Indoor courts a step closer
Street party celebrations
by Andy Bryenton
Jonathan Larsen cut the ribbon to open the new Wood Street precinct in Mangawhai last Thursday, inaugurating the space with a street party featuring local musicians and performers.
Christmas Memorial Service
Christmas Memorial Service
to be held at the Chapel of Morris & Morris Funerals, 17 Western Hills Drive, Whangarei, Sunday 14th December 2025 at 2pm, Doors open from 1 00pm
to be held at the Chapel of Morris & Morris Funerals, 17 Western Hills Drive, Whangarei, Sunday 14th December 2025 at 2pm, Doors open from 1.00pm.
This service offers a time to come together, share memories & celebrate a life well lived.
This service offers a time to come together, share memories & celebrate a life well lived
So please join us and other families to celebrate the memory of your special person.
So please join us and other families to celebrate the memory of your special person
For catering purposes please RSVP, with the number of people attending, by 5pm Thursday 11th December 2025. Phone 09 437 5799 or email rachel@morrisandmorris.co.nz
For catering purposes please RSVP, with the number of people attending, by 5pm Thursday 11th December 2025. Phone 09 437 5799 or email rachel@morrisandmorris.co.nz
We can either show one from the
(if we did one for you), or you can email us a photo along with your RSVP
Saving sight
Funding den relaunched in style
by Paul Campbell
The resurgent Albie’s Den fundraising emporium in Maungatūroto has been launched with fanfare at Hurndall Street and raised $3,000 on opening day alone with good sales rounding out the first week in new premises.
“As a matter of fact it has been mindblowing,” said staff member Julie Massey. “Big crowds on opening that included many donations, too. It has been really constant ever since. Our incoming goods in fact are up to the ceiling in our storeroom.
“The response has been so great that we would really appreciate it if anyone knows of a 40-foot container or two to use as storage prior to some restoration work before we put things on sale.”
The Den was instigated many years ago by the late Albie Paton in the old scout hall in Bickerstaffe Road, and has been responsible for well over $500,000 in community donations based on the guidelines of supporting health and wellbeing in the area. His untimely passing preceded his eagerly-awaited new premises being ready.
The new premises are now run by an incorporated society that will oversee grants four times a year from the resale of second-hand and donated goods.
Chair of the society Graham Slatter says the guidelines established by Albie, whose founding work is now recognised in the new Albie’s Den title, will continue
as benefitting health and welfare in the Ōtamatea community.
“It has been an awesome response from the wider community, the support of the Rapid Relief crew, and opening day was notable by visits from our MP for Northland as well as two Kaipara District Councillors.”
A recent visitor to Albie’s Den summed up when asked by The Lifestyler: “We called out of curiosity and then found a variety of things, including some wonderful art that are going to make our Christmas shopping, no problem at all. It is a goldmine as far as I am concerned, and charity is the beneficiary of our shopping.”
Action to save mussel stocks
by Paul Campbell
Mussels have grown wild in the waters of the Kaipara along with scallops and other shellfish delicacies but over-predation and silting have diminished the harvest, prompting new action.
The Tinopai Resource Management Unit led by director Mikaera Miru and supported by Tinopai community members will this summer place a rāhui or traditional ban to prohibit the harvesting of mussels.
“This will not prevent the harvesting of any other shellfish,” said Mr Miru. “Mussels were once abundant in the Tinopai area over 40 years ago when people came from all around Kaipara to harvest them.
“A core group of community members and TRMU have decided to embark on a mussel restoration project, from Bushy Point on the Wairoa River to Te Kopua Point on the Arapaoa River. The project has generated great enthusiasm from the community and the discovery of hundreds of small mussels near the Tinopai wharf prompted our group to embark on this venture.
“Children from Tinopai School are an essential part of the project and have been involved in the initial gathering of the mussels, relocation and creating rāhui signage. They are tomorrow’s caretakers so it is crucial to have them involved.“
Local iwi, community, Kaipara District Council and the Northland Regional Council have been welcomed to attend a rāhui ceremony at the Tinopai Community Hall on Saturday, January 10, with a pōwhiri at 11am. A hāngī will be provided. Divers inspecting the pylons of the Tinopai wharf for the Kaipara District Council discovered mussel colonies and these were gathered by locals and relocated.
“They have been placed in four pilot monitoring sites around the Tinopai intertidal zone.”
p ‘Denizens’ (from left) Julie Massey, Marge Paton and Stephen Seager
p Four-year-old Isobel Prangley joined Tinopai kids in guarding the mussel project
New chair for NRC’s new term Councils pledge to work in harmony
by Andy Bryenton
The Northland Regional Council has selected its chairperson for the new triennium, with Pita Tipene elected as ‘first among equals’ to head up the regional authority.
The newly elected chair is one of two Te Raki Māori constituency representatives around the council table, and his deputy will be Jack Craw, who represents the Whangārei Central constituency. The chair of the NRC is chosen when the council meets as equals after election results are finalised, instead of being voted into the role like the mayors of Northland’s three district councils.
“My immediate goal is to build unity of purpose amongst councillors, council management and staff on behalf of the people of Northland who we serve,” says Mr Tipene. “The council needs to focus on its core business and, where possible, work with the region’s three district councils. Together we can do much, much more.”
council is a team from many different constituencies, united by the need to work collaboratively.
by Andy Bryenton
Almost the very first item of business for the new Kaipara District Council is an agreement to work side by side with colleagues from neighbouring districts, pooling resources and knowledge.
The new councillors and mayor will deal with the 2025 Triennial Agreement as almost their first order of business. The draft will be presented next week in the council’s first briefing, and is intended to go before all four civic and regional council leaders by December 1.
The document will replace an existing agreement binding the former administrations in Northland, Whangārei, the Far North and Kaipara in collaboration, during the time of the Jepson administration and its parallels elsewhere in the north.
In his inaugural address as the NRC’s leader Mr Tipene paid tribute to former chair Geoff Crawford, citing his track record of works in the last term of council. He also emphasised that his
Around the NRC table this triennium are Colin Kitchen, John Hunt, Arama Morunga, Jack Craw, Amy Macdonald, Joe Carr, John Blackwell and former chair Geoff Crawford. Their first meeting will take place on November 25.
“The draft maintains a strong focus on collaboration, shared priorities and collective advocacy, and is intended to support a cohesive regional approach, while respecting each council’s autonomy,” says KDC general manager for planning and development Michael Day.
The agreement contains the promise for all councils to work collaboratively together for the good governance of Te Tai Tokerau-Northland, and to openly discuss issues, which all councils have in common, avoiding duplication when it’s unnecessary. This last clause is a practical money-saving measure, too.
Notably, the draft copy, which will be reviewed by Kaipara councillors, contains the provision that ‘emphasis is to be placed on building credible and enduring relationships with all Northland local authorities, tangata whenua, the neighbouring authority of Auckland and central government’.
There is also a section of the agreement calling for a newly-convened Northland Mayoral Forum and a Northland Chief Executives’ Forum, two decision-making and leadership bodies, which have proven valuable in the past in charting a common cause between civic powers in times of need.
p NRC deputy chair Jack Craw and chair Pita Tipene have sworn their declarations and taken leadership of Northland’s regional authority
p The newly formed Kaipara District Council will make an alliance with civic peers one of the first orders of business this week
Indoor courts a step closer Mangawhai welcomes festive cheer
by Andy Bryenton
Steady progress has been achieved on plans to build stage two of Dargaville’s Sportsville complex, which will include indoor courts for sports such as basketball, volleyball and netball.
“We’ve been working on a project for well over a year now to explore the development of a potential indoor court facility at Sportsville. We have a dedicated Project Steering Group, which has been closely involved throughout the process and is really passionate about progressing this for our community,” says Sportsville Dargaville facility coordinator Waimaria Thompson.
The Kauri Coast Recreational Society (KCRS) has been instrumental in making this plan come to life, and they report strong progress. The Kōkiri ai te Waka Hourua regional recreational strategy of 2021, as well as that year’s Spaces and Places Plan, both emphasised the importance of Sportsville’s expansion. Community consultation in 2022 reinforced this.
In 2023, a grant from the Lotteries Community Facilities Fund to the Kauri Coast Recreational Society allowed a study to be drawn up, which delivered the vision of a two-court indoor multiuse facility. Covered seating for outdoor events, however, is a priority. More funding came in 2024, and this has allowed plans
to firm up regarding the position of the new facility. An option is preferred near the existing building.
‘The next major step will be securing the necessary funding to build and operate the new facility,’ says the KCRS in an official statement. ‘A significant milestone was reached recently when the Northland Regional Council committed $1.2 million to the project through its Regional Sporting Facilities Rate. This substantial funding commitment is expected to play a key role in attracting further investment and bringing the Sportsville Stage 2 Project to life.’
by Andy Bryenton
In the third of his Kaipara appearances announced for 2025, Santa Claus will touch down in Mangawhai on Sunday, December 14, and his helpers on the east coast have done far more than just roll out the red carpet.
Major sponsors Bayleys, Downer, Limitless Scaffolding and New World Mangawhai have collaborated with festively-focussed locals to orchestrate a massive parade, which will culminate in a blockbuster afternoon Christmas concert at the Mangawhai Activity Zone.
“The concert this year is going to be the best one ever,” says event co-organiser Gary Loughnan.
“The Waipu Pipe Band will be there to welcome in the floats, and the concert itself is being put together by Mangawhai local Keri Cullen. Keri is not only a consummate professional singer, but has assembled some amazing talent to help usher in the Christmas spirit to magical Mangawhai.”
Magical is an apt term for the surprises that await, not just amid the flotilla of floats representing all kinds of local clubs, teams and groups, but also at the concert itself. Previous years have brought out crowds of revellers to watch Santa arrive in style, and then go on to
enjoy some Yuletide tunes at the MAZ, with all of the facilities right nearby for youngsters to play and have fun.
