February 26 2021
Who pays for water services? P3
Extending a hand P5
Girls on the grid Ange Nash has been involved in speedway since she was a young child. Her father Warren Beachen is a well known Limited Saloon driver at Waikaraka Park raceway. Ange is now a member of the Dargaville Production Stockcar Club alongside her husband Craig and 12-year-old daughter Charli. The family have chosen Honda as their racing cars of choice with Craig in charge of maintaining the vehicles. Ange says she loves the exhilaration when she is out on the track and particularly enjoys the challenge of racing mostly against men. continued on page 10…
Bulls, rats and mean sneaks P14
Making your place a green space www.wyatts.net.nz
OPEN 7 DAYS
Growing summer veg? Let us help
Grandad’s garden mix • Compost • Topsoil • General fertiliser Sheep pellets • Blood & bone and everything in between 107 Mangawhai Heads Road :
09 431 5445
: mangawhai@wyatts.net.nz
February 26 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER IS PUBLISHED WITH PRIDE BY INTEGRITY COMMUNITY MEDIA, A PRIVATELY OWNED KAIPARA COMPANY. Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville Editor: Deb Wright | 021 639 696 Journalists: 0800 466 793 | Andy Bryenton | Liz Clark | Ann van Engelen Marketing: Betty Willetts 027 525 8197 | John Pickworth 027 525 8189 | Andy Bryenton 021 439 947 Creative Director: Jessica Keesing Design Team: Sacha Freeman | Gavin Bainbridge | Kelsey Hansen Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz Printed by: NZME
First vaccine dates set u by Andy Bryenton
One thousand border workers and close family contacts of border workers will be the first Northlanders to receive a Covid-19 vaccine, starting from March 1. This roll-out will affect Kaipara east coast residents who work at the Northport, Marsden Point industrial complex.
Print run 9,658. Distributed on Friday to every residential and rural home throughout the district including Mangawhai, Dargaville, Ruawai, Paparoa, Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka and Wellsford.
DISCOVER • CONNECT• EXPERIENCE AT NORTHLAND’S LARGEST OUTDOOR EVENT
March 4, 5 & 6 - 2021 Gates open at 9am every day Adult $12 • Child (5-16) $5 Under 5 Free • Family Pass $30 Don’t want to waste time waiting in line on the day to purchase tickets?
Tickets on sale now at Eventfinda! Search ‘Northland Field Days 2021’ on www.eventfinda.co.nz
Proudly sponsored by…
State Highway 14, Dargaville www.northlandfielddays.co.nz
p Covid-19 vaccinations like these will be administered on March 1 to border workers in the north, followed by their immediate households and then essential service staff
Ltd
2
FARM
Barnbuilders is based in Maungaturoto in Northland. We build good solid farm lifestyle and commercial buildings. Rural based and independent, we are keen to change and adapt our solutions to suit your site. Covering Rodney, Kaipara and Whangarei districts.
We also repair & maintain existing Barns/Structures!
“
LIFE STYLE
Call us today... Brett 021 705 837 E: brett@barnbuildersnz.co.nz W: www.barnbuilders.co.nz
It’s the start of the biggest public health initiative the Kaipara or indeed New Zealand has ever seen. The March 1 deadline for border workers in Northland to be immunised follows a Saturday roll-out for Auckland and Monday appointments for Wellingtonians in front-line positions. All will receive the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, which has shown 90 to 95 per cent effectiveness in trials. “The ongoing trials and the ongoing monitoring of people who have been vaccinated will give us an idea of how long the immunity might last, but all the studies that are being done suggest that, especially once people get that second dose, they do have a good response, and immunity does last for at least some months,” said Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield. He called the start of immunisation for our border workers “a milestone that protects those at highest risk of getting the virus and helping to
COMMERCIAL
CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST
reduce the risk of spreading into the community.” Following the vaccination of border workers, the Ministry of Health indicates that they will directly contact these staff and their employers to identify close family contacts; essentially their immediate families. Next in line in the Kaipara are frontline healthcare staff, then essential workers and immunocompromised people. It’s understood that these groups will be contacted with times to visit their local medical centres and receive the injection, which remains voluntary. However, the point has been raised that in certain industries, such as border security, non-vaccination may raise workplace health and safety issues. The MOH is aiming to vaccinate at least 70 per cent of the population by the end of the third quarter of 2021, with more ‘approved vaccinators’ being trained now to administer literally millions of doses. ¢
The ongoing trials and the ongoing monitoring of people
”
THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER February 26 2021
Who pays for water services?
3
u by Andy Bryenton
The way in which Kaipara citizens pay for wastewater and drinking water services is up for debate as the Kaipara District Council’s Long Term Plan enters its public consultation phase. The KDC says that the current payment calculations required are complex, and the system is inconsistent and inequitable. Fur thermore, the council’s general manager of Sustainable Growth and Investment, Sue Davidson, says the system is historic and needs to change. “Capital costs are currently paid by specific networks while operational costs are shared across all networks, except for the Te Kopuru wastewater scheme, where all costs are paid by those on the scheme,” says Ms Davidson. With wastewater connections and access to potable water, two of the major concerns raised by the Mangawhai Matters group while contesting specific resource consent application aspects of the Mangawhai Central development, the backdrop
“
has been laid for vigorous public debate on the two options the KDC has put forward. The first is to share capital, maintenance, and operating costs equally across all networks and is the council’s preferred option. “That has the benefit of spreading costs, so if your system needs work, then everyone on council systems helps pay for it. It means everyone pays the same amount for the same service,” says Ms Davidson. It also means the significant costs of new storage facilities, or links to existing ones, would be shared across a larger number of people. “That would apply to any part of the network when it was their turn,” Davidson said. “You could think of it like an insurance system, where you pay now knowing there is support available when it’s your turn.”
