





August 30 is

The mayoral race is heating up, with a second debate in Mangawhai last week confirming the big issues


August 30 is
The mayoral race is heating up, with a second debate in Mangawhai last week confirming the big issues
u by Paul Campbell
Groups opposing the proposed mega landfill for Auckland’s rubbish in the Dome Valley are expressing “frustration and some anger” after more than six years of campaigning and court hearings without any resolution in sight.
“This should not be happening in New Zealand in this day and age,” said Fight the Tip executive member and Tinopai Resource Management Unit chair, Mikaera Miru, as FTT prepares to go back to the long-running Environment Court hearing on the landfill application by Waste Management Ltd. The company wants clearance to replace its rapidly-filling Auckland Redvale tip with 60 hectares in the Dome Valley, within the 1,000 hectares it has bought there.
At the centre of protest attention is the pollution threat, with the tip in a catchment leading into the Kaipara Harbour, as well as the spectre of up to 350 heavy truck SH1 movements a day to service the facility.
“The task of fighting this dump has taken over six years, and it is running people into the ground. We keep getting pushed further and further back, and
leaving people angry and frustrated,” said Mr Miru. “Still, we will continue a political campaign in the forthcoming local body elections.”
Fellow FTT executive Sue Crockett said after so many years, funding has been difficult with huge legal costs and the movement was also back in court in October or November for more legal and expert submissions called for. “Our legal team is having to work pro bono as are many other active participants.”
While FTT has widespread backing from organisations, such as Forest and Bird and local and regional councils, the long delay saw a recent decision by Ngāti Whātua entities to reverse previous opposition to the tip. A hui at the Puatahi Marae, in the Hōteo River catchment of the harbour, then criticised Ngāti Whātua officials for exceeding their role.
“Huge concern was expressed that the court was asking people to go and review
their conditions, saying it was putting a rope around our own necks. People described the legal system as broken,” said Mr Miru.
The hui also heard that Waste Management had formed a ‘tangata whenua executive committee’ with speakers describing this “as a joke with no intention to implement any findings.”
Local iwi have also reiterated that in the wider dump issue has ignored a longstanding rāhui over the site in “serious breach of customary law.”
Sue Crockett added that a major fundraising plan was being formulated to rekindle the long-running legal battle.
“It is becoming a war of attrition and really the whole thing strikes many people as being ridiculous. However, donations would be welcome at 12-3094-027404800 to go towards our legal expenses as we head to the Environment Court again in late October, early November.” ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
The decision to pursue a new procurement process for a remediated Dargaville Town Hall precinct means inevitable delays, says KDC’s CEO Jason Marris, not the least of which centres on the toxic nature of the existing annexe.
A vote of councillors last month stopped the process of demolishing the condemned annexe, which had been suffering water ingress since at least 2020, and had consequently been uninsured when Cyclone Gabrielle critically damaged the leaky buildings-era structure.
This put an end to plans for a recladding and rebuild councillors voted out as having major flaws, choosing by split vote to start afresh.
The fate of the town hall has since emerged as perhaps the single-biggest election issue in Dargaville, across two major public meetings.
A stakeholder’s group, formed to chart public input, has called for a swift resolution. However, in a missive to this group last week, council CEO Jason Marris emphasised that the vote to restart the procurement process also means that a very strict legally-prescribed procedure must be followed.
‘As a public entity using public funds, council is required to follow a robust and legal procurement process. To achieve
this, an agreed scope of work, design, budget and approach must be confirmed through a business case and procurement plan,’ wrote Mr Marris.
To achieve this, wider public consultation will be sought. Pointed questions regarding consultation were made in the meeting leading up to the vote to restart the procurement process. Additionally, an insanitary notice, banning all access to the annexe due to dangerous mould spores, is set to time out at the end of August, meaning that a full assessment of the building is required before any other action can be taken. ¢
Providing Quality Care and Companionship in a safe, homely environment.
u by Andy Bryenton
August 30 is International Overdose Awareness Day, an occasion highlighting the vital need for harm minimisation and support in the space of substance use in the community.
Founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2001, the day has grown to encompass more than 1,000 events in 40 nations. The focus is on sharing information and empowering people to seek help, as well as promoting an approach to substance use that’s more about medicine and support than the failed punitive approaches organisers say have comprehensively failed.
This year will be the first time that Dargaville has taken part, with the town’s local representative for Odyssey House and advocate for the substance safety group, Know Your Stuff, Kat Kalynchuk, hosting a ‘small but significant’ community event at the Methodist church hall.
“The idea behind this, which Know Your Stuff supports, is that overdose must be prevented, through compassion and destigmatisation. Those experiencing difficulties with addiction are not alone,” says Kat.
Supporting the principle that ‘the opposite of addiction is connection’, the event will provide plenty of resources and information to help locals, amid a fraught time for addiction and substance use services frustrated by
prevalent governmental attitudes to this societal issue.
There will be kōrero from people with lived experience, and an open and honest discussion in a non-judgemental, sciencebased and stigma-free space between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, August 30. Additionally, Kat recommends visiting knowyourstuff.nz, drugfoundation.org.nz and highalert.org.nz, for more resources and the latest information on the subject of overdose and addiction. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
In April, Fisheries Minister Shane Jones took the considered step of closing the inner Hauraki Gulf to spiny rock lobster fishing, and now consultation is out for a wider proposal to reduce the catch across the entire north-east coast.
Mr Jones has tabled the proposal, which could see possible year-round bans on lobster harvesting off the eastern coastline, to protect the spiny rock lobster, a species which needs time to recover. It’s also a significant move in battling socalled kina barrens, as it’s the lobster that predates upon the sea urchins, which have destabilised the food chain underwater.
“Officials engaged with the public late last year ahead of developing these proposals, and it’s clear from feedback that we all want a healthy and thriving Northland rock lobster fishery,” Mr Jones says.
“Taking steps to increase the abundance and size of rock lobster in this fishery is good for fishers but also for the marine environment. Rock lobster helps keep kina in check so they don’t destroy important kelp forest habitats.”
Mr Jones’ plan gives the option of the closure of the commercial fishery for spiny rock lobster, and also to reduce the recreational bag limit for both spiny rock lobster and packhorse lobster.
“They would reduce catch on Northland’s east coast to, in the longer
term, increase the abundance and size of rock lobster in that fishery,” Jones said. “It’s about allowing the fishery on the east coast to recover so there are more and bigger lobsters in Northland’s east coast fishery.”
Lobster plans are out for consultation now, with citizens urged to have their say by September 22. The form to make a submission online is found at mpi.govt. nz/consultations. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
The call is out to young people from Kaipara to follow in the maritime adventuring heritage of this part of New Zealand, and join up for a sailing voyage to Antarctica.
In January 2026, the tall ship Europa will set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, on a course for the frozen continent where Robert Scott and Earnest Shackleton forged their legacy as explorers. With Shackleton’s kaurihulled whaleboats built in Aratapu, it’s appropriate that an invitation has been made for young Kaipara people to join this crew.
wildlife and landscapes that few people ever encounter.
“This is a rare opportunity to step into the world of heroic-era exploration and the first time we’ve taken a group of young explorers on this historic tall ship,” says Antarctic Heritage Trust’s executive director Francesca Eathorne.
Those who take part must be fit and healthy enough to help operate the Europa, a three-masted ship built by Dutch master craftspeople more than a century ago. The reward for being part of this adventure will be an experience that money can’t buy; to sail amid icebergs and whales, viewing
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The expedition will take place from January 10 to February 10 2026, and includes pre-departure training in Christchurch and a post-expedition outreach project. The captain and the trust are not necessarily looking for sailors, as full training will be provided, but for those who can use music, art, writing and video to share their experiences with the world when they return.
