Kaipara Lifestyler, May 27th 2025

Page 1


From garden to lunch meal

Tangowahine School has seen the success of in-house meal programmes after utilising the assets around …

Budget’s healthcare promise to provinces

The coalition government’s 2025 budget includes $164 million for a four-year plan to expand urgent and after-hours …

Firefighters battle blood cancer

Last weekend, firefighters from around New Zealand converged on Auckland’s Sky Tower to attempt a feat of …

Welcoming visitors to Poutō

p Visitors and locals coming to enjoy the picturesque vistas and excellent fishing of Poutō, and those disembarking onto the beach as part of cycle tours, will now find the point by the wharf paved and easier to access. Mayor Craig Jepson and a group of enthusiastic locals (including two volunteers who held the ribbon) enacted an opening ceremony last Friday, thanking the workers and designers who made the project come in on time and on budget.

Dargaville’s doctor shortage in focus

The only full-time doctor serving Dargaville Hospital is leaving amid an ongoing nationwide shortage of doctors, with a replacement set to fill the gap but not to bolster numbers to where they ideally would be.

Dargaville Hospital is distinctly separate from the Dargaville Medical Centre, its next-door neighbour. Currently, the hospital is served by a single fulltime doctor and five other doctors who each work part-time hours. Critically, the professional who has resigned their position is also the only specifically emergency room trained and boardcertified doctor at the facility.

It is understood that staffing issues have remained ongoing at Dargaville and throughout Northland, with doctors said to have gone to other districts due to wait times of up to two years to finalise the necessary paperwork for them to practice locally. Some of these, lost to the delay, are specialists who are sorely needed. A nationwide shortage of medical professionals has not helped matters. continued on page 3 …

Kaipara’s Only Regional Newspaper | Kaipara owned and Operated

POUTO SCHOOL TRAIL RIDE

31 MAY 2025

Marae Kai Menu Ride, Refuel, Support Marae Meals

Buffet Breakfast $15 Served Lunch $15

Join us for an unforgettable day of trail riding through breathtaking private farmland and forestry — all to support our amazing rural school! Any enquiries please email: admin@pouto.school.nz

Event Information:

Date: Saturday 31 May 2025

Start Location: Waikaretu Marae, Pouto

Riding Time: 9am – 3pm

Online Registration: Open now

On-the-day Registration: Available from 7am (Location: Back of Marae)

EARLY BIRD SPECIALS ONLINE REGISTRATIONS $40

In person on-the-day registrations $50

Business and Home IT Support

Business Support including:

• Proactive maintenance & support

• Hardware supply & maintenance

• WIFI design, setup & fine tuning

• Printer supply, setup & support

• Backup and Disaster Recovery planning

• Web Hosting

• Office 365 / Azure setup & migration

• Antivirus/firewall TDR EDR

Home Support including:

• Computer upgrades & repair

• New computer supply & data migration

• Setup cloud & local backup

• Smart TV setup

• WIFI design & configuration

• Printer Supply & setup

• Antivirus & security advice

• Friendly, straight forward approach

Contact Wayne 0800 2 NETWORK (0800 263 896) or 022 648 5713 visit our website

Skate park revitalisation

Pink tees

Grassroots rugby

From garden to lunch meal

Tangowahine School has seen the success of in-house meal programmes after utilising the assets around them to create healthy lunches for students.

With an outdoor pantry, an orchard and vegetable gardens situated on the grounds, and the help of chef Diana Drake, children have been enjoying nutritious meals. From bento dishes to making their own sandwiches, children can taste various cuisines.

“I order the food in and write the menus, and it is easy to find cheaper options — it is achievable,” said Diana.

“It is cheaper than the Lunch in Schools programme. The problem with the lunch models around is that they are for bigger schools and not enough staff or knowledge.”

Working in conjunction with the Garden To Table programme, students also contribute. Children learn about harvesting and growing their own food, and get to delight in the fruits of their labour.

“The students respond to the presentation, too. There was some food they wouldn’t eat, so I sprinkled chopped parsley on it, like a restaurant, and they ate it.

COMMUNITY

“I am fortunate that there are only 25 children. I could do double that easily, but it would be hard to manage when you get to the hundreds.”

The produce teaches them more than what goes in their bellies, they have recently done an apple crumble bake sale.

“Children came through to do peeling and chopping. They pick what I need from the garden, and they learn how to harvest it properly instead of ripping the whole plant out.” ¢

Dargaville’s doctor shortage in focus

Dargaville is joined by Ashburton, Bay of Islands and Gore hospitals on a list open to availability, meaning that more locums are needed, as well as more full-time staff.

This has led to a scenario where a single doctor is on duty at Dargaville at any one time, meaning that they must attend to the needs of ward patients, as well as stand by to receive emergency cases. Despite the introduction of remote consulting — an initiative championed by the doctor who is set to leave soon — this could lead to complications if more than one emergency patient arrives at a time when only a single doctor is available to help them. Ideally, say healthcare advocates, there would be further coverage.

With the departure of Dargaville Hospital’s full-time ER-certified doctor, and the recently publicised frustration of a new GP service for the town, stymied by bureaucracy, the mayor has taken a personal interest.

Craig Jepson has communicated with Health Minister Simeon Brown, asking him to investigate what medical professionals involved have articulated as an administrational dysfunction,

preventing the initiatives of government from equating to better medical coverage on the ground in Kaipara.

We reached out to Health New Zealand Te Tai Tokerau with the blunt question of whether staffing shortages would close the Dargaville Hospital, and it has confirmed that a new doctor will be hired, but that the current roster will continue uninterrupted. This means for the interim, there will not be an improvement to the status quo, but a closure is not imminent. ¢

p Mayor Jepson has reached out to the Minister of Health as a deepening crisis of medical access threatens west Kaipara
p Eli McGlip helped put toppings on pikelets for fellow students to enjoy

Mayor requests ministerial intervention

The following letter was sent last week to Simeon Brown, Minister of Health, by Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson, following revelations that the only full-time doctor at Dargaville Hospital will leave soon.

Dear Minister,

It has become apparent that a disastrous situation has developed in the provision of medical care in Dargaville and the west Kaipara. The understaffing crisis at our local hospital, which garnered

national media attention during the tenure of your predecessor Dr Reti, has been exacerbated by the resignation of the hospital’s only full-time doctor, who notes the intractability and inflexibility of health department management as a major

Times Gone By

Log booms dredged

After 15 years of log deliveries into the Dargaville railway booms, owing to the heavy siltage caused by sunken logs, the skids became useless, and for two months a Priestman dredge has been at work in deepening the boom area. Over 15,000 tons of mud have been removed, and 80 valuable logs were recovered.