That would apply to any part of the network when it was their turn
”
p Water on our minds — from plans to link with proposed new reservoirs to waste water costs homogenization, water features heavily in the KDC’s new Long Term Plan
Currently, a typical Te Kopuru home pays approximately $660 a year for wastewater, a home in Dargaville $920 and one in Mangawhai $1,350. A flat fee would see some rates climb while others plunge. The alternative option is to ringfence each system,
so those who benefit from it pay for any development, maintenance, and operations. This option leaves networks more exposed if the council has to carry out unplanned maintenance on their system and result in greater cost fluctuations. ¢
Wondering about implants? Not happy with your dentures? Worried about your missing tooth? Matakana and Snells Dental, together, bring the world’s most advanced 3-D system for digitally guided Implant Surgery, Same Day Crowns, and cutting edge CBCT X-Ray system for the most accurate diagnosis. From your regular check-ups, white fillings, Philips Zoom whitening and Biofilm guided painless dental spa cleans, to 3-D guided Implant Surgery, Same Day Crowns, Sedation and Sleep Dentistry, Invisalign, and Fastbraces, we bring the best that dentistry can offer at your doorstep! Visit Matakana and Snells Dental, your local trusted dentists, and enjoy the 7 star patient experiences with the same friendly staff at both locations.
3/44, Matakana Valley Road.
Email: care@matakanadental.co.nz
www.matakanadental.co.nz Call us for a free consultation on 09 422 9992 or 0508 MATAKANA
Open 6 days a week!
Monday y Saturda
Matakana Dental Care can help you — from no teeth to a full set fixed teeth with implants
Offering 24 months no interest, no payment on Q card* *Q card lending criteria, terms and conditions apply.
4 February 26 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
OPINION
War of the berms and footpaths
Chaos farm u by Liz Clark
If you’re planning on living the lifestyle-block dream, complete with off-the-grid living and sustainable self-sufficiency — here’s how not to do it.
u by Jay Walker
There may be a little strip of concrete that runs along the front of your home called the footpath, but there’s competition for feet on the pavement. Meanwhile, the socalled ‘council berm’ has become anyone else’s responsibility to maintain. It’s a battleground between the letter box and the road, with all kinds of forces in play. Let’s begin with mobility scooters. An absolute godsend for the elderly and those who are physically unable to walk with ease, there’s no doubt that these are an invention of kindness and compassion. Except that there seem to be no rules at all for their operation, leading to some hair-raising use of the electricpowered machines. The law states that you should not venture on to the road, unless you really have to, and then you should keep far left. On the footpath, mobility scooters require no helmet, no licence, no rego, no WOF, there’s no speed limit, and, technically, you can’t even be caught for drinking and driving, as they are not a motor vehicle. Make no mistake, the vast majority of mobility scooter users are courteous and sensible; then again, the vast majority of motorcyclists aren’t in biker gangs. Scooters ploughing through school children, weaving down the middle of roads and blasting along at rallycross speeds have all been seen. Perhaps that road use, at huge risk, is due to the
parlous state of our local footpaths? Then there are modern e-scooters. These are supposed to stay off the road as they are not motor vehicles and don’t count as bicycles either. Technically, they have to be on the footpath but are required to give way to everything and have a top speed of 10km/h. Of course, it’s not helpful that they have no speedometer. Under New Zealand law, only people delivering mail or with cycle wheels less than 355mm in diameter can ride on a footpath. It seems to stop very few people from doing so. Meanwhile, the council’s decision to stop mowing berms in residential areas has left a strange quandary. They still own the land, but you may well get a letter of complaint if it becomes overgrown. I don’t imagine that is actually happening; you only need to be driving around the streets to see the overgrown berms, not a great look for visitors. Let’s plant the berms with fruit trees and edible plants or native plants, attract the bees and other insects for the good of everyone. Better than allowing them to become a no man’s land beyond responsibility. ¢
ARE YOU BUILDING A BOAT, OR JUST DOING SOME MAINTENANCE? Do you need to replace a door latch, or redo all the wiring and plumbing aboard? Are you planning a fishing trip or a holiday with the family? At Cater Marine, we stock a wide selection of products for leisure and commercial yachts and launches from Anchors to Zincs and everything in between. We also offer dive refills.
First of all, never be in a hurry to stock up the place with animals. If you’ve got children, that will be almost impossible. It will start with chickens. Before long, there will be a flock happily destroying the vegetable garden, coming inside to sit on the clean laundry, or worse, steal the cat food out of the bowls. Roosters look pretty until they grow up and start attacking everything that moves, not to mention the unwanted early wake-up calls from the crowing. Next will be the ponies and the escapes along with it. Ponies and miniature horses seem to have a plan in place for every scenario when it comes to the grass being greener on the other side of the fence. They will go under the fence, through the fence and even over it if they can.
