1. education
2. school

The Prattler
Pride in Putaruru Community Newspaper
MARCH 2015
Issue 119
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Putaruru Local News
Clubs, Schools and Services Reports
Water Festival and A&P Show
What’s Up? What’s Down?
Rugby Club and Squash Club News
Walkway Improvements
THE WATER FESTIVAL & A&P SHOW
There was rain on the Friday, but Saturday began mild and clear and
continued on to be a great, hot Putaruru day. The Pride in Putaruru Water
Festival and A&P Show, Saturday 28th February, at Glenshea Park proved to
be a magnet for a large number of families.
Organisers provided a wide variety of events and entertainment for this
free entry carnival with its friendly atmosphere.
There were plenty of activities and action to be enjoyed, from the large
slides, riding events, business displays, demonstrations, food, art and craft
competitions and of course, all the fun of the fair.
A full programme of axemen competitions ran throughout the day, and
a variety of Putaruru services such as St John, Fire Brigade and Guides
contributed full displays, assistance and information.
Free FM89 provided background music and commentary throughout the day.
In the adjacent pool area, a top team event, run by Sport Waikato, was both
challenging and entertaining for the those that entered into the water spirit
of the day. There were plenty watching to cheer on the teams that competed.
Local business, rides, entertainment, food and merchandise stalls were all kept
busy. Ice-creams were very popular. The band Distraction provided quality
entertainment to members of the crowd, in a specially set up shade area.
About 3000 people enjoyed the day. This year, large numbers of extended
family groups enjoying the festival, were noticeable.
Although sadly for the A&P association it was their final show, next year,
Pride in Putaruru will continue to bring you the Water Festival and a wide
range of activities to enjoy.
There will be more announcements about this as the year progresses.
COPY DEADLINES FOR THE 2015 PRATTLER
FRIDAY MARCH 27th for APRIL
FRIDAY MAY 29th for JUNE
FRIDAY JULY 31st for AUGUST
OUT AND ABOUT AT THE WATER FESTIVAL AND A&P SHOW
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THE MAYOR’S COLUMN
PRIDE IN PUTARURU MANAGERS MEMO
2104 was a busy year for Council working with Fonterra, the road/rail hub,
the Chinese dignitaries and other possible investors and the setting up of
the Investment and Drive Trusts to look after our money. 2015 will be a year
planning our future. Councillors have been spending many hours along with
staff working on our long Term Plan.
March already! How the first two months of 2015 have flown by!
This plan is like the blue
print for our future. We
know that like all Rural
New Zealand we have a
declining population, aging
demographics and youth
unemployment. There is
also the cost, particularly
of providing the services
we all need for a good life.
Councillors have had to face
the needs of our people
and balance that with what
Mayor Neil Sinclair
are the ‘wants.’ It has been
difficult and some hard decisions have had to be made. It is important that
as many people as possible attend the public meetings when we present
the Plan. Then it is over to you, the people, to make submissions on any of
the ideas in the plan. Council has been striving to keep our rate increase
to about 1%, lower if possible, but that means changes. We all want our
District to be the best place to live and bring up families at the lowest
possible cost, so together we must decide on our priorities. Oh for the
Wisdom of Solomon!
Then we still have our representation review to deal with. As there hasn’t
been a petition seeking a poll on the concept of dedicated Māori seats,
Councils decision will stand, but there are other considerations. How many
Councillors should there be to serve on Council, how many wards, should
there be Community Councils? Governance is important but there is a cost.
Do you think there should be public meetings on this review? Your views
are important to us.
Now for some good news. The Fonterra factory construction is full bore and
some of the workers are staying in our towns. Come the end of 2016 there
will be more jobs, the rail/road hub is attracting interest from other parties,
there is development taking place in Tirau, and Pride in Putaruru is working
hard on promotion ideas for Putaruru. Watch for developments at the Te
Waihou walkway and how we can leverage off that iconic feature in our
District and of course The Generator event on the River Trails in April will
bring many to the District.
Within the Mayoral Forum, the Waikato Plan group and in the Bay of Plenty
forums we are continually pushing the South Waikato’s place in the world.
I don’t think we realise just how much the South Waikato contributes
to the economy of the Region and indeed nationally and we have to get
that message out. In the light of this, Council is looking at appointing a
marketing manager. With our Dairy, our forestry, our engineering, our
water our power generation, our quarries, we are a significant player in
the Region’s economy and that is often overlooked. Let’s get the Positive
message about our District out there. We all have a part to play - it’s not
just a Council job.
Already we have enjoyed another Festival Day in our great little town. It was
sad to see the demise of our local A&P Show as we joined in with their 80th
and final show on Saturday 28th February. The GOOD NEWS is that there will
still be a major show every February because the Pride in Putaruru Water
Festival will not only continue to happen each year but plans to expand and
use the whole of Glenshea Park by including many more attractions. On
that score, if you have an idea you would like to see incorporated into next
year’s Water Festival please let us know. There is a drop box outside the Pride
in Putaruru office, or you can email info@prideinputaruru.com
We take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors who made this year’s
show possible. Pub Charity were our major donor but also POWERco and
Transpower made a significant contribution. Free FM89 have generously
advertised for us and attended the show with their PA system. RJ Lincoln
Transport supplied the truck for the stage. Thanks to each one of you.
And we thank each and every one of the businesses who came along and
showed their support for our community.
Again this year Pride in Putaruru is planning to run a number of major
events. In May we will run the “Quackers” retail promotion with a shoppers
loyalty prize and a duck hunt to encourage you to get to know your town.
Celebration and prize giving day will be on Saturday 23rd of May.
On the 17th October we will recognise and celebrate our most successful
businesses with the Annual Better Business Awards Dinner Evening.
Our Annual Christmas Parade is planned for Friday 4th December, a little
earlier than usual so as not to clash with another major event happening at
the Plaza a week later.
We will continue to hold our Business After Five meetings each month
although it has been suggested these go out to every second month and
that suggestion is being considered. Watch this space! There is a Business
Woman’s Breakfast every second month as well.
We will continue to publish The Prattler to share local successes and other
news. Businesses wishing to advertise with us are offered very competitive
rates. See our website for further details: prideinputaruru.com Did you
know that The Prattler is also available on our website for reading without
having to download it?
A great year is ahead of us with numerous opportunities. Embrace change!
Be innovative! The best is yet to come!
Lee Robertson: Manager, Pride in Putaruru Association.
PRIDE IN PUTARURU THANKS THESE SPONSORS:
2015 will be our Year.
COPY DEADLINES FOR THE 2015 PRATTLER
FRIDAY MARCH 27th for APRIL
ADVERTISE IN THE PRATTLER
Simply email: theprattler@prideinputaruru.com
FRIDAY MAY 29th for JUNE
Nicholson
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
W
E
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PH: 07 883 3198
FAX: 07 883 3192
MOB: 0274 480 698
Surveying 43 ARAPUNI STREET
Limited PUTARURU
EMAIL: nich.sur@xtra.co.nz
FRIDAY JULY 31st for AUGUST
RANGIURA HAPPENINGS: JANUARY - FEBRUARY
Update on our new building:
What an amazing transformation in
just a few months. Our extension is
moving forward at a rapid pace and we
now have a roof, walls and windows!
The interior is coming along with the
first of the walls going in and it is all go
in regards to getting quotes for hoists,
beds and all the other essential items
needed. The interior colours and designs have been finalised and whilst
modern, the choice is classic and timeless, designed with the next twenty
years in mind. If you are interested in finding out more about our extension
please contact Suzanne at Rangiura and she will put you in contact with a
person you can talk to.
Accessing Services for your family member:
Our New Build has certainly stirred up interest in the community and we
have had a number of enquiries about accessing support for elderly family
members, so it seems like an opportune time to inform people of the “How
to access Aged Care Services,” and to try and demystify the process.
DSL, (Disability Support Link), are the local Community based Needs
Assessment agency that are funded by the DHB, (District Health Board),
to assess people who are over 65 and require support. They will come to
your home and discuss your needs with you and your family, completing
an assessment and making recommendations in regards to your funding.
This can range from home support, (home help), to Resthome, Hospital
or Dementia care. At assessment you can specify which facility you would
prefer, however this does not place you on the waiting list nor do DSL
negotiate this for you. You may also be eligible for a Residential Care
Subsidy or a Residential Care Loan and you can talk to DSL about this and fill
in an application form. This is managed via Work and Income. It is normally
up to you or your family to approach the Resthome of your choice and talk
to the CNM, (Clinical Nurse Manager) about your needs.
At Rangiura our CNM is Melanie Kingston and it is Melanie who manages
the waiting list and keeps in contact with potential Residents. Melanie
will ask you about your assessment and she will also negotiate with DSL
if you have chosen Rangiura as your care provider. Please note if you are
considering Rangiura as your care provider then you must contact Melanie
to discuss your needs. Talking to Nursing staff, Board members, the General
Manager and the like does not automatically place you on the waiting list.
There is a process that everyone has to follow.
You can phone to make an appointment with Melanie by contacting her on
07 885 1040. To avoid disappointment please do make an appointment as
we cannot guarantee that we are always available if you ‘drop in.’ We are
also happy to show families around Rangiura and this can be arranged by
contacting Suzanne our Receptionist, also on the above number.
Rangiura will keep in contact with you once you are on our waiting list
and will update you on the likelihood of a placement. We will also assess
whether your needs have changed whilst you are on our list so that we can
advise you around the options you may have.
When a placement at Rangiura becomes available, Melanie, the Clinical staff
and General Manager hold a meeting to discuss who is waiting to access our
Services and what requirements they have. We are contracted by the DHB to
provide a number of Services for Aged Care and even when a room becomes
available it may not necessarily mean that it is suitable for your family
member. You will then be contacted by us if we can provide a placement.
The liaison between yourselves and Rangiura, especially with our CNM and
Nursing Staff is crucial to ensure a smooth transition. If you plan to fund
yourself or family member privately and do not want to access DSL then
please contact our CNM directly at the number given above.
The basic steps are:
Contact DSL and discuss your needs with them and they will arrange for an assessment to be
carried out. DSL phone number 0800 55 33 99 or 07 839 1441.
Once the assessment is completed and you know what your funding level and requirements
are, then contact Rangiura on 07 885 1040 and make an appointment with the CNM.