New Zealand Herald, June 14 1916

Profitable pines at Topuni

The interest of private enterprise has been stimulated by the commercial possibilities of soft woods, particularly of the pine varieties, which furnish a ready return within a reasonable period. On 5,000 acres, 3,500,000 trees are being planted. Up to the present planting season, 680,000 Pinus insignia trees had been distributed over the estate.

Auckland Star, July 18 1928

Ketch burns at sea

A yachtsman dived from his blazing ketch off Mangawhai Heads, about 9.30am this morning to save his life as two fishing boats closed in to the rescue. He was taken aboard one of the boats. The Air Sea Search and Rescue Organisation reports the ketch was the 48ft ocean-going White Hart. Press, May 24 1958

cause of their decision. Concurrently, a much-needed general practitioner who had wished to establish a second doctor’s office in central Dargaville has been forced to pass on qualified medical and administrational staff due to not just a delay from the same health bureaucracy, but their complete silence and uncommunicativeness for a matter of months with no justification given.

As Minister of Health, I applaud your fiscal commitment, personal dedication and systemic reinforcement of regional and provincial health services. However, your excellent initiatives from the top seem to be undermined by a disconnect within the managerial structure you trust to communicate your commendable policy into action on the ground.

The recent announcement of a programme which would ensure that 98 per cent of Kiwis will be within a onehour drive of professional after-hours emergency care is exceptional. However, without Dargaville Hospital, and the backup of a strong presence of GPs in the town, west and central Kaipara are not served by this vision. Whangārei may be Northland’s hospital hub, but it is far from Paparoa, Tinopai, Ruawai, Poutō and many other regional towns.

having spoken to the doctors and patients affected, I would urge you to exercise your ministerial authority to investigate the problems which exist in the management of health assets in Northland, with respect to West Kaipara specifically.

Attempts to close our hospital in the past were met with an unprecedented groundswell of local support to keep it open, and your own commitment to retain all existing services, announced last week before the Budget, offered reassurance that similar mistakes would not be made by the incumbent administration.

Please help to bring the security of medical coverage to my constituents, by taking a firm stance on improving the mechanisms of management which would appear to be letting you down at present.

Having heard the overwhelming sentiment of my constituents, and the articulated needs of the public, and

Sincerest thanks Craig Jepson Mayor of Kaipara District ¢

p Mayor Jepson reached out to Simeon Brown, the Minister of Health, amid concerns at the Dargaville Hospital

Lobster ban for ocean regeneration Budget’s healthcare promise to provinces

A complete ban on harvesting spiny rock lobster, known colloquially as crayfish, seems likely, with Fisheries Minister Shane Jones indicating an urgent need to protect the species and reverse dwindling numbers.

An announcement in March closed the inner Hauraki Gulf to rock lobster fisheries, both commercial and recreational, in a bid to bolster their numbers. This is both a measure to replenish stocks and to help in the war against exploding kina populations, which are creating an undersea ecological disaster of their own.

“Restoring this fishery will also help to address an issue I have prioritised — kina barrens. Rock lobster eat kina, which helps keep kina numbers down, so they don’t destroy important marine habitat and cause bare areas known as kina barrens,” said Mr Jones.

This ban in the waters near Auckland is considered a precedent. As of last week, Mr Jones was reported to be considering a further ban for the entire east coast, encompassing Mangawhai, Te Ārai, Bream Bay and Pākiri. Consultation would be the next phase toward such a moratorium, which would not affect the west coast, or the packhorse lobster, a different species also sought by fishers.

The prospect of a ban to allow spiny rock lobster to recover has been brewing since February, when High Court judge Justice David Boldt labelled the decline of lobster numbers from the Kaipara Harbour north an urgent marine crisis.

Mr Jones emphasised that talking to anglers and divers was the next step.

“I’ve obviously got to go out and state the case to amateur and recreational fishers of lobster that the situation, from a scientific perspective, is parlous, it’s dangerous,” he said. ¢

The coalition government’s 2025 budget includes $164 million for a four-year plan to expand urgent and after-hours medical care for rural and regional New Zealand, though the big improvements in the north are based in Whangārei.

“Strengthening urgent and afterhours care is an important part of our government’s plan to ensure all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare,” said Health Minister Simeon Brown.

“Budget 2025 is investing $164 million over four years to expand urgent and after-hours healthcare services across the country. This means 98 per cent of New Zealanders will be able to receive in-person urgent care within one hour’s drive of their homes.”

As part of this package, a new 24hour emergency care service is being established in Whangārei, separate from the current hospital’s emergency department, which has encountered issues with long wait times due to high demand. This is set to open in 2027.

While Dargaville Hospital is not listed as a site for extended hours or more services, the government has committed to ‘maintaining all existing urgent and after-hours healthcare services across the country,’ an effective promise to keep the important regional facility open. Simeon Brown’s colleague and associate

minister Matt Doocey, said the budgeted plan will improve access to doctors for people in more than 70 rural and remote communities. Dargaville and Mangawhai, both within the one-hour-drive radius of Whangārei, are likely to be covered by the major new hub planned for that centre, similar to others to be built in Palmerston North, Invercargill, Dunedin, Timaru, Manukau, Lower Hutt and Tauranga.

“People in rural New Zealand deserve access to timely, quality healthcare,” said Mr Doocey. ¢

p The spiny rock lobster might be off the menu for east coast fishers as a ban is contemplated to help regenerate the species
p Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced a major expansion of regional emergency healthcare

Dissecting election promises

Elections are coming soon: a good time to recap the promises and platforms of our current councillors, what they valued and what, in your opinion, they have achieved.

Mayor Craig Jepson ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility, saying that he would take control of expenditure, keep rates rises down, and specifically overhaul roading and the expense of consultants.

He also stood for faster building consents and a strong position against amalgamation with other councils. The mayor also pledged in his campaign to treat all cultures and religions equally, a point which some constituents would fiercely debate.

Ash Nayyar shared the mayor’s fiscal focus, pledging to cut staff and consultancy bills. A stand-out plank of his platform in ’22 was the promotion of highspeed air or sea transport to Auckland, which has been tabled by the private, not council-connected Ocean Flyer company but not implemented yet.

Mark Vincent spoke out on reforms that loomed in ’22 on water, resource management, consenting and amalgamation of councils, strongly opposing the loss of Kaipara sovereignty. He also voiced strong support for communities, especially our smaller towns, shaping their own futures.

Eryn Wilson-Collins said that she wanted to see through long-term projects started by the Smith administration, and largely these have been completed on

time and on budget, with some, like the Kaihū Valley Trail, awaiting external funding. Better community consultation of council plans, transparency of council operations, and a focus on climate change preparedness were also part of her platform.