It’s the perfect way to start the Christmas season as a family, and it all begins at 1pm on Sunday, December 14 when the parade marshall gets the wheels rolling. From Sellars Reserve, the parade will proceed to MAZ, where there will be time for a short break before concert festivities begin. Of course, thanks to the jolly ‘elves’, who have made the parade and concert happen, this event is free to attend for the whole family.
p Netball at Sportsville could see an expansion as planned indoor facilities, which would also serve other codes, move closer to construction
p It’s a Yuletide classic — the Mangawhai Christmas Parade and Concert is coming soon, so mark your calendar for festive fun
by Andy Bryenton
The Bream Bay Guardians group, opposing sand mining on the coast north of Mangawhai, has expressed concerns that amendments to the government’s fast-track legislation could favour sand mining applicants McCallum Bros.
The group warns of less scope for community engagement and consultation, they say could give McCallum Bros an advantage in its aim of establishing a multitonne sand mining enterprise in Bream Bay. A similar model was rejected by the Environment Court, effectively banishing sand mining from the Te Ārai and Pākiri coast last year.
“The substance of the Bream Bay Guardians’ argument is that the McCallum Brothers’ economic case to mine sand doesn’t stack up. Expert economist Hayden Green has publicly said the proposal is riddled with errors and omissions, and won’t deliver significant national or regional benefits,” said Bream Bay Guardian’s spokesperson Bruce Copeland.
His group fears that sand mining may be depicted as of vital strategic economic significance, typifying this stance as ‘a crisis that doesn’t exist’.
Shane Jones, speaking as the amendment bill was introduced in early
November, said the amendments are designed to make the fast-tracking system more, rather than less, robust.
“The changes being made to the fasttrack are a sensible response to the teething problems that have arisen from time to time in this early stage of the act,” said Mr Jones.
“I’m confident that as the legislation beds in, and both officials and the public become more comfortable with the pace at which decisions are being made while staying within guard rails, the fasttrack will really show its value for Kiwis through jobs, regional prosperity and economic growth.”
by Andy Bryenton
The festive musical occasion dates back to 2007, and through the years, a variety of entertainers from local churches, schools and civic groups have donated their time to making the west Kaipara holiday season special.
This year, there’s a wealth of music being busily practised by acts who want to share the spirit of the season, and many of the songs, which will fill the air on December 6, are ones you’ll know, so everyone can join in.
The event begins at 5.30pm and runs for two hours, making this a perfect conclusion to a day of Christmas cheer. There’s the Dargaville Santa Parade at noon, with a festive street market concurrent.
Christmas in the Gardens provides an excuse to pack a picnic dinner and relax with the whānau amid beautiful music, and the scenic surrounds of the Taha Awa Riverside Gardens.
p “It was the community, not council or government entities, that held McCallums to account at Pākiri,” says sand mining opponent Bruce Copeland
p Music, dance and song celebrate the spirit of the season at last year’s Christmas in the Gardens
The hope in dancing
by Amy Fifita
Salt Dance Studio is showcasing their talents with Kōwhai, a story of healing, at Forum North, Whangārei, on Sunday, December 14, from 1pm–3pm and 5pm–7pm.
“This year, our production is called Kōwhai, which means yellow. It is in honour of my sister Angela, who passed away last year, so it has a special meaning this year with all of the choreography celebrating joy, hope and healing,” said director Rachel Curle.
Having run the studio for three and a half years, this is its fourth production, giving families, friends and performance lovers a glimpse at the work students have learned and honed this year. Everyone is welcome to attend.
“We do an end-of-the-year production, and it is the highlight for our students and our teachers. It is an opportunity for them to showcase all that they have been working hard on throughout the year. It is for family, friends and anyone
COVERS LTD
in the community who loves the performing arts.”
With 12 years of teaching dance behind her, Rachel moved to Northland four years ago with her three daughters, also dancers. Starting with a few classes, the studio has grown to 100-strong passionate young ballet, jazz, contemporary and acrobatic dancers.
“It is a space where students can feel safe to express themselves creatively, not just to learn the physical discipline in multiple genres. Dance is so good for many things. We have become a little family, and a community of passionate dancers.”
Tickets are on sale at Eventfinda — search for Salt Dance Studio.
Celebrating A Place in Time
by Andy Bryenton
A new book covering the history and personalities of the centuryold Chases Gorge Camp Club has been released, published and prepared by locals.
The book, A Place in Time, has been written by past and present members of the club, which pioneered the seaside lifestyle at Baylys Beach in the years following the first world war.
“This volume is rich in memoirs, anecdotes and the ‘how, when and why’ of camp club members’ ownership. One family’s history spans seven generations since the club’s beginning,” says club chair Graeme Ramsey.
The story begins before the modern age, with a deep dive into the natural forces that created the Ripirō coast and its unique geography, then journeys through the twists and turns of an engaging and personal history, as Baylys Beach grew from a holiday encampment to a seaside town.
Other chapters are dedicated to toheroa, the location’s importance to local iwi Te Roroa, and the hall members built on-site in the late-1920s to host dances, church services and children’s camps. There’s also the tale of the 1851 wreck of the French naval ship
L’Alcmène, in front of cliffs that would become Chases Gorge Camp Club land.
A Place in Time also explores how the growth of the Ripirō coast’s popularity has brought challenges for locals and the Kaipara District Council.
‘The club still endeavours to ensure that these challenges are met in a way that is appropriate for this wild, yet fragile place,’ Mr Ramsey wrote in his introduction to the book.
Chases Gorge Camp Club — A Place in Time is for sale at the Dargaville Museum, Sharkeys at Baylys Beach and the Book Exchange in Victoria Street, Dargaville.
p Baylys Beach is celebrated and its history revealed in a new volume by local authors
p Rachel has opened up a space for children to let their dance passions grow in a safe environment
A time to remember Draining maintenance dispute
by Andy Bryenton
Hospice Kaipara will once again host a Time to Remember this year, a chance for people who have lost loved ones and feel their absence keenly in the holiday season to pay their respects and celebrate their lives.
Josie Scott, who is helping to organise the 25th annual Time to Remember occasion, says that while the message of the festive season is one of cheer and happiness, it’s natural to feel loss and grief if a loved one has died and cannot be with you for Christmas.
“The focus we have for this gathering is one of connection and remembrance. The holidays can be a tough time for some of us. That’s why a Time to Remember is held. To celebrate life, acknowledge those who have gone before us and those who have died, and to honour them,” says Josie.
Everyone is welcome to the Time to Remember occasion, which will be held on Thursday, December 4 at 5pm, at the Lighthouse Function Centre atop Harding Park hill. There will be a short ceremony, and people are invited to bring
a photograph of anyone they would like to remember. A candle-lighting, and the chance to make a creative tribute, are also part of the event, which is suitable for all ages and people of all faiths and creeds.
Please RSVP for catering, as there will be light refreshments served at this free event. Call Hospice Kaipara on 09 439 3330 option 4, or email office@ hospicekaipara.org.nz.
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS – NEWS YOU CAN TRUST
by Amy Fifita
Wero Te Kino is contesting the Kaipara District Council and local farmer Thomas Newlove for finding an alternative to maintain the creek behind his Omamari property to protect the eels and wildlife.
The area was affected by flooding during Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. The area is part of the coastal and river flood zone, but also an indicative īnanga spawning habitat.
“These are the sacred eels, over 60 years old, handed down by my matua (father). In previous years, the council had been spraying the area with a spray that doesn’t hurt any of the wildlife in the creek, but they stopped,” Wero said.
“It flooded where Thomas’s culvert converged with the other creek, and that flooding never happened before, and it was because of global warming,” Mr Te Kino said.
Wero is proposing that a manual working bee be organised by the involved parties and will be addressing the council about this issue this week.
“It is a council-maintained drain that services a large catchment of farmland that hasn’t been machine-cleaned since 2010. If the drain is not maintained, our
land and other residents’ houses get flooded,” said Tom Newlove.
Kaipara District Council general manager Nick Bennetts says the council is committed to ensuring maintenance is completed responsibly and with minimum impact on native wildlife.
“KDC staff have been working with landowners, with Te Roroa support, to carry out essential routine drainage maintenance in the area. This work is necessary to help protect property and infrastructure from the impacts of severe weather,” Mr Bennetts said.
p Josie Scott welcomes those who have lost loved ones to celebrate their memory and legacy at a Time to Remember, a special prefestive season event
p Thomas Newlove saw the effects of flooding in the area during Cyclone Gabrielle
by Andy Bryenton
Where the heart isn’t
Early this month a furore erupted over plans to make homelessness illegal, at least in central cities. One media influencer heartily agreed, saying that “the sooner we clear them out the better”. This raises the obvious question; clear ‘them’ out to where? Let’s be honest, homelessness is not an activity people engage in for pleasure. The likelihood of an overworked police officer issuing a ticket to someone sleeping rough and being met with the reply of ‘sorry, I’ll just nip back to my 16-room mansion then’ is fadingly remote.
State housing might have been an answer, but this June reports that Kainga Ora was playing bonsai with its budgets and shutting down approximately 3,500 planned builds sort of put a stop to that. Maybe the landlord recipients of government largesse in terms of mortgage interest deductibility, (that’s about $2.9 billion each year), which used to come in as tax, will meet the need with lower rents? Consult your local Tui beer billboard for the correct response. So, ‘clear them out’, then. Perhaps we could send the homeless to jail. It will cost the taxpayer far more than simply building them houses or addressing their mental health needs, but hey — private prison companies would see record profits. They
must need money; they have been recently seen sniffing around our health system.
The fact that this would literally add ‘go to jail’ to the lifelong game of Monopoly we’re all playing is an added irony.
Now, I’m probably being negative here for no reason. You see, there might be a way to make homelessness illegal without punishing those who have been forced into it. Make creating the conditions that lead to homelessness illegal.
Underfunding mental health? Enabling economic practices that mean working people can’t afford a home? Slashing public housing budgets? Make these illegal first. Bust the cartel kingpins, not the addicts, to use a metaphor. You could call the crime ‘operating an economy while under the influence of influencers’.