Young people between the ages of 18 and 30, who wish to challenge themselves with a voyage of discovery, can apply to join the expedition, or seek more information at inspiringexplorers.co.nz. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
The mayoral race is heating up, with a second debate in Mangawhai last week confirming the big issues, which will decide the election for the voters.
Snow Tane, Ash Nayyar, Jason Smith and Jonathan Larsen faced up to a capacity crowd at the Mangawhai Golf Club on Wednesday evening, fielding questions prepared by chamber of commerce and media organisers as well as those fired through by the audience using an online app.
Topics included the causes of climate change, options to include Māori in decision-making around the council table, planning for growth and the importance of infrastructure. A limited number of pop questions from the audience included a difficult call-back to last week’s Dargaville Grey Power meeting, presented to mayoral contender Jason Smith by sitting councillor Mike Howard, cross-examining him on alleged anti-Mangawhai comments.
with questions on leadership style, the abolition of Māori wards and their credential as fiscal managers.
u by Andy Bryenton
In a decision, announced earlier this week, mayoral candidate Jonathan Larsen has named a running mate for the mayoral race, opening the door for other mayoral hopefuls to do the same.
Powers under the Local Government Act 2002 allow the elected mayor to appoint the deputy mayor from one of the elected councillors. However, Mr Larsen has taken the unprecedented step of selecting a running mate during the campaign.
With unity between the east and west of Kaipara a major talking point in the mayoral race, the mayoral hopeful has made a strategic choice.
“Dargaville and greater Wairoa Ward locals have told me they want strong, experienced and trusted leadership from the west of the district at the council table,” said Mr Larsen.
Smith rallied and shot back with the only use of props in the debate, bringing out a large placard blazoned with the results of a recent KDC satisfaction survey, which charted a dip in council approval ratings for the incumbent administration as opposed to his own tenure as mayor.
Ash Nayyar, Jonathan Larsen and Snow Tane also fielded tough queries,
Polarising issues, such as a question on fluoridation of water supplies, elicited cheers and jeers from the audience, and the rhetoric heated up as candidates were compelled to take definite oneword stances on roading, water delivery, debt and more.
The organisers ran a digital poll during the debate, which delivered an audience favourite. Snow Tane scored 24 points on the ‘mentimeter’ as the event came to a close. ¢
“I am giving the people of Dargaville and the greater Wairoa Ward that guarantee, upfront now before the election. If I am elected as mayor and councillor Lambeth is re-elected, I will be appointing him as the deputy mayor of Kaipara District.”
“I will be honoured to represent the district as the deputy mayor and continue the work I have done, not only for the Dargaville and Wairoa Ward, but for the whole district,” said Mr Lambeth, accepting the nomination as running mate.
To be appointed as the deputy mayor, councillor Lambeth will need to be reelected as a Wairoa Ward councillor. Many political commentators had assumed that the incumbent mayor, Craig Jepson, might be a possibility for deputy in a speculative Larsen administration, given the themes of stability promoted by both candidates’ campaigns.
However, Mr Larsen attests that his ultimate choice Mr Lambeth has experience as a sitting councillor, as well as direct engagement in the proposed new District Plan and Resource Management Act knowledge, which will help to navigate forthcoming RMA changes from Wellington. ¢
u by Paul Campbell
Growers, landowners, food processors, iwi and investors are invited to attend a series of workshops next month to hear the findings of Northland Inc’s Foundation for Growth Market Opportunity.
The studies, due for release on September 17, assess the viability and economic potential of nine new crops, including tropical fruit, specialty spices, oilseeds and other high-value options.
“Northland has good land and good people,” said Northland Inc CEO Paul Linton, “We need to harness new commercial opportunities to create new jobs and new industries. These studies are about providing landowners with more commercial possibilities for their land.
“By combining local knowledge with market insights, we’ve identified crops that warranted further investigation to determine whether they could bring lasting economic, environmental and cultural benefits to our region.
“Now, we’re inviting the community to continue to help shape the next steps for the programme so that together, we can turn potential into reality.
The project, launched in 2024, is the flagship workstream of the Tuputupu Grow Northland initiative. It aims to identify, support, and develop land use and value-add manufacturing opportunities in the region, with a strong emphasis on
The September workshops will present the research findings and invite participants to share their feedback on which opportunities should be pursued, and how to take them forward. More information can be found at the Northland Inc website. ¢
Making it a celebration
Mangawhai had a turning point when a new bridge was opened in June 1906. The Auckland Weekly News captured this scene of the ribbon-cutting ceremony by member of parliament Francis Mander, the father of well-known author Jane Mander. It was indeed a red-letter day, when leading members of the local community turned up to cross the new bridge spanning the estuary.
Image credit: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
Otamatea premiership leaders meet
Kaiwaka and Paparoa, the two leaders in the Otamatea senior competition, met at Paparoa on Saturday. Much public interest was centred on this game, and there was a large attendance of spectators. The ball was comparatively dry, but the game was chiefly of a forward nature. Kaiwaka lost the match.
Northern Advocate, June 11 1935
Pahi delights visitors
Whangarei people took part yesterday in the goodwill mission to Pahi, the delightful seaside holiday resort, situated four miles from Paparoa. Travelling via Keay’s Deviation, excellent roads were encountered for the whole journey, and those who made the trip spent a very pleasant time at pretty Pahi.
Northern Advocate, December 2 1935
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u by Amy Fifita
With his grandmother Jacoba Puharich playing an integral role in starting the Dargaville’s Anzac Theatre, the local cinema will be showing Nikolai Puharich in a very small role in Workmates — a film about saving a theatre.
Nikolai’s life was similar to many Dargaville children. He attended the local schools, and was raised in Te Kōpuru, but for him, his passion was film, acting and theatre.
“From a young age, Nikolai made films with his friends. He was involved in the Dargaville Little Theatre in Grease and the Mad Hatter,” said mother Frances Puharich.
“He loves acting and performing, and he was always dressing up and entertaining us. It all comes naturally to him — it’s just him.”
Once leaving school, Nikolai got a Bachelor of Creative Media Production at Massey University’s Wellington campus, before studying with the Auckland Theatre Company, and later, The Actors’ Program in Auckland. His small appearance as Masha in Workmates will air on August 30 at the Anzac Theatre.
“My mum, Jacoba, was one of the main instigators of starting the Dargaville theatre, when they were having movies in the Kūmara Box. I think it is important that we play it here.”
Nikolai also co-wrote and directed The Feast, a short horror film selected in 20 international film festivals. He was stage manager for the World Choir Tour and, through the Toi Māori Arts Internship, was a marketing and producing intern at the Comedy Festival.
He played Rawiri in the web series, Literally Dead, and is currently doing a three-month theatre producing internship at Te Pou Theatre. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
You’d never vote for a liar, would you? Of course, we tell ourselves we wouldn’t. However, it’s also apparent that many people in many nations do, because politicians are continually caught out in fibs and falsehoods.
With electioneering for local council well underway, it’s time to be logically critical of every claim and policy tabled, and ask ourselves if we believe they’re the real deal, or just what we want to hear.
One of the factors that makes people believe weaselly words is the illusory truth effect. This effect occurs when a lie is repeated so often that it gains a kind of veracity, just for being loud. Online ‘debaters’ often use this tactic to gull inexperienced students, hitting them with many variants and quotes on the same theory so that it seems to be a fact, when actually it’s still hogwash.