Gordon Lambeth campaigned hard for Dargaville growth and prosperity, leveraging his knowledge of building and planning. He said he wanted to help craft a better District Plan, unlock growth and slice through red tape for those seeking to build and expand the town. His other focus, on fiscal responsibility, is common to several of his colleagues.

Ron Manderson argued in his ’22 campaign against carbon afforestation, a practice the central government has recently severely curtailed. He also promised to improve planning for growth and to speak up for the rural heartland of Kaipara.

Pera Paniora ran on a platform of advocacy and support for Māori, but also for the application of Māori values to benefit the environment and society in general. Standing for the controversially disestablished Kaipara Māori ward, councillor Paniora also articulated a need to keep rates affordable for all.

Mike Howard called for conservatism in hiring expert consultants, more

p The Kaipara District Council; how have they lived up to their campaign pledges? transparency in council spending, and better council support of community-led initiatives. He also specifically referenced a new high school for Mangawhai, a project that has come to fruition.

Rachael Williams campaigned on rates affordability, prioritising infrastructure that works and is accessible and inexpensive. She was also vocal on balancing development with responsible, measured growth, for social, environmental and infrastructural reasons. Jonathan Larsen

spoke out on the need for better sport and recreation facilities, transparency in KDC communications, rates affordability, and a pragmatic approach to new projects, putting core services ahead of ‘nice to have’ embellishments.

How did they do? Your vote, for either these incumbents should they stand again, or new councillors with similar views, is how you can show your pleasure or displeasure in the veracity of the councillors’ outcomes. ¢

Parades promoted, unregistered dogs sought Rest home extension decided

The Kaipara District Council’s fees and charges deliberation occurred in Ruawai last week, with prices debated and justified for things as disparate as building compliance, health inspections and dog registrations.

A proposal to make the road closures for community parades free of charge, and to extend this to other community events at the discretion of the council, was met with approval. Christmas Santa parades are a long-running tradition in Kaipara, and making it easier and less expensive to plan them will encourage community groups to take part, opined councillors.

There was another win for the public discussed at the meeting last Wednesday; the progress made with the issue of unregistered, wandering and aggressive dogs in Kaipara. A large part of the problem for the KDC’s hard-working animal control team is the number of unknown dogs, or those who have never been registered.

“There’s the known dogs, and there’s the registered dogs,” said animal and compliance manager Shaun Holland, who rose to answer questions from elected members on dog control.

“Our known dog population has dropped from 5,410 to 5,221 and that’s

been a big issue for us. When we look at attacks from the previous year, 64 per cent of those dogs have not been known to us before the incident.

“I estimate that our unknown dog population is between 800 and 1,500 dogs. We have worked on that this year, our known dog population is in line with 2019 numbers, we have stopped the decline.”

The success of a community approach, helping rather than punishing dog owners who are in financial hardship, is seen as a big part of the solution. ¢

An extension to Maungatūroto’s Riverview Rest Home is to get underway in September, which will expand accommodation and facilities for residents and staff.

It will sit adjacent to the existing rest home on land adjacent to the multimilliondollar dementia unit that opened after widespread community fundraising

“This is stage three of our development towards a target of 24/7 medical care,” says Maungatūroto Community Charitable Trust chair, Graham Slatter.

”This construction will see an additional eight en suite rest home units, and the build will also include a dining area and large lounge, as well as a staff office and toilets.”

The complex already has a commercial kitchen to service the dementia unit and wider area. The trust’s vision is to deliver aged care, free from corporate interests, ensuring that seniors who purchase a villa are protected in their investment, and that local retirees are spared the upheaval of having to transfer to bigger cities to access support and quality care.

Visionary local couple, Don and Jacque McKay, set up a community trust

to turn the old town post office and house into a rest home and medical centre. Three decades of community support has seen this followed by many additional units and the state-of-the-art dementia unit. More than $200,000 was raised through public efforts, including goods sales from The Den operation in Bickerstaffe Road, to garden dahlia tours and town breakfasts, on top of commercial loans and a grant from the Provincial Growth Fund that set the seal on the project’s 14-bed facility. The new wing was announced at an open day community event. ¢

p It will be easier to host a Santa parade if a proposal to make road closures free of charge makes the cut in 2025’s fees and charges
p Rest home manager Tracy Chapman and Graham Slatter check out plans for the new eight-bedroom unit

Public helps police get results

Police have charged a 26-year-old Northland man with the murder of Geoffrey Ware on May 9.

Police upgraded an enquiry into the 55-year-old’s death to a homi cide investigation on May 12. Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, of Whangārei CIB, says police are not seeking anyone else in connection with Mr Ware’s death.

Police are still appealing for information and sightings on May 9 of a man and a vehicle in the Parakao area between 8am–6.15pm. A photo of a 1999 blue and silver Mitsubishi L200 was released on May 22.

“We are also interested in sightings of a man reportedly seen walking along SH14 that afternoon and evening,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Harris.

“We are encouraging people to report on the portal link set up by the Operation Cossar enquiry team.”

That portal link is cossar.nc3.govt.nz/ (link is external).

“The enquiry is ongoing, and we appreciate all the help we’ve received

from members of the public. We’re appealing to anyone who hasn’t come forward to please contact us. Police would like to thank members of the public who’ve provided information to the enquiry team to date.”

The man charged is currently remanded in custody and appeared in the Whangārei High Court yesterday. No update had been made at the time of print.

Anyone with additional information can also update the police online now, or call 105 using the file number 250509/6749. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. ¢

Firefighters battle blood cancer

u by Andy Bryenton

Last weekend, firefighters from around New Zealand converged on Auckland’s Sky Tower to attempt a feat of almost superhuman endurance: climbing the edifice in full firefighting gear for charity.

Jeff Cleary, Anthony Mager, Donna Powell, Glenn Rawhiti, Jessica Curel, Jarryd Booth, Jayten Tairua and Rachael Walkinshaw have all trained hard to make it to the top, using the much shorter Dargaville milk factory tower’s external stairs for practice and hitting the gym to build up stamina.

They faced 1,103 steps and a vertical 328-metre climb, carrying 25kg of heavy suit and equipment of the kind that they’d usually deploy to battle blazes. To date, they’ve raised more than $8,000 for this year’s attempt to tackle the tower. This is all going to a very good place, because the cause, which has inspired this tough challenge, is the even tougher battle many Kiwis face against leukaemia and blood cancer.

Eight New Zealanders each day are diagnosed with diseases of this kind, and Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand is the organisation pushing for medical research, as well as better care for those facing such a diagnosis.

The Sky Tower challenge turns 20 this year, after being founded by Northland and Auckland airport fire and rescue first responder Tony Scott in 2005. That year, Tony’s idea saw a group of firefighters race to the top, raising $17,500. Now, the annual challenge nets more than $1 million for blood cancer patients and the doctors seeking a cure.

