Kaipara Lifestyler, June 13th 2023

Cycle trail comes to life

Best use of funding questioned

u by Andy Bryenton

The Kaipara District Council has met to discuss the best use of Three Waters funding after the revelation that the second tranche of ‘better off’ monies promised by the government will not be forthcoming.

With the news that this second tranche would not be available, some elected members called for a change of plan, allowing for a visible, important project to be completed with just the initial $4 million.

“We will have to think very hard about our forward planning going ahead,” said Mayor Craig Jepson upon hearing of the funding reversal.

Now a list of possible alternative projects has been presented to councillors, who debated which should receive additional capital support. High

on the list is a top-up to the fund for recladding Dargaville’s beleaguered town hall, which faces the demolition of its leaky-buildings-era annexe. It could cost a total of $2.5 million.

A playground for Baylys Beach, long a desire of the community there, was also on the table, as was funding toward roading repairs for the coastal township, the completion of Mangawhai’s shared path project, a multi-sport facility upgrade for Dargaville’s Memorial Park, a significant boost to the Kaihu Valley Trail cycleway, or major road realignment

work in Kaiwaka. Also listed was a plan to achieve a new library space even without the construction of a brand-new building. However, with funding set aside for this in 2026, it did not make the final cut. The completion of the Mangawhai Shared Path and the remediation of the town hall in Dargaville received the most support at the end of the day.

The chosen project or projects must be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs by the end of this month in order for plans to proceed to the next stage. ¢

p Kaipara District Council Deputy Mayor Jonathan Larsen and Northland MP Willow-Jean Prime cut the ribbon to open the Ahikiwi Bridge as dignitaries and citizens await their turn to cross.

The Kaipara Lifestyler is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned Kaipara company.

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10,450 copies, distributed on Tuesday to every residential and rural home throughout the district including Dargaville, Ruawai, Paparoa, Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka, Mangawhai and Wellsford.

Down memory lane School ball royalty

p A bus trip that included these visitors to the Warehine Hall traced the pioneer landmarks in the days of the Albertland settlers who planned to make Port Albert a capital city as locals and visitors celebrated 161 years since their forebears landed in Kaipara. The weekend event covered the Wharehine and Port Albert areas and viewing and research at the Albertland Heritage Museum in Wellsford. “This was followed by a dinner at the RSA and then on to the production by Wellsford Drama Club with guest singer/performers for the first half and then a play,“ said museum treasurer Rob Lennon. “It was a great weekend with a great turnout.”

p School ball season has begun, with Ruawai College students enjoying a night of elegance and a chance to swap school-day clothes for red-carpet style. This year’s king and queen of the ball were Gideon Tautari and Tahlia Johnson, who led their fellow students in a night of dancing and fun.

Residents’ plan feedback

its Long

Plan engagement

residents at the

markets in recent weeks. KDC communication and engagement team member Ruby Mitchell told the Lifestyler there had been active input by residents into what they

and

for Kaipara District’s future. From left to right: Community engagement adviser Gail Fotheringham, Councillor Ash Nayyar, Mayor Craig Jepson and Ruby Mitchell at Paparoa Farmer’s Market.

p Kaipara District Council launched

Term

with Kaipara

Mangawhai

Paparoa

Safer ways to walk and cycle Cycle trail comes to life

u by Andy Bryenton

In December last year, the Kaipara District Council announced funding to improve walking and cycling options in Dargaville; now, plans are being drawn up to make this happen.

The Transport Choices programme is 100 per cent funded by the government. It will allow for more walkable neighbourhoods, better cycle access from residential areas to shops, and a safer, non-driven commute for school children. That will require planning and public input. For this reason, pre-implementation funding has been released to help make the changes people want and need.

“The pre-implementation stage funding enables KDC to complete designs, in collaboration with the community and key stakeholders. We are currently in the process of drafting concept plans and are anticipating engaging with the community in the months of June and July,” says Northland Transportation Alliance road safety representative, Nick Marshall.

Elected council members heard the first part of the plan last week. It includes safer walking and cycling, with a proposed dedicated cycle lane down Victoria Street, extended shared paths on both sides of Gordon Street, and better ways for pedestrians to cross Normanby Road, technically a state highway.

The first step in making a plan of how this may all work together will be engagement with schools, students and parents to ensure that any improvements

to footpaths and cycle lanes can assist in getting youngsters safely to class.

“There are a lot of schoolchildren who need to walk into town, and for them, this will be amazing,” said Councillor Eryn Wilson-Collins. “No one wants to see their kids cross that state highway; this is an amazing project for Dargaville.” ¢

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u by Andy Bryenton

Civic and political dignitaries, community and sports leaders, and a crew of more than 130 cyclists attended the official opening of the first section of the Kaihu Valley Trail last weekend.

The trail has been many years in the making and began as a concept as part of the Provincial Growth Fund, helmed by Shane Jones. Embraced by the Kaipara District Council and local sports, outdoors, cycling and regional development groups as a future tourism drawcard, the trail has slowly progressed along the old Kaihu Valley rail corridor.

“Other trails around New Zealand told us, ‘build it, and they will come. Build it, and the money will come’. So we did,” said project team leader Amanda Bennett, standing before the impressive Ahikiwi suspension bridge which carries the trail.

Members of Parliament Kelvin Davis and Willow-Jean Prime were equally enthusiastic.

“As MPs for Te Tai Tokerau, days like this are amazing. This type of investment in the region is excellent for locals, as well as for tourists and visitors,” said Ms Prime.

The KDC contingent at the ribbon cutting was strong, with councillors Lambeth, Nayyar, Paniora and deputy mayor Jonathan Larsen all coming to celebrate. Seeing large numbers of cyclists make the trek confirmed the faith successive councils have placed in the trail’s construction, said the deputy mayor.

Mr Larsen cut the ribbon in conjunction with Willow-Jean Prime.

“This is an important and exciting day for Kaipara,” he said. “I have been in council for four terms now, and a cycle trail through Kaihu Valley has been on the table for a long time. This is a great achievement. There is still a little more to do to complete the entire trail, but this is a milestone.”

Mr Larsen thanked a wide range of people and groups, from locals in the valley region to the workers who built bridges, fences and roads, and the groups, such as Kaipara Cycling, which have promoted the project and the five marae along the route that have been very supportive. Ahikiwi Marae continued this tradition by hosting guests for an afternoon tea directly after the ribbon cutting. ¢

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p Councillor Eryn Wilson-Collins says a new, government-funded programme to make Dargaville safer and more connected will be good for citizens of all ages

p A blessing was enacted to confer auspicious fortune on the entire Kaihu Valley Trail, as the first section of the route was opened

Why every adult needs enduring powers of attorney

u by Dion Metcalf and Courtney Clarke

Many people understand the importance of having a will to ensure their wishes are carried out after they pass away. However, having enduring powers of attorney (EPOA) in place is just as important to protect yourself and your assets during your lifetime.

