the years to come.”
From garden to table Court proceedings over vote
u by Andy Bryenton
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua says that it ‘had no choice but to file judicial review proceedings in the High Court in Whangārei’, following the vote to disestablish the Kaipara Māori ward.
“They will not be allowed to continue with their representation review, and unfortunately our ratepayers will have to bear the burden of challenging and defending the legal cost for those proceedings,” said councillor Pera Paniora, addressing supporters outside the meeting rooms, after the vote was
passed six to three to disestablish the Moananui o te Kaipara ward.
Mayor Craig Jepson’s stance on the issue was that Māori wards were not needed, and Māori would have an adequate voice through open representation. “If you are the best candidate, no matter who your ancestors are, you will be elected. This is wellproven in the history of our nation’s local and central government,” he said.
The issue, which has seen the matter go to the High Court, is allegedly one not of representation but of consultation. It hinges on part of the 2002 Local continued on page 3 …
was funded by Paparoa School Board of Trustees, school community fundraising and a grant received from the Maungatūroto
tirelessly to complete this project, with the vision it will be an asset, not only to the school, but to the
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.
Heart of gold appreciated
p Matakohe School students have sent letters to Olympian triathlete Dylan McCullough commending him for sacrificing his lead to help teammate Hayden Wilde. Teacher Helen Reynolds encouraged students to identify the values Mr McCullough had in his selfless act. “It reflected our kauri values of kindness, accountability, unity, respect and integrity,” said Helen. “The years three to five surprised me with phrases like: ‘You may not have won a medal but you won the respect of all the New Zealanders’.”
A day at the show
Crafting comedy
p A glimpse back in time, this very old photograph shows families gathering for the equestrian events at the Northern Wairoa A&P Show in 1904, 120 years ago. Not a car in sight. The locals had ridden on horseback and come by boat to the most important contemporary social day on the calendar.
p Adrian Humm is making his directorial debut at the Dargaville Little Theatre soon, and he’s assembled
cast to help bring one of the funniest British comedies of the last two decades to the stage. One Man, Two Guvnors blends comic styles from the traditional to the very modern, in a bizarre tale of love, extortion and mistaken identity in the kind of 1960s British gangland film-maker Guy Ritchie would approve of.
Dargaville’s plea for police presence
u by Andy Bryenton
Ram raids and dangerous driving have highlighted a weak link in law and order in Dargaville and its surrounds recently, leading to a plea from residents to man the town’s police station full time.
Crimes committed in the nighttime hours may necessitate officers deploying from faroff Whangārei, a considerable time delay to catch wrongdoers in the act.
“We have a CCTV network of 34 cameras, installed and maintained by the Dargaville Community Development Board, but this is only one aspect of crime fighting and public safety,” says DCDB spokesperson Sue Curtis. She noted that other, counciloperated cameras are also emplaced at local parks.
Court proceedings over vote
The front desk of Dargaville’s police station only reopened after a long closure in April this year. In 2019, the station was staffed 24/7, but currently, it is not. This is despite Dargaville having a population of 5,130 residents, making it one of the larger towns without a comprehensive police presence. By comparison, Hikurangi, with 1,740 residents, successfully petitioned police authorities in 2020 to retain not one but two fulltime officers.
Efforts have been made to fill the gap. As well as the aforementioned
comprehensive CCTV coverage, Dargaville residents have recently begun organising a community patrol, but this would rely on citizen volunteers.
The government promised 500 new police on the beat as part of their election pledge, but slow recruitment and declining staff numbers mean that Dargaville is still waiting.
“Police are struggling to recruit at the numbers they want, but also they paused two recruit wings in October and November,” said Police Association president Chris Cahill.
“That has left them behind their normal recruitment for attrition, and that’s what’s flowing through at the moment.” ¢
Government Act, which requires councils to ‘establish and maintain processes to provide opportunities for Māori to contribute to the decisionmaking processes of the local authority’, and ‘consider ways in which it may foster the development of Māori capacity to contribute to the decisionmaking processes’.
‘How is the council going to improve opportunities for Māori to contribute to local government decision making if the Māori ward is disestablished?’ Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua questioned in a statement. ‘We represent local Māori and were not even contacted.
‘If the council is not going to properly seek Māori input into the decision to retain or disestablish the Māori ward then when would they?’ ¢
p Ram raids in Dargaville have galvanised local determination to see the town’s police station staffed round the clock
p From protest to proceedings: Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua has filed with the High Court, calling the decision to abolish KDC’s Māori ward ‘illegal’
Ward review could deliver less councillors A medical assurance
u by Andy Bryenton
Following on from the decision to disestablish the Kaipara District Council’s Māori ward, a representation review is now required, setting out how many councillors are needed, and how many will serve each ward of the district.
A shortened representation review is needed under legislation passed by parliament regarding the disestablishment of Māori wards. There would have been a mandated full representation review in three years’ time. This one comes early, but may serve to reflect the very rapid growth of Kaipara at the ballot box.
Multiple options were tabled to redraw ward boundaries. The first was to keep the status quo, but without the Māori ward, which was voted out last week by a majority of councillors. This would render three west coast councillors, three from the east coast, two from Otamatea and the mayor. This option would breach rules about how many people could be represented by each elected member, but only by 64 citizens. A small boundary change, adding a small area of farmland to the Otamatea ward, would rectify this, and formed option two.
The third option was to install a third Otamatea councillor, balancing up all three wards. The most radical option was to split the entire district into just two wards — east and west. This would render
only six councillors, three from each coast, and the mayor. It was suggested during Māori ward deliberations by councillor Gordon Lambeth, and supported by councillor Eryn WilsonCollins, that reducing councillor numbers would be appropriate. The argument for this stance was a reduced cost to ratepayers and the ability to offer a better fiduciary incentive for councillors to work fulltime for the district, forgoing other employment.
With most councillors agreeing on a wardbased structure, and option two garnering significant support, electoral advisers will return with more details late this month. ¢
u by Paul Campbell
With recent national media reports describing a ‘night doctor shortage’ in Dargaville, you can access a same-day urgent doctor appointment six days a week says the Dargaville Medical Centre’s Dr Mike Hogan.
“It’s important to reassure the community that they are still getting excellent medical services. They may be delivered in different ways, but they are still being delivered.”
His words echo Kaipara Community Health Trust CEO Debbie Evans, who wants to celebrate the health services we do have as a way of encouraging others to apply for advertised positions in Dargaville including the search for a Rural Hospital Medicine Specialist.
“Our urgent Dargaville Medical Centre (DMC) doctor service is available during business hours, and you can still access same day appointments. The overnight doctor shortage at the hospital is temporarily being covered by emergency telehealth while there is an active recruitment campaign for a permanent staff position at Dargaville Hospital.
“Currently to see your own DMC doctor you may need to book an appointment up to four weeks in advance with the earliest appointment in perhaps two weeks. If you’re very unwell you simply need to call Dargaville Medical Centre on 09 439 8079 and request a ‘Dr T appointment’.
“I personally used the service twice in the last couple of weeks with a nasty
virus I had, and it was brilliant. Once, I was advised to go in and wait for the DMC emergency doctor, and the other time, a prescription was issued over the phone. Obviously, if you are very unwell, and, in an emergency, you’d always call 111 for an ambulance.
“Otherwise, a DMC doctor will aim to call you within one hour. They will attempt to resolve your issue over the phone. If your issue cannot be sorted over the phone, you will be offered either a same day appointment or a future facetoface appointment.
“In Dargaville, our health professionals are passionate individuals who work tirelessly trying to meet the growing needs of our rural community, and we are grateful to them.” ¢
Call Dargaville Medical Centre 09 439 8079 and request a Dr T Appointment (please note you will be charged the normal Doctor Consultation fee).
will take your
and a brief explanation of what you need to see a Doctor for.
issue cannot be sorted over the phone you will be offered either a same day appointment or a future face to face appointment.
Patients can continue to call Dargaville Medical Centre outside of our business hours on 439 8079 and you will be triaged by our After Hours Service – Ka Ora Telehealth. They can organise a telephone consult or a video call with a Doctor or face to face care if needed and they will forward you to the appropriate service.