The big event may have happened on Saturday, but it’s never too late to donate. Visit firefighterschallenge.org.nz to give this good cause some support. ¢

p The picture of the 1999 blue and silver Mitsubishi L200 was released last week and the police are still seeking information
p Jeff Cleary, Anthony Mager, Donna Powell, Glenn Rawhiti, Jessica Curel, Jarryd Booth, Jayten Tairua and Rachael Walkinshaw (not present in photo) climbed the SKy Tower for charity

Technology and skills align

Dargaville Motors has expanded in a new direction, establishing a highly equipped wheel alignment and tyre workshop on Normanby Street.

The prior site of Better Care Automotive has been transformed with the addition of a top-of-the-range Italian-made Ravaglioli hoist capable of lifting everything up to, and including, light trucks. Situated in front of this hoist is the centrepiece of Lindsay and Anthony West’s new endeavour. A Hunter four-camera automated wheel alignment machine, one of the most advanced in the world.

Poor wheel alignment can creep into the suspension geometry of any vehicle, old or new, modified or factory standard, just from the knocks and wear of everyday driving. It can make tyres wear out much faster and, pointedly, can cost extra fuel at a time when petrol prices are high. Most importantly, it’s not safe, and with winter on the doorstep, a wheel alignment performed by the most up-to-date machine in the west is a solid idea.

The Hunter system contains detailed records of every car ever made back to 1936, and shows the trained technicians at Dargaville Motors exactly how to adjust the camber, caster and tow angle of each wheel to get the best result. From classics through to the latest and most complex European marques, this machine has the data to bring everything back into factory-fresh alignment, saving you tyres, fuel and money. You can even benchmark your own idea settings for

Dmodified cars, such as JDM tuners, hot rods and resto-mod classics. Drop by soon to take a look, and book in time for a quick and efficient alignment to give your car a birthday before winter.

At the same time, Dargaville Motors has expanded its tyre offering, taking advantage of the extra space and specialist machinery housed in their new workshop, to make sourcing the right rubber easier. From mud tyres for ATVs and side-by-sides through to road tyres to give your car the grip it needs for winter roads, Lindsay and the team have you covered. ¢

Correction

We apologise for the error in our article about the Kaiwaka Lantern Festival in the May 6 issue. The correct date for the festival is Saturday, June 14.

p The new Hunter wheel alignment machine at Dargaville Motors is a triumph of technology that can save you money

This

Council may reconsult on rating system The prime minister from Matakohe

The question of whether rates should be calculated on the land value or capital value of Kaipara properties might face another round of public consultation, as complications in making the CV system fairer for all ratepayers vex elected members.

With no less than seven differential calculations now proposed to make the proposed CV system equitable, while still replenishing council coffers, there’s still interest in the potential change from some quarters, but other councillors are keen to either scrap the idea or let the public have one more say.

“To me, this is looking increasingly like a dog with fleas,” said councillor Mark Vincent.

“I don’t understand why we are even continuing with this anymore. It’s another upset for our ratepayers ahead,” said councillor Pera Paniora.

“My guidance is that we should go out and consult on this,” said deputy mayor Jonathan Larsen, with general agreement from his council colleagues.

“This was all predicated on the basis of looking at a rating system that would be fairer; that is the direction we should still take,” said councillor Mike Howard.

“I reckon it’s something we need to do, it’s a fairer system. I have said that there is no such thing as a fair rating system, but we’ve got to get the best we can,” said mayor Jepson.

“I will not sign off on anything which will cause disproportionate chagrin to one category (of properties),” said councillor Ash Nayyar.

This consensus means that it’s likely that the council’s revenue and financing policy will only be presented for the June meeting of the KDC, and go out for public consultation just ahead of the election period. ¢

This week marks 100 years since a local Kaipara man, war veteran and former postmaster-general Gordon Coates, became New Zealand’s 21st prime minister.

The man from Ruatuna, the homestead at Matakohe, which still stands today, was elected following the death of Willam Massey on May 30 1925. He’d been involved in politics from a young age, and stood with the Reform Party on the eve of the first world war, initially being denied his request to volunteer for the army due to his seat in government, and his party’s slim grip on a majority there.

However, Coates was released to serve in 1916, and he returned to New Zealand a hero, having been awarded the Military Cross and Bar for courageous action in combat.

His varied career also saw him take the role of minister of Māori affairs, where his knowledge of te reo Māori, learned in rural Matakohe, served him well. He became a friend and colleague of Āpirana Turupa Ngata, and also threw himself into bringing electricity to New Zealand’s provinces, knowing first-hand what a difference this new technology would make to farmers.

Coates won his first stint as PM by the acclaim of his party, but his second, in October 1925, in a landslide election

victory, winning 55 of the 80 seats in parliament for Reform. His platform was liberal in that he was one of the first to propose payments from the state to the unemployed and those unable to work. He also focussed on issues the conservative side of the house would recognise today; lower taxes, less bureaucracy and pragmatic spending on public works. ¢

p The KDC has asked for public input on rating systems before, and now, the complex issue could be inquired about

Spreading Northland

Call to fulfil election promise

As the budget was set to be read last week, young farmers were hoping for the delivery of an overdue election promise, which could help them advance their agricultural careers.

The budget was marked with pragmatism and austerity in spending, with a focus on balancing the books. This was applauded by rural advocacy groups such as Federated Farmers.

“The budget will once again need to be more about reducing spending than announcing spending, and farmers will welcome that,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford said.

“Farmers work hard to balance their books on the farm, and we expect to see the government doing the same. Farming businesses are beginning to experience the benefits of lower inflation and interest rates this year. A balanced budget will mean this stability is more likely to continue.”

However, a promise left unfulfilled has drawn criticism from the same leading rural advocates. In 2023, the National Party campaigned on, among other issues, the ability for young farmers to use their Kiwisaver funds differently from those in other industries. For young farmers looking to get established, the funds they have built up in Kiwisaver schemes should

not, they argued, be stored away for a far-off retirement, but should be able to be drawn down to purchase a first farm or first herd.

These assets palpably grow the rural economy, and young farmers with their own assets in the game are motivated participants in making farming work better; a situation that boosts the entire economy from what is literally a grassroots level. The ideal scenario is that by the time these young people reach retirement age, they will be prosperous farmers with a legacy herd, productive property and substantial equity to fund their later years.

“They made that campaign promise in Morrinsville, but 18 months later, there has been no action,” says Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre.

“The announcement was incredibly popular, particularly among the next generation of farmers, but also with older farmers who are looking for succession pathways. There are a lot of people out there waiting for these changes to be made, so it’s important they follow through and deliver on their promise.”

