivered in the coming months as well as some information flyers and media messages. In addition to the Shared Zone is the Talking Pole Forest which is been erected nearby the iconic Chainsaw Man. The concept of the Talking Pole forest was developed to complement the Tokoroa CBD Upgrade project. The configuration of the Talking Poles within the forest was designed by a professional curator and visual design architect to depict a story. It begins with Raukawa (the pou) standing northward facing, greeting people who enter into the forest of pou via a footpath.

8 JANUARY 2020: • Fri 24 Jan, 7pm - South Brilliant shout out to Weber Seasonal Pools are open in At the time of writing, 268 Waikato Country Music Bros Circus who recently spent Putāruru and Tīrau – Summer’s people had voted on the Tīrau • Sun 26 Jan 2020, 2pm - a week in Tokoroa. When is here. Come along for a playground equipment poll. Sunday Movie (TBC) they came to town they were summer splash! Awesome! unable to set up on Memorial FEBRUARY 2020: Sportsground as they normally The national earthquake exercise ShakeOut. Council • Fri 14 Feb 2020, 8pm - do because the ground was too Friday Movie (TBC) sodden to hold up the strain on staff and a number of other the tent pegs. Harry and Marie organisations and individuals • Sat 15 Feb 2020, 7.30pm - Weber approached the SWIFT participated. Well done to the Dreams - Fleetwood Mac Trust to see if they could use the team at SWAT for getting down Experience site on the corner of Chambers under their desks! And to the • Sat 22 Feb - South Waikato St which SWIFT agreed to more people in our community who posted photos that won them Country Music Open Day/ than happily. Rather than Community Event expect a fee for using the site, an an emergency Get Thru kit. A massive 546 submissions it was agreed that the Webers Well done on your efforts. were received on the household • Sun 23 Feb, 2pm - Sunday waste collection consultation. would simply make donations If you think you might need Movie (TBC) to local charities. Unbeknown to What fantastic engagement a sweat out to shed those • Fri 28 Feb, 7pm - South the Trust, the Weber’s actually from our community! Christmas kilos… register Waikato Country Music gave out 1,070 free tickets to for the Waikato River Trails’ children and their families who Summer Sizzler event. The • Sat 29 Feb - The Nukes and might otherwise struggle to see event takes place on Saturday Harmonic Resonators the circus acts. And donated 11 January and meanders the MARCH 2020: some $4,000 to local charities. trails alongside the mighty So this is a massive shout out to Waikato River in the area Puppies being stolen from the • Fri, 13 March, 8pm - Friday the team at Weber Bros Circus! surrounding Whakamaru and pound. Movie (TBC) Awesome generosity. Maraetai Lakes. Road works. • Sat 21 March - Victoria State Ballet - Sleeping Beauty • Sun 22 March - South Waikato Music Society - Summer smart alcohol use James Brown Piano If you are having gatherings or parties at your home over the holidays – being a responsible host • Fri 27 March, 7pm - South could be the difference between a great party or a party with a sad and tragic end. Waikato Country Music Follow these guidelines and all your whanau and friends will be able to come back next year. • Sun 29 March, 2pm - Sunday Movie (TBC) DO food. Have lots of it and DO car keys. If you are the DO water water water. Have ice prepare for a long evening. host, take people’s keys as they and lots of water. Low alcohol Plaza - Community Groups Bread, sausages, steak sammies walk in the door and put them beer and plenty of juice, soda are easy and good value. Crack somewhere for safe keeping. and tea and coffee. Tip - black Mah Jong: Mondays, out the BBQ later in the evening When people are ready to go coffee does not make a drunk 12.45pm. and put some onions on it and home make sure that have a person any more sober quickly Putaruru 50+ Group: Indoor you will have people salivating – sober driver. – it just makes them wide awake Bowls, Scrabble, Rummikub, it is a scientific fact that cooking and still drunk. 500. Tuesdays, 12.45pm onions make us want to eat. DO keep a watch. Make Avoid salt as that makes people sure that you as the host, or DON’T let intoxicated people Zumba: Tues from 6.30pm- thirsty. nominate someone, to not drink sleep in the back seat of a car. 7.30pm. $5 entry so they can keep an eye on your Too many people have vomited DO places to crash. Make sure friends and choked. Dancefit 886: Wed from there are a few beds or sleeping 6.30pm-7.30pm. $5 entry places if people want to stay. South Waikato Country Music: fourth Fri of every month at 7pm. South Waikato Grey Power: last Thurs of every second month from 1.30pm.

