Last week, elected members of the Kaipara District Council were presented with a plan proposing to move …
Water restrictions rolled back
After months of dry weather leading to severe water restrictions for residents of Baylys Beach and Dargaville …
Efforts to get the Dargaville Little Theatre’s nationally award-winning play Out of Mind on stage in Monaco …
u by Andy Bryenton
After years of delay, the end is in sight for Dargaville’s leaky, critically damaged town hall annexe, with a unanimous vote of council setting the stage for remediation with a budget increase of $1.9 million.
Calls for further delay were dismissed by the Kaipara District Council, though the desires of those who will use the completed hall after a planned 28-week rebuild, ideally starting in July, will inform the final plan. In all, the project is likely to cost more than $3.3 million.
Deputy mayor Jonathan Larsen tabled a motion, which subtly but significantly changed the council’s recommended option at last week’s Friday meeting. While councillor Larsen, seconded by mayor Craig Jepson, did indeed move to press on with the demolition of the
unsalvageable leaky annexe and the recladding of the still-functional town hall, the motion they supported carried two caveats.
The first was a directive to KDC chief executive Jason Marris to develop a plan that ensures a functional town hall and old municipal building arise from the project, before an agreement is inked with builders.
The second is the appointment of councillor Gordon Lambeth as the council’s liaison to stakeholders in the project, who will monitor the project, keep
it in budget and assure that it’s fit for purpose. His expertise in the construction industry was cited as a valuable asset in this.
“Let’s get on with it, approve this budget, and fix the town hall,” said Mr Larsen. “This has dragged on for too long.”
Councillor Pera Paniora said that the project was something that could “bring us together as a community.
“I’m all for anything which brings this about in a speedy way,” said Ms Paniora, a sentiment echoed by several of her colleagues. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
With new subdivisions and a plan focussed on growth and building, councillors took a look at the capacity of the Dargaville wastewater treatment plant in last week’s technical briefing.
SCO Consulting Ltd and BecaHunterH2O, experts in water management, were engaged by KDC staff to assess the capacity of the Dargaville plant, and see what could be done to make it both more efficient, more capacious, and compliant with discharge volume consents that came into effect in February 2023. The report confirmed that the WWTP breached its compliance limit for the entirety of the period between 2019 and 2022.
rise to 1,830 connections if further finetuning is undertaken.
u by Andy Bryenton
Last week, elected members of the Kaipara District Council were presented with a plan proposing to move Dargaville’s spatially constrained local library into a space nearly twice the size.
The scheme, reported to councillors by the KDC’s corporate services manager Sue Davidson, would see library activities move to the lower floor of the NRC-owned municipal hub in Hokianga Road. This is not the old, original building where the library once resided, but the new, modern block on the corner of Station Road.
Their findings indicate that without upgrades the plant, built in 1976, would indeed have zero capacity, as had been opined by some elected members. However, upgrades, which do not require a major physical expansion, were identified in the report as delivering positive outcomes.
Contracts for two big upgrades are in the process of being awarded now. These are proposed to be built this year, and will boost the capacity of the wastewater plant by at least 750 connections. This could
The first upgrade is a set of influent screens, to remove larger solids from incoming wastewater. The second is a series of baffle curtains for the oxidisation and maturation ponds, which will more thoroughly allow microbial action to process the wastewater. With these in place, the system will work more effectively and allow for extra capacity.
Silver Fern Farms, directly adjacent to the wastewater plant, has a new pretreatment system, which also helps to alleviate some of the load, as it is indicated to contribute approximately half of all input to the WWTP. ¢
Hokianga Rd Dargaville | Email info@hammondslaw.co.nz www.hammondslaw.co.nz
“Library staff and customers have wanted a larger library, as the current library occupies 266 square metres on Normandy Street. Customer surveys have highlighted that these library facilities need to be improved,” said Ms Davidson.
“The community has been continually vocal about the lack of space, which has implications for the health and safety of both the staff and patrons, accessibility and varied use of the library
The solution involves better using the space already available to the KDC. It’s estimated that all council services could easily be condensed for both civic entities into a single floor of the building.
This would leave close to 430 square metres of modern, well-lit, accessible and ventilated space for library expansion. Money has already been budgeted to move the council upstairs, so the cost of moving books and shelves, and expanding with some new ones, would replace the cost of a multimillion-dollar new building in this scenario. Additionally to investment savings, the existing library building has been indicated as a neat fit for the Muddy Waters Gallery, which the Dargaville Arts Association sacrificed to allow continued operation of the Anzac Theatre cinema two years ago. ¢
Since April 2005 Aaran has been our man for wheel alignments, puncture repairs, on-farm fittings and so much
Thank you from all the team.
u
by Natalie Robinson, WRMK Lawyers
April 2025 brings with it a number of public holidays and restricted trading days. While some staff will be welcoming the extra time off or pay, businesses may be facing a few headaches navigating their obligations under the Holidays, and Shop Trading Hours, Acts.
Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Anzac Day (until 1pm) are restricted trading days that require almost all shops that sell goods to be closed. Some shops selling goods, such as small grocery shops, service stations, cafes or restaurants, pharmacies are allowed to open but may be limited in what they are allowed to sell.
The employment.govt.nz website has useful information for business owners who may not be sure what they are allowed to do on these days.
Easter Sunday is not a public holiday, but it is a restricted trading day. Trading on this day when not permitted is an offence. However, some local councils, including Kaipara and Whangārei District Councils,
have put in place exemptions to allow businesses to open on Easter Sunday if they wish. Auckland Council does not have an Easter Sunday trading policy.
Note, an employer cannot make an employee work on Easter Sunday. The employer must ask the employee, with proper notice, that they want the employee to work Easter Sunday and that the employee has a right to say no. If the employee does refuse, they must do so in writing, within 14 days of being asked. If
they do work, they will be paid their usual rate of pay (as Easter Sunday is not a public holiday).
Good Friday and Anzac Day are public holidays. The default position is that if the employee works on a public holiday, and it is a day that would otherwise be a working day for that employee, they are required to be paid time and a half, and receive a day in lieu.
The day in lieu, or alternative holiday, must be taken at a time agreed by the employer and employee.
Navigating whether an employee would ‘otherwise be at work’ can be
trickier for businesses that have variable rosters or oncall staff. For example, is an employee ‘at work’ if they are on call, but not called out? The answer to this question is fact-dependent, but it is helpful for both parties if there are clear workplace policies around on-call and rostering arrangements. Getting holiday pay right can be difficult. We recommend employers get good legal advice to make sure their employment agreements and workplace policies are up to date and work well together. This investment is far less costly than paying out weeks or months of incorrectly calculated entitlements when an employee raises a grievance. WRMK Lawyers is home to an experienced team of employment law specialists who are happy to help.
If you’re an employee and you suspect your employer is not paying you correctly (and you’re not having any luck raising it directly with your employer), you may contact the Labour Inspectorate for free support to obtain your minimum entitlements. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
After months of dry weather leading to severe water restrictions for residents of Baylys Beach and Dargaville, recent rain has allowed normal water service to resume.
During the 27 days that level four restrictions were in place, residents reduced their daily water use by an average of 161,465.6 litres, in comparison to water use under level three. This amounts to a huge total of 4,359,571 litres saved.
With some areas receiving 70mm of rain or more in the weekend, flows over the Kaihū River weir and into the catchment streams below Tutamoe have stabilised. Meteorologists predict more wet weather for April, matching normal precipitation patterns.
u by Andy Bryenton
The Northland Regional Council has voted to green-light a multimillion-dollar Multi Agency Joint Emergency Coordination Centre in Whangārei, which will help to precisely target resources and offer better aid when disasters strike.
Funding has been approved by all the agencies involved, with the central government also weighing in with an additional $1 million to help build a Northland emergency response hub to efficiently cope with natural disasters.
The Kaipara District Council’s part in the stated $8 million budget for the project is only $100,000, representing a large amount of added disaster relief coordination for a small investment. By comparison, the NRC has contributed $5.5 million. Duffield Murray Consultants assessed the construction costs of the project, and provided an estimate of $7.5 million, excluding GST.
“Everyone’s efforts during these restrictions have made a massive difference. Thank you for conserving this precious resource so that our community had enough water to get through,” said Kaipara District Council CEO Jason Marris.