What we provide:
Unfortunately Aged Care Services are not fully funded and often that is just
not something that people have thought about. There is an assumption that
once you or your family member are accepted into a Resthome, Dementia
care or Hospital care, then all your needs are taken care of.
Rangiura Resthome, Hospital and Dementia Unit,
receives it’s funding through the individual
assessments that have been discussed. The amount
of funding varies per person according to need, but
what Rangiura is contracted to provide is:
Appropriate Staff Support: as per the Residents requirements on assessment.
Services: this includes but is not limited to - meals, laundry, linen, cleaning.
Routine Doctors Visits:
Routine Prescribed Medication: please note this only covers government funded medications.
What we are not funded to provide:
Transportation: costs to specialist appointments
Podiatry, Dentistry, Hairdressing, Optometrists...
RANGIURA
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2015 TRUSTEES
Henry Van Dyk
Chairperson
021 774 340
Gaye Lamb
Vice Chairperson
07 883 2875
Gordon Blake
Trustee
07 883 4824
Debbie Gisby
Trustee
07 885 1022
Specialist Equipment: wheelchairs, specialist seating requirements, walking frames, air mattresses, sensor mats...
Jim Howland
Patron
Specialist Medication: or wound dressing requirements.
Trustees
Eileen Barker
Jeff Dixon
Sue Heslop
Sandra Wallace
Marjorie Roberts
Neil Sinclair
Jan Tarrant
Stu Edmeades
The items mentioned in both categories are by no
means exhaustive. To avoid embarrassment for all
parties, it is important that you and your family
member are aware that not all services are funded.
A number of these items are very expensive and
we are very open to discussing how we can access
these in a way which suits all parties. You are always
consulted prior if we have identified that you require
any specialist purchase or if we are aware that the
service you require will incur extra costs.
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Melanie Kingston
Clinical Manager
0275 978 713
Fundraising:
Our Fundraising Team continues to work tirelessly in Ellie Davies
the background to raise money for our new build and General Manager
021 760 638
also to support the extra needs of the Residents at
Rangiura. They have an action packed year planned,
but some dates for your diary for the upcoming months are:
Friday 20th March 2015: Night Market/Gala, 5:00pm to 8pm - Glenshea Park
FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY - A NIGHT NOT TO BE MISSED
Stalls, Music, Lots of food! Tractor rides, Horse rides, Donkey rides, Mini
Jeeps plus much more.
If you are interested in having a stall, there are some places still available. Stalls
cost $15 and can be booked by contacting Sandra on 021 510409 or emailing
sandras27@me.com or alternatively contacting Suzanne on 07 885 1040.
Golf Tournament: Sunday 24th May 2015:
Back by popular demand, the Rangiura Golf Tournament and Auction to be
held at the Putaruru Golf Club.
Tee off from 9:00am onwards. The auction will be held at approximately
4:00pm. Entry fee $25 per person. Register directly with the Club or contact
Sandra on 021 510 409.
If you would like to Sponsor this event then please contact Sandra on the
above number.
“Striving to be the best we can in a caring and safe learning environment.”
Upcoming Events
Set aside these important dates:
18th Feb: School Triathlon
19th Feb: Looking to Lead course Yr 6
23rd Feb: Learning Leaders Assembly
26th Feb: Rm 1 Assembly
5th March: School Swimming Sports
9th March: Teacher’s Only Day
12th March: Deep Water Safety Rm 5
12th March: Rm 5 Assembly
17th March: Olivia teaching Nutrition
Term 1
Our schools theme this year is
“Conserving Our Earth” (Being a
Global Citizen).
As part of “Conserving our Earth”
this term we are looking at how water
is a precious resource.
This terms school wide Big Learning
Idea is “Ko Au” – Creating a positive
learning environment.
The teacher’s are working hard on
supporting students with writing, and
as part of this development they will
be attending a two-day writing
conference run by the University of
Waikato.
We see our school as a Learning
Community based on shared values and
expectations. As part of this we focus
on our school mission statement
“Striving to be the best we can.” Part of
this is acknowledging our students who
demonstrate our Kura Kid values.
Welcome
This term we are lucky to welcome Juliette Gilmour to our teaching team. Juliette is teaching our junior class, years 1-3.
Juliette comes to us with a wealth of teaching experience. She is a very bubbly and enthusiatic lady who has a strength in
Art.
I’m sure she will enjoy her time with us.
We also welcome a number of new students and their families to our school this year. Logan, Thomas, Maddison, Cove,
Olivia and Teina. (Teina absent for the photo)
It is great to see so many new faces joining our wonderful school.
Playground Fundraising
The school is working towards upgrading our current playgrounds. This is a very big project which will require
significant fundraising. The P.T.A. have worked hard and so far they have raised $15,000 towards this.
The P.T.A. have decided that this will be their main fundraising focus for the year.
I’m sure the community will get behind us and support us with this goal J
A Huge Thank You
We would like to say a huge thank you to the “Tirau Vets” for sponsoring new Touch/Rugby shirts for our
students.They look amazing as I’m sure you will agree. The students said they are “So light, really nice to wear!”I’m
sure it will make them even faster!!
See photo to the right.
66 Waiomou Road
RD2, TIRAU 3485
Phone/Fax (07) 883 4866
e-mail: office@kuranui.school.nz
website: www.kuranui.school.nz
Putaruru Community Resource Centre Newsletter
Duke Street Putaruru - Phone 07 883 8045
THE ISSUE OF PRIVACY
Given the degree to which big brother, and even little brother, can trace our
every action nowadays it could be said that we have lost all right to privacy.
Then again, it could also be said that we are simply in the same situation as
in days gone by when everyone lived in a small village or settlement where
everyone knew everyone’s business. Any notion of privacy didn’t exist then
- so does it matter if it doesn’t exist to any great degree now?
Is it the fact that strangers can now know our business that is a concern - or
the fact that we don’t know when information about us is being collected,
or how it will be used?
Only a few short years ago, organisations like ours were told that our
client intake forms must explain to clients why each piece of information
was required. It seems that, where electronic transactions are concerned,
organisations are able to meet this obligation by requiring users to sign a
declaration stating that they agree with all of the ‘conditions’ attached to
the application. Unfortunately, the ‘conditions’ invariably consist of pages
and pages of legal-speak presented in print so tiny as to be unreadable
without the aid of a magnifying glass.
This week, Techcrunch.com report, (on their Facebook page,) that Facebook
is being taken to task by Belgium’s Data Protection Authority for a number of
its practices. One concern is the fact that users of the mobile Facebook app
cannot ‘opt out’ of location tracking. No point texting the ‘other half’ from the
local watering hole and saying you’re at the office if you have this application!
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They also mention another app, Facesin, which will deliver alerts telling you
where your contacts will be in the near future, based on their posts, so that
if you want, or don’t want, to ‘bump into’ a particular person you’ll know
where to go, or where not to go, as the case may be!
ARAPUNI BOWLING CLUB 80TH JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS 1935 - 2015 25 YEARS TAOIST TAI CHI IN NEW ZEALAND
The club is holding its 80 year celebration at the Arapuni Club Rooms on the 7
of March this year. The Arapuni Bowling Club formed in 1935 and had its green
in the area behind the school in the village. In 1949 it moved to the present site
down by the swing bridge, where the club has great facilities, thanks to those
early members whose efforts and hard work have provided this.
th
Meanwhile, stuff.co points out this week that it is not illegal for people to
record their phone calls with businesses without the business’s knowledge,
as long as you are doing it in your private capacity, that is to protect
yourself. Businesses and agencies however must disclose the fact that calls
are being recorded.
PUTARURU COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE
•Free and confidential budget advice:
phone 07 883 8045 for an appointment
•Feel free to like our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/PutaruruResource
A&P SOCIETY SHOW RESULTS
This year marks the arrival of Taoist Tai Chi in New Zealand 25 years
ago. It was started in Canada by Master Moy Lin-Shin and since then
has spread to 25 other countries around the world, with 40,000 people
practising this gentle form of exercise.
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Putaruru is lucky enough to have a class that meets from 6:00pm - 7:30pm
in the Putaruru Primary School Hall every Tuesday evening.
When asked why they keep coming, class members listed the following reasons:
• for overall health benefits, both mental and physical
• to reduce tension and calm their mind
• to increase flexibility and mobility of joints
• to improve balance
• to increase blood circulation
The bottom line is, it pays nowadays to assume that all business telephone
calls, and electronic transactions, are being monitored to some degree.
Credit card and loyalty card transactions, for instance, are regularly used to
analyse marketing and distribution options.
So, is it a problem? Depends on your point of view. Milan Kundera,
author of The Incredible Lightness of Being, has been quoted as saying,
“When a private talk over a bottle of wine is broadcast on the radio, what
can it mean but the world is turning into a concentration camp.” Sun
Microsystems co-founder Scott McNealy, on the other hand, says, “You
already have zero privacy. Get over it!”
th
These benefits creep up on you subtly after you have been doing Tai Chi for
a while and of course there is also the social reason as we are a great bunch
of people. Anyone can participate no matter their age or level of fitness.
Why not join us this year at the new beginner course starting March 10th.
If you want to know more, please contact Lesley Fitzgerald 07 883 5763 or
look on the website www.taoist.org.nz and click on the Putaruru location.
Arapuni Bowling Club in earlier days.
The last celebration was our 60th in 1995 which was a great success, with
many old members attending.
Te WAIHOU WALKWAY IMPROVEMENTS
A new entry path, from the enlarged car-park to the walkway, has been
constructed, making the entrance safer for walkers.
The celebrations are planned to have as many old members and guests
enjoy the day, recalling old memories and catching up with friends who
have had involvement with the Club and Arapuni Village.
Harness section:
Champion: J McGough
Reserve champion: J Flintoff
Miniature horse section:
Supreme champion A: W & T Schroeder
Supreme champion B: C & P Meyers
Hacks & Ponies:
Champion led in horse: T Drinkwater
Reserve champion: M Insch Laing
Champion pony: M Peart-Anderson
Champion ridden horse: D Insch
Reserve champion: M A Tylden
At the spring end of the walkway, a new toilet block has been built that
provides a convenient facility for visitors, especially those coming to the
Blue Spring from Lesley Road.
