School cultural leaders chosen
Should churches and charities pay tax?
The
Mayor shares fluoride stance with Grey Power
Northland Field Days roars to life Council commits to finishing housing upgrade
by Andy Bryenton
Despite numerous expressions of disappointment, the Kaipara District Council voted last week to increase the budget of the Fagan Place pensioner housing redevelopment by $1.2 million.
The cost blow-out has been linked by staff to certain important parts of the job not being scoped or approved when original budgets were set.
“How does that happen?” said councillor Williams, articulating the frustration, which was palpable around the council table, as funds from the District Leadership Depreciation Reserve were diverted to help complete the task.
While some councillors expressed regret that the vote was necessary, others were more scathing of the entire project, which seeks to replace several Fagan Place dwellings with new, healthy homescompliant ones by July.
“The residents never wanted it. We did it to give them happiness, which I believe they will not get from this,” said councillor Nayyar.
“Behind closed doors I have been battling this,” said councillor Paniora, who contends that she had warned of a budget overrun two years ago.
“An investigation needs to be conducted into this whole affair.”
With significant financial implications for cancelling the project now that it is advanced to the point of some of the homes being built, councillors voted six to three to push ahead with further funding, taken from the DLDR reserve. However,
many voices around the table called for an inquest into just how this housing upgrade project could have gone so far off the original budget, and why.
“We need to have a full review of a number of our processes” said councillor Howard.
“I’m embarrassed to be part of the decision that was made, but we have to push on through. I hope there will be some sort of review,” said councillor Vincent. That investigation is coming, with KDC chief executive Jason Marris confirming that an independent external review has been launched, covering all the processes that led to this situation.
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Facilitator Amy Douglass represented Dargaville Legacy in a charity boxing match, hosted by Gateway To Recovery, in support of those overcoming addiction and mental health issues. Tee Posinkovich Witehira reigned supreme, after Douglass threw in
by Paul Campbell
Boost for Kaipara tourism Waipoua blaze contained
A motorhome and caravan gathering saw about 130 happy visitors return home to the North and South islands after a massed rally that filled Pahi Beach Holiday Park, and bodes well for future Kaipara tourism.
“The Auckland area of the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association held our monthly rally at Pahi and is part of a nationwide organisation with over 120,000 members. Many of the Pahi visitors were continuing their travels to enjoy the many attractions in Northland and the Far North,” said Auckland area chair Mike Richards.
“The association has recently gone into a partnership arrangement with the Kaipara District Council to help keep Glinks Gully and Kelly Bay camps open for both NZMCA members and public selfcontained vehicles.
“The NZMCA will provide custodians to run the camps and this way they get to be used by everyone. Local member volunteers will keep the parks in pristine condition,” Mike says.
“We have grown to become one of the strongest organisations providing support to local councils around the Freedom Camping Act.
“Pahi is such a beautiful, laid back, little community, steeped in history, especially with the heritage Morton Bay Fig tree being the centrepiece. Because
of the fantastic weather, we held morning teas and happy hour under the tree. To top the weekend off, we had a movie night under the stars, which was also attended by a few of the local residents.
“Most of the 67 motorhomes and caravans that attended, came from the Auckland area, with others coming from Northland, Waikato, Counties and North Canterbury. Amongst them were the NZMCA president from North Canterbury, and the Northland chairperson from Whangārei.
“Due to its stunning location on the water, we held a fishing contest on the Saturday. Not many fish were caught from the wharf, but snapper donated by some locals were large and greatly received.”
by Amy Fifita
The Waipoua River fire is now contained, with residents able to return to their homes after Fire Emergency New Zealand staff banded together to fight the blaze — a fire ban is now in place.
The fire started at the Waipoua River on February 26, eventually engulfing 91 hectares (at the time of print). With hotspot temperatures dropping and the fire under control, Waipoua settlement residents have returned to their homes.
“After an extensive firefighting effort over the last five days, the Waipoua River fire is now contained, and Sunday’s objective was to keep it that way,” said incident commander Phil Larcombe.
“The fire has not gone into the native forest and Tāne Mahuta is safe. We’d like to thank the local community and Te Roroa for their manaakitanga (hospitality) while we have been here. Thanks, too, for all the messages of support for our crews, they are greatly appreciated.”
FENZ fought the fire with helicopters and ground crew from around New Zealand. Councillor Pera Paniora was amongst those offering support to families, who needed to relocate because of the blaze.
“I am from Waipoua, and my whānau were personally affected. I delivered food, water, blankets, toiletries and
towels to Waikara Marae to help out, and organised five fully furnished onebedroom units available for anyone needing accommodation through my Ahikiwi whānau.”
A total fire ban was announced last Friday, prohibiting all outdoor fires and revoking all fire permits, taking effect from March 1 in the Muriwhenua, Hokianga, Ripiro and Paparoa zones.
Putting Kaipara on the map — a full house at the Pahi Beach Holiday Park
Helicopters from around the country were sent to help quell the Waipoua River fire now under control
Hospice has a gala date Connection — the opposite of addiction
by Paul Campbell
Hospice Kaipara is in for a community boost with a special event of music, food and family fun in the garden of the Gumdiggers Cafe at Matakohe on Saturday, February 15.
There will be a koha entrance fee to enjoy, with musicians and a barbecue dinner with the event kicking off at 4pm to 8pm. Organisers Di Hardisty and Sue Botica have arranged old time games and competitions for kids, even a lolly scramble and other entertainment, with all funds raised going to Hospice Kaipara.
“The reason I wanted to do a fundraiser is because of how amazing they are, and what they really do for you and your loved ones during one of the hardest times in your life,” says Di.
“A lot just think that Hospice is op shops or somewhere people go to die, or they come into your home to look after your loved one so you can go out to lunch or something, and this is not true.
“I have had Hospice come into my life twice in the short space of five years, and quite frankly, I couldn’t have managed without them. With mum, I had to battle through on my own in the middle of Covid lockdowns and these amazing ladies were my lifeline.
“They come into your home and treat you with such kindness. They make sure that our loved ones pass away with as much dignity and grace as possible. They make sure they are comfortable and if it is their wish, they get to pass away at home surrounded by loved ones.
“Then, a year later, they sent me a card to say they were thinking of us on that hard day. So amazing.”
If you’d like to assist, call Di on 027 476 9167 or Sue on 025 488 1801.
by Amy Fifita
Whakamana Tangata has been empowering families recently with the Harm Reduction Wānanga for Whānau Affected by Substance Abuse.
