Kaipara Lifestyler, April 2nd 2024

All roads lead north

u by Andy Bryenton

The Brynderwyn Hills section of State Highway One opened as planned on Wednesday night at midnight, but Minister of Transport Simeon Brown says that the extensive works are not the final fix for a route north.

Instead, Mr Brown, alongside local MP Grant McCallum, confirmed last Tuesday that the repairs to the steep and winding route are designed to keep Northland open for business while a major new highway comes to fruition.

“We know how critical this work is for Northland and for the national economy,” said the minister. “The work here is literally buying time so we can build the alternative.”

Simeon Brown called the former government’s cancellation of the Roads of Significance programme an appalling decision. He told gathered television and print media that planning and pricing for the replacement highway was now starting again from ‘square one’. However, he was able to confirm that they had indeed started, with planning underway ahead of a definitive timeline and costings due this August.

“The new road will be one to last many generations,” said Grant McCallum. He may have to personally give up farmland to the highway’s construction, depending on its precise route.

The current works on the Brynderwyn traverse are going well, on schedule and on budget due to clement weather and a major effort by Fulton Hogan and the New Zealand Transport Agency. A process

called benching has seen the hillsides cut back dramatically and stabilised to prevent closures from future slips and storm damage. A fleet of 50-tonne trucks and excavators has moved 150,000 cubic metres of rock and soil, while helicopters have been deployed to spray stabilising grasses on the new hillsides.

The Brynderwyn traverse opened to all traffic for six days during Easter from 12.01am, March 28, until 11.59pm,

April 2. The road will then close again at 12.01am tomorrow, April 3 until 11.59pm on May 12 to complete the remaining work that requires a full closure.

During this time, routes, funding strategies and geological data will be developed to begin the implementation of a new, economy-boosting highway system that will eventually link Whangārei and Northport to Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. ¢

p Grant McCallum and Simeon Brown survey the engineering feat achieved in the past weeks atop the Brynderwyn Hills

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

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: Joanne Lowe 09 439 6933

Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Anna Fredericksen | Kelsey

10,510 copies, distributed on Tuesday to every residential and rural home throughout the district including Dargaville, Ruawai, Paparoa, Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka, Mangawhai and Wellsford.

p Kaipara Moana Remediation’s programme and Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust’s Wai Connection have formed a partnership to better nurture the health of water in the Kaipara harbour catchment. MTSCT’s Kim Jones (left) and KMR CEO Justine Daw both agree that “water is life, and we all have an obligation to care for our waterways.” Both programmes have already worked together on community planting days alongside waterways in Paparoa and Parakai, and a soon-to-be-signed Memorandum of Understanding will formalise efforts towards more collaborations around boosting local waterway health.

Purple Day heroes

p Dargaville Primary School raised more than $600 for Epilepsy New Zealand last Tuesday in appreciation to the organisation and its educator, Reokore Johnson, for providing resources about seizures. Students and teachers dressed in purple to raise awareness of the cause. “We have a young boy starting next term who has had seizures,” said specialist teacher Anne Heappey. “We engaged with Epilepsy NZ and created safety plans and were given resources free of charge. This mufti day is our way of giving back.”

River made safe

p In late January, Northland MP Grant McCallum announced a programme of works to prevent future flooding of the kind Dargaville suffered at the height of Cyclone Gabrielle. Two months later, a powerful excavator from LBM Services,

a local company, completed desilting work to help protect the Awakino Point Bridge. With a wider channel, future storms won’t be able to pile up logs and debris behind the bridge and cut off Dargaville’s link to Whangārei by road.

Council ‘risks blood on their

A move by the Northland Regional Council to reduce its rates contribution to emergency services has been slammed as “if you take the community out of the Northland Rescue Helicopter, you will take the rescue chopper out of the community,” says Federated Farmers Northland president Colin Hannah

“The dropping of this service is going to see NRC councillors and staff who are recommending the cutting of these essential services with blood on their hands — not a pleasant position to be in. The community you represent depends on you to provide these services in the region.

“That’s a very real concern if the council gets its way and dumps the Emergency Services Fund as part of its Long Term Plan process. It will remove $535,000 of crucial funding from our life-saving service and a total of $1.11 million when you add in the other five life-saving services that rely on this fund to keep us safe.”

Mr Hannah’s comments come after the Northland Emergency Services Trust chair Paul Ahlers urged ratepayers to urge NRC to reconsider the plan in their submissions.

“The LTP submissions are only worthwhile if the voices of the people are truly heard and weighed up in terms of benefit to the region,” added Mr Hannah. “The NRC has an economic and social accountability role within our communities and they need to listen and deliver on that.

“Finally, the NRC is blabbing about returning to its core role. Well, part of that core role is Civil Defence, which relies on first responders in times of crisis. It

p Colin Hannah, Northland Federated Farmers president targeted rate of $12 per household included in your annual rates bill.

would be hard to call on these life-saving services if they no longer have the funds to operate 24/7 when we need them most.”

Mr Ahlers says since its formation in 1988: “We have transported well over 28,000 people. We are extremely grateful to the council and Northland ratepayers for the support provided through a

“The council is proposing that the Emergency Services Fund will stop from June 30 2024, and that the money will instead be used to soften the general rate increase coming this year. Under this scenario, NEST will almost certainly have

to run under a deficit, and this will place us under tremendous financial pressure.

“The methodology of the ESF and the targeted rate is a great model because it effectively spreads the contribution from the community over every household. It means that everyone contributes a very small amount of only $1 per month per household) for services which everyone has access to and uses.” ¢

Locally made, loved everywhere!

Available online at www wildwestworcester co nz info@wildwestworcester co nz

Forty years of flower arranging Big fish takes contest prize

u by Amy Fifita

The Dargaville Floral Art Group celebrated its 40th anniversary last Wednesday, with members gathering for a shared lunch.

“Brice Herbert thought Dargaville needed a floral art group, and so he rang around people he thought would be interested. That’s how it started in Dargaville,” said president Margaret Pinny.

“Thinking about how many people through 40 years have gone through floral art is mindboggling. I enjoy the friendships and learning different things from each other.”

Margaret joined after competing in floral art contests at the Northern Wairoa Federation of Country Women’s Institute. She was the secretary for the group before becoming president.

