Welcome
To the Meremere Community Newsletter
This Page is Sponsored by the Envirowatch

Quote for the week: 21st March 2007
“The future is not a place we are going, but a place we are creating.”

"Meremere Tü Ahiahi" - Venus the Evening Star 
From Hawaiki, the mother of islands in the centre of Polynesia, courageous navigators
followed the constellation of Meremere (Orion's Belt) from 2400 miles in the north to
discover and people a new Hawaiki" (Te Rangi Hiroa)
We extend a warm welcome to all new residents in our village and surrounding Districts
You will find, quite quickly that this is a very friendly and caring community
PLEASE TAKE CARE
We all should be MORE vigilant on our streets as there are A LOT of little ones playing around the village and they will soon be joined by many more enjoying the Holidays.
PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY

Holiday Activities CLICK HERE

MEREMERE VILLAGE FAMILY REUNION
Po Box 13
31 Mahoe Street
Rotorua
07 3488418
HYPERLINK
mailto:meremere.reunion@yahoo.co.nz  meremere.reunion@yahoo.co.nz
mailto:elvisto1@yahoo.com.au  elvisto1@yahoo.com.au
mailto:nz_jaybee@xtra.co.nz  nz_jaybee@xtra.co.nz

Well hello folks
Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you but here goes.

The tears, the tantrums, the utter frustration and the sheer hard work of tracking people down is forgotten - the weekend was fantastic - a huge success. It was great to see so many old friends and what a time we had. We laughed and we cried but, what a party. For all those who decided that it wasn't worth making the effort to attend - you missed out on a wonderful time.

We really didn't need the music as there was so much to catch up on that the music machine hardly got used. The food was fantastic and no one went hungry.
The faux pas of the weekend has to be the young lady who went into the men's toilet instead of the ladies - she shall remain nameless.
The Phrase used the most must have been "Do you remember....."
We have been asked to set up a web site will all the photos from the reunion on it so people can add their photos and comments. If anyone can help with this please contact us. We have also been asked to produce a booklet about the reunion - what a task that would be. If you have any comments on this please, please contact us.

Here are a few things that we learnt from the reunion.
The Power Station was built back to front.
There were only 5 chimney stacks at first.
The school opened before the power station was built.
The power station was the first coal powered station in New Zealand.
The power station commenced in 1956 and put into commission in 1958 with six machines. The seventh machine was added in 1967.
The station was mothballed in 1991.
The power station used about 8000,000 tones of coal per year.
Each of the six boilers weighed around 1000 tonnes.
The first shop was in the small hall.
The station was built in the 1950's from plans drawn up in the 1930's.
and was decommissioned in the 1990's.
The village was a safe and secure place to grow up in.
Meremere means evening star.

I must not forget to thank you all for making it what it was, a complete and total success. Thank you also to all those who brought photos and old village newsletters, what a lot of fun it was trying to put names to all the faces. Some of us have better memories than others.

We still have some gift packs left so any one who would like to purchase one pleas contact us. The price is $25.00 each which includes postage.
If they don't sell I will be putting them on Trade Me.

A few words from Michelle
After dinner on the Saturday night we had time to talk an giggle about old times. Quite a few others joined us for this including Steven Rudd, Pat and Bob Storey, the Callahan Clan, (John, Ray and Linda) and Danny O'Donnell who came all the way from Ireland.. I didn't get the chance to meet the others so I can't name them all, sorry. Some of us looked as we did 25 years ago (but a few more lines) It was wonderful to see so many faces and to see everyone having a great time.

A few words from Jennifer
There were a lot of names mentioned at the reunion that we hadn't been able to track down. We did our best and I think that the weekend was a complete success. I really enjoyed some of the stories of the early days of the village.
Thank you to all who contacted my family to see how I was after my hip replacement - All went well and I am now back on my feet.

Well folks once again we thank you for the terrific time, the stories, the laughs and the tears and to one and all, YOU made it into a success We wish everyone a bright and brilliant future and we hope to see you sometime for a cuppa.

Best wishes
Jacqui, Michelle and Jennifer

Some of you asked for a list of attendees so you could put names to faces in the group photos that were taken. Anyone wanting to order more photos please contact us for the photographers contact details.

Colleen Adams
Colleen Adams (jnr)
Gerry Adams
Jacqui Anderson
Jennifer Andrew (Anderson)
Rob Andrew
Ray Beech
Pauline Brown
Basil Bowmer
John Callahan
Linda Callahan
Don Campbell
Verna Campbell
Pat Carr
Ethan Clover
Lynda Coleborn
Judith Coleman
Rod Coleman
Claudine Collins
Lucille Collins
Venessa Collins
Mark Davison
Reece Davison
Wendy Davison (Anderson)
Bridie Dexter
Bruce Dexter
Craig Dexter
Margaret Dexter
Moira Dexter
Ruth Dexter
Samuel Dexter
Stuart Dexter
Arthur Dix
Audrey Dix
Mary Dix
Murray Flintoff
Sally Flintoff
Alan Foote
Pam Foote (Dix)
Linda Gardner
Sheree Gardner
Venessa Hancock (Adams)
Karl Hartley
Nancy Hooker
Keith Hubbert
Monica Kahotea (Hooker)
William Katipo
Bruce Lusby
Liz Lusby
Carol Morgan (Dix)
John Morgan
Bill Mules
Jane Richards (Andrews)
Pat Rogers
Phil Rogers
Barbara Roxburgh
Maureen Rudd
Michelle Short (Cornish)
John Spice
Gordon Stevens
Sheila Stevens (Hooker)
Bob Storey
Pat Storey
Nick Tumai
Elaine Tatton
Johnny Van Mil
Robyn Van Wijk
Catherine Williams
Pauline Williams
Dave Willford
Liz Willford
There were some people who turned up and although they didn't partake of the meals they still attended and didn't register at the door.

