Kaipara Lifestyler, April 1st 2025 by Integrity Community Media

Regatta rules the river

Collaborative plan for Dargaville water supply

u by Andy Bryenton

The Kaipara District Council, Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust and Shane Jones have engineered a plan to quash water restrictions, which have regularly affected Dargaville and Baylys Beach.

Shane Jones announced last week that the TTTWT will receive a $17.5 million Regional Infrastructure Fund loan to build a pipeline to Dargaville, connecting its dam near Redhill to the town.

“The Kaipara pipeline will extend to around 3,000 hectares of prospective horticulture land between Te Kōpuru and Dargaville and to Silver Fern Farms’ processing plant, the largest employer in the area,” said Mr Jones.

“The plant faces challenges maintaining the continuous water supply it needs to keep operating throughout

summer. Extending the pipeline to the processing plant will ensure a reliable water supply and continuous peak season operation.”

Silver Fern Farms would, therefore, no longer draw heavily on the reticulated network, meaning that at times of drought there would be more water for households. That could mean an end to summertime restrictions.

“We’re thrilled about the news, which opens up a huge opportunity for our district. Staff and elected members have been working for some time now to relieve

the pressure on the council water supply,” said mayor Craig Jepson.

“We are grateful to the TTTWT for building the multimillion dollar pipeline from their dam into Dargaville, presenting an opportunity for the council to access a more consistent and reliable water supply in the future. Increasing the resilience of the supply will also unleash significant benefits, including local jobs as part of the work. I want to acknowledge Minister Shane Jones, who has been instrumental in driving this initiative. This will be a big boost for our district.” ¢

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p The Kewpie Too heads off down the Northern Wairoa River on a misty autumn morning, evoking memories of the times when the riverside at Mangawhare (foreground) was dotted with wharves, and small vessels like this one were the main mode of transport to Auckland and beyond.

Town hall budget will be voted on

u by Andy Bryenton

While members of the Dargaville Town Hall Working Group tabled design anomalies and issues to address last week, a vote was indicated for possibly as early as this Friday to approve a $1.9 million budget extension.

“At the Wednesday, March 26 council meeting, a budget approval was brought to the council by staff,” said deputy mayor Jonathan Larsen. “I forwarded a motion to let this lie on the table until a meeting of the working group could take place.”

Objections to the planned demolition and recladding ranged from the practical to the aesthetic. Some features, like an ornate doorway covering what is effectively a fire exit, were questioned for the cost they would add to the build. Others, like the location of toilets and weather coverage for entrances and exits, were called into question for their utility.

However, with the project already stretching from 2021 to the present, the issue of cost and expediency was the counterbalance to these nevertheless valid arguments.

“We need to land this within budget and also within a timeframe, which has been stretching on and on,” said Mr Larsen. The threat of the current tender being withdrawn should delays extend too long, and the subsequent additional cost, led to the decision to move the vote on an additional $1.9 million budget for the project to the next council meeting, as early as this Friday.

Despite pushing ahead with budgets, the town hall working group has received

Forging the renewable pathway

u by Amy Fifita

Officials from the government, the Kaipara District Council and energy providers joined Mercury for the ceremonial groundbreaking at the Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm last Thursday.

assurances from council members that feedback on some contentious points of the tabled design will be addressed. It’s the consensus around the table that further work may well be needed after the demolition and recladding to make the town hall site more functional and attractive. ¢

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Energy Minister Simon Watts, Northland MP Grant McCallum, the landowner and Pāmu, Vestas, Electronet, Higgins, Kaipara District Council, Te Roroa and community representatives united with Mercury delivery partners to celebrate the milestone.

“It is good for the country, good for the country, security supply and our future of using more renewable energy in our lives,” said Mercury chair Scott St Clair

“The project supports regional economic growth, including the creation of local jobs. There will be 150 people working on this site daily, with a peak of 300 people working on the overall project.”

Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm will hold 12 turbines that can generate enough power for 27,000 homes.

Each turbine is expected to last 30 years before there is an opportunity to repower the site — renewing the wind farm with new equipment with a replacement programme.

“We are working with NZTA for bridge strengthening projects, and

we will be doing some earthworks along the state highways to help move the tail of the blade that needs more room,” said Mercury generation development executive general manager Matt Tolcher.

“With a lot of planning, assessment and physical work to enable the delivery, we are also working with Northpower to raise electricity lines. There are 10 big deliveries for each turbine, three of which are the blades — the longest, which creates the most logistic complexity.” ¢

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p The Dargaville Town Hall Working Group was formed in 2023, chaired by Jonathan Larsen, to provide community input to council plans surrounding the Hokianga Road civic precinct

p Grant McCallum, Northland MP, Stew Hamilton, Mercury chief executive, Scott St John, Mercury chair, Simon Watts, Energy Minister, Snow Tane, Te Roroa general manager, and Andrew Sliper, Pāmu chief investment officer

Water amalgamation plans seek public input A visit from the Easter Bunny

u by Andy Bryenton

The Kaipara District Council has reached decision time on water services, with a steep bill to go it alone and a raft of options to partner with other municipalities.

“As a standalone business unit, the initial analysis indicated that the capital expenditure would result in the current water and wastewater charges doubling or tripling by 2034, depending on the rate of growth and how growth charges are managed,” said council CEO Jason Marris.

However, if a joint approach is taken in alliance with other councils, modelling presented by Mr Marris and his team shows water rates could come down, or rise only at the rate of inflation.

Following discussions on this weighty topic, the mayor and councillors expressed a preference for amalgamation. There are three alliance strategies, which could help reduce the impact of the estimated $240 million cost to Kaipara of providing water services without nationallevel fiscal assistance for the next decade.

In one scenario, the KDC and Auckland Council would form a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) covering the entire mid north. In a second, the KDC and Whangārei District Council would join in a similar CCO arrangement. In a third, all of Northland’s councils, but not Auckland, would band together in this fashion. If none of these alliances work out before

the government’s September deadline, the KDC would be forced to ’correspond with the Minister of Local Government informing of KDC’s constrained financial position’ and asking for help.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown’s council has indicated that discussions involving them will not be feasible until after September.

A consultation document, which will ask citizens about their preferred options for water delivery, either going it alone or making a CCO alliance, will be ready to go to council in early April. ¢

u by Andy Bryenton

The world’s most famous rabbit took time off from his schedule to talk about plans for a Dargaville visit on April 5, when the Riverside Gardens will be the scene of an Easter celebration.

The Easter Bunny has confirmed that he’ll be helping out the folks from the Dargaville Gardens Trust as they set up for their annual Easter egg hunt, which will also feature a whole programme of fun activities for families.

“There will be face painting, games, kids’ activities like pin the tail on the bunny, raffles and lots more. It’s all about families having a good time together, kids running around and everyone having fun,” says garden trust spokesperson Sheena McKenzie.

The great hunt for Easter treats is organised into three age groups, with plenty of prizes for all. Instead of hiding actual eggs, which might get accidentally squashed, the big bunny and his human helpers will tuck away colourful pompoms. The hunt is organised to be fair for all ages.

Dargaville High School students are volunteering to help with face painting and activities on the day.

There’s even more chances to win, with a best dressed Easterthemed

costume competition on the day. The action begins at 10am on Saturday, April 5, at the Dargaville Taha Awa Riverside Gardens, between Woolworths and The Warehouse on Victoria Street. Entry and participation to this secular, nondenominational Easter event is by gold coin donation, and all are welcome. One final question was posed by this interviewer to the enigmatic Easter Bunny; why chocolate eggs?

