The Chatter quizzes Waikato District Council CEO on his first year in the role and what he plans next. Expect ‘leaner, smarter, better and affordable’. You’re relatively new into the job as CEO of the council; briefly where did you
A muralist with marks across Hamilton has extended himself northwards with a new work adorning a beloved Huntly rugby club grounds. Bruce McLachlan, a well-known Hamilton muralist located on Norton Road in Kirikiriroa, took up the challenge of creating a meaningful
In a small town with few places to grab a bite to eat, the more experienced street-food-foragers keep their eyes peeled for deliciousness on wheels. It’s an experience that one food market organiser hopes to bring more of to the
Based in Waerenga, Te Kauwhata, North Waikato Natives is a family-run nursery supporting farmers and lifestyle block owners with native planting. Since 2020, they’ve focused on supplying hardy, locally sourced plants suited to real-world conditions, from restoring waterways to shaping
This summer has been a standout season for Social Transport trips organised by Te Kauwhata Community House, with members enjoying memorable outings across the Waikato and beyond. From coast to coast and town to town, the trips have taken us
Six months after its grand opening in the town’s restored 1939 railway station, Huntly Museum Te Whare Taonga o Raahui Pookeka has cemented its status as a symbol of resilience for the Waikato district. Since opening its doors on 4
Constant patrolling is keeping Te Kauwhata safer, and from the turnout at the Community Patrol’s AGM recently, it seems more people are stepping up to be involved. The patrol is made up of volunteers, giving up a few hours a
In Week 8, our students took to the stage for a spectacular showcase, performing a diverse range of dance styles including K-Pop, kapa haka, Tahitian, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical jazz, and Cook Island dance. A major highlight was the vibrant
Te Kauwhata College recently hosted the New Zealand Blood Service for another successful donation event. The day saw a fantastic turnout from students, staff, and the local public, resulting in the collection of 36 units of blood. These donations are
Reflections on work, life, and the little things that make a difference This column explores the small patterns that quietly shape our days – uncovering meaning in ordinary moments. It doesn’t claim to offer answers but hopes to bring a
Huntly Bowling Club held its Pairs Champs on Saturday 28th March in the fog. It was great to see so many teams entered in the big day for the club. The winning team was Rex Morland and Lawrence Putu
The Huntly Bowling Club held its last tournament for the 2025 – 2026 season on Thursday 2nd April in fine conditions, with little wind. The green played fast and well. We enjoyed the company of 9 visiting teams, Taupiri 2,
A lovely Autumn Saturday greeted the family contingent for the annual Frank McRae Memorial Trophy event. Each year the group is expanding in numbers as they gather from different regions to celebrate their kaumatua, Frank McRae. TKBC members combine with the
Huntly’s creatives gathered in the hundreds this March to indulge in the arts and crafts and mingle with likeminded souls at the Raahui Pookeka Arts Festival. The Raahui Pookeka Arts Festival, previously known as Art in the Park, recently ran
Te Kauwhata primary school has its sights set firmly on the future, with the 115-year-old school surpassing the 400-pupil mark and on target to 500 in the next few years. But the growth isn’t without challenges, according to principal Brian
Residents and members of the wider community recently gathered at Apārangi Village to take part in a Pearl Movements taster session, with 26 people attending the event. Pearl Movements is a movement and music-based programme designed to support strength, balance,
The application by TK Spirits to open a bottle store next to the library has had a long legal history, being declined by the District Licensing Committee, appealed to ARLA (Alcohol Register and Licensing Authority), then reheard again in the
Unity Hoops is a free community event delivered by Toi Ako, New Zealous Music and key partner Kainga Ora. This basketball themed event was held for the fourth year this month. Traditionally held at the Te Kauwhata Village Green, the
Heads up everyone, February 2027 is going to be big for Ngaaruawaahia. Get ready because the Matatini Show is Coming to Town and we have 11 months to prepare. Matatini, the major annual Kapahaka national and international competition, is being
Aotearoa’s youngest local body councillor is three months into the job, with one finger on his chamber mic button and the other hand skimming a textbook. Fabio Rodrigues, one of Waikato District’s newest councillors, was impatient to make a difference
