Kaipara Lifestyler, February 7th 2023

Deluge defines landfill opposition

u by Paul Campbell

The government-acknowledged ‘biggest climate event in New Zealand history’ has dramatically reinforced the community battle against the siting of a mega landfill in the Dome Valley and the perceived environmental threat to the Kaipara Harbour.

With up to 400mm of rainfall falling across the region and Auckland resulting in loss of life and widespread property and infrastructure damage, the Fight the Tip movement opposed to the proposed dump for Auckland’s rubbish by Waste Management Ltd says its case has been proven.

FTT is currently joined by iwi, councils, Forest and Bird and the Department of Conservation in an ongoing Environment Court appeal against the landfill.

“This rain and damage across the area have reinforced our stand,” said FTT executive member Sue Crockett. “It has amply demonstrated that the land around the Dome Valley slips and slides all over the place.”

She said her group was meeting with its legal team following the downpour and its slip damage in the Dome Valley and adjacent roads and severe flooding, as demonstrated in accompanying photos with this report.

“The events of the past week have quite simply confirmed what we have been saying and that is this is no place for a rubbish dump.”

FTT and other litigants say the dump is proposed in the catchment of the Hōteo River that feeds into the Kaipara Harbour, as

well as an arm of the Mahurangi River flowing eastwards.

Fellow FTT executive Michelle Carmichael says that adverse weather road conditions also impact the tip site plan. “We both got stranded in Warkworth on Friday night and couldn’t return to Wellsford as all roads were cut off due to flooding and slips. So for 12 hours, Waste Management wouldn’t have been able to access their landfill site either under those circumstances.”

Included in FTT’s post-storm consultations will be the chair of the Ngāti Manuhiri Omaha Marae, Annie Baines, continuing another development in the tip saga after the iwi’s settlement trust decided to support that Waste Management case in return for project involvement and an assurance that $10 million would be paid in the event of environmental damage. Ms Baines’ marae has continued to vehemently oppose the trust decision.

“If there is a silver lining in this latest development it is that it will raise public awareness of the battle that the Ngāti Manuhiri people face with their settlement trust, and I’m sure there are many others around the country,” said Michelle.

“With this clear unenvironmental decision, Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust took a

treacherous sledgehammer to years of united support between iwi and community about this proposal. The system is wrong, because how is it morally right that a company and one mana whenua entity, without regard for others, can decide that $10 million makes it OK to pollute the very same environment that is being restored with at least $300 million of public money? (The current Kaipara Moana Remediation Fund project).”

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p Springhill Farm at the corner of Wayby Valley Road, where the Hōteo River floods downstream from the landfill site

p The Mahurangi River in full flood

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

Classic rock in Kaipara

supply

p Blues-rock legend Joe Cocker may have been looking down from rock heaven, as his back catalogue was given a very convincing workout in Kaihū last week. Entertainer Mark Taipari impersonated the musical icon to perfection. Crowds gathered at the Kaihu Tavern to watch ‘Joe’ hammer out the greats in his distinctively smoky tones. It’s his last engagement in New Zealand; Mr Taipari is off to Australia to bring his show to audiences there in 2023.

A healthy challenge

fitting,

p Various strength activities were achieved at the Wāhine Tāne Tū Kaha event in Poutō recently. “Everyone was a winner on the day and our youngest competitor was 16-year-old Ryan Powell, who succeeded in bench lifting 100kg. A massive mihi to the Poutō Topu A Trust for the use of the facilities and all of our sponsors and volunteers for supporting this kaupapa,” organiser Joesephine Nathan said. The next competition is on November 11. For information, find them on Facebook.

Back in the playground

p

two pupils

teachers

playing, learning and spending time with new and old friends. On the first day back, the class earned bragging rights for being the winning class to have all belongings labelled. Students expressed happiness for being back in the

with Jo

(left),

aid Kathy Macdonald, and teacher Hayley CrumpHooton (right).

Dargaville Primary School room

and

were excited to be back

classroom

Thomas

teacher

Red alert for torrential rain

u by Andy Bryenton

Unprecedented rain for Auckland also saw Kaipara receive its firstever red-level heavy rain warning last Tuesday as all of Northland prepared for a battering.

“This afternoon, we met with all three of Northland’s district councils, local emergency services and other key stakeholders and we are all preparing to respond,” said Northland Civil Defence Controller Graeme MacDonald last Monday.