“At the institute, we had to do competition work, and none of the ladies in Dargaville had much to do with flowers. I decided to learn so we could receive prizes in Whangārei, and we did win. Brice used to say, do your greenery first and then put your flowers in.”

Each month, the group makes arrangements for a topic. The members brainstormed ideas for the year, and Margaret selected the themes for each month.

“I’ve seen many ladies come and go from the group. I am thankful for our members Dawn for preparing the food and Joy for organising everything.”

The group meets on the third Wednesday of every month and earlier in December, at 1pm at the Lighthouse Church, 78 Normanby Street. To express your interest, contact Margaret on 09 439 4560 or at marg_pinny@xtra.co.nz, or Dawn on 09 439 5413. ¢

Paul Campbell

“We weighed in about 350kg of fish at the end of the day, and most of these big fish were caught in the inner harbour, so it’s clear that they’re there and thriving,” said club commodore Ben Sheppard.

The winning snapper was “on the good side of seven kilograms” and caught by Tinopai angler Storm Hickey, who hauled in a number of good fish but was reticent as to where he caught them. “It must have been Spot X,” commented his peers. Storm received

angling prize gear for his next outing on the harbour. The club provided the usual licensed refreshments and, as an added attraction, introduced an expanded snack menu, providing hamburgers and American hot dogs to hungry fishers.

“A bit of misty rain in the morning turned into a great day out. The fish caught was also welcomed as we shared this with deserving local community groups,” said Ben. ”Our next event is in the planning stages.” ¢

p Margaret Pinny cut the cake in celebration of the Dargaville Floral Art Group’s 40th anniversary

p Storm Hickey from Tinopai with his prize-winning snapper

New park in Mangawhai

u by Andy Bryenton

A new 5.6-hectare recreational park is moving toward fruition in Mangawhai, with Kaipara District Council members meeting this week to potentially vest the land as a local purpose reserve.

The land, directly opposite the existing Mangawhai Domain on Moir Street, was acquired by the KDC under the Smith administration in 2022. As a local purpose reserve, it could fulfil the growing community’s need for more green space, including one notable facility missing from the coastal town — a rugby field.

Also discussed before this week’s council meeting was an appropriate name for the park. Council officials met with the people who sold the land and discussed options, hitting upon the name Urlich Park. During negotiations for the purchaser of the land, council officers undertook informal discussions on naming the future park after the family who had once farmed there.

said the KDC property, procurement and commercial manager, John Burt.

“The vendor’s preference was to name it after his family rather than him personally. Officers are recommending that the name Urlich Park be adopted to recognise his family’s long association with the land since at least the 1930s,”

The next step in the process would involve the council seeking the approval of the Minister of Conservation and the instigation of the vesting process. A consultation process, notified by public notice, ran for 30 days from February 26.

“This is one of those particularly sweet council projects which only comes along very rarely,” said then-mayor Dr Jason Smith, upon the purchase of the land for $6 million in 2022. ¢

Egg secret revealed for Easter

u by Andy Bryenton

During the past two tara iti (fairy tern) breeding seasons, there has been something special about the eggs in the tiny birds’ nests, which the Department of Conservation is now ready to reveal.

One of the factors contributing to recent news of a best-ever hatching season has been disclosed by DOC officials. Some of the eggs situated on Kaipara’s beaches were, in fact, 3D-printed replicas.

“DOC is really lucky to have the support of the Endangered Species Foundation to produce these 3D eggs, which are a crucial management tool used to save tara iti. They allow us to improve productivity and save nests without losing real eggs in the process,” says DOC biodiversity ranger Ayla Wiles.

The key to the scheme is that fairy terns don’t build great nests, but are keen-eyed art critics. Fake eggs, which are swapped out to enable the real ones to be incubated away from predators, high tides and bad weather at Auckland Zoo, must look and feel real. Initially, DOC used wooden eggs with a wax core, but these deteriorated quickly.

From 2023 onward, DOC commissioned Shaun Lee to design and print a clutch of false eggs, which were then handpainted by artist and marine biologist Carina Sim-Smith. The birds were fooled completely, meaning that eggs in a precarious situation could be switched safely. The terns were none the wiser and accepted the situation without changing their habits.

“We were happy to see the replacement eggs were successful. They were so realistic, parent birds had no idea they were not sitting on the real thing,” said the ESF’s Natalie Jessup. ¢

p

car shows to charity events, gala days and sporting competitions, Mangawhai Domain is always busy; now, another similar-sized park could

Lake divers clean up Bridge club’s future decision

u by Paul Campbell

Five pairs of sunglasses, a T-shirt and 16 hair ties are looking for owners after being found in damp circumstances as part of an environmental clean-up at Kai Iwi Lakes.

These items were among a long list of discarded stuff littering the floor of Lake Taharoa when a group of exploring divers went for a clean-up dip.

Padi diving instructors

Martin and Andrea Ruddy led a squad of underwater enthusiasts after the company Eroad Limited offered its employees a day every year to participate in a charity or an environmental event.

“In the past few years, a group of divers and their families have performed a dive cleanup at Lake Taharoa at the Kai Iwi Lakes,” said Martin. “Over the years, the volume of trash collected has been on the decline, and this indicates that people are more aware of looking after the environment.”

It is the fourth year the group has taken part in the clean-up, and Martin and Andrea have over a thousand

career dives between them. In the long list of debris recovered in this latest clean-up were also four swimming goggles, a whistle, three socks and a hat, along with the usually expected discarded bottles and cans and 24 sticking plasters that the divers “handled with gloves”. ¢

u by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville Bridge Club may yet retain its clubrooms, as discussions on the fate and future of the kiosk building it utilises, and the wider Memorial Park and Sportsville area go before the council.

KDC staff recommended an initial five-year tenure for the bridge club, with a further five-year right of renewal potentially seeing the club locally homed through until 2034. Questions about the future location of play for the more than 50 regular members were raised earlier this year as the council sought to rationalise their property assets, and plans for an expansion for neighbouring Sportsville were tabled.

“Dargaville tournaments are already included in the NZ Bridge calendar for 2024; the club is in good financial standing with reserves and year-on-year increase and is a registered charitable trust. They fund their activities by membership subscriptions, tournament fees, hiring out the Kiosk and community grants,” said the KDC’s Jenny Rooney and Fleur Denize.

