A tribal gathering has been called to counter an iwi leadership decision to support a mega-landfill for …
Leaders meet for water accord Northland’s District Councils are working together to explore a collaborative approach to water infrastructure …
From Matariki Friday onward, the Whānau Focus Centre in Dargaville’s Victoria Street will become a
by Andy Bryenton
One of the most senior officials administering healthcare services in Northland has held a meeting with mayor Craig Jepson and Dargaville councilman Gordon Lambeth, regarding the direction of Dargaville Hospital.
The discussion took place at the Kaipara District Council’s Hokianga Road headquarters, with the mayor, councillor Lambeth and Health New Zealand Te Tai Tokerau group director of operations Alex Pimm frankly addressing the concerns of the public.
“We have no plans to close the Dargaville Hospital,” said Mr Pimm. “However, we do want to change how care is provided there. We want to ensure that the most benefit is felt by the largest number of people.” While Mr Pimm admitted it has been logistically impossible to staff the hospital to ideal levels for the past two years, he said that the arrival of two new part-time doctors and a scheme to establish new, in-demand local services will enable the hospital to work smarter.
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p The Maungatūroto Volunteer Fire Brigade recently received help from two sources: a financial boost with donations from the Professionals real estate agency, and a pair of new recruits in Sean Blomquist and Chelsea Cooper. Pictured: Paddy Thornton, Sean Blomquist, Shar Schultz and Chelsea Cooper with a big donation to the Maungatūroto firefighters. Contact CFO Thornton at the Maungatūroto fire station to join the team and give back to your community — more firefighters are needed now.
That means the prospect of a plaster clinic to set breaks and follow-up services to ensure broken bones heal right. It also means chemotherapy and dialysis options intended to return to Dargaville. All of these examples are currently served by Whangārei Hospital, meaning long travel times for locals who need them. Moving such services to Dargaville would come with a trade-off in night-time emergency response, however, with the roughly five emergency cases arriving after hours each week at Dargaville sent directly to Whangārei.
A new, multimillion-dollar emergency care facility is being built there, meaning reduced wait times. Faster transport options are planned, including more use of helicopter transit for patients in rural Kaipara. Those needing observation, recovery, intravenous medications and the attention of a nurse would still be cared for at Dargaville at night.
In addition, extra GP appointments were being encouraged by increasing the capacity of the Dargaville Medical Centre, the hospital’s neighbour. A new section of this practice was recently opened to increase its effectiveness. Additionally, a mobile ear, nose and throat clinic has been funded for Northland and will visit smaller rural centres to make accessing a doctor easier. It all adds up to a changing role for Dargaville’s hospital; one which focusses more on what Mr Pimm says are the most vital services that will keep locals out of Whangārei Hospital queues. Mayor Jepson and councillor Lambeth impressed upon the Health NZ director the fierce loyalty Dargaville and west Kaipara citizens have for their hospital, and that a downgrade in service instead of the promised reset and upgrade would be met with resistance by locals. ¢
by Paul Campbell
A tribal gathering has been called to counter an
decision to support a mega-landfill for Auckland’s rubbish in the Dome Valley, with a perceived threat to the
and the Kaipara Harbour.
The Fight the Tip group’s AGM in Wellsford last week heard executive member Mikaera Miru charge the officials of three Ngāti Whātua groups of exceeding their role in reversing opposition to the landfill.
“A tribal hui has been called to knock these administrators off their pedestal,” he said. “It will discuss our ongoing opposition to the landfill, and make it clear to the Environment Court these people had no authority from tribal members for doing what they did.”
The Environment Court is currently deliberating the Dome tip application from Waste Management in Auckland.
Mr Miru leads the Tinopai Resource Management Unit, “the sole tangata whenua voice continuing opposition to the rubbish dump. However, there are at least six marae and 360 associated signatures against the tip.” He told the AGM: “We have to remember these people are only administrators, who have run away with the ball and done this by stealth.”
Fight the Tip chair Sue Crockett, deputy chair and secretary Michelle Carmichael, and Mr Miru were re-elected at last week’s
society AGM at the Wellsford Community Centre. Mr Miru also says that the minority iwi officialdom backdown ignored a rāhui in place over the tip site without consulting the wider Ngāti Whātua marae. “They are in serious breach of customary law.”
Ms Carmichael says the battle against the tip was a “high cost to community, groups and iwi more suited to corporates with large bank accounts, and FTT welcomes support and donations towards their fight. ¢
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Greetings
There’s never a dull moment in our district. The past few weeks have been a testament to our community’s growth and resilience.
Last month, I felt privileged to be invited to a community gathering celebrating the opening of the new hub for the CauseWay Church. This a stunning new space for connection, reflection and for continuation of the fantastic work throughout the district undertaken by the CauseWay Church. It’s a proud milestone, made possible by the dedication of many, and is another massive effort of the Kaipara community.
While celebrations like these lift our spirits, I know that some in Dargaville faced a tough challenge recently, during the water supply event that occurred at the end of last month. I viewed the issues first hand, when I spent the Saturday onsite with the teams. I know how disruptive this was, and I want to acknowledge the patience of residents and the swift action of our hardworking contractors and staff. If you are interested, you can see a written summary of the event on our website. Ensuring a reliable water supply remains a top priority, and we’re committed to the continual renewal of infrastructure. Council has developed a 30year water infrastructure plan that includes $10.5m in years 4–10 and $30m in years 21–30 for system renewals. Investigations into the
raw water pipeline lifespan and future replacements will continue to be prioritised in council long term capital planning.
A reminder that our Proposed District Plan is open for public input until the end of the month. This is about shaping how our towns and landscapes evolve — housing, land use, environmental protections — it’s all in there. Soon the Revenue and Financing policy will be up for consultation too, with further work done on the proposal to look at how best to use capital value for calculating the general rate. These policies don’t just sit on a shelf — they influence the way our district lives, grows, and thrives.
Finally, candidate nominations open on 4 July for the next Kaipara District Council Mayor and eight councillors. It’s a big year ahead, and I encourage those passionate about our community to step forward.
Mayor Craig Jepson Kaipara District
by Andy Bryenton
More options and resources for students needing extra learning support have been announced as part of the 2025 budget, with Dargaville’s Selwyn Park School the site for two new classrooms, under the auspices of the Blomfield Special School.
“I’m pleased to welcome today’s Budget 2025 funding announcement for two classrooms for Blomfield Special School at Selwyn Park School in Dargaville. This is fantastic news for local families with children who have high learning support needs,” says Northland MP Grant McCallum.
