Cancer donation

Andrew Collett, Fairview Motors Limited and Helen Carter, Cancer Society WaikatoBay of Plenty
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society took possession of the country’s first electric people mover last month which Fairview Motors dealer principal Andrew Collett presented to chief executive Helen Carter at the Cancer Lodge in Hamilton. The shuttle, used between the lodge and Waikato Hospital’s Oncology entrance several times a day, is named Carol after a former Cancer Lodge guest and is made possible thanks to an anonymous donation and support from Fairview Motors.
Resthaven expands
from left, Cambridge Resthaven chief executive David Hall, Livingstone project manager Neville Davy, Cambridge Resthaven Board member Kevin Burgess, and Livingstone commercial manager Adrian Kearney. Photo: supplied
Cambridge Resthaven launched the building of the second stage of its Apartments on Vogel development with the signing last month of a memorandum of understanding with Livingstone Building. Stage two will add a further 21 supported living apartments to the 33 apartments completed last year in the development’s first stage.
Project launched
Auahatanga ki te Kāinga, a Wel Energy Trust project led by Creative Waikato in partnership with Community Waikato, will provide whānau and communities in Kāinga Ora social housing areas in Hamilton’s Glenview, Melville, Fairfield and Enderley with inspiring and impactful creative experiences. The project, launched last month, will include two public exhibitions, one for International Art Day in April and Matariki Weekend in June.
Women’s hub
Seen here with Hub founder Vicky Wallis, right, is Esther Alley-Sanders from Curtain Studio. Photo: Viv Posselt
The Waipā Women’s Hub held a gathering in Te Awamutu in December to thank local businesses that have helped them establish their group, intended as a social centre for women from across the region. Seen here with Hub founder Vicky Wallis, right, is Esther Alley-Sanders from Curtain Studio. Photo: Viv Posselt
Orchestra tour
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra’s Timeless Beauty: Handel & Telemann production will be held in Hamilton next month at the Gallagher Concert Chamber in Waikato University’s Performing Arts Centre. Timeless Beauty will treat the audience to two works by Handel – Overture and Symphonia from Occasional Oratorio and Alcina Suite from his opera and Telemann’s Concerto for Three Trumpets and Timpani.
Southgate out
Paula Southgate
Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate will leave politics in October, saying it’s time to make room for younger, emerging leaders.
Southgate was elected mayor in 2019 and was the Waikato’s only sitting mayor to be re-elected in 2022.
After 24 years in local government, including six as Hamilton mayor and three years leading the Waikato Regional Council, she wants a better work-life balance.
Business awards
Waipā’s business awards will have a 1920s theme when the gala dinner is held in May. Waipā Networks is sponsoring the event for the 30th year and Customer and Community general manager Anna Watson says the company is looking forward to celebrating local business achievements with the Cambridge and Te Awamutu chambers of commerce, business community and leaders.
Waka Ama a success
Behind the scenes at the Waka Ama sprint championships: Mighty River Domain Lake Karāpiro staff from left Krista Fincher, Janette Douglas and Liz Stolwyk.
Samoan Maxine Salele of National Hauora Coalition pulls faces during health checks at the Waka Ama sprint championships held on Lake Karāpiro.
High rating
Pinnacle Midlands Health Network has been acknowledged with the highest rating in a Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand cultural audit for its “alignment with Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and commitment to improving Māori health outcomes”. The five-week audit, conducted before Christmas, looked at Pinnacle’s service delivery and how well it meets its obligations to provide culturally safe and equitable care for Māori.
Lodge farewelled
Emeritus Professor Martin Lodge was farewelled at Waikato University’s Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts on December 18. His widow Gail Pittaway is seen hugging a mourner as Prof Lodge’s coffin was taken away in a hearse. He made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand music and the development of music at the university. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Website content
Waikato Business News, which publishes monthly at the beginning of the month, has a website which is regularly updated throughout the month with agri, regional and business news, media releases and our popular Out and About photo feature. Check out wbn.co.nz
Dairy industry stalwart dies
Colin Jones
Taupō-based dairy company Miraka has joined others in the industry mourning the death last month of Colin Jones, one of the country’s most respected dairy industry leaders.
Jones died at his home on January 1, age 75. His funeral service was held in Auckland on January 10.
He is credited with building crucial international relationships for the New Zealand dairy industry in the 50 plus years he was involved with it. His success in shaping the country as a global leader in terms of dairy exports saw him named an Order of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2023 for services to the dairy industry.
Miraka chief executive Karl Gradon said Jones was widely acknowledged as one of the first people in New Zealand to explore and promote the sale of NZ dairy products in new markets.
“Colin made a significant contribution to the development of global diary trade relationships and opportunities for Aotearoa New Zealand,” he said.
“He has been a driving force, laying an enduring foundation for future development and opportunities for our dairy trading nation. Colin’s knowledge of the international dairy marketplace was simply outstanding.”
In 2007, Jones founded Global Dairy network, an international dairy sales and marketing enterprise aimed at linking dairy product manufacturers with users of processed milk products. Three years later, in 2010, he supported the establishment of Miraka by becoming a founding shareholder and a trading partner.