South Waikato District, Tokoroa

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141 days ago

⏰ Last chance Taupō District! ⏰

Darren Petry from Taupō District Council

Have you had your say on our Long-term Plan yet? Submissions close this Friday and we want to hear from you!
📣Have we got the balance right?
Should we focus most of our effort and money on essential services?
🚘 Safe roads
💧 Resilient water infrastructure
💡 Keeping the lights on
View more
Have you had your say on our Long-term Plan yet? Submissions close this Friday and we want to hear from you!
📣Have we got the balance right?
Should we focus most of our effort and money on essential services?
🚘 Safe roads
💧 Resilient water infrastructure
💡 Keeping the lights on
👉🏼 Find out more and let us know what you think here

📣Bag it or Bin it
Have your say on the future of kerbside rubbish and recycling!
Last year we asked what you thought of bags vs bins and heard from heeeeeaaaaaaaps of you.
So we’ve done some more mahi, worked out the details and crunched the numbers. Now we’re back asking the big question. Bag It or Bin It?
Check out the video here.
👉🏼 Find out more and have your say here.

📣Should we help ease the housing crisis in the Taupō District?
We own a parcel of land south of Richmond Heights in Taupō. We have the opportunity to sell some of this to a development partner who would build high-quality, attractive homes on it.
🏡 Some of these homes (around 42) would be targeted at first home buyers who can afford to pay a mortgage. The remainder would be sold on the open market.
👉🏼 Find out more and have your say here

📣How should we deal with wastewater?
Wastewater is the dirty water that's left behind after taking a shower, doing a load of washing or flushing the loo.
💧 In Taupō, there's been more houses being built on the northern side of the Waikato River. This means the pipe that takes wastewater across to the Taupō Wastewater Treatment Plant is almost at capacity.
💧 In Tūrangi, the wastewater is treated to a very high standard and disposed of into a wetland. This is a very common process in other parts of New Zealand but the community has raised concerns and asked us to try to find a land-based option.
👉🏼 We've come up with some different solutions. Check them out here.

📣Increasing fees and charges to manage rates
One way to try and keep rates under control is to increase our fees and charges on different services that people choose to use. We’re thinking of a 20-25 percent increase across the board.
📌 Adult AC Baths entry from $10 to $12
📌 Swim lessons from $12 to $15
📌 Rubbish bag stickers from $2 to $2.50
📌 Broadlands Road Landfill minimum charge from $21 to $26
📌 Building consent from $100 to $125
All of these services, like swimming pools and landfills, are topped up by rates. By putting up our fees and charges, it means that people who use the services contribute more towards the cost of providing them.
This helps reduce that cost burden falling on the wider community through rates (including the people who don’t use these facilities or services at all).
👉🏼 Find out more and have your say here.

📣Let’s talk about Control Gates Bridge
We’ve heard from many of you that you’re not enjoying sitting in traffic waiting to cross the Waikato River at certain times of the day.
🚗 Planning for a solution to ease congestion was meant to happen in 2031-33 but traffic volumes are increasing faster than we predicted. The plan is to spend the next three years working with Mercury, iwi, and hapū to begin working on options.
🌉 We’ll come back to you with some detailed designs and costs in 2027, with a view to starting construction in 2029. A rough initial estimated cost is $73.5 million. What do you think?
👉🏼 Find out more and have your say here.

📣Plan for Tūrangi town centre
We know the Tūrangi community are really keen to see their town centre tidied up and given a new lease on life, and there is also a lot of excitement about a community recreation centre in Tūrangi.
🏗️ During our last Long-term Plan in 2021, we started working with Ngāti Tūrangitukua to create a community recreation centre for Tūrangi. This centre is still in our draft Long-term Plan, but it has been delayed until 2028.
That’s because, although we allocated $15.9 million for the centre in our 2021-31 Long-term Plan, construction costs have risen significantly and there’s also uncertainty around where a centre should go, who would run it, and how it would be used. It is going to be expensive to build and operate and we aren’t confident the Tūrangi community can afford a centre of this size right now.
🎣 At the same time, the community has been asking for action on the Tūrangi town centre, and there are some links between getting this sorted and investing in a recreation centre.
So, what we’re proposing is that we do some town centre structure planning to get that functioning better, which will help us figure out what recreation facilities are needed and where best to place them.
In this plan, we’ve allocated around $150,000 to our town centre planning in 2025 and $17.5 million for the recreation centre project in the years 2028-2030. What do you think?
👉🏼 Find out more and have your say here.