Sharemilkers and contract milkers have always saved hard to reach the next level — ownership of a herd and land. The cost of living crisis has exacerbated this savings struggle. With a long wait between 2023’s promise and this year’s budget, with still no action, some rural voters are feeling let down.

“It’s an unfair playing field and young farmers are missing out on a key step towards growing their long-term wealth,” McIntyre said. ¢

p National MP Suze Redmayne has submitted a members’ bill to help young farmers, but as one of 70 in the ballot, it may never be drawn this term
FRESH BREAD // PIES // SANDWICHES SWEETS & SAVOURIES
VICTORIA ST, DARGAVILLE OPPOSITE KAPIA ST INTERSECTION

Battle of Kaipara returns

Not since 1985 has the Northern Wairoa Football Club been in the top division of Northland football, heralding the first top-tier Kaipara Derby match ever.

It’s been a year of firsts as the team playing out of Dargaville lift their sights to the biggest trophy in northern football, and their next engagement promises to reignite a classic rivalry on a whole new level. Mangawhai and the Northern Wairoa have a sporting history, which has seen the neighbouring wards clash many times. The NWFC has not been in the top division since 1985, making this next game special.

Another first was the recent home game played against Kamo FC; the first home game hosted by a top-division local club in four decades. Spectators described the spectacle as ‘great to watch’ and ‘end-toend football’, as the visitors managed to edge out a 3–2 victory.

The two local goals came thanks to the boot of Captain Dylan Hines, who capitalised on a through ball from midfielder Rory Dean to score neatly and put the home side ahead. Hines returned to his role as striker and expressed great flair, scoring another before the half-time whistle, a real ‘poacher’s goal’, exploiting a goalkeeping error. Ahead at the break,

the second half was all about the defensive game.

“Bayly Kydd was a commanding presence in the defensive line-up. Kamo’s youthful vitality and superior fitness, coupled with a midfield crowded with talent dominated the second half, and the scoreline reflects a game that could have gone either way. Recent signing, Reuben Booth, showed composure on the ball and promise for the season ahead,” says NWFC player Rory Dean.

Football (which rugby fans will know as soccer in Kiwi parlance) is a popular local sport across Kaipara; if you’re moving here for Gypsy Week you’ll find active, friendly local teams playing this and a host of other codes in all of our regional towns. Why not make new friends and engage with your new community by signing up to take to

Equipment

Sliding Palm Kernel Storage Bin Cover We also stock - Pumps & Pressure Systems | Bolts & Nuts | Pipe Fittings | Bearings | Drive Shafts Visit our website www.cromptonengineering.co.nz CROMPTON ENGINEERING LIMITED 31 Jellicoe

RUN OUT OF GRASS

• Electrical stimulation for accelerated rigor mortis - improving the PH levels & aging process on the bone.

• Offal & Hide deposal by arrangement (extra fee).

• All beasts weighed onsiteMeat returned & weighed back.

• All beasts vac packed & hung on the bone minimum of 7 days.

p Rory Dean was acclaimed man of the match in a tough face-off with Kamo; next, Mangawhai and a decades-long rivalry reignited
field with your new neighbours in your favourite sport?

The edge of innovation unveiled

Advancement,

Tangowahine School

Vision:

Whakamana

section for finished products breaking out into a wider market. In addition to the 63 fresh ideas in these segments, there are also five contenders for young innovator of the year, a contest attracting the top young minds from educational institutions.

“What stands out this year is the breadth of areas the entries come from. Innovation is thriving as groundbreaking ideas redefine sustainability, automation, and efficiency,” says Fieldays programme manager Steve Chappell.

“From eco-friendly materials that transform waste into valuable resources to AI-powered tools optimising livestock management, precision monitoring and crop growth, each development embodies the future of smart, sustainable progress.”

Examples of the calibre of forwardthinking are plentiful for 2025. MAKI has delivered a water-monitoring drone to keep a remote eye on one of farming’s most vital resources. Carbon Robotics will showcase its LaserWeeder G2. Ruminant Biotech and Agricultural Sciences Ltd have applied their minds to reducing

methane on the farm, while KiwiLeather has a method to turn waste from the kiwifruit industry into an allvegan leather alternative.

“Next-generation diagnostics, robotics and health technologies are streamlining operations, while revolutionary solutions tackle methane reduction, weed control and soil enhancement,” said Chappell. “These pioneering advancements are shaping the way we work, build and protect our environment.”

Participants will vie for a prize pool worth more than $75,000 when the national Fieldays kicks off in June, at its big Mystery Creek site. However, impressing the panel of 18 expert judges is about far more than just trophies and fiscal gain. The innovation awards have proven to be a springboard to wider success and global attention for previous products and systems, and 2025’s contenders will be sure that the eyes of the farming world are on them.

Perhaps the most coveted award of all will once again be the People’s Choice Award, voted for by the farmers who patronise the Fieldays. Winning this award means that an invention or innovation has tapped into the zeitgeist of what real-world farmers find exciting, and that’s a big seal of approval that points to imminent success. ¢

Tutamoe
Whanaugatanga Maungaru
Manaakitanga Wairoa
p Penny Ranger’s Mark-It sheep drenching identification system was a previous top Fieldays innovation

Celebrating dairy’s white gold

June 1 is not just Gypsy Day in New Zealand, it’s also World Milk Day around the globe, joining together a farming tradition that’s uniquely Kiwi with a celebration of our rural sector’s most famous product.

World Milk Day is an initiative of the United Nations, aiming to promote the health benefits and importance of milk to people everywhere. It’s been a feature on the calendar since 2001 and has become, for many nations, a day to appreciate the sheer nutritional power of milk, especially in raising a new generation of healthy youngsters.

In New Zealand, we can sometimes take access to healthy cold milk for granted, but other parts of the world see it as liquid white gold. A single cup of milk contains the same amount of calcium as 9 cups of spinach, 10 cups of broccoli or a half cup of almonds. Hospitals and health care clinics worldwide use milk to nourish and rehabilitate patients who have been weakened by illness or the rigours of surgery.

That’s good news for those who can source a steady supply, and great news for the Kiwi economy. Farmers and their herds produce 21 billion litres of milk every year, with 95 per cent heading offshore to one of the 130 countries that have trade agreements to buy it. As an

engine runs on fuel, so too does the rural economy here run on milk, or so it’s said.

Ninety million people are estimated to drink New Zealand milk each day, with more tucking into our cheeses, ice cream and other dairy products. On World Milk Day, that number is likely to be much higher, as people are encouraged to cook with, sample and be adventurous with dairy.

