South District Council from your local Council - Issue 47 - July (Hongongoi) / thly newsletter August (Heretur A bi-mon ikoka) 2019 Elections. ENROL. VOTE. KEY DATES Elections for local authorities are held once every three years. The next elections for our local Council are coming up this year on 12 October 2019. For our South Waikato community, the 16 August elections are for Council, Tīrau Community Board and Waikato Regional Nominations close at 12 noon Council. This year there are no elections for the Waikato District Health Board. Electoral role closes – after Local election turnout has been still not very high and we but say it’s too hard to find this date, anyone who is declining since the 1980s. can certainly do better as a the information to make an entitled to vote and who is not community. Afterall, it is our informed decision. enrolled, or whose details are In the South Waikato, 44.4% of opportunity to have a say in not correct, will have to cast a voters cast their ballot in 2016 who leads our Council in the While Council can't hold 'Meet Special Vote. which was slighly higher than coming three years. the Candidate' evenings, the national average of 42%. we encourage service and 21 August This was also an increase of Research shows a significant community organisations to Election date and candidates’ 2.9% over the 2013 elections. number of people are interested do so, as they have in the past. names are publicised in the local government process These sessions are a great 20-25 September However, 44.4% of eligible but don’t vote, or want to vote way for voters to hear from Voting documents are voters casting their vote is candidates. delivered to households. Voters can post the Want to vote? Not on documents back to the Electoral Officer as soon as the electoral roll? they have voted. You have to be on the electoral roll if you Saturday 12 October want to vote in the local body elections. Polling day - the voting documents must be at the And your details need to be correct. Council before voting closes Check your electoral details at at 12 noon. Preliminary results the link below. (ie once all ‘ordinary’ votes are counted) will be available as Visit www.elections.org.nz/voters/ soon as possible afterwards. enrol-check-or-update-now 17-23 October If you want to vote and you're Official results declared not on the roll, you will have to make a Special Vote. This can only Date to be advised be done at the Council offices or Inaugural Council meeting a form can be mailed to you by where new Elected Members calling Council on 885 0340. are sworn in to office. This is a special event and successful candidates are encouraged to bring along their family and www.southwaikato.govt.nz - First feature link - Elections 2019 friends.

• 503 building consent applications were received during the - CBD upgrade Produced in-house for the 2018-19 financial year, valuing a total of $41.89 million. - Environment & People South Waikato community by 2-5 the SWDC Communications • Council staff continue to participate in Civil Defence training to - New facilities Team. ensure we can respond appropriately in times of emergency. 6-8 - Managing waste Editorial: Kerry Fabrie, • Council staff are working closely with business owners in - Revals and rates - Community news Renee Renata and Anthony Putāruru regarding the removal of stockpiled tyres. 9-11 Momoemausu, 07 885 0340 - Home for toanga • Compliance staff are also working with property owners around Print: GASP Designs the district on derelict buildings. 12 - Community news

Leith Place project - an update on the CBD Upgrade The eagerly anticipated Tokoroa CBD Upgrade continues to make strides since construction began back in March. The project has maintained a significant amount of engagement on social media from people in our community, some good, some bad. This update below is as of July 26 and the Downer team would have made more exciting progress since.

With Stage 1(a) now complete the focus of the Leith Place project now turns to Stage 1(b). The Downer team has been hard at work still with the stormwater works on SH1 proving to be the next big task along with pouring the footings for the Talking Poles. Council had taken note from our retailers, visitors, workers and businesses that they wanted our CBD to be a good public space that attracted visitors and other businesses and it's fair to say this is coming along fairly nicely. While faced with challenges earlier in the project we've now seen the southern part of the current parking lot being partially opened for public use, while footpath work continues. There had been discussion on the size of the parking spaces in the parking lot, but these were tested by staff and the issue addressed on Council's Pictured above: Part of the carpark in Leith Place is now open for users. Facebook page which has Pictured below: The various works going on in the Tokoroa CBD Upgrade as Stage 1(b) progresses. helped ease doubts. Over the upcoming weeks The stormwater works that the public can expect to see For more information occured on Swanston St have the base course in Stage and detailed progress now also been completed. 1(b) imported and the kerb updates head to our Currently the team is working and channel for the bus stop on pouring footings for the prepared. website Talking Poles, removing all With more still to be done in www.southwaikato. govt.nz - existing paving bricks in front of the upcoming months we second feature button - Tokoroa shops and installing a valve on will continue to keep our CBD Upgrade - go to the Progress the fire main and filling the line community updated on the Updates with water. progress in future In Touch issues, the weekly Tokoroa Digging in: The team from On SH1 the Downer team Downer is hard at work looking to continues to lay the stormwater CBD Upgrade newsletters, our website and through social complete the stormwater repairs line and install the mega pit on SH1. stormwater drains. media.