An emergency walk in service will continue to be available during business hours 5 days a week and Saturday mornings. When this is used you will be triaged by a nurse clinical assessment and receive appropriate care by our team health professionals.
p With no Māori ward, the KDC is compelled to rethink ward boundaries, and the number of councillors who will act as civic leaders in the future
p Debbie Evans CEO Kaipara Community Health Trust and Dr Mike Hogan
Mangawhai library expands Flood protection works confirmed
u by Andy Bryenton
Today is the start of a new era for Mangawhai, with the town’s library officially switching to full-time service, with a dedicated team on hand to help readers find their next page turner.
Mangawhai has had a library for 130 years, in one place or another, but this is the biggest push to expand literary services in all those 13 decades. The library will be open for 32 hours each week, from 10am every morning, Tuesday to Saturday.
“We are positioned to become an even more vital hub for the local community,” says Molly MolvingLilo. She has moved up from her role at Dargaville’s busy library to become the first lead librarian in the new, updated Mangawhai site.
“Libraries are not just books. They offer a space for people of all ages to learn, explore and connect. I look forward to collaborating with our terrific volunteers and staff to foster a welcoming space for everyone.”
That’s good news for local readers, who have an appetite for ink and paper. More than 24,000 books were lent out by the Mangawhai library last year, and that number is set to grow as longer hours open up more opportunities to
pick up a good read. There’s more to the expansion, too. The library will provide digital support, programmes and events, te ao Māori integration and plans to connect up with the community via outreach and social media.
Recent improvements to the Mangawhai Library include reorganisation of sections, new shelving, addition of new books and digital resources, such as Spheros the coding robot. A new magazine collection and a cosy reading corner have also been introduced to create a more inviting space. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
Funding has been confirmed for a massive programme of flood resilience projects around New Zealand, including major works in west Kaipara, with a start date set for the summer of 2024.
Shane Jones, the minister in charge of the infrastructure fund behind this initiative, has spoken out on the need for timely action, at the first of many regional growth summits, which will see him come to Northland in just a few weeks.
“The first pillar of this government’s plan to get New Zealand’s economy back on track is a focus on building infrastructure for growth and resilience,” says Mr Jones.
“The $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) is one of our key levers for driving productivity, prosperity and resilience in our regions by accelerating regional infrastructure projects that will make material differences in futureproofing growth.”
To this end, he has earmarked more than $101 million from the $1.2 billion RIF for flood prevention works, such as those planned for the banks of the Northern Wairoa River. Works between Dargaville and Te Kōpuru, and on the Raupō floodgate system protecting Ruawai, were both explicitly mentioned in the government’s Before the Deluge report, a foundation document, which has advised choices for the RIF’s deployment.
“This funding will allow physical work to begin in the 2024–25 summer season, if not sooner. Investment in flood resilience provides security for local landowners and communities and is an investment in our future,” Mr Jones says.
He also has a message for Northland mayors.
“The question you need to be asking is in what ways are the projects you are putting forward increasing the resilience in your area of New Zealand?” ¢
p Mangawhai librarians Madeline and Molly are ready to welcome locals to a new, expanded library experience
p Shane Jones has confirmed funding for major flood prevention works, and suggests that building could begin before summer
Playing helps children grow
u by Amy Fifita
The Paparoa Toy Library is encouraging families to engage in its service and volunteer their time during its 10.30am to 1pm open hours every Wednesday during the school term.
“It has been going since 2006. I had young children at the time, and we were doing Mainly Music at the Paparoa Community Church; the toy library opened next door,” said president Rebecca Borger.
“It was a highlight seeing my children love getting new toys every fortnight, and we are all volunteers.”
The not forprofit organisation also promotes environmental positivity, as it prevents waste by rotating the toys.
“They are beautiful toys that are relevant, as we get new ones each year, and we often receive money from the local Paparoa Depot Trust. It’s exciting for the children to have many toys to play and grow with. It is how they develop, learn new skills and prepare for school.
“Puzzles help with concentration, and musical toys with nursery rhymes help children leap into literacy.”
People can subscribe for $10 a term and borrow battery powered toys for $2 from 4 Hook Road, Paparoa. All items are thoroughly cleaned and batteries are replaced for each loan.
“Toys are hired for two weeks at a time, but are flexible, because we know life gets in the way, so there are no late fees.”
The group is currently seeking volunteers who can assist at the toy library every Wednesday. To express your interest, contact rebecca@ familyfarm.co.nz. ¢
Aluminium contaminants tracked down
u by Andy Bryenton
Serious concerns about the level of aluminium found in the Northern Wairoa River adjacent to Dargaville are being investigated, with experts aiming to track down the source.
Following a public meeting on the health of the Northern Wairoa River, and the determination by the Northland Regional Council to conduct further tests on elevated levels of aluminium in water samples, a second battery of tests has been analysed. Five sites were tested by NRC staff in late July, with every one of them exceeding the 0.2 grams a cubic metre World Health Organisation maximum contaminant level.
“The NRC has confirmed the assessment of tests conducted independently by Grant Hoey,” says councillor Ash Nayyar, who has campaigned to drive this project forward.
“They have promised to do more tests by the end of the month. There is a definite need for both councils, the Kaipara District Council and NRC, to work together on this matter and find the cause of these contaminants.”
Tests were taken from multiple spots. At the stormwater discharge near the
band rotunda, aluminium levels were at 1.4g/m³. Near the boating club moorings, this level had increased to 3.4g/m³. A test taken from off the Riverside Gardens area registered 4.2g/m³. The biggest reading, at what appears to be 45 times the limit recommended by WHO, was just upstream from the Awakino River junction, where levels of aluminium hit 9g/m³.
At the public meeting on siltation and contamination, it was confirmed that this aluminium contamination was not present in the town’s drinking water supply, but is confined to the river. Tests to determine its origin are ongoing. ¢
p The toy library is looking for volunteers to ensure local children have access to toys to play and grow with
p Citizens first heard of the potential problem of aluminium contamination in Dargaville’s rivers at a public meeting hosted by the Dargaville Ratepayers and Residents Association last month
u by Amy Fifita
Community making ways War on rats in Waipoua forest
Local volunteer force, the Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust’s Trackies, is improving the Tanekaha accessway, a project expected to be finished in two weeks.
“A group of Trackies built approximately another 40 metres of the newly metalled section of the Tanekaha accessway between the car park and boot cleaning station,” said incoming chair Joel Cayford.
“The area was boggy, and walkers’ boots were getting muddy before they even started, so we decided to make a weatherproof pathway to the Tanekaha tracks. Members drove trailer loads of gravel, brought wheelbarrows and loaned a compactor, and the work is making a big difference.”
Most works on the Tanekaha tracks have been completed and strengthened, following damage from the adverse weather events last year, but spring maintenance is happening now. The group previously restored the Back Bay track and boardwalk, a muchloved walking site that took 800 volunteer hours.
“A couple more Fridays should see this project completed, and we can move on to our next one. We all enjoy the community spirit of the group, and it’s great working on tracks into local forest areas.”
The improved Tanekaha accessway will provide walkers with better access to the Tanekaha Falls, Forest, Longview, Puriri and Botanical tracks, including the Old Brynderwyn Walkway.
“Retiring in Mangawhai, I wanted to do something physical and communityorientated, that’s why many have joined the Trackies. The group provides a good place for people to meet and chat, too.”
To join or for more information, visit mangawhaitracks.com or search Mangawhai Tracks on Facebook. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
Waipoua is one of only two places in New Zealand ever to be identified as a spawning ground for the shortjaw kōkopu, but to save the endangered fish, Te Roroa and the Department of Conservation have to battle rats.
Shortjaw kōkopu are indigenous, endangered and are the rarest of the six native fish species caught as whitebait. Where they spawned was a mystery, but a single site in Taranaki, and now, a cluster of them in Waipoua, have revealed that they lay their eggs not underwater, but on damp leaves. This, unfortunately, makes them a treat for invasive rats.