“Because broccoli cubes are the wrong shape and colour,” he replied, putting the finishing touches to a colourful foilwrapped egg of exceptional size. ¢

p Local Waters Done Well has come down to a choice: KDC CEO Jason Marris warns of water rate hikes if an alliance can’t be formed

p Teresa Robertson with some of the participants in the 2024 Dargaville Riverside Gardens Easter egg hunt

Rating by CV retuned and re-explored Committee votes for boats off lakes

u by Andy Bryenton

The debate between Land Value (LV) and Capital Value (CV) continues around the council table, with the exploration of ways in which the CV system could be made more equitable.

Rather than abandoning the concept of CV rating due to the way it could deliver some unfair outcomes, councillors heard last week that differentials could be used to smooth out issues with the system. This would mean that different calculations were applied to different kinds of property to make things fairer. For example, blunting the effect of CV rates rises on highvalue but smallfootprint commercial property.

that roading budget goes to subsidise that rural community.

u by Andy Bryenton

For the second time, the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee has recommended the closure of the boat ramp at Lake Taharoa, this time after receiving dire warnings from the Northland Regional Council about the impact of the invasive gold clam.

“Once these are established there is no way to eradicate them,” said NRC biosecurity manager, Nicki Fitzgibbon. “I don’t think throwing up our hands and saying, ‘oh well’, is good enough for our region.”

One example of how the switch from LV to CV could skew benefits was explored by councillor Gordon Lambeth, with reference to the fact that half of the KDC’s rates revenue is allocated to roading.

“I’m a big supporter of the rural sector, as that’s what supports this town,” said councillor Lambeth. “When we have a look back at the amount of roading budget there is in the overall budget, and when we consider that a lot of our urban areas are very isolated in a small area, a lot of

“We know that the move from LV to CV will benefit the farmers, but are we considering how much of the roads they need to run their daytoday operation?”

“What we need to do is get the fairest system we can, across the whole district,” said councillor Howard. “As I see it, by adding CV into the mix, we have to show people that it is fair.”

It’s been indicated that a second public consultation will take place in July, after an initial round found opinions bitterly divided on changing the way rates are struck. ¢

Nicki’s colleague, Don MacKenzie, indicated that if the gold clam was found in Kai Iwi Lakes, the lakes would face complete closure. Far more drastic than stopping powered vessels from accessing the boat ramp at Lake Taharoa.

Members of the committee, including mayor Craig Jepson, debated the positives and negatives of the move, with councillor Mark Vincent opining that both possible choices were disagreeable ones. However, it was he as chair who moved a motion to close the boat ramp from Labour Weekend onward.

An amendment came from the mayor, who proposed holding off until a higher authority, in this case the Ministry for Primary Industries, made the request to

close the ramp. The NRC representatives present had earlier confirmed that MPI might exercise its power to shut down the boat ramp, or alternatively, the NRC itself could move in 12 months’ time to issue a pest control area notice, effectively doing the same.

However, the opinion was expressed by the NRC team that time was of the essence, and risks could be avoided by swift action. The mayor’s amendment was narrowly defeated, and a vote of four to three sent a recommendation to the KDC to close the ramp. Now the final decision sits with elected members, who will make a call at their April meeting. ¢

p Councillors discussed ways to make CV rating fairer for all, in a bid to make the concept equitable ahead of a second round of public consultation

p The NRC’s Don MacKenzie and Nikki Fitzgibbon address the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee

Water wastage needs attention

I write in concern over Dargaville’s dire water situation with low rainfall and not much in sight, either. Every little bit helps, and I make these observations.

On a recent visit to town, I observed the following water wastage:

A visit to the Community Health Centre on 19/03/25 found the public toilet cistern to be an old Dux unit with a single flush function using approximately

20 litres each use. Later that day, I needed to visit the public toilets near the Northern Wairoa Boat Club and noticed here a faulty flush valve pouring water continuously at some 4 to 5 litres a minute.

Small things add up, and a little attention would pay a dividend.

PA Kenny Retired plumber Reg #11227

Times Gone By

Operations were being carried out in the Pukekaroro bush when two dams suddenly collapsed and caused substantial damage to the tramway and adjacent houses. Investigations reveal the upper halves of both dams had given way. Several sections of the tramway have become disjointed, while several bridges have been swept away.

New Zealand Herald, May 29 1890

Timber industry expands at Whakapirau

During the last 12 months some very considerable improvements and additions have been effected in the local sawmill under the able management of Mr JF Smith, which have resulted in the output being raised from an average of 50,000ft of timber each week to the present average of 89,000ft.

New Zealand Herald, December 28 1899

Wharf closure at Tokatoka

At last month’s Otamatea County Council meeting, it was decided to close the Tokatoka wharf as there was insufficient cargo crossing the wharf to warrant its retention. The county clerk reported that he had informed the Marine Department accordingly. The department had advised it was investigating and would report back to the council once completed. Northern Advocate, February 21 1941

A journey of success

u by Andy Bryenton

Twenty years ago, Jonette Bartlett took the decision to open her own business, and this week that enterprise, B’arch Wear the Funk Store, celebrates a milestone birthday.

“It doesn’t feel like 20 years have passed,” says Jonette. “If you’re having fun and you love your job, it’s great to go to work each day.”

Her odyssey in business began after the passing of her father. A challenging time, as he had also served as her business mentor while Jonette completed a Be Your Own Boss course. Motivated to put what she had learned into practice, Jonette approached the McKay family, who rented her small shop in central Dargaville.

ago, is just onethird of the newly expanded store.

“I had to be creative and use what I had. Growing up in Poutō, I’d learned to make the best of what was there,” she says. “For example, my first clothing racks were made from chain and handcut lengths of ti tree.”

Expansion after expansion followed, with B’arch Wear growing its clientele and its range through a series of moves. The latest has just come, bringing the business full circle. Now, the original space, the McKays offered two decades

“It’s been important to me to add natural health to the range. I grew up close to nature, and have had my own very positive experiences with healing in my own life. I want to share that with people,” says Jonette.

With 20 years of commerce, as well as dedicated support of local clubs, teams, charities and events, B’arch Wear is a unique Dargaville location, and Jonette would like to thank all of her customers for their patronage. ¢

p Jonette Bartlett is celebrating 20 years in the business community, as the proprietor of one of Dargaville’s most colourful and varied shops

Pukekaroro timber dams burst

Social appeal creates sustainable outcome New water source potential

u by Amy Fifita

Two years after being established, the ReSport Charitable Trust is making its presence known in Kaipara by working with Dargaville Intermediate School.

Dargaville Interme diate School’s ill equipped sports cupboard was an opportunity for ReSport ambassador Louis Anderson to connect Kaipara with the trust while visiting last year. Principal Terrianne Takulua collected the large sports gear order before Christmas last year.

“This is the first Kaipara school we have been involved in and we are working on introducing more, with a plan to engage the Kaipara District Council,” said project coordinator Sharon Gibson.

can participate in sport, recreation and play. It contributes to health and wellbeing, teaches youth about teamwork, connection and confidence, and gives them a social activity navigating the way for positive impact.”

With 15 pātaka throughout Northland, the trust is making headway to reduce barriers for children wanting to participate in sports. The cause seeks to help the environment by diverting goods and decommissioned textiles from landfills.

u by Andy Bryenton

As level four water restrictions put the squeeze on Dargaville residents, one local says that he has a possible solution under his feet.