Currently, Sport Northland is completing a review of Memorial Park’s current and future use, which could determine the future of the kiosk building where the

Dargaville Bridge Club meets. It is part of the Sportsville Stage Two project, which has discussed a proposal to build a large, multipurpose indoor and outdoor recreational facility in the park. It’s been suggested that the bridge players may move to this location when it is constructed. It is estimated to take six to eight years.

In the meantime, bridge club members intend for the kiosk to host a full schedule of bridge games, learning sessions, mini-tournaments and participation in nationwide competitions. ¢

p Dargaville Bridge Club members take their game to the public, recruiting new players; now, they are assured of a stable home base for the near future

p Divers Andy Petrie, Andrea Ruddy, Martin Ruddy, Wayne Nichol, Rachel Berkett and Dylan Hall — shore support was Sharon Raath

Photo: Andrea Ruddy

Bird rescue in need of aid

u by Andy Bryenton

Whangārei Native Bird Recovery Centre has been saved in the short term by public generosity, with $43,000 of the $200,000 needed to keep it open flooding in.

“If we don’t get the funding, we will have no choice but to close the centre,” said conservationist and bird recovery icon Robert Webb last week, leading to an influx of donations.

In his estimation, there had been less than a month’s worth of money left for the Whangārei-based centre, which is also the only specialist treatment facility for injured native birds throughout Kaipara and along the west coast.

Robert and his wife, Robyn, have run the bird recovery centre for more than three decades, and do so with the help of volunteers. He says that many people think they must be funded by the government or environmental organisations, but that they are largely dependent on public generosity.

“We’re slowly dwindling into our funds that we’ve tried to save over the years. And things are getting so expensive now it’s not even funny,” said Robert. “So it’s all those things that have been sneaking

up on us. All of a sudden they pop up and you think, jeez, where are we going to get the funding for that from?”

Bitterns, hawks, albatross, kiwi and ruru (morepork) are just some of the birds that have survived thanks to the care of the Native Bird Recovery Centre.

“We shouldn’t have to run cap in hand to the public. It’s neat getting the support. It does show us that what we’re doing is appreciated by the public, but there should be funding available.”

If you would like to help, visit nbr.org. nz/sponsors/donations. ¢

Cycles on film

u by Andy Bryenton

A screening of an international short film anthology about cycling has highlighted once again the growing popularity of the sport for Dargaville and the west coast.

The Big Bike Film Night is the brainchild of Taupō man Brett Cotter, initially envisioned as a fundraiser.

“I wanted to create an event that celebrated cycling in all its shapes and forms,” says Brett. “One which was a tribute to the humble bicycle. I reached out to a number of filmmakers looking for the best cycling short films from around the world.”

For 2024, the film event’s 10th birthday, Ngā Herena Great Rides of New Zealand returned as presenting partner.

This year, the series of short films played to an international audience, spanning Australasia to Northern Europe. Dargaville was one of the Kiwi towns selected to be part of the combination of arts and recreation, with the Anzac Theatre cinema showing the anthology last week. The town was seen as a good venue for this mini-festival for two reasons, an independent cinema and a strong cycling community.

In recent weeks, the town has hosted the Northland secondary schools mountain bike championship, been part of the cycling tour of Aotearoa route, and seen work on bike trails in Harding Park. Local cycling proponent Amanda Bennett has been appointed to lead a group promoting cycle tourism for all of Northland, and summer saw riders enjoy the open section of the Kaihũ Valley Trail, the Kauri Coast Mountain Bike Park and cycling trails at scenic spots like Kai Iwi Lakes and the Ripiro Coast. ¢

Country and coastal - 116ha

This

New opportunities in Ruawai

u by Andy Bryenton

Ruawai has a new superette, and its owners say they have plans to share their success with locals in many different ways.

Parth and Dolly Gandhi have established thriving local grocery businesses in other towns before, including Whangārei, and they recognise that a combination of offering affordable basics and supporting local suppliers is important.

“Having cultivated our roots in Northland, we’ve always felt a profound connection with the community and a keen desire to make a positive impact. When the opportunity arose to establish our own business, Ruawai beckoned as the ideal location to manifest our vision,” said Parth and Dolly.

Walk supports cause

u by Amy Fifita

Thirty Ōtamatea High School year 13 students took to the Trigg Arena Whangārei field in late March to raise funds for the Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

“The event is an important cause. We all know of someone who has gone through cancer at one time or another, so have come through on the other side of it, and others have unfortunately not been as lucky,” said senior dean Kari Meachin.

“It’s about establishing a community hub, a gathering space where locals can come together and support one another. We firmly believe in fostering healthy competition and ensuring equitable access to essential goods. Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can easily obtain the essentials they need at fair prices.”

Those prices include staples like milk and bread at cost. For example, Tip Top loaves

for $2. In a town with access to excellent fishing, Parth says he’s already joined forces with local bait and tackle suppliers to help them grow their enterprises. Mario’s baits and Trevor Parkinson’s Blue Bay fishing tackle are already on the shelves.

These local entrepreneurs have plans for expansion, including a move into providing hot takeaways, with Kiwi-style and Indianthemed options arriving soon.

“We pledge to listen attentively to the community’s needs and continually seek ways to enhance and innovate,” say Parth and Dolly, who want their store to be of service to Ruawai in as many ways as possible. ¢

8 Freyberg Road | Open from 7am to 8pm

We’re absolutely thrilled to introduce ourselves – Dolly and Parth, your newest neighbours and the proud faces behind Ruawai Superette! Hailing from the vibrant streets of Whangarei, we’re bursting with excitement to become part of the warm heart of Ruawai.

“This event is a wonderful time to celebrate, remember and fight back together. We came second overall in Northland, with one of our students coming second in the individual fundraising for our region.”

Student Max Cotching raised $3,591.57, more than triple his fundraising goal. Ōtamatea High School has contributed $13,663.99 towards the overall fundraising goal of $120,000.

“We held bake sales, sold hot chips, drinks and other goodies at school twice a week, and did two sausage sizzles at Bunnings Whangārei.”

The team expects more money to be deposited from its in-school and Bunnings Mangawhai fundraisers. The total amount raised was $127,157.06.

“It was a wonderful experience and amazing to see how our students portrayed themselves in a community event and got involved with everything. It was also lovely to forget about yourself for 18 hours and think about others.