EPOA allow you to appoint someone you trust (and in certain circumstances, more than one person), referred to as your attorney, to manage your affairs when you are not in a position to do so yourself. While many people have heard of powers of attorney, most are not aware there are three types: general powers of attorney, enduring powers of attorney relating to property and enduring powers of attorney relating to personal care and welfare. The key difference between general powers of attorney and enduring powers of attorney is that a general power of attorney ceases to have effect if you lose mental capacity. An enduring power of attorney continues to operate even after you lose mental capacity.

For example, if you were to develop dementia or be in a coma, you would need someone to make decisions on your behalf. Without EPOA, your loved ones would need to apply to the court to have a property manager or welfare guardian appointed to manage your affairs if you were to become incapacitated. It can be a costly and time-consuming process.

EPOA allows you to appoint someone in advance to make decisions on your behalf, without the need for court involvement. Your attorney could be a family member, friend or professional, such as a lawyer or an accountant. It’s important to choose people you trust and who understand your wishes.

Many people assume that EPOA is only necessary for the elderly, but accidents and illnesses can happen at any age. Having EPOA in place can ensure your affairs are managed by the people you trust. It’s recommended that every adult should have EPOA in place, regardless of their age or health status.

The two types of EPOA relate to Property and to Personal Care and Welfare. Put simply, Property EPOA cover financial and property decisions, and Personal Care and Welfare EPOA cover health, welfare and end-of-life decisions.

Setting up EPOA is a relatively simple process. You will need to engage a lawyer to prepare the documents for you. The cost will depend on the complexity of your situation and the type of EPOA you require.

EPOA do not take away your ability to make decisions for yourself while you have capacity and wish to remain in control of your affairs. When setting up your EPOA, you can choose whether your Property EPOA should come into effect, while you have mental capacity and continue if you lose mental capacity or whether it should only come into effect if you become mentally incapacitated. However, your Personal Care and Welfare EPOA can only come into effect

if you become mentally incapacitated. A person becomes mentally incapable when a medical professional or the Family Court judges that they lack the requisite capacity to make decisions regarding their affairs.

It is important to note that you must have mental capacity at the time you enter into your EPOA, so don’t leave it until it’s too late. WRMK Lawyers’ experienced life planning team can help with setting up your EPOA, so please give us a call. ¢

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District Plan: refined not rejected

u by Andy Bryenton

Discussions at May’s Kaipara District Council briefing session turned to the necessity for completing the long-developed Kaipara District Plan, a roadmap for zoning, progress and resource management.

With Resource Management Act Reforms from the government imminent but still not well-detailed, some thought that pushing ahead would be futile. Others among the elected members expressed a desire to keep the many years of work already gone into the plan.

A compromise was reached that will see a working party formed to shape the existing structure of the District Plan, making it fit for purpose during the period between the adoption of the new RMA and its implementation, which will see planning for all of Northland mandated by a single overarching, non-elected board.

“The new working party is composed of Councillors Gordon Lambeth, Jonathan Larsen, Ron Manderson and Mark Vincent, and a yet-to-be-appointed external Resource Management Act expert,” says KDC spokesperson Maia Renner.

“The decision comes after some elected members raised concerns about the current approach to the District Plan Review process at a briefing earlier this month. The ability for new elected

Milestone May for remediation group

u by Andy Bryenton

On Mother’s Day last month, Kaiwaka residents turned out to help plant trees along the town’s riverbank, in just one of a host of planting initiatives spearheaded by Kaipara Moana Remediation.

The planting event, supported by Kaipara District Council, Te Uri o Hau Environs, Rural Design nursery, Kaiwaka School and EmGuards, was one of many. The very next day, more trees were planted with the help of Kaiwaka School. Across the district, KMR has the goal of planting 400,000 trees this winter, part of a plan to put 20 million in the ground this decade.

members to ‘own’ the new plan and the impact of the central government’s RMA reforms were highlighted, as well as whether the new plan will sufficiently enable growth and development within the district.”

The current Kaipara Operative District Plan dates from 2013 and is in need of replacement. Government RMA and local governance reforms are before parliament now. The working party approach keeps the work on a new plan alive while legislation which may affect it drastically firms up.

It’s an ambitious project that will help improve water quality across the entire Kaipara Harbour catchment and its many tributaries. In May, the KMR team were able to tick off many of their early goals.

“We reached an important milestone this month; we have now been operational for a year and a half. I’m humbled by what my team and the programme have achieved in that time, working alongside you all,” says KMR pou tātaki (leader) Justine Daw.

One-third of pastoral landowners within the Kaipara catchment are now on board with KMR initiatives, with 135

hectares of native plants in the ground and more than 400 kilometres of riparian fencing erected.

“On May 1, we reached another important milestone in receiving governance approval to broaden KMR sediment reduction co-investments across the wider landscape, particularly on eroding hill country,” says Justine.

Until last month, KMR co-funding had primarily focussed on fencing and planting projects near waterways. Now comes an expansion into native tree planting of erodible hill slopes. Tackling erosion helps stop sediment from reaching the harbour, where it can cause damage to the ecosystem.

p “This is the most effective way to get through the work required to determine the future direction of the District Plan,” says Mayor Jepson, pictured here with working group chair Jonathan Larsen

p Locals get out in force to support Kaipara Moana Remediation’s big Mother’s Day planting event in Kaiwaka

A church full of music

u by Andy Bryenton

A concert celebrating one of Dargaville’s most historic musical instruments proved a hit with the audience and provided a chance to hear new songs dedicated to the town.

The Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Dargaville hosted a capacity crowd on the last Sunday in May as music lovers gathered for a much-anticipated concert. Featuring organist Michael Bell from Auckland and accordionist Kevin Friedrich from New York, the performance celebrated the recent refurbishment of the pipe organ, which graces the house of worship.

This instrument was commissioned by the family of town founder Joseph Dargaville, and its recent refurbishment marks only the second time in its history that it has required major work. The upgraded organ contains many modern features but still allows the use of the

original organ pipes from 1925, which produce a rich and awe-inspiring sound.

“The concert included the world premiere of Dargaville Impressions by well-known English composer Ian Watson, a moving tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the premiere of renowned New Zealand composer Gary Daverne’s organ and accordion adaptation of his work Song of the Far North,” says Kevin Friedrich.

Gary Daverne was in attendance at the concert to hear his works come to life. The composer surprised the audience, by accepting an on-the-spot offer to guest conduct the North Shore Accordion Orchestra.

Mayor’s Message

Greetings,

Firstly, a hearty warm welcome to our recently anointed citizens. I was proud to be part of the ceremony in Dargaville celebrating and recognising fourteen Kaipara residents of different nationalities. To the new citizens, I am glad you have chosen to make New Zealand and specifically Kaipara District your future home. Welcome.

It’s been good to talk with so many of you at the recent market events where Council has had a stand. I know many of us (both elected members and Council staff) go to these markets regularly in a personal capacity and we have enjoyed attending as representatives of KDC to talk with the community and discuss what Council does.

