Aerial rescue crews ready for action
‘As we head toward the end of term two and my first year as commissioner of Dargaville High School, I want to acknowledge the progress we have made and share some of the key developments across our kura. There is so much to celebrate,’ wrote Ms Alaalatoa.
‘Across the entire staff there has been a strong and genuine commitment to strengthen teaching practice and improve outcomes for students. It has been encouraging to see the professionalism, openness and care shown by staff as they continue to build stronger, more consistent classroom practice.’
Ms Alaalatoa praised the recent works which have seen the school’s entrance
and gardens given a major overhaul, and noted the DHS environment is set for further major improvements. This is in line with recently reported news of a major fiscal boost from the central government to help refurbish the school’s infrastructure.
The commissioner noted that in the past year communications with parents and whānau have strengthened, feedback from the community in terms of aspirations, concerns and reflections has been more vocal, and attendance has improved.
‘Our focus is on making school a place where students feel they belong, where learning is engaging, and where every young person understands that turning
up matters,’ she wrote in her missive to the community.
‘I am genuinely excited to inform you that I have been appointed for a further year as commissioner for Dargaville High School. This is a wonderful opportunity to drive the momentum of progress for this kura and to start building our community reference groups that will help to support the process we are building into the future.
‘The past 12 months have seen us building a stronger, more connected and more successful DHS. The next 12 months will be doubling down on the progress to date and getting more creative and progressive in ensuring that DHS is a world-class school.’ ¢
Te Korowai o Poutama is our commitment to supporting whānau to care for their loved ones when the time comes. Our Kaiārahi will come to you and walk alongside your whānau with aroha, providing guidance, resources, and practical support throughout the tangihanga process. We help prepare and care for your loved one, offer ongoing āwhi, and ensure all regulatory requirements are met so your whānau can focus on honouring your loved one in the way that feels right for you.
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For new beginnings
Steel-suited warriors
Stars of creativity
p Locals gathered for Joesephine Nathan’s Matariki Fundraiser in support of Whānau Āwhina Plunket at the Dargaville RSA. The night treated guests to a hot roast meal by Kurlee’s Kitchen, art auctions and live entertainment. About $700 was raised from the artwork crafted by Creole Hunia, Mark Lang and Beth Stewart, and sausages for raffles donated by Silver Ferns Farm, adding to the grand total donated to the local Plunket.
p The Dargaville Mediaeval Combat Club’s special guest LJ Yearbury-Murphy visited from the Dreadnoughts Mediaeval Combat Club, and came to their recent practice session wearing full armour. It was a chance for local European martial artists to experience the weight, power and sheer presence of
coming to battle at
ren-faire event in January.
p Fabric artisans have gathered to take part in a fun competition hosted by the Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre, making Matariki-themed works which are on display right now. Come and take a look in the shop window on Normanby Street and vote for your favourite, or get inspired for your own winter craft project.
New look for rescue choppers
u by Paul Campbell
A new sponsorship deal with Westpac marks the start of an important new partnership supporting lifesaving services across the region. “In the months ahead, locals can expect to see more of the distinctive red and yellow helicopters flying across Northland as Westpac joins the Northern Rescue family of sponsors,” says Northern Rescue CEO Ian MacPherson.
To meet this increasing demand on the air ambulance service, Northern Rescue has invested in a new fleet of AW169 helicopters that will soon operate across the region.
“The new aircraft are configured to meet the complex demands of modern patient care. They are more reliable and provide advanced capabilities for crews delivering critical treatment in the air. Standardising the fleet with the AW169 also allows more interoperability between the bases leading to improved operational efficiency.”
Westpac’s support of rescue helicopter services is long-standing. The bank has been a key sponsor of the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter service for 40 years and supports similar services in Waikato, Wellington and Canterbury. By joining as an associate sponsor of Northern Rescue in Northland, Westpac is reinforcing its commitment to helping save lives across the country.
Westpac managing marketing director Sarah Hearn, says the bank is pleased to be extending its support of the lifesaving service to Northland.
“Rescue chopper crews do a wonderful job all day, every day, and often in challenging conditions to help keep our communities safe. We’re immensely proud of our existing long-standing rescue helicopter partnership and are delighted to be extending it,” she says. Demand for emergency air ambulance and rescue services continues to grow across the upper North Island, and from its two bases in Ardmore and Whangārei, Northern Rescue completed around 2,087 missions in Northland, Auckland, Coromandel and other regions in 2025. ¢
Zero rates rise from NRC
u by Andy Bryenton
The Northland Regional Council has announced that there will be no rise in rates this year, as the Northland governance entity looks toward amalgamation and change.
Council chair Pita Tipene says times are tough for the people and communities of Te Tai Tokerau and council members recognise that affordability remains a critical issue.
“At the same time there remains hugely significant work to be done to care for te taiao (our environment) and to continue to help build climate resilient communities in a region that has suffered more than its share of impacts in recent adverse weather events.”
By comparison, the other parties working together on a plan for local governance amalgamation have posted rates rises of 6.7 per cent (Far North District Council) and 5 per cent, with an additional $50 increase in the uniform annual general charge (Whangārei District Council). Following extensive deliberations, including an extraordinary additional meeting, the Kaipara District Council wrestled rates rises down to 3.9 per cent, below inflation.
Chair Tipene emphasised the zero rates rise will not mean zero new investment, but that smarter prioritisation of funds must also be seen through the lens of amalgamation,
with a government deadline now only four weeks away.
“Our council has operated under current arrangements for around 30 years, and we agree it is both timely and appropriate to review the system to ensure it is fit for purpose in 2026 and beyond,” he said.
“Likewise, we are working diligently alongside our district council partners to ensure Northland is in the best possible position to implement the central government’s planned reform of the Resource Management Act.”
Amalgamation plans for Northland must be presented to parliament by August 9. ¢
•
p NRC deputy chair Jack Craw and chair Pita Tipene
u by Andy Bryenton
Sustainable sewing skills Fostering school’s
Sustainable Kaipara and the Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre have teamed up to deliver a practical and fun workshop which has been asked for by many locals.
The July sewing and upcycling workshop is planned for this weekend, and it’s a great chance to learn some new skills. This drop-in session poses the question — why waste materials and perfectly good clothes when a repair or upgrade can give them a whole new life?
“We have had many people ask us if we can teach these kinds of skills, along with learning to sew. Our classes are nearly full right now, and more people are wanting to learn, or getting back into sewing after a long hiatus,” says Marion McEwing, of the Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre.
byword of her popular courses is ‘learn something new’.
u by Amy Fifita
New Ruawai Primary School principal Glenn Davies, has made Northland his home and has a desire to see the students and community thrive.
Bringing with him experience from his time not only in New Zealand, but also in South Korea, Thailand, Tanzania and the Philippines, Glenn wants to see children and the community succeed.
“I grew up in Wellington. I was born in Lower Hutt and lived in Levin as a young child, and was in Kāpiti as a teenager, where my dad had a business in Tawa,” said principal Davies.
All of the fabric arts and crafts, including knitting, quilting and sewing, have seen a recent renaissance as people look for ways to beat high prices and, in many cases, rebel against the homogenisation of products. Bespoke, crafty, handmade and quirky is cool, and upcycling and repairing have never been hotter. It’s not just about saving cash or saving the planet; many of the people involved in Marion’s classes are there to express themselves and get creative. The
On Saturday, July 11 from 10am to noon there will be an informative drop-in session hosted by the Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre and Sustainable Kaipara to teach some core skills in mending and upcycling with fabric. No experience is needed, and it’s just a koha donation to attend. You’ll learn how to make your favourite threads go the distance, make new things from old fabric, and craft things like reusable shopping bags, dog toys and more. ¢
“I did my training at the University of Wellington, I taught for five years in Te Puke and then Tauranga before I headed overseas, working in the international school circuit for two decades. Returning to New Zealand in May 2021, I took a job at an establishment school in Kerikeri, and that’s when I discovered the north.”
