Kaipara Lifestyler, March 21st 2023

Roads a priority for MP-select

u by Paul Campbell Northland’s roading network is on top of a busy list as Maungatũroto farmer Grant McCallum prepares to campaign as the National Party’s selected candidate for the region in the general election later this year.

“Kaipara and the whole of Northland have certainly been lacking care for many years, and no one has been backing our corner, and I am honoured at the opportunity to represent the region as an MP,” he says.

“I am honoured and very grateful for the opportunity to campaign for Northland’s support as National’s candidate, and it’s up to me to repay the faith.”

Northland National Party’s 148 voting delegates from among the party’s 10 branches in the electoral area met last Sunday to make their decision as three nominees gave final presentations. Mr McCallum was successful with more than 50 per cent of the vote over Far North District councillor, Felicity Foy and former Kaipara Mayor Dr Jason Smith.

Mr McCallum is the son of Ron McCallum, who was a former National Party electorate chairman for Kaipara with former MP Sir Lockwood Smith. He has a son at university and a daughter who is a lawyer in Auckland.

Age 58, he has lived in Northland since the late 1970s and has owned and operated his Maungatūroto beef and dairy farm since 1995. He serves as chair of the

Kauri Museum at Matakohe and has been vice president of the Northern branch of Federated Farmers as well as serving on a number of sporting associations.

“I love Northland and will be working tirelessly to earn the right to advocate for my home region as its next local MP in Chris Luxon’s National team,” Grant said, with roading a major concern that he will be raising with the party transport spokesman.

“National had a policy of four lanes to Whangārei, but it’s the Brynderwyns we have to talk about as we have got to fix that major problem, and people further north are not served well with roading either. As a local MP, I’ll be laser-focussed on those other issues that matter, like the cost of living.

“Families are wondering how on earth they’re going to find hundreds of dollars more every week to cover their mortgage or rent even before they buy groceries, the price of which is increasing at the highest rate in 33 years or fill up their vehicles. Kiwis deserve better.

“Policies like National’s FamilyBoost, which provides up to $75 per week in tax rebates to help people with the cost of childcare, will go a long way to giving families more choices in their weekly budget.

“I look forward to advocating for farmers and farming communities to reduce their regulatory burden and costs and let them get on with doing what they do best — leading the world in innovative farming practices that help to drive New Zealand forward.” ¢

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p Grant McCallum, new National Party MP candidate for Northland

Creative learning

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p Dargaville Intermediate School pupils, among other schools, are part of the new Science Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math programme run by teacher Danya Hewetson. This year students are making soap and learning a broad range of skills such as designing, marketing, budgeting and having an end product. “My passion is giving the children the tools to be creative because school is the start of the journey of education and having a career,” Danya said.

About stream life

139 Bank Street, Whangarei P: 09 438 8224 or 0800 428 364 whangareioffice@havenfalls.co.nz

www.havenfalls.co.nz

p Tangowāhine School pupils recently did their second stream study at the local Kiihfuss farm with Whitebait Connection. They talked about the flooding that affected the area following the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. Pupils learned about the ecosystem in the stream and collected information. Whitebait Connection focusses on teaching students about freshwater conservation and environmental education, giving them practical experiences in their area.

Riders line up

p Last weekend’s fine weather drew out riders of all ages and their horses for a fun day at Paparoa showgrounds. Northern Districts Team Roping Club hosted more than 20 participants having a go at activities such as pole bending, barrel racing and other fun-filled events. “I am very pleased with the turnout and support we have received from the community, and I hope its popularity continues,” organiser Dana Bignell said.

Anger at lakes ‘car wash’ recklessness

u by Andy Bryenton

A former Kai Iwi Lakes warden with nine years of service has asked the Taharoa Domain Committee to crack down on ‘hooligan’ off-road drivers.

Bruce Clare is a local farmer, resident and former warden at Taharoa Domain, who served until the warden’s role was retired for all five of the voluntary rangers. He says that a new influx of 4x4 drivers from out of the Kaipara area is endangering people and the lakes’ ecology by washing their vehicles in Lake Taharoa after driving up the Ripiro coast.

“We don’t know what’s coming off the undercarriage of these vehicles to bugger up the lakes,” says Bruce. “To add to the problem, they are driving recklessly, endangering bathers, children and people launching boats.”

The Kaipara District Council, Department of Conservation and the Taharoa Domain Committee are all concerned about keeping invasive pests out of the lakes. Signs ask patrons to wash and clean all gear entering the pristine waters from elsewhere to prevent the spread of pest species. Using the lakes as a car wash for beach debris undoes all this work.

Notably, a similar problem encountered further north, at Lake Waiporohita, was solved by banning all vehicle access to the lake. Lake Waiporohita is on the same list

Double win for school

u by Amy Fifita

Arapohue School’s year seven and eight team won second place at the EPro8 Challenge finals after receiving first place in the regional competition.

“Our school has loved being a part of Epro8 over the last five years. The students benefit from the collaborative problemsolving activities and enjoy using the equipment provided,” principal Kylie Piper says.

The year seven and eight team championed first place in the intermediate regional competition and won second in the finals. The regional competition had students work on projects such as a rat wheel and car wash.

of ecologically important water bodies as the Kai Iwi group.

Bruce says he has been abused, threatened, or ignored by “young hoons in expensive off-roaders” when he’s asked them to desist from driving into Lake Taharoa at the boat launching ramp there. He addressed the lake’s governing body, hoping they will consider only allowing vehicles access if they are legitimately launching or retrieving watercraft. ¢

The second-place team consisted of Mac Piper, Devon Cleary, Zade Brogden and Falco Chriton-KakaHoltz, who worked together to create a working project. The final challenge involved teams engineering a usable dance machine.

“We really enjoyed the opportunity and got to have a lot of fun. There were different stations for different teams, and each team had a buzzer that would play a specific song for each team,” says year seven and eight competitor Mac Piper.

The challenges had various engineering aspects, including building, electronics and timeliness. Once judges have assessed whether the creation fits the criteria, the teams are granted points.

“We are grateful to generous sponsorship from Northpower, which means we were able to have six kits in our school for a week enabling larger numbers of students to participate in the programme,” Kylie says.

The year five and six team also appeared in the regional finals following winning a tie-breaker challenge for third-equal of who could build the tallest tower. ¢

p Bruce Clare says that while locals know the rules, off-road drivers from out of town are taking liberties with the Kai Iwi Lakes, using them as a ‘car wash’ for dirty vehicles

p EPro8 regional finalists from years five to eight (front) AcaciaRose Lalani, Falco Chriton-Kaka-Holtz, Jonathan Vincent, (rear) Heidi Hart, Mac Piper, Devon Cleary and Zade Broyden

Motorcyclists support lines teams Coding the future

u by Andy Bryenton

A big charity motorcycle rally is gathering to raise money for the line crews of Northpower as thanks from a grateful public for their work ‘above and beyond’ the call of duty this February.

During Cyclone Gabrielle and in its aftermath, Northpower’s teams worked gruelling hours in tough conditions to make homes safe and reconnect the electricity. Those behind the charity ride say that even though these lines professionals are paid employees, the instances of them going far beyond the usual confines of their job to help people are grounds for a gift of gratitude.

“I come from a little place called Hukatere, and on the Tuesday of Cyclone Gabrielle, I left for work at four in the morning and happened to come across Northpower workers in the pouring rain, trying tirelessly to put the power back into our homes,” says event organiser Barry Welsh.

He and other friends considered the sheer scope of Northpower’s recovery effort, the long hours people had put in away from their loved ones, and the fact that restoring power to many homes may have saved lives, for example, those who need ventilators or other medical aids.

“I thought that this ride would be a good opportunity to give back,” says Barry.

On April 1, motorcyclists will gather at the Dargaville Bowling Club at 8.30am to enjoy breakfast and pay a $20 registration fee, which will go toward a ‘thank you’ gift to Nothpower’s workers. It’s a ‘collared shirt’ ride, so riders will wear their best under their protective jackets and take a more than 400km loop through the north, visiting Whangārei, Opononi and Awanui, among other towns.

All motorcyclists are welcome to join in and show their appreciation for the teams who restored power to the north. ¢

u by Amy Fifita

Dargaville High School students recently received the opportunity to learn basic blockchain coding as part of the Museum of Transport and Technology’s education programme.

“Coding is part of everyone’s future and the student’s careers in five or six years’ time when they leave school,” says MOTAT lead educator Michael Grimmer.

“We give them a set code, and many altered it so they could do better in battle. Their coding literacy was much better than I expected, and some students did more sophisticated codes than normal by adding to the set code.”

Students got to build on to the robots and upload codes into them with instructions to fight in a robot war. The programme was funded by PB Tech so students could be taught free of charge.

“The response from students has been good, and this programme is definitely different from what they normally do in the classroom environment.”

The course is designed to introduce and encourage students to look at coding as a career.

“It is important in every aspect of life, such as the Internet or computers in

farming machinery. Everyone is connected digitally these days, and working in the industry from Dargaville is more than possible. They don’t have to work in the farming industry; however, the agriculture industry does use a lot of computers.”