By Tuesday afternoon, a state of emergency was declared across the Northland Region by Civil Defence, though extremely heavy falls were avoided as the week progressed.

While the deluge that struck the Auckland region was not matched locally, low- ying areas in Kaipara were inundated, including farms along the Northern Wairoa River and its tributaries. Maungatūroto was struck by flooding, temporarily closing off road access via State Highway 12.

“It was down across the road, and people could simply not get through,” says local resident and business owner Michelle Smyth, whose premises was hit by flooding.

“We had water coming through the building. The most important thing was to ensure that everyone was safe.”

Surf life savers need help

u by Andy Bryenton

Mangawhai’s surf life savers have been left without a home base after heavy rains destabilised the cliffside behind their building.

After torrential rains last week, a large section of the cliffside behind the club rooms buckled, causing serious damage to the building. Due to this damage, the area immediately surrounding the surf life savers’ club rooms is now off-limits, including trails and paths in the area administered by the Kaipara District Council.

“The recent weather events have caused a significant landslip behind the Mangawhai Heads Surf Club,” KDC media liaison Ruby Mitchell said.

Transport was majorly disrupted due to landslides on the Brynderwyn hills, which closed the road between Kaiwaka and Whangārei. Heavy vehicles were compelled to use a detour via Dargaville. Slips also hit Gorge Road in Maungatūroto, affecting the main alternative route.

Waka Kotahi’s spokesperson Kaity Alexander indicated that recurring slips had kept emergency crews busy, and the road closed longer than expected. Teams would continue to clear earth, rock and fallen trees through to Waitangi weekend.

“After that, the entire route will be reassessed and geotechnical reviews will be carried out,” said Ms Alexander. ¢

“There is no access to the surf club or surrounding area. The Mangawhai Heads beach lookout and surrounding public walking tracks are closed. The nearby public toilets are also closed due to an issue with the wastewater network near where the landslide occurred. Portaloos will be positioned nearby as soon as possible.”

An official communique from the Mangawhai Surf Life Saving Club says that the club is working hard to resume patrols and fulfil its mission to keep surfers and swimmers safe.

“Until then, take care while accessing the water, and follow advice on the Surf Life Saving Northern Region and Safe Swim websites to keep you and your whānau safe,” says club spokesperson Tony Baker. He also

expressed gratitude for the outpouring of public goodwill and offers of assistance.

“We will share more details as soon as these are known, but in the meantime, thank you for your support and understanding.”

A page has been established for donations to help get the life savers back out there and restore their home base ahead of planned 60th-anniversary celebrations this Easter. Visit givealittle. co.nz/org/mangawhaisurfclub. ¢

p Transport was significantly disrupted due to landslides on the Brynderwyn hills

p Surf life saving patrols will still be in action from 10am to 6pm on weekends, despite the damage caused to local club buildings by last week’s landslip

Family fun day centennial

u by Amy Fifita

Donnellys Crossing Picnic and Sports Day is marking a century for this year’s event at 10am on Saturday, February 18.

Aerial help for Māui dolphins

u by Paul Campbell

High-flying technology on drone aircraft has been harnessed in a campaign to protect Māui dolphins off the North Island’s west coast, with approval from the Civil Aviation Authority to enable ‘beyond line of sight ‘ tracking of the threatened mammals.

“Gaining the CAA approval is a huge win,” says Tane van der Boon from MAUI63. This non-profit wildlife technology organisation has successfully developed a drone capable of finding and tracking Māui dolphins using artificial intelligence.

“In the past, we had a chopping event where world champion axemen would showcase their skills and 800-metre running races. People used to train for them. Imagine the clothes worn in those days and people would bring their hampers or a picnic for their lunch,” says chairperson Gareth Williams.

“The day is mostly targeted at families, and it is an honest and fun day out. There is something for everyone, and it is affordable, with adult entry costing a gold coin donation,” event secretary Jim McCallum says.

There will be a hāngī and food stalls at the event for people to enjoy. Fun races and activities are part of the day’s line-up, including an egg and spoon race, grass

skiing and the Donnellys Dunker. Prizes will be awarded for the races. There will also be a vegetable cake competition and a fun dog show; only dogs competing can be at the event.

The event is on Old Mill Road, Donnellys Crossing, and there will be directional signs to the picnic and sport area. There is no eftpos facility available, so bring cash.

