Cameron Foubister, left, and Brendan Koevoet are the first successful applicants for Waikato District Council's cadetship programme.

A cadetship programme is offering six Wintec engineering students a chance to gain on-the-job experience, a salary and have their course fees taken care of. Cameron Foubister and Brendan Koevoet are the first successful applicants for Waikato District Council's programme, which starts next year and is a result of a partnership with Wintec. Under the scheme, Foubister and Koevoet will work and study part-time for two years before completing one year of bonded employment with Waikato District Council. The aim is to create employment opportunities for civil engineering students and develop highly-skilled and well-rounded council staff members. Koevoet, an 18-year-old Bachelor of Civil Engineering Technology student, applied for the cadetship as he thought it was a perfect opportunity to gain some hands-on experience within his field of study. "From when I was first told about this opportunity I thought it was too good to be true," Koevoet said. "Being a successful applicant is such a blessing. I was back at home in Gisborne when I heard the news and when I told my mum she was jumping up and down in excitement. "This will be my chance to get ahead of the game." Foubister, a 23-year-old former Thames High School student, said it's an opportunity most students wouldn't get. Foubister said the cadetship will allow him to gain crucial experience with Waikato District Council and reinforce the theory and skill sets he has acquired in his study. "I'm excited to be given such a unique opportunity to excel in my career as an engineer," Foubister said. Waikato District Council General Manager Service Delivery Tim Harty said the selection process was difficult. There were 25 applications received from a number of quality candidates, Harty said. "We're thankful that Wintec has partnered with us for this cadetship because they've produced two outstanding applicants who I'm sure will thrive when they take on the challenge of developing a range of skills, knowledge and technical experience with us." Foubister and Koevoet will start their cadetship in January. The programme hopes to have six Wintec students placed with council within two years. How does the Waikato District Council cadetship programme work? The programme is open to Wintec students studying the civil elements of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering and the Bachelor of Engineering Technology courses. Successful cadets are placed in various teams within council including roading, waters, parks and facilities, land development and programme delivery. As well as gaining civil engineering operational experience, cadets will learn skills in project management, managing budgets, ethics and contract management. Cadets will be supported by mentors throughout the programme.Cadets will be paid a salary and their course fees will be funded by council. The aim is to have six Wintec student placements with Waikato District Council within two years.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Huntly College student Phoebe Comins has been awarded a $6000 Sir David Johnstone Scholarship to go towards her tertiary studies. Here she is pictured with Trustee Nola Delaney and David Johnstone Chairman David Lloyd.

Travelling first sparked Phoebe Comins' interest in architecture. And now the 17-year-old Huntly College student has been awarded a $6000 Sir David Johnstone Scholarship to go towards her studying a Diploma of Architectural Tecnology at Wintec. The course will take her two years to complete and afterwards she hopes to get a job as an architectural technician. "It's slightly under an architect, but you get to do the designs and see them come to life," Comins said. She has done a bit of travelling with her family and as a part of school, which has influenced her love for creativity and design. At 16, she went on a school cultural tour to America. "San Francisco was just so inspiring," Comins said. "There were a lot of old banks and a mix of traditional and modern architecture. "It definitely made me realise how much you can do with architecture and the impact it has on tourists and the people living there." Comins has a particular appreciation for post-modernism. "It stands-out to me more than the rest. "I love the way it makes places feel." At the beginning of the year she did six months work experience with Philip Leather Builders in Huntly. "I handled a lot of the plans and learnt how to read them. "I learnt a lot from the architectures working with clients, how to design what the client wants, as well as what fits well with the landscape." Comins has always had an interest in buildings but her enthusiasm really blossomed in college. She takes a graphic design class at school and last year she attended a one day a week architectural course at Wintec. One day she hopes to own her on architectural firm in the Waikato. "I'm so grateful for the scholarship. It cuts down my student loan massively and gives me a head start on my career." Comins is one of 21 students receiving a $6000 Sir David Johnstone Scholarship this year. The presentation evening was held on Friday, November 17 at The Atrium.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Waikato District Council is after feedback from the community and will host drop-in sessions in different communities through November and December.

Waikato District Council is in the middle of constructing the District Plan and wants the input of the community. The District Plan is the 'rule book' that manages the way land is used, developed and subdivided in the Waikato district.Changes which are being introduced in the draft District Plan include a number of new zones, including a village zone and a deferred zone for growth. During November and December, council will be in different locations across the district to hear what the community has to say. Another exciting aspect is the papakāinga development changes, which will allow Māori land to be developed with multiple housing and commercial opportunities, council strategy and support general manager Tony Whittaker said. The Waikato district is unique. From beaches to ranges, expressways to gravel roads – how we live, work and play varies across the district and there can be different rules depending on where you live, Whittaker said. "Join us on the road in the Waikato as we work together to plan our district and find out about the draft District Plan. Look at what's new and have a chance to talk with the district policy planners to offer your views. "We're stopping off in different communities across the district to chat to the locals. Whether you're planning to divide your section, renovate or build, you want to run a business from home or organise a community event, then you need to join the journey." Once feedback on the draft District Plan has been received, it will be finalised and then notified in early 2018. Visit council at any of the below drop-in sessions to have your say: Tuakau Memorial Hall, Monday, November 20, 2pm-7pm. Mangatangi Hall, Wednesday, November 22, 2pm-7pm. Pokeno Hall, Thursday, November 23, 2pm-7pm. Te Kauwhata Rugby Club, Tuesday, November 28, 2pm-7pm. Huntly RSA, Wednesday, November 29, 2pm-7pm. Raglan Town Hall, Thursday, November 30, 2pm-7pm. Te Kowhai Hall, Tuesday, December 5, 2pm-7pm. Tamahere Community Centre, Wednesday, December 6, 2pm-7pm. Ngaruawahia Memorial Hall, Thursday, December 7, 2pm-7pm.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Tamehana Moanaroa is starting up a graffiti art program for youth in Ngāruawāhia.