The programme also enables students from year levels 3–13 to learn basic problem-solving skills, work alongside their peers and explore the possibilities of the digital world. ¢

p A planned charity fundraiser ride will deliver both gratitude and a donation to Northpower workers for their efforts following Cyclone Gabrielle

p Michael Grimmer, MOTAT lead educator

Music for community spirit

u by Andy Bryenton

Musician and composer Brian Baker returned from Australia determined to make a positive difference with his music, and he’s taking on two community roles at once this autumn.

Brian was at the heart of Melbourne’s thriving music scene during his tenure there, working with luminaries such as members of Crowded House and Split Enz and helping turn song ideas into recorded masterpieces across many genres.

He returned to Paparoa after four decades, establishing his studio, The Bakery. Now he’s at the forefront of organising a special relief concert for victims of Cyclone Gabrielle.

“Everyone is putting in their time and their skills free of charge, it’s a real community event,” Brian says. “There will be raffles, entertainment from five live bands, food, a real civic get-together.”

The concert is set for April 15 at the Paparoa Memorial Hall, with doors opening at 5pm. All monies raised will go to the Kaipara Mayoral Relief Fund to help locals struggling to rebuild after the devastating storms of February. While the weather has passed, the clean-up and the impact on many businesses, homes and farms is ongoing.

A show within a show

u by Andy Bryenton

Tickets to the 2023 Dargaville Wearable Arts extravaganza have gone on sale this week, with the highly anticipated return of the creative festival to the stage causing a stir.

The show’s evolution and its concept have seen new technologies adopted, new ideas brought forward, and new challenges surmounted to deliver something unique in May this year. The forthcoming Dargaville Wearable Arts will be a ‘show within a show’, framing the creative expressiveness of a cadre of contestants within a psychedelic visual and auditory experience of its own.

At the same time, Brian is working on the Dargaville Wearable Arts show, composing original music to enhance the visual and artistic spectacle. As musical director, he says it’s an exciting experience to work with performers and wearable arts creators, adding sound to their vision.

“Composing for dance and performance really interests me, as it’s collaborative and it becomes a greater whole.” ¢

It begins with the enduring appeal of Victorian-era fantasist Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The theme of this year’s wearable arts showcase is Down the Rabbit Hole, a reference to the British author’s classics. This theme forms the first layer of spectacle, which envelops the wearable arts competition like the wrapping paper on a gift, visually stunning and serving to make the surprise all that much sweeter.

Advanced digital projection mapping and animated art will transform the giant runway stage. Light, colour and music are the palettes of acclaimed tech artists AwhiWorld, who will work

The calibre of wearable artworks on display in former years has been outstanding. Some very talented competitors are giving it their all to make this year another unforgettable engagement. Their show, nestled within the framework of Down the Rabbit Hole, celebrates local creative vision brought to the runway.

There will be only three performances, including a weekend matinee, so show organisers encourage you to secure your tickets now. There’s truly no show like it — for 2023, that counts for double. ¢

alongside musical director and composer Brian Baker to craft a memorable show with light and sound.

p Dargaville’s Wearable Arts 2023 will bring creativity, colour and music to a custom-built runway stage

p Brian Baker lends his considerable expertise and compositional talent to a concert in aid of cyclone victims, as well as providing music for the Dargaville Wearable Arts

Infrastructure question

It has been said of the Labour government’s approach to Three Waters that ‘they asked the right question but got the wrong answer’. The National Party’s latest approach, besides being underwhelmingly disappointing, doesn’t even start with the right question.

They have done better in the past. The original study tour to Scotland that gave rise to Three Waters was undertaken in March of 2017 when there was a National government, which at that time could justifiably have expected a fourth term. They knew then the status quo wasn’t an option and were looking for answers. Christopher Luxon, soon after being elected leader, stated unequivocally that there had to be more money besides ratepayer funding to get water infrastructure any way near adequate.

There isn’t a local authority anywhere in the country that could say ‘hand on heart’ they are fully up to date. Some, of course, are better than others. Auckland closes some of its beaches at some stage every summer, and not a dairy cow in sight. Wellington has, in recent months, had raw sewage pour straight into the harbour, after the failure of century-old pipes. Cyclone Gabrielle has exposed

stormwater systems, and maintenance, less than ideal.

Failure to address infrastructure problems during decades of immigration has left us cruelly exposed and is certainly a factor in the high price of housing.

Now National is proposing a policy, which distilled to its essentials, is ‘the status quo on steroids’. Allegedly, it won’t put the rates up.

The trouble for local governments is that they are reluctant to increase rates, and if they do, then central government politicians will indulge in dog-whistle politics, and threaten to legislate to keep them down. Don’t laugh. Governments of both hues have done that. The last time I can recall was Rodney Hide, as Minister of Local Government in a National government, circa 2011.

The National Party does have some intellectual grunt. They owe it to themselves and the country, to use some of it in addressing the serious problems of infrastructure surrounding water (and roads, too, of course, but that is a separate issue). They could start by asking the right question.

Richard Alspach

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS NEWS YOU CAN TRUST

Three champions chosen

u by Amy Fifita

Miah Fraser, Isaiah Pere and Alex Manuel have been announced as the successful applicants of the Kaipara Basketball Association’s Ray Huriwaka Scholarship after showing passion and commitment to the sport.

“The winners of the scholarship were chosen for their commitment and passion for basketball. We congratulate the winners and look forward to following their progress across the next year,” says KBA Blake Worsfold.

Participants answered questions about why they play basketball, how often they practise, their strengths, what they want to improve, and what teams and tournaments they planned to be in.

The winners received a yearlong scholarship designed to encourage youth to pursue their passion for the sport.

The scholarship will provide youth with financial aid of up to $1,000 for age-group representative basketball. The money will go towards regional and national tournaments, travel, accommodation and basketball gear.

Blake says that interest in basketball has been on the rise since the KBA was established in 2017. He says that the best way for children to get better at the sport is to have a ball in their hand all the time and to keep the game fun.

The Ray Huriwaka Scholarship was created to honour an integral figure in the organisation who passed away in 2022.

“It is exciting to be in a position to help Kaipara children to go further in basketball. Ray was generous, positive and had great mentorship. He always sacrificed his own time to help children, and we thought this scholarship would be a fitting tribute.” ¢

p Alex Manuel was one of three successful applicants for Kaipara Basketball’s Ray Huriwaka Scholarship

A learning adventure Teachers value resources over pay

u by Amy Fifita

Canadian three-time Paralympian Ashley Gowanlock recently shared her experiences with Dargaville Primary School students.

“I was born with cerebral palsy and started riding a horse when I was two years old and decided I was going to be in the Paralympics when I was six years old. I wanted to represent my country and would stand in the front lawn with my tracksuit on and sing the Canadian national anthem,” Ashley says.

“I went to Bejing in 2008, London in 2012 and Rio in 2016. It is an all-encompassing experience, but I also enjoy being grounded and part of a community.”

Tori Banta, who looked after Ashley’s horses in the London and Rio Paralympics, organised to have her speak at the school while she was holidaying in New Zealand.

“When you look at me, it doesn’t look like I can physically do much, and it surprises people that I am very adventurous and that I want to try bungee jumping, sky diving and skiing.

“I always like to take the opportunity to challenge children and adults by telling them what my life is really like. Children

are curious, and if I saw me, I’d ask a lot of questions too.”

Ashley says she hopes her speech imparts something to them and loves talking with people.

“I have a soul just like what you do, and I want to live life. When they see me as who I am they will ask questions like what crazy adventurous thing are you going to do next, which I enjoy. The students were lovely. They were engaged, fun and polite, and the staff are amazing too.” ¢

KAIPARA DISTRICT

Mayoral Relief Fund

Kaipara District Mayor Craig Jepson has established a Mayoral Relief Fund to help support those affected by the February 2023 extreme weather events.

The Mayoral Relief Fund may be used to allocate one-off payments to residents and ratepayers within the Kaipara District who have suffered severe hardship or damage as a result of February 2023 extreme weather events.

For more information and to apply for the Fund, head to kaipara.govt.nz/mayoralrelieffund

Printed copies of the application form are also available at both our Customer Service Centres.

Applications close 5 00pm, Monday 3 April 2023

u by Andy Bryenton

Teachers were out on strike last week in what may be only the first industrial action designed to put pressure on the government in a bid to improve working conditions for educators.

It was the first time teachers from kindergarten through to high school took strike action in solidarity. Dargaville saw a gathering with banners and flags cheered resoundingly by passing traffic on Thursday morning. James Nyssen, who helped organise the local protest, pointed out that this was not simply a matter of pay but one of resources to better teach children.

“People get into teaching to make a difference,” said Mr Nyssen. “However, we are seeing teachers burn out, as there are not the resources there to support kids’ learning needs.”

He pointed out issues such as more students having special educational requirements, large class sizes and extended unpaid hours spent planning and marking as taking a toll on teachers. With the average age of a primary school teacher now at 56, Mr Nyssen was also concerned that the profession was no longer attractive to young people as a career.

