Kaipara Lifestyler, August 1st 2023

Kellys Bay status undecided

From Maungatūroto to the big leagues

u by Andy

Bryenton

Young motor racing competitor Ben Morrison has featured in these pages before as he has risen through the divisions; now he’s made it to the big leagues of his sport.

This year, Ben takes on the best of the best in midget car racing, in command of a 400 horsepower machine weighing 400kg. Piloting this super-fast car on a dirt track amid a field of veterans doesn’t faze the young racer, who says he’s grateful for the opportunity.

“It’s time to step up to the next class, and this is the pinnacle class for me,” says Ben. “I have been training for this for the past 15 years, ever since I was four years old. I’m very lucky to be there, as not many people ever get this opportunity.”

Ben’s parents purchased his custom-built midget car, a class that is so powerful it can wheelstand down the back straight, built from ultra-light materials like carbon fibre and titanium. It will be the first year Ben races with his own professional pit crew against top contenders with multiple championship trophies behind them. To win, everything must be tuned to perfection.

“Everyone is on a level playing field at this grade, and we’re all looking for that extra one-tenth of a second,” he says.

p Ben Morrison tearing up the track in last year’s midget car racing series; this year, he’s made it to the premier league of his sport, taking on New Zealand’s best racers they need to be replaced, so sponsorship from local well-wishers is vital and greatly appreciated.

reo in governance debated

With racing set to begin in October, Ben says he’s quietly confident but humble enough to recognise that this is a big step up. Nevertheless, he says he’s out there to race and to win with the podium in his sights. After all, big US racing teams have their eyes on this competition, and an international career is a possibility.

“The biggest audience for this kind of racing is the US, and I would love to race there one day to represent New Zealand,” says Ben.

The engines for his new midget car come from Toyota in the US, each one custom-made to withstand the rigours of flat-out competition. Tyres, too, are custom, with each topping $500 in value. Some last only one race before

For now, it’s all about the mental and physical preparation needed when Ben hits the track alongside some of the best in the sport. While he’s humble enough to acknowledge the pedigree and skill of his rivals, it’s his aim to stand tall atop the podium by season’s end.

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genealogist, and Kaipara’s mayor and deputy mayor Craig Jepson and Jonathan Larsen all have Danish ancestors who sailed to New Zealand in the 1800s. Those interested in delving into their family history and discovering fascinating stories of the past can search Northern Wairoa Genealogy Inc on Facebook or call Sue on 021 608 606.

SNA controversy resurgent Kellys Bay status undecided

u by Andy Bryenton

Significant Natural Areas or SNAs are back under discussion in Kaipara after protests, complaints and a lack of information on their impact stalled government plans in late 2022.

Now a new council, mayor and a new government National Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity have brought the issue back into the spotlight. Mayor Craig Jepson is bluntly critical of the new SNA regime, which looks set to impose more regulation on farmers and added costs to the council.

“It’s another dent in our ‘country of the free’, and we must fight this,” said Mayor Jepson.

When the Smith administration council asked consultants to assess how much of Kaipara could be locked into SNA status, the then-incumbent mayor was informed that the figure was large. Consultants identified 3,579 rateable properties in Kaipara that contain an SNA. That equates to 59,209 hectares or 19% of the whole district.

“We believe it is important that councils should not be empowered to or required by the National Policy Statement to ‘lock up’ land containing indigenous biodiversity,” said the KDC’s Michael Day at the time.

Meanwhile, the second-biggest protector of wetlands, and hence one of the biggest kaitiaki of SNAs in the north has struck out at the

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MAUNGATUROTO

The Riverview Rest Home and Village was established over twenty-five years ago by the Maungaturoto Community Charitable Trust (MCCT) to service the Maungaturoto District.

Originally set up as a sixteen-bed Maungaturoto Rest Home. The complex has evolved to include a newly built 14 bed Specialised Dementia Unit. A residential area adjacent to the rest home offers eleven rental units and fourteen ‘own your own’ villas. A medical Centre, operated by Coast to Coast Healthcare, provides convenient onsite care for all residents.

government’s statement, calling it unfair and punitive.

“The statement will penalise those landowners who have done the right thing and protected and enhanced the biodiversity on their land,” says Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan. “It will also enable those with the deepest pockets to buy their way out of any requirements. I think most New Zealanders will see this as manifestly unfair.” ¢

u by Andy Bryenton

The Kellys Bay Improvement Society applied for a licence to occupy the seaside town’s community hall last week, but councillors decided they needed more information to make a final decision.

Kellys Bay’s popular campground closed in March following a change of direction by the KBIS, which returned with a request to operate not the camping facilities but just the civic hall.

“The community would not like to retain the campground under their management,” said KDC community funding officer Jenny Rooney. “The campground is a separate matter.”

Concerns were raised about the tenure of the licence to occupy, which was requested for 15 years. Councillor Pera Paniora referenced the recent use of the hall as a Civil Defence hub and questioned whether a speculative LTO would facilitate future use in this manner.

“This was a community hub during the cyclone, and there has been some discussion between the community

and Civil Defence for that facility to be an evacuation centre or the like,” she said. With the fate of the campground unclear and questions about the utility of a long-term LTO unanswered, Mayor Jepson made the decision to table a motion to hold the decision over until further discussion could be entered into. For now, this means that the future of camping and community events at Kellys Bay remains in limbo. ¢

p As SNA controversy reignites, Fish & Game NZ chief executive Corina Jordan has spoken out about the newly proposed rules

p Kellys Bay’s campground and hall face separate and uncertain futures as different plans are debated for the town’s amenities

On the school ball red carpet

u by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville High School’s annual ball was an occasion to remember, and saw senior students arriving in style.

parade of glamorous outfits and classic vehicles raised cheers from the crowd, who gathered to wish the ball-goers well on their big night.

wonderland of lights and decorations ahead of the big event

p The arrivals area at the ball resembled a Hollywood premiere, while this immaculate Holden appeared to have arrived directly from Bathurst p

camera flashes

as

the

Protest addresses council on off-roaders

u by Andy Bryenton

A petition of protest came from Omamari Beach to Dargaville last week, with locals infuriated by what they call the desecration of the coastline by a minority of irresponsible 4x4 drivers.

Former local political candidate

Paturiri Toautu brought the concerns of coastal residents to the Kaipara District Council with a presentation that offered peaceful solutions to the issue.

“Pākehā and tangata whenua were in peace with each other in nature,” said Mr Toautu, of Ripiro Beach in the past.

“Now it has changed 100% for the worse, with convoys of these 4x4 vehicles destroying the beach. Because there is no bylaw, fighting this has been like fighting the wind.”