The end of water restrictions for 2025 means that it’s now once again possible to wash cars, use outdoor sprinklers,
water gardens and water blast pathways. There’s other good news, too. As noted elsewhere in this edition, negotiations to bolster the Dargaville water supply have come to fruition, with the construction of a pipeline to the new Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust dam at Redhill set to be complete by late 2026.
If Mother Nature is kind, these could be the last water restrictions levelled during a west Kaipara summer. ¢
Last week, the NRC met to discuss the final details before entering into an agreement with Fire Emergency New Zealand, the entity governing firefighting efforts. The centre will be built on FENZ land, and firefighters are some of the most important first responders in disaster situations. It will be tenanted by Civil Defence and FENZ staff, as well as staff from the territorial authorities of Northland involved with disaster management.
Part of the Heads of Agreement, voted for unanimously at last week’s meeting,
sets out a 35-year lease for the FENZ land, which will house the new centre, with nil rent. Operating costs for the centre will not need a major council contribution. Documents provided to the NRC suggest that it would not exceed $800 each year. For this sum, and the $100,000 already contributed, Kaipara would receive the benefits of a centrally coordinated disaster relief hub, of the kind established in most other regions of New Zealand. ¢
u by Amy Fifita
The Maungatūroto Primary School PTA will be welcoming the community to its Easter Family Fun Day in support of the school and local organisations.
Bouncy castles, burgers, baking and Easter egg hunts, amongst other fun tasks, are in store for participants on Saturday, April 12, at the Maungatūroto Primary School from 11am to 2pm.
“It is something to enjoy on Saturday, and a fun way to get together to support a few local community organisations,” said organiser Kieren Wilson.
“The church is providing its bouncy castle, and there will be lawn games and an Easter egg hunt at 11.30am for children up to 12 years old. Tenaia Jarvis from Back to Nature Home-based Childcare is volunteering her time and horses for pony rides on the day.”
Children cost $5 to attend and adults are free. More than just a fun day out, but it’s also a way to support three local community groups — the PTA, Good News Church and Playcentre.
“The Maungatūroto Primary School PTA is fundraising for the school.
The Maungatūroto Playcentre is fully parent-based and all extra proceeds go towards the toys, upkeep and outings. They will have delicious homemade treats at their bake sale.
“Sending a mission team to Vanuatu each year, the Good News Church is doing a burger stall fundraiser. They have helped establish running water, a school and medical facilities in the most impoverished parts of Vanuatu and the surrounding islands.”
Anyone wanting to volunteer or sponsor the event can contact Kieren on 021 0234 3632. The day is a cashonly event. ¢
u by Amy Fifita
Residents rallied around Professionals Maungatūroto Schultz Realty’s Child Cancer Foundation fundraiser, which saw the business donate $1,225.40 to the cause.
“Every March, we do a fundraiser with all the offices getting behind it and collecting as much money as we can,” said director Shar Schultz.
This year, the Maungatūroto cooperative teamed up with Real Town Pies’ Celena and Gary Folas, who sold 500 raffle tickets and donated five $10 vouchers to the prize pool. Collection buckets were also at Professionals Maungatūroto, and there was an online raffle.
“The support from Real Town Pies was amazing, and the amount of foot traffic they got helped. Our community is tight-knit, loving and warm, so anytime a fundraiser is happening, their support is awesome.
“The first prize was a $150 Meatbox, the second prize was a $100 Woolworths voucher and there were five $10 Real Town Pies vouchers.”
Professionals New Zealand supports the March fundraiser, with all offices contributing to the Child Cancer Foundation. While March draws in additional funds for the
cause, the company donates $25 from every sale.
“The Child Cancer Foundation is dear to our hearts with many family members within the offices having had children affected by cancer. Over the years, the company has donated $5.8 million to the cause.
“The money donated goes towards new equipment and accommodation for families going to hospital. The more money raised, the more resources that come available to help cure children’s cancer.” ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
Plans to lay a water pipeline from the Te Waihekeora reservoir at Redhill to Dargaville were revealed last week, but there is more to the collaborative scheme than curtailing troublesome water restrictions in summertime.
“Security of supply for the west side of the district has been an ongoing issue for successive councils, and staff have investigated various improvement options over the years. All would come at significant cost,” said mayor Craig Jepson.
The alternative plan, which he, his council colleagues, the Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust and MP Shane Jones devised, will not only eliminate a big ratepayerfunded spend, it’s also the key to several knock-on effects that will help to boost the west coast.
The $17.5 million pipeline will be constructed, operated and maintained by the TTTWT, as part of an already-planned stopbank spanning from Dargaville to Te Kōpuru. The $7.8 million to build this flood protection barrier has already been allocated from Mr Jones’ Regional Infrastructure Fund. Work will begin later this year and finish in late 2026.
“There is also huge potential for both the pipeline and enhanced stopbanks to lift the local economy, particularly the irrigation of high-value horticulture crops,” said Mr Jepson.
With a guaranteed source for irrigation and established flood protection,
Shane Jones has helped form a tripartite solution to secure Dargaville’s water supply
farmland along the Aratapu plains will become more valuable and possibly see the growth of new higher-value produce.
The terminus of the pipeline is Silver Fern Farms’ Dargaville facility, which will enjoy greater water access while no longer drawing on the municipal supply, easing pressure on household water in summer.
“Extending the pipeline to the processing plant will ensure a reliable water supply and continuous peak season operation,” Mr Jones says. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
Efforts to get the Dargaville Little Theatre’s nationally awardwinning play Out of Mind on stage in Monaco this year have drawn a groundswell of support, with many efforts combining to raise funds.
This week, there will be a quiz night at the Lighthouse Function Centre from 6pm, with prizes, raffles and auctions aiming to add toward the $40,000 needed to send a group of eight local thespians to represent New Zealand. You can email jegroom@ icloud.com to register a team for this Saturday evening event.
Last Friday, Dargaville Intermediate School students came to class in mufti, donating a koha each toward the cause. Student co-organiser Levi Parkinson was part of the team who petitioned teachers to pitch in.
“It’s important that we show our support, as this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a great group of local actors,” he said.
Not far away, the Dargaville Library has set up a display showcasing books about theatre, actors and some of the novels that have gone on to become stage sensations. It’s part of the school holiday festivities at the library.
Around the corner at the Good Life Store, custom-made shirts blazoned
with the Out Of Mind 2025 Monaco branding are on sale to assist in the fundraising effort. Staff there have made a display behind their busy coffee counter where patrons can see the colours and sizes on offer.
There’s also a Givealittle page online where locals can chip in to bring Dargaville’s award-winning actors to the global stage. Show a bit of Kaipara pride and donate to the cause at givealittle. co.nz/cause/help-dargaville-little-theatreget-to-the-world. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
Dargaville youngsters can learn to fight like knights this school holiday season, after the success of events hosted across Northland by the Dargaville Medieval Combat Club.
The Dargaville-based group was popular at Northland Field Days, the Arapohue A&P Show and the Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show, where young contenders lined up to learn some heroic fighting moves and match their safe practice blades against armoured opponents.
Two school holiday programme events on Wednesdays, April 16 and 23, the latter of which is appropriately St George’s Day, the knightly saint who legendarily defeated a fire-breathing dragon. Those who enjoy taking part might like to join the club, which is building a strong contingent of local knights and reaching out to offer its services to other clubs and schools.
their armoured shoes in real life this school holiday season with the DMCC
“Kids will enjoy taking part because it’s fun and engaging to learn about history by bonking people with swords. It’s a very active, kinetic activity, which is the absolute opposite of boring,” says DMCC member Kurt Richards, who will help host the holiday programme.
HEMA or historical European martial arts. It’s a sport involving learning about the many fighting techniques used by the knights of the Middle Ages. Instead of using sharp steel, which would be exciting but dangerous for younger participants, the school holiday programme and the regular weekly classes held in Dargaville by the DMCC utilise modern
protective helmets and foam rubber weapons.
During each session participants will learn the same skills young squires were taught in the Middle Ages, and then get to practice them in a safe environment.
As well as being an exciting sport, HEMA skills are prized by the film and gaming industries, where those who can handle arms and armour are hired for exciting projects like Peter Jackson’s classic Lord of the Rings.