Donkey section:
Champion: J Mitchell
Reserve champion: P & M Van Dijk
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Arapuni Bowling Club today.
As some of these people have moved away from the area, (to all parts of
New Zealand and overseas), over the years, this will be a great time for
them to revisit Arapuni and reminisce.
The day will consist of bowls, mixed in with some fun games, speeches by
Invited Guests and Members, with Lunch and refreshments to follow.
Anybody interested in attending please contact Jim Bain 021 493 022 or
Peter Fryer 027 360 4113
WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT AT YOUR PUTARURU RUGBY CLUB?
Yes it’s that time of year again! Rugby season is upon us, and at the
Putaruru Rugby Club we have been hard at work preparing for the oncoming season. The fields are mowed, the lads are into pre-season training
and now it’s time to kick off!
The Boys in Action against Tokoroa - a great win it must said!
BE PROUD STAND TALL AND PLAY FOR THE ROYAL BLUE AND RED!
Club Signage Boards
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There is an opportunity for businesses wanting to get a sign at the
club to do so now! This is due to a high demand from businesses. We are now
in the process of commissioning a new signage board that will run parallel to
the No.1 Field Try Line. Contact Mike White 027 694 4839 for details.
Farmers your support is needed!
With the kind support of Ecolab, we have a store credit for product. This
could cover your detergent supplies for the balance of the season. Get in
touch with Mike White 027 694 4839 to discuss.
Donating a Cull Cow to the Club. If you have not donated stock to the PRFC
previously, we have run a cull cow fund-raiser annually which we operate over
the Summer and Autumn. If you are a farmer and are interested in supporting
the Club, please contact Eddie White for further details on 07 883 8942.
Rugby Club Hireage
Holding an event? Get in touch with us! The Rugby Club is regularly used
throughout the year to host, Wedding Receptions, Birthdays, 21st parties,
Family Events and Hireage of the grounds. We have also held the Putaruru
Better Business Awards at the club. To enquire about hireage, please
contact the club through Kimberly Crocker on 027 275 6082.
WHAT’S UP?
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW PUTARURU?
• extended families enjoying the Water Festival and A&P
Show at Glenshea Park - an enhanced WATER FESTIVAL
will be on in 2016
• the kids are back at school
Where would you find this object? Who would assemble here?
Email your details of the location to: theprattler@prideinputaruru.com
WHAT’S
DOWN?
• some advance warning on the nights that roadworks will
continue close to the midnight hour, would be good
• being so dark in the morning when it’s time to get up
MARCH THOUGHTS!
• March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war.
• March, I’m gonna march you down the aisle...
[Calendar Girl, Neil Sedaka]
• It can only lead to trouble if you break my heart
if you accidentally crush it on the ides of March
I’d prefer you were straight forward
you don’t have to go through all of that
I’m a New York city man, baby, and say “go” and that is that
[NYC Man, Lou Reed]
Mission Statement: To be Better than Before.
Management and Players have set some ambitious goals for the 2015
season and share the vision that Putaruru Rugby Club in the 2015 season
will be Better than Before. The result will be better performances out on
the park. There is a real sense of pride in what Putaruru Rugby can achieve.
Pre-Season Matches!
We head up the Coromandel on our Annual Pre Season Camp on the 7th and
8th of March, to play the Tairua RFC.
The competition kicks off away from home against Pirongia on the 13th of
March, 1:00pm. We would love to have your support this rugby season.
Players Wanted
All are welcome at the Club, the training schedules have been well
structured and are run twice weekly, Tuesday and Thursday, running from
6:15pm until 7:30pm at the Putaruru Rugby Club.
Recognition
The Club is thankful for all of its Sponsors and supporters, none more so
than the ones in this article featuring Tirau Earthmovers.
Tirau Earthmovers are long standing supporters - we are proud to call them
our major sponsors. If you require any Earthworks, Roading or Demolition,
be sure to drop in and see Steve, or contact them on 0800 TEMCON.
“Supporting PRFC since ages ago.”
Rural Support - Our Farmers!
2014 saw our Biggest Year yet for farmers donating bull calves! We are so
grateful to have such a generous rural community sponsoring Bull Calves to
the club. THANKYOU! Your Free Tickets and Sponsors Day Invitation will be
hitting your mailbox shortly!
Would you like to support the Club?
Fundraising Initiatives set for 2015:
The Rugby Cub is always looking to raise funds through creative ways. This
season we will again run a number of great raffles. To be in to win, make
sure you make all the home games.
Need a great idea for a Present?
Entertainment Book - drop in and see Jas and the team at Laser Plumbing to get
the 2015 Entertainment Book, stacked with lots of cheap deals, don’t miss out!
Our well received PRFC Supporters Hoodies and Singlet’s are back in 2015!
Be sure to get your orders in!
Become a Social Member in 2015! Membership is $25.00 and includes a gate
pass and members draw at all Senior home games. If you wish to become
a member, please contact Kimberly Crocker on 027 275 6082 or by email
putarururugbyclub@xtra.co.nz
To the Sponsors and Supporters - You’re Legends!
Players and Management would like to thank the sponsors supporting The
Putaruru Rugby Club, their support is greatly appreciated. You will notice
their names on the sponsor’s board and on the bill boards across the park.
Do support these firms who support your local club rugby. If you would like
to follow the Club’s progress throughout the season, go on and ‘like’ the
Putaruru Rugby Club Face Book page @ Putaruru Rugby Club.
We are looking forward to the 2015 season, and we are certain you will enjoy
the fantastic display of aggressive, running rugby that will be on show soon.
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[Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare]
The December Mystery Object was part of wall signage
on the Hammer Hardware building in Princes Street.
THE SOUTH WAIKATO COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB
The squash season is well underway and there is always something exciting
for the whole family to enjoy here at Putaruru Squash Club! We have our
junior coaching groups each week, our annual Business House league
starting up this month and our first major tournament of the year for
members, which is our B - J grade tournament 17th - 19th April.
The club is looking fantastic with our newly renovated changing rooms and
our bar is always stocked up with refreshing beverages for everyone. So
keep an eye out for our upcoming events and come on down for a try with
the racket or to just chill out with a couple of beers and great company!
10
The South Waikato Country Music Club is holding a concert with proceeds
going to the Westpac Helicopter. This is to be held at the Putaruru Plaza on
Sunday March 29th starting at 11:00am.
There will be singers from many clubs around the Waikato. Entry fee is a
gold coin donation, which also gives you afternoon tea. A sausage sizzle will
be available at lunchtime at $2 and also tea and coffee.
Come and join us for a day of variety and country music and maybe win one
of our raffles.
JUNIORS
Squash coaches are hard to come by around here, lucky for us we still have
two local coaches, Sandra Ogle and Rick Cook, who are keen to stay on
board and teach our young ones the basic skills of squash.
TINY TOTS (5 - 7yrs) Monday afternoons 3:30pm - 4:15pm with Sandra
starting 9th February
JUNIORS (8 - 1 2yrs) Wednesday afternoons 4:00pm - 5:00pm with Rick
starting 18th February
SENIORS (13yrs & up) Wednesday afternoons 5:00pm - 6:00pm with Rick
starting 18th February
All rackets and balls are supplied. Please phone/text Janelle for more
information on 021 333 973.
LADIES SQUASH
Calling all ladies! If you’re at home on Fridays wondering what to do,
then come on down to the club for a bit of fun, meet some great people
and even get on the court if you wish! There is ladies squash every Friday
12noon - 2:00pm. Members are free, non-members gold coin entry. If you
are interested please contact Nicola, 027 734 8010.
BUSINESS HOUSE
This is one of our most popular leagues throughout the year. Held annually,
Business House is made up of teams of four players, with at least one nonmember per team, most teams are from local businesses. If you have not
got a team but still want to play, just turn up and we will place you in a
team. It’s a great opportunity to try squash out in a social atmosphere with
the family or with your work colleagues, and a great chance to meet new
people and members of the club. After your game, enjoy a relaxing shower
in our newly renovated changing rooms, then grab something tasty from
our kitchen. Business House is every Wednesday from 5:30pm starting 25th
February and will run through until 27th May.
To register a team or for more information please contact one of our club
captains, Kim Saunders 021 100 0798 email kim.doug88@yahoo.co.nz or
Grant McKinnon 027 296 3777 email grantmckinnon@gmail.com
B - J GRADE TOURNAMENT
This is the clubs first major tournament of the year which will be held over
2 - 3 days, 17th - 19th April.
There are cash prizes up for grabs in the open divisions. This draws in
many local players as well as players from around the Waikato and Bay of
Plenty. The kitchen will be open throughout the tournament with plenty
of scrummy food on offer as well as the bar, so feel free to come on down
and watch some great squash being played. For more information please
contact our club captain Kim 021 100 0798 email kim.doug88@yahoo.co.nz
MEMBERSHIP
We welcome anyone into the squash club, as long as you follow the rules.
You can play three games with a fellow member, then you must either join
as a member, or pay $5 into the honesty box each time. 2015 fees are:
Ungraded Junior $50
Graded Junior $80
Ungraded Senior $180
Graded Senior $230
Family Ungraded $400 (2x ungraded seniors + 2 ungraded juniors)
Family Graded $500 (2x graded seniors + 2x ungraded juniors)
There are payment options available. For more information please contact
our membership coordinator Jo, 021 237 9239 jobro@yours.com
If you have any queries or would like to know more about anything happening at
the club please contact one of our club captains:
Kim Saunders 021 100 0798 kim.doug88@yahoo.co.nz
Grant McKinnon 027 296 3777 grantmckinnon@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing some new faces at the club!
Antenatal
Classes Ideal for all new
expecting Parents!
10 Fabulous Reasons to Join
PUTARURU PARENTS CENTRE
1. Free Antenatal Classes
2. Playgroup
3. Fabulous bi-monthly Newsletter
& Magazine
4. Parent Education Courses
5. 10% Discount at Unichem
Pharmacy Putaruru & more
Discounts at other local stores
6. Discounted Sheepskins &
Woollen Baby Blankets
7. Baby Capsules & Loan Items
8. Wonderful events for everyone
& opportunities to meet others
9. A Library with a huge range of
wonderful resources
10.Opportunities to learn new skills
and be part of a terrific team.
Would you like to join?
