2013 IN REVIEW

DECEMBER

Generosity from Tokoroa residents put food in the mouths of more than 1000 Filipino families who survived the treacherous typhoon Yolanda.

Jenny Shaw was worried sick about how her family in the disaster- stricken country had fared.

‘‘Fortunately their house is of concrete construction but neighbours and many others weren’t so fortunate.’’

Jenny’s brother Gerry Nicavera asked her if she was able to assist, as people were living without food and water.

‘‘ My New Zealand family wanted to assist, in helping to provide relief to these people, and they made quite a substantial donation, which helped to buy rice, noodles, water.

Their generosity made me want to do more for the people of Tibiao where my brother and parents live, so in conjunction with a work colleague, Glenda Whare, we decided that we would set about fund raising.

The support they received was phenomenal. The two raffles netted $1914.60, which converts to $65,683.49 Philippine peso.

The 41 sacks of rice purchased fed 1025 families for one day.

NOVEMBER

Carol Morris’ dedication to her students stands out a mile away.

The Cargill Open Plan teacher has been selected, from hundreds of nominees nationwide, as one of 15 winners in the 2013 OfficeMax A Day Made Better programme.

The passionate teacher received the accolade during a surprise visit from OfficeMax workers to the school.

‘‘They reckon I was very, very speechless.’’

The mother of two, homeschooled herself through her teaching degree between 2001 and 2003.

The hairdresser by trade said it had always been a dream to be a teacher but having her own children rekindled that desire.

Principal Rhonda Rayner said there is not a more deserving recipient. Mrs Morris received $1000 worth of stationery and office supplies which she is already handing out to her colleagues.

OCTOBER

Neil Sinclair has once again managed to win the hearts of South Waikato voters.

The 74-year-old Putaruru man has entered his fourth term as mayor of the South Waikato District Council after a convincing win at the polls.

Preliminary results show 2807 residents wanted him in the top seat. Tracey Deane got 1956 votes in the poll.

Contenders Ann Hill and Cactus Bob Nicholas fell way behind with 485 and 370 votes respectively.

Mr Sinclair, who joined local government in 1970, admitted it ‘‘wasn’t a pleasant race’’.

‘‘But it’s over now and I’m looking forward.’’

With the power to appoint his own deputy, Mr Sinclair indicated he once again wants Jenny Shattock.

SEPTEMBER

More than 400 young performers took to the stage of the Putaruru Plaza for the annual South Waikato CultureFest.

The non-competitive festival, which has been running for about 30 years, showcases the talents of pupils from primary through to intermediate school right across the district.

Committee chairman Jarred Boon said the venue was packed with an estimated 1200 people stopping in throughout the day.

The supporters were understanding of the capacity restraints of the venue, he said.

‘‘I know parents would like to stay a lot longer and watch more schools but parents are very considerate and leave after one or two performances.’’

Holding the festival in Tokoroa’s new Sports and Events Centre is off the cards for the foreseeable future as because it is ‘‘too expensive’’, Mr Boon said.

‘‘This year around one third of the schools performing were out- side of Tokoroa so that just makes sense.’’

He says ultimately they want to host a morning-day show to showcase the children and put on an evening show for the children.

‘‘Our committee is always looking for keen supporters of the event to help fulfil our vision.’’

AUGUST

They came, they played and they conquered. The Tokoroa Pacific Sharks league team were too strong for the Pikiao Warriors, winning the prestigious Bay Of Plenty Championship 30-26 at Rotorua’s Puketawhero league grounds.

The beating of the Pacific Island drums, supporters dressed in blue, homemade signs spurring the Sharks on, one could easily be mistaken to think the Rotorua grounds were the Sharks’ turf.

Coming up against a strong Pikiao side who were the top qualifiers going into the semifinals, the Sharks won that match 20-14.

Pacific Sharks coach Paniora Daniels, who has led the team to numerous championship wins, said the semifinals didn’t mean a guaranteed win on finals day.

‘‘Winning the semi didn’t mean we were going to win, we played Pikiao earlier in the season and lost. So the final was anyone’s game.’’

The halftime score saw Pacific leading by four points 18-14, with the fulltime whistle blowing and Sharks winning 30-26.

JULY

On the heels of her World Cup sevens victory Honey Hireme is now chasing rugby league World Cup glory.

While her rugby team-mates headed home yesterday, Hireme made her way to England for the fourth women’s league tournament in Leeds.

Hireme, 31, captains the Kiwi Ferns, who will defend their title against England, Australia, France, Russia, Samoa and Tonga.

Hireme scored four tries in helping New Zealand win their first rugby sevens title.

‘‘Feels really great to have won the world cup,’’ she said from Moscow.

‘‘We were very accurate in our set piece and treated every game like it was the final. We just had that buzz from game one right through to the finals.

‘‘ Our defence was a big weapon and that’s what won us the world cup.’’

winn’er – rugby league World Cup

Honey Hireme