His family are not strangers to Northland, though. Glenn’s greatgrandfather left England when he was 14 years old, and after sailing the world four times, landed in Dargaville in 1886.
“When I moved to Northland, I felt like I was home because that is where my roots are. We have lots of multigenerational families at this school, and they have a vision for this school.
“It is about children feeling safe and valued, seeing the future and valuing learning. This community is heavily farming-based and there is a strong Te Ao Māori heartbeat to our school, and identity helps define who we are as a school.” ¢
p Marion’s expertise in teaching fabric arts skills has fit in perfectly with the Sustainable Kaipara ethos of reuse and upcycling
p Glenn Davies brings with him international and local experience, and wants to foster the vision the community has for the school
Appeal for jetty remediation
u by Andy Bryenton
Mangawhai citizens have reached out to the Kaipara District Council to assist with funding the renovation and future-proofing of a beloved piece of seaside infrastructure.
The popular Back Bay jetty is in need of repair, and local residents have asked the Kaipara District Council to assist in making this possible, securing a vital access point between land and sea which is also a destination point for boardwalk users.
The Back Bay jetty sits on reserve land. It’s been used by thousands of locals and holidaymakers, and the new Mangawhai coastal boardwalk connects to it. Funds are sought to repair and maintain the structure. This includes protecting the pilings from marine worms, replacement of structural brackets, and the addition of a modern floating pontoon at its seaward end.
“We’ve come not because we own the jetty, but because it is a community asset. It is a public jetty, and it is in need of renovation,” said Mike Tolhurst, addressing KDC councillors.
Mr Tolhurst noted that maintaining the jetty was one of the points raised in the Mangawhai Coastal Area Reserves Management Plan, back in 2009, indicating the intent of a previous council administration to see the jetty preserved for public access.
Councillor Jepson raised the point of the jurisdiction of the Northland Regional Council over the jetty, as it sits at the shoreline. The Back Bay Residents Committee was confirmed to have contacted the NRC regarding resource consent in March this year.
Total Marine Services, with expertise in maritime construction and repair, made a site visit in late 2025 and provided options for a refurbishment to the jetty. The preferred option discussed, with the addition of a 6-metre-long and 2.4-metre-wide floating pontoon, would cost approximately $140,000. ¢
Three layers of support
u by Amy Fifita
Meeting generous donors with a gift, Cheryl Wagener has been baking cakes to auction off as a fundraiser for Starship Children’s Hospital.
Seeing first-hand the diligence of the staff and the difference the service makes to families, Cheryl has five charities she will be fundraising for in the next five years. Last month saw locals bidding for a cake each week, with funds going to the Starship Children’s Hospital.
“I wanted to give back because there are a lot of families who don’t have the support that we did. People are giving money for a great cause, but are also getting something in return,” said Cheryl.
“Most people are happy to give a donation, but it can be overwhelming when it is a weekly donation, and that is why this fundraiser focussed on people getting something out of it.”
Dargaville Primary School staff, Dargaville ITM, and three families were the winning bidders for three-layered cakes of various flavours.
Having finished the first project on the list, Ronald McDonald House, Northland Rescue Helicopter, Child Cancer Foundation and Make A Wish NZ are next in line. From the support given by the organisations, to the
support of the community for them, the fundraisers return the favour to the charities making a significant impact on people’s lives.
“I’m thinking about doing the Ronald McDonald House for the next one because if anyone needs to go to Starship, they will give you accommodation there. Compared to people paying for hotels — it is a huge savings cost.” ¢
HERE TO HELP.
p Construction of the Back Bay boardwalk; now the jetty crowning this coastal walk is in need of some attention
p One of five cakes given to top bidders to fundraise for the Starship Children’s Hospital, the M&M’s cake was a threelayered vanilla cake with different colours inside
Stars take the stage Funding safety at sea
u by Amy Fifita
From Aranga across to Tinopai, schools in the Northern Wairoa gathered at Te Kōpuru School for a celebration of culture and community at the Hui Ahurei o Matariki.
The day saw families and schools flock to the school to experience a day of togetherness, food and kapa haka. Each school brought their groups to showcase its passion for the culture.
“It was awesome, and the weather was perfect. People came to watch their children, and it was an awesome way for all the kura in the area to come together and celebrate not only Matariki but also our rohe, kura and tamariki,” said Hellen Ashby-Nathan.
Food and activities were on offer for visitors to the school, with fair favourites like toffee apples on sale. Sixteen schools performed on the day, including kindergarten, primary, intermediate and high school-age students.
hosted by Dargaville Intermediate last year. This year, it returned to Te Kōpuru School.
u by Paul Campbell
Coastguard North Kaipara is made up of community volunteers and local support, and fundraising is key to their guardianship on the water with a fun quiz night at the Northern Wairoa Boating Club on Saturday, July 27.
“The funds raised from the evening will go towards repairs needed to our boat trailer and ongoing costs of running the tractor and the ute, which aren’t covered by grants from Coastguard NZ,” says funding co-chair Sarolta Bernhardt.
“It was wonderful that the performance was top-notch. It was a well-organised programme with mainly primary and intermediate performances,” said spectator Doug Greenwood.
The Matariki festival, launched in 2024 in collaboration with Hellen, Curtis Gaylor and Anne Heappey, was
“I would like it to be shared with other schools if they want to pick it up in the following years. Any celebration that brings your community together is important. Matariki is a special time, not just to see our stars, but to remember our people who have passed on and to think about what we want for our future,” said Hellen. ¢
“Dinners are available at the club from 5pm and the quiz will start at 7pm. The price is $10 a person and team sizes are from two to six, with a great prize bag for each of the six members of the winning team.
“There will also be raffles, including one for two nights’ use of a Langs Beach Holiday home for up to eight people valued at $1,400, and another for a hamper of groceries. There will also be a couple of silent auctions running.
“With membership central to success, anyone wanting more information about possibly volunteering for a wet crew role and the training involved, please chat to one of our team. They should live within 35 minutes’ drive from the base at Tinopai,” says Sarolta.
“We have had a relatively quiet start to 2026 with a few jump starts and tows resulting from engine problems, and it is always great to be able to assist boaties to get home safely.
“Membership is well worthwhile. Even without call-outs, our crew are usually still out on the harbour at least once a week continuing to train our newer crew volunteers and maintaining the high safety standards of our qualified crew.” ¢
p The hosting school’s kapa haka group Te Kura o Te Kōpuru took to the stage in the afternoon to celebrate Matariki with their peers
p Coastguard North Kaipara base at Tinopai
Golf course seeks opportunities Northpower to meet consumers
u by Andy Bryenton
The Northern Wairoa Golf Club is looking to the future, with a major irrigation upgrade needed and a plan to rebrand and attract high-value golfing tourism.
“The challenge that we have got is that we have an ailing irrigation system,” said golf club spokespeople Phil Tebbutt and Bob Franklin, in an address to Kaipara District Council.
“Irrigation is extremely important for the greens and tees to ensure that we have allyear-round capability.”
A quote to replace the 50-year-old irrigation system has come in at approximately $550,000, though this may have been inflated in recent weeks due to the IranUS war pushing up the price of pipework. The total sum sought for the project is now $700,000.
“We’ve got a massive challenge in front of us and we’ve got to figure out how to do that. We’ve got to promote ourselves differently, and ensure that we attract people to this hidden gem, the Northern Wairoa Golf Club.”
The golf club’s advocates opine that despite being a scenic coastal course with all-round capability, many Kiwi golfers are unaware of its existence. A combination of irrigation and improved marketing could
unlock sporting and tourism prosperity, they said.
The club has undertaken a survey with members, and the majority 76% support a name change and rebranding to Baylys Beach Golf Club. This aligns with golf tourism, a stated aim of the KDC’s own economic development committee.
