Surplus down
Waipā District Council adopted its annual report this week and the Statement of Comprehensive Revenue and Expense shows an operating surplus of just $1.1 million, lower than the budgeted $45.2 million and the previous year’s $31.3. The result was affected by lower fees and charges revenue, diminished levels of subsidies and grants, and much lower than budgeted levels of growth-related income in the form of development and financial contributions and vested assets. Expenses were hit by inflationary elements, increased depreciation and the cost of council’s growing debt because of higher interest rates.
Parking warning
Parking wardens are active in Te Awamutu and Cambridge in the lead up to Christmas. Parking in Waipā is free but there are time restrictions in place in the Te Awamutu and Cambridge central business districts from 8am – 6pm Monday to Saturdays. Overstayers who ignore the time limits risk getting a ticket.
A winner
Former Waipā student Simrat Kaur took on the world and won, taking out the Sip Academy’s International Prodigy 2023 mathematics competition in Colombo, Sri Lanka last month. The Tauwhare School student is due back in school tomorrow (Friday) where she will be welcomed with a special powhiri.
Altrusa fundraiser
Altrusa Te Awamutu is holding its annual Home and Garden Ramble fundraiser this Sunday, November 5. Funds raised will go to the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Cancer Society, Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust and Rewi Street Kindergarten.
Crossing underway
Work has begun on a signalised pedestrian crossing on State Highway 3 (SH3) at Ōhaupō. The crossing will be outside the Windy Ridge Function Centre and the Ōhaupō Store and will improve safety for pedestrians crossing the busy state highway.
Playgrounds future
Tamariki are being given the opportunity to have their say on what they want to see in two of Waipā district’s playgrounds. Reserves in Hiskens Place, Te Awamutu, and Kings Garden in Cambridge have been identified as future sites for new playground equipment in the coming years.
Check, clean, dry
A permanent wash station is now installed and operational at Mighty River Domain, Lake Karāpiro as part of the freshwater gold clam infestation response. It has a pressure sprayer to enable boaties to give their craft a good blast of water to ensure that young clams with mucous strands are removed.
Anti-social driving
An increase in late night anti-social driving behaviour has prompted Waipā District Council to propose a light motor vehicle prohibition under its Public Places Bylaw. This will give police more powers to take action in problem areas. Cambridge/Maungatautari wards: Gudex Rd, Appleby Rd, Wells Place – from Waikato Expressway to Moemoea Place. Te Awamutu/Kihikihi wards: Bond Rd and Harrison Dve industrial areas, Bank Rd (Lake Ngā Roto), Puahue Rd-Parklands Rd-Chamberlain Rd loop, Arapuni and Bulmers Landings area. Pirongia/Ōhaupō wards: Hamilton Airport and Rukuhia areas.
Sharemilker banned
A former sharemilker has been sentenced to home detention and banned from being in charge of animals. Mark Richardson was in sole charge of a herd of about 165 cows at Te Awamutu between November 2015 and February 2020. After he sold the herd, a vet found evidence of tail breaks and injuries to 84 cows. The 48-year-old was prosecuted by the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Dairy awards open
Entries for the responsible dairying category of the Dairy Industry Awards have opened. The award is open to farm owners, businesses and former share farmer winners, irrelevant of which dairy company they supply. It incorporates all aspects of sustainability, including environment, animal health and welfare, financial, community and people. Cameron Henderson from Canterbury/North Otago won last year’s award.
Ditch the sugar
New Zealand’s Dental Association (NZDA) is asking Kiwis to ditch sugary drinks for the month as part of the NZDA’s annual Switch to Water Challenge. It coincides with New Zealand’s National Oral Health Day and aims to put the spotlight squarely on the negative role sugar plays in our diet. Sugary drinks are a leading cause of tooth decay and contribute significantly to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and many other health problems.
What’s the diff?
Consumer NZ stripped down two kettles with a whopping $374 price difference and found that, while they’re remarkably similar, one is much more likely to go the distance. Kettles are a staple appliance in most households. Consumer tested and deconstructed two kettles at either end of the price spectrum. At the time of testing, the Kmart kettle was $25 and the Dualit model was $399. While the Kmart model was noisier and slower to boil, both kettles performed well in Consumer’s appliance test.
