Kaipara Lifestyler, December 13th, 2022

A vision of hope unveiled

Agreement reached on karakia protocol

by Andy Bryenton

Following a week of debate and public scrutiny surrounding the place of karakia, and prayer in general, as part of the format of council meetings, the Kaipara District Council has reached a joint decision.

In a meeting on December 7, Mayor Craig Jepson and councillors decided that the appropriate answer to the question of how to open future meetings would be to share the responsibility. The mayor highlighted the fact that through frank discussion, a solution was reached, which is amenable to all — the basis of diplomacy.

“We had an informal but productive chat after the recent council briefing,” says Mayor Jepson. “Councillor Paniora suggested that perhaps we could have a karakia before the formal opening of

the meeting, and we went from there. We came to a collective agreement that everyone could accept.”

The compromise is deliberately evenhanded, without favour to either of the factions that formed in the national media on either side of the debate following late November’s council meeting and events that unfolded there.

“Agreement was reached that each councillor will have the opportunity on a rotating basis immediately prior to the opening of the ordinary council meeting to recite karakia, make statements of choice

and forms of reflection,” Mayor Jepson stated. At the height of the controversy, it was the mayor’s opinion that the most important thing was the foundation of a functional council ready to tackle the issues facing Kaipara.

“We as a council are there to do the work and represent everyone equally,” said Mayor Jepson.

While some have called the decision a ‘back down’ by the mayor; he opines that it’s more apt to call it an agreement by the entire council to find a harmonious way forward. 

Rangatahi Ora and acclaimed artist Graham ‘Mr G’ Hoete have unveiled a new mural to enlighten and inspire visitors to Dargaville’s Selwyn Park. As part of the Tūmanako Project, Mr G has been on the road throughout New Zealand, working with young people to develop significant public works of art. Tūmanako translates to ‘hope’, signalling the project’s intent to be inspirational for rangitahi, both those who participated and all who see the finished work. A blessing was enacted as dawn rose on Saturday, officially unveiling the mural to the public. Mr G expressed pride at having been able to work alongside a talented group of local youth to make this work of art a reality.

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An international makeover

National bridge win

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Dargaville Bridge Club president Pam Rope had excellent news for club members at their most recent meeting. “We were excited and proud to present mother and daughter, Jacoba and Nicola Puharich, with the Trophy for winning the NZ Wide Loveblock Pairs,” said Pam. It is the first time a Dargaville pair has won this national event organised by the New Zealand Bridge Foundation and sponsored by Loveblock Wines. This year saw 55 clubs and 865 pairs participating.

Maungatūroto wharf beautification project had an international flavour recently when students from YWAM Zion turned up with tools in hand to clear and enhance the planting area. “YWAM Zion really blessed The Wharfe on Bickerstaffe Road with their hard work to weed gardens, mow and lay weed mat, and spread mulch donated by MRA and Kaipara Landscaping Supplies. Our community project is ready for lots of residents who relax there and many summer visitors,” says project coordinator Carol Moorehead.

Steve

Walking, cycling paths upgraded Planning powers may bypass democracy

 by Andy Bryenton

Cycle and walking options are set to expand in Dargaville, thanks to a substantial Waka Kotahi grant aimed at improving or replacing current footpath options.

The transport agency’s Transport Choice programme will deliver a grant of approximately $8 million to the Kaipara District Council. It was announced on December 4, ahead of this week’s council briefing session.

The funding is for designated cycle lanes and shared paths that will make it easier and safer for people to walk or bike to schools and the town’s main street.

Transport Choices funding is currently indicative until Waka Kotahi works with councils to explore how projects can progress in a timely fashion. It could mean a need for a smaller or larger budget, which will be agreed upon after consultation.

Waka Kotahi — New Zealand Transport Agency’s manager for urban mobility, Kathryn King, says she is pleased Kaipara District Council has received funding as part of the Transport Choices programme.

“The Transport Choices programme is supporting councils to give people more options in the way they travel. The aim is to open up streets, so everyone can get where they need to go in ways that are

good for their health and the planet,” says Ms King.

Calvin Thomas, general manager of the Northern Transport Alliance, says the improvements will provide a safer, better network for the Dargaville community.

“Dargaville’s urban area is small enough that it is only a short trip to get anywhere about town, even if a person lives in the outer areas,” says Calvin.

Work on the shared paths and cycleways is expected to start in 2023. 

by Andy Bryenton

While the RMA has been criticised for its expense, complexity and lack of permissiveness, under its auspices District Plan composition and enactment has rested with democratically elected councils. Now, two overarching bodies are proposed to make long term and homogenised regional plans for land use, and their constituency is indicated to be non-elected.

“Regional Spatial Strategies will be prepared by regional planning committees (RPC) comprising representatives from local government, Māori, and central government,” says Kaipara District Council general manager Michael Day, quoting the draft Spatial Planning Bill.

“Natural and built environment plans will be developed for each region by a RPC, comprising representatives from local government and Māori, with strong community engagement.”

This means that two important committees could be established, homogenising land use across Northland, as part of a plan to abolish more than

100 District Plans and replace them with just 15 regional ones. These committees would not be voted for in open elections.

“As this is the biggest change to New Zealand’s resource management system in over 30 years, it is disappointing that the government has only allowed until January 30 2023 to provide submissions on these Bblls,” said Mr Day.

This timeframe effectively puts the debate on submissions, on a massive shift in authority regarding land use, squarely during the summer holidays, removing a month from deliberations on the 883-page bill. Despite this, the KDC will prepare a submission on the RMA’s replacement in time to voice its concerns.

news from Calvin Thomas, general manager of the Northern Transport Alliance, as he welcomes Waka Kotahi funding to improve Dargaville’s walking and cycling paths

Consents will be standardised and be processed more efficiently, with reduced costs for users, home builders and owners, says RMA reformer David Parker

Have yourself a merry little Christmas … party

by David Grindle

Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the workplace, staff were happily planning for the Christmas party at pace. However, at the party, there arose such a clatter — a workplace suspension ensued for an indecent matter.

Throughout the north, businesses and their employees are looking forward to having a real Christmas party, faceto-face, once again. It has never been more important to reward staff and acknowledge their hard work. However, employers and their staff need to be conscious of the risks that can arise through social interaction outside of the workplace, particularly when a social lubricant like alcohol is involved.

In the eyes of the law, hosting an end-of-year work party is no different to other activities employers are engaged in throughout the year. The employer’s duty of care and usual workplace obligations remain. By planning and being aware of the risks, employers can ensure everyone has a fun time — without keeping the HR Department busy after the party.

It’s important for employers to clearly identify what behaviour is inappropriate and openly communicate that message to staff.