Mr Toautu articulated the concerns of locals regarding damage to tōheroa, endangered birds, and the pingaō grasses, which stabilise the dunes. While he conceded that his ideal solution would be to ban vehicles from the beach, he acknowledged that access and tourism were desirable for many. Hence, a solution was tabled ,which involved a new bylaw, signage covering beach driving rules, and enforcement.

“Simply educating people is not enough. If you break the law, there must be consequences,” said Mr Toautu. He

Students boost harbour planting

u by Paul Campbell

Three Kaipara schools have teamed up to plant hundreds of native trees and grasses on the banks of Paparoa Stream, running through the heart of the village and into the Kaipara Harbour as part of the Kaipara Moana Remediation programme.

The project is a multimillion-dollar plan for the harbour to reduce the flow of land sediment into the huge waterway by supporting the large-scale planting of trees and shrubs to provide a barrier along stream and shoreline areas and eroding hillsides.

Tinopai, Paparoa and Maungatūroto primary schools joined the KMR team, Te Uri o Hau, Enviroschools, Whitebait Connection and local volunteers over two days to do the planting.

indicated that he would be willing to volunteer to talk to beach drivers and explain the rules, but any such volunteer wardens needed council backing with serious bylaws.

Mr Toautu’s suggestion of local driving on the beach for free, but a fee being levied on out-of-town visitors, matches up with a plan previously presented to the council’s CEO by councillor Gordon Lambeth. His nearly identical scheme, which he envisioned as being computer-based, was classified as ‘too difficult’ at the time. ¢

New library times for Te Kōpuru

Te Kōpuru Community Library is open for all ages every week; Tuesdays, 2.45pm to 4pm; Wednesdays, 10am to noon and Sundays, 3pm to 4pm, all welcome. Access to the library is through St Peter’s Hall.

KMR adviser Griffin Hope says the efforts of the students were “awesome despite battling mud and rank kikuyu, which made digging holes hard. This is really important work to do as a community as it teaches our children the importance of caring for the environment.

“The kids put in a huge effort with their enthusiasm and did a beautiful job of putting 550 plants in the ground. It will be something they can see flourish over the years and take pride in their efforts as the natives become established in that area.”

The largest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, the Kaipara is home to rare and threatened species and habitats

as well as the major economic value as the breeding ground for New Zealand’s snapper fishery. However, high sediment levels have put this at risk.

Funded by the Ministry for the Environment, Northland Regional Council and Auckland Council, KMR supports landowners across the 600,000-hectare catchment and local, nature-based employment, training and accreditation. More than 950,000 native plants are now in the ground. ¢

p A plan to positively change the behaviour of beach drivers was presented to the KDC by Omamari Beach spokesperson Paturiri Toautu

p Tinopai Primary students Jett Black (left) and Titan Murphy with KMR field adviser Iraia Maxwell

A new park for Kaiwaka

u by Andy Bryenton

Community group Kaiwaka Can has proposed a plan to enter into a development agreement with the Kaipara District Council to build a new park on donated land near Gibbons Road.

The space for this new civic amenity was gifted by Mr John McClean and his father, and these philanthropic locals will be acknowledged with signage in the planned new park. With a licence to occupy from the KDC, Kaiwaka Can is empowered to develop this space, providing a recreational and skate facility and a link to the local sports association complex.

“The feedback gathered from a community questionnaire provided evidence of support from the local community for the project,” said KDC community and engagement adviser Jenny Rooney.

The gifting of McClean Park, Gibbons Road was an important part of the Kaiwaka footbridges plan because of the park’s role as a link between the bridges and well-patronised local shops and amenities. Preliminary design sketches show a fully-featured skate park, tiered seating with lighting, landscaped green space and shade trees.

“The project is a successive phase to the footbridges project to connect Kaiwaka and create a social fabric weaving walkways, parks, and people together,” Ms Rooney said.

Kaiwaka Can representatives have met with Northern Transportation Alliance and Department of Conservation representatives to provide information and discuss the initial concept plans. Both organisations support the project, and Kaiwaka Can have developed a funding framework, which will pay for the build using a stage-by-stage approach, with the skate park first to break ground.

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A helping hand in Paparoa

u by Andy Bryenton

The reach of Kaipara Farm Vets has extended again, for the second time in as many months, with farmers now able to secure medicines for their animals in the village of Paparoa.

“In our commitment to offering top quality services and medicines to our farming clients, we are happy to announce that we have partnered with Paparoa Store to dispense medications to clients further east,“ says Kaipara Farm Vets spokesperson Rory Dean.

“Farmers are busy people, and many don’t have time to make multiple trips into town. We want to be able to make their lives that little bit easier, especially at this time of the year.”

The Paparoa Store has long been a hub for the community, and in pioneering times it would certainly have carried everything from the staples of a farmer’s pantry through to tools, clothes and the patent medicines of the day. After all, a general merchant has stood on this site since 1884. While there have been colossal advances in animal medical science since then, farming families still appreciate the point of contact with their local vets.

As mentioned, Kaipara Farm Vets has had a busy year in 2023, with this latest expansion adding to the establishment of a new branch in Ruawai in autumn. They reckon that this success, and the warm

welcome they have received from the rural community, is worth celebrating, so to promote their new endeavour, they’re giving away a set of Boat earbuds to one lucky client.

Rory invites locals to get in touch and encourages them to refer their farming friends to be ‘in to win’. Give him a bell on 027 236 1420 to forward your referral for a Paparoa pick-up, talk about your farming veterinary needs, and find out more. ¢

p Deputy mayor Jonathan Larsen (centre) attended the blessing as work began on Kaiwaka’s footbridges; now the town will add a park and skate park to link up with them

p Kaipara Farm Vets’ Rory Dean says that the popular practice is pleased to bring an extended service to Paparoa

Role of te reo in governance debated

u by Andy Bryenton

Debate over Mayor Craig Jepson’s decision to publish the Kaipara District Council’s annual plan in both English and te reo Māori versions overspilled into a spirited discussion on co-governance at last week’s council meeting.

“I have talked to iwi, and my chief executive has talked to iwi, and their opinion was that if we are to do this, we should do it properly,” said Mr Jepson on the subject of the linguistic split, which would see the plan made available in both languages.

It’s his stated intent to make the plan easier to read, and said a version in te reo enhances the status of New Zealand’s original language. Mayor Jepson questioned what was wrong with this format. He confirmed that the Māori translation was inspected by iwi representatives fluent in te reo. Others took a different view, with speaker Caren Davis criticising the move, especially the choice to translate English to Māori using an artificial intelligence program.

