Where trails begin
Summerhill ’23 & ’24 in Pāpāmoa. Photo: Sam Hartnett
The Small Project Architecture winner at this year’s Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects’ Waikato and Bay of Plenty Awards has put a student-led design centre stage. Summerhill ’23 & ’24 in Pāpāmoa, by Andrew Barrie Lab with Gregory Mann and Billy Pengelly, stood out for its ambitious yet practical response to place. The project features two timber structures within a recreational park – one marking the start of mountain bike trails, the other forming a gateway to a forest walking track. Drawing on traditional wedged joints, the design allows for natural movement in the timber while delivering a refined, lightweight result. Judges praised the project’s fresh approach to construction and its response to climate challenges using simple, sustainable materials. It was one of 22 projects recognised across the region, highlighting the growing impact of smaller, innovative works.
Sunny side up
The Sunny Side Up Children’s Film Festival, a film festival designed to introduce primary-aged children to the magic of cinema in a fun and inclusive way, will be held in Tauranga at the Graham Young Youth Theatre next month. The creator and director is Milli Banbury, 15, who started the festival in Tauranga four years ago and took it on the road last year to Auckland, Christchurch and Hamilton bringing award-winning short films, interactive games, prizes, and laughter to children and families.
Business awards
Paul Hickey – MC, The Hits interviews Paul Button, General Manager Rotorua Canopy Tours as overall Supreme Winner of the 2025 Business Awards
The Rotorua Business Awards were officially launched last month. The event brought together sponsors, partners, judges, and members of the Rotorua business community to celebrate the beginning of the 35th anniversary awards season. Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell and Kate Sullivan of sponsor Tompkins Wake cut a ribbon to mark the opening.
Paul Hickey – MC, The Hits interviews Paul Button, General Manager Rotorua Canopy Tours as overall Supreme Winner of the 2025 Business Awards
Long term plan
Bay of Plenty Regional Council will adopt its Annual Plan 2026/27 and a proposed amendment to its Long-Term Plan later this month. Chair Matemoana McDonald says the process comes at a time of national local government reform and is one of the most significant in recent years, with community input needed to help shape the region’s future.
Shipping warning
Boaties in Tauranga Harbour are being reminded to keep clear of large vessels after several incidents involving smaller craft. Harbourmaster Jon Jon Peters says ships over 500 gross tonnes have limited ability to manoeuvre, especially in shipping lanes, and safety depends on smaller vessels staying well out of their path.
Deal concluded
Regional leaders have welcomed a new deal aimed at supporting growth in the Western Bay of Plenty. Announced by Government ministers and local councils, the deal backs investment in transport, housing, health and education to help unlock development and strengthen the area’s role as a key export hub.
Landslides plan
Tauranga City Council has released its recovery plan following January’s fatal landslide at Mauao. The plan outlines work with partner agencies and steps toward reopening affected areas. Several investigations are ongoing, while some facilities remain closed. Rehabilitation work has begun on Mauao’s summit track and the Pilot Bay boat ramp is expected to reopen soon.
Racecourse action
The New Zealand Racecourse Managers Association National Conference, focused on maintaining safe, high-performing racing and training surfaces for New Zealand racing. The conference also recognised excellence within the industry through the presentation of several annual awards. Pictured from left, Karen Crake, Territory Manager – Waikato and Taranaki (PGG Wrightson Turf), Ryan Thistoll (Riccarton Park), Jason Fulford, (NZRMA Chair); Rising Star Ben Ropiha (New Plymouth Raceway) and Brent Wall (Otaki Māori Racing Club) for contribution to racing.
New Zealand racecourse managers and industry specialists gathered in Tauranga for the New Zealand Racecourse Managers Association national conference, focused on maintaining safe, high-performing racing and training surfaces for New Zealand racing. Held over three days, the conference brought together the people working behind the scenes to ensure racecourses continue to meet the high standards required for racing across both thoroughbred and harness codes.
Sold out
Lawrence Meredith chats to Fieldays visitors at the Irish Pavillion last year. Photo: Supplied
All available exhibitor sites at this month’s Fieldays are full which underscores that the industry sees the event as an essential agricultural event and signals strong confidence from the agricultural sector, says spokesperson Brett Beagley. More than 1115 exhibitors over 1335 sites will showcase their products and services.
Forestry hub
The Fieldays Forestry Hub returns to Fieldays for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting the important role forestry and wood processing play in supporting New Zealand’s economy, environment, and regional communities. The hub will highlight the role forestry and wood processing play in New Zealand’s economy, alongside the sector’s ongoing focus on innovation, workforce development, and environmental management.
Finalists found
The Primary Industries New Zealand Awards finalists reflect a sector overflowing with talent. Three finalists in each of nine categories have just been announced, with the winners to be named at an awards ceremony in Auckland this month. Respected agricultural commentator Alan Emerson, a judge in multiple PINZ awards, says he was deeply impressed by the calibre of this year’s nominations.
Get cracking
Federated Farmers is telling local government to get on with putting forward proposals to simplify and strengthen their regions. New Zealand’s local government structure simply isn’t working for farmers, says spokesperson Sandra Faulkner. It’s contributing to rising costs, infrastructure pressure, and declining civic engagement, she said.
Have a chat
Fieldays Tent Talks, in association with the University of Waikato, features 20-to 40-minute “drop-in” sessions on topics such as sustainability in the food and fibre sector, solar energy, regenerative practices, and more. The Fieldays Rural Advocacy Hub, in collaboration with Federated Farmers, provides a space for farmers to stop by for a chat or share thoughts and concerns on farming-related issues. Beyond the Hubs, the expertise shared by exhibitors provides a valuable opportunity for conversations that can lead to practical, on-farm solutions.
Indonesia link
Cows housed on a Lembang smallholder farm, south-east of Jakarta
LIC has confirmed a distributor in Indonesia, establishing its entry into the market and securing its first genetics sale. The agreement comes as Indonesia looks to increase domestic milk production, supported by a government-backed programme to provide nutritious meals, including milk, to school children. LIC’s General Manager of International, Paul Dunbar, says the distributorship reflects growing demand to support Indonesia’s dairy industry through improved herd performance.