This year, the North Korean regime made suicide illegal. The hopelessness and horror of that communist dictatorship are such that many people choose to take this tragic, drastic course. Now, it’s punishable by death. There’s a twisted parallel there to making homelessness a criminal act. Especially, when it’s possible to alleviate some of the causes, instead of tidying human beings away for the ‘crime’ of being inconvenient reminders of systemic callousness.
GRASS SILAGE - MAIZE PLANTING
Times Gone By
New-fangled technology
In 1906, the White Pine Company at Naumai found an innovative way to load kahikatea on to the skids, ready to head for the mill and get turned into usable timber. Most of it was used for making butter boxes for the growing export dairy industry nationwide. Now, modern loading machinery is used to do a more-efficient job around the country’s ports.
Image credit: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
Tornado hits Poutō
The damage at Poutō caused by a tornado last week has been estimated at $1 million. Northern Wairoa-Kaipara Federated Farmers is helping the Ministry of Agriculture get all the farmers in the stricken Poutō Peninsula area to make a list of their losses.
Press, May 4 1991
Vigilante patrol
A group formed by Mangawhai residents to combat crime has proved itself in its first week. Early yesterday a patrol helped police catch two burglars who had broken into and stolen property from a primary school. About 30 residents and business people of Mangawhai decided last week to patrol the area at night to stop a plague of burglaries.
Press, August 24 1991
’Tis the Month Before Christmas
(with sincere apologies to Clement-Clarke Moore)
’Tis the month before Christmas in rural New Zealand And merriment’s mixed with the panic we’re feeling Just four little weeks — and there’s so much to do
Before jolly Saint Nicholas slides down the flue!
Santa might have a list filled with billions of names And work orders for toys, bikes and video games
But his whole operation’s a trivial trifle Compared to what WE plan for Christmas survival!
Let’s start with the presents, all wrapped up and hid For aunties and brothers and cousins and kids
You can’t just give a voucher, or junk bought online Or the latest dumb fad that’s a chore to define.
So it’s off to the shops, not a city-side mall
But to main streets, and markets, and charity stalls To the ute! To the shops! Hear the holiday call! And dash away, dash away, dash away all!
Meanwhile, there’s a menu of treats to prepare
In the knowledge the rellies are soon to be there
If you live up in Northland, you have to remember They’ll ALL come to visit sometime in December!
You’ll arise in that month, on some crisp rural dawn
To find RVs and dirt bikes and tents on your lawn And some far-distant cousins, thirteen times removed Who’ve remembered you’re close to the beach, and approved.
Plus a couple of uncles, and ten of your mates
Which is fine, if they know about shutting the gates And come bearing, like wise men, brown bottles in crates Or big chilly bins packed full of fare for your plates.
Is the barbecue ready? The water tank brimming?
Can I still fit my tummy in togs made for swimming?
Have we ordered the turkey, the ham or the roast?
Or all three, as we’ve got a small army to host?
It’s a whole lot of panic and running around And trips back and forth for provisions in town
As holiday carols repeat in our heads
From radios tuned in utes, tractors and sheds.
But it’s also long twilights, and drinks in the shade And markets and music and Santa parades
It’s getting together, and sharing some kai
In the knowledge that winter’s far-off in July.
So we frazzle and fluster, and blither a bit
When it’s four weeks ’til Christmas — but nobody quits
We know it’s well worth all the holiday fuss
Because we are ALL Santa. And he’s all of us.
Ready for new owners – spacious home on 31ha
Known for its family legacy since 1935 the property features a north-facing 1993 home spanning around 280sqm with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and comfortable, practical living The main bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, the guest bedroom its own ensuite and heat pump A kitchen with rural views opens to a dining area with heat pump and fireplace, and a lounge with high ceilings Outdoor patios capture views of Maungatapere, Whatitiri, and Maunu Mountains There’s a double garage with drive-through access a small office/fourth bedroom and a separate retreat-style office with its own entrance and sink Set on 31.5989 hectares (more or less, subject to title), the property has 23 paddocks, metalled races, cattle yards, sheds, barn, greenhouse, and will be on the Maungatapere water scheme Twenty minutes from Whangārei CBD and eight from Maungatapere it offers space and versatility bayleys co nz/1021100
lifestyle block with
and water This 2 531-hectare (more or less) lifestyle block is well set up and ready for your plans A concreted, gated entrance and tidy post-and-batten fencing give a strong first impression The land rolls gently to flat, ideal for grazing, development or holding as a landbank Seven-wire fencing power at the boundary and an onsite water tank make it stock and build-ready Elevated with sweeping views over three mountain ranges and the Northern Wairoa River, it enjoys stunning sunrises and sunsets On a sealed road, twenty minutes from Dargaville and thirty from Whangarei, with Tangiteroria Primary four kilometres away and high school buses nearby The new community complex offers Pickleball Yoga Bowls Squash and an exercise room Practical versatile and quiet with excellent access to schools towns, and local facilities bayleys co nz/1021081
31 5989 ha
(unless sold prior) 12pm Tue 16 Dec 2025 84 Walton Street, Whangārei
Skudder 027 439 1235
ha Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 2pm Wed 3 Dec 2025
Maungatapere 78 Otuhi Road
Versatile 32.62ha run-off block - vendors retiring
32 62 hectares (more or less STS) in multiple titles this versatile run-off block is currently used alongside the neighbouring dairy farm The land is mostly flat to slightly rolling, with a mixture fencing, and water supplied from the Tangihua Ranges via an easement to a 25,000-litre gravity-feed concrete tank It offers immediate usability for grazing or cropping, with excellent scope for future development or building your forever home Located 37 minutes from Whangarei and 33 minutes from Dargaville the property is close to Tangiteroria Primary with secondary school buses available, and the new community complex offering Pickleball, Yoga, Bowls, Squash, and an exercise room Ideal to continue as a run-off, hold as a land bank, or develop into your forever home, this is a well-serviced, versatile rural property in a highly accessible location bayleys co nz/1021088
Tangiteroria 901 Pukehuia Road
245ha dairy farm with scale and infrastructure
This well-established dairy farm spans 245 4603 hectares (more or less, STS) across multiple titles, milking 360 cows once-a-day with split calving for about 129,159kgMS The land offers a mix of contour – quarter flat, quarter plateau, and rolling to steep – ideal for grazing and cropping Productive Kaipara and Waiotira clays support 25 hectares regrassed and 26 hectares in crop rotation Effluent is managed by a four-pond system covering 50 hectares, supported by a travelling irrigator and cannons Infrastructure includes a 32ASHB shed with Allfex drafting gate supporting Sensehub cow collars, a 250-cow feed pad, two herd homes, and good shedding Three homes – five, three and two bedrooms – complete the property Our vendors are now retiring offering a great opportunity to take over this well-run, productive dairy farm bayleys co nz/1021087
Tangiteroria Omana Road
Flat 20ha block near Dargaville
This tidy 20 25-hectare (more or less) block is now surplus to the vendors' requirements presenting a rare opportunity to secure a well-serviced property in a highly sought-after location Just a short three-minute drive from Dargaville township, the flat contour makes the block easy to manage and highly adaptable, whether you're expanding, grazing, or developing The property comes with a full suite of infrastructure already in place: a hay barn, implement shed sheep yards and three multiple bay kumara sheds with capacity to hold over 500 kumara bins
There's plenty of space for machinery, produce, or gear, making day-to-day operations straightforward Perfect for a kumara grower looking to expand, a lifestyler seeking space near town, or a local farmer wanting additional grazing A versatile ready-to-go block in a prime location - hard to
206ha dairy farm with scale and scope
Presenting a 206 86 hectare (more or less) dairy farm in four titles just 15km from Dargaville Well set up with scale infrastructure, and quality housing, it offers a sound base with strong infrastructure and scope to lift production Producing an average of 88,937kgMS from 335 cows, the farm features mainly rolling contour with some flats, multiwire electric fencing, and water from a dam Effluent is managed via a weeping wall and three ponds, compliant to 2029 Infrastructure includes a 40 ASHB shed with ice bank rubber matting and solar multiple implement sheds a workshop, 24-bay calf shed, stand-off pad for 400 cows, cattle yards, and palm kernel bin Two homes are includeda renovated four-bedroom main with office and spa, and a three-bedroom, two-storey dwelling This farm provides a solid foundation with everything in place to increase production bayleys co nz/1021080
Ruawai 304 Tokatoka Road
Vendors moving on – prime dairy opportunity
With our vendor ready to move on, this 320 05-hectare (more or less) dairy farm near Ruawai, spread over seventeen titles, offers genuine scale and strong foundations Averaging 224,273kgMS over three seasons from 590 cows plus rearing 500 calves on whole milk for an extra 12–15 000kgMS it’s a well-set-up going concern The farm has 210 hectares of flats and 110 hectares of easy rolling country, with efficient limestone races and reliable water from a dam and two bores across 36 paddocks Effluent is managed via a three-pond system With 140 paddocks, good soils, solid infrastructure including a renovated 40 ASHB shed, large feedpad, and three tidy homes, this wellbalanced property sits in a sought-after location just two hours from Auckland bayleys co nz/1050873
206 86 ha Auction (unless sold prior) 12pm Tue 16 Dec 2025
Walton Street, Whangārei View by appointment
Skudder 027 439 1235
skudder@bayleys co nz
Skudder 027 439 1235
skudder@bayleys co nz
Arapohue 29 Keer Road
NELLWYN LULICH
The Dargaville office is excited to welcome Nellw yn to the team! As a Lifest yle & Rural Consultant, Nellw yn is k nown for being real, approachable, and authentic With strong rural roots, a background in business and finance, and excellent local connec tions, she takes a prac tical, people -first approach to achieving great results. R aised on dair y farms, today she and her husband Paul own and operate a generational dair y and beef farm in Turiwiri, giving her genuine insight into rural living. With a background in finance and bank ing and several years of proper t y sales experience, Nellw yn understands that ever y client and proper t y is unique. Her honest y, professionalism, and proven marketing sk ills ensure ever y transac tion is handled with care and transparenc y. Contac t Nellw yn today for an appraisal or to discuss your proper ty.
