We were Out and About in February and captured people here, there and everywhere. Enjoy.
Breast Cancer Research Trust Research nurses Hina Pokaia and Jenni Scarlett, received Otto the koala in recognition of enrolling the first New Zealand patient in the international OPTIMA trial (Optimal Personalised Treatment of early-stage breast cancer using Multi-parameter Analysis). This major clinical trial will investigate how a specialised gene test (Prosigna assay) can help oncologists make more precise chemotherapy decisions for those diagnosed with a certain type of breast cancer. Photo: Supplied
Schmoosing in the 19th
Tīeke Golf Estate and Kerr and Ladbrook hosted the first Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business After Four (BA4) last month with the chamber having to enforce a waiting list because of its popularity. The course, named after the North Island saddleback, is established on the site of the old Lochiel Golf Club redeveloped after 2018 when Lochiel and Narrows formed Riverside Golf Club. New Zealand Transport Authority needed the Narrows course for Southern Links and the $20 million paid for that was invested into Tīeke. Photos: Mary Anne Gill
A round of golf at Tīeke Golf Estate often comes with star watching. All Blacks and Chiefs midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown photo bombed this shot of from left: Sharon Davies, John Sabini, Kim Edwards and Steve Davies, relaxing in the outdoor bar after the midweek competition.
Networking, from left: Alanah Eagle Bridgette Ballie-Smith, Silke Deul and Tracey Olivier.
Talking finance were, from left Subu Subramanian, Yogesh Mathkar, Jimson George Poruthukkaran, Jason Bartle and Graham Bunt.
Getting to know you were, from left: Welan Rorimpandey, Heather Connelly, Dellyn Mortleman and Ash Vadam.
Guests of Tieke Golf Estate and Kerr and Ladbrook in the clubhouse for the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business After Four event.
Hosts Scott Meiklejohn, Tieke general manager and Hayley Smith of Kerr and Ladbrook Catering, with another photobomber!
Harnessing creative leadership
In the midst of the Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa, The University of Waikato Alumni and Friends, in collaboration with the Waikato Chamber of Commerce, took to the stage to discover the value of harnessing creative leadership in business and the lessons that can be learned from engaging your left brain. Photos: Supplied.
Panelists, from left: Kelvyn Eglinton (Craigs Investment), Jeremy Mayall (Creative Waikato), Janet Carson (Hamilton City Council), Nick Agar (University of Waikato).
Leanne Jack (H3), David Hallet (Company X), Melissa Williams (H3)
Nancy Caiger and Stuart Anderson.
Far from ordinary
Cambridge couple Paul and Jane Menneer with the certificate they received from the International Taste Institute for their Pepler’s Black Raspberry vinaigrette. Pepler’s has been crafting small-batch, flavour-packed condiments for 40 years in Te Kauwhata. The vinaigrette is one of their signature products, transforming everyday salads into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Out and About – other highlights
Raji Mohammad, 19, moved to Hamilton from Jordan in 2023 and came into contact with the Settlement Centre Waikato. Through the centre, he found a place to live, got budgeting advice, completed a water safety course and enrolled in a barber school. Now he wants to help other newcomers to Hamilton under Immigration New Zealand’s Welcoming Communities Te Waharoa ki ngaa Hapori programme.
Hill Labs managing director Jonno Hill has announced the company has strengthened its food safety and drinking water compliance services with the acquisition of Canterbury-based companies Food and Health Standards and Auditing Solutions – founded by Ian and Gail Shaw, in partnership with experienced auditor and business leader Sam Brooks. From left: Brooks, Hill and the Shaws.
Brad Olsen, the chief executive and principal economist at Infometrics, spoke about Economy shifting gears in 2025 – the outlook for Waikato and Waipā at a Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and Waipā District Council event at Mystery Creek last month. Watching on is chamber chief executive Kelly Bouzaid. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Waikato Regional Property Trust chair Ross Hargood adds his and other names to the 600kg beam during the signing of the steel ceremony at the Waikato Regional Theatre site. The beam was lifted into place with 30 signatures followed by a barbecue for the workers on site. Photo: Supplied.
Waikato Regional Property Trust chair Ross Hargood adds his and other names to the 600kg beam during the signing of the steel ceremony at the Waikato Regional Theatre site. Watching on is former Momentum chief executive Kelvyn Eglinton. The beam was lifted into place with 30 signatures followed by a barbecue for the workers on site. Photo: Supplied.
Te Haa o te Whenua o Kirikiriroa, played a key role in the co-design of the new regional renal facility at Waikato Hospital and gifted the name Te Pureoranga. The name reflects the purpose of the renal services: helping patients and their whānau access life-saving care, with the aspiration of achieving purification and restoration of physical and spiritual wellbeing. After the opening, from left: acting director of Cancer and Chronic Conditions Gabby Reynolds, head of Renal Kannaiyan Rabindranath, group director Operations Hospital and Specialist Services Michelle Sutherland, Stephanie Doe Operations group director, executive director Health NZ Reset Programme Chris Lowry, chief of Tikanga, Hauora Māori Services Mahaki Albert, medical director Cancer, Chronic Conditions and Radiology Andrew Henderson and charge nurse manager Renal Nicky Hagan. Photo: Supplied.
Te Pureoranga – Waikato Regional Renal Centre was officially opened last month with a ceremony at Waikato Hospital, attended by representatives from Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, Members of Parliament and the Māori Queen, Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te po. From left: Tumuaki Hone Thompson, Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, charge nurse manager Nicky Hagan and Hamilton West MP Tama Potaka. Photo: Supplied.
Māori Queen, Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te po unveils the plaque.
Enjoying the outdoors
The Good Day Matrix, a Waikato-based wellbeing and leadership organisation, hosted the Mahi on the Awa event last month which encouraged everyone to make the most of Hamilton’s outdoor spaces and against the backdrop of the Waikato River, combine work with fresh air and connection.
Sponsors were, from left: Oliver Russell and Marcus Daws (Connect Health), Nathan Handcock (Laser Electrical Hamilton West), Vanessa Williams (Love the Centre), Brooke Hayde (O-Studio), Natalie McKeany (Soda Inc), Daz Burns (The Good Day Matrix), Danielle Quigg (Waikato Chamber of Commerce), Cameron Quertier (Elemental Coaching), Rheanna Kingma (Brainchild), Vicky Redwood (Love the Centre), Nate Alley (Sentinel Homes), Tracey Wood (Cancer Society), Prakash Siva (Mexico), Kereama Clarke (Creative Waikato). Photo: Supplied
Brooke Hayde from O-Studio, left, and Vicki Campbell of Equilibrium Legal
Part of The Good Day Matrix team, Emily Ussher, left, and Daz Burns
Olive Utiera, centre, Beattie Home general manager and project manager for the new $5 million extension in Ōtorohanga, flanked by Beattie Community Trust chairperson Andra Neeley and vice-chair Stuart Gower. Land has been secured and the drafting of concept plans started. Photo: Viv Posselt
