New fire station
A home for the Daring
u by Andy Bryenton
One of the most significant shipwrecks ever uncovered in the Southern Hemisphere, the Daring, was built in Mangawhai and lost off the west coast of Auckland 160 years ago.
Buried beneath the sand of Muriwai Beach, the wooden vessel was preserved from decay, and was recovered in a colossal effort by maritime historians from the Daring Rescue Team. In 2021, the Kaipara District Council agreed to allow the Mangawhai Museum Trust and Daring Trust to temporarily house the ship next door to its facility, with an eye to constructing a historical display at a future date.
That time has now drawn closer, with a vote by the KDC to approve a variation to the museum’s licence to occupy. This will allow the Daring to have its own special building constructed.
“As the project has progressed, both organisations have confirmed that the
Daring will remain in its current location as a permanent feature adjacent to the museum,” said the KDC’s Fleur Denize in her address to elected members.
A design has been presented to councillors showing a plan for the Daring’s final home. It’s a two-storey addition to the current museum, continuing its architectural style and accommodating a large space in which people will be able to get up close to the historic ship. A mezzanine level with a bridge will allow visitors to really feel what it was like to look down the decks of a vessel from the golden age of sail.
Crucially, as the museum sits within the wider Mangawhai Community Park, it’s reported that the chair of the park’s governance committee has consulted with members, who are in support of the plan. ¢
The ceremony was led
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p The Daring enters Mangawhai, a homecoming in 2021, which closed a chapter of more than 150 years of the ship being lost
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A meeting of heroes
Raise the roof
Water fault was human error
u by Andy Bryenton
The Kaipara District Council and ratepayers from the district’s west demanded answers following a major water outage in May, and now an enquiry has returned a definitive answer on what happened.
This week, water operations manager Johan Guy will present the findings of a report to elected members of the council, detailing the reason for the crisis. This report, which has already been made public, states definitively that it was not disrepair that caused the pipeline to fail, but human error.
“On Wednesday, May 28 2025, a reduction in raw water flow to the Dargaville Water Treatment Plant was observed by the plant operator, prompting an investigation. A leak was identified near Parore West Road,” said Mr Guy in his report.
“Downer personnel responded promptly, isolating the break and initiating repairs. During recommissioning of the treatment plant, a second leak was discovered near the Rotu Pump Station. This failure was attributed to a flange blowout, which occurred when the pump remained operational during isolation, causing a pressure surge in the pipeline.”
When contractors left the pump running with the taps effectively shut, pressure built up and caused the blowout, suggests the report. Subsequent complications caused by air in the line stem from this error, too.
Likening the mistake to that which caused a pylon collapse in Glorit, near Wellsford last year, mayor Craig Jepson has indicated that the council should request recompense from the contractors who made the error.
“I expect the ratepayers to be compensated,” said Jepson. “It’s also disappointing that the ratepayers and residents association and former mayor have been so quick to make unsubstantiated claims prior to the outcome of this investigation.” ¢
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Checkmate’s masterful gambit
u by Andy Bryenton
Dargaville Little Theatre’s entry in TheatreFest 2025 has received critical and peer acclaim in Rotorua, with the actors and director coming home with a swag of awards.
Anna Collins’ play, Checkmate, has been a long time coming. The script first originated nine years ago, but a rewrite and update saw it tuned up for TheatreFest, with a cast rounded out by Dargaville actors Janneke Gilligan and Andrew Mardon.
“Playing a noncomedy role has been a challenging privilege,” said Andrew. “It’s not an absent-minded walk through the garden.”
“It’s been a bit of a surprise for the people who have seen it,” says Anna. “I usually write comedies, so this intense, dramatic play was a departure.”
Following a debut in Dargaville three weeks ago, the news came through that judges had selected Checkmate for presentation in Rotorua. A road trip to the geyser city was described as a very rewarding experience by the team of three, who received excellent feedback about their theatrical creation.
Not the least of that acclaim came in the form of awards for best ensemble,
best production in drama, best production in a New Zealand play, and an excellence in acting award for Andrew Mardon. Now, the team of three await news as to whether Checkmate has been selected to be part of the Wellington-based national showcase of one-act plays that crowns the TheatreFest season.
It’s the same trajectory, which saw fellow DLT members perform the locallywritten play, Out of Mind, to a standing ovation in the Principality of Monaco last week. Out of Mind also began as a TheatreFest entry, and went on to regional, national and international prominence. ¢
p Janneke Gilligan, Andrew Mardon and Anna Collins have taken their play on the road for Rotorua audiences to enjoy
p A report, regarding the Dargaville water crisis in May, has found that human error was to blame, and mayor Jepson is adamant on seeking compensation from contractors
A day for men’s wellbeing
u by Andy Bryenton
A recent men’s day hosted by local Kaipara Feeling Fab volunteers was a great success, with men who have experienced a rough time in 2025 given a day of relaxation and enjoyment, good food and reflection.
