Kaipara Lifestyler, September 12th 2023

DIGITISE YOUR HISTORY

Coastguard founder honoured

u by Andy Bryenton

In 1993, at the request of the Northland police, North Kaipara Volunteer Coastguard Air Sea Rescue Inc was established by a small group of volunteers.

Call to facilitate social housing

Peanut trials back underway

The $1 million trial of growing commercially viable peanut crops are back on track with new planting …

Council asked to join in dam plan

Allan Crabb was one of those founders, and for the past three decades, he’s been dedicated to helping mariners in distress. Last week, this legacy of service was honoured with a special presentation in Ruawai.

From coordinating rescues, checking in with boaties out on the harbour and advocating better safety and communications to improving the Coastguard’s equipment and vessel, Allan has been at the forefront, say his colleagues.

“He was vocal in support of improved communication on the water and was instrumental in seeing the erection of the Tinopai radio repeater, and he has always been first to see where improvements could be made in vessels,

tractors, trailers and other equipment,” says fellow Coastguard member James Foster.

The years have seen the Coastguard expand its local role and achieve new accreditations and better and better equipment. Allan trained hard to achieve the qualification of Master, which led to the development of a more highly trained crew. During his tenure, this crew set sail aboard two new vessels, the Manaia, which became theirs in 2017, and the very advanced Tinopai Rescue, delivered in 2021.

As friends, colleagues, crew and wellwishers gathered to honour Allan’s 30 years of service last Wednesday, another aspect of his life in public service was also reflected on. As well as being a stalwart

of the Coastguard, Allan also served for 34 years as a volunteer firefighter — a combination of roles which amply prove his dedication to his community.

With almost as many fundraising hours as incident response hours clocked up by the Tinopai Coastguard during the past year, volunteers of all kinds are the lifeblood of this vital organisation.

“In 30 years, there has been a lot of change, but it’s been 30 years of volunteers like you turning up,” said Coastguard president Peter Flood at the meeting honouring Allan’s service, the group’s 30th AGM.

“Allan has been part of this organisation for all those 30 years, and I take my hat off to you,” said Mr Flood. ¢

Kāinga Ora regional director Jeff Murray spoke directly to Kaipara’s mayor and councillors last week to establish …

By November, the Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust (TTTWT) will have completed work on its three million cubic metre …

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p The members of the Tinopai Coastguard rally around Allan Crabb, founding member, as he is awarded for 30 years of service

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Call to facilitate social housing

u by Andy Bryenton

Kāinga Ora regional director Jeff Murray spoke directly to Kaipara’s mayor and councillors last week to establish a greater social housing presence in Dargaville.

Mr Murray’s agency already administers 102 homes in the town and works alongside local students who construct houses for Kāinga Ora. He discussed the possibility of ‘upzoning’ those existing properties, utilising a plan change through the council to allow for more homes to be built on each section.

“We have identified seven areas where we are focussing our efforts in building,” said Mr Murray. “Dargaville is one of them. The demand for housing across Te Tai Tokerau is universal, but we wish to focus on these seven key areas as they provide access to opportunities.”

These opportunities include education, employment and social services. Another drawcard is the proximity of the Dargaville High School’s building academy.

“The students at DHS build two houses a year for us, which is a great way of supporting people into the building sector,” Mr Murray said.

The motivation to approach the KDC about a change to the District Plan, allowing them to intensify housing density, has come from the doubling

Public split on cycle and walking scheme

u by Andy Bryenton

Those opposed to new cycleways and crossings for school children have cited safety concerns, stormwater run-off, tree loss and inconvenience in rejecting an $8 million grant from Waka Kotahi.

The grant was applied for by the Smith administration of the Kaipara District Council, specifically for walking and cycling upgrades. It was granted just after the formation of the new Jepson administration in December 2022. Public consultation led to a split between approval and criticism, with two design options on the table.

demand for social housing. Councillor Gordon Lambeth was not the only elected member who opined that a lack of affordable housing is preventing economic growth, as workforces have no option to secure accommodation.

Mr Murray cited Kāinga Ora’s recent successes in Whangārei with the upzoning of large sections. He urged the council to favourably consider a proposal to repeat this exercise, or something similar, in Dargaville. ¢

“An interactive workshop was facilitated by council staff at Dargaville

Primary School, with 13 student council representatives and deputy principal Marty Lucich,” said KDC road safety engineer Vaishali Sankar.

“They were requested to outline the challenges that prevent them from walking or cycling to school and provide solutions to resolve the issues raised. Both options were presented, with the feedback receiving a unanimous vote for option one.”

While school students and staff, who would primarily benefit in terms of accessibility and safety from the proposed changes, were unanimous in their support, other members of the public are resistant to change. A wider consultation, including two drop-in workshops, rendered a 56 per cent vote against building any cycle paths or crossings. Despite being made clear that the Waka Kotahi grant could not be spent on anything other than cycle and walking infrastructure, some people still opined that the $8 million should be used to repair roading.

A middle way has been outlined, which addresses concerns by retaining street-side berm plantings and trees, reducing the number of raised crossings, and making a more direct route from central Dargaville to schools. It will be presented to councillors late in September for approval. ¢

info@hammondslaw.co.nz

www.hammondslaw.co.nz

09

p Dargaville Primary School students and staff were all for a grant to upgrade roads like Gordon Street (in rear of photo) safer, but naysayers have forced a change of plans

p Kāinga Ora’s Jeff Murray wishes to see more social housing established in Dargaville, not just for the sake of the homeless but also to provide accommodation for much-needed workers

It happened in Dargaville

u by Andy Bryenton

Accolades and praise have been abundant for the 2023 Dargaville Wearable Arts following a three-show run early this month.

Dargaville hosted a show patrons have described as ‘world-class’ and ‘worthy of Broadway’, combining creativity, music, dance, light and performance. Show organiser John Pickworth says that the triumphant success of the event is due to the talent and dedication of locals.

“After the hiatus of Covid and a last-minute change of venue due to Cyclone Gabrielle, We had to make this show happen, no matter what it took,” says John. “This galvanised our determination but didn’t diminish our ambition.

“We conceived of the idea of a show within a show. We wanted to give the audience the experience of attending a true artistic exhibition, where the ‘down the rabbit hole’ concept framed the wearable arts competition. They could each have been a standalone show, but it was our intent, through the

genius of the people involved, that we could weave them together.

“When people left the show, I wanted them to be saying, ‘wow — that happened in Dargaville,’ so we delivered a show which would not have been out of place in the West End or in Wellington,” says John. He says that this was achieved by pulling together brilliant proponents of varied arts. The soundscaping, the lighting and visual effects, the technical acuity and conceptual imaging were all world-class, with local folks dancing, composing music, running the front of house, backstage and stage management, and of course, designing wearable masterpieces.

“Everyone, from the contestants themselves to those who erected the marquee and provided security, helped make this a success which Dargaville should be proud of,” says John. ¢

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Wearable arts accolades

Congratulations to the organisers and team who produced the amazing Dargaville Wearable Arts show at Dargaville Pioneer Rugby Park on the first two days of September.