The club seeks council assistance to cover the financial cost of the upgrade, though this would be part of a broader co-funding model, and an approach to Lotteries grant authorities was also mentioned. A decision would need to be made this summer before work can begin in autumn 2027. ¢
u by Paul Campbell
The Northpower Electric Power Trust is holding its AGM on July 29, with its electricity consumers throughout Kaipara and Whangārei invited to attend the event, which will cover business performance throughout the 2025/2026 financial year.
“It’s a really good opportunity for locals to catch up with trustees and Northpower directors, executive officers and key staff,” says trust chair Phil Heatley. Northpower is owned by the trust on behalf of consumers connected to its electricity network in the Kaipara and Whangārei districts. Mr Heatley says it continues to be a leader in New Zealand’s electricity sector illustrated by the annual pricing discount, which totalled $16.8 million in May.
The $1 million increase marks the seventh consecutive year the discount has lifted and benefitted more than 60,000 active connections on the Northpower network. This ownership model has returned more than $300 million since 1993.
“When you consider how Northpower has grown over the decades and now has around 1,600 staff throughout Northland and other regions around the North Island, it is a real success story. Trustees take their roles very seriously in the work they do.”
Deputy chair Sheena McKenzie says trustees are constantly made aware by
members of the public just how much they appreciate all the work that front-line crews put into restoring power in times of storm outages — day and night.
“With that in mind, I would like to commend and thank all staff who play a part in the Northpower electricity network for their hard work and contributions made year-round,” she says.
The trust AGM will be held on July 29, from 1pm at the Northland Events Centre — Vikings Lounge, West End, Level 2, 51 Okara Drive, Whangārei. A light lunch will be served at 12.45pm. ¢
p The Northern Wairoa Golf Club may soon become the Baylys Beach Golf Club, and the leadership there seeks assistance to fund a major irrigation upgrade
p Northpower crews get praise
u by Andy Bryenton
Sand mining submission Gaining valuable experience
A written submission by the Bream Bay Guardians group, which opposes a fast-track application by sand mining company McCallum Brothers, has raised three important points for the expert panel who will decide the fate of the project.
Firstly, the group questioned whether the benefits of sand mining off Bream Bay outweigh the detriments.
‘At the heart of the fasttrack approvals regime is the requirement for a proposed project to deliver significant regional or national benefit,’ wrote the BBG in its submission.
‘BBG submits that when the alleged benefits of MBL’s application are properly considered against its adverse effects, the proper conclusion is that the application should be declined.’
The guardians group goes on to note that the sand mining proposal might contravene bans under the Fisheries Act 1996. The scallop fishery is currently closed, and a ban is also in place for the taking or possessing of spiny rock lobster.
‘It has been consistently interpreted widely by the courts that such fishing covers a broad range of activities that result in fish being taken, rather than solely activities with the specific purpose of catching fish.’ They say suction dredging could therefore ‘take’ these species and breach the bans.
Finally, the submission contains questions regarding conflicts with an existing resource consent to dredge in the same area.
‘MBL’s application fails to account for the potential movement and removal of sand by another consent holder,’ the guardians group stated. ‘Channel Infrastructure holds resource consents to operate within the same closed system as that in which MBL seeks consent to undertake its dredging operations.’
The fast-track panel will assess these and other questions, as well as evidence from the applicant in favour of sand mining, and make a decision later this year. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
Young participants in Dargaville High School’s work experience programme have come back from their tenure in the commercial world with new insights and inspiration.
The school operates a hospitality academy, and students who attend have spent time behind the counter at Good Life in Dargaville, getting a first-hand look at what it’s like to work in a busy and bustling business.
Alyrra, Ngaro and EmmaJean took up the challenge as part of the school’s gateway programme, with the kind support of Good Life proprietors Drew and Helen Wardle, who say they are in full support of the next generation of hospitality, dining and tourism leaders.
“The great thing about hospitality is not just that it spans a wide range of industries, but that work experience with these skills is very transferable to other roles. They are people skills,” says DHS gateway coordinator Jen Smith.
With ambitions to work in the lucrative tourism sector, or to approach hospitality from the angle of entrepreneurial innovation, the three students who took part in a placement with Good Life said
they learned how to talk to customers, to be confident, to connect with the public and how to adapt to the fast pace of one of the busiest eateries in west Kaipara. Good Life owner Drew was impressed with the knowledge and attitude the trio brought to the experience.
“These guys are a credit to their school. Any business in town should give young people a chance to see what the world of work and commerce is like. They are the people who will lead businesses in the future,” Drew said. ¢
p Sand mining protests at Ruakākā earlier this year
p Jen Smith, with Ngaro, Emma-Jean and Alyrra at Good Life, where proprietor Drew says the work experience students have surpassed expectations
Medical centre doctor speaks
u by Andy Bryenton
Dr Scott Davidson has spoken out on behalf of the Dargaville Medical Centre, to further clarify the situation for patients visiting health services at the Awakino Road campus.
“We know many people have been inaccurately advised about the recent changes at the Dargaville Hospital or Dargaville Health Hub, especially around overnight care. This has raised concerns and anxiety, which is completely understandable,” says Dr Davidson.
“It’s important to be clear about what things have looked like for some time. Most acute care in Dargaville has been provided by DMC (with a patient fee). Overnight, care has largely been nurseled at Dargaville Hospital, with telehealth doctor support, and patients who are more unwell have often needed transfer to Whangārei. Like many rural areas, both DMC and Dargaville Hospital face ongoing challenges with staff recruitment and retention.
“It also supports a more structured, collaborative approach between DMC and hospital services — improving patient flow, continuity of care, and helping create a more sustainable workforce over time.”
Davidson concluded with a message from himself and his team for all patients.
Health privatisation threats
We’re going down a very dark and disturbingly dangerous road. Behind the façade of fancy words from the government are rotten lies. This rightwing regime is introducing policies that I believe are, and will continue to adversely affect many Kiwis born here in Aotearoa. Eventually, only the very wealthy will be able to afford decent healthcare. I’ll give you two examples.
Just over a year ago, I was involved in a very traumatic incident where I was severely wounded. I ended up in hospital for three days with serious injuries. I told the doctor I didn’t want to leave because I was in no condition to do so. The doctor agreed. Yet that very same day, about an hour later, I was told I had to leave. Apparently, a doctor higher up had signed me off for discharge. Luckily for me, I had my sister in Whangārei that I could go to. Some people aren’t so fortunate.
given tax breaks to wealthy landlords, tobacco companies and others.
The second example happened only recently. My whanaunga, a whaea from Kaihū, was involved in a car accident at Ōmāmari Beach through no fault of her own. She ended up being airlifted to Whangārei Hospital. She suffered broken ribs on both sides, concussion, a spinal injury, and a badly injured leg. After several days, she was transferred to Dargaville Hospital, and only a few days later she was told she had to leave.
I rang her and asked, “Are you ready to leave, whaea?”
She said, “I don’t want to leave. I’m not ready to leave.”
I spoke to the hospital, and they told me a support worker would come for about three hours a day. My question was simple: what about the other 21 hours? You can tell what kind of country you live in by how it treats its poorest and most powerless people.
“The new Dargaville Health Hub model improves on this,” said Dr Davidson. “It provides expanded and more consistent in-person care in the evenings and on weekends, meaning more people can be seen locally rather than waiting or travelling.
“We are committed to helping make this system work as safely and effectively as possible with the resources we have, and we will continue to advocate strongly for improved services, while working in good faith with Health New Zealand. We care deeply about our community and will keep working to ensure Dargaville gets the care it needs.” ¢
This right-wing regime only has one focus: wealth. They introduce all these policies saying they’re going to improve Aotearoa and improve the lives of ordinary Kiwis. I believe those are complete and utter rotten lies. If they were serious about helping ordinary New Zealanders, they’d be taxing those who can best afford it. Instead, they’ve
In my opinion, this government is one of the most reprehensible I’ve seen in my 57 years of life. There have been other governments I strongly disagreed with, but this one is taking us down a path that I believe is deeply harmful.