Tamehana Moanaroa wants to use graffiti as a way for youth in Ngāruawāhia to express themselves. The 21-year-old runs a graffiti art programme called Writers Bench in Hamilton and is looking to expand his services to the North Waikato. "There's a lot popping up about young people getting up to no good and I want to stomp on that," Moanaroa said. "It hurts to hear the negative comments about youth and instead of complaining and blaming them we need to take action." A lot of Ngāruawāhia kids have expressed interest in the Hamilton classes, Moanaroa said. But whether it be money or transport issues it's impossible for them to get there, he said. "Born and raised in Ngāruawāhia, I want to offer these kids the same opportunities. "It's also a way of keeping them out of trouble" Moanaroa said. "You hear about youth doing crimes because they're bored. This is something to do that's better than driving without a license or jumping through a window." Moanaroa is a youth mentor at youth health organisation Te Ahurei A Rangatahi. He started there as a youth himself. "There was someone running a hip hop programme, but the graffiti part had died out. "I resurrected it when I started working there." Moanaroa's programme Writers Bench is based on the original New York concept. "Graffiti writers would meet up at a bench in the subway and sit and watch the art on the passing trains. "The programme will also double as a support group to empower boys into becoming good men." As well as an expressive tool, graffiti art puts you into a positive mind space. "The entire hip hop culture is about spreading peace, love and unity and having fun and those are the fundamentals of being in a community." The Ngāruawāhia programme will also focus on education, encouragement and life skills. "I don't know how often some of these kids get positive comments. "I'll share things I've learnt and they can share what's on their minds. "A lot of them are nervous about what will happen after school, Moanaroa said. "They're all drivers and artists and this is a way to enhance their skills and use them to be a positive role model in their own spaces, so they can become leaders in their own cultures."website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Waikato District Council Mayor Allan Sanson said council does not have the mandate to change the democratic process.

Māori wards will remain non-existent within the Waikato District Council. The recommendation to retain the status quo was passed 10-2 at November's council meeting. Those who voted in favour were councillors Jacqui Church, Dynes Fulton, Stephanie Henderson, Shelley Lynch, Rob McGuire, Frank McInally, Eugene Patterson, Jan Sedgwick, Noel Smith and Mayor Allan Sanson. Those who voted against were councillors Aksel Bech and Lisa Thomson. Councillors Bronwyn Main and Janet Gibb were absent. Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson strongly believed councillors didn't have the mandate to change the democratic process. "To achieve a mandate you actually need to canvas your community," Sanson said. "None of us [councillors] have the right to make that decision."It's a community decision. The community needs to give us the mandate to change representation. It's not up to 14 politicians." Sanson said his reasoning came from a discussion he had the other day. "I barely got out of the car before I had three farmers standing beside me asking a whole raft of questions, but one of them said to me, and if I've heard it once I've heard it a thousand times, we don't listen to our community. "What that said to me is if we listen to our community, as we did last time, the community told us that 82 per cent didn't want to change the status quo and I don't think that has changed immensely. If it had the community would be actually telling us what they want." Sanson said he would be the first person to welcome Māori representatives if it's what the community wants. "As you all know I hold democracy dear to my heart, but I just think we are in here to represent 70,000 people, so let them tell us what they actually want." The discussion was driven by a statutory requirement that every six years, all councils must review how their city or district would be best and most fairly represented. Council can resolve at any time on Māori representation, but a decision was required by November 23 2017 to take effect for the 2019 triennial election. Council will now issue a public notice outlining its decision, which will also give those on the electoral roll the opportunity to demand a poll. The result of this poll would be binding.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

The Huntly footbridge was damaged by a truck in September.

The Huntly footbridge is likely to be restored before the end of the year. Waikato District Council has put together an approximate work programme to reinstate the footbridge. The bridge was removed in September, after a truck travelling on State Highway 1 hit it and damaged the two-legged pier that holds the footbridge up on the Main Street side of the bridge. After working with insurers and completing the required design and tendering processes for the work to go ahead, council believes the bridge will be repaired by the end of November. Fabrication of the new pier is due to start on November 16 and will be completed by November 22. Painting and coating of the bridge is due to be completed by November 28. Installation of the new pier and reinstatement of the bridge is planned for November 30. However, council said the timeframe is subject to change. In the meantime, pedestrians are reminded to use the following alternative route to get from Main Street to the other side of the bridge site, Main Street to Rayner Road, Rayner Road to Ralph Street, Ralph Street to William Street, William Street to Glasgow Street. The footbridge was previously taken down by the council in August 2015 when the boom of an excavator on the back of a truck damaged the main footbridge span. It cost the council in the order of $280,000 to repair and replace and was covered by insurance.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Embrace the Future member Cory Newport will be brushing up on his gaming skills ahead of the Ngaruawāhia Retro Gaming Olympics.

Old school games are making a comeback in Ngāruawāhia. Youth group Embrace the Future is hosting the Ngāruawāhia Retro Gaming Olympics on November 19. It is being supported by e-Pou which comes under technology focused charity OMGTech! The charity's aim is to work alongside youth to run events and experiences that educate and inspire communities to see how future technology could be part of its future.

And the e-Pou Project was established for digital enablement in Māori communities. While the games are set to be a fun way of interacting with the youth, it's about much more than that, e-Pou project leader Kawana Wallace said. The idea was to inspire people to learn more about technology. "Some of the outcomes I'd like to see from this event is them saying 'oh I want to learn how to make a game' or learn robotics." At the event, youth will compete in games such as Super Mario, Donkey Kong and Space Invaders. Wallace is the project leader but he gave the group an opportunity to help manage it. Embrace the Future member Cory Newport said a lot of the town's youth don't have access to specific technology and games. So this was one opportunity the group could help provide. "Gaming is a costly thing nowadays and it's very hard to get video games because they are so expensive," Newport said. There will be 50 seats available on the day and it will be split into two sessions. Held at the Ngāruawāhia Memorial Hall, from 9am-12pm there will be 7 to 12 year olds competing and from 1pm to 4pm will be 13 to 18-year olds. Registration will be online and details will be posted on the E-Pou Facebook page. OMGTech! will also be there on the day demonstrating different technology. Another project Wallace is leading is a rangers event at the Waahi Pa in Huntly on November 25 and 26. There, visitors can learn about robotics, game design and coding, 3D printing, science and more.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

On a beach between Marsden Point and Ruakaka, Ngaruawahia's Julie Stacey is walking the length of New Zealand.

