The $19.5 million Newcastle Water Supply Upgrade for Dinsdale, Hamilton, has been completed. About 6.7km of new pipe has been installed from Gibson Rd to Newcastle Rd and Avalon Drive. The project was first planned in 2019.
Arboretum fauna
The Waitakaruru Arboretum in Tauwhare is excited to learn that not only ruru (morepork), kererū, tūī and bellbirds are nesting in the park. A recent study revealed it also hosts a population of the critically endangered pekapeka (long-tailed bat).
Taupō Ironman
About 1300 athletes will complete an impressive 1.9km swim in Lake Taupō, 90km cycle around the district and a 21.1km run along Great Lake Pathway in Taupō on Saturday. Several local roads will be closed. The weekend’s event is a qualifier for the Ironman World Championship in December 2024. For the first time, the 2024 event will be held in New Zealand — in Taupō.
Tokoroa Christmas parade
There is no Christmas parade in Tokoroa this year because the Tokoroa City Lions, who ran the Christmas parade for the past 35 years, won’t be able to organise the event. There is a Christmas parade in Putāruru.
E-waste bins
Transfer stations in the Matamata-Piako district now have battery and e-waste recycling bins. The stations will provide a safe place to recycle household batteries, power tools, TVs, computers, mobile phones, electronics and small appliances.
Waitomo i-Site
Further work will be undertaken on Waitomo District Council’s Customer Service Centre and i-Site in Te Kūiti on Saturday. Works include the installation of a canopy over the entrance to the building. A section of Rora St will be closed.
Rail trail sculpture
A new sculpture, called Interwoven and based on a concept design by Chris Budgen, is brightening up the Hauraki Rail Trail near Thames. The colourful sculpture is just over 3m tall and made of macrocarpa beams. It is installed on SH25 Ngāti Maru Highway, near the junction with Maramarahi Rd.
