FREE Flax Weaving Classes
We are pleased to announce that we can again offer Raranga (flax weaving) beginner classes starting on Thursday 16th August at 7pm, 2018. These Thursday evening classes will run as an 8 week block course at the Good News Community Centre (78 Breckons Ave, Nawton). They are offered free to the community.
Our new and well achieved tutor Tuahana Clark began her passion for Raranga as a child as she observed her kuia weave for their marae. Tuahana is well versed in the art of traditional gathering and dyeing and has received many tohu (awards) from various education providers along with a Master of Arts in Tikanga Maori. This expertise and knowledge has allowed Tuahana (along with others) to produce over 70 whariki (mats) many wahakura (safe sleeping beds for babies) and korowai (cloak) for a local church.
Tuahana is passionate about sharing her skills and knowledge, is the Chairperson of Nga Hua O Te Rito Charitable Trust a group of enthusiastic weavers and President of Te Herenga Branch MWWL/l Maori Womens Welfare League based at Hemi Tapu.
Tuahana is married with four children, grandmother of six and great grandmother of two.
No experience is needed to attend this introductory course, but those who have weaving experience are also welcome to participate. These classes will help extend your own knowledge of a beautiful traditional art that will bring you and your whanau or family joy for many years and generations to come. These classes are open to all adults.
Please call the office to register on 850 5020 or email goodnewscommunitycentre@gmail.com
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Will these roadworks affect you?
Don’t expect a quick trip between Cambridge and Tamahere for much of this year, because major roadworks are starting.
Asphalt works on that section of Waikato Expressway will run from March through to late 2026, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says. Motorists are warned to plan for significant delays.
“Unfortunately the pavement, particularly in the slow lanes, has deteriorated faster than expected,” NZTA’s Roger Brady said.
Will these roadworks affect you? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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