If anyone wants to volunteer, offer sponsorship or become a stallholder, you are encouraged to contact Jim at 021 112 6460.

“We are reliant on sponsorship and are thankful for local businesses for their support and generosity,” says Gareth. ¢

“To effectively track the Māui dolphins, we need to fly far offshore, to survey their entire habitat. It means we’ll be able to get out and survey up to 50km away in a single flight without any observers required for spotting the drone or surrounding airspace.

“We’ll be able to monitor the dolphins continuously, which will help us predict their movements more accurately and better understand the ecology of this species. We’ll then ensure the information is shared with anyone who needs it to help put data-driven protection measures in place.”

The approval is for a 50km stretch of ocean off the west coast. The AI

technology can distinguish Māui and Hector’s dolphins from other species with more than 90 percent accuracy. Flying at an altitude of about 120 metres with a 50x optical zoom camera, the drone can find, follow and film for up to six hours.

MPI’s director of investment programmes, Steve Penno, says the latest estimates are that there are just 54 Māui dolphins left. “With this technology we aim to help bring these precious taonga back from the brink of extinction.” ¢

p Māui dolphins recorded by a drone off the west coast

p Children having traditional fun at a previous Donnellys Crossing Picnic and Fun Day

A time-lapse of town’s progress

u by Andy Bryenton

The Dargaville Community Development Board has been busy promoting a makeover for the town for the past year, and now it’s taking stock of the positive changes enacted.

Sue Curtis and Lorraine Davison say that while the pace of change has been slow and steady, visitors who may only come to Dargaville once or twice a year would have noticed a cleaner and more colourful town, thanks to the efforts of more than 50 local businesses.

“In the past months, so many of our locals have contributed to this town makeover in some way, with painting, reroofing and cladding, fresh signage, murals and more,” says Lorraine. “There have also been interior improvements, store redesigns, new services and a bigger online presence.”

Big projects such as the new, bright murals gracing the civic library and pool complex have added colour in a vivid way. Other upgrades, such as the freshly started water blasting of the facade of the Empire Theatre buildings, have added to the appearance of Dargaville in their own way. Small improvements add up to a better image for the whole town, says the DCDB.

Mangawhai park’s community roots

u by Andy Bryenton

Mangawhai’s community park is due for an upgrade to its master plan, and the Kaipara District Council is calling for submissions from the public to shape a new vision for the space.

The park is a statement of community involvement.

The Mangawhai museum is situated there, as is the town’s historic village, fire and ambulance service hub, and, notably, the Mangawhai Activity Zone.

They also wish to acknowledge the number of new businesses which have arrived in town with new energy during 2022 and those established firms that have expanded what they offer to meet a growing market. Dargaville boasts one of the lowest rates of vacant occupancy for a provincial town in all of New Zealand, making for a varied main streetscape.

“We would like to acknowledge these business changes at a planned midwinter gala and celebration for the business community in June this year,” said Lorraine. ¢

The bulk of development to these amenities has come not from council funds but from direct community action. However, overall planning and control of the park rests with the KDC, which now seeks public input for future expansion.

It could herald even more community engagement, like that which helped build the on-site Olympic-level skate park.

“From day one, it was 100 per cent community involvement. People weren’t just bringing spades and wheelbarrows — they were bringing excavators and heavy machinery,” said MAZ spokesperson Colin Gallagher.

In that initial push alone, the public raised $2.4 million without recourse to the council. The KDC and Northland Regional Council donated above and

beyond this figure from appropriate greenspace grants and community funds.

“All monetary figures are eclipsed by the amount of time, effort and work put in by our volunteers,” said Colin.

Dargaville could see a similar expansion of civic amenities with the developer’s contributions from two major planned subdivisions potentially boosting local coffers. The collective power of clubs and sporting teams has seen advancements at places such as Sportsville.

You can view the current Mangawhai Community Park Master Plan, provide feedback and find out about dropin sessions at kaipara.govt.nz/ mangawhaicommunitypark. ¢

p Big projects such as Dargaville’s library mural are only part of the story; numerous small upgrades and renovations have transformed the town during the past year

p The KDC wants to know how locals want to further expand the Mangawhai Community Park; already a prime example of what can be achieved by a motivated populace Photo: Andy Bruce

A raft-load of regatta fun

u by Paul Campbell

It was wet both on and offshore at times but the annual Pahi Regatta’s return after two years plagued by Covid restrictions attracted enthusiastic crowds for anniversary weekend with a contest addition set to become an annual event.