“The landscape of AI and the translation of te reo is very much still in development,” she said. “Is readability really the problem here? I see a clear theme in the decisions you have been making.”

Pere Huriwai-Seger also made a presentation advocating for benevolent co-governance and rejecting fearmongering on the topic. However, the third speaker on the topic, expreacher Julian Batchelor, caused the most contention.

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Goats in the crosshairs

u by Andy Bryenton

The Department of Conservation is setting its sights on feral goats in a campaign to cull numbers of the introduced species and protect natural treasures, such as Kaipara’s rarest plant.

“High densities of wild goats cause significant damage to New Zealand’s native plants and habitats. They are becoming widespread, with significant numbers in some places,” says DOC national programmes director Ben Reddiex.

“We never advocate violence,” and “we come as people of peace,” said the antico-governance campaigner, who posed at his Dargaville meeting earlier this year under a large banner proclaiming ‘war’. He delivered a spirited indictment against co-governance, which he contends is not part of Te Tiriti. He also stated that this document is being illegally interpreted by the Waitangi Tribunal.

While he is set to appear in Whangārei soon, Mr Batchelor has no immediate plan to revisit Dargaville. Members of the public indicated that any such engagement would be peacefully but vehemently protested. ¢

Te Roroa, the iwi group, which has led efforts to rehabilitate and protect the Waipoua kauri forest, has been granted $30,000 to plan the feasibility of a predatorproof fence. This fence would turn Maunganui Bluff into an island, protecting the sole extant wild population of the taonga plant species Roimata o Tōhe.

Efforts to protect this very rare flora have been hampered in the past by goats, which were eventually eradicated by hunters using helicopters. Keeping them, along with pigs and possums, out of the bluff’s environs would be a major step toward preserving the west coast biome.

There’s more bad news for wild goats, as DOC partners up with the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association to

introduce a goat hunting competition. It will run from August 1 until November 26 this year. Hunting and Fishing stores have signed on as a major sponsor and the contest is free to enter, with big prizes on offer for eradicating goats.

“Let’s welcome hunters onto our farms and foster ongoing relationships that could reap benefits to hunters and farmers alike for years to come. I’m a keen hunter myself, as are many farmers,” says Federated Farmers spokesperson Richard McIntyre.

Hunters can enter at doc.govt.nz/wildgoat-hunting-competition. ¢

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p Richard McIntyre of Federated Farmers welcomes a DOC push to eradicate feral goats and calls on farmers with a goat problem to collaborate positively with local hunters

p “A bilingual document is the way to go,” concluded councillor Pera Paniora, who also presented a strong rebuttal to the incendiary language used by speaker Julian Batchelor

Don’t forget to register your dog

Dog registrations now open for the coming year. Make sure your furry friend is up to date by 31 August to avoid apenalty. Register online at kaipara.govt.nz/dog-registrations or at aKaipara District Council service centre.

Kaipara’sJune roading report

In June, our team completed the network wide blanket grading operation. We are resourcing an additional unsealed pothole crew to keep up with the growing number of potholes across the district.

We carried out atotal of 3,840 individual work items -3,004 were routine issues, 423 were cyclic, 17 were renewal/capital project works and 130 were programmed works. There were 266 callouts or emergency response works. On sealed roads, 430 potholes were repaired, and 5,826 unsealed potholes were repaired. In drainage maintenance and renewals, 72 culverts were cleared, 279 culvert pipes were flushed and 58.5m of culvert pipes were replaced. 1,323m of heavy water tabling was completed along with 11,953m of water table reconstructed.

Atotal of 332 signs were straightened, replaced, or reinstated, and 345km of unsealed roads were graded –that’s 32% of the total unsealed network! Dangerous trees were removed, slips were repaired or cleared and mechanised tree pruning was completed.

Check out the full June roading report on our website at kaipara.govt.nz/news

Poutō wharf

Council contractors working on the finishing touches for Poutō wharf will shortly down tools until conditionsare more favourable to complete the remaining piling and wharf head.

No t e: There is no feefor aDisabilitydog (as medically defined).

Dogownersurcharges

Take careinparks and public spaces

If you’re heading to one of Kaipara’s parks and public spaces, please keep an eye out for damage and changes in the environment.

Ongoing windy and wet weather can result in sodden ground, fallen trees or trees with loose branches and erosion on or around walkways. Our team is working hard to reduce these hazards as quickly and safely as they can. Avoid areas that don’t look safe and please report any new or changing hazards by calling0800 727 059 or report it on the Antenno app.

Works will close down in early August and start back up in September when the tides and weather are more favourable and the remaining piling work on the wharf head can be completed.

Until the wharf becomes an active worksite again in September, the completed section will be open to foot traffic, however with the wharf head still to be completed, boats will not be able to moor alongside. The open end facing the water will have safety railings installed that will be unbolted when the wharf head is completed later in the year.

Kaipara Wharves is part of Kaipara KickStart, led by Kaipara District Council and supported by PGF funding from Kānoa –Regional Economic Development &Investment Unit.

Rural travel fund open

Applications are open for the Rural Travel Fund. Approximately $10,000 is available to subsidise travel for rural junior sports teams participating in local competitions. Find out more and apply for your share at kaipara.govt.nz/funding

KaiparaLibraries TUTU Collection is expanding

The Makeblock Neuron Inventor Kit is the latest addition to Kaipara Libraries TUTU collection. The kit has aseries of electronic building blocks for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, including sound, light and other sensors.

The team is also developing collection items to suit pre-school and older community members –we’ll let you know whenthese are released. We encourage you to give your feedback on the TUTU collection –pick up and drop your wish list at your local Kaipara Library.

Join the KaiparaLibraries team!

Doyou have apassion for libraries and your local community? We have an exciting opportunity to join ourtight-knit Dargaville Library team.

Your role will involve assisting customers in accessing library resources, addressing their queries, and meeting their individual needs. Agreat attitude is most important, training will be provided.

Find out more information about the role by calling the Dargaville Library on 0800 532 54 or read the job description and apply at kaiparadc.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Careers/6390389/title/Casual-Assistant-Librarian

Amalgamation recommended Back to first past the post

u by Andy Bryenton u by Andy Bryenton

The final report on the future of local government has been released, with a raft of recommendations advanced by the panel tasked with reviewing the role and future function of local democracy.

The most important aspect discussed, from the point of view of democratic representation, is the possibility of the amalgamation of existing councils into larger authorities. The final report refined its recommendations down to two, potentially changing the nature of the Kaipara District Council’s operations.