The same goes for cattle. In this writer’s case, there was the matter of a Jersey cow that liked to steal hay bales from behind an electric fence and then drag the entire thing to the doorstep to eat it. Get the fences right first — then get your animals. Don’t overstock, or you will be in for a huge feed bill and hay-stealing cattle. Along with the animals, establishing an orchard and vegetable gardens will be on the must-do list. It’s off to the nursery to buy expensively-priced fruit trees, bring them home to plant only to find the ground is like concrete. The vegetable garden gets planted and ends up being devoured by rabbits, turkeys and possums. Get to know your land first, don’t plant in clay in summer — not unless you’ve got a jackhammer. ¢
We’ll match their price and throw in a little thing called service! Unit 16, Opua Marine Park Baffin Street, Opua Bay of Islands
www.catermarine.co.nz 0800 228 376
STAY HOME IF YOU’RE SICK
Tree Work Specialists Covering the North
ARBORISTS • TREE MAINTENANCE • LAND CLEARING • TREE & SHELTERBELT REMOVAL • CHIPPING • STUMP GRINDING RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
0800 TRIMMERS (0800-8746-6377) • TREETRIMMERS.CO.NZ
THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER February 26 2021
Extending a hand
5
u by Ann van Engelen
Mangawhai’s Helping Hands is a pay-it-forward community group that began in 2016, with Libby Clews becoming the manager of the initiative in 2018. “The idea began for gifting items no longer needed by people that others may be able to use. We had 500 members in 2018 and now have 2,700 members on our Facebook page and climbing,” says Libby. “In the last couple of years, we introduced programmes such as the book train, which is a free library at the Mangawhai Museum at the historic village. You don’t have to return the book, you can keep it. “We also have a team of cooks that freeze meals. Every week we post what we have and people ask to be considered. It can be someone with ill health, people going through bereavement, stress or just needing a break. Sometimes people message us privately for privacy and if they need ongoing help we will assess that.” Helping Hands also have food parcels available. “We are often donated damaged goods from Countdown Warkworth. We appreciate everything we get — sometimes it is socks, underwear or toothbrushes. Op shops donate excess clothing that is split into sizing and season. That includes linen as well. “One day someone needed a washing machine and that began the idea to fix washing machines to donate and we do the same with sets of drawers. Each project has its own
p Mangawhai’s Helping Hands Facebook page administrators
manager and we have criteria that need to be met but the most important thing is that we are reducing what goes to landfill. “Recently someone wanted help to buy clothes for their body shape and they had about 20 people offering. We want to be a nice group and a safe place for people to get help. The community stand was one of the first projects for free fruit, vegetables and food. It is under the meals for families banner. “We do ask people to consider when they ask for something if it really is a necessity in case someone else really
does need it. We are now looking at new programmes and we are working with Sustainable Kaipara on a plan to collect prescription glasses. “People are very thankful when they receive things. The person gifting draws out who receives the items and we draw the people for our food. There is a really good community spirit amongst our members. “We were in our infancy with Te Whai Community Trust and we refer to each other for help. For people who may need counselling, we contact Te
Whai. It really is community helping community and as admins, we are very grateful to the gifters. Our rules are about protecting the gifter too. We don’t want people to not turn up once they have been gifted something as it wastes time. “No cash is exchanged, everything is gifted. “The Facebook page is also a place for people to have a laugh and not be bashed. You never know someone’s personal situation and gifting can make a world of difference.” ¢
Dare to be different Don’t follow the crowd, follow your heart.
Embrace beautiful interiors and transform your house into a home you’ll love with the team at Guthrie Bowron in Warkworth.
All welcome to join or simply come along & visit. We have a fantastic club with brilliant facilities. PHOTO CREDIT:
Guthrie Bowron Warkworth, suppliers of drapery and upholstery, blinds and shutters, deluxe wallpapers, Dulux, Porter’s and specialty paints. 12 Mill Lane, Warkworth - opposite Countdown. Phone 09 425 8187.
• A range of membership options starting from just $10 for a social membership • Venue hire • Licensed bar • Café open daily 9am to 4pm (closed Mondays & Thursdays)
For more details phone 09 431 4807 or check out www.mangawhaigolf.co.nz
6
February 26 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
The sword of allurement u by Liz Clark
They emerge from the ground after winter without fanfare, quietly rising as a set of green, pointed leaves then burst into bloom with full, living colour. Gladiolus, or gladioli, as they are collectively called, encompasses more than 300 named species. The genus is found in the regions of Asia, Mediterranean Europe, South Africa and tropical Africa. Hybridisation between several gladiolus species has resulted in thousands of cultivars propagated exclusively for the cut flower industry and standout mass displays for the garden. Gladioli corms for spring and summer planting are available from growers between August and December. Corms should be planted at a depth of 10–15cm with the flat side down and spaced at 8–15cm apart. They thrive best in well-drained, light soil. However, they will grow in heavier clay soil as long as it’s not waterlogged. Add in manure, blood and bone and some compost to enrich the growing conditions, so your plants have a good head start. Ensure adequate water is available throughout the summer growing season. Planting can be staggered every four to six weeks to maintain a continued display of colour. Gladioli are relatively easy to grow and require little maintenance, however, they are susceptible to thrips, aphids and rust so dust or spray with an appropriate spray for insects and fungal disease.
Corms can be lifted after the foliage has died down and stored in an airy, dry area for the winter; otherwise, they can be left in the ground for the following spring. Cultivated gladiolus hybrids are categorised under three main types for decorative floral purposes — Grandiflorus, Primulines and Nanus. Cultivars come in tall, medium and dwarf varieties in a vast colour range. With so many varieties to choose from, we’re taking a look at just a few available in the range. The attractive bicolour Wine and Roses caught this writer’s eye late last year. A medium height variety, its soft ruffled pink with deep wine-red centres make an attractive display for borders and along pathways. Black Star is a deep, almost black, red colouration growing to a height of 100cm. Also, try out the deep vibrant pink and graduating shades of white to purple of recently released Volcano — height 50–60cm. Impressive; a stunning dwarf gladiolus with pale-pink on the outer petals and inner darker pink. It grows to 70cm, making it an ideal container plant. Other cultivars to consider are Carine, Charming Lady, Las Vegas and Nathalie. All these varieties can be found at your local nursery or online.
A walk through creativity
7
THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER February 26 2021
u by Andy Bryenton
Mangawhai’s yearly art trail has returned for 2021, with a bigger and brighter selection of artists including some who have never before exhibited to the public. This weekend, 22 homes, studios and galleries will host the most varied Mangawhai Art Trail ever. The annual event, organised by the Mangawhai Artists group, was forced into hiatus by 2020’s Covid-19 lockdown, but has returned with renewed vigour, according to event organiser and Mangawhai Artists’ spokesperson Mary-Anne Boyd. “This is an opportunity to glimpse other worlds, to look behind the curtain at the creative process,” she says. “Many of this year’s artists are firsttime exhibitors, though of course many more are established locals with a recognised body of work from previous gallery exhibitions.” It’s a tribute to Mangawhai’s friendly spirit, she says, that so many of these people have chosen to open their studios and homes up to the public; especially considering that for many creative people, the studio is a refuge from the everyday world. On February 27 and 28, 43 artists across a multitude of media will share their vision with the public. A mapped art trail has been planned out to allow patrons to ramble between display sites free of charge, stopping off for refreshments at some of Mangawhai’s many boutique cafes and eateries, or pausing for a picnic on the beach. The art trail runs from 10am to 4pm on both
p Mangawhai artists are opening their galleries, homes and studios to the public for this year’s revitalised Art Trail, coming this weekend
days, and some of the creations on display are for sale as well, able to be taken home when the event finishes. Part of the trail incorporates the Mangawhai Artists’ own gallery at 45 Moir Street, where Nicola Everett and Pauline Mann’s exhibition Pattern
Change runs through the weekend and beyond. The collection delves into the relationship between geometry, harmony, aesthetics, ar t and mathematics, as explored by the medieval Italian genius Leonardo
Fibonacci. This exhibition is just one of the 22 stops on the tour; download a free map of the trail from mangawhaiartists.co.nz, or pick one up at the gallery and enjoy a late-summer ramble through the creative visions of our east coast artists. ¢
Do you need a cover over your boat? Your caravan? Your deck? Custom made canopies to suit what you need. Made right here in Northland, keep it local! Make the most out of your outdoor space, rain, hail or shine. Available in Wellsford, Kaiwaka, Mangawhai, Waipu, Ruakaka, Maungaturoto, Paparoa, Ruawai, Dargaville, Baylys, Whangarei, Hikurangi and surrounding areas.
