Page 4 of the Waitomo News Alice - winner of National Library Week Blog Writing Competition

1. ISSN 1170-1137 – (252) Delivered FREE to households – extra copies 40c
Are you ready?
IN the wake of Saturday’s gency survival pack with their
Canterbury earthquake, North families.
King Country residents need to The students hope the rest of
be better prepared for a natural the community will follow their
disaster. lead.
After watching events unfold A recent Environment Waika -
on television during the week - to survey showing low levels
end, it was clear to Otorohanga of preparedness for a natural
South School students, how im - disaster is deeply concerning,
portant it is to be prepared. according to the Waikato Civil
The year 5 and 6 students Defence and Emergency Man -
had been studying the recent agement Group.
ooding in Pakistan with their “Only 8% of survey respond -
teacher Anna McKey, but their ents were fully prepared for an
whole focus changed on Monday emergency,” says Waikato co-
morning when they realised a ordinating executive group chair
natural disaster could strike Langley Cavers.
anytime, anywhere. “As a region we really need to
Mrs McKey set a special as - do better, especially since the
signment for her class. Canterbury earthquake shows
“I asked the students to design how disaster can strike at any
an emergency survival pack for time.”
their families. The survey results included
“They had to think of every - questions designed to gauge
thing they would need if their Waikato residents’ preparedness
family was suddenly faced with for a civil defence emergency.
no power or water for a week.” The information is being used
While some students said to develop a Waikato civil defence
they would be prepared in an public education programme.
emergency, many weren’t and Mr Cavers says the results
together they made a list of es - highlight the urgent need for res -
sential items. idents to become better equipped
These included a rst-aid kit, to deal with an emergency.
canned food, torch, radio, bat - “We can’t a ord to be com -
teries, matches, a pocket knife, placent.”
bottled water and a gas cooker. “As the people of Canterbury BE PREPARED: Otorohanga South School students Tai Wanakore (left), Alys Bleasel, Sophie Jones, Emma Barker and Tarryn
An extension of their assign - can attest, disaster can strike Tata ask how prepared are you for an emergency? The children have designed emergency survival packs and encourage
ment was to make an emer - when its least expected.” the community to do the same.
$11m plus to upgrade plant
AN estimated $11.314 million needs to early 2009. van Rooyen. with the “signi cant” cost of maintaining
be spent to bring Te Kuiti’s wastewater “The design has been developed so that An amended application was submitted and operating the aerators.
treatment plant up to scratch. the WTP upgrade can occur in discreet in June last year. “A trial is underway to improve aera -
But a push by Environment Waikato stages without negatively a ecting the It showed how the changes to the pro - tion and initial results are promising,”
towards a discharge to land component operation of the existing plant,” said Mr posed upgraded WTP would meet the con - said Mr van Rooyen.
could add between $3 million and more van Rooyen. sent parameters, said Mr van Rooyen. The next critical part to improving
than $10 million. “Each component will be integrated into There are eight main components to the treatment performance is installing two
However, work will not go ahead until the WTP on its completion and, from that upgrade plan. pump stations and related pipe work.
the council learns what level of subsidy point on, improve the overall treatment The rst, limiting the ow of water “The pipe work con guration discharg -
the Ministry of Health will provide. performance of the plant.” into the plant after heavy rain, has been ing waste from the clari er and that of
Reporting to last month’s Waitomo The discharge consent for the plant completed. the nal e uent is such that the nal
District Council meeting, assets group expired in 2005. “The excess in ow used to wash out e uent is contaminated after treatment
hy Settle For Less?
manager Chris van Rooyen said: “We have
had no hints from the ministry, and are
standing still until we hear from it.”
“An application was made for the re
newal of the discharge resource consent
in April 2005, but put on hold shortly
- the biological treatment process which
then took days, sometimes weeks, to re-
establish,” said Mr van Rooyen.
(and) before discharge to the river,”said
Mr van Rooyen.