In the last Council meeting elected members made the decision to opt out of our membership from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ was created in the 1980s to represent the national interests of councils in New Zealand). Personally I could not see enough benefit in remaining subscribed to LGNZ – we were simply not getting our value for money. The decision will save KDC approx. $48,000 per annum. We are running a lean outfit where every dollar counts, and are continually looking for ways we can trim Council budgets. It’s not just the cost. Arguments that KDC needed to stay in LGNZ to be able to collectively lobby central government on issues have fallen short – local council-led action groups such as

0800 727 059

council@kaipara.govt.nz

www.kaipara.govt.nz

Communities 4 Local Democracy –formed outside of LGNZ to advocate for better solutions than the Three Waters proposals – are a case in point. We can and have built strong relationships and strategic alliances with other Councils on our own, and will continue to do so.

On a final note, I am pleased that Muddy Waters Gallery, the Dargaville Community Cinema Charitable Trust together with Council staff have worked constructively on a temporary solution that will enable the Cinema to operate. Particular thanks must go to John Pickworth and the Muddy Waters Gallery for offering up their space for the cinema ticket office. I’m confident that collectively the groups will continue working on a more permanent solution for further down the track, once the annex is demolished. Pleased to see such a positive outcome, a win for everyone, but most especially the community.

Michael and Kevin were

by

Auckland. All proceeds from the concert go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the organ for future generations of music lovers. ¢

Speed limit drop deferred

u by Andy Bryenton

Feedback from the public and recommendations from roading management and safety experts is driving a significant speed limit review across the west Kaipara area.

Main roads heading to beachside settlements such as Baylys Beach, Glinks Gully and Poutō could be slashed from 100km/h to 80km/h, while nearly all gravel roads in the Kauri Coast are set to be reduced to 60km/h. Further restrictions, as low as 30km/h, will likely now prevail in townships and around schools.

An interim speed management plan was presented to the Kaipara District Council for approval last week, authored by Natasha Brown and reviewed by the Northland Transportation Alliance’s Elizabeth Stacey. Members of the public submitted 148 recommendations and comments.

“In preparing new speed limits, consistency is one factor that is considered, alongside all the other factors that must be considered,” said Ms Brown.

“To limit changes in speed limits and to maintain consistency with national speed management guidance, short speed limit zones are avoided wherever practicable, except in an urban setting where slower variable school speed zones may be required.”

Kaipara District

Mayor

Craig Jepson

This level of public debate led to debate in the council, too. A final decision was put off until July, with a panel convened comprising Councillors Gordon Lambeth,

Rachael Williams, and Eryn Wilson-Collins now set to work through changes to the proposed speed plan.

That has led to large sections of roads with reduced speed limits, even though some submissions supported retaining 100km/h limits on specific major arterials. The changes, when accepted, will not immediately pass into law, as new signage will be required to inform motorists of the alterations. ¢

p Composer Gary Daverne takes to the conductor’s podium to lead an orchestra of accordions at a recent celebratory concert

assisted

local musicians Joan Emmett Brown and Linda Emmett Litt, and Lionel Reekie and the North Shore Accordion Orchestra from

New leaders named Engaging literacy for children

u by Andy Bryenton

Northland’s Civil Defence leadership met on June 6, and the first item on their agenda was the membership of this governing group.

The Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is led by Graeme MacDonald. It incorporates representatives from councils, emergency services and first responders, coordinating plans to save lives and avert the worst impact of disasters. It was recently put to the test by the weather events surrounding Cyclone Gabrielle.

“This group gathers regularly to talk about civil defence matters at a governance level, and works together to minimise the potential effects of hazards,’ said spokesperson Laura Exton.

Kaipara is well represented around the table after last Tuesday’s announcement of new appointments and roll-over positions. Councillor Gordon Lambeth remains part of the core group, alongside councillors from the Far North and NRC, Mayor Cocurullo of Whangārei, and an observer from the National Emergency Management Agency. The region’s police superintendent and fire brigade commander are also included.

KDC chief executive Jason Marris joins the Civil Defence coordinating executive group, which helps put plans into practice. He’s joined in this capacity by police, fire brigade and ambulance

leaders, health representatives and iwi representatives, including Te Roroa’s Snow Tane, well known for his cultural and ecological advocacy in Kaipara. KDC manager John Burt also plays a key role as a group controller, and as one of two local controllers for Kaipara, alongside Alistair Dunlop. ¢

u by Amy Fifita

The Storylines National Story Tour appeared at Paparoa School recently as part of an annual event funded by the Children’s Literature Charitable Trust.

“Events like this are a huge bonus to our tamariki as it gives them direct contact with local authors and illustrators, which is often highly motivating for both reading and writing,” says teacher Julie Harper.

Students were visited by Wellington-based author Eiryls Hunter and illustrator and professional wrestler Michel Mulipola. Eiryls shared how she got ideas for stories and did a booking reading of her book, The Mapmakers’ Race. Originally from London, she moved to Wellington in 1983 and writes books and anthologies for various ages.

“Michel was particularly exciting for the children as he has such a broad range of skills. It is not often you get to meet someone who is a talented illustrator, animator, collector of superhero figures, and is a professional wrestler.”

Currently, Michel is working with Walt Disney Animation Studios creating story

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p Kaipara councillor Gordon Lambeth retains his leadership role in Northland’s Civil Defence group following last Tuesday’s appointments and membership meeting

p Author Eiryls Hunter and illustrator Michel Munipola shared their creative journey with students at Paparoa School

A memorable birthday milestone Taking control of crime

u by Shane Jones, Northland NZ First candidate

Northland has had an awful run of conspicuous criminal activity; it is alarming and undermines the positive features of living in this temperate part of New Zealand.

The death of the Kaikohe woman in her home, the slaying of the young man in the Gull service station, Whangārei, the bashing of the health workers at the Hokianga Hospital and the ram-raiding casts a bleak pall over our entire region.

So what to do? Firstly our local law enforcement needs visibility and a focus on the front line. Neighbourhood watch groups need funding support, especially in our smaller centres.

It is fruitless to wrangle over whether Covid lockdowns or systemic welfarerelated problems are driving this behaviour. Overall, we need to drive deterrence before we leap to rehabilitating every waster.

Many offenders will not change until they are removed from their environment. Residential facilities for youth offenders need to be increased. Such a regime of structure and routine may be the first time they have had to live with boundaries.

Constantly, Wellington tells us they have a joined-up approach and integrated working parties. None of this is making our communities feel safer. A daily dose of vigorous policing will work better than a thousand official talkfests.

We have too many young men and women on welfare in the north. As we scurry for workers, it is imperative that those who receive income and do nothing are made to work. There are no rights without responsibilities and obligations.

Apparently, it is hard to get people work-ready. Time to change that tune. Welfare reform needs to ensure that Northland households and whānau appreciate that work means dignity and contribution to the life of our community and economy. ¢

u by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville’s Bupa Kauri Coast Care Home has reached a 25-year milestone, with staff and residents reflecting on a quarter century of support and progress.