“We would love to thank New World Mangawhai and Four Square Maungatūroto for donating food to help with our fundraising efforts during the last few weeks. We really appreciate it.” ¢

Such

is on making sure women

as much information as possible about their own health on which to base their decisions as to the type of treatment that is best for them. Dr. Rachel Moss, the specialist gynaecologist, can see you to make a thorough gynaecological assessment and discuss options for treatment. A GP referral can be helpful but is not essential.

p Ōtamatea High School students also took advantage of the fun activities designed to keep their energy up for the long walking hours

p Parth Gandhi and his wife Dolly welcome customers to a brand new enterprise in Ruawai

3

Erin Grbin

M

ARANGA, DARGAVILLE

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7.4720 hectares of land with a well maintained three bedroom home with double garage, large single bay shed/workshop is located near the home, in addition to the home and shed, there is a large four stand woolshed that offers plenty of storage space. This could also be transformed into a charming rustic bed and breakfast, taking advantage of the picturesque views that this property offers, the current owners take great pride in their home and land. They have gone above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of the property is of the utmost quality with no detail overlooked.

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Ron Grbin

M 027 471 6388

E rgrbin@pggwrightson.co.nz

Erin Grbin

M 021 716 388

E Erin.Grbin@pggwrightson.co.nz

DARGAVILLE Dairy Farm Handy to Dargaville 120 hectares flat fertile productive land, five titles. 40 bail rotary shed, four bay implement/calf shed, maize bunker, hayshed, feed pad and new loading/yarding pens. Milking up to 300 cows with production to 112,000kg MS Has been run by 50/50 sharemilker over last three years. Limestone raced to 53 paddocks. Cowshed is in central position which helps make this an easy farm to run. Water system is via the bore that runs through the bead filtration system. Two homes with handy location for the cowshed and farm buildings. Call me to discuss or for more information on this productive farm

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Megan Browning

M

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202 hectares five-bedroom brick home, open plan kitchen, dining, and living areas flow to deck perfect for entertaining. With three bathrooms and internal double garaging. A feature is the fifth bedroom, complete with bathroom. For the horse lovers, an American-style barn, featuring stables, a wash area, and tack room. The horse arena helps with equestrian pursuits. A 12 x 14 workshop featuring concrete flooring and power, a three-bay implement shed. Old woolshed used for calf rearing. 240 head of Friesian bulls and cattle, plus Hereford cows, calves at foot and heifers. Ring to view now.

pggwre.co.nz/DAG39199

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Megan Browning

M 027 668 8468

E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz

Quality is the ultimate sustainability

In the world of dependable, reliable refrigeration and electricity generation, the name Engel stands out, with a reputation spanning six decades.

Engel’s long-established reputation in New Zealand and Australia has been earned through reliability, tough construction, superb performance and longevity. Its brand has been around for more than 60 years, originating with the Sawafuji Electric Company in Japan, part of the Toyota group. That’s another name synonymous with reliability, and all Engel products come with a four or five-year warranty the brand stands by.

Phil Harman has been involved with the Engel brand for the last 20 years and has owned the New Zealand distributorship for the past seven. He lives in Northland and loves selling the brand because of its quality and reliability. Engel’s 12v/24v and 240 volt fridge-freezers are renowned for the lowest amp draw of any similar product on the market, so they’re great to run off solar or batteries. At the heart of these fridges is the unique Sawafuji Swing Motor, making Engel a legend in reliability.

Engel generators range from portable inverters to heavy-duty models, cater to various power demands and are backed by a four-year warranty for peace of mind. Equipped with advanced features like auto throttle, recoil, electric start and overload

protection, these generators are designed for both convenience and safety. They are pure sine wave and are available in New Zealand now.

Phil is happy to share his knowledge and expertise on fridges and generators. Contact him at phil@engelnz.co.nz or call 027 477 9777. ¢

Sharing the joy of flight

u by Amy FIfita

The Dargaville Aero Club invites the community to its open day on Saturday, April 13 beginning at 10.30am at 73 Hoanga Road.

When asked how long Dargaville Aero Club captain Alan Nelson had been associated with aircraft, he said his brother used to fly when he was still in school. Alan spent 20 years in the Royal New Zealand Air Force as an aircraft electrician.

“I learnt how to fly after I left the RNZAF and became an instructor later as a way of giving back to the flying community. Everything within the club is volunteer-run. We are doing something for the community to show them what we do and that flying is affordable,” Alan said.

Other aero clubs and fellow flyers as far as Rangiora have been invited to attend the event, including the NZ Warbirds Association.

At the open day, there will be food and drinks on sale and Mr Whippy.

“HeliNorth has kindly offered to do helicopter rides at a cost around the town and the Dargaville Rod and Custom Club will be there with vintage cars. Bruce Clarke will display his partially-finished aeroplane to show people they can build their own.”

There will be opportunities for visitors to have an introductory flight for $70, after the initial flight it costs $130 an hour. Contact Alan on 021 0887 1788 for more information.

“Brian or myself instruct the introductory flights. Once we’re airborne and happy, we give them the controls. They will get a feel of what it’s like to fly.” ¢

p The Engel range consists of portable and upright fridge-freezers and generators suitable for off-grid, motorhome, 4x4, boat, camping and daily work applications

p Alan Nelson’s P-51 Mustang three-quarter scale replica will make an appearance at the event

In case of emergency

If you are in danger, and need an emergency response from the fire brigade, police or ambulance, call 111 from any phone. You will be asked which emergency service you require.

Remain calm and communicate the important details to the 111 operator; especially the nature of the emergency and clear details of your location so help can get there fast. If you need police but cannot speak for fear of being harmed, you will be asked to press a key instead of speak.

All 111 calls are free, and you can dial 111 on your mobile phone successfully even if you are out of

credit. Those who have difficulty hearing or talking on the phone can register for an emergency text service, by visiting police.govt.nz/111-txt.

Call 111 for police assistance if people are in danger or have been injured, there is a threat to life or property, or a crime is being committed and the offenders are still on the scene or have just left. If you find evidence of a crime that’s already happened, call 105.

Planting offer for soil conservation

u by Paul Campbell

Subsidised poplar and willow material from the Northland Regional Council nurseries is now available for winter planting, stabilising land instead of running into waterways and estuaries during storm events.

Councillor Rick Stolwerk says the benefits the two species offer are why NRC offers both from the Mata nursery near Whangārei. If a property is located within the Northland or Auckland part of the Kaipara Catchment — Kaipara Moana Remediation is now supplying poplar poles and wand material.