DARGAVILLE 242 Baylys Coast Road
Country Family Living at its Best!
This low-maintenance brick and tile home sits on a flat section just minutes from town and Baylys Beach. Enjoy spacious open-plan kitchen and living areas flowing to a sheltered north-facing patio. Three double bedrooms, including a generous master with private patio, plus family bathroom with large wet-area shower. Extra utility rooms, single garage with covered access, large sheds, carport, and storage options Pretty gardens privacy, a paddock for stock, and school buses at the gate—perfect blend of town and country!
Inclusive
M 027 668 8468
E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz
E cindy.younger@pggwrightson.co.nz
DARGAVILLE
Prime Opportunity in the Heart of Dargaville
Located in the heart of Dargaville's CBD, this iconic licensed cafe/restaurant has been a local favourite for over 29 years. Set on a 236sqm site with approximately 160sqm floor area, it features a spacious dining area, commercial kitchen, offices and a private garden for alfresco dining. With strong street presence and a rich history dating back to the 1920s, this is a rare opportunity to continue a beloved legacy. Motivated vendor - call now for details. POA Plus GST (if any) VIEW By Appointment Only
Cindy Younger
M 027 278 2309
E cindy.younger@pggwrightson.co.nz
Erin Grbin
M 021 716 388
E erin.grbin@pggwrightson.co.nz
pggwre.co.nz/DAG42572
DARGAVILLE 46 Cobham Avenue
Family Living, Rural Views, Potential Abounds
This solid brick home is ready for you to move in and start living the lifestyle you've dreamed of Located on the edge of town, on a
familyfriendly avenue, where kids can grow up like we did in years past. A family home with open-plan living flowing effortlessly to a private alfresco area,
for entertaining or relaxing in peace. A sun-filled conservatory invites you to enjoy your morning coffee or unwind in the evening. The kitchen, dining room, lounge and conservatory all take in serene rural views right out to the Maungaru range. Featuring three spacious bedrooms, all with robes, and two bathrooms, including a modern wet-area bathroom and two separate toilets, such a blessing with growing families, this home ticks the boxes with it's design for comfort and practicality. A single garage with room for storage. While it's ready to enjoy as is, there's plenty of potential to add your own personal touch and give it that wow factor you've always wanted Don't miss this opportunity to secure a home that has comfort, charm and a serene vibe with future possibilities. Fabulous for families, retirees, farmers down-sizing and needing that rural vibe, or investors Contact me today to arrange your viewing. 3 2 1 DEADLINE SALE (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Tuesday 16 December VIEW 11.45-12.15pm Sunday 30 November
ARAPOHUE Lot 3 Pukehuia Road
Private, Fertile 57-hectare Grazing Block
Clean and tidy 57.9 hectare grazing block offers an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a productive and private rural property. With flat to easy rolling contour and fertile soils including river flats, this land is well-suited to grazing, cropping, or supplement production. 18 paddocks, a three-stand woolshed with power, cattle yards, and a three-bay implement shed. Water is supplied via a dam.
$695,000
GST (if any)
TENDER
DARGAVILLE 1090 Te Maire Road
Coastal Farming Opportunity - 154 Hectares
DARGAVILLE
Exceptional Lifestyle Property - Arapohue
Set on 30.4273
dog run and reliable water supply. A versatile, well-balanced property ideal for farming, family living, or retreat. With 30 hectares of quality grazing land interspersed with native trees, this is a well-balanced and versatile block suitable for a range of farming or lifestyle pursuits
Set in a coastal location, this expansive 154-hectare property offers a rare opportunity to secure clean, productive farmland. The land features a mix of soil types and contours, well-raced to 45 paddocks with some gullies, and has produced up to 300 bales of silage annually. Currently running approximately 260 mixed-age cattle, it's ideally suited for grazing, a support block, or a dedicated beef unit. The property includes a four-bedroom weatherboard home, 2-bay implement shed, older 4-bay shed, 2-bay shed, hay shed and former cowshed. Water is supplied via the reliable Bradley water scheme.
Megan Browning
M 027 668 8468
E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz
Ron Grbin
By Appointment Only E rgrbin@pggwrightson.co.nz M 027 471 6388
DARGAVILLE 3050 Mititai Road, Arapohue
Versatile Grazing Opportunity
Just 15 km from Dargaville and Ruawai, this 81-hectare property offers gentle to rolling contour ideal for dairy grazing or beef finishing. Features include 16 paddocks (36 ha techno fencing), limestone races, a two-bedroom cottage, four bay shed, dam and bore water, plus native bush pockets. This is a well-developed and a productive block with strong infrastructure and versatility—perfect for expanding your farming operation or starting fresh.
By Appointment Only
TENDER
RUAWAI 331 Simpson Road
Premium Dairy Farm in Ruawai
A highly productive 167ha dairy farm in Ruawai with 100% flat contour. Features a 60-bail rotary shed, large feed barn for 600 cows, 110 paddocks with limestone races, and bore water. Milking 560 cows once a day, producing 142,000kg MS on OAD, with peak of 190,000kg MS on TAD. Includes three homes—main home with four bedrooms, new kitchen, log burner and sleepout. Excellent infrastructure and proven performance. Enquire now
GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior)
2.00pm, Thursday 22 January
RUAWAI Freyberg Road
64ha Flat Fertile Land in the Heart of Ruawai
Welcome to an exceptional opportunity in the heart of the Ruawai community - 64 hectares of prime, flat, fertile land - not been cropped. Productive and well set up with two access points, tidy internal fencing and a full suite of infrastructure including cattle yards with loading, seven bay implement shed, double five bay pole shed and kumara shed with leasing potential. Hay and silage made on-farm, ideal for young dairy stock or a support block. Bore system plus town water as backup. With a tidy three-bedroom home this property has the location, infrastructure and productivity to deliver. 3 1 2
Megan Browning
M 027 668 8468
TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Thursday 22 January VIEW By Appointment Only E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz
TENDER
RUAWAI 87 Tramline Road
111-hectare Productive Beef Grazing Farm
5 1 2
TENDER
Exceptional flat, fertile farm, ex dairy with extensive infrastructure. Features Te Pari hydraulic crush, weigh scales, concrete yarding and feed area. Includes two round bay sheds, lean-to and six bay shed. 70 paddocks. Grazing 200 Speckle Park cows with calves, 70 MA bulls. Two bores, one in use. Tidy five-bedroom home with one bathroom, rumpus room and deck. A standout opportunity for lifestyle and farming.
Plus GST (if any)
(Unless Sold Prior)
Closes 12.00pm, Thursday 22 January
VIEW By Appointment Only
Megan Browning
M 027 668 8468
E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz
RUAWAI 194 Whakatu Road
Burgess Island - Do You Want Your Own Island?
Welcome to Burgess Island, an exceptional 48-hectare property nestled in the heart of Ruawai. This flat, fertile land is surrounded by water and protected by stop banks on three sides, offering unmatched privacy, natural beauty and a lifestyle hard to find anywhere else. Grazing mixed-age beef and dairy yearlings, 24 paddocks with single wire fencing and races for easy access. Carries approx 150 animals over the summer.
Three bay shed located near the two-bedroom cottage, cattle loading facilities, hay barn with a small feeding area, bore water. A block ideal for hay, silage and cropping.
pggwre.co.nz/DAG42652
2 1
TENDER
Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Thursday 22 January
VIEW By Appointment Only
Megan Browning
M 027 668 8468
E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz
Eleven historic years
by Amy Fifita
Mangawhai Museum is opening its doors for free, with complimentary cake, on Saturday, December 6, to celebrate its 11th birthday with locals.
“The biggest milestone was the iconic building’s opening 11 years ago,” said manager Angela Cooke.
“The Mangawhai Historical Society existed before the current museum, starting out in a tiny building in the village, outgrowing and changing spaces before becoming ambitious, setting its sights on a larger museum on Molesworth Drive.”
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Through the diligence of donations and volunteers, the museum was opened 11 years ago, and continues to be a hub for the community and its stories once lived. Still backed by volunteers and locals, the day will celebrate its own history.
“Since then, the museum has safeguarded taonga for Kaipara, retold local stories, fundraised, led community events, put on special exhibitions, published local history booklets, and grown to support a shop, cafe and other local businesses.
“Throughout, the museum has demonstrated what continued strong support from volunteers, local businesses, tradespeople, sponsors and donors can achieve. We even have a book, titled The Spirit of Mangawhai, which documents our story.”
The museum is a place where stories of Kaipara are held close for future
generations to enjoy. The most recent exhibition, Storm Zone, was supported by the Northland Regional Council, and the Bug Room is there to excite, there is something for everyone.
“Education, social connection, community services, handmade gifts and inspiration all await visitors inside. The museum is more than a tourist attraction; it’s a staple for locals who appreciate the
a shared
Museum is eager to grow with our growing community. The next big step is to expand and build the Daring Discovery Centre. Bequests, philanthropy and sponsorship make dreams like this a reality, and we are hoping the right people will find this project, so we can give even more to the community we care about so much.”
p Mangawhai Museum’s opening day marked a year of many where historic artefacts and stories could be stored for future generations Photo: Barry Lynch power in tapping into
resource. Mangawhai
For those about to grill
by Andy Bryenton
In late October, the masters of meat met for a sizzling showdown at the
The results showcased the creativity and quality focus of Kiwi butchers. As the barbecue season heats up, it’s good to know that two of the luminaries who really sold the sizzle and substance of sausage supremacy were from Kaipara.
The calibre of creative sausage craft on display is illustrated by the supreme winner for 2025. Westmere Butchery took home the top award with a beef, parmesan and truffle creation, which was as acclaimed by the judges for its texture and construction as it was for its blend of topshelf ingredients.