📣Transport funding changes
We usually get help funding our transport projects like road widening from Waka Kotahi (New Zealand Transport Agency).
🚗 We’d like to improve some intersections in the next 10 years like AC Baths Avenue, Napier Road/Crown Road intersection and Taharepa Road/Crown Road intersection near Tauhara Primary School. We’d also like to do some major upgrades on Broadlands Road, Poihipi Road and Whangamata Road.
If we get less money, what should we do? Increase our budget to make up the shortfall so we can deliver the full list of projects? Or change the projects up to meet our smaller budget?
👉🏼 Find out more and have your say here.

📣Rates increase
Rachel lives in Taupō central, is passionate about living sustainably, yoga, her super cute cats and chooks, and the community. She is also one of our awesome councillors.
🏡 Rachel's looking at $4,079.97 in rates next year. That's an extra $450 from last year. Most ($415) of this increase is going towards targeted rates that pay for keeping our water and wastewater infrastructure up to scratch.
👉🏼 What's your number? Find out here.

📣Have we missed something?
We love how passionate our community is in the Taupō rohe. If there’s something that we’ve missed out that you think should be included in this plan, we really want to hear from you.
🙋🏼 Skip to question 11 of our submission survey and give your feedback or send an email to 10yearplan@taupo.govt.nz.
👉🏼 Find out more about making a submission here.

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142 days ago

Celebrate the month of Matariki with Kiwi!

Trish Seddon from Te Awamutu Museum

Great news for all our existing and new Tui & Tama's Kids Club members! We are launching another 6 month activity booklet ready for the school holidays!

Each month starting July until December 2024, one of our Tui & Tama friends will introduce new activities. All you have to do is … View more
Great news for all our existing and new Tui & Tama's Kids Club members! We are launching another 6 month activity booklet ready for the school holidays!

Each month starting July until December 2024, one of our Tui & Tama friends will introduce new activities. All you have to do is come on in, complete the activities and receive your special sticker in the new 6 month booklet.

Keep your booklet and bring it in every time you visit and complete each months activities!

If you receive all 6 stickers you will be in the draw for another awesome experience!

This July we're celebrating Matariki with Kiwi!
Come on in and grab your Kiwi Activity book today!

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142 days ago

Medieval quest seeks donations for latest time travel experience

The Team from Momentum Waikato

Hamilton Gardens enthusiasts now have the opportunity to support the completion of its Medieval Garden, the next new time-travel experience at the city’s premier visitor attraction.

A fundraising campaign to raise $300,000 needed to complete the new themed space has been launched by Momentum … View more
Hamilton Gardens enthusiasts now have the opportunity to support the completion of its Medieval Garden, the next new time-travel experience at the city’s premier visitor attraction.

A fundraising campaign to raise $300,000 needed to complete the new themed space has been launched by Momentum Waikato, the region’s community foundation.

The design of the Medieval Garden will be based on the ruins of the St John of the Hermits Monastery in Sicily, made up of a ‘Cloister Garth’ for prayer and meditation and an ‘Apothecary Garden’ for growing medicinal herbs and healing plants.

Peter Sergel, the founding director and visionary designer of Hamilton Gardens, says each of its existing and planned gardens represents a major transformation point in history, with the Medieval Garden representing the spread of Christianity.

“Three particular aspects will be reflected in the Medieval Garden, one is the piety, study and prayer, second was protection and looking after strangers, and the third was superstition, particularly around geometry and maths and numbers.”

“The Medieval world has inspired all sorts of fiction, including science fiction films, because it was a strange brutal world with all sorts of magic and mystery,” says Sergel.

The monastery spaces of the Medieval Garden will ultimately be one of four gardens on site reflecting the philosophies of the world’s major religions, the others being Islam via the Indian Char Bagh Garden, Buddhism via the Japanese Garden, and Hinduism via the planned Vedic Garden.