High pathogen counts in the treated
A concept solution for the wastewater afterwards pending a request for informa - Inadequate aeration of sewage has been e uent also need to be dealt with.
treatment plant (WTP) was nalised in tion from Environment Waikato,” said Mr identi ed as another problem area, along TO P4
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2. Breakfast,
2 Waitomo News – Thursday, September 9, 2010
SEPTEMBER 2010
ADVERTISING
SPECIALS! auction for
This column is to keep readers informed of
any current advertising specials on offer, as
the men
well as our policies with regard to regular MORE than 30 people enjoyed breakfast
components of the newspaper i.e. sports- before parting with some cash on Friday morn -
wrap, letters to the editor, thumbs etc. ing.
Please feel free to contact us if you have Up for grabs in an early morning auction at
any queries on 07 878 1188 or Placemakers in Te Kuiti were items donated by
owners Ted and Anita Harper, and several of
email: editor@waitomonews.co.nz
their suppliers.
The bene ciary was the Prostate Cancer
CLASSIFIEDS Foundation as ‘Blue September’ – the founda
tion’s awareness month – kicked into action.
-
CLA It is the second year the Harpers have held
SPECSSIE a breakfast for the foundation, but the rst SOLD: Auctioneer Carl White (right) keeps the auction action going while Placemakers
IAL!
auction. Te Kuiti owners Ted and Anita Harper watch for bidders.
FREE SPRING “We sent out 50 invitations and more than 30
people were here,” says Mrs Harper.
CLEAN SPECIAL! “It was a good morning, although we didn’t
make as much as we had hoped.
“Our suppliers were great and auctioneer Carl
Got something to sell for under $100? White donated his time.
Advertise in FOR SALE “We would have loved to open this event up
to the public, but we just don’t have enough
for FREE . . . sta ,” she says.
and get some extra cash for SPRING! The breakfast and auction raised about
(Maximum of 12 words) Conditions apply $3500.
About prostate cancer
Contact Jan (Te Kuiti)
In New Zealand, prostate cancer is the most
t 878 1188 f 07 878 1187
common cancer in men. About 2500 new cases
e reception@waitomonews.co.nz
Susan/Cheryl (Otorohanga)
of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year. GOOD CAUSE: Some of the tradesmen who helped raise more about $3500 for the
t 07 873 7139 f 07 873 7138 Men who develop prostate cancer are mostly Prostate Cancer Foundation last Friday.
e otooffice@ over the age of 65. It rarely occurs in men
waitomonews.co.nz younger than 55. Men with a family history of prostate is stimulated by male
About one in 13 men will develop prostate prostate cancer have a higher risk; hormones, especially testosterone.
cancer before the age of 75. In very elderly men, that is, if the father, an uncle or a The speed at which prostate can -
DISPLAY DISP
prostate cancer often grows very slowly and may
cause no symptoms.
brother has had prostate cancer.
Doctors do not know what causes
cer grows varies from man to man.
Prostate cancer tends to spread to
SPEC LAY Some men are more at risk of getting prostate prostate cancer. lymph nodes, bones (especially ribs
IAL! cancer than others, but the most important risk They do know, however, that and bones around the hip and lower
factor is ageing. the growth of cancer cells in the back), liver and lungs.
GET AN EXTRA
INCH FOR FREE!
Place a 10x2 ad and
upsize to a 10x3 for FREE! Caught on camera
or place a 10x3 ad and TO the parents of any teenagers that were
upsize to a 10x4 for FREE! Volunteer fire brigades Piopio drunk in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Please come down to the liquor shop and
Available to casual customers only. FIREFIGHTERS were called to a single
identify the boys who were caught on camera
Conditions apply vehicle crash on SH3 south of Mahoenui on
Te Kuiti Saturday evening.
at approximately 1.30am grabbing alcohol
BRIGADE members were called to the Man- out of my window after having thrown rocks
Contact Rochelle/Janis (Te Kuiti) A woman lost control of her car and hit a
gaokewa Reserve on Saturday morning through it.
t 07 878 1188 f 07 878 1187 tree before flipping into a paddock. She
to carry a Te Kuiti woman out of the bush Perhaps now is a good time for this commu -
e sales@waitomonews.co.nz suffered minor injuries.
with a suspected fractured ankle. St John nity to get behind cameras being installed at
Ambulance transported the woman to Te the community’s expense to put a stop to the
Sue (Otorohanga)
Kuiti Hospital. Benefield Carrier & Towing vandalism that occurs unseen in this town.
t 07 873 7139 f 07 873 7138 A TOURIST driving on the wrong side of the
e otooffice@waitomonews.co.nz
In the early hours of the morning there are
road near Waitomo crashed head-on into many children who should be in bed roaming
Benneydale another vehicle on Sunday night. There
ON Monday, brigade members were called the streets. Otorohanga should be a better safer
were no major injuries but both cars were
EDITORIAL to Waimiha Rd to remove a tree that was
blocking the road.
extensively damaged.
