Kaipara Lifestyler, April 25th 2023

Waste to energy a serious consideration

A special notice of motion at this week’s Kaipara District Council meeting will put forward a proposition to replace the Dome Valley landfill with a cleaner solution.

A brief mention at last month’s Kaipara District Council meeting by Deputy Mayor Jonathan Larsen to Mayor Craig Jepson has evolved into an instruction to staff to explore options for a waste-to-energy plant, of the kind successfully operated in many European nations under their own very strict emissions standards and guidelines.

“We can’t, in all honesty, object to the Dome Valley landfill without an alternative,” said Mayor Jepson.

The notice instructs staff to ‘investigate options for the establishment of a waste-toenergy plant in conjunction with Auckland Council (via Mayor Brown’s office), and Whangārei District Council (via Mayor Cocurullo’s office), Northland Inc, Te Uri o Hau and industry operators, including, but not limited to, South Island Resource Recovery Ltd (SIRRL).’

Mayor Jepson has a long association with the technology used to turn nonrecyclable waste into electricity, all but vaporising it in the process. He was part of a group that attempted to instigate a similar project in Meremere in 1997.

“I want to bring the Northland councils and Auckland together to discuss the technology. It has advanced a long way since the 1990s,” Mr Jepson said.

He has kept up to date with this evolving green solution to waste in the time before

his election to civic office, working for a month in Nice, France, at a plant which processes 350,000 tonnes annually. To give a sense of scale, the combined waste for Northland and Auckland may not be equal to that incinerated by the Nice facility.

The extensive use of waste-to-energy systems in Europe has led to a track record of peer-reviewed papers on their effectiveness. These have shown that, compared to landfill, waste-to-

energy operations produce fewer greenhouse emissions, release fewer dioxins, and that one tonne of refuse is equal to half a tonne of coal in terms of generating electricity. Rather than disincentivising recycling, these systems have the opposite effect. Wales, with four large waste-toenergy plants, has the highest recycling rate in the world, at more than 65 per cent.

To take an estimated 600 refuse trucks a week off the roads, the mayor opined that the Kaipara region’s under-utilised rail network could be reactivated or improved to transport waste, which would be reduced to socalled ‘plasma-treated fly ash’ by the plant. This ash is useful in the concrete business. Other byproducts include food-grade CO², once produced at Marsden Point but can no longer be made there.

A New Zealand-based company, South Island Resource Recovery Limited, has already investigated the possibility of replacing landfills with waste-to-energy systems and has embarked upon a project to build a facility near Christchurch.

Supporters of changing the way we deal with refuse call waste to energy a ‘disruptive technology’ and warn that the corporate interests vested in the current landfill model may oppose attempts to adopt a cleaner solution.

 by Andy Bryenton

 Since the opening of the last landfill in New Zealand, 150 million tonnes of waste have gone into the ground; Kaipara’s mayor says it’s time to stop

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 It’s been a week of school holiday fun at Dargaville Library, where the theme has been firefighting and fire engines. Young readers have been able to follow the story of Nee Naw the little fire engine around town, and there was even a visit to the Dargaville Volunteer Fire Brigade’s home base. There, children and parents met some of the town’s firefighters and learned about the trucks and tools they use to avert disasters.

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Poutō netball team fundraiser

 Poutō Netball Club’s under-18s squad members and supporters (from left) Dani Low, Gaby Kumar, Chloe Edwards, Rocky Kapa, Ezra Kapa and Harlow Kapa were in Dargaville selling car washes and cupcakes to the community recently. It is part of a fundraising effort to fly to the International Fiji Tournament to compete at the end of this year. “The team came up with fundraising ideas themselves. I would like to bring 12 girls with us and am looking for two extra players,” says coach Te Atawhai Ulutaufonia.

Children bake for a cause

 Otamatea High School Year seven students Quenby Leng, Stevie Heron and Sari Radd fundraised $336 for Cystic Fibrosis NZ from selling home-made baking, including gluten-free goods. It is part of their community service hours for the William Pike Challenge. When mothers and children gathered to discuss, they decided to fundraise for Cystic Fibrosis NZ. “We thank the community for their support and acknowledge those who donated and didn’t want baking and family members who donated who couldn’t come on the day,” says mother Emma Holmes.

Nurses address healthcare crisis Kaipara worse off as funding axed

 by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville nurses and midwives added their voice to a regionwide protest last week, addressing a crisis within the health system they say is caused by poor planning and funding from the government.

Nurses, midwives, health care assistants and kaimahi hauora, alongside their whānau and communities, held five Northland rallies to address the sector’s plight. They called on political parties to release policies which address the nursing and health crisis in this election year.

“So much has been asked of nurses, and they have delivered like the courageous and professional workforce they are, right across the health sector,” said New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) chief executive Paul Goulter.

“Decades of poor planning, inadequate funding and outright neglect across successive governments have led us to a time of absolute crisis in terms of pay, staffing resources and morale across the nursing sector.”

Dargaville representatives organised a free sausage sizzle and wore purple

in solidarity with their fellow healthcare professionals. They asked passersby to sign a petition seeking critical assistance from the government, addressing conditions, pay and resourcing.

“We need 4,000–5,000 more nurses; it’s as simple as that. So we want to see everything possible being done to recruit them without delay, and for all politicians to get behind this with their support,” said Mr Goulter. 

 by Andy Bryenton

The withdrawal of promised Three Waters ‘better off’ funding has left many Kaipara residents, and the mayor, disappointed and angry, as the shortfall frustrates plans for a community hub.

In July of 2021, the Kaipara District Council was offered a ‘better off’ package of funding as an incentive to join in with the government’s Three Waters reforms. Acceptance of the $16 million package came only after heated debate, with the term ‘bribe’ levelled at the Ardern administration by some sitting councillors. The sum was not allowed to be used to improve water resources and infrastructure. It was earmarked to replace existing civic infrastructure with a new community hub and library. Part of the funding was received, approximately $4 million.

Now the rest has been axed, with Kieran McAnulty, the Minister of Local Government, calling it unjustifiable.

“We will have to think very hard about our forward planning going ahead,” said Mayor Craig Jepson, who admitted to being very disappointed by the government reneging on its promise.

“Without ‘better off’ funding, Three Waters is best typified as an asset grab with no recompense. Should we view this as a tacit agreement that they (the government) are not going to win the next election?”

Even during the initial debate about accepting the $16 million package, councillors opined that it was a small payment, set against the many hundreds of millions of dollars of water infrastructure owned by the KDC and paid for by ratepayers.

The first, smaller tranche of funding will likely be sufficient for the recladding of the town hall and the conversion of the old footprint of the annexe into a civic square. However, a planned community hub upgrade at a different site is now unaffordable in the short term. 

 Dargaville nurses and midwives were on the front lines of a rally designed to make their voices heard by lawmakers

 Kieran McAnulty (left) has announced the axing of ‘better off’ package payments to councils as part of Three Waters reforms

PUBLIC MEETING

CANDIDATE FOR NORTHLAND

Serving to remember

 by Amy Fifita Youth from the First Dargaville Scout Group volunteered their time to place crosses in front of graves at the New Mount Wesley RSA cemetery recently.

“As part of the community service, we helped the RSA women’s division to put out their Anzac crosses in preparation for Anzac Day,” says First Dargaville Scout leader Rebecca Davidson.

“We tapped the white crosses before the grave so they stood upright. We have helped them for several years now, and the women’s division appreciates the help of the Scouts in physical tasks. The scouts enjoyed doing it, and it is good for them to read the names and ages on the headstones — that always affects them. They talk about people that they know who were involved in the war such as great-uncles and great-grandparents and that makes it more real for them to remember those who served.”

The scouts also took to the street on Poppy Day to help with sales and were at the Anzac Day service.