“If you are currently working with KMR, they will send experts out to help you make a planting plan.

“Keeping fertile soils on the land is in the interest of all Northlanders, and without the protection poplars and other trees afford, hills can simply erode and wash away in severe rainstorms,” he says.

“Preventing erosion at source, for environmental and economic reasons, is one of the reasons the regional council has invested heavily in its poplar and willow nursery. They stabilise pastoral hill country, sequester carbon, provide timber, reduce sediment run-off, improve water quality, provide stock shade and enhance the farm environment.”

Orders are open now, and a poplar or willow will cost between $1.15 to $45 depending on size and whether it’s planted for erosion control or another purpose.

Due to cyclone damage last year, there are a limited number of three-metre poles this year but an abundance of one-metre wands. Wands are cheaper than poles and are a good alternative for areas that can be easily fenced. Demand usually outstrips supply, so people are being urged to order them sooner rather than later.

“While payment doesn’t have to be made until June 20, we will stop taking orders on May 13 or when stocks are all sold, whichever comes sooner.” ¢

Plan early for duck season

u by Andy Bryenton

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Duck hunters across Kaipara are getting ready for the opening of the new season, with vital pre-hunting checks, licensing and the staking of claims to great spots happening this week.

“Licences are available now, both online and physically,” says Jason Campbell of Dargaville’s Hunting and Fishing store.

“With marking up happening next Sunday, it’s time to make yourself aware of the rules, plan your activities, and get your gear sorted for a successful and safe season.”

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In one of the longest-established rules of hunting, marking up, pegging out or tagging, the process of staking a claim on a favourite maimai spot takes place a month out from opening weekend. That means for 2024 prime positions must be marked by 10am on Sunday, April 7.

This year, Northland hunters will head out on May 4 to begin the season. Licence revenue helps to fund wetland habitat renewal, research to support endangered species, the trapping of pests in the wild, and many more programmes instigated by Fish and Game New Zealand.

With equipment, especially decoys, becoming more complex, hunters are

advised to beat the rush for maintenance and repairs.

Hunters are also reminded that firearms legislation changed in 2022, with specific rules now in place for transporting firearms to hunting locations. The main change is that firearms must be concealed from view when being transported in a vehicle, and ammunition must also be concealed and stored separately from firearms. More information is available at firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz. ¢

p Hunters are reminded that duck season is mere weeks away, with important dates on the pre-season calendar this week and next

p Former NRC coordinator Wayne Teal (left) and NRC Councillor Rick Stolwerk inspecting planting stocks

The fuel source right under our noses

the ultimate in circular-economy vehicles may be a tractor that runs on effluent.

To be precise, machines running on bio-methane, harvested from carefully separated dairy effluent waste, have recently been deployed on an English country farm, supplying the supermarket chain Waitrose in the UK. The Hampshire property is home to 500 cattle, and together, they keep a custom-built covered ‘lagoon’ filled with energyrich fluid. Methane escaping from the effluent is captured and stored using a system designed by clean energy experts Bennamann, working together with tractor giant New Holland.

The Bennamann process has the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of an average dairy farm. It’s estimated that the CO² reduction for a 120-cow farm could be equivalent to 100 typical households.

“As a tractor manufacturer, we’re interested in the fact that the methane can be used to make fuel,” said Tom Kindred, platform and engineering lead for the New Holland Methane Power tractor programme. “For the farmer, covering the lagoon reduces the smell, which can be a very important factor. Stopping the rainwater from getting in is another benefit.”

It’s not just the British getting in on the idea. Late in 2023, New Holland also brought its bio-methane tractor concept to Brazil, landing a T6.180 methane-fuelled tractor in the South American nation.

“We continue to reinforce our sustainability strategy on the global level, confirming with concrete actions our brand’s leadership position in alternative propulsions,” said New Holland’s brand president, Carlo Lambro, when the firm forged alliances with leading bio-methane infrastructure providers there.

Irish farmers are also catching on, with two T6.180 New Hollands hitting the

fields in County Kildare last October. The pair of machines replaced diesel tractors of a similar size. They will work alongside bio-methane-powered vans and trucks for the Green Generation company.

New Zealand has a lot to gain from this technology. A report produced in partnership with the EECA and Fonterra discovered that four per cent of New Zealand’s energy-related emissions could be avoided with biogas upgraded into biomethane. Throughout the full biomethane value chain, it prevents up to 95 per cent of associated carbon emissions.

The best part, however, is that it’s a resource sourced from a substance that’s more than plentiful on our dairy farms, which already needs to be contained and controlled. Why not ask proponents of biomethane to turn the brown stuff into gaseous gold? ¢

p New Holland first created the T6 bio-methane tractor in 2019; the concept it embodies is gathering momentum worldwide in 2024

Top marks in baler battle

u by Andy Bryenton

Buying a modern baler can be a very difficult decision, with technological advances in agricultural machinery providing the farmer or contractor with a dizzying range of options.

In the final assessment, most people who want to ‘make hay while the sun shines’ are concerned about three things: bale quality, speed of operation, and the all-important issue of durability. When buying a car, there’s always the yardstick of racing to provide some kind of benchmark, and it’s no mistake that

car companies believe that a win on the weekend means sales on Monday.

However, where can you see the top balers in the world of pasture performance go head to head, allowing farmers to assess their prowess?

The answer comes from South Africa, where each year, top tractor drivers line up for the FarmSpace and King Price Baler Challenge.

The sometimes arid and challenging conditions of southern Africa mean that bales are big business there, and with New Zealand’s climate proving fickle in recent years, the same concerns are very valid here. When 13 balers took to the field at last year’s challenge, the Case IH RB 455 baler won the variable-chamber division, with the fixed-chamber RB 545 coming second in its own division.

What put the gold medal-winning 455 ahead? It wasn’t just a turn of speed but also came down to the clever way this baler can pack in more density and guarantee perfectly uniform bales over and over again. Four endless belts keep a firm grip on the bale as the 455 gets to work, keeping losses down, and the bale size can be altered and monitored in real-time from the comfort of the tractor cab. It is true of the larger 465 baler, too. Between them, these two machines offer versatility in the field and cover the PTO horsepower range from 60 to 105 and more.