“When members of our whānau become lonely or isolated living at home on their own, moving into Kauri Coast provides an opportunity to meet new friends. We’re an integral part of our community here on the west coast; there are many Dargavillians in our care,” says care home manager Karen Duncan.

The site once housed accommodation for Catholic nuns, who were often engaged in work supporting the elderly. While Kauri Coast’s mission is secular, their care for their residents shares a similar level of dedication.

“We know the transition into care can be a difficult decision, but our residents and team here are so welcoming,” says Karen. “We also have strong links with local schools, kapa haka groups, the bridge group, Te Ha, singing groups and local entertainers who come to visit or perform for us. It ensures our residents feel like they are still part of the wider community.”

That connection extends to the staff at Kauri Coast, many of whom have served a large percentage of those 25 years. Karen says that at least one member of the team has been on board since day one, and this continuity helps create a caring culture and a more familiar atmosphere.

Centenarian and recently arrived resident Betty Rope agreed. “I am so well cared for and looked after. The staff are lovely. My brother was a resident here, and I’d often come to visit him. I never thought I would be a resident myself, but I love it.” ¢

p Staff and residents of Dargaville’s Bupa Kauri Coast Care Home reflect on the home’s 25th anniversary

Speak up for local parks

u by Andy Bryenton

A round of funding is open now to help communities upgrade their green spaces and parks across the region, paid for by contributions from property development.

The fund is open for applications now, considering communitybased projects ranging from $2,000 to more than $20,000. The ability for communities district-wide to apply for funds from a central pool was a Kaipara innovation that has been well received.

“Kaipara District Council is the first council to set aside a portion of the reserve contributions as a district-wide contestable fund,” said then-incumbent KDC Grants Committee chair Peter Wethey. “This will have a major impact on the development of community facilities.”

Last year, similar funding was utilised by various parks and recreational spaces in towns across Kaipara. Kaipara Cycling was granted money to build a bike trail for beginners, while Kaiwaka and Mangawhai park facilities were upgraded. Maungatūroto received monies to build a walkway to the town’s wharf, and the Paparoa village green received enhancement.

‘The objective of the policy is to help groups create, improve and reprioritise

Dancing in line

how open spaces and reserves are used in their communities,’ states the KDC’s grants application for 2023. ‘Projects could include adding capacity or enhancing existing open spaces through landscaping, equipment provision or developing walking tracks.’

Community groups seeking to upgrade their local open spaces should apply online at kaipara.govt.nz, under the Reserve Contributions Fund, or contact community engagement advisor Jenny Rooney for information on how to structure an application. Applications are open until July 17. ¢

p A mountain biker descends through Harding Park’s trails — now the fund which helped upgrade the park is open for further applications

p Sharyn Waterman reached out to the community after Whangārei-based dance instructor Donna Bryant asked if people would be interested in learning line dancing. Both ladies have enjoyed line dancing for at least 20 years. The lessons are every Thursday at the Dargaville Dalmatian Hall starting at 10.30am. “Come along, it is good exercise for the body and the mind, and you get to meet fun people,” instructor Donna said.

DRIER, HEALTHIER

Heated by history

u by Amy Fifita

Various technologies, some similar to what is used today, were used to keep people warm throughout the time before the convenience and common occurrence of modern heat pumps and HRV systems.

Many civilisations played a hand in what simple heating is today, from the Egyptians to the Romans and even stoneage people. The necessity to stay warm was a basic survival instinct and began with fire.

As the idea developed, heating was moved inside with some form of chimney to guide the smoke outdoors. The ancient Egyptians promoted heat with their inventions of using bellows to

fan the flames increasing the warmth of the fire.

Underfloor heating technology was known in Korea in 1000BC. They used ondols, a system using heat from a fire to warm their stone floors. King Arzawa had a heating system installed in Turkey in 1300BC, and during the Ottoman Empire, this technology was used for the Turkish Baths. Although, earlier heating systems were discovered in Mongolia and China.

This idea was further developed by the Romans and was the pinnacle of what we refer to as a central heating system. The ancient Greeks also used the technology and utilised flues to transfer heat from fires. However, credit is often given to the Romans.

It was used to heat more than the flooring but could warm the whole lodging. In those times, it was called the hypocaust and would consist of hollow spaces under the floor that were situated above a fire chamber.

The same idea is still used today in various places worldwide such as England. The modern system uses hollow

tiles and flues to achieve the same idea, and the heating is done by either a boiler or furnace.

In New Zealand, heat pumps are commonplace in homes. Peter von Rittinger built the first heat pump built in Austria in 1856. However, the idea of the technology can be found further back in history. Similar inventions were designed in the 1700s.

Over time, various civilisations have added and improved the idea of heated spaces to what it is nowadays. Many heating methods used today are a variation of older inventions or designs. ¢

p The hypocaust was a technology created by the Romans to heat large spaces using pockets of air and fire

WARMER, DRIER,

Get the most from your firewood

u by Andy Bryenton

The weather has turned decidedly chilly, and with winter now properly here, people’s thoughts are turning to the cheerful glow and warmth of a well-stocked fireplace.

While the wild weather of February is likely to have supplied many of us with large stocks of firewood, the time has come to get the covers off those nicely seasoned stacks and make them ready for the grate. For kindling, a good, sharp singlehanded small axe is still best. Whip down to your local hardware and outdoor tools specialist for a sharpen-up if yours has lost its edge over the summer.

Despite being initially developed to fell tall timber, small utility chainsaws get a lot of use this time of year as fireplaces become the heart of the winter home. A sharp chain with good tension and a motor which starts easily are more than just conveniences; they are vital for the safe operation of your saw. If it’s running poorly or cutting badly, give it some attention rather than taking a risk.

Then again, if pull starts and fuel mixing are getting you down, perhaps

a shift in technology is in order. Battery technology has put an end to small, firewood-cutting chainsaws with long and unwieldy extension cords. Now you have a choice of a range of small chainsaws which pack a lithium-ion battery and can work for hours between charges. They are also surprisingly light and getting lighter each year. The range for 2023 will surprise you with its power and lack of mess and fuss.

When your wood is cut into kindling, small rounds (of about the width of your forearm) and heavier, stubby logs, it’s time to craft a fire which will get the most from it. Start by opening the fireplace damper to get oxygen flowing. Then heat the flue by burning a rolledup newspaper within the firebox until the smoke begins to strongly draw up the chimney.

Now it’s time to stack your logs, with the largest at the bottom, facing front-to-back on the grate. Pile smaller ones on top left-to-right, at right angles, to the big logs. It will give you plenty of airflow to get the fire started. Kindling should be criss-crossed over this pile, with a firelighter or balled-up newspaper (not this one, last week’s edition, please) at the very top. ¢

Ph:

SOLAR POWER (PV PANELS / SOLAR WATER)

with a Marshall Heater®/Boiler

Marae

p For safety’s sake, make sure your chimney is swept, your chainsaw is running well and is sharp, and you have all the necessary protective gear before cutting wood this winter

WARMER, DRIER,

Is your home up to code?

u by Andy Bryenton

There are strict rules in place to ensure that homes rented out to tenants meet certain health standards, but many privately owned homes may not stack up. How about yours?