“It is a busy year for Scouts. We are fundraising for the National Scout Jamboree at the end of the year. We would love the support of the local community to help get 16 scouts to the event.” Scout members will hold a garage sale on May 13 and a trivia night

on July 15, both held at 23 Onslow Street, Dargaville. There will be a hāngī night, and dates are still to be confirmed. For further information, contact Rebecca on 021 969 626.

Dry pine cones and bagged firewood are still available as part of the fundraising efforts. Contact Johnnita Houghton on 027 296 5889 for more information. 

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 Scouts Holly Duncan and Amber Inglis helped the RSA women’s division erect crosses in front of the graves

Town hall, cinema locked down

 by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville Town Hall and the Anzac Theatre are closed after two reports highlighted the deteriorated state of the adjoining annex structure.

“This has been a tough call. The entrance to the Anzac Theatre is through the town hall foyer, which means it will have to close in the short term. We know how important this business is to the Dargaville community,” says Kaipara District Council CEO Jason Marris.

A building surveyor assessed the entrance, kitchen and hall as having undergone weathertightness failure, causing damage to the interior linings, windows and electrics. Multiple significant risks were identified in the building. A second report found very high levels of fungal spores in parts of the complex, a danger to public health.

The damage had been ongoing due to the flawed design of the structure, but Cyclone Gabrielle’s relentless rain exacerbated this greatly.

As reported previously, remediation of the heavily damaged building is uneconomical. Last week council executives met with the Dargaville Community Cinema Charitable Trust to explore ways to continue operating their business, and representatives presented a range of options to them.

Tip appeal in final stage

 by Paul Campbell

The long-running appeal in the Environment Court against the siting of an Auckland rubbish tip in the Dome Valley is winding up this week, with landfill promoter Waste Management due to make final submissions on Friday.

Fight the Tip, which has led the almost five-year drive against the dump approved by hearing commissioners, despite widespread fears of possible pollution of the Kaipara Harbour, has also been making final submissions, joining iwi and other appellants.

Also included in the annexe area is the office of the Citizens Advice Bureau. In the interim, it has been offered temporary space at the KDC buildings at 32 Hokianga Road. The Muddy Waters Art Gallery and the Municipal Chambers it occupies, a historic building, are not affected.

The council planned to demolish the poorly designed and constructed 1990s additions as part of the Long Term Plan 2021–2031 and restore the Northern Wairoa Memorial Hall and Municipal Chambers as stand-alone buildings. It is now proposing to bring the demolition forward so they can reopen the hall for use as soon as possible.

Last week, local Ngāti Manuhiri marae chair, Annie Baines, gave evidence disputing an agreement between Waste Management and the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust Board that supported the tip. Her evidence earned a summation from the FTT appeal lawyer Andrew Braggins who noted the appeal was coming to an end. “Annie Baines, you came through what was a pretty stressful court appearance. It has been a long and intense hearing for all the Fight the Tip team and, indeed, everyone who is participating in the appeal.

“I would like to thank the hard work and dedication of the executive team, particularly Michelle Carmichael, Sue Crockett and Mikaera Miru. Also, the

expert witnesses for FTT and, of course, the hard work by all the community, almost all of whom were giving evidence for the first time. Kia kaha, you were all brave in what can be a nervewracking environment.

“The Environment Court has been careful and thorough in its hearing of the case and asking informed questions of the witnesses, and the case has gone well.”

FTT executive member Sue Crockett says that while nearing the end of the Environment Court stage, funding is still needed for legal and expert witness invoices. Donations can be made via the Fight the Tip Facebook page. 

 Closed pending demolition; Dargaville’s town hall and cinema are shut due to the weathertightness failure of the annexe which connects them

 Flashback: Years of tip protest led to the Environment Court appeal

Northland roads under fire



by Paul Campbell

“A report showing Northland has recorded its highest road toll in two decades comes as no surprise,” says National’s Northland candidate Grant McCallum.

“The latest report on the Road to Zero strategy highlights what every Northlander already knows, that our roads are in an unacceptable state.”

New Zealand’s road safety strategy for 2020–2030 Road to Zero adopts a vision where no one is killed or seriously injured in road crashes and a target for reducing annual deaths and serious injuries by 40 per cent by 2030.

“I spend a lot of time driving around Northland as I talk to Northland voters up and down the electorate, said Mr McCallum.

“The AA calling for up-to-date road engineering to make Northland roads safer is no surprise either.

Brain teasing quiz for a cause

 by Andy Bryenton

“A great start would be the primary purpose of the National Land Transport Fund to be restored to ensure we are building and maintaining our roading network instead of wasting billions on ideological fantasy projects like Labour’s $30 billion Auckland Light Rail project or funnelling more money to consultants to come up with even more ways to waste money.

“I will be working hard to ensure Northland gets the investment it needs so that our roads are up to an acceptable standard and put an end to the continuous closures of vital links like State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyns and the Mangamukas.”

The third annual Whānau Focus Centre charity quiz night has been announced for May 5, and plans are afoot to make this edition of the game more interesting than ever.

Contestants at the 2022 event were puzzled by 100 questions across 10 rounds, hosted by The Horrible Headmaster, who ruled over the crowd with a comically strict demeanour. The 2022 winners, a team named ‘A Bowl of Chips’ has been invited to return and defend their title, scored by correctly answering 90 per cent of the curly questions.

“We’re very grateful to all of the sponsors who make these events possible and all of the people who come to enjoy a fun night out and help the cause,” said Whānau Focus spokesperson Rachel Ashford. “We wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”

The Whānau Focus Centre is a hub for community and social support groups, including Dargaville’s local Alzheimer’s support service, Kaipara Abuse Prevention, and the site for a free legal advice clinic, among others. This fundraiser, the third of its kind after a successful debut in 2021 and an

expansion in 2022, will enable the cluster of cooperating charitable groups to retain a main-street presence.

You can call the Whānau Focus Centre on 09 439 7009 to book a team of four for the quiz night, which will take place at the Northern Wairoa Boating Club on the evening of Friday, May 5. Doors will open early, so there will be time to enjoy a meal along with the quiz. There will be prizes up for grabs for those who can pass The Horrible Headmaster’s tricky test of trivia. 

whānau

 Everyone was a winner at last year’s Whānau Focus quiz night, and this year there will be even more fun on offer as the trivia challenge returns

Last call for community funding

 by Andy Bryenton

Community groups working to make the Kaipara District a better place to live are reminded that the Kaipara District Council’s community fund is open for applications until the end of this week.

The fund aims to assist prosocial organisations and not-forprofit initiatives that positively impact Kaipara citizens’ lives. Each year, nearly $100,000 is divided between successful applicants, allowing them to continue operating everything from animal rescue programmes to environmental efforts, A&P shows and community gardens. One example of positive change from 2022’s round of grants was the expansion of irrigation infrastructure at the Te Kōpuru Community Gardens.

“We really appreciate the council awarding this funding for a project that will benefit the community and the volunteers who run the Te Kōpuru Community Gardens. In summer, we have previously struggled to water the gardens, which stock our Pātaka Kai with fruit and vegetables year-round,” said gardens spokesperson Roxanne Kelly.

Other recipients included the Dargaville Menz Shed and Circus Kumarani, which received grants to help cover the rental of their premises, a fresh coat of paint for the Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club’s

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buildings and the Kaiwaka library, and constructive upgrades for the Hakaru Community Hall and Kaiwaka Playcentre. The biggest grant totalled $13,236, while the smallest bought fertiliser for the Mangawhai Community Garden, totalling $650.

Applications are open now but close at the end of the week. If you are part of a community group which needs assistance to complete a beneficial project, please visit kaipara.govt.nz/residents/fundingfor-Kaipara-communities and fill in the community grants form. 