“I was astonished to find the nests,” said DOC ranger Fern Donovan. “I set up a trail camera to monitor the nest and visited it daily. I was gutted to find the nest had fewer and fewer eggs each day. When I checked the trail cam, it showed a rat visiting multiple times scoffing all the fish eggs.”
It wasn’t just a call to action for Waipoua kaitiaki, but important scientific news for the whole nation.
“We now have certainty that rats are putting pressure on shortjaw kōkopu at
this critical part of their lifecycle. It’s on us to act,” said Te Iwi o Te Roroa science adviser Taoho Patuawa.
Te Roroa and DOC have taken decisive action, ramping up intensive predator control for the shortjaw kōpopu spawning season, which occurs in winter. In areas where the tiny fish have laid their eggs, rat coverage is down from 96% to a tiny three per cent. That’s having a positive result.
“Some of the eggs have developed tiny black eyes, a promising sign that they’ll make it. Last year, all the eggs were eaten by that stage,” says Fern. ¢
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At Cater Marine, we stock a wide selection of products for leisure and commercial yachts and launches from Anchors to Zincs and everything in between. We also offer dive refills.
p The Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust volunteers continue to work on the Tanekaha accessway to make the route easier for walkers
p Te Roroa and DOC have waged war on rats, after discovering the rodents were threatening endangered native fish, the shortjaw kōkopu
An open invitation from educators Real kōrero on meth problem
u by Andy Bryenton
Dargaville High School is preparing for a new kind of open evening this month, with the faculty and students planning a warm and informative welcome for their friends, whānau and neighbours.
“We’re encouraging local people to come and meet the staff, and for families to establish relationships with the school,” says DHS assistant principal Amber Curry. “While this event is primarily aimed at people who are about to enrol a student with us, the open evening is open to everyone.”
That means it’s a chance for local people to see how the Dargaville secondary school navigates the changing world of technology, and the educational needs of a diverse student population. From STEM specialist programmes to exceptional success in the performing arts, notable sporting victories and a strong sense of culture and identity, DHS has a lot to showcase. Those whose last memories of high school life come from before the turn of the century may be surprised at how learning has progressed. The open evening will include the chance to see all the departments of
the faculty and school on display, with teachers and students working together on a series of information stations and a major display area in the school’s hall.
“We’re going to present interactive activities on all subjects,” says Ms Curry.
Dargaville High School’s open night will take place on Thursday, August 29, from 4pm to 6.30pm, welcoming all those interested in an insight into this important local institution. ¢
DARGAVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
OPEN EVENING
THURSDAY 29 AUGUST
Nau mai, haere mai! We welcome prospective parents and students to our Open Evening. Come and find out what our school has to offer your whānau
Learn about subjects, meet our teachers, and discover what Dargaville High School can add to your child’s education
u by Andy Bryenton
Dargaville, like much of New Zealand, has a problem with methamphetamine addiction, and a new initiative plans to inform and support families to help those who have become trapped by it.
A major open day is planned for September 6, from 10am to 3pm, at 20 Normanby Street in Dargaville. It’s set to be a day of real talk and honest answers about helping family members, who have become addicted to meth, and how to break the cycle of addiction.
“They can feel helpless,” says Helena McGee, who is launching this first of a planned series of meetings, thanks to community group Whakamana Tangata.
“Whānau, who have had a loved one on meth, are often frightened, and don’t know what to do. Some have seen odd erratic behaviour in a family member and wonder what could be going on. We’re speaking from life experience, about the real stuff.”
Helena and Whakamana Tangata have plenty of experience, which comes from real families, homes and struggles against addiction, not from academic reports. Of particular concern, is the rise that she and her colleagues are witnessing in the addition of a harmful new additive to meth.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate, compared to a stronger form of heroin, and it has been linked to numerous deaths. Unscrupulous drug dealers use the substance to bulk out costly methamphetamines and boost their profits, with deadly consequences.
“If you feel unsure how to help a loved one dealing with meth addiction, if you want to make a positive change yourself, if you want to stop harm to our tamariki, our whānau, our kuia and kaumatua, and our community, please come along,” says Helena. ¢
p Dargaville High School students take part in a previous virtual reality learning experience; now, it’s time for others to learn more about the possibilities available at DHS
p Helena McGee shares real-world advice on helping whānau and family who have become addicted to methamphetamines, now commonly cut with deadly fentanyl
Get your goat for nature Funds for erosion control
u by Andy Bryenton
Kaipara hunters are being encouraged to hit the trails in an effort to cull the numbers of feral significant pest species threatening native wildlife.
To promote the elimination of feral goats in the district, and New Zealand, the Department of Conservation has teamed up with Hunting and Fishing, for the second annual National Wild Goat Hunting Competition. This partnership means that there are generous prizes on offer for participants.
“Over 10,000 wild goats were removed last year, so we are keen to up the ante and make wild goat hunting a regular feature in the hunting calendar,” says DOC director of national programmes Ben Reddiex.
This year, there’s a positive change bringing the competition closer to home. Rather than having to log goat kills, by taking tails from culled animals into Auckland, hunters can bring in their tally to Hunting and Fishing in Dargaville, and enter the contest online. Contest organisers have also made sure to place the goat hunt in a traditional lull in the hunting calendar, after the roar and duck season.
“The timing gives recreational hunters an extra reason to get out into the
backcountry and refine their hunting skills, all while doing their part to control wild goat numbers,” says New Zealand Deerstalkers Association president Callum Sheridan, a major proponent of the hunt.
The contest runs from August until November 26. More information for those keen to enter, including details of the big prizes on offer, is available online at doc.govt.nz by searching ‘goat hunt’, or at Dargaville’s Hunting and Fishing store. ¢
Applications are now being sought for more than $300,000 worth of funding for control of highly erodible rural hill country, including fencing native bush and planting native trees.
The fund is available to landowners outside the Kaipara Harbour catchment area, as this is covered by funding delivered through the Kaipara Moana Remediation programme, which has carried out 188,000 land remediation plantings.
Northland Regional Council says the council has $160,062 for planting natives across 37 hectares during the 2025–26 planting season (June, July and August 2025), and another $151,840 for fencing to retire highly erodible land from grazing.
Councillor Tui Shortland says half of the money is being provided by the council and half from the Ministry for Primary Industries, and people interested in applying for funding can contact the council’s Land Management team. Applications are expected to close by September/ October so fencing can be completed by March 31 2025.
“This planting stabilises eroding hill country helping to reduce sedimentation, which is the single largest source of pollutants in our waterways. Erosion and sedimentation are natural processes, however they have been significantly sped up through human land use.”
Additionally, funding through the council’s Hill Country Erosion Programme is used to subsidise the cost of planting poplars and willows to stabilise movementprone land. ¢
p Wild feral goats are in the sights of hunters this spring, as DOC launches a contest with an entry hub in Dargaville
p Northland Regional Council will be funding hill country erosion control
Kaihu netball triumph
u by Andy Bryenton
The Kaihu under-16 netball team has scored back to back podium finishes at two tough Northland tournaments this month.
The teen athletes formed a team with only a limited time to train, and challenged the experienced representative teams of Kerikeri and Whangārei in away games in those towns. Despite being the only nonrep club in either tournament, the Kaihu netballers picked up bronze in both engagements. Their coach equates this to
a local football club going up against a card of premier league contenders.
“We only had three weeks, so when we got the team together, it was all about gaining motivation and learning to work together,” says coach Sal Eliu, who is justifiably proud of the young athletes’ performance. ¢
The significance of women
u by Amy Fifita
Last week, the team at Dargaville Medical Centre celebrated and promoted New Zealand’s first Women’s Health Week by advocating and empowering women with their health journeys.
“Our wāhine are vital to the family and the community. They provide strength and they often put themselves last so bringing them to the forefront is a positive,” said registered nurse Robynann Dyson.
Robynann specialises in women’s health, and is part of a large team who are passionate about looking after the wellbeing of wāhine.
“You often hear of women having medical issues who don’t come in because she has other things that are just as important or put others before themselves.”