When we’re immersed in online echo chambers, surrounded by people who click ‘like’ for opinions they approve of and sling insults at any counterpoint, we’re surrounded by an example of the illusory truth effect. It’s doubled down upon when figures in authority label themselves as the only source of truth, and shout their own spin into the echo chambers of their supporters. It’s a tactic of cult leaders,
and if your favourite politician or celebrity does this, it’s a huge red flag. Only fools and tyrants claim to be infallible.
Another factor that can make us believe the lies we want to hear is the human capacity for what’s called motivated reasoning. That’s the ability to process a fact, such as that smoking cigarettes is unhealthy, but then to justify keeping on doing it.
‘Without them I’d eat more’. ‘Stress is worse for you than smoking’. ‘My family has great anti-cancer genes’. The ways we can twist the truth to justify what we’d rather be doing is staggering. Some atrocious philosophies that have caused inestimable harm have come from people using motivated reasoning to justify everything from unregulated greed to genocide.
It’s unlikely that such convoluted extremes are on the agenda this local election season. However, given the popularity of information sources, which effectively pander to bias — even after those sources have been debunked or prosecuted for lying — it’s worth watching out for the lies we want to hear. There’s no ‘alternative truth’ when you really get down to it, but there are true alternatives.
My congratulations to Mayor Jepson for having had the fortitude to challenge radical Māori seeking to distort Māori ceding sovereignty to the Crown.
Well spent KDC funds have provided KDC and New Zealand a succinct accurate legal description confirming Māori did cede sovereignty to the Crown*; that the Bill of Rights protects New Zealand citizens from racial discrimination and that the courts
are ultimately subservient to parliament, which is supreme.
Ross Meurant, former Member of Parliament, Hobson electorate (which encompassed much of the current KDC) *The Ministry of Justice released a report in November 2014 stating that the Waitangi Tribunal had ruled that ‘the rangatira who signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi in February 1840 did not cede sovereignty to the British Crown’. Debate centred on this ruling and its implications is ongoing.
On Thursday, September 18, at 5pm, candidates for council and the mayoralty will face the public in the final debate of the campaign season, and we want your questions to quiz them on the big issues.
The Dargaville Community Development Board will host the event at the Lighthouse Function Centre, and the format they’re taking emphasises questions from the public. To that end, we’re reaching out to you, the voters, to send in your most difficult and pressing queries, to really cross-examine the contenders. Roading, water, the town hall rebuild, crime and safety, sporting facilities and rates rises; what is most important to you? Email through to info@dcdb.nz and let the voice of the Wairoa General Ward be heard. ¢
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u by Andy Bryenton
The growing popularity of a multisport event at Poutō has seen visitors from around New Zealand come to the peninsula to take part, and now a local transport company has volunteered to help boost participation.
The Poutō Lighthouse Challenge has become a fixture on the local sporting calendar: a run, walk and cycle event, which draws athletes of all ages to the west Kaipara in summertime. Established by local resident Joesephine Nathan, the multisport challenge has grown each year, with support for the Cancer Society New Zealand making it a popular way to pitch in for a good cause, as well as a boost for tourism.
Last year the oldest competitor, Joe Duckett, completed the beachside course at the age of 83, and hundreds of others tackled the course, finishing with the ascent of a mountainous sand dune for views over the harbour entrance that were described as ‘some of the best scenery in the world’. This year, Ritchies, the transport and bus company, has donated the use of one of its biggest coaches to help ferry participants to the scenic start line.
“We wanted to be able to offer a way for people to get to Poutō for the challenge, so that they could come from all over New
Zealand and stay in Dargaville before the event, and make it accessible for everyone,” says Ms Nathan.
This year’s challenge will take place on January 24, with an early morning start helped out by Ritchies’ manager Sean Clayton and driver Debbie Martin. The bus will leave the Dargaville Woolworths car park at 5.45am to reach the beach at dawn, with 50 seats available. While it’s a free service for the runners and their supporters, donations to the CSNZ will be gratefully received. The bus will return patrons to Dargaville as the event wraps up at 1pm. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
Patients are allegedly being asked to assess their own suitability to stay overnight at Dargaville Hospital, now that there is no overnight coverage by a medical doctor.
With the end of full nighttime coverage at the facility, patients are reportedly being asked to fill in a form, which acknowledges that they are happy to stay on-site with no qualified doctor on watch. The alternative is a 45-minute ambulance or private car trip to Whangārei Hospital, where construction of a new emergency department is still in the pipeline.
Rural Northland’s former clinical director, Dr Pragati Gautama, resigned over frustrations with the situation in the region’s healthcare system last year. She’s gone on the record as questioning the safety of Dargaville Hospital’s operational model, which she’s called ‘unsafe’. The resignation of Dargaville’s ED-qualified hospital doctor also centred on the dangers of understaffed overnight care.
Three months ago, Health New Zealand Te Tai Tokerau group director Alex Pimm met with mayor Jepson and councillor Lambeth to discuss the situation, following a letter from the mayor’s office to the Minister of Health.
At this meeting, Mr Pimm suggested that nighttime doctor coverage would indeed end, but that there would be a trade-off. Services, such as a broken bone setting clinic, dialysis and chemotherapy, would return to Dargaville. Additionally, it was suggested that the end of night coverage in west Kaipara would overlap with expanded emergency coverage in Whangārei.
Now the concern among many residents is that the doctors have gone, but everything else remains the same, with potentially long timeframes for delivery of the other parts of Mr Pimm’s proposals. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
A great Kiwi Father’s Day is usually spent relaxing, with the prospect of breakfast in bed a distinct possibility.
However, for dads in Mexico City, Father’s Day means getting up early, slipping on a pair of running shoes, and setting out on a 21-kilometre halfmarathon that’s become a citywide
tradition. The Carrera Dia Del Padre began in the 1980s as a fun run in support of one of the biggest green spaces in Mexico’s sprawling capital, the Tlalpan Forest. This area of volcanic gullies and wooded lava plains was created thousands of years ago when the Xitle volcano erupted, and now it forms a 253-hectare forest park. Keeping this space green and growing is a big undertaking, and the initial fun run was based on bragging rights between local families as to which dad would prove to be the best athlete.
and four minutes), dads and families took to the race as an excuse for fun.
combined excitement, endurance and lots of hugs. This event brought together not only elite athletes, but also parents and children who ran together for love, health, and tradition,’ wrote event organisers Fhinix Sports, on this year’s bigger-than-ever Carrera Dia Del Padre.
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By 1985, the popularity of the event had exploded. The National Association of Athletic Clubs of Mexico stepped up and registered the Father’s Day run as a proper sporting fixture on the calendar, as runners flocked to support the cause. At the same time, as very competitive athletes were filling the top spots on the podium (last event, for example, Diego Barcenas finished the course in one hour
That means shorter walking and running courses have been set up for the big day, which now attracts tens of thousands of runners. Next to them are families with youngsters on bikes and trikes, babies in strollers, elderly grandparents and people in costume for charities.
‘At 6am sharp, the starting signal signalled the beginning of a day that
Runners say that it’s not about winning, but about fostering healthy habits, sharing family time and making memories. The after-part, which follows the Carrera Dia Del Padre, is almost as famous as the race itself, with food, drink, music and entertainment for the families who have participated.
Decades after it began, this tradition has become a major part of how Father’s Day is celebrated in the biggest city in Mexico. What traditions does your family enjoy? Are they more relaxed than a 21-kilometre run, or are you keen to leap up from your breakfast in bed to hit the streets this year in solidarity? ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
Researchers in southern France have stumbled across the earliest evidence of what is now known as a
cave, which contains tantalising evidence about the social life of prehistoric dads.