Health department research shows a link between cold, damp and mouldy homes and adverse health outcomes, particularly for illnesses such as asthma

and cardiovascular conditions. It isn’t controversial or new science. It’s so well established that private landlords have been compelled to comply with specific standards since 2021. For the rest of us, those standards provide a good baseline to see if our own homes are ready to face winter.

Heating — The Healthy Homes standard states that every home must have one or more fixed heat sources, with a minimum of one in the living room. Portable heaters, or unhealthy or inefficient ones don’t count. For most homes, a heat pump is a common choice, though in rural areas, a woodburning fire, gas fire or pellet heater is also popular. It means that primarily heating your home with small fan heaters, gas bottle heaters, electric fires or oil column heaters is not advised; save small heaters for smaller rooms.

Insulation — Rental homes must have underfloor insulation, if it can be installed, and ceiling insulation with a resistance value of at least 2.9. Even with advanced new materials, this usually means roof insulation at least 12cm thick or more. If your ceiling insulation has crumbled or shrunk below this limit, your home may not be getting the protection it needs to be considered healthy.

Ventilation — The rules state that every room must have a window that opens to the outdoors, but, more importantly, all bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens must have a powerful fan extraction system. Drainage and drips — There’s no tolerance for leaks, leaky gutters or lack of stormwater drainage in the Healthy Homes code. Water getting in can cause rot, mould, fungus and illness, and weathertightness is an absolute dealbreaker for a home to be considered healthy.

Draughts — Understandably, any gap that produces a noticeable draught must be blocked, whether under a door, through a cracked window or even via a disused fireplace.

How does your home compare to these minimum standards for landlords?

If there’s an area where your property needs attention, call the professionals in to help cure those winter ills. Doing so could save both your health and that of your home in the long run. ¢

p Taking care of your home means taking care of your own good health, especially when winter chills come knocking

UN praises Kiwi dairy farms

u by Andy Bryenton

The global day chosen by the United Nations to celebrate the importance of milk to the cuisine, economy and wellbeing of the world has identified New Zealand as the most efficient dairy farming nation.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) launched world milk day in 2001, and this year they put the focus on the carbon emissions efficiency of modern dairying. With controversy swirling in New Zealand politics over regulation and taxation of our dairy herd’s emissions, one could be forgiven for thinking that Kiwi farms are a problem. However, the FAO’s research proved that New Zealand has a carbon footprint for on-farm milk production 70 per cent lower than the global average.

“To continue the progress, Dairy New Zealand is investing in R&D alongside sector and research partners to build understanding of methane-reducing technologies,” said DNZ’s CEO, Dr Tim Mackle, responding to this news.

“We should all be proud of our dairy farmers for helping maintain New Zealand’s success, producing more environmentally efficient products while supporting communities and the economy. Dairy provides jobs for 50,000 Kiwis and brings in about $22 billion of export earnings a year, which leads to about $50 billion in New Zealand’s economy.”

The revelation that Kiwi dairy farmers are confirmed world leaders came on

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World Milk Day, June 1. By coincidence, this is the occasion formerly known as ‘gypsy day’ on dairy farms across the country, when new sharemilking contracts go live, and farmers take possession of new properties.

Dr Mackle and other pundits within the industry say that the FAO’s finding point out two truths. Firstly, the dairy industry in New Zealand has taken it upon itself, in the absence of an emissions trading scheme, to make great leaps forward in environmental responsibility.

Secondly, the FAO has reinforced the warning many in the dairy community have voiced in recent times. If Kiwi dairy farms, now confirmed to be 70 per cent more carbon friendly than some foreign counterparts, are driven out of business by overregulation and the creep of carbon-related non-indigenous forestation, other nations with a worse environmental pedigree will pick up the slack. The demand for milk

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Warren: 027 391 4777

p United Nations Food and Agriculture director-general Qu Dongyu has confirmed that New Zealand dairy farms are the most carbon efficient on the planet is not decreasing. The more of it which comes from New Zealand, the better — for the economy and, it seems, for the planet.

ADVERTORIAL

Branching out in Aratapu

u by Andy Bryenton

Paddock Plants is a new endeavour that has been growing near Aratapu since 2021, and is now ready to welcome locals, keen to invigorate and revegetate their farms and outdoor areas.

“We were working nearly every Saturday during the last two years to realise our dream,” says Andrea Schmid, one-half of the team behind Paddock Plants with her partner David.

“The nursery is located on Maxwell Road, just before Aratapu, and was part of David’s family farm. His family have been growing kūmara and raising lambs there for three generations.”

“We wanted to diversify the farm and also be able to offer value to the rural community,” says Andrea. “We both felt there was a lack of support, knowledge and supply to help farmers and lifestyle block owners to create a more resilient, sustainable and healthy farming environment in the Dargaville area.”

That lack was reflected in the absence of a large commercial garden centre in Dargaville able to provide plants and the advice it takes to see them thrive. Expanding into this niche took a lot of forward planning, hence the two-year hiatus for Andrea and David as they established their nursery and cultivated a crop for opening day on June 1 this year.

“Our goal is to offer customised solutions, affordable, healthy and strong plants and be able to share our knowledge and experience within the community,” says Andrea.

In this regard, she comes well qualified. Andrea has trained as a landscape architect in Germany, having studied the many skills and disciplines required to plan verdant, living outdoor spaces. Since

arriving on these shores, she has contracted her services to other professionals around Northland. Now she’s meeting the local market directly.

There’s been help along the way from local groups that seek to incubate and promote new business. The Seed co-working space, Northland Inc and Business Mentors New Zealand all receive praise from the Paddock Plants team for their input, among a long list of other locals who have shown support.

What began as a project during the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2021 has grown to become a small oasis of greenery situated near the riverside settlement of Aratapu. Now, as Paddock Plants open to the public, Andrea and David have a large range of shelter and hedging plants, natives, revegetation species, landscape grasses and essentials and fruit trees on offer.

Andrea says that her particular focus is on developing a healthy, well-balanced and strong root system, which is the key to successfully establishing plants on-site. ¢

p Andrea and David of Paddock Plants are now open for business three days a week, with green and growing solutions for better outdoor spaces

Second season discoveries

u by Amy Fifita

Northland Agricultural Research Farm and the Northland Dairy Development Trust invited farmers to its annual field day recently to share year two of its findings for its current alternative pastures and low-emission farming systems.

“We are at the end of the second year of the trial. All farms we are researching have the same type of soil and experience the same weather,” says NDDT coordinator Kim Robinson.

The study compares alternative pastures and low-emissions farms with the ‘current farm’, which is used as the control in their experiments. No nitrogen fertiliser was used on the low-emission farm, and the system stabilised in the second year of the trial.

After the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, the trial stopped and some information was modelled as a result. There was also an outbreak of tropical armyworm caterpillars.