2 Tīrau farmers named ’s top environmental farmers Tīrau farmers, Adrian and "It's an honour for sure, it's Pauline Ball recently won good for dairy and it's good the Gordon Stephenson for Waikato,” Adrian Ball said. Trophy, for New Zealand's top They take on the role at a time environmental farmers. when farmers are under scrutiny to lower their environmental The Tīrau couple own and footprint. operate Dennley Farms and were also named supreme The Ball's farm also has 1.7km winners of the Waikato Farm fenced and riparian planting Environment Awards. along the Waihou River thanks to funding from South Waikato Mr Ball said the win surprised Environment Initiative (SWEI) Stuff Kirkeby, Luke credit: Photo him. As an ambassador, he for the native plants. They also said they would keep pushing received funding support from the message of environmental the Waikato Regional Council, sustainability. "It gives us a through a WRC/SWDC co- chance to learn a little bit more funding initiative. This is a great and look at some overseas boost for the South Waikato markets and try and come up rural community using the SWEI with a few more solutions to fund to protect and improve make New Zealand farming the South Waikato waterways and most trusted." indigenous biodiversity. South Waikato Enviroschools embrace sustainability The Enviroschools programme including stream quality testing, is an action-based education riparian protection planting, programme run through our recycling and upcycling, litter local schools where young pick-ups, worm farms and people plan, design and composting, keeping chickens implement sustainability for free range eggs and creating projects. vegetable gardens for a garden to table philosophy. Enviroschools engages with children and the wider This programme is about giving community through the our young people the skills and formal education system. It is a passion to live sustainably; and collaborative approach between often this passion is transferred Waikato Regional Council, our into the family home, Council and the schools. broadening a communities’ sustainable impact. The progamme was first introduced in 2001 and has All photo credits: Enviroschools grown steadily since, with over 1,100 schools involved Below left: Tainui Primary School nationally. students doing a stream study. There are eight Enviroschools Below right: Te Waotu School in the South Waikato, including students on potting up day. They Kuranui, Putāruru, St Mary’s, have their own growing unit and Strathmore, Tainui, Te Waotu, the whole school pots up and Tīrau and Tokoroa North. plants out. Over the years, students in our Right: Strathmore Primary School local schools have introduced students making improvements a range of sustainable projects to the school's worm farm.

2 3 New walkway welcomed by the Tīrau community

The Tīrau Walkway was officially opened on Wednesday 24 July with more than 80 local residents on hand to witness the occasion.