The first of these two options is unitary, and is described as follows in the report:

‘In this model, one council has responsibility for all the local government roles and functions across an agreed region or sub-region, including those currently carried out by regional councils and territorial authorities.’

It could mean a super council for Northland, with a layout similar to that of super city Auckland. The second option recommended by the report is labelled a combined network and is described slightly differently. As the report states:

‘Local councils retain a focus on placebased delivery and decision-making, and work with others to address opportunities

and challenges in their areas. A combined council carries out functions that affect the whole region or require specialist capability, and provides appropriate economies of scale. It also provides backbone support for the local councils by providing shared services where agreed.’

The wording of this report indicates both options could diminish the responsibilities and powers of the current Kaipara District Council. However, these recommendations do not automatically become law. Minister for Local Government Kieran McNulty has requested Local Government New Zealand should facilitate a sector-wide consultation with mayors and councils to reach a consensus of views. ¢

KaiparaKōrero

Upcoming Council meetings

• Council Briefing,9.30am, Wed 2Aug, Mangawhai Conference Room, 1C Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai and on YouTube

• Long Term Plan Briefing,9.30am, Wed 16 Aug, Mangawhai Conference Room, 1C Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai and on YouTube

• Economic Development Committee,9.30am, Thu 17 Aug, Mangawhai Conference Room, 1C Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai

• Council Meeting,9.30am, Wed 30 August, Mangawhai Conference Room, 1C Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai and on YouTube

• Council Briefing,9.30am, Wed 06 September, Lighthouse Function Centre, 32 Mount Wesley Coast Road, Dargaville and on YouTube

• Awards and Grants Committee (public excluded),9.30am, Thu 07 Sep, Mangawhai Conference Room, 1C Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai

Please visit Council’s website for the most up-to-date information or call Council on 0800 727 059 and ask to speak to aGovernance Advisor.

Slip repair on Glinks Road

Work to repair aslip on Glinks Road is scheduled from 24 July until midOctober 2023.

During this time, contractors will construct agabion retaining wall. The gabion wall will remediate the current road’s failure, strengthen the road condition, and protect the road fromfuture slips. Stop/go trafficcontrol will operate while materials are brought in and out of the worksite, however most works will occur in the roadsideberm.

Local body elections for at least the next two terms of the council will reject the single transferable vote method of democracy, reverting to the more conservative first past the post system.

A divided vote of Kaipara District Council members saw the current electoral mechanism scrapped last week, over concerns that the method of selecting ward councillors was too confusing and lacked transparency. Kaipara joins only two other councils, Matamata and Thames, in switching back to the FPP model.

Mayor Jepson expressed an interest in keeping voting straightforward.

“I still think STV confuses people, as they don’t trust the system. People yearn for simplicity of process,” he said.

“The STV system is a much more representative voting system, which ensures that the people sitting around this table represent the people they serve,” countered Councillor Paniora.

Debate on the merits of both systems was balanced, and the discussion also covered the issue of an electoral review, which has the potential to change the number of council members and adjust ward boundaries. Councillors decided there was no need to enact

such a review in the short term, a decision which saves ratepayers in the vicinity of $30,000.

“Growth is stabilising across the district, so I cannot see much need for a review,” opined Councillor Gordon Lambeth.

The newly reinstated FPP voting system will apply until 2028, at the least. As yet, there is no indication that the other council Kaipara people vote for, the Northland Regional Council, will also revert to FPP. ¢

HereoPipiri August

Mangawhai shared path

The second phase of the Mangawhai shared path will be open to the public later this week, making it easier to travel by foot, bike, or scooter along busy Molesworth Drive. The second phase includes the shared path sections on either side of the causeway, and the boardwalk stretching over the causeway.

The shared path project is being completed in stages. Phase one (the sections from ITM down to Estuary Drive, as well as the work in the villageroundabouts and associated streetscaping) and phase two of the Mangawhai shared path are funded with asubsidy from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (majority), agrant from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund –Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG) administered by Kānoa –Regional Development &Investment Unit, and Kaipara District Council development and financial contributions (funded by growth).

The third phase is expected to start October/November 2023 and includes the shared path section from Mangawhai Central to the village and from Mangawhai ITM to Wood Street (this section starting later in 2024).

There’sstill time to have your say

You have until 4.30pm Wednesday 02 August to have yoursay on connectivity improvements between residential Dargaville and the towncentre. There are two proposed options for what these connectivity improvements will be. We want your feedback on what you like and don’t like about each option before we finalise the design.

Head to kaipara.govt.nz/dargaville-connectivity-improvements to find out more about the project and have your say.

The Kaipara Cycle Network Connections project is funded by the Transport Choices package, which is part of the Waka Kotahi Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) programme.

p The Kaipara District Council faces an uncertain future if amalgamation, in whole or in part, is chosen as the path ahead for local democracy

p Ballot box backtrack — the KDC has reverted to first past the post voting for reasons of simplicity and transparency

Making a difference Flax, coal and a railway

u by Amy Fifita

Paparoa Lions Club is hosting a one-off Daffodil Day Quiz Night at the Paparoa Sports and Recreation Hall on Friday, August 11 at 7pm to fundraise for the Cancer Society New Zealand.

u by Liz Clark

At the site of the former Parore railway station on the Kaihu Valley Trail, traces of the first flax mill can be found from a past long since faded.

“We always do a street collection for Daffodil Day, and as a club, we decided to do something different,” says PLC treasurer Sarolta Bernhardt.

In addition to the quiz night, the club will still be doing its annual street appeal to contribute to the Cancer Society NZ.

“It is a change and will provide extra funds towards the cause to be included in our street collection funds. Come and help support this good cause because cancer affects all families.

“All charities that need funding are suffering after three years of being affected by Covid. Some Lions members

went to the coastguard quiz and had fun, and wanted to do one for Daffodil Day.”

Quiz teams are to consist of four to six people, and it costs $10 for each participant. To express your interest in the event, call Alistair on 027 333 3326 or email alimer@xtra.co.nz.

The street collection locations are outside the Maungatūroto Four Square and the Paparoa Store. Go to facebook. com/PaparoaLions to keep updated on when collectors will be there. The funds raised will go toward New Zealanders impacted by cancer. ¢

In 1871, the partnership of Theodore Tinne and George Fraser leased land from local iwi and set up a substantial flax milling operation at a site named Waimarama. The machinery arrived in the vessel Anna Christina and then barged several kilometres upstream on the Kaihū River to the final site.