“World Milk Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the role of our farmers, dairy companies and the whole sector in progressing a positive future for New Zealand,” said DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker.

people, not just farmers but also the associated trades that support them.

job too

This year’s World Milk Day theme is all about sustainable dairying, and international farming experts rate New Zealand very highly in this sphere of expertise. Another aspect of the day is the impact of dairying on economic development and the livelihoods of rural

or small. We do it all.

All farm fencingConventional & electric

• Lifestyle block fencing

Residential fencing

With these factors at the fore of debate in Kiwi politics (emissions, carbon forestry and water purity are all a balance between these issues), World Milk Day is a chance to see the big picture of our dairy sector’s global importance. ¢

• Subdivision fencing

• Waterway fencing

• Security fencing

• Retaining walls

• Post and rail

Rountree 027 439 4411 contourfencing.nz@gmail.com

p World Milk Day on June 1 is a celebration of the importance of dairying around the globe

SPECIALISTS IN RURAL HEALTH & SAFETY FOR FARMERS AND CONTRACTORS. “WE DO IT ALL FOR YOU.”

• Health & Safety Manuals including Policies & Procedures

• Yearly health & safety updates

• Staff Training

• Farm Signage

• Staff Meetings On Farm

• Worker Accommodation Property Inspections

• Accident mitigation for clients

• New farm staff inductions

Annette Pull Director P: 027 286 2329

| Servicing Northland HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PRICING

One of a kind

With almost 20 years of experience, Matthew Riley designs and manufactures canvas goods for various items, from boats to residential covers as MR Covers.

Having recently moved to town, Matthew brings with him a plethora of experience crafting and specialising in marine work, biminis, backdrops, vinyl squabs, canvas covers and clear items.

“I have been doing marine and boat covers and clears for 18 years in Auckland. We did almost every soft item on the boats, from carpets and upholstery, covers to curtains, beds and sheets,” said Matthew.

“I did an apprenticeship in canvas manufacturing and enjoyed it. It is always a one-of-a-kind job, and we didn’t do production. Someone always has their own twist, you’re doing it for a specific person.

“My wife is from here and, having just had a baby, we moved here to be closer to her family. I decided now would be a good time to start my own business.”

Offering bespoke items for marine, agricultural and residential needs, Matthew can sew covers to meet any need. He can also sew covers for decks, ensuring people stay sheltered from the wind and rain during the winter months.

“I do trailers, harvesters, outdoor furniture covers and clears for their decks and any sewing for outdoor equipment. Because everything is always different, my work is all custommade for specified uses.”

Knowing that no one item is the same, Matthew tailors each product to people’s needs and desires. Another side to his business is repairing zips, doing patches and alterations of preexisting covers, tents, gazebos and other covers not secured to a structure.

“Initially, we pattern or measure things and find out a customer’s expectations. It is all shaped and three-dimensional, I take measurements and markings on a template before pinning it to the material to craft and sew.

p Matt Riley tailors his covers to the needs of the customer, whether they need a repair, replacement, new cover or alteration

“I love it here, and Kaipara is exactly the place I dreamed of. My wife is from Dargaville, and it is a good place to be.”

For more information, contact Matthew on 022 175 7963 or mattrileycovers@ gmail.com. ¢

A dog’s tail …

Boss not likin tha’ budgit much

“Dunno about this budjit bizniss Deah,” seda Boss as we was havin’ smoko ina sunshin ona woolshed steps. “Wasint much change fer anyone rilly, but at least they didint boost the cost of me beer too much.”

His gerlfren’ Sharlene was lookin’ at her komupta wear she lets me do me kolum, an’ she agreed wiv Boss. “Just by half-acent levy ona can of beer Deah. Probly too scared to do more in these tuff times eh?”

Suitable for repairing damaged dairy floors or slippery areas

Applied by contractor or supplied as a DIY kit

Sharlene passed me a bit ofa ham sannich she had made fer smoko, wile Boss had more cuppatees an’ then sed he reckined the budjit was “a blimmin’ non-event for us farmin’ peeple. We just lucky tha deary runoff gettin’ good munny from Fonterror sales ona werld market.”

Sharlene looked at her screen an’ agreed, readin’ in her skoolteecher voice: “Federated Farmers reckon we asked for nothing this year, an’ that’s what we got. President Langford said farmers aren’t looking for a handout and are happy to stand on our own two feet.”

Boss agreed but hada look ova Sharlene’s sholder and pointed. She read some more. “But the government should stop weighing us down with impractical, unpragmatic and unfair regulations that are heaping on costs and tying us up in red tape.”

“There ya go then,” seda Boss. “Give us nuthin with one hand and knock us back wiv the other hand. Wasint for our deary earnin’s we’d hava budjit problims ourselves.”

“Well Deah,” Sharlene sed. “Wait there’s more. We have a cost-of-farming

crisis — fertiliser costs up 28%, fuel costs up 33%, and interest rates up 45%. Farmers are struggling to turn a profit, and will be calling on all political parties to announce how they plan to fix that in the lead up to the next election.”

Boss had pickt uppa papa froma kattil stop atta road gate an’ red a bit, an’ sed ”at least Deah, we gotta bitta good news. Tho’s Black fern lasses downed the Yanks in big numbers last Sattiday and go to tha top of the werld ranks.”

Sharlene agreed, an’ sed she wisht she cooda played footy wen she was a bit younger. An’ checked her screen agin. “At least those girls geta good pay,” she sed. “The Black Ferns 15s model sees some 40-odd contracted players earning between $70k and $130k plus, the top rate in the world.”

Boss sed he reckined they worth it, too. “Lookit try hat-tricks to wingers Katelyn Vahaakolo and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and her goin’ on to score seven and become all-time leading tryscorer with 45 to her name.”

Sharlene sed agin she wisht she was a footy player, an’ lookt a bit sad

then. But Boss moved downa step beside her an’ giver a big hug ana kiss. “There my Deah, you tha blimmin’ very best anyway.”

Well readas I decided to hed for me kennil and a nap. Wen Boss an’ her get all softy soppy I kin do without that, I’m off. Things still OK ona farm anyway.

See ya readas — Billy ¢

May

WHAT’S ON?

For outside of Dargaville events email info@integrity.nz

Heartland Services — 27 May Inland Revenue Clinic at Whanau Focus, 61 Victoria St. Bookings essential 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765.

Tangiteroria Trivia Night — 31 May at Tangiteroria Community Complex. Open 6pm.

June

Tangiteroria Community Complex — 6 June BISTRO. Open 6pm.

Growth Advisor, Northland Inc — 11 June 2025 at the SEED Co-Working Office, Fosters Arcade. 10am–3pm or phone 09 438 5110 or email welcome@ northlandnz.com for 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.

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.

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.