Having attended the previous shows at the town hall, I admit to some trepidation regarding attending a show in a marquee on a rugby field. However everything about the Dargaville Wearable Arts, Down the Rabbit Hole, show was wonderfully organised and presented. It was an awesome and very enjoyable evening.

It is super to be able to celebrate the wonderful talent in our community. Not just those who created the exhibits but also those who organised their presentation and our comfort, and those who generously provided sponsorship.

Thank you, Jacoba Puharich

p Jason Hopper’s Flight of Fantasy was a crowd favourite, with articulated brightly coloured wings

p Suzi J and Akashia Tambisari’s Silver Lining creation leads a parade of wearable artworks crafted from recycled materials

p Composer and performer Brian Baker wove magic with his music

p Two designs became one living artwork in this piece, There is a Taniwha in my Garden

p Amy Simpkin’s DeVINE Inspiration was a confection of hand-crafted leaves

p Eternal Being references legends of birds as messengers from the spirit world

p A parade of colour and style rounded out the Our Natural Environment segment of the show

p Mondrian references two of the great artists, abstractionist Piet Mondrian and surrealist Salvador Dalí

p Pearl the Peacock featured an animated, unfurling tail

p Marie Wright and Taralee Freeman created this work, Transparency, as a call for cultural unity

p Miss Polly Chromatic echoed the vision of architect and artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser

Peanut trials back underway

u by Paul Campbell

The $1 million trial of growing commercially viable peanut crops are back on track with new planting next month, following a weather washout last year.

Year three of the trials will see five planting sites across Kaipara and the Far North, with an estimated five hectares of peanuts to be planted in October/ November.

Funding through the Ministry for Primary Industries Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund has led Northland Inc to continue for a third season after the 2021 plantings proved promising for the potential of a peanut-growing industry.

Northland Inc project manager Greg Hall says four cultivars were successfully harvested. “Harvest of year one saw a sample of 18 kilograms of peanuts sent to Pic’s Peanut Butter in Nelson processed into peanut butter. In some cases, the nutritional values of the Northland-grown cultivars were higher than the peanuts that Pic’s imports from other countries, indicating the quality potential of locallygrown produce.

“However, the planting of year two of the trials was severely impacted by unseasonal wet weather with waterlogged soil hampering planting windows and ultimately seeing a washout of crops also seen across much of Northland’s agriculture industry.”

Declan Graham from Plant & Food Research says the prospect for peanut

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Originally set up as a sixteen-bed Maungaturoto Rest Home. The complex has evolved to include a newly built 14 bed Specialised Dementia Unit. A residential area adjacent to the rest home offers eleven rental units and fourteen ‘own your own’ villas. A medical Centre, operated by Coast to Coast Healthcare, provides convenient onsite care for all residents.

cropping in Northland is good. “We’ve already established that some of the short-season cultivars that have been evaluated to date produce very good yields. We’re really hoping the weather plays its part this season.”

Greg Hall says the potential benefits of the establishment of a peanut industry in Northland are multifaceted. “Peanut crops add nitrogen and restore soil, making them a great rotational crop. The trials allow us to assess the opportunity and potential benefits of industry establishment while minimising the risk for our agriculture farmers.”

The big election issues — health

u by Andy Bryenton

We questioned the candidates from all six of the top-polling political parties contesting Northland seats in the forthcoming election, in a series leading up to voting day.

Question one — Health

Kaipara has a health accessibility crisis. A lack of dentists, optometrists, physiotherapists, and other professionals, coupled with a monthlong wait for a GP appointment and the need to travel extensively to Whangārei for many specialist care necessities. What will you do to remedy this situation?

Willow-Jean Prime, NZ Labour Party Labour has reformed the health system to end the postcode lottery. As the Associate Minister of Health responsible for rural health, this is something that I am acutely aware of. We have produced the first-ever rural strategy and workforce development plan, which will address these very issues.

Grant McCallum, NZ National Party National will incentivise more Kiwis to study nursing by paying up to $4,500 a year of their student loans if they stay working in New Zealand. We’ll establish a third medical school focussed on delivering more doctors

committed to serving in provincial and rural parts of the country. We’ll also reintroduce health targets and hold ourselves accountable to them to ensure the health system is delivering shorter wait times and more surgeries.

Shane Jones, New Zealand First NZ First will make a priority of upgrading rural access to medical services. In the case of Dargaville, we will ensure there is a dedicated fund to boost frontline services. In the short term, this will include mobile clinics, a proven model of service delivery.

In the medium to long term, there will be special support for medical graduates moving to rural locations as well as incentivising existing GPs to retrain so additional medical services can be offered.

Candidates from the Green Party, Te Pāti Māori and the ACT Party were also questioned but had not replied by the deadline for publication. ¢

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p Greg Hall, peanut project manager for Northland Inc

A sustainable connection Council report card — Gordon Lambeth

u by Amy Fifita

Poutō Primary School students and staff were visited by Mount Everest and Antarctic explorer Matiu Kena and his family, who have strong links to the area.

Have you managed to achieve, or make progress, on your election promises?

Being involved in the development of the District Plan was my primary reason for running for council. Being appointed to the working party, we have been working hard on this and are progressing well. I am confident that the end product will be a workable and more effective plan than what we had before and will be essential in the future development of the district, especially the Northern Wairoa area. What have been obstacles to achieving change?

“Our school has been on a sustainability journey, and it has taken us in various directions,” principal Georgina Milford said. “We did lessons about Mount Everest before his visit.”

Matiu and the Kena family returned to their roots to show their children the places they grew up. In light of that, Georgina invited them to the school to talk with the students.

“We did a whakatau (formal welcome) for them, and after that, Matiu opened up and talked about his journey. Matiu spoke about his climb to the base camp of Mount Everest and how it links to sustainability. The children were amazed and wanted to go with them to their next

location — the marae,” said Georgina. The family explained their connections to the school, and the kuia (grandmother) recognised one of the staff members who is also from Poutō.

Georgina says the children related the family aspect of the visit to the harakeke (flax) whakapapa they have been learning about. The traditional Māori custom likens the plant to a family.

“I am delighted that Matiu and his wider family came back to where they came from and gave back to these children. Even though we are an isolated community, it is significant that the children explore the world. It is always moving when they come back.” ¢

Change is always difficult to accept, and this process needs to be handled in such a way to bring people together along with you. It is not about being combative and aggressive towards those people who may be resisting change but joining them in the journey and walking alongside and working together on change. If somebody has been involved in mapping out that change, they are more likely to embrace it and work together to achieve the common goal. How do you plan to deliver good value for your constituents in council?

Working with energy and endurance, being mature and intelligent enough to establish what is of importance. Accepting decisions that don’t go your way and learning from your mistakes is

essential to achieving success. I deliver value by collaborating with other local leaders, organisations, and government agencies to address broader district or regional issues affecting the community. Effective teamwork can lead to more significant positive outcomes. Along with that, ensuring that the ratepayers’ dollars are spent efficiently and effectively.