The celebration atmosphere presents an additional challenge for employers, as the chance of excessive alcohol consumption increases. Do: • ensure you have responsible service of alcohol, including making sure

employees have plenty of access to non-alcoholic drinks and food • be responsive, and prepared to cease to serve alcohol to any partygoers or to the group if things are getting out of hand, and • make sure your staff have safe transport home and there are clear and obvious alternatives to self-driving

Both professional and business reputations can be put at risk when alcohol is involved. Overzealous bumping and grinding on the dance floor or a solo attempt on the karaoke microphone can be difficult to recover from.

For employers, a workplace that is subject to a personal grievance for allowing or creating an environment in which antisocial behaviour and sexual harassment can flourish will always be bad for business.

As an employer, you don’t want to be the Grinch that stole Christmas, but you do need to show leadership. Model fun and appropriate behaviours that allow everyone to return to work on Monday without embarrassment or even worse, a visit from HR. 

Dargaville meets the digital world

 by Andy Bryenton

Augmented reality, laser scanning in 3D, printing real objects from computer images, and making music from kūmara; all seem like far-fetched science fiction concepts.

However, these technologies are very real and were part of a showcase of digital ideas disrupting the world of arts and science by bringing them into contact in different ways.

The Dargaville Arts Association hosted digital art and technology masterminds AwhiWorld last week with a pop-up workshop on the collision between science and creativity.

“These technologies have so much potential,” said AwhiWorld’s Dr Maggie Buxton. “As they become more affordable — they’re more accessible.”

One such idea is 3D printing. During the workshop a filament printer worked to solidify a digital image of a dairy cow from a picture on a computer screen. Attendees who have already engaged in this technology talked about making artworks, model aircraft, automotive plastics and tabletop gaming miniatures with a new generation of 3D printers. They cost less than the computers that run them.

Artist Liam Martyn Astbury took a closer look at turning his two-dimensional art into projections which can ‘wrap’

whole buildings in moving colours and pictures. It is the technology AwhiWorld has previously used to great effect during the Dargaville Wearable Arts. In another corner, primary school students played music on a kūmara, with the vegetable plugged into an Arduino circuit board and tablet-based synthesiser.

Another new technology involved a rotating platform, where items can be laser-scanned and turned into a digital sculpture. It can then be altered, coloured, projected, printed or even animated. The message of the workshop? There’s no limit to creativity, and paint and canvas are not the only tools of art. 

Liam Martyn Astbury, Dr Maggie Buxton and Serena Barclay look into the combination of technology and art at last week’s popup workshop

Special Olympians in Hamilton Learning in nature’s classroom

by Andy Bryenton

Students from Maungatūroto School’s year three and year four classes have learned all about the freshwater environment with the help of the Whitebait Connection, heading out into the field to study.

Patricia Clark is a programme coordinator at Whitebait Connection, an education provider, which is part of the not-for-profit Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust. Since 2001, the Whitebait Connection has been engaged with Northland schools, teaching youngsters about the natural world within streams and wetlands.

“This term I have run a programme with Maungatūroto Primary School,” says Patricia. “This has involved learning about freshwater ecosystems and conservation. As part of our programme we have gone on a field trip to the Wairau River on the Westlake’s farm in Maungatūroto.

“On the field trip, we caught fish, including bullies and longfin tuna, and did macroinvertebrate, clarity and temperature sampling. We were lucky to have kaitiaki from the local hapū Te Uri O Hau come along too and discuss their mahi with the students while talking about the history of the area.

With the students enjoying some hands-on research out in the field, the next visit was to Rural Design nursery in

Kaiwaka. An action day and in-depth tour allowed the young ecologists to explore the relationship between the land and water across the Northland biome.

Activities included planting at the dam, potting plants, doing a plant scavenger hunt and a bush walk.

It was run by the team at Rural Design, which gained big thanks from Patricia and Maungatūroto students for their participation. Everything learned in the field was backed up with classes on the science and theory of freshwater ecology back at school. 

by Andy Bryenton

A team of athletes from Kaipara has joined the Northland contingent on a road trip to victory, heading down to Hamilton for the Special Olympics National Summer Games.

The contingent consists of Jeremy Forster, athlete leader Andy Daly, Andrew McEwing, David Fowke, Katrina Williams and Jason Hopper, who made the grade to represent their region in the four-yearly sporting tournament.

“I have been to Special Olympics events for 17 years in both Australia and New Zealand, and I have won one gold medal,” says Andy Daly. “This year, I was selected for the athlete’s leadership programme. My goal now that I have completed the training is to have the courage to spread the word about the Special Olympics and get involved to help our club.”

The team met early in the morning to rendezvous with a tour bus on State Highway One, travelling to Hamilton for a full schedule of events from December 8 to December 12. Sports on the itinerary included golf, football, powerlifting, tenpin bowling, swimming and classic track and field athletics.

The multi-day event gathered more than 1,400 athletes and coaches and 600 volunteers from all across New Zealand to compete in 10 sports across eight venues in the Waikato. With major sponsorship from Freemasons New Zealand, the Grassroots Trust and the Lion Foundation, the Special Olympics National Summer Games is one of the biggest events in Kiwi sports providing a chance for athletes to achieve their very best.

 Jeremy Forster, athlete leader Andy Daly, Andrew McEwing, David Fowke, Katrina Williams and Jason Hopper have flown the flag for Kaipara at a memorable national event in Hamilton

Maungatūroto students get a closer look at ecology with a visit to Rural Design in Kaiwaka

Adventure of two hundred

 by Amy Fifita

Dargaville Primary School students enjoyed a day out at Kai Iwi Lakes recently and took part in an exploration event.

“The day challenged pupils and promoted resilience, one of our school values. Two hundred students travelled to Kai Iwi Lakes to participate in the school’s adventure race,” says teacher Anne Heappey.

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Students from year levels three to six grouped together in fours to compete against their peers. Teams traversed the Taharoa Domain to score points by completing various activities.

“They set off in a race to find markers along the way and had the choice of participating in various challenges for extra points. The winning team is not necessarily the team that arrives back at the finish line the fastest.”

The school will announce the champions at the senior prize-giving this week.

“Thank you to the local organisers Graeme Ewenson, Shelley and Ross Friedrich and Nick Browning. The day was a huge success, and our goal of developing resilience was achieved.” 

Rail trail petition heard

by Andy Bryenton

The Kaihu Valley Trail cycleway continues to proceed toward completion, but locals have suggested a change where it intersects with plans for a green energy wind farm.

At November’s Kaipara District Council meeting, a petition numbering in the hundreds of signatures was presented to elected members, asking for a review of a decision by the previous administration regarding power poles along the KVT route.

On September 28, Kaipara District Council granted Mercury Energy an easement along part of the trail. They plan to construct a series of above-ground 66-kilovolt transmission power lines, mounted on 13-metre concrete poles. These will connect to the proposed wind farm on the Ripiro coast. However, opponents of the move, which will see Mercury paying a total of $80,000 to the KDC in combined payments, say that the cables should be buried.

