End of an era for Ballentynes’ Jackie
Jackie Rutherford watched generations of customers come through the doors. Now those doors are closing. READ MORE.
LATEST EDITIONS
STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
Ōtaki College Roll
A call-out by Ōtaki Today to discover which former students and staff have died in the past 60 years has revealed a list. READ MORE.
BRIEFS
More police for Ōtaki
Ōtaki police will have three new staff in Ōtaki by the end of the month. Levin Senior Sergeant Sam Gilpin told Ōtaki Today that one was to start in the first week of September, and two were starting later in the month. “This will mean that Ōtaki is near full staffing capacity,” he said. At Levin, the frontline policing roster is full. Two staff from the last graduation started in Levin last month. “With usual attrition this will change so we currently have another five recruits in the college currently, due to graduate in mid October (3), mid November (1) and mid December (1).” Another officer is to start in Foxton mid September.
Expo back October 10
The 2026 Ōtaki Community Expo is in the Memorial Hall on Saturday, October 10, from 10am-2pm. The expo gives community and sporting groups an opportunity to showcase their services. If you're looking to get involved or help out in your community, come and check out the many groups that need support. Morning tea available. If you represent a community group and wish to book a stall, see otakipromogroup.nz/exporego The expo is organised by the Ōtaki Promotions Group.
Kids Market wins
The Ōtaki Kids Market has won the GEN NZ Youth Programme of the Year award, recognising its contribution to inspiring, fostering and supporting entrepreneurial success among young people under the age of 25. The next Kids Market is on Sunday, October 11, at the Ōtaki Market opposite New World.
New rotunda book
A new book, Sunlight and Fresh Air – The Medical Origins of the Ōtaki Rotunda, has been produced by the Friends of the Ōtaki Rotunda. Compiled by retired architect Rob Ansell and edited by historian Jock Phillips, the book tells the story of the rotunda’s architecture. Copies $15, from admin@otakirotunda.org.nz
Kites back March 6-7
The 2027 Ōtaki Kite Festival will be on the weekend of March 6-7.