I think I may have had the highest attendance rate of all the councillors, and the only meeting I missed was a clash with another council role and meeting. However, it is not just about attending meetings. It’s making these worthwhile and meaningful, not sweating the small stuff and progressing projects and development that will benefit everyone. Promoting community events and initiatives that strengthen local bonds and improve residents’ quality of life. ¢

p Matiu Kena and his family returned to Poutō and visited the students and staff at the primary school there to share their experiences

Instilling a literary wonder Council asked to join in dam plan

u by Amy Fifita u by Andy Bryenton

Recently, Ruawai Primary School revelled in reading with students, families and educators getting involved in fun activities.

“The whole school was involved in the week in our Hats Off to Reading week,” says teacher Adele Slatter.

Adele says the week opens up a whole new world of knowledge and imagination and an opportunity to showcase their creations.

“Our character parade was exciting. Tamariki and teachers dressed up in their favourite characters’ hats in a fun and creative way. Two of our senior student librarians announced each class and what each child was wearing.

“Whānau attended a catwalk, and students walked down like stars to display their creations. Families also came and read some of their favourite childhood stories. We also did bedtime stories. Everyone came back in their pyjamas and listened to stories and had biscuits and cookies.”

There were various activities in the school library. Principal Wayne Steele got involved by reading stories in the library during break time on Wednesday.

“Wayne also caused excitement in the school by dressing up as Clifford the Big Red Dog.”

The school has various initiatives to encourage students to read, including having a well-stocked library, Duffy Books buddy reading and daily reading in classes.

“I am grateful to Miriama Te Whata and Regina Nengerman for helping organise the week. Our tamariki enjoyed the week and could not understand why we only have this special library week once a year.” ¢

By November, the Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust (TTTWT) will have completed work on its three million cubic metre water storage reservoir in Redhill, near Glinks Gully south of Dargaville.

“In 2020, it was decided that water storage as a catalyst for economic activity and creating jobs was a good thing for the north,” said TTTWT spokesperson Murray McCully.

Some economic development has already come to pass, as more than 55 hectares of avocado trees are already in the ground near the Waihekeora Dam in Red Hill. At capacity, this facility could irrigate 1,100 hectares out of the 6,000 hectares of premium arable soil in the immediate vicinity. However, there’s another possible purpose for all this ready water.

“We would like to see the council become a partner with us,” said Mr McCully. “The opportunity is there to supply water into town, with three or four pipe routes possible. We have been talking to your council officers for some months now.”

The TTTWT propose a mutually beneficial arrangement. Dargaville’s reticulated network would never again suffer summertime restrictions, and

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farmland along the pipe route could enjoy irrigation benefits. Reciprocally, the dam could be refilled with excess water from the Kaihũ River during winter using existing pumps which belong to the KDC.

While making no promises about an alliance on this matter, Mayor Craig Jepson was positive about the dam’s purpose and prospects.

“We anticipate more housing and more jobs in this area and see this as a wonderful opportunity to get ‘value added’ to production in our district,” said Mr Jepson. ¢

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p Ruawai Primary School students enjoyed the annual book week and dressed up as their favourite characters

p Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust spokesperson Murray McCully has proposed an alliance of interests to the KDC, over water supply

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Public quizzed on rubbish schemes Art awards on hiatus

u by Andy Bryenton

A team of three councillors has been picked to hear public submissions on how Kaipara’s rubbish and recycling should be managed.

At a meeting last week, councillors looked at the final version of the Kaipara District Council’s proposed waste management plan, which includes the eradication of plastic rubbish bags, among a raft of other ideas.

A rethink of the plan for rubbish and recycling was needed when the government changed the rules on waste in late 2022. Schemes already advanced by the then-incumbent Smith administration were modified and changed to fit these new criteria, which include the provision for a pick-up service for food scraps in urban areas.

“We have had preliminary discussions with the Ministry for the Environment, and it’s unlikely that we’ll receive funding for recycling. At this stage, however, there is funding for the organic collection,” said Donna Powell, who addressed elected members on the waste transition.

From next week, the proposals document will be out for public consultation. KDC members encourage all citizens to have their say via the council’s website.

As well as the most visible proposed change to kerbside collection services, the proposal also involves upgrades to

the district’s refuse transfer stations in Dargaville and Hakaru. It’s noted that if the Hakaru facility’s land ownership is not transferred to the KDC, a new, southern refuse centre may be established.

In addition, the waste management plan contains the investigation of selfcompacting public rubbish bins, revised collection schedules for holiday periods, the possible funding of composting programmes, and more education on the value of recycling. Submissions will remain open until the end of September.

u by Andy Bryenton

The Kaipara Art Awards, the district’s annual celebration of artistic talent and creativity, will take a break for 2023.

The jointly-organised awards, hosted and founded by the Dargaville Arts Association (DAA) and Mangawhai Artists Inc (MAI), are usually a highly anticipated part of the creative calendar. However, questions over a suitable venue for the 2D and 3D works, which usually grace the contest, have seen the difficult decision to postpone the event.

“With uncertainty over exhibition space in Dargaville, we have reluctantly made the call to take a break this year,” say co-organisers John Pickworth of the DAA and Belinda Vernon from MAI.

“The awards are hosted alternately by Dargaville and Mangawhai and were due to be held in Dargaville later this year. However, Dargaville Arts Association has recently relinquished its space in the former municipal chambers to enable the Anzac cinema to operate following damage to its facilities during the cyclone earlier in the year. This has created challenges for hosting the awards ceremony and subsequent exhibition.

“We know artists and the public will be disappointed that the awards are not being held this year.”

John and Belinda acknowledged the twin exhibitions accompanying the awards, held consecutively in Dargaville and Mangawhai, are always well supported.

“We are sorry regarding the deferral, but look forward to hosting the awards in Dargaville in 2024. We encourage artists to continue in their creative journey and surprise us with new directions in 2024.” ¢

p KDC’s Donna Powell answered questions for councillors as a draft of the council’s new rubbish management plan was revealed for public scrutiny

p Dargaville Arts Association spokesperson John Pickworth says the Kaipara Art Awards will return revitalised for 2024

Joint mayoral discussion on waste-to-energy Cricket grants on offer

u by Andy Bryenton

A group of civic and regional leaders have met to further the discussion on adopting waste-to-energy technology.

“In April, I put forward a proposal for the Kaipara District Council to investigate the possibility of using wasteto-energy in conjunction with other Northland councils. Council recognises the importance of maximising recycling and reuse and minimising waste. Despite this, we still dispose of large quantities of non-recyclable waste to landfill,” says deputy mayor Jonathan Larsen.

“The KDC has submitted against the Dome Valley landfill. We have also joined appeal proceedings against the consent. Despite this, no one has put up an alternative disposal method,” says Mr Larsen.

An alternative has been tabled now and has attracted the interest of many other local authorities. A recent meeting to discuss the placement, feasibility and practicalities of a waste-to-energy plant in the north was recently held, bringing together mayors, deputy mayors, chairpeople and CEOs of many Northland governance entities.

