Kaipara Lifestyler, August 8th 2023

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DIGITISE YOUR HISTORY

The legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary

A first look at future waste proposals

Call for police to make beaches safe

p Ruawai College students journeyed to the snowy and cold central plateau last week to visit the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre in Tongariro, where they braved the chilly temperatures to enjoy a programme of outdoor activities focussed on confidence, challenges and personal growth. With everything from hikes across a volcanic rockfield in winter to kayaking and rock climbing, the Ruawai contingent lived the legacy of the centre’s namesake, Sir Edmund Hillary, to the fullest. As Sir Ed said: “People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.”

New police leadership role

u by Andy Bryenton

Kaipara’s new police leader is Inspector Maria Nordstrom, who takes over authority in the Whangārei and Kaipara district, with 32 years of experience in uniform.

Getting to know you

Ms Nordstrom sees this new appointment as the completion of a full circle. It is the part of New Zealand where she started as a constable on the beat at age 24. Now, after a welcome ceremony and pōwhiri at Ruawai’s Naumai Marae, Nordstrom will be the region’s ‘top cop’.

“This was the start of my path and journey that I know has already been laid out for me, bringing me full circle back to where it all began,” she says. “I am very humbled. It’s an incredible privilege

and responsibility to be appointed to this pivotal leadership role.”

As the chief inspector for Whangārei and Kaipara, Ms Nordstrom says she is invested in the community and in strengthening partnerships and crime prevention.

“Building strong relationships with iwi Māori, government and community partners is key to supporting victims, by working together to break this systemic cycle of harm and reduce victimisation,”

Nordstrom says. “It’s about the people and making New Zealand a better, safer place to live.”

As well as helping crime victims and stopping offenders, Ms Nordstrom acknowledges the role police play as frontline responders during emergencies and natural disasters, such as February’s cyclone.

“It’s good to be home and to be able to give back and invest back with staff and the community,” says Ms Nordstrom. ¢

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Mayor’s Message

Greetings,

I love hosting people in our beautiful district and I had the recent pleasure of welcoming the other Northland mayors down to Mangawhai for the Forward Together Forum (work programme for all four Northland Councils working together). We discussed many important items relevant for our region, namely the ongoing investigations we are collectively doing into a Waste to Energy plant, and another hot topic – the state of Northland roading.

Current estimates to repair and improve Northlands local roading network are in the realm of $250m. This includes improvements for the vital alternative routes of Paparoa-Oakleigh ($52.6m) and Cove Road ($47.4million). And as we all know, it is not just our local roading network that is key here, but the quality of our state highways. Kaipara is the gateway to Northland and that gateway – the Brynderwyns – has proved to be extremely fragile in its current state. We need a road of the quality that has just opened between Puhoi and Warkworth and which every person I know who has driven it waxes lyrical.

So on that note, I want you to know that all three Northland mayors are lobbying strongly for any incoming government to hit the go button on motorway development between Warkworth and Whangarei, replacing the shambles we have and putting a stop to the seemingly ongoing closures we have had this year alone. These shutdowns cost our districts a fortune. We must build resilience here, and this includes right along the whole of the Warkworth to Whangarei route.

0800 727 059 council@kaipara.govt.nz www.kaipara.govt.nz

On new things that are being built here in Kaipara. We rely on a substantial amount of central government funding for new and renewed infrastructure. Simply put, without this funding we could not undertake many of our projects. Case in point: The first two phases of the Mangawhai Shared Path, made possible with a majority NZTA grant and an additional grant from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund – Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG) administered by Ka¯noa – Regional Development & Investment Unit. And another: the new Dargaville cycleways and shared paths project, wholly funded with an $8 million dollar NZTA grant. An external grant that unfortunately we cannot use to fix our potholes or seal our roads. A grant that comes from a specific pot of NZTA money set up to provide more transport choices (such as walking, scooting, cycling) for communities.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming opening of the second phase of the Mangawhai Shared Path. I’ve checked my bike and will be there for the ride. Young and old make sure you bring your helmets for this fun occasion.

p Dargaville’s old Mangawhare wharf has been slowly succumbing to the elements for many years. Last week it was finally dismantled to pre-empt its eventual collapse into the Northern Wairoa River. The wharf was a reminder of bygone days when ships would dock near the Commercial Hotel. Its site is a touchstone for the memory of policeman Neil McLeod, who was shot in the line of duty there in 1890.

Link to sporting history

u Rowing on the Northern Wairoa River is today predominantly the domain of Waka Ama athletes, but in the past, rowing teams of two and four in the style of Olympic racing plied the muddy waters. Antiquarian Gordon Walker has managed to track down a collection of oars from the heyday of Dargaville rowing; some still blazoned with the white and blue of the team’s colours. From the colonial era until the 1960s, this form of rowing was as popular here as it is on Lake Karapiro today.

Nostalgia and fun

Thriving Communities Working Together

patrons.

p Boys who grew up in the 1980s have had their movies about GI Joe, the Transformers and Masters of the Universe. Last week, girls of this golden era of iconic toys hit the town dressed in pink to celebrate Barbie’s new feature film. Mattel’s most popular doll of all time, Barbie, premiered at the Anzac Theatre in Dargaville with pink ice creams, pink punch in champagne flutes, and a pink dress code for

A first look at future waste proposals Official statement on flood prevention

u by Andy Bryenton

Kaipara District Council members discussed a draft of the proposed Kaipara-wide waste strategy at last week’s meeting, with renewed hope for the end of plastic rubbish bags and an emphasis on recycling.

The mayor and councillors were presented with a draft of what will likely be the waste policy document circulated for public response in September this year. The scope to make changes ahead of this public consultation round is open and many logical advancements are proposed in line with prior consultations with the community.

“The waste assessment establishes the planning foundations for the future Waste Management and Minimisation Plan, by describing the current district-wide waste situation, setting the vision, goals, objectives and targets for the district, including developing options for meeting future demand,” said KDC waste minimisation lead Donna Powell.