ON September 1, a man travelling south
community that that.
Perhaps a curfew should be imposed.
AT 2am on Tuesday, a truck and trailer unit To the older people at 12.30am who took the
crashed on Buckley’s Corner, coming to Mrs Mac’s pie sign, Woodstock sign and tried
We welcome your stories and story tips. caught fire on SH4, near Mapiu. rest 40-50 metres into a paddock.
If supplying photographs we require high resolution A flat tyre on the trailer caused the fire and to take the Jim Beam sign? How pathetic but
(a minimum of 1MB). Please note that due to
Speed was believed to be a factor in the smile because I have your photos too.
brigade members assisted by the Piopio crash. The driver was uninjured, but the car
occasional space constraints, sports results/draws
brigade, spent four hours at the scene. Rachael Membery
may not be published. was extensively damaged. Otorohanga
Piopio concert
Please contact the editorial team
t 07 878 1188
f 07 878 1187
e editor@waitomonews.co.nz
LETTER & THUMBS RULES
on next week
No Letters to the Editor or Thumbs Up/Down will be THE sound of music will echo throughout
published unless the name of writer, full address and Piopio College’s library next week.
daytime contact phone number are included for verification. THUMBS up to Malcolm, Edward and their safety demonstration. Great job, thank you. On Monday, about 50 young musicians from
Letters and Thumbs Up/Down are published at the editor’s parent helpers for getting the young rugby Kirsten White
discretion and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Piopio Primary School and Piopio College will
league players from Te Kuiti and Piopio Maihiihi Playcentre play at the annual performance day.
Waitomo News.
In general, Thumbs Up are to acknowledge random trained up and having a great time at last The year 5-11 students will perform solo,
acts of kindness while Thumbs Down generally reflect weekend’s Mini-Mod tournament. THUMBS up to Otorohanga local Tania duet, trios and ensembles on their chosen in -
the opposite. Should you have a complaint regarding a Dede Downs Scott for being recognised as the top struments including piano, woodwind, brass
business, please address that with the owner/s rather than Sport Waikato overall umpire for the weekends of August and string instruments, and guitar.
via these columns. The editor reserves the right to abridge Te Kuiti 27-28 and September 3-4, at the 77th an-
letters and preference is given to letters not longer than 300 Musical styles will include modern, classical
nual Kurangaituku Netball Tournament in and folk.
words and those without a pseudonym.
Letters and Thumbs Up/Down can be THUMBS up to Phil Tindle and the Otoro- Rotorua. Friends and family are invited to attend the
sent to the editor, Waitomo News, hanga Volunteer Fire Brigade for taking Well done. performance, which begins at 1.15pm.
PO Box 279, Te Kuiti, fax (07) 878 1187, the time to delight the children of Maihiihi Dee, Trish, Jo & the Girls Students are taught by music teachers from
or email editor@waitomonews.co.nz Playcentre with a station visit and fire Otorohanga Hamilton, Otorohanga and Piopio.

3. Waitomo News – Thursday, September 9, 2010 3
Sewerage problems solved . . . at last
TWELVE of 25 eligible proper - the road reserve in Te Waitere Rd Waitomo district councillor permission for the installation now suitable for 25 connections
ties at Te Waitere have been con - by Waitomo District Council. John Kaati. of the (original) pipeline,” said and is working well.
nected to the settlement’s sewerage The original sewer was illegally The original line runs through Mr van Rooyen. “Te Waitere has an existing
system. installed some years ago and runs Mr Kaati’s property. He says it “As a result of the dispute, soakage eld sewerage treat -
The connections occurred follow - midblock across a number of prop - was put in by his neighbour for this property owner cut the line ment system that is operating
ing installation of a new pipeline on erties, says resident and former personal use “some time in the that runs along his fence line at the top end of its capacity.
future”. resulting in greywater being “The soakage eld will have
He says he did not know it discharged on to his property. to be extended in the future to
was there until he was planting “He then complained to coun - ensure its long-term life or an
some shrubs. At that stage the cil about the health issues that alternative system developed,”
pipeline was damaged. such discharge causes while, at says Mr van Rooyen.