Dargaville resident Warren Bryant has been informed that there’s a voluminous source of water underneath his lawn. One that was identified during the Brown administration of the Kaipara District Council but remains untapped.

“I had never heard about it until then CEO of the council Jack McKerchar hired a geologist to look for new water sources,” says Warren, who has lived in his Mangawhare home since 1966.

Information compiled by the geologist was passed on to local historian Noel Hilliam, in his role as a museum leader. Mr Hilliam, who has since passed on, confided in Warren that there may be interest in his home adjacent paddock, for the aquifer buried beneath.

With the winter sports season coming, DIS is giving back to the appeal by joining the Champion A Good Cause programme and hosting a pātaka. Students and families can donate new or gently used sports gear to be redistributed to the community. “It is important that children

“This initiative is about reducing sports participation barriers while caring for the environment. We have made a significant impact already, with almost 7,000 units received, 4,500 shared and repurposed over 6,000 textile decommissioned products back into the community.”

For more information or to champion the cause — visit resport.co.nz. ¢

Three years ago, Warren asked well drilling professionals if they could drill and cap a water source there. They said yes, but Warren held off. When water restrictions hit last year, he approached local councilmen, Ash Nayyar and Gordon Lambeth, with the idea, and even went so far as to call the mayor. However, he says that while there was enthusiasm for a new water source, there was no action taken.

The crowning irony, he says, is that a pipe once linked the Mangawhare milk factory site directly to the water treatment plant in Hokianga Road. If it’s still there, drilling and linking up could be easy. With plans still in negotiation to end water shortages in Dargaville permanently, this resident says he’s open to selling his land for market value, notwithstanding any liquid assets beneath, and would welcome tests to see just how much water could be drawn. ¢

p Stephanie Hayes from Dargaville Intermediate School pictured with their newly installed pātaka and boots for winter sports

p Warren Bryant says that he might have a major water resource ready to tap, potentially ending Dargaville shortages

Regatta racing and recreation

u by Andy Bryenton

The Northern Wairoa Boating Club’s 2025 regatta was a day of exciting maritime racing, community and celebration as more than 50 vessels of all sizes gathered to enjoy the sunshine, companionship and friendly rivalry of the event.

Pool operations overhaul deferred

u by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville’s much-debated swimming pool will remain under the auspices of Sport Northland for one more year, though councillors have expressed enthusiasm for change.

The council decided that while the operation of the Kauri Coast Community Pool should not remain the same, the timeframe to overhaul the operating model before current contracts expire is too short to effect immediate change.

“Asset management is the particular thing which has been neglected with this facility, and it needs to be addressed,” said Brett Young of Community Asset Solutions. Young recommended extending the lease for another 12 months, but making a clear distinction between running costs and maintenance costs.

In documentation shared with councillors before last Wednesday’s meeting, this was indicated as $300,000 from KDC coffers as an operating subsidy, with a further $180,000 ringfenced for renewals and maintenance.

“That long term maintenance is not short term maintenance, due to some items we urgently need to address,” said Mr Young.

His assessment criticised the solar panel system, supposed to help heat the pool and keep it open for more months of the year, calling it ‘a lovely bunch of pipes’, which had added to operating costs and achieved little else. On the plus side, the facility was noted to be in good condition, apart from the machinery and plant.

Future options include ownership by the KDC, or ownership by a community trust set up for this purpose, but “only so long as the facility is made good. Not 50 per cent, but 100 per cent,” said Mr Young. These were the preferred two options left on the table when the status quo and commercial privatisation were eliminated. ¢

Festival

p There were no votes opposing the decision to keep the status quo for management of the Kauri Coast Community Pool for one more year, though change is indicated after that time

p A festive fleet waits for the start of racing, with launches from the modern to the very vintage lining up to compete for trophies and prizes

p The crew of the Sounds Ranger take a break between races: following the full programme of competitions for runabouts and launches, there was a hearty meal and live music to take celebrations into the evening

Tsunami threat re-evaluated

u by Andy Bryenton

New tsunami threat maps released by the Northland Regional Council show that there could be less threat than previously imagined on the Kaipara coasts.

“The new modelling shows that the areas at risk from damaging tsunami may be affected differently from previous models. In many cases, the potential effects may not reach as far inland as previously,” says Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (NCDEM) chair, Kelly Stratford.

The new maps show that Glinks Gully’s Marine Drive would likely be inundated by a tsunami, but only if it crests the dunes. Dargaville is entirely in the safe zone, though the bend of River Road, which gives access to Harding Park and the Poutō road is in the surge zone.

The map predicts that Ruawai stopbanks and earthworks would protect the township, and at Matakohe both of the old onelane bridges would be inundated. The northern rail line is in the tsunami evacuation zone, where it passes across the upper reaches of the Kaipara Harbour near Point Curtis and Maungatūroto, and the settlements of Pahi and Tinopai are at risk.

Mangawhai’s estuary sandspit may be completely overtopped by a tsunami surge, but this natural barrier may be the saving of the town, according to these

Celtic cultural fun and festivities

u by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville’s Scouts are set to host a celebration of Scots and Irish heritage, reviving a tradition, which was once seasonal in many towns around the Kaipara Harbour.

latest maps. While the whole spit is covered in blue, meaning that it might be inundated, the evacuation zone does not reach far into the settled strip along the shore beyond, encompassing Alamar Crescent and some of Robert Street.

All 80 of Northland’s tsunami warning sirens will be tested at 10am on April 6, allowing people in the danger zone a chance to hear what they should listen for to be aware of a threat. ¢

PREPARE FOR WINTER

The Scouts will host an autumn ceilidh (pronounced kaylee) on April 12, bringing back an old tradition celebrated by the many Celtic people who settled in Albertland and along the Northern Wairoa River in olden times. Their descendants for several generations would come together for music, food, drink and companionship as they did in their countries of origin, at festivals like the one to be held in Dargaville’s Onslow Street Scout Hall on April 12 from 6.30pm.

“I’ve been to a few growing up, and they’re great fun and an excellent community event,” says coorganiser Beth Griffiths. “There hasn’t been a ceilidh in Dargaville in recent years, and we wanted to allow people to enjoy this tradition once more.”

As well as being an interesting cultural experience for those keen

to connect with their Irish and Scots ancestry, it’s also a chance to share the music, hospitality and good cheer of a Celtic party with the whole community. There’ll be dancing and singing, though Beth says that you don’t have to know the steps to enjoy the spirit of the occasion. The ceilidh comes with refreshments provided, and is an event for youngsters all the way through to elders, with things to do for everyone who attends. ¢

has been designed to work hard and stand the test of time. He’s

p Emergency Management and Response Minister Mark Mitchell has overseen an expansion of tsunami siren coverage during his tenure

p A traditional Celtic celebration, known as a ceilidh, will be held in Dargaville on April 12 as a fundraiser for the local Scouts’ hall

PREPARE FOR WINTER

Check the house and relax

u by Paul Campbell

The cold and wet days of winter are not far away and while the drought days are with us, now is a good time to check that all will be well, when it’s time to spend more time inside the home.

Getting things shipshape in autumn means relaxing in winter as more rain, wind and cooler weather takes hold. It’s a good plan to have a list of things to do. While it is still a fine time outside, a first job would be to guard against possible draughts or water leaks, and check for any cracks or gaps that might fall foul in heavy rain and high winds.

Water ingress can soon develop into mould and a commercial gap stopping compound can guard against this. Mould is a nono, and if it appears, seek professional advice, as it can affect household health.