Contact Chrystal on 07 886 7945
for more information, or email
putaruru@parentscentre.org.nz
Come along and check out our
weekly Playgroup sessions…
Great Activities for the kids…
Meet other parents…
Visit our amazing library…
Fun trips and outings…
Make new friends…
Have a fun morning out…
Area especially for babies…
Very informative and useful!
O n l y 4 c ou r s e s p e r y e a r ,
so b e in quick!
Classes will be held
16 & 23 May
15 & 22 August
14 & 21November
These is now a weekend
class, 2 Saturdays
9:00am-3:00ish
Register today by phoning
Chrystal on 07 886 7945
P L A Y G R O U P Wednesday Mornings
(During school term)
9:30am – 11:30am
Bridge Clubrooms - Overdale Street
Everyone Welcome!
Free for members
$2 for non-members
Baby Capsules These are in excellent condition for a
really good price. Our capsules all
come with a base and wheels.
Phone Jan on 07 883 7229 to book.
Join our Committee… Volunteering can be so rewarding… Give it a go today… Meet
new people… Learn new skills… Get out of the house… Have heaps of fun!
Committee Meetings are held every 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 7:30pm. We would
love to have you as part of our team. Come along and help us to run such a
valuable and worthwhile organisation.
If you’re interested or want to find out more - phone Chrystal on 07 886 7945 PUKEATUA SCHOOL
SURF TO SCHOOLS. On Wednesday the 11th the school was buzzing with excitement as two lifeguards Eden and James from Whangamata and Waihi Beach unloaded their gear into the multi-­‐
purpose room. They were going to teach us how to be sunsmart this summer, how to recognize a rip and how to get out of one if you get stuck and we also played a few games. The following is a rap that most of the school learnt. SLIP – On a shirt SLOP – On some sunscreen SLAP – On a hat WRAP – On sunglasses SLURP – On water SLIDE – Into the shade STOMP – Into jandals SMEAR – On lip balm or zinc INTRODUCTION Haere Mai and welcome. We have already had a great start to the year. The kids are excited for the upcoming events such as Triathlon, Swimming Sports, Camp in Napier, a Leadership day for the year for the year 7&8 and the whole school is going to Auckland for a very special day at the Volvo around the world yacht race. Leadership Day This Wednesday the 18th the Yr 7&8s in the School are travelling to Albert Park in Te Awamutu for Leadership day. This involves playing games to for positive teamwork. The last years contributors (7&8) came back smiling from ear to ear sharing the good feedback for the day. This year the kids are looking forward to contributing. Volvo Ocean Race On the 4th of March the whole school will be going to Auckland to visit the Volvo around the world yacht race. There is now 6 boats due to arrive in Auckland because one of the boats Team Vestas Wind crashed into a reef near Madagascar. The school is now following team Alvimedica because they have two New Zealanders on board. Triathlon Every year the entire school does a triathlon, Swimming, Cycling and running. The event is held on the schools ground on the 25th of February and only our school participates. Most mornings leading up to Triathlon our Principal Mr Macca sends us to the pool at 9:00 to and run for our practice. Adventully the kids bring their bikes to school to start the practicing the whole thing together. All the kids are excited for the day. Pukeatua School Mission Statement Encouraging Learning in a Safe And Caring Way MALVINA MAJOR: WOODLANDS WORLD OF OPERA
This charity concert is being presented at 5:00pm, Sunday March 15th at Woodlands and is organised
by Huntly Rotary. This Rotary branch is a small group of very enthusiastic and dedicated people who
have seen this as an opportunity to boost our funds which we use to support local and international
needs. Presently, we are supporting a young High School student, we have donated funds to Bellyful, an
organisation that assists mothers who need help with providing meals for family for whatever reason,
such as a new baby, recuperating from illness, in fact for a myriad of reasons - donated new cooking
appliances to the Huntly Primary School to aid in the preparation of school breakfasts for their pupils
- helped to raise money for Rotary International, providing the vaccine and qualified people to immunise
children in third world countries with the aim of total eradication of Polio world wide.
Rotary is a non profit Charitable Trust that endeavours to assist with funds or people power where and
when ever needed.
Tickets for Woodlands World of Opera can purchased from www.iticket.co.nz/Hamiltonisite
PUKETURUA HISTORY BOOK
This 164 page book includes really interesting stories of local families from Puketurua from the pre 1900s, history, photos and lively
interesting tales. It’s a great read into a bygone era.
Originally published in 1986 for the School Jubilee, it had an update following the school closure in 2003.
Anyone interested in obtaining a copy please phone Sally Burnett 07 883 5860 or Carla Bernhard 07 883 3488.
Got an event
or community
function
coming up?
Email details for the
Pride in Putaruru
website diary to:
pipdiary@prideinputaruru.com
11
2015 PRIDE IN PUTARURU WATER FESTIVAL ARTS AND CRAFTS RESULTS
12
One Cupcake Decorated
1st Pre
Loren Knight
2nd Pre
Nadia Jeffares
1st Yr1-3 Vineta Liaina
Canvas - Any Medium
1st Yr4
Rebekah Coop
2nd Yr4
Dhiammara Gillespie
1st Adult Dawn McRae
2nd Adult Te Aroha Watene
Loren Knight: Cupcake
Vineta Liaina: Cupcake
Tylah Willcox: Scrapbook
Three Identical Handmade Cards
1st Yr4
Nyssa Sowerby
Scrapbook Page
1st Yr4
Rebekah Coop
1st Yr6
Tylah Willcox
1st Adult Heather Coop
Moria Lendeh: Stitched
Anna Bongers: Knitted
Stitched Item
1st Adult
Moira Lendeh
Knitted Item
1st Adult
2nd Adult
Anna Grace Bongers
Moira Lendeh
Three Identical Cupcakes
1st Yr4
Eleanor Burgoyne-Smith
2nd Yr4
Ruby Ogle
1st Yr5
Conrad Simpson
1st Yr6
Kristian Phillips
2nd Yr6
Michaela Ward
1st Yr7
Georgia Mundell
2nd Yr7
Daley Nicholls
1st Yr8
Jay Henry
2nd Yr8
Greta Simpson
1st Adult Adele Ashton
Coloured Mounted Photograph
1st Yr1-3 Thijs Clements
1st Yr4
Ruby Ogle
Dhiammara Gillespie
2nd Yr4
3rd Yr4
Sophie Dowd
1st Yr5
Conrad Simpson
1st Yr6
Tylah Willcox
2nd Yr6
Amber Mundell
3rd Yr6
Michaela Ward
1st Yr7
Kyle Corrin
2nd Yr7
Georgia Mundell
3rd Yr7
Amy Todd
Ben Bidois
1st Yr8
2nd Yr8
Patrick Burgoyne-Smith
3rd Yr8
Jame Medley
1st Yr 9-11 Courtney Duncan
1st Adult Eddie Gray
2nd Adult Eddie Gray
3rd Adult Eddie Gray
Rebekah Coop: Canvas
Eleanor Burgoyne-Smith: Cupcakes
Rebekah Coop: Canvas
Conrad Simpson: Cupcakes
2015 PRIDE IN PUTARURU WATER FESTIVAL ARTS AND CRAFTS RESULTS
Black & White Mounted Photograph
1st Yr1-3 Thijs Clements
1st Yr4
Sophie Dowd
1st Yr6
Kristian Phillips
2nd Yr6
Michaela Ward
3rd Yr6
Moses Ogle
1st Yr7
Daley Nicholls
James Medley
1st Yr8
2st Yr8
Ben Bidois
1st Yr 9-11 Courtney Duncan
1st Adult Adele Ashton
2nd Adult Te Aroha Watene
Tylah Willcox: Colour Photo
Ruby Ogle: Colour Photo
Conrad Simpson: Colour Photo
Ben Bidois: Colour Photo
Thijs Clements: Colour Photo
Sophie Dowd: B&W Photo
Adele Ashton: B&W Photo
Fruit and Vegetable Variety Display
1st Yr4
Lucy Barker
2nd Yr4
Bonnie McConnell
1st Yr5
Cisco McConnell
Vegetable and Fruit Animal/Figurine
Courtney Duncan: B&W Photo
1st Pre
Loren Knight
1st Yr3
Will McConnell
2nd Yr3
Vineta Liaina
3rd Yr3
Deacon Chauval-White
1st Yr4
Bonnie McConnell
2nd Yr4
Dhiammara Gillespie
1st Yr5
Cisco McConnell
2nd Yr5
Emma Knight
3rd Yr5
Amber Mundell
1st= Yr6
Tylah Willcox and Sophie Putt Kristian Phillips: B&W Photo
1st Yr8
Patrick Burgoyne-Smith
1st Adult Te Aroha Watene
Decorated Cake
1st Yr1-3
1st Yr5
1st Yr7
1st Adult
Jay Henry: Cupcakes
Thijs Clements: B&W Photo
13
Nellie Jeffares
Emma Knight
Kyle Corrin
Heather Coop
Vegetable: Large and Best
1st Yr4
Texas Henare
Will McConnell: Veg/Fruit Figurine
Bonnie McConnell: Veg/Fruit Figurine
Heather Coop: Decorated Cake
School Lunch-boxes
1st Yr1-3 Vineta Liaina
1st Yr4
Texas Henare
2nd Yr4
Eleanor Burgoyne-Smith
3rd Yr4
Lucy Barker
1st Yr5
Conrad Simpson
1st Yr6
Caleb Barker
1st Yr8
Greta Simpson
2nd Yr8
Jay Henry
After School Snack
1st Yr4
Bonnie McConnell
2nd Yr4
Eleanor Burgoyne-Smith
1st Yr5
Cisco McConnell
1st Yr5
Emma Knight
1st Yr6
Moses Ogle
1st Yr8
Patrick Burgoyne-Smith
2nd Yr8
Jay Henry
James Medley: B&W Photo
Vineta Liaina: Lunchbox
Hannah Putt: Decorated Cake
Kyle Corrin: Decorated Cake
Conrad Simpson: Lunchbox
Sophie Putt: Veg/Fruit Figurine
Texas Henare: Lunchbox
Tylah Willcox: Veg/Fruit Figurine
PUTARURU THEATRE PLAYERS NEXT PRODUCTION
15
Putaruru Theatre Players next production is a Youth Theatre Show. Cast
members will be aged 10 years and older. It will be directed by Rachel Harper
with Musical Director, Tina Ward.