“Years later councillors and the same time, refused access “At this stage that is estimat -
Mr van Rooyen came to Te to allow council’s contractor to ed to be in about 10 years.
Waitere and spoke of a gran - repair the line,” said Mr van “The section of pipeline that
diose subdivision proposal and Rooyen. was in dispute has been discon -
plans to connect front baches to Mr Kaati says: “Council, nected and abandoned — it is
the existing greywater sewer even with the knowledge the not operational and will there -
through the unauthorised line pipeline did not conform to fore not leak any greywater.”
which transgressed our prop - standard, and was damaged, At WDC’s May meeting, Mr
erty,” says Mr Kaati. continued to connect houses van Rooyen said legalising the
“Councillors and sta were to it. existing line would involve sur -
told at that meeting that the “We did complain of the spill vey work and probable com -
line had integrity problems, and were told that if we didn’t pensation to property owners,
was damaged and we, as own - allow the repair we could face as well as re-laying the pipe
ers, would not agree to this legal action.” at the correct depth. ( Waitomo
crossing our property. Mr Kaati also met Waikato News, June 3)
“With it 50mm underground District Health Board sta Mr Kaati said: “My family
QUESTIONS AND COSTUMES: The Cottage is hosting its annual quiz night next week there was more risk of line on-site. and others in this community
and encourages teams to dress to the ABC theme. Pictured from left are Jack Higgins, damage, and also risk to peo - “After giving a history and have over the years submitted
Helena Shearer and Marama Shearer, Zoe Rawles, Deb Pilkington and Toby Higgins. ple’s health and property,” says our view of the integrity of the time and again a proposal to
Mr Kaati. line, plus an explanation of have a common sewer line on
Quiz ‘masters’ wanted He says people at the May
meeting suggested the alter
native of a line in front of the
-
current actions of WDC, DHB
had an understanding of our
position.”
the road reserve to enable a
service to not only some, but
all the properties at a minimal
GENERAL knowledge bu s start email or by bringing your bid into baches. He believes intervention cost.
racking your brains – The Cottage’s The Cottage. In May, Mr van Rooyen told from the DHB forced WDC to “Our submissions were not
annual quiz night is just around “It’s a really good night out and the council that there were change its stance and install heeded.
the corner. we would love to see people of all health issues the road front sewer. “Had they listened and act -
On Friday, September 17, Te ages come along.” “. . . there has been an ongo - This week, WDC’s assets ed on the community’s wishes
Kuiti Community Childcare Centre Teams can comprise up to eight ing issue with one of the prop - manager Chris van Rooyen said none of this would have hap -
- The Cottage is hosting their yearly people with fancy dress to the ‘ABC’ erty owners, who has not given the sewage treatment system is pened.”
fundraising event at the Waitomo theme optional.
Cultural and Arts Centre. “Local businesses have been un -
And, it promises to be bigger and believably supportive with the auc -
VOTE Brian Hanna
better than ever. tion. It’s quite humbling that so
The night’s auction includes a many people were willing to give
Cairns Escape package, 30 tonne something,” says Mrs Shearer.
of lime, a caving adventure plus Quiz master and MC is Classic
farming, gardening and women’s Hits radio personality Nick Trott,
pamper packs. while well-known Te Kuiti resident
Co-ordinator Marama Shearer
says all residents can bid for auc -
Peter Wylie is auctioneer.
Funds raised will help purchase
For Mayor of Waitomo District
tion items, not just those attend - new computers and furniture.
ing.  See the public notice in today’s
“Items will be auctioned on the classifieds for further informa- KEY STRATEGIES
night, but bids will be taken by fax, tion.
p r ing Specials!
S
ONLY
$59,500 This advertisement authorised by Brian Hanna, 160 Tate Rd, Te Kuiti
+GST
SPRING SPECIAL!