Vote wisely.
Ngā mihi, Wero Te Kino
Dargaville
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p The Dargaville Medical Centre, part of the wider health hub site on Awakino Road
EDITORIAL by Andy Bryenton
Stars hold universal message
The time of the rising of the Matariki star cluster is here, and it’s now observed with a public holiday. The message of the season is one of reflection, thankfulness and planning for the future, which is a timely theme as this astronomical occasion coincides with the turning of the seasons and the start of a new year in the Māori calendar.
It’s curious to note that the stars of Matariki hold a similar significance for other cultures, too. They were venerated in ancient Greece as the Pleiades, the daughters of the titan Atlas who holds up the earth. Moreover, because one of the stars represented the mother of the messenger god Hermes, the rising of the Pleiades was a time to contact far-flung friends and family with good wishes.
In Japan the same stars are known as the Subaru (yes, the car maker borrowed this name) and their name means ‘unity and togetherness’. In olden times, the rise of this star cluster marked a new season on the Japanese agricultural calendar, just as it did for the ancestral farmers of New Zealand. The message of the Subaru was that together, people can reap a more bountiful harvest than they would alone.
Ancient Incan, Hawaiian and First Nations Australian peoples all used
the rising of this star cluster to mark their agricultural calendars. Far from diminishing the special importance of Matariki as a tradition born of Māori lore and wisdom, this reflection of shared values associated with the stars by many cultures across time and place reinforces some universal truths perceived through the legend of the season.
Matariki is a time to honour and farewell those who have passed on. It’s a time to celebrate the present with good food, good company, family and friendship. These are the most important things in life, and it’s good to remember this wisdom in a materialistic world of appearances and slickly marketed dopamine highs. It’s a time to consider the future, and plan to make it better for all those we care about.
If these sentiments, goals and aspirations resonate with qualities that other cultures have ascribed to a group of remarkable stars, then that suggests they are core to the human experience. Nevertheless, Matariki is uniquely ours, a New Zealand observation. That alone is reason to give thanks to those who originated this time for reflection, to celebrate our commonality of humanity, and to plan a future in which we all thrive. ¢
FINISH
Times Gone By
Ranganui-Huarau railway section opened
It is a happy omen that the official opening of the Ranganui-Huarau section of the North Auckland railway should synchronise with the assumption by Mr Coates of the administration of the Public Works Department. The activity of the department cannot always be judged by the mileage of railway completed in a given period because there is often an unavoidable carry-over of important sections from one financial year to another. Unfortunately the virtual stagnation of public works in New Zealand during the past few years is plainly evidenced by any test that may be applied. Since 1916 there has been a progressive decline in public works expenditure to 50 per cent, below the normal, and not since 1915 has there been a substantial addition to the working railways system.
New Zealand Herald, April 1 1920
Image credit: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
Check your sourcing
u by Liz Clark
With spring kicking in at the end of this winter, thoughts will turn toward outdoor living spaces, a plan to build that long-overdue deck and buying the furniture to match.
Most decks and outdoor furniture use H3 or H4-treated radiata pine. However, other timber can be used, including eucalyptus, macrocarpa and tropical hardwoods such as kwila, balau and, more rarely, Fijian kauri. Alternative timbers can be attractive and durable. Still, before you jump into the vehicle and go off to the local hardware store to get your timber or outdoor furniture made from tropical hardwood, consider where it came from first.
If your furniture retailer is responsible, the wood the products are made from will carry a sustainable forest certification label, especially in the case of outdoor furniture. While it’s a great idea to have attractive wood tables and chairs, check before you buy that a sustainable wood certification label comes with the product you want to purchase. If there isn’t a label on the product, then check with the retailer where it was originally sourced.
The same applies to decking timber. Always check with your local timber merchant where that particular tropical timber species has been sourced. All good timber retailers can provide advice and information on where their imported wood has been supplied from.
Tropical timber comes from regions such as Africa, Indonesia, South America and the Pacific Islands. Balau is a dense hardwood native to the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. Kwila is sourced from the Indonesian-ruled areas of New
Guinea. In recent times, issues have been raised regarding illegal logging surrounding this particular hardwood species.
Fijian kauri is considered a fast-growing timber species. Still, according to a study by the Vanuatu Environmental Science Society, this tropical tree is now under threat. There are legal and sustainable logging operations globally that comply with international conventions on sustainable timber production.
According to the Ministry of Primary Industries website, tropical hardwood timber has the highest chance of being illegally or unsustainably logged. You can also check if the retailer is a member of the New Zealand Imported Timber Trade Group. Its members are importers and retailers that aim to
only import and sell sustainable timber products. For more information about the importation of tropical timber, visit the MPI website at mpi.govt.nz/import/forestproducts/combatting-trade-of-illegallylogged-timber. ¢
8.00AM – 3.30PM WEDNESDAY 8.00AM – 2PM
Keep warm to keep dry
u by Andy Bryenton
Winter in New Zealand is usually not so much a matter of cold, biting chill, but of damp and persistent conditions, which can promote illness and mould through an excess of moisture.
Heating your home, whether by firewood, electricity or gas, is harder when the air is filled with moisture. Imagine the difference between getting warm while wearing a dry sweatshirt and wearing one that’s soaked through. The energy from your heat pump or fireplace has to heat the water molecules in the air to raise the temperature in the room, and it can be hard going. At the same time, warm and damp conditions are just the ticket for mould and fungus to take hold.
What’s the solution when Kiwi homes are often built more to a northern
hemisphere design than to fit our subtropical climate? The first step is to expel as much moisture as you can at the source. In winter, it’s not practical, safe or smart to have windows open day and night, so extractor fans in damp areas are your best bet. The bathroom and shower area comes first-equal with the kitchen when it comes to moisture output; both pump out steam with litres of moisture a day.
What’s worse is that modern homes are more weathertight than ever before. That is a good thing in many other ways but
trapped moist air can’t escape via ‘unintended ventilation’, a nice name for draughts, gaps and cracks. Before winter, clean out your kitchen rangehood and bathroom extractors. They may have built up dust, scurf, lint and grease during the year that’s affecting their operation. In some cases, replacing cracked or bent fans is a good idea, too. If you have no extractor in the kitchen or bathroom, contact a handyman or grab a kitset from your hardware store.
That leads to one of the biggest modern questions: will an in-ceiling ventilation system warm my home? The short answer is no, but the more complicated truth is that you’ll feel warmer if your ceiling cavity contains dry air. Most of these systems take dry air from in the roof, where there’s no respiration, cooking or cleaning being done, and bring it into the home to stop window condensation and mould. The added bonus is that low-moisture air heats
up more easily. Of course, it depends on your ceiling and your roof. A roof getting lots of sun, fitted with tar paper and insulation, will be a good source of drier air. A roof cavity connected via wall gaps to a damp undercroft and foundations will be of little use.
As a general rule, systems in the roof and extractors at the source beat chemical mould absorbers and electric dehumidifiers, hands down. If you have to use these products, consulting with an HVAC professional about how to stop the issue is a must. ¢
p Stop damp conditions at the source to tackle mould, cold and damp this winter
Supply chains shifting Alarms and fireplaces
u by Andy Bryenton
They say that what goes up must come down, but this gravitational truth is far more simple in physics than it is when discussing disrupted supply chains.
There’s good news for those who have been postponing a build or renovation due to the tremors which propagated through the global economy due to the Iran-US conflict. As ships tentatively ply the contentious Straits of Hormuz, there’s relief at the pump for diesel drivers; a 6.9 per cent drop from the worrying prices experienced in April.
Late June prices had stabilised slightly, to a level which took some of the strain off the diesel-reliant trades and construction fleet, including utes, excavators and heavy transport trucks. However, while Brent Crude Oil prices (a bellwether for oil markets) were down to US $70 a barrel at the time of print, the lowest price since February, fuel is still running high thanks to a lag in the metaphorical pipeline.
Things are looking good for further drops, and that favours a springtime build, with planning advised right now.