07 883 8596/0276 559 715 www.plaza.org.nz Email: [email protected] Facebook: theplazaputaruru

9 COUNCIL OFFICES The Council offices in Tokoroa and Putāruru# will be closed from 3.00 pm on Tuesday 24 December 2019 and will re-open again at 8.00 am on Monday 6 January 2020. Council can be contacted for all queries on 07 885 0340 (water, sewerage, noise, environmental health and building). For all dog related issues phone 07 885 0774. # Putāruru Library opening hours are below. Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun

24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Dec 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan SWSEC* open closed closed closed closed closed closed closed closed closed closed closed closed Tokoroa open closed closed open open closed open open closed closed closed open closed Library Putāruru open closed closed open open closed open open closed closed closed open closed Library Tīrau open closed closed open closed closed open open closed closed closed closed closed Library Link *unless bookings arranged prior POOLS The South Waikato Indoor Pools are open during the festive season from Monday to Friday from 5.30 am to 8.00 pm and on weekends and public holidays from 7.30 am to 8.00 pm, except for: • Open on Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December 2019) closing at 3.00 pm • Closed on Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December 2019) • Open on New Year’s Eve (Tuesday 31 December 2019) closing at 3.00 pm • Open on New Year’s Day from 12 noon (Wednesday 1 January 2020) The seasonal pools in Tīrau and Putāruru will be closed on Christmas Day, and open every other day from 12 noon to 6.00 pm. PUBLIC TOILETS at the former i-SITE in Leith Place, Tokoroa The public toilets in Leith Place will be open during the festive season from 9.00 am to 5.15 pm, except for: • Christmas day (25 December 2019) and Boxing day (26 December 2019) - weekend hours apply • 28 & 29 December 2019, 1 & 2 January 2020 and 4 & 5 January 2020 - weekend hours apply. Please note: weekend opening hours are scheduled for approximately one hour at 11.00 am and at 4.00 pm.

Every year thousands of people knives) in hot and soapy water. separate don't leave food out. suffer from food poisoning. • Dry them properly - preferably • Refrigerate within two hours or Most of these cases occur in air dry (not with a towel). bin it. If in doubt, throw it out! homes just like yours. You can Cook For more information on food help prevent your whānau from • Cook food (especially chicken safety this summer visit: becoming ill by following the and mince) thoroughly all the 3Cs – clean, cook, chill. www.mpi.govt.nz way through until the juices Preventing food poisoning run clear. Remember the 3Cs: Clean, cook, • Reheat until hot. Warm does chill will help prevent your not kill bacteria, hot does. whānau from becoming ill. Chill Clean To stop bacteria contaminating Before you prepare food and or growing in your food: after handling raw meat: • Cover and put in the fridge. • Wash hands, chopping boards, • Keep cooked and raw food dishes, and utensils (like

10 RUBBISH AND RECYCLING Collections scheduled for Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays over the Christmas and New Year period ARE affected. Putāruru, Tirau and Arapuni Every collection area in Tokoroa is affected by this change. collections are NOT affected. If your normal collection is Wednesday (25 December) and Wednesday (1 January), your collection will move to the following days, Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun ie, Thursday 26 December and Thursday 2 January. This is the GREEN collection day on the recycling calendar. 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Dec 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan • If your normal collection is Thursday (26 December) and Thursday (2 January), your collection will move to the following days, SWSEC* open closed closed closed closed closed closed closed closed closed closed closed closed ie, Friday 27 December and Friday 3 January. This is the PINK collection day on the recycling calendar. Tokoroa open closed closed open open closed open open closed closed closed open closed • If your normal collection is Friday (27 December) and Friday (3 January), your collection will move to the following days, Library ie, Saturday 28 December and Saturday 4 January. This is the ORANGE collection day on the recycling calendar. Putāruru open closed closed open open closed open open closed closed closed open closed Residents - please note the Tokoroa Landfill, Putāruru Transfer station and the Croad Place Recycling Centre will be closed on Christmas Day Library and New Years’ day. District recycling centres are available for excess recycling. These sites will be cleared daily over the Christmas period. Tīrau open closed closed open closed closed open open closed closed closed closed closed Recycling drop-off zone customer behaviour. PLEASE: Library Link • Flatten and fold cardboard boxes. Unflattened boxes fill the cages too quickly. *unless bookings arranged prior • Take the time to put the right colour bottles in the right coloured bins. The glass bins at the Tokroa landfill, Putāruru Transfer Station and Tīrau recycling depot are COLOUR CODED. • Rinse plastic and tins. And remember: ONLY plastics 1s and 2s can be recycled. Look for these symbols:

Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun

24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Dec 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan Tokoroa Landfill open closed open open open open closed open closed open open open open Putāruru open closed open closed open open closed open closed open closed open open Transfer Station Croad Place open closed open open open open closed open closed open open open open Recycling Centre

URBAN CONNECTOR The Urban Connector bus service will run as normal during the Christmas period - Monday to Friday, normal times. The only days the service won't be running is Wednesday 25 December, Thursday 26 Decmeber and then again on Wednesday 1 January and Thursday 2 January.