Well it's finally complete. also addressing the pressing need for another open space After years of hard work and within the town. planning the new Tīrau walkway was met with delight by the The purpose of the walkway is community after the official to promote exercise, enhance opening took place last month. the health and wellbeing of local residents and provide Over 80 Tīrau residents attended another public open space to at the ceremony as a local walk, play and relax in. kaumatua provided a blessing over the site, followed by a tour of the new track. "...we are certain For Mayor Jenny Shattock it marked a special occasion to see Tīrau for the northern most town residents take full in our district and further acknowledged that Tīrau advantage and remains a vital part of our utilise the walkway Let's walk: Local residents take a tour of the new walkway in Tīrau. district. and beautiful “We at the South Waikato recreational reserve in this project. The TCB and District Council are thrilled to Domain Advisory Group both What's next... have finally reached this stage once again.” played an important part in of the project,” Mayor Shattock - Mayor Jenny Shattock ensuring the walkway came Construction of a pedestrian said. on the opening of the new to life. bridge across the Oraka stream Tīrau Opening will begin this financial year “Truthfully, it has taken a long The significant financial 2019-20, joining the two halves time to reach this point with contribution by NZTA and the of the Domain. many 'I’s needing to be dotted work done by Kiwi Rail were and 'T’s having to be crossed There are further plans ahead noted too. The majority of Council for the Tīrau Walkway with the funding for the Tīrau Domain is off. However, we’ve finally made Among the acknowledgements it. Today is the culmination of construction of the pedestrian planned for the next financial bridge across the Oraka stream made by Mayor Shattock, she year 2020-21, with major new years of hard work and planning also expressed her thanks coming to fruition.” set to begin within the next 12 development at the SH1/ months joining the two halves to the many people who SH5 roundabout end of the “Now we have completed this of the domain. volunteered with the working Domain. stage, we are certain to see Tīrau bees which included the residents take full advantage In the 2020-21 financial year, planting of the kauri grove at This includes: there will be exciting additions the start of the walkway. and utilise the walkway and • Permanent carpark beautiful recreational reserve set for the Tīrau Domain with a once again,” she added. permanent carpark, playground, • Hardstand area for toilets and pay showers as well community events such as The plans for this new walkway as landscaping all proposed for markets, shows. initially began back in 2014 the SH1/SH5 roundabout end of when the Tīrau Community the Domain. • Playground Board (TCB) envisioned a • Toilets and pay showers walkway that would link the Mayor Shattock also paid township to the Tīrau Domain tribute to the many groups and • Tree planting and for residents and visitors - while individuals who were integral landscaping

4 New skate park in Tirau is proving to be popular for locals Skaters and scooter riders Council were pleased to see are enjoying the new ramps positive remarks from local that have been installed at residents about the new the reserve on the corner of features to the reserve with Street and Prospect one local saying, “It’s looking Avenue in Tirau. good down there now that the new skate ramps have been The idea of the new skate and installed.” scooter ramps eventuated after the local youth group “My kids and the and Tīrau Community Board neighbourhood kids love it. came together to look at viable It’s good to see that area being options to better utilise the used again,” she added. reserve space and bring some much needed life for youths. Another resident mentioned, “I regularly see kids playing there Previously there had been [at the park] which is great to a wooden halfpipe there, see.” although upon further inspection it was deemed to Overall, it is fantastic to see and be unsafe and suited for more hear that the youth of Tīrau are skilled skateboarders. enjoying the refurbished area which we hope will continue for After the basketball court was years ahead. constructed, locals saw the addition of exercise stations before the finishing touches were made last month with the new ramps being installed.

Fast and furious: Skaters and scooter riders are sure to catch some serious air on the new ramps that have been installed in Tīrau.

Dogs prohibited on Waikato River Trials Free dog rego! Just a reminder to Waikato River Outbreaks of the disease Trail users that dogs are not Neosporosis in affected cattle permitted on the trails, not even can cause abortion storms leashed. and huge economic loss for the affected property owner. Signage is in place at the Trail An outbreak would also place entry points. Council’s Animal the Trails at risk of closure. Control and Compliance team This would be an extremely do patrol these Trails. $300 bad outcome for our district infringements are likely for as the Waikato River Trails is a repeat offenders. significant attraction. We need to remember that the Council appreciates that there land on which the wonderful has been significant criticism 107km of Waikato River Trails regarding this; however we Four lucky dog owners in cover is a combination of continue to remind all residents the South Waikato got free ownership including Crown and WRT users that the registrations this year for land, Council reserves, proximity of dogs to stock can signing up for email notices. Department of Conservation cause a serious disease outbreak land, Mercury core sites and and harm. This is simply not fair Council ran a promotion importantly some private on our farming families as this is encouraging owners to ownership. their livelihood. change to email. Dog owners already receiving dog notices In many cases it is only the farm We are also aware that many by email, were automatically fence that separates Trail users dog owners are both respectful entered. from neighbouring farms; and and responsible and we uncontrolled dogs can cause acknowledge that. Well done to the four lucky disease and harm to stock. winners. However some dog owners Access to some sections of the simply let their dogs roam If you want to receive your Waikato River Trails is at the off leash onto neighbouring notice by email, please email goodwill of private land owners. farmland. [email protected]. We all need to respect that Write 'dog notice' and your farming, their pasture land and owner number in the subject their stock is their livelihood. bar.

