Far North District Guide
2014
From State to your Driveaway
Highway 1
Transfield Services delivers essential services to key industries in the resources and industrial, property and infrastructure sectors. We also cater for SMALL DOMESTIC CUSTOMERS, particularly in Northland, providing a personal local service for you and your family.
In other words, no job is too small for us!!!
• Earthworks • House Sites • Retaining Walls, Driveways • Kerbing • Drainage Works • Fencing, Farm Races And Ponds • Rockwalling And Sealing We also have a trained arborist who can undertake tree and vegetation pruning and removal.
Call us for a no obligation quote Whangarei T: 09 470 4400 • F: 09 470 4401 • E: whangarei@transfieldservices.com Puketona & Russell T: 09 407 7851 • F: 09 407 6337 • E: bayofislands@transfieldservices.com Kaipara T: 09 439 5871 • F: 09 439 5872 • E: kaipara@transfieldservices.com
3 Far North District Guide 2014 www.fndc.govt.nz
FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL FAST FACTS The Far North District Council provides services across a 7,505 square-kilometre area, making it the second largest territorial authority in the North Island. Infrastructure owned and/or maintained by Council includes: 2,543 kilometres of roads 1,700 streetlights 701 bridges 333 kilometres of sewer pipes 183 kilometres of footpath 154 ha of recreational space 147 pensioner flats 117 kilometres of stormwater pipes
Contents 4
Your elected representatives
5
How can we help?
6
Be a responsible dog owner
7
Livestock and liquor control
8
Building in the Far North
deliver town maintenance services to 21 towns and empty 393 litter bins across the district
9
Buying real estate in the Far North
10
Civil Defence
register about 10,000 dogs and respond to 3,000 complaints about dogs annually
11
Rural Fire Control
12
Neighbours, food safety and car parking
13
Cemeteries and crematorium
14
Pensioner housing and septic tank systems
15
Rates
district. A workforce of more than 200 staff and Council contractors: operate six service centres and a call centre that handles, on average, 157,000 calls each year
carry out thousands of building site inspections and renew hundreds of building warrants of fitness
64 public toilets at 43 locations
process hundreds of liquor licence applications
59 boat ramps, jetties, pontoons and wharves
inspect public safety standards at hundreds of food outlets
24 refuse and recycling outlets
16&17 Refuse and recycling services 18
Road maintenance and the Hokianga Ferry
19
Maritime facilities
20
Community halls, reserves, cycle trail and
23 playgrounds and three skate parks 21 car parks in nine towns 18 sewerage schemes 9 public water supplies 6 public libraries 3 public airports which are run by subsidiary Far North Holdings 3 i-SITE Visitor Information Centres Council also provides a range of regulatory and community services across the
ABOUT THIS GUIDE The Far North District Council is grateful to The Northern Advocate and The Northland Age for the opportunity to publish this annual service guide which is paid for by advertisers. Previous Far North Guides have tried to be an A to Z directory of everything the Council does. We have refocused the guide so it provides information about Council services that most people use on a regular basis. For example, detailed information about Council’s 24 refuse and recycling outlets tells you what you can recycle and where you can recycle it. The guide also explains when you need to obtain a building or resource consent and the process for getting one. Other pages offer information about public swimming pools, dog registration, reporting noisy neighbours, getting a property report (LIM) and being firesafe if you are planning a backyard burn-off. We encourage you to keep the guide in a handy place and go to our website or contact us if you need more information.
walkways 21
Te Ahu Cinema and libraries
22
CBEC helps grow the local economy
4 Far North District Council www.fndc.govt.nz
YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES JOHN CARTER MAYOR
JOHN VUJCICH COUNCIL
SALLY MACAULEY COUNCIL
ANN COURT COUNCIL
MIKE WARD Te Hiku Community Board
IVAN ALVREZ Te Hiku Community Board
ADELE GARDNER Te Hiku Community Board
FLORENCE ANNISON Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board
BRUCE MILLS Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board
MARTIN ROBINSON Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board
TANIA MCINNES DEPUTY MAYOR
WILLOW-JEAN PRIME COUNCIL
MURRAY RAE Te Hiku Community Board
DOUG TURNER Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board
Exce xcellen llence ce Experienc Experie ncee R Real eal New Zeala Zealand nd Heri erita tage ge throug through h the the migh mi ghty ty Kauri Kauri tr tree. ee. www.k ww.kauri aurimus museu eum.com m.com Come and visit the world-famous Kauri Museum. It is a wonderful outing for the whole family, with interactive displays for all ages.
Northland’s largest undercover attraction - 4,500 sq metres! Open everyday 9am - 5pm except Christmas Day Just off SH12, 1 hr south of Whangarei Address: 5 Church Road, RD1, Matakohe 0593, Northland Ph: 09 431 7417 e: admin@kaurimuseum.com
COLIN KITCHEN COUNCIL
DI MAXWELL COUNCIL
DAVE COLLARD COUNCIL
LAWRIE ATKINSON, CHAIR Te Hiku Community Board
MATE RADICH COUNCIL
DAVID SENIOR, DEPUTY CHAIR Te Hiku Community Board
TERRY GREENING, CHAIR Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board
BELINDA WARD, MARGARET WIKAIRE DEPUTY CHAIR Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board Community Board
JOHN SCHOLLUM, CHAIR Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board
PAULINE EVANS, DEPUTY CHAIR Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board
WIN STEPHENS Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board
GARRY CLARKE Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board
KELLY VAN GAALEN Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board
LOUIS TOORENBURG Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board
5 Far North District Council www.fndc.govt.nz
HOW CAN WE HELP? You may need to contact us to report a fault with a service or facility or to request information. Council operates a Request for Service (RFS) system for complaints and maintenance requests. Our customer services team will refer your RFS to the appropriate Council officer or contractor and give you an RFS number so you can follow up your enquiry. You can PHONE US on Freephone 0800920-029 (only available to
landlines in the Far North District) or 09 401-5200 from 8am-5pm to speak to a customer service officer. Urgent matters from 5pm-8am can be reported to our after-hours service by dialling the same numbers. GO ONLINE to www.fndc.govt.nz to lodge a non-urgent request for service or to email an enquiry. WRITE to Private Bag 752, Kaikohe 0440. FAX to 09-401-2137.
VISIT ONE OF OUR OFFICES/SERVICE CENTRES Mon-Fri: 8am-4:30pm (Closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Kaikohe Memorial Avenue, Kaikohe Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm
Rawene
Kaitaia Te Ahu Centre, cnr Matthews Avenue & South Road Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5pm Sat-Sun: 8:30am-5pm: Pay land/ water rates at the Far North i-SITE which offers information about accommodation, attractions, events and transport.
Kerikeri Procter Library, Cobham Road Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm John Butler Centre (JBC), 60 Kerikeri Road Mon-Fri: 8am5pm (no financial transactions/ payments accepted at JBC)
Get involved in your Council ATTEND Community Board and Council meetings. These are held monthly at venues across the district. Meetings are advertised in local newspapers and agendas are posted on our website. COMMENT on our Annual or Long Term Plans which set out activities we will undertake on behalf of ratepayers over one year and ten year periods. Council also invites public submissions on proposed policies and consent applications. Go to www. fndc.objective.com/portal/ to find out what we are consulting on.
Kaeo Old Post Office Building, Leigh Street, Kaeo Mon-Fri: 8am-4:30pm (closed 12:30pm-1pm)
CONTACT a community board member. Community Far North District Mayor John Carter boards are the eyes and ears of their communities and play an active role in helping Council to resolve localised problems.
Kawakawa 54-58 Gillies Street
Parnell Street Tue & Thu: 8am-4:30pm (closed 12.30pm-1pm)
Hokianga i-SITE & service centre SH12, Opononi Tel: 09-405-8869 Open 7 days (except Christmas Day) 8:30am-5pm Offers Council services and information about accommodation, attractions, events and transport.
Bay of islands i-SITE The Wharf, Marsden Road, Paihia Tel: 09-402-7345 Open 7 days (including Christmas Day) 8am-5pm (open longer hours in summer and during peak visitor periods) Offers information about accommodation, attractions, events and transport and accepts land/water rates, dog registration payments and parking fines.
Te Hiku Community Board
Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board
Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board
Chairperson: Lawrie Atkinson: 021-0292-9335 Deputy chairperson: David Senior: 09-408-4135
Chairperson: Terry Greening: 021-179-8020
Chairperson: John Schollum: 021-113-3073 Deputy chairperson: Pauline Evans: 09-405-5855
WE NEED
Deputy chairperson: Belinda Ward: 09-402-8534
YOU!
As a volunteer firefighter you’ll:
For information on joining:
• learn new skills • serve your community • be respected and trusted • make good friends.