Women attending the event stayed overnight at Te Houhanga a Rongo Marae, where they were treated to pampering and testimonies from those who overcame addiction.
“This is a place of belonging. We are about empowering each other with pampering and kōrero, because addiction is the opposite of connection,” said organiser Helena McGee.
Participants explored the ideas around the rat park experiment led by Bruce Alexander in the 1970s. The research highlighted that when with other rats, the rodents partook of the drug-free water more than when they were isolated.
While part of the stay involved harm reduction techniques, participants also engaged in empowerment activities — mirimiri (massage), manicures, waiata, kapa haka and hair treatments.
“It is not about learning about drugs and alcohol. Everyone has a short attention span for that but as soon as our pampering session starts — it creates empowerment.”
The tasks promoted self-care, and allowed the women to strengthen their bonds with each other and see the worth in themselves.
“The outcome was that they were empowered, talked positively and felt a sense of belonging. It is not about who stays off the drugs or goes to rehab, they stayed clean during their time here and that is a positive and realistic result.
“We’ve done six wānanga before but they are evolving for the needs of those coming. They get strong within themself with self-worth and inspiration to become strong.”
Di Hardisty (left) and Sue Botica welcome any assistance towards their Hospice Gumdigger’s event
The wānanga created connections and promoted self-care leaving participants feeling revived and empowered
School cultural leaders chosen
by Amy Fifita
Dargaville High School announced its selected house heads and kaiārahi last week at a school assembly highlighting students’ leadership capabilities.
Montel Tahere is to be the school’s kaiārahi tāne, and Phoenix Kelly was announced as the kaiārahi wahine. The leaders will have a role in leading Māori culture and language to thrive in the school.
“My family come from Māori heritage, so it is important to me to represent the Māori culture and te reo at my school,” said kaiārahi tāne Montel.
“When talking to my pāpā before he passed, he reflected on how he could see Māori was slowly fading and I can’t change the world, but can influence others.”
Selected house leaders were Kayla Shannon for Kohekohe, Ti-Jaye Aloua for Towai, Lucy Pulman for Tawa and Eva Bakulich for Taraire. Each shared their passion for their houses.
House leaders are responsible for organising events and promoting participation, amongst other roles, including resting connections with other schools.
“This new achievement means I can help the school improve with my new opportunities, steps forward and responsibilities,” said Eva.
Major rally event could come to Kaipara
by Andy
Bryenton
Following the success of the Rally of Dargaville Tunatahi in 2024, revelations that discussions have been tabled to host stages of the Rally of New Zealand locally have caused excitement.
Rally co-organiser Marty Roestenburg has confirmed that the people planning the final stage of the Rally of New Zealand have floated the idea of hitting the back roads of Kaipara, augmenting the traditional Rally of Whangārei with fresh scenery, courses and challenges.
“I was talking to the organisers, and we reckon it’s done its dash just on this side of the island,” said Mr Roestenburg. “The general thought was let’s reinvent it, and incorporate some Kaipara roads.”
“We will also be making connections with other schools and welcoming them. I am grateful to my mum Crystal, my friends, my siblings and God for pushing me.”
Each student addressed the school welcoming their new roles and responsibilities. The new achievements were met with applause and a haka to honour them was performed by students and teachers.
Drivers responded with positive feedback following the Rally of Dargaville Tunatahi last year, and their experiences will flow into discussions on a circular route, which would take in both the west and east coasts of the mid-north. As the final round of the NZ Rally Championship, the speculative event would be a step up in publicity and rivalry from 2024’s local race.
“We’ll have the top, hot shot rockstars of New Zealand rallying shooting it out for our biggest trophy,” said Mr Roestenburg.
Before the curtain raises on a potential national-level motorsport event on November 8–9, there’s another rally scheduled for Kaipara roads. On May 11, the Ruarangi Road Rallysprint will take place amid scenery, which drivers call ‘the closest thing to Finland in New Zealand’, with 40 teams attending. The Northland Car Club will host as drivers tackle 8km of twisting gravel in the rural heartland beyond the Tangihuas.
As predicted by the mayor and several councillors at the Rally of Dargaville Tunatahi, the event has made an impression and put this part of the nation in the motorsport spotlight, with benefits to commerce and tourism as well.
OAKLAND HOMES
House heads are Eva Bakulich (front from left), Kayla Shannon, Lucy Pulman and Ti-Jaye Aloua (rear) and kaiārahi are Montel Tahere (middle from left) and Phoenix Kelly
Rally action returns to Kaipara, with a rallysprint in May confirmed, and the possibility of inclusion in the prestigious Rally of New Zealand
Horse trek through the heartland A life-saving new addition
by Andy Bryenton
The annual Ararua Hall Horse Trek will be held on March 8 this year, offering a four-hour scenic ride through picturesque Kaipara farmland.
“We are lucky to have some stunning scenery in Ararua, and the support of amazing farmers who let us ride through their farms,” says event co-organiser Tania Wilson.
“I have been told there is even a spot on the trek where you can see Whangārei Heads on one side, and close to Dargaville on the other.”
Riders leave from the Ararua Hall at 9.30 am, and are treated to a barbecue lunch when they return; always a convivial occasion. It’s become a local tradition, and people from all over Kaipara have enjoyed taking part.
“The trek is the main fundraiser for the Ararua Hall committee, and raises funds for the maintenance and upkeep of the local hall, which is owned and maintained by the community. The hall is also often hired for events,” says Tania.
The funds the hall’s committee raise from the horse trek go toward maintenance and upkeep of this important community building.
“With the money made from previous treks, we have upgraded the parking, put
in drainage, and completed other small but important tasks,” says Tania.
“We love organising the horse trek each year. The comments from the riders when they get back are always encouraging and positive. They really enjoy seeing different bits of Ararua each year. Being able to sit down and talk with the riders afterward is the icing on the cake.”
For more information, email araruacommunity@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page, Ararua Community.
by Andy Bryenton
Glinks Gully now has new tools to help prevent disaster in the surf, with the funding and installation of twin lifebuoys spearheaded by the community.
“While Glinks Gully doesn’t have surf lifesaving patrols, it now has two New Zealand Surf Life Saving approved rescue buoys to complement their two existing rescue tubes. The new buoys are thanks to some great work led by Gus Schick from the Glinks Gully Community Group Committee,” says GGCG secretary Nicola Puharich.