Email dargavillehema@ gmail.com or contact 022 622 7809 to book a spot or find out more.
Spaces are limited and there’ll be plenty of youngsters keen to be a knight for a day, so take action soon. ¢
76% of us ignore online ads
u by Andy Bryenton
Two clutches, front and rear double-arched A-arm suspension with a front sway bar, 101 horsepower and a tiny weight footprint of just 455kg; it sounds like a track-day race car, but in fact, it’s a new and mighty ATV quad.
Can-Am didn’t want to simply add a little more power to their 2025 1000R quad bike. Their designers’ intention was to offer more horses than you used to get under the bonnet of a VW Golf GTI, all wrapped up in a durable off-roadready body.
Let’s do the maths, so that you can see just how much grunt this machine really has. The grandaddy of performance, the 16-cylinder, quadturbocharged Bugatti Veyron, packed in 1,001 horsepower and tipped the scales at 1,950kg, resulting in a figure of 0.51 horsepower for each kilogram of weight. More power for every kilogram means more speed and pick-up.
suspension and handling set-up to ensure the 1000R is more than just a straightline dragster.
The company’s new pDrive clutch system is part of the equation as well. It’s really a two-in-one, with a secondary dual-roller clutch backing up the first pDrive unit to deliver precise and smooth gear changes, even in tough conditions. Between these improvements, and a full set of rubber bushings throughout the suspension system, CanAm reckon that its new 999cc beast is easily tamed, with less noise and more durability.
The Can-Am 1000R gets approximately 0.22 horsepower for every kilogram, and that’s in the ballpark of some quick and powerful cars, too. The Mustang five-litre V8, Alfa Romeo 4C, BMW M3 and Bentley Continental are all in the same bracket as this new offering from Can-Am’s
engineers, and none of them is designed to let rip off-road.
The power comes from a new 999cc v-twin with dual overhead camshafts like a modern sports car, a high compression ratio and a reimagined and very efficient exhaust and intake manifold to help it breathe. With great power also comes the need for great control. That’s why CanAm has added intelligent throttle control, intelligent engine braking, and a reworked
It wasn’t long ago that 101 horsepower was a benchmark for sports cars. A seriously hot Mini in the 1970s could buzz past big V8s on the racetrack with less. Now that kind of power is available to those who need an off-road quad for work or play, and its best feature is this. With all that power on tap, you’ll spend less time waiting to get to your destination, and more time getting things done while you’re there. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton ADVERTORIAL
Kia is on a roll with awards and accolades filling its trophy cabinet, and its EV range surging in popularity — now, there’s a new member of the family.
Kia’s EV6 won the 2022 European Car of the Year, and the GT version scooped the 2023 World Performance Car of the Year title. The EV9 was 2024 World Electric Vehicle and World Car of the Year. The EV5 took home three What Car? Awards in early 2025 after just being released. Now, there’s a new member of the family, with a lower number but high expectations.
The EV3 is, as you’d expect, a more compact size and shape than its bigger brothers, but it’s a miracle of packaging. Behind the design language of the brand, which translates here into a retro-futurist angular charm, you’ll find a cabin that’s almost impossibly large considering the car’s external measurements.
Part of this comes down to the lack of a central drive tunnel, unnecessary on an electric car, and part comes down to the gears being mounted to the right of the steering wheel on a stalk.
It’s weirdly intuitive, this chunky control arm, which replaces a turn-key ignition and the gear lever, too. For those who love control on the open road, there are paddle shifters mounted to the wheel as well. It’s a neat little thing, slightly flattened off like that of a race car, with chunky grips and a nice, tactile feel.
That tactile feel comes through on the road, with the EV3 responding with a smooth delivery of electric torque and a smooth, comfortable ride. Despite being smaller than the EV6, it’s not designed to be zippy and charging, instead offering the comfort of a big ICE era-luxury sedan, and the promise that you’ll finish long drives feeling fresh, not worn out. There’s still a handy 210 horses driving the front wheels of the EV3, and that allows a quiet and swift journey up to the speed limit with just a tap of the toe. Gladly,
it’s a smart enough car to read the road signs and gently remind you if you’re being too vigorous.
There’s the option of a one-pedal driving mode, which amps up the regenerative braking power of the EV3, but driving normally is once again intuitive and smooth. This is a consummate family cruiser, good for more than 430 kilometres on a charge and offering sharp looks, top safety and the kind of comfort that takes away the stress of the school run or commute. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
Dargaville’s Taha Awa Riverside Gardens were the perfect venue for a big Easter egg hunt last weekend, and young egg hunters turned out in large numbers to seek the elusive treats. A dedicated group of volunteers from the Riverside Gardens’ governing trust made it all possible, with generous help from local supporters.
Funding for the Kauri Coast Community Pool has been extended for another year, while future ownership options are explored. The pool is currently owned by Sport Northland and operates with council support through an annual grant, adjusted annually for CPI.
For the 2024/2025 year, this amounted to $395,390. Council staff will present a detailed report by December 2025 on future ownership and management models, as well as improvements to the operating model.
Proposed District Plan
Our Proposed Kaipara District Plan will be available for your feedback from Monday 28 April 2025 until Friday 30 June 2025.
Subscribe to our District Plan e-newsletter to stay up to date.
u by Andy Bryenton
More than 400,000 tonnes of sand is missing from the sandspit protecting Mangawhai from the ocean, leaving the coastline in danger of the kind of breach event that necessitated the Big Dig of 1991.
University of Auckland researchers use drones to scan the sandspit with laserradar technology earlier this year. They discovered that the estimates of many locals by the naked eye were true. The sandspit is lower, and slumped to the west by more than 10 metres. Scientists confirmed the loss of ‘a significant volume of sand from the spit’.
The costs for repairing this loss are yet to be calculated. Furthermore, while natural coastal processes can indeed strip sand from the shore, some locals have questioned whether human involvement has played a part. Opponents of sand mining predicted dramatic erosion effects in their modelling, when a high-profile Environment Court case sparked local debate. These voices included the Kaipara District Council. Former mayor Jason Smith and his council made a submission to the Environment Court in February 2022, citing ‘actual or perceived adverse effects on the Mangawhai Sandspit’s form’ as a primary concern.
When sand mining operators challenged the Auckland Council’s decision to refuse their sand mining consent in May of that year, it was the position of Save Our Sands, the Mangawhai environmental protection group, that:
‘The Mangawhai-Pākiri coast is recognised as a closed embayment area, the sand volumes available are finite, with every dredge-full taken only being replaced by infill from the beaches, eroding both seabed and coastline.’
“Given the behaviour of McCallums (the company that was consented to extract sand up until the Environment Court’s decision) in their exercise of the inshore dredging consent, the coastal processes science, all of this was predictable,” opines Damon Clapshaw, a leading proponent of the anti-sand-mining court battle.
“Although the inshore dredging has stopped, the beach has been left in a state of limited to no resilience, to even medium grade events.”
While coastal erosion was predicted by opponents of sand extraction, there’s no definitive link of causation acknowledged in the current missingsand crisis. Speculation on the causes of the erosion being exacerbated by human agency is just that, but it has impacted public opinion on a new, fast-tracked sand mining application for nearby Bream Bay.The professors, councillors,
locals and conservationists who met in late March to discuss the loss of sand on the Mangawhai spit did not indicate any single reason for the erosion, but instead focussed on what work would have to be undertaken to protect the sandspit. An estimated 100,000 dune plants, tonnes of sand infilling from other sources and a programme of dune fencing have been tabled. ¢
u by Amy Fifita
Children and families can explore the excitement of invertebrates throughout autumn and winter with The Bug Room exhibition and holiday programme.
“The entire exhibition has been designed with young people in mind. It has an interactive focus with dress-up costumes, microscopes and other handson tasks, and links to the holiday programme curriculum,” said manager Angela Cook.
During the school holidays, children have the opportunity to enjoy a more in-depth look at the exhibition with the Bugs, Bugs, Bugs programme. Designed for children 5–10 years old, the courses are at the museum from April 14–16 from 9am to noon.
On Monday, April 14, participants can build a bug hotel and waterhole for bees. On Tuesday, children create a shadow box with crafted insects, and on Wednesday, youth can make their own bug-sounding instruments. Each session costs $30.