4 Understanding the increased cost of rubbish bags There has been a significant discussion in our community regarding the cost of Council rubbish bags increasing as at 1 July. The cost of the bags has indeed increased. From 1 July, Council bags from including the collection from the Council offices cost $10.70 kerbisde. They are not just really per five pack of bags. This is expensive bags! The cost of the an increase of $4.30 over the bag includes a portion of the current year. cost of the service too. In the past Council only sold If you reduce the amount of packs of five bags but due to waste you put in your bag, then the increase, we are now selling you can reduce the number individual bags. of bags you use and you can reduce the amount you spend Council bags can also be on rubbish bags. purchased from supermarkets and other retailers. This can be done by composting food scraps (keep an eye on Why the increase? rodent harbourage), changing In order to manage our your buying behaviour community’s waste so that it (avoiding products that use does not harm the environment, excessive packaging) and Council is subject to stringent recycling plastics 1s and 2s. waste management practices, We know this conflicts with regulations and requirements. the plastics 3s to 7s that can no Covering these costs has to longer be recycled; and should come from somewhere. be put in the rubbish. Council has two sources of We encourage our community income when it comes to waste. to be very mindful of what they We can either put the increasing purchase and to stand up and costs on rates (so that everyone put pressure on manufacturers consultation (later in the year), manufacturers to change their pays more) or we can increase to change their packaging we encourage our community packging practices. user charges through increasing methods. to make submissions and let us the cost of rubbish bags. have your feedback. We have the power to put And the future? pressure on Central Government Council opted to increase Taking responsibility to change legislation. the cost of the bags so that We also want to remind our the increasing costs of waste community that Council is As a final note, the cost of We have the power to make management are borne by the currently investigating options waste management is ever small changes at our household user. for waste management increasing, not just here in the level. including possibly moving to South Waikato, but across New We all need to start thinking It is important to remember wheelie bins for recycling and Zealand and indeed the world. about the life of the products that the cost of the bag rubbish. includes a portion of the waste As consumers, we have we buy, and that includes the management processing cost, When this comes out for public the power to pressure packaging it comes in. New containers at recycling drop-off zones In order to improve the standard There are a number of ways aren’t recyclable, and need to If the drop off facility is over- of service at the recycling drop- facility users can help keep our go in your rubbish bin too. flowing, please contact Council off zones across the district, our recycling drop-off zones clean on 07 885 0340 or report it via new contractor has introduced and tidy. Here’s three handy tips! Thank you for your efforts Antenno. Not got Antenno? new containers. towards keeping our recycling Dowload for free from Google • Please fold and flatten drop-off zones neat and tidy for Pay or the App Store. For Putāruru, Tokoroa and Tīrau cardboard, don’t just put the other users. there is a large bin for tins boxes in still constructed – and plastics 1 and 2; cages for they take up far too much cardboard and paper and three space like that and contribute smaller bins for glass (one for to the facilities overflowing. brown, one for green and one for clear). • Please rinse plastic containers and bottles. And remember At the rural drop off zones at we can no longer process Kuranui and Te Waotu, the same plastics 3 to 7, please put applies, except for glass – where these in your rubbish, not in only one bin will be provided the recycling. and glass can be co-mingled, not sorted by colour. Our • Tops for most bottles and jars contractor will sort these.

6 Single use plastic bags ban A number of people in our community have contacted Council handles. Specifically light-weight plastic bags commonly found regarding the single-use plastic bag ban. Your concern over the use at supermarket, takeaway food and other retail checkouts; and of single-use plastic bags is awesome. heavier boutique-style plastic shopping bags commonly found at department or clothing stores. Some interesting facts: • The ban does NOT include bin liners, doggie poo bags and barrier • The ban is enacted by Central Government and it is regulated by bags for meat, fruit and vegetables. the Ministry for the Environment (MfE). • The ban also does not include Council refuse bags. However, • You can report concerns to the MfE on its website. Council is currently looking at options for rubbish and recycling, • Council is not responsible for monitoring, enforcing or infringing including wheelie bins. We will consult with our community on under this new piece of legislation. this later in the year. • Bags that are banned are those made of any type of plastic For more information visit www.mfe.govt.nz. under 70 microns in thickness, either new or unused and with

