Rearing to go
and family-friendly event.
Craig Jepson will not seek second mayoral term
u by Andy Bryenton
Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson has today announced he will not seek re-election for the mayoralty in the upcoming October 2025 local government elections.
Mr Jepson said the decision was not made lightly. He told the Kaipara Lifestyler that he is proud of what has been achieved during his current threeyear term and is confident the district is now positioned for significant progress.
“When I stood for mayor in 2022, I committed to instigating the necessary changes that would set Kaipara on the right path. I believe I have honoured that commitment,” said Mayor Jepson.
“Key milestones this term have included keeping rates under nine per cent, which has been a remarkable achievement with our small rating base, especially during a time of national economic strain.
“While the national average rates increase across the country reached 15 per cent, we have stayed focussed and disciplined. This is despite major challenges such as Cyclone Gabrielle, and the Mangawhai rain and tornado events.”
Mayor Jepson also said that he was proud of his commitment to equality for all citizens and the removal of race-based representation as a key principle during his leadership, a policy which brought his opinions and actions to national prominence in the news media.
“My position has always been to treat all residents of Kaipara equally. Removing continued on page 3 …
Kaipara competed in the Northern Wairoa Cross Country hosted by Te Kōpuru School last Thursday
Farm. Deandra, Moehau, Legacey, Breez, Summer, Gemma and Marelie ran in the 11-year-old girls’ race and were supported by the cheers of teachers, parents and students. Everyone celebrated the athletic ability of the runners, and other contestants waited eagerly at the finishing line with hands
those about to end their races. Te Kōpuru School also sold sweet treats to participants on the overcast and windy day for an overall fun
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Aiming high for charity
Become a councillor
Candidacy announced
p Dargaville firefighters Jayten Tairua, Glenn Rawhiti, Anthony Mager, Donna Powell, Jessica Curel, Jarryd Booth, Jeff Cleary and Rachael Walkinshaw
Election called for drainage board Craig Jepson will not seek second mayoral term
race-based wards was an important and principled part of that stance,” he said.
Also cited by the mayor on his list of achievements was the promotion of enterprise, business and growth for Kaipara.
As he announced his decision to change the nature of the forthcoming mayoral race, Mr Jepson also expressed gratitude to his council colleagues for their collaboration and support.
“During my term I have been blessed with a majority of supportive councillors, particularly deputy mayor Jonathan Larsen. As a four-term councillor, Jonathan brought deep experience and knowledge to the table.
“He has stood strong beside me, applied an exceptional work ethic, and unwavering commitment to the district. He is an invaluable asset to Kaipara, and I fully endorse and support his intention to stand for the mayoralty.”
This candidacy was confirmed at the same time as the decision by the incumbent mayor to relinquish the possibility of a second term as Kaipara civic leader.
Mayor Jepson says he will continue his strong leadership for the district, extending this further by standing as a councillor in the Kaiwaka-Mangawhai ward at the upcoming October election.
“I’m not stepping back, I’m stepping across. I’m energised and ready to
continue contributing to our district,” he said.
Mr Jepson says that he is motivated to further better outcomes through economic development, the restoration of local harbours through the managed removal of mangroves, and ongoing opposition to the Dome Valley landfill.
“There is still much to achieve prior to the election, and I will be full steam ahead through to the end of the term,” said Jepson. He concluded by thanking the people of Kaipara for their trust and support.
“It has been an honour to serve as your mayor. I remain committed to the success of Kaipara and look forward to continuing that service in a new role.” ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
For the first time since 2004, elections will be held to select community members from the Raupō Drainage District to govern the remarkably successful scheme that has held back the sea and protected Ruawai and its surrounds for more than a century.
Five nominations were received from sitting members of the committee, and two more from new citizens keen to take part in the governance of the important flood protection and stormwater drainage scheme. An additional eighth nomination was sent in by a citizen who was ruled ineligible due to not living in the Raupō Drainage District zone of coverage.
“When committees get too big they become unwieldy. This gives the public the chance to choose the constituents they want, it’s a good democratic process,” said mayor Craig Jepson at an extraordinary meeting called to address the election.
“It’s a good exercise in democracy,” agreed councillor Mark Vincent, who is part of the committee as a Kaipara District Council representative.
“I’d also like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of Brian Madsen, he has made his decision to step down and make room for somebody else, I would like to put it on record that I really appreciate his contribution.”
Special
“The flatland of Ruawai is vitally important to the GDP of this region and should be treated seriously,” said councillor Gordon Lambeth. He highlighted the importance of the election process to ensure that the best candidates represent their community.
Ian Beattie, Joseph Dragicevich, Kevin Evans, Greg Gent, David Hart, Grace Le Gros and Ross McKinley have all stepped forward for election. Following the vote by the council last week, the approximately 400 ratepayers within the Raupō Drainage District will be contacted for a mail-based ballot to elect six representatives. ¢
p Extensive works have been undertaken to bolster Ruawai’s flood protection; now, an election has been called to appoint new members to the governing committee
p Craig Jepson
The new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 is here
If you’re on the committee of an incorporated society, you need to be aware of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. This relatively new law requires every incorporated society to reregister before April 5 2026, or the society will be deregistered and will lose essential rights and protections that allow it to function.
All societies should take action now to ensure their continued existence and safeguard their rights and identity as soon as possible.
What do societies need to do?
Societies registered under the old (1908) Incorporated Societies Act must reregister under the new act by April 5 2026. If they don’t, the society will no longer be officially recognised as an incorporated society, and will lose:
• its decision-making authority — the society will not be able to make decisions about its assets. The
u by Keegan Jones and Natalie Robinson, WRMK Lawyers
Be it your local sports club, pony club or community group, chances are you have some involvement with an incorporated society.
Registrar will assume control of your assets.
• its distinct, separate legal entity — the society will no longer be a separate legal entity, exposing individual members to personal liability for any debts or obligations of the society, eg leases.
• its name protection — the society’s name will no longer be protected, and there is a risk that another entity could adopt and incorporate under the same name.
To reregister, societies must comply with detailed criteria under the new act. This includes creating new documents, such as a compliant constitution and officer consent forms, and reviewing and potentially establishing new processes, including mechanisms to ensure new members consent to becoming part of the society.
Societies will also need to be mindful of their rules for amending or replacing their constitution or rules. They will need to be passed at the annual general meeting (AGM) or a special general meeting (SGM). So, societies should allow time for introducing the new constitution to its members and then having the constitution passed at the society AGM or SGM.
If a society does not reregister by April 5 2026, it will be deregistered as a society and will no longer be a legal entity.
WRMK Lawyers experienced lawyers are familiar with the act and the challenges of running an incorporated society. While
Correction
these changes may seem daunting, they also present an opportunity to refine and fortify your society’s structure and operations.