“What set the supreme winner apart was how well everything was put together, the grind was beautiful, the fat ratio was spot on, and all the ingredients were nicely incorporated. It was a well-made sausage and filled with care,” said technical judge, Hannah Miller Childs.
The judging cut down to this level of scrutiny because the field of butchers
competing was both varied and numerous. The 28th sausage awards featured more than 800 entrants, across 13 categories, from the very traditional to the decidedly gourmet.
In the thick of it, and defending a track record of big wins, was Dan Klink and the team from the Mangawhai Meat Shop. Also flying the flag for Kaipara on
Aztec Aluminium 2025 Ltd brings 25 years of experience to the
the victory podium was Kyle Webster and the Webster’s Family Butchery crew, fellow award-winners in the west.
Last time around, with a mere 640 competitors to beat, Dan’s team took home gold with a Thai-inspired pumpkin and cashew sausage; verified delicious by this reviewer. Kyle and the Webster’s team were awarded for their Ruawai sausage, another tried-andtested taste sensation that was our pleasure and duty to sizzle.
This time around both butcheries exemplified Kaipara creativity and flair, and both came home with awards again. Webster’s Family Butchery scored a bronze award for a roast lamb and caramelised onion sausage, while the Mangawhai Meat Shop achieved silver for its chicken carbonara sausage. Then came more success; a gold medal for both their free range pork and fennel offering and another Italian-
inspired masterpiece — a bolognaise and parmesan sausage.
The Dunninghams Great New Zealand Sausage Competition is the pinnacle of the butcher’s art when it comes to New Zealand’s favourite barbecue treat. When you fire up the gas or charcoal this summer, give one of these awardwinners a try. It’s pretty much your patriotic duty.
p The Webster’s butchery team are official award winners, joining the Mangawhai Meat Shop on the podium for New Zealand’s top sausages
A framework for safe success
by Andy Bryenton
When it comes to high-up jobs around the home and farm, scaffolding is the answer that can take away the danger posed by ladders.
When you look at a ladder, you might not see that potential for injury. It’s not that the ladder itself is inherently unsafe, but ACC confirms that on average 70 falls each week and more than two-thirds of construction related falls come from pushing ladders past their limits. It’s easy to do, but it’s not worth the risk. After all, you can’t put a price on your health.
Mario from Hire Scaffolding has the answer; in fact, a toolbox of solutions, stacked up in their modular form at his Dargaville premises. Scaffolding has been used by construction workers since the time of ancient Egypt and Rome, a safer way to scale the heights. It will work for your home, too, and for far less than you may imagine.
“I’m originally from Auckland, but I moved here post-Covid, and one thing that stood out to me was people taking risks on ladders to do those DIY jobs,”
says Mario. “That ‘she’ll be right’ attitude only goes so far, and I knew for a fact there is a better way.”
Mario has been in the scaffolding business for two decades, starting at a
young age, thanks to an uncle who was in the trade. He says he’s come to love it for the challenges and achievements it brings.
“It’s a tough and physical business, but it’s also one where you get to know your team. I’ve been able to give some up-and-
coming young folks a career path, opportunities and job security through scaffolding. We have become a great team.”
Mario says that it’s the job of his crew to ensure that other skilled tradespeople can do their job where they need to, and do it safely. He’s got to know the builders, roofers, plumbers and electricians of Kaipara, and he has their trust. Now, he’s reaching out to the general public as well, at a time when there’s lots of DIY work going on outdoors.
“Scaffolding is safer and it’s more efficient, too. You can be assured of a platform that’s secure and stable, exactly like the ones we’re trusted to provide for top tradespeople. With all your tools, paint and more right on hand, you’ll get those summer DIY jobs done with ease, and the cost is very reasonable too. Give Hire Scaffolding a call to discuss what we can do for you, and take your home improvements to new heights.”
p Mario and his team at Hire Scaffolding are keen to see locals get into safer, more-efficient DIY at heights this summer
The problem is just rubbish
by Paul Campbell
The world generates some two billion tonnes of municipal solid
tonnes by 2050.
By comparison, New Zealand deals with 17.5 million tonnes annually, with about 12.6 million tonnes sent to landfill, and 1.3 to 1.7 million tonnes recycled or exported for processing.
In fact, waste is front of mind, at present, with Auckland’s massive population fast-filling its Redvale tip, and contracted company Waste Management Ltd currently seeking to create a mega landfill in the Dome Valley north from the city, but in what’s regarded as fragile country. The plan has aroused strong opposition, and is the subject of an Environmental Court hearing that has lasted three years, with no end in sight.
Solid waste management operations are primarily local government responsibilities in most countries, but the people’s voice must be paramount and smart solutions are increasingly looked for. We are experiencing smart environments in urban living, seeing selfdriving car development, and we all carry smartphones in our pockets. So waste collection systems urgently require an upgrade from traditional, inefficient
management processes. Smart waste management today, needs to adapt to the modern needs of smart cities and developing urban as well as suburban and rural landscapes.
In leading overseas innovation, the waste management sector is heavily reliant on artificial intelligence, and an increasing number of waste processing facilities are turning to this technology to improve operational efficiency. Items can be recognised based on their composition and class, for example, by scanning mixedup recyclables with AI computer vision.
The entire sorting and picking procedure at a waste processing plant can be automated using AI in combination with robotic sorting equipment. Robotic sorting equipment will swiftly and effectively separate the recyclables into single material streams once the AI system uses computer vision to detect materials.
Today, materials recovery facilities (MRFs) can precisely identify a variety of materials because of a ground-breaking technology that can sort rubbish and recyclables into 28 categories.
While it may be some time before recycling can make a dent in rubbish disposal, there is a move by opposition to the proposed northern mega-landfill to ban any recyclables from being dumped, at least making a big dent in what is buried forever.
For instance, using AI, recyclable plastic can be divided depending on type,
as well as the colour and shape, then compressed and compacted into a cube to enable easy storage and transportation.
In the US, San Francisco has passed an ordinance requiring all residents and businesses to sort waste into recyclables, compostables and landfill trash. The city diverts up to 80 per cent of its waste from landfills every year.
Top tractors singled out
by Andy Bryenton
The prestigious Tractor of the Year awards have been handed down, following a big Agritechnica event in Italy last week, and the winner’s circle is filled with the big names in agriculture. big achievement for any company, no matter how large and well-established.
Agritechnica is the largest agricultural festival and showcase of technology on Earth. It’s made all the more interesting as it’s also the forum for the international Tractor of the Year awards, judged by a panel of Europe’s top engineering and machinery critics. Called by some the ‘Top Gear of Tractors’, a victory at TOTY is a
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This year, the highoutput category was won by the Claas Axion 9.540 Terra Trac, a half-tracked machine delivering smooth and silent operation with exceptional flotation over soil. At the same time, it delivers a shedload of usable torque. The Axion’s six-cylinder, 8.7-litre engine delivers ample power, and it’s mated to a stepless ZF TMG HD transmission, which can handle the biggest of modern implements in the field, but still cruise at 40km/h on the roads between jobs at only 1,350rpm.
The high-power category, like heavyweight boxing, is seen as the highlight of extreme tractor engineering, and Claas added 370-litres a minute hydraulic flow, advanced braking technology, 11 tonnes of rear lift capacity and a comfortable, four-point suspended cab to the mix to really push the envelope.
In the mid-power category, the workhorse range for most contractors and farmers, it was the Fendt 516 Vario Gen 4, which came out on top. Delivering 164hp and a handy 792Nm of torque, the jury highlighted the versatility and efficiency of the Vario overall, but were very impressed with cab comfort and the intuitive nature of the control layout, making the 516 Vario Gen4 a great all-
rounder. It’s exactly what’s needed in a mid-power tractor, which may need to complete all kinds of tasks in a single day.
Valtra was hailed as gold medalists in the utility tractor competition, with the G125 CVT Active redefining the capabilities of CVT transmission. Tuned for front-loader and mixed-field operations, the CVT box in the new Valtra is engineered for smoothness and precision control, allowing operators to put the machine just where they need it. Also helping out when it comes to absolute finesse with a front loader is the excellent visibility from the wrap-around cab, optimised for ergonomic comfort.
All three of these tractors represent the pinnacle of the craft and will be rolled out for 2026 to make their mark on farms worldwide. If you’re keen to upgrade, consider the best, as judged by the TOTY panel. Their seal of approval means it’s worth your while to book a test drive.
p The Claas Axion Terra Trac is the high-output Tractor of the Year, as judged at Italy’s
huge Agritechnical convention
A swift demise for flies
by Rory Dean, rural veterinarian
Flies — what a nuisance. The tiny creatures have been the bane of both farmers and livestock for so long that old Egyptian texts complain about them, and suggest ways to get rid of them.
As temperatures rise and the days get longer, flies can be a real pain on dairy farms.
They seem to be everywhere, and in insurmountable numbers, but there’s a tactical way to win the war on flies and safeguard cattle from their irritating attacks.
The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, can cause reduced grazing times, as well as stress for cows as they try to escape these pests. Cows kick the milking cups off in the shed making for difficult working conditions for man and beast. Flies cause irritation by biting the cows, and while they do not seem to transmit disease as elsewhere in the world, they cause the hard-working dairy cow significant distress.
The key to control is early intervention. The reproductive cycle of the fly is short; around 25 days — so it does not take long for a significant
population to establish. The little blighters lay their eggs on decaying organic matter, so it is important to minimise this where possible. You can also help break the fly life cycle with the careful use of insecticides around areas like offal pits and silage stacks. Get rid of the food source for these insects and hit them where they live, and you can really help to reduce their numbers into later summer and autumn.
Nil milk withholding and economic treatments for cows exist, which allow for production to continue while pests are eliminated. However, in order for these to be effective, early treatment is a must. Treating your cows before Christmas will improve the efficacy of the intervention and minimise the disruption of flies to your operation. Talk to your veterinarian about managing flies on your property.
Tariff drop welcomed
by Andy Bryenton
The Minister for Trade and Investment and the Minister for Agriculture are, by coincidence, the same person in New Zealand, meaning that Todd McClay was in the perfect position to respond to a US tariff drop on key agricultural products.