“Mercury Energy can afford to bury the power lines to create a win-win scenario for wildlife, cyclists, walkers, power company, council and the community,” says former councillor and environmental advocate Victoria del la Varis-Woodcock. It was in support of the petition she started on this issue.

“Burying the cable would lessen line maintenance costs and protect the

tourism experience. Easement should be granted to allow Mercury to bury the cable.”

Signatories to the petition came from Kaipara and beyond, some from as far away as Scarborough, England and Memphis, Tennessee. The opinions of international tourists may prove important to the success of the KVT as a drawcard for visitors, one of its stated purposes.

The current council will deliberate on the petition and report back on their decision next February. 

 A petition to bury power lines, which could run alongside the Kaihu Valley Trail, has been presented by former councillor Victoria del la Varis-Woodcock

 Dargaville Primary School race team (from left) Renae Mager, Myles Shannon, Mary-Kate Leao, Jack Tito-Rice

Community rally to preserve church

by Andy Bryenton

The fate of Saint Michael’s On The Hill is again a topic of heated discussion, with a petition gaining strength to preserve the old chapel in its current location near Tinopai.

As early as 2019, the possibility of the building being relocated to Mangawhai was discussed, with the Mangawhai Historic Village Trust’s Jim Wintle suggesting that the historic village could become church’s home, should the bishop of the diocese decide it had to go.

“The church leadership will require a resource consent to relocate the church due to its protected status, and we understand that has not been lodged to date,” says Kaipara District Council member and Tinopai community advocate, Ihapera Paniora.

“Through various activities such as weddings, congregations and church services, the Tinopai community has formed a deep sense of connection to it. We need your help. Please sign the petition today to show your support to the small community of Tinopai in the hopes the church leadership will do the right thing and allow the Tinopai community to retain what little they have.”

The church was constructed in 1861 at Hakaru, serving as church, schoolroom and church hall until 1939, when it was moved in sections to Hukatere and renamed. Some believe that this move complicates its historic nature, while

others, including hundreds of petition signatories, account for the chapel as part of the fabric of its current community. That connection to Hakaru, on the east coast, is what has led to suggestions of a move to Mangawhai’s museum-adjacent historic village precinct.

Those who agree that the church should stay can sign the petition, Stop the removal of St Michaels on the Hill, at change.org. 

Lessons from drainage success

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by Andy Bryenton

Ruawai is setting the template for communities looking to combat climate change effects, with a newly convened panel taking a proactive approach to holding back the sea.

The Ruawai Community Panel met for the second time last month and got a first-hand look at works that have held the waters at bay for more than a century. They took a guided tour of the Raupo Drainage Scheme, a network of stopbanks, gates and canals protecting vast areas of fertile pasture and cropland. Everyone jumped aboard the local Leabourn school bus and travelled the Ruawai Flats, learning about the history and challenges of flood management.

Ian Beattie, a panel member and chair of the Raupo Drainage Committee, led the tour. He explained how the Raupo Drainage Scheme works to manage coastal flooding, river flooding and

rainfall drainage. With recent rain swelling the water table, the panel was able to see the system of stopbanks, canals, drains and floodgates in action.

Councillor Mark Vincent from the Kaipara District Council and Councillor John Blackwell from the Northland Regional Council attended the tour. They witnessed how a system designed by pioneers and dug mainly by hand has defied king tides and storm surges for generations. It’s a pattern towns facing coastal inundation could emulate in the future and thus bears scrutiny now.

This knowledge will inform future decisions on adaptation preparation and responses as part of the Ruawai Adaptive Pathways pilot project. 

 Councillor Ihapera Paniora is taking a strong stand on preserving one of Tinopai’s historic buildings, and has started a petition to convince religious leaders to listen

 Councillors Mark Vincent and John Blackwell joined the full complement of Ruawai climate change response panellists on a tour of the effective Raupo Drainage Scheme

Museum marks a milestone Swim club revived

by Paul Campbell

The Kauri Museum’s $3 million Forest Walkway redevelopment has passed a major milestone, with the roof completed last week to create a 125sqm addition to the main building.

It completes a new entrance first planned nearly 20 years ago, and will enable the presentation of a whole new aspect of kauri history. Visitors will now enter the museum with the sense of walking through the canopy of an immense forest at night — setting the scene for the arrival of dawn and the rest of the exhibits.

Museum director Barbara Hilden says it is great to see the walkway taking shape. “A new entrance to the museum has been planned for many years, and we’re now getting close to realising the vision. This is so much more than just a way to move around the exhibits — it’s a whole new approach to the stories we can tell about the collection.

“In October, we celebrated 60 years since our founding with a very successful open day — the Forest Walkway is going to set us off on the next 60.”

Funded with part of a $3 million grant from the Provincial Growth Fund, the new walkway is the most visible component of the project, which also includes science

and discovery displays — the first new long-term exhibitions in recent years.

Technical fit-out of the new feature’s visual and audio effects will begin in the New Year, with visitors expected to be able to experience it by Easter. 

 New museum board members Tony Bozzard, Mel Juer and Terry Moyle, inspect the Forest Walkway space with Grant McCallum (chair), museum director Barbara Hilden and fellow trustees Deborah Clapperton and Takiri Pumipi

The Have a Go Swim Carnival recently saw young swimmers heading back to the Ōtamatea High School pool for

was great to see families in our community showing

getting the swim club back up and running. The kids all had

for Maungi Mako Club Nights to kick off in January. Swimming is a great summer sport

abilities. So

hoping that numbers continue

grow over the next

years,” coordinator Ellen Quirke said.

A drive for the children Help for learner drivers

Kaipara locals Chris Westlake and MJ Lim will be setting off on the Pork Pie Charity Run in March next year and are asking the community to help back their cause.

Bryenton

Learner drivers in west Kaipara are now able to sit their driving test in Dargaville, with a nationwide-first community driver testing programme starting at the same time.

As well as practical tests to be conducted by VTNZ around Dargaville streets, those participating in driver licence programmes run by Te Uri o Hau Tanganta Development and Blue Light will have two new community driver testing officers at their disposal.

Kaipara District Council Mayor Craig Jepson was very supportive of the move, which his council supports as an effort to promote mobility and employment opportunities.

“The cause we are supporting in the 2023 run is KidsCan. There are many families struggling, but this charity helps to give children affected by poverty a positive future,” says Chris.

The biannual event gets a lot of attention from Mini owners who want to do their bit for the communities they live in. This year, the cars will depart from Paihia before travelling down the North Island for two days and the South Island for four.

“It is a good way to get behind and help communities. I have done it from day one,

and this will be my eighth run. There are only three veteran drivers left now, and during that time, we have raised funds for various charities,” says Chris.

“It would be awesome If anyone wants to jump on board to become a sponsor. It doesn’t matter if it is $10 or $1,000 — anything will help towards the cause.”

