Jesse Wood

2 weeks ago | teawamutunews.nz | Jesse Wood

Te Awamutu teenager Jack Mathis placed second in the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice challenge national final at Claudelands Event Centre last week. A third-year apprentice, Mathis works in Tīrau for TOC Builders, owned by his brother Tom. It’s been a big few months for the 19-year-old. Born and raised in Tirau, Mathis and his partner recently bought a house to renovate in Te Awamutu and in April, he was crowned Waikato apprentice of the year at Hautapu.

2 weeks ago | teawamutunews.nz | Jesse Wood

Both Waipā premier teams were victorious in Waikato club rugby on Saturday, Te Awamutu Sports defeated University 27-12 in front of home fans and Hautapu beat Ōtorohanga 32-29. Halfback Coby Osborne scored a double for Te Awamutu at Albert Park. Forwards Albert Nadan and Rameriz Viane also grabbed tries, while Leo Scott added seven points of the kicking tee. Further south at Ōtorohanga’s Island Reserve, Waikato winger Waisake Salabiau scored two tries for the Cambridge club.

3 weeks ago | cambridgenews.nz | Jesse Wood

Cambridge’s Liam Weston will face the ultimate challenge in Spain this month in the 2025 World Under-24 Ultimate Frisbee Championship. The tournament is held every second year by the World Flying Disc Federation and will take place from June 21-28 in Logroño. At 18 Weston is the youngest New Zealand Mixed team Mangōpare member. And he has featured in Spain before – refereeing at the IberCup in Barcelona thanks to a programme which gives young football referees international experience.

3 weeks ago | teawamutunews.nz | Jesse Wood

A new central asset – Te Awamutu Presbyterian Centre on Mutu St – is ready for the community to use. Ministry leader and community worker Jamie Budd said the opening ceremony late last month was a huge success. After 12 years in the pipeline, the debt-free $3.3 million project was completed in March. The project was funded by gifts and pledges from parishioners, insurance money from the Ngāhinapōuri church fire, the sale of the parish manse and community donations including grants.

3 weeks ago | wbn.co.nz | Jesse Wood

A ban on greyhound racing has sparked backlash in Waikato, raising concerns over lost livelihoods, dog welfare, and a rushed decision-making process. Jesse Wood finds out what’s at stake. No warning. No consultation. Just a deadline. The greyhound racing industry has been blindsided by the government’s decision to shut it down by July 2026 — leaving behind a $13 million hole in Waikato’s economy and more than 2900 dogs needing homes. And that’s just the beginning.