The sudden imposition and repeal of tariffs by the Trump administration has been both baffling and challenging for global markets, including the domestic one in the US.
Recent tariff rollbacks come as the public there expresses consternation about higher grocery prices, the inevitable consequence of commercial interests passing on costs to the consumer. The fact that this was predicted by some and denied by others in the fraught US political commentary sphere added to confusion.
It’s good news for New Zealand, though, with 25 per cent of Kiwi exports going to the US, a major trading partner worth $2.21 billion each year. Beef and kiwifruit, two of New Zealand’s cornerstone products, are now free of reciprocal tariffs, which were detrimental to trade.
“The US remains an important trade partner for New Zealand, and the decision to lift these tariffs is a step in
the right direction, and will be welcomed by exporters who have faced months of uncertainty and higher costs,” Mr McClay said.
“Returning to the pre-reciprocal tariff access we had before April provides some much-needed stability for our farmers and processors. We estimate this is a saving of around $330 million in additional tariff duty.”
p Tariffs of up to 15 per cent had been levelled against New Zealand for no clear reason by the US administration; now, they are gone, freeing up trade
“Well that was a reel eye opener. More pork than ya kin poke a stick at eh?” seda Boss, wile we was waiting ona woolshed steps fer smoko.
Gidday readas, that was tha Boss talkin’ about stuff wot I don’t unnerstan’, but then his gerlfren’ Sharlene arrived with smoko, an’ she asked Boss “wot are you mutterin’ about Deah?”
Boss had grabbed the papa before she did fer once, as he waitid for his cuppatees.
“Member Deah, we had sum wild pork off the back bush block when me mate, Dougie, was up for a shoot. Well, he only ever got a couple but we had some good feeds, too. Slow roasted ina ovin, with herbs an’ garlic an’ red whine? Boss looked all dreemy, wile Sharlene slipped me a bite of buttid scone. She’s blimmin’ good ter me,eh? Tell yer wot, too, readas, me was feelin’ dreemy, too, ’cos I ’membered that wild pork. I had lotsa meaty leftover bones for me tea. So I paid attention now.
Sharlene then read froma papa in her skoolteecher voice. “Rotorua-Taupō Federated Farmers’ Ruby Mulinder says the wild pig population has exploded in the region. Mobs of up to 50 have been seen on her property near Lake Taupō with a helicopter pilot reporting seeing groups of 100 regularly. Large feral pig populations are an environmental disaster coming primarily from forestry blocks and DoC land in the area.”
”Blimey,” seda Boss. “Wen I was a yungster, I made quite a few bob wiv me .22 rifle dealin’ ter rabbits here ona farm, and at me uncle’s proppitty. Seems ter me they needa few blokes lookin’ for a feed of wild pork ter get ona road down ter her farm. I must ring me mate Dougie, an’ he
can put tha word out to his huntin’ mates, too. Always pretty sure we will get abit of wild pork for the freezer, eh Dog?” he said, seein’ I was reel intrestid in this.
Sharlene said she’d be happy ter cook up a leg or too. But she had looked at her lappy komputa. “Just checkin’ recipes deah,” she sed. “But looky here, we got alla experts online saying how the ABs hada good win ova the Welch blokes ina footy.”
Boss said he hada look ata telly ina morning, and he reckined it was a better result. “But reely Deah, that Razor chosed a reel offa bench team, an’ I reckin he shoulda mixed it up better earlier ina tour against the poms.”
Sharlene was still lookin’, an’ she said: “When you have a look, it wasn’t all so bad for them Welch, ’cos they give the boys a run for their munny for a wile. I reckon though, that full marks gotta go to that lady referee, Holly, wot’s the first-ever lady to run an AB’s test match.”
Boss, as usual, was makin’ sure he was reel polite wen Sharlene was ona wimmin’s side of things. “Yer quite right Deah. She hada gumption, too, ter send off a cupla Welchies with yeller cards.
I reckin we shud see more of her ona werld stage.”
Sharlene looked pleased, and I looked happy. That’s ’cos I gotta chance of sum juicy wild pork bones if my mate (boss’s too) Dougie the pig hunter goes off ta help see off them farm pigs causin’ trubbil. Cheers — Billy
WHAT’S ON?
November
Community Night Market & Carboot Sale — Friday 28 November, 4–7pm, Greenways Yard, Edward Street, Dargaville.
Ruawai Fun Run Walk Cycle — 29 Nov @ Ruawai Stopbank Trail. Registration opens at 8am, Cycles start at 9am, Walk Run buggies start 9.30am. Cost Adults $10, 13yrs and under $5, Family 2 adults and 3 children $25. This is a 7.4km trail with shorter options available. Contact Beverley Pullar 027 300 3580 ruawai.president@lionsclub.org.nz.
December
Annual Christmas Gift Giving Day — 3 Dec, 3pm to 7pm @ Sportsville Dargaville. A celebration of play, connection and community. Community Touch Finals kick off at 4pm (seniors from 5.30–7.30pm). Bring your family, grab a gift and stay to cheer the teams! Gold coin entry. Registrations are required forms.gle/5NgTFH6mbL4igZBE8. Together, let’s give the gift of play, connection and joy this Christmas.
Hospice Kaipara – Annual Time To Remember — 4 Dec 5pm–6.30pm, The Lighthouse Function Centre, 32 Mount Wesley Coast Road, Harding Park, Dargaville. Join us at our annual community remembrance gathering. RSVP or any enquiries to: Hospice Kaipara 09 439 3330 option 4 or email Lisa at office@ hospicekaipara.org.nz. Please let us know if you intend to join us for catering purposes. No cost to attend.
Tangiteroria Burger Night — 5 December @ Tangiteroria Community Complex. Open 6pm. Christmas in the Gardens — 6 Dec 5.30pm–7.30pm. Koha at the gate to the Taha Awa Gardens, Dargaville. Food Stalls, performers, free gifts, bubbles, ribbons, calendars, etc.
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 Parore St and Normanby St, Monday 4.30pm & Anglican Church hall, 58 Hokianga Rd, Thursday 7.30pm. Top of drive, parking available. More help 0800 229 6757.
Alzheimer’s ‘Carer’ Support Group — Contact Maxine on 022 691 6068.
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 10.30am, last Monday of the month, alternatively at Dargaville and Ruawai. Phone Noelene 09 439 0033 for more info.
Chess Club — All welcome, Wednesdays 6.30pm
Dargaville, gold coin donation. Phone Stephen 09 439 8819.
Circus Kumarani All Ages Circus Class — Term 4. Come along and learn some circus, casual or full term. 15 Onslow St, Dargaville, Tuesdays 3.45–4.45pm; and Paparoa Memorial Hall, Thursdays 4–5pm. www. circuskumarani.co.nz/classes.
Citizens Advice Bureau — Dargaville & districts now at Parenga Street (between the Menz Shed and My Accountants).
Dargaville Aero Club — Learn to fly, free of tuition charges, Gyrocopter, Texan, Stork. Contact Peter 022 025 0235 for further info.
Dargaville Bowling Club Tuesday Bowls — Names by 9.30am, start 10am, finish 2.30pm. Contact Ray King 09 439 5509.
Dargaville Club — 55 Victoria Street, open Wednesday and Friday from 5pm. Members and guests welcome.
Dargaville Club Jam Nights — every second Friday, 5.30pm start.
Dargaville Community Garden — at Kumarani Creative Centre, 15 Onslow St. Open day on second Saturday of the month (12th April, 10th May) come along from 10am–1pm for a cuppa, swap crops, seeds and ideas. Email classes@circuskumarani.co.nz.
Dargaville Contact Bridge Club — Tuesdays 12.45pm and Wednesdays 6.45pm at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan St, Dargaville. dargavillebridge@gmail.com or phone Peter 09 439 2437 or 022 405 6439.
Dargaville Darts Club — Every Wednesday, 6pm start, at Dargaville Club, 55 Victoria Street.
Dargaville Firearm & Military Collectors Club — 3rd Friday of every second month at Lions Club Hall, Hokianga Road, at 7.30pm. Phone Alec Melville 027 215 1833.
Dargaville Friendship Club for seniors — 2nd Tuesday of month at 10am at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan Street. Phone Brian or Barbara 09 439 5959.
Dargaville Mainly Music — Interactive music and movement for preschoolers and their carers. Wednesdays 10am Baptist church, Victoria St, during term time. Contact Rebecca 021 969 626.
Dargaville Man Up — every Monday 6.30pm at Te Arohanui Hall, Victoria St. Phone David 021 0849 3670.
Dargaville Medieval Combat Club — Wednesday each week 6.30–8.30pm, Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road. $15 per lesson. Equipment provided. Contact Kurt 022 622 7809.
Dargaville Menz Shed — Tuesday and Thursday each week from 10am to 3pm and Saturday from 10am to noon. For more info phone Paul 027 459 3098 or Brian 09 439 6175.
Dargaville Museum — Open 7 days per week. Hours 9am–4pm April to October, 9am–5pm October to April. Phone 09 439 7555.
Dargaville Plunket Playgroup — 10am–midday. Held every Thursday, 29 Hokianga Rd at the Dargaville Plunket Rooms. Free service, coffee and tea provided. Check our FB page for further details.
Dargaville Public Library — Get Help from a DigiCoach. Mon–Fri 10am–2pm. 1:1 Support. Friendly local trainers. FREE.
Dargaville Riverside Taha Awa Garden Trust Join them in overseeing the running of the Garden. Contact Sheena 021 439 157 or email dargavilleriversidegarden@gmail.com.
Dargaville Scout Group — For boys and girls aged 5–99 years at 23 Onslow St. All info on door or phone Johnnita 027 296 5889.
Dargaville Tabletop Wargames and RPGs — Games like Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer or other strategy games. Thursdays 6.30pm, Hokianga Road, upstairs above the cinema.