Positive result for future cropping

 by Andy Bryenton

A seven-tonne squash crop grown on a Maunganui Bluff test farm has proven the case for irrigation in Kaipara, with farmers keen to hear more about how imminent water schemes could make the area grow.

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Local farmers, horticulture experts and Kaipara District Council staff met at the start of Autumn to assess the production of a specially selected site near the bluff. Here, irrigation drip tape watered half of the crop while the other half went without. The demonstration site, alongside another site in Te Kōpuru, is part of Kaipara KickStart, led by the KDC and supported by the government’s Kānoa — Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, with funding from the Provincial Growth Fund.

“The field visit triggered some good conversations about different irrigation

techniques that are currently being used and what could potentially be used,” says KDC project manager Curt Martin.

A team from Te Roroa Taiororua harvested the site after the assessment, revealing a yield for each hectare very close to the maximum promised by the seed company.

It was despite the wild weather which disrupted late summer.

The squash crop was important as it proved the case for high-yield agriculture. This cultivar is much sought after overseas, and last year yielded $58.6 million from exports, despite less than 25 growers nationwide. 

 Mangawhai’s Helping Paws cat rescue was just one of 22 recipients of KDC community grants last year

 A successful squash crop has been distributed to a number of community service groups and providers across the district by Te Roroa and the KDC

CELEBRATING OUR FIREFIGHTERS

Looking after a firefighting legacy

 by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville has a new chief fire officer (CFO), who steps into a role with a history spanning more than a century this month.

Jason Campbell has served with the local volunteer fire brigade for the past 12 years, following an eight-year tenure in Ruawai. He’s most recently been the second in command of the busy Dargaville firefighting team. Still, with prior incumbent Jeffrey Palmer stepping down, he chose to apply for the leadership role.

“Anyone could have applied; it’s a very fair process,” he says. “After a discussion with Jeff, I put my hand up to take on this responsibility, and Fire Emergency New Zealand agreed.”

It’s a position with considerable gravitas; Dargaville has seen a roll-call of firefighting leaders down through the years, all of whom have acquitted themselves well, with valourous service to the town. Through accidents, emergencies and natural disasters, a leader has always been at the forefront of the brigade to coordinate rescue efforts. Jeffrey Palmer, who will continue to serve with the brigade after stepping down from the role of CFO, is a link in that chain.

“He spent more than a decade as chief, and we worked closely side by side,” says Jason. “When you work with someone for

a long time like that, you get to know each other well.”

Jason says that being CFO comes with more administrative duties and comes with a more visible role in a ceremonial capacity.

There are also regular meetings with other chief fire officers from around the Whangārei and Kaipara area to talk about strategy and cooperation.

“We’ve all got our key points in our regions and different hazards and environments to be aware of. You have to tailor your training to what you may face out there in Kaipara,” says Jason.

The new CFO says that he has inherited a brigade in fine form, with good morale, a strong team and the support of a grateful public.

“The brigade is strong right now and is a tight-knit unit. Working together through Cyclone Gabrielle proved how well we work as a team and how we can be resilient and work with other emergency services. I’m proud of the brigade, but I’m also aware that I’m in a caretaker’s role. Here to keep the ship on an even keel and pass it on to a future CFO in even better

shape, if possible.” The biggest part of this is keeping up the number of new members, any of whom could one day find themselves taking on the role of CFO.

“It’s a big commitment, but then again,

the fire service itself is a commitment. Stepping into a management role is more so, but it’s something anyone could do with dedication and experience,” says Jason. 

 New Dargaville chief fire officer Jason Campbell is thankful for all those who make it possible for the brigade to exist, not just volunteers but their families, employers and partners too

Many ways to help brigades

 by Andy Bryenton

Every rural fire brigade in New Zealand would love to see more people come on board; as a largely volunteer force, willing locals are the backbone of firefighting defences.

However, it’s not just front-line volunteers who make it possible for the big red trucks to roll out whenever danger threatens.

There are many ways to help your local fire brigade, and suiting up to brave the flames is only one of them.

Not all volunteers respond to incidents. Brigade support volunteers are vital to the success of their brigade; they complete administrative tasks and other duties that keep the brigade running smoothly. They may also work with communities helping them to reduce the risk of fire in homes.

Then there are the people who keep local firefighters out there and are able to respond when emergencies occur. We often feature firefighters in the news when they save the day, as we saw during February’s cyclone and flooding events. However, behind each brigade member on the front lines is a support network of understanding and helpful people.

These are the employers and coworkers who understand when a firefighter has to down tools or leave suddenly when the siren sounds. Without the cooperation

of business owners who accommodate the unpredictable nature of fire call-outs, there could be no rapid response.

Then there are the family and whānau of firefighters, who back their loved ones 100 per cent, knowing that they may be out working all night in a crisis and restructuring the small but important things in their lives accordingly. Meals at odd hours, firefighters in the family who might need to catch some sleep where possible, and being prepared for call-outs at odd hours are all part of the commitment.

There are many ways to help, but now, as ever, the one fire brigades need most is people who will stand up for their community and train as firefighters. Those who do the job will tell you that it’s not about having the strength of a superhero in your muscles but about having the determination to do good for your community. Firefighters come in all shapes and sizes, and all receive top-flight training with a supportive team.

In the words of Thomas Von Essen, a legendary New York fire chief:

them.

 Without the support of a dedicated group of volunteers, and a whole town behind them, the big red trucks would never leave the fire

station

“They go to work every day knowing that they are doing something so positive and that everyone appreciates and respects

It’s because we know that a firefighter does not run from danger. They run towards it to save others.” 

Being fire-smart for winter

 by Amy Fifita

Prevent, prepare and minimise the fire risks in your home as the months get colder and more appliances and heat-assisting technology get used.

Fireplaces may be cosy to snuggle by, but there are various ways to ensure safety when using them. Make sure that the chimney flue has been swept recently. The general rule of thumb is to have it cleaned once a year. It may well be a regulation in your home insurance policy should the fire become uncontrolled and cause damage.

You can use a fire or spark guard to decrease the risk of the fire spreading and keep matches and lighters in a safe place where children can’t get a hold of them.

For hot ashes, allow them to cool, use a metal bucket to keep them in and pour water on them to ensure they are cold enough to dispose of.

Although heaters are easier to control, in terms of the temperature of heat they produce, be vigilant of placement. Keep them away from clothing racks, curtains, bedding and other items that could help start a fire.

The recommended distance is a metre; they should be plugged directly into the wall socket and refrain from hanging items off them.

Often in winter, we neglect the outdoor barbecue and favour the shelter and warmth of the kitchen. Remove items such as tea towels and curtains from the cooking space. Keep your oven clean to

avoid fat spills and other flammable foodrelated items.

New Zealand’s leading cause of house fires is unattended cooking. Remain in the room while you are cooking, and if you do attend to something else, ask someone else to take your place or turn off the stove.

Check your electric blankets before use so you can rest easy knowing that it is safe heating. You can check for hotspots by switching it on high for 15 minutes and assessing for hotspots on the blanket. At the end of the winter season, it is best to

roll it for storage rather than folded. Test your heat and smoke alarms. Heat alarms are recommended to be in your kitchen and laundry areas, and smoke alarms in other rooms of your house.

Have an escape plan for you and your family to follow in case of a fire at your home. Have a meeting place and note all possible exit points. Make sure you talk everyone through the plan and do a practice run to assess better how it will go.  

 If you need to leave the kitchen while you are cooking, ask somebody else to be there or turn off the stove before you leave the room

Duck season a hunter’s tradition

 by Andy Bryenton

Duck season opens on May 6 across Kaipara and much of the North Island, with hunters anticipating a good season’s shooting following a damp, cool summer.

Shooters are permitted to bag 12 mallards or grey ducks from opening weekend onward. Paradise shelducks will also still be on the menu until July 30, with a bag limit of 20 across the north.