The Blomfield Special School already operates in Kaitāia, Whangārei, Te Kamo and Oromahoe, providing a safe, supportive environment for children with special learning needs.
“We are determined to engage every student in our school to discover their potential. Our students are not an afterthought of programming, they are at the heart of all our work, as we seek to ensure they are fully included in the world they are learning more about every day,” says principal Sally Wilkinson.
“This investment will give parents greater choice and confidence, knowing their children can learn in an environment built to support their individual needs — because we know that mainstream settings aren’t the right fit for every child,” says Mr McCallum.
by Andy Bryenton
“The two classrooms will help to ease pressure on Bloomfield Special School and ensure more students can access the support they need, right here in our community.”
Construction at Selwyn Park School is expected to begin within the next 12 months, with faster and more efficient building methods noted by Northland’s MP as a factor in getting the facility open sooner.
“Specialist schools play a vital role in our community, and I am grateful for their incredible work for the parents and students of Dargaville,” Mr McCallum said.
This week sees the first two official announcements from Otamatea General Ward in the 2025 local elections.
Mike Schimanski has announced his intent to run, bringing 12 years in the farming sector, six years in roading and infrastructure, and 12 years supplying the local building industry, to the election race.
“My vision for Kaipara is simple: support the rural sector while ensuring that the infrastructure is upgraded to meet the needs of population growth. I believe the council must focus on accountability, particularly around costs of over-engineering and consultant use, to keep rates fair and services effective,” said Mr Schimanski.
“I am a passionate advocate for the Kaipara Harbour, and am also committed to inspiring the next generation to volunteer and engage in community building.”
Also announcing her run this week is Denise Rogers, who stated she would represent the residents and ratepayers of the ward with a common-sense approach, transparency and open channels of communication.
“I love the rural lifestyle beside the mighty Kaipara Harbour,” said Denise. “Maungatūroto is such a great place to live. Kaipara has been home for many years; my family are fifth-generation Kaipara residents. I would love to give back to our community through this role.
“My attributes of financial sense, integrity, hard work and excellent time management, have seen me build a successful business of 20 years, while raising my family. I have enjoyed volunteering on local committees, having been actively involved in Playcentre, Pony Club and Hakaru Hall.” ¢
by Andy Bryenton
Northland’s district councils are working together to explore a collaborative approach to water infrastructure, ahead of the central government’s September deadline.
The coalition government’s Local Water Done Well programme has been established to address the nation’s long-standing water infrastructure challenges, but it does not come with fiscal help for local councils. This means that making a transition to a new water delivery model affordable might have to leverage economies of scale, and that means working in partnership with other councils.
“Each council has now completed formal consultation with the community, where options were proposed for how drinking, waste and storm water services should be delivered in the future,” says Vince Cocorullo, mayor of Whangārei and chair of the newly established Northland Water Services Working Group, which has members from all three district councils in the north.
“While options and preferences in each district vary, all of us are committed to getting around the table and evaluating the opportunities of working together and solving some of the challenges we all experience,” said Mr Cocurullo.
The Northland Water Services Working Group is made up of elected
members from each council, supported by their staff. Representatives from the Department of Internal Affairs and an independent adviser will attend each meeting, and the working group will make recommendations to each council for decision-making later this year.
“Whangārei, Kaipara and Far North District Councils have been working together to model the finances for a Northland CCO (a council-controlled water company) so that option could be included for consultation,” Cocurullo said.
It’s the opinion of Kaipara councillors that going it alone would be financially risky for Kaipara in the long term, so a joint approach is favoured locally. ¢
by Konrad Philips and Andy Bryenton
The Tunatahi Matariki Fest will light up the Riverside Gardens this week, followed by a festival of fun and fire as Circus Kumarani hosts their Winter Warm Up the following day.
On Friday, June 20, the Tunatahi Matariki Fest will be held by Te Oranga O Tunatahi at the Dargaville Riverside Gardens from 10am. This free event is being supported by the Kaipara District Council, Foundation North and the Dargaville Community Development Board, with assistance from volunteers such as the local Scouts and Rotarians.
The celebration will be a free event, with food stalls, arts, crafts and more, along with plenty of variety. Entertainment at this event includes a waiata singing contest, T-shirt design contest, kapa haka performances, a performance from the Dalmatian Club, retelling of the Matariki story and a mau rākau demonstration. Jin Yan, an awardwinning Chinese cultural group is coming to perform at the festival. This is the first time Dargaville locals will be able to witness their performance.
Then, on Saturday, June 21, the shortest day of the year, Circus Kumarani is holding a free Winter Warm-up event with workshops, fire spinning and a stage open to anyone
who would like to perform. The safe, fun and colourful fire performance event kicks off from 4pm and runs until 8pm at the Scout Hall and the Kumarani Centre on Onslow Street.
This interactive event is suitable for the whole family, just like the Tunatahi Matariki Fest the day before. Mark both on your calendar and prepare for a weekend of fun, celebrating the traditional beginning of the new celestial year. ¢
We asked Kaipara District Council members to discuss their thoughts on the three years they have had in office under the Jepson Administration; these are their responses.
As an individual elected member, I have no authority, so it is difficult to point to a specific thing and say “I did that”. I think I made a useful contribution to the decision on the appointment of a new chief executive, and certainly, I was part of the decisions involved in our new road contracting arrangements.
I also contributed to the District Plan Working Party, resulting in the plan now out for consultation. In dealing with individual constituent issues, success for me is when I have referred them to the right channel to engage with the council organisation and they don’t need to come back to me. That usually happens.
One of the great challenges of this council term has been a mostly inexperienced elected member lineup, which has had little opportunity for training. This was exacerbated by the decision to cancel membership of Local Government NZ and the apparent lack of interest by the mayor in other training opportunities.
For many years, it has been obvious that we have a divided district. I would have liked to see more effort go into
healing this rift. I have called out what I have seen as abuse of process when I see it; at least we haven’t been replaced by commissioners.
I regret the totally avoidable expense of having the council’s Māori ward cancellation decision challenged in court. It stands as an example of the opportunity to avoid costs being trumped by ideology. I intend to stand for re-election. ¢
Thanks to all who voted for me in the 2022 election. As your councillor, I have tried to do my best for the people of Kaipara. While there are a few wins I can share with pride, there are many promises yet to be kept.
As the KDC’s representative on the Regional Transport Committee, I fought for the improvement of the state highways network in Kaipara maintained by NZTA. We were also able to find a preferred route to solve the bottleneck at Brynderwyn, which has been accepted by the government.