142 days ago

Poll: Would you consider being a police officer in your hometown?

Libby Totton Reporter from South Waikato News

Anton Milnes knows working as a police officer he can be just a small part of someone’s really bad day.

However, he’s hoping to be more than that, especially in his home town of Tokoroa.

Milnes grew up with police officers as his mentors - he even trained at Tokoroa police station gym … View more
Anton Milnes knows working as a police officer he can be just a small part of someone’s really bad day.

However, he’s hoping to be more than that, especially in his home town of Tokoroa.

Milnes grew up with police officers as his mentors - he even trained at Tokoroa police station gym with his junior rugby team.

Would you consider being a police officer in your hometown? (Please add NFP if you don't want your comments used in print.)

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Would you consider being a police officer in your hometown?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 0% Maybe
    0% Complete
  • 100% No
    100% Complete
  • 0% Not sure
    0% Complete
3 votes
143 days ago

Fraser ACE Term 3 Starting Soon

The Team from Fraser ACE Adult Community Education

Fraser ACE is excited to announce that Term 3 classes will begin on 29th July!

This term offers a diverse range of courses designed to cater to various interests. Whether you're looking to advance your career, pick up a new hobby, or expand your knowledge, Fraser ACE has something for … View more
Fraser ACE is excited to announce that Term 3 classes will begin on 29th July!

This term offers a diverse range of courses designed to cater to various interests. Whether you're looking to advance your career, pick up a new hobby, or expand your knowledge, Fraser ACE has something for everyone. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experienced instructors in a supportive and engaging environment.

Enroll now to secure your spot and embark on a new educational journey this July. For more information and to register, visit Fraser ACE, phone 07 846 8624 or email us on comed@fraser.school.nz
Find out more

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143 days ago

Last chance to share your Bright Spot...

Resene

From stunning sunsets to quirky murals - we're loving seeing the beautiful photos that members are sharing across the country. These local Bright Spots add a little colour and brighten the day.

Our Bright Spots campaign closes on Sunday, 15 July so time is running out to share yours. With … View more
From stunning sunsets to quirky murals - we're loving seeing the beautiful photos that members are sharing across the country. These local Bright Spots add a little colour and brighten the day.

Our Bright Spots campaign closes on Sunday, 15 July so time is running out to share yours. With 10 prizes of $250 Resene ColorShop vouchers and $250 Prezzy® cards up for grabs, do take a moment and share this happy place with us.

Enter your local Bright Spots pics here today and be in to *WIN*.
Find out more

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143 days ago

Poll: Should Tīrau get a Burger King and Starbucks?

Libby Totton Reporter from South Waikato News

The South Waikato town of Tīrau could be in line for a corporate fast food takeover if consent is given for the building of a Starbucks and Burger King on the main drag though town.

But, some locals don’t think the corporate giants are the right fit for the town known for its boutique cafes, … View more
The South Waikato town of Tīrau could be in line for a corporate fast food takeover if consent is given for the building of a Starbucks and Burger King on the main drag though town.

But, some locals don’t think the corporate giants are the right fit for the town known for its boutique cafes, antique shops and corrugated iron inspired art works and facades.

What do you think? Would you want to see these fast food outlets on State Highway 1 in Tīrau? (Please add NFP if you do not want your comments to be used in print.)

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Should Tīrau get a Burger King and Starbucks?
  • 37.5% Yes
    37.5% Complete
  • 62.5% No
    62.5% Complete
  • 0% Not sure
    0% Complete
8 votes
144 days ago

Try Joy’s Oven Hāngi Recipe

The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

This warming Hāngi recipe, created by Joy from Murray Halberg Village, serves six people with plenty of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Serve hot and enjoy with family or friends on a chilly winters night.

Click read more for the full recipe.