Noise, neighbours and respect over Xmas With summer holidays and • Be respectful of your party noise, you can report this concerns you have, but calling the festive season upon us, neighbours with music and through to the on-duty After 07 885 0340 is the best way to we're all settling down to a merriment noise levels. Loud Hours Noise Officer. Here's get quick action. Christmas break with whānau music and noisy boisterous some clarity into how noise • If there are any follow up and friends. The days are behaviour fuelled by an complaints work. queries regarding Noise longer. The nights warmer. abundant supply of alcohol • It is best to call 07 885 0340. Control services or complaints Christmas celebrations are can be annoying to those in If the call is made after-hours, made, please contact the underway. These get togethers your neighbourhood who are follow the voice prompts to be Environmental Health team for and celebrations can come trying to sleep. put through to the after-hours further information; again by with a bit more noise than • When the party is winding contractor. calling 07 885 0340. usual. down, it can sometimes spill • While you are welcome to • Council Officers can Here's some tips regarding out on to the street as we contact Council via Facebook investigate noise complaints, noise, neighbours and respect say our goodbyes. It's a nice and Antenno, please note and under legislation, Officers this festive season. gesture for your neighbours that these mediums are not can require the noise to stop. to keep goodbyes on the attended 24/7, so immediate Ultimately however it is the • Let your neighbours know if footpath short and quiet. you are having a party that is action won’t always happen. responsibility of the occupier likely to run late into the night. For those who are having You're welcome to use these of a property to control or limit Most people are okay with the issues in the night with loud methods to let us know of noise. odd party.

11 The playground module from Grey Street has been moved to Barnett Street Reserve. Grey Street is now the home base of the Putāruru Community Gardens. During October, Mamaku Keeping our Mayor Jenny Shattock 0274 416 230 South Road was graded, and Jenny.Shattock additional aggregate was temporary @southwaikato.govt.nz applied where needed. pools safe for Downer started a rehabilitation project for our tamariki a 300m stretch of road Bill Machen on Leslie Road in early Keep our tamariki safe this summer by ensuring that you follow Deputy Mayor November, starting around some basic safety guidelines for your pool that contains less 0274 715 899 the entrance to the Blue than 400mm of water. Most often these are the pools that Bill.Machen Spring car park. Hopefully aren’t installed all year round but are purchased from retailers @southwaikato.govt.nz by the time of reading, it is for our whanau and friends to enjoy over the hot summer Arama complete. holidays… well at least we hope it’s going to be hot! Ngapo-Lipscombe Usage at the South Waikato 0275 339 988 If you do buy or have a pool You can cut the risks that Sport and Events Centre Arama. that is capable of containing swimming pools present even continues to track higher Ngapo-Lipscombe more than 400mm then you further by: than this time last year, with @southwaikato.govt.nz will need a building consent the facility playing host to Thomas Lee for its installation along with • Always supervise children in or 23,784 users so far in 2019. 0273 321 292 the provision of compliant near your pool. The pools too have seen Thomas.Lee barriers, fences, gates etc. higher patronage. • Maintain garden fences and @southwaikato.govt.nz This is a significant cost that is keep gates and other means of Divers are inspecting often overlooked at the time of access in good condition. Marin Glucina Te Waihou water intake. purchase. 0210 284 3214 This is normal procedure, • Always make sure the gate to Marin.Glucina Pools that can't hold more than occurring every few years. the yard is safely shut and it @southwaikato.govt.nz 400mm of water don’t need can NEVER be propped open. to be fenced and therefore The new STARS library Hamish Daine registered with Council, • Set rules of behaviour around programme at the libraries 021 125 9225 however there are some the pool and teach your was well received with 463 Hamish.Daine sensible practices around their children water safety, swim participants. @southwaikato.govt.nz use. and survive skills. Council staff continue to roster on at the ex-Tokoroa The following is important for • Empty the pool when not in Alex Jansen i-SITE facility. This building is the safety of our community. use. 0279 581 906 being kept open for public Alex.Jansen Don't place these pools in an • Clear away toys and flotation toilets until our new toilets @southwaikato.govt.nz open front yard. You have no aids from the pool area when are constructed. control over other children not in use (these can be super finding their way into your tempting for littlies). Putāruru Ward pool. This could have tragic • Learn first aid and Sandra Wallace consequences. resuscitation. 0210 291 3702 Sandra.Wallace You can keep up to date with For more information please visit Council's website - www. @southwaikato.govt.nz Council information via: southwaikato.govt.nz - Our Services - Building Consents and www.southwaikato.govt.nz Information - Swimming Pool Fencing Hans Nelis www.facebook/ 0210 552 306 SouthWaikatoDistrictCouncil Hans.Nelis Download Antenno FREE Competition... next issue... @southwaikato.govt.nz [email protected] The next issue of In Touch will be our 50th issue since we introduced it! Wow! To celebrate we will be running a fun Gary Petley competition so keep an eye out for the Jan Feb 2020 issue and 0274 836 809 celebrate our 50th community newsletter with us. Gary.Petley @southwaikato.govt.nz The competition will consist of multiple choice questions, all If you would like to receive about In Touch, Council and the South Waikato... Tīrau Ward this newsletter in electronic Peter Schulte format please email Prizes up for grabs! 021 434 933 kerry.fabrie@ Peter.Schulte southwaikato.govt.nz. @southwaikato.govt.nz

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