WRMK Lawyers can make sure you are well prepared for this transition and that your society continues to thrive in this evolving legal landscape.
Our team of expert legal advisers is ready to assist you at every stage of the reregistration process, from strategic decision making to drafting documents, ensuring your compliance with the new rules and the continued success of your incorporated society. ¢
In the June 3 edition of the Kaipara Lifestyler it was erroneously stated the Dargaville Museum’s 40th anniversary celebration was on Sunday, July 15. The correct date is Sunday, June 15. It was also stated flax weaving would be amongst the available activities offered at the event. However, it will not be part of the activities as reported. The museum will have weaving and children’s board games, tea tasting and a teapot display, fashion display, raffle and a best decorated hat competition on the day. ¢
Road and footpath funds found
u by Andy Bryenton
The roading department of the Kaipara District Council has managed to secure a major fiscal concession from the central government, boosting the amount of remedial road and footpath work which will now be possible across Kaipara.
The KDC’s roading management has landed a deal in which the New Zealand Transport Agency — Waka Kotahi, will contribute $4.5 million to ‘low risk’ works, topping up the council’s available funds for these jobs to a substantial $7.26 million. It’s a major coup in times of governmental reduced spending.
The KDC already had a long list of roading and footpath works planned for the next triennium, including the remediation of chronic slips on the Glinks Gully access, erosion on Insley Street in Mangawhai, improvements to the heavily used road through the Hakaru valley and a major upgrade for Dargaville’s main street. Now, all of these projects will benefit from an additional $4 million boost, with no impact on rates.
“The projects that would have been completed under these unsubsidised programs are similar to what will be completed under the subsidised programme of work. There is no rating impact to ratepayers. This does mean more work will be completed with council funds,” said KDC finance manager Jessie Alison in her report to elected members. While drainage and
intersection improvements on Moir Street, Mangawhai, are also listed, the project to make Dargaville’s Victoria Street more presentable, easier to navigate for those who are differently abled, and less prone to flooding is a vital one.
Councillor Gordon Lambeth championed a major suite of upgrades last year, when it became apparent that some mobility scooter users were unable to navigate the ventral precinct of Dargaville safely; now, these works have moved high up the list. ¢
The cost of development debated
u by Andy Bryenton
Fees paid by developers are rising, with the Kaipara District Council orchestrating a new regime of charges for those wishing to build new subdivisions and precincts across the district.
Development contributions are levied to support the growth of infrastructure such as wastewater, roading and stormwater, which must by necessity keep pace with the expansion of Kaipara towns. A proposition voted through to the next stage at May’s end-ofmonth council meeting would see those charges go up for most of Kaipara, though fees for building at Baylys Beach would reduce.
Discussion at the meeting included the question of whether papakainga housing on whenua Māori land should be exempt, and whether all forms of building, even the construction of small structures on already-developed land would attract a fee. Seeking a resource consent or building consent can currently trigger the need to pay a development contribution.
At the same time, the provision for reserve contributions to be spent elsewhere in the district from where they are collected has been voted out. Reserve contributions are collected when development and growth occurs,
with monies collected from developers to support the provision of parks and green spaces. With the majority of growth occurring in the east, the previous administration of the KDC allowed for 10 per cent of such funds to be disbursed elsewhere, in parts of Kaipara not experiencing immediate growth.
A vote of council last week removed this power, strictly locking reserve contributions in to be spent within a tight radius of where they are collected. Public input is sought on the developer contributions policy, running until June 24. Visit kaipara.govt.nz/have-your-say to view the proposed policy and give feedback. ¢
p Deputy mayor Larsen, DCDB chair Joanna Ewenson and councillor Gordon Lambeth inspect Dargaville’s Victoria Street with an eye to safety upgrades
p Future growth will mean bigger funds for parks, amenities and green spaces, at a time when towns like Maungatūroto (pictured) are looking forward to new residents, a new motorway and new opportunities
Water team-up the preferred option Commissioner replaces high school board
u by Andy Bryenton
The Kaipara District Council has opted not to try to go it alone on water infrastructure issues; a decision underlined by last week’s pipe failure disaster in Dargaville.
The mayor and councillors agreed with the 60 per cent majority of public submissions on the contentious topic, voting to forge ahead with a collaborative approach that could see water services shared with Northland’s other municipal authorities.
“Reliable water services are important for our communities, so we need to make smart choices that keep them as affordable as possible,” said mayor Jepson.
“We know the cost of delivering water services is going to increase, but we need to be in a position where we not only maintain efficient and affordable services but still maintain our community input on how these are managed.”
“There is no doubt in my mind that it is unsustainable for us to consider anything by ourselves,” said councillor Howard. “Our debt levels would be excessively high within a relatively short period of time”
“I’m very pleased we’re going this way,” said councillor Nayyar, noting that the collaborative approach was the one supported by the central government.
It was not all unanimity around the council table, however, with councillor Vincent opining that Local Waters
Done Well could easily descend into the same controversy as the ill-fated Three Waters scheme of the former Labour administration, and that full amalgamation is still a real threat for smaller councils.
Last Monday saw the first meeting of a joint working group on water reform, with members of all three Northland councils attending. Mayor Vince Cocurullo of Whangārei was elected chair of this task force, which seeks to plan out a collaborative water services approach. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
The Dargaville High School Board has accepted the recommendation of the Education Review Office (ERO) and will call in a commissioner to oversee governance of the school.
Information received last Wednesday confirms that the board has met with the Ministry of Education and that a statutory intervention at commissioner level is ‘in the best interests of the school’.
It’s an extreme measure not taken lightly, and indicates that the latest ERO report has found significant issues at Dargaville High School. These are reported to include attendance and scholastic achievement shortfalls. A letter was widely circulated last week on behalf of the board, signed by Kim McCahon, outlining the need for outside intervention.
‘A commissioner will have the extended powers and mandate needed to address the complex challenges facing our school and to implement the changes necessary for meaningful progress,’ wrote board member Kim McCahon. She acknowledged that the board had come to the limit of what it was authorised and able to do under the rules governing school board practice.
build or landbank on Mahuta Road
The as-yet-unnamed commissioner will be appointed by the ERO on behalf of the Ministry of Education, and will serve in lieu of the board. A similar placement at Northland College, a decade ago, lasted for more than three years, and saw more than $15 million spent to upgrade decaying buildings as well as overhauling many fiscal and procedural aspects of the school.