In late 1872 the entire mill caught fire and was destroyed. Undeterred, Theodore Tinne formed a new company, the New Zealand Fibre Company Ltd, financed by UK-based investors. The company purchased the land from iwi in 1878, and milling continued until 1879, with several expansions.

The site was sold in 1885 to Scottish coal mine magnate James Nimmo, who leased it to James Trounson for farming, and Edwin Mitchelson for kauri gum. However, Nimmo also invested in an expensive coal boring plant to explore the site for minerals — none were found. By 1887, the Kaihu Valley Railway had pushed through part of the site and the station was named Flaxmill. Flax milling returned when Nelson-born Henry Clear set up a smaller operation just south of the first site. He sold out to Robert McGellin, who processed hemp until the early 1920s then converted the factory to a sawmill. The station site was renamed Parore in 1926. ¢

“THE

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Dargaville 144 AwakinoRoad

Blending

character, charm andeasyliving

Situated in aprime location on Awakino Road, features awellmaintained character homeconsisting of five bedrooms, one bathroomwith aversatileopenplan livingspace, spread overtwo levels.Set on a1,356sqm section, the property hosts a16x9Skyline garage complete with carport andworkshop. bayleys.co.nz/1020861

5 2 1 4 8

For Saleoffersinvited over $650,000

View Sat3-4pm

Lisa Pocklington 021121 8419 lisa.pocklington@bayleys.co.nz

Jude O'Connor 027 459 4528 jude.oconnor@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS

Toilets are vented so there are no unpleasant odours, no need for toilet cleaners or room deodoriser. They meet all required NZ Standards and building codes and are in use by DOC and regional councils. Cheaper to purchase and install compared to other systems, right from the start. You can leave the system to work for you and in the end will have safe, composted material that can be used in your gardens

Great for you and Better for the planet!

p Paparoa Lions Club members at the 40th-anniversary gathering celebrating their service to the community

p Henry Clear’s flax milling operation at Parore in the early 1900s employed 30 workers

A race against the reindeer

u by Andy Bryenton

Half of 2023 is now behind us, and spring is on the way, offering a window of opportunity to take care of all those home and garden tasks put on hold by a rainy and storm-lashed summer.

It might seem that we’ve all got a lot of time ahead of us before Christmas, but the truth is sobering. It’s only 16 weeks until students clock out of school for the year, and the madness of the merry season takes over. That leads to some worrying mathematics.

Consider this; we all have to sleep for approximately one-third of every day. Each time the earth spins, we have to get our heads down for eight hours or so, to avoid going completely mad and becoming the kind of person who buys everything they see on late-night infomercials. Thus, we can adjust that figure down to 12 weeks just to account for time spent snoring.

It gets worse for those of us who don’t have a famous actor, politician or billionaire in our parentage and thus must head out to work each day. With many of us working more than eight hours, it’s a very conservative estimate to shear off another entire third of what’s left of our waking hours. That leaves us with just six weeks of free time until Christmas.

Now, without getting into the details, we’re going to have to spend quite a bit

of that time taking care of the necessities of life. Time in the bathroom alone could account for an entire other week, meaning we’re down to five. Also, while those renovation and landscaping jobs are important, they can’t replace food, drink, and time spent watching the All Blacks. Let’s conservatively call that another week.

What this means, in a bald assessment of facts, is that there’s really only a month left to get it all done before Christmas. In that time, you’ll have to take account of unseasonable weather, fixing tools and gear which have decided to give up the ghost after a winter in the shed, supply chain snarl-ups, and visits from that dastardly little leprechaun they call Murphy.

What does this all mean? Two things. Firstly, according to the maths, it’s time to book in advance for spring and summer jobs now because if you think

p There’s no time to snooze — add up the time left before the Christmas holidays, and you might be shocked the schedule above looks busy, imagine what it’s like for your local tradespeople. Secondly, while you can’t entirely trust

statistics from a humourous newspaper column, there’s a big nugget of truth in this one. ¢

Raise the roof this spring

u by Andy Bryenton

Spring is roofing season, though stable sunny weather is still the biggest prerequisite for getting your home ‘topless’ for a weathertight makeover.

Spring used to be the time to tear down the simple thatch of ancient farm buildings and replace it with new straw. Now, modern materials reign, but booking a roofing job for spring is still a matter of banking on good weather.

Thankfully, we’re not stuck in the era of thatch-roofed cottages these days, though for some traditional homes in Europe, it’s a necessity to invest in this ancient technique every decade or so. Historic buildings require the skills of a thatching expert, and this can cost $3,000 for each square metre.

Later builders and pioneers in New Zealand cut shingles from wood to roof their homes. Using a ‘shingle knife’, a device that pared slices from a sawn timber like bread from a loaf, a roofer could complete a home in a day.

In 1212 CE, King John of England, signatory of the Magna Carta, stopped his people from using wooden shingles to roof their houses and tried to ban thatched roofing in towns. He aimed to cut down on fires and make settlements less susceptible to a common trick of warfare in those days; the use of flaming arrows to set towns ablaze.

However, he can’t take credit for this innovation at all. Clay tiles for roofing were developed thousands of years beforehand in China, where people had also worked out that colourful glazes could make them more scenic and waterproof.

Perhaps the most popular roofing material in New Zealand today is corrugated metal. Using metal in roofing dates back to the lead and copper used to seal up cathedrals in olden times, but flat metal lacked the strength and rigidity to cover large spans. A dock worker from London, Henry Robinson Palmer, realised that adding a ‘ripple’ to a sheet of iron made it selfsupporting, and in 1829 he filed a patent for the idea.

Sheds built by Palmer were cheap to build, tough and weathertight. When Isambard Brunel, the most famous engineer of his age, used corrugated iron in the construction of Paddington Station, the material went mainstream. We’re still in love with the stuff today, and if it’s time to give your roof some TLC, call your local roofer now to ensure it’s here, ready for the sunshine.

p King John, of Magna Carta fame, also passed laws to ban thatched roofing in cities, leading to the development of modern tiling

A tradition for all

u by Amy Fifita

Spring cleaning is practised in many cultures and has a vast history and explanations behind it, from mess from an icy winter indoors to a religious custom.

In the Western world, it resulted from freezing winters where land dwellers would bring livestock into their abodes during the cold temperatures. Cattle and other animals kept inside would create a mess, as would soot from fires, and as the weather warmed the inhabitants would begin cleaning.

Often thatched roofs would be dismantled and replaced due to rodents making the shelter their home. The straw used to line the floors of their homes would be repurposed as compost and supplanted with new material. UK farmers still bring cattle inside, but instead of going into their homes have a designated shed or shelter for them.