These include the Auckland Council, Kaipara District Council, Whangārei

District Council, Northland Regional Council, and Northland Inc.

Statistics presented at the meeting show that in 2021, 76 per cent of New Zealand’s rubbish went directly to the landfill. In the same timeframe, Sweden, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Denmark and Switzerland all posted figures of between zero and two per cent waste to landfill with waste-to-energy accounting for up to 56 per cent of rubbish and recycling growing to accommodate the remainder.

It’s the aim of the region’s mayors and chairpeople to achieve similar results, with recycling growing as waste-to-energy fulfils its own role in waste strategies. ¢

Cricket sponsor ANZ Bank has invited families to apply for a slice of $100,000 in its annual grants to help pay cricket club subs for young Kaipara cricketers for a second year, saying families continue to feel the economic pinch.

Successful applicants will receive up to $80 towards their fees, which will be provided as a voucher to redeem when registering with New Zealand Cricket. ANZ head of sponsorship

Sarah Rogan says financial concerns can mean the difference between children playing sports or not, and extra support with fees can have a wide-ranging impact.

“From honing coordination skills to meeting like-minded friends, sport is such an important part of a child’s wellbeing,” Ms Rogan says. “We want as many Kiwi kids as possible to enjoy all the mental and physical benefits that come with being out on the sports field. We received feedback from cricket clubs that this type of support is vital for families in their communities who are doing it even tougher than last year.”

New Zealand Cricket’s Kent Stead says the initiative hopes families who might have thought it impossible

for their children to play this season will reconsider.

“The subsidy fund will help hundreds of children on to the cricket field this summer, and for many, it could be the boost they need to reach their future sporting potential.” Families are invited to apply at the NZ Cricket website between August 14 and September 22. A maximum of two children in each family can benefit from the subsidy. ¢

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS – NEWS YOU CAN TRUST

p The mayors, deputy mayors, CEOs and waste management managers of civic authorities met to discuss wasteto-energy

p Cricket club youngsters with Black Caps Ajaz Patel, Will Young, Neil Wagner and Lockie Ferguson

Set the scene for a perfect day

u by Andy Bryenton

A good venue can set the tone and theme for a wonderful wedding; here are three ideas Kaipara can deliver in a suitably memorable style.

The beach or outdoor wedding — Kaipara’s landscape has vistas as grand as any cathedral and plenty of spots perfect for a wedding close to nature. Planning is the key to success if you’re going outdoors, and it pays to engage the services of a seasoned veteran celebrant and planner to ensure all goes to plan. They can take care of talking to locals, landowners and regional authorities to find out whether you need permission or just a blessing from the neighbours to arrange your big day.

Of course, going outdoors provides challenges and opportunities around

the weather, photography, and the accessibility of spaces. Scout out the land, talk to the locals, treat the natural world with respect, and you’ll craft an event to remember.

The vintage themed wedding — Another feature of Kaipara is our wealth of history. There are grand old hotels, homesteads, civic halls and places of business which date back to a bygone age of ornate architecture and old-fashioned charm. Many of these would be happy to host a wedding, and many more have done so in the past, with the experience to help you create a memorable event.

Once again, a good celebrant and planner can help craft a wedding event with flair, helping your guests find appropriately retro costumes, sourcing classic cars for the bridal party to arrive in, and caterers who can deliver a high tea fit for royalty.

The traditional church wedding — Whether for reasons of faith, tradition or because the picture-perfect idea of a white wedding is intrinsically linked with the aesthetics of a classic chapel and steeple, many people opt for a house of worship as their wedding venue. For those who wish to engage such a place to host their special day, a discussion about the space with the proper spiritual leadership is vital.

Some people who want an oldfashioned church wedding might not regularly attend the house of worship they

would like to use for the big day, but many scenic and historic churches are happy to accommodate those who are not of their congregation celebrating with them. Rules and respectful guidelines differ from church to church. Kaipara boasts many truly stunningly situated small churches, making for beautiful traditional wedding backdrops.

Ph: 09 438 8135 • www.whangareisuithire.co.nz

want to say ‘I do’, Kaipara has plenty of novel, scenic and interesting venues to choose from

The case for business-led positivity

u by Andy Bryenton

From awards to boost the profile of local retailers to parades, events, galas and sales, business associations across New Zealand are responsible for creating a buzz on our nation’s main streets.

From the earliest times of such grassroots business groups, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce from the 1850s, they’ve been separate from local councils, devoted to growing commerce, and supportive of members’ rights and prosperity. Kaipara boasts many such groups, but Dargaville is currently in the odd position of being a major New Zealand town without a widely attended, universally subscribed business association.

Currently, Dargaville’s main streets are full of businesses, operating not in isolation but without the singular voice that could make them heard more readily by authorities such as the Kaipara District Council, Waka Kotahi and their customer base. Individuals, as workers through the ages have found, can sometimes be drowned out, but a united front cannot be ignored. A business association is, at its heart, a business person’s union.

Additionally, a business association can serve as the proverbial rising tide that raises all ships. This year, for example, Dargaville will have no Christmas parade nor any organised celebration of what,

spiritual and traditional festivities aside, is known to be the biggest shopping season of the year. In nearly every other town, a cadre of business owners promote a parade, market days, latenight sales and other events promoting dining and shopping locally. Why not in Dargaville?

A vox populi of main street retailers reveals that there would be an appetite to join such a group, should it exist, but there’s hesitancy about volunteering to lead. Some of this is down to modesty, some down to the added workload a traditional association, with its formal meetings, rules and debates entails.

However, there are new and more efficient ways of getting together and expressing an opinion. Meeting on video, from home, collaborating on a shared group chat and taking a roundtable approach rather than adopting the ranks and titles of a committee, where power struggles over obscure clauses can dominate, are all viable.

Certainly, there are desires to see the town thrive. Comparisons with Mangawhai

are often made, and more than the affluence of the populace there, the real reason for that municipality’s character, appearance and amenities comes down to the strong involvement of an engaged business community in projects such as the MAZ, Opportunity Factory trust and many more. They can say to the council, ‘we have begun this work, — please help us to finish it’, and are often met with approval.

The success of events like the Dargaville Wearable Arts proves that, when united, Dargaville’s people can do amazing things. Turning that focus to prosperity for our business community will require neighbours and competitors to get talking. Make no mistake, though, it’s vital that such a group is formed and that its ideas are heard, not in a top-down fashion but from the street level, up to where change is enacted to benefit all.

Contact us at info@thelifestyler.co.nz with your thoughts on how this could happen and what it would take for you to get involved.

A six-year snip for charity Otamatea top shots

u by Andy Bryenton u by Amy Fifita

Local student Thomas Davidson has radically altered his look for spring, but not just to keep cool.

Now headed for tertiary study in Christchurch, Thomas has spent his entire secondary school career growing a long and luxurious head of hair. His aim was ultimately to boost the self-confidence of cancer patients, for whom hair loss can be a side effect of treatment. Hence, the crowd who gathered to see his hair come off, ready to be sent to professional wig-makers.