For the next five months Julie Stacey's most luxurious item is a tube of moisturiser. The 45-year-old has quite her day-job and is doing the Te Araroa trail to raise money for the Ngāruawāhia Community House.

Stacey started the trail on October 13, and walked through Ngāruawāhia this week. The North Waikato town has been her home for the past few years. Stacey is carrying a 15kg pack, so she can only afford to take the bare minimum with her. She has one set of clothes for walking and one change of clothes in her pack. Her wash bag contains one bottle of Wilderness Wash, and if she's in the forest she'll clean herself in the river. Her fingers are her hairbrush and deodorant is non-exsistent. "I would say I'm fairly low maintenance any way, but you have to be very low maintenance on the trail. "I'm constantly thinking about keeping the weight of my pack down." She carries an ultra light-weight tent and as much food as she needs to, before she can resupply at the next township. Meals usually consist of couscous, soup or dehydrated vegetables. It's been just over a month since Stacey began the trail in Cape Reinga, already she describes her feet as being similar to an elephants. "They've gone very hard." After 90 Mile Beach I got some pretty awful blisters on my heels and had to perform minor surgery on my feet every day for five days." I had to take it all off at night to let them breathe and then bandage them back up again in the morning." Every day Stacey starts walking by 7.30am and finishes walking around 3pm. Depending on the terrain she could cover between 12kms and 35kms in a day. Along the way she has met people who she calls "trail angels". "They are regular people who do nice things for people walking the Te Araroa." Some leave oranges by their fence, others invite you in and give you a cup of tea and some lunch. "It really optimises what it is to be a Kiwi." Stacey is from New Forest on the south coast of the UK originally. "I moved to New Zealand 11 years ago, as soon as I heard about the trail I immediately knew I wanted to do it." It was a feeling I got, I wanted that connection with New Zealand." Anyone who wishes to keep up-to-date with Stacey's journey can do so via her Facebook blog Tiny Tramper. Donations can be made to her Givealittle page.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Georgia Mannion, left, Libby Robson and Jada Potter are three students creating items to sell at the Te Kauwhata Primary School Wild and Wonderful gala with PTA member Lauren Hughes as part of the organising group.

All things zany will be featured at this year's Te Kauwhata Primary School Wild and Wonderful Gala. The biennial event which showcases a different theme each time is set for November 11.

School PTA member Lauren Hughes said this year was about wild animals, nature and "lots of zaniness". Not only is it a community event, but it is set out be one of the school's major fundraisers organised by the PTA. Funds raised will go towards sending the year 6 students to camp as well as helping the building fund and an upgrade of the playground. Hughes said hundreds of people usually come through the gates during the event.

With stalls set to sell various items, Hughes said students have been making crafts specifically for the camp fundraiser. "It's always a really fun day and the kids are taking more ownership. "Held between 10am and 2pm, there will be plenty food and fun for the crowds.

Hughes said the aim is always providing an affordable day out for all ages. "This year we have more of a carnival feel.

"The Te Kauwhata Fire Brigade will also be on board again to provide an obstacle course, she said. And the famous spooky house will be back which is done in one of the classrooms with former primary school students taking part as the scarers. Hughes said gunge the teacher is also a favourite and voting booths have been open over the last few weeks to nominate two teachers. "There's always a fight on who is able to pull the rope."

A wild writing competition was also established for the children to work on prior to the event. "It was to get the kids writing creatively which is a big focus at the school this year," Hughes said. Principal Vicki Saunders said the camp was an important time for the students before going to college.

Every year the year six students go to Karakariki near Whatawhata. "It's kind of a celebration of what they have achieved.

"While the intention is always to keep the price manageable to ensure all children can go, the gala's proceeds will be helpful to make up the shortfall, Saunders said.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Turangawaewae Marae Kaumatua, Pokaia Nepia, with Ultrafast Fibre Chief Executive William Hamilton following the blessing of installation work for ultra-fast broadband into Ngāruawāhia.

Ngāruawāhia has welcomed the start of work to expand the Ultrafast Fibre high-speed broadband network to the town with a special blessing. Turangawaewae Marae kaumatua, Pokaia Nepia, was on hand to welcome Ultrafast Fibre staff and contractors and to bless the project for a safe completion. The North Waikato town is one of three smaller areas in the North Island currently undergoing the second stage expansion along with Omokoroa and Stratford. Fibre laying will be carried out simultaneously in the three towns.The areas are part of the second wave of fibre installation by Ultrafast Fibre [UFF] which has already successfully completed deployment of a 3000 kilometre fibre optic network to eight central North Island cities and towns.The second tranche of fibre deployment, of which the three towns are part of, will also include Huntly, Kihikihi, Raglan, Eltham, Inglewood, Waitara, Putaruru, Te Puke, and Katikati. UFF chief executive William Hamilton said the expanded network footprint has created a lot of interest from the towns. "We know these smaller communities can hardly wait to be connected. We would love to deliver fibre to everyone immediately, but we do have a build programme to work through, stretching out for the next year or so," Hamilton said.The blessing was held at the entrance to the town near the Waikato River where reference was made to the significance of the fibre network being an information highway that in some ways echos the river as a previous economic highway for local people. UFF owned by Community Trust through WEL Networks Ltd and Waipa Networks Ltd.The second launch of the fibre installation was announced by Tauranga MP Simon Bridges in January. It was part of former prime minister Bill English and Bridges' launch of the second $300m phase of the National's UFB programme. The UFF network represents about 13 per cent of the entire national UFB build.