South Waikato District Council has introduced three changes to Important rubbish and its rubbish and recycling service from Monday 29 July. recycling collection changes Change 1 From Monday 29 July, Council moved to a five day a week collection for urban waste collections. This change only affected and Tīrau urban residents. Arapuni and Tīrau moved to a Monday collection for both rubbish and recycling collections. Putāruru and Tokoroa are NOT affected by a zone/day change. Change 2 However, ALL collection areas are affected by a change to the collection start time. This has changed to the earlier time of 7.30am (previously 8am). Change 3 The new recycling contactor EnviroWaste is running two recycling collection trucks. One truck is dedicated to glass only. The second truck collects plastics, tins/cans and cardboard/paper. Don’t be concerned if only some of your recycling goes, the second truck will be along. Also don’t be concerned if the crew on the ground sort through your recycling. They’re just taking the items that belong in the the truck they’re on! Download Antenno to get reminders! It's free to download. Google Play or the App Store. Log your address(es) of interest. We will send you messages! 7 Property revaluations and the impact on rates All properties in the district were revalued last year and impact on a property's rates from July 2019. The revaluations are done by Opteon, an independent company. There has been a significant increase in most residential property valuations. While increased property values are good news for owners, they also impact rates; and consequently may cause concern within the community. To simplify the valuation What does this mean for most collects the same total amount contributions (development sectors in the South Waikato, property owners? of rates regardless of the costs), however these are not we have focussed on our five changes in valuations. relevant to a discussion on rates. main sectors: dairy, lifestyle, The majority of properties in our residential, industrial and district are residential or lifestyle Increases in residential property How does my property commercial. properties and these sectors saw prices was anticipated by valuation affect my rates? the largest value increase. Council and in order to reduce Other sectors include forestry, the impact of the valuation Part of a property’s rates are mining, pastoral, horticulture, This means that residential changes, we reduced our based on the capital value of specialist and other. property valuations have Uniform Annual General Charge the property. Changes in the increased substantially which (UAGC) by approximately $115. valuation can result in changes The bar graph below shows the is a good thing from an to the rates on an individual increase/decrease in the ten investment perspective. How does Council set rates? property. Council does not sectors relevant to our district. collect more total rates across However, the value of your Rates are made up of different the district as a result of Residential properties property does impact on how components including General increased property values or increased in value a massive much rates you are charged, so Rate, UAGC and Targeted rates. less rates if values decrease. But 71% from the 2015 valuations; significant increases in property your property’s new value will with lifestyle properties values can mean substantial • The General Rate portion is help determine the share of the showing a 44% increase and increases in rates on some charged on the capital value of total rate revenue you pay. commercial a19% increase. properties. properties. Industrial increased by 3% and Why we revalue properties Some individual rates increase • The UAGC rate potion is the dairy decreased by -5%. same charge to each property, and others decrease, but Council • Revaluations are a legislative regardless of property value. requirement; we have to do • Targeted rates are charged to them. specific properties for specific -20% -10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% • Revaluations help us work out services. A good example is Specialist everyone’s share of the rate water supply which is only Residential revenue required to operate Pastoral charged to urban properties Council activities and services. Other connected to Council’s water Lifestyle supply network. The aim of rating valuations Industrial is not to provide values for Horticulture Council also funds services property owners to use for Forestry through fees and charges, Dairy marketing, sales or any other subsidies and grants (largely Commercial purposes - it is only used for roading) and financial fairly distributing rates. Check your AP amount... or move to direct debit Are you eligible All properties in the South If you are on automatic incoming AP payments vs for a rates rebate? Waikato were revalued last payment, you need to check outgoing rates payments. year and new valuations were that your AP covers your new The Government’s Rates provided to ratepayers in mid- rates amount. Please call us on To further assist, Council has Rebate Scheme assists low November. 07 885 0340 to check on this. It now added Tuesdays as an income home owners to pay is your responsibility to ensure option for direct debits. rates. We wanted to highlight that your AP amount covers the Council has weekly, fortnightly, Applications for rates rebates your rates may have changed charge. You may need to top up significantly. Rates are set monthly, quarterly and annual can be made through Council the account to cover the first direct debit options. offices in Putāruru or Tokoroa. annually using the latest instalment too. revaluation data. Revaluations Weekly and fortnightly Applications for the 2019-20 are done every three years. We also encourage ratepayers to direct debits now operate on year can be made any time move from automatic payments Thursdays or Tuesdays to suit between now and 30 June The revaluations in our district, to direct debits to avoid a especially for residential more people. Direct debits are 2020, but we encourage shortfall; and a possible rates adjusted annually by Council to qualifying ratepayers to apply properties, increased penalty. substantially; which is great ensure that the correct amount now rather than leave it to news for homeowners. Please With direct debits, Council of rates is paid, removing the next year. need for ratepayers to change read the article above this one. deducts what is needed so that For more information and to your rates are always covered. their automatic payments However higher house values themselves every year. see if you qualify: call Council This may be something to on 07 885 0340 or visit impact rates charged; so we consider. wanted to highlight this to you, Direct Debits are a great option. www.ratesrebates.govt.nz. our ratepayers and encourage Automatic payments can Contact Council on 07 885 0340 ratepayers to check their sometimes not cover the for more information or to set automatic payment amount! amount owing per quarter up or amend a direct debit. because of the timing of Please contact Council to discuss this and other options to pay your rates. New playground for our tamariki The new playground at the Tokoroa Memorial Sporsground was opened recently. Kids all ages have been spotted enjoying the new facility. This area has opened up pedestrian access to the Memorial Sportsground and is now well used by our tamariki.