Online health provider Tend began the initiative to empower women to prioritise their health and wellbeing. The week helps educate and raise awareness within the community.
“It is significant that we celebrate our women by having this week. Their wellbeing is important and their health journeys are fully supported by our team.”
Cervical smears are often funded and mammograms are free for women from 45 to 69 years. The age is expected to be extended to 74 in 2025.
“There is a wealth of services that are available that women may not know about, like mental health and tamariki support. We are a close community, and the services we provide there are vast.” ¢
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Our goal is to deliver personal service to you at all times.
Consulting with you and working with you to ensure your desires are met throughout the building process to the best of our abilities.
p Kaihu’s under-16 netball team have taken on some of the toughest in the north and acquitted themselves with pride
p Registered nurse Robynann Dyson is part of the team advocating for women’s health in Dargaville
SUPPORT LOCAL
Diving deep into robotics Funding a vital service
u by Amy Fifita
Dargaville Intermediate School expressed its gratitude last Wednesday by welcoming Dargaville Lions Club’s Ross Murdoch to attend the STEAM class and witness what the club’s funds had achieved.
With the Lions funds, the school purchased six waibots units for students to build and operate. Each student had three models developed by the US Navy to choose from.
“It is amazing to see what the children are doing, and I haven’t seen anything like it for a very long time. The Lions are only too pleased to help with modern technology and children being educated,” said Mr Murdoch.
“I wish them all the success in their competitions, and the teachers have done a wonderful job. I don’t often get asked to come, and feel privileged to see what we are funding.”
Once completed, two groups will venture to Whangārei to compete against other Northland schools. If successful, they will compete in the national competition, a pathway to international recognition.
“It is about taking them out of Dargaville to compare themselves to the
rest of Northland and then the world. Then they can see they can compete, because some of these students are very intelligent. They just need the opportunity,” said assistant principal Chris Donald.
Students reported they enjoyed learning, and are grateful to the Dargaville Lions Club for its kind contribution. ¢
u by Amy Fifita
The Coastguard North Kaipara is hosting a quiz night at the Northern Wairoa Boating Club in Dargaville on Friday, August 20 to raise funds for training fuel costs.
“We are raising money for fuel to keep our volunteer crew fully trained, which is very important to our area,” said spokesperson Sarolta Bernhardt.
Having the crew fully trained is vital in ensuring people have relevant aid when they venture on the water. Last year, the Coastguard North Kaipara Quiz Night raised approximately $2,300 to aid the fuel costs of the Tinopaibased crew.
The battle of the wits begins at 7pm and costs $10 a person, with options to register as a group or individually. Teams will consist of four to six people.
“We are grateful to our sponsors the Lions Club of Paparoa, The Den Maungatūroto and Edgewater Palms Apartments. If you want to come, email me and register individually or as a team. There is limited space,” Sarolta said.
There will be raffles so people are encouraged to bring cash. Raffle prizes
include a twonight stay at the Edgewater Palms Apartments in Paihia, a trailer of macrocarpa firewood, and jewellery crafted by Tina De Suza.
People are welcome to come early from 5pm onwards to purchase and enjoy a club dinner. The night will feature an opportunity to win spot prizes and the winning team will win a prize. To book, email Sarolta at sarolta@bernhardts. co.nz. ¢
p Keegan Miller, Kaiau-Ri Epere, Philip Colmer and Angus Leigh-McKenzie enjoyed building their aquatic robots
p The 2023 Coastguard North Kaipara Quiz Night raised about $2,300 to go towards training fuel, and saw 16 teams from around Kaipara attending the fundraiser
SUPPORT LOCAL
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Erin Farrow Landscapes 021 242 3268
Expert Garage Doors 021 607 952
Farrand & Mason Ltd 09 439 7335
Ideal Transport Solutions 09 439 0739 / 020 4111 8187 / 021 045 5607
Kaihu Valley Sawmill 09 439 0833
Kaipara Plumbing .................................................................................... 027 244 5430
Kaiwaka Equine & Farm Supplies 022 680 7617
Kauri Coast Concrete Ld 022 412 4608
Laser Electrical Dargaville 2014 Ltd 09 439 7172
Levet Contracting & Silverhill Quarry 021 726 790
MagicSeal Hibiscus & Whangarei 09 431 4214 / 021 350 035
Markir Drainage Ltd 027 477 8678
Maungaturoto Rest Home 09 431 8696
MeasureUp Flooring Ltd 09 972 7332
Morfett Auto 2013 09 439 6377
Munns Flooring Xtra Dargaville 09 439 8868
Oakland Homes 0800 625 526 / 027 242 6655
Orbit Scaffolding & Stages 021 184 3771
Pumps & Plumbing 09 431 8642 / 027 500 5674
Scary Sharp and SIS Ballcocks
Splash Water Specialists 2017 Ltd
425 9100 Summit Scaffolding NZ Ltd
Te
525 0767
Contracting 021 0842 6587
Aotearoa Roofing & Spouting is
We’re specialists in roof repairs, re roofs and new Color Steel roofs. We also offer full spouting & guttering services.
We are able to deliver on any industrial, commercial or domestic roofing project to meet your needs.
Adding value and wellbeing to outdoor spaces
With more than 20 years of experience in the gardening industry, Erin at EF Landscapes is a passionate expert in landscape and garden design.
“I Love working with homeowners to create beautiful outdoor areas that enhance people’s lifestyle,” says Erin.
“Well-designed gardens create opportunities for entertaining, relaxation, growing food and enhancing wellbeing. Living in Northland offers a wonderful lifestyle with beaches, open spaces and great communities.
“People’s homes are often their biggest asset. I consider it a privilege to work with them to create unique spaces that are functional, sustainable and aesthetically aligned with their home and personal taste.”
A site consultation is the starting point for people who want a gorgeous garden that is easy to look after and brings family and friends together in the great outdoors. Following on from the consult, a landscape concept plan will give clarity, vision and direction, for all work involved in the garden transformation. EF Landscapes specialises in planning gardens, with a focus on the retention and selection of appropriate material and plants.
“I’m committed to an environmentally conscious practice and do this by utilising local, renewable and recycled materials where possible. With a network of supporting professionals, such as landscaping contractors, arborists, plant nurseries, and outdoor furniture and pot suppliers, clients using EF Landscapes have access to a
community of proven experts and products.” Erin says now is a great time to plan for the upcoming spring and summer season. People have described an on-site consultation with Erin as ‘empowering’ and ‘invaluable’, giving them clarity and inspiration for their garden.
“Plants can be expensive, so it’s important to get the correct ones for your area. We offer
our knowledge of what plants work in various environmensts, including poor soil, coastal areas and marginal areas, such as steep or riparian sites.
“Call me today to discuss your garden projects on 021 242 3268. See my ad for more details to receive 10% off all concept plans until October 1.” ¢
*
Creating gorgeous outdoor areas since 2000, EF Landscapes will help bring your garden vision to life. Get your garden ready for the upcoming spring and summer season with an on-site consultation.
EF Landscapes also offer full landscape design for the smallest courtyard to expansive rural properties, and would love to work with you to create a beautiful, functional, and sustainable garden.
An extension of your home, personality, and lifestyle, your garden deserves expertise, and well planned spaces save time, stress, and money in the long term.
Call Erin today to discuss your spring garden projects. 021 242 3268.
www.eflandscapes.co.nz
The first Father’s Day
u by Andy Bryenton
We know the stories, lore,
legends associated with the icons of most major holidays, from religious figures to folklore characters, but not many people know about the father of Father’s Day.
While the popular celebration of dads now spans most of the planet, and honours all men who are helping to raise a new generation, the very first Father’s Day was inspired by a single fellow. He was a military veteran who lost two wives to illness and raised 14 children on his own, as a farmer in the wild northwest of the US.
William Smart was born in Arkansas, and when the US civil war broke out he signed up as a wagon driver, supplying Confederate troops. After the battle of Pea Ridge he was captured, and given the choice of either soldiering for the North, or being imprisoned in a dangerously, badlyprovisioned POW camp. He ran supplies for the ‘Yankees’ and survived.