There is other news in the supply chain story, too; a shortage of PVC pipes, which are made from oil-dependent plastics,
could see new technologies develop to fill the niche. Plumbers have found that the cost of sourcing pipes has exploded in 2026, with the Iran-US war cited as the major cause.
However, this crisis has been seen as an opportunity for the makers of alternative piping, including printed pipes and recycled plastic options. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
Demand for fireplaces is on the rise this winter, but a change to building rules means that those seeking the warmth of an indoor fire now also need to provide modern, interlinked alarms.
It’s long been a condition of many home and contents insurance policies that smoke detecting alarms are fitted in homes with a fireplace, and that regular chimney sweeping and maintenance is undertaken to ensure that it’s safe to light a warming blaze in the hearth.
However, changes to the building code now mean that new fireplace installations, including those replacing an old or inefficient firebox with a new, modern design, trigger a clause that demands a more comprehensive smoke alarm network.
The good news is that these photoelectric alarms, equipped with sealed, 10-year battery packs, often come in convenient boxed sets, with a controller to mount centrally to the wall alongside amenities such as air conditioning and ventilation controls and burglar alarms. Those that don’t use a battery must be hard-wired by a qualified electrician. Modern alarms are connected, so that the triggering of
one sets off the whole chain, alerting the entire household to danger. They should be placed in bedrooms and living spaces, with a heat-sensing alarm for kitchens. Firefighters suggest not waiting for a new fire install to get a new level of fire protection for your home. Call your local electrician or talk to a fireplace installing specialist to learn more about easy-touse, reliable, modern smoke and heat alarms soon, and enjoy peace of mind this winter. ¢
p Diesel prices, and hence building costs, are dropping as a tentative reopening of shipping lanes near Iran takes hold
p New rules mean that a new fireplace must come with modern smoke and heat alarms House and Land Package Knockdown and Rebuild
Stonewood Homes Whangarei
Lower Tarewa Road
A royal flush
u by Amy Fifita
Humourously called the throne, some people have taken the colloquial term literally and have gold toilets in their establishments or homes.
While most of society is more bothered about the function of the humble toilet, some people have taken luxurious living to new heights by installing a gold toilet in
their throne rooms. Moreover, while some exist as an artistic pot shot at wealth and consumerism, some are intended for prestige and power.
Luxurious bathrooms have been around for centuries, but some say that gold toilets are more of a modern trend. Some high-end hotels offer gold toilets, whereas others are placed in museums for guests to marvel at and use. While the wealthy enjoy the luxury and status of their opulent ablutions, some turn it into bathroom humour, showing the absurdity of it.
One such lavish lavatory is located in Hong Kong. Made by jeweller Lam Sai-wing, the loo is solid 24-carat gold; its prominence extends beyond the toilet bowl. The tiles, door and sink are also solid gold, and visitors have to wear plastic coverings on their shoes to enter. The jeweller was inspired by Vladimir Lenin, who envisioned using surplus gold to build public toilets, making fun of capitalist greed and waste.
Knowing the toilet is simply a place to sit your bottom, another artist, Maurizio Cattelan, made a functional toilet sculpture. Named America, the 103-kilogram, 18-carat solidgold loo sat at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire on loan from Solomon R Guggenheim. It was stolen in 2019, with the culprits convicted last year. A second casting of the gold toilet was sold beyond its bullion value in 2025.
Whether made for satire or luxury, gold toilets exist as a reminder that everybody poops, whether they are in the higher echelons of society or your everyday down-to-earth person.
p The Guggenheim Museum displayed America by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan in 2017, before its disappearance from Blenheim Palace in 2019
A dog’s tail …
Let tha footy begin ina woolshed
“Well Dog, that was a bit blimmin’ scrappy an’ a bit ofa scare, too, but the first footy for the ABs against tha Frenchies is done and there Boss, Mr Renny, must be hopin’ his boys can do better nek time.”
Gidday readas, that was my Boss afta we hada knees up barbie ana footy night ina woolshed, ana new wideskeen TV, Boss an’ his gerfren’ just got, an’ hada bunch of there mates over for tha game Me, o’ course, loves tha footy but tell yer wot, Boss had sum pork sossiges ona barbie an’ some made them my way wile they was busy watching the big screen. Anyway Sharlene had her lappytop, and nek day she read sum comments in her skoolteecher voice:
“The All Blacks attack must improve from their scratchy beginnings with that 34–32 victory against France in Christchurch, but the passing speed and confidence they showed means there should be a return to the old victory days.”
Boss reckined that mite be rite but he reckined that the Roostas were a bit below par on players. “We gotta bit ova road to hoe with the games still ter come.” Sharlene agreed an’ tole Boss she wood keep a list for alla games wen we cood have footy TV nites, an’ read sum more: “The Nations Championship will
see All Blacks play Italy on Friday, July 10, in Wellington, and Ireland on July 18 at Eden Park. In November they are off to play the likes of England and Wales and northern teams.”
Boss hada think about that. “The blokes should be on top form by then Deah, an’ I tell yer wot, it’d be good ter have sumthing decent ter watch ’stead of tha blimmin’ ’lections, ’cos we already gettin’ bored wiv all poltikin’ goin’ on, an’ all experts tellin’ us who gonna get votes an’ who isint.”
Sharlen pored more cuppatees ’cos we was ona woolshed steps smoko wile they was talkin’ and she dropped a pikelit on me nose, too. It didn’t stay there fora split seckind tho’. Then she agreed wiva Boss. “Woodint it be nice Deah, if we cood go back to tha good old days wen we hada National party of farmers ana Labour party of townies. We hada clear pictcha of who is who, an’ wot is wot. Now we got Greenies, an’ First and Act, an’ that Tea Party ana new one, too, the Top party gummin’ up tha works. Too much
IN THE PEOPLE BEHIND YOUR FARM
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blimmin’ confusin’. We only got five million peeple ter wurry about. Two choices is plenty.”
Boss agreed. “Yes Deah, an’ it’s hard ter keep up wiv promises eh? Wot one lot says, tha nek thing one ofa other lot sez something ona same lines. Like ya say, we got a bit over five million people. Yer no that is less than they got in Sydney but we got more pollys an’ polly parties than yer kin poke a stick at.”
Well readas, pokin’ sticks sounds a bit strange ter me. I gonna leeve them to it. Late night footy, so time fer a nap in me kennil. More footy commin’ soon.
Cheers — Billy ¢
Steam ploughs weave with iron
u by Andy Bryenton
In modern times, a ‘shuttle’ means a van which zips through traffic faster than a bus, or perhaps a spaceship able to launch and land over and over again, but in the past it meant something very different.
In 1863 steam was king, and a growing population in Europe looked to innovation and engineering to boost farm production and feed the masses. John Fowler of Leeds had already founded a company making traction engines, powerful steamdriven machines not tied to the rails like a locomotive, but they had a big problem when it came to agriculture.
A traction engine could not plough a field in muddy conditions, because it weighed almost as much as a railway locomotive. Compaction of the soil is a
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huge issue for modern tractor makers, which can utilise treads and tracks, composite materials and advanced tyres to offset the weight of big agricultural machines. John had to contend with unshod wheels and tonnes of red-hot iron.
Nevertheless, Fowler had witnessed the Irish potato famine first-hand, and reasoned that better soil drainage and improved efficiency could save lives. The answer was in the name of the factory he set up; the Steam Plough Works. There, the concept of the shuttle was redefined.
The shuttle John Fowler knew of was used in weaving, and especially in the textile industry that had boomed in tandem with the industrial revolution. A shuttle passes back and forth across a loom to weave thread into fabric, and John saw a way to plough fields without his powerful but heavy machines ever getting their wheels stuck.
His idea was to position a traction engine on each side of a large field, then attach a cable drum sideways under both machines. This looked like the winch on a modern off-road truck, and as the cable was reeled in on one traction engine, it reeled out on the other. Halfway down the sturdy cable was a double-ended plough, which could be tipped back and forth.