The iconic bathtub race was off the list this year, but its raft race replacement bodes well for future fun at the regatta, which has been running since way back in 1885, except for a couple of war years and a recent pandemic.

“It was great to see the huge turnout of spectators and welcome boats from Dargaville and Helensville and Hōteo to add to the excitement, which wasn’t dampened by a couple of rather heavy showers,” said Pahi Fishing and Boating Club Commodore, Ben Sheppard.

“The big marquee and entertainment, along with plenty of food and refreshment available, kept everyone happy in good shelter when needed.”

Pahi Beach Holiday Park was full, with visitors from as far afield as Auckland despite the worry of weather developments on the horizon.

Event organiser Elarna Sheppard said, “it was a grand day, regardless of the extreme weather conditions. We ran a courageous kayak race and trialled a new raft race. This will be a welcome event next year — full of creative energy, laughter and the spectators were very entertained.”

The 2024 regatta will see the raft race expanded. “We will be having sections for under and over 17 years of age, with prizes of $1,000, so people have plenty of time to go to the drawing board,” said Ben. ¢

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p A crowd-pleasing event was the ‘bomb’ contest off the wharf offering prizes for the biggest splash of the day Photos courtesy Hanna Stevens

p The new regatta raft race is to be further promoted next year.

p Regatta silverware will be headed to the engravers for updating with a new set of winning names.

Smoking rules streamlined Arts celebrate cultural connection

u by Andy Bryenton u

Waitangi Day celebrations last weekend included a large arts and culture focus, with Dargaville’s creative community gathering at the Muddy Waters Gallery to honour Te Tiriti.

“We are proud to bring this celebration to Dargaville for our national day,” said Kaipara Arts Association spokesperson John Pickworth.

“Art and creativity spans cultures, and this event gives us a chance to learn and experience together, as well as an opportunity to learn about the Treaty of Waitangi and its significance.”

The programme for the day encompassed sports, performance, food and fun but was centred around arts, both toi Māori and fusion art media which incorporate the traditions of many cultures. Art tutor Julie Hoeta and a team of her students, associates and friends worked hard to prepare several of the centrepiece exhibits for the big day. It meant long hours of work last week preparing kākahu (feather cloaks), tukutuku panels, paintings, a centrepiece featuring tuna (eels) and a gigantic whale sculpture many metres long. Various other artistic taonga were gathered ahead of the celebration for visitors to enjoy.

Many of the items on display were created by locals, and a number were made by novices taking part in a programme of art, craft and creativity classes offered under the auspices of the gallery and the Dargaville Arts Association itself.

This year marks the second artsbased festival in recognition of Te Tiriti and the momentous occasion 183 years ago when New Zealand’s founding document was signed. ¢

The Kaipara District Council is tightening up its smokefree policy, as major changes from the government home in on a 2025 deadline for all but eradicating the practice.

At last week’s council briefing, elected members heard how staff had given the council’s smokefree policy an overhaul, putting regulations against smoking in plain English. Smoke and vapefree areas now include all KDCcontrolled parks, recreation facilities, pensioner housing, and the immediate surrounding public outdoor space associated with them. All council-supported events must be smoke and vape-free.

“This policy was first adopted by the council in 2011, and its intent is to encourage a reduction of smoking and vaping in our communities by supporting public education,” said KDC policy analyst Virginia Smith.

Smoking is on the decline, and vaping is not leading to more uptake of tobacco, according to health department statistics. Only eight per cent of Kiwis regularly smoke, with a goal of five per cent targeted. However, the next step may involve restricting the sale of nicotine products. The KDC has been reluctant to impose limits on vape shops when petitioned by the public under past administrations, and several local retailers carry cigarettes.

“Currently, there are more smoked tobacco retailers clustered in low-income communities,” said government health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall. “The Smokefree Environments Bill (2022) will limit the number of businesses allowed to sell smoked tobacco products and limit the number of retail premises in a certain area.”

“Secondly, it will prevent young people and successive generations from ever taking up smoking. This legislation will mean it will be illegal to sell smoked tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1 2009.” ¢

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p Dr Ayesha Verrall has campaigned for a reduction in smoking, and the KDC’s smokefree policy review keeps things up to date with the latest trends in helping to reduce the practice

p Julie Hoeta, along with Simone Waipouari-Pihema and young Ngahere Waipouari-Pihema, help put the finishing touches on artworks celebrating Waitangi Day in Dargaville

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Chiming in a century

u by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville’s town clock, atop the old post office building, is set to chime in its hundredth year in 2023.