“The cost includes museum admission, including the special Bug Room exhibition, and qualified teacher Britt Bray, who designed the programme to inspire and educate young people.”
Curated and designed by Angela, Britt, Ian Smail and Nick Blake, the exhibition opens at the Mangawhai Museum on Thursday, April 10 at 4.30pm. It is for the
public to experience, not just insects in general, but specimens and information collected by local youth. The exhibition finishes on August 24.
“We are excited that it will be at the museum during winter, which is great for parents to take their children to during the winter weather.
“Local children have brought specimens they have found around Kaipara to be displayed at the exhibit. The Kaiparafocussed display has local stories and items from Mangawhai, the Brynderwyns and Langs Beach.”
Local hobbyists contributed to the exhibition, including 16-year-old Joseph Knight. The young naturalist provided many specimens, videos and photographs for the exhibit.
“Kiwi North volunteered its expertise by providing its zoologist, who kindly helped us. Mangawhai Natives appreciate that insects are a central part of its business and sponsored us, and Placemakers donated materials.”
For more information or to book a child in, please contact manager@mangawhaimuseum.org.nz. ¢
u by Amy Fifita
After growing up in a musical household, Stuart Thompson adored opera and is sharing his passion at the Mangawhai Opera Lovers Film Festival.
“The first complete opera I saw was Kiri Te Kanawa in Carmen in Auckland in the late 1960s. There is a large artistic community here — potters, musicians, painters and all sorts,” said organiser Stuart Thompson.
“We’ve had a house up here for about 20 years, and we had our first festival three years ago after they showed the movie Pavarotti, it was a full house.”
With that in mind and being part of an Auckland group that showed opera monthly, Stuart was encouraged by Belinda Vernon to start the festival. Showing four well-received operas in the first year, it turned into an annual event for operas and documentaries.
“We have had younger people attending but the demographic up here is 50 years plus who generally attend. I travel to Europe many times and young people go to the opera — it is in their culture.”
The festival also celebrates the evolution of the art form with operas like Porgy and Bess by Gershwin and The Passenger by Weinberg.
“The form of opera started in the 1600s in Italy, and although Mozart was German, most operas were written in Italian because it flows well.
“Early last century in the US, a critic complained that they were borrowing the art from Europe, and in the last 80 years, many have been written in English. Porgy and Bess is one of them.
“Being the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp Auschwitz in Poland, the festival features Weinberg’s The Passenger.
“We have two with Kiri Te Kanawa this year, and the three documentaries should be interesting. It gives people another perspective to delve into the art form.”
For a more in-depth focus, some showings are complemented by documentaries shown for free a week ahead of the opera films. In June, The Art of Bel Canto will profile Edita Gruberova, Callas — a film by Tony Palmer in August, and The Life of Verdi in September. ¢
“I chose shows that would be of interest like the popular American opera Porgy and Bess. With over 90% written in Italian, the show should be interesting because it is in English.
We want your input to help make some big decisions on the future delivery of our water services, a targeted rate to support museums and our proposed fees and charges for the coming year.
Find more information and how to have your say online at kaipara.govt.nz/haveyoursay or by dropping in to council offices or the Mangawhai or Dargaville Library.
All three topics are open for feedback until 11.59pm Wednesday 7 May 2025.
You can come along and talk to us at:
Dargaville council office Monday 14 April 2pm to 7pm Dargaville Museum Monday 14 April 10am to 12pm Mangawhai Museum Monday 14 April 12pm to 2pm Kauri Museum Wednesday 16 April 2 to 4:30pm Mangawhai council office (Pahi room) Wednesday 23 April 2pm to 4:30pm
Before we adopt the Annual Plan for 2025/2026, we are asking for your feedback about a targeted rate collected on behalf of three of the district’s museums – Mangawhai Museum, Kauri Museum and Dargaville Museum.
We’re keen to know whether or not you support a targeted rate. Any targeted rate for these museums would be in addition to our average 8.9% rates increase for the coming year and would mean an update to our Revenue and Financing Policy.
We’re seeking community feedback on our proposed fees and charges for 2025/2026. Most fees will rise by 2.2% to match inflation. Key proposed changes include an increase in the permit fee for keeping more than two dogs ($84 to $180 – note: this is a one-off charge), and the temporary road closure fees.
Some fees and charges are set by statute, like the new MPI Domestic Food Business Levy.
Any changes to fees and charges will be effective from 1 July 2025.
Under the Local Water Done Well legislation, all councils around New Zealand have been tasked by the Government to consider how they can best provide water services in the future, by joining up with others or on their own. Regardless of what service delivery model is chosen, councils will need to meet new economic, environmental, and water quality regulatory requirements.
We’re after your feedback on three options:
• A multi council-controlled organisation which would look after our wastewater and drinking water supply
• Stick with an in-house model that would continue to look after all three water services (wastewater, drinking water and stormwater).
• Shared service arrangement with one or more councils
There are road closures coming up on the following roads: Gladstone, Hokianga, River and Victoria. Road repair and chip sealing works should start this week but are weather dependent and may be delayed. Download our Antenno app to receive notifications of road closures in your area, visit kaipara.govt.nz/antenno
Slip repair near 765 Bickerstaffe Road starts this week and will take approximately ten days (weather dependent). Stop/go traffic management will be in place for the duration of the works.
As part of NZTA road rebuild works, there will be a full overnight closure of State Highway 1 at Oakleigh on Sunday 13 April (9pm-5am). The detour during the closure will add approx 25 minutes to your journey. Search ‘SH1 Oakleigh’ on the NZTA website for more info.
u by Andy Bryenton
The government is giving qualified builders with a proven track record the rights to do away with red tape, while cracking down on unlicensed and unscrupulous ‘cowboys’ for their corner-cutting in a new suite of rules for the construction industry.
“Most tradies are highly skilled and trustworthy, but the industry tells me highprofile examples of poor workmanship are tarring the good with the bad,” said Building Minister Chris Penk. “I have also heard that Kiwis want assurances that the government’s work to unblock the building consent system won’t lead to corners being cut.
“There is an urgent need to strip back the layers of regulation choking productivity in the building system. Builders are waiting too long for the necessary paperwork to get on with the job, and this adds costs for homeowners.
“That’s why we are hammering away at an ambitious programme of reforms, including a proposal that will enable trusted tradespeople to sign-off their own work.”
So, what’s being proposed? Mr Penk has indicated that the government will give the Licensed Building Practitioners Registrar, the official who oversees building accreditation, the power to
have more tools to censure and punish cowboys. They’d also be able to publish, name and shame builders who had been suspended for dodgy practices.
Then there’s the suggestion of a new licence, which would add on to the current LBP accreditation; a specialist qualification in wet area waterproofing. This would give a new higher ranking to builders who were trained to construct and finish modern bathrooms, for example.
Mr Penk also noted the investigation process would become more robust for plumbers, gasfitters, electricians and drainlayers, giving the registrars of those trades more scope to handle complaints and get to the bottom of why faults or errors might have occurred on a job.
Those who are licensed, who know and deploy best practice, and use quality materials will be able to circumvent timeconsuming paperwork and check their own team’s workmanship.
“This will make it easier and more affordable to deliver new homes, but it’s important that there are checks in the system to protect against shoddy work. New rules announced will help increase accountability and give consumers a clear path forward if things go wrong.”
Changes proposed by the government will come into force during 2026, and there’s a comprehensive breakdown available at building.govt.nz. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
A presentation by AwhiWorld’s Dr Maggie Buxton and Kim Newall on the practicalities and
a range of technological tools to Dargaville artists last week.
The presentation was held in the Anzac Theatre’s auditorium, home of the Dargaville cinema, and featured a deep dive into the ways in which AI is impacting the arts. While there were acknowledged pitfalls, such as the need to protect intellectual property and retain authenticity in an AI-saturated mediasphere, the possibilities for using AI tools to boost artistic projects are also myriad.
“There is no way you can avoid being involved with AI,” said Dr Buxton. “It’s increasingly hard not to engage with it, as it’s part of our ecosystem.”
The AwhiWorld team explained that AI had become ubiquitous in the tools used by creative people, from grammar and spell check programs aiding writers, to photo editing suites and graphic design tools incorporating predictive machine learning. Rather than using AI to replace the creative artist, Dr Buxton explored ways in which AI can be used as an assistant, to amplify human creativity.