“What sets us apart is that these farms are run by farmers who make the decisions and have a scientific overlay. This year we had a wetter summer and got to see how the pastures did with flooding. We got some good learnings, and it shows why it is important to do multiple years of the trial.”

The alternative pastures benefitted from the wetter summer compared to the current farm system. The milk solids rose from 794 kilograms of milk solids a hectare to 910kgMS a hectare on the low emissions farmlet, which they think

p

may be from the high clover content and a change in grazing strategies.

The 2022–2023 season showed promising results for the farming system compared to the current and alternative pasture farmlets. Last year, the results for the low-emission farmlet were poor regarding productivity and profitability.

In comparison to the current farming system, the low-emissions farm saw a 29% reduction in methane a hectare

DR & BA

GRANT ENGINEERING

Stainless welding

• Milking Machinery testing & quality control (same day repairs)

exceeding the target by four per cent. There was a 44% reduction in nitrous oxide emission and a reduction of 16% in methane for a kilogram of milk solids.

This year, the operating profit across all three farms was more balanced than the 2021–2022 season with the $8.20kgMS price. The current farm had the lowest of $1,912, alternative pastures profited at $2,707, and the low emissions farm received $2,282. ¢

Stay in the race with limeROC Stay in the race with limeROC

Chris Boom addressing the crowd about the pastures at the Northland Agricultural Research Farm

Ongoing assistance required for recovery

u by Amy Fifita

While Cyclone Gabrielle is a memory for many, the long-term financial damage remains for many farmers whose livelihood is the land.

“The damage has primarily been to on-farm infrastructure such as fences, tracks and accessways, dams, culverts, bridges, water reticulation and slipping, which causes revenue losses through destocking. Most of these costs are not insurable,” says Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor.

Cyclone Gabrielle ravaged the Kaipara leaving many paddocks underwater and roads blocked by fallen trees or flooding.

“The direct on-farm impacts of the extreme weather events in January and February on North Island sheep and beef farmers are in the range of $367–$422 million.

“More than 90% of the estimated impact was due to infrastructure damage because livestock losses were expected to be low at a regional or industry level, although some individual farmers suffered high levels of livestock losses.”

There is still more work to be done for beef and lamb farmers to recover from the damages of the weather events at the start of this year.

“While farmers and growers appreciate the financial assistance made available by the government in the aftermath of Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary Weekend event, it is clear that considerably more financial investment is necessary.

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“The results of these events will have a significant impact on farming businesses and communities for a number of years. However, those impacts are unlikely to be easily identified in industry-level statistics, and that is why it was essential for us to quantify the impacts and inform the government.

“Where infrastructure damage is significant, the impacts can be varied and both short and long-term. Farmers had to deal with immediate concerns such as livestock welfare but also faced ongoing implications around land management and financial stability.

“It’s important that farmers have some certainty so they can manage through the coming months and beyond. Anything that can be done to ease the fiscal burden and speed up the recovery will mean that farmers can more quickly get back to contributing to their local communities and New Zealand’s economy.” ¢

p Parts of Kaipara were heavily flooded as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, and farmers are still recovering from the financial impact

Photo: Samuel Davidson

A dog’s tail …

About Feel Daze an’ pork cracklin’

“Tell yer wot Dog, my head is reeling with wot’s all going on ina werld these days.” Gidday readas, that’s Boss agin when we was havin’ a look roun’ the farm stock ana troffs, an’ finces and so on after all the reiny days we bin havin’, wen we stopped for a sitdown ina sunshine ona hill top above the homested.

Boss rung on his sell fone ter his gerlfren’ Sharlene an’ she was comin’ up the hill ona Big Red Quod wiv smoko ina sunshine, an’ she put downa tray, and asked Boss wot he looked wurried for.

“It’s all this stuff happinin’,” Boss sed. “Blimmin’ ‘lections stuff, govinmint policy

changin’, Mystery Creek nek wekend an’ we made no plans yet, an’ now I here that National’s gonna resume genetic modification an’ engineerin’ if they win the ‘lection.”

Sharlene pored cupptees and flicked me a pikelit wile Boss was busy talkin’.

“Well Deah,” she sed. “I reckin we need ter support that idea ata ‘lections. I always reckined GE an’ GM, for short, wood be good ona farm.”

She had her sell fone and prissed sum buttins, and read in her skoolteecher voice: “This can mean increased crop yields, reduced costs for food or drug production, reduced need for pesticides, enhanced nutrient composition and food quality, resistance to pests and disease, greater food security, and medical benefits to the world’s growing population.” She stopt an’ hada breather.

“That’s wot I herd before,” sed Boss. “Seems we all laggin’ behind the rest ofa werld, evin them Ozzies. And more food grown, like here ona farm, jus’ gotta bring lower prices ina shops for Kiwi families eh? Help tha cost of livin’ heeps.”

Sharlene lookt atta sell fone agen. “New Zealand has got genetically modified grasses in labs, which would significantly

reduce our agricultural emissions, but our restrictive, outdated rules currently mean no GE crops can be grown in New Zealand. GE crops can also be used to resist pests without the use of pesticides, keeping waterways clean.”

Boss hada big smile. “Seems a darn good idea. My mate Plumba reckins we shud head ter Feel Daze ‘cos they gonna be hearin’ more about it there. One big thing they rekin it cood grow grasses ter cut our farm emissions. It sounds like a no-blimmin’-brainer eh?”

Well, Sharlene pored more cuppatees, an’ then she sed she reckind her an’ Boss shud go ter Feel Daze. She giver me a pat. “Not you Billy, but I rung me mum an’ she’ll come an’ see yer.”

I just looked a bit sad to keep up ‘pearances. “Good idea, Deah,” seda Boss. “We kin check up ona Taxpayers’ Roadshow there, ter stop the guvmint’s co-governin’ the Resource Management Act, like they tried wiv Three Waters. Let’s go an’ pack a bag and gas up tha ute.”

Well readas, eye not evin wurried bein’ left behind. Sharlene’s mum’s a pushover

for pork cracklin’ an’ yummy stuff froma kitchen table fer me tea. Don’t hurry back then Boss.

See ya!

Cheers — Billy ¢

DARGAVILLE

Old Charm New Vibe

A fully renovated bungalow on a flat quarter acre section, smartly presented inside and out. Open plan living flows to the private north facing deck. Three large double bedrooms, well lit kitchen, bathrooms and laundry with second toilet are also modern. A lock up garage and carport, newly concreted drive and raised garden beds complete this delightful home. Give us a call today to book a private viewing.

3 1 2

BY NEGOTIATION

VIEW

By Appointment Only

Cindy Younger

M 027 278 2309

E cindy.younger@pggwrightson.co.nz

Keegan Dalbeth

M 027 250 7575

E keegan.dalbeth@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/DAG37964

DARGAVILLE

Cute as a Butter Cup

This charming two-bedroom home has stunning native timber polished floors, kitchen with separate dining and adjoining lounge. A new heat pump, fireplace and heat transfer system, while modern aluminium windows with double glazing hold in the warmth. A family bathroom and a separate shower is available in the laundry. On a flat section this property has two single garages and a carport, this home is insulated in the floors and ceiling and meets the healthy home standards and has a new concrete driveway.