A check on the chimney will be timely, too — check online for a local chimney sweep service. However, we are concentrating on outside tasks for the present, and a major prewinter check has to be the roof and guttering.

Be aware, too, that the roof involves working at height, and there are new rules regarding scaffolding requirements.

Check Worksafe New Zealand to be sure, and you will learn that preventing falls from roofs is a priority. Investigations by WorkSafe into falls while working at height show that more than 50 per cent of falls are from less than three metres. Most of

p It’s a fine time to prepare the home these falls are from ladders and roofs, and the cost of these falls is estimated to be $24 million a year — to say nothing of the human cost as a result of these falls.

Thus, it might be an idea to contract out roof and guttering inspection. Cleaning out your gutters will stave off any leaking problems as well as ensure, if you are rurally located and rely on tank supply, that your water source is clean. It will also help to prevent water damage to your roof and other parts of your house. Get the brackets that secure the gutters

and spouts checked when you have them cleaned. They may have become unclipped over time, and can fall down in a storm when you need them most. It is also a good time in autumn to take a look at the garden and guard against anything that might be a winter problem, in particular, trees and bushes that might need trimming back, if close to the house. By pruning overgrown branches near electrical wires or your roof, you can ensure high winds don’t become a danger. ¢

2PM

Cold days can be made easy

u by Paul Campbell

Making sure your home is warm and dry in the colder months to come is undoubtedly the best way to stay happy, whatever the winter weather may bring, and as the days roll down to winter, now is a good time to prepare.

A healthy environment should be in the region of 18 to 21 degrees, and there are many ways to achieve this balance with insulation, perhaps a paramount requirement to reduce draughts, through which up to 20 per cent of heat can be lost. There are a variety of grants and assistance for this process, and while it is not a quick fix, as such, it is the basis of good home conditions.

With the cold coming a heat source is a must, and a heat pump is a top choice. A fireplace or wood stove may already be installed, and autumn is a good time to ensure sufficient fuel is available. That means a visit to a firewood supplier, and it might be a good idea to check local community groups that might offer fundraising firewood deals.

Along with insulating and heating your home, it is important to open windows and curtains on winter’s sunny days to let heat and sunlight in. This natural source of heat can be retained with the provision of suitable curtains that prevent ambient heat from dissipating through cold

windows and draughty doors. An oldfashioned door cushion is a winter must on older homes.

Along with keeping your home warm, it is important to keep it dry to prevent mould, and in fine winter weather, it’s a good idea to open the windows and doors and let nature assist you in airing your living spaces. Doing so for 20 minutes can make a big difference. Leave wardrobe doors ajar for air circulation, which will air hanging stored clothing as well.

While heat pumps have huge benefits, including temperature controls, it often falls to other heating sources. You should check your appliances and use safe heaters that are appropriate for the space you are heating.

There is help out there, too, and the government Healthy Homes Initiative,

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supported by the Ministry of Health, aims to help families in need to increase the safety of their houses. Through the initiative, families are given assistance in accessing insulation, curtains, beds and bedding, floor coverings, ventilation and heat sources. Healthy Homes’ families are also supported in paying power bills — more information is available on the Ministry of Health website. ¢

NRC says no to gene tech bill

u by Andy Bryenton

The Gene Technology Bill, introduced by Science Minister Judith Collins, was put forward last December, and seeks to open up the possibilities for using genetically modified organisms where they could give an edge to farmers.

Submissions have recently closed on the bill, and the Northland Regional Council weighed in with its own opinion regarding a new regulatory regime for GMO use. The council has come down on the side of strongly opposing the bill, not for reasons of potential ecological catastrophe, but due to the impact it would have on local decisionmaking, and the way the bill might fail to work with the Treaty of Waitangi.

‘The council (NRC) is strongly opposed to the provisions in the current bill, which

would void existing district and regional regulations and significantly reduce the local participation in decisionmaking relating to gene technology use,’ says the official NRC submission, signed by NRC CEO Jonathan Gibbard.

That’s because the current Regional Policy Statement for Northland, administered by the NRC, directs a precautionary approach to GE and GMO use. The Proposed Regional Plan, recently completed, reiterates this directive.

The NRC’s gene tech stance is part of

a framework agreed upon with the collaboration of the Far North District Council, Whangārei District Council and Kaipara District Council. Field trials require resource consent, for example.

It’s also the NRC’s position that the bill fails to honour the Treaty of Waitangi, specifically those clauses relating to kaitiakitanga or guardianship of the land, the protection of native species and the protection of the environment. The NRC submission to the government suggests amending the bill to enable iwi and hapū to meaningfully participate in decisionmaking on GMO use in Northland.

Judith Collins says that the bill will not unleash ‘free for all’ of GMO expansion, but is all about using methods to give farmers better yields and access to emissionreducing feeds, as just two examples.

“Enabling gene technology is about backing farmers, it’s about embracing growth, and it’s about saying yes instead of no,” said prime minister Christopher Luxon. “I want New Zealand’s scientists working on highyield crop variants, and solutions to agricultural emissions,

that don’t drive farmers off their land and risk the very foundation of the New Zealand economy.”

Opponents cite similar reasoning to the NRC, as well as the concern that the bill is radical by international standards, deregulating the largest amount of geneedition tools yet seen in any comparative legislation worldwide. ¢

p New Zealand “has lagged behind” other nations in embracing GMO advances, says Judith Collins

Optimism for nonpartisan RMA rewrite

u by Andy Bryenton

Farmers are optimistic about details revealed about the Resource Management Act’s replacement, as efforts to overhaul the rules open up to opposition parties.

“We welcome the government’s blueprint for new planning legislation to replace the broken Resource Management Act,” says Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper.

“Farmers are spending way too much time and money on costly resource consents and processes that are holding up investment in things like new water storage and rural infrastructure.

“The red tape and boxticking has become totally ridiculous, which is why Federated Farmers has been pushing for sensible RMA reform that better protects landowners’ property rights.”

The core principle of the RMA’s replacement, as it applies to farmers, has been described as ‘pragmatic’ by Feds. It effectively means that, so long as a planned activity or build won’t have a negative effect outside of the boundaries of a farm, it will be permissible.

“You can essentially do what you want on your own land,” says Mr Hooper.

That’s a big change from the unwieldy RMA restrictions farmers have laboured under. An example cited was of a landowner not being able to choose what colour to paint their new shed. A big part of new proposals includes the need for local councils to pay

compensation if they choose to restrict the use of privatelyowned land. This became a threat when Significant Natural Area mapping, under the former Labourled government, became a point of contention, potentially locking farmers out of some areas on their own farms for ecological reasons.

“Compensating farmers for the loss of private property rights isn’t just fair, it also means councils will be much more reasonable and pragmatic about when they apply an overlay,” says Mr Hooper. “Requiring councils to pay compensation will create a healthy tension where councils must have some skin in the game before putting restrictions over large swathes of the country.”

Labour and the Green Party have been invited to get involved in a nonpartisan, acrosstheaisle effort to ensure that the Resource Management Act is replaced by a more liberal, usable system.

