FROM THE NEWS DESK

This week’s paper features local stories from students developing an app that tests water, to the case of the missing coffee shop cat, Buddy. We’ve also had lots of feedback from an earlier story about rubbish being dumped outside the town’s Op Shop and the costs associated with disposing of that waste. It seems the public has come to the rescue, donating hundreds of rubbish bags to help volunteers at the shop deal with the situation. We also have a story on vandalism at one of the town’s reserves and the efforts by a community group and the police to find those responsible. Reporter Rexine Hawes continues her stories, profiling candidates in the Matamata Ward for the coming local government elections. We hope these stories will better inform people and encourage them to use their vote when it comes time to elect a new council in October. We’re also keen to here from our local sports clubs as nominations open for the annual Matamata-Piako sports awards.

Lawrence Gullery