Olivia, by Malcolm Sircom. You may think this is a typing error but no, you
will see a strong similarity to the well known show Oliver!
The beginning of 2015 sees some wonderful concerts and events at the Plaza.
Here is a synopsis of the show:
NZ Chamber Soloists
Sunday 15th March 2:30pm, Adults $30, Students Free
The South Waikato Music Society starts
its concert series for 2015 with the
return of the NZ Chamber Soloists from
the University of Waikato.
This brilliant and innovative show, set in Victorian times, traces the steps
of Olivia, from downtrodden orphan to star of the stage. On her journey to
the bright lights of London, she is
befriended by Eliza Doolittle (from
My Fair Lady) and, after a series of
adventures becomes a singer in a
new Gilbert and Sullivan show, thanks
to the unlikely assistance of Fagin and
The Artful Dodger.
The internationally acclaimed trio
of Katherine Austin (piano), James
Tennant (cello) and Amalia Hall (violin),
will present a programme including
Beethoven and Rachmaninoff.
Eliza and the flower-sellers are joined
by other major female roles, and with
orphans, ‘Poor School’ girls.
lyrical, and full of gusto.
Central Kids Glenshea Wearable Arts Extravaganza 2015
Friday March 20th at 6:00pm, $5 per person, Pre-schoolers Free
Door sales available on the night, cash only. [See the advert on Page 17.]
Phone 07 883 8503 to purchase tickets.
The boys, however, are not
overlooked, with splendid cameos
for George Bernard Shaw, Ebenezer
Scrooge, Sherlock Holmes and
Doctor Watson. This feel-good show
abounds with Malcolm Sircom's wellknown wit and humour, both in the
script and the songs which are catchy,
Movie Screening 22nd March at 2:00pm Belle
Based on a true story of love that defied convention. Dido Elizabeth Belle,
(Gugu Mbatha-Raw), is the illegitimate mixed race daughter of Royal Navy
Admiral John Lindsay, (Matthew Goode). Raised by her great uncle Lord
Mansfield, (Tom
Wilkinson), Belle’s
lineage affords her
certain privileges, yet
the colour of her skin
prevents her from
fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle Since 1
884 our school falls for an idealistic young
vicar’s
son
bent on change who, with her help,
has s
erved t
he L
ichfield shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief
Justice to end slavery in England.
“Fantastic for cast and audience. The best show I've directed; better than
Joseph,”said the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, North Yorkshire.
This Production will be on stage from 29th April to 3rd May at the Kensington
Theatre. Tickets will go on sale early April from Van Dyks. We look forward to
seeing you there for a fabulous night of entertainment.
Hei akoranga -­‐ i naianei, apopo, mo ake tonu Serving t he c ommunity s ince atu! 1884 Lichfield Learners start the 2015 year! www.lichfield.school.nz Ph 078836816 office@lichfield.school.nz Lichfield School is a small rural
school of around 80 pupils. The
School is one of the first schools
established in the South
Waikato area, we date back to
1884!
Today we can boast being a
modern, well-equipped school,
right up to play with information
technology and learning!
Lichfield School’s Vision is
Learning - today , tomorrow ,
always!
If there is one thing we know
about life, it is that every minute
of every day we are learning, no
matter if we are one day old or
90 years old. Our vision points
out that all members of our
school learning community are
lifelong learners!
Since 1884 our school has served the Lichfield community. We continue to preserve our history by cataloguing and caring for items of interest to our community. If you would like to look at our collection please visit us. If you have anything of historical interest, please consider donating it to the school. We w ill add it to our diverse collection. Karen Care i s the teacher of Room 1. Room 1 has our youngest pupils, Year 1. Indira Hodges is the teacher of Room 2. Room 2 has our Year 2 pupils. community. We continue to pYOUTH
reserve our history PUTARURU ST JOHN
GROUP
by cataloguing and caring for items of Putaruru St John Youth
have temporarily relocated to the St Aidan’s
interest to our Presbyterian Church Hall
on Overdale
community. If you Street.
would Activity times are Wednesday
from 6:15pm to 8:00pm,
for
all
of
the
first
term.
like to look at our collection please visit us. If you are in years 1 toIf 13
at school, you are warmly invited to visit your local
you have anything of St John Group and take
part.
Stinterest John is pfor
boys and girls between 5.5 years
historical lease and 18.5 years. Parents
are most
welcome
consider donating it to also.
the school. We will add it We have 4 categories:to our diverse collection. Penguins: school years
1-3
Green: school years 3 - 6
REGULAR EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY Bible-­‐in-­‐schools -­‐Tuesdays @ 12.25pm Kapahaka -­‐ Wednesdays @ 11:45am House Time -­‐ Fridays @ 11:45am Assembly -­‐ Fridays @ 2:00pm Term 1 Term 2 2015 Term dates 2 February to 2 April (Waitangi Day 6 February, Good Friday 3 April) 20 April to 3 July (ANZAC Day 27 April, Queens Birthday 1 June, Putaruru Schools Teacher only Day 12 June) Blue: school years 8 - 10
2014 Term dates Gold: school years 11 - 13
Monday, 3 February 2014 Term 1fun
starts St John offer young people
and friendship, while they develop leadership
17 April 2self
014 confidence, self esteem, self
and life skills, togetherThursday, with increased
Term 1 ends reliance, self respect. Monday, 5 May 2014 Term 3 20 July to 25 September Term 4 12 O ctober to 16 December (Labour Day 26 O ctober) Coming up …. Tina Biddick is the teacher of Room 4. Room 4 has o ur Year 5 & 6 pupils. Putaruru Schools TRYathlon (Wed. 25 February), Putaruru Schools Swimming Competition (Thurs. 5 March), Lichfield School Swimming Sports (Wed. 11 March). A great suggestion for Mother’s Day. The long-running and much-loved
tribute show Queen - It’s A Kinda Magic will tour throughout New Zealand
with it’s updated production and
brand new international cast.
Recreating Queen’s 1986 World
Tour concert, Queen - It’s a
Kinda Magic features all of the
band’s greatest hits performed
live, including We Will Rock You,
Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are the
Champions and Fat-Bottomed
Girls. Painstaking attention has been paid to all the music - the iconic voice
of Mercury, the amazing guitar solos of May and the ground breaking
Rock harmonies. And with state-of-the-art sound, lighting and authentic
costumes, this is as close as you’ll ever get to the real thing. In fact the
show is good enough to have attracted the attention, endorsement and
eventual involvement of Peter Freestone, Freddie Mercury’s personal
assistant and best friend for 12 years.
Tickets available from The Plaza, iSITE’s Putaruru and Tokoroa and The Story
Teller Matamata. $39 per person.
SOME PLAZA DATES FOR YOUR DAIRY
Sunday 15th March:
The South Waikato Music Society at 2:30pm
Friday 20th March:
Central Kids Glenshea Wearable Arts Extravaganza at 6:00pm
Sunday 22nd March:
Movie Screening BELLE at 2:00pm
Sunday 29th March:
Free County Music concert at the Plaza [See the article on Page 10.]
Saturday 25th April:
100 Years ANZAC Civic Service at 9:00am
Above: Joanne White helps younger members with emergency phone call
procedures. Below: Craig White demonstrates the correct way to turn.
Term 2 starts Our training programmes
are available for any adult who wishes to join our team.
A Blast from the Past … 2014 Year 6!
Henri Ong i s the teacher of Room 3. Room 3 has our Year 3 & 4 pupils. QUEEN - IT’S A KINDA MAGIC CONCERT:
May 10th $39 Per Person
Friday, 4 July 2014 Term 2 ends For further information
please
call 07 883 7132 Craig and Joanne White.
Monday, 21 July 2014 3 starts PUTARURU DIARYTerm DATES
FOR 2015
Friday, 26 September 2014 Term 3 ends th
•Business Awards:
Saturday
Monday, 13 October 17
2014 October
Term 4 starts Tuesday, 16 December 2014 •Christmas Parade:
Friday
4th December
•Quackers in May: Saturday 23rd of May
COPY DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT PRATTLER
FRIDAY MARCH 27th for APRIL
PUTARURU LIONS
Putaruru Lions members have been enjoying the lovely sunny weather,
some out fishing, visiting friends and family and a few members working
through the Christmas period.
We have now started organising for a busy 2015. On Friday 13th February
Lions members were collecting for the “Heart Foundation” outside of
Countdown and also walking the Business area with collection buckets.
All members throughout the Waikato and BOP areas have been asked
again to help with “Balloons over Waikato,” that is taking place on
Wednesday 26th to Friday 29th of March. This is a big event and the
Putaruru Lions are helping with raffles, security, and assisting balloonists
at Innis Common, Hamilton.
Last year $32,000 was raised for The Waikato BOP Cancer Societies Lions
Lodge. This year funds will be split evenly between The Ronald Mc Donald
Family Retreat and Waikato BOP Cancer Society.
Saturday night with the “Night Glow” at the Waikato University will need
approximately 200 Lions Members to help. This event is Lions biggest role.
Hot weather has seen us put a roster in place to water and weed the flower
pots in Main Street. Filling large bottles and containers and complete with
garden tools, we are well underway. It is always pleasing to get a smile,
wave or toot from passing residents.
Traveling over the last few weeks, and passing a bad road accident, I was
reminded how much we owe our Fire Department and Ambulance Services.
Volunteers give up so much at a moments notice to serve our community. A
Big Thank You.
Lions are a very sociable group, on Monday 26th January we enjoyed
joining Tirau Lions Club for a Dinner Meeting. We had a wonderful night of
fellowship and an excellent meal. Thanks to Tirau Lions for your hospitality.
If you are interested in joining our Club, getting involved with other Lions,
having fun working to help our community, call Elaine Mitchell 07 883 7134.
The Putaruru Lions wishing everyone a Happy and Safe New Year.
PUTARURU SCHOOL OF MUSIC ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN
16
All schools in the Putaruru District
have enrolment forms for the 2015
school year. The Putaruru School of
Music is continuing to offer low cost
tuition in the following instruments,
Brass, Electronic Keyboard, Guitar,
Flute and Recorder. Classes are
held on Monday afternoons at
Putaruru College and the fee for
most instruments is $70 per year. The
School of Music has some instruments
available for students to learn on,
particularly brass. Any inquiries phone Leah Butler-Haumaha pictured with
Richard Heslop and Adrienne Bell.