The all-important long-range forecast for opening weekend in Kaipara predicts that things could go either way. There’s a strong chance of misty rain on Saturday, which duck hunters always pay fervently for. However, those heading out to the maimais should not discount the possibility of a rogue cold snap with clear

skies and frost. While it’s hard to predict the weather, other forms of preparedness are easier to take care of. Fish and Game reminds all duck hunters to secure their licence early and to check out the new rules regarding shotgun magazine sizes. Auckland, Waikato and Hawke’s Bay hunters will be restricted to a three-shot capacity this season to give the ducks a more sporting chance.

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Although this means it’s a five-cartridge load as usual for Northlanders, it’s worth taking note of this rule if you’re headed over the boundary, which runs just outside of Wellsford. Other gear to refurbish and make ready includes sturdy boots, waterproof outdoor clothing, and batteries for the clever animatronic and automated decoys that can fool a duck’s keen vision.

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While seasoned duck hunting veterans are understandably eager to greet the dawn on May 6, there are others concerned with bringing young people into the sport and preserving it for future generations. Fish and Game is trialling a new system in Otago this year, which allows young people to have their own ballot, determining good spots on ponds and wetlands.

“Young hunters are usually introduced to the sport by parents, other relatives or older friends,” Fish & Game officer Steve Dixon said.

“These outdoor experiences can grow bonds of family and friendship, often creating lifetime memories. While harvesting game for the table, they’re also learning to appreciate our wetlands and rivers.”

By incentivising young people to get outdoors and hunt, the tradition of opening weekend will be in good hands for years to come.

If the Otago trial goes well, other regions may follow suit. 

 Extra efforts are being made to encourage young hunters this duck season, looking to the future of introduced waterfowl populations and the wetlands where they live

Outsmarting those wily ducks

 by Andy Bryenton

Duck season is almost upon us, and it’s time to take a closer look at the wily adversary which faces hunters from dawn on May 6.

There are two good reasons why ducks are sought after by avid hunters this time of year. The first is that the mallard duck, Anas platyrhynchos, is the most common duck in the nation. They shouldn’t be. Native ducks are the ones that belong in New Zealand wetlands, and Fish and Game, along with the Department of Conservation, do sterling work redressing this balance. Nevertheless, 80 per cent of ducks in the wild are mallards.

The second reason goes back to the dawn of human history. We learned early on that duck is very tasty. Hunters pursued ducks on the Nile when the pyramids were new, and bringing home a duck dinner with falconry or the bow was a sport fit for mediaeval kings.

Ducks are wily creatures with some of the best eyesight in the animal world. A duck can see detail from an immense distance, and their eyes can move independently of each other, storing information in different sides of the duck’s brain. They use this superb vision to scan for predators, even those with excellent camouflage. Another reason ducks can spot something out of place from such a distance is the sheer heights to which they can fly. An aircraft over Nevada in the US once hit a duck flying six and a half kilometres up. Even from such a vantage,

ducks need to be able to spot good places to land.

Hence why hunters are so keen on camouflage and decoys. Right now, hunting stores are full of incredibly lifelike painted ducks, geese and swans, some with motors attached to make them bob, swim, dip and dabble like the real thing.

Calls are also vital for successful hunters. Ducks have a distinctive voice, and there are even known to be ‘regional accents’ which differ between parts of the country. Most hunters have a faithful duck call that has served them well. Still, even novices can use of newer electronic calls that perfectly mimic the sound of waterfowl on the wing.

Then there’s cover for the hunter themselves. The ubiquitous ‘ghillie suit’ worn by military snipers and infiltrators was first invented not for war, but to fool ducks.

A ghillie was the old Scots term for a professional hunter who helped rich landowners bag a nice trophy,

or something for the kitchens. They pioneered the use of camouflage to take the attention off their masters in tweed.

While, of course, it’s essential to grab a licence and guidebook before the season

opens, and it pays to give your firearms a once-over for safety and accuracy before May 6, this is also the time for hunters to think about the ‘super powers’ of perception and flight possessed by their quarry. 

 Bex Burgess and Ross Wallace of Dargaville’s McCoy and Thomas Hunting and Fishing store with some of the tools and tricks duck hunters deploy

FIREARMS

LICENCE HOLDERS

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ‘THE ROAR’AND GAME BIRD SEASON

If you’re a firearms licence holder, you’ll need to know about changes to the storage and transport rules for firearms and ammunition, and changes to the seven rules of firearms safety.

Regulations were updated in February 2022, and to help Kiwis make sense of those changes, Te Tari Pūreke, the new firearms regulator, published a Secure Storage and Transport Guide.

You can download a copy of the Secure Storage and Transport Guide from www. firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-safety

Storage and transport for firearms and ammunition, key points

Transportation

If you’re driving to a hunting location, your firearm needs to be inoperable during your travel and, ideally, concealed from view. This means removing the bolt or an essential part (or if that’s not possible, applying a trigger or cable lock), or transporting the firearm in a locked carry case.

The ammunition needs to be separately and securely stored in a locked glove box or similar storage area, if practical.

And please, whatever you do, once you’ve finished using your firearm, lock it away. Never leave any firearms in your ute, shed, home or vehicle unsecured at any time.

The only exceptions to the firearms and ammunition transport rules are if you’re using the firearm on a farm for farm-related activities, or you’re doing legally-authorised hunting or pest control (such as a regional council employed pest controller) and the licence holder is in the vehicle or the immediately vicinity of the vehicle with the firearms in it.

Make sure you read or download a free copy of the storage and transport guide to keep up to date with the details of the changes: www.firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz/firearms-safety/storagetransportation

The 7 rules of firearm safety

Rule 1

Rule 2

Rule 3

Rule 4

Rule 5

Rule 6

Rule 7

Ammunition

All ammunition must now be stored in a locked container. You can now only store ammunition with firearms in a gun safe that has a separate lockable compartment with a different key than the key for the gun safe. You must keep these keys separate.

If your safe doesn’t have a separate lockable compartment, you need to store ammunition in its own secure storage container with a key, combination, or padlock, or in a stout locked cupboard.

Taking a break when you’re travelling with firearms

For those who travel with firearms to hunt locations, your inoperable and secured firearm can be left in your vehicle unattended, for example during a break in a journey, for up to 60 minutes. But you need to lock your vehicle and stay within the immediate area or vicinity of the vehicle and meet other conditions. Read the storage and transport guide for full details: www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/ firearms-safety/storage-transportation.

Under no circumstances can firearms, ammunition or other arms items be left in a vehicle overnight.

Treat every firearm as loaded

Always point firearms in a safe direction

Chamber a cartridge only when ready to fire

Identify your target beyond all doubt

Check your firing zone

Store and transport firearms and ammunition safely

Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms

The seven rules of firearm safety have changed.

Get ahead of the changes to firearms safety rules with the Firearms Safety Code. Buy the book from www. firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz/firearms-safety and have it shipped to your door or download a PDF copy for free.

Firearms licences online

Apply for a firearms licence and update your contact details online using MyFirearms: a secure, online portal available at www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz

There will be no charge to registering your firearms.

Te Tari Pūreke and the Firearms Registry

We want to enable the legitimate use of firearms for feeding our whānau, conservation, farming and recreation while keeping our communities safe. This involves making sure firearms licence holders are fit and proper to possess firearms and are meeting the obligations of their licence. New Zealand will have a firearms registry from 24 June 2023. The Registry is one of the ways we are strengthening how firearms are managed in New Zealand.

Information from Te Tari Pūreke - Firearms Safety Authority

Taking a punt at dinner

 by Andy Bryenton

The standard firearm of choice for the Kiwi duck hunter is the 12-gauge shotgun, a tired-and-true sports shooter’s companion that started its life as a sporting piece for the gentry.