“Everyone agrees that the RMA is broken and in desperate need of replacement. It fails to deliver the

compromise could be possible without undermining the intent of our reforms, the government will work collaboratively with the opposition to see whether a mutually agreeable position can be reached.” ¢

p RMA Reform Minister Simon Court says that current multiparty inclusive efforts are about ‘ending the culture of no’ infrastructure and development New Zealanders need, while at the same time fails to properly protect the environment,” says the minister leading RMA reform efforts, Chris Bishop. “Where we see that

A dog’s tail … Boss ina sportin’ state o’mine

Gidday readas, Billy Borda Colly here again, and I gotta assure you that wile I am writing this ona April Fool’s Day it is rilly me, an’ this is very true, in case you mite be wurried by tha date.

In fact, me ana Boss have bin down country ina farm ute, ’cos our mate from Kaiwaka, shearer Toa Henderson, was competin’ ina Kiwi champs down in Te Kuiti, an’ Boss an’ his gerlfren’ Sharlene took me to hava catchup, an’ support Toa, an’ some other shearin’ peeple.

Boss coodin’t take me inside but I was happy ona back ofa ute checkin’ out alla action. Sum of me Hork’s Bay cuzzies was ona back of sum other trucks, too, so we had few emails ter exchange an’ share. He would come out an’ tell me wot happined. “Well Dog, ya shooda seen that old Toa,” he’d start, but I hada wait til we got back to tha propitty an smoko ona woolshed step for Sharlene ter read tha kattilstop papa over their cuppatees. She did in her skoolteecher voice:

”Toa Henderson shore 25 secondshear sheep in under 20 minutes to complete a 2025 Golden Shears and New Zealand Championships open titles double in Te Kuitii, averaging 49.64 seconds a sheep caught, shorn and dispatched.”

Boss was noddin’ his head, ”Yep, good ole Toa eh? An’ the ladies are doin’ more an’ more ina sportin’ werld, eh Deah,” he sed. “Not just them Black Ferns, an’ our lady criketers been ona telly too.

But it seems there more ladies winnin’ shearin’, too.”

Sharlene read sum more. “Mum Laura Bradley beat five male opponents in the senior shearing final, to become the first female to win. She has won 12 finals this season to become the first woman promoted to open class on the basis of competition performances.”

“Yep,” seda Boss. “Jus’ like you Deah, a reel beudy ana winner.” There goes Boss, readas, he makes sure he stays ina good books with Sharlene. She tole me Boss nose witch side his bread is buttered on, but I wooda thort that was no problem. Not sure why, but she lookt happy anyway.

But then, she reada papa sum more an’ tole Boss that “Super rugby got a big boost. Moana Pasifika 45 – Crusaders 29. Moana Pasifika could be a force in Super Rugby Pacific after they put the Crusaders under huge pressure at the breakdown and were strong on defence.“

Boss chortled. “Well Deah, like I sed before, wont be long before footy seesin gets goin proper.” An’ she tole Boss, “Yep Deah, an’ you Billy,” she sed ter me, “winter commin’, an’ daylite savin’ gonna stop suddinly nek Sunday, April 6. It’ll be

dark an hour early, so Deah, we need a pile o’ firewood ina house please.”

Boss got ter his feet. “C’mon Dog, we better check the propitty an’ farm buildin’ with winter comin’ on. Get sum firewood, check tha homested gutters. Get reddy for footy o’ course.”

Well readas, time fer an extra blanky in me kennil soon.

See ya. Billy ¢

2 Ducks Contracting

Ravensdown are pleased to share that their Greenleaf Lime Quarry has been sold to local contractors McRobbie Dowling Limited.

With

Clark McRobbie, John Meekin and the team are well regarded contractors and quarry operators in the wider Kaipara area and operate Turiwiri quarry close to the Greenleaf works.

McRobbie Dowling are pleased to advise that they will retain Greenleaf as an operational site and will continue to produce high quality Ag-Lime and crushed Lime Rock from the Arapohue Road Quarry.

The McRobbie Dowling crew are looking forward to working with you as your local supplier providing quality service and products.

For lime supply enquiries please contact: john@mcrobbiedowling.co.nz - 021 270 8565 clark@mcrobbiedowling.co.nz - 021 620 067

Farming legends win on sand

u by Andy Bryenton

The gruelling and punishing course of the Dakar Rally, this year, contested across the scorching interior of Saudi Arabia, is no place for soft vehicles or drivers.

It’s a test of the toughest, which may even exceed the original Paris to Dakar course that has been supplanted in recent years, due to political unrest on the African coast where the Sahara meets the sea. Saudi Arabia’s hinterland is exactly as you’d imagine. An unforgiving desert that chews up human engineering efforts, and hammers machines and their crews with heat.

This year, the winners of the twoweek Dakar Rally were on board tuned and fettled versions of two machines with a big link to greener pastures. Brock Heger and Max Eddy, part of the racing team of motorsport legend Sebastien Loeb, conquered the SSVclass competition aboard a Polaris RZR.

The big offroad sidebyside Polaris shares a lot of its DNA with the working machines that sit beside it in the range, and you can bet that lessons learned in toughness running the Dakar will go back into Polaris research and development.

“Dakar remains a race marked by a strong element of randomness and unpredictable terrain,” said FrayMédia Motorsport CEO Cédric Fray, who masterminded Loeb’s team of three crews — all driving Polaris variants.

It was Heger’s first time at Dakar, but it marked the third time Polaris RZRs have won the event’s SSV category, a fact which speaks well of the engineering that goes into the brand as a whole.

Meanwhile, another Kiwi rural icon made the podium in the hotly contested truck class. Both overall winning team, Yazeed AlRajhi and Timo Gottschalk, and secondplace rivals, Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings, took Toyota Hilux utes to victory. The winning combination of Gottschalk and AlRajhi spent 52 hours 52 minutes behind the wheel, giving the Hilux its fourth Dakar win after victories in 2023, 2022 and 2019 as well.

Are the Polaris and Toyota, which have stormed to victory on the burning sands, different from the ones you’ll find on Kiwi pastures and paddocks? Most assuredly. Like most motorsport, the punishing desert rally is a halo operation, made to boost brand awareness and score points against rivals. However, in this case, there’s another aspect to the win. Polaris and Toyota both know that their machines are being used in tough conditions, so having the toughest race in the world as a living laboratory leads through to ways to make the Polaris or Toyota you use every day more durable. ¢

•

p The Polaris RZR and Toyota Hilux have posted big wins at the Dakar Rally: their makers use the harsh desert race to research ways to make them even tougher

TE KOPURU 60 Scarrott Road

What a Spot, Farm and Home

TE KOPURU 27 Johnson Road

Unique 54-Hectare Rural Retreat

Four-bedroom GJ Gardner family home on 144 hectares. This stunning property offers an ideal combination of spacious living, modern conveniences, making it a perfect sanctuary for families and those seeking an exceptional lifestyle with its inviting atmosphere and thoughtful layout You are greeted by a warm, open space that makes entertaining a pleasure. Generous living area, seamlessly connecting to the dining kitchen space, ensuring that family gatherings are effortless. The land is tidy with 3 bores for water, a large five bay imp/storage shed with tack room. This will tick all the boxes!

DARGAVILLE 1415 Babylon Coast Road

Stunning Diverse Coastal Property

This picturesque 209.5613-hectare coastal property offers prime road frontage and elevated views of the Tasman Sea. It features two homes: a spacious four bedroom residence with solar panels and a large deck, and a charming three bedroom home. Infrastructure includes steel cattle yards, good shedding and a wool shed. The farm supports 500-600 mixed age cattle, with water from a lake. The soil is sandy loam, and the terrain is rolling with a steep valley. This farm blends productive farming with development potential.