E solarshields@ag-tech.co.nz | P 0800 782 376 | W solarshield.co.nz
8 February 26 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
PRIDE IN OUR BUSINESS One reason to be proud of your achievements, if you’re a local business owner, is in creating and maintaining a great team. The biggest asset of any business, good people with specialised knowledge are invaluable, and there’s a lot of justifiable pride in our Kaipara business community when it comes to the people working hard to get the job done each day. There’s a reciprocal nature of local employment that goes above and beyond not having to commute for miles to get to work. When a business employs local people they’re keeping skills in the area and ensuring that there’s less commuting done by that other big group in the equation; the customers. In an era when many short-sighted large corporations are destroying their small-town branches and burning their credibility of care at the same time, local firms that offer services nearby are most welcome. That skills process can even start with apprenticeships, and we’d do well to thank and support those business owners who have taken the time to share their experience with the next generation. Not only is every apprentice trained, a young person who will stay in their community close to family and
friends, they are also training to ensure continuity. When their former boss retires and hits the beach with a fishing rod in hand, they’ll be there to take up the tools and make sure our kids have tradespeople on call. Businesses can be proud of their teamwork in a wider sense, too, because paying locals means more money gets moved around the local economy. It’s once again a mutual benefit, as more locally employed families spend more with the shops and services just down the road, helping each other out. Most of all, our business leaders can be proud that we have a reputation in this part of the country for being friendly and welcoming. That means something is going right on a very basic level. After all, you can’t replace real enthusiasm and a willingness to help, with rules from a three-ring binder about customer service. Take pride in where we live by giving your local team a go, whether it’s time for an automotive tune-up, dinner for two, some home renovations or a new sport or hobby. You’ll be surprised at what’s on offer just down the road from local people like you!
COMPUTERS PLUS Computers Plus is a family-owned business covering the wider Wellsford to Waipu area offering a full range of IT products and services for business/ residential customers including computer sales, repairs and networking. Being a Microsoft Partner means they are geared up to sell and support Microsoft products. Computers Plus provides anti-virus and managed back-up services along with password manager software as IT security and protection are a top priority. David has 30+ years in IT, including many years at IBM. Rachel brings a wealth of experience in information management and analytics. Both are big believers in process improvement and enjoy delivering solutions that work. Shop 2, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai 09 431 4393 | support@computersplus.net.nz
TM REID ELECTRICAL LTD
ENGTECH ENGINEERING
Is a family business owned by father and son Tim and Terry Reid, both having had years of experience between them. Born and bred in the area they have excellent local knowledge. The team has been enhanced with the newly qualified tradesman Electrican Scott. Between them they work in the Rodney and Kaipara regions covering a large geographical area and have considerable backgrounds in rural, domestic, commercial, industrial and overhead/underground line work. We offer a 24/7 service, use trusted brands/quality products and services. We can help with any electrical issues, big or small. Customer service is important to us!
Ryan and Tracey Lusty watched construction begin on their Hakaru-based engineering premises in 2019, and it’s gone from strength to strength ever since. Custom built, big, modern - and fully equipped with all the tools of the engineer’s trade - their Engtech enterprise stands ready to help solve problems for the farming community and beyond. Ryan, Tracey and their team are all about crafting solutions with their extensively qualified engineering know-how. They have the skills among their staff to tackle all jobs big and small, and a modular work space which can be configured to take on all kinds of fabrication and repair challenges.
510 Wellsford Valley Road, Wellsford Phone 09 423 7063 or Tim 021 425 325 or Terry 021 671 674 | tmreidelectrical@gmail.com
648 Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Rd, Hakaru 021 415 259 or 09 973 3440 | info@engtech.co.nz
9
THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER February 26 2021
WAGENER STOVES Wagener Stoves would like to thank our customers for their wonderful support for Sparky since his launch eight years ago. We are a third generation family business proudly handcrafting Kiwi designed and made solid fuel stoves for nearly 40 years. Our range is unique in the market and built to last. The family team are very hands on with Mum, Dad and three sons and a staff of five making up the extended family. Because we are kiwi made we have good stocks on hand including parts for servicing older models. Our range includes Wagener Sparky, Sparky CA, Leon, Butler Multi, CookTop Wagener Stove, Wagener Fairburn Cooker and Lion Wetbacks. 5 Allen Bell Drive, Kaitaia, 0410 09 408 2469 | www.wagenerstoves.co.nz
CAVERN HOME SOLUTIONS
THE SHORT DROP LIMITED
Cavern Homes draw upon 70 years of combined experience to create living spaces tailored to their customers’ needs. This means living by their mission statement of excellence in workmanship, creativity and innovation. As well as the ability to bring dream designs to life and build in aesthetic harmony with the Kiwi landscape, this also means a dedication to taking the stress and worry out of building, by following a collaborative process that puts the customer first. Cavern Homes maintains consistent communication throughout a building project as it moves through its many phases to completion which ensures no hidden costs, a guaranteed build time with genuine fixed pricing.
Living the ‘off the grid’ dream is a step closer than you may think, with the help of the Short Drop and Simple Waste Water Solutions. Specialists in dealing with waste water in a way that requires no old fashioned septic tanks or connections to municipal sewers, this innovative company is pioneering the green alternative, with gravity fed, simple, reliable and electricity free wastewater systems for rural New Zealand. From lifestyle blocks to baches and farms, there are eco-friendly, no-fuss alternatives which provide all the convenience with none of the expense or effort required to do things the ‘old fashioned way’. Make the change, and make the call today!