• contact your local volunteer brigade • go to volunteer.fire.org.nz • or call 09 407 6153 or 0800 FIRE RECRUIT
We’re also looking for brigade support personnel who can: • do computer work and assist around the station • help with incident traffic management • provide fire safety advice and install smoke alarms.
Make a difference to your community. Today
6 Animal Control www.fndc.govt.nz
BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER LAWYERS: Richard Ayton Dennis McBrearty Simon Dominick Jo Baguley Graham Day ADDRESS: 93 Kerikeri Road (above Pagani) Kerikeri Ph: 09 407 7099 info@lawnorth.co.nz
• Buying/Selling Property • Estates Wills - Trusts • Relationship Property Law • Employment Law • Court Cases • Commercial & Business Transactions www.lawnorth.co.nz Also offering fixed fees on Conveyancing and Refinancing transactions
www.swiftconveyancing.co.nz
Local authorities are responsible for enforcing the Dog Control Act 1996 and its 2003, 2004 and 2006 amendments. Council’s Dog Control Bylaw is on Council’s website and available from service centres. Be a responsible dog owner Dogs must be registered from three months of age or as soon as their owners take possession of them. The registration year is 1 July to 30 June. Registration fees help fund Council’s dog control activities which include responding to complaints about dogs, picking-up and caring for lost or roaming dogs and taking action against owners of unregistered and uncontrolled dogs Micro-chip new dogs Dogs have to be micro-chipped if they: Have been classified as dangerous or menacing on or after the 1st December 2003 Are being registered for the first time from 1st July 2006 Are unregistered and are impounded from 1st July 2006 Are registered and get impounded twice from 1st July 2006. Council’s animal control officers micro-chip dogs at Te Ahu Centre in Kaitaia and the Kaikohe Service Centre. Just moved here or leaving the district? Dog owners bringing a registered dog into the district from another area need to swap the dog’s old registration tag for a Far North District Council tag. Dog owners will need to provide proof of registration at their previous address if the dog doesn’t have a tag. The same applies if a dog moves to another district. Tell Council if your dog has died Dog owners must notify Council within 14 days if their dog has died by completing a Declaration of Deceased Dog form and returning the dog’s registration or by providing a vet certificate. Dog owners who inform Council of their dog’s death within 14 days are eligible for a registration fee refund. Dog owners must also inform Council if their dog has a new owner. Lost or found a dog? Phone Council or lodge a Request for Service (RFS) as soon as possible if you have lost or found a dog. Tell us what breed, colour and sex your dog is and whether it wears a collar and registration tag. You can also place a free notice on the website www.petsonthenet.co.nz which has a nationwide database of lost and found pets.
Control your dog Council may impound any dog found at large in breach of its Dog Control Bylaw regardless of whether it is wearing a collar and registration tag. Staff can only release an impounded dog when any fees owing to Council are paid in full. Council dog pounds are at Kaitaia and Okaihau. Dogs that are not claimed by owners are rehomed or destroyed. Dog exercise areas The following places are designated dog exercise areas at all times: Kaikohe: The former landfill site on the corner of Station Road and Recreation Road Kerikeri: The reserve next to Samaree Place, land behind the crematorium in Wiroa Road and Roland’s Wood in Inlet Road Russell: Long Beach from the vehicle turnaround zone at the end of Long Beach Road to the end of the eastern section of the beach Kaitaia: The area in Bonnett Road known as Tangonge Domain. Paihia and Te Haumi: All beaches except Sullivans Beach and Te Haumi Beach are designated dog exercise areas from 8pm to 9am every day from 1 December to 28 February. Dogs may only be exercised from 5pm to 9am from 28 February to 1 December. No dog zones Some beaches near the built-up areas are off-limits to dogs at certain times, while dogs are required to be leashed and under control at other times. Dogs are also banned from children’s playgrounds and protected wildlife zones at all times. A brochure listing the prohibited and leashed areas is available from Council service centres. This information is also in the Dog Control Bylaw 2006 which is on the Council’s website. Report a nuisance dog Contact Council if a dog is unregistered, attacking or challenging domestic animals, stock, protected wildlife, people or vehicles or barking, straying or fouling. Phone 111 if anyone is in immediate danger of an aggressive or attacking dog. Adopt a dog Council finds homes for many of the stray dogs it impounds. Go to the Pound Pooches page on our website if you are interested in adopting a dog or phone Council’s Okaihau Dog Pound on 401-9359.
7 Livestock and Liquor Control www.fndc.govt.nz
LIVESTOCK CONTROL Keeping livestock Cows, sheep, pigs, goats and horses are permitted in rural areas as of right. However, they must be contained within a property and not allowed to wander. People in residential areas need Council permission to keep cows, sheep, pigs, goats and horses. Wandering stock It is an offence under Council’s Control of the Use of Public Places Bylaw for livestock to wander, graze, be ridden, lead or herded on any park, reserve or beach without Council consent. Contact Council if you see stock wandering uncontrolled on public land. Council may impound any livestock that is
wandering on public land and auction animals to recover its costs if they are not reclaimed by their rightful owner and all due fees are paid at the prescribed time. Stock welfare Contact the Ministry for Primary Industries or the SPCA if you are concerned about the welfare of livestock.
Adopt a dog at one of Council’s dog pounds
Mike Sabin
LIQUOR LICENSING Having a beer or a wine with friends is a big part of how we socialise in the Far North. But alcohol can lead to social problems if misused. Council, as the District Licensing Agency, has a legal obligation to control how alcohol is sold, supplied and consumed. It does this by: Working with the Liquor Licensing Authority, which issues licences for the sale of liquor
An off-licence is needed if you want to sell and supply alcohol from a brewery, club, hotel, wholesaler, tavern, supermarket or winery to drink off the premises A club licence is needed if you want to sell and supply alcohol at a sports club or lodge.
Encouraging the responsible sale and use of alcohol through licensing
Under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, there must be a manager on duty at all times when liquor is being sold to the public. A manager must hold a current manager’s certificate.
Monitoring premises and enforcing the Sale of Liquor Act
Contact Council if you believe a licensed premises is in breach of its licence conditions.
Regulating the consumption of alcohol in public places under the Public Places Liquor Control Bylaw. Maps showing where there are liquor bans in the Far North under the bylaw are on Council’s website.
Local alcohol policy Council decided in 2013 to use new legal powers to develop a Local Alcohol Policy. This will allow the District Licensing Committee to limit the location and number of bars and liquor outlets, as well as restrict or extend opening hours. Council was still developing a draft policy for community consultation when this guide went to print.
What type of liquor licence do I need? You must have a liquor license to sell or supply alcohol in public: A special licence is needed if you want to sell and supply alcohol at an event or series of events, such as a Food and Wine Festival, sports even or party on hired premises (licensed or unlicensed) An on-licence is needed if you want to sell and supply alcohol to drink at a bar, cafe, restaurant, hotel, night club, wine bar, entertainment centre or boat. A certificate of compliance (liquor) is required for any new licenses including changes in ownership, alterations, redefinitions and variations to existing licence terms
MP FOR NORTHLAND
Regular clinics are held at Kaitaia, Kaikohe, Kerikeri, Dargaville and Wellsford. Please contact
the electorate office for an appointment
P: 09 4077219 E: northlandelectorate@parliament.govt.nz
For events calendar go to
www.mikesabin.co.nz
www.national.org.nz
8 Building and Resource Consents www.fndc.govt.nz
BUILDING IN THE FAR NORTH You will most likely need a building consent if you plan to construct a new building or renovate or extend an existing building. The information below provides basic information about the building consent process. Go to www. fndc.govt.nz for more detailed information or phone Council on 0800-920-029 or 401-5200. When do I need a building consent? You will need a building consent for most building work including:
New buildings larger than 10-square-metres Additions or alterations to existing buildings Retaining walls on slopes Decks higher than 1.5 metres Swimming pools, spa pools and fences New on-site effluent disposal systems Restricted plumbing and drainage work Building demolition and relocation Changing a building’s use New fireplaces, heating and air-conditioning systems
Quick consents for small projects Council offers a simplified consents process for small-scale projects ranging from a wood burner to medium-sized farm building. These are known as ‘residential one’ applications and can be processed within five days in some cases. When do I need a resource consent? You may need a resource consent for your building project, even if it is only an extension to an existing building. Resource consents are needed for land use activities that are not
permitted under the rules of the District Plan or regional plans. The three main types of resource consents Council issues are: Land use consents for large-scale earthworks or where a proposed building’s height or boundary setback isn’t permitted by the District Plan Subdivision consents for new lots or sections Discharge consents for on-site effluent disposal systems that breach the Regional Water and Soil Plan. Tell us about your project You may want to meet with Council staff if your development is a large, complex project that needs input from more than one Council department. A concept development meeting allows you and your designer, architect and engineer to discuss the design and consenting implications of your project with the relevant Council officers before you apply for consents. Providing Council with high-quality information at this early stage will allow staff to estimate consent costs, development contributions and timeframes. They will also be able to advise you of Building Code, bylaw, District Plan and other resource management implications. Concept development meetings are available by appointment at Council’s John Butler Centre offices in Kerikeri. The first half hour is free, after which Council may charge for actual costs.