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145 days ago

Butia Capatata palms

John from Matamata

Easy to grow, Butia palm is salt, heat, and drought tolerant and among
the hardy feather palms withstanding temperatures down to - 10 degrees C.
An attractive palm tree as a free standing specimen or grouped with other palms.
Grows up to 3-6 m tall 3-5 m wide.
Easily grown in well drained … View more
Easy to grow, Butia palm is salt, heat, and drought tolerant and among
the hardy feather palms withstanding temperatures down to - 10 degrees C.
An attractive palm tree as a free standing specimen or grouped with other palms.
Grows up to 3-6 m tall 3-5 m wide.
Easily grown in well drained soils in full sun or part shade

Price: $95

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147 days ago

30 Years of Homes & Gardens

NZ House & Garden

It’s NZ House & Garden’s 30th birthday, and to celebrate they’ve put together a great offer that’ll light up your home. Purchase or gift a 1 or 2-year subscription to NZ House & Garden and receive a Living Light luxury soy candle worth $56.90 for FREE*.

Enjoy inspirational home … View more
It’s NZ House & Garden’s 30th birthday, and to celebrate they’ve put together a great offer that’ll light up your home. Purchase or gift a 1 or 2-year subscription to NZ House & Garden and receive a Living Light luxury soy candle worth $56.90 for FREE*.

Enjoy inspirational home & garden content, convenient monthly home delivery, exclusive subscriber-only discounts, up to 27% off retail, and a Living Light luxury soy candle worth $56.90 when you become part of the NZ House & Garden community. *T&Cs apply.
Find out more

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151 days ago

Poll: Is it still rude to wear a hat inside?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Times have changed and perhaps so has our societal rules around taking off hats when indoors. What are your thoughts?

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Is it still rude to wear a hat inside?
  • 74.6% Yes, take them off indoors
    74.6% Complete
  • 24.3% No, it's not anymore
    24.3% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
4078 votes
E
147 days ago

Masons Mitre Jig

Edward from Putaruru

Hi: Does any one have a Masons Mitre Jig. I have a work Top to join and do not want to pay 400 + for on for a one off job. Here is hoping

148 days ago

Time for a clear-out?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Delve back into that garage or wardrobe! It's time to sell your gently-loved goods at The Neighbourly Winter (online!) Garage Sale

On Saturday 6th July, members will be online checking out the goods on offer so it's a great time to get rid of your winter clutter.

Maybe it's … View more
Delve back into that garage or wardrobe! It's time to sell your gently-loved goods at The Neighbourly Winter (online!) Garage Sale

On Saturday 6th July, members will be online checking out the goods on offer so it's a great time to get rid of your winter clutter.

Maybe it's time to realise that you're never going to use that snowboard or ski jacket, and that you really do have one too many heaters. Whatever it is, take a picture and put it on Neighbourly for locals to see.
List an item now

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148 days ago

Product recalls this month

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

These items have been recalled this month. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.

Food recalls:
Hubbards brand BeMighty granola blueberry & seeds
Leslies Clover chips bbq flavour
View more
These items have been recalled this month. If you have one of these items at home, click on the title to see the details to ensure it is not a risk to your household.

Food recalls:
Hubbards brand BeMighty granola blueberry & seeds
Leslies Clover chips bbq flavour
Sabres fresh & frozen ready meals
Pams plant based creamy tomato pasta bake

Product recalls:
Farmers brand girls jockey singlet
Vitamix container and blade bases
Crocs Jibbitz
Digital Notepads
City Beach novelty light
LED strip light
Hansa Chipper
Kawasaki Spartan mower

We hope this message was helpful in keeping you and your family safe.

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148 days ago

Ryman Presents: Jackie Clarke

The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

Tuesday 9 July, 2pm
Hosted at Sir Don Rowlands Centre, Karapiro Room,
601 Maungatautari Road, Cambridge

Join us for an exclusive Ryman event featuring the captivating Jackie Clarke.

One of Aotearoa’s most popular entertainers, Jackie has toured and recorded with the greats like Sir Paul … View more
Tuesday 9 July, 2pm
Hosted at Sir Don Rowlands Centre, Karapiro Room,
601 Maungatautari Road, Cambridge

Join us for an exclusive Ryman event featuring the captivating Jackie Clarke.

One of Aotearoa’s most popular entertainers, Jackie has toured and recorded with the greats like Sir Paul McCartney and Ray Charles and now it's your chance to experience her powerful vocals and fascinating stories.

The entertainment will be followed by complimentary refreshments, so don’t miss this opportunity to attend this wonderful event and learn more about our village.

RSVP is essential, call David on 0800 600 446. We look forward to seeing you there!

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