“We need to have new teachers entering the profession for that replacement and retention, or the problem of understaffing will get worse,” he said.

Here is where pay is a definite issue. Starting teachers earn only slightly more than minimum wage, and when that standard goes up in April, they will be even closer to the minimum remuneration for unskilled labour. Add in those extra unpaid hours, and the actual figure is well below the cost of living. Yet, there are few jobs more vital to the future of society than teaching, say educators.

Negotiations with the government are ongoing. ¢

Kaipara Kōrero Kaipara Kōrero

Kaipara Water demonstration site field day

Thursday 30 March 10.00 - 11.00am

Maunganui Bluff

Kaipara District Council has set up practical working examples of the ways in which different irrigation can support land diversification in the Kaipara. Site 1 is on Te Roroa iwi land at Maunganui Bluff north of Dargaville. This season Squash Delica has planted and watered with drip tape managed remotely via a web application to deliver water in precise amounts. Northland Inc are contracted to manage the sites.

Come along and hear from Northland Inc site manager Greg Hall discuss this season’s crop and the benefits of irrigation. There will also be the opportunity to talk about the learnings and insights from the previous season’s crops.

If you would like to attend the session, please RSVP to KickStart@kaipara.govt.nz and we will provide the details.

The Kaipara Water demonstration sites are part of Kaipara KickStart, led by Kaipara District Council and supported by the government’s Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, with funding from the Provincial Growth Fund.

p Students Gwyneth Watson and Ariki McLean alongside Canadian three-time Paralympian Ashley Gowanlock and principal Curtis Gaylor

p Dargaville’s teachers say that while low pay is hurting their industry’s recruitment and retention, it’s under-resourcing in the classroom that will harm the next generation’s chances

Learning with pets

u by Amy Fifita

Lulu, the therapy dog, has been accompanying Dargaville Primary School students to relax and encourage them on their reading journey.

“Bringing Lulu here as a therapy pet is about two things. The children get to know more about how to be good with dogs, and it gives children that need extra time to read to the dog,” says St John volunteer Anne Battersby.

Anne has also done talks with classes, teaching them how to be safe around dogs that they are unsure of.

Lulu is part of the St John Reading Education Assistance Dog programme and has passed the necessary exams to be a therapy pet. She visits schools with Anne to interact with children and encourage a relaxed learning environment.

“She loves to have fun. We throw balls for Lulu to chase and catch and then we go inside for storytime. The students put a blanket down and put water in a bowl and then begin reading. They also give her treats.

Anne and Lulu visit the school once a week to encourage students on their literacy journey in a comfortable environment.

Replacing reading resources

u by Amy Fifita

Kiwi Christmas Books is collecting new books and money for its Cyclone Book Appeal initiative, with one focus being on Northland along with other regions in the North Island.

“You can get lost in a book and travel to other places, so when things have been wrecked and covered in silt, you can transport yourself through reading a book,” says Kiwi Christmas Books volunteer Leonie Exel.

“We realised that due to the cyclone, there were schools with libraries damaged, and there were certainly many families who had lost all their books.”

Kiwi Christmas Books was founded by Sonya Williams, a teenage book author. It is designed to support families in financial hardship to have access to reading resources.

“Some students are shy with reading, and it gives them one-to-one time to be relaxed and to read to the dog.”

Therapy pets offer comfort or assistance to people with various difficulties. The service is not limited to schools, owners and their animals that go to rest homes, hospitals and other places to offer care to groups and individuals.

The initiative looks to enhance community members’ lives so they can enjoy life and have better wellbeing. ¢

“Books are incredibly important for children for various things. The Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development research in 2002 shows that reading for pleasure for children is more correlated with future success than any other factor, including socio-economic status.”

The initiative will see schools and families gifted with new books donated and bought with people encouraged to buy Māori books and books from NZ authors.

“It is a love of books and the idea of children reading them, that got Sonya to do and similarly me from up here.

“If people go to their local bookshop and buy a New Zealand book to donate and for up north, books in Te Reo Maori would be fantastic. They will end up supporting NZ authors and illustrators, a Kiwi publisher, the bookshop and a child who gets the book — it’s a win all around.”

To donate or for information about receiving books — go to shop. kiwichristmasbooks.org.nz. ¢

p Sofia Reynish, Anne Battersby and Brock Robertson with Lulu, the therapy dog

p Sonya William — Kiwi Christmas Books founder

An opportunity to sail Big invitation from Big River

u by Andy Bryenton

West Kaipara’s community radio station is having a few changes, with bigger and better broadcasting on the way and the chance for locals who love music to have their own shows.

“We’re a community station, and part of that means giving a voice to people who are passionate about sharing music and culture with their neighbours,” says Northern Wairoa Community Radio Trust chair Rick Hoggard.

At 25 years old, Big River is the longest-serving community radio station in New Zealand. Many of its existing shows are run by volunteers who enjoy sharing their favourite tunes with the public. Now, an invitation has gone out to all comers to bring their crates of records and their best banter and have a show of their own.

An open day will be held on Saturday, April 1 at 11am, at the Big River studios, situated just around the corner from River Road, on Liverpool Street, Dargaville. Rick and some experienced volunteers will be there to help teach newcomers how to use the mixing desk and how to line up songs to play, allowing the community to hear new voices and new genres of music. Big River already boasts rock, metal and country shows, but would love to welcome DJs playing dance, pop, classical, punk, funk, hip-hop, reggae and many more.

Meanwhile, there’s work afoot for the technical team at the station, as one of the big transmitters which help cover the west gets moved to a new spot. While broadcasting will continue, there may be interruptions and dropouts for some rural listeners, who are encouraged to try bigriverfm.co.nz for a digital live stream. ¢

Things to check before reporting a FAULT

Have the fuses or circuit breakers on your switchboard tripped?

Does your neighbour have power?

If they don’t then there may be a network fault.

If they do, the fault may be in your internal wiring or service line.

• Check the Northpower website for any current outages.

To report a fault, call Northpower on 0800 10 40 40. They will also be able to inform you if there is a fault in your area.

Some outages will last longer than others

Outages may last longer if it is dark or the weather is causing danger, access to the fault is limited, a storm has caused damage in multiple areas, the damage is severe, or if fault responders are busy.

u by Amy Fifita

Students from Aranga and Tangowāhine schools gave sailing a shot recently, learning about the power of the wind and basic skills in a yacht.

“Our aim as a trust is to bring sailing to Northland, and if one of them decides to make sailing a career move, that would be great,” says Sail Northland Charitable Trust facilitator Alan Clarkson.

“We are doing this sailing programme with the Dargaville Sailing Club. We teach children to use the wind, pulleys and water displacement, among other educational materials.”

The trust is backed by the Runa programme run by Yachting NZ, with students learning the Kōkōkaha module — powered by wind.

The programme is designed to encourage children to engage in sailing. For some students, it was the first time they had taken part.

“We talk about water safety with our students, and the day is a great opportunity to get them to learn it onsite with experienced instructors,” says Tangowāhine School principal Huw Wainwright.

Various schools are part of the initiative to teach students how to sail safely under suitable guidance.

Safety first!

Our priority is safety and we will be working as hard as we can to get the power back on as soon as possible.

Remember to treat all power lines as live at all times and stay clear!

Who pays

You will be liable for the repair costs if;

• The fault is on your service line.

• You caused the damage to the Northpower network.

What to do in an outage

• Keep your fridge and freezer closed to help them stay cold.

• Turn off sensitive electronic equipment and unplug from the power sockets.

• If you or a family member, friend or neighbour is medically dependent on power, arrange to get to a hospital or other place that is safe.

Find out about Power Outages

If you are experiencing a power cut go to northpower.com (on your mobile device) to check the latest information and updates on outages. If your outage is not showing on the website, please call 0800 10 40 40

“It is super important for our children to have opportunities like sailing. It is for students in years four to eight, and when we were invited back to this activity, we were over the moon,” says Aranga School principal Serah Mehrtens.

There are two other modules students can be a part of through the RUNA programme. Kōrinorino o Ngā Tupuna is a module that takes local history into account so students can understand settlement stories through sailing. The final module is Moanamana, which teaches children about restoring marine ecosystems. ¢

Been advised of an upcoming planned outage?

• Charge all devices before the estimated start time of the outage.

• Be aware that your internet is likely to also be disconnected without power.

• If your water supply requires a pump, fill the bath with water and fill drinking water bottles and flasks for hot drinks.

• Check you have gas for your BBQ.

• If you have an automatic garage door opener please park your car outside prior to the outage.

If you have a planned outage notification, you can check if this is still going ahead by clicking on the Planned Outages tab here. For large outages we also post the information and updates on our Northpower facebook page.

p Tangowāhine School and Aranga School pupils at Kai Iwi Lakes learning to sail

p Did you make mixtapes ‘back in the day’? Do you love music? Then you could have your own radio show in Dargaville, says trust chair Rick Hoggard

Protecting Northland’s biodiversity

More than half a million dead animals across Northland isn’t usually something to celebrate. But this predator body count is crucial to boosting kiwi survival rates in the wild and is helping bring back birdsong and restore forests across Te Taitokerau that were once close to collapse. It’s community work supported by Northland Regional Council and Kiwi Coast and is an approach that is clearly working.