“The findings at Aix-en-Pains, close enough to the Riviera for my archeological team to get a really nice sun tan, have proven theories previously floated by that exceptional documentary series, the Flintstones,” says Professor Melvin Fossyl, who led a 10-strong team of self-proclaimed ‘science blokes’ to catalogue the cave, set in cliffs with a nice southward-facing patio.
The cave was discovered by accident when tourist Claude Drivel fell in through what is now believed to be a primitive skylight. What he found set the curiosity of the dad studies department at Australia’s Wallaby Creek Upstairs Technical College ablaze.
“We immediately raised the money for tickets to France with a meat raffle down the pub,” said Professor Fossyl. “The photos we received of cave paintings depicting Neanderthal sports players, taxidermied mammoth heads with humorous caps on, and evidence of early brewing made us jump at the chance.” What they found was astonishing. The oldest-known recliner chairs, carved from
granite, surrounded a wide-screen fire pit. Further cave art depicted prehistoric dads hunting woolly rhinos and then boring their families with trumped-up stories of how big they were. A stone table with leather pockets and mammoth-ivory balls was found with curious long wooden sticks nearby, but eludes scientific identification. Most importantly of all, Professor Fossyl’s team think that this ‘man cave’ might be ground zero for one of humanity’s greatest inventions, the wheel. A crude
stone circle with a hole in the middle was found on a workbench in the cave, with a pile of drawings on tanned animal skins. One of the researchers identified these as pictures of a rudimentary cart, designed to be pulled by wild boars, with
ramblings about the need for ‘some sickas rims’. A single male hominid skeleton was found in the ‘man cave’; the remains of a stone-age dad who appears to have died in an accident involving tasting his own cooking. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
The coalition government is calling it the biggest change to building regulations in decades, and touting it as a way of speeding up construction while slashing prices, but will new liability rules prove a silver bullet?
At the core of changes tabled by Chris Penk in mid-August is the question of who is liable if a building fails to perform. Right now, it’s the contention that councils often
have to foot the bill if builders make big mistakes and then fold their businesses, because councils are liable due to signing off building consent, and they can’t shut up shop and move to a different town.
“Right now, councils are hesitant to sign off on building consents and inspections because they could be held liable for all defects, leaving ratepayers to foot the bill,” says Mr Penk.
* Keep them out, let the fresh air in
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“This often happens when one of the parties responsible cannot pay for repairs, for example, if a business goes bust. Currently, building owners can claim full compensation from any responsible party.
“It’s often councils, with the deepest pockets and no option to walk away, that end up paying out. The riskaversion this creates leads to frustrating delays and extra cost for builders and homeowners.”
The answer, according to the government, is to scrap what’s known as joint and several liability, replacing it with a new system called proportionate liability. This effectively means that everyone involved with a build will only
be responsible for the parts of it which they had control over.
Additionally, building owners may get protection when things go wrong by a similar mechanism to that employed in Australia; more bulletproof home warranties and professional indemnity insurance. Some organisations for topflight builders in New Zealand already offer big warranties and a mark of quality assurance.
The second half of these changes also impacts councils, with the new rules allowing councils to voluntarily merge their building consent authorities with those of their neighbours. It’s a trend seen in the Local Waters Done Well space. The central government is keen to see a smaller number of entities governing infrastructure and, it seems, building consents.
“Many councils have asked for this, and I expect they will seize the opportunity to consolidate, share resources like building inspectors and IT systems, and pass the savings on to ratepayers,” says Mr Penk.
“We know the sector is behind us. New
the most significant change for the building industry in a
that it has been a long time coming and the change is welcomed by the
u by Liz Clark
The sound of water running down and over rocks is
Translating that into something three-dimensional in a confined space such as a courtyard or small garden can be, at times, a little tricky. However, all is not lost.
These days, the range of water features has expanded to include self-contained ones that fit easily and snugly into a corner of the patio, alongside the entranceway or in the middle of a courtyard or secret part of the garden. Next, consider how much you want to spend. Set a budget and stick to it.
Solar-powered resin fountains, for example, come with an all-in-one package with the pump, solar panel and power unit incorporated into the stand-alone feature. All you have to do is position it, ensure water is added, and then the level is kept maintained. They can be as basic as a small sculpture with water trickling down or an elaborate spherical ball on the top rotated by the water’s movement. They
are more accessible for the more budgetconscious, or space is limited, and the price of an inground cabling system is cost-prohibitive.
If the sky is the limit, then the options are open to your own interpretation. First of all, for all budgets, before forging ahead with the shopping for that perfect finishing touch to the garden, decide on the style you want. For instance, you wouldn’t incorporate an old-style
water pump with a wooden bucket into a minimaliststyle design. Decide first what style of outdoor area to have, then theme the water feature accordingly.
If you’re interested in creating a larger area with a fish pond, plants and water flowing down rocks and river stones, for example, location is important. Goldfish need high water quality and shade from the hottest part of the day. Avoid positioning in an area without shade or where trees can drop leaves into the water and clog up the pump. A filtration system will also be required to maintain the water quality and fish health.
Fountains come in a range of shapes and sizes. Along with those, there’s a choice of fountain heads for varying effects. Make your choice according to what is the most eye-pleasing. Also ensure for permanent features, an electrician installs the correct inground cabling for
the water pump. Having an extension cord outside in the rain is not a good idea. Last, but not least, ensure small children are watched if near a water feature. Plan first, then make that dream of flowing water a reality.
Look online for inspiration, tips and ideas or visit your local water feature specialist. ¢
u by Amy Fifita
While most of us are still enjoying the warm shelter from being inside, we are nearing the months when outdoor furniture needs to be cleaned, maintained or bought.
As we reach the end of winter, it is time to start preparing for more outdoor time, be it enjoying an exquisite meal or reading a book while soaking in a
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dose of sunshine. Chairs, tables, benches, gazebos or shadesails all help set the outdoor living scene.
For a spotless job on hardwood furniture, clean your items under the shade with a tarpaulin dropcloth. Ensure you have all the required personal protective equipment, wet the wood and apply the cleaner to soak for a few minutes before brushing the product in and rinsing it off.
With the surface muck gone, now you can find a protectant. It pays to oil or stain any outdoor wooden items like furniture and decking. First, lightly sand the surface before applying oil or stain to the wood to give it a fresh and like-new look.
Wicker chairs, tables and benches can require gentle treatment. Dusting them off or using mild cleaning products helps keep wicker clean and unharmed. Use of
cushions, throws and other materials can add a pop of colour, provide comfort and protect furniture. Wipe down or wash any existing cushion covers.
Placing the furniture under a covering like a shade sail also helps protect your outdoor furniture from the elements and weather. Shade sails require careful cleaning with mild detergent and water, while it is on a flat surface.
If the shadesail cannot be taken down, use a ladder to wet and apply detergent. Although a highpressure washer may be tempting to use, it could damage the fabric. Instead, enlist a ladder to assist your cleaning process. Once wet, use a mop or soft-bristle brush to gently wash down the fabric before rinsing thoroughly. Ensure that the shadesail has fully dried before reinstalling it to avoid mould and mildew.
Scrub and waterblast decks and high-traffic outdoor areas to ensure safe footing once spring and summer arrive. Cleaning the walls and fences will also provide an aesthetic look for those in your outdoor space. By putting these tasks on your springcleaning checklist, your outdoor suites and spaces will not only look revived, but will also be clean and protected from the weather. ¢
As the final weeks of the native planting season approach, Manawa Landcare is urging landowners, lifestyle block owners and community groups to act now before the window closes.