When it's already happened and the danger over... call Police 105 To help keep New Zealanders Call 105 to report thangs If you have discovered you But always call 111 if a crime as safe as possible, the Police that have already happened have been burglared, but the is happening now - and the have introduced a new way that don't need urgent Police burglar is long gone, call 105. offenders are still there or just to contact them for non- assistance. If you find your fence tagged left. emergencies: call 105 or go to in the morning, call 105. If you www.105.police.govt.nz. You can call 105 from both disocver your car was broken in Also call 111 if someone is mobile and landline phones. to during the night, call 105. in danger or badly injured, if Until now people either called It's a free nationwide service you see a major public hazard their local Police station or they available day and night for New You can also call 105 to get an like a tree blocking a road, or called 111 if they wanted to get Zealands and overseas visitors. update on an existing report something that could cause hold of the Police. that is already being handled. serious risk to human life or Use 105 to report incidents that property. Remeber in an emergency, have already happened to the always call 111. Police.

9 The Plaza continues to be a hive of activity with numerous community groups using the The theatre sound upgrade Elections – this is your venue as well as performing at The Plaza is complete with opportunity to vote for arts events and movies. thanks to the Southern Trust, candidates. If you are not Trust Waikato and the South enrolled, enrol now. You can’t They have availability to host Waikato Arts Trust. With vote if you’re not enrolled. more community groups, professional service from ACLX https://vote.nz/enrol-to-vote/ events, movie screenings the team has ensured a well enrol-check-or-update and private functions. Get in distributed and high quality contact to discuss your event sound experience across the The Putaruru Community – you’ll be surprised at what theatre. Go along to an event to Gardens are settling in well at the team can offer and their hear the difference! their new home in the Grey Antenno, Council’s mobile competitive rates! Street Reserve. The team are phone app is hot, according Swan babies at the lake, little experimenting with frost cloth to 110 users who participated Upcoming Shows: cuties. to give vegetables enough in a survey recently. 86% of Jan Preston Trio - 88 Piano's protection to keep growing users strongly agreed or agreed There have been some really through winter, even if more I Have Known - Sunday 18 awesome works presented to by that Antenno kept them more August, 2pm. Tickets online at slowly. The organisers are informed about what is going on children enrolled in the S.T.A.R.S. grateful for the help and Eventfinda $25. library programme. in their community. 44% of users donations they have received felt more positive towards Council during this massive shift. In after they installed Antenno. The Putāruru main pool about three months they hope Antenno can be downloaded covers have been replaced with to have an open garden event free from Google Play or the an under-bench system and so that people can visit and App Store. Log your specific will be easier, faster and more see what it is all about. Over address(es) of interest; and do manageable than before. These the past months compost bins nothing else. If something comes new pool covers can be operated have been built, the driveway up that could affect your location, by an auto wind system which upgraded, soil from the old we will notify you. will make it easier for staff and site transferred, garden beds Chris Greenslade – South users to get the covers on and off constructed and fruit trees Waikato Music Society – at the start and end of the day. pruned and uplifted. Sunday 8 September, 2pm. We look forward to showing them $25 non members, $20 for off at the opening of the summer The Sport Waikato team's Work members, students FREE. swimming season later in the year for Good programme is sure to on 16 November. be pretty cool. St Mary’s Wearable Arts – Friday 20 September 2019, (time TBA). Aspire Arts Junior Production -The Enchanted Garden – Saturday 21 September, 11am The Kugels – Arts on Tour NZ – Saturday 28 September, 7:30pm, tickets $20 from The Plaza or Eventfinda. Movie Screenings: Top End Wedding (PG) - The craft and activity Sunday 22 August, 2pm sessions that libraries ran during the holidays were pretty hot – Rocketman (M) - Friday 13 especially the Science Matters September, 8pm sessions. Best turnout yet from Poms (PG-13) - Sunday 22 the Tīrau Community and over 25 September, 2pm kids in Putāruru.