Local hair salon Fibre has supported Thomas through six years of hair growth, slowly building toward the big snip. Just down the road, the Good Life store came on board as well, with a special lunchtime sandwich special raising funds for the cause. Together, they have already raised more than $1,100.

“I got this idea when I first started high school at the age of about 13. I have stuck with it since then. The hair is being donated to be made into a wig for someone who has lost their hair,” says Thomas.

That recipient will not be the only person to benefit charitably from his sacrifice under the scissors. While Fibre

hairdresser Ange did the honours, the final assembly of a wig made from the resulting locks will take place in Uganda. Hand-weaving wigs create specialist jobs for women in the African nation, meaning that Thomas is helping fight both cancer and international poverty with his act of kindness.

If you’d like to join in with Fibre, Good Life and Thomas and his family, please visit shaveforacure.co.nz and make a donation online. ¢

The Otamatea High School clay target shooting team was announced as the champions for the secondary school division of the Northland Clay Target Shooting season final.

“It is great winning,” says OHS competitor Kellan Autunovich. “It is my last year at school, and I am happy to leave on a high note. It has taken us three years to get the win.”

Three years ago, the OHS clay shooting team was formed by Richard Westlake, who also manages and coaches the group.

“We all joined at the same time,” says OHS competitor Matai Hartles. “It is surprisingly calming. You are completely zoned out and focus on one thing.”

The secondary schools’ competition was done across the Whangārei Combined, Kaitāia and Northern Wairoa gun clubs.

“Clay target shooting is a healthy competition,” says OHS competitor Connor Alcock. “You are all competing against each other, but most people are there for their own benefit to get better.”

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“I am grateful that my dad taught me and the group to shoot and enjoy being able to get good at it and hit all the targets,” OHS competitor Aaron Westlake said. ¢

Aaron Westlake and Aaron Harrison won the skeet pairs season champion trophy and are progressing to the national competition.

p Thomas Davidson proudly displays the first lock of hair cut from his head in six years p Connor Alcock, Matai Hartles, Aaron Harrison, Kellan Antunovich and Aaron Westlake from Otamatea High School won the Open Teams Championship Trophy for clay target shooting

In praise of a classic hotel

u by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville’s Central Hotel has been prominently featured in a new book chronicling the nation’s most iconic taverns and pubs.

Author George Lockyer travelled the length of New Zealand, seeking out unique, historic, interesting and storied public houses and hotels, for a tribute to what he calls ‘an integral part of our culture’.

Iconic Kiwi Pubs is the result of a lengthy road trip, and narrows down the field to just 25 of the nation’s best examples. Dargaville’s Central Hotel was selected because it fit George’s criteria for a book more about the people who ran and frequented such social hubs than about the buildings themselves.

“Carrying out these interviews gave me another opportunity to travel this wonderful country of ours and to appreciate its diversity and beauty

once more,” says George. “It wasn’t always easy, as I was travelling while Covid-19 was in full swing, but what I discovered was that despite pubs and hotels closing their doors in worrying numbers, many changed with the times and focussed more on a good dining experience and offering a wide range of craft beers, and ‘the local’ is still alive and well.”

The Central Hotel in Dargaville became one of George’s choices as an iconic Kiwi tavern thanks partly to its genesis in 1901. The product of famous Auckland architect John Currie, it displays many of the classic features of a late Victorianera grand hotel. The Central is a Heritage New Zealand category two listed building and still a popular venue for locals, with

Win a copy of Iconic Kiwi Pubs

Thanks to Bateman Books and George Lockyer, we’ve got a brand new copy of Iconic Kiwi Pubs to give away. To get your hands on the definitive guide to the nation’s classic taverns and hotels, email us at comp@integrity.nz with the name of one of the three historic hotels in Dargaville. Entries in by Friday, September 22.

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p Author George Lockyer has compiled a tribute to the classic Kiwi tavern in his latest book, and the Central Hotel in Dargaville has its own chapter

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What have you got?

u by Amy Fifita

One important aspect of being part of a locality is finding ways to contribute and enrich the community with your skills and talents.

It doesn’t have to be a large gesture, sometimes, it can simply be part of who you are, and with people the possibilities are vast. Often our contributions come in the form of hobbies like crocheting, knitting, singing and many more. It could also be an active service of being a mentor or leader for people to be guided by or joining a local group. So, what have you got to give?

Contributing also benefits you and not just the warm fuzzy feeling. It creates a foundation of growth for the neighbourhood, it could improve social activities, and depending on what the skill or service is, it may lead to various opportunities. Creative hobbies could turn into a small business.

p Everyone has something to give for the betterment of the community, be it a talent or skill to teach or do for people

Volunteering is a good way to give back to the community and time doesn’t have to be an issue. Some ideas; raising funds working at a local charity or spending time at a retirement home to talk or perform to the elderly. People with a busier lifestyle

may prefer to chop and change what they do, whether it be attending a working bee when the need arises.

For parents wanting some peace away from their brooding teenagers, volunteering is a positive way to get them out of the house. Donating time towards a local project will also give them life skills and an insight into how society operates.

Work with what you’re good at or would like to do; and for the shopaholics out there, yes shopping local and feeding the neighbourhood economy counts as giving to society. Whatever it is, it helps pave the way for the upcoming generations and brightens our not-so-perfect world as it is today.

Ididn’t know they did that

u by Andy Bryenton

Many local retailers who provide extra products and services out of what you might consider the ordinary for their names, a tradition which has been going on for centuries.

While it pays to know that your local engineers are also locksmiths, that your neighbourhood sporting goods store also

sells barbecues, or that you can get your sewing and craft needs in the same shop as a new set of designer curtains, there’s a long-standing trend of professions overlapping, often in odd ways.

For example, the first local doctors were barbers. Today, we expect completely different skills from those who cut our hair and treat us for ailments and injuries. However, until the early 1800s, a barber would often be your go-to guy for minor surgeries, ointments and even advice on healing broken bones.

The traditional striped barber’s pole in red and white carries the same colours as the Red Cross flag for a reason, and the spiralling stripes are meant to represent the symbol of medicine, the caduceus. In reality, the barber in mediaeval times was most likely to have sharp, clean blades at hand, making him the best bet for specific simple medical procedures when a doctor was not even invented yet.

Jewellers were the first mortgage brokers. That is less surprising. With all that gold on hand, you could trust the word of a jeweller when he said he would back your loan. Goldsmiths founded the Bank of England and loaned money to everyone, even the king, who relied on them to rebuild London after the great fire in 1666. In New Zealand, hotels

like Dargaville’s Commercial were early financial hubs, with a mission to conduct business upstairs and serve cold beer downstairs.

You might think that the owners of horse stables would have been dead-set against the motor car; it was the equestrian industry that became the first auto mechanics. Early drivers, used to stopping into a livery stable for wagon repairs and tack, assumed that the horseless carriage should be serviced by these same folks. With money on offer, a lot learned very quickly.