Principal Mike Houghton was invited to quote, but is currently on health-related leave and it has been reported elsewhere that he may have resigned. He declined to comment at the time of print.
p “We’re working closely with our Northland counterparts to support the working group in shaping a path forward,” says KDC chief executive Jason Marris
p Dargaville High School’s board will be replaced by a government-appointed commissioner in the near future, following high-level talks with the Ministry of Education
Rotary club’s citizen of the year
u by Andy Bryenton
Dargaville Rotarians have awarded their most prestigious community award to west Kaipara community leader and respected kaumātua Rex Nathan, highlighting a legacy of service.
There are people living in our community whose drive is focussed on what they can do for others,” said Rotary Club president Mike Gardener.
“They go about their tasks unconcerned with reward or recognition, reliable, trusted and respected by all whose paths they cross. Dargaville Rotary has great pleasure in acknowledging Rex Nathan as one such special person who personifies those qualities, and one who very richly deserves recognition with this year’s citizen’s award.”
The Rotarians noted that Rex has spent almost his entire life in the Northern Wairoa area, serving with the local post office and then giving 46 years of his expertise as Dargaville’s ANZ bank manager. Rex was also an ordained Methodist minister, and he was so respected amid the congregation that he served as the Methodist Church president for all of New Zealand.
(left) presents the 2025 Dargaville Rotary Club’s citizenship award
Many locals know Rex as a senior kaumātua for Ōtūrei Marae, a man who is always ready to assist with blessings and
with addresses on significant occasions. He has also been a prominent figure as part of the Te Uri O Hau Marae Board, greatly appreciated for his wise counsel. He serves as the local coordinator for the bowel screening awareness
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programme for which has saved lives, and he has taken a lead role in ensuring that youth engage with education and attend school. The members of Dargaville Rotary Club also noted his commitment to their fellow community-minded organisations.
“Rex has served his community for over 40 years as a member of the Dargaville Lions Club, becoming committee chairman many times and eventually, president. His membership of Grey Power has led him into assisting them with research and contributing to numerous presentations. The Dargaville Museum has also benefitted from Rex’s strong ethos of service; for nearly 10 years he has been the Māori representative on their committee,” said Mr Gardener.
Rex is also a long-standing Justice of the Peace, a Kaipara Hospice Board member, and a contributor to and supporter of numerous other clubs and societies.
‘There would be few people who will not have been touched by the benevolence, through service, of Rex Nathan,’ said the Rotary Club’s official citation, at Rex’s award presentation last Wednesday.
‘He stands tall among us, in all humility and in the true spirit of assisting to his best ability, anyone in need.’ ¢
p Brian Burnett
to Rex Nathan (right)
DARGAVILLE Ounuwhao Road
Natural Beauty Plus Land
43 hectares of rolling to hill country with smaller area of flats, a perfect blend of natural beauty and practical amenities. With three hectares of QEII bush with covenants, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty. Enjoy the lovely views from various vantage points on the property, with a potential building site that offers stunning scenery. Eight paddocks, post and batten boundary, ideal for grazing, and currently carries 30 head of stock. Dam water, a quarry and a haybarn add to this neat block. Come and view this rural paradise.
Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) 11 00am, Tuesday 8 July PGG Wrightson, Dargaville E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz
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renovated four bedroom home, separate lounge with a fireplace The combined dining and kitchen area is designed for both functionality and style bi-fold doors in the dining room open to a private courtyard Three bedrooms plus expansive master suite offers his and hers wardrobes and an ensuite. The master bedroom also provides direct access to the serene courtyard The double garage is equipped with power. The outdoor space is a gardener's delight and has a garden shed. Conveniently located close to town and schools, this home is ready for its next owner to move in and enjoy
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M 027 668 8468
E mbrowning@pggwrightson co.nz
Battle of the Kaipara fought
u by Andy Bryenton
Northern Wairoa Football Club and Mangawhai clashed on the field last week, their first top-tier match since 1985, bringing out a true sense of neighbourly rivalry.
Things did not go well for the Dargavillebased NWFC squad in the first half, as an energised Mangawhai assault exploited every weakness in the western footballers’ defensive line, to hammer home three goals in 20 minutes.
Midfielder Rory Dean admitted that he and his fellow players were ‘lacklustre’ in those early minutes, citing defensive errors and a psychological advantage that saw the NWFC team “sucked in to playing the frantic football Mangawhai wanted to play.
“The derby game was heated, and five yellow cards were given in a feisty encounter. However, Mangawhai ruled the game and found it remarkably easy to incise into the Dargaville defence,” says Rory.
By half-time the score went 3–0 to the team from the east coast. However, a motivational rev-up from the coach and captain had a galvanising effect, and the NWFC squad came off the bench fired up. Team captain Dylan Hines found the back of the net in what his teammates described as ‘a real cracker of a goal’, and soon after Matt Bradley also got one past the Mangawhai keeper.
However, despite this rally, the Mangawhai team was still dominant, racking up another two goals of their own to bring the game to a 5–2 advantage as the clock ran down.
The first battle of the Kaipara in four decades closed out with a win for the east coast, but Northern Wairoa midfieldsman Lincoln Adomea took home Man of the Match for what was by all accounts a skilled and gritty performance under pressure. ¢
What caused Dargaville’s water disaster?
u by Andy Bryenton
It’s possible that a pressure surge caused during a pipeline inspection to stop leaks was the flashpoint for Dargaville’s water emergency last week, says Kaipara District Council CEO Jason Marris.
Homes were left dry from Friday morning until Sunday evening in some parts of town, as a fleet of water tankers shuttled emergency supplies into the Dargaville reservoir. Troubles began with a leak identified on May 28.
“The team started walking the line, physically checking the pipes. They found a leak about four kilometres from the Dargaville water plant at 2pm. They isolated the water line at that point, where the Rotu line crosses into the Mamaranui water main. We do think this may have caused a pressure surge in both lines,” said Mr Marris. “It is possible the pressure surge caused extra leaks.”
That initial leak was fixed by 5pm. However, water continued to drop at the reservoir, due to those secondary ruptures. While repairs were complete by Saturday, it took a further 16 hours before air bubbles could be purged from the 26-kilometre line.
Councillor Pera Paniora opined that the water disaster was a foreseeable risk, given the antiquity of Dargaville’s reticulated water system, which council CEO Jason Marris says was emplaced
in 1958. That would put its due date for replacement at 2028. Despite claims on social media that leaks and faults in the line had been called in during February’s drought, Mr Marris also insisted that there had been no complaints of leaks in this particular pipe for the last year.
The question of who will maintain Dargaville’s water network is currently under scrutiny; a decision on water governance is required by the government by September.
p Mayor Jepson wishes to thank the crews who worked round the clock to repair Dargaville’s ailing water supply pipes
p Man of the Match Lincoln Adomea was part of a spirited second-half rally that nevertheless saw Mangawhai take home bragging rights
We need to celebrate Kaipara
u by Andy Bryenton
Northland MP Grant McCallum recently announced a package of $52,000 to help boost three big festivals in Northland, the region’s entire local tranche from the Regional Events Promotion Fund. All three were in the Bay of Islands.