First-hand experience of Cyclone Gabrielle bolstered me to publicise the damage caused at the national level resulting in significant funding to rectify the situation at Awakino Point, Beach Road, River Road and many slips around western Kaipara.
I have raised the issue of lack of doctors and police in Dargaville nationally and have got some positive response and outcomes. I also helped in setting up a community patrol in Dargaville.
Within the council, I stood for transparency and a fair deal for the ratepayers. I oppose many significant decisions on water infrastructure affecting the ratepayers being discussed in public-excluded meetings — I hope the ombudsman takes notice.
I am unhappy that the voice of the people articulated through many public
consultations has been generally ignored by the council. The Northland Regional Council must work in unison with Kaipara District Council for the maintenance of our rivers and Kaipara Harbour which, so far, has been neglected.
Kaipara is rich in resources and has a great future, but has been poorly managed by successive councils, a trend which must stop. Public money must be used for the public good and not on consultants. This has not been stopped despite the demands of myself and the public. Additionally, many pet projects and developments have been fostered in Mangawhai, which will cause an unnecessary burden on the ratepayers. ¢
by Andy Bryenton
Dargaville’s chief fire officer Jason Campbell has welcomed the imminent arrival of a new tanker truck to bolster the reserves of his firefighting force.
The volunteer brigade’s current water tanker truck has the advantage of fourwheel drive, but technically belongs to the forestry service and is on long-term loan. The new Hino fire tanker can carry more than 5,000 litres of water, a major improvement on the current tanker truck’s capacity.
After a debut last Monday, during which brigade members were able to drive the new vehicle, it was sent down to Mount Wellington in east Auckland for an extensive fit-out. When the new truck returns, it will be officially blessed as part of the Dargaville brigade’s fleet.
“When you turn up to a fire and water is hard to find, having an extra few thousand litres can make the difference between putting out a burning house and searching for water,” says Mr Campbell.
This fact was illustrated starkly last Monday when fire ripped through a home being renovated in Aratapu. Trucks from as far afield as Ruawai and Paparoa
helped ferry water supplies from the edge of Dargaville’s reticulated system to help quell the blaze. In a rural setting, extra water is not always on hand, and having a higher capacity tanker will certainly make a difference.
Another factor, which helped save lives in the Aratapu blaze, was the deployment of smoke alarms, leading to a call by firefighters to check yours as we head into the cold part of the year.
“If it wasn’t for smoke alarms, we don’t know what could have happened,” said chief Campbell. ¢
by Andy Bryenton
From Matariki Friday onward, the Whānau Focus Centre in Dargaville’s Victoria Street will become a hub for voter registration, encouraging demographics often under-represented in polling to have their say.
“We’re helping everybody to enrol for elections, and we’ll be creating a hub here so folks can sign up to vote, from Monday to Thursday, from 8.30am until 3.30pm,” says Joesephine Nathan, who manages the busy social services office.
She says that she has seen first-hand the barriers of confusion, time and uncertainty, which stop many younger people and those from rural areas from engaging with the democratic process, and she and her team want to break down those walls to enable everyone to have their say on the forthcoming local body elections in Kaipara.
“This kaupapa is to empower whānau with shared knowledge,” says Joesephine. “Matariki was chosen as the start date because it’s a time of new beginnings, and we’d like people to make one of their resolutions to be about enrolling, getting involved in community politics and making their voices heard.”
Nationwide, local body elections often suffer from poor voter turnout, despite having a big impact on rates and therefore rents, roading, the environment, relations between community groups and the cost of living.
To help spread the message, the Whānau Focus Centre will host a special event on Friday, June 20, from 10 am, with food, fun, music and community leaders kicking off the voter registration drive. Everyone is invited to stop in and speak up for local democracy. ¢
Dog registrations can be renewed from 1 July. Make sure your furry friend is up to date by 31 August. You can avoid queues and register online at kaipara.govt.nz/annual-dog-registration Pay on time and avoid penalty fees.
This week we will be releasing an explainer video for the Proposed District Plan. This is an opportunity to hear from the district planning team about the proposed changes and what possible zoning changes and mapped overlays means for you and your property.
The short video will be available on our YouTube channel and on our Facebook page. Find out more on the Proposed District Plan at www.kaipara.govt.nz/kaipara-district-plan-review
The Matakohe Community Group was one of last year’s Reserve Contributions Fund recipients, using the grant to help restore their muchloved community tennis court:
“The original fence was rusting and we knew it was time to make the space safe and enjoyable again. With some creative thinking, support from Council’s Reserve Contributions Fund and volunteer labour we were able to bring the tennis courts back to life.
The court is once again buzzing with activity. Locals and visitors are using the courts for tennis, basketball, netball, and even roller skating. It’s also a popular venue for community markets and family picnics, thanks to its central spot near the Gumdiggers Cafe and The Kauri Museum.”
Applications for our Reserve Contributions Fund close 4.30pm, 29 June (new closing date). Find out about the fund and how to apply at kaipara.govt.nz/funding
We want your feedback! As our district continues to grow, so too must our infrastructure from parks and reserves, to transport, roads, wastewater and water supply services.
Council funds these infrastructure costs through a mix of rates, central government support, and development contributions paid by developers. We’re proposing a new Development Contributions Policy to replace the current one. This policy sets the fees developers pay to help cover the costs of growth.
Feedback is open until 23 June. Head to kaipara.govt.nz/have-your-say for more information.
Dargaville water supply event
You can find a summary of the update Chief Executive Jason Marris gave to elected members (4 June council briefing) on our website.
Curious about stepping into local government?
Think you might have what it takes to stand for Council? Then come along to our information evening! Hear from a panel of experts, including Chief Executives and Electoral Officer Dale Ofsoske, who will break down the role of elected member, the election process, and what it really takes to represent your community.
You have the option to enroll on either the Māori roll or the general roll, if you are of Māori descent. This decision affects who you vote for in both general and local elections and helps shape the number of Māori and general electorates in Parliament
Find more information on the 2025 local elections at kaipara.govt.nz/elections
• Council Briefing, 10am Wed 2 July, 1C Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai and on YouTube
• Development Contributions Policy Review 2025 Hearings, 9:30am Thu 3 July at venue TBA and on YouTube
• Taharoa Domain Governance Committee, 10am Tues 22 July, Lighthouse Function Centre, 32 Mount Wesley Coast Road
• Harding Park Committee, 1pm Tues 22 July, Lighthouse Function Centre, 32 Mount Wesley Coast Road
• Development Contributions PEX Workshop, 9.30am Wed 23 July, Public excluded
• Development Contributions Policy – Deliberations, 11am (or the conclusion of the PEX Workshop) Wed 23 July, 1c Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai and on YouTube
• Council Meeting, 10am Wed 30 July, 1c Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai and on YouTube
Please visit Council’s website for the most up-to-date information or call council on 0800 727 059 and ask to speak to a Governance Advisor.
by Andy Bryenton
The announcement of incumbent mayor Craig Jepson’s decision not to contest the mayoralty has kickstarted the electoral race in Kaipara, and the following weeks are likely to see a flurry of candidacies.