Oddly enough, it was chemists who started the first petrol stations. Mineral spirits as gasoline was once called, were on sale in village chemist’s shops long before they were poured into petrol tanks. Often, early motorists had to buy a whole crate of small glass bottles to refuel with. ¢

p Your local barber was once also a medical professiona, in the days when the sharpest, cleanest blades and finest needles belonged to the town’s hairdresser and wigmaker

Supporting community vibrancy

u by Amy Fifita

For many artists, their work isn’t a nine-to-five set-up, and they rely on travellers and locals to buy or commission beautiful pieces.

Local artists often have a stunning talent to encapsulate the community around them using various creative techniques. It can be viewed as a reflection of what is significant to a town and its surroundings.

Sometimes, it is in the form of public art, which promotes community wellbeing. It is also great to have locally sourced paintings in homes. Even for travellers, stopping off at one of the local galleries helps viewers see what the area represents and allows them to buy a keepsake.

While it shows what the locality is all about, it also helps celebrate the area’s diverse range of people. The assortment of styles and modes means people from all walks of life can appreciate something.

Obviously, buying their stunning creations is one way of supporting them, but there are other paths, too. A social media page is a platform for artists to relate to audiences and for art lovers to contribute positively to the discussion. Another way to interact with them is

through learning at an art class so they can impart their creative skills to the community. Even modelling for them is a form of backing local artisans. For connoisseurs of vibrant or crafted goods, attending local art events and viewings to marvel at new pieces shows support. Gathering at the galleries also

talents.

Individual pieces may reflect your personal flair, and it may be an enticement to get specific work commissioned for a project. Paintings, sculptures and

p Mr G came to Dargaville last year as part of the Tūmanako Project and worked with Rangatahi Ora and youth on their unveiled public mural that represents hope shows artists that they are cherished within the neighbourhood and helps encourage them to contribute more showcases of their

various other art forms add character and vibrancy to a town, which can also add to community wellbeing.

Storm trees clean-up begins

u by Paul Campbell

The problem of fallen and at-risk trees across Kaipara and wider Northland in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle is to be cleaned up with a $6.5 million project involving groups from across government, councils, iwi and the private sector.

Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Chair Kelly

Stratford says that many of the issues Northlanders experienced from Cyclone Gabrielle were due to fallen trees.

“After Gabrielle, we saw 64,000 Northlanders without power, the largest outage our power network has ever seen and most of those outages were due to trees that had fallen onto power lines.

“Even though the immediate work has been done, hundreds of trees remain fallen under existing power lines or next to roads and rivers, and thousands of standing trees remain at risk of falling over our roads, rivers and power lines.”

Only trees that have already fallen or are causing a risk to powerlines or other infrastructure are being targeted by the project.

Te Roroa will lead on-the-ground delivery of the project, with $1 million of

funding secured from the Ministry for Primary Industries to get things underway, with more funding sought from the government.

The model is based on a portion of the firewood being sold commercially for the first two years, with the majority being given away to low-income communities. After that, the project should be self-funded. Te Roroa commercial operations manager LindsayJon Clark said the project “helps employ and upskill our local community members in an otherwise employment-scarce region through our partnership with MSD.”

The initial on-the-ground work will focus on processing trees already removed by Northland Regional Council from 70 locations across 25 rivers around Northland. ¢

p A crew removes a tree from power lines post-Gabrielle

Cruising into the future

u by Andy Bryenton

It wasn’t long after Toyota turned the off-road world on its head with the advent of the Land Cruiser that it decided to make a version tailored to a different market.

While the big Land Cruiser was greeted like a long-lost son by farmers, tradespeople and even some armies, 1984 saw the introduction of a smaller, light-duty J70 variant. Sporty and nimble, the little J70 gained traction with adventurous types and helped kickstart the world’s love affair with a new kind of vehicle, the sports utility or SUV.

There are some who might say that there have been very few better examples of what a ‘real’ SUV should be — ever since. The Prado name was adopted in 1990. It has spanned several generations, becoming more comfortable over the years but never forgetting its roots. While the big ‘landys’ have become synonymous with hard work, the Prado has become associated with family life, perhaps due to its internal space, three rows of seats, and huge towing capacity.

Now, there’s a new Prado set to arrive in New Zealand, and it’s the first of a new generation. It is a hybrid Land Cruiser with a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, mated to a 48-volt hybrid electric system. Delivering power through an eight-speed

transmission, this new Prado will have quicker linear acceleration and a boost in towing capacity, now hauling up to 3,500 kilograms.

“The new Prado is going to make a statement for the customers who purchase it. It’s an iconic design and will be a significant game changer that will continue to light up our line-up, and I am excited for it to arrive in New Zealand,” says Neeraj Lala, Toyota New Zealand’s chief executive.

“Toyota’s design decisions are around making the cars appeal to our customers rather than making them all look the same. This new Prado is

an absolute knockout. It’s strong, and it’s tough.”

That is where it’s good to note that in a world of faux SUVs and off-road crossovers, the new Prado boasts oldschool body-on-frame construction, like its ‘big brother’. That’s matched with serious off-road capacity, which you won’t find in some of its contemporaries elsewhere.

There’s a lot to love about its squaresided, retro-futurist styling as well. A homage to Prados of the past, way back to that J70, is apparent, but there’s a distinctive modernity to the interior and those aggressive headlamps and rims, as well as the hybrid system under the hood. ¢

p The new Prado is Toyota’s flagship hybrid-electric SUV, but it’s no kerbside cafe cruiser — expect true off-road abilities when it lands in 2024

WHAT’S ON?

September

Creatives After 5 : Dargaville — 12 September 5pm–7pm at the Dargaville Club. Are you a creative or hobbyist? Come and join us as we talk about creative opportunities and future activations. Nibbles and drinks provided. Please register your interest by email to kiaora@creativenorthland.com.

General Election Candidates Meeting — Hosted by Grey Power, 15th September, 1pm at the Dargaville Methodist Church, Cnr Normanby and Awakino Sts.

Fun Quiz Night — 16th September 2023 at 7pm (doors open from 6pm) at Te Kopuru Southern Rugby Club. Teams of 6. $60 per table (limited tables).

Contact Viv Biddles 027 479 7629 or Kaye Welch 021 202 1966 (after 6pm) — St Peters Anglican Church Fundraiser.

Kelly Street Gallery Spring Show — Opening night Thursday 21st September 5.30pm. Gallery open 22, 23 and 24 from 10am to 3pm.

Grand Opening Tika Pono Toi Gallery and Studio

Saturday 23rd September at 10am, 3 Poto Street, Dargaville.

Ruawai Promotions & Development Group Ruawai Spring Fundraiser — 23rd September 2023 at 6.30pm Ruawai Tokatoka Memorial Hall. Continuous supper, auction, live band. Contact Silvia to book 021 253 5684. Bookings are essential, no door sales.

Live Comedy Kaihu Tavern — Saturday 23rd September 6pm to 9pm at The Kaihu Tavern. Book at Eventfinda.

