An election will be held for the Tamahere Community Committee on Wednesday, October 23 at 7:30pm at the Tamahere Community Centre.

Committee members work for the best interests of Tamahere – the latest example their efforts to get better connectivity for the area with better paths and cycleways.

Several long standing members of the committee have given notice they will not seek re-election.

The Best Artisan Market is on this Saturday promising more than 60 stalls of art, craft and food.

Held indoors at the Devine Rd Tamahere Community Centre the creativity on display will include clothes and shoes, jewellery, photography, sweets, candles, produce, coffee, perfumes, and furniture.

The market, from 9am to 1pm, is sponsored by the Tamahere Lions and has free entry.

The Tamahere Community Centre annual meeting (AGM) is on 7.30pm, Thursday, October 31.

Now is the time to consider getting involved in the community and lending a hand with this valuable community facility.

New committee members are welcome to join the committee.

Postal voting is underway in the local body elections and votes need to be in the mail by Tuesday, October 8 to be in time for the close of voting, noon, Saturday, October 12.

If you are running late, a mobile voting box will be at Tamahere’s Punnet Cafe on October 11 from 1pm to 2.30pm.

There will also be drive through voting available at the Matangi Four Square on Tuesday, October 8 between 7.30am and 9am.

A detour taking southbound traffic off State Highway 1 and on to the Tamahere off-ramp will be in place for up to six weeks from October 1.

The southern-bound traffic will then travel through the Tauwhare Rd roundabout and up the south-bound on-ramp, said the NZ Transport Agency.

Delays are likely during morning and evening peak traffic periods, said NZTA Waikato System Manager Karen Boyt.

A unique combination of sculpture and seating is set to make the central Tamahere Park a must visit.

Renowned Tamahere sculptor Marti Wong has so far created three one-of-a-kind park seats thanks to the generous sponsorship of other residents.

So far, a steam punk-themed bench seat has been completed along with one titled huia feather and another depicting Mt Pirongia.

Grace Raynel’s moving poem about her late mum, her guiding light, made her the supreme winner of the Waikato District Libraries 2019 Matariki competition.

Grace, from Ngaruawahia, said the competition was fun to do.

“I’m really happy that my work [see below] was appreciated. I worked on it and am pleased it paid off.”

Tamahere’s central playground and skatepark shone under blue skies and bright sunshine as it was officially opened today.

In a ceremony led by Ngati Haua kaumatua Sonny Karena the park on Wiremu Tamihana Dr was blessed, ribbons were cut and then the area circumnavigated by a happy crowd of children, adults and community leaders.

The group then gathered in front of an assembly of Tamahere School students whose kapa haka roopu impressed.

Would you consider standing for a seat in local government?

The Waikato District Council will host two candidate information evenings in mid-July to give those who are considering putting their hands up at the October elections the chance to see what would be involved.

“If you are thinking about standing as Mayor, a Councillor or Community Board member we encourage you to come along.”

Tamahere Park’s new skatepark and playground will be officially opened at 1pm on Friday, June 28.

The ceremonial opening of the park, already drawing huge crowds at weekends, is a way to mark a real milestone for the Tamahere community, says Tamahere councillor Aksel Bech.

Tamahere School’s 70-member Kapa Haka Roopu will be part of the haka powhiri, performing its own haka for the first time.