Last election, just over half of us turned out to vote for our local leadership, which is considered high for local body election numbers. That’s frankly a crappy showing for a part of the country where our representatives matter. There’s only a small rating base, and massive growth is projected; so much so that the forthcoming district plan actually proposes putting the brakes on Mangawhai being built out to become the Orewa of the north.
Set aside the fact that people in other parts of the world are, as you read this, fighting bitter wars to secure the right to vote. There are folks fighting against tanks with drones and rifles because they don’t want to live under a dictatorship. We might think the stakes are lower in Kaipara, but there’s an existential threat nonetheless.
The coalition government’s water plans have forced the necessity of amalgamation of water services; our elected members say we can’t survive as a
district without it. When the former Labour administration suggested amalgamation of water, resource management, and indeed of whole councils to make a super city of the north, people were up in arms. Could amalgamation happen by stealth in the future? Is it what Wellington wants? Or, worse, could assets like water and council services become the property of private companies which we have no power to control, charging usuriously to make big profits at the expense of your family?
We need fighters in our next council; not to say we don’t have them among our current numbers. This time around, voters have to mobilise and pick representatives who are across the issues. When the candidates come out to debate, shake hands and raise billboards, grill them on rates affordability, disaster preparedness, plans for future growth and infrastructure, and how they plan to make Kaipara better. One-policy fanatics and smiling faces with no substance should be winnowed out mercilessly by a strong, informed voter base. Now isn’t the time for a weak council. The good news is, we don’t have to fight a war to win the right to choose a good one. All we need to do is listen, think critically and vote. ¢
For a young fellow with an unstable home environment, Dargaville High School was a pillar of stability for me. Mr Fitchett at maths and Nigel Gust for geography, were particularly helpful to me. For a young fellow with an unstable home environment, DHS was the pillar upon which I relied and to this day retain a closer friendship with three former classmates.
A particular occasion at DHS assembly one morning resonates to this day. A second world war Māori veteran spoke to the entire school assembly for some time, but his theme and final message was: “Be strong. Be like the kauri. Stand tall.”
He was referring to the kauri tree embraced in the DHS coat of arms.
It is with dismay that I now read that the school and the kauri may be falling. For it was that kauri which provided me with the spirit to attain commissioned rank in the NZ Police
albeit along the way, some notoriety as a squad commander of the now infamous Red Squad; the profile to be elected as member of parliament for the Hobson electorate, which embraced DHS within its boundaries; elevation of the executive of New Zealand (outside cabinet) and later in life, commercial activity in the Middle East, a collateral being made honorary consul for Morocco.
On this journey I graduated with a BA and part of a law degree from Auckland University and a master’s degree in privatisation of state assets from Victoria University. Be it that my odyssey in life has often been turbulent, I acknowledge the contribution DHS made to the moments of success.
I say to students of today. We are all born equal. The intensity with which we live, however, is up to each individual. DHS can provide you with the tools you need to be like a kauri: stand tall.
Ross Meurant, DHS alumnus
by Andy Bryenton
For the fourth year, a festival of Matariki will be celebrated for the whole community in Mangawhai, thanks to Te Whai Trust, Northland Inc and Te Puna Hauora.
When the Pleiades star cluster rises with the dawn on Friday, June 20, the Te Whai team will be busy preparing for a midday start of festivities. They’ll be helping to set up stalls where art and crafts will be on display, gathering the prizes for big auctions and raffles, firing up the barbecue and unearthing a mouthwatering hāngī, all in support of the traditional Māori new year.
“We have an amazing guy who does the hāngī; his name’s Milo, and it is always
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perfect. He also usually has other people along with him, and we invite people from the community to come and learn the process,” says Kiri Eriwata, Te Whai Trust manager. “It’s excellent as it’s traditional and it’s very community focussed, we’ll have karakia for kai and everyone can enjoy a feast.”
Matariki is traditionally a time to gather with friends and whānau to enjoy a meal and reflect on the year past, with hope for the year to come. As well as the opportunity to share good food and company, the event, which Te Whai Trust has planned at their community house at 73 Moir Street, is a chance to enjoy
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some entertainment, too. There will be live music and kapa haka performances throughout the afternoon, and some relaxing mirimiri or traditional massage to help ease away winter aches and chills. Uniquely in keeping with their philosophy of being kind to nature, Te Whai Trust has orchestrated this Matariki celebration as a low-waste event, so they’re asking everyone to bring their own picnic blanket, cups, plates and utensils along and take them home afterwards.
“We have just begun a new project imprinting native plants on to silks to make kites, with a light wooden frame; these will be available to buy in the future
to support Te Whai,” says Kiri. “They are a beautiful way for businesses and individuals in the community to show their support. It all has its way of aligning with Matariki and its focus on togetherness and reflection.”
All koha received and money raised by this event will go toward Te Whai Community Trust and the good work they perform in and around Mangawhai. Mark the date and gather your friends and family; Matariki ki Mangawhai celebrates a new year’s rising on Friday, June 20, from noon to 3pm at the Te Whai Community House, adjacent to the Mangawhai Domain on Moir Street. ¢
by Andy Bryenton
Kaipara towns abound with professionals who can help out in almost any emergency, from plumbing problems to electrical issues, legal wrangles and automotive headaches.
However, a large number of professionals defy the definition of a profession, as they give of their time and their skills free of charge. These are not the tradespeople and skilled workers who you can rely on to keep your home, farm or business running smoothly. They are the firefighters, ambulance crews, sports coaches, club secretaries and hospice carers who build rural New Zealand with their community spirit.
There’s plenty of crossover. As we celebrate Volunteer Week this week, it’s worth noting that local business owners and trade professionals contribute a huge amount to the fabric of social life. As tradespeople, they will often give discounts or absolutely free labour to good causes, and as business owners, they are the sponsoring names on countless sporting uniforms, on billboards around rugby fields and on the side of local stock cars.