Established in 2012, Kiwi Coast’s goal is to enable and link grassroots pest control projects to help native forests and wildlife to flourish, with a special focus on Northland brown kiwi. In that time the initiative has grown to involve more than 200 community-led conservation projects involving iwi/ hapū, schools, forestry companies, government agencies and other organisations. Collectively, over 240,000 ha of land in Northland is now under active management, and the momentum shows no sign of slowing.

Kiwi Coast strategically supports projects on the ground with the likes of predator traps, skillbuilding workshops, monitoring and access to professional trappers. A massive 591,584 animal pests have been trapped by Kiwi Coast groups and projects since 2013. In 2021 alone, 99,126 animal pests were killed – which is vital to the survival of kiwi, given 95% of kiwi chicks are killed before they reach their first birthday.

The regional council has been a key supporter of Kiwi Coast for several years. The two organisations renewed their five-year formal working partnership in mid-2022, and councillor Geoff Crawford, who chairs council’s Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party, says the council contributes $201,422 annually of rates money to help support Kiwi Coast.

“The security that comes from council’s funding means Kiwi Coast can employ two full-time coordinators, and primarily focus on delivering conservation outcomes instead of chasing shortterm grants. Regional council staff also work on the ground, helping with trapping workshops and sharing our expertise around kiwi monitoring and handling,” says Crawford.

The work is paying off: brown kiwi are no longer endangered in Northland. Call-count monitoring

shows that kiwi in managed Kiwi Coast areas are increasing, bucking the national trend of a 2% decline.

Linking conservation groups across a landscape creates far better results than individual pockets of mahi – and Kiwi Coast’s ultimate goal is to create New Zealand’s first kiwi corridor, connecting kiwi ‘safe zones’ from Mangawhai to the Aupōuri peninsula. Having more kiwi safely roaming Northland will increase the population’s genetic diversity and help improve the region’s biodiversity. “We’re proud to work in partnership with NRC to champion community, iwi and hapū led conservation projects across Northland,” Kiwi Coast Coordinator Ngaire Sullivan says.

“With iconic kiwi as the collective flag-bearer, projects can work autonomously while part of collaborative landscape-scale networks.

“Continuing to build wildlife-friendly corridors through Northland will allow tāonga species such as kiwi to roam and disperse in safety, and also help to build increasingly cohesive communities as they come together to care for their special places.”

This vision dovetails nicely with the council’s work in High Value Areas (HVA): where high biodiversity and recreational values are matched with strong community interest in pest control. Council provides advice and funding to help these communities amplify their efforts. Each HVA has its own particular goals. Kiwi Link HVA aims to connect long-standing kiwi strongholds at Whangārei Heads and Tūtūkākā. The community behind the Piroa-Brynderwyn HVA is running many projects: organising Air Force volunteers to help cut a new section of walking track, working on freshwater management in conjunction with hapū, and involving the next generation through local schools.

Whangārei Heads became the first HVA after the community lobbied the council to establish a targeted rate for local pest-management work. That rating model has since been rolled out across Northland. All this mahi creates benefits for other iconic species here, such as pāteke/brown teal, kaka and korimako/bellbird.

Cr Crawford adds, “The regional council is really big on community-led conservation in Northland, because local expertise and knowledge is powerful. When we work in partnership with people, on a landscape scale, the benefits for biodiversity are inspiring.”

“When we work in partnership with people, on a landscape scale, the benefits for biodiversity are inspiring.”

Photo credit Backyard Kiwi

PREPARE FOR

A town says thanks

u by Paul Campbell

As many communities continue to recover from cyclone weather damage and disruption, Ruawai has taken time out to say thanks to its emergency services and many volunteers who turned out in force to look after their community.

On a busy Saturday, the Ruawai Sports Club was a venue for young and old to enjoy some welcome sunshine and entertainment, from a bouncy castle for children to Ruawai’s version of The Supremes pop group. A DJ provided the sound effects free, and three ladies were soon in full song.

Event spokesman Malcolm Joynt said eight or more individuals were behind the proceedings, supported by many local businesses who donated materials and money.

“The Ruawai Fire Brigade will be getting $900-plus from donations on the day, and thanks go to the local supermarket for funding and free ice blocks for everyone there.”

Plans for an annual festival event for Ruawai were underway when Gabrielle

Secrets of the first locksmiths

u by Andy Bryenton

Winter is on its way, and long, dark nights mean that many people will be thinking about upgrading their security.

Keeping something under ‘lock and key’ is a saying that comes down to us from mediaeval times, but, surprisingly, the invention of keys and locks predates the time of knights and castles by thousands of years.

hit, and so the thank you event was used instead, with plans for a wider town festival next year.

“A large group of service personnel and volunteers got us through the weather, and we wanted to recognise the work of volunteers and the fire brigade, Northpower and St John, among others.” ¢

It’s thought that the very first locks were more akin to wooden puzzles, of the three-dimensional kind you can still buy at novelty shops. These ancient locks and keys date from Egypt and Babylon and were part of religious ceremonies. To prove that certain sacred places or holy relics were only ever accessed at the right time of year, doors, chests and vaults were fitted with large wooden locks requiring intricately carved pieces to be inserted to open.

There was no keeping key like this in your pocket; come were as tall as a man and just as heavy. The first miniature metal locks appeared in Assyria during

Greek times and were eagerly adopted by sailors and traders for their money boxes and valuables.

By Roman times, metalworkers had made locks smaller and came up with a novel new kind of key. Circular locks with rings as their keys became all the fashion, and powerful Romans would flaunt their access to restricted temples, armouries and treasure vaults by wearing the keys for all to see. ¢

p Ruawai’s answer to the Supremes? Grace LeGros, Rusty Hammond and Diane Oliver in full voice

p Modern locksmithing is a precision task, but the very first locks and keys were more like the puzzles from an ancient labyrinth

An idea heard around the world

u by Andy Bryenton

Could it be possible to combine the utility of a powerful trench-digging tool with the compact, portable nature of a chainsaw, to completely revolutionise how people approach underground infrastructure?

It’s a simple but game-changing concept, which occurred to Matakohe farmer Keith Fergusson when he envisioned the first TerraTrencher. Then again, sparks of inspiration run in the Fergusson family; his father, grandfather and brothers have all been known to innovate and invent. He’d seen his dad’s ideas for digging machines and wanted to take them to the next level of durability.

The answer to Keith’s question was a resounding ‘yes’, and now the TerraTrencher is the ‘weapon of choice’ for professionals around the world, showing that an idea from Northland can indeed change history.

“The TerraTrencher is a power trencher you can pick up in one hand and transport in the boot of a car. The neat, narrow 40-millimetre wide trench is perfect for burying data lines, water lines, electric fence cable under gates and power,” says company director Keith.

It’s a Kiwi invention that has gone on to conquer the world, just like the jet boat and the bungee jump. The prime brief behind

its design took into account the kind of circumstances in which the TerraTrencher would be used; in short, they built it tough. Driven by a high-quality powerhead, it is a rugged and versatile power tool that has unique advantages, especially where access is limited.

“Many homeowners and municipal authorities want as little disturbance to their quality turf as possible. Because a TerraTrencher removes so little soil, it is very easy to reinstate a lawn after trenching is completed,” says Keith.

Along the way, new and innovative uses for the simple-to-operate Terratencher came from research and an enthusiastic public. Farmers found that plastic piping for cattle troughs could be kept cool and out of the harsh sun with a quick and easy trenching fix. Bigger models could be used to transplant living trees. Drainage became a matter of a simple project, not a mammoth undertaking. Importantly, broadband installers received the new TerraTrencher with open arms,

as the huge roll-out of fibre called for precise, quick trenching nationwide.

“A large percentage of New Zealand broadband installation crews now use this technology,” says Keith. “One of the big drawcards is the dramatic saving in time. We regularly see customers who can now complete a trench in as little as one-tenth of the time previously taken, with much less physical effort. It is also one of the most affordable trenchers you can buy. We have customers where the product has completely paid for itself in the first three weeks of use.”

Today, TerraTrenchers leave the company’s headquarters in East Tamaki, Auckland, bound for points all around the globe. You could say that an innovative idea from Northland has really ‘dug in’, as the popularity of this go-anywhere, versatile tool changes the world, one trench at a time.

ADVERTORIAL

p Keith with the Terratrencher; a Kiwi idea that’s gaining traction worldwide

FOR WINTER

Say no to unwanted winter guests

u by Andy Bryenton

When winter comes, your homes should be a haven of warmth and comfort against the weather and low temperatures of the season.

The only trouble is, there are others who’d love to share in the war and dry conditions you have spent so much time and money perfecting. These pests are unwelcome at the best of times. Still, insects and rodents can make their presence felt when the outdoors becomes inhospitable.