Manawa Landcare is a kaupapa Māori business specialising in native restoration, riparian and wetland planting, and erosion control. From largescale council projects to small lifestyle block makeovers, Stacey and his team deliver practical, lasting solutions that protect and enhance the whenua for generations to come.
“Every plant we put in the ground is an investment in biodiversity, in healthier waterways, and in the resilience of our land and our people,” says Stacey.
With extensive experience working alongside iwi, councils and community groups, Stacey brings more than technical expertise to each project. Manawa Landcare is built on kaitiakitanga and whanaungatanga, ensuring every job is done to a high standard while honouring the land and those connected to it.
Importantly, Manawa Landcare is a one-stop shop, managing every part of your project from site preparation and planting, through to sleeves, stakes, erosion control and follow-up maintenance. That means you can trust one team to see your restoration project through from start to finish.
However, time is running out. The planting season is ending as soil temperatures cool and winter rains ease, conditions that give young plants their best chance of survival. Once spring growth begins, planting becomes risky, and survival rates drop. The next season won’t open until winter next year, so this is the final opportunity to get plants established before then. Secure your planting project before the season ends
• Native planting and restoration
• Erosion control and bank stabilisation
• Site preparation and weed control
Call Stacey on 021 155 2781 or email stacey@manawalandcare. co.nz. Visit the website manawalandcare.co.nz or find us on Facebook @ ManawaLandcare. ¢
u by Amy Fifita
While some people prefer a new build where they have more say over what the house looks like, others enjoy the attraction of keeping renovations in the era of their property.
Sometimes, it is simple renovation projects that help brighten up a home. When dealing with older homes, keeping the vibe right is often on homeowners’ minds, and in reality, it doesn’t take much to refresh the rooms in an old villa.
Starting with the walls, relining the walls with gib where there are settling cracks. While mending the walls,
take the opportunity to remove and replace insulation to ensure the house stays warm.
Once the gib has been installed, a lick of paint or wallpaper and an accent wall can add depth to any space. With the walls done, consider sanding and revarnishing any hardwood floors. It is recommended to stain the floors once
every 5 to 15 years to polish over any scratches or wear.
Another consideration is repiling the home. Indications that a home requires the pilings to be replaced are cracks in the walls and uneven floors. People may notice small differences, from the washing machine lid not staying open to doors and windows not opening and closing properly. Replacing timber foundation piles with concrete ones is a durable and sturdy option.
Lighting features can make a difference in any room, and replacing light fixtures is a small but effective way to add to a space. Working with an electrician, people can safely change switches and fixtures to suit the desired style.
With spring and summer in sight, preparing a good space outside for entertaining and relaxing is advisable. Be it creating a paved area for an outdoor
dining space or breathing new life into an existing patio by replacing rotten boards or repainting the area, and you’ll be set for summer. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
The government has unlocked new possibilities for homes with solar panels, expanding the permitted voltage range for electricity networks so more excess power can be sold back into the grid.
It’s part of a sweeping set of changes involving solar photovoltaic technology. Building and energy ministers Simon Watts and Chris Penk have confirmed that changes are being made to ensure that a building consent is not needed to install solar panels on existing buildings, slashing through some of the red tape, which has made many homeowners question whether the move to solar is affordable.
There’s also the requirement from Wellington that local councils must process the resource consents of homes with planned solar arrays within 10 days, down from the previously acceptable 20. This means a faster, smoother process for buildings which will harvest the sun’s rays for electricity. It also represents about $400 in savings on paperwork alone.
“New Zealand’s residential uptake of rooftop solar is lower than many other countries. This government wants to change that, so more Kiwis can generate, store and send their own electricity back to the market. This will allow them to save on their power bills and contribute
to a more secure electricity system,” Mr Watts says.
“Rooftop solar will play a crucial role in supporting energy security and reducing emissions. However, our networks need to be able to better support the growing flow of electricity from consumers, while also dealing with growing demand for more electric vehicle charging.
The government says that modelling it’s undertaken shows that expanding the voltage range of the network to plus or minus 10 per cent could push solar investment by home and business owners up, and pump an additional 507 gigawatthours into the grid from excess small solar array capacity. It’s the kind of voltage boost the nation needs.
“We need the right incentives in place to make rooftop solar a realistic option for Kiwis,” says Mr Penk.
“The government is focussed on getting people into safe, affordable homes faster, and we want those homes to be sustainable and future-ready. With the energy system preparing for a surge in residential solar, the consenting process
needs to play its part to support the transition.”
“Delivering the best outcomes for New Zealanders is incredibly important to minister Penk and me,” says Mr Watts.
“Expanding the voltage range could help avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure upgrade costs to accommodate rooftop solar and EV charging being passed on to Kiwi households.”
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u by Andy Bryenton
Germany in 1975 was a very different place to the industrialised and progressive European state we know today; divided between east and west, and still emerging from the shadow of a disastrous war.
Only three decades separated that date from the flattening of all of Germany’s manufacturing power, but the nation’s automakers were entering a new age. Luxury, style and enjoyment were back on the cards for a new generation of European motorists, and BMW was poised to change the game forever.
Enter the 1975 Three Series, codenumbered the E21, a car, which proved that a small compact sedan could be sporty and luxurious. At a time when the hottest cars in England were either tiny
convertibles or luxurious barges, the Three Series concocted a recipe with the best of all possible worlds. Initially coming out with a four-pot carburetted engine, the E21 hit its stride when the trademark BMW straight-six slipped under the hood.
People loved the combination of driving agility, competent power and precision build quality. However, even BMW was not prepared for what happened when it released the next Three Series model, the now-legendary E30. Its familiar crisp, angular shape, quad round headlights and distinctive grille are still iconic today, and second-hand examples of the E30 command silly prices, due to nostalgia and goodwill. Introduced in 1982, it became the must-have accessory for a new generation of young motorists with money to spend and a demand for performance.
The classic Three Series for many is the timeless E30, a car which has held its value to a degree that’s almost maddening even a compact to tackle the hot-hatch hegemony head-on.
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Three Series, and how it’s impacted other automakers’ ranges and plans. These compact but exciting cars changed everything, and not just because of the M3 spin-offs representing the pinnacle of the line. Five decades on, even the most wilfully ignorant car buyer is aware that, if asked to pick a car that offers driving enjoyment, practicality, luxury and style, the flagship ‘Beemer’ is a solid bet. ¢ Specialising in:
It didn’t hurt that this was the basis for the first BMW M car, the E30 M3, which delivered 235hp and dominated motorsport as well as bedroom-wall posters. The follow-up E36 kept the hits coming in 1990, with its own M variant, a well-respected station wagon tourer, and
All in all, there have been seven generations of the Three Series, and unlike almost any other badge in auto history, there have been no duds. Not a bad one in the bunch, though some would quibble that the rounded, millennial styling of the E46 lacks the style of its forebears and descendants. That’s window-dressing compared to the enduring legacy of the
u by Andy Bryenton
When most people think of the MotoGP racing series, they imagine slick, high-revving sports bikes, piloted by daredevil riders who crouch over the controls, tucking into every corner with acrobatic skill.
However, MotoGP is all about pushing the boundaries of two-wheeled velocity. So it should come as only a mild surprise that last month the organisation met with Harley-Davidson in Austria, to cut the ribbon on a new kind of full-bore bike racing; the bagger world cup.
Bagger bikes are a major trend right now, taking over from the ubiquitous choppers of the early 2000s as the big v-twin style of the moment. With full front fairings, a rakish angle, massive two-cylinder engines and a set of touring saddlebags to give them their name, these machines are made to cruise. Now, H-D and the MotoGP crew will make them fly.