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 Editor: Deb Wright 021 639 696 deb.wright@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

Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Marnie Fuller | Kelsey Harrison | Liz Clark

Accounts: accounts@thelifestyler.co.nz

Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME Website: kaiparalifestyler.co.nz

throughout

Dargaville, Ruawai, Paparoa, Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka, Mangawhai and Wellsford.

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

JP Service — Every Thursday at the Whanau Focus Office, 12–1pm, walk in only. Call or drop in for enquiries 021 245 3765 or 09 439 7009, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville.

Kaihu Valley Music Club — 3rd Sunday of the Month at Kaihu Hall on Woods Road. 1pm–4pm. Enquires to John or May 09 439 0827.

Kaipara Bootscooters (Beginner line dancing classes) — Every Monday 5.30pm to 7.30pm and Thursday 10am to noon. First hour is beginner and second hour is higher beginner. Dalmation Hall, Normanby St, Dargaville. Contact Donna 021 729 955.

Kaipara Cycling — Calendar of Rides — Thursdays 3.15pm–5.15pm Junior Rides 10 years and older; 5.30pm–7pm Women’s Rides; 5.30pm–7pm Adult Rides. Meet at Time To, Normanby Street.

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

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

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.

dargaville@cab.org.nz

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.

Signing Social Group — every Tuesday from 11am to noon at Riverdale Retirement Village Hall, 140 Logan Street. Using NZ Sign Language in a social setting. Stepping Out Leisure Marching Team — Tuesday 4pm–5pm at the Dargaville Dalmatian Hall, 20 Normanby St. Contact Sharon 027 439 5634 or 09 439 5634.

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

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

Tangiteroria Community Complex — Mondays: Pickleball 6pm, phone Sarah 021 772 822. Tuesdays: Yoga 6pm, phone Sharon 021 981 135, $15 per session. Wednesdays: Indoor Bowls (fortnightly in summer, weekly in winter) 6pm, phone Mel 021 772 822; Squash, phone Donna 021 761 022; Exercise Room, phone Mel 021 772 822. We ask participants are a Complex Member for all above activities. For Pickleball and Bowls it’s a gold coin donation. Te Kopuru Community Library — access through St Peters Hall. Open Wednesday 10am–noon and Sunday 3pm–4pm.

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

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

TIDE CHART

(0.8m) 12:25 pm (2.4m) 6:19 pm (0.8m) TUE 3 12:51 am (2.5m) 7:04 am (0.8m) 1:18 pm (2.3m) 7:15 pm (0.9m)

WED 28 4:56 am (0.4m) 11:07 am (3.3m) 5:17 pm (0.4m) 11:35 pm (3.4m) THU 29 5:47 am (0.4m) 11:57 am (3.2m) 6:06 pm (0.4m) FRI 30 12:24 am (3.3m) 6:37 am (0.5m) 12:47 pm (3.1m) 6:54 pm (0.6m) SAT 31 1:13 am (3.2m) 7:28 am (0.7m) 1:38 pm (3.0m) 7:42 pm (0.7m) SUN 1 2:03 am (3.1m) 8:19 am (0.8m) 2:29 pm (2.8m) 8:32 pm (0.8m) MON 2 2:54 am (3.0m) 9:12 am (0.9m) 3:23 pm (2.7m) 9:25 pm (1.0m) TUE 3 3:49 am (2.9m) 10:07 am (0.9m) 4:19 pm (2.7m) 10:22 pm (1.0m) Dargaville Arts Association www.dargavillearts.co.nz

PUZZLE

TIME BROUGHT TO YOU BY…

DARGAVILLE

KAURI COAST LIFE CARE

• Short Stay - Respite Care • Day Care Services

• Rest Home Level Care • Hospital Level Care

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

79 Not genuine (8)

80 Not subject to rule or controls (11)

81 Take away (5)

82 Ointment (5)

83 Go down quickly (4,4,1,5)

84 Direct (5)

2 Column (6)

3 Foe (5)

5 Balanced (4)

6 Having a conversation (7)

7 Weather map line (6)

8 Despise (4)

9 Enumerated (8)

10 Gives up (6)

11 Addiction (10)

12 Bird’s construction (4)

13 Shunting tracks (7)

17 Fireplace (5)

18 Very small, petite (10)

22 Kudos (5)

23 One deliberately wrecking (8)

25 Bitter (7)

26 Own up to (7)

(8)

(5)

(10)

(6) 67 Velocity (9) 72 Scientific star study (9)

73 Outer loaf (5)

74 Not lawful (7)

28 Thin covering layer (6)

29 Autographed (6)

30 Fan out (6)

33 Atoll material (5)

35 Marine animal (5)

36 Face spots (4)

37 Jumping insect (4)

42 Amulet (5)

43 Shortened (8)

44 Overthrow (6)

45 Holding (10)

46 Unit of length (4)

47 Make more animated (7)

48 Harm (6)

49 Afterwards (5)

51 Dutch cheese (4)

52 Mars (7)

53 Chore (6)

58 Pushy (10)

59 Mixed party drink (5)

63 Battery connection (8)

64 Slope (5)

65 Framework (7)

68 Parvenu (7)

69 Disputes (6)

70 Shock (6)

71 Body shape (6)

75 Nitwit (5)

76 Throw (4)

77 Hard wood (4)

78 Enthusiastic (4)

Sudoku

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

ACROSS: 1 Mutates, 4 Innovation, 9 Concise, 13 Fair, 14 Arrest, 15 Leeway, 16 Reunion, 19 Illuminate, 20 Utensils, 21 Least, 24 Gutter, 25 Troupe, 27 Improvise, 32 Accurate, 33 Morals, 34 Enslave, 38 Stumbled, 39 Banned, 40 Tail, 41 Edict, 42 Sabre, 45 Uncle Tom’s Cabin, 52 Sense, 55 Angle, 56 Epic, 57 Poplar, 58 Tempting, 61 Saddler, 62 Unsold, 63 Cleverly, 66 Newspaper, 68 Meagre, 69 Embers, 73 Waifs, 74 Circular, 76 Mayonnaise, 81 Hurried, 82 Siesta, 83 Design, 84 Knob, 85 Arrears, 86 Wax and wane, 87 Reviled. DOWN: 1 Mufti, 2 Triplets, 3 Shrink, 4 Inept, 5 Note, 6 Vulture, 7 Teeter, 8 Ovals, 10 Obey, 11 Confess, 12 Spouse, 17 Impeccable, 18 Flare, 22 Fuselage, 23 Event, 24 Glasses, 26 Roam, 28 Militia, 29 Bureau, 30 Trades, 31 Evicts, 33 Mango, 35 Ladle, 36 Numb, 37 Kiwi, 43 Annual, 44 Ruled, 46 Nips, 47 Licence, 48 Tiptop, 49 Moped, 50 Charcoal, 51 Needed, 52 Supplement, 53 Nail, 54 Engross, 59 Cease, 60 Seer, 64 Oasis, 65 Regional, 67 Enforce, 68 Mermaid, 70 Jaguar, 71 Alaska, 72 Forger, 75 China, 77 Aisle, 78 Ebbed, 79 Fear, 80 Idea.