At the age of 56, and with half of his children still living at home (the rest had grown up and sought their own fortunes and marriages), William Smart’s wife died, leaving him to take care of all aspects of family life on the farm in Washington State where he’d settled.
“I remember everything about him,” his daughter Sonora said many years later to the Spokane Daily Chronicle. “He was both father and mother to me and my brothers and sisters.”
In an era when gender roles were very firmly established, Smart was forced to learn the huge amount of skilled physical labour, which women of the 1870s were responsible for. Sewing, cooking, baking, preserving, mending and childcare were added to his already demanding farming chores.
The memory of her father’s hard work and caring attitude never left Sonora. In later life, she was very active in the church community in Spokane, Washington. When attending a Mother’s Day service, she
had an epiphany: that fathers deserved a day of respect and congratulation, too. This was in 1910, and her idea was enthusiastically received by local churches of many denominations. During the next six decades, and well into the later years of her long life, Sonora Smart Dodd would use the inspiration of her dad to campaign for Father’s Day becoming a nationally recognised institution.
Today, Father’s Day is more often a joyful celebration for families worldwide. It may never have happened, were it not for the fatherly determination of a single dad who defeated hardship with love. ¢
p William Smart took on all of his tragically deceased wife’s tasks on their small farm as well as his own, determined to do right by his children — he became the inspiration for Father’s Day
Dining under the open sky
u by Andy Bryenton
Considering the fact that our far-distant ancestors would have had little choice but to eat
dining was, for a large part of history, the preserve of the very wealthy.
The term al fresco comes from Italian, and means ‘in the cool’. This gives some idea of the origin of the concept. In the early days of the restaurant, when the thought of paying somebody else to cook for you and your friends was novel and interesting, Italy already had a tradition of small cookeries called trattoria, where one could enjoy the special of the day (and usually nothing else), prepared by an excellent homebased cook.
In the warmth of a Mediterranean summer, some of these little eateries put the table and chairs outside to avoid the heat of a party of diners crammed into a compact mediaeval Roman or Florentine home.
People had been able to find a simple meal in taverns since ancient times, but the idea of a special dining room run by an excellent chef came from, of course, the Parisians. In 1765, a man named Boulanger, famous for his soups and broths, took a turn away from the usual path of good cooks in those days.
Instead of going to the homes of the wealthy to cook for them, he opened a kitchen, which was a cut above those you’d find at a tavern or inn. The word ‘restaurant’ comes from the motto he
it’s interesting to note that al
inscribed on his shop, a promise to ‘restore’ the good spirits of his diners.
Boulanger’s restaurant was so popular that the French Revolution left it alone, and other such eateries began to pop up. Those that served cuisine from places like Greece, Spain and Italy tried to copy the outdoor summer experience, while others saw outdoor dining as a way to emulate the fanciful fairday feasts of the Middle Ages. A Victorianera mania for picnics, in emulation of the royal family, helped normalise dining outdoors.
Finally, the change in styles of service helped. European trends moved away from big banquets with everything on the table, through the concept of ‘Russian service’, where everything was plated up off of trolleys and a sideboard in the dining room and, eventually, to the style of dining we know today, where each diner’s choice comes to the table ready to eat.
Bringing this experience outdoors was much easier.
So we come to springtime in New Zealand, the perfect opportunity to pick the first mild, clear night of the season to dine under the stars. A whole lot of them have aligned just right to make this kind of simple pleasure possible. ¢
p Outdoor dining season is here again — one of life’s greatest pleasures when shared with good friends
Report points the way to future gains
u by Andy Bryenton
The Industry Working Group (IWG) report on New Zealand’s genetic gain system for dairy herds is out now, and it’s been welcomed by major names in the cattle improvement sector.
DairyNZ, along with major industry luminaries LIC and CRV, have responded positively to the findings of the important report, which was charged with the task of evaluating the dairy sector’s genetic improvement progress. The report comes with suggestions for the future, which could drive faster rates
of genetic gain across the entire national dairy herd. Those recommendations are being weighed up by the leaders at the forefront of livestock improvement.
lack of confidence in the use of genomically evaluated young sires.
e: chris@teatarangi.co.nz
That’s important, as the evidence points out that New Zealand may be slipping behind foreign competitors in this field. DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel has called the report greoundbreaking, in that it encapsulates all the areas Kiwi farmers could get back out front.
“It also shows New Zealand can catch up quickly by taking key actions, and underscores the immense benefits to dairy farmers, including efficiency and productivity gains through animals that are more resilient, profitable and easier to farm,” said Mr van der Poel. “Overcoming sector challenges to provide New Zealand farmers with worldleading genetic gain will require significant contributions from all parties.”
The IWG was established in November of 2023 to help the sector achieve world
leading rates of animal genetic gain. Mr van der Poel said the report acknowledges the unique nature of New Zealand’s dairy herd, and other challenges, including a significant decline in the quality and accuracy of New Zealand’s phenotypic data and farmers’ relative
Dairy NZ is joined in its support of the IWG report by two of the biggest commercial names in the industry, LIC and CRV. Both companies have praised the focus on transparency and consistency the report shows, and seek to evaluate its recom mendations in a bipartisan spirit of cooperation.
“Genetic gain is a critical pillar in the future success of our farmers’ businesses. It is only right that, where needed, we come together to improve the structures underpinning this success,” says LIC chair Corrigan Sowman.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with DairyNZ to set up the right governance structures, workstreams and reporting mechanisms, so we can effectively achieve the report’s stated objectives for the betterment of dairy farmers and the efficiency and profitability of their dairy herds to support New Zealand’s future.” ¢
PRODUCT ALERT!
p The genetics of New Zealand’s dairy herd could improve at a rapid pace if the recommendations of a new IWG report are implemented, say it’s supporters
A dog’s tail …
It’s footy time ona farm
“Well Dog, another wet weeken’ only saved by the big TV ina woolshed I reckin,” seda Boss at smoko ina kitchin again, ‘cos it was blimmin’ wet outside.
Boss’s gerlfren’ Sharlene was bakin’ agin, so Boss was waiting for a hot scone. I was intrestid, an’ tryin’ my luck nuzzlin’ gently against Sharlene’s leg unner tha table.
But, Boss went on about tha TV, wile havin’ a look atta papa I got froma kattilstop atta gate. “Yep, those ABs got there act back together wen they met them Pumas at Edin Park, and it was a good thing they did. But rilly, the game was over ina the first 40 minnits, cos after that it wasn’t a lot ter get excitid about. But, a win is a win, an’ it might give them a bit of a nudge up, ’cos they gotta play tha Sprinbox nek, an’ that’s not gonna be a picnic.”
Sharlene was butterin’ scones, and me nuzzle werked. Half a scone dropped unner the table for me. She was lissinin ter the Boss, an’ she agreed that the ABs mite have their work cut out in Souf Africa.
“Wen we watched that wet game in Perth by the Boks anna Aussies, I got a bit wurried. She read froma papa in her skoolteecher voice. “It was that famous Bok Blitz, an’ that fearsome rolling maul,” she said. “The Boks bomb squad has made them world champions, so our
boys have to beat the Boks at there own game when they go to South Africa next week.”
But, Boss had another page ofa papa, an’ he give a bit of a grunt an’ slurped his
cupptees. “Lok hear, Deah,” he past her the papa and she read again.
“Dr Richard Webby a Kiwi infectious diseases researcher in the US says Covid19 is now endemic and the virus is here to stay. It’s going to be with us forever, and it’s still a disease that could kill people.”
“Darn,” seda Boss. “Good thing we got our booster shots before we wint to tha Feel Daze eh? But, ya gotta wonda about all that fuss and billyins of dollars and lost jobs an’ everthing we hada put up with. Seems nature takes its corse and thats that.”
Sharlene agreed with Boss, and said not only was Covid still a wurry, but so was the blimmin’ flu. “Do you rechin we shud have flu shots as well Deah?”
Boss hada bit of a think about that.
“Nah Deah, we’d be like blimmin’ pin cushions I reckin. We gonna keep warm an’ dry, eat well like always ona farm gardin. I’m gonna kill another muttin, too, for the freezer.”