For example, tools now exist that use AI to turn a two-dimensional sketch
into an animated clip, or even a threedimensional file, which can be printed in plastic, wood or metal. AI tools can help restore badly damaged old photographs, plan a lesson for school students so that their teacher knows what materials will be needed, or even, as demonstrated at
the seminar, turn a simple idea into a customised story for children. While caution must be exercised to protect one’s privacy and intellectual property when using these new systems, the benefits to artists can unlock even more time to be truly creative. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
There’s a voracious appetite for power when it comes to world trade, and the people who keep
materials, cars and foodstuffs moving are some of the most extreme mechanics on earth.
Take, for example, the crew who keep the engines of the MSC Irina ticking over. The Irina is one of a fleet of six ships launched in 2023 to haul 20foot containers 20,000 at a time. It’s 51 metres wide, and so long that it could transport Auckland’s Sky Tower lying down. The Irina and its sister ships are the biggest man-made movable objects, and they can only do so because they have the largest engines ever built.
Swiss engine designers WinGD developed a series of massive 12-cylinder two-stroke diesels for these monster boats. Surprisingly, one of the partner companies that made the build possible was the same firm that makes much smaller engines for cars — Hyundai.
with heads bigger around than a hot tub, and oil filters the size of washing machine drums.
If something fails, they can use cranes to open up the motor and replace everything from piston sleeves to conrods. These parts can weigh many tonnes, and it’s only the mother of them all, the huge crankshaft itself, which would require a trip to the dry dock. It weighs more than 400 tonnes. There’s even an engineering shop on board many of the giant ships using these monster two-strokes, so the engineering team can make parts on the fly if they need them.
the top of the pistons, engineers can keep this factory-sized motor clean and efficient, driving a propeller that weighs more than a main battletank for weeks at a time. ¢
There’s a huge difference between the motor in your neighbour’s N-series hatchback and the mighty X-92-B ship engine. For starters, the two-litre capacity of some of Hyundai’s other top motors pales in comparison to the size of the XB
series, which is the size of a five-storey building. It produces more than 105,000 horsepower, too, which is enough to propel the 400-metre-long, fully laden Irina at 22 knots.
When it’s installed, the huge X-92-B is surrounded by ladders and platforms, so a team of extreme mechanics can access its enormous parts. These include pistons
What’s even more amazing is that for some tasks, the mechanics and engineers have to climb inside the engine; obviously, while it’s turned off. Entering the top of the motor, where the inlet manifold meets
DARGAVILLE 20A Scottys Camp Road
Bungalow, Large Decks and Sheds, Great Location
Located just 7.1km from Dargaville township, country living with an easy commute to town. Large bungalow, relocated in 1996 when piles, roof and wiring done. Spacious kitchen and dining nook, separate lounge and media room. Master bedroom with potential for ensuite and walk-in robe. Three additional double bedrooms near the modernised family bathroom plus a 2nd toilet. Huge decks, large 3 bay garage all set on 1.4 hectares Currently shares driveway but has room for own driveway, 3 well-fenced paddocks. 8.5km to Baylys Beach and 28km to Kai Iwi Lakes. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!
TE KOPURU 60 Scarrott Road
1 3
OVER $750,000
3.00-3.30pm, Sunday 13 April
E cindy.younger@pggwrightson.co.nz M
TE KOPURU 27 Johnson Road
Unique 54-Hectare Rural Retreat
GST (if
Embrace a rural lifestyle or grazing block. Nestled in a serene and private location. 54ha of land in three titles with stunning harbour views and tidy fencing. Cattle yards plus a haybarn. Water from a bore pumped to troughs in the paddocks. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of the river right at your boundary. Various building spots scattered throughout the property allow you to choose the perfect location for your dream home, whether you envision a rustic retreat or a modern masterpiece. Don't miss out on making this idyllic property your own. Your slice of paradise awaits! DEADLINE SALE
What a Spot, Farm and Home
Four-bedroom GJ Gardner family home on 144 hectares. This stunning property offers an ideal combination of spacious living, modern conveniences, making it a perfect sanctuary for families and those seeking an exceptional lifestyle with its inviting atmosphere and thoughtful layout. You are greeted by a warm, open space that makes entertaining a pleasure. Generous living area, seamlessly connecting to the dining kitchen space, ensuring that family gatherings are effortless. The land is tidy with 3 bores for water, a large five bay imp/storage shed with tack room. This will tick all the boxes!
DARGAVILLE Cnr Pouto and Notorious Roads
Versatile Block Handy to Town
Located just outside of Dargaville, this property offers a substantial land holding of 28.6936 hectares, divided into three titles. The flat, highly productive land includes a 19-hectare title with laser drainage, an older round barn and a power supply. Previously utilised as a support block for a dairy farm. Situated just five kilometres from a service centre, this versatile block could be an attractive addition to your main property. With significant potential for various agricultural uses, it presents an excellent opportunity for buyers seeking a productive dairy support or cropping block.
pggwre.co.nz/DAG41357
Megan Browning
M 027 668 8468
E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz
Ron Grbin
M 027 471 6388
DEADLINE SALE Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Thursday 8 May VIEW By Appointment Only E rgrbin@pggwrightson.co.nz
April
For outside of Dargaville events email info@integrity.nz
Whānau Hauora Catch Up Ruawai — April 9, War Memorial Hall, 25 Ruawai Wharf Road, Ruawai. Free miri miri, IRD ladies will be on site. Pop in for a cuppa and catch up with our team, 9.30am–12.30pm. All who pop in will go into the draw to win $100 Woolworths voucher. Nau Mai Haere Mai.
Growth Advisor Visit — Northland Inc, April 9, 10am–3pm at SEED Co-Working Office, 36 Victoria St, Dargaville.
Girls’ Brigade East Egg Hunt — 10 April, TLC, 80 Normanby Street, 3pm–5pm, Girls 5–18 years Koha. For more info call 021 263 7446.
Free Circus Holiday Programs for 8+ years — with Circus Kumarani. 8 locations across Kaipara (Tangiteroria, Paparoa, Kaiwaka, Mangawhai, Maungaturoto, Dargaville, Te Kopuru, Baylys Beach) enrol at www.circuskumarani.co.nz/holiday-program. Tangiteroria Burger Night — 11 April @ Tangiteroria Community Complex.
Fireco Kai Iwi Lakes Triathlon — 12 April, Features three different courses for the adult event and includes options for teams. This event also accommodates children with a kids’ course for ages 4–15.
Dargaville Community Garden — 12 Apri,l 10.30 to 1.30pm. Come and join us at the Kumaraani Creative Centre, 15 Onslow St. Have a chat and a cuppa, get fresh veg for your whanau, swap crops.
Donnellys Crossing Market Day/Boot Sale — 19 April. Spots $5 each, raffle, kids colouring competition. The Club Mangawhai Easter Hop — 20th April, Show car entry 8.30am, starts 10am, prizegiving 12.30pm, roll out 1.30–2pm. Cars, trucks, hot rods, classics. $20 per car (incl occupants), $5 walk in cash entry.
ANZAC Dawn Service — 25 April Breakfast @ Tangiteroria Community Complex (more details to come).
Inland Revenue Clinic — 29 April, Heartland Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville. Booking essential please. Phone 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765.
Markets
Kaihu Hall Market — 4th Saturday each month 10am–noon. Phone Robin 09 439 4878. Monthly Market — 1st Saturday of each month, 8am–noon at the Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road (opposite the Town Hall).
Paparoa Farmers’ Market — Every Saturday 9am–12pm. Genuine local produce, vegetables, seafood, olive oils, meats, patisserie, plants and more. Village Green, Paparoa.
Te Kopuru Market — 2nd Saturday of each month, 9am–1pm at Coronation Hall. Stall holders ring Rachel on 021 133 7560.
Clubs/Organisations
57 Squadron (Dargaville) Air Training Corps — Mondays 6pm–8pm at the Dargaville Aero Club. For boys and girls aged 13–18 years. Phone Gordon 021 262 0547.