One such is eradicating plastic bags for rubbish, a point of contention across the district. Last time the idea was floated, most respondents asked for a shift to a 140-litre refuse bin and separate 240-litre recycling bin. Then, the government’s

rules changed, mandating the pick up of food scraps. With close to 40 per cent of Kaipara refuse falling into this category, a rethink was needed. The new plan proposes a 23-litre food scraps collection bin for all urban residences, perhaps feeding into a composting programme. Other items in the proposed paper include better service for rural and holiday properties, a review of retail-area street bins, and more education and support for initiatives to bring Kaipara toward a circular economy, with more efficient and widely used recycling of glass, plastics and paper.

u by Andy Bryenton

With concerns raised by citizens regarding the silt build-up and the potential for adverse weather and climate-related flooding on the Northern Wairoa River, the Kaipara Lifestyler requested and received a joint statement from the Northland Regional Council and Kaipara District Council.

‘Kaipara District Council and Northland Regional Council have a number of initiatives underway to better understand the complex flooding dynamics of the Northern Wairoa River and to improve infrastructure resilience during major weather events.

‘The KDC had started to model the Dargaville stormwater and flood protection systems prior to Cyclone Gabrielle. The model is now nearing completion and is already being used when planning works.

‘A treated wastewater pond at Dargaville Wastewater Treatment Plant was flooded during Cyclone Gabrielle, and electrical equipment at the plant was damaged. In the short term, KDC plans to raise the height of control panels and the bunds around the plant’s ponds. Sediment will also be cleaned from the Awakino River mouth to improve the flow of water out of the Awakino River.

‘The KDC also plans to improve the resilience of the Awakino railway embankment, which partially detains flood flows, preventing future flooding. Other KDC projects related to improving flood resilience around the Northern Wairoa River in Kaipara include works to strengthen stopbanks in Ruawai and Te Kōpuru.

‘A proposed investigation is currently progressing through Northland Regional Council’s Draft Long Term Plan process. The investigation is to gain a better understanding of the interaction between river flood waves, tides, low pressure, wind fetch, and other factors affecting the Northern Wairoa River and Dargaville township. The NRC is also exploring opportunities to establish a baseline that will help to understand the extent and scale of river silting.’

A full transcript of this joint statement is available at kaiparalifestyler.co.nz. ¢

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS – NEWS YOU CAN TRUST

p Last week’s council briefing included a first look at proposed waste management plans, which could include the end of plastic rubbish bags by 2025

Maybe you’ve gone above and beyond to support the employee, or perhaps there’s been performance issues in the past, and now you’re receiving a complaint? However, it’s important to take a deep breath and respond carefully.

A personal grievance is a type of complaint or legal claim an employee can make when they feel they have been treated in an unfair, unreasonable or unlawful way. There are a range of personal grievances that can be made, but generally, they either fall into the camp of either an employee being unfairly dismissed or disadvantaged in some way.

For most grievances, employees have 90 days from the date of the relevant event happening (or from when the event came to their attention) to raise a grievance about it. The law recently changed to allow employees 12 months to raise a grievance if it relates to sexual harassment (if the event occurred after June 13 2023).

What should you do when you receive a personal grievance?

Firstly, don’t panic or rush to respond immediately. Read the grievance carefully and see what it relates to and the date they claim the event(s) happened.

Secondly, take legal advice early on. There are many ways to resolve a personal grievance, depending on the circumstances and the outcome you are seeking. Planning a good strategy with your legal adviser early on is key to a costeffective resolution of the problem. Thirdly, gather together the documents needed to support your likely response. If the employee has claimed there is an issue with how they have been paid, collect your wage and time records. If the employee claims they were not consulted about a decision, find your diary notes, emails or calendar invites showing that you met with them. If the employee is claiming something which could be disproven by camera footage, secure the camera footage before it gets deleted. In essence, think about how you can respond to the grievance and what documentation or other evidence you need to pull together to back up your side of the story.

The road to resolution

Generally, the steps to resolving a grievance may involve negotiation, mediation or a hearing with the Employment Relations Authority. The majority of grievances resolve at the negotiation or mediation stages.

Tips for employers when handling a personal grievance

Keep a cool head and take advice promptly.

Realise that you have contractual obligations you may not be able to get out of, ie, you need to pay wages and leave entitlements owing (unless a lawful deduction can be made). These are not negotiable, even if the employee has behaved badly. Think about the outcome you want: restoration of relationship, a quick exit of the employee, or a principled (but more expensive) win?

Keep good records! Whatever the outcome you seek, these are essential. It’s best practice to record every important meeting you have with an employee, make dated diary notes, and keep monthly review sheets, online meeting notes, etc. You will thank yourself if an issue arises.

If you receive a personal grievance, WRMK’s experienced specialist employment team is happy to help guide you through the process of resolving it. Please give our friendly team a call. ¢

Layby

u by David Grindle and Kezia Purdie

It can be confronting when, as an employer of a small business, you receive a personal grievance from an employee.

Call for police to make beaches safe

u by Andy Bryenton

Author Matt Elliot was one of the people who brought the issue of off-road driving recklessness on the west Kaipara coast to national attention last week, and he’s advocating for positive change.

“My family connection to Glinks Gully goes way back,” says Matt. “My greatgrandfather had a farm near Redhill, while my grandad owned a market garden in Te Kōpuru. I have enjoyed the beach for as long as I can remember.”

Personal observations and conversations with Glinks Gully residents and friends galvanised Matt to write to the New Zealand Herald, which led on to an interview with Radio New Zealand. Since then, he has had many more discussions about the beach driving situation.

“I’ve got a nine-year-old who is afraid to go down to the beach, even with me and my wife, due to the intensive traffic,” he says. “It’s also not fair on locals and bach owners who try to politely educate others, but cop abuse for it.”

His solution is in harmony with similar ideas put to the Kaipara District Council last week by residents of nearby Omamari.