Any business that offers to be a sponsor for the run can put its company sticker on the Mini travelling nationwide. To express your interest, you can contact Chris, on 021 223 3300 or MJ at normajlim@xtra.co.nz. 

“Much of our district is rural and heavily relies on driving as a means of getting around. So having easy access to practical driver licensing in one of our main centres is terrific news. Dargaville residents and surrounding areas will no longer have to trek to Whangārei,” says Mr Jepson.

Waka Kotahi’s director of regional relationships, Steve Mutton, is also positive about the prospects of this move for those seeking to get on the road for employment.

“A driver licence opens the door to opportunities like jobs, training and much more. We know some people face barriers accessing the driver licence system. The new Community Driver

Testing Officers in Dargaville are part of the solution,” says Steve.

“At this stage, we are committed to having a Driver Testing Officer in Dargaville fortnightly, but we can reassess that if the demand is higher than expected. Bookings are open, and I recommend that those wanting to sit their practical class one restricted or full licence get in quick,” says VTNZ’s national technical manager, Craig Basher.

Bookings can be made online via nzta.govt.nz, or via Blue Light and Te Uri O Hau Tangata Development’s driver programmes. 

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Chris Westlake and MJ Lim will be driving in the Pork Pie Charity Run next year, and they are looking for sponsors

 Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson is pleased with the return of driver licensing to Dargaville, citing the economic and employment benefits of the programme and its social worth

King of the Kaipara

Christmas spirit at Cranley Street

by Amy Fifita

The display is at 37 Cranley Street, Dargaville and commencing at 7.45pm and ending at 9.30pm on December 19, 20 and 22. People are welcome to attend the free seasonal celebration with Santa making an appearance on each evening.

“We put our hearts into it and try to plan a surprise every time. It is great to see people smiling and to hear how much joy we bring by opening our place up. Last year some children banded together and treated us with a waiata,” Denise says.

It is the couple’s fifth year displaying the joy of the season, and each year, they add new decorations to the showcase. The solar lights will begin to shine later in the evening when it gets darker.

“We decorate our house and garden with hundreds of lights, and my sister and I dress up for the occasion. We invite the community in the Christmas spirit so they can enjoy the display and have photos with Santa.

“It is a time for sharing and giving what you can, whether it be joy or gifts. Every year the garden display creates a lasting memory. I wish everybody a safe and fun Christmas and hope you all get to spend quality time with your families.”

Dargaville locals Denise and Jeffery Palmer are hosting their annual Garden of Lights display event for the community to enjoy festive decorations.

Santa visiting last year’s Cranley Street Garden of Lights

 Bronson Wrathall with his winning 18.19kg kingfish, which tipped the scales to win the top prize at the recent King of the Kaipara fishing contest. There were also winners for other fish species. Andrew Thompson netted the biggest gurnard, David Aiken reeled in the top trevally, and Todd Mullinder’s 6.77kg snapper was the catch of the day in that category. David and Kayne Aiken took out all three podium spots for kahawai between them as anglers from far and wide came to enjoy the fishing at Kellys Bay.

A year of achievement

by Andy Bryenton

Tutor Julie Hoeta says her students have every right to be proud of their achievements. Many are first-timers who came to her inaugural series of classes with no knowledge of the practices or skills required to turn materials such as feathers, harakeke and fibre into kākahu (cloaks adorned with patterns of feathers) and tukutuku panels.

“They have achieved a lot in one year. This is just a sample of the work from all the students, but it shows what can be achieved,” says Julie.

Class members were present as the installation of the exhibition took place upstairs in the Dargaville Municipal Building housing the gallery. They affirmed that the learning process had been an enriching one and recommended that others give the programme a try next year.

Meanwhile, the Dargaville showing of the Kaipara Art Awards has ended in the gallery space downstairs, with fresh white walls now awaiting a new selection of Dargaville Arts Association members’ works. The Affordable Arts Christmas Sale

Dargaville’s Muddy Waters Gallery has a special exhibition on right now, showcasing the work of students who have spent the year learning the arts of weaving in the traditions of toi Māori.

aims to put locally created artwork within the gifting budget of everybody, allowing relatives and friends far away to share in

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Arts tutor Julie Hoeta with some of the works her students have produced during 2022

a little Kaipara authenticity and perhaps hang a vision of this part of the world in their home.

In search of Saint Nicholas

Bryenton

One of the most important strands of history and legend which has become the basis of our modern Santa Claus is the fellow who gave him his name; the fourth-century bishop Nicholas of Myra.

The transition from ‘Saint Nicholas’ to ‘Sinterklaas’ in old Dutch, to ‘Santa Claus’ from the 1823 poem widely known as The Night Before Christmas, is a case of language slowly changing over time. However, there’s a big difference between the young, hot-tempered bishop and the jolly old toymaker.

First of all, the real Saint Nick was a Greek man hailing from what is now southern Turkey. Far from being rotund, elderly and white-bearded, he was a darkhaired Mediterranean youth who was

described as fit and strong. When his parents died from a plague, he was determined to give away his entire substantial inheritance to help the poor.

Famously, the young Nicholas gave a wedding dowry to three local women in secret by tucking gold coins into the stockings they had left by the fireplace to dry. He spent further funds on food for the hungry and became known for following the example of Jesus in his rejection of wealth.

When the old bishop of Myra died, one of the priests who had gathered to elect a new leader dreamed that a man named Nicholas would come to the church early in the morning, and that this should be the new bishop, not one of the current priesthood. Nicholas did indeed come to visit for morning prayers, and against all odds he was elected. He would be the youngest bishop in that part of the world, and he didn’t stick to simply giving sermons.

During his tenure, Nicholas personally went out of his way to protect innocent people. He is recorded as blocking an executioner’s axe with his bishop’s staff to save three condemned men who had not had a fair trial and daring the mob to strike him down instead. He is said to have calmed the sea for sailors, solved murders, defeated pirates, and stopped slavers from stealing infants, the start of the legend of Saint Nick as the protector

of children. No elderly minister, he went about his diocese on foot or by boat and is depicted fighting villains with his crozier of office.

In the year 325, Nicholas was one of the bishops at Emperor Constantine’s great Council of Nicaea, where the future of the church was debated. The youngest man there, Nicholas was almost fired from his position after he got into a punch-up with Bishop Arias of Egypt. Legend has it that Saint Mary returned his robes to him when he was thrown in prison for this. The more mundane explanation is that Constantine himself tacitly approved of Nicholas’ courage and gave him his job back.

During his life, he was known as a gift-giver, a friend to the poor and to children, and a promoter of December 25 as a holy day, at a time when the birth of Jesus was not as important to people as Easter was. All of these facts were rolled up into the legend of Santa, making this very real ancient religious leader a big part of the mythic figure we now imagine in red and white fur, not the plain monastic garb Nicholas usually wore to demonstrate humility.