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

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.

FOR RENT

2 BEDROOM Unit with garage and heat pump. $370 per week. Phone 027 249 7527.

WANTED TO RENT

RESPONSIBLE, RETIRED couple seeking a 2 to 3 bedroom, with heat pump, rural. Phone 021 126 2877.

GRAZING

DAIRY GRAZING available, long or short term. Tangowahine area. Phone John 027 433 5954.

GRAZING AVAILABLE in the Te Kopuru area, interested contact 021 036 3665.

NURSERIES & PLANTS

BOTTLE BRUSH, red, white, pink and green flowering. Hedging or stand-alone tuff and drought resistance all ready now. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Got2Go Plants is on Facebook. 55 West Coast Road, Te Kopuru. EFTPOS available. 09 439 5556/027 488 3400.

BROMELAIDS, ROYAL Purple liriopes, variegated grasses, etc, from $3. Tuesdays to Thursday 9am–3pm, carport 26 Clyde Street, Dargaville.

GOT2GO PLANTS we will be closed from Wednesday 4th June to Tuesday 10th June. Open again on the 11th June. We are on Facebook. 55 West Coast Road, Te Kopuru. EFTPOS available. 09 439 5556/027 488 3400.

RUAWAI PLANTS. Plants for sale – Strawberry plants well established $3.50 each or $3.00 for 10 or more. Phone 027 282 2926.

WANTED TO BUY

SUZUKI 4X4 Wanted to buy — parked, damaged or unwanted, Escudo Vitara/Grand Vitara. Phone Derek 09 439 7573.

CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09 439 6933

SITUATIONS VACANT

FIXED TERM SPORTS CO-ORDINATOR

DARGAVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

The position requires:

• The appointee to lead, manage and enhance the schools sports programme

• Knowledge of sports education and experience in sports administration

• Close relationships with students, teaching staff, community personnel and groups

• Management of school sport social media pages

The position would suit someone with an interest in a wide range of sports, has good organisation skills and relates well with teenagers. Computer skills and the ability to work flexible hours an advantage.

Dargaville High School

57 Plunket Street, Dargaville

Email: office@darghigh.school.nz

Phone: 09 439 7229

Applications and CVs to be received by noon on Friday, 6th June 2025.

WANT TO PROMOTE THEIR BUSINESSES, THEY JUST NEED TO TALK TO YOU TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Email your CV & Cover Letter to: jobs@integrity.nz

Closing date for classified advertising for the June 3 2025 edition is Friday, May 30 2025

SECURITY

SECURE YOUR Home — security doors, grills, locks, bolts, stays, latches — supplied and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.

SEPTIC TANK SERVICES

MAGIC PROPERTY Services, effluent & septic tank cleaning. Servicing the Kaipara. Phone Chris 027 480 0110 or Mary 027 459 1544. 7 Days. WE ARE THE ONLY CODE COMPLIANT OPERATORS IN THE KAIPARA.

TRADES & SERVICES

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.

ROOFING REPAIRS & gutter cleaning. Local to Dargaville area. Phone 021 271 2065.

V-GROOVE UNTREATED plywood 9mm & 12mm

Downgrade. Scooters Plywood 09 438 6565.

TREE SERVICES

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

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

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

NEWS YOU CAN TRUST

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public notice

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

Mangawhai Golf Club Incorporated of Mangawhai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal and variation of a on-licence in respect of the premises situated at 221 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai Heads known as Mangawhai Golf Club

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Golf 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 NOTICES

ACOUSTIC MUSIC Blackboard Concert — Next concert is the 5th of June 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.

Dargaville Bowling Club AGM

Sunday 15th June 2025, 3pm. At the Club Rooms AGM

TUESDAY, 9.30AM 3rd JUNE 2025 AT THE KAIPARA BUDGETING SERVICE OFFICE

80 Normanby St, Dargaville 09 439 8592

OTAMATEA AERO CLUB AGM

Sunday 8th June 2025 10.00am at the Club Room, Naumai Airfield. ALL WELCOME 09 439 5955

LA Ke

GARAGE SALE

112 Colville Road Dargaville

Saturday 31st May 8am

Bargains Galore Be Quick

You know her as the recycling lady, but to me she is my daughter. Since her father (my husband) passed away in Dec, and with my declining health Lee Ann has been my tower of strength. Nothing is too much trouble to her. I want her to know she is very much loved and appreciated and I’m proud to call you my daughter.

OTAMATEA

COMMUNITY SERVICES INC

Board members required.

Are you interested in supporting a great team of staff and volunteers? This could be an opportunity to help your local community with a chance to be an important part of their future and ongoing success.

Otamatea Community services (OCS) are looking for Board Members to assist with the Governance of this great group who have a responsibility to Mangawhai, Kaiwaka, Maungaturoto, Paparoa, Pahi, Tinopai and Ruawai communities.

We meet monthly from February through to December with our AGM in November.

If you are not sure what is required or are interested to learn please consider applying and assistance is available.

If you are interested please email admin@otamateacs.org.nz

Pulham, Mark Stuart

Tragically taken from us after an accident, aged 50.

Loved uncle of

and

A graveside funeral service will be held at 1.00pm on Friday 30th May at Mt Wesley lawn cemetery, Mt Wesley Coast Road,

Dargaville Funeral Services 09 439 8016

THANK YOU

THANK YOU, The family of Tui Franklin would like to thank everybody for attending Tui’s recent funeral. Please accept this as a thank you for the lovely cards, flowers, phone calls and home baking. They were all greatly appreciated.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Robin Phillip Dickens of Maungaturoto, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an on-licence in respect of the premises situated at 35 Hurndall St, East Maungaturoto known as Maungaturoto Historic Inn

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Hotel

The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 11am to 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.

Beloved son of Lorraine and Keith (deceased). Much loved dad of Hope and Carlos. Loved brother of Kim and Bazyl. Loved partner of Lee.
Jakob
Lukas.
Dargaville.

Roper & Jones

Covering the Kaipara

Congratulations to the Sales Team at First National

We’re proud of what our team have achieved already this year at First National Roper & Jones In a tough market, our hardworking team has successfully sold 28 proper ties since the beginning of February. We’ve stayed focused, stayed local, and delivered real results.

Paparoa
Paparoa
Pahi
Dargaville Tinopai

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.