October

Grayson Masefield and The Aotango Quintet — 2 October, Dargaville’s Methodist Church Hall.

3 Lakes Trail Run — 14 October 2023 at Taharoa Domain, Kai Iwi Lakes, Sport Northland Event, Do the half marathon, 14k or 5k. For more info and to register go to 3lakes.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 11am–3pm. Paparoa Memorial Hall.

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

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

Clubs/Organisations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dargaville Friendship Club for seniors — meets 2nd Tuesday of month at 10am at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan Street. For info phone Brian 09 439 5959.

Dargaville Tabletop Wargames and RPGs – the Warrior’s Lodge — Interested in games like Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer, or other strategy games with models? Thursdays 6.30pm, upstairs, Hokianga Road above the cinema. Learn to 3d print, paint, play and design.

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

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

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

Dargaville Museum — Open every day except Christmas Day and Anzac morning. Hours 9am–4pm April to October, 9am–5pm October to April. Volunteers, visitor hosts and members welcome. Phone 09 439 7555.

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

Dargaville Women’s Group — New members are welcome to join our social group. Held every third Tuesday of the month 10am @ The Methodist Church, corner of Awakino and Normanby. Morning tea & guest speakers. For further info contact Michelle: 09 439 2930.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northern Wairoa Country Music Club — 1st Sunday of the month at the Scout Hall, 23 Onslow Street

1–4pm. Enquiries to Bruce 09 439 5513.

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

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

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

Paparoa Box Fit — $10. Stretching/cardio/boxing. Paparoa Memorial Hall, every Wednesday 6–7pm. Paparoa Dance to Music — $5. Stretching/balance/ resistance bands/Zumba, Paparoa Memorial Hall, every Tuesday 10.30–11.30am.

Paparoa Kids Fun Class — $5. Learning/music/ dodge ball/limbo, Paparoa Memorial Hall, every Friday 3–4pm.

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

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

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

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

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

RSA Women’s Section — Social meeting held at the Clubrooms, 4th Monday of the month with guest speakers and afternoon tea. Contact President Noeline Wright 027 733 7396.

Ruawai Gardening Club — Meetings or other activities held on 3rd Thursday of every month, Feb to Nov at the Ruawai Bowling Club, 10am start. New members welcome. Phone Merele 09 439 2335.

Stepping Out Leisure Marching Team — Tuesday 4pm–5pm at the Yugoslav Hall, 20 Normanby St. Contact Sharon 027 439 5634 or 09 439 5634 for more details.

Stitches and Craft — 5 Cranley St, Dargaville. 10am–4pm Tuesday and Friday. Contact Lois 027 384 1223 for further details.

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

Te Kopuru Community Library — access through St Peters Hall. Open Tue 2.45pm–4pm, Wed 10am–noon and Sunday 3pm–4pm. Books for all ages, and jigsaw puzzles, DVDs, CDs and magazines available. All welcome.

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

TIDE CHART

PUZZLE TIME

14 Maltreat (5) 15 Usually (4,5,4,3)

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Essay, 4 Sticky situation, 14 Tonic, 15 Arrow, 16 Disbelieve, 17 Lofty, 19 Set, 20 Swallow, 21 Barometer, 22 Script, 25 Profiteer, 27 Answer, 28 Candle, 33 Drawbridge, 35 Hot, 36 Sudden, 37 Gala, 39 Hen, 41 Account, 42 Sinker, 43 Negligent, 44 Areas, 45 Reckless, 50 Ex, 51 Athletic, 55 Brain, 58 One in four, 59 Taught, 60 Aviator, 61 Bar, 63 Yarn, 64 Jersey, 65 Awe, 66 Determined, 68 Abduct, 69 Budget, 71 Appearing, 76 Clover, 77 Dexterity, 79 Offered, 81 Ape, 84 Unite, 85 Lengthened, 86 Strip, 87 Eases, 88 In the nick of time, 89 Frank.

Fill the

DOWN: 2 Shrewd, 3 Atoll, 5 Thin, 6 Cabbage, 7 Yellow, 8 Irene, 9 Useless, 10 Toll, 11 Office, 12 Angst, 13 Scuttle, 14 Typical, 18 Conference, 23 Study, 24 Deadens, 26 Rowlock, 27 Anthrax, 29 Dialect, 30 Crèche, 31 Choke, 32 Height, 34 Edit, 36 Sneer, 38 Attic, 40 Mill, 45 Roomy, 46 Cleared, 47 Link, 48 Scored, 49 Tabby, 50 Entrant, 52 Hovercraft, 53 Elation, 54 Ironed, 55 Brusque, 56 Cubes, 57 Shed, 62 Steep, 67 Octopus, 68 Apparel, 70 Gremlin, 72 Patient, 73 Design, 74 Grotto, 75 Resign, 76 Cease, 78 Tunic, 80 Enter, 82 Mesh, 83 Seam.

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09 439 6933

FOR SALE

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

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

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.

PLYWOOD V-GROOVE, Interior 9 & 12mm. Scooters Plywood 09 438 6565.

ANIMAL ACCOMODATION

WHEN THE Cat’s Away, Kaipara’s boarding cattery, 027 443 6140.

FENCING

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

FOR RENT

HOUSE TO Rent in Dargaville. 3 big bedrooms. Good references required. Phone Colin on 021 140 5187.

FIREWOOD FOR SALE

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

NURSERIES & PLANTS

HEDGING SHELTER plants ready now. Pittosporum eugenioide 0.8m high $6, pittosporum wrinkle blue 1m+ $8, Corokia geentys green 0.8m high $6, pittosporum karo from $1. Shrubs trees inside and out and much more. Got2Go Plants, 55 West Coast Road, Te Kopuru. 09 439 5556 or 027 488 3400.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

1 STOP Window & Door Repairs — Seals, Latches, Stays, Wheels, Hinges, Locks, Glass & Glazing. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.

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

TREE SERVICES

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

SECURITY

SECURE YOUR Home — Security Doors, Grills, Locks, Bolts, Stays, Latches — Supplied and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.

SEPTIC TANK SERVICES

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

TREE 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

OUTBOARD TWO stroke 3.3 or similar wanted. Also one for parts wanted. Phone Derek 09 439 7573. SUZUKI 4X4 Wanted to buy — parked, damaged or unwanted, Escudo Vitara/Grand Vitara. Phone Derek 09 439 7573.

PUBLIC NOTICES

ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — First Thursday of the month — 7–9.30pm, next is 5th October 2023, Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road, Dargaville. $2 entry, $2 raffle. Performers and audience welcome. Phone Allan 09 439 6933 or 021 439 697. An enjoyable night to be part of, sit back and be entertained by some great local talent.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS both Dargaville AA Meetings are held at the church, corner Parore and Normanby Streets. Use Parore St entrance. Monday 4.30pm & Thursday 7.30pm. Phone Bernie 027 212 2148, Ladies 020 4082 1373, Murray 09 439 5248. ARE YOU having problems with a mobile phone or other device? The next Digital Clinic is Friday 15 September. Call in or phone the Citizens Advice Bureau, for more information and to make an appointment. 37 Hokianga Road, phone 09 439 6100.