Many join the ranks of those who volunteer their own time, too, at everything from Saturday morning soccer matches to weekday evening committee meetings. Volunteers make up a vast proportion of the workforce in Kiwi charities, churches, social clubs, hobby groups and even
important social services like the fire brigade, ambulance service and hospice. This last group will host a charity lunch for their volunteers this week by way of thanks for their efforts.
“All hospices around New Zealand are run with volunteers, and we would not be able to do what we do without their dedication,” says Dargaville’s hospice spokesperson
Annette Olsen.
“As an organisation that isn’t funded by the government, we rely on fundraising and on the love of our volunteers. There are more than 60 in Dargaville, split between our hospice shop and homevisiting volunteers.”
Annette’s feedback from the volunteers who help keep hospice care available for Kaipara whānau is common to the response given by most volunteers when asked why they do it. A sense of fulfilment, the satisfaction of making a positive change, and giving something back to the community are all factors which are often mentioned by volunteers. Perhaps this sense of satisfaction and purpose explains why
volunteers live longer. Studies, including one from Stamford University in the US, have shown that volunteers, particularly older adults, have a significantly lower risk of death compared to those who don’t volunteer.
This Volunteer Week, why not consider donating a little bit of your time and your professional skills to making your town a better place to live? If you already do, then please accept our gracious thanks for your service. ¢
by Andy Bryenton
Attitudes to funerals are changing, and how families and friends celebrate the lives of those who are
personal question, with lots more choice.
“Funeral, wake, farewell, memorial, send off, celebration of life; there are many terms for how we say goodbye once
burial, a private cremation. With a funeral director or not, at home or not, private or public — the list is endless.”
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Director: Amànda Matich
a person has died,” says local celebrant Josie Scott. “Alternatively, there is the option to have a living funeral or wake. This is a way of honouring someone before they have died, and of course, they then get to enjoy their own party.”
Josie says that during the last 15 years she has learned about the many ways to facilitate a farewell, and she has realised that there is no wrong way, just an infinite variety of options.
“Farewells I have facilitated as a celebrant include gatherings at the beach, the lakes, the park or in the forest. Everyone comes to take part to share stories and memories, to laugh, feast, cry, hug and be together.
“Some people prefer being at home with a small, intimate gathering; others like being in a large space with many people. Prayers, poems, songs, music, a eulogy, or none of those; conversations and stories instead. A decorated or simple handmade coffin created by family members, a shroud, a cardboard coffin, a coffin made at The Men’s Shed. A natural
Korowai o Poutama kete is a response to the karanga of whānau to take care of their own loved ones when the time comes.
Our Kaiārahi will come to you and provide whānau the resources, advice, and assistance needed for preparation and ongoing cares throughout the tangihanga. We will also facilitate the logistics of ensuring all regulatory requirements of the whānau are met
Josie says that making the right choice should be a personal decision, and one which is carefully arrived at.
“Often, I find people feel pressured to make decisions quickly. Another learning for me has been that it can be good to take some time to think about and consider options. If family members are away at the time of death, for example, why not have a private cremation or burial, and then hold whatever event seems appropriate when everyone can come together?”
There’s a wider question, too — why have a funeral at all?
“For many people, this is a huge expense, and seems an unnecessary stressor. To gather together in support, to share memories and stories, to show concern and love for each other can assist in a time of grief and sorrow.”
Whether it’s a funeral, a wake, a memorial or a celebration of life, a gathering of some sort really can make
a difference for all involved. Let us keep talking about the possibilities as a community, and remember to utilise one of our greatest assets — Kiwi ingenuity. ¢
by Hammonds Law
A will is a critical legal document in New Zealand, for both practical and legal reasons. The consequences of not having a will can be significant, so it’s a good idea to talk to a trusted legal professional and compose one for peace of mind and future security.
A will allows you to specify exactly how your assets are to be distributed after your death. Without one, your estate is distributed according to rules set out in the Administration Act 1969. This may not reflect your wishes or the needs of your family, especially in blended families or complex situations. Making a will, therefore, allows you to make a personal choice on who gets what, when it comes to items of both sentimental and fiscal value.
A will also allows you to appoint executors to manage your estate and carry out your wishes. These people are ones you know you can trust to do what’s right even after you’re gone. You can also nominate guardians for young children, ensuring their care is entrusted to someone you choose.
Dying without a will (sometimes called dying intestate) creates more complex, time-consuming, and expensive estate administration processes. It can result in family disputes, legal challenges and unnecessary stress for your family. To avoid this kind of stress and disruption, a will composed with the help of your family’s legal advisers is highly recommended.
Additionally, a will provides clear instructions for your executors and beneficiaries, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or litigation. It can also include your wishes for funeral arrangements and specific bequests of sentimental or valuable items.
A will is essential for dealing with blended families, trusts and circumstances where you have separated but are not divorced from a partner. You can update your wishes as your circumstances change. A properly drafted will by your lawyer minimises the risk of challenge or invalidity. Legal advice ensures your will is robust and less likely to be contested.
You can also make special provision for vulnerable beneficiaries, such as young children, dependents with special needs, or those who may require a trust structure for ongoing support. A will is vitally important for ensuring your estate is managed and distributed according to your wishes, for protecting your loved ones from unnecessary legal and financial complications, and providing certainty and peace of mind. ¢ PHONE 09 439 7099
Hokianga Rd Dargaville email info@hammondslaw.co.nz www.hammondslaw.co.nz
At Eternal Tides Funeral Services, we provide compassionate and professional funeral services that honour both tradition and individuality.
Founded by whānau, for whānau, we are proud to walk alongside you in one of life’s most sacred moments — saying goodbye.
Owned and operated by Haami Tohu and Kauangarua Kingi, Eternal Tides was born from a deep sense of purpose: to offer respectful, culturally-grounded care to families during their time of grief. With strong ties to the community and a heart for service, we bring warmth, strength and calm guidance when it matters most.
Whether your farewell follows cultural rituals, spiritual beliefs or personal preferences, we tailor our services with integrity and aroha. With our personalised funeral plans, we handle the details, so you and your whānau can focus on what matters — remembering, grieving and healing.
We believe death is not the end, but a return to the sacred tides that connect us to our ancestors, to each other, and to the whenua. ¢
Hospice Kaipara is a free service which provides home-based support, working with people and their family/whanau, who face a life limiting illness. Support includes symptom management, resources, equipment, counselling, bereavement support and more. For more information please phone on 0800 395 467 or email office@hospicekaipara.org.nz
ADVERTORIAL
by Andy Bryenton
Ake Ake Shrouds is an innovative local initiative, sharing the idea of a softer, more family-orientated way of clothing loved ones who have died, ready for their final voyage back to nature.