The culture that began this age-old custom is unknown. There are some claims to its beginning, though. Some give credence to the Persians who cleaned shortly before Nowrus (Persian New Year) with their

annual khāneh-takānī, which translates to shaking the house.

Even khāneh-tekānī has its origins and happens before spring. The idea originates from the Zoroastrian principle that cleanliness wards off and purifies a home from evil. It is an intense process, and some families hire labourers to declutter, cleanse, and sometimes refurbish and renovate their homes.

On the last Wednesday of spring, they engage in a fire festival where they light street fires, jump the blazes, sing and perform rituals of good wishes.

Another claim to the tradition is the Hebrew people, also falling around the same time as the Nowrus. The Jewish people would thoroughly clean their homes before their week-long spring festival of Passover.

The consensus is that cultures, perhaps out of necessity, do a thorough clean once a year. It is a good time to

p Chaharshanbe Suri is the Persian fire festival that welcomes in their New Year involving celebrations and jumping flames declutter and minimise work for when you sell your home. It helps keep your house in order, so it is a good and hygienic place to live.

Urban farm greenhouse

u by Amy Fifita

The cost of living and sustainability are currently ongoing topics talked about on many platforms. The world is changing in various ways, and one of those ways is altering how we approach food production and recycling.

People have become creative with repurposing metal structures, and shipping container glasshouses are one of the newer innovations. Once the conversion is achieved, users can control factors like temperature meaning horticulturalists can grow produce all year round.

By taking off the roof of the cargo vessel, you can build glass or plastic onto the top and grow your luscious greens. There are alterations to the idea, like a cabin and a conservatory on one side purposed for fresh vegetables to flourish in.

Converters should be diligent when sourcing a container; the structural dignity must be sound to increase its usable lifespan. The modular farm system can cost more than buying

a greenhouse outright, but has its benefits.

However, it is cheaper than establishing a hydroponic horticulture system. It shelters the produce from the weather and is ideal in harsh and weather-chaotic climates, and some converters say it is better for the environment. That may be true, if it is done right.

One way of achieving a sustainable system is by utilising solar power, makeup air and condensated water; another factor that should be considered like carbon dioxide monitoring.

The idea is great for people with limited space who want an abundance of fresh food, and it helps obtain your produce locally. The controlled environment inside the containers means that growers don’t need to use pesticides and other chemicals like traditional cultivation.

There are various companies that can assist to transform a container into a glasshouse or with a good plan it could be a do-it-yourself project.

p Shipping container glasshouses save space and can produce ample food

Space oddity is down to earth

u by Andy Bryenton

Toyota’s CH-R may just have been the biggest design departure for the giant automaker since the radical MR2 AW11 back in the 1980s.

Nevertheless, just like the wedge-shaped mid-engine sports car, that bold exercise in design has paid dividends. Initially aimed at a younger, funkier crowd, there’s been big support for the original Ch-R from people of all ages, who, it seems, were ready for a crossover SUV that didn’t look the same as the rest.

Now there’s a new model on the way. Toyota has given designers carte blanche to embrace futurism, rendering a machine that looks like a concept car from the 1970s rather than a mainstream offering for 2024.

“The C-HR has gained a loyal following among New Zealand buyers looking for a sharply styled small SUV, and this all-new model takes its dynamic good looks, performance, and features to an even more premium level, befitting its European origins,” says Toyota New Zealand vice-president of new vehicles, Steve Prangnell.

Two-toned, crisply folded and aggressive, the new CH-R manages to

look more radical than the Lamborghini Urus, which may have informed some of the aesthetics in its front end. However, this is no super-luxury school-run trophy. The CH-R has been designed for ordinary daily driving, and under the skin, inside those doors with their Tesla-like fold-away handles, is a very practical car indeed.

What else would you expect from the architects of the Corolla? There will be a choice of two engines when the hybridised CH-R hits New Zealand shores. First up is a 1.8-litre petrol motor with hybrid electric assistance that comes from a new evolution of the tech that we know from the Prius. Despite being the smaller of the two engine configurations, this one still

delivers 15 per cent more power than the current CH-R.

For those who want to experience performance more in line with what the new machine’s styling promises, there’s a spicy GR Sport edition with a twolitre hybrid powertrain. The ‘GR’ badge stands for Gazoo Racing, the tuning boffins who serve as Toyota’s version of AMG or M Sport, and it’s been worn by some truly mad and inspiring cars in recent years.

The other big difference to the sporty CH-R is a true all-wheeldrive layout, which will add grip and deliver all 145 kilowatts to the ground. That’s only 20 kilowatts less than the power developed by the latest Lexus ISF in its blackedout special edition. ¢

p The shape of things to come; Toyota’s CH-R manages to look more like a space cruiser than SUVs made by far more expensive, outrageous brands

NEW LISTING

Ruawai 85 Lusk Road

Picturesque 131ha grazing block

This picturesquenorth facingfarm contains131.6 hectares (more or less),and supportsa great solid setofcattle yards witharange of land uses, scattering of rejuvenating native bush andtotara trees.The well-balanced property is currently utilised as abeefblock, grazing approximately 120head of stock and producing 200-300 large silage bales annually. There are 100hectares of effective land with thecontour that is easy to rollingand tractorable, with a limestone area for storing supplements. Thewater is supplied fromthe three dams forthe stockand services of the seven paddocks.Infrastructure includes thecattle yards together withheadbailwhich makestock handling easyand conveniently situatedatthe entrance of the property.Fencing is amixture of electric andseven wirepost andbatten with power beingsupplied by asolarelectric fence unit. bayleys.co.nz/1060348

NEW LISTING

131.667 ha

Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 2pm, Fri8Sep 2023

View by appointment

CatherineStewart 027356 5031 catherine.stewart@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS

NEW LISTING

Dargaville 61 Hokianga Road

Character home in aprime location

If you'vebeenlooking foracharming home to callyour own, here it is!Thisgorgeoushomehas arich history andisnow presented to the markettofindits new custodian. With four generous bedrooms,two bathrooms (master with ensuite), andanopenplan kitchen anddiningareaflowing outontothe deck, this home ticks many boxes.The propertyisinaprime location, with manyschoolsand thetowncentre within walking distance. bayleys.co.nz/1020850

Dargaville 21 AwakinoRoad

782 sqm 4 1 2

For Sale offers invitedover $400,000

View Sun 12-12.30pm

LisaPocklington 021121 8419

lisa.pocklington@bayleys.co.nz

MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSEDREAA 2008

Solid 1960’s homeina central location

This 1960's home offers three well-appointed bedrooms,eachfeaturingbuilt-in wardrobes,along with an open plan kitchen, diningand living area.There is also adedicated laundryroom,separatetoiletand separatebathroom. Outside,astandout featureisthe largedoublegarage,complete with powersupplyand concretefloor. bayleys.co.nz/1020859

3 1 1 2 4

Asking Price $490,000 View Sun 1-1.30pm

Lisa Pocklington 021 1218419

lisa.pocklington@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz

WHAT’S ON?