“The launch of the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup signals a bold new era for Harley-Davidson and for the sport of motorcycle racing,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO of Harley-Davidson.
“This series is about pushing the limits of our machines, our riders and our brand, on a global stage. We’re proud to partner with MotoGP to bring this vision to life.”
A quick look at bagger racing shows that he’s not exaggerating about limits bent and smashed. The Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring bikes, which are
heavily modified for racing, are giants compared to the small and nimble sports bikes of more conventional two-wheeled motorsport, but there’s a sense of real spectacle as they thunder around the track.
The series debuted at Le Mans in early 2025, and the response from the crowd and from critics was enthusiastic.
After all, with riders around the world enjoying the bagger experience on the open highway, it stands to reason that watching these big machines vie for the chequered flag would also be a drawcard.
The global bagger world championships will take in some famous raceways on a six-leg tour starting in March 2026. While Le Mans is off the menu, classic venues such as the Circuit of the Americas, Britain’s iconic Silverstone track and Mugello in Italy are there, alongside dates in Spain, Austria and the Netherlands.
“We’re always looking for ways to innovate and expand, both at the track
for our record crowds as we continue our evolution, and to grow the reach of the sport even further; staying faithful to what fans love about MotoGP but finding ways to connect with new audiences,” says Carlos Ezpeleta, chief sporting officer of Dorna Sports, which runs the overarching MotoGP contest. ¢
News from Kaipara District Council
In June, we asked for your feedback on Council’s Development Contributions Policy Based on the feedback received, we’ve tweaked the draft Policy and are now seeking further feedback to make sure we’ve got it right
The Development Contributions Policy outlines fees charged to developers to help offset the impact of their development Development contribution fees are spent on infrastructure including roading, wastewater and stormwater services in the district.
Feedback is open until 31 August 2025, head to kaipara govt nz/haveyoursay for more information
There are 32 candidates vying for a seat around the Kaipara District Council table – four for mayor and 28 for councillor positions
Head to kaipara.govt.nz/candidates to check out the full list, including names, affiliations, profile statements, and candidate videos It’s a great way to get to know your local candidates
Voting opens Tuesday 9 September and you can expect to receive your voting papers from this date Missed the 1 August cutoff for enrolment? No worries You can still enrol and special vote. Give the electoral services team a call on 0800 922 822 or pick up special voting papers from council offices (available from when voting opens 9 September)
Very important: you do not have to own property in Kaipara to vote As a resident you can vote if you are 18 years or older, a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or have lived in New Zealand continuously for 12 months or more at some time in your life. This is for both the general roll and the Māori roll.
Council Meeting, 10am Wed 27 Aug, Tangiteroria Community Complex, 23 Pukehuia Road, Tangiteroria and on YouTube Council Briefing, 10 30am Wed 03 Sep, Mangawhai Conference Room, 1c Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai and on YouTube
Audit, Risk and Finance Committee, 9.30am Thur 04 Sep, Mangawhai Conference Room, 1c Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai
Development Contributions Policy – Hearings, 2pm Thur 04 Sep, Mangawhai Conference Room, 1c Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai
Development Contributions Policy – Deliberations, 2pm Tues 09 Sep, Mangawhai Conference Room, 1c Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai
Awards and Grants Committee, 9 30am Wed 17 Sep, Mangawhai Conference Room, 1c Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai
Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information or call council on 0800 727 059 and ask to speak to a Governance Advisor
Our Dargaville reception hours will change from 1 September to 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday Our phone and online services will continue to operate as normal.
Council will begin hearings for the Proposed District Plan on Monday 25 August
The Proposed District Plan was publicly notified on Monday 28 April 2025 and submissions closed on 30 June 2025, with 365 submissions received Staff are currently summarising submissions, with a summary to be released shortly for further submissions to be received.
Our roading maintenance crew is full steam ahead on pre-seal repairs By the end of July, 68% of reseal sites were scoped, with the remainder being assessed throughout August and repairs scheduled to begin in September. Visit kaipara govt nz/news to read the full roading report for July
374km (33%) unsealed roads graded
3,766 potholes filled
427 sealed potholes
3,339 unsealed potholes
23 emergency call outs
17 culvert ends cleared
5.6km of roadside drainage work
Make sure your furry friend is up to date by this Sunday (31 August) to avoid penalty fees. Go to kaipara govt nz/annual-dog-registration
August
Inland Revenue Clinic — 26 August at Heartland Services Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria St, Dargaville. Bookings Essential. 09 439 7009 / 021 245 3765.
Tangiteroria Burger Night — 29 August @ Tangiteroria Community Complex. Open 6pm.
September
Tangiteroria Community Complex — 12 September BISTRO. Open 6pm.
Sustainable Kaipara Event — 13 Sep, Compost Workshop & Introduction to the Maungaturoto Edible Village Project, 2pm to 4pm followed by shared kai. Centennial Hall, 44 View St, Maungaturoto. Charlie Priestley 027 486 5796 or charlie@sustainablekaipara.org. Mangawhai Garden Workshops — Compost & Soil Health, Sat 20 Sep 2–4pm. Mangawhai Community Garden, Mangawhai Domain, $30 per workshop or all three for $85 (subsidy available). Next 2 workshops are in October. Charlie Priestley 027 486 5796 or charlie@ sustainablekaipara.org.
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.
Badminton — Wednesday Nights. 7pm–9pm, $2 per night. Dargaville High School Gym, Plunket Street. Some racquets available. All welcome 13 years & over, enquiries phone 021 439 157.
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. 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 — 55 Victoria Street, open Wednesday and Friday from 5pm. Members and guests welcome.
Dargaville Club Jam Nights — every second Friday, 5.30pm start.
Dargaville Community Garden — at Kumarani Creative Centre, 15 Onslow St. Open day on second Saturday of the month (12th April, 10th May) come along from 10am–1pm for a cuppa, swap crops, seeds and ideas. Email classes@circuskumarani.co.nz to find out more.
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 Darts Club — Every Wednesday, 6pm start, at Dargaville Club, 55 Victoria Street.
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 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 Plunket Playgroup — 10am–midday. Held every Thursday, 29 Hokianga Rd at the Dargaville Plunket Rooms. Free service, coffee and tea provided. Check our FB page for further details.
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 — Yoga for every Bodhi. Tues 9.30am. Thurs 6pm. New Beginners class starting 15 July. Pono Lodge. Mats available. Find us on FB Stretch Your Bodhi Yoga. 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.
THE KAIPARA LIFESTYLER IS PUBLISHED WITH PRIDE BY INTEGRITY COMMUNITY MEDIA, A PRIVATELY OWNED KAIPARA COMPANY.
Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 Email: info@thelifestyler.co.nz
Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville
Journalists: Andy Bryenton 021 439 947 | Amy Fifita 027 259 6455 | Paul Campbell
Advertising: Olivia Green 027 525 8197 | Sue Girven 027 525 7984
Classifieds: 09 439 6933 | info@thelifestyler.co.nz
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Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME Website: kaiparalifestyler.co.nz
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. Come and have your documents verified and we also photocopy important documents like Passports, Birth Certificates and Driver Licences free of charge. Call 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.
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 Kathleen 021 077 7697.
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 and at other times by appointments. Phone Sue 021 608 606.
Northern Wairoa Indoor Bowls Assn — 7pm Mondays at Anglican Church Hall, Tuesdays at Ruawai-Tokatoka 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.