Shop 4, 41 Moir Street, Mangawhai 0800 228 380 | sales@cavernhomes.co.nz
166 Oldfield Road RD2, Wellsford 027 462 1339 | swwsnz@gmail.com
MUDDY THUMBS GARDENING
MANGAWHAI AUTO ELECTRICIAN
Matt has established himself as a well known gardener in the district and prides himself on getting the job done, and done right. He’s been gardening most of his life so he has the know–how and knowledge, to make plants thrive. Matt can help bring the vision you have in mind to life, tame those out of control hedges or manage that maintenance that you simply don’t have time for. Since Muddy Thumbs was established the company has branched out and offers a lawn mowing service as well as a wide range of other services. Contact Matt today via the Muddy Thumbs Facebook page, email or give him a bell today.
Mangawhai Auto Electrical was established in 2009. In 2019 Dan took over the business with the goal of providing exceptional Auto Electrical Services in the Mangawhai and surrounding areas. Additionally to being a local, Dan is a passionate auto electrician with a Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering. He regularly completed extra training certificates and moved to Auckland for 6 years to complete his apprenticeship, therefore gaining more experience prior to buying Mangawhai Auto Electrical in his home town, all to ensure he can provide a great service. Since then Mangawhai Auto Electrical has a growing team and a local workshop.
Dargaville 021 111 0595 | muddythumbs@gmail.com
82 Mangawhai Heads Road 09 431 5215 | mangawhaiautoelectricalltd@gmail.com
10 February 26 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
The Nash’s believe making memories with your children is important and they are often found on the Dargaville circuit at club meets together
Girls on the grid u by Ann van Engelen
The Nash family are big stock car supporters with Ange, Craig and daughters 12-year-old Charli and eight-year-old Milla all members of the Dargaville Production Stock Car Club. “When I was born my dad Warren Beachen was a top Northland saloon driver and I was introduced to the sport from a very young age,” says Ange. “I grew up in Dargaville and have fond memories of going to the track with Mum and Dad when I was very little. I still have photos of me there as a toddler. Dad gave up for many years but is back now. Based in Auckland, for the past six years, he has been racing at Waikaraka Park. He is one of the big boys and drives a limited saloon. He pops up to our meets when he can.” Ange travelled overseas in 2000 and when she returned she met Craig who had started racing cars himself. “Craig began racing in 2003 and we met through a mutual friend. I started going as a passenger with him and he eventually talked me into driving and I got the bug. I started driving myself in 2006 and then he built his own car and gave me his old one. Craig is
so talented he can build a car from scratch. People talk to me about motors and this and that, and I have to laugh and say Craig does everything. I just hop in and drive.
“
I grew up in Dargaville and have fond memories of going to the track with Mum and Dad
”
“When I got Craig’s old car we painted it pink, white and black. We are a Honda family when it comes to racing. I have a Prelude, Craig drives a Civic and he and Charli rebuilt an
Integra for her. Hondas are good reliable cars. “Getting out on the track is a huge adrenalin rush. It may look slow to the spectators, but when you are out there it is all go. You are reading what the other drivers are doing and always analysing what is going on. You have to decide how you will make the next path and what the other drivers are like. “There is a competitive side, but it is more about fun. If you are not having fun racing you shouldn’t be out there. It is a hobby. The people on the track are there for a good time, no one wants to put their car on a trailer pranged up every week. “Drivers have to meet the Circle Track Racing Association of New Zealand standards and rules for their vehicles. If someone builds a new car it goes through a rigorous scrutineering process. We have the roll cage, fivepoint harness and safety gear.”
11
THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER February 26 2021
“
Charli and Craig worked on it together. They dismantled it, built the roll cage and put it back together.
Drivers and passengers wear overalls, boots, a neck brace, helmets and gloves to start. “You have to be tight in your belts and be really secure because you don’t want to be moving around in your seat. To begin a race we go to the grid for starting. We do a slow lap in preparation and then the flag drops and you go as fast as you can. “You can have a plan on the day but it depends on things like who is in front of you and how they drive. The track conditions come into account such as: Did they just water it so it could be slippery, or is it dry. Some people like wet tracks and some prefer dry. “A whole bunch of people make our club work. Volunteers help with car parking, flag marshalling and lap scoring. “Bevan White is our flagman and his family have been involved for many years. Bevan grades the track
”
and does a brilliant job of keeping it in good condition. It takes years to learn those skills. “Craig had been asking Charli if she would like to try racing for years. Last year she was keen and his brother had the Honda Integra sitting on his back lawn. He gave it to her to turn into a race car. “Charli and Craig worked on it together. They dismantled it, built the roll cage and put it back together. Now she knows how it is done and she helps tie the cars onto the trailer for race days. Charli and Milla also wash the cars. “Charli is in the novice grade, which is young learning drivers, and she will stay there for a few years. I go as her passenger as I freak out too much as a spectator. I am then like a mentor helping her to learn the gears, watch the flags and everything else going on. Being involved in racing early teaches
children resilience and how to win and lose. It is all part of life and it is good for her to get out there and not be great at it. Racing helps build confidence. I cried the first time she was on the track, purely out of being proud of what she accomplished. “Milla is also interested in racing. She thinks when her dad wins Lotto, he can buy her a quarter midget. There are so many talented drivers in our club. I race with the men because there are not many lady drivers. I really enjoy the challenge. It is like, what man wants to be beaten by a lady — it makes them drive harder. “Craig is really supportive and does all the car stuff like tyre pressures and makes sure we are good to go. My mum runs the canteen and my uncle takes the money at the gate. Craig’s family come and watch. It is a great day out for families. Anyone keen to start up just needs to talk to someone out
here. Everyone knows someone who has something that someone needs. We also have the Dargaville Speedway Facebook page that people can follow. “It is a real family-friendly atmosphere and $10 per family at the gate. People come from all across Kaipara and we have drivers from Taipa, Kaikohe, Whangarei, Auckland and beyond at times. “Dad and Craig are both pretty proud of Charli and my driving skills. We wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t for Craig’s help and we are proud of all he does for us. Driving is both exciting and exhilarating. It is a real blast and we hope to keep doing it for a long time yet. Life is short — you just have to do these things. “As a family we also enjoy things like going to the beach and fishing. Life happens and we believe you should count your blessings every day and create memories with your children.” ¢
12
February 26 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
DONATE ONLINE
NEST.ORG.NZ/DONATE 21,000 365 RESCUE MISSIONS
DAYS A YEAR
31
YEARS IN OPERATION
3
HIGH SPEED HELICOPTERS
YOUR CONTRIBUTION DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE ELECTRICITY RESCUE HELICOPTERS OF NORTHLAND, A SERVICE MANAGED BY NORTHLAND EMERGENCY SERVICES TRUST. HELP KEEP OUR EMERGENCY RESCUE HELICOPTERS IN THE AIR, SUPPLYING AIR AMBULANCE SERVICES, MEDICAL FLIGHTS AND SEARCH AND RESCUE SERVICES TO NORTHLAND.