Alcoholics Anonymous — Dargaville meetings Lighthouse Church, cnr Normanby & Parore Sts. Use Parore St entrance. Monday 4.30pm & Thursday
7.30pm. Contact Bernie 027 212 2148, Ladies 020 4082 1373, Murray 09 439 5248. Alzheimer’s ‘Carer’ Support Group — Contact Maxine on 022 691 6068.
Anger Management Group — Thursdays 6pm–7.30pm 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Helena 021 564 618 or 09 601 4153. Baylys & Beyond Gardeners — 2nd Monday of each month. Garden ramble, shared lunch, trading table phone 021 063 3444.
Blind Low Vision Support Group — Meets 10am, last Monday of the month, alternatively at Dargaville and Ruawai. Phone Noelene 09 439 0033 for more info.
Bring Balance Group — Mondays 12.30–1.30pm, Time to pause, reflect and set intention. Kaipara Community Centre (side entrance) $10. For more info phone Maureen 021 0231 8008 or see www. bringbalance.co.nz.
Carers of Tamariki Kaipara – Whānau Focus — First Tuesday of every month except January, 10.30, come and make connections with people who are looking after Tamariki. Any enquiries call or text 021 973 871.
Chess Club — All welcome, Wednesdays 6.30pm Dargaville, gold coin donation. Phone Stephen 09 439 8819.
Circus Kumarani All Ages Circus Class — Term 4. Come along and learn some circus, casual or full term. 15 Onslow St, Dargaville, Tuesdays 3.45–4.45pm; and Paparoa Memorial Hall, Thursdays 4–5pm. www. circuskumarani.co.nz/classes.
Citizens Advice Bureau — Dargaville & districts now at Parenga Street (between the Menz Shed and My Accountants).
Dargaville Aero Club — Learn to fly, free of tuition charges, Gyrocopter, Texan, Stork. Contact Peter 022 025 0235 for further info.
Dargaville Bowling Club Tuesday Bowls — Names by 9.30am, start 10am, finish 2.30pm. Contact Ray King 09 439 5509.
Dargaville Club — 61 Victoria Street, open Wednesday and Friday from 5pm. Members and guests welcome.
Dargaville Club Jam Nights — every second Friday, 5.30pm start.
Dargaville Community Garden — at Kumarani
Creative Centre, 15 Onslow St. Open day on second Saturday of the month (12th April, 10th May) come along from 10am–1pm for a cuppa, swap crops, seeds and ideas. Email classes@circuskumarani.co.nz to find out more.
Dargaville Contact Bridge Club — Tuesdays 12.45pm and Wednesdays 6.45pm at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan St, Dargaville. dargavillebridge@gmail.com or phone Peter 09 439 2437 or 022 405 6439.
Dargaville Firearm & Military Collectors Club — 3rd Friday of every second month at Lions Club Hall, Hokianga Road, at 7.30pm. Phone Alec Melville 027 215 1833.
Dargaville Floral Art Club — 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1pm at The Lighthouse Church, Cnr Normanby & Parore Sts, Dargaville. Enquiries to Dawn Donald 09 439 5413.
Dargaville Friendship Club for seniors — 2nd Tuesday of month at 10am at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan Street. Phone Brian or Barbara 09 439 5959.
Dargaville Mainly Music — Interactive music and movement for preschoolers and their carers. Wednesdays 10am Baptist church, Victoria St, during term time. Contact Rebecca 021 969 626.
Dargaville Medieval Combat Club — Wednesday each week 6.30–8.30pm, Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road. $15 per lesson. Equipment provided. Contact Kurt 022 622 7809.
Dargaville Menz Shed — Tuesday and Thursday each week from 10am to 3pm and Saturday from 10am to noon. For more info phone Paul 027 459 3098 or Brian 09 439 6175.
Dargaville Museum — Open 7 days per week. Hours 9am–4pm April to October, 9am–5pm October to April. Phone 09 439 7555.
Dargaville Riverside Taha Awa Garden Trust Join them in overseeing the running of the Garden. Contact Sheena 021 439 157 or email dargavilleriversidegarden@gmail.com.
Dargaville Scout Group — For boys and girls aged 5–99 years at 23 Onslow St. All info on door or phone Johnnita 027 296 5889.
Dargaville Tabletop Wargames and RPGs — Games like Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer or other
Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 Email: info@thelifestyler.co.nz
Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville
Publisher: Allan Mortensen Editor: Deb Wright 021 639 696 deb.wright@integrity.nz
Journalists: Andy Bryenton 021 439 947 | Amy Fifita 027 259 6455 | Paul Campbell
Advertising: Olivia Green 027 525 8197 | Sue Girven 027 525 7984
Classifieds: Wairau Moore 09 439 6933
Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Anna Fredericksen | Kelsey Harrison | Liz Clark
Accounts: accounts@thelifestyler.co.nz
Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME
Website: kaiparalifestyler.co.nz
strategy games. Thursdays 6.30pm, Hokianga Road, upstairs above the cinema.
Dargaville Yoga — Tuesday morning 9.30am Pono Lodge, Wednesday 6pm Bayleys Beach Community Centre, Thursday evening 6pm Pono Lodge. New Yogi’s 1st Class Free. All are welcome. Contact Diane 027 371 5274.
Drop in meditation — 5.30–6pm Thursdays at Bring Balance, Kaipara Community Centre (side entrance), 38 Hokianga Rd. Room open from 5pm, all welcome. Koha/Dana. www.bringbalance.co.nz, 021 0231 8008.
Girls’ Brigade — Thursdays 3–5pm at the Lighthouse Church, for girls 5–18 years. Register online at 1st Dargaville Girls Brigade 2025 registrations. Find us on FB & Instagram or phone 021 263 7446.
Hikuwai O Kaipara Waka Ama Club — NW Boating Club, 5pm Mondays and Thursdays from 5pm for Awa training.
Housie — Every third Monday of the month at 1.30pm, Dargaville Bowling Club. Janice Allan 027 355 7434.
JP Service — Every Thursday at the Whanau Focus Office, 12–1pm, walk in only. Call or drop in for enquiries 021 245 3765 or 09 439 7009, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville.
Kaihu Valley Music Club — 3rd Sunday of the Month at Kaihu Hall on Woods Road. 1pm–4pm. Enquires to John or May 09 439 0827.
Kaipara Bootscooters (Beginner line dancing classes) — Every Monday 5.30pm to 7.30pm and Thursday 10am to noon. First hour is beginner and second hour is higher beginner. Dalmation Hall, Normanby St, Dargaville. Contact Donna 021 729 955.
Kaipara Cycling — Calendar of Rides — Thursdays 3.15pm–5.15pm Junior Rides 10 years and older; 5.30pm–7pm Women’s Rides; 5.30pm–7pm Adult Rides. Meet at Time To, Normanby Street.
Kaipara Grey Power — third Friday of each month February to November. Contact 09 439 7801 or 09 439 4452.
Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club — Open 7 days. Something to interest both men and women, come and get involved. Phone 021 106 3635 or 027 472 1269.
Lions Club of Ruawai — 3rd Thursday of the month (social) and 1st Thursday of the month (business). Contact Dorothy on 09 439 2557.
Lions Dargaville — 2nd Wednesday of the month in Lions Den, Hokianga Road. Contact John 09 439 5937.
Maungaturoto AA Meeting — Mondays 7pm at the Maungaturoto Community House, 155 Hurndall St, Maungaturoto. Contact Carolyn 021 828 055.
Maungaturoto Gardening Club — 3rd Thursday of every month. In winter Centennial Hall, Maungaturoto. Other months visit gardens in the area. New members welcome. $15 to join — first 3 visits FREE. Please contact Gloria 021 100 8153 for more info.
Northern Wairoa Country Music Club — 1st Sunday of the month at the Scout Hall, 23 Onslow Street 1–4pm. Enquiries to Bruce 09 439 5513.
Northern Wairoa Genealogy Society — Learn how to trace your family history or understand DNA at Dargaville Museum, 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, 12.30–2pm. Phone Sue 021 608 606.
Northern Wairoa Indoor Bowls Assn — 7pm Mondays at Anglican Church Hall, Tuesdays at Ruawai-Tokatoka Hall, Wednesdays at Dalmatian Hall. Contact Warren Younger 027 478 5102 or evenings 09 439 6155.