A further expansion now includes 15 new and/or areas adjacent to these existing cities and towns. Once the full programme is complete, more than 335,000 people in the Waikato will be able to access UFB.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Huntly Speedway vice president Fiona Wallbank, left, committee member Allan Powell and caretaker Max MacLaren are part of the busy team working hard before the season starts on November 4.

This year's Huntly Speedway season opening night is set to be a "bigger and better" experience for crowds. While last season's racing ended in April, it's been all go to organise the event set for November 4. With eight core committee members who hail from as far as Auckland and Rotorua, the team plans each season two years out. Vice president Fiona Wallbank said the opening night complete with racing across a variety of classes and major fireworks display would amaze the crowd.

"It will be bigger and better than last year," she said. Wallbank always looks forward to the crowd's reaction to the display. "It's so cool being on the other side listening to all the 'oohs' and 'aahs'. "But because it's so popular, Wallbank said it's best for spectators to arrive early with the gates opening at 3pm ahead of the event kick off at 7pm.

Committee member Allan Powell said the fireworks display attracted 'newbies' but the racing tends to hook people in to keep them coming back.

He said it's also family-friendly, allowing people of all ages to enjoy the show.

"Bring your blanket, bring your family and enjoy a family night out. "It's a real community effort with the Lions group co-ordinating parking and clean up the next day. "Tim Foy, he's here at 7 every Sunday morning organising all the crew.

"There are also reps who organise the drivers - many of those have been parents of drivers or drivers themselves. The night is just the start of a season jam-packed with plenty of exciting races. A rain postponement date is set for November 11.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

One of the winners of the Wearable Arts competition, 2016

With the success of the 2016 Wearable Arts competition, Lets Get Together Huntly and Harcourts Riverlands are teaming up again for Wearable Arts 2018. Next years categories are inspired by Invisible Forces and include Motion, Gravity (a bra design), and Growth (a glow in the dark design). To kick start the creative process, the Huntly Friendship House is hosting a Wearable Arts Workshop on the 20th January 2018, 8am till 3pm. Participants will learn about what is involved with creating a wearable arts outfit, expectations and requirements. Learn techniques to create wearable art and then create a wearable art hat. Price for the workshop is $10 per participant, registration is essential as there are limited spaces. To register for the workshop, contact the Huntly Friendship House on 07-828-7559 or email friendship.huntly@gmail.com

The mural in Huntly celebrates local rugby league heroes Wairangi Koopu, Tawera Nikau and Lance Hohaia.

Huntly rugby league legends have been recognised by featuring in a large mural as part of the lead up to the Rugby League World Cup.Tawera Nikau, Lance Hohaia and Wairangi Koopu are featured in the Huntly heroes piece on Shand Pl, next to The Topp Twins artwork. The mural also includes the three teams playing in the two matches at Waikato Stadium; Samoa vs Tonga on November 4 and New Zealand vs Tonga on November 11.

Wairangi Koopu, Tawera Nikau, mural artist Bobby MacDonald and Lance Hohaia's father Rex Hohaia. They are the first ever rugby league international games to be played in Hamilton. Nikau and Koopu attended the unveiling of the artwork and while Lance now lives overseas, his father Rex Hohaia went along. Nikau thought it was great to celebrate successful locals. "It does give some inspiration to some young rangatahi in the town showing that if you work hard and are determined you can get to where you want to be. "It was also celebrating the sport itself and the fact the world cup would be held in New Zealand this year as many kiwis don't get the chance to watch it in person, he said. While Nikau is proud of the mural, he hoped further discussions with the Huntly Community Board would see other NZ Kiwi players from Huntly up there." There's probably around 12 to 15 legends from Huntly. "Auckland visual artist Bobby MacDonald said it was the first mural he had done on this scale. He spent three days completing the piece and being a big league fan, he was star struck. Being a perfectionist he said there were some things he wanted to do better but overall, he was happy with it. And he hoped to make the additions by painting on more local league stars. Both the Waikato District Council and Hamilton City Council helped fund the mural.

website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

The Ngāruawāhia Memorial Hall is one of two sites considered for a community facility.

An open day is set to inform and guide a community-led project for a possible new community facility in Ngāruawāhia.

On behalf of the steering group for the project, the Ngāruawāhia Community Board and Waikato District Council has invited those in the town to review the work undertaken so far.

The day will also allow people have their say on two possible locations for the facility – Ngāruawāhia War Memorial Hall or the library.

The facility could potentially house the library, Twin Rivers Art Centre and Community Arts Space, a gallery space for exhibition and community spaces.

The community board is keen to hear from the community what they would like to see within the facility.

Hosted by the board, the event will be held at the Anglican Hall on October 28 from 10am to 1pm with a sausage sizzle on offer.

The process was started last year through the formation of the community steering group to progress a community facility for Ngāruawāhia.

The group has been working hard and identified the two possible sites, which were taken to council earlier this year for endorsement.

Since then the group have been working on a feasibility study for the two sites identified, to come up with a preferred option.

The board and council want the community to have their say before the preferred option is finalised.

"We want to use this open day to check in with the community and make sure we're on the right track as we progress our feasibility study," board chairman James Whetu said.

"Our community working group's vision is, "Connecting our communities through creativity and knowledge – a legacy for the future – uniquely Ngāruawāhia", and we would love the community to play their part to ensure the finished facility reflects that vision."

Information gathered from the open day and the survey will be used in the feasibility study, from which a preferred option will be chosen and presented to council.

For those that cannot make it, there is an opportunity to provide feedback or suggestions online through an informal survey running from October 18 to November 5 on the council website at www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/facilitysurvey

website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Entrants and organisers gathered at the Taupiri Tavern for the Kilwell Lower Waikato Trout Contest prizegiving.