STEVE WOOD CONTRACTING
a revolutionary idea for its time, and Fowler’s company went on to manufacture more than 2,100 cable plough systems,
p A Fowler road locomotive of the kind adapted for shuttle plough use in the Victorian era
To plough a furrow, the blades were reeled in by the immense torque of the steam engine on one side of the field, then reversed and pulled back horse could plough only one or two. It was
Minister promises ‘simpler’ RMA replacement
u by Andy Bryenton
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has used his speech at the Primary Industries New Zealand Summit to announce an end to the ‘war
farming’, speaking of the replacement to the RMA as the tonic to an “ever-growing regulatory burden”.
Mr McClay was a keynote speaker at the event, which was held in Auckland on June 23 and 24, bringing together primary producers to consider a year of change and opportunity. His speech touched on the highs of 2026, including record forecasts in dairy, projected at $28.6 billion, meat and wool, $14.1 billion, and horticulture — $9.5 billion.
“This government’s vision is clear: to position New Zealand as a worldleading, high-value producer of premium, sustainable food and fibre. We are on track to double the value of our exports within a decade, and the latest forecasts show we are ahead of schedule. By 2030, we are looking at primary exports exceeding $70 billion,” said Mr McClay.
He then took aim at the perceived regulatory overreach which he and his party opine has set back the achievement of that $70 billion goal, saying that “the sector faced an ever-growing regulatory burden that eroded certainty and increased compliance costs.”
Mr McClay told delegates that the replacement to the RMA “will deliver simpler, more predictable consenting, fewer prescriptive rules, and clearer national direction.
“This is not about removing environmental standards. It is about making them workable and practical so that farmers can focus on production while delivering genuine environmental outcomes.
Improved environmental performance is a must — but it can and should be achieved without imposing unnecessary and excessive costs on the primary sector,” he said.
Farmers will be keen to hold the coalition to these benchmarks for the new resource management framework. There’s also the matter of the New Zealand-India free trade agreement, which has garnered criticism from some senior parliamentarians, Mr McClay promoted in his address as a major breakthrough for primary producers.
“This landmark deal opens the door to a market of 1.4 billion people and provides tariff reductions or elimination on 95 per cent of our current exports to India.”
“The principle is straightforward,” he said. “If you can demonstrate the same or an improved environmental and climate footprint, you should have the freedom to choose what you use your land for. With one exception: I have banned the conversion of productive land to pine trees for carbon farming.” ¢
Mr McClay’s final point was on landuse flexibility, which touches on issues of resource management, and getting more revenue each hectare.
p Todd McClay spoke at the Primary Industries New Zealand Summit last week
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July
Kumarani — Free Circus Holiday programmes for 8–18yrs (keen 6–7yr olds can join too!) Dargaville, Tue 7 July and Wed 8 July at Selwyn Park School. 10am–2pm. Paparoa, Wed 15 July at Paparoa Memorial Hall. Sign up at www.circuskumarani.co.nz/holiday-program.
Tiakina Te Kaitiaki Caring for Carers — Tue 7 July 10am–2pm. Westy is here to help support you while you care for your loved ones. Drop into Heartland Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria St. 021 245 3765.
Tunatahi Matariki Festival — Fri 10th July @ Dargaville High School, 10am–3pm. Zero Waste, Alcohol and Smoke Free. The Wellbeing of One, The Wellbeing of All. Email vera.r@xtra.co.nz.
Sewing & Upcycling Workshop — Sat 11 July 10am–noon, Dargaville Sewing Centre, 51 Normanby Street. Sustainable Kaipara.
Winter Ceilidh Fundraiser — Sat 11 July at 23 Onslow Street, 5.30–9pm. Fundraiser for 1st Dargaville Scouts. Family Friendly. Adults $10, Children $2, Family Pass (2 adults, 3 children) $20. Fundraising Dinner: Delicious Nachos $10, Sausages $3, Gluten free and vegetarian options available. For more info ask Beth on 021 056 0573.
Kia Roha — Tue 14 July 9am–1.30pm. Free hearing checks and subsidized equipment options. Meet lovely Dani from Your Way Kia Roha. Held at Heartland Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria St. Essential First Aid Training — 15 July, 9am–4.30pm, Dargaville Museum. Bookings essential register at volunteeringnorthland.nz/events. $60 per person. Phone 0800 865 268.
Whare Awhina Community Law — Wed 15 July 10am–1pm. Free legal advice clinic. Drop into Heartland Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria St for more information. Bookings essential 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765.
Craft Market — Friday 17th July, 5pm–7pm. Empire Luncheonette, Hokianga Rd. New, homemade and upcycled crafts for sale. Stalls available. Contact Yvette for more details 021 0810 3848.
Southern FRC Fundraiser Night! — Friday 17 July. Free Community Dinner 6pm.
Matakohe Community Potluck Dinner — Saturday 18th July, 5.30pm. All welcome.
ACC Te Ara Tuhono — Mon 20 July 10am–2pm. Te Ara Tuhono are here to help you process your claim and support you through the process. Heartland Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria St. 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765.
Markets
Monthly Market — 1st Saturday of each month, 8am–noon at the Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road (opposite the Town Hall).
Paparoa Farmers’ Market — Saturdays 9am–noon. Genuine local produce, vegetables, seafood, olive oils, meats, patisserie, plants and more. Village Green, Paparoa.
Te Kopuru Market — 2nd Saturday of each month, 9am–noon at Coronation Hall. Stall holders ring Rachel on 021 133 7560.
Clubs/Organisations
1st Dargaville Girls’ Brigade — Register online now for after school. Terms 2 & 3, Thursdays from 3pm–5pm. Girls aged 5–18. Contact 021 263 7446. 57 Squadron (Dargaville) Air Training Corps — Mondays 6pm–8pm at the Dargaville Aero Club. For boys and girls 13–18 years. Gordon 021 262 0547. Alcoholics Anonymous — Dargaville meetings, Lighthouse Church, cnr Parore St and Normanby St, Monday 4.30pm & Anglican Church hall, 58 Hokianga Rd, Thursday 7.30pm. Top of drive, parking available. More help 0800 229 6757. Alzheimer’s ‘Carer’ Support Group — Contact Maxine on 022 691 6068.
AMRAP Boxfit — Saturdays 7am–8am @ Selwyn Park School Hall. $10. If you have your own gloves and wraps please bring them with you. Ph: 022 424 6685, email: amrapboxing@gmail.com.
Blind Low Vision Support Group — 10.30am last Monday of month, alternatively at Dargaville and Ruawai. Noelene 09 439 0033 for more info.
Chess Club — Wednesdays 6.30pm Dargaville, gold coin donation. Phone Stephen 09 439 8819.
Circus Kumarani All Ages Circus Class — Learn some circus, casual or full term. 15 Onslow St, Dargaville, Tuesdays 3.30–4.30pm; and Paparoa Memorial Hall, Thursdays 4–5pm. www.circuskumarani.co.nz/classes. Check out the School Holiday programmes. Free trials. Citizens Advice Bureau — Dargaville & districts now at Parenga Street (between the Menz Shed and My Accountants).
Dancing Kaiwaka — Wed mornings from 9.30am. Keep fit mentally and physically, great crowd, morning tea, first 2 sessions free. Wear soft shoes, nothing else required. Bevan Lawrence 027 617 652.
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 09 439 5509.
Dargaville Brain Injury Support Group — 2nd Thursday of month. Northern Wairoa Hotel dining room foyer. 10am–2pm.
Dargaville Club — Wednesdays and Fridays from 5pm, 55 Victoria Street. Jam Night every 2nd Friday, starts 5.30pm. Members and guests welcome.
Dargaville Contract Bridge Club — Tuesdays 12.45pm, 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 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 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 Man Up — Mondays 6.30pm at Te Arohanui Hall, Victoria St. David 021 0849 3670.