THE KAIPARA LIFESTYLER IS PUBLISHED WITH PRIDE BY RURAL
Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 Email: info@rml.nz
Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville
Editor: Andy Bryenton
Journalists: Andy Bryenton 021 439 947 | Amy Fifita 027 259 6455 | Paul Campbell
Advertising: Olivia Green 027 525 8197 | Sue Girven 027 525 7984
Classifieds: 09 439 6933 | info@rml.nz
Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Marnie Fuller | Daniel Foster | Liz Clark
Accounts: accounts@rml.nz
Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME
Website: kaiparalifestyler.co.nz
Dargaville Yoga — Yoga for every Bodhi at the Pono lodge. Tuesday mornings 9.30am. Thursdays evenings 6pm. Mats available, everyone welcomed. Find us on Facebook @stretchyourbodhi. Contact Diane 027 371 5274.
Drop in meditation — 5.30–6pm Thursdays at Bring Balance, Kaipara Community Centre (side entrance), 38 Hokianga Rd. Room open from 5pm, all welcome. Koha/Dana. www.bringbalance.co.nz, 021 0231 8008.
Girls’ Brigade — Thursdays 3–5pm at the Lighthouse Church, for girls 5–18 years. Register online at 1st Dargaville Girls Brigade 2025 registrations. Find us on FB & Instagram or phone 021 263 7446.
Hikuwai O Kaipara Waka Ama Club — NW Boating Club, 5pm Mondays and Thursdays from 5pm for Awa training.
Housie — Every third Monday of the month at 1.30pm, Dargaville Bowling Club. Janice Allan 027 355 7434.
JP Service — Every Thursday at the Whanau Focus Office, 12–1pm, walk in only. Come and have your documents verified and we also photocopy important documents like Passports, Birth Certificates and Driver Licences free of charge. Call 021 245 3765 or 09 439 7009, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville.
Kaihu Valley Music Club — 3rd Sunday of the Month at Kaihu Hall on Woods Road. 1pm–4pm. Enquires to John or May 09 439 0827.
Kaipara Bootscooters (Beginner line dancing classes) — Every Monday 5.30pm to 7.30pm and Thursday 10am to noon. First hour is beginner and second hour is higher beginner. Dalmation Hall, Normanby St, Dargaville. Contact Donna 021 729 955.
Kaipara Cycling — Calendar of Rides — Thursday 3.45pm–5.30pm Junior Mountainbike Coaching. Contact Sadie 022 453 4475. Friday Ride-day 10am–noon. Social Ride on road and gravel roads. E-bike and analogue welcome. Phone Karen 021 0226 4001. Riding from Dargaville.
Kaipara Grey Power — third Friday of each month February to November. Contact 09 439 7801 or 09 439 4452.
Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club — Open 7 days. Something to interest both men and women, come and get involved. Phone 021 106 3635 or 027 472 1269.
Lions Club of Ruawai — 3rd Thursday of the month (social) and 1st Thursday of the month (business). Contact Dorothy on 09 439 2557.
Lions Dargaville — 2nd Wednesday of the month in Lions Den, Hokianga Road. Contact John 09 439 5937. Maungaturoto AA Meeting — Mondays 7pm at the Maungaturoto Community House, 155 Hurndall St, Maungaturoto. Contact Carolyn 021 828 055.
Maungaturoto Gardening Club — 3rd Thursday of every month. In winter Centennial Hall, Maungaturoto. Other months visit gardens in the area. New members welcome. $15 to join — first 3 visits FREE. Please contact Gloria 021 100 8153 for more info.
Northern Wairoa Country Music Club — 1st Sunday of the month at the Scout Hall, 23 Onslow Street 1–4pm. Enquiries to Kathleen 021 077 7697.
Northern Wairoa Genealogy Society — Learn how to trace your family history or understand DNA at Dargaville Museum, 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, 12.30–2pm and at other times by appointments. Phone Sue 021 608 606.
Northern Wairoa Golf Club — Twilight Golf every Thursday. Tee off 4–6pm.
Northern Wairoa Indoor Bowls Assn — 7pm Mondays at Anglican Church Hall, Tuesdays at Ruawai-Tokatoka Hall, Wednesdays at Dalmatian Hall. Contact Warren Younger 027 478 5102 or evenings 09 439 6155. NZ 60s Up Movement — Dargaville Social Meetings held at the Lighthouse Function Centre on 1st Tuesday of the month. Contact Margaret Pinny 09 439 4560. Paparoa Box Fit — $10. Stretching/cardio/boxing. Paparoa Memorial Hall, every Wednesday 6–7pm. Paparoa Dance to Music — $5. Stretching/balance/ resistance bands/Zumba, Paparoa Memorial Hall, every Tuesday 10.30–11.30am.
Paparoa Kids Fun Class — $5. Learning/Music/ Dodge Ball/Limbo, Paparoa Memorial Hall, Every Friday 3–4pm.
Peggy Purls in our Community — Every 3rd Wednesday 10.30am at Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre, 59 Normanby St. Ring Charlene 09 439 6120. Petanque — social play. Mondays 9.15 till 11.30, $2, fun exercise, all equipment supplied at Sportsville. Judy 09 439 7920.
Recovery Support Group — Mondays 6.30pm– 9pm. 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Chrissy 09 601 4153 or 021 564 618.
Rock ’n’ Roll Lessons — Thursdays, 6.30pm–7.30pm at Dalmatian Hall, 20 Normanby St. $2 per person. Text Kirsty 021 0818 7902 for more info. Rotary Club of Dargaville — Weekly on Wednesdays, 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, Sarah 021 772 822. Tuesdays: Yoga 6pm, Sharon 021 981 135, $15 per session. Wednesdays: Indoor Bowls (fortnightly in summer, weekly in winter) 6pm, Mel 021 772 822; Squash, Donna 021 761 022; Exercise Room, Mel 021 772 822. We ask participants are Complex Members for 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 26 2:41 am (2.8m) 8:48 am (0.8m) 3:04 pm (2.9m) 9:21 pm (0.9m) THU 27 3:27 am (2.7m) 9:35 am (0.9m) 3:52 pm (2.9m) 10:13 pm (0.9m) FRI 28 4:20 am (2.7m) 10:28 am (1.0m) 4:48 pm (2.8m) 11:10 pm (0.9m) SAT 29 5:20 am (2.7m) 11:30 am (1.0m) 5:50 pm (2.9m) SUN 30 12:12 am (0.9m) 6:26 am (2.8m) 12:37 pm (0.9m) 6:55 pm (2.9m) MON 1 1:15am (0.8m) 7:33am (2.9m) 1:43pm (0.8m) 7:58pm (3.0m) TUE 2 2:16am (0.7m) 8:37am (3.0m) 2:46pm (0.7m) 8:59pm (3.1m)
8:57 pm (0.8m)
30 3:10 am (2.2m) 9:16 am (0.9m) 3:44 pm (2.4m) 9:53 pm (0.7m) MON 1 4:11am (2.2m) 10:19am (0.8m) 4:41pm (2.4m) 10:50pm (0.6m) TUE 2 5:14am (2.3m) 11:20am (0.7m) 5:38pm (2.5m) 11:49pm (0.5m)
Dargaville Arts Association www.dargavillearts.co.nz
PUZZLE TIME
60 Piece of change (4)
61 Bank worker (6)
62 Small flap (3)
63 Having no leaks (10)
66 Prolonged inconvenience (6)
67 Became void (6)
69 Keenness (9)
Ovum (3)
Statement of regret (7)
Contagious viral infection (9) 21 Mythical firebreather (6)
Sudden bright idea (9)
Field sports event (6)
Uneven in quality (6)
29 Give remedially (10)
Shoe cleaner (3)
Throughout (6)
(4)
Dudgeon (3)
Debatable (4)
Authoritative decree (9)
Able to adjust to new conditions (9)
Hard covering (5)
In the open air (8)
Royal daughter (8)
51 Workers’ organisation (5)
55 Room divider (9)
56 Self-centred (9)
58 Deceased (4)
59 Consume (3)
72 Collector’s items (6)
73 Zoo (9)
75 Huge (7)
77 Lavatory (3)
80 Messenger (5)
81 Make risky predictions which may be falsified by events (5,4,4,3)
82 Cutlass (5)
83 Aft (6)
84 Documentmunching machine (8)
85 Utilising (5) DOWN
2 With no challengers (9)
3 Christmas song (5)
5 Harvest (4)
6 Aerial (7)
7 Utter confusion (12)
8 Uncanny (5)
9 Turns to ice (7)
10 Adhesive strip (4)
11 Holiday spot (6)
12 Atone (anag) (5)
13 On the whole (7)
14 Aisle (7)
16 Nobly generous (11)
22 Amalgamated (6)
23 Dreamlike (7)
24 Skin bubble (7)
25 Obligations (6)
27 Disintegrate (7)
28 Biased (6)
30 Skating area (4)
32 Postpone (5)
34 Equals (5)
36 Astound (4)
38 Lubricate (3)
42 Meat jelly (5)
43 Transports from one place to another (7)
44 Heinous (4)
45 Pealed (6)
46 Body organ (5)
48 Put in prison (11)
49 Temperature scale (7)
50 Harden (3)
51 Nuclear (anag) (7)
52 Yielded as profit (6)
53 High bus (6-6)
54 Opinion (4)
57 Private teachers (6)
64 Indigestion problem (9)
65 Smudged (7)
66 Unfortunate; wretched (7)
68 Cowboy hat (7)
70 Smiled broadly (7)
71 Works out (6)
72 Hot drink (5)
74 Assumed name (5)
76 Creates (5)
78 Wheel cover (4)
79 Small island (4)
Sudoku
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
ACROSS: 1 Usher, 4 Hit below the belt, 14 Heeds, 15 Gauge, 16 Forerunner, 17 Uncle, 19 Era, 20 Dressed, 21 Discredit, 22 Beaver, 25 Disgusted, 27 Cygnet, 28 Heated, 33 Glasshouse, 35 Eel, 36 Volume, 37 Inch, 39 Lee, 41 Hanging, 42 Defile, 43 Stiffness, 44 Grove, 45 Birthday, 50 We, 51 Decorous, 55 Briar, 58 Infantile, 59 Anchor, 60 Fluster, 61 Lap, 63 Sure, 64 Gnawed, 65 Pit, 66 Effortless, 68 Tremor, 69 Senior, 71 Impounded, 76 Victor, 77 Churchill, 79 Steward, 81 Spa, 84 Pearl, 85 Miniatures, 86 Stove, 87 Exits, 88 Rotten to the core, 89 Grate. DOWN: 2 Stairs, 3 Edges, 5 Iron, 6 Beehive, 7 Launch, 8 Wince, 9 Herring, 10 Blue, 11 Locket, 12 Sever, 13 Escaped, 14 Heavier, 18 Lengthened, 23 Issue, 24 Recluse, 26 Insight, 27 College, 29 Tangelo, 30 Alkali, 31 Peril, 32 Imbibe, 34 Eyes, 36 Venom, 38 Husks, 40 Afro, 45 Bliss, 46 Referee, 47 Hone, 48 Aliens, 49 Yield, 50 Wrapper, 52 Chlorinate, 53 Resolve, 54 Uneasy, 55 Between, 56 Scots, 57 Joke, 62 Afoot, 67 Forceps, 68 Toaster, 70 Inhuman, 72 Mollusc, 73 Potato, 74 Thrash, 75 Cravat, 76 Valid, 78 Rondo, 80 Water, 82 Plot, 83 Tear. 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
CLASSIFIEDS
FREE Range Eggs. Large Size. Tray 20 $15, Dozen $10. Phone Mary 027 439 0388. TOP SOIL, conditioned top quality. 100% suitable for vege gardens or new lawns. $95 per m³ onto your trailer, or truck deliveries available for larger orders. Phone 021 132 4107 or 09 439 5141.