Well readas, muttin sounds very good ter me. Always sum offcuts comin my way. Barbecue too for the footy. Boss musta red my mind. “But not nek week eh? Ther ABs gonna ply in Souf Africa at 3am ina mornin’ Dog. We all gonna be sound asleep an’ wotch tha replay.”
Jus’ then, there was a clap of thunda and more rein outside. “S’okay Billy,” sed Sharlene. “There a fadge ona back porch fer ya. Ya kin curl up there til the wether comes right.”
Well readas, they say it’s a dog’s life. Guess wot? I reckin that’s OK by me. Warm and dry. Muttin dinnas soon.
Cheers — Billy ¢
Restored by community spirit
u by Amy Fifita
The Hukatere Hall committee is running two raffles of firewood donated by a committee member to raise money for further improvements to its local building.
“Our hall dates back to 1937, and we had about a 25year spell where the building wasn’t being used, but in 2022 we started restoring it,” said secretary Nicola Hawkes.
“A local community member, who had his 21st birthday in the hall, wanted to have his 65th birthday there as well, so he set up the hall, and had it rewired amongst other things.”
Since 2022, there have been more community events in the building with potluck dinners and the woodchopping competition with choppers from Pūhoi up to Kaitāia. It is the hall’s biggest fundraising event of the year.
Nicola says the rural community is becoming more tightknit and as events increase, so, too, does the comradery between locals.
“We are fundraising so we can do things that bring our community together, and make it attractive for people to hire for events out here.
“Everyone is reconnecting since starting to have events at the hall. I have been in Hukatere for 18 years now, and it is nice to see the community spirit of people coming together.
“We recently received a defibrillator in June donated to the hall by the Ōtamatea Area Committee, so we did a potluck dinner and raised funds to donate back to them. We raised $1,685.”
Every $5 ticket sold helps restore the hall to be used as a community hub. Visit the Hukatere Facebook page for more information or email hukaterehalltrust@ gmail.com.
“We ask that the community help by supporting our raffles and attending our events. We want to put a new pump and tank system in, upgrade the kitchen, and we’ll likely have to repile
the hall at some stage.” The raffle will be drawn under police or JP supervision at the end of August. Winners will receive a kũmara bin of firewood. ¢
p The woodchopping event is the hall’s biggest fundraiser of the year that attracts people from Pūhoi to Kaitāia to attend to the occasion to showcase their chopping talents
31 SOLD IN 16 WEEKS
At Bayleys Dargaville, we are pleased to report that the real estate market has continued to demonstrate remarkable strength.
Across the residential, lifestyle and rural sectors, our office has successfully completed 31 deals since April and are continuing to work with a wide range of buyers
As we transition into Spring, it is an opportune time for those considering selling their property to engage with our market leading Dargaville team. Our experienced team at Bayleys are available to provide expert support to help you understand the market and achieve your real estate goals.
Now is the time to contact Todd, Lisa and Nellwyn as the Spring market is just around the corner
Locals living and breathing the Kaipara
WHAT’S ON?
outside of Dargaville events email info@integrity.nz
August
Baylys Beach Society Quiz Night — 21st August. Bill Hyland Community Centre. Doors open 6.30pm, quiz starts 7pm. Teams 4–6 people, $10 per person, BYO drinks, some nibbles supplied, raffles. To book a table contact Tracy 021 883 437 or Beth 021 049 4373. Liverpool St Band at the Central Hotel — 24th August, 3pm to 6.30pm, $5 cover charge.
Small Business Management Workshop — 26 August, 9am to 4.30pm at the SEED CoWorking Office. Substantially discounted. Email gaylene.harris@ rmcnz.co.nz.
IRD Clinic – Heartland Services — Free help with tax, debts, family support payments, etc. 29th August, 10–2.30, by appointment only. Call for enquiries 021 245 3765 or 09 439 7009, 61 Victoria St, Dargaville. North Kaipara Coast Guard Quiz Night — 30 August at the Northern Wairoa Boating Club. Quiz starts at 7pm, $10 per person, 4–6 people per team. Book with Sarolta 021 270 02135 or email sarolta@ bernhardts.co.nz.
September
Free One Day Harm Reduction Workshop –Methamphetamine — 6 September, 10am to 3pm, Dalmatian Hall, 20 Normanby St, Dargaville. Nonjudgemental support and real kōrero. For more information contact 021 564 618. Free lunch.
Neil Diamond Tribute Concert featuring Mark Taipari — 28 September, 5pm, Dargaville Club, $20 per person. Tickets on sale at the Dargaville Club.
October
Paparoa and Surrounding Areas – Business Showcase 2024 — Free event, Saturday 12th October, 1pm–5pm. Paparoa Memorial Hall. Shop Local prize draw 3pm. Email paparoa.ca@gmail.com.
Markets
Kaihu Hall Market — 4th 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 8th December.
Paparoa Farmers’ Market — Every Saturday 9am–12pm. Genuine local produce, vegetables, seafood, olive oils, meats, patisserie, plants and more. Village Green, Paparoa.
Te Kopuru Market — 2nd Saturday of each month, 9am–1pm at Coronation Hall. Stall holders ring Rachel on 021 133 7560.
Clubs/Organisations
57 Squadron (Dargaville) Air Training Corps — Mondays 6pm–8pm at the Dargaville Aero Club. For boys and girls aged 13–18 years Phone Gordon 021 262 0547.
Alcoholics Anonymous — Dargaville meetings Lighthouse Church, cnr Normanby & Parore Sts. Use Parore St entrance. Monday 4.30pm & Thursday 7.30pm. Contact Bernie 027 212 2148, Ladies 020 4082 1373, Murray 09 439 5248. Alzheimer’s ‘Carer’ Support Group — Contact Maxine on 022 691 6068.
Anger Management Group — Thursdays 6pm–7.30pm 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Helena 021 564 618 or 09 601 4153.
Badminton — For Players 13yo+, Wednesday evenings 7pm–9pm at Dargaville High School Gym. Phone 021 439 157.
Baylys & Beyond Gardeners — 2nd Monday of each month. Garden ramble, shared lunch, trading table phone 021 063 3444.
Blind Low Vision Support Group — Meets 10am, last Monday of the month, alternatively at Dargaville and Ruawai. Phone Noelene 09 439 0033 for more info.
Citizens Advice Bureau — Dargaville & districts now at Parenga Street (between the Menz Shed and My Accountants).
Dargaville Aero Club — Learn to fly, free of tuition charges, Gyrocopter, Texan, Stork. Contact Peter 022 025 0235 for further info.
Dargaville Bowling Club Tuesday Bowls — Names by 9.30am, start 10am, finish 2.30pm. Contact Ray King 09 439 5509.
Dargaville Contact Bridge Club — Tuesdays 12.45pm and Wednesdays 6.45pm at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan St, Dargaville. dargavillebridge@gmail.com or phone Peter 09 439 2437 or 022 405 6439.
Dargaville Firearm & Military Collectors Club — 3rd Wednesday every second month at Lions Club Hall, Hokianga Road, at 7.30pm. Phone Beau Bryers 021 038 9654.
Dargaville Floral Art Club — 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1pm at The Lighthouse Church, Cnr Normanby & Parore Sts, Dargaville. Enquiries to Dawn Donald 09 439 5413.
Dargaville Friendship Club for seniors — 2nd Tuesday of month at 10am at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan Street. Phone Brian 09 439 5959.
Dargaville Girls Brigade — For girls 5–15 years. Thursdays 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 — Tuesday and Thursday each week from 10am to 3pm and Saturday from 10am to noon. For more info phone Paul 027 459 3098 or Brian 09 439 6175.
Dargaville Museum — Open 7 days per week. Hours 9am–4pm April to October, 9am–5pm October to April. Phone 09 439 7555.
Dargaville Riverside Taha Awa Garden Trust Join them in overseeing the running of the Garden. Contact Sheena 021 439 157 or email dargavilleriversidegarden@gmail.com.