A straight-out race down the rows determines a lot about a machine. Still, the judges discovered that ease of maintenance was also a major factor in the design of Case IH’s offering. From a drop floor that makes it easy to clear any blockages to rotor cutter knives that can be switched out without the need for tools and wide-opening side panels, quick and easy upkeep is a priority. Looking deeper, the durability of the belts, rollers and drive components has been optimised for heavy-duty work, and that will surely mean less downtime during the machine’s lifetime. ¢

p A Case IH Maxxum 135 tractor deployed with the RB 545 baler

A dog’s tail … Boss ’members rock an’ rollin’

Well gidday readas and I hope ya hada great Easter hollyday like me ana Boss did. Boss and his gerlfrend Sharlene got a letta ina mail atta road gate last weak, witch asked them to go to Orklind, and Boss’s Mum came ter stay wile they went away.

So I rilly hada a grate time ’cos Mum always reckins Boss duzzin’t feed me enough. Pork cracklin’ is me favourite, and she nose that, so I reckin I’m gonna need sum exercise before Boss notices anythin’.

Anyway, Boss was tellin’ Mum when they got home that they wint to a special opening of a big sine on tha waterfront ina big city that ’members a radio station big battle lotsa years ago about a ship.

“Yep, Mum, they have done a memory thing about that Hauraki radio we lissined to, wen they was ona ship off the east coast, ’member that? They played good stuff wile the govmint radio was boring. Mum sed she did an’ “special wen’ they had shipwreck ona coast by our farm near Waipu. Uretiti that was. But now all rados sound tha same rilly.”

Sharlene was lookin’ at her computing thing about the sine they saw and then she sed in her skoolteecher voice: “It commemorates the day, in 1966, when a bunch of determined young people fled Viaduct Harbour to broadcast in the waters of the Hauraki Gulf in protest of the state-owned broadcasting monopoly in New Zealand.

“On 23 October 1966 Denis ‘Doc’ O’Callahan was at the helm of the Tiri, the ‘unseaworthy’ boat that the radio station would broadcast from as it made its daring escape. When we tried to leave the Viaduct Basin, the

police had the bridge operator lower the bridge.

“Some of the pirate crew positioned themselves to prevent the bridge closing completely. I tried to force the Tiri past the partially closed bridge, but the mast jammed and we were stuck, until someone ran out a rope, and the crowd of supporters were able to heel her over and we broke free.

“A gathering of the ‘pirates’ was held to unveil the signage at the site of the escape, including family and friends of David Gapes, the legendary founder of Hauraki Radio who passed away earlier this month. After running their station from the Hauraki Gulf for 1,111 days, amidst storms, shipwrecks, and financial pressures, a broadcasting licence was finally granted, and Radio Hauraki came to be.”

“Well, it seams a darn good thing then,” seda Boss. “I ’member wen that Tiri boat wound up ona beech at tha old farm. We got up ter milk the house cow an’ there she was ona sand. So Dad got the tracta, and we helped out other lokils hold her steady til the tide come in, an’ she git towed away. Oh, I ’member those days.”

Well readas, Boss then got out sum old records an’ opined a bottle of bear, an’ him an’ Sharlene startid dancin’ ina

kitchin. So, I thort I better head for me kennil. Nothing worse than Boss wen he gets all soppy eh?

Hope ya had sum Easter eggs anyway

Cheers — Billy ¢

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April

Free Property Information Seminar — 3rd April at 5.30pm, “Going from One Home, to a Portfolio of Houses – How it can be done”. RSVP email attendee names & session #4 to kathy@fnkaipara.co.nz.

155 Community Law, Heartland Services — 4th April — help with family law, employment law, tenancy law, criminal law, consumer law, neighbourly disputes, debts, and harassment and bullying. At Whanau Focus Centre, 61 Victoria Street. Bookings essential by calling 09 439 7009.

Creative Tech Clinic for Creatives — 6th April 10.30am to 1pm upstairs at 37 Hokianga Road, free event. Virtual reality, e-textiles, projection mapping, Arduino, 3D scanning and filament printing. Bring your project ideas for advice, feedback and coaching. Brought to you by Dargaville Arts Assn, AwhiWorld, Creative Northland and Kaipara Lifestyler. Phone John 027 525 8189.

Pae Manawa Clinic (Maori Land Court), Heartland Services — in Dargaville, 8th April to discuss any enquiries regarding your land, in person at Whanau Focus Centre, 61 Victoria Street. Bookings essential by calling 09 439 7009.

Creative Northland in Dargaville — 9th April, 9.30am to 4pm at the SEED Co-Working Office, Fosters Arcade. Drop in for a korero about your creative project — art, music, visual, drama. Kylee wants to help you to succeed.

Northland Inc Growth Advisor in Dargaville — 10th April, 9.30am to 4pm at the SEED Co-Working Office, Fosters Arcade. Here to answer your business related questions.

New Residents Welcome Event — Thursday 11th April, 2pm to 4pm, SEED Co-Working Office, Fosters Arcade. If you are new to Dargaville in the last three years, come along. RSVP for catering purposes 09 439 0464 or email info@dcdb.nz.

Dargaville Aero Club Open Day/Fly-in — Saturday 13th April. Gates open at 10.30am, no landing fees, food available, Helicopter flights possible, Barista coffee. Come along and join in the fun! All welcome. Ask about Introductory Flights with Dargaville Aeroclub.

Free Property Information Seminar — 13th April at 2pm, “Avoiding the Six Common Painful Pitfalls when Buying Your First Home”. RSVP email attendee names & session #5 to kathy@fnkaipara.co.nz.

Matakohe Markets and Movies — 13th April. Markets from 4pm–8pm at Matakohe Tennis Courts & Community Hall. Movie starting at 5.30pm in the Community Hall $2.50 per person or $10 per family (2 adults, 3 children). Stalls include food and beverage, face painting, plants, arts, crafts and more. Contact Kate 027 324 5205 for a stall.

Discover more about your Military Ancestors (NZ, Aus and UK) — 21st April, 10am to 3pm. Open Day — Dargaville Museum Research Rooms, Harding Park. If you have a photo, bring it along to add to our Military Collection and the Onwards series of books. For more info contact Sue Curtis 021 608 606.

Free Property Information Seminar — 21st April at 1pm, “The Eight Magical Secrets to Creating Your Own Successful Air BnB”. RSVP email attendee names & session #6 to kathy@fnkaipara.co.nz.