The clock is an iconic and useful part of Dargaville life. Still, many do not know that it is also a war memorial commissioned by a prominent local for his business partner and best friend.

Gilbert Nelson Hayes practised law in Dargaville during the early 1900s with the aid of his fellow lawyer Charles Darling. During the first world war, Darling served in the army and was one of those who lost their lives in the fierce trench warfare the Anzacs endured.

The idea for a town clock had been discussed previously, with successive councils uncertain of shouldering the cost. With a new municipal building under construction, the idea resurfaced. Gilbert Hayes proposed to pay for the timepiece himself, with conditions.

With Anzac Day 1923 approaching, Hayes told the council that he wanted to donate a clock as a war memorial to all fallen soldiers from Kaipara. It would take a year to build the clock, which was to be ready in time for the 10th anniversary of the Great War. It was an offer the mayor could not refuse for its meaning and its generosity.

The clock was made by Littlejohn & Sons in Wellington, which built it to be manually wound, a task still required to this day. Often, when the clock stands at the wrong time, it is because of this need

Ararua Community Hall fundraiser

u by Amy Fifita

“Everyone has always enjoyed themselves. We trek up and down hills and through creeks,” says Ararua Community Hall secretary Kate Battensby.

“The trek has been popular, and participants ride through local farmland. It normally takes between two to three hours. There are fantastic views from the hilltops. Everyone loves it, and we try to make it enjoyable for the horses and riders.”

for manual winding. A special bell came from England but is no longer sounded on the hour.

The clock was presented in November 1923, with a plaque dedicating it to those who gave their lives in the Great War. ¢

The annual event is in its fourth year and is for all capabilities and ages. People are encouraged to bring snacks and water for the break during the ride, and will include a barbecue at the hall afterwards.

“It is our major fundraiser, and because the community owns the hall, we are responsible for paying the cost

of insurance and power ongoing costs of it.”

The trek costs $40 for an adult and $20 for a child. For more information, go to facebook.com/ groups/araruacommunityhall or email araruacommunity@gmail.com and fill out a form to apply. In addition to this annual fundraiser, the hall can be hired out for events and other activities.

The Ararua Horse Trek is returning on Saturday, March 4, to help raise money for the ongoing costs of the nonprofit organisation.

p Community feedback about the previous treks has been very positive

p A surviving photo of Charles Darling, the Dargaville law practitioner who lost his life at war, and served as the inspiration for the town’s memorial clock 100 years ago

Who pays for pothole pain?

u by Andy Bryenton

Should the people who fix our roads have to pay for pothole damage?

In the famously litigious US, the liability for pothole damage varies from state to state and city to city. New York transport authorities will pay out if they were told in writing about a pothole and failed to fill it within 15 days. Meanwhile, Chicago residents need an insurance claim and two quotes to fix the damage before they can file for just half of the cost.

The British Automobile Association advises drivers that they should make a claim with their local council, but councils don’t have to pay out if they didn’t know the pothole was there. It’s the same in Australia, where under the Civil Liberties Act 2002, councils cannot be held liable for damage caused as a result of road failure or a pothole, unless the pothole resulted from council negligence.

It provides a neat double loophole; if you reported the pothole but then later on were damaged by it, why didn’t you avoid it? Additionally, potholes caused by rain, floods, subsidence or other ‘acts of God’ are not (strictly speaking) there due to ‘negligence’. Despite this weaselly argument, the British government shelled out UK£2.5 million on pothole repairs to private cars last year.

So much for the rest of the world; what about New Zealand? Waka Kotahi has a website which allows you to file a claim

p Gone to pot — if a pothole damages your car, there is the hope of compensation from those who fix the roads, but it’s a hard road to get there, say lawyers for pothole damage on state highways. They say you should contact your insurer first and that they will only consider a claim if they haven’t taken ‘reasonable care’ to repair the road. Legal sources say this means you could indeed get some justice.

“Waka Kotahi is charged under the Land Transportation Management Act with the responsibility for maintaining roads,” said lawyer Angela Parlane, speaking on television about the issue late last year.

ways.