Last minute apologies
John and Yvonne Harris - unable to attend
Cliff and Pauline Kemp - sent apologies - their son arrived from
Australia on a surprise visit.
Paul Sutherland - last minute apologies - unable to attend
Jill and Peter Tandy - unable to attend a the last minute
Mervin Tapsell and family - unable to attend - Merv in hospital

Well that's all folks let us know if you hear about another reunion in the future.
Regards
JB
Please pass a copy on to anyone who attended the reunion You could also add your own comments to this newsletter - don't forget to send a copy back to me.
 

KERBSIDE RECYCLING (picked up on friday from 8.00am)
From the beginning of March 2007 we have a "New Improved Recycling and Refuse Collection Service.

For more information please contact Recover NZ 07-828-7864
 

Click Here for School Holiday
and Weekend Activities

****MORE NOTICES****

Meremere Community Council
The Meremere Community council have decided not to accept our offer of publishing their meetings details and decisions on here for FREE.
If you cannot attend the meetings in person, you can request a copy of the minutes,
from one of the committee members.

Ngati Naho Hapu
For quite a while now the Ngati Naho Hapu organization has been in recess.
Recently The Organization has been Completely Revamped and is:
UNDER COMPLETELY NEW MANAGEMENT
Enquiries as to what is going on can be made to Joe Heta or visit their NEW website for details http://ngatinaho.maori.nz

Free DOCTORS CLINIC
Yes he is here at last,
Where? in the community council rooms
When? Monday and Thursday 11.30 to 1.30
(if there are not many patients he will close early)
No appointment is necessary
Contact # for Dr Knight's Surgery in Te Kauwhata: 07-826-3499

Meremere School
has a Sponsor for their Web-Site
Thanks: to "Jack Perry Towing" their website is now alive and active
Pokeno School also has a Sponsor for their Web-Site
Thanks: to "Jack Perry Towing" their website is now alive and active.

HELP HELP
We need more items of interest to put in here
We have received requests from several past Meremere Residents for details about and more photographs of the village. Can you help us please, we only need your photo's for a few minutes to scan them They will then be put on the Online Photo Album

You will notice the painters have been very busy with making our homes look nicer
Thanks, Meremere Properties

FREE Newsletter Pages: Web Pages are available FREE Forever for all; Community, School, Pre-School,
Sport, Youth, Hobby, Church, Cultural, Social & Special Interest Groups
Call Lome or Norm 09-2336160

Thanks
We would like to thank all the people that have submitted articles for our Newsletter.
We value your input on a regular basis and generally we are not restricted on the size of the articles
It would be great to borrow some of those old photographs of Meremere for our
Online Photo Album
I am sure some of you have stored away
We would only need them for a few minutes to scan them.
This Page is Sponsored by the Live PC

The Council have agreed to let us put in a garden outside the Library and Doctor's Surgery. Plants and small shrubs will be supplied by the Council. We would love to get some children to help us plants them. If you are interested please come and see me to find out when it will be done.
Cheers,
Jane Percival.

Shop News
Hello Customers,
Shop hours are as follows:
Monday Friday 6.30 a.m. 7.00 p.m.
Saturday 7.00 a.m. 6.30 "
Sunday & Public Holidays 7.30 a.m. 6.00 "
Any changes to these times will be shown in the shop window.

Hours for Take aways:
Mondays Take aways are closed
Tuesday Friday 3.00 7.00 p.m.
Saturday 3.00 6.30 p.m.
Sunday 3.00 6.00 p.m.

Mail Collection
Your mail can be collected from the Post Delivery Center which is located at the Community Center opposite the shop. Welcome to all the new families in the village. If you require a post box come and see me at the post centre. I am there Monday to Saturday from 9.15 9.45 or phone me either on 2336192 or 0212508087. If you need stamps for sending mail overseas, to send a parcel, drop into the Post Delivery Centre during the above hours. The local shop has a supply of 45c stamps if they are required.
From your Post Lady, Vicki.

Meremere Medical Center
Dr Geoff Knight and Anne Knight, the nurse, attend the clinic (at the Community Center, opposite the shop), on Mondays and Thursdays from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. to deal with any health problems people in the village present with.
Medical services and supply of medication from Te Kauwhata pharmacy is without charge to the patients. Medicines are delivered to people's home by Raukaura Hauora O Tainui later in the day on Monday and Thursdays. Mr & Mrs Gill at the shop have kindly worked in as a drop off and collection point for anyone who misses the delivery of their prescriptions.

BUDGETING
Jennie can be found at the Meremere Library every Monday morning, (except Public Holidays) to give re budgeting advice to anyone who would like it.
Or call DISC, Phone 078264303

Te Puna Playgroup of Meremere
When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10.00 a.m. 1.00 p.m.
Where: Meremere School (Room 7), Meremere Lane.
Who: Suitable for infants and toddlers from birth to 6 years and their Parents, Caregiver and Whanau.
Cost: FREE.
Huntly Plunket committee is in the process of organizing a Christmas party. All North Waikato families with any children under five are invited. If your family would be interested in attending please contact Sarah ph. 07 8285759 or Huntly Plunket 07 8287280. This is so we have an idea of the number of people and children that would come along. This will be a great opportunity for you and your family to meet other families and have a heap of fun.

Come and join us for a walk around Lake Hakanoa walkway on Tuesday mornings, leaving from the Rahui Pokeka Gateway, Taihua Road at 9.30 a.m. For more information on what's happening at Plunket or if you have any ideas or thoughts on what you would like from Plunket contact: Victoria 07 8284949 vekemp@hotmail.com
Luressa 07 8286960 macdonald@slingshot.co.nz