Kaipara more than rivals the Bay area for natural beauty. That’s not just parochial pride talking; if you live here, you know it’s the truth. History, culture, creativity and cuisine? We’ve got it. There’s a lot to be proud of here. However, when it comes to making a fanfare about it, the Bay of Islands has us beat, by three big festivals and $52,000 of central government money.
The east coast has form when it comes to throwing a party. Mangawhai’s recent Waitangi Day celebrations featured legitimate rock stars and a whole day of recreational and cultural celebration. With a good plan in hand, this event also received government funding.
So where’s the west coast’s big festival? We can’t count the Northland Field Days, though that event has a gogetter in charge of promotions who has
lifted the excitement and engagement of the big farming event, without a doubt. Are we perhaps confused about what to celebrate on the Kauri Coast?
Dargaville used to host a kūmara festival, and while it seems a bit humorous today, what’s wrong with a little bit of Kiwi tongue-in-cheek comedy, if it’s an excuse for a party?
Taihape embraced the gumboot, and Oamaru went steampunk. They’re laughing all the way to the bank with a wheelbarrow of tourist dollars from their big festivals.
So who gets to pick a lane? Who should take charge, and make sure the next round of funding for Northland festivals lands here? Should the Kaipara District Council take a lead role, and maybe employ an events planner?
Tell us what you think. What should we celebrate, when should we do it, and who needs to step up and take the helm? Certainly the Bay of Islands is nice, but it’s about time Kaipara stopped being a ‘best kept secret’ and invited the rest of the country to the party. ¢
Do you have an opinion to share or a question to ask the public? Email us 60 words or less with your name to info@integrity.nz, with the subject Letter to the Editor and we’ll print it here.
On town hall rebuild
I am writing to correct the Working Group’s position on the Town Hall Project, which was the subject of a letter in last week’s Lifestyler. The Group is not suggesting that the project ‘should be shelved, perhaps indefinitely’. Instead the Group believes that what is planned by council staff at a cost nearing $4 million has major design flaws.
As just one example, the plan calls for users of the hall to have to go outside to access toilets. This project needs to result in a functioning facility that our community will want to use.
The Group supports the work of Cr Lambeth to get the plan right before starting and has been working closely with him. The email referred to in last week’s letter is asking all councillors to support this and not proceed with the latest plan that, in our opinion, will damage the hall and deliver a result that this community will not appreciate.
Joanna Ewenson, chair of Dargaville Community Development Board
Letters should be of 60 words or less, without profanity or derogatory references to named individuals; the editor’s decision to print is final, names may be withheld by request, letters over 60 words may be abridged for space.
Museum debt
I find it appalling that the Mangawhai Museum had their debt written off, not because I don’t support museums but because it sets a poor example. If I am late with my rates, the council could force a mortgagee sale, where is the one rule for all?
G Holmes School governance
It’s good to see that the board at Dargaville High School has taken the big step of calling in a commissioner. I saw their letter online and agree with lots of the other comments. This is not about the politics of adults, it’s about the kids, the students and their opportunity to get a good education. Hopefully, the commissioner can make the government aware that we need support in Dargaville.
J Lawrence Water woes
The pipe failure last week which left a lot of us without water is shameful, and not just for this council but for all the previous ones who took no action. What will happen when we’re lumped in with Whangārei or Auckland, and help has to come from far away? How much will it cost us ratepayers?
L Housemann
Earnestly good comedy
u by Andy Bryenton
The Importance of Being Earnest opens at the Dargaville Little Theatre this week, with an energetic and retro-cool interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s classic 1895 masterpiece.
Director Adrian Humm has gone back to back with comedies painting a social picture of England at two very different times. His last play, 2024’s One Man Two Guvnors, was a big success for the local theatre, and he’s brought a similarly sharp eye for detail to The Importance of Being Earnest, with visual metaphor and touches of modernity spicing up the acerbic, witty social commentary of Wilde’s comedy of manners.
“The Importance of Being Earnest is exquisitely trivial, a delicate bubble of fancy, and it has as its philosophy, that we should treat all the trivial things of life very seriously, and all the serious things of life with sincere and studied triviality,” said Mr Wilde, after the play received both praise from critics and scandal from high society, 130 years ago.
p Oscar Wilde, a comic genius a century ahead of his time, penned The Importance of Being Earnest as a sharp social satire
Opening night comes on Friday, June 13, a date that’s superstitious for some but apt for performing a play by Wilde,
who was a famous critic of the foibles of society. The cast and crew have been working hard to develop their characters and put together a clever transforming set that will transport audiences to an
Times Gone By
Old colonist passes away
An old settler at Maungatūroto, Mr William John Bailey, died on Wednesday at the home of his daughter, Mrs K Lewis, at Green Lane. Mr Bailey was born in England 82 years ago. He came to New Zealand with the Albertland settlers in the Tybumia in 1863.
Sun (Auckland), June 18 1927
Dargaville wins again
The Whangarei and Dargaville Fire Brigades took part in the annual competition for the Dargaville Citizens’ Shield in Selwyn Park. There was a good attendance. Dargaville, the holders, had a decisive win with a total of 79 points to 9. The judge was Mr CS Rush.
Sun (Auckland), February 20 1930
Bovine rarity
Triplets were born at Kaiwaka, near Whangarei, on Friday. They are three heifer calves born of a purebred Polled Angus cow on the farm of Mr R Skelton, Mangawhai Road. Twins are uncommon in beef cattle, the experts say. Triplets are rare. Mother and daughters are doing well.
Press, July 7 1964
upmarket London townhouse, a country manor’s garden and an opulently furnished morning room.
Special thanks go to the carpenters, painters and designers who have made this possible, and to Gordon Walker, who
has generously loaned real Victorian-era antiques to complete the scenes. Get your tickets for the two-week run of the play online at Humantix, and enjoy the first (and some say the best) situational comedy of them all. ¢
Roofing grown from natural fibres
u by Andy Bryenton
When humankind stopped living in caves and no longer took to the nomadic life carrying tents and yurts, the question of what to build a roof from was one of the first things our ancestors argued about.
It’s almost certain that, before the next time it rained, those who lived near a good source of reeds had hit upon the idea of thatching. Structures worldwide utilise thatching of one kind or another, from the temples of Bali to the rustic cottages of Ireland, and New Zealand’s traditional pre-European construction techniques also made use of this innovative method, developed in tandem by hundreds of cultures.
p Modern-day thatching is popular for pool houses, outdoor spaces and decks, with some architects aiming to see it make a more substantial comeback
A lot of this came down to where people like to settle. Riversides and freshwater lakes often abound with reeds and variants of flax, and farming settlements produce an abundance of fibrous stalks. Civilisations as disparate as the Japanese and the Germans found ways to turn these into roofing that worked to keep out the rain.