Those with pet cats may have already noticed a new crop of rats and mice brought in by proud little hunters. As the mornings and evenings turn cold there is less to forage outdoors, and the allure of a warm space with lots of treats to steal is rodent heaven. Those without a feline force in defence, or one of the small dogs which can do an equally good job, should look at a solid exclusion policy, checking for places where rats and mice can get in. Seal up everything in your pantry, too, and make sure outside rubbish bins have a tight snap-on lid.

Some insect pests tend to fade away in autumn; mosquitos and flies may reduce in numbers as the cold weather bites. However, other types of crawling critters can find the cold weather a good excuse

to come inside. Cockroaches are a prime example. Unlike the city ‘roaches depicted on most overseas television shows, New Zealand has a mix of species, some of which should be gainfully employed in the leaf litter of the forest. They hate light, and clean surfaces, but a real infestation is best dealt with by pest control professionals.

Winter is also prime time for moths, as it’s common practice to bring out heavier seasonal blankets, curtains and clothes from storage and tuck away summerweight fabrics. Moths love to infest stored

fabrics, so plan to repel them before you store them.

Bed bugs, ironically, love winter. They don’t just live in bed, either. These pests can be stopped by washing bedding and soft furnishings at high temperatures. Still, the fact that they often give beds a miss means that sometimes people afflicted with these unwanted guests take care of just the bed and leave rugs, curtains and cushions as a perfect hiding place.

Perhaps the winter visitors with the worst reputation and the least real threat are spiders. While the white-tailed spider, an Aussie import, can indeed give a nasty bite, many other spiders come in from the cold and seek out food. That food is usually made up of insects you don’t want in your home, so they could be doing you a favour. While some of our native spiders are large and intimidating, most are harmless to humans and are best handled by simply throwing them out the window.

If pests become a big problem this autumn, call in the professionals to make your home secure before winter makes the issue worse. ¢

p From spiders in the basement to possums in the attic, winter chills can send pests scurrying for the warm, dry comfort of your home

ADVERTORIAL

Garage doors change hands

When Donald Simpson of North Kaipara Doors, based in Ruawai for the past 20-plus years, was in much need of retirement, local businessman and consultant Clint Latour stepped in with an offer to buy.

Expert Garage Doors was born, and Clint now manages the business with Don’s help in the short term to grow the company across Northland and into Auckland.

Clint and his family moved to Kaipara in 2019 after falling in love with a 10-acre section looking onto Webers Bay off Tinopai Road. The property is now a home, future hobby farm and business address for Clint’s new business.

“Please support us as your local supplier of quality garage doors. Our roller, sectional and tilt doors are all made locally in a leading manufacturing facility in South Auckland,” says Clint.

“We install new doors to garages, sheds and barns, offer full repair service for garage

Winter’s sweetest treat

u by Andy Bryenton

The colder months of the year are a great excuse to brew up a hot chocolate, that perfect alternative to coffee.

While most of us would associate the sweet beverage with Germany, Switzerland or Belgium, the origin of hot chocolate as we know it goes back to the native people of Jamaica. They were recorded as brewing a hot drink from ‘shavings of the cacao fruit, boiled with milk and cinnamon’ as early as 1494, just a couple of years after encountering European explorers.

Pirates added chocolate and sugar to coffee drinks during the ‘golden age’ of their larcenous adventures in the 1600s, likely to modify the bitter taste. However, it was a physician from Ireland who brought modern drinking chocolate to Europe.

doors, parts and motors, and do our best to be competitive and offer a quick turnaround for our local customers.”

For more information, go to expertgaragedoors.co.nz or contact Clint on 021 607 952 or clint@expergaragedoors. co.nz for a free no-obligation quotation. ¢

Hans Sloane was sent to be the doctor of the governor of Jamaica in 1687, but his patient died the following year. Determined to do something noteworthy, Sloane catalogued more than 1,000 plants of Jamaica and also wrote on the folk customs, music and cuisine of the island. It was his recipe for hot chocolate that made him most famous, however.

The delicious drink took London’s high society by storm, and clubs opened where gents would sip hot chocolate and debate politics late into the night. For his contributions to science, Sloane was elected leader of the Royal Society, succeeding Sir Isaac Newton. He discovered new species, wrote about medicine, and founded the first orphan’s hospital in London, but even some contemporaries said his status was built on hot chocolate. ¢

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p Hans Sloane — father of hot chocolate

The wood, the bad and the ugly

by Andy Bryenton

Twisted, fallen, leaning or broken trees are everywhere in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, making the usual autumn task of yard maintenance a bigger one than usual.

Experts say that a combination of boggy ground left behind by January’s rains and the three-figure gusts of the powerful storm were simply too much for shallow-rooted trees. Big pines and macrocarpas felt the brunt of Gabrielle’s fury, and they and other species now lie in ruins, leading to a need for a careful strategy with the region’s chainsaws.

Even in a normal autumn, it would be time to assess branches likely to foul power lines, bash roofs and gutters or take out windows should they crack and fall. This year, the whole arboreal landscape has been changed by the violence of the wind. Homeowners are well advised to take nothing for granted and take a long look at trees which may be leaning, drooping, or damaged. It’s kinder to prune back now than wait for an accident.

That means employing the trusty chainsaw, though many of the tools dragged out from sheds in the wake of the emergency proved to be trusty with a silent ‘t’. Many chainsaw owners don’t have much call to employ their saw for jobs as big as fallen trees. Repair technicians have been steadily dealing with a flood of blunt, rusted, tired or wheezing saws, many of which were better off retired.

Thankfully, their modern replacements are much more fit for purpose.

Along with this need, which has seen local chainsaw specialists thank their patrons for being patient under the unprecedented workload, has come a focus on safety. For many, the temptation has been there to tackle huge fallen timber with saws bought to slice up firewood or boldly attempt pruning jobs best left to highwork specialists or those with very long pole pruners.

Hence the call for a double check on safety,and the plea from those in the know to ensure that you’re donning the right safety gear and planning each cut. The right tools for the job include not just a saw that’s the right size, with a sharp chain and smooth-running action. They also include chaps, a helmet, goggles and ear protection, gloves and boots. Electricity suppliers urge those with trees threatening power lines to take extreme caution or call them first.

If the task is too tall, big or dicey, it’s best to call the professionals. Arborists are understandably very busy right now, but it’s worth the wait to get things done securely, if the job threatens property and health if it goes wrong. For big cleanups, there might even be relief from your insurance company. Check with them first, then get some good advice before turning the aftermath of nature’s fury into a hearty store of firewood.

THE RIGHT CHAINSAW FOR ANY TASK THE RIGHT SAFETY GEAR FOR ANY JOB THE RIGHT ADVICE FOR ANY PROPERTY

u

p It’s a big job dealing with fallen timber and trees that could prove problematic in further storms, but safety is the watchword when using chainsaws this autumn

Ruawai’s representative’s red sector bill

u by Andy Bryenton

Ruawai farmer and ACT party rural spokesman Mark Cameron has come out strongly on the side of live animal exports, saying that now is not the time for a ban set to instigate this April.

Opponents of the practice have called livestock transports by sea ‘ships of death’. New Live Export New Zealand ‘gold standard’ animal welfare precautions, along with an independent review, could make the practice both profitable and humane, according to Federated Farmers, which support ACT’s bill.

“As usual with this government, when ideology collides with logic, it’s normally the former that wins. In this case, it will be farmers that bear the consequences,” said Mr Cameron last year when the ban was announced.

“Latest forecasts show that live animal exports are expected to generate $500 million for the New Zealand economy this year. Is New Zealand really wealthy enough to just flush away a half-a-billiondollar industry? Especially in the midst of a cost of living crisis and a natural disaster recovery?” he asked, when his bill to overturn the ban was put on the ballot.

Mark Cameron does not speak from an abstract position. He farms near Ruawai, and the mid to west Kaipara is strongly represented in ‘red sector’ farming. His position is supported by Federated Farmers national board member and dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who opines

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that in the vacuum left by banned Kiwi exports, other players with worse animal welfare regimes will step in.

“The global live cattle trade will continue but from countries and by exporters with lower animal standards filling the gap enforced on us. If we were still involved, our high standards would push others into lifting their game,” said Mr McIntyre.

“We’ve also lost the opportunity to have influence, via commercial relationships, over the welfare of exported animals after they’ve arrived in countries such as China.”

It’s also a stance which the government’s own Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), preceding the ban, echoes.

‘Live animal exports provide a boost to New Zealand’s economy, rural communities,’ states the RIS. ‘Any move to prohibit the export of livestock would cause an economic loss to these groups and make recovery from Covid-19 more difficult

p Mark Cameron says it is not the time to throw away a half-billiondollar export stream, when better regulation could keep it ope in the rural communities where livestock exports provide an additional source of income. For some individual businesses that impact is likely to be significant.’

A dog’s tail … Boss sez more ’portant stuff ter wurry about

“When is the darn govimint going to stop stupid scare tactics and get on with dealing with stuff that mattas, like housing and poverty, repairin’ roads and bridges, an’ plain commin sinse?”