“I know this is a complex issue due to the number of councils and agencies involved. I would never advocate a ban on driving on the beach. However, when does the point come when people say ‘enough’?

“What I’d like to see first of all is police enforcement, and some infringement

Deputy PM visits museum

u by Paul Campbell

The Kauri Museum’s new forest walkway entry display had a VIP visitor last Saturday when the deputy prime minister, Hon Carmel Sepuloni, the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage visited Matakohe.

She had been invited to the official blessing and dawn opening of the long-planned recreation of a primaeval New Zealand forest had a previous engagement.

“The minister made this special brief visit to catch up with the developments at the museum,” said the acting director, Dr Jason Smith, who was on hand to welcome her.

notices issued for people hooning on the beach.”

The argument that the beach is, technically, a road has been advanced to Glinks locals to justify bad beach etiquette from a minority of drivers. However, this should mean that police can enforce the 30km/h speed limits at Baylys and Glinks with cameras, officers and ticketing. ¢

“Minister Sepuloni experienced first-hand the Forest Walkway attraction at the museum, which was opened to the public on July 22 along with other highlights.”

Ms Sepuloni said after her tour that many regional museums are still experiencing the lag effects of Covid, not helped by weather events. “They are seeing a slow return of visitors. I’m a big supporter of our regional museums, so encourage everyone to check them out — take a day trip to experience the history of Aotearoa. I’m going to be

heading back here as soon as I can with my family.”

The walkway technology features a forest of tall kauri ‘trees’, actually light boxes, which lead museum-goers through to the sound of nature, and is part of a multi-phase project financed by a $3 million grant from the Provincial Development Unit. ¢

Gardens of Beauty

affordable prices”

p Matt Elliot brought the 4x4 influx at Glinks Gully and Poutō to national prominence and has asked police to make the coast safe again after dangerous drivers caused local outrage

p Acting Kauri Museum director Dr Jason Smith, with deputy prime minister Carmel Sepuloni in the museum forest entranceway

Election claims in Maungatūroto New president for Ruawai Lions

u by Paul Campbell

A spirited exchange on co-governance emerged when New Zealand First’s Shane Jones brought his party’s election views to the Maungatūroto Returned Services Association clubroom last week, with about 50 people gathered to hear him.

Mr Jones made his stand on cogovernance plain by stating he rejected what he saw as racial division, to then be challenged from the floor.

“It was a bit of fun for a while,” said one attendee who asked not to be singled out. “However, it was a pretty good session and who isn’t going to disagree with someone wanting to fix the cost of living and get tough on crime? It’s probably becoming a common theme for this election. Jones earned applause suggesting $28 billion would be better spent in Northland instead of Auckland light rail.”

As the election campaign begins to dominate news leading up to October, the latest Roy Morgan New Zealand poll released last week has lifted New Zealand First two points to five, which would mean seats in government under MMP.

Following the poll result, NZ First leader Winston Peters endorsed town meetings by the party candidates as “oldfashioned politics that involve the people, because it’s the people that matter come election time.”

The latest poll indicates a potential National/ Act NZ coalition with a lead

of 47.5%, up 2.5% points since June, and ahead of the governing coalition on 35%, down 5% points.

The rise in support for National means the two parties could gain a slim majority of seats in parliament if this stays true in October. ¢

u by Andy Bryenton

There was a full house to witness the changing of the officers at Ruawai Lions Club last week, with well-wishers, past leaders and friends all gathering to celebrate the group’s good works.

A light-hearted mood prevailed, with the evening themed after the animated children’s show Bob the Builder. His catchphrase of ‘Yes we can!’ suited the attitude of the Ruawai Lions, which has had a busy year helping out in the community.

Taking the lead for 2023 is new president Roger Price, who succeeds long-standing Lions leader Rosemary Webb, incumbent as president since 2019. Lions zone chairman Dennis Smith and past district governor Frank King-Turner were there to officiate and also heard about a busy schedule of charitable giving.

“Donations included giving $1,000 to the Ruawai Tokatoka Memorial Hall to help with the construction of a wheelchairaccess toilet, as well as contributions to child cancer research, suicide prevention, the Coast Guard, Ruawai Promotions for CCTV cameras, Ruawai College and Ruawai Primary School prize-givings, Blind Low Vision NZ and the Northland

Basketball Association,” says Lions spokesperson Dorothy Simpson.

There was also an expansion of the Murals for Ruawai project, practical aid for kūmara farmers devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle, welcome packs for new residents, additional work on the development of Kowhai Reserve, Christmas cakes for local seniors and many more acts of kindness and community building.

Now the new president and the Lions are looking forward to their November 11 fun run, walk and cycle event atop the Ruawai stopbank, a follow-up to their Lap the Map challenge at the same scenic spot to benefit the Diabetes Association.  ¢

p Shane Jones

p Ruawai Lions Club members met to elect a new president last week, and took the time to reflect on a busy year of communitybuilding works

Getting to know you Getting Northland’s roads back on track

u by Paul Campbell

“It’s all about communication that makes a community work,” was a loud comment as locals gathered for a Community Showcase, with the Paparoa War Memorial Hall packed with more than 30 local groups and organisations.

u by Grant McCallum

Northland’s transport network is the lifeblood of our region, ensuring we can get to work and school, see friends and family, and export what we make to the rest of the country and the world so we can pay our way.

However — it’s failing. Storms disconnect us from the country and each other, while potholes risk road user’s safety and threaten damage to their vehicles on every journey. It’s clear we need decisive action.

“We had everything from the mahjong club, through tennis to coastguard and fire party,” said Progressive Paparoa chair Pete Hames. The event was designed to show what local groups could provide for the community and how residents and newcomers to the area could participate.

There was also an emphasis on “community preparedness and civil defence and how people could share experience and help in times of need.