Avoid delays Council offers building consent application vetting meetings to help avoid unnecessary delays in the consent process. A Council officer will check you have supplied the necessary information in your application, but won’t provide technical advice on Your Home Interior Store with more... the project. You can arrange an application Beds B vetting meeting with & Linen Council after you Lounge Lo have completed the & Dining D Furniture building application Gifts, Gifts Lamps form and checklist & Acce Accessories and collated the required plans and Entertainment Entertai specifications. Vetting & Occasional Units Occasio meetings are available Rugs g & Mats, Mat plus by appointment in much more in store now Kerikeri or Kaitaia. The first half hour is free, after which Council charge for Plenty of parking at the door, north end of town may actual costs.
Furniture
85 8 5 North Road, Road K Kaitaia
09 408 6071 www.furnitureplus.co.nz
Research the risks Requesting a District Plan check or Project Information Memorandum (PIM) provides you with information Council holds that is relevant to your project or site. This includes information about potential hazards, such as erosion and subsidence. It is not compulsory to get a PIM, but having one helps you to mitigate or allow for hazards during the design phase. A PIM also identifies whether you need other consents or permits. What else do I need to do? Additional consents and permits will be necessary if your project breaches other legislation or regulations. For example, you will need a vehicle crossing permit if your development includes a new vehicle entrance from a public road. You may also need to apply for a connection to Council’s water and/ or sewerage services if the development is in an area where these services are available. Beginning construction A Council officer will inspect the building site after you have lodged your building consent application and paid the due fee. Council will issue a building consent that is valid for 12 months when it is satisfied that your application and plans comply with the Building Act, Building Code and District Plan. Building officers will need to make site inspections to ensure that work complies with the Building Code and the approved plans and specifications. They will ask you to correct non-compliant building work for reinspection. Council may issue a ‘notice to fix’ if work is not remedied to the building officer’s satisfaction. Paying for growth You will need to pay development contributions if your building project increases road traffic or raises demand for storm water, sewerage and water services or community facilities such as reserves. How much you will have to pay will depend on which ward the project is in and the level of growth in that ward. Contributions payable in each ward are on Council’s website. Completing your project You must apply for a code compliance certificate when building work is completed. Having a certificate shows that Council is satisfied that all works comply with the building consent. Obtaining a certificate may also be a condition of a mortgage, insurance policy or sale and purchase agreement. Council has 20 days to decide whether to issue or refuse a certificate after receiving your application.
9 Property Information www.fndc.govt.nz
BUYING REAL ESTATE IN THE FAR NORTH Be informed Buying property is a big investment, so you need to be fully informed before you complete your purchase. Getting a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) for the property you plan to buy will give you information Council holds about the property including:
A LIM application must be accompanied by a current CertiďŹ cate of Title.
rated. An additional research fee may be charged if extensive research is needed.
How much does a LIM cost? The fee for a LIM was $245 at February 2014 and $315 if the property was commercially
How long does it take to get a LIM? The statutory timeframe for issuing a LIM is 10 working days.
What will a LIM tell me? A LIM can only provide information that Council has on its records. You should also inspect the site and get an expert opinion. Also, a LIM will not provide full details of building restrictions. Must I get a LIM? A LIM is optional, but strongly recommended by Council. How do I apply for a LIM? You can get a LIM application from any Council ofďŹ ce and from Council’s website.
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10 Civil Defence Emergency Management www.fndc.govt.nz
Civil Defence Natural hazards Risks posed by natural and man-made hazards surround us, wherever we choose to live. The most common threats to life and property in the Far North are storms, which cause oods and land subsidence, and bush ďŹ res in the drier months. We are also surrounded by an extensive coastline which exposes us to the risk of tsunami.
Community Response Plans Council has helped numerous communities in the district to develop Community Response Plans. These help communities to be more self-reliant and resilient in emergency
Being prepared for disasters is everyone’s business Council is required by law to plan for any natural or man-made disasters that may occur in the district. This means trying to reduce the occurrence or effects of disasters. It also involves helping communities to respond to and recover from disasters. We undertake this work in partnership with other Northland councils, central government, emergency services, volunteer groups and communities. This way, all sectors of the community contribute to reduction, readiness, response and recovery activities (the four Rs of emergency management).
situations and make it easier for Civil Defence to maintain contact with those communities. Contact Council to initiate a community response plan for your community. Are you ready at home? There are a number of simple steps you can take to prepare for a natural disaster or emergency. Read the ‘Get Ready Get Thru’ survival guide on the inside cover of your phone book and develop a household emergency plan so your family members know:
State Highway 11 near Kawakawa after oods in 2007
11 Rural Fire Control www.fndc.govt.nz Be prepared Prepare an emergency survival kit that has: ! % & ' ' ( )
Is your business ready? All businesses should have a business continuity plan to strengthen their response to and recovery from adverse events that may disrupt business. These events may be isolated (a ďŹ re) or ongoing (occasional power outages or road closures due to oods). Cost recovery Too many ďŹ res are preventable and the result of negligence. The Northern Rural Fire
Authority seeks ďŹ re suppression costs from people who allow outdoor ďŹ res to burn out of control. Find out more Go to www.getthru.govt.nz for more information or civildefence.fndc.govt.nz/ for information about current Civil Defence emergencies in the Far North District.
RURAL FIRE CONTROL Fire seasons Fire seasons and rural ďŹ re control in the Far North are administered by the Northern Rural Fire Authority. Permits are needed to light outdoor ďŹ res year-round on the Aupouri and Karikari Peninsulas (Zone 1) where windy, dry conditions and an abundance of vegetation heighten the risk of ďŹ res burning out of control. The authority may lift the ďŹ re season status in the zone from ‘restricted’ (ďŹ re permits required) to ‘prohibited’ (no outdoor ďŹ res allowed) if the ďŹ re risk becomes extreme. Zone 1 is deďŹ ned as the area north of State Highway 10 from Taipa to Awanui, west of State Highway 1 between Awanui and Kaitaia, the north and west sides of the Kaitaia-Awaroa Road and north of the Uwhiroa Stream and Herekino Harbour. Permits are also needed to light outdoor ďŹ res year-round in areas administered by the Department of Conservation. Fire seasons in the rest of the district (Zone 2) vary between open, restricted and prohibited, depending on the time of year and weather. Go to www.fndc.govt.nz or www.havingaďŹ re. org.nz to ďŹ nd out what the ďŹ re season is in your area before lighting an outdoor ďŹ re. Open ďŹ re season Fires in the open are permitted as long as: !
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! $ %
Restricted ďŹ re season A ďŹ re permit is required in a restricted ďŹ re season for all open ďŹ res, including hangi and umu. Gas barbecues are exempt. Permits can be obtained by contacting Council who will refer your permit application to the nearest ďŹ re inspector. You should allow at least 48 hours for your permit application to be processed. Prohibited season (total ban) No outside ďŹ res are to be lit anywhere when a total ban is in force. Any existing permits will be cancelled immediately by public notiďŹ cation. Help us keep your community safe Many scrub and forest ďŹ res in the district are lit by arsonists. The Northern Rural Fire Authority has stepped up efforts to reduce arson after ďŹ res in the summer of 2011-12 claimed two lives and cost $2 million to put out. The Authority has partnered with Crimestoppers to make it easier to provide information to the police anonymously. Where there have been suspicious ďŹ res, the authority will erect signs asking people with information The Trust provides residential care for 89 older about ďŹ relighters people. We provide: Rest Home Care; Hospital to call the hotline anonymously on Care; Respite Care; Carer-Support; and Day Care. Freephone 0800 555 The Golden Age Club caters for the well elderly 111. The Authority and the ALZ Club caters for those with dementia. asks people in ďŹ reprone areas to be Contact: extra vigilant during Spring and Summer Telephone: 09 408 1480 and to report www.switzer.co.nz suspicious activities to Crimestoppers. reception@switzer.org.nz
Switzer Residential Care
Service Provision:
12 Environmental Management www.fndc.govt.nz Council is responsible for monitoring and enforcing a range of statutory rules and standards relating to the use of public spaces and environmental health. This page provides an overview of some of these functions.