Inland Revenue Clinic, Heartland Services –Dargaville — 24th April. Appointments to discuss any IRD enquiries in person at Whanau Focus Centre, 61 Victoria St, Dargaville. Bookings essential by calling 09 439 7009.

Fireco Kai Iwi Lakes Triathlon — 27 April. Triathlon (Swim+Bike+Run): Try a Tri: 100m+10K+2K. Short: 350m+10K+3.5K. Long: 700m (or 1500m kayak) + 20K + 8.5K. Kids Tri (Swim+Bike+Run): 4–6 yrs: 50m+2K+500m. 6–10 yrs: 100m+4K+1.5K. 11–15 yrs: 150m+8K+1.5K. For more info www. runningcalendar.co.nz/event/kai-iwi-lakes-triathlon.

May

Free Property Information Seminar — 15th May at 5pm. “What To Look For (& What to Avoid) when Buying a Property to Flip”. RSVP email attendee names & session #7 to kathy@fnkaipara.co.nz.

Free Property Information Seminar — 21 May at 5pm, “The Do-Up Dos & Don’ts To Attract Great Tenants”. RSVP email attendee names & session #8 to kathy@fnkaipara.co.nz.

Markets

Kaihu Hall Market — 3rd Saturday each month 10am–noon. Phone Robin 09 439 4878.

Maungaturoto Night Market — 1st Saturday of every month, 4–7pm, at The Epicentre, 98 Hurndall Street. 021 0234 3632 kierenwilson22@gmail.com or Facebook.

Monthly Market — 1st Saturday of each month, 8am–noon at the Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road (opposite the Town Hall).

Paparoa Artisan Market — now quarterly 10am–2pm Paparoa Memorial Hall, next market is Sunday 2nd June.

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.

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 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 6pm–7.30pm 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Helena 021 564 618 or 09 601 4153.

Baylys & Beyond Gardeners — All welcome, 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.

Citizens Advice Bureau — Dargaville & districts have moved to Parenga Street as at 24th October 2023

(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 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 for seniors — meets 2nd Tuesday of month at 10am at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan Street. For info phone Brian 09 439 5959.

Dargaville Tabletop Wargames and RPGs – the Warrior’s Lodge — Interested in games like Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer, or other strategy games with models? Thursdays 6.30pm, upstairs, Hokianga Road above the cinema. Learn to 3D print, paint, play and design.

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. Hours 9am–4pm April to October, 9am–5pm October to April. Volunteers, visitor hosts and members welcome. Phone 09 439 7555.

Dargaville Riverside Taha Awa Garden Trust — is inviting people interested in joining 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 Women’s Group — If you would like to socialise and share & care, feel welcome to come along and join our group of Ladies. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10am for morning tea (& maybe, a guest speaker) at The Methodist Church, Cnr Awakino & Normanby Roads, Dargaville. For further information contact Michelle, 09 439 2930.

Housie — Every third Monday of the month at 1.30pm, Dargaville Bowling Club. All are welcome. Starts, Monday 19th February.

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 Grey Power — third Friday of each month February to November. Our meetings are open to all.

Contacts 09 439 7801 or 09 439 4452.

Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club — Open and operating Wednesday and Saturday. New members and volunteers welcome. Something to interest both men and women, come and get involved. Phone 021 106 3635 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.

Line dancing group for beginners — every Monday night 5.30pm–7.30pm at Dargaville Dalmation Hall.

Contact Donna 021 729 955.

Lions Club of Ruawai — Meets 3rd Thursday of the month (social night) and 1st Thursday of the month (business meeting). For more info contact Dorothy on 09 439 2557.

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

Maungaturoto AA Meeting — Mondays 7pm at the Holy Trinity Church, 134 Hurndall St East, Maungaturoto. Contact Carolyn 021 828 055.

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 understand DNA at the Research Rooms, Dargaville Museum, 4th Sunday of each month, 12.30–2pm. 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.

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.

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, beginners welcome, all equipment supplied at Sportsville. Judy 09 439 7920.

Pono Lodge Yoga — Tuesday 9.30am. Hatha Yoga with Anisha. Class lasts approx 1 hour. Mats, bolsters and blocks available, $20. Contact Anisha 021 301 860 or see our Facebook page.

Recovery Support Group — Mondays 6.30pm– 9pm. 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 with guest speakers and afternoon tea. Contact President Noeline Wright 027 733 7396.

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 Yugoslav Hall, 20 Normanby St. Contact Sharon 027 439 5634 or 09 439 5634 for more details.

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. 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.

Te Kopuru Community Library — access through St Peters Hall. Open Tue 2.45pm–4pm, Wed 10am–noon and Sunday 3pm–4pm. Books for all ages, and jigsaw puzzles, DVDs, CDs and magazines available. All welcome.

Tinopai Craft Group — If you are crafty, or just feel like catching up with people in the neighbourhood, come and join us on Mondays from 10.30–1pm at the Tinopai Community Hall. For information phone Linda 09 280 9988.

Twilight Golf Northern Wairoa Golf Club — every Thursday 4–6pm. Dinner available, Prizes and raffles. All Welcome.