This year's nine-day Kilwell Lower Waikato River Trout Contest attracted 46 keen experienced anglers from Cambridge to Te Kauwhata.

With 18 juniors and 28 adults including three in the women's section, there was strong competition for the $6000 plus in prizes.

The river was alternating between high and low levels throughout contest run from October 7 to 15 and there were 64 trout caught with 58 being browns and six rainbow.

This compares with 114 trout in 2016 and 125 caught in 2015.

Although the numbers were well down, many more fish were caught than entered, and overall they were in better condition and bigger than the previous year.

The river was badly coloured mid contest, however this cleared and apart from the usual wind and a few showers there were reasonably good conditions.

With the contest area being as usual the main stem of the Waikato from below the Karapiro dam to the Waikato heads, the fish were caught from Karapiro dam to Mercer, with the browns chasing the annual whitebait migration.

Huntly, Mercer and Rangiriri areas produced all of the best fish over 50 K factor, including the two best condition factor.

Accounting for 15 fish from the total, eight of those from Keith Handley, Huntly still deserves the title of 'Brown Trout Central'.

While most of the fish were caught from shore, some anglers used their boats to access good areas or fish from their anchored boat, and one was caught trolling.

Most trout were caught early morning or at dusk and into the evening, but a surprising amount were also taken in the middle of the day.

The more successful anglers targeted the very edge of the river, using short casts or even just trailing a lure off the rod tip to probe likely brown trout lies behind and under cover, along banks with good current.

From analysis of the total catch data this year, the average trout in this area weighs about 1.325kg, and has a condition factor of 40.56, which is a nicely coloured trout.

The prizegiving was held at Taupiri Tavern October 15. This year the competition committee made a donation to RiverCare for their Te Onetea Stream planting at Rangiriri.

The contest has been coordinated by the team of Peter Sweetman, Michael Lynch, John Charteris, William Van Zyl , Bob Gamble, Sharnay Cocup, and Steve and Tracey Farrar.

Results

Juniors

First in heaviest brown trout: 1.936 kg, Ocean Leigh Cocup from Taupiri.

Heaviest Rainbow: 0.920kg, David Geelen from Waingaro.

Best condition factor trout: 45.19, Levi King from Hamilton.

Ladies

Heaviest trout: 2.044 kg, Tracey Farrar from Huntly.

Best condition factor trout: 43.27, Sharnay Cocup from Taupiri.

Adults

First in heaviest brown trout: 2.720kg, Steven Sharpe from Hamilton.

Heaviest rainbow trout: 1.460 kg, Stephen Butcher from Hamilton.

Best condition factor rainbow: 40.87, Asher Morley from Huntly.

Best condition factor brown: 55.37, Michael Lynch from Huntly.

Best condition factor overall trophy: Michael Lynch.

Overall average weight trout: 1.3k, Sharnay Cocup.

Teams

Winner: Average weight 2.007 kg, Fish Magnets from Hamilton.

website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

The cars and stars of the Australian GT Championship will feature in the Laser Plumbing & Electrical Hampton Downs 500 from October 28-29.

The countdown is on to the biggest event of the year at Hampton Downs.

The cars and stars of the Australian GT Championship will feature in the Laser Plumbing & Electrical Hampton Downs 500 from October 28-29.

GT racing is a playground for the world's car manufacturers and Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, Mercedes, McLaren and BMW, will all be represented on the starting grid at Hampton Downs.

The format for Hampton Downs 500 will see two timed compulsory pit stops and each car will have two drivers. Some of the Kiwi drivers confirmed for the event include former A1GP stars, Jonny Reid and Matt Halliday and Australian-based Kiwi, Jaxon Evans who is currently leading the Australian Endurance Championship with fellow Kiwi, Tim Miles.

The format makes for some thrilling racing, with strategy playing an important role in the outcome of every race.

Last year marked the first visit of the Australian GTs to Hampton Downs for the Australian Endurance Championship which was raced over 101 laps.

This year an extra 20 laps have been added to create a 500km race, the Laser Plumbing & Electrical Hampton Downs 500. The support categories include the Central Muscle Cars, Ssangyong Utes and the launch of an exciting new format, Fast & Furious Racing.

There's plenty to do off the track as well.

The pits will be open to the public so you can get up close to the action. The grid walk before the start of the Hampton Downs 500 on Sunday is a rare opportunity for motorsport fans to walk the track before a big race.

One lucky fan each day will win a hot lap in the $4.3 million Highlands Vulcan, one of only 24 made by Aston Martin.

The Hampton Double Decker Fun Bus will cruise around the track on both days giving a bird's eye view of the track,there'll be giveaways, and NZ Superbike champion Sloan Frost will also be showing off his motorbike skills during the lunchtime entertainment.

There will also be plenty of entertainment for the kids in RJs Twisters Family Zone, a Show 'n Shine car exhibition, food and drink stalls, and the Pavilion bar with live action on the big screen.

website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Timara Rapana has to think about Christmas decorations early this year as she is in the midst of planning Huntly's end of year event with a new committee.

A change of hands has meant the traditional float parade won't be featured at Huntly's Christmas event this year.

The Huntly Events Committee informed the Huntly Community Board a few months ago that it was unable to plan the event this year.

"I think part of it is the way things have gone with everything, with the additional paperwork and everything… it was encroaching on the personal lives of the people running it," former committee member Quintin Lichtwark said.

"In discussions in amongst our committee we felt going back to the community board was the best outcome because it allowed the community to sort out what it wanted to do."

It was a big job for the core group of up to six members which all became too much, he said.

But it wasn't a decision taken lightly.

"Sad in one way because there's not many things in Huntly that celebrates itself, it was one of my big reasons for getting behind it."

Lichtwark said the committee was still in the process of figuring out where the equipment and leftover funding will go.

There will still be a festive event with Growing Swag's Timara Rapana leading the way.