Embrace a rural lifestyle or grazing block. Nestled in a serene and private location. 54ha of land in three titles with stunning harbour views and tidy fencing. Cattle yards plus a haybarn. Water from a bore pumped to troughs in the paddocks. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of the river right at your boundary. Various building spots scattered throughout the property allow you to choose the perfect location for your dream home, whether you envision a rustic retreat or a modern masterpiece. Don't miss out on making this idyllic property your own. Your slice of paradise awaits!

pggwre.co.nz/DAG41386

NEW LISTING

Megan Browning

M 027 668 8468

DARGAVILLE Cnr Pouto and Notorious Roads

Versatile Block Handy to Town

Located just outside of Dargaville, this property offers a substantial land holding of 28.6936 hectares, divided into three titles. The flat, highly productive land includes a 19-hectare title with laser drainage, an older round barn and a power supply. Previously utilised as a support block for a dairy farm. Situated just five kilometres from a service centre, this versatile block could be an attractive addition to your main property. With significant potential for various agricultural uses, it presents an excellent opportunity for buyers seeking a productive dairy support or cropping block.

pggwre.co.nz/DAG41357

DEADLINE SALE Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Thursday 8 May VIEW By Appointment Only

Megan Browning

M 027 668 8468

E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz

Ron Grbin

M 027 471 6388

E rgrbin@pggwrightson.co.nz

WHAT’S ON?

For outside of Dargaville events email info@integrity.nz

April

Connect & Create Pop Up — 1 April at Dargaville Library 10am–noon. Free art activity, connect with other creatives, have a chat about your creative ideas.

Creative Northland — 1 April, noon–4pm at the SEED CoWorking Office, Fosters Arcade, 36 Victoria Street, Dargaville.

Tiakina te Kaitiaki – Caring for the carer — Christine West will be at Whānau Focus Tuesday, 1 April, 9.30am–12.30pm. Nau mai haere mai, pop in for a cuppa and catch up with Christine if you need any support whānau. For more information call Christine on 021 441 457.

Ministry of Education — 2 April, Heartlands Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville. Phone 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765.

Easter Egg Hunt at the Dargaville Riverside Gardens – Taha Awa — 5 April, gates open 9.30am. Activities from 10am. Hunt starts 11am. Age 9 years & under, entry by gold coin donation. Check our Facebook page: Dargaville Riverside Gardens — Taha Awa. DRESS UP: Come along in your Easterthemed costume, prizes for best costume.

Ruawai Festival 25 — 5 April, Ruawai Tokatoka Hall 9am to 3ish. Koha entry, food, info, crafts.

Kaipara Songwriters Festival — 5 April, Central Hotel, 3pm–6pm, Dargaville Club 7pm–finish. Tickets available at Good Life Store, $25 each. Tickets limited. Lots of artists.

Whānau Hauora Catch Up Ruawai — April 9, War Memorial Hall, 25 Ruawai Wharf Road, Ruawai. Free miri miri, IRD ladies will be on site. Pop in for a cuppa and catch up with our team, 9.30am–12.30pm. All who pop in will go into the draw to win $100 Woolworths voucher. Nau Mai Haere Mai.

Growth Advisor Visit — Northland Inc, April 9, 10am–3pm at SEED CoWorking Office, 36 Victoria St, Dargaville.

Girls’ Brigade East Egg Hunt — 10 April, TLC, 80 Normanby Street, 3pm–5pm, Girls 5–18 years Koha. For more info call 021 263 7446. Tangiteroria Burger Night — 11 April @ Tangiteroria Community Complex.

Fireco Kai Iwi Lakes Triathlon — 12 April, Features three different courses for the adult event and includes options for teams. This event also accommodates children with a kids’ course for ages 4–15.

Dargaville Community Garden — 12 Apri,l 10.30 to 1.30pm. Come and join us at the Kumaraani Creative Centre, 15 Onslow St. Have a chat and a cuppa, get fresh veg for your whanau, swap crops.

Fale Pasifika — 14 April, community connector/ budgeter. Heartland Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville. Phone 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765.

Donnellys Crossing Market Day/Boot Sale — 19 April. Spots $5 each, raffle, kids colouring competition. The Club Mangawhai Easter Hop — 20th April, Show car entry 8.30am, starts 10am, prizegiving 12.30pm, roll out 1.30–2pm. Cars, trucks, hot rods, classics. $20 per car (incl occupants), $5 walk in cash entry.

ANZAC Dawn Service — 25 April Breakfast @ Tangiteroria Community Complex (more details to come).

Fale Pasifika — 28 April, community connector/ budgeter. Heartland Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville. Phone 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765.

Inland Revenue Clinic — 29 April, Heartland Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville. Booking essential please. Phone 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765.

Markets

Kaihu Hall Market — 4th 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 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, 9am–1pm 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 meetings

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.

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

Blind Low Vision Support Group — Meets 10am, last Monday of the month, alternatively at Dargaville and Ruawai. Phone Noelene 09 439 0033 for more info.

Bring Balance Group — Mondays 12.30–1.30pm, Time to pause, reflect and set intention. Kaipara Community Centre (side entrance) $10. For more info phone Maureen 021 0231 8008 or see www. bringbalance.co.nz.

Carers of Tamariki Kaipara – Whānau Focus — First Tuesday of every month except January, 10.30, come and make connections with people who are looking after Tamariki. Any enquiries call or text 021 973 871.

Chess Club — All welcome, Wednesdays 6.30pm Dargaville, gold coin donation. Phone Stephen 09 439 8819.

Circus Kumarani All Ages Circus Class — Term 4. Come along and learn some circus, casual or full term. 15 Onslow St, Dargaville, Tuesdays 3.45–4.45pm; and Paparoa Memorial Hall, Thursdays 4–5pm. www. circuskumarani.co.nz/classes.

Citizens Advice Bureau — Dargaville & districts now at Parenga Street (between the Menz Shed and My Accountants).

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 Club — 61 Victoria Street, open Wednesday and Friday from 5pm. Members and guests welcome.

Dargaville Club Jam Nights — every second Friday, 5.30pm start.

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

Dargaville Firearm & Military Collectors Club — 3rd Friday of every second month at Lions Club Hall, Hokianga Road, at 7.30pm. Phone Alec Melville 027 215 1833.

Dargaville Floral Art Club — 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 — 2nd Tuesday of month at 10am at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan Street. Phone Brian or Barbara 09 439 5959.

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 Medieval Combat Club — Wednesday each week 6.30–8.30pm, Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road. $15 per lesson. Equipment provided. Contact Kurt 022 622 7809.

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

Dargaville Museum — Open 7 days per week. Hours 9am–4pm April to October, 9am–5pm October to April. Phone 09 439 7555.

Dargaville Riverside Taha Awa Garden Trust

Join them in overseeing the running of the Garden. Contact Sheena 021 439 157 or email dargavilleriversidegarden@gmail.com.

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 Tabletop Wargames and RPGs — Games like Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer or other strategy games. Thursdays 6.30pm, Hokianga Road, upstairs above the cinema.

Dargaville Yoga — Tuesday morning 9.30am Pono Lodge, Wednesday 6pm Bayleys Beach Community Centre, Thursday evening 6pm Pono Lodge. New Yogi’s 1st Class Free. All are welcome. Contact Diane 027 371 5274. Drop in meditation — 5.30–6pm Thursdays at Bring Balance, Kaipara Community Centre (side entrance), 38 Hokianga Rd. Room open from 5pm, all welcome. Koha/Dana. www.bringbalance.co.nz, 021 0231 8008. Girls’ Brigade — Thursdays 3–5pm at the Lighthouse Church, for girls 5–18 years. Register online at 1st Dargaville Girls Brigade 2025 registrations. Find us on FB & Instagram or phone 021 263 7446.