The Feeling Fab Foundation is a non-profit national organisation committed to offering uplifting opportunities for people who are experiencing grief, trauma, loss or depression. They have hosted events for women in Dargaville, but an occasion based at the former Aratapu Tavern in July was the first time men have been given a similar opportunity.
A roaring fire to stave off winter chills, pool tables, big-screen sports and barbecue snacks made for a relaxing day, as guest speaker Graham McCullough openly shared his experiences from the absolute depths of despair to a vibrant fulfilling life, which fostered the nonjudgmental inclusiveness.
Feeling Fab Kaipara coordinator Donice Hall-Morris says she was extremely pleased how this first event for local men evolved, and the encouraging number of men that attended.
“Heartfelt thanks go to our sponsors for making the Men’s Day possible,” says Donice.
These include Oceanbridge, Dargaville Funeral Directors, Ket Magnetic Massage, Karen Froggart, J & D Adolph Ltd, Farrahs NZ, Jenny Anderson of Fort Worth, Texas,
Storage 8, Whānau Focus, Morfett Autos. B’Arch Wear, Matich Surf Wear, Empire Luncheonette, First National Real Estate’s Kathy Fray, Altered Estates Renovations by Mark Fray, Good Life, Parts 2 Go, Fosters, Triumph & Disaster, Dion Nash, Unichem Pharmacy, Brian’s Gym, and Tony Algar Strength and Conditioning.
Feeling Fab Kaipara is planning their second Wellness Day for women in February 2026. ¢
Ronald McCallum QSM
u by Paul Campbell
Ron Duncan McCallum passed with his family surrounding him at his Maungaturoto home, on the morning of August 21, at the age of 91 years.
A celebration of Ron’s life was held at the Maungatūroto Country Club on Wednesday, August 27, followed by burial at the Anglican Cemetery, Maungatūroto. A standingroom-only farewell saw a number of speakers who recorded his life and great achievements as a family and community leader.
Ron was a farmer, a shearer, salesman, singer, community advocate, sports lover and politician. He lived a very full life. He was remembered as long-time electorate chairman with a political mantle passing to his son Grant, currently the sitting MP for Northland who recalls:
“He taught me the value of hard work, resilience and how to solve problems when things didn’t go to plan. From dad, I learned that determination and a desire to succeed weren’t just ideas — they were habits you built day by day.”
Grant had some special thanks to give. “A special mention to Hospice for kindness, patience and compassion far beyond duty. For that, our family will always be deeply grateful.”
Among absent mourners the Hon John Banks wrote: ‘Do what you can for the community and do what you can for others — the legacy Ron has left this community.
Exceptional fundraising and the delivery of a dream come true. The chairman was a good man — a very good man. He made a difference — a big difference. Today, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life of fun and laughter, a life of giving, a life of standout achievement.”
Ron is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pam, and his children Grant, Sandra and Murray. He was the beloved grandfather of Eve, Jeremy, Lachlan, Annaliese and Cameron. ¢
VOTE NEIL DOHERTY
FOR COUNCIL
My name is Neil Doherty and I am standing for the Wairoa Ward. I have been a ratepayer and resident of Redhill for 35 years, where I am developing my beef/forestry farmlet while working in a variety of agriculture and business roles.
COLLIER & JONES
Clinton Collier
I am semi-retired and would be an active, involved councillor, working collaboratively with all parties. I am happy to vigorously debate my beliefs. I love our region and wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else. I am concerned about fiscal responsibility and a lack of accountability. I have many questions regarding the Redhill reservoir water supply
before Dargaville is saddled with inter-generational debt. While council experience is important, fresh eyes and ideas are also needed. Central government has plans for councils that need to be worked through. I believe our region is progressing favourably toward sustainable growth.
Let’s create our preferred environment. I’m happy for a chat or catch-up at a candidates meeting.
Thank you, Neil.
p Guest speaker Graham McCullough and Kaipara Feeling Fab coordinator Donice Hall-Morris
p Ron McCallum QSM
u by Paul Campbell
The Den is on the move From Kaipara to Suva for fitness
Kaipara fundraising icon, The Den, is on the move to a new more central main road location in Maungatūroto as its registration as an Incorporated Society and registered charity are being completed.
“We are coming of age from our old premises at the former Scouts movement headquarters in Bickerstaffe Road,” says The Den founder, Albie Paton, whose second-hand goods emporium has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Ōtamatea area charities, including the town’s Dementia Unit as well as a many other causes.
“We have now negotiated a lease for the premises that were used by Maungatūroto Panelbeaters, opposite the GAS station and below the pub,” says Albie. “These premises offer us a lot more space and more light, as well as bay areas to sort and repair goods before they go on display.”