Kaiwaka’s iconic run rocks
13
THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER February 26 2021
u by Andy Bryenton
On the morning of March 7 runners will gather to stretch and prepare themselves for Kaiwaka’s 10th annual Top of the Rock challenge, setting out from Pakeho Road to the very top of the Brynderwyn Hills. It’s the second year that the Kaiwaka Sports Association has utilised this new route, wending its way through the valleys and up the slopes to the so-called Cattle Mount, with panoramic views of the countryside all the way to the coast. Event organiser Evan Wright says that it’s not just about the scenery, though this aspect of the run attracts those who favour personal challenge over rivalry and competition. “There are two runs, a 10km and a 5km course, with prizes for the fastest male and female athletes on each, as well as plenty of others,” he says. “However, people are welcome to come and challenge themselves, or simply enjoy running through some stunning scenery and achieving the high point at the 5km mark, atop the Brynderwyns — 360-degree views as far as the eye can see.” There’s more action happening at the Kaiwaka Sports Association headquarters at the town’s sporting complex during the day. While the runners will head out at nine, a family
fun day kicks off at the KSA centre at the same time, culminating in an under-11’s bike race with great prizes and the auction of a top of the line Husqvarna mower donated by Kaiwaka Motorcycles. The town’s local school will be fundraising with refreshments on sale. There’ll be fuel for the runners with a coffee truck at the start from 7.30am. Last year’s Top of the Rock was the first to chart a new path after the iconic Baldrock Mountain was placed out of bounds for foot traffic. Three hundred runners braved the new course, and the feedback was very positive from those who took part. This event slipped in just before the Covid lockdowns that marked mid-2020, and hence the resurgence of the Top of the Rock for 2021 is important for the KSA and locals who support it. Like sporting events everywhere, there’s a sense that New Zealand is in a lucky and favourable place, while most of the rest of the world cannot attend gatherings or competitions.
VINEYARD & CELLAR DOOR
52 Brooke Lane, Mangawhai 5km down King Road
www.brookelanevineyard.com Phone 021 545 299
p Running for the top, 2020’s Top of the Rock pack take off on a course that will see them crest the summit of the Brynderwyn Hills
The organisers of the Top of the Rock wish to thank all of their local supporters who have volunteered to be helpers and race marshalls, as well
as local businesses who have donated prizes and, of course, the competitors and fun runners who make this such a colourful spectacle each year. ¢
14 February 26 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
Bulls, rats and mean sneaks u by Liz Clark
Along River Road in Dargaville facing the Northern Wairoa River is an iconic building that evokes memories of the days of kauri timber, mill towns and gumdiggers.
p The former Commercial Hotel was constructed in 1895 — today, it remains as an iconic part of the River Road heritage landscape
The former Commercial Hotel had its roots back in the mid-1870s when Mangawhare was owned by Dr John Campbell. The first Mangawhare Hotel was built around 1875, conducting a roaring trade in opposition to Joseph McMullen Dargaville’s Kaihu Hotel built three years earlier. In those early days, Dargaville and Campbell were at odds over the drinking habits of the transient population of gumdiggers, bushmen, mill workers and seafarers. By 1876, more than 19 recorded drownings directly related to an overindulgence of the ‘dreaded drink’ by patrons of both hotels in the opposing townships. Dargaville had argued in the public forum of the newspapers of the
Honouring lives well-lived
day, he could still make a living from his hotel as a boarding house. He claimed: ‘Twelve or fourteen of these are proved by evidence to have obtained drink at the hotel carried on by Dr Campbell in his manager’s name at Mangawhare’. The debate, however, was short-lived, and both establishments remained. The first Mangawhare Hotel lasted until June 1886, when early in the morning, the entire structure was burned to the ground. The resident constable at the time had investigated attributing the cause to rats gnawing on matches. A newspaper of the time reported: ‘The origin of the fire is, as usual, laid at the door of the predatory rodents’ predilection for matches.’
For nearly 10 years, the hotel site remained devoid of any drinking establishment. In late-1895, a new
In those early days, Dargaville and Campbell were at odds over the drinking habits building was constructed, the hotel was up and running the following year. The newspapers of the time period soon immortalised memories of the hotel.
