NewsBank (Te Puke Times)

As we prepare to say ka kite rā or farewell to 2024, I want to take a moment to connect with you all.

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Retail Meat New Zealand’s Great Kiwi Christmas Survey results are in and ham has edged lamb out to become the top choice for New Zealanders’ festive tables.

Christmas is often wrapped in sparkle — bright lights and gifts topped with bows.

Cricket Western Bay of Plenty Cricket

Today is a sad day. This is the final edition of Te Puke Times.

The Te Puke Times supports Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, the Māori Language Commission’s campaign to increase New Zealanders’ te reo Māori vocabulary. This week’s word: Tāne Mahuta: Atua of the forest and all that dwell therein, especially birds.

Merry Christmas Te Puke!

Those looking to establish a Te Puke Kiwifruit Capital of the World heritage hub are working hard to secure the dream of somewhere for locals to celebrate the district.

Evan Potter says every farmer has paddocks they aren’t making money from.

In this, the final edition of Te Puke Times, we look back at the paper’s 112-year history — a history of telling Te Puke’s stories, serving its community and being its voice.

As 2024 winds down, it’s a great time to look back at everything we’ve been through together as a country, electorate, and community.

Aperformance demonstrating everything from “mischievous glee to moving pathos” has won Te Puke’s Felicity Tomkins one of Australasia’s most prestigious singing competitions.

This week in history beginning December 16

As we come together this Christmas season, let us take a moment to stop and reflect on the ultimate gift, the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

DECEMBER 21 Te Puke Community Market: Jubilee Park. 9am-noon. Over 30 stalls expected.

As 2024 comes to an end, we reflect on the challenges we have faced as a community, including organisations facing the unknown as they navigate uncertain times.

Your community paper for more than 110 years.

This photo of Te Puke Primary School was taken in 1900. It clearly shows part of the roof being clad in corrugated iron on the right, and part, on the left, with tiles. This building was demolished in 1976 when the new school was opened.

Sad news Like many others, I was very sad to hear that NZME was going to shut down 14 community newspapers including Te Puke Times.

Maketū Community Board wishes our community a safe and happy festive season with your families and friends.

Announcing the birth of Jesus, a host of angels greeted the shepherds as they guarded their sheep.

Te Puke’s 2025 Summer in the Park series will reach new levels next month.

The Slow Road: The Complete Guide to Van Life in New Zealand

Farmers are being urged to keep up to date with measures to control C. ovis — sheep measles — after the Ovis Management programme reported a spike in infection rates.

1855 — December 12. Anne Chapman, wife of Rev Thomas Chapman, dies and becomes the first European woman to be buried in the Wharekahu Cemetery at Maketū.

Knitting needles and yarn were left at home as Te Puke Plunket last week said ‘thank you’ to those who have donated their time to keep babies warm.

Te Puke retailers will get a chance to cash in on the benefits of having cruise ship passengers in town.

The EVES Open World Tennis Tour Tauranga is set to serve up another thrilling week of world-class tennis this month, bolstered by a $40,000 funding boost from TECT to enhance this year’s event.

Western Bay Museum has a range of new exhibitions during the summer period.