Thatchers bundle up reeds or stems and then tie them together in courses,
creating a pattern much like the overlapping scales of a fish or reptile. Rain runs down the long stalks, and because the bundles overlap, it can’t penetrate through to the framework of wooden poles supporting the thatch.
There are big advantages; thatch is naturally insulating, and it compacts under snow to better hold up its weight. Early building materials would have to be replaced regularly in any case, and thatch
Trusted in the industry for 25 years plus
was sourced from materials that grew wild and plentifully. The downsides came with the warmth of that insulation. The luxurious four-poster beds of the Middle Ages were really designed to hold up a kind of indoor tent. This was to prevent mice and insects that burrowed into the thatch from dropping on to people while they slept.
Thatch was also, as you’d expect, a fire hazard in dry summers, and did not mix well with cooking fires and flaming torches for lighting. Some towns banned thatched roofing inside the city walls, because invaders could lob fire arrows up and over to cause a fire and a panic. Slate or ceramic tiles were immune to this dirty tactic.
Thatching used to be the cheap option for rural folks, but now it’s a status symbol. The biggest thatched roof is in Holland, a 4.5-square-kilometre expanse covering the entrance of the Efteling amusement park. Proud thatched roof owners in
Germany spend up to 30,000 Euros every decade to reroof their homes, engaging one of the 1,000 or so guild-accredited thatchers still active in Europe. ¢
New Old-School Chippie in Dargaville
After 30+ years of site-managing complicated and often highly complex high-end builds all around the North Island, senior carpenter Mark Fray is now based full-time in Dargaville, with his lifestyle move to “dial-down” from the convoluted, to instead enjoying providing locals with “old-school” carpentry services of general repairs, maintenance and kitchen installs.
With more than three decades specialising in both renovations and innovative new builds, carpenter Mark — husband of local First National Roper & Jones realtor Kathy — is looking forward to embracing becoming one of Dargaville’s “go-to good-guys” who delivers friendly service with senior experienced know-how. And when he’s not working on fixing something for a client, chances are he’ll be renovating his and Kathy’s “BIG reno” at their home Whare Kura, the 150-year-old Aratapu School House.
Altered Estates
CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS
Now’s the time to boost water storage
u by Andy Bryenton
Recent water outages across Dargaville have highlighted the importance of water storage, and the ‘dry weekend’ has prompted many, both rural and urban, to turn their mind to tanks.
Water storage capacity is always a safe bet. There are few people in history who have ever been sorry to have invested in more of it. When reticulated systems fail, it hits home that the ability to drink from a tap, flush a toilet and enjoy a shower are the basics of civilisation.
There are plenty of water tank designs around in modern times to fit an urban footprint, and they are small enough not to activate municipal building consent requirements. Some are clever shapes to fit in with existing structures, such as garages and sheds. After all, rain from urban roofs is the same clear water that falls on rural areas, and in town, it usually runs into the gutters and down the drain. Keeping some for other purposes is not just a good idea to hedge your bets against a crisis; it can also save money as you’ll use less from the reticulated and metered tap. There’s also the option to use water you’ve captured in the rainy part of the year to water parched gardens in the event of a hosepipe ban. If you’re out of town or live in an area without a
piped water supply, then your tank and the filter systems that make it healthy and safe are even more vital. Recent rains should have them brimming, but that also means that it’s prime time to check for leaks, and call in the professionals should there be any issues.
Massive throughput and rain coursing over roofs this time of year means that filters are working hard, straining out all the debris and organic matter washed into the system. Show your filter some love with a cartridge replacement after this first big burst of winter rain, and check that UV systems are working as they should at the same time. The ultimate fix for water storage is to double down on tank capacity. A fresh tank can double or triple the size of your old concrete one, and if you’re already working with a single smaller tank, give it a neighbour to really lock in water savings. It might seem counterintuitive to install now, but if it’s possible at your place, remember that this is the time of year when a new water tank will get filled fast, ready for summer. ¢
Top 10 ways to beat the cold
u by Andy Bryenton
Ready for the chills of winter? We asked the experts to kit out a theoretical home with the best winter warmers, and used that input to craft this top-10 list for a cosier and healthier season.
Insulation all round
Heat tries to escape, so trap it with efficient insulation in your roof cavity, inside your external walls and under your floor. Even if you have insulation up top, it’s a good idea to check it out and see if it’s time for a replacement or top up.
Heat pumps
No longer a new technology, but an accepted part of your home heating plan. Save money on electricity, and enjoy cool summers, too, with these efficient heat exchangers, now a less costly investment than ever before.
Fireplaces
It’s hard to beat the classics. A modern fireplace can heat hot water, too, and there are gas and pellet options as well as wood. Remember to get a chimney sweep and fireplace WOF if you already have one installed, it could be a requirement of your home insurance.
Heat transfer
A simple ducted kit can take excess heat from up near the ceiling above your fireplace, and vent it directly to bedrooms otherwise left out in the cold. Inexpensive and effective if you have a roof cavity you can run the insulated ducting through.
Double glazing
This glazing innovation works wonders, but it’s not all your local glass professionals can do for you to banish the cold. Window and door gaps are the enemy of a warm and healthy home. Get them sorted, and if new windows are needed, consider going double.
Positive pressure ventilation
Taking dry air from the roof cavity of the average home and pumping it into the living areas to create a moisture-free environment is a great innovation. These systems work wonders for any home suffering from crying windows syndrome, and they make other heating sources more efficient.
Steam extractors
Also in the business of making a home dry, because damp air creates mould and is hard to heat, these fans for the kitchen and bathroom are a must.
Flooring
Cold feet can be cured with the addition of warm, soft carpeting, but did you know that the insulative properties of underlay can help warm up other areas of the home, even under vinyl or wood?
Thermal curtains
Glass radiates heat, so if you want to seal in the warmth you’ve generated this winter, contact your local curtain specialists for visually appealing, thermally intelligent curtains all round.
Draught exclusion
Gaps in your home’s armour let in spiteful chills, so check the fitment of doors, windows, ranch sliders and skylights now. Foam tape might suffice for a DIY job, but if there’s a major gap or a sticking frame, call in the professionals. ¢
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
We offer an No obligation free initial consultation and will give a fixed price so there are no surprises
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET PLANS DRAWN UP?
This is dependant on the scale of the project and how far along you are with the planning. The complexity of the design and whether other professionals are required can also play a part. We can discuss this in your initial consultation.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BUILDING AND RESOURCE CONSENT?