NEIGHBOURS Noise Nothing makes it harder to get on with neighbours than an ongoing problem with excessive noise, usually coming from loud stereos or noisy parties. Before involving Council about a noise nuisance, ask your neighbour to turn the noise down to a reasonable level. Contact Council’s 24-hour call centre (0800 920 029 or 401 5200) if the noise continues. It is important that the neighbour is still making the noise when you call Council. A Noise Control Officer will decide whether the noise is excessive, given the time of day and circumstances. Noise control officers do not use decibel reading noise equipment for noise complaints, so this is a matter for their discretion. They may serve an Excessive Noise Direction notice on
your neighbour. This orders them to turn the noise down to a reasonable level. Further complaints about excessive noise within 72-hours of the notice being issued may result in the seizure of noise-making devices such as stereos. Council may serve abatement notices or infringement notices against people at properties where it has issued a number of Excessive Noise Directions. Helpful tip: Warn your neighbours if you plan to hold a party. Driveways, trees, smoke and dogs Council does not get involved in neighbour disputes about shared driveways or trees unless the tree is protected by the District Plan. Complaints about smoke from a neighbour’s fire can be reported to Council if the neighbour refuses to extinguish the fire. Contact Council if a neighbour’s dog barks continuously, strays or attacks your family or pets. Health hazards Contact Council if you have concerns about health hazards on a neighbour’s property, including a failing septic tank, nuisance compost heap, an untidy or overgrown property, a potential fire hazard or activities that attract rats.
FOOD SAFETY
FAR NORTH (Kaitaia) RSA Club Matthews Ave Kaitaia
When visiting the Far North you are welcome to visit our Clubrooms where comfort and friendship is assured. Billiards-Snooker-Pool-Bowls-Darts Excellent Restaurant and Bar Facilities Bar Hours 11am-10pm, Mon to Sat Noon to 7pm Sun
Restaurant Open Wed, Thurs, Fri evening 6pm-8pm and by arrangement for Special events and functions. Courtesy Van Available Thursday, Friday from 4pm
Please phone
(09) 408 0423
Food outlets must be registered with the Far North District Council. Contact Council if you are concerned about the condition of food sold by an outlet or believe the outlet may not be registered.
CAR PARKING Parking enforcement Council parking wardens enforce parking rules in the central business districts in Kerikeri and Paihia during the peak visitor season. People can report vehicles that are
parked illegally by lodging a request for service (RFS) with Council. A vehicle is legally parked if it is: Not on the footpath, berm or verge Parked at least one metre from a driveway Parked with consideration for other road users Not parked over a vehicle entrance or access way Not obstructing traffic Not parked contrary to parking signs or markings (for example, on broken yellow lines or a designated mobility parking space) Hasn’t been abandoned or stolen and remains at that site for a few days Currently licensed and with a current evidence of inspection (private or commercial). Vehicle parked in private property, rightof-way, driveway or private carpark This is a civil matter and Council does not get involved. Try to discuss the situation with the vehicle owner. If this doesn’t work, or isn’t appropriate, contact the Citizens’ Advice Bureau or your solicitor. Truck parking at night A truck parked on the road at night must have a red light displayed at the rear which is visible for 100m and be legally parked (see legal parking definition above). A truck can park in a public car park at night. Campervan parking Self-contained campervans are permitted to camp overnight on Council land at Derrick Landing (1km down Waikare Road near Kawakawa) and at Lake Waiparera, Kaimaumau Recreation Reserve and Unahi Reserve north of Kaitaia. However, parking a campervan overnight at a Council reserve, beach or on the side of the road is prohibited under Council’s Reserves Bylaw and Parking and Traffic Bylaw. It is also dangerous because campers run the risk of being robbed or attacked by a criminal element in our community. Council advises people with campervans to stay at official camp sites with toilets, showers and wastewater facilities. Contact Council if you are concerned about a campervan that is parked overnight in a restricted area. Persistent breaches of the camping rules may lead to an Infringement Notice being issued to an offender. Please note, however, that parking before 10pm may be considered ‘normal parking’ rather than overstaying, unless there are signs that show particular time restrictions.
13 Council Services www.fndc.govt.nz
CEMETERIES Council maintains cemeteries at: Kaeo, Turner Street Kaikohe, SH12 Kaitaia, Pukepoto Road Kawakawa, Whiteman Road Kerikeri, Wiroa Road Kohukohu, Kohukohu Road Okaihau, Settlers Way Paihia, Seaview Road Rawene, Parnell Street Russell, Long Beach Road Totara North, Totara North School Road Maps showing cemetery locations and burial plots are on Council’s website. Community committees manage cemeteries at: Onekura/ Broadwood Pungaere Fairburn Orira (Umawera) Herekino Oruaiti Houhora Peria Mangonui Takahue Mangungu
Waiharara Waipapakauri There are also a number of graveyards in the district next to churches.
CREMATORIUM The district has one crematorium. This is at the Kerikeri Public Cemetery and is run by Scott Funeral Services. Enquiries about cremations should be directed to Scott Funeral Services on 407 6367 not Council.
Memorial headstones Burial lot owners do not need Council permission to erect a memorial headstone once they have purchased a burial lot unless the lot is in the RSA section of a cemetery where only the Department of Internal Affairs is permitted to erect headstones. Burial lot owners or their assignees are responsible for maintaining and repairing headstones under Council’s Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw. A one-off ground maintenance fee is payable when a burial lot in a Council cemetery is purchased.
Buying a burial lot Lodge a request for service (RFS) with Council if you want to buy a casket or ash burial lot in a Council-maintained cemetery. Charges are listed on Council’s website. Lots can be purchased for future use. However, they must be bought for a specific person and used by that person within 60 years or the lot reverts to Council ownership. Contact the relevant community committee to enquire about buying a lot at a community-managed cemetery. A list of contact persons is on Council’s website. Similarly, enquiries about lots in church graveyards should be directed to the church concerned.
Kaikohe Cemetery
Squire Funeral Services caring for the community
9516952AA
Bronze and Granite Memorials
Kaikohe 36 Rankin Street, Ph 405-2616 Kawakawa 9 Old Whangae Road, Ph 404-0021 Memorial Division available at both branches
14 Council Services www.fndc.govt.nz
PENSIONER HOUSING Council owns and rents out 147 pensioner ats and bedsits at: ! " # $%
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Go to www.fndc.govt.nz or contact a service centre for details of current vacancies.
A Council bylaw requires septic tanks to be desludged every ďŹ ve years. Suppliers of new efuent systems may also require you to have your system inspected and maintained annually.
HELP US KEEP OUR RIVERS AND HABOURS CLEAN
Telltale signs that your tank or soakage ďŹ eld needs attention include slow-running drains or toilets, efuent on the ground around the tank and soakage ďŹ eld or a strong odour coming from the tank or ďŹ eld. Septic tanks also function better if you:
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Weekly rents ranged from $102.80 for a bedsit to $108.00 for a one-bedroom unit when this guide went to print in February 2014. Council often has vacant units to rent out. In assessing applications, it considers the applicant’s: $* ' *
If your property is not connected to a Council sewerage scheme you will have an on-site efuent disposal system, commonly called a septic tank. You must ensure that your system operates to a safe and satisfactory standard to minimise contamination of nearby waterways.
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If it’s important to the Far North, it’s important to the Northland Age. Get your copy every Tuesday and Thursday
15 Rates www.fndc.govt.nz How are the rates set? About 75% of Council’s operating expenditure is funded from rates. Rates are assessed to fund services defined in the Far North District Council’s Long-Term Plan or the Annual Plan. These plans set out the proposed budgets for the forthcoming year(s). They are released for public comment in the early part of the calendar year and there is a month in which people can lodge submissions. Council adopts the Plan in June with any amendments it has made to the Draft Plan after considering submissions. The new rates are effective from 1 July (this period coincides with Council’s financial year which runs from 1 July to 30 June). Please refer to the Annual Plan for explanations of different rate charges. Due Dates With the exception of water by meter charges, Council charges rates by way of four instalments due in August, November, February and May. Each instalment must be paid on or before due dates which are included in the rates assessment and subsequent rates invoices. Any rates paid after the due date will become liable for penalties. Penalties The Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 allows councils to charge penalties on the late payment of rates exclusive of charges for water by meter. Under sections 57 and 58 of the Act, Council may impose the following penalties: 1. 10% percent on any portion of each instalment of rates assessed in the 2014/15 financial year that is not paid on or before the due date for payment. 2. A further 10% penalty may be charged on any rates assessed in any financial year prior to 1 July 2014 that are unpaid on 1 September 2014. 3. A further 10% penalty may be charged on any rates to which a penalty has been added (under 2 above) that are unpaid on 1 March 2015. Property Valuations Quotable Value New Zealand completed its triennial revaluation of properties in the district in 2013. Property values continued to fall in the three years between 2010 and 2013 after falling between 2007 and 2010 of the Far North District Council every three years. Rateable land values in the district fell from $8.9 billion to $7.2 billion in 2013, a reduction of 19.5%, compared with 19% in 2010. Council will use the land values in the new valuations to set rates for the next three years. Some ratepayers think their rates will go down or up by the amount their property’s land value has changed. This isn’t the case. What matters most is how much a property’s land value has moved in relation to the average district valuation change. Properties that have had a land value reduction of less than this amount may face a rates increase this year. Properties that have had a land value reduction of more than this amount may have a rates reduction. The change in values only affects the land value portion of the General Rate, Roading Differential Rate and Kaitaia Business Improvement District Rate. It does not alter the Uniform Annual General Charge or targeted (capital) rates for water and sewerage. It is important to understand that your rating valuation is calculated using a mass appraisal process. It should not be used to determine the resale value of your home or the sum it should be insured for. A & B Plates - How are the rates split and why?