Dargaville Scout Group — For boys and girls aged 5–99 years at 23 Onslow St. All info on door or phone Johnnita 027 296 5889.
Dargaville Tabletop Wargames and RPGs — Games like Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer or other strategy games. Thursdays 6.30pm, upstairs, Hokianga Road above the cinema.
Dargaville Women’s Group — 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10am for morning tea at The Methodist Church, Cnr Awakino Road & Normanby Street, Dargaville. Contact Michelle 09 439 2930.
Hikuwai O Kaipara Waka Ama Club — NW Boating Club, 5pm Mondays and Thursdays from 5pm for Awa training.
Housie — Every third Monday of the month at 1.30pm, Dargaville Bowling Club. Janice Allan 027 355 7434.
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: MJ Te Whata 09 439 6933
Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Anna Fredericksen | Kelsey Harrison | Liz Clark
Accounts: accounts@thelifestyler.co.nz
Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME
Website: kaiparalifestyler.co.nz
JP Services – Heartland Services — Every Thursday 12–1pm, Whanau Focus Office, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville. Call for enquiries 021 245 3765 or 09 439 7009.
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.
Kaipara Grey Power — third Friday of each month February to November. Contact 09 439 7801 or 09 439 4452.
Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club — Wednesday and Saturday. Something to interest both men and women, come and get involved. Phone 021 106 3635 or 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 Dalmatian Hall. Contact Donna 021 729 955.
Lions Club of Ruawai — 3rd Thursday of the month (social) and 1st Thursday of the month (business). Contact Dorothy on 09 439 2557.
Lions Dargaville — 2nd Wednesday of the month in Lions Den, Hokianga Road. Contact John 09 439 5937.
Maungaturoto AA Meeting — Mondays 7pm at the Holy Trinity Church, 134 Hurndall St East, Maungaturoto. Contact Carolyn 021 828 055.
Northern Wairoa Country Music Club — 1st Sunday of the month at the Scout Hall, 23 Onslow Street 1–4pm. Enquiries to Bruce 09 439 5513.
Northern Wairoa Genealogy Society — Learn how to trace your family history or understand DNA at Dargaville Museum, 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, 12.30–2pm. Phone Sue 021 608 606.
Northern Wairoa Indoor Bowls Assn — 7pm Mondays at Anglican Church Hall, Tuesdays at RuawaiTokatoka Hall, Wednesdays at Dalmatian Hall. Contact Warren Younger 027 478 5102 or evenings 09 439 6155.
NZ 60s Up Movement — Dargaville Social Meetings held at the Lighthouse Function Centre on 1st Tuesday of the month. Contact Margaret Pinny 09 439 4560.
Paparoa Box Fit — $10. Stretching/cardio/boxing.
Paparoa Memorial Hall, every Wednesday 6–7pm. Paparoa Dance to Music — $5. Stretching/balance/ resistance bands/Zumba, Paparoa Memorial Hall, every Tuesday 10.30–11.30am.
Paparoa Kids Fun Class — $5. Learning/Music/ Dodge Ball/Limbo, Paparoa Memorial Hall, Every Friday 3–4pm.
Peggy Purls in our Community — Every 3rd Wednesday 10.30am at Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre, 59 Normanby St. Ring Charlene 09 439 6120.
Petanque — social play. Mondays 9.15 till 11.30, $2, fun exercise, all equipment supplied at Sportsville. Judy 09 439 7920.
Pono Lodge Yoga — Tuesday 9.30am. Hatha Yoga with Anisha. 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 — Weekly at 11.30–1pm at the Lions Centre in Hokianga Road. Men and women. Phone Brian 09 439 6175.
RSA Women’s Section — Social meeting held at the Clubrooms, 4th Monday of the month. Contact Noeline Wright 027 733 7396.
Ruawai Bowling Club — new members welcome. For info call Alison 027 243 5454.
Ruawai Gardening Club — 3rd Thursday of every month, Feb to Nov at the Ruawai Bowling Club, 10am start. Phone Merele 09 439 2335.
Stepping Out Leisure Marching Team — Tuesday 4pm–5pm at the Dargaville Dalmatian Hall, 20 Normanby St. Contact Sharon 027 439 5634 or 09 439 5634.
Stitches and Crafts — 31 Logan St, Dargaville. 10.30am–4pm, Tuesday and Friday. Contact Edith & Mike 021 439 675.
Strength & Conditioning — Baylys Beach Community Centre, Mondays and Fridays. 9am–10am, $10 per session. Call Tony 022 311 8447.
Te Kopuru Community Library — access through St Peters Hall. Open Wednesday 10am–noon and Sunday 3pm–4pm.
Te Kopuru Sewing & Craft Group — Coronation Hall, Norton Street, Te Kopuru every Saturday from 9am–noon. Gold coin koha for the hall. Contact Grace on 021 0858 2455.
Tinopai Craft Group — Mondays from 10.30–1pm at the Tinopai Community Hall. Phone Linda 09 280 9988. Wednesday Crafts — Every Wednesday 10am. Variety of crafts. The Kiosk at Memorial Park. All welcome. $10 per session. Contact Judy 027 316 3940.
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25 5:17am (0.3m) 11:38am (2.6m) 5:39pm (0.5m) MON 26 12:07am (2.6m) 6:09am (0.4m) 12:32pm (2.6m) 6:36pm (0.6m)
TUE 27 1:01am (2.6m) 7:03am (0.5m) 1:30am (2.5m) 7:37pm (0.8m)
WED 21 5:19am (0.2m) 11:30am (3.4m) 5:36pm (0.2m) 11:50pm (3.6m) THU 22 6:04am (0.2m) 12:15pm (3.5m) 6:20pm (0.2m) FRI 23 12:34am (3.6m) 6:48am (0.2m) 12:59pm (3.4m) 7:05pm (0.3m) SAT 24 1:18am (3.5m) 7:32am (0.3m) 1:44pm (3.3m) 7:51pm (0.4m) SUN 25 2:05am (3.3m) 8:19am (0.5m) 2:32pm (3.2m) 8:40pm (0.6m) MON 26 2:54am (3.1m) 9:09am (0.7m) 3:25pm (3.0m) 9:36pm (0.8m) TUE 27 3:50am (2.9m) 10:50am (0.8m) 4:27pm (2.8m) 10:42pm (1.0m) Dargaville Arts Association www.dargavillearts.co.nz
MANGAWHAI HEADS
PUZZLE TIME
81 Intensely passionate (7)
82 Sexual desire (6)
83 Rented out (6)
84 Money reserve (4)
85 Tumbling athlete (7)
86 Gather into a crowd (10)
87 Club (7)
1 Scoffer (5)
2 Starving (8)
3 Untidy (anag)(6)
4 Groom oneself (5)
5 Shed tears (4)
6 Time to retire (7)
7 Circles round (6)
8 Go in (5)
10 Sway (4)
11 Sailor (7)
12 Allowable margin of freedom, movement (6)
17 Concealing ruse (10)
18 Perhaps (5)
22 Bread snack (8)
23 Oust (5)
24 Of heat (7)
26 Gambler’s stake (4)
28 Pardoned (7)
29 Devoid of principles (6)
30 Film holder (6)
31 Account book (6)
33 Oscillate (5)
35 Capital of Egypt (5)
36 Wide smile (4)
37 Get wind of (4)
43 Yearly book (6)
44 Peal (5)
76 Deceptive (10)
46 Heinous (4)
47 Tropical storm (7)
48 Put into (6)
49 Cures (5)
50 Of sailors, navigation (8)
51 Longs for (6)
52 eg. crab, lobster, shrimp (10)
53 Reserve (4)
54 Lack (7)
59 Deck (5)
60 Small island (4)
64 Mantle (5)
65 Mindset (8)
67 Mobile home (7)
68 Frog larva (7)
70 On the cards (6)
71 Speaking humorously (6)
72 Gripping tool (6)
75 Spanish friend (5)
77 Reflection (5)
78 Light-headed (5)
79 Responsibility (4)
80 Arm bone (4)
Sudoku
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
ACROSS: 1 Halve, 4 Attached, 9 Insect, 14 Steel, 15 Quick on the uptake, 17 Cramp, 18 Tea, 19 Idyllic, 20 Continual, 21 Always, 24 Privilege, 25 Sudden, 26 Señora, 29 Benefactor, 31 Ice, 32 Accord, 33 Fête, 35 Aim, 37 Flea, 39 Indignant, 40 Measuring, 41 Scene, 42 Dialogue, 47 Enlarged, 51 Ditto, 55 Interfere, 56 Promoting, 58 Seem, 59 Eat, 60 Tick, 61 Guitar, 62 Ivy, 63 Impatience, 66 Sleuth, 67 Unison, 69 Recollect, 72 Affair, 73 Competent, 75 Ignited, 77 Dot, 80 Ennui, 81 Like a bull at a gate, 82 Named, 83 Arched, 84 Rheostat, 85 Stays. DOWN: 2 Abundance, 3 Vocal, 5 Tutu, 6 Awesome, 7 Hypothetical, 8 Drain, 9 Iceland, 10 Sack, 11 Cradle, 12 Dents, 13 Alfalfa, 14 Speared, 16 Originating, 22 Wilted, 23 Welcome, 24 Prevail, 25 Sweats, 27 Obeying, 28 Ordain, 30 Rage, 32 Amber, 34 Edged, 36 Puma, 38 Lei, 42 Drift, 43 Article, 44 Ogre, 45 Useful, 46 Steer, 48 Lightweight, 49 Respect, 50 Eye, 51 Destiny, 52 Option, 53 Polyurethane, 54 Gobi, 57 Impala, 64 Carpentry, 65 Stuffed, 66 Student, 68 Spoiled, 70 Concurs, 71 Dinner, 72 Atoms, 74 Poker, 76 Ingot, 78 High, 79 Plea.