Karen Williamson’s journey to becoming the only artisan making handcrafted shrouds in Northland, and one of just two in New Zealand, began with her work in palliative end-of-life care. One of the aspects of her job was the enshrouding of the deceased, a process which she says is very natural and intuitive, akin to the care which is shown to a newborn.
“The act of wrapping someone for that final journey just feels right. We are surrounded and supported by fabric our entire lives, and our last garment should be a special one,” says Karen.
Using a shroud instead of or in conjunction with other burial methods and ceremonies has been part of nearly every indigenous culture on Earth for centuries.
Another aspect of using natural cloth to gently enfold a loved one who has passed is that it’s kind to the earth. Karen’s shrouds are entirely natural, and will go back to the soil along with those who inhabit them. For some, using plant-based dyes and adding the images and textures of certain flora is part of personalising their shroud.
“I can ask what place, and what tree or plant is significant to you, then the mauri of that rākau can go with you into your final garment,” says Karen.
Karen encourages people to talk openly about how they would like to be arrayed for their final occasion with friends and family, and to talk to her about options, personalisation and perhaps even joining a shrouding workshop to learn more. ¢
by Andy Bryenton
In the not-so-distant past, a funeral was a relatively homogenised occasion, officiated for the most part as a function of a person’s religious faith and following a traditional formula.
While it was known and accepted that different cultures had differing funerary practices, there was very little difference between individual ceremonies of remembrance and grieving within European New Zealand society.
Now things have changed, marking a shift in thought on death and remembrance which is almost as profound as the concept of funerary rites themselves. There have been funerals since before there were modern humans.
The oldest burial sites with clear indications that the deceased were prepared with grave goods and a ceremony comes from South Africa. There, archaeologists discovered carefully buried Homa naledi remains from 200,000 BCE, revealing that these pre-human hominids possessed complex emotional behaviour and perhaps even a belief in an afterlife. Neanderthals and early humans also created art, jewellery and memorials for their deceased tribemates.
For millennia, religious beliefs shaped funeral customs, but in modern times, many people are more secular and have a desire to meet the inevitability of mortality on their own terms. Some see death as an opportunity for humour or
light-heartedness, remembrance of a life well lived or as a chance to speak frankly and openly with friends and loved ones about emotions they found it hard to articulate in life. Others still wish for a funeral which connects them to their community and their faith, or have beliefs which hybridise many strands of religion and mythos into a personal belief system. The great thing is, in modern times, there’s no wrong way to commemorate the life of a loved one, and it’s increasingly common to talk about your own death with honesty and warmth.
It’s psychologically healthy to talk about the end of life and what it will mean for those who carry on in your legacy. It’s also practical, in an age where human beings live longer than ever before and accumulate considerable property, to plan ahead for a time when one’s physical legacy must be disbursed among friends and family.
Whether it’s for practical, legal, emotional or spiritual reasons, normalising discussions on death and dying is a trend which celebrants, undertakers and those involved with end-of-life care encourage. Demystifying and destigmatising what can be an uncomfortable truth to confront makes the thought of a world without us in it less daunting. ¢
by Andy Bryenton
The iF Design Awards have been handed out for 2025, marking the pinnacle of aesthetic achievement in a wide range of products, including the automotive world.
Two of the winners in this category point to an interesting divergence in auto design, and highlight the way in which traditional designers are being matched by up-and-coming new rivals.
hard day’s work in the cab easier to manage.
“We’re delighted that once again, the S Series demonstrates its exceptional farmer-focussed design with this prestigious iF Design Award. Following the completion of our new CVT transmission facility, the S Series is 100 per cent built in Finland. Farmers and contractors can get exactly the machine they need for their demanding large-scale smart farming businesses,” said Valtra vice-president Matti Tiitinen.
In the corner of new contenders with everything to prove we have the GAC group, out of Guangzhou, China. Their award-winning effort is the GAC ERA, an SUV with doors like a 1963 Lincoln and seats that can rearrange from a standard sports utility configuration into a kind of mobile lounge room. The ERA even has its own stow-away coffee table to complement its plush, revolving pilot’s chairs. Open up those massive doors and the entire mobile living room is open to the air.
Taking a stand for traditional design is Pininfarina, the Italian company responsible for some of the most breathtaking and expensive supercars of all time. For 2025, they swept the iF Design Awards with the literal Batmobile; their bespoke, topless electric supercar, the B95. Why is this ultra-stylised, coachbuilt track rocket associated with the Caped Crusader? Moreover, because
Pininfarina made a special Gotham Edition, specially designed for Bruce Wayne himself. Judges called it the ultimate open-top driving experience. However, the winner that Kiwi customers will be most keen to embrace comes from a different design discipline altogether. The Valtra S Series tractors have already performed well in the Tractor of the Year competition, and now they’ve been feted for their excellent, driver-focussed design which makes a
It’s easy to applaud innovative hydrogen electric SUVs that act as a moving living room or supercars designed for superheroes. However, the importance of Valtra’s design input into making the S Series safer, more comfortable and more intuitive to operate will come in a better bottom line for farmers who adopt it, and that flows on to a stronger rural economy. Especially when competitors, as they inevitably do in a vigorous market, take note of what’s pushing Valtra to the top of the awards podium, and make similar innovations of their own. ¢
by Andy Bryenton and Konrad Philips
This is the time of year when many farmers wish for a side-by-side with a roof and windscreen to take the pain out of icy rain, and the terrain-conquering stability and grip to deal with winter mud.
However, most don’t want a full-sized ute either. A middle ground between an ATV quad and a big, flat-decked hauler is a niche that’s in demand, and Honda’s Pioneer 520 could have it covered.
Measuring just 1.8 metres tall and with a footprint of 2.6 metres by 1.2 metres, the smallest of the Pioneer family can get through tight spots which other, larger machines might not be able to. Weighing in at less than 500kg, you might feel guilty for having a pie before saddling up this very light machine; the upside of this low weight is that the Pioneer 520 can traverse muddy and damp fields without leaving extensive tyre damage. It’s also going to use less fuel than a beefier, heavier alternative.
point safety belts and a rigid roll cage add confidence, as does an advanced suspension setup.
Under the hood (or in this case, mounted laterally) the Pioneer’s 518cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fourstroke engine produces a reported 29 horsepower; not enough to set the farm on fire, but then again, this machine measures performance in hard work rather than quarter miles. For versatility, access to narrow trails and tough terrain, and maximum band for your fuel dollar, the Pioneer delivers. It also helps that you can switch on the fly between manual and auto transmission modes, and equally quickly between four-wheel and two-wheel drive.
passenger to join the driver for those jobs that need an extra pair of hands.