“I would argue that they do have a duty of care to keep that maintenance going and ensure users of the road do not sustain damage while doing so. In my understanding of the law, they would be liable.”

That’s just one legal expert’s opinion. Still, there’s a big caveat. Making a claim means fighting a huge government bureaucracy at what could be a hefty expense and taking months out of your life to do so. Excuses also seem to be a valid reason for denying claims. One claimant received a letter in 2021 which argued that Waka Kotahi was ‘constrained by available funding and resources’.

“We do our best but do not guarantee that the entire network will be in perfect condition at all times,” said the missive. Would this argument work for a dangerous lawn mower or fire-prone washing machine? One rule for all the services we pay for would be nice, especially considering the cost of car repairs in the age of inflation. ¢

Redhill dam moves ahead

u by Amy Fifita

Progress at the Te Waihekeora reservoir has seen stage one of two completed as part of the Kaipara Water Scheme initiated by the Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust.

“The lining of the smaller stage one of the reservoir has now been completed, with the focus shifting to the much larger second stage,” says trust chairman Murray McCully.

The reservoirs will be a usable source of irrigation for horticulture, such as avocados in the future which are believed to be a better yield than cattle.

“The trust is extremely fortunate to have Lynwood Nurseries from Whangārei, New Zealand’s largest producer of avocado seedlings, developing a 56-hectare site across the road from the reservoir.

“The major planting activity being undertaken by Lynwoods and several other avocado interests is a huge vote of confidence in the future of the Te Kōpuru area. The fact that Te Uri O Hau, the local hapū, is developing an adjacent site is very satisfying.”

The trust says it is committed to storing water during the summer period to support the avocado seedlings planted on various sites close to the reservoir.

“Our trustees see the Redhill project as a complete game-changer for the whole region. While it will take a few years for horticulture to take off, the long-term

impact on investment, employment opportunities and economic growth will be massive.”

Once completed, the dam will be a reliable source of water during dry periods, and it is expected to hold up to 3.3 million cubic metres of water.

“Building dams like these will help unlock the very rich soils in that area. That’s going to create jobs. Still, that doesn’t happen unless you have someone at the top of the three who will invest that money and take those risks. The trust’s work was inspired by successful irrigation schemes in places like Kerikeri,” says Northland electorate candidate Shane Jones.

Stage one’s capacity is an estimated 300,000 cubic metres; currently, it is holding more than 220,000 cubic metres of water.

Earthworks continue to stage two, expected to be completed later this year, and will be deemed a sufficient source of irrigation for various horticulture in the area. An excess of land being sold of 12–18 hectares has recently been placed back on the market.

“The project at Redhill is hugely ambitious. The development is the

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS NEWS YOU CAN TRUST

largest the trust has underway at this stage. A smaller 750,000-cubicmetre reservoir at Ngāwhā is due for completion this month, and a larger 4-million-cubic-metre project at Waimate North is still under consideration,” Mr McCully says. ¢

p The larger stage-two dam is already underway and is expected to be finished later this year, allowing the whole reservoir to hold up to 3.3 million cubic metres of water

DARGAVILLE WEARABLE ARTS

WHAT’S ON?

For outside of Dargaville events email info@thelifestyler.co.nz

February

Twilight Bowls at Dargaville Bowling Club — 8 February. Starts 5.45pm. $10pp includes light meal, full bar available. Teams of three, casual dress, flatsoled shoes, bowls available for use. Also happening on 22 February, 8, 22 & 29 March. Contact Ray 021 337 072 or Ron 027 535 7214.

Auditions – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat — 9 & 10 February 2023 for May show. Contact Dargaville Little Theatre at dargavillelittletheatre@gmail.com to request an audition pack and sign up!

Arapohue Show — 11 February 2023, 9am at the Arapohue Showgrounds, 3338 Mititai Road. A fun day for all the family. Sideshow rides only a gold coin donation.

TokaFest — 18 February 2023 — MIdday to Midnight at Tokatoka Tavern, $10 per person, under 14 years free. Camping Available. Phone 027 489 6093 to enquire.

Donnellys Crossing 100th Anniversary Picnic & Sports Day — Saturday 18th February 2023 10.30am, gold coin donation entry. Lots of fun activities and competitions for children and adults. Bring your pet dog and enter the fun dog show. Old Mill Road, Donnellys Crossing. Cash only. Alcohol free.