“We were very pleased with the showcase indeed,” said Hames. “With more than 30 groups involved,

we started the day with a meeting to exchange with the stallholders before we opened to the public, who supported us well. Those groups involved, which included Kaipara District Council staff, church representatives, through to North Kaipara Volunteer Coastguard crew, went to a lot of effort to present themselves for the showcase.”

With the event’s success, Progressive Paparoa is considering further community support activity in the future. “Perhaps something involving craft groups and cottage industries could be an idea.” ¢

Last week, National announced its Transport for the Future plan, setting out the next 10 years of road building and upgrades. For Northland, it is planning to start with four lanes from Port Marsden to Whangārei, then four lanes from Warkworth to Wellsford, while ensuring the resilience work on SH1 through the Brynderwyns is completed and eventually replaced with a new bypass altogether.

These key connections already see huge and growing traffic. The new Brynderwyn bypass is needed for a more resilient and connected Northland transport network, as the current route has been closed for more than 80 days this year already. It isn’t only the state highways that are in a dire state, and that’s where National’s $500 million Pothole Repair Fund comes in.

We aren’t just facing the odd wheel alignment issue from potholes here in Northland. In just the last few months, one driver was handed a $10,000 repair bill, and a mother with a child in the backseat had her airbags deployed, both just from potholes.

In this year’s Budget, Labour cut funding for State Highway maintenance by $164 million and local road maintenance by a massive $314 million, so the needed repairs are not coming without a change.

National will prioritise the funding we need to get our roads back into shape and get New Zealand back on track. ¢

p Paparoa’s community showcase success

Loss of cafe Evidence supports speed limit change

Ruawai township has sadly lost its only cafe. The cafe has been an integral place for the community to gather for years, and without it, Ruawai feels incomplete.

Ruawai residents and businesses, including dairy and kūmara farmers, who have all struggled with harsh weather events this year, have enjoyed going to the cafe, having a delicious coffee, eating yummy food and having great conversations with others. Many business meetings have been held in the cafe, and

DINNER & AUCTION FUNDRAISER

many workers on their way north have grabbed a much-needed coffee.

We want to find a motivated cafe owner-operator looking for an opportunity to stamp their own mark and become an integral part of a great little rural community.

Ruawai is developing positively with house prices increasing. There are great schools and a wonderful community in Ruawai, and we believe the population of the town will continue to grow.

Tourism numbers through Ruawai are increasing, and we believe there is an amazing opportunity for the cafe to take advantage of this. There are no other daytime eateries so there is a captive audience, until the local takeaways open, and a lot of traffic travelling through.

If you have a business idea to fill this niche, please contact me for more information on 021 422 530.

Amanda Bennett

u by Andy Bryenton

A series of speed limit drops proposed for the Poutō and west coast areas of Kaipara has been under discussion for some months after Mangawhai roads underwent similar cuts last year.

Earlier in 2023, elected members of the Kaipara District Council received recommendations for speed limit drops across sealed and unsealed roads in the district’s west and then asked for public input on these proposals. With an opportunity arising at the end of August to enact the raft of changes, evidence has been presented by traffic engineer Elizabeth Stacey, which supports speed drops of 20km/h or more.

“Setting speed limits that match the surrounding road environment has been shown, both nationally and internationally, to reduce serious injury and fatal crashes,” Ms Stacey said.

Recent figures back up this message; for every five-kilometre reduction in average speeds, there is a 28% reduction in fatal crashes and a 26% reduction in serious injuries in crashes. Conversely, the risk of a crash resulting in a serious injury approximately doubles between 80km/h and 100km/h.

Auckland Transport reported a 30% reduction in deaths and a 21% reduction in serious injuries across the areas where they had implemented speed limit drops. These were predominantly rural areas,

not urban and suburban parts of the super city.

With eight fatal crashes and 115 crashes causing serious injury in the Poutō roading zone during the past decade, KDC’s 2021–2024 Long Term Plan identified this area as a high-risk rural road catchment. A similar zone near Okaihau, in the Far North, recorded a 52% reduction in crashes with serious injuries.

p Councillor Larsen questioned the total cost of implementing speed limit changes across the west of Kaipara; the figure would likely approach $700,000, with part-funding by the NZTA

Tough race for promotion Welcoming the community in

u by Andy Bryenton

As football takes centre stage during New Zealand’s co-hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, there’s a similarly epic battle afoot in the local game, with Northern Wairoa in the race for promotion.

That would mean that the local team from west Kaipara would be elevated to the top league of their sport, and competition is fierce for this opportunity. A recent bellwether game was NWFC’s throwdown against Kaitaia, a top-of-the-table clash where promotion points were up for grabs.

“An organised Northern Wairoa team took an early lead with a goal from Ben Marrett,” says team captain Rory Dean.

“We dominated the first half, with a defence that was strong throughout.

Dylan Hines pushed the Kaitaia defenders hard, with several narrow misses before the half-time whistle.”

During the break, both teams huddled for a pep talk from their respective coaches. Northern Wairoa’s Colin Sloan asked the team to stay focussed, but the rallying call from the other benches must have been heroic; Kaitaia came back with fresh spirit in the second half, seemingly undismayed by trailing NWFC.

Two fortunate goals hammered in by the men from the Far North crushed Northern Wairoa’s hopes as the clock ran down, and Kaitaia took the win, along with another point on the championship table. This upset for NWFC means their hopes

for promotion to Northland football’s highest division are increasingly tight. The remaining games of the season are crucial.

Kaipara Farm Vets Man of the Match went to top playmaker Daniel McKinstry, a working farmer who took time off from calving season to orchestrate the Northern Wairoa midfield.

u by Andy Bryenton

On Thursday, September 7, Ruawai College will open its doors to prospective students and community members for its annual open day, an event that has become a tradition for the town.

“Ruawai College is a secondary school serious about its pursuit of knowledge and learning,” says principal Raeleen Harré.