Patricia Niland 07 883 1181.
RECENT CHANGES AROUND TOWN
Are you a new business
in Putaruru?
Has some feature of
your business changed?
Are you offering new services?
Email details to The Prattler
for this free notification service:
theprattler@prideinputaruru.com
17
March
Sunday 15th Putaruru Street Markets on Princes Street 9:00am - 12 noon.
Thursday 26th Monthly Club Quiz Night. Register teams by 7:15pm. 4 per team. $10 per team.
Friday 27th Last day to place an order at the club for Anzac T Shirts.
April
Monday 7th Anzac T Shirts will be available to purchase. $20 per T Shirt.
Sunday 19th Putaruru Street Markets on Princes Street 9:00am - 12 noon.
Saturday 25th Anzac service Breakfast - $5 per person. After the Civil Service at the Plaza there will be morning tea available - gold coin donation.
th
Thursday 30 Monthly Club Quiz Night. Register teams by 7:15pm. 4 per team. $10 per team.
PUTARURU HOTEL UPDATE
It has been a slow road with the Putaruru Hotel. The building is certainly showing her age in
some areas, but slowly and surely things are being tidied up. It is a long term project, not an
overnight quick fix.
On the 30th November last year the School of Music held its annual prize
giving and recital.
Major Prize Winners were:
Recorder Beginner/Most Improved: Heidi Baldwin
Recorder Best in Class: Charlotte Poole
Keyboard Beginner/Most Improved: Ruby Robertson
Keyboard Best in Class (Keown Trophy): Leah Butler-Haumaha
Brass Best Effort (Toos Habraken Memorial Trophy): Pierce Winter
Brass Best in Class: Pierce Winter
Guitar Beginner/Most Improved: Shaya Shine Medina
Guitar Best in Class: Shaya Shine Medina
Flute Beginner/Most Improved: Jessica Hale
Flute Best in Class: Imogen Poole
Lions Trophy (Most outstanding student): Charlotte Poole (Recorder)
Haumaha Family Trophy (X factor student): Charles Winter (Recorder)
Larsen Trophy (Best Senior Student): Leah Butler-Haumaha (Keyboard)
David Bell Scholarship: Cameron Bartley (Guitar)
Gairdner Cup (Best 1st year student): Jessica Hale (Flute)
Heslop Family Trophy (Best overall music student):
Leah Butler-Haumaha (Keyboard)
PUTARURU DISTRICT SERVICES MEMORIAL CLUB
The large compost dump at the back of the building has been removed and the site now is flat
and levelled. The new signage is on the outside of the building and looks great! The Public Bar
is fully operational and getting good patronage. The backpacker accommodation is being well
utilised as well, and the Hotel rooms are still being upgraded. We will shortly have Wi-Fi in the
Hotel rooms as well as TV’s. This will certainly add to the appeal.
ROADING UPGRADE
There has been continual action on the upgrade to
Tirau Road at the Northern end of the Putaruru 50kph
zone leading up to the bridge.
Above: The difference in road levels is clear here.
Below: Long queues often stretch back into town.
Nearby residents certainly know there are substantial
earthworks in place that sometimes continue to the
midnight hour.
Our restaurant, the Te Waihou Bistro is certainly being well received with visitors coming from
all over the Waikato to
enjoy the unique cuisine
that Chef Logan Murray is
presenting. Logan spent
four weeks over summer
down in Arrowtown
at the renown Saffron
Restaurant, and has come
back to Putaruru full of
new ideas and flavour
combinations. Customers
are certainly writing
positive reviews about
the style of food and the
overall restaurant experience, and saying it was not they would expect in Putaruru.
Our function rooms will be available for hire from the 1st of March, so we look forward to getting
that component of the business functional.
The Putaruru Hotel will be slowly but surely upgraded and refreshed over the next two to three
years, and become a star attraction and destination for Putaruru.
PUTARURU ROTARY CLUB
Our meetings are held fortnightly and we have enjoyed supporting and trying out
our local eateries as venues for these.
We continue to seek donations of used vehicle/machine batteries. Contact Martin on 07 883 5630
to arrange for battery collection. This is a valuable fund-raiser for the club with all money raised by
recycling batteries going back into the community through Putaruru Rotary Club projects.
We always welcome interested people who are keen to get involved in helping our community.
Are you interested in joining us in helping your community? Our meetings are fortnightly. Ring
Boele 021 506 286 for further information on meeting times.
BRIDGE BABE TUTORS AT PUTARURU AND TOKOROA BRIDGE CLUBS bridge. Don’t be like me and think it’s a game for old folks and
If you had said to me a few years ago I would be hooked by a game of cards,
I would have laughed in your face. Bridge? Visions of Hyacinth Bouquet and
a pink rinse brigade appeared before my eyes. But my friend was keen to
go, and two of my closest friends near my age urged me to try, and every
time my window cleaner arrived, he extolled the virtues of the game. So
I thought I would go along to the lessons at the local Bridge Club with a
vague notion that I might acquire a social skill.
As I signed on for my ten weeks I was somewhat bemused. For goodness
sake - how long can it take to learn a card game? My dad had taught me
cribbage as a child in one afternoon, and I was fully proficient by the
following evening. As the weeks progressed, my eyes were opened. This
was a step up from Snap! This was a step up from 500. This was a different
world where I had to force myself to concentrate for every minute of every
lesson to grasp even the very basics of the game. First there would be
theory, then practical, with hands of cards made up so that we could apply
the theory we had just learned. This transition from theory to practical was
often impossible, and even with the cards fixed and loaded so that I could
achieve my contract, I would still have routinely failed had not my teacher
been observing and giving me his regular comment of, “I wouldn’t play that
one if I were you Jane...” And so it went on.
18
Hyacinth Bouquet wannabes. Yes, there are members double my
age - and they are better bridge players than me, sharper than me, with a
better mental arithmetic capability than me, and they regularly wipe the
floor with me. If your ego can withstand being pummelled to a pulp by an
octogenarian, you will find they are also encouraging, friendly, and you
will learn a lot from them. You certainly do not have to be old to enjoy this
game. If you once played cards as a child and enjoyed it, and the last time
I could remember playing was in my teens, then you would probably enjoy
Bridge. Do give it a try. The lessons are free and entertaining - so you really
have nothing to lose, and you might, like me, end up hooked.
Lessons begin on Tuesday 21 April at 7:00pm at the Putaruru Bridge Club
Rooms at 3 Overdale Street, opposite the Library and on Wednesdays
at 10:00am in Tokoroa. Enquiries to Jane Stearns 07 827 6061 or email
janelawrence50@hotmail.com or the Putaruru Club President, Eileen
Barker, 078831839 or 0274163165. More details on lessons can be found
on the clubs joint website at www.south-waikato.bridge-club.org/
st
TE WHAREKURA O TE KAOKAOROA O PATETERE
.... Whangai te iti kahurangi ....
H E A D L I N E S
:
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 1 5
Upcoming Events
Bring on 2015
A BIG thank you to the Board of Trustees who
have donated bucket hats to all year 5 to year
13 students as part of keeping ourselves safe
from the heat of the sun when we are outside
playing.
Swimming Mondays & Wednesdays.
Our junior students received their bucket hats
last year so we should all feel protected when
outside having fun.
26th Feb
School Swimming sports
4th Mar
Secondary schools Ki o Rahi
On top of this, each class has been through the
wharenui to collect their Back to school stationery
packs which are fully subsodized each year by the
Board of Trustees.
Nga mihi nui ki te Poari o Te Wharekura.
2015 Student Leaders
Thank-you to everybody who attended a wonderful prizegiving at the end of last year. It was standing
room only as we celebrated our many achievements at kura. The leadership team for 2015 follows;
Heads of Kura: Bradey Toetoe & Angel Whare
Academic Prefects: Cartryte Hemana & Ramarihi Ngere
Cultural Prefects: Javahn Amopiu & Gabriel Anderson
Sports Prefects: Bradey Toetoe & Angel Whare
School Council: Tamatea Ngapo-Lipscombe, Kjahn
Senior, Terea Kaitai, Ashanti Tahitahi, Maia Armstrong,
Te Kawa Paora, Pania Morrison, Kauri Tepana, Manaia
Morrison, Te Pua A Wai Jefferies-Dalgleish, Ahumai Kingi,
Cahrydge Hemana, Sharni Kelly.
Sanket Patel and his whanau at K Beez on Princes
Street in Putaruru have very generously surprised us
this year with a huge koha. They have thoughtfully
decided to give us a different food item each term.
This term it is bread each day to help out with
breakfast!
So we’d like to say a huge thank you to all the whanau at K Beez, this will really help out in the wharekai.
To my delight, at the end of the Bridge year, my efforts were rewarded when
I won the Best New Player of the Year award. A small trophy of which I am
immensely proud stands on my dresser. Truth be told, some of my classmates
were much better than me, but I am guessing the committee must also award
points for the ‘attempting to triumph through adversity when so obviously
handicapped’ category, as well as skill, and it is so nice to be recognised
for ‘trying.’ I decided to brave it into the serious night of bridge for a three
week session to play with the ‘big guns.’ Needless to say, we sank without
trace on our first week, finishing bottom, and then some. A whole new
game emerged, and frankly we would have had more luck trying to bid for
the clock on the wall of the club rooms than our failed attempts to bid for a
contract that night with cards. Everyone appeared to know who held which
cards, except for me. The only time I was confident of what my partner had
in his hand that night was when he nipped to the loo. But we went back, and
managed to come third the next week, and the joy of this result was probably
out of all proportion to the actual achievement - but boy it felt good.
It is my pleasure to be taking the lessons at the Putaruru and Tokoroa
Bridge Clubs in 2015. What I lack in skill I make up for with enthusiasm and
I promise to inspire my students into learning the best game of cards ever,
School Leaders Dinner
20th Feb
Y1-4 Waikato Rivers trails
Immunisations
5th Mar
Interschool swimming sports
6th Mar
Y1-4 Mitai Trip
Y5-6 School of Zen
9th Mar
Poukai ki Parawera (Y1-4)
11th Mar
Waikato Ki o Rahi
Meet the teachers
Top: Head of school & Prefects
Above: Head of school with year 9 school council
members.