The Building Consent are the construction drawings and how the project is built. This is our speciality.
A Resource Consent relates to the concept and design of the project and whether that fits into the planning rules of the Council.
A dog’s tail …
All about spuds an’ Feel Daze too
“Well then Dog, I reckin we might hava big veggie garden down ona river flats in a cupla months time, kūmara o’course an’ plenty of spuds eh? Whaddaya say?”
Gidday readas, Boss shud no by now I don’t say nuthin. I jus’ write stuff wot I reckin on his gerlfrend Sharlene komputa thing. But I thort I mite as well humour him so I jus’ looked intrestid.
He was quiet for a wile as we went over to woolshed steps for cuppatees. It had stopped rainin’ an’ Sharlene came ova wiv the tray. I cud smell pikelits, too. Yum. She slipped me one as she sat down an’ pored Boss his mug.
“Yep, Deah,” Boss sed. “Reckin’ that budget has made things a bit easier for growing stuff, an’ I thort we could run a bit ofa market gardin on a bit of land we got spare.” Sharlene hada kattilstop papa, and she had read in her skoolteecher voice. “The Budget backs policies that remove unnecessary red tape and recognise the importance of growing food for New Zealanders. The proposed changes to freshwater rules would provide for crop rotation, which is vital for the sustainability of the sector.”
“Tha’s just wot I meen Deah. We cood grow a big kūmara an’ potato crop ona river flats by tha deary runoff. Might as well make hay wile the sunshines.”
There goes Boss agin, It’s not haymakin’ time at all, even if the
sunshine is nice. Blimmin’ cold last nite in me kennel, though. But Sharlene read sum more. “The Budget streamlines resource consent requirements and makes vegetable growing a permitted activity. The potato industry alone contributes over $1 billion annually.”
“Well there ya go Deah. We kin put in a few acres, an’ it’ll be good for tha farm
bottom line, too.” There he goes again readas. Wot’s a bottom line anyway? Is it rude?
But Sharlene shushed Boss. “Hang on Deah. Before ya head off an’ plant spuds, yer sed we cood shoot down the line to Mystery Creek.” I prickt up we ears then. She meens Feel Daze an’ I ’membered Sharlene saying she wanted ter go, an’ sed her Mum cood come an’ stay wile they do. Then she read a bit more. “International exhibitors at the event include from Ireland, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Germany China and South Korea. It will be like us goin’ ona world trip, too.”
Well, ya no me readas. Me an’ Mum get on reel good. Pork cracklin’ at me tea time. She lets me curl up by the heater ina kitchin. Hey Boss. Pack up tha ute and go. I kin look afta the farm Sharlene will hang onta tha checkbook, too. No more new gadgets stuck under the woolshed ter go rusty eh?
Sharlene give a cuddil then a big pat. She reads me mind. “OK Billy, you look afta things.”
An’ there was a last pikelit too. Slurp. Roll ona Feel Daze — an’ Mum.
See ya readas — Billy ¢
•
•
•
•
Buoyant figures and a call for change
u by Andy Bryenton
The Minister of Agriculture is giving credit to farmers for a threefold success in the agricultural sector, amid claims that forthcoming reforms to resource management, freshwater policies and ecological protection laws will make an even bigger impact when finalised.
Political rhetoric aside, the figures themselves paint a picture of a rural economy breaking free of the long shadow of the 2020 pandemic. As the dairy farming calendar came to a close, for example, government calculations put the subsector on track to produce an additional $4.5 billion. That equates to $4,700 for every man, woman and child in the nation.
Forecasts for milk solids have reached $10kg/MS, with returns higher than the previous record season in 2022. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says that this outlook is down to farmers.
“This is the result of hard work on-farm, smart investment and a global market that continues to demand high-quality, grassfed New Zealand dairy,” Mr McClay says.
In the red sector, beef and lamb sales surged to a 34 per cent yearon-year increase for March, wrapping up the month with $1.2 billion in export sales. Roughly the same amount is forecast to be added to the beef and lamb subsector’s books for the farming year.
“Our farmers are world leaders in producing high-quality, safe, sustainable, grass-fed meat,” said McClay.
Horticulture is also riding a wave of global appetite and local hard work. A
bellwether announcement from kiwifruit producers Zespri showed that they’d delivered $5 billion in sales for the 2024–2025 season, a 31 per cent increase on the previous year. That’s 220 million trays, sending $3 billion directly to growers.
The entire horticultural subsector is up 12 per cent on last year, with other fruits and crops following kiwifruit’s example and bulking out exports to a total of $8 billion.
These are exceptional tidings, and they are also a springboard for publicising a wide-reaching consultation on issues of resource and environmental management in rural New Zealand.
The mandate of the vote is one thing, but the response from farmers to a raft of proposed rules on building, land use, grazing, stock exclusion and water management is another altogether. Presenting a package like the one announced by parliamentarians in late May to a depressed sector would be a different proposition from seeking buy-in from a dairy, red meat and horticulture triumvirate on the rise. Those interested in having their say on reform in the areas of Significant Natural Areas, freshwater policy, use of highly productive land, stock exclusion, aquaculture or forestry, among other issues, should visit environment.govt. nz/news/consultation-on-updating-rmanational-direction and speak up now. ¢
p Kiwifruit led the charge as horticulture, red meat and dairy also combined big export increases to produce a bumper year
WHAT’S
June
Growth Advisor, Northland Inc — 11 June at Cafe 68, 68 Victoria Street 10am–1pm or phone 09 438 5110 or email welcome@northlandnz.com for an appointment.
Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm Information Open Day — 12 June 2–5.30pm, Lions Centre, Hokianga Road. Dargaville Museum 40th Anniversary Celebrations 15 June, 10am–3pm. Free entry, sausage sizzle, hot chips, flax weaving, board games, tea tasting and teapot display, fashion display, raffle, morning and afternoon tea available. Best Decorated Hat competition and parade at noon.
Tunatahi Matariki Fest — 20 June, 9am–2pm, Riverside Gardens, Waiata, Matariki story telling, stalls, workshops, demonstrations. Performances by kapa haka, Jin Yan Chinese Cultural Group, Dargaville Dalmatian Club, and others plus Matariki Waiata Singing Competition.
Inland Revenue Clinic — 24 June at Heartland Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville. Bookings Essential. Phone 09 439 7009 or 02 245 3765.
Tu Manawa Funding Workshop — 24 June, 6pm at Sportsville. Come and connect with clubs / organisations to learn about Te Manawa Funding. Hauora Event — 26 June, Rangitane Hall, Pouto. Lunch and refreshments provided. Free 20-minute miri miri is also available. Local entertainer Wynton Nathan and line dancing lessons from Waima King. Government agencies and services will be there to support you.