NZ 60s Up Movement — Dargaville Social Meetings held at the Lighthouse Function Centre on 1st Tuesday of the month. Contact Margaret Pinny 09 439 4560. Paparoa Box Fit — $10. Stretching/cardio/boxing. Paparoa Memorial Hall, every Wednesday 6–7pm. Paparoa Dance to Music — $5. Stretching/balance/ resistance bands/Zumba, Paparoa Memorial Hall, every Tuesday 10.30–11.30am.
Paparoa Kids Fun Class — $5. Learning/Music/ Dodge Ball/Limbo, Paparoa Memorial Hall, Every Friday 3–4pm.
Peggy Purls in our Community — Every 3rd Wednesday 10.30am at Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre, 59 Normanby St. Ring Charlene 09 439 6120. Petanque — social play. Mondays 9.15 till 11.30, $2, fun exercise, all equipment supplied at Sportsville. Judy 09 439 7920.
Practising Presence — Mondays 6–7pm. Meditation, qi gong and taiji to train being in the present moment, Kaipara Community Centre (side entrance), 38 Hokianga Road, $10. Phone Maureen 021 0231 8008 or see www.bringbalance.co.nz for more info. Recovery Support Group — Mondays 6.30pm– 9pm. 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Chrissy 09 601 4153 or 021 564 618.
Rotary Club of Dargaville — Weekly at 11.30–1pm at the Lions Centre in Hokianga Road. Men and women. Phone Brian 09 439 6175.
RSA Women’s Section — Social meeting held at the Clubrooms, 4th Monday of the month. Contact Noeline Wright 027 733 7396.
Ruawai Bowling Club — new members welcome. For info call Alison 027 243 5454.
Ruawai Gardening Club — 3rd Thursday of every month, Feb to Nov at the Ruawai Bowling Club, 10am start. Phone Merele 09 439 2335.
Stepping Out Leisure Marching Team — Tuesday 4pm–5pm at the Dargaville Dalmatian Hall, 20 Normanby St. Contact Sharon 027 439 5634 or 09 439 5634.
Stitches and Crafts — 31 Logan St, Dargaville. 10.30am–4pm, Tuesday and Friday. Contact Edith & Mike 021 439 675.
Strength & Conditioning — Baylys Beach Community Centre, Mondays and Fridays. 9am–10am, $10 per session. Call Tony 022 311 8447. Tangiteroria Community Complex — Mondays: Pickleball 6pm, phone Sarah 021 772 822. Tuesdays: Yoga 6pm, phone Sharon 021 981 135, $15 per session. Wednesdays: Indoor Bowls (fortnightly in summer, weekly in winter) 6pm, phone Mel 021 772 822; Squash, phone Donna 021 761 022; Exercise Room, phone Mel 021 772 822. We ask participants are a Complex Member for all above activities. For Pickleball and Bowls it’s a gold coin donation. Te Kopuru Community Library — access through St Peters Hall. Open Wednesday 10am–noon and Sunday 3pm–4pm.
Te Kopuru Sewing & Craft Group — Coronation Hall, Norton Street, Te Kopuru every Saturday from 9am–noon. Gold coin koha for the hall. Contact Grace on 021 0858 2455.
Wednesday Crafts — Every Wednesday 10am. Variety of crafts. The Kiosk at Memorial Park. All welcome. $10 per session. Contact Judy 027 316 3940.
WED 09 1:54am (0.9m) 8:10am (2.9m) 2:23pm (0.8m) 8:36pm (2.9m) THU 10 2:43am (0.8m) 8:55am (3.0m) 3:06pm (0.7m) 9:19pm (3.0m) FRI 11 3:24am (0.7m) 9:35am (3.1m) 3:45pm (0.6m) 9:57pm (3.1m)
POUTO POINT WED 09 4:42am (2.4m) 10:53am (0.9m) 5:12pm (2.3m) 11:15pm (0.9m) THU 10 5:34am (2.4m) 11:44am (0.9m) 6:06pm (2.3m)
11 12:04am (0.9m) 6:21am (2.4m) 12:30pm (0.8m) 6:53pm (2.4m) SAT 12 12:47am (0.8m) 7:05am (2.5m) 1:11pm (0.8m) 7:36pm (2.5m) SUN 13 1:26am (0.8m) 7:45am (2.5m) 1:50pm (0.7m) 8:15pm (2.5m) MON 14 2:04am (0.8m) 8:23am (2.5m) 2:26pm (0.7m) 8:51pm (2.5m) TUE 15 2:40am (0.8m) 9:00am (2.5m) 3:02pm (0.7m) 9:27pm (2.5m)
• Short Stay - Respite Care • Day Care Services
• Rest Home Level Care • Hospital Level Care
Contact our Care Home Manager, Jill Morris-Ioane 09 439 6367. We look forward to hearing from you.
67 Long-established custom (9)
72 Gut feelings (9)
73 Rural holdings (5)
74 Big cat (7)
79 Stoppered glass wine bottle (8)
80 Not recommended (11)
81 Craze (5)
82 Ravine (5)
83 Unlucky for some? (6,8)
84 High temperature (5) DOWN
31 Pulsate (5)
32 Woman’s garment (8)
34 Triumphant (10)
38 Colitis (anag)(7)
39 Synopsis (6)
40 Respect and admiration (6)
41 Disconcert (4)
42 Diver’s garment (7)
45 Squeezed (10)
50 Meal course (7)
54 Speed (4)
55 Acid-alkali indicator (6)
56 Skin (6)
57 Fault-find (3-4)
60 Played the market (10)
61 Facing (8)
62 Less dangerous (5)
65 Carnival (6)
66 Overseas (6)
2 Bricklayer’s mixture (6)
3 Oust (5)
5 Unadulterated (4)
6 Despises (7)
7 Dwell in (6)
8 Kiln for drying hops (4)
9 Last batsman (8)
10 Mistakes (6)
11 Basic (10)
12 Heinous (4)
13 Temper fit (7)
17 Water body (5)
18 Struck back (10)
22 Bid (5)
23 Cause to explode (8)
25 Hot region (7)
26 Supervise (7)
28 Pick (6)
29 Breakfast holder (3,3)
30 Be at (6)
33 Slowly and broadly (mus)(5)
35 Sugary (5)
36 Flightless bird (4)
37 Untidy shambles (4)
42 Straw (anag)(5)
43 In shreds (8)
44 Island country off China (6)
45 Waist sash (10)
46 Maximum (4)
47 Giant coniferous tree (7)
48 Undresses (6)
49 Leaves (5)
51 Discharge (4)
52 Highest female voice (7)
53 Soaring firework (6)
58 Nourishment (10)
59 Examine (5)
63 Keep on (8)
64 Shoplift (5)
65 Fireplace log holder (7)
68 Scrap (7)
69 Scattered (6)
70 French Pacific island (6)
71 Attractively small, dainty (6)
75 Provoke (5)
76 Skin mark (4)
77 Check and correct (4)
78 Hint (4)
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
ACROSS: 1 Instant, 4 One and only, 9 Staunch, 13 Coat, 14 Beggar, 15 Dating, 16 Ostrich, 19 Recovering, 20 Señorita, 21 Agree, 24 Return, 25 Medals, 27 Obstinate, 32 Bullseye, 33 Cliffs, 34 Flannel, 38 Equipped, 39 Rabble, 40 Alps, 41 Pills, 42 Slyly, 45 Trifling amount, 52 Penny, 55 Spasm, 56 Ewer, 57 Pliers, 58 Uncouple, 61 Tersely, 62 Imbibe, 63 Intended, 66 Immigrant, 68 Flashy, 69 Attend, 73 Kitty, 74 Consider, 76 Antisocial, 81 Brother, 82 Famine, 83 Rumour, 84 Stay, 85 Trudged, 86 Understand, 87 Ecuador.