A & B Plates are generated by Quotable Value for various reasons. The main reasons are where a property is split for rating purposes due to: It having multiple uses (e.g. a commercial activity, such as a hotel, on a residential property) Part of the property being subject to protection for natural, historical or cultural conservation purposes and therefore eligible for postponement of rates It being a leasehold property occupied by flats which each have their own certificate of title It being Maori Freehold Land These are the main reasons, but there are other exceptions. Contact Council for more information. What are non-rateable properties? A number of property types or uses have been defined as 100% non-rateable through legislation. See Schedule 1 Part 1 of the Local Government Rating Act 2002 for a full category list of non-rateable land. This includes churches, schools and reserves. Other types of land uses, including land used by sports or arts organisations, are 50% non-rateable. See Schedule 1 Part 2 of the Local Government Rating Act 2002 for a full category list of 50% non-rateable land. Non-rateable properties still pay rates charges for some services such as water and sewerage. Change of Ratepayer or Change of Address If you have recently sold a property in the Far North District and are still receiving the rates invoices for that property, it means that Council hasn’t received the Notice of Sale from your solicitor. Please ask your solicitor to send us the Notice of Sale as soon as possible so that we can update our records. If you have recently bought a property in the Far North and you haven’t received a rates invoice, it may mean we haven’t received a Notice of Sale for the property or the wrong mailing address was provided on the Notice of Sale. Contact the Rates Team on 0800 920 029 to check if a Notice of Sale has been sent or if Council has the correct mailing address. You can also email us via our web please or write to us at the address on page 5. Rating Database Council is required by law to provide public access to its rating information database. Go to www.fndc.govt.nz to check rating information for your property. Payment Options You can pay your rates in several ways. Council’s preferred payment option is by direct debit, but you can also pay in cash or by Eftpos at a Council service centre, via your bank’s internet banking site, at a Post Shop, by credit card, or by bank deposit. Rates Easy Pay You may wish to enter into a Rates Easy Pay Agreement with Council if you are struggling to pay your quarterly rates instalments and have received penalties. Under Rates Easy Pay, you keep your account up-to-date, clear arrears and avoid further penalties by making regular payments of an agreed amount via direct debit for up to two years. Rates Rebate An annual rates subsidy for low income home owners. Go to www.ratesrebates.govt.nz to find out if you are eligible and to download an application form. You must apply every year to receive a rebate because claims can not be made for previous rating years.
Kaitaia & Districts businesses promoting opportunities for investment, sustainable growth and enterprise.
New members welcome Email: info@kaitaia.net.nz Post: PO Box 220, Kaitaia 0441 Web: www.kaitaia.net.nz
16 Refuse & Recycling Services www.fndc.govt.nz Car and small appliance batteries, cellphones and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) light bulbs Reusable furniture and household items, including clothing, can be donated to Clean Stream Northland’s Allsorts second-hand shop at the Kaitaia Resource Recovery Centre Compost kitchen food scraps and biodegradable waste (paper and cardboard) at home to reduce your refuse costs. Clean Stream Northland operates refuse and recycling transfer stations at Awanui, Ahipara, Herekino, Houhora, Kaitaia, Kohukohu, Panguru, Taipa, Te Kao and Whatuwhiwhi on behalf of Council. It also operates recycling stations at Peria, Totara North and Broadwood. Pukepoto Quarries Ltd operates the landfill at Ahipara. East West Waste operates refuse transfer stations at Kaikohe, Opononi, Whangae and Whitehills on behalf of Council. It also operates recycling stations at Whangaroa, Okaihau and Rawene and Moloks (single-chamber recycling bins) at Horeke, Maromaku and Motatau. Transfield Services Ltd manages the Russell refuse transfer station and landfill. Reduce, reuse, recycle The world is in a crisis of its own making. Humans are producing waste in unprecedented amounts and most of that is going into landfills where leachates contaminate soil and waterways. Yet every one of us can help to address this problem by reducing the waste we produce, using things for as long as possible before throwing them out and recycling what can’t be reused. The Far North District Council was one of the first councils in New Zealand to adopt a zero waste policy. Its commitment to reducing waste in the district is evident in the 24 free recycling facilities it operates from Te Kao in the north to Motatau in the south. Please support Council’s goal of reducing the volume of waste we bury in the ground to the target of 200kg per person per year by recycling as much as you can at these facilities. Recycle these items free of charge Aluminium drink cans and tin food cans (please rinse)
Dispose of these items for a fee Tyres Broken furniture (only accepted at Houhora, Ahipara, Kaitaia, Whatuwhiwhi, Taipa, Whitehills, Russell, Whangae, Kaikohe and Opononi) Hazardous household chemicals are accepted at the larger refuse transfer stations (phone the Northland Regional Council on 0800 002 004 for advice on where to dispose of farm chemicals) E-waste (televisions, computer monitors, processors, keyboards, printers, DVD players, radios and stereos) Garden vegetation (only accepted at Houhora, Ahipara, Kaitaia, Whatuwhiwhi, Taipa, Russell, Whangae and Kaikohe).
WHERE TO RECYCLE AND TAKE YOUR RUBBISH Level 1 Sites - Accept a wide range of sorted recyclables and are open seven days a week Kaitaia Resource Recovery Centre, 500-metres up Church Road Taipa Refuse Transfer Station, junction of Paranui and Oruru Roads Kaikohe Refuse Transfer Station, Station Road Whangae Refuse Transfer Station, SH11, 3km south of Opua
Plastic containers and bottles (clear and coloured, numbers 1-6)
Whitehills Refuse Transfer Station, SH10, 500m south of Matauri Bay turnoff
Glass bottles and jars (separate by colour). Drinking glasses, heat-treated glass (Pyrex) and window/windscreen glass are not accepted
Accepted items: Clean sorted newspapers, magazines, cardboard (flatten boxes), paper, plastic bottles and containers (numbers 1-6), aluminium and tin cans, glass bottles and jars, televisions, e-waste (computer monitors, processors, keyboards, cellphones and stereos), tyres, waste motor and cooking oil, whiteware, scrap metal and batteries, hazardous household chemicals, broken furniture and garden waste.