Recovery Support Group — Mondays 6.30pm– 9pm. 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Chrissy 09 601 4153 or 021 564 618.
Rock ’n’ Roll Lessons — Thursdays, 6.30pm–7.30pm at Dalmatian Hall, 20 Normanby St. $2 per person. Text Kirsty 021 0818 7902 for more info.
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.
WED 27 12:32 am (3.2m) 6:43 am (0.5m) 12:51 pm (3.1m) 6:53 pm (0.6m) THU 28 1:04 am (3.1m) 7:15 am (0.6m) 1:23 pm (3.0m) 7:27 pm (0.7m) FRI 29 1:37 am (3.0m) 7:50 am (0.7m) 1:58 pm (2.9m) 8:03 pm (0.9m) SAT 30 2:13
12:52pm (2.2m) 6:53pm (1.0m)
1 1:07 am (2.2m) 7:13 am (0.9m) 1:45 pm (2.2m) 7:49 pm (1.0m) TUE 2 1:56 am (2.2m) 8:07 am (1.0m) 2:45 pm (2.2m) 8:48 pm (1.0m)
73 Black suit (5)
74 Extinct elephant-like animal (8)
76 Assured (10)
81 Growled (7)
82 Eastern temple (6)
83 Ascendant (6)
84 Music style (4)
85 Moreish (anag) (7)
86 Unrelenting (10)
(anag) (8)
Fold mark (6)
Biased (6) 27 Passed (9) 32 Bold title on article (8)
33 School absentee (6)
34 Tidily arranged (7)
38 Sceptical (8)
39 Machine-gun from the air (6)
40 Burden (4)
41 Play subdivision (5)
42 Jockey (5)
45 Work as an actor (5,3,6)
52 Drastically reduce (5)
55 Discard as useless (5)
56 Saucer-shaped bell (4)
57 Speak softly, indistinctly (6)
58 Party set (anag) (8)
Ebbed (7) 62 Autographed (6) 63 Albumen (3,5)
66 Family tree (9)
68 Covert (6)
69 Nab (6)
87 Favourable outcome (7)
DOWN
1 Manages (5)
2 Atmospheric gas (8)
3 Ruler (6)
4 Twisting squeeze (5)
5 Hard wood (4)
6 Wash and iron (7)
7 Firebomb jelly (6)
8 Gains by work (5)
10 Absent (4)
11 Orchestrate (7)
12 Impudent (6)
17 Club bulletin (10)
18 Harass (5)
22 Mourned for (8)
23 Scottish estate owner (5)
24 Cheese type (7)
26 Steel pin (4)
28 Ice cream flavour (7)
29 Alter (6)
30 Marvellous, excellent (6)
31 Starter’s cartridges (6)
33 Tutor (5)
35 Surpass (5)
36 Taken to court (4)
37 Stiff paper (4)
43 Advanced very slowly (6)
44 Thrill (5)
46 Space (4)
47 Fishing (7)
48 Domesticating (6)
49 Made a mistake (5)
50 Wealthy sumptuousness (8)
51 Wheats (anag) (6)
52 Uncomfortably hot (10)
53 Gambler’s stake (4)
54 Room over a stable (7)
59 Postpone (5)
60 Eye lecherously (4)
64 Not sink (5)
65 Entrust task to another (8)
67 Trade ban (7)
68 Light, open shoes (7)
70 Brief look (6)
71 Repugnant (6)
72 Planet (6)
75 Scarcely detectable amount (5)
77 Knock over (5)
78 Catnaps (5)
79 Optical glass (4)
80 Compulsion (4)
Last week’s CodeCracker
ACROSS: 1 Lambs, 4 Baseball, 9 Eighty, 14 Prune, 15 Hang in the balance, 17 Panda, 18 Ice, 19 Chasing, 20 Loitering, 21 Welded, 24 Guerrilla, 25 Policy, 26 Knight, 29 Accessible, 31 Err, 32 Siphon, 33 Feel, 35 Elm, 37 Weak, 39 Chestnuts, 40 Customary, 41 Track, 42 Gauntlet, 47 Bluebell, 51 Dregs, 55 Presently, 56 Absconded, 58 Gate, 59 Off, 60 Drug, 61 Depart, 62 Ego, 63 Reluctance, 66 Mallet, 67 Stubby, 69 Dockyards, 72 Studio, 73 Represent, 75 Athlete, 77 Two, 80 Noted, 81 Take one’s medicine, 82 Obese, 83 Centre, 84 Sideline, 85 Aside. DOWN: 2 Apathetic, 3 Bogus, 5 Ache, 6 Embroil, 7 All steamed up, 8 Lunar, 9 Eternal, 10 Gaps, 11 Tender, 12 Humid, 13 Receipt, 14 Padding, 16 Nonsensical, 22 Treble, 23 Ice pick, 24 Gherkin, 25 Purest, 27 Grenade, 28 Dorsal, 30 Eats, 32 Smear, 34 Loyal, 36 Doze, 38 Era, 42 Gaped, 43 Unequal, 44 Tied, 45 Either, 46 Depot, 48 Undecorated, 49 Beggars, 50 Let, 51 Dynasty, 52 Safely, 53 As good as gold, 54 Sour, 57 Delays, 64 Chastened, 65 Genuine, 66 Mention, 68 Breathe, 70 Congeal, 71 Little, 72 Sober, 74 Rakes, 76 Laces, 78 Edit, 79 Omen.
Last week’s crossword solution 5x5
Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.
CARAVAN EWOF (and marine). Call your local inspector today at A+ Electrical Inspections and Security on 021 240 6764.
FARM QUAD bike Suzuki Vinson 500, older model but running well. $2,500. Phone 09 439 4509. HAY FOR sale Conventional Bales well made and clean pasture. $14 per bale. Phone 09 439 4509.
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. $95 per m³ onto your trailer, or truck deliveries available for larger orders. Phone 021 132 4107 or 09 439 5141.
TE KOROWAI O IHU KARAITI, Dargaville Church of the Nazarene, 4 Grey Street. Church service every Sunday at 3pm. Bible study/prayer Wednesday from 4.30pm–7pm, call Moses 021 248 8910. Celebrate Recovery, for hurts, habits and hang-ups Friday 5.30pm–8pm, call George 022 498 5681.
FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458.
FIREWOOD FOR SALE
FIREWOOD DRY shed stored. Hot burning mix $120 per metre. Text or phone 021 242 6368 to order.
SINGLE? OVER 40? Meet other interesting, intelligent, genuine people just like yourself. Dine out ‘Dinner for Six’. Phone 021 639 552.
PET DOORS — Cat Doors, Dog Doors for Glass or Timber — supplied and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 Kevin Sowter or visit my website: windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
SEPTIC
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.
2NDS SHADOWCLAD ungrooved ply 2440x1200 $99. Scooters Plywood 09 438 6565.
CARPENTER/RENOVATOR specialising in General Repairs & Maintenance, and Kitchen Installs. (30yrs senior experience). Contact Mark 027 603 8323 or info@alteredestates.co.nz.
CARPET CLEANING, repairs, re-stretching, and patching. Flood drying and small carpet laying work and upholstery cleaning. Very fussy and reasonable prices. Phone Darren, Alltrades Carpet Services 0800 425 587 or 027 286 8584. Dargaville & surrounds.
WINDOW & Door Repairs & Glazing, Insect Screens, Security and more — call me today. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458. Kevin Sowter or visit my website: windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
• CALF & CHOOK SHED CLEAN OUTS
• DRIVEWAYS & FARM RACES
• ALL GENERAL SITE WORKS/ EXCAVATIONS
• 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE
Wellsford to Whangarei call Jake on 021 0296 3604 or email procatcontracting1987@gmail.com
TREE SERVICES
TREE REMOVAL, pruning, chipping & stump grinding. Qualified & insured. Phone Scott 0800 468 9663 Arborcare Tree Maintenance.