The dance crew owner and operator established a new group, Huntly Community Angels.

"Everyone thinks I'm crazy," she said.

A float parade was ruled out due to the expense associated with closing off the roads and the timeframe meant it was too late to get enough funding, she said.

Instead there were plans to do a Christmas wearable arts show and Christmas in the Park with performances at the Huntly Domain.

To make it happen, she needs every bit of help from the community though.

There are the little things like marquees, a sound system, security and print-outs for instance.

MCP Clothing is one business that has come to the party with sponsored signage, she said.

Rapana is also putting the word out to have food trucks and stall holders on the day.

She's also hoping to create an affordable day out with rides as well but that is yet to be secured.

"The whole idea now is to have an old fashioned carnival."

Plans are still in the works to determine exactly what will happen but one thing is for sure, there will be Christmas in Huntly, she said.

"I'm a bit worried but no matter what, something will be done on the second of December.

"I think ever since moving to Huntly, the Christmas parade was the only thing Huntly had where everyone came together."

Lichtwark said the Huntly Events members were still happy to help in some way and he wished the new group all the best.

"I hope the community of Huntly strongly supports that just like they've supported the Christmas parade in the past."

If you'd like to help, contact Timara Rapana on 021 540 474 or growingswag828@gmail.com.

website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Hamilton and Waikato Tourism chief executive Jason Dawson.

Tourism is making cash registers in the Waikato ring to the tune of $1.4 billion dollars.

Hamilton and Waikato Tourism chief executive Jason Dawson said the Waikato was now ranked fifth nationally for monthly visitor expenditure for August 2017.

It was challenging major tourism centres such as Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch and Wellington.

In particular, the Waikato was making ground as a popular region for the conference market.

The news comes hard on the heels of an economic report showing Fieldays was now worth another $0.5 billion to the region.

It also followed Hamilton and Waikato Tourism's annual report, to the end of June, which showed tourism spending exceeded $1.419b.

In the breakdown, of the $1.419 billion, $1.06b was generated from domestic tourism and $353m from international tourism.

"We are seeing marked increases across the board and it is a testament to the hard work of our tourism, retail and hospitality providers within our region.

"Last August saw $101m spent in our region, which is a 4 per cent increase on spending from the same period last year," said Dawson

It was spread well across different services.

Retail sales measured $27m. Spending at restaurants, cafes and bars in the region totalled $16m while other tourism products garnered a $15m spend.

Fuel and sales of alcohol, food and drinks totalled $27m combined.

Cultural, recreation and gambling services gained $7m, with accommodation services and passenger transport taking in $5m each.

Adding the year to date, to the end of August 2017, Hamilton and Waikato had a total visitor expenditure of $1.448 billion, in fifth position behind Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington.

This is a 7 per cent increase on the previous year.

One of the big wins was in the conference market now moving up a spot behind Auckland and Wellington.

"Over the past 12 months the Waikato has improved its market share by 10.8 per cent edging out Queenstown for the spot."

Dawson was confident tourism was no where near its potential but was growing at a "steady rate".

Hamilton and Waitomo were looking at increasing accommodation but there was still a huge need for mid-tier providers in the region.

website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Peter Romanovsky is hoping to return a French language book with the family of World War 1 soldier William George Milford who died in battle on October 4, 1917.

Peter Romanovsky is on a mission to see a dead soldier's "relic" returned to relatives.

The soldier at the centre of the Huntly man's quest is William George Midford who died in The Battle of Passchendaele on October 4, 1917.

Romanovsky said Midford's French language book was stowed away in a box of books he bought at Auckland auction house Cordys.

On Passing the New Menin Gate, by Siegfried Sassoon, inspired Peter Romanovsky to take action. A person called T J Dale owned the box beforehand, and inside the cover of the book it had a note saying it was passed on to him from Midford before he went to battle. The box only sparked Romanovsky's interest as there was a poetry book on the top, so he packed away the rest. That was a few years ago and it wasn't until this year, the centenary of the battle, that the language book re-surfaced. Archives from the Auckland War Memorial Museum state that Midford's sister Mrs Ernest Brown was living in Feilding. And his medals were passed on to his brother Henry Blackett Midford of Taumaranui in 1923. A few months ago Romanovsky started his search but it came to a halt after he fell ill. "Otherwise I would have driven down to Feilding myself," he said. "I knew a bit about the battle but fate brought me the box." He almost threw the book away as it has fallen apart and the pages were scattered in the box. But his search to return it to the family was inspired by a poem written by Siegfried Sassoon called On Passing the New Menin Gate. The poem talks about the ultimate sacrifice the soldiers made and the tribute they received wasn't worth their death which hit a "raw nerve" with Romanovsky. Based on records, Midford was conscripted and Romanovsky came to the conclusion that he wasn't stable enough to handle the war as he attempted to be excused. "I think poor Midford needs to be remembered." My dream was that his book, the last relic of William George Midford, would be returned to his family, it'll be lovely if that could be done." Huntly RSA treasurer Frank McInally helped research records through the RSA database. "It's a great idea, especially when it coincides with the centenary of Passchendaele." He said it was quite rare to find memorabilia from that battle and he thought it would be a "great story" if the family was found.

website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

The project team Tammy Tripp, Trisha Tapine, Shontae Moke, Samuel Haehae, Tirua Cooper, Stevie Simmons, Te Ataahua Moanaroa-Manukau, Krystal Cleaver and seated in front Jermaine Inia-Edmonds. Absent: Atama Nepia.

Ngaruawahia High School has come out on top of this year's BCITO Build-Ability Challenge. A team from the school were named supreme winners and awarded the best video prize with their outdoor sound shell. Teams from 14 schools across the country were given the past few months to plan, design and build a project which would make a difference to their school or community.