Well readas, that wasint tha Boss, but his gerlfrend Sharlene getting upset at smoko ona woolshed steps. So Boss sed: “Wot Deah? Wotsa matter?”

Sharlene hada papa I got froma kattil stop ata road gate and read in her skoolteacha voice: “Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor is warning the rural sector to expect more disruption as a result of climate change. His comments come as the government wants farmers to change agricultural practices to reduce emissions. ‘Things are going to change, disruption will be upon us,’ he said.”

“Well hear we go agen, blame us farmers eh,” Boss sed. But Sharlene wasint finished. “Deah, I bin doing sum resarch about all this cow farts causin’ climite change an I tell yer wot, hear in NZ we got a needil ina haystack problim. She pulled a note book outa her swanny shirt she likes, wile I wondered why wood a needle be ina haystack anyway?.

“Looky hear. We got about four million cattle in this country. Well guess wot? There’s more than a billyin and a half cattil ina werld. An’ just India, well its got,” and she red again. “The Food and Agriculture Organisation says India’s farm animal population

includes 193 million cattle, 149 million goats, 110 million buffalo, 74 million sheep and 9 million pigs.”

“See wot ya meen Deah,” Boss sed. “That’s a hellova lot of farts there, eh. But anyway, all this climate change an’ tha big storm this month probly not caused by farm emissins anyway. I got me greatgrandad’s farm book.” An’ he give it to

Sharlene ta read. The blizzard and flood of 1863 was a series of consecutive disasters in New Zealand’s South Island. From July to August 1863 the gold fields suffered from a combination of floods, snowstorms and blizzards that caused heavy loss of life among the gold miners.”

“Yep,” seda Boss. “Goes to show cos there was beggar all cows fartin’ back then I reckin. Weather has bin causin’ problems forever. An’ like I sed, govmint needs ter use commin sinse.”

But Sharlene was still lookin atta papa. “A poll asked the public what issue would most likely influence their election vote, and 48 per cent chose ‘cost of living’, way ahead of climate change with only 12 per cent.”

“Well there ya go then,” Boss said. “That Chippy Hipkins mite be ona rite track killin’ big spendin’ policies. He should tell the troops ter get stuck into reel problems. Four million cow farts are not goin’ to be here nor there. We kiwis got about one per cent ova werld cows.”

Well readas, reckin Boss and Sharlene mite be right. More ’portint stuff ter wurry about. Even needles in haystacks eh? Hmmm … better watch wear I skive off for a doze eh?

See ya — Billy. ¢

Email:

Aussies eye seaweed solution

u by Andy Bryenton

Australia’s government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is funding research into slashing methane emissions for cattle without dramatically reducing herd sizes.

Their plan, released last week, agrees with Kiwi governmental doctrine on the ills of livestock-generated methane but takes a different tack to solve the problem; the development of different feeds.

Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the government was strongly committed to helping Australia’s agriculture sector to reduce emissions, build value and remain internationally competitive.

“We are backing new technologies to help farmers tackle the emissions challenge and respond to increasing global interest in sustainable agricultural production,” Minister Watt said.

Here in New Zealand, it’s accepted that a large quantity of methane emissions come from ruminant livestock; the claimed figure tops 70%. While research is ongoing and the problem is recognised, there is no parallel to the AU$6 million invested in seaweed supplement research this month alone.

The tranche of grants spans private companies and universities across the

majority of Australian states, testing seaweed supplement feed concepts in many different environments. A second round of funding is slated for 2024.

Two supplementary feeds already in use in New Zealand have been shown to reduce the amount of methane produced per unit of feed consumed: forage rape and fodder beet. Another possibility comes from our local seaweed, a plentiful resource in an island nation like New Zealand.

Asparagopsis armata is a red seaweed native to New Zealand containing the chemical compound bromoform. Bromoform belongs to a group of chemicals known as halogens, which are well-documented methane inhibitors.

An initial animal trial with Asparagopsis armata suggests that when included at one per cent of the diet, reductions in methane emissions, each unit of dry matter intake of around 40% is possible. However, dry matter intake was also reduced by close to 40%. One Australian company taking part in Asparagopsis trials reported methane reduction of 95%.

It equates to a game-changing concept that the Australian government has obviously taken very seriously. If only 10 per cent of ruminant farmers could achieve these outcomes, it would be the equivalent of taking 100 million internal combustion vehicles off the world’s roadways. ¢

Mowing, Raking, Hay/Silage baling,Stack/Pit silage, Truck cartage, Bale stacking, (Etc)

Ground work, 6m Power harrow, 3m Rotary hoe/Seed box, 6.5m Spring tines, Spraying/Fert, Spreading, Digger Work, (Etc)

p Australian Primary Industries Minister Murray Watt is enthusiastic about a scientific solution to ruminant methane problems

NEW LISTING

Arapohue 6170 State Highway 12 4 2 2 2

Hidden gem

Set amongst the privacy of mature trees and gardens hides this architecturally designed four-bedroom home set on 2.23 hectares. With thought and creativity in mind this home stands above most. The polished Macrocapa French doors open onto the courtyards, providing an indoor-outdoor flow. The well-appointed kitchen is positioned for entertaining. The by-fold windows open out to the rear courtyard continuing the indoor-outdoor flow. The formal lounge features an open fireplace for those cozy nights at home. The second floor includes a second bathroom, three double bedrooms, and the master its own very en-suite. A double garage provides not only an internal entrance but a loft for extra storage. A large multi-purpose shed at the rear of the property has been used as a stable for horses, hay and woodshed. This property provides outstanding rural views, enough land for a few animals. bayleys.co.nz/1020822

NEW LISTING

Ruawai 59 Ringrose Road

Ex-dairy unit now beef

This 173 hectare farm with multiple titles has been in beef for three years, and is well set up to maximize production. The farm infrastructure includes a cow shed, calf sheds, 6 bay implement shed, cattle yards, wintering barn, hay sheds and a limestone quarry. The limestone races provide easy access to all 45 paddocks. An attractive farm with pockets of native bush including NZ Kauri, Queensland Kauri and a small stand of Redwoods. Being an ex-dairy farm this provides endless opportunities. Do you continue to produce beef? Rear calves? As the 30 bale rotary shed and rearing facilities are still in good working condition. With multiple titles and three houses, there is also development potential. This property ticks a lot of boxes. bayleys.co.nz/1020817

Auction (unless sold prior) 12pm, Wed 26 Apr 2023

84 Walton Street, Whangarei

View by appointment

Todd Skudder 027 439 1235

todd.skudder@bayleys.co.nz

MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

173.1032ha

Auction (unless sold prior) 12pm, Wed 19 Apr 2023

84 Walton Street, Whangarei

View by appointment

Todd Skudder 027 439 1235

todd.skudder@bayleys.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz

NEW LISTING

Dargaville 320 Babylon Coast Road

Pine View Lodge

Set back off Babylon Coast Road on 11 hectares, lies this impressive two-storey five-bedroom, three-bathroom homestead. The tastefully decorated interior oozes class, the separate formal dining and lounge areas only add to the ambiance provided. The large modern kitchen with a breakfast bar flows seamlessly into one of the family rooms. The wood burner with a wet back ensures hot water at minimal cost in the winter. The second-floor master bedroom and ensuite continues the tasteful decor. A further three-bedrooms, bathroom and lounge adds to the comfortable layout this home provides. My vendors currently run the Lodge as part of their wider businesses, but with changing circumstances the property is now surplus to their requirements and needs to be sold. bayleys.co.nz/1020823

5 3 3

Auction (unless sold prior) 12pm, Wed 26 Apr 2023 84 Walton Street, Whangarei View by appointment

Todd Skudder 027 439 1235 todd.skudder@bayleys.co.nz

MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Dargaville Surrounds 5 Island Road

Country style living

Set upon 5,669sqm of land this four bedroom, one bathroom home is complimented by the one car garaging, featuring a mixture of old and new blended style through its modern farmhouse look and breezy, open-plan layout. The original house was built in the 1920s with a second story being added in 1973. A recent renovation completes this family home. One would be forgiven for thinking the orchard of this house has been transplanted from the Adriatic Coast to the Kaipara flats of Dargaville, providing fruit for the whole family. Three family generations have created loving memories in this home, and it is now time for new owners to create their own. Once you enter the front door, the open plan kitchen, living and dining area is the star of the house. Boasting a new kitchen, paint, and flooring this lovely farmhouse effortlessly promotes a warm and cosy ambience. bayleys.co.nz/1020826

bayleys.co.nz

4 1 1 1

For Sale offers invited over $700,000 Inclusive of GST

View 11am-12pm Sun 26 Mar

Lisa Pocklington 021 121 8419 lisa.pocklington@bayleys.co.nz

Todd Skudder 027 439 1235 todd.skudder@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS

Wallaby watch reignited

u by Andy Bryenton

The Northland Regional Council is getting serious on feral animal pests, with multiple operations seeking to identify and control unwanted wildlife in the region.