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

Housie — Every third Monday of the month at 1.30pm, Dargaville Bowling Club. Janice Allan 027 355 7434.

JP Service — Every Thursday at the Whanau Focus Office, 12–1pm, walk in only. Call or drop in for enquiries 021 245 3765 or 09 439 7009, 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 Bootscooters (Beginner line dancing classes) — Every Monday 5.30pm to 7.30pm and Thursday 10am to noon. First hour is beginner and second hour is higher beginner. Dalmation Hall, Normanby St, Dargaville. Contact Donna 021 729 955.

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.

Kaipara Grey Power — third Friday of each month February to November. Contact 09 439 7801 or 09 439 4452.

Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club — Open 7 days. Something to interest both men and women, come and get involved. Phone 021 106 3635 or 027 472 1269.

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 — 3rd Thursday of the month (social) and 1st Thursday of the month (business). Contact Dorothy on 09 439 2557.

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

Maungaturoto AA Meeting — Mondays 7pm at the Maungaturoto Community House, 155 Hurndall St, Maungaturoto. Contact Carolyn 021 828 055.

Maungaturoto Gardening Club — 3rd Thursday of every month. In winter Centennial Hall, Maungaturoto. Other months visit gardens in the area. New members welcome. $15 to join — first 3 visits FREE. Please contact Gloria 021 100 8153 for more info.

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 Dargaville Museum, 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, 12.30–2pm. Phone Sue 021 608 606.

Northern Wairoa Indoor Bowls Assn — 7pm Mondays at Anglican Church Hall, Tuesdays at RuawaiTokatoka Hall, Wednesdays at Dalmatian Hall. 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 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, all equipment supplied at Sportsville. Judy 09 439 7920.

Practising Presence — Mondays 6–7pm. Meditation, qi gong and taiji to train being in the present moment, Kaipara Community Centre (side entrance), 38 Hokianga Road, $10. Phone Maureen 021 0231 8008 or see www.bringbalance.co.nz for more info. Recovery Support Group — Mondays 6.30pm– 9pm. 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Chrissy 09 601 4153 or 021 564 618.

Rotary Club of Dargaville — Weekly at 11.30–1pm at the Lions Centre in Hokianga Road. Men and women. Phone Brian 09 439 6175.

RSA Women’s Section — Social meeting held at the Clubrooms, 4th Monday of the month. Contact Noeline Wright 027 733 7396.

Ruawai Bowling Club — new members welcome. For info call Alison 027 243 5454.

Ruawai Gardening Club — 3rd Thursday of every month, Feb to Nov at the Ruawai Bowling Club, 10am start. Phone Merele 09 439 2335.

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

Stitches and Crafts — 31 Logan St, Dargaville. 10.30am–4pm, Tuesday and Friday. Contact Edith & Mike 021 439 675.

Strength & Conditioning — Baylys Beach Community Centre, Mondays and Fridays. 9am–10am, $10 per session. Call Tony 022 311 8447.

Tangiteroria Community Complex — Mondays: Pickleball 6pm, phone Sarah 021 772 822. Tuesdays: Yoga 6pm, phone Sharon 021 981 135, $15 per session. Wednesdays: Indoor Bowls (fortnightly in summer, weekly in winter) 6pm, phone Mel 021 772 822; Squash, phone Donna 021 761 022; Exercise Room, phone Mel 021 772 822. We ask participants are a Complex Member for all above activities. For Pickleball and Bowls it’s a gold coin donation.

Te Kopuru Community Library — access through St Peters Hall. Open Wednesday 10am–noon and Sunday 3pm–4pm.

Te Kopuru Sewing & Craft Group — Coronation Hall, Norton Street, Te Kopuru every Saturday from 9am–noon. Gold coin koha for the hall. Contact Grace on 021 0858 2455.

Wednesday Crafts — Every Wednesday 10am. Variety of crafts. The Kiosk at Memorial Park. All welcome. $10 per session. Contact Judy 027 316 3940.

TIDE CHART

WED 02 1:56am (3.4m) 8:05am (0.4m) 2:17pm (3.3m) 8:28pm (0.4m) THU 03 2:43am (3.2m) 8:54am (0.6m) 3:06pm (3.1m) 9:17pm (0.6m) FRI 04 3:34am (3.0m) 9:48am (0.8m) 4:01pm (2.8m) 10:11pm (0.9m) SAT 05 4:34am (2.9m) 10:52am (1.0m) 5:06pm (2.7m) 11:16pm (1.0m) SUN 06 5:47am (2.7m) 12:08pm (1.1m) 5:25pm (2.6m) 11:34pm (1.1m) MON 07 6:07am (2.7m) 12:27pm (1.1m) 6:42pm (2.6m) TUE 08 12:52am (1.1m) 7:15am (2.8m) 1:31pm (0.9m) 7:45pm (2.7m)

MANGAWHAI HEADS

12:42am (2.7m) 6:47am

(0.5m)

05 1:38am (2.6m) 7:47am (0.8m) 2:07pm (2.5m) 8:06pm (0.7m) SUN 06 3:39am (2.5m) 8:51am (0.9m) 3:06pm (2.4m) 8:08pm (0.9m)

MON 07 2:42am (2.4m) 8:56am (1.0m) 3:09pm (2.3m) 9:15pm (0.9m) TUE 08 3:44am (2.4m) 9:57am (1.0m) 4:12pm (2.2m) 10:19pm (0.9m)

Dargaville Arts Association www.dargavillearts.co.nz

PUZZLE

TIME BROUGHT TO YOU BY…

DARGAVILLE KAURI COAST LIFE CARE

• Short Stay - Respite Care • Day Care Services

• Rest Home Level Care • Hospital Level Care

Contact our Care Home Manager, Jill Morris-Ioane 09 439 6367. We look forward to hearing from you.

81 Sibling (7)

82 Widespread hunger (6)

83 Hearsay (6)

84 Sojourn (4)

85 Plodded wearily (7)

86 Grasp (10)

87 South American country (7) DOWN

(6)