Vintage shotguns that graced the hunting moors and wetlands of old England now fetch eye-watering prices at auction, with many featuring elaborate etching, inlaid precious metal panels and ornately carved stocks made of exotic wood. One example, crafted by Fox gunsmiths for US president Theodore Roosevelt, sold at auction recently for $862,000.

This year, duck hunters will bring a more reasonably priced arsenal of guns to their maimais, with the aim of accuracy and utility in mind. In some areas of New Zealand, a three-shot magazine limit is in effect, which must make those who know their hunting history hanker for the ultimate one-shot duck-hunting tool; the punt gun.

A punt is a small rowboat used to navigate lakes and ponds during hunting season. Usually, it would hold just one man, his shotgun, a packed lunch and his dog. When duck became a favourite item on the menu of expensive restaurants, hunters realised they couldn’t keep up with demand.

Some mad genius decided that the solution was to mount a gigantic, three-

metre-long cannon directly to the punt. Packing in half a kilogram of shot and an appropriate charge of powder, this kind of gun could scythe whole flocks out of the air or off the water.

The heyday of the punt gun lasted only a few short decades. Still, it was long enough for even the US authorities to step in and declare the guns illegal for the hunting of waterfowl. One species of duck, native to Long Island, New York, was made extinct.

Now, the punt guns are preserved as part of firearms history. Unsporting but impressive for their brute size, these firearms are almost all totally unique, with some even using flintlock firing mechanisms or muzzle-loading. Modern firearm historians firing such monsters have described their detonation and its effects as like the impact of a Claymore military land mine.

When King Charles goes to his coronation, a salute of punt guns will ring out over Lincolnshire. Every new monarch crowned in Britain since Victoria has been saluted in this way, with hunters bringing out the biggest of their arsenal to honour the occasion. 

 A British hunter in the early 1900s, armed with an immense punt gun — firearms like these have long since been banned but will be used to salute the coronation of King Charles

Kaipara Kōrero

Further improvements for Maungaturoto’s water network

Works to further improve Maungaturoto’s water network kicked off last week. Council contractors are replacing ageing watermain pipes along Gorge Road and Hurndall Street East, between Matai Road and Bickerstaffe Road. This work is scheduled to finish up at the end of June 2023.

Traffic management will be in place while works are underway. Please stick to the posted speed limit to keep yourself, other motorists, and our contractors safe.

One-off mow for overgrown berms

Council contractors are doing a one-off tidy-up of berms that are too long for residents to mow. After this tidy up, we’re asking residents to maintain them. Last year, we announced that Council no longer mows residential berms, to help keep rates down. Most residents are already mowing their own berms – thank you for helping keep Kaipara tidy. The Council will mow unkempt berms up to four times a year to reduce fire hazard.

If your berm is more than 400 square metres or on a steep slope you can apply to the Council to continue mowing it and they will assess your berm for mowing. You can read more about berm maintenance in Kaipara District at kaipara.govt.nz/berm-maintenance

Time for shade sail maintenance

Notice a shade sail missing from your favourite Kaipara park? Don’t worry, it’s just getting a little TLC and will be back in time for summer. Each year, our shade sails come down before winter to be cleaned and stored, and for any maintenance to be completed. The sails are then re-installed in November.

Rates due 20 May

A friendly reminder, instalment four of rates for 2022/2023 is due on 20 May. Having trouble paying your rates? If you’re having difficulty meeting the cost of your rates, talk to our friendly revenue team about developing a payment plan. You can contact the team by phone 0800 727 059 or email revenue@kaipara.govt.nz

Kaipara’s March roading report

Our roading team were kept busy all summer, responding to urgent roading issues following the extreme weather events we’ve had.

February’s extreme weather events have impacted roads across Kaipara. Our roading network has suffered significant long-lasting damage, and many issues will not be a simple fix.

We are responding to service requests and prioritising issues that are a risk to people’s safety, based on the information we have received.

A total of 2355 individual work items were completed throughout March, of which 1,212 were routine issues, 561 were cyclic or part of annual rounds, 63 were programmed works, 43 were renewals and 476 were callouts or emergency response works.

Read the full roading report at kaipara.govt.nz/news

Kaipara Libraries update

A new sewing machine and HEAT kits have been added to the TUTU Collection. Borrow these items free from all Kaipara Libraries.

HEAT kits (Home Energy Audit Toolkit) measure and improve the energy efficiency and performance of your home. This toolkit is designed to help you identify the areas of your house that are performing well and where you can do some work. This toolkit can help you to: keep your home warm, keep your home dry, save on hot water, save on appliances and lighting. Each month, Dargaville Library encourages visitors to try a new phrase in te reo Māori.

Phrase for Paenga-whāwhā April: Ka pai ō mahi – Good work

Apply for a Community Grant

Calling community organisations in Kaipara! Are you looking for funding for events, services or activities, operational costs or capital projects? Our Community Grant is now open for applications. Find out more information and apply kaipara.govt.nz/funding Applications close Monday 01 May at 4.30pm.

April Council Meeting

April’s Council Meeting is on Wednesday 26 April at 9.30am at Lighthouse Function Centre / Te Whare Taonga o Tunatahi, Dargaville.

Members of the public are welcome to watch the meeting from a public gallery at the venue.

The Council Meeting will not be streamed live, due to unreliable connectivity at the venue. A recording will be available the following day on the Kaipara District Council YouTube page.

Have your say: Proposed Fees and Charges

Consultation on proposed Fees and Charges for 2023/2024 closes on 12 May 2023.

Read the full Fees and Charges Statement of Proposal and complete the online submission form at kaipara.govt.nz/have-your-say

Come along to an information session for the Baylys Beach community.

• When: 5-7pm, Monday 1 May 2023

• Where: Bill Hyland Community Centre, 52 Seaview Road, Baylys Beach Hear from Council staff about works planned and underway in Baylys Beach, and how you can get involved. Areas covered will include connectivity, Civil Defence and Community Response Plan, and climate resilience.

This is where motorsport lives

 by Andy Bryenton

There are those out there who share the opinion that top-level motorsport has become a contest of engineers, and not one of drivers, more and more as the years go by.

Rigid rules and technological advances, they’ll tell you, have made other motorsports somewhat less than they were in the manly days when racers were rockstars and daredevils, and cars were crafted by a few wild-eyed visionaries in secret tin sheds. While the big manufacturers build cars that seem to break the laws of physics, and safety, for good or ill, has removed the whiteknuckle extremes of rallying and track racing, where is the soul of motorsport to be found?

The answer for many is at the very grass roots of the sport. Last weekend, racers took to the dirt track oval for Title Day at the Dargaville Production Stock Car Club, and the action on the track was fiercely competitive. At the fast end of the many classes on display were big, V8-powered monsters wearing modified Mustang and Chevrolet bodies, but the cheers and shouts from the stands were just as loud for the C and B Grade cars, who were vying for title points on the day. Young local racer Rickardo Bradley managed to score second place in all of New Zealand, an unprecedented achievement.

These are the kind of cars you’d see parked on any main street in New Zealand; Hondas and Fords, Toyotas and Nissans, stripped back to racing trim by removing all glass and welding in a roll cage for safety. There’s something about watching the kind of machines you mum and dad would drive, or that you passed your license in, going wheel-to-wheel and tearing up the dirt track. Certainly, the basic rules and easily available cars make this one of the least expensive forms of motorsport to get into.

The atmosphere is as removed from the slick presentation of a Formula One Grand Prix as you could imagine, too. Youngsters get their faces painted, there are hot chips in paper cups for sale, and families lean on the rail, cheering for their mates and neighbours. When there’s a crash, there’s genuine concern until the marshalls establish that everyone is all right; after that, the spills of the sport are all in good fun. Young drivers race against their siblings and parents, and there are old rivalries aplenty, which are discussed trackside as the action unfolds.