Come and Drum! – Sunday Community Sessions 2023 — 26th February 4–5.30pm at Baylys Beach Community Centre, 52 Seaview Road, $10 per person, $5 drum hire. Once a month. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL. Contact Josie 021 0223 8621 or josie.scott@xtra.co.nz.

March

Hot Rods & Harleys — 11 March 2023, 10am to 2pm Show & Shine at Greg Smith Engineering, Day Street, Dargaville. For information contact Greg on 021 259 3043. All Welcome – Free Entry.

Markets

Dargaville Twilight Market — Last Friday of each month, 4.30pm–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.

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.

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 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. 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 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.

PUZZLE TIME

ACROSS

1 Rob or defraud someone of all their money (4,2,3,8)

10 Baffle (8)

15 Tax on imports or exports (6)

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 China, 4 Once in a blue moon, 14 Droop, 15 Climb, 16 Inspection, 17 Siege, 19 Tin, 20 Humdrum, 21 Monastery, 22 Genius, 25 Fortunate, 27 Alerts, 28 Quiche, 33 Horizontal, 35 Hip, 36 Mirage, 37 Snow, 39 Ice, 41 Bayonet, 42 Copper, 43 Continued, 44 Inept, 45 Measures, 50 On, 51 Pancreas, 55 Attic, 58 Mousetrap, 59 Tennis, 60 Awesome, 61 Duo, 63 Chic, 64 Galley, 65 Bee, 66 Pretending, 68 Bleach, 69 Summer, 71 Propeller, 76 Quorum, 77 Precipice, 79 Infancy, 81 Emu, 84 Asset, 85 Competitor, 86 Clout, 87 Offer, 88 Birds of a feather, 89 Sweet.

Fill

DOWN: 2 Helium, 3 Nomad, 5 Nuns, 6 Exploit, 7 Nectar, 8 Built, 9 Unnerve, 10 Mask, 11 Obeyed, 12 Boots, 13 Spindle, 14 Devious, 18 Auctioneer, 23 Unite, 24 Attract, 26 Ominous, 27 Aspirin, 29 Censure, 30 Voyage, 31 Shape, 32 Agenda, 34 Loot, 36 Meter, 38 Wades, 40 Disc, 45 Mimic, 46 Abusive, 47 Used, 48 Earwax, 49 Study, 50 October, 52 New Zealand, 53 Residue, 54 Almond, 55 Applaud, 56 Enter, 57 Limp, 62 Helps, 67 Scholar, 68 Boredom, 70 Morocco, 72 Receipt, 73 Muesli, 74 Sphere, 75 Accuse, 76 Quaff, 78 Comma, 80 Allow, 82 Stud, 83 Doze.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE

150MM DIAMETER posts ideal for small raised garden. Approx 40 posts 700mm long. Free to pick up Dargaville. Phone Alan 021 109 1754.

3MTR SCAFFOLD Planks $77. Scooters Plywood 09 438 6565.

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

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

COFFEE TABLE, oval shaped with 6 stools. Ornately carved. Purchased in Fiji. Phone 09 439 5413. Offers.

NISSAN BLUEBIRD SSS tidy condition. Rego/warrant $2,200. Phone 021 122 7000.

SINGLE AXLE Trailer 7"x4". Jockey Wheel; 6" Plastic Spoke Wheel, fitted, 75mm drawbar. Spare wheel & bracket: fitted; 165R13C-8ply, no WOF but is registered, 2 years structural warranty. Used once. $2,200. Phone 09 439 1596.

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.

PHONE 09 439 6933

Closing date for classified advertising for the February 14 2023 edition is Monday, February 13 2023

LIVESTOCK

MATAKOHE CATTLE SALE & WEANER FAIR

FRIDAY 17TH FEBRUARY 2023

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

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

Dargaville Bobcat

5828

Craig Douglas 027 445 1167

DARGAVILLE SALE

Thursday 9th February

Start: 12.30pm

Carrfields Livestock are pleased to offer Annual Draft Lines of the following:

30 x 18mth WF & AngX Steers

50 x 18mth WF & AngX & SimX Heifers

20 x Cow Reared Black WF Wnr Steers

30 x WF & HereX Wnr Steers

TRADE & SERVICES

WATER TANK Cleaning. Phone Pete 027 444 3053 or 09 405 9510.

