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DUDDING LAKE TORNADO

3 December 2025 @ 1.25pm
Council have been informed that there has been a tornado at Dudding Lake. Emergency services and Council staff are responding to assess damage in the area. Please avoid the area until otherwise advised. We will keep people updated as more information comes to hand. More information >

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Poppy Places comes to Rangitīkei

The Poppy Places Project aims to provide a "place" where the stories of soldiers can be captured and not lost from our collective consciousness.

April 17, 2024

Poppy Places

Streets and roads that are named after people who have served for the New Zealand Defence Force are eligible for recognition, with each approved place marked with the placement of the official poppy flower of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Serviceman’s Association (RNZRSA) thanks to the Poppy Places trust.

Cobber Cain Avenue is the first street in the Rangitīkei to be added to the Poppy Place project. Named after Edgar "Cobber" Kain of Hastings, who served in the Royal Airforce in World War II, and had shot down a confirmed 17 German aircraft during his service. He became the first British Air Ace of the war, but he was tragically killed performing an aerobatic display at the age of 21.

Today, Marton RSA President Alan Buckendahl and Vice-President Kevin Jensen placed a temporary poppy sticker on the Cobber Kain Avenue sign to recognise its addition to the Poppy Places project. A new sign that includes a permanent poppy will be installed at a later date.

Read more about Cobber Kain's story.

Do you know of somewhere in the Rangitīkei that could become a Poppy Place? Find out how you can make an initial request.