The glorious apogee of this grassroots, local-carnival atmosphere comes when the jalopies hit the track. Real old ‘bangers’ which race in a fun, fullcontact scrimmage, these cars have more soul and spirit than they do dents and dings. Suffice to say, they have plenty of both. However, there’s something endearing which makes you cheer for the old shopping-basket hatchback that gamely roars past the chequered flag, steam billowing from a stoved-in radiator. Something missing from the anodyne,

clinical precision of top-level racing on tarmac.

There’s a sense that these local racers are being truly daring, and that all of them are smiling under their race helmets. It’s infectious. It makes you want to have a go. It’s what made people try racing cars in the first place. 

 Racing at its most grassroots, raw and real, is to be found on your local dirt oval, where the spirit of the old ‘moonshine racers’ and stock car pioneers lives on

RURAL|LIFESTYLE|RESIDENTIAL

Keegan Dalbeth

to the Dargaville team.

Keegan lives local, loves local and sells local.

A farm girl at heart, born and raised on the West coast of Dargaville, with an extensive knowledge of the Kaipara district and what it has to offer, she is a local as it gets.

With her bubbly personality, excellent work ethic and savvy technology skills we are sure Keegan will be a great asset to the Dargaville team.

Call Keegan today for a confidential chat.

Keegan Dalbeth

Residential & Lifestyle Sales Consultant

M 027 250 7575

E keegan.dalbeth@pggwrightson.co.nz

NEW

DARGAVILLE SURROUNDS - ARANGA

PRICE REDUCED

DARGAVILLE

2 1 1

Entry Level Home and Section

$425,000 GST Inclusive

Megan Browning

Are you looking to get on the property ladder? Then this one could just be the place to start. Older threebedroom weatherboard home with iron roofing is set on a 6760sqm section (subject to final survey and title issue) has a lovely rural outlook. The home does need work, but you could live here and do the renovations as you go. Tank water and one small paddock for an animal or two. Would also suit as a holiday home with the Maunganui Bluff at Aranga further along the road. Head further north from the property to Opononi. Kai Iwi Lakes are back down SH12 heading back towards Dargaville. 1 1

M 027 668 8468

E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz

This Tudor style two bedroom home is perfect in so many ways. Neat and tidy in appearance inside and out, compact yet roomy, decor simple and easy to move into with a nicely laid out kitchen, a bathroom that is user friendly and the situation is within easy reach to the town centre. The rear fully fenced gardens are minimal yet enough to put in some veges and a few flowers. The semi-internal access single garage keeps you dry and secure. These well-built, well-located units on a cross lease situation are always sought after. I look forward to showing you.

pggwre.co.nz/DAG37229

$410,000

M 027 278 2309 Cindy Younger

E cindy.younger@pggwrightson.co.nz

WHAT’S ON?

For outside of Dargaville events email info@thelifestyler.co.nz

April

Fireco Kai Iwi Lakes Triathlon — Saturday, 29 April features 3 different courses for the adult’s event and includes options for teams. This event also accommodates our tamariki with a kids course for ages 4–15.

Triple Tribute Band — 29th April 7.30pm to 11pm at the Northern Wairoa Boating Club, Totara Street, Dargaville. Music from The Cars, Pretenders and The Cure. Tickets available at eventfinda.co.nz.

Free Film Making Workshops — Sunday 30th AprilFilm editing Check website for full details filmcontest@ northlandclimatechange.org.

May

Bring Balance Welcoming Winter — meditations for the new season, 21 May, 10am–12.30pm, Baylys Beach Community Centre, $40 (or what you can afford). Enquiries and bookings to Maureen 021 0231 8008, maureen.bringbalance@yahoo.com, www.bringbalance.co.nz.

Markets

Kaihu Hall Market — 3rd 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 Artisan Market — 4th Sunday monthly 12–4pm. Paparoa Memorial 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, 8am–12pm at Coronation Hall. Stall holders ring Rachel on 021 133 7560.

Club/Organisation

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 AA meetings held at The 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 6.00pm – 7.30pm. 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Helena 021 564 618 or 09 601 4153

Badminton — Wednesday evenings 7pm–9pm at the Dargaville High School Gym. Phone 021 439 157.

Baylys & Beyond Gardeners — All welcome, 2nd Monday of each month, Garden ramble, shared lunch, trading table phone 021 063 3444.

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 Contract Bridge Club — Tuesdays 12.45pm and Thursdays 6.45pm at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan St, Dargaville. dargavillebridge@gmail.com or phone Peter 09 439 2437 or 022 405 6439.

Dargaville Floral Art Club — Meets on the 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 — meets 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10am at the NW Boating Club. For info phone Brian 09 439 5959.

Dargaville Games Club — 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at the Dargaville Scout Hall, Onslow St, 6pm–9pm.

Dargaville Girls Brigade — For girls 5–15 years. Thursdays after school — 3.30–5pm held at The Lighthouse Church. Contact Pauline Taylor 021 263 7446 or 09 439 7505.

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 Menz Shed — is open Tuesday and Thursday each week from 10am to 3pm and Saturday mornings from 10am to noon. New members are welcome. For more info phone Paul 027 459 3098 or Brian 09 439 6175.

Dargaville Museum — Open every day except Christmas Day and Anzac morning 9–4 until Labour Day then 9–5 until Easter. Volunteers, visitor hosts and members welcome. Phone 09 439 7555.

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.

Grandparents raising grandchildren — First Tuesday of every month except during school holidays. Noon at Whanau focus, Victoria St, Dargaville (next to bakehouse). Contact Sandy dargaville@grg.org.nz or 021 044 6214.

Hikuwai O Kaipara Waka Ama Club — Meet at the NW Boating Club 5pm Mondays and Thursdays from 5pm for Awa training.

Justices of the Peace — available every Thursday from 12–1pm at the Whanau Focus offices, 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 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. If you are riding the Kauri Coast Mountain Bike Park or you want to join the Kaipara Cycling Club go to join.hivepass. co.nz or email kaiparacycling@gmail.com.

Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club — Open and operating Wednesday and Saturday. New members and volunteers welcome. Something to interest both

TIDE CHART

men and women, come and get involved. Phone 09 439 7108 or 09 439 4614.

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 — Meets 3rd Thursday of the month (social night) at the Sports Club and 1st Thursday of the month (business meeting). For more info contact 09 439 2029 or 09 439 2557.

Lions Dargaville — Meeting 2nd Wednesday of the month in Lions Den, Hokianga Road. Contact John for more information 09 439 5937.

Narcotics Anonymous — Tuesdays 1.00pm–2.00pm. 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Deb White 09 601 4153 or 021 564 618

Mt Wesley Angels — Meets 2nd Sunday of the month at Old Mt Wesley Cemetery to preserve, record and care for this historic cemetery. Wear suitable footwear, bring water, gardening gloves and a friend.

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 DNA at the Research Rooms, Dargaville Museum, 4th Sunday of each month 12.30–2pm OR attend our monthly meetings on the 4th Sunday of the month from 2pm–4pm. Phone Sue 021 608 606.

Northern Wairoa Indoor Bowls Assn — Starts at 7pm Mondays at Anglican Church Hall, Tuesdays at Ruawai-Tokatoka Hall, Wednesdays at Dalmatian Hall. For more info 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 President Margaret Pinny 09 439 4560.

Peggy Purls in our Community — Every 3rd Wednesday 10.30am at Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre, 59 Normanby St. Ring Charlene 09 439 6120.

Pono Lodge Yoga — Pono Lodge, 41 Hokianga Road, Dargaville. Mondays: Hatha Flow 5.30pm, Yin 7pm. Tuesdays: Body Focus 9.30am. For more info contact Anisha 021 301 860 or see our Facebook page Dargaville Yoga.