It was fundraising by this group that paid for the second of the two surf lifesaving devices, while the first was entirely covered by an anonymous local donor. With the permission of the Northland Regional Council, which has jurisdiction over the foreshore, one of the buoys has been installed in the dunes just to the right of the beach entrance, and the other is in the dunes in front of the southern end of Marine Drive.
“While it is hoped these will never be needed, it’s fantastic to have them in case of an emergency,” said Nicola.
The buoys augment the surf rescue tubes, already located at Glinks Gully beach, and their design is part of an international effort to create an easy-touse device that can save lives in the surf. They come fully endorsed by NZ Surf Life
Saving, and will become a familiar sight on beaches around the country as the concept is rolled out.
Full instructions are printed on the notice boards, which accompany the rescue buoys, and the first instruction is not to attempt to use them if you yourself can’t swim.
Previous horse treks in support of the Ararua Hall have been a resounding success
Gus Schick with the second of two new safety buoys at Glinks Gully beach on the Ripiro coast
Should churches and charities pay tax? NRC in port buyout scheme
by Andy Bryenton
The government will take into consideration the opinions of all citizens who make their voices heard on a new proposal to tax not-for-profit entities, but the timeframe to have your say is short.
Submissions on the Taxation and the Not-For-Profit Sector paper will be accepted until the end of March, as the government seeks to tighten up the rules on what counts as a charity, and how much money can be made by a NFP entity before they should pay.
“New Zealand not-for-profits make a significant contribution to the community, and the government provides tax relief for not-for-profit organisations that meet certain requirements,” said Finance Minister Nicola Willis.
“It’s important the public has confidence they are getting value for money from these tax concessions.”
Churches have long been exempt from taxation in New Zealand, and much of the controversy around the proposed new rules involves whether charity and faith-based organisations should have to pay taxes, or where the threshold, which draws the line between a church, a charity and a business, is set.
In most OECD countries, if a business makes a profit that’s not used to fund charitable works, they must pay tax. In New Zealand, there is an argument that many businesses associated with
churches and not-for-profits are in fact conventional commercial enterprises.
Revenue Minister Simon Watts says the issues paper canvasses options to “simplify rules, reduce compliance costs and address tax integrity risks. It’s important we make sure the settings are right and fit-for-purpose.”
To have your say, visit taxpolicy.ird. govt.nz and search ‘taxation of not-forprofits’, or email policy.webmaster@ird. govt.nz with ‘taxation and the not-forprofit sector’ in the subject line.
by Andy Bryenton
The Northland Regional Council has conditionally agreed to join in a buyout of shares, which will bring Northport under the control of a single entity, with the NRC having a large stake in the facility.
Currently the port, which adjoins the Marsden Point industrial precinct, is owned half and half by Marsden Maritime Holdings and the Port of Tauranga. In turn, the NRC is the majority shareholder in MMH, with 53 per cent of shares. The deal tabled last Tuesday would see minority shareholders of MMH bought out by a combination NRC, Port of Tauranga and Tupu Tonu consortium, putting this consortium firmly in charge of the facility. Ports of Auckland would sell its 19.9 per cent stake.
As NRC ratepayers, Kaipara residents will be able to have their say during consultation on the move requiring council approval to go ahead.
“We think there’s a better way to structure this investment, which will have improved benefits and outcomes for our region. Importantly, this proposal keeps ownership of the port in New Zealand,” said NRC chair Geoff Crawford.
This announcement came at the same time as one from Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, who posited the
idea of Marsden Point becoming a special economic zone, a model used overseas to create areas with business-friendly regulations, investment support and trade facilitation.
“Channel Infrastructure NZ, formerly Refining NZ, is already working to turn the Marsden Point refinery site into an energy precinct. Creating an SEZ there would not only help ensure New Zealand’s fuel and energy resilience, it could provide an attractive option for overseas investors,” said Mr Jones.
With this option under consideration by the cabinet, the NRC’s plan to acquire a bigger stake in port operations seems timely.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis heads up a consultation on the tax-exempt status of notfor-profit groups, both religious and secular
The Northland Regional Council has expressed an interest in buying a bigger share in the entity controlling Northport
Council awarded costs in court decision
by Andy Bryenton
The Kaipara District Council has been awarded 66 per cent of its legal fees as costs, following a decision two days before Christmas by an Environment Court judge.
Last week’s Kapara District Council meeting heard that Judge SM Tepania had ruled to award costs to the council following its successful but costly defence of an Environment Court appeal regarding a new 67-lot residential subdivision at 183 Devich Road in Mangawhai.
A group of local residents opposing the application also made submissions during the hearing process. They then exercised their right to make an appeal to the Environment Court, and Mangawhai Developments Ltd also joined the court proceedings, as a party under section 274 of the RMA, in opposition to the granting of consent.
A classic occasion in Dargaville
by Andy Bryenton
When the Northland Field Days is packed away and the wide open space of the event’s big site outside Dargaville is clear, the tractors and machinery of agriculture will be replaced by classic cars and bikes.
By June 2024, a full decision by the court ruled in favour of the KDC. The entire process, from the initial notified hearing to the award of costs, took from 2021 until December of 2024.
In the reasons for granting costs, the judge noted ‘the appellants maintained a position that consent be declined, at the hearing and closing. It is submitted that that position had no legal or evidential basis whatsoever.’
Consequently, the Kaipara District Council was awarded $54,590, or 66 per cent of its actual costs incurred against the appellants. Their solicitor has been contacted seeking payment. These proceedings illustrate the principle of seeking payment of legal costs, which was articulated by mayor Craig Jepson in regard to the KDC’s recent high-profile court case in regards to the decision to disestablish the Kaipara Māori ward. This, too, was on the agenda at February’s meeting, as the decision to seek costs of approximately $24,768 was made under urged decision-making delegation powers during the recent holiday recess.
The Dargaville classic car and bike show celebrates its second birthday at the field days’ site when the gates open at 10am, on Saturday March 15, and all indications are that this automotive showcase will be much bigger than 2024’s. The oneday celebration of horsepower, chrome, sleek design and auto art grew out of the annual Hot Rods and Harleys show, traditionally held at Greg Smith Engineering in Day Street since 2017. Greg is still a driving force behind getting wheels on the field in 2025, along with hosts, the Dargaville Rod and Custom Club.
“There’s a great community of car and bike enthusiasts locally, a strong hot rod club, and lots of people from all over the north keen to come and support the day,” says Greg. “Everyone is welcome. Bring your pride and joy out of the shed or out of the barn and join in the fun.”