Many rural workers will know and respect the 520cc quad bike range made by Honda; this evolution of the brand provides the same reliability in a package which offers not just a roof over your head, but a lot more versatility. ¢
Despite its lightweight frame, the Pioneer 520 is tough. One of the big motivators for farmers in choosing a side-by-side is safety, and this Honda is no exception. Roll-up side nets, three-
The smallest pioneer has a 20cm ride height, with double-wishbones front and rear for nimble performance. There’s disc brakes all round, and while you might want to shoe this Honda with more aggressive rubber for the worst of winter’s mud, it’s got ample grip even with its factory tyres.
For a smaller side-by-side the Pioneer 520 can also pull its weight, quite literally. There’s a load capacity on its tipping rear tray of 204kg, and it can be close to its own weight — 450kg. For many jobs around the farm, that’s ample hauling power, and it does it while allowing a
DARGAVILLE Lot 2 3035 Mititai Road
Prime Grazing or Cropping Opportunity
Lot 2 being a subdivision of 3035 Mititai Road. Approximately 40ha of flat to rolling land, ideal for kumara, maize, or grazing. Quality cattle yards wintering barn, limestone races and new fencing. Fertile soils (river silt, clay loam, volcanic clay) pasture rye, clover and kikuyu. Water from on-site dams Native bush adds shelter and appeal Subdivision near completion. Great opportunity for cropping, dairy grazing or beef finishing.
pggwre.co.nz/DAG41793
DEADLINE SALE
Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Wednesday 23 July VIEW By Appointment Only
Ron Grbin
M 027 471 6388
E rgrbin@pggwrightson.co.nz
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.
pggwre.co.nz/DAG41733
DARGAVILLE 981 Hoanga Road
Vendor Wants Action - Circumstances Have Changed
All set up and ready to go - 120 hectares of flat fertile productive land with five titles. The farm has good infrastructure including a 40 bail rotary shed, four bay implement/calf shed, maize bunker hayshed, feed pad and new loading and yarding pens by the cowshed The farm has been milking up to 300 cows with production to 112,000kg MS Limestone raced to 53 paddocks. The cowshed is in a central position which helps make this an easy farm to run The water system is via the bore. Re grassing programme has been carried out. The main home of three bedrooms and a second workers home with three bedrooms have weatherboard cladding. Both homes have garaging and in need of TLC but have handy location for the cowshed and farm buildings. The farms location to Dargaville is handy for all amenities and schooling for the children. Suitable as dairy farm or cropping. Call me now to discuss further or to get more information on this productive farm
AUCTION Plus GST (if any)
(Unless Sold Prior)
11.00am Tuesday 8 July
PGG Wrightson, Dargaville
VIEW By Appointment Only
Megan Browning
M 027 668 8468
E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz
3 2 2
Megan Browning
M 027 668 8468
TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Tuesday 15 July E mbrowning@pggwrightson co.nz
For outside of Dargaville events email info@integrity.nz
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.
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.
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
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Dargaville, Ruawai, Paparoa, Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka, Mangawhai and Wellsford.
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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.
dargaville@cab.org.nz
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 18 3:00 am (3.0m) 9:20 am (0.8m) 3:30 pm (2.9m) 9:37 pm (0.8m) THU 19 3:54 am (3.0m) 10:15 am (0.7m) 4:27 pm (2.9m) 10:36 pm (0.9m) FRI 20 4:54 am (3.0m) 11:14 am (0.7m) 5:31 pm (2.9m) 11:41 pm (0.8m) SAT 21 5:57 am (3.0m) 12:16 pm (0.7m) 6:37 pm (3.0m) SUN 22 12:48 am (0.8m) 7:02 am (3.0m) 1:19 pm (0.6m) 7:42 pm (3.1m) MON 23 1:53 am (0.7m) 8:05 am (3.1m) 2:20 pm (0.6m) 8:43 pm (3.2m) TUE 24 2:54 am (0.6m) 9:05 am (3.1m) 3:18 pm (0.5m) 9:40 pm (3.3m)
21 2:48 am (2.6m) 8:57 am (0.6m) 3:20
(2.4m) 9:27
(0.8m)
(0.8m) SUN 22 3:46 am (2.6m) 9:56 am (0.6m) 4:24 pm (2.5m) 10:28 pm (0.7m) MON 23 4:45 am (2.6m) 10:55 am (0.5m) 5:26 pm (2.6m) 11:27 pm (0.7m)
TUE 24 5:45 am (2.6m) 11:54 am (0.4m) 6:24 pm (2.6m)
72 Deep-seated ill-will (9)
73 Strike with a firm blow (5)
74 Salad vegetable (7)
79 Balustrade (8)
80 Partitioned section (11)
81 Sky fluff (5)
82 Browned bread (5)
83 Willpower (8,2,4)
Sleepy, drowsy (9)
Under water (9) 26 Sculptor’s tool (6) 27 Passes out (6)
Money holder (5) 32 Coast (8) 34 Very hot and humid (10)
38 Smudged (7) 39 Funniness (6) 40 Signal (anag)(6) 41 Starchy pudding ingredient (4) 42 Secret place for fugitive (7)
45 Very amorous (10) 50 Hide (7) 54 Implement (4)
55 Spanish friends (6)
56 Affected, silly smile (6)
57 Bird of prey (7)
60 Freeing (10)
61 Meeting arranger (8)
62 Circa (5)
65 Sign up (6)
66 Supportive shouts (6)
67 Ill-famed (9)
84 Wheel covers (5)
2 Incautious (6)
3 Gold-miner’s plot (5)
5 Cereal heads (4)
6 Spread outward from a centre (7)
7 Drink of the gods (6)
8 Domesticated (4)
9 Stringed instrument (8)
10 Idle scrawl (6)
11 Implied obliquely (10)
12 Lower wall decoration (4)
13 Stuffy (7)
17 Appears (5)
18 Back financially (10)
22 Inexperienced (5)
23 Picture mentally (8)
25 Sudden increase (7)
26 Farewell expression (7)
28 Cell centres (6)
29 Automatons (6)
30 Health facility (6)
33 Steam bath (5)
35 Snarl (5)
36 Bill of fare (4)
37 Computer input (4)
42 Inn (5)
43 Visitor’s signal (8)
44 Entices (6)
45 Stereotype (10)
46 Winner’s ribbon (4)
47 Six-legged creatures (7)
48 Identifying (6)
49 Topic (5)
51 Spoken (4)
52 Arctic deer (7)
53 Tree-lined street (6)
58 Nobility member (10)
59 Citrus fruit (5)
63 Nuclear plant disaster (8)
64 Itchy skin condition (5)
65 Hearing distance (7)
68 Most conducive to a favourable outcome (7)