“The school’s kaupapa is to inspire students to be lifelong learners — respectful, resilient, and responsible citizens. Our students are always the driving force behind everything we do at Ruawai College. By redesigning our curriculum around student voice, the buy-in is positive. Overall engagement increases when their learning feels meaningful.”

Last year saw an extensive curriculum overhaul with the introduction of crosscurricular multi-teacher learning bases for juniors, student-selected modules for middle schoolers, and individualised learning programmes for seniors. All these changes were made to better suit the aspirations of the students themselves, and the results have been very positive.

Open day 2023 will begin with tours of the school’s modern facilities, guided by student leaders. The school’s learning areas will be a hive of activity, where visitors can get an insight into how subjects and modules run within the revamped curriculum.

After a short break, everyone will congregate in the hall to watch Ruawai’s Got Talent, a student-focussed talent show. Dancing, singing, and musical items will have everyone in high spirits before the eagerly anticipated tyre tractor event. The school started this tractor tyre tradition as a homage to Mental Health Awareness Week — symbolism of carrying heavy loads together as a community.

“There will be a free raffle upon entry, and a free sausage sizzle. The office will also be open for 2024 enrolments.” ¢

p Daniel McKinstry was man of the match in a critical game for the NWFC; a chance to be promoted to the top league in football hangs in the balance

p “Open day is a great opportunity to have our community on-site to witness all the happenings within our beautiful school,” says principal Raeleen Harré

A library of activities and interests

u by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville Library has expanded and improved its collection of tools, games, educational items and technology, with plans to gather even more and make them available to the public.

“We’re giving people, especially young people, access to things they would not ordinarily be able to use,” says librarian Molly Molving-Lilo.

The Tutu Collection comprises items as varied as knitting and sewing machines to telescopes and microscopes. The collection is free to borrow. While some things need an adult library card to check out, the rest of the items are treated just the same as library books.

“These things are for all ages, and they’re selected because they are very interactive,” says Molly. “That means that they are great for hands-on learners. We have had many outreaches to schools with things from the Tutu Collection.”

Very popular items from the collection include a programmable robot, games which help teach te reo Māori, a fullyfunctioned sewing machine and virtual reality tools. A big hit coming into winter has been a kit which enables homeowners to check out their own insulation and heating levels, saving money on renovations and electricity.

Library staff have identified new areas to expand the collection into. The first has been in response to the sheer popularity of the Tutu Collection. Some more indemand items have had to be doubled up, allowing for a shorter wait time.

“We’ve made sure there is much higher availability for the things that people like the most,” says leading librarian Lisa Salter. “With multiple copies of things like Sphero, you can now usually walk in and borrow top items more easily.”

The second planned expansion will touch on two new demographics. While the collection currently serves the needs of students, youth and adults, there were gaps in the range for preschoolers and older people.

“We’ve identified a need to support these parts of the community with items of specific interest,” says Molly.

“To make sure the Tutu Collection is useful for everyone, we’re looking for recommendations right now on how we should cater for our seniors and also to the very young. It also helps a lot if you fill

in the feedback when you return an item, as this is the information we’ll be using to decide what to buy next.”

The library is moving beyond hosting good reads and interesting information. This collection is a very popular step in a new direction. You’re invited to come and check it out personally; it won’t cost you a cent. ¢

p Librarian Lisa Salter with some of the many fun activities, tools, games and items in the library’s Tutu Collection

Music uplifts wearable arts

u by Andy Bryenton

Only a few short weeks separate us from Dargaville’s 2023 Wearable Arts extravaganza, and elements of art, music, design and performance are coming together to reveal the shape of an unmissable event.

Choreographing the various strands of creativity that make up the finished show is underway, and what’s on offer promises to fill the giant marquee booked for the

wearable arts to bursting point. In terms of music, composer and performer Brian Baker has been hard at work not just collating cover tracks to suit the mood but composing a score to match the themes of the competition.

“There are three major parts I have been working on, which correspond to the three themes that will be explored by the wearable arts creations on stage,” says Brian. “The reuse and recycle category has been a fun piece to compose, using the sounds of upcycled materials as instruments to really get into the metaphorical space. For the environment and nature category, I’ve taken a real Kiwiana approach, with a pacific-reggae sound and native birdsong. Avant-garde lives up to its name and will be a surprise.”

As well as these main themes to complement and uplift the visual art of the contestants, and the additional projections and art by AwhiWorld, Brian has worked with the talented young cast of dancers who accompany the production.

“For them, I’ve composed energetic hip-hop style tracks, but then there’s the

Alice in Wonderland theme, which allows us to get very psychedelic,” he says.

To add to this long list of musical compositions, Brian will also finish the evening with the performance of a new song he’s written and rehearsed just for the wearable arts.

Of course, the music is just one part of what organisers are calling a ‘feast for the senses’ at this year’s wearable arts extravaganza. Right now, staging, lighting, dance choreography and the competitor’s artworks are reaching a final pitch of perfection. All will be revealed when the curtain goes up on September 1 and 2. Those privileged enough to get a first glimpse behind the scenes advise that the calibre of entries this year is superb.

Tickets are on sale now via iticket. co.nz or by calling 050 848 4253. it’s expected that all shows, including the Saturday matinee, will quickly fill up as September approaches. Get hold of yours soon, and prepare to experience the triumphant return of wearable arts to the northwest.

p Music, movement and dance will frame a stunning selection of artworks, when Dargaville hosts the 2023 Wearable Arts in September

Markets return to Maungatūroto

u by Amy Fifita

Kieren Wilson is bringing the community together by organising the monthly Saturday Night Markets at the Maungatūroto Epicentre on the first Saturday of each month.

“I am from California originally and have been in New Zealand for eight years,” says Kieren.

“My husband and I met in Maungatūroto while doing a World Wide Opportunities of Organic Farms experience and have been here, on and off, for the last few years.

“We have just bought a house here and are placing down roots. We also have family here. I had been to the market at the Maungatūroto Centennial Hall, and Covid stopped that. Having a market again has been in people’s hearts, and I am happy to facilitate that.