30 MINUTE CLASSES THAT MAKE YOU WORK!
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1 Progress Drive
Otorohanga
Ph 07 873 4004 POWER FLEX 20 Huiputea Dr, Otorohanga
www.gfm.co.nz – a stretch & massage class
Phone 07 873 7237

4. 4 Waitomo News – Thursday, September 9, 2010
More students kick the smoking habit
FAMILIES have a big in uence rettes. Twenty-two student volunteers took part. ble the 32% who had never smoked in 1999.
on teen smoking habits according The 10-week Smokefree Early In - The brand of cigarette students’ bought was The 2009 survey showed more girls than boys
to a study of students attending Te tervention Programme 2009 aimed not in uenced by packaging or marketing. smoked and the highest smoking group was
Kuiti High School. to create awareness of the dangers A guest speaker su ering from chronic ob - Maori teenagers.
The students identi ed family of smoking and reasons to quit structive lung disease caused by tobacco smok - Daily smoking in Paci c Island boys and girls
as one of the reasons for taking up among 14-16 year olds. ing had a big impact on the teenage volunteers. is also high compared to New Zealand Europe -
smoking as well as a key barrier The study was carried out by The speaker requires long-term oxygen therapy ans the same age.
to quitting. Taumarunui Te Kuiti Otorohanga 24/7 and the students were overwhelmed when However, daily smoking reported by Maori
Family members and friends Action Smokefree Team (TTOAST) they realised he was not acting. teens has been decreasing steadily and there
were cited as suppliers of ciga - coalition. The programme, in its second year, will be are signi cant reductions in the number of Pa -
rerun later this year. ci c Island teenagers who smoke daily.
Numbers plunge Parental smoking and smoking in the home,
C O M M U N I T Y L I N K Nationwide the number of 14-15-year-old
teenage smokers has plunged.
as reported by the teenagers, has decreased but
only very slowly and not signi cantly since 2005
A national survey released in August, shows for low and medium decile Maori and low decile
Open Day
the number of teens aged 14-15, smoking daily New Zealand Europeans.
is a third of what it was 10 years ago. ASH spokesperson Michael Colhoun says
The Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) smoking is the single biggest cause of prevent -
lobby group’s ‘Year 10 Snapshot Survey’ has able illness and death in New Zealand with
been conducted annually since 1999, with the about 5000 deaths per year attributable to
Friday 10 September from 1pm to 3pm 2009 results showing 3400 year 10 students smoking tobacco.
Community Link (formerly Work & Income Building) were daily smokers. About 700,000 New Zealanders smoke regu -
That’s 5.6% of the age group, down from larly with most people beginning smoking as
45 Taupiri St, Te Kuiti
6.8% in 2008, 9% in 2005 and just one third of teenagers.
Come down and see what we are all about! the number who reported they smoked daily ASH believes graphic warnings on tobacco
There will be a sausage sizzle, displays, information in 1999. packaging and “Smoking not our future” ad -
and people to talk to Sixty-four percent of students said they had vertising targeting youth have had a major
never smoked. in uence on reducing teenage tobacco use in
Te Kuiti Community Link delivers services to you – including health, This increased from 61% in 2008, and is dou - New Zealand.
education, housing, advocacy, advice, facilitation services,
Happy ending to online story
job search and income support. We also have a community meeting
room which community groups can use free of charge.
ALICE Burton let her imagination run wild
in an interactive book blog, winning the nation -
wide Library Week competition last month.
The competition was open to year 6-8 stu -
dents from August 16-22. The theme and the
rst day’s entry were written by New Zealand
author Kate De Goldi.
Children were invited to add to the story and
each day a di erent entry was selected and
added to the story with the overall winner –
12-year-old Alice – announced at the end of the
seven day competition.
The Kawhia School student couldn’t believe
she’d won.
“I went to my email and the words ‘great news’
screamed at me.
“I think I started jumping up and down – I
really didn’t expect to win.”
Te Kuiti Community Link – providing services to our local community Alice says it was an interesting experience
being part of an interactive book blog.
“It was interesting to see the things people
came up with, one person might have one idea
of how the story should go and another person
had a completely di erent concept.
“I wanted to make sure my entry made sense BLOGGER: Kawhia School student Alice Burton recently
and carried on with the story so I just started won a nationwide interactive book blog competition.
writing and the words just came as I went PHOTO: SUPPLIED
along,” she says. “Also the feeling of freedom — I’m able to
As one of ve winning entrants, Alice won a write whatever I want whenever I want and
book and a further ve books for winning the that is so cool,” she says.
competition overall. Alice’s parents, John and Sue Burton are
“I am going to read them, then donate them very proud of their daughter’s achievement, as
to my school library.” is school principal Leanne Apiti.