From goat population control in Kaiwaka to the deployment of new onloan pig traps and a crackdown on deer, the report on wildlife management by NRC chief executive Jonathan Gibbard shows a snapshot of comprehensive activity in the field during early 2023. Of special interest is a renewed focus on wallabies.

More sightings of the invasive Aussie marsupials in the ecologically important Waipoua Forest area have been taken very seriously by the NRC after assurances last year that a sighting in the wild may only have been a large hare.

“Following the sighting last year in Waipoua forest a surveillance response was initiated with support from Tipu Matoro, Wallaby Free Aotearoa,” said Mr Gibbard.

“A wallaby indicator dog that can detect wallaby droppings was used through the area, along with the establishment of a trail camera network of 25 cameras, which were deployed for six weeks. No sign of wallabies was found; however, bad weather and the lack of suitably qualified and available contractors impacted operations.”

Additional sightings of the kangaroo-like animals were reported further afield, near Whangārei, prompting the emplacement of trail cameras. Meanwhile, NRC staff

have deployed a new weapon in the war against feral pics, which can spread kauri dieback disease. The ‘pig brig’ is a mobile net system which is easy to carry to remote areas, and it’s already proven its worth, capturing 12 swine in a single night.

The next initiative for NRC staff is to prepare for wild deer control during autumn. ¢

Ruawai 4921 State Highway 12

Seriously for sale

Surrounded by horticulture land, the main home offers immediate accommodation, while the character cottage behind it allows for bigger dreams to come true. Inside house number one has three double bedrooms, one bathroom, an open kitchen/living area that opens onto a timber deck. House number two is a two bedroom character home that could be a beauty once again. 4.5 acres (more or less) of flat land gives enough space for pets, cropping, add to the orchard, grow food for the extended whanau. bayleys.co.nz/1020830

Dargaville 123

Deceased Estate

Delightfully different with elevation

architectually-designed three bedroom home, offering natural elevation and outstanding views. Warm and inviting with a full kitchen, bathroom, separate laundry, octagonal lounge and the all time favourite sunroom offering easy outdoor access. Double garaging, plenty of outbuildings with privacy and beautiful surrounds adds to the appeal of this lovely property. bayleys.co.nz/1020829

p If left unchecked, by 2025, wallabies would cost New Zealanders around $84 million a year in damage — if you see one, call 0800 504 639 immediately

Roper& Jones

We put you first

The Value of Experience

Team Morris can help you sell your property. With a wealth of real estate knowledge and market experience, Team Morris is passionate and dedicated to achieving the best possible real estate outcome for their clients, selling lifestyle blocks, farms, houses, and commercial properties.

Testimonial: I was extremely happy with how Gary conducted and walked us through the process - the journey of selling the farm. He is a great guy, and I would definitely call him first if and when I have something to sell.

Call Team Morris for all your real estate needs.

NEWLISTING

Rural Haven

A fun and fit day out

Tugs of war, sack races and sausages will all be part of Paparoa’s annual Fun Walk Run and Family afternoon next Saturday.

$875,000

Three bedroom open plan home with a back deck overlooking your own 5.6250ha (just under 14 acres) of elevated grazing land with panoramic views and a peek of the sea in the distance.

Double garage and off-street parking for several cars. This property has 3 paddocks with good fencing, pond water for stock, and a pretty stand of bush. Hukatere bush reserve is just across the road, offering ample opportunity for relaxing bush walks. Or take your boat to Tinopai wharf 15 mins drive along the tarseal road for a days fishing in the Kaipara Harbour.

Town is not far away. Auckland being approx. 2 hours drive, Whangarei 85 mins, or Dargaville 40 mins.

Owner downsizing so make this property yours.

If you would like to be added to Gary’s exclusive news and new listings e-newsletter, please email Gary Morris with “Yes, e-newsletter” in the subject line.

Gary Morris & Debbie Howlett

M: 021 902 087 M: 021 233 3796

E: gary@fnkaipara.co.nz

www.roperandjones.co.nz

“The afternoon of March 25 will see walkers and runners enjoy a track of either a mostly flat four kilometres or fivekilometre event, which includes a grassy hill,” said spokesperson Libby Jones.

“The Kaipara Play Trailer will be at the showgrounds as well as organised games like tug of war and sack races and the Paparoa Volunteer Rural Fire Force will be there to cool down participants. The free event is followed by a barbecue supported by the Paparoa Sports and Recreation Association and the Paparoa Lions.

“The organisers are keen to get as many people as possible to be active and enjoy the local countryside by walking or running over the local footpaths and farmland tracks. Last year, the 550-metre all-weather concrete track around the showgrounds was opened, which has enabled many more people to walk, bike and scooter in a safe and accessible manner.”

Registrations on the day are at the Paparoa Sports Pavilion at the showgrounds from 2.30pm. ¢

TINOPAI ROAD, TINOPAI

p Getting exercise at last year’s event

WHAT’S ON?

March

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

Dargaville Dog Parade — 18th March 10am–3pm at Dargaville Old Boys Rugby Football Club, Murdoch Street, Dargaville All dogs on leash at all times. Hangi and food stalls available.

First Aid Training — Thursday, 23 March, 8.30am–5pm at Dargaville Museum / Te Whare Taonga o Tunatahi, 32 Mount Wesley Coast Road, Dargaville. Hosted by Volunteering Northland. Tickets $30–$45 +GST. Read more on Search Events — Humanitix. NW Boating Club Regatta and Market Day — Saturday 25th March 2023. Market from 9.30am–12.30pm. Contact Sue 021 268 7006. Regatta from 11am. Come for some fun on the shore.

Donnellys Crossing 100th Anniversary Picnic & Sports Day — Saturday 25th March 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.

April

Fireco Kai Iwi Lakes Triathlon — Saturday, 29 April features 3 different courses for the adult’s event and includes options for teams. This event also accommodates our tamariki with a kids course for ages 4–15.

May

Bring Balance Welcoming Winter — meditations for the new season, 21 May, 10am–12.30pm, Baylys Beach Community Centre, $40 (or what you can afford). Enquiries and bookings to Maureen 021 0231 8008, maureen.bringbalance@yahoo.com, www.bringbalance.co.nz.

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 12–4pm. Paparoa Memorial Hall.

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

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

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 022 691 6068.

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

Dargaville Aero Club — Learn to fly, free of tuition charges, Gyrocopter, Texan, Stork. Contact Peter 09 439 1628 for further info.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dargaville Mainly Music — Interactive music and movement for preschoolers and their carers.

Wednesdays 10am Baptist church, Victoria St, during term time. Contact Rebecca 021 969 626.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peggy Purls in our Community — Every 3rd Wednesday 10.30am at Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre, 59 Normanby St. Ring Charlene 09 439 6120. Pono Lodge Yoga — Pono Lodge, 41 Hokianga Road, Dargaville. Mondays: Hatha Flow 5.30pm, Yin 7pm. Tuesdays: Body Focus 9.30am. For more info contact Anisha 021 301 860 or see our Facebook page Dargaville Yoga.

Practicing 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.

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.

Senior Housie Dargaville Bowling Club — 3rd Monday each month Feb–Nov 12.30pm for 1.30pm start.

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. 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. $7 per session Contact Judy 027 316 3940.

PUZZLE TIME

ACROSS

1 Board game (5)

4 Quite unruffled under stress (4,2,1,8)

14 Difficult to chew (5)

15 Sombre

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Heart, 4 As fit as a fiddle, 11 Blend, 14 Dummy, 15 Persistence, 16 Canoeing, 19 Station, 20 Drags, 21 Repellent, 24 Edelweiss, 26 Fasten, 27 Adonis, 31 Spice, 32 Composer, 34 Disinfects, 38 Guarded, 39 Quirks, 40 Elicit, 41 Polo, 42 Endmost, 45 Spare wheel, 50 Himself, 54 Vice, 55 Pliant, 56 Timbre, 57 Rowlock, 60 Supersonic, 61 Innuendo, 62 Limit, 65 Dreams, 66 Ignore, 67 Stag party, 72 Influenza, 73 Bribe, 74 Genetic, 79 Greenery, 80 Quarrelsome, 81 Hardy, 82 Tense, 83 Long in the tooth, 84 Otter.

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

DOWN: 2 Equity, 3 Remit, 5 Shed, 6 Insures, 7 Assign, 8 Aped, 9 Increase, 10 Enable, 11 Browned off, 12 Exit, 13 Digress, 17 Doily, 18 Beneficial, 22 Demon, 23 Anecdote, 25 Decorum, 26 Foresaw, 28 Upturn, 29 Usurer, 30 Finish, 33 Plump, 35 Scoff, 36 Lens, 37 Fête, 42 Eaves, 43 Decipher, 44 Tallow, 45 Soaking wet, 46 Alto, 47 Entwine, 48 Humane, 49 Eerie, 51 Iron, 52 Soloist, 53 Lactic, 58 Prominence, 59 Adage, 63 Bouzouki, 64 Latex, 65 Drought, 68 Tabasco, 69 Floral, 70 Frieze, 71 Middle, 75 Exact, 76 Vein, 77 Grit, 78 Emit.