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

TIDE CHART

PUZZLE TIME

66 Swap for (10)

68 Fume with anger (6)

69 Thrown (6)

71 Procession (9)

76 Financial plan (6)

77 Barber’s accessory (9)

79 Straddling (7)

81 Take to court (3)

84 Assess (5)

85 Antibiotic drug (10)

86 Branches (5)

87 Paradox (5)

88 Writing tool improver (6,9)

89 Invited (5) DOWN

2 Journey (6)

3 Distinguish oneself (5)

5 Monster (4)

6 On lists (anag)(7)

7 Brought up (6)

8 Mediterranean island (5)

9 Annoying inconveniences (7)

10 Reverse (4)

11 Not capable (6)

12 Unwanted garden plants (5)

45

50

51 Shaky (8)

55 Brazilian dance (5)

58 Highest (9)

59 Cut back (6)

60 Advantage (7)

61 Tune (3)

63 Sit for (4)

64 Flour maker (6)

65 Road danger (3)

13 Stun (7)

14 Father and son Austrian composers (7)

18 Grossly unconventional (10)

23 Icy rain (5)

24 Sense of regret (7)

26 Flier’s fee (7)

27 Swelter (anag)(7)

29 Titillating literature, art (7)

30 Satisfy by drinking (6)

31 Tribal leader (5)

32 Enrol (4,2)

34 Fate (4)

36 Competing (5)

38 Muscular (5)

40 Grime (4)

45 Hit heavily (5)

46 Swift sharp reply (7)

47 Waves (4)

48 Not native (6)

49 Slanderous defamation (5)

50 Wedded (7)

52 Incredulity (10)

53 Voted in (7)

54 Delicately elegant (6)

55 Cheese type (7)

56 Said further (5)

57 High cards (4)

62 German submarine (1-4)

67 Lacking clarity, distinctness (7)

68 Of earthquakes (7)

70 Surgeon’s knife (7)

72 Declare free from guilt (7)

73 Death (6)

74 Seller of food and household goods (6)

75 Fit for consumption (6)

76 Under (5)

78 Farm, in US (5)

80 Horse straps (5)

82 Fashionable (4)

83 Military flute (4)

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Enhance, 4 Catalogued, 9 Hoarded, 13 Vile, 14 Iguana, 15 Groggy, 16 Perform, 19 Shrivelled, 20 Invested, 21 Blank, 24 Retort, 25 Sprang, 27 Barricade, 32 Macaroni, 33 Swampy, 34 Servant, 38 Overload, 39 Nitwit, 40 Rain, 41 Comic, 42 Eased, 45 Indiscriminate, 52 Sauna, 55 Loyal, 56 Solo, 57 Trench, 58 Omission, 61 Rafters, 62 Pierce, 63 Intended, 66 Sovereign, 68 Fiends, 69 Adonis, 73 Frays, 74 Disclose, 76 Hysterical, 81 Console, 82 Backed, 83 Leeway, 84 Town, 85 Crayons, 86 Letterhead, 87 Tannery.

DOWN: 1 Eaves, 2 Hilarity, 3 Engulf, 4 Craze, 5 Thaw, 6 Lagging, 7 Groove, 8 Edges, 10 Oven, 11 Ruffled, 12 Erring, 17 Overhauled, 18 Heart, 22 Pacifies, 23 Octet, 24 Rissole, 26 Pool, 28 Aspirin, 29 Salami, 30 Bantam, 31 Ensign, 33 Sewer, 35 Viola, 36 Less, 37 Mist, 43 Anorak, 44 Exact, 46 Noon, 47 Ironing, 48 Caters, 49 Irene, 50 Inclined, 51 Ermine, 52 Suspenders, 53 Unit, 54 Annuals, 59 Freed, 60 Stud, 64 Fetid, 65 Anecdote, 67 Odyssey, 68 Fielder, 70 Armour, 71 Locket, 72 Strait, 75 Crave, 77 Yield, 78 Lanky, 79 Clan, 80 Clue.

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

372

Jumbo crossword

SEPTIC TANK SERVICES

MAGIC PROPERTY Services, effluent & septic

TE

MINISTRIES at the Church of the Nazarene, 4 Grey Street, Dargaville. A church

is held every

at 11am. Maranga Mai is Bible studies for people wanting to know the Lord more, who they are and their

It is every

at 10.30am. Legacy and Man Up is every Wednesday from 6.30pm–8.30pm. Contact 021 136 5253 or tekorowaiministries@gmail.com. Celebrate Recovery is on Thursdays 6pm–8.30pm. Contact Gwen on 021 103 9065.

1

Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit

my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.

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.

Teacher Aides

DARGAVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

We are seeking a Teacher Aide to support a range of special need students here at Dargaville High School for up to 15 hours per week, term time only.

The successful applicant will have:

• A cheerful disposition and an ability to build a positive relationship with the students, staff and whanau.

• Help to assist teachers in the implementation of programmes.

• Support the goals, objectives and policies of the school.

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

• You will be employed under the new Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement.

For more information please contact Marley Mackay, Deputy Principal, via email mmackay@darghigh.school.nz

Please send a C.V. and covering letter to: Dargaville High School

57 Plunket Street, Dargaville

Or email office@darghigh.school.nz

Closing date: Tuesday 16th April 2024

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IfyouwouldliketosupportNorthernRescue, contactusduringofficehourson 0800273728(08002RESCUE)or emailinfo@nest.org.nz

Ordonatedirectlyto: TheNorthlandEmergencyServicesTrust ASBBank:123101006737100

DONATIONS

PUBLIC NOTICES

ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — First Thursday of the month — 7–9.30pm, next is the 4th of April 2024, 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.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS both Dargaville AA Meetings are held at the church, corner Parore and Normanby Streets. Use Parore St entrance. Monday 4.30pm & Thursday 7.30pm. Phone Bernie 027 212 2148, Ladies 020 4082 1373, Murray 09 439 5248.

DARGAVILLE HEALING rooms 7pm Tuesdays. No charge & no appointment necessary. Lion of Judah Building, River Road. All Welcome. Check us out on Facebook.

NORTHERN WAIROA Boating

PUBLIC NOTICES

PART TIME FACILITY MANAGER

We are looking for an enthusiastic person to manage our community multi sport facility in Dargaville. This role has flexible hours of approx 15hr per week.

Duties include:

Administrative duties

• Board Secretary roles

Funding Applications

Working

• Coordinating bookings

Enhance

Please email sportsvilledargaville@gmail.com

Tangiteroria 1656 Kirikopuni Valley Road

77 hectare property with two homes

After dedicating 24 years to this property my vendors are ready to retire offering a remarkable opportunity in the picturesque Kirikopuni Valley Situated on 77 hectares, this property features a recently renovated four-bedroom home with sweeping rural views, alongside a three-bedroom dwelling boasting a spacious deck with panoramic views of the Tangihua Ranges The farm itself is thriving, with 44 paddocks, 150 MA cattle, and an annual hay production of 1500 bales Essential infrastructure includes a cowshed calf rearing sheds cattle yards implement shed, workshop, hay barn, and stables With a varied contour of 15% flat, 65% rolling, and the remaining steeper, the property offers a perfect balance Multiple income streams are possible, including grazing, calf rearing, hay production and potential rental income This is a rare opportunity not to be missed bayleys co nz/1020920 Boundary

Dargaville 244 Waihue Road

77 0926 ha

Phone

Todd Skudder 027 439 1235

35 753 ha Auction