August

Sexual Violence Prevention Hui — 2nd August, 9.30am–4pm at Lighthouse Function Centre, Harding Park, 32 Mt Wesley Coast Rd. Community education, networking and support. Guest Speaker Patricia Walsh. Please RSVP by 21st July to tttcommunications@ ot.govt.nz.

Creative Northland in Dargaville — 8th August at the SEED Co-Working Office, Fosters Arcade between 10am and 3pm.

NZSTA Giving Effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi Part 2 –Dargaville — 14th August, 5.30–7.30pm at Dargaville High School Library, 57 Plunket St. Tickets at Eventbrite — search Dargaville. This workshop is the second of a two-part series focussed on giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the implications for school governance.

Kahukura Toa presents A Living Library — 19th August @ 2pm — presenters speaking about issues that have affected their lives — dyslexia, coming out, depression, and bullying in the workplace. Limited seating, koha entry. Dargaville Little Theatre, 241 Victoria Street. For info phone Sasha 0204 100 9001 or email heavenly.crossroads@hotmail.com.

Northland Inc Growth Advisor Dargaville Visit — 24th August, 10am to 3pm at the SEED Co Working Office, Fosters Arcade. For enquiries email welcome@ northlandnz.com.

Raise the Bar Band — 26 August at the Kaihu Tavern. 3pm-7pm. Five piece band performing bangers from the 1960s to 2000s.

Dargaville Museum AGM — 27th August, 1.30pm at the Lighthouse Function Centre. Committee nomination forms available at the Museum.

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 11am–3pm. 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.

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.

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 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 and 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 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 Club — Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month 10am at the Methodist Church, Cnr Normanby Street and Awakino Road. Contact Fiona on 020 4155 5484 for more info.

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.

TIDE CHART

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 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.

Lions Club of Ruawai — Meets 3rd Thursday of the month (social night) 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.

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.

Narcotics Anonymous — Tuesdays 1pm–2pm. 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville.

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.

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 — 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– 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 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.

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.

Wednesday Crafts — Every Wednesday 10am. Morning tea and lunch will be served. Variety of crafts. The Kiosk at Memorial Park. All welcome. $8 per session. Contact Judy 027 316 3940.

PUZZLE TIME

1 Employees (5)

4 Hold grounds for a quarrel (4,1,4,2,4)

14 Throng (5)

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Final, 4 Shakes up, 9 Overdo, 14 Beach, 15 Throw money around, 17 Revue, 18 Sir, 19 Crayons, 20 Forebears, 21 Pursue, 24 Skydivers, 25 Ardour, 26 Trophy, 29 Greyhounds, 31 Hod, 32 Acumen, 33 Scar, 35 Inn, 37 Ache, 39 Joan of Arc, 40 Uppermost, 41 Terms, 42 Presumed, 47 Ceremony, 51 Delta, 55 Exquisite, 56 Sceptical, 58 Nibs, 59 Bus, 60 Twin, 61 Umpire, 62 Air, 63 Gondoliers, 66 Swerve, 67 Sandal, 69 Badminton, 72 Thrill, 73 Freighter, 75 Guarded, 77 Rue, 80 Cigar, 81 By leaps and bounds, 82 Trace, 83 Stable, 84 Outcries, 85 Chime.

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. All puzzles © The Puzzle Company www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz

DOWN: 2 Inheritor, 3 Agony, 5 Hint, 6 Keyhole, 7 Streets ahead, 8 Prune, 9 Ordered, 10 Ears, 11 Devour, 12 Cause, 13 Thirsty, 14 Bedsore, 16 Money for jam, 22 Vienna, 23 Cumulus, 24 Shyness, 25 Addict, 27 Piccolo, 28 Temple, 30 Shop, 32 Angry, 34 Retry, 36 Free, 38 Cur, 42 Pleat, 43 Esquire, 44 Unit, 45 Enigma, 46 Globe, 48 Rule of thumb, 49 Mansion, 50 Nab, 51 Decimal, 52 Assail, 53 Learn by heart, 54 Stag, 57 Candid, 64 Rotterdam, 65 Avarice, 66 Secrete, 68 Durable, 70 Dresser, 71 Slight, 72 Texas, 74 Igloo, 76 Rough, 78 Grab, 79 Once.

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

PHONE 09 439 6933

FOR SALE

CARAVAN EWOF (and marine). Call your local inspector today at A+ Electrical Inspections and Security on 021 240 6764.

CARPET, VINYL and hard flooring. Full supply and installation service. Mobile showroom. Free measure and quote. Phone Christine — Kaipara Flooring Co 021 515 415.

FIREWOOD — dry hot mix $110/m³, delivered free to Dargaville & surrounding areas. Phone or txt Henry 021 734 906.

HOMEGROWN FRESH eggs $9 dozen, $19 tray of 30, mixed grade. Mary 027 439 0388.

I-TREAD

ANIMAL ACCOMMODATION

WHEN THE Cat’s Away, Kaipara’s boarding cattery, 027 443 6140.

FENCING

FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458

NURSERIES &

GOT2GO

TRADES & SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER and plasterer, interior and exterior, can travel, 30 years experience, phone Gary Dixon

SEPTIC TANK SERVICES

MAGIC PROPERTY Services, effluent & septic tank cleaning. Servicing

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.

WANTED

IN HOME Carer wanted between 8.30am and 5pm in exchange for free board and expenses such as food, power, SKY etc. Single or couple, in Ruawai close to town. Phone 022 307 0013.

CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09 439 6933

SITUATIONS VACANT

RUAWAI COLLEGE Relief Teachers Wanted

Ruawai College is seeking interest from qualified and registered teachers who would like the opportunity to undertake relief work at our school.

For further information, please contact Karen Exley, Assistant Principal at kexley@ruawaicollege.school.nz

or 027 596 5434

Family Support Co-ordinator

Hospice Kaipara is looking for a person interested in supporting our patients and their family/whanau. This part-time position (12 hrs per week) involves co-ordinating patient volunteers, bereavement support, arranging supportive activities, and liaising with other services/health staff. Previous experience would be beneficial.