Bottom left: Year 7 & 8 School council members
Bottom right: Year 11 School council members
16th Mar
Assessment week
25th Mar
Y1-4 Waiouru Trip
27th Mar
Y1-4 Orakau trip
31st Mar
Manu Korero a Kura
1st Apr
Y1-4 Rewards Trip
2nd Apr
Last day of term 1
3rd Apr
Good Friday
Contact Information
House Leaders:
TAUTOKO: Javahn Amopiu & Angel Whare
MANAAKI: Cartryte Hemana & Gabriel Anderson
MAHITAHI: Nikera Cherrington & Parekura Baker
PONO: Bradey Toetoe & Ramarihi Ngere
PUTARURU CCTV CAMERAS
The Putaruru CCTV cameras have been in place for a number of years now
and have been a useful investigative and preventative tool for the Police.
Most people are aware of the cameras and their locations and this has gone some
way to ensuring that the safety of people in public places is enhanced and the
chances of being caught committing crimes is significantly higher in these locations.
COPY DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT PRATTLER
FRIDAY MARCH 27th for APRIL
18th Feb
Y9-13 Te Waihou
Good news at the wharekai
A good time is always on the cards.
At the end of our lessons, we were welcomed into the Bridge Club and to
the social bridge sessions. We were told we would complete each hand of
bridge in seven minutes. My previous record prior to first night at Bridge
Club - half an hour. It’s a long time since I have been so nervous of anything,
but sitting down on that first club night, I found to my horror that my hands
were shaking as I picked up my first set of cards. To my relief I found I had a
weak hand so would not have to say anything for the first game, and I drew
a very wobbly, shaky little line to show I was passing. And so my bridge life
began. I was assigned a ‘buddy’ to look after me. A good friend who had
urged me to come, stepped forward bravely. A true test of our friendship
then followed, as I regularly bid incorrectly, played the wrong cards, dumped
her in impossible contracts to try and make the best of, and made the same
mistake at least six times before it sunk in what I was doing wrong. But my
‘buddy’ and the majority of members were very kind, understanding and
encouraging. Enough so that I would keep going back, and try again.
19
Still images from a CCTV camera in Putaruru.
The incidents of public place violence has decreased since the cameras
were in place, the reassurance and public safety factor is very important and
assists in reducing crime, therefore reducing the amount of re-victimisation.
A number of crimes have been solved over the years, we have had assaults
caught on camera, we have reviewed footage to see people loitering in
town prior to and after burglaries, that have resulted in arrests.
We have been able to use the cameras to direct staff to wanted persons
and vehicles that are present in town or are passing through.
Another benefit of the cameras that is worth further investment is that we
have all of the main thoroughfares covered allowing us to review footage to
assist other towns in crime investigations. Serious crimes have been committed
elsewhere and we have managed to track vehicles travelling through Putaruru.
The cameras are a valuable asset and something that needs continued maintenance
and investment to ensure an added ability to prevent and to investigate crime.
Currently Pride in Putaruru is seeking information about upgrades to the Putaruru
CCTV system.
Te Wharekura O Te Kaokaoroa O Patetere
A Charles Crescent, Putaruru
P 117 Buckland St, Putaruru, 3411
PH (07) 883 3780
FX (07) 883 3784
E-M office@kaokaoroa.school.nz
!!!!!
!!!!!!!!
!
!
Welcoming new families
T he n ew T erm h as sta rte d very we ll at St
Mary’ s with a large n u mb er o f p rog ra mme s
alread y un d erw ay.
Cricke t Wo rld Cu p
F ever is gripp in g t he
Sc ho ol. Ou r fu tu re
Blac k Ca ps in a ction !
Our AGM will be on: 30th March at the Toy Library. This is an enjoyable
committee to be part of and new members are needed as we enter our 23rd year.
Sw im ming is in fu ll sw ing with Swimm in g
F it ne ss bef ore sch o ol fo r the co mp eten t
swim mers; lea rn to swim at lu nc ht im e fo r t he
Ju n io rs an d th e n orma l sw immin g lesso ns
d uring th e sch oo l day f o r th e d iffe ren t
classro om s. St ud en ts are ma king th e mo st o f
th e fin e we ath er a nd th e p oo l a s th ey p rep are
fo r the Swimm in g Spo rts later in t he m on th .
F rid ay Sp orts T ime – A W inn er
T he c la sses h ave resu med th eir u su al
sp orts h ou r on Frida y afte rn o on . A
n ew g ame in ven ted by o ne of t he
stu de nt s c alle d sh ap es an d in volving
wo rkin g in te ams to fo rm d if feren t
sh ape s, h as b een p op ular.
!!!
!
Need tyres?
Call us now.
Whatever it is you need,
you’ll receive our best price,
service and care.
Tyres
Puncture repair
Wheel alignment
Wheel balancing
!
!
St ud ent s e njoying a ct ivi tie s in t he p ool
in pr ep ar ati on for t he Sw imm ing
Sp or ts .
WAOTU PUKETURUA GARDEN CIRCLE
Waotu Puketurua Garden Circle began the year with visits to 3 local gardens.
Our March outing will be to 2 large country gardens in the Matangi district.
Putaruru Tyres
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PUTARURU COLLEGE FILM FRAME SEQUENCE
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The correct sequence of the frames from the December question is revealed below.
The Putaruru Woodcrafters Club held another successful Wood turning
Collaboration in January at Putaruru College. The public were invited to the Check out this film and others at prideinputruru.com
open day on January 10th and a steady stream of people visited.
rr
1
Dr
103 Tirau St, Putaruru. Ph: 883 7496.
St
Ha
In Religious Education, students are thinking about how
they can help others in preparation for Lent. Students from
Room 4 are pictured above, with the food items they have
contributed to the Food Bank basket this week.
PUTARURU WOODTURNING COLLABORATION
Come along to the Toy Library, (opposite the Bunnings’ entrance.) Open
Tuesdays: 9:00am - 11:00am and Fridays: 12:00noon - 2:00pm. We have an
amazing array of toys and games.
You can borrow toys for a 2 week period.
Great for your children’s education and entertainment. New members
always welcome.
I n th e first we ek o f th e T erm , th e S cho o l h eld
a sp ecial Mass in th e Ch urch to pray fo r a
h app y term. At t his Mas s o u r sc ho o l lea ders
! a nd Fa th er J on es
receive d th eir b ad ges
p res ent ed t he n ew f amilies with a can dle.
Ou r Sch o ol L ead ers f or 20 15
20
St
ret
rga
Ma
!
!
!
!
!!!
Great Start to the School Year at St Mary’s
TOY LIBRARY 2015: PLAY IS THE WAY
Tir
au
!
!
!
!
!
!
!!!!!
!
20
Tirau
St
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
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!
!
1
St
Neal
WORKSHOP: BEING THE BOSS OF WORD PROCESSING PROGRAMMES
7585_BDS BTC Puaruru Business flyer_v3b.indd 1
19/09/12 11:34 AM
A short series of free interactive workshops is available that focus on how
to best layout your text and graphics for a publication such as The Prattler.
Come along and learn, enjoy fellowship, be amazed by the expertise of
others. Enquiries to Judith: 07 8835 630.
DISNEY FILM CREW COMING
The whole Putaruru College Hall was alive with action.
A very successful public auction was held on the last afternoon.
The Club wishes to thank the South Waikato District Council for their continued
support of this event.
The Putaruru Woodcrafters Club meet on the first Monday of each month
at 7:30pm in the club rooms at the Timber Museum.
Got an event
or community function
coming up?
Email details to the
Pride in Putaruru website diary to:
pipdiary@prideinputaruru.com
There is a Disney Film Crew coming to Putaruru to film scenes for a remake
of the movie, Pete’s Dragon. The advance crew has already been out and
about exploring the area.
Filming will involve lots of trucks and extra people in and around the town.
This will be good for Putaruru businesses.
The main actors are not staying locally but many of the crew are.
Pete’s Dragon will blend live action and CGI to tell the story of the special
bond between an orphaned boy, Pete, and his best friend, Elliott, who just
happens to be a dragon.
No prior skills are required and these relaxed workshops will encourage
success through creative problem solving using any laptop or desk-based
computer. Enrolling with a friend is an ideal way to join these workshops.
Learn how you can take control of text and graphics
rather than your word-processing program making
these personal decisions for you!
These free interactive sessions are run by Mike
who has conducted adult workshops in a variety
of communication literacy methods at schools,
conferences and seminars in New Zealand.
If you have a background in typing, learn why a
computer is not a typewriter! Tame your word
processing program to do what you want with it,
not the other way round.
Mike, digitally painted
by a 5 year old.
For details and times, (arranged to suit), leave a message with your contact
number on 027 4 803088 or email theprattler@prideinputaruru.com
@ JUNCTION ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation with the best Trip Adviser reviews in the South Waikato!
Some guest comments:
•a great place for families
•we used your ensuite ideas for our new home
•a refuge in our time of stress
•appreciated your DVD, music and book selection
9 Junction Street, Putaruru
07 883 3377
accommodationputaruru.com
HAVE YOUR SAY... ON COUNCIL’S LONG TERM PLAN
22
The LTP will be available for consultation from 18th March to 20th
23
April. Any person or organisation can make a submission telling
Council what they would like to see for the district for the next 10 years.
The range of Council activities, services, projects and assets is wide and
varied. We regulate dogs, manage landfills, maintain roads, provide
libraries, support economic development, hold events, and much more.
In order to do all of this as efficiently and effectively as possible we have to plan.
One of our main plans is the Long Term Plan (LTP) which looks out 10 years at
what projects we are doing, the costs and how we’re going to pay for them.
Wow what a fantastic start we’ve had to our new school year – we are all so happy to be back at school after the long hot summer holidays. We have started our swimming lessons and every child is really enjoying a cool d ip in the middle of the day. In celebration of such good behaviour over the first week all our students participated in Green Day where for one hour they are able to choose from the wide variety of activities offered to them in our school. Art&& Ddrawing
Art rawing Sand play
Council reviews its LTP every three years. The 2015 - 25 LTP is a long
document and contains detailed budgets for the next 10 years. To make
it easier for our community we are also producing a shorter consultation
document that includes our strategic direction, key projects and changes
and asks questions we want your feedback on.