With events such as the Kumeū and Waipu car shows pushing capacity this year already, hopes are high that the big space afforded by using the field days’ site will be needed. Along with custom, classic and muscle cars, modified and chopped bikes, vintage machines and unique art vehicles, there’s going to be a big swap meet, lots of entertainment, hot food and a chance to catch up with petrolhead mates from all over. Add in stalls to peruse, great spot prizes and activities for youngsters, and this promises to be a top family event on the summer calendar.
WE ARE MOVING
If you have a fine example of a classic car or motorcycle in your garage, it’s time to give it a shine and mark the calendar for a day of fun in Dargaville.
Council members received a report that costs had been awarded after an Environment Court decision last year
Mayor shares fluoride stance with Grey Power Festival of fun
by Andy Bryenton
Topics of water supply, the fate of Dargaville’s pool and roading quality were discussed at February’s Kaipara Grey Power meeting, where mayor Craig Jepson was the keynote speaker, but the issue of fluoride was at the fore.
The contentious issue of a government mandate to enforce fluoridation of civic water supplies has made headlines thanks to opposition from the neighbouring Whangārei District Council, and Grey Power attendees quizzed the mayor on his own stance on the issue.
“I went to talk to Vince (Whangārei mayor Cocurullo), who has really stuck his neck out on this issue,” said mayor Jepson. “I also recently went to a conference with an American lawyer, who has fought and won a six-year case with a decision against US fluoridation.”
Michael Connett is a US-based legal expert who won a federal case proving that fluoride poses ‘an unreasonable risk to health’. Mayor Jepson says that while he personally shares the opinion of Mr Connett, that issues like fluoride in the water supply should be matters of public will, decided democratically.
“I believe in a right to autonomy over your body, not to be told what to do with it. Any decision about fluoride must first be made by the community, and then by a vote of councillors.”
When queried about whether he would accede to government demands, which have turned heavy-handed in Whangārei with threats of substantial fines, the mayor was resolute, saying that those advancing a unilateral mandate would meet resistance.
“They are going to have a battle on their hands,” he said, referencing widespread public opposition, akin to that galvanised by Mr Connett’s case in the US.
“I don’t think it’s advisable to absorb it into your body. I believe it’s a community discussion, and any decision should be based on what the ratepayers want.”
by Amy Fifita
The Ruawai Community Event group is gearing up for Festival 25 and still seeking stallholders for this enjoyable event.
After attending events around the country, Malcolm Joynt decided Ruawai needed something different and started the festival last year. The annual occasion draws the community together for a day of fun, stall sales and entertainment.
“At that stage, nothing like that was being run so we began with Festival 24. This year’s event will run at the Ruawai-Tokatoka Memorial Hall on April 5 from 9am to 2pm,” said organiser Tina McCullough. “This year, we have food and craft stalls, face painting and various activities, and the Māori Wardens will be giving out cups of tea and coffee. We have entertainment throughout the day, and half-hour segments of different people or bands.”
This year’s line-up is DJ Pete from Auckland, Panamals from Bream Bay, Ruawai College Kapa Haka, Lynn Walters and more to be confirmed. With last year’s event, the group donated $800 to the Ruawai Primary School.
“We keep enough to pay for expenses, and the rest we contribute the rest to a group or charity in Ruawai. I love meeting heaps of different people, contributing back to the community and giving people a fun event to attend.”
The committee of nine has been working in the background and hopes to give local schools and groups a bit of publicity. To express your interest in running a stall, contact Tina by March 20 on 021 151 1569.
Mayor Jepson was asked many questions at February’s Grey Power meeting, but the issue of fluoride was a topic which sparked intense interest
The Ruawai Community Events group ran a successful affair last year, and is bringing it back to Ruawai with Festival 25
DARGAVILLE 151 Hokianga Road
Fall in Love With This Character Classic
2 1
Being lovingly maintained by the same family for the last 54 years this family home will not disappoint. A generous lounge opening out to north and east facing decks, three double bedrooms and two bathrooms, a fabulous family home. A log burner and open fireplace, insulated, it's a snug home. A large section with a grassy paddock beside, loads of fruit trees scattered through, you will have privacy and peace The garage easily fits your vehicle with loads of extra storage.
10 00-10.30am, Saturday 8 March E cindy.younger@pggwrightson.co.nz
DARGAVILLE 12 Third
DARGAVILLE 80 Gordon Street
Stylishly Renovated
Three generously sized bedrooms with brand-new carpet, the main family bathroom includes a bath, shower and toilet. A second bathroom, conveniently located in the laundry area, adds another shower and toilet - perfect for busy households. The modern kitchen, with updated appliances and a combined dining area. Additional highlights include a
MATAKOHE 205 Tinopai Road
A Slice of Paradise Overlooking Kaipara Harbour
This picturesque 158.42ha property offers historic charm and modern convenience. With prime road frontage and elevated views of Kaipara Harbour, it features a four bedroom homestead with native timbers, open plan dining and kitchen, large lounge, two bathrooms, office, laundry and a three-bay garage with carport. Potential building sites with stunning views make it ideal for development Managed as a beef unit with 300 cattle it includes stock yards sheds a limestone quarry and water reticulated to 30 paddocks This farm blends productive farming with development potential.