“The Good News Church offered to let us use one of its outbuildings as our marketplace. We need something to bring us together again, and many people have something to offer locally — the event is about showcasing that.”

Kieren says it costs $10 for a stall, $5 for a car boot sale and the children’s table is free.

“I desire to cultivate in them that they have marketable skills that people pay for. I also want to promote to them and the community that they can do something productive with their time and make some money too. Supermarket food costs have got so much higher in the past 18 months.

So, hopefully, the market eventuates to having fresh fruit, vegetables, milk, eggs and other basics.

“So far, we have 27 sellers, and I am stoked to have live music. This month, there was a harpist, a live band and a child busking on the piano and a face painter. Next month, Kaipara Bouncy Castles is coming with bouncy castles, popcorn and candy floss.

“I adore Maungatūroto and the smalltown feeling. I can rock up in my gumboots covered in mud, and nobody cares — I love

that. Everyone has been very welcoming, and it is like a big family, and the night market is fun and for everyone.”

For more information or to book a stall, car boot or a spot on the children’s table contact, kierenwilson22@gmail.com. ¢

MAUNGATUROTO

The Riverview Rest Home and Village was established over twenty-five years ago by the Maungaturoto Community Charitable Trust

p The monthly Maungatūroto Saturday Night Markets began last weekend, seeing local people get together and enjoy each other’s talents

Kiwi technicians challenge Australia

u by Andy Bryenton

Rugby has traditionally been the battlefield of friendly rivalry between Australia and New Zealand; now, a team of Kiwi tractor and machinery technicians are challenging their neighbours across the ditch.

Nine New Zealand finalists will fly out to challenge the best of the best in their field at the 2023 John Deere Technician of the Year Awards. This contest has been run for the past three year, and spans the skills technicians need in industries such as agriculture, forestry and construction. While the Kiwi contingent comes from different backgrounds, including photocopier repair and sports, all know their way around big diesel machines.

“Technicians require a unique combination of mechanical knowledge, proficiency in digital technology and advanced problem-solving skills, and becoming a finalist in the annual awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication our technicians inject into their roles,” said John Deere Australia and New Zealand managing director Luke Chandler.

There were more than 60 applicants to represent New Zealand when the contest

kicks off in Brisbane this month. The tasks they will face under the scrutiny of watchful adjudicators will span all aspects of keeping big machines from the field and forest operational. There are multiple awards and categories to aim for. Greg Bishop of Otago Farm Machinery and

of the Year Awards

Bryce Dickson of Brandt Whangārei will compete for Agriculture and Turf Service Technician of the Year. Parts Technician of the Year hopefuls include Brandt Gisborne’s Mollie Clarke and Jimmy O’Donnell of Drummond and Etheridge in Blenheim. Nick Fargher of

Brandt Feilding and Mark Haughton of Drummond and Etheridge Rolleston could come back as Construction and Forestry Technician of the Year. Dylan Bruce and Paige Hunter, also from Drummond and Etheridge in Rolleston, and Tom Fyfe from Brandt Rotorua will compete for apprentice of the year titles.

“Each finalist has a proven track record of helping farmers and businesses unlock greater productivity and sustainability achievements through technology, and they should be very proud of rising to the top of a very competitive field,” says Luke Chandler.

“While they’re all diverse in their experience and background, what they have in common is a deep enthusiasm to learn and commitment to deliver exceptional aftermarket service to their customers,” said John Deere Australia and New Zealand’s director of aftermarket and customer support, Emma Ford. ¢

p Bryce Dickson will travel from Whangārei to Brisbane to compete in the fourth annual John Deere Technician

A dog’s tail … Boss make sinse, most ofa time

“Goodness me Dog, I am jolly confused with these election stories,” seda Boss as we headed down ter smoko afta a stock check. He spoke in the skooteacher voice wot his gerfrend Sharlene usually uses. He didn’t even say bluddy or werds he usually sez, but then I figgerd he was puttin’ on a bit ofa act. Wen we got to smoko, he sed the same thing ter Sharlene, an’ she cracked up laffing. “Get back to normil an’ swear a bit, so me an’ Billy don’t get confused.”

Boss give a bit ofa grunt, an’ sipped his cuppatees. As usual, Sharlene past me a bikkie. It was a bit her home bakin’ and tasty, too. Anyhow I sat ina sun wile Boss wint on.

“I bin lissining to the wireless ona Big Red Quod upa hill,” he sed. “The blimmin’ guvmint reckins it’s gonna build a new harbour crossing for Orklind gonna cost megabucks.” Sharlene hada papa froma kattilstop I got froma road gate, an’ she read in her special voice: “The news is, Deah, that the planned Auckland Harbour crossing will include two three-lane tunnels for vehicles and a 21-kilometre light rail tunnel between Albany and the downtown city. That will cost tens of billions of dollars. Prime Minister Hipkins said he was ambitious for Auckland.”

“Well that’s blimmin pie ina sky, if ya asks me,” grumbled the Boss. I hada look for a pie ina farm sky, but figgered it jus’ another Bossism eh? Boss wint on. “Go figger. If they build a massive harbour

crossin’ wear is the traffic gonna go wen they get ter us hear in Northlind? We got goat tracks fer roads, an’ even they fallin’ apart. Me mate ona road commmittee in town reckins we cood sped two or three billin dollars just makin’ our road decent. All very well fixin’ travel in Orklind, but then ya hit Kapra an’ it all turns ter custid.”

I opened me eye at the mentin of custid but added that to pie, an’ closed it. Sharlene looked atta papa agin. “That ACT party though reckins it’s gonna stop govmint’s wasteful spinding. Thats gotta be good. She red: “That Seymour would save up to $1 billion of government spending on failing and wasteful projects, including Three Waters reforms, He Waka Eke Noa climate action partnership with farmers, Auckland light rail, fees-free tertiary education and the Provincial Growth Fund.”