Couches in our recycling containers is pretty disappointing, costing effort, time and money to remove and dispose of properly. Vandalism. Putaruru toilets, 07 883 8596/0276 559 715 mirrors broken. What a waste of www.plaza.org.nz money fixing what vandals break. Email: [email protected] Facebook: theplazaputaruru

10 Meet Council’s Civil Defence Controller – Sharon Robinson In a Civil Defence emergency When not planning for the Controller is responsible for emergencies, Sharon’s business coordinating and controlling as usual role is Regulatory the event rather than the Chief Group Manager which includes Executive of Council. the building, planning, health, sale and supply of alcohol, As Controller, Sharon takes the animal control and compliance lead for the event, working teams, in addition to the behind the scenes with the emergency management coordination team by setting function. She has 27 years’ objectives and action plans experience in local government for all to implement, keeping with a resource management a handle on the developing planning background and has situation, responding to been at Council for 24 years. changes, preventing the event from getting worse and Sharon was appointed by managing critical resources. Council and the Waikato The Controller maintains Civil Defence Emergency communications with Management Joint Committee emergency services and lifeline after an interview process utility agencies to allow them to and subsequent three stage get on and do the job they need Massey University development to do on the ground. programme endorsed by the Director of the Ministry for In preparation for Civil Defence Civil Defence and Emergency emergencies, the Controller Management. In addition to collaborates with a trained the Controller role, Sharon She supports and indeed two teenage boys were also team of Council staff. The team is also Council’s appointed encourages our local Council schooled in Tokoroa. work together regularly to representative on the Waikato staff to obtain experience prepare for emergencies and during emergencies in other “The South Waikato is home Coordinating Executive Group and I love our understated form relationships within the which determines work areas in New Zealand, such community. as the Christchurch, Hurunui/ uniqueness and hidden local programme priorities and works gems,” Sharon said. “He tangata, it is the people,” together with other councils Kaikoura and Edgecombe said Sharon. “We will need your across the region. events. If you want to know more about Civil Defence call Stuart Aston help to help each other in a While we are fortunate in Not only has Sharon been with significant emergency. Building Council for 24 years, she is also our Emergency Manager on our district to not have had a 07 885 0340 or visit Council’s relationships with neighbours is significant emergency, Sharon Tokoroa born and bred. She important. In an emergency it is completed her schooling at website: www.southwaikato. volunteered in Kaikoura after govt.nz. immediate neighbours who are the Hurunui earthquake, Strathmore, Cargill, Tainui and often each other’s first point of supporting the planning team. Tokoroa High schools, married contact for help.” a Waotu/Putāruru local and her Never Happens? Sometimes Happens... Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. It’s up to you to take steps to make sure you’re prepared. Tē mōhiotia āhea, ki hea rānei te ohotata. Whakaritea tō whānau. Kia mataara. In an emergency, you may be • Food for babies and pets. somewhere you can grab them Store a pair of walking shoes, stuck at home for several days. in a hurry. a waterproof jacket, essential Figure out what supplies you • Toilet paper and large plastic medicines, snack food, water need and make a plan to work buckets for an emergency In your car and a torch in your car. toilet. out what is required to get your Plan ahead for what you will do family through. Keep up to date with weather • Dust masks and work gloves. if you are in your car when an and road information when At home emergency happens. A flood planning travel. In a grab bag or natural disaster could leave You probably have most of the you stranded in your vehicle for Have grab bags ready for Get your household ready things you need already. everyone in your family. Each some time. bag should have warm clothes, • Water for three days or more Keep essential emergency It’s up to you to make sure your a bottle of water, snacks, copies — at least nine litres of water survival items in your car. If you family, and the people you care of important documents and for every person. are driving in extreme winter about, know what to do and photo ID. conditions, add a brush, shovel, that you all have what you need • Food that doesn’t need Remember any medications you windshield scrapers and warm to get through on your own. cooking (unless you have a clothing to your emergency camping stove or gas BBQ) might need and keep your first aid kit, torch, radio and batteries car kit. Not got an emergency kit? Start putting one together today! Find out more: www.getready.govt.nz