WINDOW & Door Repairs & Glazing, Insect Screens, Security and more — call me today. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458. Kevin Sowter or visit my website: windowanddoors.co.nz — Window and Door Services Ltd.& Door Services Ltd.

TREE SERVICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

Northern Wairoa A&P Assn.

ARAPOHUE SHOW

11 February 2023 from 9.00am Sideshow Ride for a Gold Coin Donation Gate entry $8 adult, $2 Child, under 5’s free

Kaipara

Community Health Trust

HEALTH SHUTTLE

Accessible Transport

We have a wheelchair hoist (Dargaville and Whangarei Health Appointments) For enquiries phone Te Ha Oranga 439 3013

ROTARY CLUB OF DARGAVILLE

Hughes Trust Fund Grants

FENCING

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

FREE

GARDEN MULCH shredded clean copy paper. Provides warmth, protection & nutrients to plant’s roots. Pick up Lifestyler House, 107

NURSERIES & PLANTS

10,000 SHRUBS, trees, etc, ready now for landscaping, hedging, shelter, up to 1m+ high $8 and $10. Reveg Manukas, Pittosporum Karo only $1.50. Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm. Got2Go Plants, 55 West Coast Road, Te Kopuru 09 439 5556.

WANTED TO BUY

SUZUKI 4X4 Wanted to buy — parked, damaged or unwanted, Escudo Vitara/Grand Vitara. Phone Derek 09 439 7573.

80 x WF & HereX Wnr Heifers On Account: CJ Anderson Ltd; JJ Elwin; Te Ruaroa Ltd; Sodor Farms Ltd; Wyatt Farms Ltd 2008; JN Baker

Any queries please contact:

Haydn Evans 021 985 863

Michael Younger 027 439 4023

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.

SEPTIC TANK SERVICES

MAGIC PROPERTY Services, effluent & septic tank cleaning. Servicing the Kaipara. Phone Chris 027 480 0110 or Mary 027 459 1544. 7 Days. WE ARE THE ONLY CODE COMPLIANT OPERATORS IN THE KAIPARA.

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.

WORK WANTED

Toenail

Applications are invited from registered charitable organisations within that area of the Northern Wairoa previously described as the Dargaville Borough and the Hobson Country extending to Waipoua/Tutamoe in the north, Tangiteroria in the east and Pouto in the south for one of two grants of $500 for their charitable purposes. Application forms are available from Brian Burnett: prue-brian-burnett@xtra.co.nz

(ph 439 6175) and must be returned by the closing date 10th March, 2023.

Young children and their caregivers enjoying music, rhyme, rhythm and creative dance, followed by a time of play and chat. Morning tea provided. Music from 10–10.30am every Wednesday during school term.

Starting 15th February

$2 per child or $3 per family @ Dargaville Baptist Community Church, 187 Victoria St. For more info call Rebecca 021 969 626

WAYNE & ANNETTE

Ph 09 439 2020

Dry Aged Beef Specialists TOKATOKA

PUBLIC NOTICES

ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — First Thursday of the month — 7–9.30pm, next is 2nd March 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.

AGRIKIDS TEAMS wanted Arapohue Show. To enter phone 09 430 6477.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS both Dargaville AA Meetings are held at the church, crn Parore and Normanby Sts. Use Parore St entrance. Monday 4.30pm & Thursday

Western

Saturday 11th February 2023 1pm Shotgun Start. Teams of 3 $20.00 per Player

There’s still time to enrol for study with us at NorthTec | Te Pūkenga for Semester 1, 2023 and take the next step on your learning journey.

We understand that it’s not always easy to make time for study around our lives, jobs, and whanau. That’s why NorthTec | Te Pūkenga offers full-time, part-time, or paper-by-paper study so you can fit your learning around your life, in a way that works for you.

We also offer a range of learning locations. Online learning can be done anytime, anywhere, as long as you have a stable internet connection, and with a great range of courses, there’s something for everyone. On-the-job learning is great for those already in work, who want to gain the qualifications they need to progress, we can work with your employer to make sure your training won’t impact your job, and vice versa.

We also have campuses across Te Tai Tokerau, offering on-campus study for those courses that need to be held in person, so you can stay close to home while learning what you need to go far in your career.

No matter if you’re fresh out of high school or are looking to retrain, want to increase your skills in your current career, or are simply interested in learning something new, we have a course to help you achieve your goals.

Semester 1 starts on the 13th of February so get in quick!