The Ngaruawahia team worked together to build the outdoor stage area with a sound shell for the school's eco-village. It will be used for dance, music and drama performances. "The dome has been very well constructed and, what's more, it looks fantastic," BCITO group manager of stakeholder engagement Greg Durkin said. "The judges were impressed by the complexity of the shell and the integration of the many angles used. The result is a structure that is robust and incorporates an interesting design element.

"The team's progress was documented utilising their builders-log blog posts that told the story of working with the wider community to create something that will be a great focal point within the school. "Creative use of video made this an entertaining build to watch during the 19 weeks of the challenge," Durkin said.

As the supreme winners, the students have won individual prize packs, a trophy and a $1000 voucher for their school's technology department.

Their best video award also won their school a GoPro camera. The challenge integrates with the Building, Construction and Allied Trades Skills (BCATS) National Certificate, allowing students to earn unit and achievement standards – giving them a head start on their construction training.

website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Manager of the Te Kauwhata Automotive Services Ltd. Sunil Kumar, right, and store workers Davinder Kaur and Aman Sidhu have made a name for themselves in the community.

Sunil Kumar has become a well-loved member of the Te Kauwhata community. As manager of Te Kauwhata Automotive Services, he can point out all of his customers by name, even before they get out of the car. He's only been in the job for about 18 months but the 32-year-old has practically become a local. The site was purchased by Auckland business owner Manjit Singh and remained as a gas station initially.

Since then, Kumar been part of transitioning Te Kauwhata's only petrol station in a one-stop-shop.It started with bread and milk, then the coffee machine came in. And it didn't take long to offer the town some fast food options.

Pizza was brought into the equation and now Kumar is selling up to 70 daily. It's become a place where one can fill your car, buy groceries, pizza, coffee and do your washing with the addition of a laundromat.

And soon, there will be the choice of Indian cuisine and fish and chips. But it seems it's not just the services which keep people coming back.

Kumar's made a name for himself with his approach to customer service. "If you look after the customer as family, they will look after you as family," he said.

He's always willing to help out locals with IOUs - most of which are paid back. The front shop windows have also become a notice board of sorts. With Singh's addition of weekly inspirational quotes on the forecourt, Kumar said it can brighten up people's day. "People are always feeling stressed and working hard."Town residents have proven they care just as much though after the shop was robbed at gunpoint in July last year."It's a small town so news goes around quickly and everyone supported us."In just this short time, Kumar has come come to the conclusion that leaving the hustle and bustle of Auckland life behind is possibly the best thing he's ever done.

The town has become his home and it doesn't appear that will be changing.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Ngāruawāhia Moko Club manager Paretakaka Jefferies, left, and Ngāruawāhia High School Board of Trustees member Elaine Preston say the Moko Club has uplifted the neighbourhood with the use of the night time lights.

Once upon a time it was a scary thought walking down Ngāruawāhia's George St at night. Now the tides have turned thanks to the Moko Club. Since the early bi-lingual childhood centre opened early last year near Ngāruawāhia High School, it's never felt safer - according to school board member Elaine Preston. It's due to a myriad of reasons but what has helped is the installation of lights at the centre.

With a bright mural along the walls, the colours are also illuminated. "Since the lights came on at Moko Club there has been a drop in vandalism and tagging," Preston said. "Whānau have expressed that their tamariki feel safe walking home after trainings because the street lighting is better...a few years ago you didn't dare get out of your car at night."And it's boosted respect and pride for their neighbourhood, she said."This [property] was an eyesore back in the day, it was just a shed on an overgrown section, to see it being utilised gives a sense of belonging."

Before the centre had been built, a fence was erected and the next day it had been tagged. Back then vandalism was a regular occurrence for the neighbourhood, she said, but there hadn't been any in sight since.

Preston said there had also been an unexpected collaboration between the school and the club. With a number of teenage mothers, the centre has been not only a place they can bring their children to, but was also offering inspiration to enter into an early childhood career.

Ngāruawāhia Moko Club manager Paretakaka Jefferies said it was also about establishing their place in the community. That was particularly important during the building phase.

"It's the good neighbours too, having the good relationship [and] having the community on board as well, you can only get that by having a conversation."Pride in the neighbourhood had helped residents look out for one another as well, she said. "What also makes a difference was we put up a sign saying this was part of the Kīngitanga office."The club is one of two in the North Waikato community, the other being in Huntly West which has been operating since 2011.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Ohinewai School caretaker Allan Powell is the man behind keeping the grounds spick and span.

He's only required to be at the Ohinewai School five days of the working week. Yet Allan Powell is often there on his days off. He's there checking that everything is in place and no trouble has been caused. The school caretaker of 15 years takes pride in keeping the school looking spick and span. "I just like coming to the school daily...who knows, maybe it's old school dedication," he said.

In the mornings he will work on maintenance and the afternoons are about cleaning.

Powell says his job is about keeping the children safe. "It's probably health and safety, for the kids knowing they can come to a safe school.

He's asked all sorts of funny questions by the children. One day he was seen without his hat and was questioned why he had no hair. The 63-year old Huntly resident was unemployed before picking up the job. He had been out of the workforce for about a year after working long hours as a bus driver, some of his routes included picking up school students. "I've been part of kids' lives for donkey's years."The only reason I finished that, was being a solo dad, I wanted to spend time with the kids."

He knew the principal who offered him the job and so he jumped at the chance. The father to three started the position when his youngest also enrolled at the school. "I just carried on, I don't take days off, I don't get sick... it's been a long journey but it keeps going."It's only natural to witness a number of changes throughout that amount of time in a job. At the school, there's been a few principals come and go, each different from the last, he said.

And technology has come into play, particularly with the pool cleaning system which has meant it stays blue all year round instead of turning green in the winter. Perhaps the best of all was a change in grass mowing methods. "Back in the early day we used to mow lawns with a push mower... [then] we decided to get a ride-on mower, that was the best thing we had ever done."