Whanau Focus Office — We will be closed on 26th June due to the Hauora event in Pouto. We apologise for any inconvenience. Brian Burnett will be available should anyone need a Justice of the Peace. Call him on 09 439 6175 to make an appointment.
Baylys Beach Society — 27 June Fundraising Quiz Night. 56 View Rd, Baylys Beach. Open 6.30pm, $15pp. Contact Tracy 021 883 437 to register your team.
Acoustic Soda – Jam for Glam – Dedicated to Kenny Glamuzina — at the Central Hotel, Saturday 29th June 3pm to 7pm, $5 cover charge.
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.
Bring Balance Group — Mondays 12.30–1.30pm, Time to pause, reflect and set intention. Kaipara Community Centre (side entrance) $10. For more info phone Maureen 021 0231 8008 or see www. bringbalance.co.nz.
Chess Club — All welcome, Wednesdays 6.30pm Dargaville, gold coin donation. Phone Stephen 09 439 8819.
Circus Kumarani All Ages Circus Class — Term 4. Come along and learn some circus, casual or full term. 15 Onslow St, Dargaville, Tuesdays 3.45–4.45pm; and Paparoa Memorial Hall, Thursdays 4–5pm. www. circuskumarani.co.nz/classes.
Citizens Advice Bureau — Dargaville & districts now at Parenga Street (between the Menz Shed and My Accountants).
Dargaville Aero Club — Learn to fly, free of tuition charges, Gyrocopter, Texan, Stork. Contact Peter 022 025 0235 for further info.
Dargaville Bowling Club Tuesday Bowls — Names by 9.30am, start 10am, finish 2.30pm. Contact Ray King 09 439 5509.
Dargaville Club — 61 Victoria Street, open Wednesday and Friday from 5pm. Members and guests welcome.
Dargaville Club Jam Nights — every second Friday, 5.30pm start.
Dargaville 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 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 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 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
Publisher: Allan Mortensen 021 439 697 allan.mortensen@integrity.nz
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
Dargaville Yoga — Yoga for every Bodhi. Tues 9.30am. Thurs 6pm. Beginners Fri 9.30am. 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.
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 Bruce 09 439 5513.
Northern Wairoa Genealogy Society — Learn how to trace your family history or understand DNA at Dargaville Museum, 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, 12.30–2pm. Phone Sue 021 608 606.
Northern Wairoa Indoor Bowls Assn — 7pm Mondays at Anglican Church Hall, Tuesdays at 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.
Practising Presence — Mondays 6–7pm. Meditation, qi gong and taiji to train being in the present moment, Kaipara Community Centre (side entrance), 38 Hokianga Road, $10. Phone Maureen 021 0231 8008 or see www.bringbalance.co.nz for more info. Recovery Support Group — Mondays 6.30pm– 9pm. 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Chrissy 09 601 4153 or 021 564 618.
Rock ’n’ Roll Lessons — Sundays, 3–4pm at Kaipara Community Centre, 38 Hokianga Rd. $2 per person. Txt 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 11 4:16 am (0.8m) 10:23 am (2.9m) 4:31 pm (0.7m) 10:48 pm (3.1m) THU 12 4:56 am (0.8m) 11:03 am (2.9m) 5:11 pm (0.6m) 11:27 pm (3.1m) FRI 13 5:36 am (0.7m) 11:43 am (2.9m) 5:50 pm (0.7m)
11:23 pm (2.6m) TUE 17 5:26 am (0.8m) 11:40 am (2.4m) 5:35 pm (0.7m)
PUZZLE
TIME BROUGHT TO YOU BY…
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KAURI COAST LIFE CARE
• Short Stay - Respite Care • Day Care Services
• Rest Home Level Care • Hospital Level Care
Contact our Care Home Manager, Jill on 09 439 6367 to arrange a time to visit our Home. We look forward to hearing from you.
76 Nausea (10)
81 Pain-killing drug (7)
82 Eyesight (6)
83 Chant (6)
84 Formal dance (4)
85 Communication (7)
86 No longer in danger, or under suspicion (2,3,5)
87 Ebbed (7) DOWN
1 Small dog (5)
2 Contaminated (8)
3 Longing (6)
(6)
(8)
(6)
62 Emphasise (6) 63 Matched (8) 66 Talked out of (9) 68 Curio (6) 69 Wheedle (6) 73 Stage accessories (5)
74 Always accurate (8)
4 Scare off (5)
5 Mimics (4)
6 True to type (7)
7 Inundate (6)
8 Jester (5)
10 Relation (4)
11 Handgun sheath (7)
12 Endemic (6)
17 Sedating it (anag) (10)
18 Speed (5)
22 One-storey house (8)
23 Sleeve-ends (5)
24 Coal ship (7)
26 Pivot point (4)
28 Frontier settlement (7)
29 Blown instrument (6)
30 Regain consciousness (4,2)
31 Bring to mind (6)
33 Deficient (5)
35 Be (5)
36 Worry (4)
37 Family (4)
43 Overseas (6)
44 Kit out (5)
46 Thought (4)
47 Confer a right (7)
48 Congenital (6)
49 Suspends (5)
50 Wobbly (8)
51 Twofold (6)
52 Methodical (10)
53 At a distance (4)
54 Weave (7)
59 Trunk (5)
60 Twosome (4)
64 Pass out (5)
65 Country of birth (8)
67 Make a splash (7)
68 No cigar (anag)(7)
70 Furrow (6)
71 End (6)
72 German composer (6)
75 Rule over (5)
77 Say (5)
78 Cold dish (5)
79 Hitch (4)
80 Secrete (4)
Sudoku
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
ACROSS: 1 Build, 4 Famous last words, 14 Cheat, 15 Tinny, 16 Nasturtium, 17 Dingo, 19 Rim, 20 Hurdled, 21 Perplexed, 22 Behind, 25 Rectangle, 27 Cities, 28 Patina, 33 Red herring, 35 Aim, 36 Colour, 37 Spiv, 39 Pal, 41 Founder, 42 Tuxedo, 43 Chrysalis, 44 Sleet, 45 Splendid, 50 Re, 51 Impotent, 55 Place, 58 Spinnaker, 59 Fouled, 60 Trouble, 61 Ear, 63 Nous, 64 Unused, 65 Aft, 66 Second-hand, 68 Poetry, 69 Retain, 71 Vanishing, 76 Candle, 77 Doomsayer, 79 Topical, 81 Sea, 84 Error, 85 Inspection, 86 Slump, 87 Sword, 88 Under lock and key, 89 Usurp. DOWN: 2 Unique, 3 Lined, 5 Away, 6 Oatmeal, 7 Script, 8 Alike, 9 Tempest, 10 Odds, 11 Denied, 12 Heard, 13 Stamina, 14 Comical, 18 Letterhead, 23 Until, 24 Neglect, 26 Enhance, 27 Compose, 29 Impulse, 30 Recoup, 31 Navel, 32 Quorum, 34 Glut, 36 Clues, 38 Visit, 40 Oslo, 45 Susan, 46 Leisure, 47 None, 48 Irking, 49 Faded, 50 Refrain, 52 Parenthood, 53 Toughen, 54 Nylons, 55 Prosper, 56 Quote, 57 Pegs, 62 Scrim, 67 Cringed, 68 Persist, 70 Asocial, 72 Alerted, 73 Florin, 74 Camera, 75 Farmer, 76 Carob, 78 Music, 80 Idles, 82 True, 83 Mope.