11 Mānawatia te kura pae a Māhina On Monday the iwi of Raukawa The collection has been under collection to the iwi of Raukawa. • There are currently 3,886 held a pōwhiri to welcome a the care of the South Waikato known dogs in the South collection of taonga named ‘Te District Council for many years A number of staff from Council Waikato, owned by 2,627 Toko Tokoroa o Matarawa’. and Council recently gifted the and Raukawa participated in the people. In September the ceremony. team will start their door to As kaitiaki, Raukawa will door programme. endeavour to preserve, maintain • The newly formed carpark and care for these taonga in Galaxy Road will make guided by our mātauranga, community access to the tikanga and kawa. Mokaihaha ecological area The collection will be housed easier. within the Huia Kaimanawa • Logging at the Whakamaru room at Te Whare o Raukawa Reserve is now complete for both iwi members and the and stump-grinding is the general public to view. next step. Extracted from Raukawa's • Hand rails have been Facebook page installed along the length of the Oraka Reserve Walkway New birthing unit opens Extracted from a DHB media statement project. South Waikato’s new birthing say the space will deliver this Community and Rural Health • Parks staff installed a bench unit is open and it’s full of aroha and more. who is focussed on improving seat at Matarawa Park community-based maternity The newly refurbished South The unit has a birthing pool services. donated by the Waikato Waikato Primary Birthing Unit and post birth whānau space. Branch of the NZ Tree Crops was opened on 17 June at It has two delivery rooms, three “There are many people to Association in memory of Tokoroa Hospital. posts birthing rooms and one thank, but a special mention former member the late antenatal room. must go to local health Maurice Denton. Hundreds of people gathered providers, Raukawa and to celebrate this beautiful space “It’s a far cry from our old • The security fence at South Waikato Pacific Islands that was officially blessed by unit,” says Jill Dibble, Waikato Community Services," she said. the Tokoroa wastewater Raukawa’s Kaunihera Kaumātua DHB’s director of Southern treatment plant has been chairperson Nā John-Thomas upgraded. (Hori) Deane with presentations • Drug screening sampling by Raukawa’s general manager of wastewater flowing into Maria Te Kanawa and Mayor the Tokoroa wastewater Jenny Shattock. Local MP Louise treatment plant is being Upston was also present. undertaken and is funded Proud of the effort invested by the Police. into the new birthing unit that • The stormwater upgrade has transformed an old theatre project is underway in block at Tokoroa Hospital where Okoroire Street, including Mayor Shattock used to work cesspits and pipes. over 40 years ago, she said, “It’s absolutely fantastic to see it’s still in use.” In 2018, there were 60 births in Tokoroa and during a time of population growth there is You can keep up to date with potential for up to an estimated Council information via: 200 births to happen locally. www.southwaikato.govt.nz The space was co-designed with www.facebook/ midwives and the community, SouthWaikatoDistrictCouncil including Pasifika and Māori to Download Antenno FREE ensure mums and whānau have [email protected] a safe and happy experience as they welcome their new babies into the world. And it’s fair to

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