Dargaville Mediaeval 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 — Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am–3pm, Saturday 10am–noon. For more info phone Paul 027 459 3098 or Brian 09 439 6175.
Dargaville Museum — Open 7 days, 9am–4pm Apr–Oct, 9am–5pm Oct–Apr. 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.
THE KAIPARA LIFESTYLER IS PUBLISHED WITH PRIDE BY RURAL MATTERS LTD, A PRIVATELY OWNED KAIPARA COMPANY.
Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 Email: info@rml.nz
Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville
Editor: Andy Bryenton
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@rml.nz
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Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME Website: kaiparalifestyler.co.nz
Dargaville Yoga — Yoga for every Bodhi at the Pono lodge. Tuesdays 9.30am. Thursdays 6pm. Mats available, everyone welcome. Find us on Facebook @ stretchyourbodhi. Diane 027 371 5274. Closed during school holidays.
Grow and Grow — Mondays 9.30am–12pm. Maungaturoto Country Club. Part of the Edible Village Project. Plant, sow, weed and grow together. Josie Gritten 021 234 0519.
Hikuwai O Kaipara Waka Ama Club — NW Boating Club, 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 — Thursdays 12–1pm at Whanau Focus Office, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville. Come and have your important documents verified or copied, free of charge. Call 021 245 3765 or 09 439 7009.
Kaihu Valley Music Club — 3rd Sunday of month, Kaihu Hall, Woods Road. 1pm–4pm. John or May 09 439 0827.
Kaipara Cycling — Thursdays 3.45pm–5.30pm Junior Mountainbike Coaching, Sadie 022 453 4475. Friday
Ride-day 10am–noon. Social ride on road and gravel roads. E-bike and analogue welcome. Karen 021 0226 4001. Riding from Dargaville.
Kaipara Grey Power — 3rd Friday of month, February–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.
Kaipara Bootscooters (beginner line dancing classes) — Mondays 5.30pm–7.30pm, Thursdays 10am–noon. First hour is beginner and second hour is higher beginner. Dalmation Hall, Normanby St, Dargaville. Donna 021 729 955.
Lions Club of Ruawai — 3rd Thursday of month (social) and 1st Thursday of 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 month in winter. Centennial Hall, Maungaturoto. Other months visit gardens in the area. $15 to join, first 3 visits free. Gloria 021 100 8153.
Maungaturoto Edible Village Project — 4th Sunday of the month. Maungaturoto Centennial Hall. 1 hour planning/inspiration meeting followed by 1 hour gardening. 4pm–6pm Josie Gritten 021 234 0519. Maungaturoto High Tea — 1st Saturday of the month. Good food and company with a dash of fun. Book with Kirsten 021 180 7321.
Northern Wairoa Country Music Club — 1st Sunday of month at the Scout Hall, 23 Onslow Street 1–4pm. Kathleen 021 077 7697.
Northern Wairoa Genealogy Society — Trace your family history at Dargaville Museum, 2nd and 4th Sundays of month, 12.30–2pm and at other times by appointments. Phone Sue 021 608 606.
Northern Wairoa Golf Club — Twilight Golf every Thursday. Tee off 4–6pm.
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 month. Contact Margaret Pinny 09 439 4560. Paparoa Box Fit — $10. Stretching/cardio/boxing. Paparoa Memorial Hall, Wednesdays 6–7pm. Paparoa Dance to Music — $5. Stretching/balance/ resistance bands/Zumba, Paparoa Memorial Hall, Tuesdays 10.30–11.30am.
Paparoa Kids Fun Class — Fridays 3–4pm, Paparoa Memorial Hall, $5. Learning/music/dodge ball/limbo. Parkinson’s Support Group — Saturdays 8am–9am @ Selwyn Park School Hall. Counterpunch Boxing $5. Ph 022 424 6685 email: amrapboxing@gmail.com. Peggy Purls in our Community — Every 3rd Wednesday 10.30am at Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre, 59 Normanby St. Charlene 09 439 6120.
Petanque — social play. Mondays 9.15–11.30, $2, 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 — Tuesdays 6.30pm–7.30pm at Northern Wairoa Boating Club $5pp. Text Kirsty 021 0818 7902 for more info.
Rotary Club of Dargaville — Wednesdays, 11.30am–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 month, Feb–Nov at the Ruawai Bowling Club, 10am start. Merle 09 439 2335.
Scottish Country Dancing Kaiwaka — Memorial Hall beginning 9.30am Wed 28th January. Great fun, great group, any age, no partner required, bring a friend, morning tea provided, first two weeks are free. Do try it. Phone Elaine 027 432 0032.
Stepping Out Leisure Marching Team — Tuesdays 4pm–5pm, Dargaville Dalmatian Hall, 20 Normanby St. 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, Sarah 021 772 822. Tuesdays: Yoga 6pm, Sharon 021 981 135, $15 per session. Wednesdays: Indoor Bowls (fortnightly in summer, weekly in winter) 6pm, Mel 021 772 822; Squash, Donna 021 761 022; Exercise Room, Mel 021 772 822. We ask participants are a Complex Member. For Pickleball and Bowls it’s a gold coin donation. Te Kopuru Community Library — Wed 10am–noon and Sun 3pm–4pm. Access through St Peters Hall. 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 — Wednesdays 10am. Variety of crafts. The Kiosk at Memorial Park. All welcome. $10 per session. Contact Judy 027 316 3940.
WED 8 3:42am (3.0m) 10:00am (0.8m) 4:14pm (2.9m) 10:22pm (0.9m) THU 9 4:38am (3.0m) 10:57am (0.8m) 5:16pm (2.9m) 11:28pm (1.0m) FRI 10 5:43am (2.9m) 12:02pm (0.8m) 6:26pm (2.9m) SAT 11 12:39am (0.9m) 6:52am (3.0m) 1:10pm (0.8m) 7:37pm (3.0m)
12 1:50am (0.8m) 8:01am (3.0m) 2:18pm (0.7m) 8:42pm
9:18pm (0.9m) SAT 11 3:34am (2.5m) 9:47am (0.6m) 4:17pm (2.4m) 10:21pm (0.8m) SUN 12 4:37am (2.5m) 10:49am (0.5m) 5:21pm (2.6m) 11:22pm (0.7m) MON 13 5:40am (2.5m) 11:50am (0.4m) 6:21pm (2.6m)
TUE 14 12:22am (0.6m) 6:43am (2.6m) 12:48pm (0.3m) 7:17pm (2.7m)
PUZZLE TIME
65 Language (6)
66 Talented (6)
67 Speed (9)
72 Fought strenuously (9)
73 Unwanted garden plants (5)
74 Enlisted person (7)
79 Developing into (8)
80 Demolition (11)
81 Fixed gaze (5)
82 Waned (5)
83 Tingling sensation (4,3,7)
84 Revolution (5)
DOWN
(6)
Provide food (5) 32 Fitful (8)
34 System of belief (10)
38 Grave in disposition (7) 39 Capital of the Czech Republic (6) 40 Elaborately decorated (6)
41 Accurate (4)
42 Word puzzle (7)
45 Tracking dog (10)
2 Secret (6)
3 Gains by work (5)
5 Female relative (4)
6 Melodious (7)
7 Non-transparent (6)
8 Close (4)
9 Ability to pay all debts (8)
10 Set on fire (6)
11 Active hostility (10)
12 Haul along (4)
13 Tall tapering stone pillar (7)
17 Miniature (5)
18 Rang (10)
22 North African country (5)
29 Musically, in slow time (6)
30 Thrilled (6)
33 Agrarian (5)
35 Surrender (5)
36 Wind instrument (4)
37 Bean curd (4)
42 Throbbed painfully (5)
43 Obvious (8)
44 Boundary line (6)
45 Origins (10)
46 Stock food grain (4)
47 Removed from office (7)
48 Proprietors (6)
49 Poor (5)
51 Space (4)
52 Presaging ill-fortune (7)
53 Wears away (6)
58 Used to (10)
59 Light meal (5)
63 And the rest (8)
64 Messenger (5)
65 Sewer’s protection (7)
68 Modernised (7)
69 Root vegetable (6)
70 Reprimand sharply (6)