Please send your CV and covering letter to: manager@hospicekaipara.org.nz

A job description is available upon request.

Closing Date: 10th August 2023.

PRISTINE BIOLOGICALS (NZ) LIMITED

Dargaville

Process Staff (Full-time, fixed, on call)

We are seeking a motivated Process staff member to join our night/day shift team, Monday to Friday with the occasional Saturday.

The successful applicant will be able to:

• Ensure compliance and standards strictly maintained

• Be friendly, approachable and a team player

• Adhere to H & S requirements including wearing PPE gear

An advantage:

• Forklift license

• Mechanical knowledge

If you are interested, please email your C.V and a covering letter to: careers@pristine.co.nz

Application to be received by noon Aug 15th, 2023

Ruawai College School Caretaker Permanent, full-time position (hours negotiable)

Ruawai College is looking for the ultimate DIY all-rounder to manage the care of the school’s property and grounds.

The successful person must: Be organised and enthusiastic with a can-do attitude and have excellent problem-solving skills and thrive in a varied and busy work environment. Experience in caretaking, building, renovations, and/or property management is desirable but not essential.

The work hours are negotiable. The successful applicant is required to have a clean, full driver’s licence, and undergo a police check prior to commencing employment.

To request a job description and application form, please contact Business Manager, Ms Brenda Polwart at bpolwart@ruawaicollege.school.nz

or 09 439 2216.

Application forms accompanied by a curriculum vitae (CV) must be received by Wednesday 9 August 2023, at 9:00 am.

The start date is negotiable.

Closing

PUBLIC NOTICES

37 HOKIANGA Road, Phone 09 439 6100.

ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — First Thursday of the month — 7–9.30pm, next is 3rd August 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.

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.

ARE YOU having problems with a mobile phone or other device? The next digital clinic is Friday 11 August. Call in or phone the Citizens Advice Bureau, for more information and to make an appointment.

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

THE CLIMATE emergency would have probably cost this district millions of dollars, with the droughts and floods. We don’t have a plan to become carbon neutral. At the least, we probably need a tree nursery to sell Willow and Poplar cuttings (flood tolerant). Lance Bullock.

Kaipara Community Health Trust

HEALTH SHUTTLE

Need transport to a health appointment?

For enquiries phone Te Ha Oranga 439 3013

HE PANUI RIPIA MARAE AGM

Sunday 27 August 2023 at 10am

1627 Pouto Rd, Te Kopuru

Nomination of Trustees (3)

Amendements to Charter

Email expression of interest to secretary.ripiamarae@gmail.com

Southern (Te Kopuru) Football, Squash & Netball Inc Prizegiving

On Saturday 12th August 2023 at Southern Clubrooms, Te Kopuru

Pre-Drinks will begin at 5.30pm followed by dinner and Prizegiving at 7pm

Tickets are $25 per head

Tickets will be sold at the door but contact Stephanie Spraggon to add your name to the list.

Email: southern.rugby.club439@gmail.com

Mobile: 021 236 6809

Contact Craig Woollam for all courtesy van queries. Mobile: 027 439 8305

Correspondence to: PO Box 106, Dargaville 0340

Phone: 09 439 1691

Email: Secretary southern.rugby.club439@gmail.com

Join the Kaipara Libraries team!

PUBLIC

HE PANUI TAMA TE UAUA MARAE AGM

Saturday 12 August 2023

12pm at the Marae

Kaihu Wood Road, Kaihu

For Nomination of Trustees

Email Expression of Interest to Secretary tamateuauamarae@outlook.com

Follow Tama Te Uaua Marae Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/409156949538214

DARGAVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

ACADEMIC INTERVIEWS (ALL YEARS)

THURSDAY 10TH AUGUST

FRIDAY 11TH AUGUST

We wish to invite parents/caregivers/ whanau to our Academic Coaching interviews on Thursday 10th August (10am - 7pm) Friday 11th August (9am - 3pm). You can book your appointments online at www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/4sbsm

Attend your interview and be in with a chance to win a $100 gift card.

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 10th and Friday 11th August in order for these interviews to take place. We look forward to seeing you!

Public notice

(Sections 120 and 127, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)

Nerissa Marie Goodwin of Maungaturoto, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an On Licence in respect of the premises situated at 142 Hurndall Street Maungaturoto known as Mamaz Eatz Cafe

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Cafe

The applicant proposes to vary the hours that alcohol may be sold.

Current licensed days and hours in which alcohol is currently sold: Monday to Sunday 11am until 2.30pm and Monday to Sunday 5.30pm until 10.00pm. Proposed days and hours in which alcohol is intended to be sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 11am to 9.30pm.

The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 5, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai.

Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 15 working days after the date of the publication of this 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 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

This is the only publication of this notice.

DEATH NOTICES

Barry Anderson

31/08/33 - 27/07/23

Sadly missed by his wife Lesley & family along with Lester & family. Barry’s funeral will be held at Redhill Cemetery at 1.30pm Thursday 3rd August 2023.

Melvyn William Evans

Kumara farmer of Naumai

Passed away peacefully at home on 24th July, aged 77.

Beloved husband of Robyn (nee Todd) for 53 years. Loving Father of the late baby Kelvin, Kevin, Debbie and son in-law Rex.

Cherished by many.

A Celebration of Melvyn’s life was held at the Dargaville Lighthouse on 30th July 2023

Thanks to the caring souls who positively touched us on this journey for the last six months; family and friends, Health Professionals from Dargaville Hospital, Occupational Therapy, Equipment Loan services, District Nurses, Laboratory Team, Te Ha Oranga, Kaipara Hospice, Dargaville Medical Centre and Ascott Cardiology. Your efforts to help Dad be comfortable in his own home during this time will forever be appreciated In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Kaipara Community Health Trust ‘Wish List Fund’ Account No. 02-0308-0023161-001.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

KIPPENBERGER, MAURICE JOHN

Morry’s family extends heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all who attended, participated and supported us to make his farewell special. God Bless You All.

Do you have a passion for libraries and your local community? We have an exciting opportunity to join our tight-knit Library team on a casual basis, based in our Dargaville Library.

Your role will involve assisting customers in accessing library resources, addressing their queries, and meeting their individual needs. A great attitude is most important, training will be provided. Whether you’re interacting with customers in person, through email, or over the phone, you will deliver a welcoming and efficient frontline customer service that leaves a lasting impression.

You can find out more information about the role by calling the Dargaville Library on 0800 532 542.

Read the job description and apply at kaiparadc.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Careers/6390389/title/Casual-Assistant-Librarian

Kaipara District Council

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