“Bluddy heck,” seda Boss. “Thatll save sum munny, but there ya go on pollytishuns. The PGF fund is aimed atta us poor peeple ina provinces, not townies. But promises are just promises, now. An’ anyway, let’s just call it farmer climate action and leave out the werds we don’t use or unnerstan’. Anyway, politishins tellin’ farmers wot ter do

on emissions make me laff lika drain. Here in Kiwiland we have about 1.7 per cent of world climate emissions. They need ter wurry about roads an’ health an’ livin’ costs.”

Readas, I wish Boss wood speak simple stuff. Custid pies ina sky and laffing drains can be confusin’. But he makes sinse most ofa time I reckin.

Cheers — Billy ¢

Partnership goes further

u by Andy Bryenton

Last week the Kaipara Moana Remediation group gave an operational report to the Kaipara District Council, revealing how strategic partnerships, including one with a local vet clinic, are helping them achieve its goals.

Justine Daw and Ben Hope of the KMR were pleased to announce a great start for the initial 18 months of the programme, which seeks to slash sediment run-off across the entire seven-river system of the Kaipara Harbour’s catchment.

“What are we here to do? Protect and restore the Kaipara Harbour,” said Ms Daw. “It’s not just culturally important; it’s economically important.”

To achieve a dramatic reduction of sediment run-off and its attendant siltation, KMR has partnered up with various benefactors and authorities, undertaking a colossal planting programme across the region. While some of those partners provide funding, and others add materials and support, a recent addition to this list is intent on reaching hard-to-contact landowners.

“Kaipara Farm Vets is working with us to reach some of our harder-toreach landowners and helping them understand our funding and what we have on offer,” says Justine Daw.

“We have signed a partnership with KMR to take their programme to our farm customers through our sister company, Kaipara Agri Solutions,” says veterinarian Josh Bogia.

p Kaipara Moana Remediation’s Justine Daw was pleased to announce good progress leading into spring of 2023 Crawford, Madeleine Banecevich and myself will be working with our farm

“We are proud to advise the rural community that Brian Jackson, Brenda

We are inviting all farmers to a lunch to show our support in these difficult times HOSTED BY:

customers to unlock support from Kaipara Moana Remediation for planting natives and fencing off waterways to reduce sediment loss into the Kaipara Harbour.”

It’s important to engage with sheep, beef and dairy farmers in the far-flung areas of the Kaipara catchment, as their input is crucial to the success of the KMR plan. The remediation group provides free information and planning for farmers seeking to reduce run-off to waterways or to stabilise slip-prone slopes with trees. It also offers to pay up to 50 per cent of the cost of such planting.

Thanks to this message being spread to a wide audience, the future’s looking bright for KMR’s mission. Two major navigator projects have kicked off this winter, which will change the game for Kaipara planting.

“One is a very large wetland restoration project on a dairy farm just south of Dargaville,” says Ms Daw, “The other is a very much farmer-driven crosscatchment planting in Tangowahine. What’s important with these is that the landowners involved are up for sharing best practice with others. These flagships are going to be pretty important in learning how to reduce sediment.” ¢

Minister for hunting and fishing proposed

u by Andy Bryenton

Election campaigning is in full swing across the nation, with proposals for new rules, laws and positions being debated, including the post of a minister for hunting and fishing.

The National Party has proposed that such a position should be created and that anglers and hunters should have a permanent seat on the Conservation Authority and Conservation Boards.

The frontrunner for this position, should National form a government after this year’s election, is Todd McClay, the party’s spokesman on hunting and fishing. He’s unequivocal about the need for a new ministerial portfolio to bring these activities out from under the current fractured grouping of departments and ministries who administer them.

“National will establish a Minister for Hunting and Fishing, guarantee access to public lands for hunters and fishers, and partner with volunteer groups to maintain huts for the benefit of all New Zealanders,” says Mr McClay.

“Tens of thousands of New Zealanders have grown up hunting and fishing. Hunters help control animal numbers, protect biodiversity by eradicating pests, and provide food for their families. Hunting and fishing also foster tourism and are part of Kiwi DNA.”

Part of the remit of the new minister would be to work closely with Fish and Game New Zealand, which has welcomed

the concept and the promise that such a minister would not introduce paid licences for game animal hunting or saltwater recreational fishing.

“Kiwis from all walks of life value access to New Zealand’s natural environment and fish and game resources,” says Fish and Game NZ chief executive Corina Jordan.

“Angling and hunting are deeply embedded into the fabric of our rural communities, towns and cities across the country. Mental health and wellbeing and the opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family in the great outdoors are the key reasons why New Zealanders and international visitors hunt and fish.”

National has also committed to classifying tahr, chamois and wild pigs as game animals, a distinction which is not currently made. This announcement has met with approval from the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association.

“The New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020 has determined these are valued

p The National Party’s Todd McClay is frontrunner for the proposed portfolio of hunting and fishing introduced species alongside others such as trout and salmon. Unfortunately, there is a high degree of inconsistency across legislation and planning documents,

which not only disregards the value of these animals to New Zealanders, but hinders their management,” said NZDA spokesperson Gwyn Thurlow. ¢

• All Rural & Residential Fencing

• Lifestyle Block Fencing

• Sheep & Cattle Yards

• Post and Rails

WHAT’S ON?

For outside of Dargaville events email info@integrity.nz

August

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 Group — Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month 10am at the Methodist Church, Cnr of Normanby Street & Awakino Road. Contact Michelle 09 439 2930 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.

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.