The year 8 student is passionate about read - “Alice has shown a natural talent in writ -
ing and writing. ing for many years and I am pleased that her
“I love the feeling of excitement when I get an passion has paid o at such an early age,” says
idea and my imagination goes wild. Mrs Apiti.
Improve conception rates and produce healthy
$11m plus to upgrade plant
livestock. Recommended for assistant herd FROM P1 Meat Processors and Universal Beef Packers.
“To address that, lter and ultra-violet dis - “If constructed it will replace the existing
managers and shepherds. infection units need to be installed,” said Mr modi ed activated sludge plant, after it has
van Rooyen. been replaced by the Bardenpho unit.”
COURSE ENROLLING NOW! The most expensive part of the upgrade is In the report, Mr van Rooyen said the treat -
the installation of a Bardenpho biological treat - ment plant performance is inadequate to meet
ment unit. the required standards.
“It is a more sophisticated version of the It was upgraded to a modi ed activated
Increase your sta ’s knowledge on the fundamentals of existing WTP process and the most expensive sludge plant in 2002.
breeding, mating, lambing & calving. component,” said Mr van Rooyen. “It was clear by 2007, that shortcomings in
“It is my opinion that it should only be con - operation and performance existed,” said Mr
Topics covered: structed after about 12 months operation of the van Rooyen.
– Identifying breeds and classes rst four upgrade components to see whether A full assessment of the wastewater scheme
– The selection for breeding and culling it is necessary. was made in 2007. At that time issues with the
AGR1075_16x3C
“However, it is a unit that is more e cient in main pump station were found.
– Reproduction and conception removing nutrients.” Since then a new main pump station has been
The last unit to be constructed is an anaerobic built for about $1 million, while the existing
treatment pond. oxidation pond has been divided into three
“It is the rst component in the treatment compartments (costing about $140,000).
train of a fully completed WTP,” said Mr van A further $160,000 was needed in 2008 to
Rooyen. install a bypass pipeline.
“However, it might not be needed. That out - Also, the pumps from the aerobic section
come is dependent in part on the detail of the to the clari er have been reconditioned and
trade waste agreements reached with Te Kuiti automated.

5. Waitomo News – Thursday, September 9, 2010 5
Evolving community prepares to celebrate centenary
By MELISSA GOWER times “Korakonui Hall had to be used as
a classroom to help with demand.”
IN the Northern King Country lies a He says: “Students had little to do with
rural community entrenched in history other schools in those days as people did
and surrounded by luscious green pad - not travel. Trips were di cult to organise
docks and rocky rolling hills. due to impassable swamps and a lack of
This land is Korakonui. transport which brought out competitive -
Its school and district is turning 100 ness between the students in all areas
next year and preparations are underway especially rugby.”
for a centennial celebration from March This competitive attitude still exists as
25-27, 2011. the whole community often treks down to
Celebrations will involve a centennial the school playground to watch children
lunch, a bus tour of the district, a pro - playing rugby on a Saturday morning
duction by senior students retelling the regardless of the weather.
history of Korakonui and other evening Elaine Haigh (nee Spraggs) also at -
entertainment. tended the school in the 1940s.
The name Korakonui which translates She began in 1943 and can remember
to ‘The pick of the basket’ or ‘A big ripe “walking to school through the backs of
white- eshed peach’ is apt as it illus - other farms, and having to watch very
trates this expansive fertile dairy coun - carefully for any large bulls, who would
try, which has matured since the pioneers chase us!”
arrived in the early 1900s. Then, “walking home, was usually down
However, it still retains its strong fam - the roads which were all metal in those
ily values and caring community ethos. days and due to removing our shoes, many
Families often help one another out. The a stone bruise would appear.”
playcentre opposite the school is thriving At morning playtime she recalls how FAMILIES: Second generation pupil Edward Kay (left) and Lloyd Gower, who attended Korakonui School in
and every month the hall is used for a the senior students made cocoa which the 1940s, with his grandson Blake, outside the gates. The school and district will celebrate its centenary
social evening, quiz night or fundraiser. was always “really milky” and for many in 2011. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
The school was initially built in 1911 children this was their breakfast. Edward Kay was involved with the students.