Newspapers, magazines and cardboard (flatten cardboard boxes) Waste motor oil and vegetable oil Whiteware and scrap metal (not accepted at Awanui, Kohukohu, Panguru and Te Kao)
Green waste is not accepted at Whitehills. Reusable furniture and household items, including clothing, can be donated to Clean Stream Northland’s Allsorts second-hand shop at the Kaitaia Resource Recovery Centre. Open Mon-Fri: 7:30am-5pm, Sat & Sun: 9am-5pm Level 2 sites - Accept a wide range of sorted recyclables and are open mornings five days a week Ahipara Refuse Transfer Station, 2km up Sandhills Road Houhora Refuse Transfer Station, off SH1, 1km north of Pukenui Whatuwhiwhi Refuse Transfer Station, 1km south of Whatuwhiwhi off Inland Road Opononi Refuse Transfer Station, Baker Road Russell Refuse Transfer Station, Florence Avenue, 2km from Russell Accepted items: Clean sorted newspapers, magazines, cardboard (flatten boxes), paper, plastic bottles and containers (numbers 1-6), aluminium and tin cans, glass bottles and jars, televisions, e-waste (computer monitors, processors, keyboards, cellphones and stereos), tyres, waste motor and cooking oil, whiteware, scrap metal and batteries, broken furniture and garden waste for recycling. Garden waste not accepted at Opononi. Mon, Wed & Fri: 7:30am-1pm Tue & Thu: 7:30am-1pm (20 December 2012 to 13 February 2013 only) Sat & Sun: 9am-1pm Level 3 sites - Accept a range of sorted recyclables and are open three days a week Awanui Refuse Transfer Station, off SH1, 300-metres north of Awanui Tue: 7:30am-12pm Sat: 9am-12:30pm Sun: 12pm-4pm Herekino Refuse Transfer Station, KaitaiaAwaroa Road Tue: 7:30am-12:30pm Thu & Sun: 1pm-4:30pm Kohukohu Refuse Transfer Station, Kohukohu Road Tue: 7:30am-10am Thu: 7:30am-2pm Sun: 12pm-3pm Panguru Refuse Transfer Station, 1km south of Panguru on West Coast Road Mon and Wed: 7:30am-12pm Sat: 9am-12pm Te Kao Refuse Transfer Station, East Coast Road Tue: 7:30am-12pm Sat: 9am-12pm
Refuse & Recycling Services
17
FAR NORTH
www.fndc.govt.nz
Accepted items: Clean sorted newspapers, magazines, cardboard (flatten boxes), paper, plastic bottles and containers (numbers 1-6), aluminium and tin cans, glass bottles and jars, televisions, e- waste (computer monitors, processors, keyboards, cellphones and stereos), waste motor and cooking oil and batteries for recycling. Bag refuse only. Herekino also accepts whiteware and scrap metal. Recycling Stations - Accept a limited range of sorted recyclables Broadwood Recycling Station 1135 Broadwood Road Open daily 7:30am-5pm Okaihau Recycling Station 2kms down Waiare Road Open Tue & Thu: 8am-4pm, Sat & Sun: 9am-3pm Peria Recycling Station Kauhanga Marae 63 Honeymoon Valley Road Open daily 8am-5pm Rawene Recycling Station Clendon Esplanade 300-metres past the school Open daily 9am-1pm Totara North Recycling Station Totara North Road 500-metres from SH10 Open daily 9am-4:30pm Whangaroa Recycling Station by the Whangaroa Sport Fishing Club Open daily Accepted items: Clean sorted newspapers, magazines, cardboard (flatten boxes), paper, plastic bottles and containers (numbers 1-6), aluminium and tin cans, glass bottles and jars for recycling. Refuse not accepted. Moloks - Single-chamber recycling bins that accept a limited range of unsorted recyclables but are open all hours Horeke Molok, opposite the community hall Maromaku Molok, 100-metres east of school entrance Motatau Molok, near school entrance Accepted items: Clean unsorted newspapers, magazines, cardboard (flatten boxes), paper, plastic bottles and containers (numbers 1-6),
aluminium and tin cans, glass bottles and jars. Refuse not accepted. Refuse Transfer Station fees at December 2012 Standard (65-litre) bag: $3 Oversized (130-litres) bag: $5.50 Wheelie bin (240-litres): $10 Loose refuse (per cubic-metre): $41 Compacted refuse, including construction and demolition materials: $66.50 Green waste (per cubic metre): $22 Motorcycle tyre: $3.50 Passenger car tyre: $5 Light truck and 4X4 tyre: $8 Truck tyre (500mm rim or bigger): $16 Tractor and super single tyre: $23 Earthmover tyre: Not accepted Extra charge for tyre on rim: $2 Television: $10 E-waste (per item): $2-5 Kerbside collections Kerbside rubbish and recycling collections are provided in most populated areas of the district. Clean Stream Recycling and Refuse Services provides kerbside rubbish and recycling collections in Kaitaia, Ahipara, Awanui, Waipapakauri, Te Hapua, Kaimaumau, Hihi, Taipa and Mangonui. Go to www.cbec.co.nz for details or phone 09-408-6086. Easy Way Bins (Northland Waste) provides kerbside rubbish collections (bags and wheelie bins) in Waipapakauri Beach, Awanui, Ahipara, Kaitaia, Tokerau Beach, Whatuwhiwhi, Taipa, Cable Bay, Coopers Beach, Mangonui, Hihi and Taupo Bay. Go to www.northlandwaste,co.nz for details or phone 09-408 2594. East West Waste also provides kerbside rubbish and recycling collections in most southern area communities east of Rawene and between Kaeo to Towai. Go to www.eastwestwaste.co.nz or phone 0800-492-783 for more information. Waste Works (Northland Waste) provides kerbside rubbish collections (bags and wheelie bins) in the Bay of Islands and Kaikohe area. Go to www. northlandwaste,co.nz for details or phone 09-401-1475.
Rural Education Activities Programme
Your community development and education agency
See us for: • Adult and Community Education • Tertiary Learning Support • Education resource library and support • Teen parenting • Road Safety • Conference and meeting facilities • Driver Education • Parenting Education and Support • Mainstream Schools and Kura Kaupapa Maori Support • Early Childhood and Kohanga Reo Support • AA Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency • Office Services
Whaia Te Maataurangi “Learning for Life” Phone 09 408 1380 • 33 Puckey Ave, Kaitaia
www.farnorthreap.org.nz
18 Transport Services www.fndc.govt.nz
ROAD MAINTENANCE Maintaining the second longest territorial authority road network in New Zealand is one of the biggest challenges Council faces. There are about 3,000 kilometres of maintained public roads in the Far North District and Council is responsible for 2,543 kilometres of these. It also maintains 701 bridges, 241km of culverts and 53km of retaining walls and sea walls. Council was budgeting to spend about $48.7 million on roading and footpaths in 2014-15 when this guide went to print. This work includes resurfacing and reconstructing sealed roads, grading and metalling unsealed roads, building new footpaths, renewing existing footpaths and replacing streetlights with energy-efficient bulbs. Council is also forced to carry out emergency repairs during and after storms, including clearing fallen trees and landslides that have blocked roads, resurfacing roads damaged by flooding and stabilising roads that have subsided. The withdrawal of New Zealand Transport Agency subsidies means Council is not a position to seal any of the district’s 1,667 kilometres of unsealed roads in 2014-15. Prioritising Road Maintenance Council introduced a road maintenance hierarchy in 2012. This sets levels of maintenance for all Council roads according to traffic volumes and helps Council to prioritise road maintenance expenditure. The hierarchy doesn’t prevent the council undertaking special maintenance on roads if traffic volumes - particularly heavy vehicles increase unexpectedly or roads are damaged by an unexpected weather event and need to be repaired as a matter of urgency. Local Road Maintenance Teams Council changed its road maintenance contracts in 2012 to save money and to improve the quality of road maintenance. Before July 2012, Council maintained, resealed and marked roads under four contracts, including two maintenance contracts split between the north and south of the district. This work has been undertaken by three contractors since then: Fulton Hogan in the Northern Area, Transfield in the Eastern Area and Downer in the Western Area. Combining road works under area-based contractors has allowed contractors to build up local work teams, saving time and fuel costs that contractors would otherwise have spent travelling to jobs in the larger northern and southern maintenance areas. Council also introduced non-payment clauses in
The Hokianga Ferry
contracts for poor performance. Staff inspect a minimum of 10 percent of roads each month and Council can withhold payments to contractors if roads continuously fail to meet specified standards.
HOKIANGA FERRY Council’s vehicle ferry Kohu Ra Tuarua provides a vital transport link between the north and south side of the Hokianga Harbour seven days a week. The ferry sails between Rawene and The Narrows (near Kohukohu) hourly during the day and early evening with more frequent sailings in the morning for commuters. Ferry Timetable Departure times from Rawene: 7am (weekdays only excluding public holidays), 7:30am, 8:15am, 8.45am, 9:30am then every hour until 7:30pm. Departure times from The Narrows: 7:15am (weekdays only excluding public holidays), 7:45am, 8:30am, 9am then every hour until 8pm. A shuttle service operates during holiday periods and demand peaks. Extra journeys are made for medical emergencies and special events. Ferry Fares Child concession ticket:
$4
Car passenger/pedestrian one-way ticket:
$2
Car passenger concession ticket:
$10
The Council spends millions each year repairing roads damaged by storms
Light vehicle (Far North residents) one-way ticket: $7 Light vehicle (under 2,200 kg) one-way ticket: $20 Light vehicle 5-trip ticket: $30 Light vehicle 10-trip ticket: $55 Campervan one-way ticket: $40 Heavy vehicle (more than 2,200 kg tare) one-way: $15 per axle Heavy vehicle concession (10 trips per axle): $100 Motorcycle one-way ticket: $5 Special sailings: $150 Phone ferry operator Transfield Services on 09-405-2602 or email wwrfs@ transfieldservices.co.nz for more information.