Give us a call to arrange a viewing.

pggwre.co.nz/DAG37935

PAPAROA

Sheltered Bare Grazing Block

Mains power supply on-site

• 24 hectares - 95% effective grazing

• Good storage shed

• Dam water with water pumped to all troughs

On tarseal road

Multiple access points off sealed road

No covenants for building or relocating a home

A great small run-off block that has been grazing up to 100 head of cattle. North facing bowl, the block is sheltered and divided into raced paddocks for ease of grazing. Tidy fencing, good dam supplying troughs in all paddocks. Good storage shed with yards beside it.

pggwre.co.nz/DAG37998

$499,000

GST Inclusive

VIEW By Appointment Only

Megan Browning

M 027 668 8468

E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz

2 1 2

BY NEGOTIATION

VIEW By Appointment Only

Keegan Dalbeth

M 027 250 7575

E keegan.dalbeth@pggwrightson.co.nz

Cindy Younger

M 027 278 2309

E cindy.younger@pggwrightson.co.nz

ARANGA, DARGAVILLE

What an Outlook

4.7 hectares and a large four bedroom home overlooking rural farm land. Storage sheds and double garage plus workshop and an added extra a room on the side that could be a family room/extra bedroom. The grazing land is clean and would suit horses, or stock. The added bonus with this lifestyle block is all the farm sheds that come with it - if you were looking for a place to start a business from home then these could be handy. Or use for calf rearing or storage. Could also suit as a holiday home with the Bluff at Aranga handy. Subject to title.

pggwre.co.nz/DAG37834

4 1 3

$525,000

VIEW By Appointment Only

Megan Browning

M 027 668 8468

E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz

PUZZLE TIME

Jumbo crossword

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Occur, 4 Identical twins, 11 Trout, 14 Brain, 15 Documentary, 16 Garrison, 19 Console, 20 Thigh, 21 Audacious, 24 Pseudonym, 26 Sturdy, 27 Shrill, 31 Trait, 32 Princess, 34 Thoroughly, 38 Staunch, 39 Stable, 40 Uneasy, 41 Code, 42 Accepts, 45 Charitable, 50 Settled, 54 Path, 55 Mutate, 56 Forbid, 57 Resolve, 60 Carelessly, 61 Navigate, 62 Ebbed, 65 Jargon, 66 Astray, 67 Oppressed, 72 Straining, 73 Demon, 74 Advance, 79 Au revoir, 80 Harpsichord, 81 Sloop, 82 Sober, 83 As mad as a hatter, 84 Cycle.

DOWN: 2 Cordon, 3 Units, 5 Drop, 6 Naughty, 7 Ice age, 8 Acts, 9 Tortuous, 10 Static, 11 Throughout, 12 Oast, 13 Tuneful, 17 Cloud, 18 Hard cheese, 22 Mourn, 23 Night owl, 25 Seizure, 26 Suspect, 28 Critic, 29 Member, 30 Crisis, 33 Notch, 35 Yield, 36 Scot, 37 Numb, 42 Aspic, 43 Caterers, 44 Squash, 45 Cradle song, 46 Apex, 47 Infancy, 48 Arrive, 49 Lying, 51 Eyed, 52 Trouble, 53 Envied, 58 Almost over, 59 Stern, 63 Drunkard, 64 Aside, 65 Jigsaws, 68 Prophet, 69 Marina, 70 Perish, 71 Scroll, 75 Alley, 76 Grub, 77 Opus, 78 True.

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

WHAT’S ON?

June

Life’s a Bitch Comedy Night — 14th June. Arapohue Hall at 7–9pm. Tickets $10 (buy 2 or more and save 25%). Purchase online at humanitix.co.nz. Search Life’s A Bitch — Contains adult themes.

Kauri Coast Mountain Bike Park Fundraiser Trivia Night — 24th June 7pm at Northern Wairoa Boating Club. $120 per team up to 6 members — Good Prizes and Fun Night. Food available from 6pm. Contact Anna 021 160 7518 to register. Registrations close Friday 23rd June.

Markets

Kaihu Hall Market — 3rd Saturday each month

10am–noon. Phone Robin 09 439 4878.

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

Paparoa Artisan Market — 4th Sunday monthly

11am–3pm. Paparoa Memorial Hall.

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

Te Kopuru Market — 2nd Saturday of each month, 8am–12pm at Coronation Hall. Stall holders ring Rachel on 021 133 7560.

Clubs/Organisations

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

Alcoholics Anonymous — Dargaville AA meetings held at The Lighthouse Church, cnr Normanby & Parore Sts. Use Parore St entrance. Monday 4.30pm & Thursday 7.30pm Contact Bernie 027 212 2148, Ladies 020 4082 1373, Murray 09 439 5248.

Alzheimer’s ‘Carer’ Support Group — Contact Maxine on 022 691 6068.

Anger Management Group — Thursdays 6pm–7.30pm 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Helena 021 564 618 or 09 601 4153.

Badminton — Wednesday evenings 7pm–9pm at the Dargaville High School Gym. Phone 021 439 157.

Baylys & Beyond Gardeners — All welcome, 2nd Monday of each month, Garden ramble, shared lunch, trading table phone 021 063 3444.

Dargaville Aero Club — Learn to fly, free of tuition charges, Gyrocopter, Texan, Stork. Contact Peter 022 025 0235 for further info.

Dargaville Bowling Club Tuesday Bowls — Names by 9.30am, start 10am, finish 2.30pm. Contact Ray King 09 439 5509.

Dargaville Contract Bridge Club — Tuesdays 12.45pm and Thursdays 6.45pm at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan St, Dargaville. dargavillebridge@gmail.com or phone Peter 09 439 2437 or 022 405 6439.

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

Dargaville Friendship Club — meets 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10am at the NW Boating Club. For info phone Brian 09 439 5959.

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. Hours 9am–4pm April to October, 9am–5pm October to April. Volunteers, visitor hosts and members welcome. Phone 09 439 7555.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club — Open and operating Wednesday and Saturday. New members and volunteers welcome. Something to interest both men and women, come and get involved. Phone 021 106 3635 or 09 439 4614.

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

Kumarani Productions — Tuesdays Circus Kids 5–10 years at 3.45pm–4.45pm, Youth Circus 10–18 years

TIDE CHART

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.

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

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

Northern Wairoa Genealogy Society — Learn how to trace your family history or understand DNA at the Research Rooms, Dargaville Museum, 4th Sunday of each month, 12.30–2pm. Phone Sue 021 608 606.

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

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

Peggy Purls in our Community — Every 3rd Wednesday 10.30am at Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre, 59 Normanby St. Ring Charlene 09 439 6120. Petanque — social play. Mondays 9.15 till 11.30, $2, fun exercise, beginners welcome, all equipment supplied at Sportsville. Judy 09 439 7920.

