Party pooper
Jetstar arrives in Hamilton. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
An Air NZ plane stole the limelight from Jetstar when it left Hamilton Airport for Christchurch 14 minutes later than it should have on Monday. The ATR 72- 600 was parked in front of the terminal when the Jetstar Airbus from Sydney landed at 11.07am, spoiling the shot of Hamilton’s first international flight for 13 years for hundreds gathered in the upstairs viewing area.
See: In and out … international flights return.
Schools on stage
Eleven Waikato school groups including one from Cambridge Middle School will take to the stage at the Claudelands Arena for Showquest 2025 next Thursday (June 26).The event is billed as the country’s biggest student performing arts competition.
Site visit
The Environmental Protection Authority hearing of a bid by Global Contracting Solutions to build a waste to energy incinerator in Te Awamutu has started. A site visit was scheduled yesterday – the second day of a three-week hearing.
John Bishop dies
John Bishop
John Bishop, a man with years of association with Waipā District Council and groups including Cambridge Rotary and the Friends of Cambridge Resthaven, has died.
His funeral service will be held at Mighty River Domain’s Don Rowlands Centre at 1.30pm on Monday.
In the frame
A photographic exhibition by Professor Tom Roa – a regular columnist in The News and Dr Rodrigo Hill developed from the research project ‘Te Nehenehenui – The Ancient Enduring Beauty in the Great Forest of the King Country’ will open at Waikato University on Friday next week.
Jetstar off
Jetstar chief executive Steph Tully, Hamilton Airport CEO Mark Morgan and mayors Paula Southgate and Susan O’Regan at Sydney Airport check in.
The first international passenger flight in 13 years was due to arrive at Hamilton sometime before 11am today from Sydney. Jetstar flight JQ165, with Waipa mayor Susan O’Regan, her Hamilton counterpart Paula Southgate, Hamilton Airport chief executive Mark Morgan and Jetstar chief executive Steph Tully left Australia at 8.13am (NZ time). Jetstar will operate seven trans-Tasman services per week out of Hamilton: three return flights to and from the Gold Coast, and four return flights between Hamilton and Sydney. The Jetstar flights will add capacity for more than 100,000 international passengers each year and pour an extra $45 million annually into the Waikato economy. More than 60 new airport-based jobs have already been created and the tourism spend is expected to open the door for around 300 new jobs.
Sneak Peak
Daniel Sloper
New Australian High Commissioner Daniel Sloper popped into Hamilton Airport today on his way to Fieldays to check out the refurbished international terminal in advance of Jetstar’s first flight next week.
Sloper, who took over from Harinder Sidhu in March, met airport chief executive Mark Morgan who showed him around the recently blessed terminal.
See: Jets return to Hamilton Airport
See: Sydney – we’re ready for you
His Excellency Dr Daniel Sloper, the Australian High Commissioner popped into Hamilton Airport today on his way to Fieldays and met chief executive Mark Morgan.
4 June 9.30am
Money raised
Bucket List Banquet MC Stacey Morrison with Hospice Waikato chief executive Alex Gordon. Photo: Marty Brown
A Bucket List banquet raised a record $623,000 for Hospice Waikato last month. The event at the Claudelands Events Centre attracted 1050 guests and it was an opportunity for new chief executive Alex Gordon to outline the importance of hospice care and thank people for their support.
Together at last
Mayors celebrate: Waikato’s Jacqui Church and Paula Southgate of Hamilton. Photo: Supplied.
Waikato’s first publicly owned water company will manage 90,700 connections and invest around $3.3 billion on water infrastructure over the next decade. Waikato District and Hamilton City councils last month agreed to form a council-controlled organisation to build and manage water infrastructure.
Thank you
Hato Hone St John Ambulance Cambridge area committee chair Jim Goddin cleans one of the town’s ambulances, an ongoing gift from Wash Cambridge. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Hato Hone St John is calling on the public to support its Light the Way Annual Appeal this month. The charity aims to raise $4.5 million towards repairs and rebuilds of 13 ambulance stations in critical need, including the redevelopment of Cambridge and Morrinsville ambulance stations, which are no longer fit for purpose.
Culinary line up
As part of Palate’s 20-year celebrations chef and owner, Mat McLean has extended an invitation to a few of his mates for Matariki weekend. The result – a night not to be missed with three of New Zealand’s best chefs. Kai Whetu will see Jude Messenger and Jeremy Rameka join McLean to create a six-course meal.
Film festival
The Architecture and Design Film Festival will screen in Hamilton this month showcasing the latest and greatest architecture and design documentaries from around the world, and highlights stories of innovation, creativity, and the people shaping our worlds. There is a local architectural documentary that covers the design and build of Darryl Church’s South Waikato.
Jets back
Jets back at Hamilton Airport
Air New Zealand is boosting regional connectivity, with jet services to be introduced on the Hamilton–Christchurch route. The two cities will operate a 171-seat Airbus A320 from September marking a major milestone as Air New Zealand brings domestic jet services back to Hamilton for the first time in 25 years. See: Jets return
Time to volunteer
National Volunteer week starts June 15 and 8000 Hato Hone St John ambulance and community health volunteers nationwide will be among those being thanked.
Sasha wins
Nicole Gorringe Bunnings, Sashia Devia WIAA winner and Melanie Reid, NAWIC Waikato Chapter Chair
Hamilton heavy fabrication apprentice Sasha Devia is one of four winners in the National Association of Women in Construction awards. Devia who works at Tidd Ross Todd Ltd won professional resources and a $10,000 Bunnings trade prize pack. Women face significantly higher barriers to entry in the trade and construction industry. The awards aim to empower women at the start of their trade careers with recognition and support from the industry.
New substation
An aerial view of the new Hautapu substation.
Waipā Networks new 33kV zone substation at Hautapu, which connects to Transpower’s Grid Exit Point, has been commissioned. The upgrade, which connects to 13,000 new homes over the next 25 years, provides an additional 96MW (megawatts) capacity and a more reliable power supply for future growth.
Book launched
Suzanne Miller
A new novel by Suzanne Miller, launched at St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton this month, shines a light on obsessive compulsive disorder and Tokanui Hospital near Te Awamutu. The story weaves together themes of mental health, family history, and a touch of romance.
Mentors needed
Panellists at the Waikato Waahine Collective breakfast at Waikato University’s The Pā were, from left: Pam Roa, Ashley Mason, Vanessa Clark, Greta Shirley and facilitator Angela Parquist. The event was a sell out with 250 women attending to mark International Women’s Day and continue the collective’s journey. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The Waikato Waahine mentorship programme which matches young women with mentors has proven so successful, there are not enough mentors to go around to help the 70 who sought help. Waikato Chamber of Commerce is keen to hear from other women able to become a mentor to share insights and foster deep relationships.
Happy birthday
Waikato Draught can
Waikato Draught, one of New Zealand’s most iconic beers, is 100 this year. It’s known for its strong malty flavour and well-defined bitterness, and through the decades, the loyalty of its fans. The brand’s story began with pioneering brewer and astute Welshwoman, Mary Jane Innes. Lion released limited-edition Waikato Draught centenary 12-packs with the first brew sold out in days.
Programme support
Bridge Housing has added a second bank to support its First Home Partner programme. ASB joins Westpac as a key banking partner, expanding the lending options available to individuals and families working with Bridge Housing to secure their first home. The programme is designed for eligible buyers who can service a mortgage but need a helping hand with their deposit.