Silver

Dargaville has enjoyed supporting our wider community whanau this past year, and look forward to supporting further into

 A large part of the origins of modern day Santa come from the brave and generous Nicholas of Myra, here depicted in an early piece of religious art

Creating connections for Christmas

 by Amy Fifita

The Dargaville Police are gifting 20 local households with parcels donated by Elim Church in Whangārei.

The local station is in the Christmas mood this month and wants to spread joy by making some families’ lives a little easier this festive season. The packages have been picked up, and in are the process of being dispatched around the community to households the police have regular contact with.

“Elim Church raised $15,000 to make these parcels, and every year they pack these boxes for us to distribute to families that we work with,” says Sergeant Kiley Dalbeth.

“Between now and Christmas, we will be delivering gift boxes to various families. It is a way we can support the community and build meaningful relationships with people.

“Engaging with families helps lay a foundation of trust with the people we are trying to help. We want to break down barriers, so it is easier to work with families to create positive solutions.”

Part of the initiative is to have a conversation with people as equals, create safety plans and offer other services to

help empower their futures. The police have a network with external agencies that they can connect people with.

“It is not always pleasant when we engage with people, and we are not always seen as the good guys,” says Sergeant Gavin Bruce.

“We are in a role that gives us an insight into the socio-economic spectrum. It allows us to identify areas of need within our community, and these boxes are one way to address that.

“We hope to create a positive difference for these families, and if the children grow up viewing us in a positive light, that bodes well for the future.”

The initiative is similar to the Community Brethren Church’s Rapid Relief (RR) food parcels that the police offer to assist people in need.

“Every month, the Dargaville Police are provided with food boxes from RR in Palmerston North. We sometimes identify families that are in need, and we pass them on to help families,” Kiley says.

The families selected will receive two packages. One box will be filled with



Constables Rachel Wilkinshaw and Trae Harrison ready to deliver Christmas parcels to local families

essential items, and the other will be full of treats for Christmas. “This is an opportunity to show a different side of

the police, and it is always heart-warming seeing smiles on the faces of parents and children,” Kiley said. 

Sequestration and sensibility

by Andy Bryenton

When the government’s proposals around emissions trading and how it would affect farmers were released, a sore point for many was the lack of recognition for carbon sequestration on farms.

The science couldn’t be clearer. All forms of photosynthesising, green and growing things absorb carbon. Such flora is the core of every farming operation, from pasture to orchards to vegetables and vines. While plants do release some of this back into the atmosphere as they ‘breathe’, they store even more.

So narrowly defining only a select few, specifically planted species of tree as carbon sequestrators seemed underhanded to many, especially to those farmers who have spent considerable time and money on riparian planting, wetland remediation and native forest protection on their land.

Now, after some vociferous protestors gave her a less-than-warm welcome to a belated National Fieldays, prime minister Jacinda Ardern has relented, announcing that on-farm sequestration will be acknowledged.

“Since we started talking about the He Waka Eke Noa proposals, one thing which came through really clearly was a desire for a sequestration strategy from the sector,” said Adern on the morning before her visit to Mystery Creek. Hecklers at that event aside, the news that a sensible sequestration approach may be in the

offing was met with hope by those in the sectors most affected; dairy and drystock.

“The government has listened to Beef + Lamb New Zealand, industry groups and farmers’ feedback and recognised the importance of all genuine sequestration being recognised from 2025, particularly for sheep and beef farmers,” said Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman Andrew Morrison.

“The devil, however, will be in the detail. This is such an important issue to our farmers that we have to get it right. Our farmers have told us that if they are going to face a price on their emissions, then they need to get proper recognition for that sequestration on their farms from day one.”

The discussion on the sequestration of carbon on farms is likely to be a lively one with major ramifications. The announcement that on-farm carbon sequestration would be considered when tallying emissions pricing came alongside a concession that native trees could count toward the sequestration total.

The words used by the government are ‘scientifically proven sequestration’, a phrase open to interpretation. By definition, nearly all plants breathe in carbon dioxide, as mammals do oxygen. How a form of vegetation qualifies as

‘sequestering’ will be up for argument. However, a list of categories from He Waka Eke Noa may all make the cut.

Climate Minister James Shaw is sceptical about lessening the cost to farmers, and warns against making the penalty for emissions less robust.

“The principles that we’ve agreed in the partnership is that it has to be effective. If you neuter it at the outset, then it doesn’t achieve that principle,” Mr Shaw said. 

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern has relented, announcing that on-farm sequestration will be acknowledged

by Amy Fifita

Go and celebrate what the region’s farming community has to offer with popular events and activities such as the tractor pull or sheep dog trials. The much-anticipated three-day event starts on Thursday, March 2, at 33 Awakino Point East Road, Dargaville.

This agricultural showcase has been bringing Northland’s farming community together for 36 years celebrating New Zealand’s primary and secondary industries.

The 25-year-long running tractor pull competitions have been a favourite for audiences and drivers since its inception. Enter the contest or witness the fun at its designated area on Power Farming Road. It starts at 9.30am each day with three challenges — bank, business and general heats.

See another much loved-event — the sheep dog trials. Watch the top dogs from the region compete against other canines to show their attention and insight into rounding up the fleeced stock. This event also begins at 9.30am and is located at Dave Phillips Memorial Drive.

The field days has a family-friendly feel with activities such as the Clydesdale horse rides and children’s entertainment.

There will be an area to choose delectable refreshments and food and a significant number trade sites promoting rural innovation at its finest.

Other daily entertaining features include laser clay shooting, Caro’s Critters Animal Farms and competitions. Have a look at what the Lifestyle Pavilion has to offer and see the latest items and foods available.

There are public car parks, including mobility spots available close to the entrance — disability toilets are available on-site.

Various organisations put money in the kitty to make the event possible for the rural sector to display their resourcefulness to the crowds of families from all walks of life. A team of volunteers help make the day happen for businesses and the ag industry to show what they’ve got to everyone.

The gates will open on the first two days, 9am to 4pm, and 9am to 3.30pm on Saturday. Gates will close to the general public an hour before the official day ends.

If you are eager to see the marvels of farming in our region, keep your eyes on facebook.com/northlandfieldddays or northlandfielddays.co.nz to see when

Enjoy the show with a Clydesdale horse-drawn wagon ride at the Northland Field Days tickets will be made available. Also on the website will be the event schedule, letting you know where events are and on what days.

A groundbreaking first for kūmara growers

FarmShop’s Kūmara Gear Day in November was a hit. A strong turnout of about 40 people gathered at Riverview Farms in Dargaville to witness the unveiling of a brand new Calotti Kūmara Harvester — a first for New Zealand.

Straight off the production line in Italy and revealed to an enthusiastic audience, local growers had the opportunity to see, touch and provide feedback on this exciting new prototype.