At the old church just up from the Mangawhai Museum To book go to www.mangawhaimovies.com
Adults $12 Under 15s $5
SAND WARS PG
For a truly personal experience talk to the experts. Office: 09 439 8048 Fax: 09 437 5796 Email: office@morrisandmorris.co.nz
In early 1897, some ‘mean sneaks’ entered the two servants’ bedroom and stole their clothes, boots and umbrellas. They were later found strewn along River Road cut into pieces — the umbrellas ‘torn to atoms’. During 1898, as cattle were unloaded at the wharf, a bull broke loose and charged into the hotel’s bar sending patrons to find high places. It destroyed glasses and tables before someone had the sense to open the door, and ‘the bull withdrew’. Today, the old hotel is no longer a gathering place to have a beer and discuss timber or the state of farming. It does, however, remain as a reminder of the times long since passed into memory. ¢
Saturday 27th February 7.30pm 2013 Documentary/Thriller 1h 20m
THE WAR WITH GRANDPA PG13
THE CALL OF THE WILD PG
PO Box 8043 Kensington Whangarei 0145
Saturday 27th March 7.30pm
Saturday 10th April 7.30pm
morrisandmorris.co.nz
2020 Comedy-Family 2h 21m
2020 Adventure-Family 1h 40m
15 Gladstone Street Dargaville 0310
Proud member of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand
15
THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER February 26 2021
PUZZLE TIME
Jumbo crossword ACROSS 1 Reveal information unintentionally or indiscreetly (5,3,5) 8 Not convinced (6) 14 Say (5) 15 Uncurving (8) 16 Red-faced (7) 17 Quick-witted (5) 18 Sour (3) 19 Distinguished musician (7) 21 Thwart (9) 22 Duty list (6) 25 Breed of draught horse (10) 27 Programme (8) 28 Spurn (6) 31 Diamond, graphite, charcoal element (6) 33 Sound intensity unit (7) 34 Creamy dessert (6) 35 Pack away (4) 37 Couple (3) 39 Large luxurious car (4) 40 Woollen fabric (7) 41 Came into (9) 42 Hearing distance (7) 43 Melt (8) 48 Innocuous (8) 52 Sticks (7) 56 Green rust on copper (9) 57 Torrid zone (7) 58 Rip (4) 59 Top (3) 60 Ceramic square (4) 61 Continued story (6) 62 Outlawed (7)
63 Wakened (6) 65 Woven container (6) 66 Lacking energy or enthusiasm (8) 68 Place I go to (anag) (10) 71 Journey (6) 72 Hideously malformed (9) 74 Arm muscles (7) 76 Spoil (3) 79 Cut off (5) 80 Recipe (7) 81 Militant political crusader (8) 83 Musty (5) 84 Somnolent (6) 85 Tease or ridicule someone (4,3,6) DOWN 2 Unexpected or hidden danger (7) 3 Power cables (5) 4 Harbour boat (3) 5 Dines (4) 6 Fizzy (12) 7 Naming words (5) 8 Modernised (7) 9 Winner’s ribbon (4) 10 Logic (6) 11 Army officer (5) 12 Flawless (7) 13 Company partowner (11) 14 Seen (7) 20 Bitter (9) 23 Her award (anag) (8) 24 Round of applause (7) 26 Of questionable value (7)
203
27 Bluest (anag)(6) 29 Give the right to (7) 30 Respiratory disorder (6) 32 Accused’s defence (5) 34 Night-flying insects (5) 36 Walks in water (5) 38 Pack full (4) 43 Bed cover (5) 44 Left over (7) 45 Leave out (4) 46 Fluctuated (6) 47 Refrigerate (5) 48 Passed down object (8) 49 Water supply lake (9) 50 Salad vegetable (7) 51 Room (5) 52 Analgesic drug (7) 53 Basic, undeveloped (11) 54 Gramophone needle (6) 55 Express pleasure to someone on their success (12) 64 Recovery setback (7) 65 Stain (7) 67 Economical (7) 69 Stalemate (7) 70 Cereal pest (6) 71 Ordeal (5) 73 Underwater gear (5) 75 Municipal (5) 77 Impulse (4) 78 Money (4) 82 Male cat (3)
Sudoku
Previous crossword solution
5
8 2 2 6 3
7 6 8
2
1 3
6 1
1 4 7 4 1 6 8 7 1 2 98 34
5 4 2
9 7
7 6
MEDIUM
Fill 3 the 4 grid 5 so 7 that 1 8 2 every column, every 1 2 6 4 9 5 8 row and every 3x3 7 contains 8 9 2the6digits 3 4 box 15to 9. 7 4 1 3 2 9
9 1 6 3 4 1
1 2 3 3 9 4 1 2 5 6 7 3 4 8 1 7 6 7 4 Previous solution
5
2 4 5 1 3 6 8 9 7
691 36978 25 49 87 54 12 63 7 5 2 6 8 3 9 4 1 34 871 7 2 9 3 6 5 3 9 6 4 1 5 2 7 8 158 12549 38 67 21 67 35 94 86 763 9 5 4 1 8 2 6 9solution 2 8 5 7 3 4 1 Previous 8 3 1 9 4 6 7 5 2 9 5 8 3 7 1 6 2 4 4 6 3 5 2 9 1 7 8 Puzzle 2 1 7 All6puzzles 8 ©4The 5 9Company 3 www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz
ACROSS: 1 Recital, 4 Complaints, 9 Affable, 13 Tame, 14 Gaelic, 15 Marina, 16 Protect, 19 Reserve, 20 Blow one’s own trumpet, 21 Relish, 22 Harden, 24 Terminate, 29 Feathers, 30 Trance, 31 Headway, 35 Mandolin, 36 Siding, 37 Rile, 38 Eaves, 39 Die, 41 Sated, 43 Stewed, 47 Gaffe, 50 Tot, 54 Aphid, 55 Odds, 56 Canopy, 57 Bona fide, 60 Diverse, 61 Divots, 62 Synopsis, 65 Great Dane, 67 Kit out, 68 Jalopy, 72 Red-carpet treatment, 75 Present, 77 Trouble, 78 Fourth, 79 Rabbit, 80 Ball, 81 Steered, 82 Incomplete, 83 Nucleus. DOWN: 1 Rotor, 2 Camisole, 3 Leaves, 4 Celebrated, 5 Macho, 6 Lampoon, 7 Israel, 8 Tango, 10 Forerunner, 11 Attempt, 12 Locket, 17 Prosperous, 18 Gnome, 21 Resumed, 23 Dismiss, 25 Escort, 26 Strict, 27 Tangle, 28 Gazebo, 30 Trite, 32 Deal, 33 Once, 34 Flea, 40 Impair, 42 Eddy, 44 Tycoon, 45 Wings, 46 Deposit, 48 Floppy, 49 Eradicated, 50 Toil, 51 Therapy, 52 Hide, 53 Assign, 58 Espadrille, 59 Unsuitable, 63 Adieu, 64 Tolerate, 66 Recluse, 67 Ketchup, 69 Regret, 70 Weirdo, 71 Option, 73 Thorn, 74 Eyrie, 76 Tells.