69 Moral principles (6)
70 Developing unborn (6)
71 Blame (6)
75 Running total (5)
76 Early Peruvian (4)
77 Expectorate (4)
78 Shortly (4)
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
ACROSS: 1 Climbed, 4 Do a stretch, 9 Washing, 13 Rife, 14 Assume, 15 Pigeon, 16 Inflate, 19 Incinerate, 20 Colander, 21 Stove, 24 Create, 25 Manual, 27 Potpourri, 32 Ignoring, 33 Smooth, 34 Offered, 38 Irritant, 39 Alcove, 40 Oily, 41 Final, 42 Rated, 45 Time without end, 52 Stale, 55 Grout, 56 Left, 57 Banish, 58 Outsmart, 61 Lampoon, 62 Stress, 63 Equalled, 66 Dissuaded, 68 Oddity, 69 Cajole, 73 Props, 74 Unerring, 76 Queasiness, 81 Codeine, 82 Vision, 83 Intone, 84 Ball, 85 Message, 86 In the clear, 87 Receded. DOWN: 1 Corgi, 2 Infected, 3 Desire, 4 Daunt, 5 Apes, 6 Typical, 7 Engulf, 8 Clown, 10 Aunt, 11 Holster, 12 Native, 17 Instigated, 18 Tempo, 22 Bungalow, 23 Cuffs, 24 Collier, 26 Axis, 28 Outpost, 29 Cornet, 30 Come to, 31 Recall, 33 Short, 35 Exist, 36 Fret, 37 Clan, 43 Abroad, 44 Equip, 46 Idea, 47 Entitle, 48 Inbred, 49 Hangs, 50 Unsteady, 51 Double, 52 Systematic, 53 Afar, 54 Entwine, 59 Torso, 60 Duet, 64 Faint, 65 Homeland, 67 Impress, 68 Organic, 70 Groove, 71 Finish, 72 Wagner, 75 Reign, 77 Utter, 78 Salad, 79 Snag, 80 Hide.
5x5
Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.
CARAVAN EWOF (and marine). Call your local inspector today at A+ Electrical Inspections and Security on 021 240 6764.
FARM QUAD Bike Suzuki Vinson 500, older model but running well, $3,000. Phone 09 439 4509. FRESH EGGS for sale in Dargaville, $8 per dozen. Phone 021 503 962.
QUAD POLARIS 2014 Sportsman 400, 1200 hours. Well maintained, new battery, $4,000+GST. Phone 09 431 6015.
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.
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, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458.
FIREWOOD — dry hot mix $120/m³, delivered free to Dargaville & surrounding areas. Phone or TXT Henry 021 734 906.
SINGLE? OVER 40? Meet other interesting, intelligent, genuine people just like yourself. Dine out ‘Dinner for Six’. Phone 021 639 552.
PET DOORS — Cat Doors, Dog Doors for Glass or Timber — supplied and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 Kevin Sowter or visit my website: windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
SEPTIC TANK SERVICES
MAGIC PROPERTY Services, effluent & septic tank cleaning. Servicing the Kaipara. Phone Chris 027 480 0110 or Mary 027 459 1544. 7 Days. WE ARE THE ONLY CODE COMPLIANT OPERATORS IN THE KAIPARA.
TRADES & SERVICES
19MM H3.2 Plywood Various Grades Scooters Plywood 09 438 6464.
CARPET CLEANING, repairs, re-stretching, and patching. Flood drying and small carpet laying work and upholstery cleaning. Very fussy and reasonable prices. Phone Darren, Alltrades Carpet Services 0800 425 587 or 027 286 8584. Dargaville & surrounds.
WINDOW & Door Repairs & Glazing, Insect Screens, Security and more — call me today. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458. Kevin Sowter or visit my website: windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
• CALF & CHOOK SHED CLEAN OUTS
• DRIVEWAYS & FARM RACES
• ALL GENERAL SITE WORKS/ EXCAVATIONS
• 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE
Wellsford to Whangarei call Jake on 021 0296 3604 or email procatcontracting1987@gmail.com
TREE SERVICES
TREE REMOVAL, pruning, chipping & stump grinding. Qualified & insured. Phone Scott 0800 468 9663 Arborcare Tree Maintenance.
Farm Machinery & Sundry Clearing Sale
Saturday 28th June 2025 11am start, Viewing from 10am, On Farm at 1493 Pukehuia Road, Tangiteroria West, of Whangarei, Northland
On A/c Nigel Gravatt & Family
An opportunity has arisen for a School Caretaker in our school. We are looking for a proactive and reliable person to join our school community. If you are committed to making a difference, take pride in your work and thrive on challenge fun and variety then this is the job for you. A trade background is very desirable but not necessary. It is a prerequisite for this role you will be required to undertake a police clearance.
Applications close Thursday 26th June 2025. Apply in writing/email to: The Principal Selwyn Park School 38 Onslow Street Dargaville 0310 principal@sel-pk.ac.nz
• Wire rope & pulleys, Galvanized pipe & Wire ** THERE WILL BE EFTPOS FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT THE SALE **
All lots will be sold exclusive of GST and a 10% purchasing levy will apply For Further Information please contact Nigel Gravatt on 021 1058 030 or PGW Livestock Agent Darryl Williamson 029 4329 285
ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — Next concert is the 2nd of October 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.
Sunday 6th July 1pm at The Clubrooms. Afternoon tea to follow. 23 Mamaranui Rd, Mamaranui
held at Waihaua Marae at 10am on Saturday 12th July 2025 Mamaranui Bowling Club AGM
To be held at 10.00am
Any Remit’s
(Section 127, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)
Mangawhai Club Incorporated of Mangawhai, has
Licence in respect of the
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 second publication of this notice. The first was published 10th of June 2025.
(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
(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)
The Ruawai Community Sports Club Inc of Ruawai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an Club licence in respect of the premises situated at 27 Wharf Rd, Ruawai known as The Ruawai Community Sports Club
The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Sports Club
The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are:
Sunday to Thursday 1pm - 10pm Friday and Saturday 1pm - 12 Midnight.
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 and only publication of this notice. Public notice
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 second publication of this notice. The first was published 10th of Jun 2025.