The brains behind the new harvester is a collaboration between FarmShop in Kaiwaka, and European machinery specialist, Carlotti.

Conversations began in 2020 based on direct feedback from kūmara growers about the ideal machine for local conditions. Unlike American sweet potato, our kūmara has more sensitive skin and requires a unique set-up for best results.

Italian-made, this harvester has excellent features, including a hydraulic drawbar and skeith wheels, adjustable cutting blade and adjustment valves for independent belt speed.

While it was too early in the season to use the machine, feedback was positive. There were a few modifications to make that FarmShop is now discussing with Carlotti, including adding a toe kick to the standing platform to pick of the belts without bending your back, along with more guards for health and safety reasons.

FarmShop’s key contact from Carlotti is looking forward to visiting NZ at the start of harvest in early February. That’s where the real test will take place!

Concentrated in the Kaipara District, the kūmara growing industry is small, so it was wonderful to see a good percentage attend the FarmShop Gear Day. Sharing innovative ways to automate and reduce costs was met

with keen interest, especially when cost of production and labour shortages continue to be a challenge. Other implements were showcased too, including an AVR Top Chopper with 4 row top chop with the extra skeith wheels attached, then the FarmMax Inter-Row Cultivator with custom-made kūmara moulders, specially designed for the Kūmara Capital. Being five rows versus the traditional two rows, growers can expect to get a whole lot more done in a day.

Customised moulders can be removed to suit cultivating maize crops, ideal for strip-till crops, keeping weeds away and increasing planting yields.

Riverview Farms were fantastic hosts. The harvester is safely parked in their shed, and local kūmara growers are looking forward to trialling it in the new year.

Kūmara is a versatile and delicious vegetable, and these exciting advances in technology are great news for all.

 FarmShop in Kaiwaka has been working on launching an exciting new kūmara harvester for the kūmara capital — a first in New Zealand. Recently, we held a Demo Day at Riverview Farms in Dargaville to showcase the machine to Kaipara growers

A dog’s tail …

Boss’s on agin about munny

Gidday readas, Billy Borda Colly here an’ wishin yer a happy holidays ’cos Boss’s gerlfren’ Sharlene sez we gotta take a brake from the computa until nek year. So me kolum will be on hollyday too fer Krissmiss. But back ter tha Boss. I looked at Sharlene, an’ she asked Boss what he was wurried about now?

“Tha blimmin govinmint’s tax on farm emissions,” seda Boss. “We the backbone ofa country’s economy, an’ if ya look atta govinmint’s munny printing bisniss, why should we havta pay anything?”

Sharlene hada look at her papa then an’ sed she rekind Boss had sumthing. “Looky hear Deah,” she sed. “With that cronyvirus pandemic, look wot the govmint spent.”

An’ she red in her skoolteacher voice: “Around $26 billion was spent for businesses to be able to keep their staff on the Wage Subsidy Scheme, $13 billion for small businesses loans, $10 billion for the health sector for Covid, $5 billion for business and science and innovation, $4.7 billion in housing, $2.85 billion to education and $1.85 billion to support the transport sector.”

“Well, I rest me blimmin’ case,” seda Boss. “If the guvinmint can produce all thet munny, they don’t havta gouge

us blimmin’ farmers ’cos there cows might fart.

“An anyway, apart from that we gotta ’nuff problims with the whether rite now. We had triple reinfall fer the last cupla months, an even our crops bin takin’ a beating from alla water. We got a battle alla time just ter pay sum bills.”

Sharlene read on though, an she sed: “Hang on Deah, mite be sum lite atta end ofa tunnil. That Juicyina pry mnista is gona talk to the farmer blokes this week.”

She lookt atta papa again. “She will meet with Groundswell NZ in Wellington on Thursday after 100,000 signatures on a petition to stop its emissions tax on agriculture. The farmers will be asking her why she is penalising the most efficient food producers in the world, to risk the backbone of the New Zealand economy? A total of 102,724 signatures were collected after its draft agricultural emissions pricing proposal, which would tax farmers for the emissions created on their farms.”

“There ya go then,” seda Boss. “They kin just print sum more munny like Covid, an’ let us get on wiv our bisniss.”

Well, Sharlene jus’ smiled at me, and giva wink. Hope yer right Deah,” she sed, an’ give me half a scone froma smoko tray. “Meentime, it’s still blimmin’ reining,

so I’m gonna stick on a roast dinnah. Gotta leg of pork ina fridje.”

“OK,” seda Boss. “Let’s look ata Werld Cup ona telly.”

Suits me readas eh? Inside, warm and dry, an’ pork cracklin? Thas me. See ya — Billy 

“Well Dog, ya gotta wonder just wot this govinmint has going for it eh? More munny than yer can poke

but not enuff to look after the blimmin’ farmers eh?”

Shar Schultz has taken a new step in her profession, forging a new path with well known real estate group The Professionals. As your local agent in the picturesque and desirable Kaipara heartland, Shar is pleased to announce that while her premises and signage may be brand new, she’s back to represent the same ideals and values which saw her achieve award-winning status in real estate.

“I aim to deliver the same strong results for all my clients, buying or selling, with the same down to earth service,” she says. “I chose The professionals due to the way their values as a company aligned with my own as an individual. The core of those values is that people come before anything else, and this means that transparency, honesty and diligence are their watchword. That’s what I’m all about.” Shar also values the camaraderie and culture of the long-established Professionals brand. “They are very supportive of their agents, and in addition they are quick to embrace the latest in marketing ideas and technology for their clients.”

A seventeen-year resident of Maungaturoto, Shar knows the town and its rural environs, including the beauty of the hills, forests and harbour. For the past eight years, she has been engaged in the real estate profession, helping others find their place in this magnificent corner of New Zealand.

Now, with a new phase of her career well on track, it’s Shar’s plan to open new premises in the town of Maungaturoto for January of 2023. Ahead of the ribbon cutting, she’ll be at your service all summer long, so please feel free to call and have a chat about your property goals and aspirations. This local professional can help you make them a reality.

December

Christmas Twilight Market — 16 December 4.30pm to 7pm at the Northern Wairoa Boating Club.

2023 Wai Worri Country Muster — Thursday 29th December Pre-Muster Hoedown at Kaihu Tavern 6.30ish — Friday 30th December Music Night, Woolshed, 7.00ish — Saturday 31st December, New Year’s Eve, Woolshed with Carleen & Ted, 7.00ish — Saturday 31st December and Sunday 1st December, Festival Artists 10am start. Proceeds to North Haven Hospice. For more info phone Carleen 021 148 9804 or Ted 027 319 5106.

Bring Balance Afternoon Retreat — Friday 30 December, 12.30–4.30pm, Baylys Beach Community Centre. Time to be present and set intention for the new year. Includes meditation and more. Exchange: $60. Contact: Maureen 021 0231 8008, maureen. bringbalance@yahoo.com, www.bringbalance.co.nz.