5x5 M L
C M O
C A
T E E
S C O T S M A C H O A M E E R
O E
C L Insert the missing letters C R to complete ten words O R gridA — five across the and five down. T A S More than one solution E S may be possible.
Previous solution
S C A T S
C U R S E
A R I A N
L I A R S
P O S S E
16
February 26 2021 THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER
Landscaping Supplies: Waikato Screen Topsoil Bark Woodchip Mill Bark Post Peelings Compost Crushed Shell Topsoil Limestone Chip Daltons Garden Mix
Water Tanks: Aqua & Bailey Brands
Drainage & Septics: Land Drainage
Aggregate: Gap: 20, 40 ,65 Riverstone Sand Belt Dust 40/20 Drainage Metal Builders Mix Cement
Urban Rural Drainage Water Pipelines Culverts Septic Systems [RX Plastics & Biorock]
Timber/Fencing Supplies: Rails, Posts Stays, Strainers Fence Battens Palings Stakes Fencing Wire Farm Gates & Hardware
Siteworks: Retaining Walls Piling Driveways Carparks
Drainage: PVC Fittings Alkathene Draincoil
Serving Locals, Supporting Locals, For Over 30 Years 2088 Paparoa valley Rd, Paparoa Opening Hours: Mon–Fri (7am–5pm) Sat (8am–12pm) Sun (Closed – Family Time) Email: admin@huband.co.nz | Phone: 09 431 8339 / 0800 234 449
JOHN BERTRAND (COLLECTABLES) ARE BUYING IN DARGAVILLE NEXT WEEK OLD GOLD • Unwanted Jewellery • Broken Rings • Gold Chains • Gold Watch Cases • Alluvial (River) Gold • Dental Gold • Gold Coins • Gold Racing & Trophy Cups
GOLD & SILVER TROPHY CUPS ETC • Racing Cups & Sports Cups • A&P Show Cups • Show Pieces • Presentation Keys & Trowels • Sterling Silver Tea Sets & Cutlery • Scrap Gold & Silver
*No EPNS or Silver Plated Items Please*
COINS • All Gold & Silver Coins • Gold Sovereigns • Gold Half Sovereigns • NZ Silver Coins 1946 & Before (for at least 10 times face value) • Australian Silver Coins to 1963 • English Silver Coins to 1946 • NZ 1935 “Waitangi Crown” • USA Coins up to 1964 • Old Collections & Accumulations of World Coins • Modern Platinum & Palladium Coins & Sets • NZ Reserve Bank Sets • Also wanted NZ & World Coins after 1946
BANKNOTES • NZ & Australian “Trading Bank” Notes pre 1932 (e.g. Bank of New South Wales, Bank of NZ etc) • Reserve Bank of NZ Pre-Decimal Notes • Any £20, £50 or £100 Notes • Hong Kong & Malayan Banknotes • Australian Pre Decimal Notes • Australian “Star” Notes • Early Fijian and Samoan Banknotes • NZ Traders Promissary Notes (1840s) • NZ Government Debentures • NZ Banknotes overprinted for use in Fiji, Cook Islands etc • Postal Notes • All other World Banknotes
• Any Rolex Watches • Omega Gents Watches • Gold & Silver Pocket Watches • Any Breitling, Jaegar Le Coultre, Vacheron & Constantin, Patek Philippe, or IWC Watches • Moon Phase Watches • Chiming or Alarm Watches (Pocket or Wrist) • Military Watches • Divers Watches • All other pre 1950s wind up watches (parts value only) *No Quartz or Battery Operated Watches Please*
TOKENS
• NZ & Australian “Tradesmen’s” Tokens • NZ Transportation Tokens • Railway Passes • Tram Tokens (not Dunedin Tramways) • Presbyterian Church Communion Tokens • Bread Tokens • Theatre, Cafe, Discount Tokens etc • Any other tokens relating to early New Zealand No item too small for our consideration
*No Pennies or Halfpennies Please*
WE WANT TO BUY – CASH-IN NOW
WRIST & POCKET WATCHES
JOHN BERTRAND (COLLECTABLES) LTD OUR BUYERS ARE IN DARGAVILLE NEXT WEEK DARGAVILLE
Fri 5 Mar
St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Corner Normanby & Parore Streets
WAR MEDALS ETC • The New Zealand Wars & Boer War Medals • 1st World War Medals • 2nd World War Medals, Stars etc • Orders and Decorations • Korea & Vietnam Medals • Antarctic or other Polar Medals • Fire Brigade Medals • Lodge Medals • Shooting Medals • Military Badges and all other Military Medals • Gold returning Fob Medals or “Tokens of Honour” from residents of small town New Zealand
HISTORICAL MEDALS • A&P Show- Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals • Commemorative Medals & Medalets • Prize Medals (Gold & Silver) • Sports Medals (Gold & Silver) • Life Saving Medals • Shipwreck Medals • Coronation Medals • etc, etc, etc
COLLECTABLES • Albums & Accumulations of Pre 1920s Postcards (used or unused) • Old Fountain Pens • Maori and Pacific Artefacts • Small Interesting Collectables • Vintage Film Cameras • Small Interesting Collectables
9 am to 12 noon
ALSO AT WHANGAREI
Wed 3 Mar
Distinction Hotel, Marina Room, 9 Riverside Drive
9 am to 3 pm
KAMO
Thurs 4 Mar
Kamo War Memorial Hall, Corner Boswell & Grant Street
9 am to 12 noon
WHANGAREI
Thurs 4 Mar
Motel Sierra Conference Room, 26 Western Hills Drive
1 pm to 4 pm
John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd T: 04 232 9832 • E: info@bertrand.co.nz Level 1 Harcourt’s Building, 215 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington 5028 • PO Box 323, Wellington 6140
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Please note: Suitable ID is required if you wish to sell any items. Members of the Australasian Numismatic Dealers Association and the New Zealand Numismatic Dealers Association