GARAGE SALE
CHURCH NOTICES
PHONE
ESTATE ITEMS, from fishing gear to household items and inbetween. 14 Tangowahine Settlement Road. Saturday 29th November 9.30am PERSONAL
TE KOROWAI O IHU KARAITI, Dargaville Church of the Nazarene, 4 Grey Street. Church service every Sunday at 3pm. Bible study/prayer Wednesday from 4.30pm–7pm, call Moses 021 248 8910. Celebrate Recovery, for hurts, habits and hang-ups Friday 5.30pm–8pm, call George 022 498 5681.
FENCING
FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458.
NURSERIES & PLANTS
GOT2GO PLANTS Shelter, Hedging, Landscaping, plus flowering plants and lots more. Gardens and Aviaries also open to view. 55 West Coast Road, Te Kopuru. EFTPOS available phone 09 439 5556 or 027 488 3400.
SINGLE? OVER 40? Meet other interesting, intelligent, genuine people just like yourself. Dine out ‘Dinner for Six’. Phone 021 639 552. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
SECURE YOUR Home — security doors, grills, locks, bolts, stays, latches — supplied and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
SECURE YOUR Home —
bolts, stays, latches —
grills,
and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz —
SEPTIC TANK SERVICES
MAGIC PROPERTY Services Ltd. SEPTIC TANK CLEANING. UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S POO LATE! PH: 021 290 0442. TREE SERVICES
TREE REMOVAL, pruning, chipping & stump grinding. Qualified & insured. Phone Scott 0800 468 9663 Arborcare Tree Maintenance.
CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09 439 6933
TRADES & SERVICES
CARPENTER/RENOVATOR specialising in General Repairs & Maintenance, and Kitchen Installs. (30yrs senior experience). Contact Mark 027 603 8323 or info@alteredestates.co.nz.
CARPET CLEANING, repairs, re-stretching, and patching. Flood drying and small carpet laying work and upholstery cleaning. Very fussy and reasonable prices. Phone Darren, Alltrades Carpet Services 0800 425 587 or 027 286 8584. Dargaville & surrounds.
MARINE PLYWOOD, New Prices 4, 6, 9, 12, 18mm. Scooters Plywood and joinery 09 438 6565.
ROOFING REPAIRS & gutter cleaning. Local to Dargaville area. Phone 021 271 2065.
WANTED TO BUY
WE BUY all Cars, Vans, Utes, Trucks and Buses in any condition dead or alive. Call 0800 333 398 or text 021 344 449.
WANTED TO RENT
AREA – One or two-bedroom unit for a female. Preferably in town. Please phone or text 027 741 3145.
Experienced logtruck driver with class 5 licence required to transport logs locally. This is a casual position available to start immediately.
Please contact us to apply on 09 439 0833 or email: info@kvsawmill.nz
Closing date for classified advertising for the December 2 2025 edition is Monday, December 1 2025
PUBLIC NOTICES
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS has 2 AA Meetings Weekly. Monday 4.30pm at the Church, corner Parore and Normanby Streets. Use side entrance. Thursday 7.30pm Anglican Church hall. 58 Hokianga Rd, up driveway. Parking at top. More help Phone 0800 229 6757.
CERTIFIED WEDDING Celebrant “Ngaa Ringa Mahana” (Warm Hands). For all enquiries call Connie NoperaPaniora. Phone 027 335 4768. ngaaringamahana@ gmail.com.
DARGAVILLE HEALING rooms 7pm Tuesdays. No charge & no appointment necessary. Lion of Judah Building, River Road. All Welcome. Check us out on Facebook.
AGM
Northern Wairoa Golf Club Sunday 14th December 2025 9:30am at Club Rooms.
1. Minutes 2. Financial Report 3. President Report 4. Election of officers
- Adopt new constitution - Subscriptions 2026 Agenda: General Business:
AGM
To be held at on Monday 1st December 2025 at 5.30pm.
38 Parore St, Dargaville.
Annual AGM
Western Sharks Rugby AGM
Tuesday 2nd December 2025, 7.30pm at the clubrooms, Murdoch Street, Dargaville. Availability for new Committee Members. All members, players and supporters welcome.
Paul Sorensen (secretary) westernsharksrugby@gmail.com
Public notice
(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)
Wood Street Ltd of Mangawhai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal and variation - increase licensed area of an on licence in respect of the premises situated at 12a Wood St, Mangawhai known as Wood Street Pizzeria
The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Restaurant
The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 10am to 1am.
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.
DEATH NOTICES
Somers, Heather Lorraine
Passed away at home on Thursday, 20th November 2025 surrounded by her family. Beloved Wife of Claude and dearly loved Mother of Garry & Sandra, and mother-in-law of Lori. Treasured Nana of Crystal, Robert and Daniella. An extraordinary and much loved woman, Heather will be deeply missed by her family and friends. As per Heather’s wishes a private cremation has been held. 30/8/1942 to 20/11/2025, Aged 83.
A Time to Remember Hospice Kaipara warmly invites you to join us at our annual community remembrance gathering.
Please feel free to bring a photograph of anyone you would like to remember. There will be a short ceremony and then time to share conversation and a light supper.
Date: Thursday, 4th December 2025
Time: 5:00pm - 6.30pm
Venue: The Lighthouse Function Centre, 32 Mount Wesley Coast Rd, Harding Park. Enquiries/RSVP: 09 439 3330 opt 4 or Lisa: office@hospicekaipara.org.nz
KAIHU VALLEY SAWMILL
DARGAVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Teacher Aides
We are seeking Teacher Aides to support a range of special need students here at Dargaville High School for the 2026 school year.
The successful applicant will have:
• A cheerful disposition and an ability to build a positive relationship with the students, staff and whānau.
• Help to assist teachers in the implementation of programmes.
• Support the goals, objectives and policies of the school.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• You will be employed under the new Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement.
Please send a C.V. and covering letter to Dargaville High School 57 Plunket Street, Dargaville or email to office@darghigh.school.nz
Closing date: Friday 5th December 2025
Monday 8th of December 2025 held at Kaihu Rugby Clubrooms 6.30pm. Any enquiries – Hamish Watson 027 303 9609. All Welcome.
OTAMATEA COMMUNITY SERVICES INC
Board Secretary Required:
Do you have 3 hours a month for 10 months of the year
(Feb to Nov) to volunteer as Board secretary which is a way to also be helping in our community.
Otamatea Community Services, (OCS) is looking for a secretary to the board, taking notes, finalise the minutes from meetings, etc as per the Chair’s requirements.
Our board normally meets once a month on the third Tuesday, from 10am to 12 noon at our premises in Maungaturoto, with the additional hour for typing and completing the minutes. This could be done from home afterwards.
If this sounds like something you would like to help our agency out with, we would love to hear from you.
Please send an email to: admin@otamateacs.org.nz to express your interest.
Please visit our walker site to apply:
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 18th of November 2025.
Public notice
(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)
Tunatahi Investments Ltd of Dargaville, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an off licence in respect of the premises situated at 113 Victoria St, Dargaville known as West Coast Grocer
The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Grocery Store
The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 7am to 10pm.
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 18th of November 2025.
Please let us know if you are intending to join us for catering purposes, there is no cost to attend this event.
PROPOSED TEMPORARY ROAD
CLOSURE
Pursuant to the Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 10, 11(e), the Kaipara District Council hereby gives notice that Downers have made an application to have roads within the Kaipara District closed on the days and times set out below for the purpose of resealing Mangawhai Road.
Monday 8 December 2025 to Friday 12 December 2025 from 6am to 6pm daily Kaipara District Council has a proposed road closure for the resealing of the road • 2.8km of Mangawhai Road (from Cames Road to Avocado Lane) There will be resident access over these dates but there will be delays. It is recommended to use the alternative route via Cames Road and Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Road for light vehicles and Te Arai Point Road, Coal Hill Road and Black Swamp Road for all other traffic.
Any objections to this proposal should be emailed to Kaipara District Council at council@kaipara.govt.nz no later than 2.00pm on Friday 5 December 2025 and will be considered at the Council meeting on 10 December 2025.
Kaipara District Council
Next concert is the Thursday
KAIHU VALLEY RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