DARGAVILLE 1415 Babylon Coast Road
Stunning Diverse Coastal Property
This picturesque 209.5613-hectare coastal property offers prime road frontage and elevated views of the Tasman Sea. It features two homes: a spacious four bedroom residence with solar panels and a large deck, and a charming three bedroom home. Infrastructure includes steel cattle yards, good shedding and a wool shed. The farm supports 500-600 mixed age cattle, with water from a lake. The soil is sandy loam, and the terrain is rolling with a steep valley. This farm blends productive farming with development potential. 4 1 2
SALE Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm Wednesday 16 April VIEW By Appointment Only
Ron Grbin
M 027 471 6388
E rgrbin@pggwrightson.co.nz
BAYLYS BEACH 253 Rehutai Road
Coastal Lifestyle Living Not to Be Missed
A beautifully presented coastal lifestyle block and our vendors have their next move sorted Set back from the road, an elevated position taking in panoramic views of the ocean, neighbouring properties and extensive views out over the Kaipara. The tidy home has four double bedrooms and open plan living. Decks wrapping two sides of the home with private deck off the master. A studio, double garage and an array of sheds cater to many different uses – calf rearing, horses, storage of vehicles and farm implements. Fertile Redhill loam soil on the 13 hectares of rolling contour located approximately 14km from Dargaville and under 5km to be on Baylys Beach. 4 1 2
PRICE REDUCED TO $1.095M Plus GST (if any)
Cindy Younger
M 027 278 2309
E cindy younger@pggwrightson.co.nz
Megan Browning
M 027 668 8468
E mbrowning@pggwrightson co.nz
AT A GLANCE
AT A GLANCE
Ideal Transport Solutions 021 045 5607 / 020 4111 8187
Insite Security & Investigations Ltd 021 681 334
Jimmy Gent Builders Ltd .................................................................................... 021 205 5440
Kaipara Dental ..................................................................................................... 09 439 4911
Kauri Coast Lifecare 09 439 6367
Laser Electrical Dargaville 09 439 7172
Lugtigheid Contracting 021 439 748
Mahurangi Oysters Ltd 027 472 4587 / orders@mahurangi.co.nz
Matakohe Holiday Park 09 431 6431
Maungaturoto Historic Inn 09 431 8006
Mick Berger Contractors 027 493 0806
Morris & Morris Funerals 0800 66 77 47
Munns Flooring Xtra Dargaville 09 439 8868
Northern Wairoa Building Contractors Ltd ....................................................... 021 057 5575
Oakland Homes .....................................................................0800 625 526 / 027 242 6655
Pumps & Plumbing 09 431 8642
Ritchies Transport 09 439 4902
Riverside Glass & Glazing 021 137 6353
Ross Recovery and Transport Solutions Ltd 09 439 4779 / 027 481 4753
RP Dickens Cartage 09 431 8174
Silver Fox Contractors Ltd 021 887 679
SkyWork Helicopters 09 422 7018
The Olive Grove Supplies Company 09 945 0890
Warkworth Sheetmetals Ltd 09 425 7366 / wsm@helix.net.nz
Yamaha Motorcycles Whangarei ................. 09 438 0804 / info@kaiwakamotorcycles.co.nz
DENTURE CARE
942 674 boident@xtra.co.nz
Northland Field Days fun and games
by Andy Bryenton
Northland Field Days was a colourful occasion for 2025, with a site full of
and a
outdoor zone offering excitement aplenty.
The dogs who built a rural legend
by Andy Bryenton
The recent Northland Field Days was full of rural sports
traditional pursuit on display took place in the sheepdog trials arena.
tractor
The sport of herding sheep with the aid of a dog goes back to the 1860s, and it’s a New Zealandbred tradition. It’s said that the art of herding sheep with canine help goes back to the same James MacKenzie, for whom the rugged high country of the South Island is named. His dog, Friday, was the first modern sheepdog, helping the larcenous larrikin MacKenzie rustle 1,000 sheep and drive them up through the high passes. This feat had other drovers scratching their heads, but soon adopting his methods when they became known.
Australia followed along, and produced a whole new breed of dog to contest the new sport of sheepdog trials. A pup given by a Mr Jack Gleeson to his friend, Mr King, was named after his mother, Kelpie, and the name stuck to the breed when King’s young dog grew up to be an ace herder. Another relative of the original Kelpie was Brutus, who blitzed the early dog trials
scene in Australia, taking titles in 1871 and 1872. The kelpie breed has become legendarily popular, and the name Brutus carries some weight, too. A pup of the same name and similar looks was sold in a charity auction recently for AU$50,000. By 1883 the first recorded instance of a sheep dog handler using just hand
gestures and whistles to communicate with his canine partner on the field came about. In Hawick, England, a Mr Wallace of Otterburn, Northumberland caused a sensation by commanding his dog Moss ‘with a mere hiss at hand and a low whistle at distance’. Moss changed the game, and a quieter, more calculated working dog was soon to arise to become the icon of the sport.
Adam Telfer was a Northumberland man, too, and it’s almost certain he would have followed the career of Wallace and Moss with interest. He bred two of his dogs, Meg and Roy, to gain a combination of a strong eye, a willing temperament and smart, quiet habits in the field. The result was a dog called Old Hemp (though the ‘old’ was likely added in later years). From the age of six weeks, Hemp followed sheep, and he developed a silent, intense method of herding, which established him not just as the greatest sheepdog since
Friday, but also as the progenitor of the entire border collie breed.
It was a pleasure to see the dogs and their owners putting their skills to the test at field days, carrying on a tradition, which has produced not just great dogs of legend, but also better farming practices and a sport that’s stood the test of time.
Old Hemp, the first true border collie, is distantly related to every one of this intelligent and hard-working breed alive today
A dog’s tail …
winnin’ way an’ Feel Daze too
“Well then Dog, that was a bonza coupla days, one for tha books I reckin.” Gidday readas, l that was froma Boss wile we was sitting ina shade ofa hill tanks, wen we was doing a farm check ofa water supply. Not sure wot he meaned tho’.
Boss rekind I did a good job ona propitty, wile he and his gerlfren’ Sharlene was away atta Feel Daze, but he said the boundry creeks a bit low, an’ we cood really do with some decint rein soon.
Well, we went back downa kattil race to the woolshed steps for smoko, an’ Sharlene came wiv tha cuppatees. She asked Boss about things, an’ he sed again: “Deah all lookin’ good, and what a bonza weekend eh?” I lookt at her about wot bonza ment an’ she give me a pat. “He just means we hada good time atta very good Feel Daze, but we also gotta big win down country,” Sharlene tole me, an’ slipped me a bit of scone offa tees tray.
“That’s rite Deah,” she tole Boss, and she opined the papa froma road gate I fetched, an’ read in her skoolteecher voice:
“Northland shearer Toa Henderson became the first first-time Golden Shears open finalist to win shearing’s glamour prize in 15 years,” she read. “Toa did some hard yards, too, and they paid off, ’cos Toa is famous for trips from Kaiwaka to shearing competitions around the country, including one-day lower North Island excursions of six to seven hours each way. He was the fastest on the night, shearing the 20 sheep eight seconds quicker than runner-up David Buick.”
Boss giva big smile. “Well like I said Deah. Bonza stuff. Local boy from Kaiwaka brings home tha bacon.” I lookt
at Sharlene agin about bacon froma shearin’ contest, but she just slipped me a nother bita scone an’ winked. Witch means Boss just burblin’ I reckin.
But she red some more: “Toa says to ‘come off first and hold the trophy means more than anything, My wife, Phoebe, and my family, and everyone back in Kaiwaka knows what it means’.”