50 Slavered (7) 54 Exaggerated sales promotion (4) 55 Sudden shock (6) 56 Wrote (6)
78 Gown (4) Jumbo crossword
71 Motor fuel (6)
75 Simple song (5)
76 Wound crust (4)
77 Horse farm (4)
57 Assistant flier (2-5)
60 Instructions for getting there (10)
61 Going off course (8) 62 Managed (5)
23 Army rank below sergeant (8)
25 Opportunity (7)
26 Play by Shakespeare (7)
28 Large cave (6)
ACROSS: 1 Savings, 4 Adolescent, 9 Rescued, 13 Edge, 14 Emerge, 15 Canyon, 16 Sharpen, 19 Fulfilling, 20 Relieved, 21 Hoops, 24 Cynics, 25 Errant, 27 Graduated, 32 Heighten, 33 Humour, 34 Density, 38 Aperitif, 39 Cloned, 40 Item, 41 Today, 42 Resin, 45 Give a wide berth, 52 Elves, 55 Upset, 56 Fist, 57 Orange, 58 Imbecile, 61 Bollard, 62 Guilty, 63 Insignia, 66 Possessed, 68 Cheers, 69 Anchor, 73 Shots, 74 Punctual, 76 Pianissimo, 81 Cobbler, 82 Larder, 83 Eiffel, 84 Band, 85 Depress, 86 Undertaker, 87 Launder. DOWN: 1 Shelf, 2 Vigilant, 3 Sample, 4 Apron, 5 Owes, 6 Excerpt, 7 Candle, 8 Noose, 10 Echo, 11 Corrode, 12 Exempt, 17 Discretion, 18 Leads, 22 Magnolia, 23 Fated, 24 Centaur, 26 Rota, 28 Reunite, 29 Ogling, 30 Smudge, 31 Strafe, 33 Hanoi, 35 Spoil, 36 Pews, 37 Melt, 43 Employ, 44 Ideal, 46 Iris, 47 Extrude, 48 Wholly, 49 Diary, 50 Bagpipes, 51 Homage, 52 Eyewitness, 53 Vain, 54 Sleeper, 59 Cross, 60 User, 64 Issue, 65 Thailand, 67 October, 68 Culprit, 70 Throne, 71 Cuddle, 72 Unwell, 75 Chain, 77 Infer, 78 Order, 79 Mess, 80 Teak. 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
CHURCH NOTICES
DARGAVILLE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE, 4 Grey Street. Church service on every Sunday at 3pm. Bible study/prayer Wednesday from 4.30pm–7pm, call Moses 021 248 8910. Support group: Celebrate Recovery from all addictions. Friday 5.30pm–8pm, call Gary 021 174 8737.
FENCING
FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458.
FOR HIRE
WOOD SPLITTER diesel powered, very economical. Phone 021 228 2685.
FIREWOOD FOR SALE
FIREWOOD — dry hot mix $120/m³, delivered free to Dargaville & surrounding areas. Phone or TXT Henry 021 734 906.
FOR RENT
3 BEDROOM house (+ if required, sleepout/4th bedroom by negotiation), large double garage. Redhill Road, close to Glinks Gully. $520 per week. 4 weeks bond & 1 week rent in advance. References required. Enquiries to rentalredhill@gmail.com.
CLOSE TO Town three bedroom house, two bathrooms, two toilets, two heat pumps with double internal garage. References required. Four weeks bond. $550 per week. Phone 027 249 7527.
TWO BEDROOM unit fully furnished, two people only, no pets. Must have full time jobs. Phone 027 726 2839.
LIVESTOCK
THREE YEARLING Bull calves for sale – 13 months old, good cows. Phone Max 027 425 7881.
GOT2GO PLANTS - Shrubs, tress, shelter and hedging ready now from $1. Protea leucospermums only $15. Lamandra tamika just arrived special $5. Lamandra little con. 30 x .30 special $5. Got2Go Plants, 55 West Coast Road, open 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday. EFTPOS available. Phone 09 439 5556 or 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
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.
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
KAIPARA SEPTIC Services – Commercial and Domestic Septic Tank cleaning. Fully compliant with Kaipara and Whangarei Councils. Prompt, Professional service. Phone 027 246 8791.
MAGIC PROPERTY Services Ltd. SEPTIC TANK CLEANING. UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S POO LATE! PH: 021 290 0442.
TRADES & SERVICES
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. PLYWOOD 7MM Untreated $29, 20+ $26.10 or Pack(75) $23. Scooters Plywood & Joinery
CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09 439 6933
SITUATIONS VACANT
POSITION AVAILABLE on 900-cow dairy farm in Ruawai. Excellent facilities including a 60-bale rotary cowshed milking once a day. Experience required. Possibly a single person or couple. Would consider a permanent relief milker and a part-time position for a couple. Freshly renovated 2-bedroom Portacom. Phone 021 049 0695 or 021 2166 833.
Closing date for classified advertising for the July 14 2026 edition is Monday, July 13 2026 Dairy farm Position Fixed term.
PUBLIC NOTICES
CERTIFIED WEDDING Celebrant “Ngaa Ringa Mahana” (Warm Hands). For all enquiries, call Connie NoperaPaniora. Phone 027 335 4768 ngaaringamahana@ gmail.com.
Dargaville Dalmatian Cultural Club Sunday 19th July 6:00pm at the club rooms. All welcome.
13 km from Dargaville.
027 439 5302
PUBLIC NOTICES
COMMUNITY SERVICES 153-155 Hurndall St,
BUSINESS FOR SALE
Business for sale
BDO Auckland has been appointed
Team
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
Matatina Marae Reservation
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting for Matatina Marae will be held as follows:
Date: Sunday 2nd August 2026
Time: 10:00AM
Venue: Matatina Marae, Nathan’s Road, Waipoua Forest, Te Tai Tokerau
AGENDA:
1. Karakia / Mihimihi
2. Apologies
3. Quorum check
4. Confirmation of the previous AGM Minutes
5. Chairperson and Trustees’ Report: Matters undertaken in the previous 12 months
6. Financial accounts for 2025
7. Special Business: Confirmation of new trustee nominations; Approval of proposed Charter amendments;
8. Future Proposals & Planning for the next 12 months
9. General Business / Other matters
10. Karakia Whakamutunga
Pursuant to the Māori Reservations Regulations 1994, all beneficiaries of the hapū/iwi are welcome to attend.
Copies of the Chairperson and Trustee reports, Financial account 2025 will be available by emailing matatinamarae@gmail.com.
Check the Matatina Whānau private FaceBook group for further updates. Nau mai, haere mai. Matatina Marae Trustees
New colours. Same crew. Same care. Same commitment to Northland.
From July 1, you may notice a different coloured helicopter in our skies
You’ll see more of our new red and yellow AW169 rescue helicopters join the fleet, before our long-serving white Sikorsky S-76s are retired after decades of service to our Northland communities.
We’re also welcoming Westpac to the Northern Rescue whānau They join principal sponsors Northpower and Top Energy alongside Northland Regional Council and Oxford Sports Trust and our family of loyal sponsors
We’ll be known as the Northland Westpac Rescue Helicopters, proudly community owned and locally
operated by Northern Rescue Formed in 2019 through a partnership between the Northland Emergency Services Trust and the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, Northern Rescue brings together more than 90 years of combined rescue helicopter experience
Proudly operating both the Northland Westpac Rescue Helicopters and Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters, we continue a legacy of life-saving air ambulance service built over decades
However; while the helicopters may look different, what matters most has not changed The same highly trained pilots The same critical care paramedics The same trusted air crew The same 24/7 commitment to saving lives 365 days a year
Same at heart.
Pictured: Steve Couchman