The Almighty Wild West Fest — 31st December to 1st January — Local live music, car & bike show, bouncy castle & entertainment for the kids PLUS a whole lot more. West Coast Road, Kaipara. Want to get involved? Call 020 4088 6907.

January

Northland Circus Festival — 13th–15th January 2023 at the Paparoa A&P Showgrounds. Summer fun for all ages and abilities. Buy tickets at www. circuskumarani.co.nz.

Pouto Lighthouse Challenge — 14 January, 2023 at Pouto Point, Pouto WALK, RUN, BIKE for Cancer Society Northland. Contact Joesephine Nathan 027 302 986.

Tane Wahine Tu Kaha — 28 January 2023 at Rangitane Hall, Pouto. Fundraiser for Pouto School. Contact Josephine Nathan.

Markets

Dargaville Twilight Market — Last Friday of each month, 5.30pm–7pm. Northern Wairoa Boating Club, Totara Street.

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

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

Paparoa Artisan Market — 4th Sunday monthly 12–4pm. Paparoa Memorial Hall.

Paparoa Farmers’ Market — Every Saturday 9am –12pm. Genuine local produce, vegetables, seafood, olive oils, meats, patisserie, plants and more. Village Green, Paparoa.

Te Kopuru Market — Every Saturday 12.30pm–3.30pm at Te Kopuru Community Hall.

Ruawai Primary School Market Day — 2nd Sunday of each month. 11am–3pm. Food, Devonshire teas, coffee, hangi, jewellery, gift ideas and much more. Call Malcolm 027 443 6140 for more info. All proceeds to the Ruawai Promotion & Development Group.

Club/Organisation

57 Squadron (Dargaville) Air Training Corps — Mondays 6pm–8pm at the Dargaville Aero Club. For boys and girls aged 13–18 years Phone Gordon 021 262 0547.

Arapohue Tennis Club — Starts Monday 24th October 6.15pm onwards at A&P Showgrounds. Contact Raewyn 09 439 2152 or Sue 09 439 2154.

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 021 153 5674.

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 09 439 1628 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 Wednesday 6.45pm at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan St, Dargaville. dargavillebridge@ gmail.com or phone Peter 09 439 2437 or 022 405 6439.

Dargaville Floral Art Club — Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1pm at The Lighthouse Church, Cnr Normanby & Parore Sts, Dargaville. Enquiries to Dawn Donald 09 439 5413.

Dargaville Friendship Club — meets 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10am at the NW Boating Club. For info phone Phyllis 09 439 6681.

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

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

Dargaville Mainly Music — Interactive music and movement for preschoolers and their carers. Wednesdays 10am Baptist church, Victoria St, during term time. Contact Rebecca 021 969 626.

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

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

Dargaville Scout Group — For boys and girls aged 5–99 years at 23 Onslow St. All info on door or phone Johnnita 027 296 5889.

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

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

Justices of the Peace — available every Thursday from 12–1pm at the Whanau Focus offices, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville.

Kaihu Valley Music Club — 3rd Sunday of the Month at Kaihu Hall on Woods Road. 1pm–4pm. Enquires to John or May 09 439 0827.

Kaipara Cycling — Calendar of Rides — Thursdays 3.15pm–5.15pm Junior Rides 10 years and older; 5.30pm–7pm Women’s Rides; 5.30pm–7pm Adult Rides. Meet at Time To, Normanby Street. If you are riding the Kauri Coast Mountain Bike Park or you want to join the Kaipara Cycling Club go to join.hivepass. co.nz or email kaiparacycling@gmail.com.

Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club — Open and operating Wednesday and Saturday. New members and volunteers welcome. Something to interest both men and women, come and get involved. Phone 09 439 7108 or 09 439 4614.

Kumarani Creative Centre – Creative Dance! — 5pm Thursdays, 15 Onslow Street. For all ages and abilities, fun and inclusive. Koha.

Kumarani Productions — Tuesdays Circus Kids 5–10 years at 3.45pm–4.45pm, Youth Circus 10–18 years at 5pm–6.30pm and Dargaville Fire and Circus Jam 6.30pm–8pm. 15 Onslow St. Through school terms only. Koha.

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

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

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

Northern Wairoa Country Music Club — 1st Sunday of the month at the Scout Hall, 23 Onslow Street 1–4pm. Enquiries to Bruce 09 439 5513.

Northern Wairoa Genealogy Society — Learn how to trace your family history or DNA at the Research Rooms, Dargaville Museum, 4th Sunday of each month 12.30–2pm OR attend our monthly meetings on the

4th Sunday of the month from 2pm–4pm. Phone Sue 021 608 606.

Northern Wairoa Indoor Bowls Assn — Starts at 7pm Mondays at Anglican Church Hall, Tuesdays at Ruawai-Tokatoka Hall, Wednesdays at Dalmatian Hall. For more info contact Warren Younger 027 478 5102 or evenings 09 439 6155.

NZ 60s Up Movement — Dargaville Social Meetings held at the Lighthouse Function Centre on 1st Tuesday of the month. Contact President Margaret Pinny 09 439 4560.

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

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

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

RSA Women’s Section — Social meeting held at the Clubrooms, 4th Monday of the month. Contact Secretary/Treasurer Betty Bruce 09 439 4344.

SeniorNet Dargaville — Drop-in every Tuesday 10am–2pm (except school holidays) for help with technology and internet banking. KCC 38 Hokianga Rd.

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

Vaccine Passport required.

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

Strength & Conditioning — Baylys Beach Community Centre — Mondays and Fridays. Small class groups. 10am–11am $10 per session. Call Tony 022 311 8447.

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

DAY HIGH LOW HIGH LOW HIGH

WED 14 2:48am (2.8m) 8:53am (0.9m) 3:10pm (2.9m) 9:28pm (0.9m)

THU 15 3:32am (2.7m) 9:37am (1.0m) 3:55pm (2.8m) 10:16pm (1.0m)

FRI 16 4:21am (2.7m) 10:27am (1.0m) 4:47pm (2.8m) 11:08pm (1.0m)

SAT 17 5:17am (2.6m) 11:24am (1.1m) 5:44pm (2.8m)

SUN 18 12:05am (1.0m) 6:18am (2.7m) 12:27pm (1.1m) 6:45pm (2.8m)

MON 19 1:05am (0.9m) 7:23am (2.7m) 1:32pm (1.0m) 7:47pm (2.9m)

TUE 20 2:06am (0.8m) 8:26am (2.9m) 2:35pm (0.9m) 8:47pm (3.0m)

MANGAWHAI HEADS

WED 14 12:11am (2.2m) 6:01am (0.7m) 12:30pm (2.3m) 6:36pm (0.9m)

THU 15 12:52am (2.2m) 6:43am (0.8m) 1:12pm (2.3m) 7:21pm (0.9m)