TIDE CHART

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

ACROSS

1 Die down (5)

4 Handcuffs (8)

9 Unoccupied (6)

14 Arm support (5)

15 Make a reputationdamaging mistake (4,4,8)

17 Rugby formation (5)

18 Menagerie (3)

19 Book (7)

20 Grabbing (9)

21 Expensive (6) 24 Banned (9)

25 Snuggle down (6) 26 Myth (6) 29 Plotting a course for the driver (10)

31 Stitched edge (3) 32 Derided (6) 33 Extinct bird (4)

35 Chopping tool (3)

37 Close (4)

39 Spoke out against (9)

40 Renovate (9)

41 Was involved in espionage (5)

42 City in Scotland (8)

47 Charade

BROUGHT TO YOU BY…

DARGAVILLE KAURI COAST LIFE CARE

• Short Stay - Respite Care • Day Care Services

• Rest Home Level Care • Hospital Level Care

Contact our Care Home Manager, Karen on 09 439 6367 to arrange a time to visit our Home. We look forward to hearing from you.

(5)

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Staff, 4 Have a bone to pick, 14 Crowd, 15 Dregs, 16 Combustion, 17 Civil, 19 Lie, 20 Contain, 21 Green-eyed, 22 Ottawa, 25 Letterbox, 27 Discus, 28 Rescue, 33 Accustomed, 35 Egg, 36 Shovel, 37 Ante, 39 Net, 41 Certain, 42 Bonsai, 43 Seeing red, 44 Tarry, 45 Unbroken, 50 By, 51 Wriggled, 55 Equal, 58 Illegally, 59 Africa, 60 Inverts, 61 Got, 63 Yank, 64 Nibble, 65 Apt, 66 Benevolent, 68 Dreary, 69 Corset, 71 Sculpting, 76 Allied, 77 Amusement, 79 Posture, 81 Cad, 84 Idiot, 85 Rhinoceros, 86 Limps, 87 Ruins, 88 Swinging the lead, 89 Leads.

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

DOWN: 2 Terror, 3 Fight, 5 Agog, 6 Embargo, 7 Basket, 8 Naive, 9 Tunnels, 10 Puck, 11 Cavity, 12 Koala, 13 Adverse, 14 Cleaned, 18 Dirty trick, 23 Prime, 24 Autopsy, 26 Equator, 27 Dignity, 29 Control, 30 Screen, 31 Tense, 32 Veneer, 34 Drop, 36 Stare, 38 Ended, 40 Snag, 45 Unity, 46 Balance, 47 Orgy, 48 Eclair, 49 Bulge, 50 Blatant, 52 Innovation, 53 Gremlin, 54 Extent, 55 Eyebrow, 56 Crate, 57 Scab, 62 Angle, 67 Trellis, 68 Discard, 70 Samurai, 72 Conceal, 73 Review, 74 Smooth, 75 Tripod, 76 Admit, 78 Swing, 80 Twice, 82 Stun, 83 Sofa.

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

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz

FOR SALE

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

CARAVAN WANTED - any condition considered. Phone 021 122 7000.

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

FIREWOOD - HOT Burning Mix $100m3 – Text 021 240 9061 to order.

I-TREAD TREADMILL Good condition. $900 ono. Can deliver within the Dargaville area. Phone 021 053 4749.

PLYWOOD V-GROOVE, Interior 9 & 12mm. Scooters

Plywood 09 438 6565.

SILAGE BALES for sale. Located in Arapohue. Phone: 021 439 250.

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

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

FENCING

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

PET SUPPLIES

PET DOORS — Cat Doors, Dog Doors for Glass or Timber — supplied and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 Kevin Sowter or visit my website: windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.

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.

NURSERIES & PLANTS

GOT2GO PLANTS will be closed Tuesday 8th and Wednesday the 9th August back open Thursday to Sunday 10am to 4pm. Phone 027 488 3400 or 09 439 5556. 55 West Coast Road Te Kopuru.

TRADES & SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING, repairs, re-stretching, and patching. Flood drying and small carpet laying work and upholstery cleaning.

CLASSIFIEDS

SITUATIONS VACANT

LABOURING POSITION

Varied duties. Possible some tractor/machinery operating. Class 4/5 an advantage

Phone Karl: 027 493 2206

TEACHER AIDE POSITION

PHONE 09 439 6933

Closing date for classified advertising for the August 15 2023 edition is Monday, August 14 2023

SITUATIONS VACANT

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.

PUBLIC NOTICES

ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — First Thursday of the month — 7–9.30pm, next is 7th September 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. DARGAVILLE HEALING rooms 7pm Tuesdays. No charge & no appointment necessary. Lion of Judah Building, River Road. All Welcome. Check us out on Facebook.

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

NOTICE OF AGM 2023

The Northern Wairoa Māori, Maritime and Pioneer Museum Society Inc will hold its AGM at the Lighthouse Function Centre on Sunday 27th August at 1.30pm.

Nominations for the governance committee must be received at the Museum office by 4pm on 18th August. All nominees, proposers and seconders must be current Society members or life members.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

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.

Notice to Creditors and Other Claimants

Pursuant to section 79 of the Trusts Act 2019, all creditors and other persons having claims to which that section applies in connection with the estate* of the person mentioned below, must send to Alistair Hammond, Hammonds Law Limited, PO Box 16, Dargaville 0340, before 30 days from the date on which this notice is given, particulars of their claim.

They are warned that after that date the estate may be administered or distributed having regard only to the claims of which the executor thereof then have notice without being liable to persons of whose claims they have not had notice.

*Estate: James Clifford Hall, of Dargaville, formerly Caretaker, latterly Retired.

Enquiries to: Alistair Hammond, Hammonds Law Limited.

Address: Hammonds Law Limited, PO Box 16, Dargaville 0340. Telephone: (09) 439 7099. Email: alistair@hammondslaw.co.nz.

Public notice

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

Adams Family Enterprises Limited of Mangawhai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an offlicence in respect of the premises situated at Shops 1 & 2, 41 Moir Street, Mangawhai known as Super Liquor Mangawhai Village

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

The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are:

Monday to Sunday 9am to 10pm.

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

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!

Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 15 working days after the first publication of this public notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville 0340.

No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

This is the first publication of this notice.

JAMES CLIFFORD HALL (DECEASED)