with wood supplied by the government. “Later on the school started the milk school’s board of trustees for many years Initially the majority of students came
It was designed to accommodate up to 10 programme and we all had to have a and his wife teaches at the school so their from farming families, but now with
children, but by April 1914 the roll was bottle, without argument,” says Mrs connection is ongoing. amalgamations, dairy conversions and an
50, so a new building was erected. Haigh. While he attended the school, extensive in ux of people from overseas that trend
Thirty years later it was further ex - The swimming pool which is still there renovations occurred with central heat - has changed somewhat.
panded as Wharepuhunga School closed today was built in the last year that Mrs ing installed and both the infant block However, it remains a central part of
and the students and buildings moved to Haigh attended Korakonui School, which, and top section of the school expanded to the community and the school’s slogan
Korakonui. she said, made a change to the twice create additional classrooms. ‘Small enough to care; yet big enough to
Today the school has more than 100 weekly trips to the Kay’s Swimming Hole The grounds were developed as a hedge challenge and inspire’ captures the es -
students and is one of the most success - during the summer term. behind the school was removed and the sence of Korakonui and its community.
ful rural schools in the country, which Edward Kay who is the grandson of JR sports eld levelled out. It is hoped that many across the genera -
has enticed many new families to move Kay, the rst European to settle in the He recalls how in winter students used tions will attend the centennial celebra -
into the area and, many original families valley, enrolled at Korakonui School in to play rugby in the early morning. “The tions, both families that are still here and
to stay. 1963 and was the second generation in sports eld was not level, sloping down those that have moved away.
Chairman of the centennial committee, his family to attend. towards the oak trees. The try line was in Registrations for the centennial week -
Lance Gower was the second generation His children who have recently left the shade and when you went in for a try, end are steady, and the committee is
of his family to attend Korakonui. were the third. icicles would form on your jumper.” expecting an increase during the coming
His father Lloyd, the youngest of six His grandfather arrived in the district In form two Mr Kay was a member months.
brothers, attended the school in the 1940s in 1907 to purchase the ‘Korakonui Block’, of the school’s rugby team that won the “We are keen to hear from all past
and undoubtedly his grandchildren will the original 1800 acre section, which 1971 championship defeating teams from students,” says Mr Kay.
follow in his footsteps, as will many third starts behind Whakamarama Marae and Te Awamutu, Pirongia and surrounding “We are also looking for stories and old
generation children. stretches to the northern end of what was districts. A feat he says is unsurpassed photos to go into a centennial book being
Mr Gower has numerous anecdotes then known as the Aranui Straight. today. produced to mark the occasion.
from his schooldays. This land was later divided up and Korakonui School has always embraced “If you have a story to share and are un -
He recalls how “they used to hang a while a large proportion still belongs to its rural roots. sure how to write it, please contact Lance
curtain up in the middle of the room to the Kay family, the school and hall were In its early years sheep grazed the eld, Gower and he can arrange for someone to
divide the three classes” and how some - built on it. leading to many students changing their come and sit with you,” says Mr Kay.
clothes after outside play. People can register their interest in
“The Korakonui Hall committee ran attending the celebrations by completing
30 sheep and my father would ask me to an on-line registration of interest form
check on them before school and then at on the school’s website www.korakonui.
11am straight after 10.30 morning play,” school.nz
says Mr Kay. Further information about the event is
“Half an hour or three-quarters of an also available on the website.
hour later I would come back to class – it Stories and photos can be posted to
was a great way of getting out of school Korakonui School, RD3, Te Awamutu or
work for six weeks.” to Lance Gower, 1008 Wharepuhunga Rd,
The school’s rst calf club day was held RD3, Te Awamutu.
in 1941, and while there have been sev -  From October registration forms
eral changes to it over the years it is still will be available at the Waitomo
a highlight of the school year today. News offices in Te Kuiti and Otoro-
Not only has Korakonui School physi - hanga, and at CLK in Te Awamutu
AS IT WAS: Korakonui School as it was in the 1950s. cally evolved over the years, so have its for people to collect.