Rates set
Waipā District Council’s Enhanced Annual Plan and Development Contributions policy was adopted this week. It authorises the council to levy ratepayers $99 million and borrowings of $105 million in the financial year starting on Monday. Rate notices will go out on August 1.
Double digit rate rises
The King Country’s two district councils struck their rates on Tuesday, and both settled on 10 per cent-plus increases. For Ōtorohanga the rates rise across the district for 2024-25 is 10.37 per cent.
That involves a split between communities of 8.04 per cent rural, 14.02 per cent Ōtorohanga, and 15 per cent Kāwhia/Aotea based on a ‘steady as she goes’ long term plan consultation process over recent months. Waitomo rate payers will be billed an average of 11.07 per cent more.
Ticked off
The Narrows Bridge
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says a routine annual inspection of the Narrows Bridge on SH21 in March gave the historic structure a tick of approval. It remains fit for purpose with an estimated remaining lifespan of over 30 years.
End of the road
Long distance runner Jon Nabbs has finished his 35-day run from Bluff to Cape Reinga – via Ōtorohanga, Te Kūiti and Te Awamutu – in aid of the Child Cancer foundation. His time is well inside the New Zealand male record for running the length of the country.
Reward unclaimed
An $80,000 reward for information leading to safe return of Ember, Maverick and Jayda Phillips expired unclaimed at midnight on Tuesday. The children and their father Tom Phillips have been missing since December 2021. A social media video about the reward, which was posted online by has been viewed almost 90,000 times.
Panel confirmed
Three independent commissioners have been appointed alongside two regional councillors to the proposed Waikato Regional coastal plan hearings panel. Warren Maher and Stu Kneebone, who were appointed by council in May, will be joined by commissioners Greg Hill (chair), Hugh Leersnyder and Vicki Morrison-Shaw.
Chateau appeal
Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton says the Chateau contributed $10 million annually to the tourism economy.
Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton is calling on the public to support a parliamentary petition for government action to save the Chateau Tongariro. The building, owned by the Department of Conservation, has been closed since February last year and it requires earthquake strengthening.
“By urging the government to act quickly, we can preserve a treasured piece of our heritage and safeguard its economic and tourism benefits.
“I’m calling on people to rally together, sign the ‘Save the Chateau Petition’ and show the depth of support and potential for this iconic and cherished heritage building to the government and prospective investors.
“The Chateau is more than a historic landmark in the World Heritage Tongariro National Park; it embodies cultural significance and economic vitality crucial to the Ruapehu District and New Zealand. Before its closure, it was a major economic driver, employing over 70 staff, attracting high-spending tourists, and contributing around $10 million annually to the local economy.”
Kirton said the hotel’s closure had severely impacted the region’s tourism economy and post-COVID-19 recovery.
Virtual Te Kūiti
Colin Meads’ statue is one stop on the virtual tour. Photo Sigrid Christiansen
A virtual heritage and culture tour of Te Kūiti has been launched. Created by Hamilton and Waikato Tourism with support from Waitomo District Council, it takes in the Te Kūiti shearing statue, Tatsuno Japanese garden, Te Kūiti and district historical charitable trust heritage house, Legends Gallery, Sir Colin Meads Statue and the Millennium Pavilion.
Teams named
King Country Rugby Union announced its under 19, 16 and 14 boys rugby teams last week. The Under 19 team included – Te Kūiti: Ben Hedley, Hone Mathieson, Ceiran Rogers. Waitete: Callum Hedley. Maniapoto: Kruizz Heta. Ōtorohanga: Jamie Cave, Te Rau Katipa-Maikuku. KioKio: Kees Muller. Under 16 – Te Kūiti: Mitchell Hedley, Corey Mason, Nikora Mathieson, Riddick Rangitonga, Payton Sheehan, Ivan Reid. Ōtorohanga: Takarei Bidois, Corey Hobbs, Luke Kawhena, Te Atatu Tapara, Jahrei Whata, Regan Winiata. Under 14 – Te Kūiti: Rylan Harris, Trizaye Mulligan-Waaka, Lawson Rangitonga. Piopio: Hanataua Bodger-Kearns, Lachlan Burnell, Piripi James. Ōtorohanga: Wharenui Hansen and Korotamai Prezton.
Leaky pool
Te Kūiti’s swimming pool at the aquatic centre is leaking. Waitomo council properties and facilities manager Liz Riley says the 30 metre pool, built in 1939, is down in one corner and cracks are beginning to appear. Councillors have opted to maintain the current standard of the main pool without immediate upgrades, to buy time to assess the costs to fix the problems and consider the facility’s future and strategic direction.