While his daily routine as caretaker starts at 9am, he is also the school bus driver from Huntly to Ohinewai. "When I drive the bus, I shut aside the school, the bus is for the kids to get to and from school safely."Kids ask me if I enjoy driving the bus, and yeah I do, it's about safety for me."website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

The Huntly footbridge was damaged by a truck and has since been removed for repairs.

Assessment of the damage to the Huntly footbridge is underway but when it will re-open has yet to be determined. Waikato District Council staff are assessing the damage and repairs needed after a truck travelling on State Highway 1 hit it earlier this month.

The truck damaged the two-legged pier that holds the footbridge up on the Main Street side of the bridge. This needs to be replaced to restore the structural integrity of the footbridge. The footbridge was removed last week but the length of time it will be out of action is currently unknown as design and the details of repair work are still being worked through. Costs of the repairs are being investigated and council staff are working with insurers and the NZ Transport Agency to determine the funding required. While the footbridge is down, pedestrians are being advised on the alternative route to use. If travelling from the west side of the footbridge, pedestrians can walk from Main St to Rayner Rd, Rayner Rd to Ralph St, Ralph St to William St and from William St to Glasgow St. The footbridge was previously taken down by the council in August 2015 when the boom of an excavator on the back of a truck damaged the main footbridge span. It cost the council in the order of $280,000 to repair and replace and was covered by insurance. This most recent damage is of a lesser extent; however the process to manage the repairs means the council has to work across multiple stakeholders.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Mentor Wayne Waretini hands over the keys to Mowai Salu ahead of a Community Driver Mentor Programme session.

Volunteers are being sought to help young drivers get on the road following the launch of a new programme. A new community-based driving programme in Huntly and Ngaruawahia has been set up to help young people to gain their restricted licence. Managed by Waikato District Council and Waka Trust, the organisations are on the lookout of volunteer mentors. The Community Driver Mentor Programme was established by the NZ Transport Agency to address barriers that learner drivers in the 16-24 age group may face. The programme is designed to enable local communities to help these young learners who have already completed the learner phase of their licence independently to gain their restricted licence and improve their levels of safe driving.It does this by providing experience in a wide range of driving situations with an experienced, licensed driving mentor and in a registered and warranted vehicle. Waka Trust's co-ordinator Lenora McDonald said the role of a mentor will be rewarding. "It's an exciting opportunity to help a young person along their path towards becoming a safe driver on our roads," she said. "There is bound to be such a sense of pride knowing that you have had a part to play when the young person gets their licence." Mayor Allan Sanson endorsed the project and said he would love to see local mentors get involved. "A driving licence also plays a key role in gaining employment," he said. "With the Waikato district growing at the rate it is, employment opportunities are increasing and anything that can help our young people into the work force is most welcome." To become a mentor, a commitment of three hours a week up to 15 weeks is required A vehicle is provided and training and support is given to mentors. For more information, call Lenora on 027 700 2089.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Rugby fanatic Jahstice Harris Matthews is looking forward to competing in the Halberg Junior Disability Games for a second time.

Nothing gets in the way of 10-year old Jahstice Harris Matthews who is set to compete in this year's Halberg Junior Disability Games. The young Ngaruawahia resident with cerebral palsy is set to take part in athletics and boccia among others sports in the October event. Run over three days at Kings College in Papakura, the sports competition is for physically disabled and visually impaired 8 to 21 year olds. Around 200 athletes are expected to compete in nine regional teams across a range of sports.website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

EVolocity Waikato Regional Final 2017 THIS SATURDAY, from 9am, Kartsport, Airport Rd 3282, Hamilton EVolocity is a region-wide Waikato Engineering Careers Association managed competition where students design, build and race their own electric vehicles with assistance from teachers, tertiary tutors and mentors from engineering businesses.

Waikato District Council cemetery officer Deidre MacDonald has a big job looking after more than 20 cemeteries in the district.

Cemeteries; they're a vital part of any community.

There's a lot of work involved in managing them.

As cliche as it sounds, for Waikato District Council cemetery officer Deidre MacDonald it's not a job, it's her passion.

"I think it's the satisfaction of seeing families going away content with laying their loved one to rest."

There's not a day goes by when she dreads coming to work.

To some, it may be hard to understand why she chose the job.

"It's a job some people aren't comfortable with, it's the unknown."

Across the district, she's responsible for 22 functioning cemeteries.

"I went into Whatawhata Cemetery to look at putting in seating and I said you know what, this is my favourite cemetery, it's a bit weird, I know."

The Hamilton resident has only been in the role for three years but it's where she hopes to stay.

"It was probably a natural progression from funeral directing to cemetery managing, I know what families go through, when they come to us, they don't want any issues."

Making the whole process as smooth as possible is what she strives for.

"I think it's just having the empathy, putting yourself in their shoes."

Any issues that arise need to be dealt with as soon as possible.

"It's not the line of work where you say, I'll do it later...really, the responsibility that all goes well lies on me.

"With a Muslim burial, they generally have it within the 24 hours so I have to call contractors immediately."

Working with funeral directors and families is just one part of her job, however.

There's a lot more to it than meets the eye.

"I don't think people think it's so hands on, they think I'm just sitting in an office.

"There's a lot of regulations to be adhered to and there's some sensitive issues here."

The grass has to be kept at a certain level and headstones have to meet certain guidelines.

Around four or five days after a burial, MacDonald has to ensure the dirt mound is levelled off by contractors.

Keeping everything looking its best is an important part of the job.

The whole vibe of a cemetery is an important part of a families journey of laying their loved one to rest, she said.

"People don't want to go to a cemetery and see it uncared for, I go back to the sensitivity of the job, it's just natural for me."website here © 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Taine de Thierry, 8, only started BMX riding two years ago and has already been selected to the New Zealand Meybo BMX team.

website here© 2017 Fairfax New Zealand Limited

Waikato District mayor Allan Sanson and Minister for Children Anne Tolley cut a cake to launch the Oranga Rangatahi programme in Huntly.