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
KAIPARA SERVICE DIRECTORY
Earthworks
House sites
Long reach extension
Metal & fertiliser cart & supply Limestone cart & supply
AARON GUEST • tkdiggers@gmail.com
SALE
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, $3,000. Phone 09 439 4509.
TOP SOIL, conditioned top quality. 100% suitable for vege gardens or new lawns. $85 per m³ onto your trailer, or truck deliveries available for larger orders. Phone 021 132 4107 or 09 439 5141.
TOYOTA COROLLA 2006 silver, 5dr hatchback JGY875. Current WOF & REGO both expiring September 2025. New tyres & battery. 123,000km, tidy condition, $7,000. Phone John 027 525 8189.
CHURCH NOTICES
TE KOROWAI O IHU KARAITI, Dargaville Church of the Nazarene, 4 Grey Street. Church service on every Sunday at 3pm. Bible study/prayer Wednesday from 4.30pm-7.15pm. Legacy/Man Up, Thursdays from 6.30pm–8.30pm (during school term).
FENCING
FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458.
FIREWOOD FOR SALE
FIREWOOD FOR sale, mixed, delivered to Dargaville and surrounds. Phone 027 307 8786 or 09 439 5927.
TuChristey MassageTherapist
“Getridofyouraches&pains,maintain your well being”
DiplomainMassage,MANZRMTLevel6. Therapeutic,DeepTissue,Sports,Pregnancy, Relaxation,MyofascialRelease,LymphaticDrainage, CranioSacralTherapy,*Ortho-BionomyasPractitionerintraining.
Mobile:0211169425
Email:tuthemt@gmail.com www.handyhandsmassage.co.nz
GRAZING
WINTER COW grazing and dairy heifer grazing, coastal, Omamari. Phone 027 307 8786 or 09 439 5927.
LIVESTOCK
FOR SALE Purebred Simmental Bulls. Phone 09 439 6080 or 027 686 9620.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
1 STOP Window & Door Repairs — seals, latches, stays, wheels, hinges, locks, glass & glazing. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
BOBCAT, TRUCK & EXCAVATOR HIRE
PERSONAL
SINGLE? OVER 40? Meet other interesting, intelligent, genuine people just like yourself. Dine out ‘Dinner for Six’. Phone 021 639 552.
NURSERIES
& PLANTS
GOT2GO PLANTS Bottle brush, red, white, pink and green flowers. Hedging or stand-alone tuff and drought resistance, all ready now. Open Tuesday to Saturday. 10am to 4pm. Got2Go Plants is on Facebook. 55 West Coast Road, Te Kopuru. EFTPOS available. 09 439 5556/027 488 3400.
SECURITY
SECURE YOUR Home — security doors, grills, locks, bolts, stays, latches — supplied and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
SEPTIC TANK SERVICES
MAGIC PROPERTY Services, effluent & septic tank cleaning. Servicing the Kaipara. Phone Chris 027 480 0110 or Mary 027 459 1544. 7 Days. WE ARE THE ONLY CODE COMPLIANT OPERATORS IN THE KAIPARA.
& SERVICES 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. V-GROOVE
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIED arborists. For all your tree needs — removal, chipping,
CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09 439 6933
Closing date for classified advertising for the June 17 2025 edition is Monday, June 16 2025
PUBLIC NOTICES
ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — Next concert is the 3rd of July 2025, first Thursday of the month — 7–9.30pm. Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road, Dargaville. $2 entry, $2 raffle. Performers and audience welcome. Phone Allan 09 439 6933 or 021 439 697. An enjoyable night to be part of, sit back and be entertained by some great local talent.
DARGAVILLE HEALING rooms 7pm Tuesdays. No charge & no appointment necessary. Lion of Judah Building, River Road. All Welcome. Check us out on Facebook.
full time position. Email CV/Cover letter in confidence to office.nwbuild@gmail.com
WE HAVE 2 million people within trucking distance of Dargaville. They need healing food such as grapes, beetroot, persimmons, bananas and cherimoyas, all organic. These grow well here on the flat, probably using the big river for irrigation. Form a co-op for marketing. Lance Bullock.
DARGAVILLE AERO CLUB
AGM
Saturday 5th July 2025 2pm at the club rooms
RUAWAI BOWLING CLUB
AGM
Saturday 28th June @ 2pm All members welcome Reeves St, Ruawai
HARPER, Roy David
Passed away on 1 June 2025, aged 84. Dearly loved husband of Julie. Much loved and cherished Dad of Davina, Gavin, and Kylie; father-in-law to Hooksy and Rebecca, and Poppa to Harper and Hunter. You’ll be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. As per the family’s wishes, a private farewell was held.
Mangawhai Club Incorporated of Mangawhai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of a Club Licence in respect of the premises situated at 219 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai known as The Club Mangawhai
The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is a Members Club
The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 8am to 1am the next day.
The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 5, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai.
Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the first publication of this public notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville 0340.
No objection to the 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. Public notice (Section 127, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)
Public notice
(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)
Northern Wairoa Boating Club of Dargaville, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal and variation of a club licence in respect of the premises situated at 21 Totara St, Dargaville known as Northern Wairoa Boating Club
The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is boat club
The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 10pm. Thursday to Saturday 11am to 1am the following day.
The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 5, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai.
Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the first publication of this public notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville 0340.
No objection to the 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.
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NORTHERN WAIROA
VEGETABLE GROWERS ASSN. AGM 23rd June 2025 | Dargaville Boating Club
16∙6∙1949 - 5∙6∙2025
Eldest Son of the Late Nicholas and Mary Matich.
Loved Brother and Brother in-law to Sue; Jonny and Becky; and the late Phillip. Beloved Uncle to his Nephews and Nieces. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday the 14th of June at 1pm at the Mt Wesley Cemetery Dargaville. Hang 10 Brother Počivaj u miru