WANTED TO BUY
SILAGE BALES round 20 to 30 bales wanted. Dargaville, Pouto area. Phone 022 503 7360.
WE BUY all Cars, Vans, Utes, Trucks and Buses in any condition dead or alive. Call 0800 333 398 or text 021 344 449.
SUZUKI 4X4 Wanted to buy — parked, damaged or unwanted, Escudo Vitara/Grand Vitara. Phone Derek 09 439 7573.
SITUATIONS VACANT
The role includes:
• Greeting and assisting students, parents, and visitors.
Answering phones and emails.
• General administration support.
We are looking for someone who is:
• Friendly and professional.
Organised and reliable.
• Confident with basic computer skills.
If you’re flexible and enjoy being part of a supportive school community, we’d love to hear from you.
Police vetting is required for this role.
To apply contact: vacancy@ruawai.school.nz
We are looking for an Administrator / Receptionist to join our friendly and supportive team. This is a full time position Monday to Friday roster with only occasional rostered Saturday Shift (9am-12pm).
The Ideal Candidate:
• Previous experience in a Reception/ Administration role
• Be able to work under pressure
• Be competent in computer/data entry with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent face to face customer service skills and phone manner
Please send your CV and a cover letter to Dallas Taylor – dallas@dargavilledocs.co.nz Applications close 5th September 2025
Maungaturoto’s haven for senior living SITUATIONS VACANT
Lead a team covering both rest home and secure dementia care at our Kaipara facility.
• Full time – Mon to Fri, some on-call weekends
• 1-3 years experience, leadership dev provided
• Night shift – 10:45pm to 7am
• Email cherie@collab8 co nz
Hurndall St 09 431 8696 info@riverviewliving nz www riverviewliving nz
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS both Dargaville AA Meetings are held at the church, corner Parore and Normanby Streets. Use Parore St entrance. Monday 4.30pm & Thursday 7.30pm. Phone Bernie 027 212 2148, Ladies 020 4082 1373, Murray 09 439 5248.
CITIZENS ADVICE Bureau Dargaville & Districts. Annual General Meeting will be held Friday 5th September 2025, 1.15pm at the Bureau, 16 Parenga St. All Welcome.
DARGAVILLE HEALING rooms 7pm Tuesdays. No charge & no appointment necessary. Lion of Judah Building, River Road. All Welcome. Check us out on Facebook.
HAVE YOU heard of ‘My Trove’? There is a lot to do after the death of a loved one and this approved provider works with the Department of Internal Affairs who manage death notifications. It is a free online service to help you notify the agencies your loved one had business relationships with. These may be IRD, WINZ, Passports, local Councils, banks, life insurance, utility providers such as phone, internet, electricity and more. Call in at Citizens Advice, 16 Parenga St for help in navigating the website.
(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)
The Bunker Ltd of Mangawhai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal and variation of an onlicence in respect of the premises situated at 3E/3F Main St, Mangawhai Central known as The Bunker
The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Function/Entertainment Venue
The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is intended to be sold under the licence are: Monday–Sunday 10am–1am the following day. Monday–Sunday 10am–10pm Outdoor Dining area.
The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 5, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai.
Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the first publication of this public notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville 0340. No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
This is the second publication of this notice. The first was published 19th of August.
KAIPARA HUNT AGM
Thursday 4th of September, 8pm at Maungaturoto Country Club, Bickerstaffe Road, Maungaturoto All welcome.
(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)
Dutch Cheese Ltd of Kaiwaka, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an off-licence in respect of the premises situated at 1957 State Highway 1, Kaiwaka known as Kaiwaka Cheese Shop
The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Grocery Store
The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.
The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 5, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai.
Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the first publication of this public notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville 0340.
No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
This is the first publication of this notice.
RE-REGISTRATION OF UPDATED CONSTITUTION
A Special Meeting of the Society is to be held in the Clubrooms at 84 Bickerstaffe Road, Maungaturoto.
16 September 2025 at 7.30pm sharp.
AGENDA:
All Incorporated Societies, including clubs, must re-register under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 before 5 April 2026. The meeting is to ratify the updated constitution so that the Club can submit and comply with requirements.
Proposal from the committee for Zen Energy to install solar panels on the Country Club roof for an approximate investment of $80,000, creating an income stream for the Club.
SPECIAL MEETING
MAUNGATUROTO COUNTRY CLUB
(Member NZ Chartered Clubs Inc)
PO Box 81 - Maungaturoto - Northland 0581 maungaturotocountryclub@gmail.com
Maungaturoto Recreational Society Incorporated
All members are urged to attend this meeting in order that any decisions made are the will of the majority of members.
Tina Holst; President.
Public notice
(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)
R A N Enterprises Ltd of Kaiwaka, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an On licence in respect of the premises situated at 1917 State Highway One, Kaiwaka known as Spice Lounge
The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Restaurant
The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 11am to 11pm.
The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 5, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai.
Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the first publication of this public notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville 0340.
No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
This is the only publication of this notice.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the peaceful passing of Ron with his family surrounding him at his home, on the morning of 21 August 2025 aged 91 years. Dearly loved husband of Pam for 61 years. Much loved father of Grant, Sandra, and Murray. Adored grandfather of Eve, Jeremy, Lachlan, Annaliese, and Cameron. Ron was a shearer, farmer, salesman, singer, community advocate, sports lover, and politician. He lived a very full life. Most of all he was our hero, and we will miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Ron’s life will be held at the Maungaturoto Country Club at 2:00pm on Wednesday 27th August followed by burial at the Anglican Cemetery Maungaturoto.
All Communication to the McCallum Family c/- PO Box 8043 Kensington, Whangarei 0145 In lieu of flowers please make a donation to North Haven Hospice.
NOTICE OF ELECTION NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES AND CLOSING DATE FOR NOMINATIONS
Under the Northpower Electric Power Trust Deed of Trust, notice is given that on Saturday 29 November 2025, the election will be held under the first past the post electoral system by postal and online voting for seven (7) trustees to the Northpower Electric Power Trust, being:
Five (5) trustees elected from the Whangarei District Council area; and Two (2) trustees elected from the Kaipara District Council area.
NOMINATIONS
Each candidate must be nominated on a nomination paper obtainable during normal business hours from Friday 22 August 2025, from the Northpower Electric Power Trust office (Plus Chartered Accountants Ltd, 22 John Street, Whangārei) or by phoning 0800 922 822 to have a nomination paper posted out Nominations of candidates must be in the hands of the electoral officer or an electoral official at the above address, or received at PO Box 5135, Victoria Street West Auckland, not later than noon on Friday 19 September 2025. Nominations must be accompanied by a deposit of $200 GST inclusive (payable by cash or online).
The electoral roll for the Trust district is available for public inspection during normal business hours from Friday 22 August to Friday 19 September 2025 at the following locations:
• Northpower Electric Power Trust office (Plus Chartered Accountants Ltd, 22 John Street, Whangārei);
• Whangarei District Council offices (Te Iwitahi, 9 Rust Avenue, Whangārei; and 9 Takutai Place, Ruakākā);
• Kaipara District Council offices (32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville; and Unit 6, The Hub, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai).
Dated at Whangārei, 22 August 2025.
Dale Ofsoske
Electoral Officer for Northpower Electric Power Trust