19 Recreational Services www.fndc.govt.nz
MARITIME FACILITIES Council operates boat ramps,wharves, jetties, and pontoons at the main harbours for recreational use in conjunction with its subsidiary Far North Holdings Ltd. Far North Holdings also operates a marina with 260 berths and 49 moorings at Opua. Go to www. bayofislandsmarina.co.nz for more information. Trailer Boat Ramps Pukenui, Houhora Harbour Unahi, Rangaunu Harbour Taipa Point, Doubtless Bay Hihi, Doubtless Bay Mill Bay, Mangonui Harbour Totara North, Whangaroa Harbour Marlin Wharf (dinghy only), Whangaroa Harbour Ratcliffs Bay, Whangaroa Harbour Opito Bay, Kerikeri Inlet Doves Bay*, Kerikeri Inlet Rangitane, Kerikeri Inlet Waipapa Landing, Kerikeri Inlet Waitangi Bridge, Bay of Islands
Te Haumi, Bay of Islands Opua*, Bay of Islands Russell, Bay of Islands Tapeka Point, Bay of Islands Kaimarama Bay (Rawhiti), Bay of Islands Waitapu (Rangi Point Road), Hokianga Harbour Kohukohu, Hokianga Harbour Omapere, Hokianga Harbour Opononi, Hokianga Harbour Rawene, Hokianga Harbour Horeke, Hokianga Harbour Wharves, Jetties & Pontoons Te Hapua, Parengarenga Pukenui Wharf*, Houhora Harbour (fuel & water facilities) Unahi Wharf*, Rangaunu Harbour (water facilities) Taipa Jetty & Pontoon, Doubtless Bay Clansman Wharf & Pontoon*, Whangaroa Harbour (fuel facilities) Marlin Wharf & Pontoon, Whangaroa Harbour Totara North Wharf & Pontoon*, Whangaroa Harbour (fuel & water facilities) Mill Bay Jetty & Pontoon, Mangonui (water facilities) Mangonui Wharf & Pontoon, Mangonui Harbour (fuel & water facilities)
Te Karaka Point Jetty, Hokianga Harbour Motuti Jetty, Hokianga Harbour The Narrows fishing platform*, Hokianga Harbour Kohukohu Jetty, Hokianga Harbour Mangungu Jetty, Hokianga Harbour Horeke Wharf & Pontoon, Hokianga Harbour Omapere Jetty, Hokianga Harbour Opononi Wharf, Hokianga Harbour Rawene Wharf, Jetty & Pontoon, Hokianga Harbour Stone Store Wharf* & Pontoon, Kerikeri Inlet (water facilities) Waipapa Landing, Jetty & Pontoon, Kerikeri Inlet (water facilities) Waitangi Jetty & Pontoon*, Bay of Islands (water facilities) Paihia Wharf & Pontoons*, Bay of Islands (fuel & water facilities) Russell Wharf & Pontoons*, Bay of Islands (fuel & water facilities) Opua Wharf & Pontoons*, Bay of Islands (fuel, water & wastewater facilities) * Maritime facilities marked with an asterisk are privately-owned or commercial facilities where conditions of use may apply.
"Twenty years form now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream Discover. 7-day youth development voyages over winter Daily sailings during summer
Come sail with us!
Northland’s own tall ship To tatou kaipuke o te tai tokerau
www.tucker.co.nz 0800 TUCKER info@tucker.co.nz
20 Recreational Services www.fndc.govt.nz
COMMUNITY HALLS The district has about 40 community halls that are available for public use. Council doesn’t own or manage all the halls. However, it does keep a list of hall administrators on its website for people wanting to hire a hall. Information about halls in Kaitaia, Kerikeri and Kaikohe is provided below. Te Ahu Centre, Kaitaia Hireable facilities include: An auditorium theatre with capacity for 600 people Banquet room, commercial kitchen and barbecue area 110-seat cinema A dramatic atrium that is suitable for special events, such as weddings
Dalmatian dancers perform at Te Ahu Centre’s atrium. A banquet room that can seat up to 60 people
this guide went to print in February were from:
Two pianos
Opua to Taumarere* Kawakawa to Otira Kaikohe Airfield to Okaihau Okaihau to Mangataraire Road in the Utakura Valley*
Meeting room with a table and chairs for eight people
Basic kitchen equipment and furniture
Boardroom with a table and capacity for 20 people
Available for hire seven days a week from 8am-12am.
Conference room (with video conferencing equipment) capable of seating 30 people
Phone Council to make a booking or enquire at the Kaikohe Service Centre.
Car parking at front and rear of hall
Digital studio with 17 computers, internet access and in-built projector system Art exhibition area Phone Council or call at its Kaitaia Service Centre at Te Ahu to make a booking. The Turner Centre, Kerikeri Hireable facilities include: 400-seat auditorium theatre with 18-metre fly tower and orchestra pit 350-square-metre function area capable of seating 230 people banquet-style Plaza and stage capable of seating 200 people Parking for 134 cars
PARKS AND RESERVES Council owns and maintains about 500 hectares of recreational grounds and facilities in more than 35 locations across the district. Many of the parks and reserves have playgrounds and playing fields. Go to www. fndc.govt.nz or contact Council for a full list of reserves. Also contact Council for information about holding an event (e.g. wedding, sports day or fundraiser) on a reserve.
Go to www.centakeri.com for more information or phone 407 0260. Kerikeri Domain Facilities include: A sports field, changing rooms and a hall that can seat up to 250 people Limited off-street parking Available for hire seven days a week from 8am-10pm. Bookings can be made at the Procter Library, Kerikeri, or by phoning 401-5294. Kaikohe Memorial Hall Facilities include: A hall (with stage) that can seat up to 450 people
TWIN COAST - POU HERENGA TAI - CYCLE TRAIL The jewel in the Far North’s recreation crown is the 83km Twin Coast Cycle Trail Pou Herenga Tai, which Council is developing from Horeke to Opua. Cycleway experts have described the trail, which follows a former railway, as one of the best in New Zealand, because it has gentle gradients and is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Completely or nearly completed sections of the trail when
*The 7km Opua to Taumarere section of the trail was open for public use when this guide went to print and scheduled for an official opening in Easter 2014. A 10 km section of the trail being built on privately-owned farmland in the Utakura Valley was nearly completed and also scheduled for an official opening in Easter 2014.
PUBLIC WALKWAYS Te Araroa - The Long Pathway Fourteen walking tracks in the Far North district make up the 276 km northern leg of the national walkway Te Araroa. Go to www.teararoa.org.nz for more information about the trails which Te Araroa Trust designated with support from the Far North District Council. Walkways in the Bay of Islands Council maintains several public walkways in the district for recreational purposes and to improve public access to the coast. The longest of these is a 5.8 km (2 hours each way) coastal trail from Paihia to Opua. Go to www.paihia.co.nz or ask at the Paihia i-SITE for directions. Ambitious walkers can do a full circle day walk of the Bay (Paihia-OpuaOkiato-Russell-Paihia) by taking the ferry from Opua to Okiato then following an 8km walkway developed by the Bay of Islands Walkways Trust to Russell where there is ferry transport to Paihia. Go to www.boiwalkways. co.nz for more information.
21 Recreational Services www.fndc.govt.nz
TE AHU CINEMA Council and Te Ahu Trust operate a 110-seat cinema in the Little Theatre at Te Ahu Centre in Kaitaia in partnership with Cathay Cinema (Kerikeri). The cinema screens newly-released films using state-of-the-art digital projection and sound systems. Individual ticket prices range from $8 for children under 14 years to $15 for adults at movies after 5pm. Family tickets are $35 for two adults and two children before 5pm and $40 for two adults and two children after 5pm. Go to www.teahu. org.nz to find out what films are currently showing at Te Ahu Cinema or phone 09-4080519. The Cinema can also be hired for private screenings by phoning 0800-920-029 or 09-401-5200.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES Council provides library services at six locations in the district. The district also has four volunteer-run, community libraries and four school libraries which the public can use. Council has about 130,000 items in its library collections, including books, DVDs, CDs, CD-ROMs, tapes, magazines, newspapers and manuscripts. Library borrowers can browse the library catalogue online at http://library. fndc.govt.nz#focus or search for items using library computer terminals. Borrowers can also go online to http://novel.lib.overdrive. com/ to download electronic (e-books) and audio books. All six Council libraries offer free internet and wireless internet services in partnership with Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa and most libraries organise educational activities for children during school holidays. The Procter Library in Kerikeri also has a local history collection. Staff access the collection on behalf of borrowers who may be asked to pay a charge for information.