“There ya go then,” seda Boss. “An’ we hada grate time, too, in Dargyville atta Feel Daze. Apart from alla tucker I had, you an’ me hada good check-up about our health, we hada great time watchin the tracta pull stuff, ana lawn moa races, an’ I didn’t spend too much outta tha checkbook, too.”
That’s wen Sharlene giva bit ofa snort an’ she picked up the cuppatees tray.
“Yes Deah. I just wonder about that thing you bought homa ona back ofa ute,” an’ she went off to the homested.
Well readas, me sidled over to the ute ina three bay shed. An’ sure enough, Boss had splashed out. Ona ute was a riding lawnmoa, wiv a number painted on it. Then Sharlene came back.
“There ya go, Billy. He saw sum racing an’ guess wot.
He reckins he’s gonna practice ona the homested lawns an’ then win nek year’s Feel Daze event. Well,
I suppose that’s one way of getting a tidy garden.”
Good luck, I rekin readas. We’ll see how long that lasts. I no tha Boss pritty well. Roll on nek year.
Cheers — Billy
Farmers volunteering land for conservation
by Andy Bryenton
Farming advocacy groups have applauded the expansion of support for the Queen Elizabeth II Trust, which
on private land.
The trust, often abbreviated as the QEII, has received an additional $4.5 million in funding from the coalition government, giving a boost to farmers who voluntarily set aside parts of their land for the purpose of ecology.
“Many of our most at-risk plants and animals are found on private land,” says Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.
“Landowners provide a significant contribution to conservation efforts through additional planting, pest control
Hi-Ab Crane and Cartage Services for hire throughout Northland. We also offer Pilot Vehicle
Darryl Smith 021 435 427 darryl@northlandcrane.co.nz
and fencing work. The QEII Trust has proven extremely effective in collaborating to protect these crucial habitats, particularly in lowland and coastal zones where much of our threatened biodiversity exists.”
Many in the farming community see the extra funding for voluntary ecological efforts through the QEII Trust as an alternative to the blunt instrument of Significant Natural Area mapping, a controversial policy, which was part of the previous administration’s conservation portfolio. When councils were asked to roll out SNA mapping, it was revealed that large parts of privately owned farms might be locked out of their owners’ control for no financial recompense, sparking demonstrations and protests.
“When it comes to environmental bang for your taxpayer buck, I can’t think of a better investment than the QEII Trust,” said Federated Farmers vicepresident Colin Hurst. “However, despite the amazing work they do in our rural
communities to improve biodiversity and other environmental outcomes, the trust hasn’t had an increase in funding for over a decade. During that time the trust has faced huge inflationary pressures and a 28% increase in demand for their services.”
Federated Farmers has a long history with the QEII Trust. When it was founded in 1977, the sitting Feds chairman Gordon Stephenson was instrumental in its launch. Initially, the group had lobbied for a doubling of funding for the QEII Trust, though Mr Hurst called the $4.5 million tranche a “positive step”.
Today, the trust spans 187,774 hectares, voluntarily protected across 5,200 covenants. Its success is seen as another example of how New Zealand farmers are enthusiastic about protecting the environment, and respond well to programmes that reward ecological diligence.
“Many of our most at-risk plants and animals are found on private land,” Mr Potaka says. “Landowners provide a significant contribution to conservation efforts through additional planting, pest control, and fencing work.
“The QEII Trust has proven extremely effective in collaborating to protect these crucial habitats.”
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced a big funding boost to the QEII Trust
WHAT’S ON?
For outside of Dargaville events email info@integrity.nz
March
High Tea for Breast Cancer Fundraiser — 8 March, 2pm–4pm Northern Wairoa Hotel, $25 per ticket for scones, sponge cakes, finger sandwiches and savoury parties. Theme High Tea — dress up! Regency Style. Tickets at Century 21 Jean Johnson Realty. Hot Rods and Harleys Car & Bike Show — 15th March, 10am to 3pm at the Northland Field Days site. $5 per person, cash only, no dogs. Food trucks, swap meet, live music, kids activities, spot prizes, stalls. Dargaville Festival — 15th March, 10am–5pm at Selwyn Park. Contact Millica Llewellyn 021 090 3349 to book a stall or for more info.
Kaipara Hospice Fundraiser — 15 March. Lawn at Gumdiggers Cafe, Matakohe, 4pm–8pm. Live music, games, raffles and more. Koha entry with BBQ dinner, raffles, baking, lollies, drinks and sweet treats.
Inland Revenue Clinic — 25 March, Heartland Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville. Booking essential please. Phone 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765.
Trivia Night — 29 March, 1st Dargaville Scouts at the NWRSA, 5.30pm for 6pm start. Teams 3–6 $10 per person. Bring extra cash for raffles, clues and silent auction. 18+. RSA kitchen open. Email Jess at jessandmurdy20@gmail.com with team name and numbers.
April
Growth Advisor Visit — Northland Inc, 9 April, 10am–3pm at SEED CoWorking Office, 36 Victoria St, Dargaville.
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 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 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.
The Kaipara Lifestyler is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned Kaipara company.
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
10,510 copies, distributed on Tuesday to every residential and rural home throughout the district
Dargaville, Ruawai, Paparoa, Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka, Mangawhai and Wellsford.
helenat@sportnorth.co.nz
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) — Meet every Monday 5.30pm to 7.30pm and Thursday 10am to noon. First hour of class is beginner dances and second hour is higher beginner dances. Classes held at 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 — Wednesday and Saturday. Something to interest both men and women, come and get involved. Phone 021 106 3635 or 027 472 1269.
Kumarani Creative Centre – Creative Dance! — 5pm Thursdays, 15 Onslow Street. For all ages and abilities, fun and inclusive. Koha.
Kumarani Productions — Tuesdays Circus Kids 5–10 years at 3.45pm–4.45pm, Youth Circus 10–18 years at 5pm–6.30pm and Dargaville Fire and Circus Jam 6.30pm–8pm. 15 Onslow St. Through school terms only. Koha.
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. Winter we use the Centennial Hall in Maungaturoto. Other months we visit beautiful gardens in the area. New members welcome. Small annual fee of $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.
dargaville@cab.org.nz
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.
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.
