Before there were regular shuttle runs, volunteer rosters, booking systems and thousands of passenger journeys each year, there was simply a need within the North Waikato community—and a small group of determined people who decided something had to be done.

For 30 years, Te Kauwhata & Districts Information & Support Centre Incorporated has worked to create a connected and supported community.  Today, that work continues through Te Kauwhata Community House, Toi Ako Artspace and Te Kauwhata Community Garden. The organisation

It’s well known that making small changes to your diet can make huge differences and these changes are micro. Microgreens are the increasingly popular way to add amazing flavours and textures to meals without breaking the bank. The driver behind

Matt Paul is looking to swap his outdoor life in the treetops for politics, as long-standing local MP Andrew Bayly steps aside.  The Chatter asked him why he’s hoping to take his place. Give us the inside story on Matt

Residents and ratepayers across the Waikato District have now received their new rates invoice for the 2026/27 year and yes, these do look a little different; here’s why. On 1 July 2026, water and wastewater services for our district became

The 2026 general election approaches and candidates’ faces are posted on shiny signs around the Waikato region and district. But this election will be different. Changes made by the National Government mean that this year voters must enroll before the

The Department of Conservation is using high-resolution satellite images to detect the pest plant Cuscuta campestris(commonly known as golden dodder) within the Whangamarino wetland and at Lake Whangape.  Whangamarino is an internationally significant Ramsar wetland and faces a range of

Reflections on work, life, and the little things that make a difference. This column explores the quiet ideas hidden within everyday life – drawing meaning from ordinary moments and inviting us to see familiar things a little differently. It doesn’t

There is a powerful movement taking over the streets of Raahui Pookeka / Huntly, and it does not involve the roar of dirt bike engines. Instead, you can hear the steady rhythm of beating hooves. The latest issue of New

Are you looking for a gentle and enjoyable way to stay active, improve your balance and meet new people? Strong and Steady exercise classes are specially designed to help people improve their strength, balance and general mobility as they get

Roaming dogs, pound management and costs are top of mind around towns in the Waikato District.  The Chatter sat down with the council’s Animal Control team to find answers. This time we cover what actually happens at the pound and

The Hamilton Rugby League has had a varied existence over the years and has continually battled the ‘big brother/little brother’ syndrome. Even today, the crowds that attend a rugby league game in Hamilton are well down on crowds that attend

The club’s artificial turf has proved very popular and has led to an influx of people keen to play. With a new turf, a new committee and a new season, hopes are high for lots of positive action at 6

We welcomed 37 members, plus two new members, to our August meeting at the RSA. Competition winners Bloom: 1st Janet, 2nd Elizabeth, 3rd Gloria Fruit: 1st Elizabeth, 2nd Lorraine, 3rd Audrey Vegetable: 1st Audrey, 2nd Liz, 3rd Trish Preserve: 1st

Te Kauwhata College’s 2026 student leaders share what leadership means to them, the experiences shaping their final year and their hopes for life beyond school.  Sam Can you please introduce yourself to the wider community (where you grew up, school

Our Community House, Community Garden and local Primary School are now Community Compost partners, thanks to funding from Waikato Districts Council’s Waste Minimisation Fund.  Together we are putting special efforts into recycling food and other plant waste to make compost.

Huntly College’s 2026 student leaders share what leadership means to them, the support and opportunities shaping their school experience and their hopes for a strong, inclusive kura where every student can thrive. Fellon Gillies Kia ora, my name is Fellon

On the 2nd of August 2026, two members of the Huntly College Services Academy were given the opportunity to attend the Advanced Leaders course with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Youth Development Unit (YDU) at Whenuapai Airbase.  The course

Genesis has received fast-track approval for its proposed 220MWp Foxton solar farm, marking a significant step forward for one of the company’s largest renewable generation projects. Located around 10km north of Foxton in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, the 436-hectare solar farm

People making a difference across the Waikato district have been recognised through Waikato District Council’s Mayoral Community Awards. Hosted by Mayor Aksel Bech, the annual awards celebrated individuals, groups and organisations whose dedication and service help strengthen their communities. Hine

A new home for the fuzzy, furry, and fluffy is now open in Huntly. The Waikato Pet Community House shifted from its previous location in Hamilton a few weeks ago. The staff are already getting to know the Huntly community, and

Huntly’s lucky Lotto store has produced a local millionaire after one man claimed all four First Division prizes from the same draw. The four winning lines, worth $250,000 each, were sold on one ticket at The Bookshop and Lotto on

Last week Te Kauwhata Primary  welcomed 19 new students and their families to the school family with a  Term 3 Poowhiri. Students led the process to welcome the school’s new tamaiti. Attending the poowhiri for their children were proud parents,

Te Kauwhata’s New World supermarket has new owner-operators, bringing a win-win all round for the community as the family settles into a new home, new job, a new school; and the volunteer Fire Brigade about to get the added benefit