Practising Presence — Mondays 6–7pm Coronation Hall, Te Kopuru. Led moving and sitting meditations.

Remaining in the present moment is the key to inner peace but it takes practice! Exchange: $10 or what you can afford. Maureen 021 0231 8008. www.bringbalance.co.nz.

Recovery Support Group — Mondays 6.30pm–9.00pm. 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Chrissy 09 601 4153 or 021 564 618.

Rotary Club of Dargaville — meet weekly at 11.30–1pm at the Lions Centre in Hokianga Road. New members always welcome, men and women. If you want to join a Service Club with nearly 85 years to Dargaville. Phone Brian 09 439 6175.

RSA Women’s Section — Social meeting held at the Clubrooms, 4th Monday of the month. Contact Secretary/Treasurer Betty Bruce 09 439 4344. Ruawai Gardening Club — Meetings or other activities held on 3rd Thursday of every month, Feb to Nov at the Ruawai Bowling Club, 10am start. New members welcome. Phone Merele 09 439 2335.

Stepping Out Leisure Marching Team — Tuesday 4pm–5pm at the Dargaville Town Hall. Contact Sharon 027 439 5634 or 09 439 5634 for more details. Vaccine Passport required.

Stitches and Craft — 5 Cranley St, Dargaville. 10am–4pm Tuesday and Friday Contact Lois 027 473 0598 for further details.

Strength & Conditioning — Baylys Beach Community Centre, Mondays and Fridays. Small class groups. 9am–10am, $10 per session. If you’re 50+ and want to improve your movement as you age, this is the class for you. With some commitment you can gain strength as you condition your body for aging. Call Tony 022 311 8447.

Wednesday Crafts — Every Wednesday 10am. Morning tea and lunch will be served. Variety of crafts. The Kiosk at Memorial Park. All welcome. $7 per session Contact Judy 027 316 3940.

PUZZLE TIME

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Scold, 4 Too good to be true, 14 Recur, 15 Solve, 16 Magnifying, 17 Probe, 19 Rat, 20 Therapy, 21 Liberated, 22 Vision, 25 Impounded, 27 Futile, 28 Summit, 33 Balloonist, 35 Car, 36 Nectar, 37 Idea, 39 Tie, 41 Tension, 42 Safari, 43 Ballerina, 44 Forgo, 45 Consider, 50 My, 51 Acrobats, 55 Juice, 58 Nostalgia, 59 Supple, 60 Updated, 61 Gas, 63 Lair, 64 Pliers, 65 Ask, 66 Eventually, 68 Figure, 69 Liable, 71 Objection, 76 Settee, 77 Ultimatum, 79 Oversee, 81 Tip, 84 Extra, 85 Imprisoned, 86 Queue, 87 Rotor, 88 Annie Get Your Gun, 89 Added.

DOWN: 2 Cloche, 3 Lover, 5 Okay, 6 Gunfire, 7

Off-key, 8 Taiga, 9 Biggest, 10 Taps, 11 Utopia, 12 Scorn, 13 Protect, 14 Retinue, 18 Up to no good, 23 Undid, 24 Placebo, 26 Molests, 27 Fortify, 29 Madeira, 30 Gazebo, 31 Ocean, 32 Garlic, 34 Tear, 36 Nears, 38 Amass, 40 Hero, 45 Canal, 46 Nesting, 47 Ivan, 48 Engulf, 49 Wings, 50 Message, 52 Repetitive, 53 Bravado, 54 Treble, 55 Javelin, 56 Spoke, 57 Flue, 62 Fewer, 67 Brother, 68 Factors, 70 Balding, 72 Boudoir, 73 Beaten, 74 Casino, 75 Reduce, 76 Spots, 78 Input, 80 Round, 82 Taxi, 83 Peru.

Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.

KAIPARA LIFESTYLER

FOR SALE

6,800 LITRE Stainless Steel Vat for sale $2,000 ono. Phone Chris 021 646 050.

12MM UTILITY Cladding 2,440 x 1,200 $89. 2,745 x 1,200 $99. Scooters Plywood 09 438 6565.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE approximately 50 Weaner, Angus, Steers & Heifers. Good condition. Price negotiable. Phone 09 439 5080.

SUZUKI ESCUDO Vitara/Grand Vitara — car parts, WOF parts, 4x4 parts etc. Good parts, good prices. Phone Derek 09 439 7573.

TOP SOIL, top quality, $85 per m³ onto your trailer, or truck deliveries available for larger orders. Phone 021 132 4107 or 09 439 5141.

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.

ANIMAL ACCOMMODATION

WHEN THE Cats Away Kaipara’s boarding cattery 027 443 6140

WANTED TO BUY

SUZUKI ESCUDO Vitara/Grand Vitara — car parts, WOF parts, 4x4 parts etc. Good parts, good prices. Phone

Derek 09 439 7573.

NURSERIES & PLANTS

GREVILLEA BRONZE Rambler, Aussie Crawl, and Gaudichaudi ground cover all ready. Now only $10 each.

GOT2GO PLANTS, 55 West Coast Road, Te Kopuru, 09 439 5556.

SHRUBS, TREES, Hedging, Shelter, ready now.

Pittosporum Eugenoides Hedging x 50 $8 each. Corokia

Geentys green hedging x 50 $8 each. Pink and blue Wisteria plants $8. Pohutukawa gold, orange, and red.

Grow Up to 1.5 metres $8. All ready now. GOT2GO plants

55 West Coast Road Te Kopuru (09) 439 5556 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday

TRADE & SERVICES

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.

WATER TANK Cleaning. Phone Pete 027 444 3053 or 09 405 9510.

FENCING

FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458, $8.70 +GST.

WANTED TO RENT

RECENT RETIREE requires unfurnished 1 bedroom flat/ residence with kitchen/bathroom in Dargaville area.

Non-smoker 021 0891 2195

PROPERTY

1 STOP Window & Door Repairs - Seals, Latches, Stays, Wheels, Hinges, Locks, Glass & Glazing. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458

TREE SERVICES

TREE REMOVAL, pruning, chipping & stump grinding. Qualified & Insured. Phone Scott 0800 468 9663, Arborcare Tree Maintenance.

TREE TRIMMING Truck using Grapple/Saw – 26m reach — Pruning, Removal, Chipping, Qualified Arborists SIMPLE – FAST – SAFE – QUALIFIED – EXPERIENCED

– VALUE FOR MONEY. Servicing KAIPARA CALL Team

Vegetation on 09 439 0050.

GRAZING

GRAZING SHORT or long term available. Te Kopuru/ Redhill area. Phone Craig 021 206 3498. WINTER GRAZING wanted for 50–100 cows in Dargaville area. Phone 022 376 5164.

SITUATIONS VACANT

DARGAVILLE MUSEUM Manager part-time one day per week. Museum-related qualification and experience required. Email the secretary at: info@dargavillemuseum. co.nz for further information.

WAITER/WAITRESS, CASUAL & part-time workers required. Day shifts only. Phone Blah Blah Blah Cafe 09 439 6300.

Leabourn Passenger Service is looking for School Bus Drivers to join our team based in Dargaville/Ruawai.

Are you looking for a the ideal part-time job?

As a school bus driver, you’ll build great relationships with your community and its young people, and have plenty of time every day to pursue other interests. As well, there is charter work available from time to time too.

We are a family business with an experienced team of drivers focused on our passengers. If you are a safe and reliable driver we want to hear from you.

A Class 2 license with a P Endorsement is desirable, however assistance to gain these qualifications may be available for suitable applicants.

If you are interested and would like to find out more please call Louise on 027 497 5842 or louise@leabourn.co.nz to discuss this vacancy.

WORK WANTED

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER and plasterer, interior and exterior, can travel, 30 years experience, phone Gary Dixon 021 066 7505.