TIDE CHART
WED 05 3:02am (3.2m) 9:11am (0.6m) 3:24pm (3.2m) 9:37pm (0.6m) THU 06 3:51am (3.1m) 10:03am (0.8m) 4:16pm (2.9m) 10:30pm (0.8m) FRI 07 4:49am (2.9m) 11:04am (1.0m) 5:19pm (2.7m) 11:33pm (1.0m) SAT 08 6:02am (2.7m) 12:21pm (1.1m) 6:38pm (2.6m) SUN 09 12:52am (1.1m) 7:27am (2.7m) 1:46pm (1.1m) 8:01pm (2.6m) MON 10 2:14am (1.0m) 8:41am (2.8m) 2:57pm (1.0m) 9:10pm (2.7m) TUE 11 3:20am (0.9m) 9:39am (3.0m) 3:52pm (0.8m) 10:04pm (2.9m)
MANGAWHAI HEADS
POUTO POINT WED 05 12:09am (2.8m) 6:08am
06 1:00am (2.6m)
(0.6m)
(0.5m) FRI 07 1:55am (2.6m) 8:01am (0.8m) 2:23pm (2.5m) 8:25pm (0.6m) SAT 08 2:56am (2.5m) 9:05am (0.9m) 3:23pm (2.4m) 9:27pm (0.8m) SUN 09 4:02am (2.4m) 10:12am (1.0m) 4:26pm (2.3m) 10:34pm (0.9m)
MON 10 5:07am (2.4m) 11:17am (1.0m) 5:32pm (2.3m) 11:40pm (0.9m)
TUE 11 6:08am (2.4m) 12:16pm (0.9m) 6:34pm (2.3m)
Dargaville Arts Association www.dargavillearts.co.nz
DARGAVILLE
KAURI COAST LIFE CARE
• Short Stay - Respite Care • Day Care Services
• Rest Home Level Care • Hospital Level Care
BROUGHT TO YOU BY…
PUZZLE TIME
Contact our Care Home Manager, Jill Morris-Ioane 09 439 6367. We look forward to hearing from you.
69 Travelling show (6)
73 Cereal crop (5)
74 Sailor (8)
76 Deep rumination (10)
81 Assembly line (7)
82 Calm (6)
83 Half-suppressed laugh (6)
84 Cricket bowling spell (4)
85 Soft plaintive whine (7)
86 Knock off work (4,2,1,3)
87 Cheat (7) DOWN
1 Fire crime (5)
2 Pruning (8)
3 Swamp (6)
(6)
4 Stand-in doctor (5)
5 Drinks gingerly (4)
6 Police member (7)
7 Public uproar (6)
8 Mediterranean island (5)
10 Devours (4)
11 Apparent (7)
(6)
(8) 61 Enlarge (anag) (7) 62
(6)
12 Mental impressions (6)
17 Statement of word meaning (10)
18 Microbes (5)
22 Game on a diamond (8)
23 Fatuous (5)
24 Delighted (7)
26 Steel pin (4)
28 Feeling (7)
29 Attempt to placate with excuses (3,3)
30 Expose the true character of (6)
31 Felt sorry for (6)
33 Progress very slowly (5)
35 Type of quartz (5)
36 Region (4)
37 Play parts (4)
43 Book user (6)
44 Intact (5)
46 Slightly open (4)
47 Unprincipled (7)
48 Sailboats (6)
49 Model (5)
50 Due (8)
51 Somnolent (6)
52 Systematic (10)
53 Appearance (4)
54 Choir members (7)
59 Incubate (5)
60 Tapered tuck (4)
64 Minds (5)
65 Pulled off (8)
67 Spectre (7)
68 Item of clothing (7)
70 Beat soundly (6)
71 Hansel’s sibling (6)
72 Underground workers (6)
75 Plant life (5)
77 Admission (5)
78 Courage (5)
79 Accurate (4)
80 Horse farm (4)
Sudoku
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
ACROSS: 1 Smack, 4 Feather one’s nest, 14 Chose, 15 Solve, 16 Breathless, 17 Droll, 19 Cur, 20 Disrupt, 21 Declining, 22 Scythe, 25 Ostracise, 27 Brewer, 28 Belong, 33 Capricious, 35 Era, 36 Lovers, 37 Limp, 39 Vie, 41 Holiday, 42 Tundra, 43 Cavalcade, 44 Drake, 45 Indecent, 50 KO, 51 Pristine, 55 Acorn, 58 Inspected, 59 Outfit, 60 Ignored, 61 Got, 63 Tree, 64 Perish, 65 Tan, 66 Incredible, 68 Tattoo, 69 Feared, 71 Grandiose, 76 Skewer, 77 Nutrition, 79 Infancy, 81 Row, 84 Askew, 85 Ammunition, 86 Spill, 87 Threw, 88 In dribs and drabs, 89 Bliss. DOWN: 2 Myopia, 3 Cover, 5 Ears, 6 Travels, 7 Exhale, 8 Ocean, 9 Essence, 10 Nude, 11 Scorch, 12 Force, 13 Herring, 14 Clothes, 18 Appreciate, 23 Scoop, 24 Service, 26 Survive, 27 Bravado, 29 Origami, 30 Lagoon, 31 Needy, 32 Driver, 34 Slur, 36 Legal, 38 Piece, 40 Plus, 45 Idiot, 46 Descent, 47 Chef, 48 Nutmeg, 49 Tough, 50 Knotted, 52 Ingredient, 53 Tropics, 54 Needle, 55 Advised, 56 Sting, 57 Mini, 62 Icing, 67 Foresaw, 68 Thirsty, 70 Rhubarb, 72 Rooster, 73 Reckon, 74 Stoned, 75 Scales, 76 Swore, 78 Rumba, 80 Appal, 82 Ewer, 83 Tomb.
5x5
Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.
KAIPARA SERVICE DIRECTORY
KAIPARA SERVICE DIRECTORY
MassageTherapist
“Getridofyouraches&pains,maintain your well being” Mobile:0211169425 Email:tuthemt@gmail.com www.handyhandsmassage.co.nz
CHURCH NOTICES
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.
WORLD DAY of prayer will be held at the Methodist Church Dargaville at 6.30pm, 7th March 2025. All welcome. Phone Beth 09 439 0682.
FENCING
FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458.
CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09 439 6933
SITUATIONS VACANT
DARGAVILLE AMBULANCE. Volunteers wanted. Contact Station Officer on 022 424 6685.
RUAWAI LIONS – FIREWOOD PROJECT – Volunteers wanted, keen to learn to use equipment provided. Contact Roger 027 288 0944 or Karen 027 484 4590.