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

Practising Presence — Mondays 6–7pm Coronation Hall, Te Kopuru. Led moving and sitting meditations. Remaining in the present moment is the key to inner peace but it takes practice! Exchange: $10 or what you can afford. Maureen 021 0231 8008. www. bringbalance.co.nz.

Recovery Support Group — Mondays 6.30pm– 9pm. 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Chrissy 09 601 4153 or 021 564 618.

Dargaville

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 2pm–5pm at theYugoslav Hall, 20 Normanby St. Contact Sharon 027 439 5634 or 09 439 5634 for more details.

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

Strength & Conditioning — Baylys Beach Community Centre, Mondays and Fridays. Small class groups. 9am–10am, $10 per session. If you’re 50+ and want to improve your movement as you age, this is the class for you. With some commitment you can gain strength as you condition your body for aging. Call Tony 022 311 8447.

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

BLACKBOARD CONCERT

CALLING

ALL MUSIC LOVERS

BYO instruments or just come to listen: All Welcome Ph 021 439 697 for more info

YOUR LOCAL GALLERY IS RELOCATING TO A NEW ADDRESS

We’re closed now, with a new venue coming soon!

Art classes & courses continue upstairs at the municipal building Hokianga Road

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE

12MM UTILITY Cladding 2,440 x 1,200 $89. 2,745 x 1,200 $99. Scooters Plywood 09 438 6565.

6,800 LITRE Stainless Steel Vat for sale $1,500 ono. Phone Chris 021 646 050.

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

FASHION FABRICS FROM $5 pm at Dargaville Sewing & Curtain Centre.

PATCHWORK FABRICS FROM $10pm at Dargaville Sewing & Curtain Centre.

QUILTS FOR SALE now HALF PRICE at Dargaville Sewing & Curtain Centre.

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

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

FENCING

FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458, $8.70 +GST.

FIREWOOD FOR SALE

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

FREE

PHONE 09 439 6933

TRADE & SERVICES

CARPET CLEANING, repairs, re-stretching, and patching. Flood drying and small carpet laying work and upholstery cleaning. Very fussy and reasonable prices. Phone Darren, Alltrades Carpet Services 0800 425 587 or 027 286 8584.

WATCH BATTERIES REPLACED. Repairs to clocks, watches, jewellery & reading glasses @ 97 Victoria Street. 10 till 12.30 Tuesday to Friday, 022 342 8183.

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 & Door Services Ltd.

Dargaville Bobcat Services

DEATH NOTICES

Godfrey, Darren Neale

Passed away on 1st June as a result of a tragic accident aged 33 years.

Loved Daddy of Elijah & Aria. Loved son of Maurice & Stepson of Pauline, Brother of Steven, Craig, Kayla & Scott. Loved grandson of Errol & Pam Godfrey. Nephew of Denise & Steve Sinclair and Graham Godfrey. Cousin of Samantha, Maddison & Jessica Sinclair and Cody and Zoe Godfrey.

Forever loved, never forgotten.

BEREAVEMENTS Groome, Allen Rex

HUNTERWAY DOG, 7

GARAGE SALE

BIG DESTASH 15 Colville Road Dargaville, Saturday 16th June, 8am - 12, cancelled if raining. Stereo, 40 in flat screen tv, pushchair & stroller, vintage cane dolls pram, dolls house, clothing, furniture and much more. No parking on grass please..

LIVESTOCK

GRAZING WANTED for 30–50 R1 in Dargaville area. Phone 022 376 5164.

HORSE, 15 hh, bomb-proof, out-of-work farm hack, 10 years old, suit experienced rider. Owner moving. $4,000. Phone 020 4081 5940 Dargaville.

LOST

IPHONE 6 Silver. Lost Tuesday the 6th June in Dargaville Central. Reward offered. Phone 021 241 5024, Dave Silby, 26 Gordon Street.

NURSERIES & PLANTS

GOT2GO PLANTS will be open again on Thursday 15 June 10 am to 4pm, 09 439 5556. Sorry for the inconvenience last week.

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.

STORAGE

CONTAINER & Lock up in shed available. Enquiries Baylys Coast Road. Phone 09 439 6037 or 027 207 2932.

TREE SERVICES

TREE REMOVAL, pruning, chipping & stump grinding. Qualified & Insured. Phone Scott 0800 468 9663, Arborcare Tree Maintenance.

TREE TRIMMING Truck using Grapple/Saw – 26m reach — Pruning, Removal, Chipping, Qualified Arborists SIMPLE – FAST – SAFE – QUALIFIED – EXPERIENCED – VALUE FOR MONEY. Servicing KAIPARA CALL Team Vegetation on 09 439 0050.

WANTED TO RENT

RETIRED ARTIST seeks private rental. Farm shack/ cottage or similar. All places considered. Txt 022 1065 379 or email glennboell@gmail.com.

WANTED TO BUY

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — First Thursday of the month — 7–9.30pm, next is 6th July 2023, Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road, Dargaville. $2 entry, $2 raffle. Performers and audience welcome. Phone Allan 09 439 6933 or 021 439 697. An enjoyable night to be part of, sit back and be entertained by some great local talent.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS both Dargaville AA Meetings are held at the church, corner Parore and Normanby Streets. Use Parore St entrance. Monday 4.30pm & Thursday 7.30pm. Phone Bernie 027 212 2148, Ladies 020 4082 1373, Murray 09 439 5248. DARGAVILLE HEALING rooms 7pm Tuesdays. No charge & no appointment necessary. Lion of Judah Building, River Road. All Welcome. Check us out on Facebook. INLAND REVENUE are holding a tax clinic for IR3 filers only on 15 June 2023 at Citizens Advice Bureau, Dargaville. For more information and to book an appointment, please contact Citizens Advice Bureau on 09 439 6100.

KAIPARA GREY Power continues to host political speakers at our General Meetings. On Friday, June 16 we are pleased to welcome Northland MP Willow-Jean Prime. The meeting will be in the Dargaville Methodist Church Complex. The format is Association business at 1pm and then approximately 1.30pm Willow-Jean. A cuppa, mix and mingle to follow. This meeting is open to all.

RELOCATION SALE now on at Dargaville Sewing & Curtain Centre.

We wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and kindness shown to us, before, during and after Allen’s passing. To our friends, relatives and neighbours who travelled near and far to visit Allen while in hospital and to pay their last respects while he lay at home, attended the service and burial, those who sent loving messages, gave floral tributes, cards and very generous gifts of kai and koha, please accept our grateful thanks. A special thanks to all Dargaville Hospital Staff, Kaipara Hospice, St John Ambulance, Jack Rudolph, Te Kopuru School Kapa Haka, Brendan Nathan and his hangi team, Oturei Marae, the Groome and Hutchinson whanau. Your aroha, awhi and mahi gave us the strength we needed at this time and for that we will always be truly grateful.

Jo, Bex and Fox, Gem, Kali and Stevie, Soz and Danny and families.

PUBLIC NOTICES