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.

DARGAVILLE HEALING rooms 7pm Tuesdays. No charge & no appointment necessary. Lion of Judah Building, River Road. All Welcome. Check us out on Facebook. GUITAR LESSONS. Become the guitar player you know you can be. One on one lessons, beginners to advanced. Phone 027 223 8998.

KAIPARA GREY POWER are hosting a Northland Electorate Candidates meeting on Friday 15th September at 1pm in the Dargaville Methodist Church Complex. We expect 6 candidates will attend and each will have up to 8 minutes to speak after which there will be a Q & A session when each may answer each question. A “Mix and Mingle” and cuppa time will follow. All welcome.

Public notice

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

Snowmass (NZ) Limited of Mangawhai, Grocery retailer has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal and variation of an Off License in respect of the premises situated at 43 Moir Street, Mangawhai known as Supervalue Mangawhai

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

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

The current conditions to be varied are to increase the licensed footprint area to include the store shed, portacom office and container situated at the rear (but not) in the grocery store.

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

Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the first publication of this public notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville 0340.

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

This is the first publication of this notice.

Kaipara

Community Health Trust

HEALTH SHUTTLE

Need transport to a health appointment?

For enquiries phone

Te Ha Oranga 439 3013

Pahi Reserve Society Inc AGM

Will be held at the Wilson amenities block, Pahi Beach Holiday Park 10.00am Sunday 8th October 2023

Mask wearing is optional.

TWILIGHT GOLF

Northern Wairoa Golf Club

Starts 28th September, every Thursday 4–6pm. Dinner available, Prizes and raffles. All Welcome

A MUSICAL JOURNEY

Do not miss the AOTANGO QUINTETA musical journey through the evolution of Tango. World Accordionist Grayson Masefield with a Violinist, Bass player, Pianist, and Jazz Guitarist.

Methodist Church 6pm.

Monday 2nd October 2023

Tickets (CASH ONLY):

Adults $30 | Students/Children $15

Phone Christine Dargaville Museum 09 439 7555

Proposal to Transfer the Administration of the Independent Qualified Person’s (IQP) Register to Auckland Council under the Building Act 2004.

Kaipara District Council is proposing to transfer the power to approve Independent Qualified Persons (IQPs) from Whangarei District Council to Auckland Council.

Kaipara Heritage Machinery Inc

Wednesday 20th of September 2023

Agenda:

Election of officers and financial report. Supper will be served at the conclusion of the meeting M Ross, Secretary

Public notice

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

Adams Family Enterprises Limited of Mangawhai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an OffLicense in respect of the premises situated at 10 Wood Street, Mangawhai known as Super Liquor Mangawhai

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is bottle store The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are:

Monday to Sunday 9am to 10pm.

TE ROROA HUI-A-IWI

Notice is hereby given to members that a Hui-a-Iwi will be held at Waikaraka Marae, 166 Kaihu Wood Rd, Kaihu on Saturday the 14th October 2023. The pōwhiri is at 10.00am. Lunch will be provided. The agenda will be set on the day and zoom access will be available.

For all inquiries please contact: secretary@teroroa.iwi.nz or call 09 439 6443

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Jenny Stoddart

Thank you for reaching out to us following Jenny’s passing. Hearing from people with their words and memories of Jenny has been a great comfort to me and our family.

Ian.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public notice

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

D Town Ltd of Dargaville, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the issue of an On License in respect of the premises situated at 75 Victoria Street, Dargaville known as D Town Indian Fusion Restaurant

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

The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is intended to be sold under the licence are: Monday to Wednesday 11am to 3pm & 4.30pm to 9pm. Thursday to Saturday 11am to 3pm & 4.30pm to 10pm. Sunday 4pm to 9pm.

Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2023.

Kaipara District Council is reviewing its Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP).

The WMMP identifies Council’s vision, goals, objectives, targets and methods for achieving effective and efficient waste management and minimisation. It also provides information on how Council intends to fund the activities of the WMMP over the next six years.

View the consultation document

For more information read the consultation document and give your feedback online (www.kaipara.govt.nz/have-your-say) or pick up a hardcopy of the consultation document with the feedback form from KDC offices at: 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 6, The Hub, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai.

Key dates

• Submissions open: 4 September 2023

• Submissions close: 5pm, 6 October 2023

• Hearings: to be confirmed.

Submissions Submissions can be made in writing on the feedback form available at KDC offices or online at www.kaipara.govt.nz/have-your-say.

View the Statement of Proposal

The Statement of Proposal and feedback form is available online (www.kaipara.govt.nz/have-your-say) and from KDC offices at: 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 6, The Hub, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai.

Key dates

• Submissions open: 11 September 2023

• Submissions close: 5pm, 11 October 2023

• Hearings: 12 October 2023

Submissions

Submissions can be made in writing on the feedback form available at KDC offices or online at www.kaipara.govt.nz/have-your-say

This notice is pursuant to section 83 of the Local Government Act 2022.

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 25 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 second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on 5th September 2023.

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 25 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 issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

This is the first publication of this notice.

Decision by Kaipara District Council on Private Plan Change 81 –Dargaville Racecourse to the Operative Kaipara District Plan

Kaipara District Council gives notice that it has, based on recommendations by the Hearing Panel, made its decision at the Council Meeting on 30 August 2023 to approve the Private Plan Change 81 application.

The purpose of this private plan change is to provide for a viable and sustainable mix of land uses on the former racecourse site that complements and supports the growth of Dargaville.

The key features of the proposal are:

• A variety of residential sites and housing typologies including a retirement village, larger lot residential, retirement style living and papakāinga style living where shared facilities or amenities are provided for;

• An overarching philosophy of Hauora or community wellbeing, to ensure there is a strong heart to this neighbourhood, a well-functioning urban environment that provides accessible and vibrant community shared spaces, facilities, and services;

• A Neighbourhood Centre Area catering for the community’s day-to-day needs within an easy walkable distance;

• A light industrial area to provide for business activity growth, while compatibility is managed;

• Public open space areas providing for informal recreation and Hauora community wellbeing enabling shared community food gardens and orchards;

• Walking and cycling, both within the development area and linking the site to Dargaville town;

• Encouraging sustainability and resilience through supporting onsite harvest and storage of rainwater, and supporting individual onsite solar power generation; and

• Reticulated water and wastewater services.

The decision on the private plan change can be found:

1. On this webpage: www.kaipara.govt.nz/dargavilleracecourse (then click on Process for Review and scroll to the bottom of the page) or

2. Kaipara District Council Office at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or

3. Kaipara District Council Office at 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai or

4. Via computer access to the webpage above at any public library in Kaipara that has computers available for public use.

The Notice of the Decision has been served on every person who made a submission to the private plan change and those parties entitled to lodge an appeal to the Environmental Court must lodge their appeal within 30 working days of receipt of the decision.

This notice is given pursuant to Clause 10 of the First Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991.

J E Marris

Chief Executive