Outdoor play and gardening.
Computer play
Swimming, water play and riding bikes.
PUTARURU ROTARY EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
Two young men from Putaruru have been awarded major
scholarships for 2015 by the Putaruru Rotary Education Trust. They are
Connor Gullett and John Motion, both of whom have demonstrated
enthusiasm and a drive to succeed in their particular areas.
John has already begun a two year long course in 3D animation at the South
Pacific TV and Film School in Auckland. He is one of only 17 people to be accepted
on the course. He is keen and excited about his course and absolutely committed
to a career in the media. He has already enjoyed considerable success in this area
as a key member of the Putaruru College team which won the secondary schools’
Fair Go Ad Awards in 2012 and a number of other awards at national level since
then. John grew up in Putaruru and completed all his schooling here.
Connor is training to be a paramedic and is about to begin the third year of a
Health Sciences degree at AUT in Auckland. He grew up in Putaruru, completed
his primary schooling here and attended John Paul College in Rotorua. He
currently has a holiday job at Rangiura Home. He has greatly enjoyed the
practical aspects of his training such as working on ambulance crews. Connor
has a proven record of success and real commitment to health care.
In addition, four other students also received smaller amount of money
to assist them in their studies. They were Shannon McGregor, Alana
McConnell, Katelyn Schick and Alex Zhi Zhang. Shannon, Alana and
Katelyn are embarking on teacher training at early childhood, primary and
secondary levels and Alex is going to Otago University to study commerce.
The trustees were greatly encouraged to see that all these young people,
who have grown up in Putaruru, were so confident, positive and keen to
do well in their study and careers.
The Putaruru Rotary Education Trust was set up by the Putaruru Rotary Club
in 1992 to provide assistance to young people from the Putaruru district in
undertaking tertiary education. Assistance is given not only to top academic
students but also to those who have demonstrated a determination to succeed
and who might have a particular need of assistance. Over the years many
thousands of dollars have been allocated to a wide range of young people
who have gone on to achieve notable success. Each year one or two main
scholarships are awarded and smaller amounts are given to other applicants.
You can contact our Strategic Policy Planner on 0800 DRAFTS (0800 372 387),
get in touch with your local Councillor or phone Council on 07 885 0340.
Council needs to make sure that we are financially responsible and that
we future-proof our assets and services. We have to balance affordability
with the need to grow and enhance our district, facilities and services. We
consider demographics, the economy, legislative requirements, amongst
many other factors. It is also our job to look at the strategic issues facing the
district. These include but are not limited to:
• Declining population, aging population and fewer jobs - how do we stimulate economic development, continue to afford services with a declining ratepayer base and cater for an aging community?
• Council focus - there are several activities and services that we are legislated to do, such as animal control, environmental health, waste management and others but there are also a large number of activities and services that we are expected to do, services that provide leisure,
social and cultural richness to our community. What should we do? What shouldn’t we do?
• Land use and water quality - both regionally and nationally there are concerns over the availability of water. In some areas of the district, water is ‘fully allocated,’ making it increasingly difficult for new forestry to dairy farm conversions to happen and for businesses that use a lot of water to establish in our district; and ever-increasing costs and issues
with water quality compounds this. Should we play a more proactive role in the field of water allocation and quality?
Copies of the full plan and consultation document will be available at the Council
offices, all libraries, the SW Indoor Pool and the Sport and Events Centre. They
will also be available on our website: www.southwaikato.govt.nz - click on the
Our Council tab - then the Consultation tab. Submission forms will be enclosed
in both documents and there will be an online submission form on our website.
We will also be holding public meetings across the district - details are
below. All public meetings will start at 7:00pm.
Date Monday 23rd March
th
Wednesday 25 March Thursday 26th March Monday 30th March
st
Tuesday 31 March
Town
Tokoroa
Tīrau
Putaruru
Arapuni Atiamuri
Venue
SW Sport & Events Centre
Tīrau Hall
The Plaza
Arapuni Hall
Upper Atiamuri Hall
Kerry Fabrie: Communications Manager, Executive Group,
South Waikato
District Council, Torphin Crescent, Tokoroa 3420 Telephone: 07 885 0720
Fax: 07 885 0718 Mobile: 027 447 2664
www.southwaikato.govt.nz
Our VISION: Healthy people thriving in a safe, vibrant and sustainable community.
YOGA AND RELAXATION CLASSES
For beginners and beyond: Wednesdays, 11:00am to 12:30pm and
Thursdays, 6:00pm to 7:30pm above The Crazy Cow.
Contact Michelle on 07 883 2807.
KIAIDO RYU MARTIAL ARTS
All ages welcome at the Hodderville Gym, Mondays 6:00pm to 7:30pm
-­‐
Contact D’Arcy or Michelle on 07 883 2807.
2014 NCEA High Achievers Congratulations to the students above. From left: Shannon McGregor, Conon Brolly, Brittany King and Katelyn Schick who all achieved NCEA Level 3 Endorsed with Merit, Melanie Crosbie who achieved NCEA Level 2 Endorsed with Merit and Liz Stegen who achieved NCEA Level 1 Endorsed with Merit. Nelson Block Upgrade Work began on the renovation of the Nelson Block early in January. The top level is being removed and the bottom level will be totally refurbished. It is expected to be complete at the end of Term 2, and we are all very excited to see the progress COPY DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT PRATTLER
FRIDAY MARCH 27th for APRIL
24
BUSINESS AFTER 5
THINKING FORWARD FOR PUTARURU
In February, a meeting between Visitor Solutions, Council Representatives
and Pride in Putaruru members was held at the Plaza. Earlier in the day a
team of two from Visitor Solutions walked around the business areas of
Putaruru gathering impressions about what they saw and heard.
The purpose of the meeting was to move forward from the submission
Pride in Putaruru made to the South Waikato District Council for special
funding earlier in the year and the subsequent response from the council
to engage in moving forward dialogue. This initial meeting allowed Visitor
Solutions to ask questions and make comments, rather than produce a
completed plan.
It was thought that targeting those who are not stopping in Putaruru should
be a first priority. To achieve this means putting a value proposition in front
of drivers that makes them want to stop. Once this is happening, we can
then focus on how we get even more people stopping.
The present water feature area by the roundabout is still an ideal location
for an engaging feature and Visitor Solutions felt that having a icon like
many other towns would be like using a model from the past - there are
many such examples in New Zealand. They suggested that a feature for
the future should be engaging and interactive. It needs to be like a paid
employee working for Putaruru.
The Pride in Putaruru, SWDC submission in 2014 was based on developing a
concept plan and an engaging, interactive feature. At the February meeting,
Visitor Solutions strongly reinforced the idea of developing a Putaruru plan
and exploring an interactive feature as key initial steps.
Visitor Solutions suggested that this three way dialogue continues in a planned
strategic way. We want to be the best service town in the South Waikato.
Putaruru should be open to change, but we need a clearly established fixed
starting position. The first stepping stone is the planning - we all agree with that.
PUTARURU LADIES BREAKFAST
A message last week started, “thanks so much for organising the Putaruru
Ladies Breakfast and for asking me to join.” Nearly three years ago as
part of Pride in Putaruru, we began to meet bi-monthly on a Tuesday for
breakfast at local cafés.
At the last meeting held at the Pride in Putaruru
Office in early February, the guest speaker, Renee
Hedley, spoke about the experiences she had
before taking ownership of Moos, Baas & Oinks.
Renee is busy expanding her market and product
range with recent National sausage awards providing
a great incentive to achieve even more. Having her
dad as an apprentice was also a unique and great
experience Renee explained.
Phone Lee on 07 883 7272 to find out more about Business After 5.
PUTARURU iSITE
Kia ora from the Putaruru iSITE. Welcome to 2015 and to those of you who
are new to the district.
The Putaruru iSITE is located at 6 Main Street Putaruru, across from Van Dyks.
If you are unsure of what we do at the iSITE, here is a list of the services we
happily provide:
• Local information
• Bus, train and ferry bookings
• Internet access
• South Waikato News advertisements
• South Waikato News Paper (every Wednesday from 8:30am)
• Attractions throughout New Zealand
• Walks, tramping and cycleway information
• Hunting and fishing licences, including the Lake Taupo district
• Free maps and travel guides
• Postcards, magnets and Waikato River Trail merchandise
• Passport application and renewal forms
• Post Haste courier tickets
• Camping permits
The Easter Holidays will soon be here so get in early if you are wanting to
travel by bus or ferry, to secure your booking.
We have heard a variety of speakers, (usually local), taken part in a few
interactive sessions, had some great breakfasts, enjoyed meeting new
people and hearing about new businesses, and of course there's lots of
absolutely essential general ‘chat.’
A gold coin donation has resulted in money being given to St Johns and Paws.
Numbers vary between 12 and 25, some stay on for a second coffee but
generally we arrive at 7:00am and are on our way by 8:00am.
There is a great list of speakers lined up for this year but we also take the
opportunity to feature anyone who might be in the area. We have some
wonderful woman in our local community doing interesting things that we
often do not hear about.
So back to the message at the beginning. We all appreciate knowing that
others value what we do, so “thank you.” If you would like to join us please
contact Raewyn on 027 281 0342.
Our next meeting will be in April at the Wooden Farmer.
PRIDE IN PUTARURU
“encouraging pride in our community”
Manager: Lee Robertson
PO BOX 155 PUTARURU 3443
Phone: 07 883 7272
Fax: 07 883 7272
Email: info@prideinputaruru.com
Web: prideinputaruru.com
Prattler: theprattler@prideinputaruru.com
Views expressed in The Prattler are not necessarily those of Pride in Putaruru.
PRIDE IN PUTARURU ASSOCIATION
Stu Edmeades: Chairman (Rural Representative)
Doug McGregor: Deputy Chairman (McGregor Construction Ltd)
Richard Heslop: Treasurer (Heslop Pharmacy)
Sheryl Van Dyk: (Van Dyks Furnishing & Over the Moon Cheese)
Wayne Bullott: (Putaruru Electrical)
Andrea Shaw-Thorpe: (Body Ease)
Levana Webb: (Unichem Pharmacy)
Raewyn Whiteman-Thorne: (@Junction Accommodation)
Anne Edmeades: (Edmeades Jewellers) (SWDC Representative)