Far North District Council Libraries Kaitaia Library, Te Ahu Centre Cnr Matthews Avenue & South Road Mon-Fri: 8.30am-5pm. Sat: 9am-1pm. 408-9455 Procter Library, Kerikeri, Cobham Road Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm Sat: 9am-2pm & Sun: 9am-1pm 407-9297 Kaikohe Library Marino Place Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm Sat: 9.30am-1.30pm 401-2416 Kawakawa Library Gillies Street Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4.30pm 404-3045
GIVE YOUR CHILD A GREAT START At a Kaitaia and District Free Kindergarten Kaitaia and District Kindergartens offer a rich and diverse educational experience for children. At each of our three Kindergartens, children learn through experience. Our 100% qualified and registered teachers provide quality early childhood education and a curriculum that encourages children’s learning in a fun and safe environment.
Paihia Library Williams House, Williams Road Tue-Fri: 9am-1pm & 1:30pm-5pm Sat: 10am-2pm 402-8374 Kaeo Library Old Post Office Building, Leigh Street, Mon-Fri: 10am-12:30pm & 1pm-4pm 405-0287 Community libraries Mangonui Community Library Mangonui Hall, Waterfront Drive Tue & Fri: 10am-12noon Sat: 10am - 2pm 406-2098 Russell Community Library York Street Mon-Fri: 10am-11:30am Sat: 10am - 12noon 403-8337 Kohukohu Community Library Kohukohu Road Tue: 10am - 12noon Thu: 10am-12noon Fri: 10am-12noon & 4pm-6pm Sat: 10am-12noon Sun: 10am-12noon 405-5710 Rawene Community Library Parnell Street Tue: 2.15pm - 5.15pm Wed: 5:30pm-7:30pm (Summer only) Thu: 9am-12noon Sat: 9am-1pm 405-7562
Anne West Kindergarten, 92 Pukepoto Road, Kaitaia Phone 408-1110 Doubtless Bay Kindergarten, Mamaru Street, Taipa Phone 406-0138 Mission Place Kindergarten, Mission Place, Kaitaia Phone 408-2444 Our vision is to provide Quality Early Childhood Education. Our mission is to provide our community with high quality, affordable and accessible early childhood education. Our values are to govern with integrity and to be accountable and transparent. For further information please contact your nearest Kindergarten or the Association Manager, Lynda Maskell on 409-8280, email kdkainc@xtra.co.nz
www.kaitaiakindergartens.co.nz www.greatstart100.org.nz A fibre-glass kauri tree at Kaitaia Library which has a forest theme
22 www.fndc.govt.nz
Growing the local economy Quote grab: “In every rural community we pour millions each year into paying for unemployment. We just need to redirect this spending into job creation”. When CBEC founders Cliff Colquhoun and Warren Snow first started in the back of a garage, they had a vision. A vision of a vibrant, flourishing and environmentally sustainable Far North community. Twenty years on that vision is being realised, with CBEC playing a major part in growing our local economy. This dynamic community enterprise has created jobs and businesses designed to help people, care for the environment and make the Far North an even better place to live. Initially a two-man band, CBEC (Community Business & Environment Centre) a fully locally owned enterprise, now employs over eighty permanent staff, across a range of ventures. It operates recycling and waste management in a large area of the district, promotes environmental care, and runs the EECA “Warm up New Zealand” programme in Northland, along with numerous other businesses. All of CBEC’s ventures have social and environmental benefit at their core, and include labour hire, environmental education in schools, native planting and public bus services. “At the heart of everything we do is people, environment and the local economy. That’s why we develop businesses that are more labour intensive than machine based, and provide more environmentally sounds options.” CBEC aims to address some of the issues in the district’s social, environmental and economic sphere through its numerous ventures. All of which aim to provide opportunities for people to work, and for organisations with a greater cause and purpose in mind. The organisation works with council, local business, iwi and central government every day. “The bottom line is, always, to grow the local economy, create jobs, protect the environment and support local enterprise”, says founder Cliff Colquhoun.
New employment project on the horizon Cliff, CEO is excited about CBEC’s latest development - a new employment project
designed to break the present cycle of youth unemployment in rural towns. “This project is not to be confused with getting a person ready for a job, like other programmes that currently exist.” He says a large number of our youth drop out of school then get pushed onto training programmes to fill in time, often moving into crime, substance abuse or teenage pregnancy. The current system then pushes them back into training to prepare for jobs, that in the present and foreseeable future, do not exist. Cliff points out that there is no end to jobs that need to be done in our communities, “Yet”, he says, “in every rural community, we pour millions each year into paying for unemployment. We just need to redirect this spending into job creation”. He feels the big issue is to accept that what is happening is not working and says we need radical change to create new jobs. “The change would give youth a purpose, and help to reduce crime and expand the economy”. Cliff says, “We can do better than this for our youth, they all deserve the opportunity to have meaningful paid work on leaving school or tertiary education”. The areas Cliff’s team are looking to start work on are town amenities and waterway protection programmes. “We’d like to support our farming sector in getting waterways protected, and enabling the youth to play their part in worthwhile land care”. Community enterprise strives to keep local people employed, and profits in the local economy. “It’s all about working together for the benefit of the community. At the end of the day, everyone deserves to have a job, or at least the opportunity to work.
Tackling “fuel poverty” head on According to Paul Hansen, General Manager of Healthy Homes Tai Tokerau, many Far North residents are suffering from what is now known as a bad dose of ‘fuel poverty’. This is where householders are unable to afford adequate warmth in the home, due to the high cost of energy, and oftentimes low household incomes. Paul says that ironically, here in the Far North we pay more than anywhere else in New Zealand for electricity. “But the crazy thing is we have the highest number of sunshine hours”. Because of this Healthy Homes Tai Tokerau are part of a new trend in solar energy systems,
23 www.fndc.govt.nz
which enable people to capture the sunlight, and turn it into valuable, useable electricity.
Paul explained the most appealing part is the sustainability factor of solar energy,
Healthy Homes Operations Manager, Craig Palatchie says a typical family of four could save between $500 and $1,000 per year with a well planned and installed PV system.
“Solar energy panels work a lot like photosynthesis in trees, they convert solar energy into electricity that can be stored and used as needed.”
“Once the initial investment is made a system will start paying for itself…in the long run, saving thousands in energy costs”.
Paul believes that the number of homes and businesses using PV (photovoltaic), or solar panels for energy production is set to dramatically increase in the decade ahead.
Paul believes that for many families cutting the expense of costly electricity translates to food on the table, shoes and warm clothing in the wintertime.
He says that Healthy Homes can implement systems that allow homes and businesses to save by creating their own electricity, while also ‘plugging in to the grid’. He explained that PV systems could be installed to feed electricity back to the power companies for a return.
“Because the technology now allows people to create their own electricity, they can become more independent and save themselves a lot of money”.
“Basic necessities are too often out of reach for many of our families, with millions of dollars leaving households to cover the cost of housing, food and power. It hardly seems fair.”
If we combine good use of insulation, low cost heating and daily energy saving habits, Paul believes that fuel poverty could well become a thing of the past in the Far North.
Sick of wearing glasses? Help is only a phone call away FROM $3070 inc GST per eye
ns surgery Refractive le al with multifoc n lens impla t
Common Surgery Prices* (includes theatre) • • • •
Cataract Extraction and Lens Implant - local anaesthetic $2900 per eye Pterygium Excision plus Conjunctival Graft - local anaesthetic from $837 per eye Bilateral Upper Lid Blepharoplasty - from up to $3362 Injection - for Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) from $838 per treatment per eye
FLEXI PAY OPTIONS IF NEEDED
Please Discuss With Our Manager Carol Manukau
*Price inc GST but not including cost of pre-operative consultation
We consult in Kerikeri fortnightly and Wellsford and Bream Bay monthly, contact our Whangarei rooms for more details.
“Great service, competitive prices, family friendly atmosphere & world class technology”
WE ALS O CONSU LT IN KERIKER I WELLSFO , RD & BREAM BAY
Southern Cross Affiliated Provider • RSA Agreement Holder • War Pension/Veteran Affairs Approved ACC Approved (No ACC surcharge) • WINZ Quotes • Government Subsidy for 15 years and under with community or higher use card. Visiting specialists: Associate Professor Polkinghorne – Retinal • Dr Keith Pine – Maxillofacial Prosthetist
EYE CENTRE – PRIMECARE Eye Specialists: David Dalziel, Andrew Watts and Hussain Patel Phone: 09-972 7022 Fax: 09-972 7026 • Email: PCeyes@xtra.co.nz • Website: www.kensingtonhospital.co.nz
For other fees or advice, you are welcome to phone our rooms for an estimate