Raglan food producers are celebrating national success, with Dreamview Creamery and Raglan Food Co both taking top honours at this year’s Outstanding Food Producer Awards. Dreamview Creamery was named Dairy Champion for its Natural Probiotic Yoghurt with Boysenberry Compote, while Raglan Food Co claimed the Dairy-Free Champion title for its Vanilla Bean Coconut Yoghurt.
And a local teenager is taking on a major conservation challenge. Seventeen-year-old Hinepehia Lee-Hohaia is preparing for a Karioi Trap-A-Thon, aiming to check 80 predator traps across Mount Karioi in a single day. The fundraiser will support her upcoming 21-day Outward Bound course and raise awareness of the importance of protecting native wildlife. Hinepehia has already contributed more than 300 volunteer hours with the Te Whakaoranga o Karioi Project this year. Donations can be made online by searching “Karioi Trap-A-Thon“.
Waikato District Council is also seeking community feedback on proposed local government reforms. The Government’s Simplifying Local Government programme could see councils reorganised in the future, including options such as a Waikato-wide unitary council, a Hamilton-focused metropolitan model, or a Hamilton-Waikato-Waipā structure. No decisions have been made, and Council says the current options are for discussion only. Community feedback is open now through the Waikato District Council website. https://www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/your-council/simplifying-local-government
National Volunteer Week runs from June 14 to 20, recognising the many locals who give their time to support Whāingaroa. Go Raglan Jobs is helping connect volunteers with community groups, events and organisations looking for extra hands. Tourism and Events Workforce Development Advisor Jami Dickson says volunteering strengthens the community while also helping people build skills, confidence and connections. Head to goraglan.com
The future of a community pool for Raglan will be back on the agenda at next week’s Raglan Community Board meeting. A feasibility study commissioned by the Raglan Community Pool Trust has found there is an existing and ongoing need for a community pool in Whāingaroa, with further work now underway on potential sites, design options and financial viability.
The Board will also receive updates on discretionary funding, road naming applications and current works and issues across the district.
The Raglan Community Board meets on Wednesday, June 10, from 1.30pm at the Raglan Town Hall. Members of the public are welcome to attend.