CLASSIFIEDS

PUBLIC NOTICES

ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — First Thursday of the month — 7–9.30pm, next is 4th May 2023, 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.

WAIKARA MARAE AGM 20th May 2023 10 am. 333 Waikara Road, Aranga, Dargaville. For further information please contact waikaramaraecommittee@gmail.com

Public notice

(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)

Somal Enterprises Limited of Papakura, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an off license in respect of the premises situated at 81 Victoria Street, Dargaville 0310 known as Empire Liquor Centre Wines & Spirits

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is bottle store

The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is intended to be sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 9am to 10pm.

The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 13, 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 15 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 renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

This is the first publication of this notice.

Private Plan Change 82

- Further Submissions

PHONE 09 439 6933

Closing date for classified advertising for the May 2 2023 edition is Monday, May 1 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

Kaipara Community Health Trust

HEALTH SHUTTLE

Need transport to a health appointment?

For enquiries phone Te Ha Oranga 439 3013

DARGAVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC INTERVIEWS (ALL YEARS)

THURSDAY 4TH MAY

FRIDAY 5TH MAY

We wish to invite parents/caregivers/whanau to our Academic Coaching interviews on Thursday 4th May (10am - 7pm) Friday 5th May (9am - 3pm). You can book your appointments online at www.schoolinterviews.co.nz

use

code: kqbp9

Alternatively, you may contact the school office 09 439 7229, office@darghigh.school.nz

Please be aware DHS will be closed for instruction on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th May in order for these interviews to take place. We look forward to seeing you!

Moonlight Heights Limited

Council has received a Private plan Change request (PPC82) from Moonlight Heights Limited. The purpose of the private plan change is to:

• Rezone 39.2ha of land at Awakino Road, from Rural Zone to Residential Zone, including consequential amendments to the Kaipara District Plan (KDP) Map.

• Any necessary consequential amendments to the KDP provisions

Submissions have been received by the closing date of Wednesday 9 March 2023 from 21 submitters. These submissions have been summarised with the best interpretation of each submission. The submissions can be viewed on the Council website at www.kaipara.govt.nz/moonlightheights under the Submissions heading at the bottoms of the page. The Summary of Submissions can also be viewed in person at the Dargaville and Mangawhai Council offices and libraries in the district.

Further Submissions period open

Further Submissions can now be received by Council for PPC82 between Wednesday 26 April 2023 and Tuesday 09 May 2023.

Further Submissions can only be made in SUPPORT or in OPPOSITION of matters raised in the original submissions. No new matters can be raised. Anyone can make a further submission if they:

• represent a relevant aspect of the public interest

• have an interest in the Proposed Plan Change greater than the interest that the public, or,

• are submitting on behalf of the local authority

Further Submissions should be set out in the same format shown on the Kaipara District Council Form 6. Form 6 can also be completed online where you can upload any supporting documents. Please note that Further Submissions are open for ten (10) days and must be received by 5.00pm on Tuesday 09 May 2023. You must also send a copy of your further submission to the original submitter within five (5) days of submitting your Further Submission to Council.

How to make a Further Submission:

Online submission form at http://www.kaipara.govt.nz/moonlightheights

Emailed to planchanges@kaipara.govt.nz or

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public notice

(Section 127, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)

Amiri Ltd of Ruawai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an off licence in respect of the premises situated at 15 Freyburg Road, Ruawai Northland known as Four Square Ruawai.

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Grocery Supermarket Store The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 7am to 8pm.

The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or 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 15 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 renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the first publication of this notice.

DEATH NOTICE

JAMES UNSWORTH Passed away 17/4/23 at Kauri Coast Rest Home. Thank you “YOU ARE STARS”.

JAMES UNSWORTH

Husband of Marcia. Departed on his journey to the light on the 17/4/23. Loved always.

PUBLIC NOTICES

BADMINTON

Wednesday evenings 7pm – 9pm | $2 per night

Dargaville High School Gym, Plunket St (note change of venue.) Some racquets available.

All Welcome 13 yrs & over | Enquiries 021 439 157

Northern Wairoa A&P Association Inc.

A.G.M

Tuesday 8th May 2023 at 7.30pm In the Arapohue Hall

All welcome New committee members wanted Meeting followed by a light supper

PUBLIC NOTICES

ADVERTISEMENT OF STATEMENT OF CLAIM, NOTICE OF PROCEEDING AND LIST OF DOCUMENTS RELIED ON IN THE DISTRICT COURT WHANGAREI REGISTRY CIV-2023-088-000236

UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (RATING) ACT 2002

BETWEEN KAIPARA DISTRICT COUNCIL (“KDC”) a local authority constituted under the Local Government Act 2002, having its principal office at Dargaville, Northland

First Plaintiff AND NORTHLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL (“NRC”) a local authority constituted under the Local Government Act 2002, having its principal office at Whangarei, Northland

Second Plaintiff AND EDDY SUDJONO and MARYLYN OENTORO, of Metro Kencana Vii No Q39, Jakarta Utara, Jakarta, Indonesia, occupations unknown

Defendants TO: EDDY SUDJONO and MARYLYN OENTORO

1. The plaintiffs have filed a statement of claim against you as the named ratepayers and owners of the following property:

(a) Record of Title 575904 Lot 59 Deposited Plan 451569 known as Oneriri Road, Kaiwaka (valuation number 01200-05357) (“the Property”);

to recover from you outstanding land rates and water rates (including penalties) levied over the Property, as at 20 November 2022, in the sum of $10, 269. 49 owed by you as the named ratepayers and owners of the Property.

2. The plaintiffs have referred to and relied on the following documents (being initial disclosure) in preparing their statement of claim:

(a) Historical Record of Title for the Property dated 13 March 2023 obtained from Land Information New Zealand’s database; and

(b) Combined Rates Assessment Notices and Invoices for the period 2016/2017 to 2022/2023 for the Property.

3. The plaintiffs are claiming from you:

(a) Judgment against the defendants in the sum of $10,269.49.

(b) Judgment for such further rates and penalities that become due and payable from 20 November 2022.

(c) Interest on the judgment sums, pursuant to sections 9 and 10 of the Interest on Money Claims Act 2016, from the date of filing these proceedings until such time that the judgement sums (including all interest payable) are paid in full.

(d) The costs of an incidental to this proceeding on a category 1A basis pursuant to schedules 4 and 5 of the District Court Rules 2014.

4. You must respond to the statement of claim within 25 working days of the date of this advertisement. To respond to the plaintiffs, you must file in the registry of this Court and serve on the plaintiffs, a statement of your defence to the plaintiffs’ claim. You must also at the time of serving your statement of defence on the plaintiffs, provide the plaintiffs with initial disclosure of documents referred to in or relied on in preparing your statement of defence.

5. If you do not respond to the statement of claim within 25 working days of the date of this advertisement, the Court may decide you have to pay or give the plaintiffs what they are claiming in their statement of claim (this is called judgment).

6. Pursuant to section 64 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, publication of this statement of claim, notice of proceeding and initial disclosure, is deemed to be effective service of this proceeding on you.

7. A copy of the statement of claim and notice of proceeding will be forwarded to you on application to the plaintiffs’ solicitors, Brookfields Lawyers at the address listed below or at the office of the District Court at Whangarei. A copy of the initial disclosure will be forwarded to you on application to the plaintiffs’ solicitors, Brookfields Lawyers.

8. Any person knowing the whereabouts of the abovenamed EDDY SUDJONO and MARYLYN OENTORO is asked to bring this advertisement to their attention or to the attention of their personal representatives.

9. This advertisement is inserted by KAIPARA DISTRICT COUNCIL and NORTHLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL whose address for service is at the offices of Brookfields, Lawyers, Tower One, 9th Floor, 205 Queen Street, Auckland (contact: Islay Fowler (09) 979 2248).