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

FOR SALE

1 PINE TV corner cabinet, very good condition $200. Phone John 027 525 8189.

2 RECLINER CHAIRS, faux suede, brown, very good condition $250 each. Phone John 027 525 8189. 9 & 12MM V GROOVE D/GRADE. Scooters Plywood 09 438 6565.

BROMILEADS. LIRIOPES, Bergenias, Variegated Ornamental Grasses, Day Lillies $5–$8. On left of Dargaville Countdown Carpark entrance — Tuesday to Friday 10am–2pm.

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.

FRESH HOME grown eggs $7 dozen, $17 tray. Mixed grade. Mary 027 439 0388.

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.

100A

LEATHER Lounge suite. 3 + 2-seater. Purchased Sep 2022 for $6,000. Extremely comfortable. Unfortunately, will not fit in new home. $3,200. Phone

Open

PERSONAL 72-YEAR OLD widower. Looking for female companionship long-term. Don’t mind pets. Phone Wayne 09 439 5566.

NURSERIES & PLANTS

10,000 SHRUBS, trees, etc, ready now. Landscaping, hedging, shelter.

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.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

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

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.

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.

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 BUY

SECOND HAND car trailer or quad bike trailer & crate.

hose doctor, welding & mechanic service crew Fabrication in steel, stainless &

CLASSIFIEDS

WORK WANTED

DENISE CLARK

Toenail & Fingernail Cutting Service

Phone 09 439 6068

PHONE 09 439 6933

Closing date for classified advertising for the March 28 2023 edition is Monday, March 27 2023

Ruawai College

Fixed-term 1.0 FTTE

Our college in the beautiful Kaipara region is looking to employ a fixed-term teacher with strengths in teaching in Junior school (Years 7 and 8 in particular).

The applicant we seek should be enthusiastic, motivated, and committed to quality teaching and learning. A willingness to make a contribution to the rich, co-curricular life of the school is important.

The start date is Term 2, Monday 24 April 2023, and ends Friday 8 December 2023.

Applications close Monday 27 March 2023, at 3:00pm.

To request an application pack, please contact Tyla O’Sullivan, Principal’s PA via email at pa@ruawaicollege.school.nz.

WAYNE & ANNETTE

Ph 09 439 2020

Dry Aged Beef Specialists TOKATOKA

SITUATIONS VACANT

DARGAVILLE MUSEUM Manager part-time one day per week. Museum-related qualification and experience required. Email the secretary at: info@dargavillemuseum. co.nz for further information.

EXPERIENCED CALF Rearer needed. Start mid-March. Full or part-time. Wages/hours negotiable. Phone Mark 021 125 4657.

WAITER STAFF/KITCHEN Hand wanted for customer service, till operation, dishwashing and home food delivery. Contact Jas Singh 021 438 311 or email jas_shiraz@yahoo.co.nz — Shiraz Restaurant, Dargaville.

Administrator/ Receptionist

We are on the lookout for a Receptionist/Administrator to join our friendly team. This is a full time position.

This role requires someone who has excellent customer service skills, works well within a team environment, is friendly in their approach, and has excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Previous Administration/Reception and Medtech

Evolution experience an advantage but not a necessity as full on the job training will be provided

Closing date 27th March 2023

Please send a covering letter and your CV to: Dallas Taylor: dallas@dargavilledocs.co.nz

POUTO TOPU A AHUWHENUA TRUST

GENERAL MANAGER REQUIRED

We are a 100% Maori owned farming Trust of Sheep/Beef – Dairy – Forestry and Apiculture.

Pouto Peninsula Northland

The position is that of General Manager.

• Applicant requires knowledge and understanding of Maori Culture.

• Applicant preferably has experience of Sheep/ Beef Dairy and Forestry Farming.

• Accountable to and act for and on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

• Proven experience as a General Manager or similar executive role.

• Have experience in planning, budgeting, administration, developing sound business relationship, staff development, dealing with unknown situations, expanding the business, seeking opportunities / partnerships etc.

• Knowledge of business process and functions (finance, HR, procurement, operations etc.

• Employ necessary staff for, sheep/beef, dairy farms or new projects when required.

• Have excellent communication, organizational and operational leadership skills.

• Be computer literate with knowledge of modern technology.

• Organise and manage all infrastructure work.

Application closes:

Friday 31st March 2023 in writing Including C/V.

To: Northland Corporate Accounting Ltd.

5 Alderton Drive, Kerikeri. 0230

PUBLIC NOTICES

ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — First Thursday of the month — 7–9.30pm, next is 6th April 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.

AGM NORTHERN Wairoa Country Music Club Wednesday 29th March 7pm at the Scout Hall Onslow Street, all welcome. Please come and support your Country Music Club. New committee members needed.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS both Dargaville AA Meetings are held at the church, crn Parore and Normanby Sts. Use Parore St entrance. Monday 4.30pm & Thursday 7.30pm. Phone Bernie 027 212 2148, Ladies 020 4082 1373, Murray 09 439 5248.

CENSUS 2023 Need help completing your Census forms? Citizens Advice Bureau is an approved Assisted Completion Location and can provide advice and support to help people complete their forms, either on paper or online. Call in at the Bureau, 37 Hokianga Rd (Town Hall building). Opening hours 10am–1pm.

DARGAVILLE FRIENDSHIP CLUB AGM Tuesday 11th April, 10am Northern Wairoa Boating Club All welcome. Phone Cynthia 021 163 7413.

DARGAVILLE HEALING rooms 7pm Tuesdays. No charge & no appointment necessary. Lion of Judah Building, River Road. All Welcome. Check us out on Facebook.

KELLYS BAY Reunion & Hui (formerly named after Thomas & Arena Kelly). Kelly and Gibson families are welcome to come along. Easter Friday–Sunday. Everyone is welcome at Bennett’s place. 20 relatives coming from Hamilton.

OPEN CEMETERY MEETING for descendants at Panannawe Marae Saturday 1st April at 10am. All interested parties welcome.

TINOPAI POOL Club AGM. 25th March at noon. To be held at the Tinopai Pool Club, Komiti Road, Tinopai.

PUBLIC NOTICES

TSUNAMI SIREN TESTING

Northland’s network of tsunami sirens in coastal communities will be tested on Sunday 2 April 2023.

The sirens will sound at 10am for 10 minutes and 10.30am for 30 seconds.

The twice-yearly checks are carried out at the beginning and end of daylight saving. A message will also be sent to users of the free Red Cross Hazard app.

For further information, go to www.nrc.govt.nz/tsunamisirens

Public notice

(Section 127 (2), Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)

Paparoa Golf Club Inc of Maungaturoto, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal and variation of a club licence in respect of the premises situated at 93 Golf Course Rd, Maungaturoto known as Paparoa Golf Club

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Golf Club

The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: 7 days - 10am - 10pm.

The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 13, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai. Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 15 working days after the first publication of this public notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville 0340.

No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 128 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the first and only publication of this notice.

Public notice

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

Maungaturoto Off Licence Limited of Maungaturoto, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an off licence in respect of the premises situated at 147B Hurndall Street, Maungaturoto known as Maungaturoto Liquor Centre

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is retailing liquor

The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 9am to 10pm.

The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 13, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai. Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 15 working days after the first publication of this public notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville 0340.

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

This is the first publication of this notice.

DEATH NOTICES

Brian Josey

Sadly passed away on 22 - 02 - 23 surrounded by family. A celebration of his life will be held on 25th March at the Dargaville Scout Hall 23 Onslow Street at 1pm.

All welcome.

HOLSTER, Brett Patrick

Passed 14/3/23 aged 54 at Whangarei Hospital. Beloved son of Maria and Raymond (Tom) Holster (deceased), much loved bro to Gwenda & Trevor, Tom & Liz, Michael, Francis & Patrick (deceased), who thank his soulmate Moana Clarke for her love and care for Brett.

Forever missed by his 9 nieces & nephews. Rest peacefully te kaitiaka o te whenua.

LENNON Dawn Constance (nee Fischer)

Loving mother and mother-in-law of Cliff and Marian, Grant and Penny, Kaye, John and Sabina. Adored nana of Jamie, Sam; Jianna, Flyn, and Freya. Nan nan of Lydia, and Varg. Aunty of Lynley, Christine, and Craig. A service for Dawn was held at the Maunu Crematorium Chapel, Cemetery Road, on Monday 13th March 2023. All communications to the “Lennon Family” c/ - PO Box 8043, Kensington, Whangarei, 0145.

IN MEMORIAM

A gathering of friends of the late Nina Massey will be held on the 26th March from 11am to 3pm at the Northern Wairoa Boating Club. All Welcome.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public notice

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

Upper Wairoa Memorial Park Association Inc of Tangiteroria, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for a Club licence in respect of the premises situated at 23 Pukehuia Rd Tangiteroria known as Upper Wairoa Memorial Park Association

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Sports Club

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

Sunday to Thursday 11am to 11pm Friday and Saturday 11am to 1am the next day. The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 13, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai.

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

No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 101 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

This is the second publication of this notice. The first was published on the 14th of March 2023.