Filling the gaps others don’t reach
The financial challenges involved in organising volunteer conservation work led a Hamilton couple to set up a philanthropic investment fund to fill the funding gaps faced by the region’s nature groups.
Selwyn and Dianne June first established the Waikato Hauraki Conservation Fund at Momentum Waikato with a significant donation in late 2021, which was during the Covid pandemic, so they only started grantmaking and promoting it to environmental networks in late 2023.
Five conservation projects around the Waikato benefited from those first grants - Kakepuku Mountain Conservation Society for trap refills and bait; Rings Beach Wetland Group Inc for possum, mustelid and rat traps; Kaitiakitanga Charitable Trust for engaging youth on pest control and riparian planting projects; Roselle Gould for predator traps near a stream and wetland at Whangamata; and Holthuizer Farm near Walton for riparian planting.
The Junes’ intent is to provide a long-term funding source for conservation work anywhere in the wider Waikato region, that the public can support with donations.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
1 SLEEP TO GO HAMILTON
1 more sleep to go!!!!!!!!!! 🥰🥳🥳🥳
Elliott Park, Nawton Hamilton is the place to be tomorrow for the 11th year of the Annual Extravaganza in the Park Christmas Market 2025 We hope you can join us in this magical day.
What to Expect:
Live Music & a wide range of Entertainment
Pony Rides and Facepainting
Kids Market Stall Zone, Interactive stalls
Over 140 other Market Stalls
The Slush Truck
Delicious Food & Local Vendors from Hangi, Maori Kai and much more.....
Christmas Mini Photography Sessions - Capture your family in a photo from a great christmas gift this year.
Dont miss our special appearance from Santa stopping in from the North Pole to celebrate with us.
A great community vibe and day out
Extravaganza in the Park 2025
📍Where: Elliott Park, Hyde Ave Nawton Hamilton
📅 When: Sat 6th Dec 2025
⏰ 9am-2pm
Hospital ED new location of interest in measles spread
Waikato Hospital’s Emergency Department is the latest location of interest for measles.
Two separate days in the last week were listed on Health NZ’s website on Friday morning as a place where someone with measles was known to have visited.
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