DOWN: 1 Incur, 2 Scarcity, 3 Theory, 4 Organ, 5 Ears, 6 Nudists, 7 Outing, 8 Lunar, 10 Test, 11 Upright, 12 Cycled, 17 Oversupply, 18 State, 22 Baseball, 23 Angle, 24 Rafters, 26 Even, 28 Buffalo, 29 Client, 30 Cinema, 31 Berlin, 33 Cabin, 35 Noise, 36 Jury, 37 Spin, 43 Lapsed, 44 Lasts, 46 Rows, 47 Foreman, 48 Impair, 49 Guide, 50 Marginal, 51 Tenant, 52 Protection, 53 Nape, 54 Yielded, 59 Claim, 60 Etch, 64 Crook, 65 Depicted, 67 Mutated, 68 Farmers, 70 Mirror, 71 Admire, 72 Figure, 75 Slain, 77 Named, 78 Layer, 79 Fete, 80 Aria.
5x5
the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.
CARAVAN EWOF (and marine). Call your local inspector today at A+ Electrical Inspections and Security on 021 240 6764.
TOP SOIL, conditioned top quality. 100% suitable for vege gardens or new lawns. $85 per m³ onto your trailer, or truck deliveries available for larger orders. Phone 021 132 4107 or 09 439 5141.
TOYOTA COROLLA 2006 silver, 5dr hatchback JGY875. Current WOF & REGO both expiring September 2025. New tyres & battery. 123,000kms, tidy condition, $8,500. Phone John 027 525 8189.
TE KOROWAI O IHU KARAITI MINISTRIES at the Church of the Nazarene, 4 Grey Street, Dargaville. Church service Sundays at 10.30am. Weekly except for school holidays: Maranga Mai, Wednesdays at 10.30am. Legacy/Man Up, Wednesdays from 6.30pm–8.30pm. Contact 021 136 5253 or tekorowai.ihu@gmail.com.
FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458.
10,000 WHOLESALE priced landscaping plants, shelter trees, shrubs, grass, and many more. Grevilleas going out at $5 all ready now. Open Tuesday to Saturday. Got2Go Plants West Coast Road, Te Kopuru. EFTPOS available. 09 439 5556/027 488 3400.
RUAWAI PLANTS we now have a full range of vegetable plants for winter planting now available. Cabbage large mini and red, savoy and chinese. Brassica combo –bok choy, pak choy and tats choy, silverbeet green and coloured. Perpetual spinach, dill, basil, coriander, sage, parsley, thyme. Cauliflower, kale, broccoli and sprouting broccoli, red and brown onions, celery, spring onions, chives, garlic and plain. Priced at $4 per punnet. Payment cash or online. Free delivery on a Tuesday to your door in Dargaville Township. Phone Etha 027 282 2926.
SINGLE? OVER 40? Meet other interesting, intelligent, genuine people just like yourself. Dine out ‘Dinner for Six’. Phone 021 639 552.
PET DOORS — cat doors, dog doors for glass or timber — supplied and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 Kevin Sowter or visit my website: windowanddoors. co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
SEPTIC TANK SERVICES
MAGIC PROPERTY Services, effluent & septic tank cleaning. Servicing the Kaipara. Phone Chris 027 480 0110 or Mary 027 459 1544. 7 Days. WE ARE THE ONLY CODE COMPLIANT OPERATORS IN THE KAIPARA.
CARPET CLEANING, repairs, re-stretching, and patching. Flood drying and small carpet laying work and upholstery cleaning. Very fussy and reasonable prices. Phone Darren, Alltrades Carpet Services 0800 425 587 or 027 286 8584. Dargaville & surrounds.
ROOFING REPAIRS & gutter cleaning. Local to Dargaville area. Phone 021 271 2065.
V-GROOVE UNTREATED plywood 9mm & 12mm Downgrade. Scooters Plywood 09 438 6565.
WINDOW & Door Repairs & Glazing, Insect Screens, Security and more — call me today. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458. Kevin Sowter or visit my website: windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
TREE SERVICES
TREE REMOVAL, pruning, chipping & stump grinding. Qualified & insured. Phone Scott 0800 468 9663 Arborcare Tree Maintenance.
FORESHORE CARPETS Supply and installation of carpet and vinyl. Ian 027 499 6413.
SITUATIONS VACANT DARGAVILLE AMBULANCE. Volunteers wanted. Contact
ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — Next concert is the 1st of May 2025, first Thursday of the month — 7–9.30pm. Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road, Dargaville. $2 entry, $2 raffle. Performers and audience welcome. Phone Allan 09 439 6933 or 021 439 697. An enjoyable night to be part of, sit back and be entertained by some great local talent.
DARGAVILLE HEALING rooms 7pm Tuesdays. No charge & no appointment necessary. Lion of Judah Building, River Road. All Welcome. Check us out on Facebook.
KAIPARA GREY Power are delighted to have Dargaville Little Theatre’s Eryn and Brenda as our guests at this Friday 11th April’s Public Meeting. Brenda and Eryn will share with us the group’s upcoming events, including preparing for their performance of “Out of Mind” at Monaco’s Mondial du Theatre competition. We expect to screen a clip from a rehearsal. As usual the venue is the Dargaville Methodist Church Complex starting at 1pm with Eryn and Brenda at 1.15pm. Everyone is welcome. Hope to see you.
MUHAMMED SYEDUL Hoque(c) of Kaipara, being a living Ngaherehere National is the irrefutable holder of all associated copyright protected trade names, since re/conveyance to the “land and soil jurisdiction” of Ngaherehere: Ki~: Te~Moananui~a~Ki`wa: na~Aotearoa. Public recording number LW122586130NZ proclamation date sixteenth of October 2024, thus severing all usufruct subjugation ties (please refer to this link for more details: www.publicnoticesnz.com/notice-of-praecipe-2).
WAIPOUA VALLEY residents would like to sincerely thank everyone who was involved in the Waipoua River fire in February. There are countless agencies, companies, and individuals that all contributed to saving our corner of Kaipara. Please accept our thanks.
conducted under the licence is sports club
The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is intended to be sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 8.30am to 12.30am the following day.
The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 5, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai.
Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the first publication of this public notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville 0340.
No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
This is the second publication of this notice. The first was published on the 1st of April.
This year a 2.2 percent increase has been proposed to some fees to account for current inflation, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Other fees have changed or decreased.
You can find out all the details on our website www.kaipara.govt.nz or you can obtain hard copies of the proposed fees and charges and submission form from our offices at:
32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville, or Unit 6 The Hub, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai
Telephone us on 0800 727 059 or email council@kaipara.govt.nz
Please send your submission to:
“Fees and Charges” Kaipara District Council Private Bag 1001 Dargaville 0340
Or Email it to: council@kaipara.govt.nz or make a submission online at www.kaipara.govt.nz
Your submission must be received by 11.59pm on Wednesday 7 May 2025.
Kaipara District Council
This public notice is made in accordance with Clause 34 of Schedule 1 of the Resource Management Act 1991.
All material proposed to be incorporated by reference into the Proposed Kaipara District Plan can be viewed online from 7 April 2025 until 30 June 2025 on Kaipara District Council’s website: kaipara.govt.nz/kaipara-district-plan-review
Electronic copies of the materials can be viewed from 7 April 2025 at the following locations during business hours (check www.kaipara.govt.nz for hours).
• Dargaville Library: 71 Normanby Street, Dargaville
• Mangawhai Library: 45 Moir Street, Mangawhai
Due to copyright restrictions, the New Zealand Standards are not available to view online. Copies of the New Zealand Standards can be purchased from www.standards.govt.nz
Comments on the proposal to incorporate material by reference into the Proposed Kaipara District Plan can be sent to Council in the following ways:
• Email: districtplanreview@kaipara.govt.nz
(subject line: Proposal to incorporate material by reference); or
• Post: Kaipara District Council, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville 0340
Comments on the proposal to incorporate material by reference in the Proposed Kaipara District Plan must be received no later than Monday 30 June 2025
The Proposed Kaipara District Plan will be publicly notified and available to view from Monday 28 April 2025. Kaipara District Council
Dearly loved nephew of Elaine and the late Murray Wightman. Loved cousin of Murray Rose (Taupo), Yvette Rose Zielinski (Florida), Tinina Robinson (Auckland) and their families.
With deep sadness we announce the
Rest easy Aaron. COSSILL, Aaron Paul
of Dargaville, and cherished Uncle to all his nieces & nephews. His absence leaves an immeasurable void.
Aaron was the devoted partner of Venessa and much-loved father to Nathan, Heath, Maiah and Liam.
The depth of our love for him cannot be expressed in words. Ride free my friend.