5x5
Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.
KAIPARA SERVICE DIRECTORY
CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09 439 6933
FOR SALE
1995 ISUZU BIGHORN 4WD, registration on hold, needs battery, front upper ball joints, muffler for WOF. Offers 09 439 8052.
19MM UT Pallet grade $79. Scooters Plywood 09 438 6565.
CARPET, VINYL and hard flooring. Full supply and installation service. Mobile showroom. Free measure and quote. Phone Christine — Kaipara Flooring Co 021 515 415.
PETROL WEEDEATER with 2 Nylon Reals, 2 Steel Blades, 2 Chain Saws, 2 Hedge Cutters. All for $380. Phone Don 020 4125 5840.
POP UP SHOP. Brand new Ballgowns, Bridal, Mother of the Bride/Groom plus more, upstairs at Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre. Wednesday 21st to Saturday 24th.
TOP SOIL, conditioned top quality. 100% suitable for vege gardens or new lawns. $85 per m³ onto your trailer, or truck deliveries available for larger orders. Phone 021 132 4107 or 09 439 5141.
CHURCH NOTICES
TE KOROWAI O IHU KARAITI MINISTRIES at the Church of the Nazarene, 4 Grey Street, Dargaville. Church service Sundays at 10.30am. Weekly except for school holidays: Maranga Mai, Wednesdays at 10.30am. Legacy/Man Up, Wednesdays from 6.30pm–8.30pm. Contact 021 136 5253 or tekorowai.ihu@gmail.com.
FENCING
FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458.
2 BEDROOM FLAT for rent, self contained unit, $390 weekly plus 3 weeks in advance. Phone 027 726 2839. FIREWOOD FIREWOOD — dry hot mix $110/m³, delivered free to Dargaville & surrounding areas. Phone or txt Henry 021 734 906.
FOR RENT
NURSERIES & PLANTS
GOT2GO PLANTS shelter and landscaping shrubs and trees from $1–$8. Ball type Pittosporum, Tree ferns, Corokias, tall white Bottlebrush and many more . Got2Go Plants is open Tuesday to Saturday. 55 West Coast Road, Te Kopuru. EFTPOS is now available. Internet transfers or cash. 09 439 5556/027 488 3400.
PERSONAL
SINGLE? OVER 40? Meet other interesting, intelligent, genuine people just like yourself. Dine out ‘Dinner for Six’. Phone 021 639 552.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
1 STOP Window & Door Repairs — Seals, Latches, Stays, Wheels, Hinges, Locks, Glass & Glazing. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
GARDEN MAKEOVER’S, absentee owner property care, garden creation, property clean ups, rubbish & vegetation removal. Call Garden2go for a quote: 021 0218 1111.
PLUMBING UPGRADES & renovations. Contact James 021 0263 9558, Plumb Hub Northland Ltd. Servicing Hikurangi to Mangawhai.
SECURITY
SECURE YOUR Home — Security Doors, Grills, Locks, Bolts, Stays, Latches — Supplied and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
SEPTIC TANK SERVICES
MAGIC PROPERTY Services, effluent & septic tank cleaning. Servicing the Kaipara. Phone Chris 027 480 0110 or Mary 027 459 1544. 7 Days. WE ARE THE ONLY CODE COMPLIANT OPERATORS IN THE KAIPARA.
Douglas Logging Office Manager –Dargaville based
TRADES & SERVICES
COAST2COAST FLOORING. VINYL and Carpet laying, floor prep, honest and reliable. LOCAL. Phone Dean 022 085 2871.
CARPET CLEANING, repairs, restretching, and patching. Flood drying and small carpet laying work and upholstery cleaning. Very fussy and reasonable prices. Phone Darren, Alltrades Carpet Services 0800 425 587 or 027 286 8584.
office manager / admin to keep our office running smoothly and support the director and management team. Our ideal candidate will have a great sense of time management, a positive can-do attitude, multi-tasking abilities and a proactive approach. You will join a small, close-knit and supportive team.
Reporting to the Director, some of your responsibilities would be:
• Account Invoicing (Debtors): Excel and Xero
• Accounts Payable (Creditors): Dext and Xero Administrative Duties
• Health & Safety (OSHTrak)
Ability to multi-task and ablity to selfmanage, self-motivate and be self -sufficient
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Some HR experience would be an advantage
Good organizational skills are a must
Have a willingness to contribute to general office duties and be a team player The successful candidate will have the following:
Training will be provided to the right candidate To be considered for this role you will need proof you are eligible to work in New Zealand. Have a clean MOJ and pass a Pre-Employment Background Check. If you think that you have the right attitude and skills for this position, please email your letter of interest and CV to pauline@douglaslogging.co.nz Closes 04 September 2024
TREE SERVICES
TREE REMOVAL, pruning, chipping & stump grinding. Qualified & Insured. Phone Scott 0800 468 9663 Arborcare
CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09 439
Closing date for classified advertising for the August 27 2024 edition is
ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — Resuming after the winter next concert is the 5th of September 2024, first Thursday of the month — 7–9.30pm. Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road, Dargaville. $2 entry, $2 raffle. Performers and audience welcome. Phone Allan 09 439 6933 or 021 439 697. An enjoyable night to be part of, sit back and be entertained by some great local talent.
DARGAVILLE HEALING rooms 7pm Tuesdays. No charge & no appointment necessary. Lion of Judah Building, River Road. All Welcome. Check us out on Facebook.
We are currently seeking a Qualified and Enthusiastic Heavy Diesel Mechanic to join our team located in Dargaville. If you are a skilled mechanic looking for an opportunity to work with a wide variety of Agricultural and heavy machinery jobs, we want to hear from you! maximum pay rate to the right person.
online for this role or contact Robin on 021 206 5475 for more information
NorthernRescueHelicopter isNorthland’sdedicated airambulanceserviceandwerelyonthegenerosity andsupportofNorthlanderstohelpussavelives. IfyouwouldliketosupportNorthernRescue,contactusduringofficehourson0800273728(08002RESCUE)oremailinfo@nest.org.nz
airambulanceserviceandwerelyonthegenerosity andsupportofNorthlanderstohelpussavelives. ouldliketosupportNorthernRescue,condoffourson0800273728(08002RESCUE)oremailinfo@nest.org.nz
Ordonatedirectlyto: TheNorthlandEmergencyServicesTrust,ASBBank:123101006737100