2IC WANTED
We are seeking an experienced 2IC for our dairy farm located 33 kms towards the Pouto Peninsula.
Our ideal candidate will preferably have 3 to 5 years proven experience in a similar role with key skills in animal health and husbandry, machinery, pasture and environmental management, excellent communication skills, strong work ethic.
145 effective hectares on a mixture of flat and easy undulating.
Split calving farm milking 360 cows, spring herd milked in the AM and autumn herd in the PM. 10ha of maize, 120Tn PKE and baleage fed on the feedpad.
3 bedroom house, good views of the Kaipara harbour with great fishing on the farms doorstep. Primary school situated 15km from the property, secondary schooling in Dargaville.
Applicant must have the confidence to be able to fully operate the cowshed and make reasonable decisions on farm when required. Working alongside an experienced, knowledgeable and hard working contract milker with supportive farm owners.
Start Date: 1 June 2025
To apply, please send your CV and the names and contact phone number of 2 recent referees who can attest to your farming experience to northland@agfirst.co.nz
Only persons with NZ residency or work permit to apply.
Note: Your referees will be contacted prior to the shortlisting process, only shortlisted applicants will be responded to.
WE ARE HIRING Operations
and Maintenance Manager
The ideal applicant will be able to undertake and/or facilitate the following;
· Visual inspections and readings around Te Waihekeora Reservoir to meet compliance requirements.
· Undertake and/or organise and manage contractors to carry out maintenance around the Reservoir and Pumpstation Compounds including spraying, mowing, pest and vermin control and plant releasing.
· Inspect weekly (whilst in operation) all Pumpstations and check against performance criteria including maintaining, or organising maintenance of drains and sumps as required.
· Drive all pipelines fortnightly whilst in operation servicing air valves.
· Be a first point of contact for existing Shareholders for any issues.
· Provide written reports on activities and attend monthly on-site meetings as required.
· Any other duties as required by the Directors.
Detailed role description and remuneration will be based upon specific skill set and attributes (including tools and equipment) offered.
Please email your contact details and a short resume to admin@kaiparawater.co.nz and we’ll be in touch.
Closing date for classified advertising for the March 11 2025 edition is Monday, March 10 2025
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
1 STOP Window & Door Repairs — seals, latches, stays, wheels, hinges, locks, glass & glazing. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
BOBCAT, TRUCK & EXCAVATOR HIRE 021 153 5000 PHONE ROY
SECURITY
SECURE YOUR Home — security doors, grills, locks, bolts, stays, latches — supplied and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit my website: www.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.
TRADES & SERVICES
2NDS SHADOWCLAD ungrooved ply 2,440x1,200 $99. Scooters Plywood 09 438 6565.
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.
HANDYMAN AVAILABLE, 30 years building experience $40 an hour, covering from Maungaturoto to Dargaville. Phone Simon 021 128 3059.
PLUMBER AVAILABLE for new builds. Contact James 021 0263 9558, Plumb Hub Northland Ltd. Servicing Hikurangi to Mangawhai.
ROOFING REPAIRS & gutter cleaning. Local to Dargaville area. Phone 021 271 2065.
TREE SERVICES
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIED Arborists. For all your tree needs — Removal, Chipping, Triming. Get the right team for the job. TEAM VEGETATION 09 439 0050.
TREE REMOVAL, pruning, chipping & stump grinding. Qualified & Insured. Phone Scott 0800 468 9663 Arborcare Tree Maintenance.
WANTED TO RENT
RESPONSIBLE RETIRED couple, non smokers seeking long term. Contact anytime 09 433 7304 or lindaloo361@gmail.com.
WORK WANTED
FORESHORE CARPETS Supply and installation of carpet and vinyl. Ian 027 499 6413. DENISE CLARK
& Fingernail
RUAWAI PROMOTIONS & DEVELOPMENT
Annual General Meeting. Wednesday 19 March 2025 7pm Ruawai Community Hall
Come along and support our Local Community group. We have vacancies. If you would be interested in joining our committee nominations must be received by 17 March 7pm.
Belinda Harris belinda@kevenreiscontracting.co.nz
Bruce Crompton. bcromp@xtra.co.nz
PUBLIC NOTICES
ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — Next concert is the 6th of March 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.
AGM WAIKARAKA Marae, 166 Wood Road Kaihu. Saturday 29th March at 10.00am.
DARGAVILLE HEALING rooms 7pm Tuesdays. No charge & no appointment necessary. Lion of Judah Building, River Road. All Welcome. Check us out on Facebook.
PUBLIC NOTICE 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).
TE PUNA O Te Reo O Tākiwira Te Kōhanga Reo — AGM 18th March 2025, 5pm @ Kōhanga Reo. 38–40 Finlayson Park Avenue, Dargaville.
PUBLIC NOTICES
counselling, parenting, social work, budgeting, senior support.
Te Kopuru Community Trust Inc
Coronation hall
Te Kopuru AGM
Tuesday 25th March at 6.30pm
All Welcome.
Annual General Meeting Hareruia Putu Paraone Hemana Ahuwhenua Trust
Date: 29th March | Time: 2pm Venue: Waihaua Marae, 449 Arapaoa Road Tinopai
• Kaupapa • Opening Karakia • Apologies
• Minutes & Matters Arising from previous AGM
• Chairs Report • Treasurer’s Report
• Elections and Appointment of Trustees & Roles
• General Business • Kua Mutu.
PUBLIC NOTICEAQUATIC SPRAYING
Northland Regional Council (NRC) is publicly notifying its intent to apply aquatic herbicide Aquathol K (active ingredient endothall) to two Far North lakes and one lake and two ponds on the Poutō Peninsula to control the pest plant hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) The lakes are on private land, except Lake Tutaki and Lake Tutaki Southern Pond, which are on public conservation land Aquathol K is a selective herbicide that only affects the target plant hornwort, breaks down into natural elements and doesn’t affect other native plants, fish or invertebrates
The application is scheduled to take place between 11 March and 30 April 2025 The application will likely take place early in the morning and is weather dependent
Contact with the lake water (including swimming) is banned for 24 hours, fishing is banned for 72 hours and there will be a restriction on watertakes for 10 days, after the application of the herbicide Affected landowners have been contacted and signs will be up at lakes
For more information, please contact Northland Regional Council on 0800 002 004 For 24-hour emergency contact, please
help you share it, and make it easy and fun. Email or phone today.
Hurndall St, Maungaturoto