25 Damsel (anag)(6)

27 Stubborn (9)

32 Target spot (8)

33 High rock faces (6)

34 Woollen fabric (7)

38 Kitted out (8)

39 Disorderly mob (6)

40 Mountains (4)

41 Tablets (5) 42

1 Bring upon oneself (5)

2 Dearth (8)

3 Hypothesis (6)

4 Keyboard instrument (5)

5 Cereal heads (4)

6 Suds tin (anag)(7)

7 Excursion (6)

8 Of the moon (5)

10 Try out (4)

11 Vertical (7)

12 Went by bike (6)

17 Glut (10)

18 Announce (5)

22 Team game (8)

23 Viewpoint (5)

24 Roof beams (7)

26 Balanced (4)

63 Meant (8)

66 New settler (9)

68 Ostentatious (6)

69 Be at (6) 73 Communal money pool (5)

74 Take into account (8)

76 Avoiding company (10)

28 Large horned animal (7)

29 Customer (6)

30 Entertainment hall (6)

31 German city (6)

33 Simple dwelling (5)

35 Racket (5)

36 Courtroom group (4)

37 Twirl (4)

43 Became invalid (6)

44 Endures (5)

46 Lines (4)

47 Supervising male (7)

48 Make less effective (6)

49 Steer (5)

50 Borderline (8)

51 Occupier (6)

52 Shelter (10)

53 Back of the neck (4)

54 Delivered up (7)

59 Allege (5)

60 Engrave with acid (4)

64 Shepherd’s staff (5)

65 Portrayed (8)

67 Changed genetically (7)

68 Rural workers (7)

70 Cheval glass (6)

71 Look up to (6)

72 Body shape (6)

75 Killed (5)

77 Identified (5)

78 Tier (5)

79 Gala (4)

80 Opera solo (4)

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

ACROSS: 1 Pilot, 4 Frowning, 9 Raffle, 14 Gripe, 15 As thick as thieves, 17 Otter, 18 Nun, 19 Merrily, 20 Possessed, 21 Penned, 24 Manhattan, 25 Bottom, 26 Detour, 29 Frustrated, 31 Rye, 32 Rotary, 33 Feta, 35 Era, 37 Saga, 39 Condensed, 40 Itinerary, 41 Stern, 42 Smuggled, 47 Westerns, 51 Ducks, 55 Videotape, 56 Cafeteria, 58 Town, 59 Tar, 60 Raid, 61 Ushers, 62 Ego, 63 Pipe dreams, 66 Cognac, 67 Acumen, 69 Tolerance, 72 Doctor, 73 Influence, 75 Evading, 77 Ape, 80 Koala, 81 Comes to a dead stop, 82 Alike, 83 Satire, 84 Hay fever, 85 Roost. DOWN: 2 Inspector, 3 Other, 5 Real, 6 Without, 7 Idiosyncrasy, 8 Gives, 9 Respect, 10 Flop, 11 Lather, 12 Fiend, 13 Meander, 14 Granted, 16 Cylindrical, 22 Fasten, 23 Contain, 24 Mustang, 25 Breeds, 27 Open air, 28 Praise, 30 Duel, 32 Razed, 34 Abyss, 36 Best, 38 Arm, 42 Sever, 43 Undoing, 44 Grow, 45 Elapse, 46 Scots, 48 Scandinavia, 49 Extreme, 50 New, 51 Defence, 52 Screen, 53 Effortlessly, 54 Stop, 57 Report, 64 Momentous, 65 Pancake, 66 Caravan, 68 Manacle, 70 Lactose, 71 Sonata, 72 Denim, 74 Lymph, 76 Disco, 78 Sari, 79 Idle.

5x5

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

KAIPARA SERVICE DIRECTORY

PORTAL PLUMBING LTD

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE

CARAVAN 2020 SWIFT Kudos — 530SC 21ft. Sleeps 4, shower, toilet, gas hob, fridge, full awning and roll out awning. New solar battery July 24th, remote control, current WOF and EOF. $58,000 ono. Phone Mark 020 4101 4806.

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

ROAD KING 2017, 30,000 km, full touring kit $22,500 ono. Phone Mark 020 4101 4806.

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

TOP SOIL, conditioned top quality. 100% suitable for vege gardens or new lawns. $85 per m³ onto your trailer, or truck deliveries available for larger orders. Phone 021 132 4107 or 09 439 5141.

PHONE 09 439 6933

Closing date for classified advertising for the

FENCING

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

DRESS UP for the Easter Egg Hunt at Dargaville Riverside Gardens Taha Awa. Come along

by gold coin donation. Activities from 10am, Hunt starts at 11am. BBQ & refreshments available. Facebook page: Dargaville Riverside Gardens — Taha Awa.

except for school holidays: Maranga Mai, Wednesdays at 10.30am. Legacy/Man Up, Wednesdays from 6.30pm–8.30pm. Contact 021 136 5253 or tekorowai.ihu@gmail.com. Catholic

GARAGE SALE Monthly Market Saturday 5th April 2025 Community Hall Hokianga Road Dargaville, opposite the Anzac Theatre. 8am till noon, Something for everyone. 09 439 7243

CLASSIFIEDS

NURSERIES & PLANTS

10,000 WHOLESALE priced landscaping plants, shelter trees, shrubs, grass, and many more. Grevilleas going out at $5 all ready now. Open Tuesday to Saturday. Got2Go Plants West Coast Road, Te Kopuru. EFTPOS available. 09 439 5556/027 488 3400.

PERSONAL

SINGLE? OVER 40? Meet other interesting, intelligent, genuine people just like yourself. Dine out ‘Dinner for Six’. Phone 021 639 552.

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.

PLUMBING UPGRADES & renovations. Contact James 021 0263 9558. Plumb Hub Northland Ltd. Servicing Hikurangi to Mangawhai.

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.

TRADES

& SERVICES

2NDS SHADOWCLAD ungrooved ply 2,440x1,200 $99. Scooters Plywood 09 438 6565.

CARPET CLEANING, repairs, restretching, 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 & surrounds.

TREE SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIED arborists. For all your tree needs — removal, chipping, trimming. Get the right team for the job. TEAM VEGETATION 09 439 0050.

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

PHONE 09 439 6933

Closing date for classified advertising for the April 8 2025 edition is Monday, April 7 2025

PUBLIC NOTICES

5TH APRIL Easter Egg Hunt at the Dargaville Riverside Gardens — Taha Awa, gates open 9.30am, Activities from 10am, Hunt starts 11am. Age 1 to 9 years, entry by gold coin donation. Facebook page: Dargaville Riverside Gardens — Taha Awa.

ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — Next concert is the 3rd of April 2025, first Thursday of the month — 7–9.30pm. 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.

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

MUHAMMED SYEDUL Hoque(c) of Kaipara, being a living Ngaherehere National is the irrefutable holder of all associated copyright protected trade names, since re/conveyance to the “land and soil jurisdiction” of Ngaherehere: Ki~: Te~Moananui~a~Ki`wa: na~Aotearoa. Public recording number LW122586130NZ proclamation date sixteenth of October 2024, thus severing all usufruct subjugation ties (please refer to this link for more details: www.publicnoticesnz.com/noticeofpraecipe2).

REFRESHMENTS & BBQ available at the EASTER EGG HUNT this Saturday from 9.30am at Dargaville Riverside Gardens Taha Awa, ages 1 to 9 years. Activities and Face painting. Entry by gold coin.

ATTENTION RUAWAI COLLEGE STUDENTS ON THE DARGAVILLE TOWNSHIP BUS ROUTE: The designated bus stop is Dargaville Warehouse. Please arrive on time for the 8:00am pick-up. The drop-off is at 3:30pm.

WORK WANTED

FORESHORE CARPETS Supply and installation of carpet and vinyl. Ian 027 499 6413.

Public notice

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

Ruawai Bowling Club Incorporated of Ruawai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the issue of a club licence in respect of the premises situated at 1 Reeves St, Ruawai known as Ruawai Bowling Club

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is sports club

The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is intended to be sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 8.30am to 12.30am the following day.

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 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.

Dargaville Museum urgently needs volunteers! If you are interested in local history and enjoy meeting people, this museum is the place for you. Hours and duties can be arranged to suit.

Please phone 09 439 7555 or call at the museum.

Opening hours: 9am to 4pm daily

Public notice

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

Bennetts of Mangawhai Ltd of Mangawhai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an off-licence in respect of the premises situated at 52 Moir Street, Mangawhai known as Bennetts of Mangawhai The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Retail Chocolate Store and Specialty Liquor Sales

The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 9am to 10pm. The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 5, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai.

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 only publication of this notice.

The Kaipara Lifestyler