FRI 16 1:35am (2.2m) 7:29am (0.9m) 1:57pm (2.3m) 8:07pm (0.9m)

SAT 17 2:22am (2.2m) 8:20am (0.9m) 2:45pm (2.2m) 8:56pm (0.9m)

SUN 18 3:14am (2.2m) 9:16am (1.0m) 3:36pm (2.2m) 9:49pm (0.9m)

MON 19 4:12am (2.2m) 10:15am (0.9m) 4:29pm (2.3m) 10:44pm (0.8m)

TUE 20 5:12am (2.2m) 11:13am (0.9m) 5:24pm (2.3m) 11:40pm (0.7m)

PUZZLE TIME

Sudoku

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

ACROSS: 1 Jelly, 4 Initiate, 9 Falcon, 14 Inert, 15 Chance in a million, 17 Batik, 18 Use, 19 Quarrel, 20 Malleable, 21 Bomber, 24 Promotion, 25 Ambush, 26 Invite, 29 Admiration, 31 Sew, 32 Adhere, 33 Memo, 37 Serf, 39 Emergency, 40 Under oath, 41 Sales, 42 Adultery, 47 Brunette, 51 Shown, 55 Amendment, 56 Untutored, 58 Cage, 59 Tar, 60 Sour, 61 Quarry, 62 Sea, 63 Reparation, 66 Salami, 67 Placid, 69 Garnished, 72 Sketch, 73 Versatile, 75 Escaped, 77 Irk, 80 Unite, 81 Call a spade a spade, 82 Elves, 83 Melted, 84 Omelette, 85 Clogs.

DOWN: 2 Exhausted, 3 Lunar, 5 None, 6 Timpani, 7 Auld Lang Syne, 8 Erica, 9 Fan club, 10 Lobs, 11 Option, 12 Femur, 13 Steeple, 14 Ikebana, 16 Eye for an eye, 22 Docile, 23 Isthmus, 24 Painful, 25 Always, 27 Inexact, 28 Trader, 30 Nags, 32 Atoll, 34 Ochre, 36 Grin, 38 End, 42 Amass, 43 Unequal, 44 Tidy, 45 Rueful, 46 Booty, 48 Under the sea, 49 Excited, 50 Tag, 51 Startle, 52 Nursed, 53 Straight face, 54 Stir, 57 Repair, 64 Old sea dog, 65 Impetus, 66 Shrivel, 68 Coerced, 70 Relapse, 71 Scribe, 72 Skive, 74 Salvo, 76 Appal, 78 Left, 79 Edit.

FOR SALE

19MM TREATED Plywood $120. Scooters Plywood 09 438 6565.

50% SHARE of 2.3057ha plus use of 0.7ha paper road. Lots 8–9 DP138657. 295 Waihue Road Dargaville. Includes 1 bedroom cottage (presently being rented) 1 garage, 1 large double garage with workshop, ride on mower, 3-way tip and general farm tools. Power and water connected, $220,000. Please contact Don Park 09 624 9107.

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

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

TANDEM TRAILER 2500 x 1800. Registered. Boat Aluminium 13 feet long and trailer. Phone 021 0824 3109.

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

SECURITY

FENCING,

FENCING

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.

LAWN MOWING, local available to take on more lawns. Phone Jackson 022 543 2792.

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

WANTED TO BUY

SECURE

SEPTIC TANK SERVICES

Dargaville Rugby and Sport Club

PUBLIC NOTICES

ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — First Thursday of the month — 7–9.30pm, next is 2nd February 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, crn Parore and Normanby Sts. Use Parore St entrance. Monday 4.30pm & Thursday 7.30pm. Phone Bernie 027 212 2148, Ladies 020 4082 1373, Murray 09 439 5248.

DARGAVILLE CITIZENS Advice Bureau will close 1pm Friday 16 December 2022, re-opening 10am Monday 9 January 2023. A Safe and Merry Christmas to all.

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

DEATH NOTICES

Appleton, Lillian Florence (nee Groome)

On 11th December 2022 in her 96th year.

Dearly loved wife of the late Snow. Loving mother of Annette, Gordon, Lester, Joy, Kristal, Valerie and Julie. Grandmother of 12, great grandmother of 14 and great great grandmother of 1.

Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, the Kaipara District Council hereby gives notice that the following roads will be closed on the days and at the times set out below for the purpose of the Northern Bass 2022/23 music festival.

Wednesday 28th December 2022 at 0.01am until Sunday 1st January 2023 at 23:59pm

Settlement Rd, Kaiwaka – Restricted access. Access for resident and local traffic only.

Valley Road - from Settlement Rd to Pritchard Rd, Kaiwaka - Restricted access. Access for resident and local traffic only.

Lawrence Rd to Cames rd, Kaiwaka - Restricted access. Access for resident and local traffic only.

Further information, if required, relating to this temporary road closure can be obtained from the Customers Services Team, Kaipara District Council.

Grateful thanks for the wonderful care given by Selwyn Park Village over the last 10 years. Now at peace in the arms of her Lord. “God is Good”.

A service will be held at 1pm Sat 17 December at the Holy Trinity Church Dargaville.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public notice

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

December. Service resumes Tuesday 17th

Proposed Temporary Road Closure

Pursuant to the Local

Act 1974, Schedule 10, 11(e),

Southern (Te Kopuru) Football Club Inc.

12.30pm

Saturday 17 December 2022, from 12.30pm. BBQ lunch and drinks provided. All interested past, present and future players and their families are welcome. Come and meet the coaches and management teams.

Any enquiries, please contact our Club Captain, Craig Woollam 027 439 8305

Saturday 18th February 2023 at 07:00am until Sunday 19th February 2023 at 23:59pm

Settlement Rd, Kaiwaka – Restricted access. Access for resident and local traffic only.

Valley Road - from Settlement Rd to Pritchard Rd, Kaiwaka - Restricted access. Access for resident and local traffic only.

Lawrence Rd to Cames rd, Kaiwaka - Restricted access. Access for resident and local traffic only.

Any objections to this proposal should be in the hands of the Kaipara District Council no later than 4:00pm on Tuesday 13th December and will be considered at the Council meeting 14th December 2022. Kaipara District Council.

The Partnership of Mark Willy & Kay Smith of Dargaville, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an on licence in respect of the premises situated at 101-103 Victoria St Dargaville known as Blah Blah Blah Cafe & Bar

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

The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 9am to 1am the next day.

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

Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 15 working days after the 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.

Kaipara District Council Temporary Road Closure | Northern bass

Kaipara District Council

Government

the Kaipara District Council hereby gives notice that Fuzen Entertainment has made an application to have roads within the Kaipara District closed on the days and at the times set out below for the purpose of the Welcome to the Jungle 2023 music festival.

Senior Rugby Muster Day Saturday 17 December 2022, from