He said the new repair space would need volunteers interested in the workshop atmosphere, “Our present group of volunteers are all over 70 years old with several well into their 80s, so we will always need more volunteers with time to help.”
The Den currently has a WINZ grant to support an employee “who is doing an amazing job of marketing and advertising what we have on sale.”
Excavator
The Den’s primary direction is to serve the health and wellbeing of the people of the Kaipara with organisations that include areas that service the district benefitting more than $600,000, including the rescue helicopters, coastguard, hospice, cancer trust and many smaller organisations and societies.
“Now, we are moving up. So watch this space for our grand opening in the coming weeks,” says Albie. ¢
Hospice Kaipara warmly invites you to participate in our support group:
“Grief Talks”
A 5-week support group for bereaved community members.
A weekly session of 2 hours over 5 consecutive weeks talking about grief, what it is, how it impacts us, how we can find support or support ourselves, types of grief and more…
DATE: Wednesdays Oct 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th & Nov 5th
PLACE: Dargaville Library, Normanby Street.
TIME: 5.00pm - 7.00pm
FACILITATOR: Josie Scott MA, MNZAC
Light supper will be served. Numbers will be limited to 10 participants, there is no fee to attend.
To book in or enquire please contact Josie at Hospice Kaipara Phone: 09 439 3330 opt 4 or email: office@hospicekaipara.org.nz
Please register your interest by September 24th, 2025
“The only thing that lives forever is love” - Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
u by Andy Bryenton
Three athletes from Dargaville are off to Fiji to compete in the premiere Australia-Pacific bodybuilding competition of 2025.
Ben Johnston and Tayla Mcilroy contested the couples section when the ICN South Pacific Bodybuilding Championship hit the Fijian Capital, Suva, last week. The event spanned seven hours and more than 20 competitions, all collected on a single stage and supported by Fijian cultural performing arts.
It’s Ben’s second competition in the world of bodybuilding, and it’s Tayla’s first. Also flying out for her fourth competitive appearance is Dargaville Whānau Focus Centre leader Joesephine Nathan, who is coached by award-winning local trainer and athlete Biran Froggatt at the gym he jointly operates with Karen Froggatt.
whānau and friends to live a healthy, balanced life.”
“I am extremely proud of both Ben and Tayla for giving this ICN South Pacific Bodybuilding competition a nudge,” says Joesephine. “It takes a lot of time and dedication and both athletes look amazing, we need to encourage our
This pan-Pacific event is the gateway to the even bigger Oceania champs, which will be held in Christchurch on November 1. ICN New Zealand is dedicated to the principle of natural bodybuilding; achieving the heights of physical development without illicit substances. Their events have become well-known for celebrating health, dedication and hardwon achievements. ¢
p Albie Paton, founder of The Den
p Brian, Joesephine, Tayla and Ben represented Dargaville in Fiji this weekend for a major bodybuilding competition
Snow Tane
Mr Tane addresses future challenges and opportunities for Kaipara.
The three biggest challenges we face over the next triennium are infrastructure, fiscal discipline for district-wide growth and responsible leadership. These challenges, if approached with foresight, can become opportunities that strengthen our communities for the long term.
Infrastructure is a key priority. Kaipara District has seen substantial growth, creating both opportunities and challenges. Investment in core infrastructure, particularly roading and water services, has fallen behind the needs of our communities. To address this, I will prioritise equitable investment across the district, ensuring both urban and rural communities benefit.
By reviewing funding models, leveraging partnerships with the central government and pursuing co-investment opportunities, we can deliver infrastructure that supports growth without overburdening ratepayers.
Fiscal discipline for district-wide growth and resilience is another challenge. With average rates rising by over eight per cent, Kaipara households are feeling the pressure. We must prioritise financial discipline to restore fairness and build resilience. I will advocate for responsible budgeting that focusses on core services and avoids unnecessary spending.
By reviewing the relevant policies, we can ensure funding models are
transparent, equitable and sustainable, so that rural and urban communities can benefit. My commitment is to make every dollar count, supporting growth and development while keeping rates affordable.
One of the biggest challenges is rebuilding trust between council and communities. Ratepayers are calling for transparency, fiscal discipline and leadership that generally listens. I see this as an opportunity to reset how the council engages, putting integrity and fairness at the centre. By restoring confidence in decision-making and ensuring every voice is heard, we can create a culture of collaboration that empowers communities and strengthens local leadership.
Snow Tane ¢
Jonathan Larsen
Mr Larsen addresses future challenges and opportunities for Kaipara.
If elected mayor, I will prioritise three key areas: improving roading, ensuring rates are affordable and rebuilding unity across Kaipara.
Roading is our biggest expenditure, and residents frequently raise concerns about it. During the past term, we disestablished the Northland Transportation Alliance and brought roading management back in-house, retendered and appointed Downer as our contractor, and required that 30% of roading work go to local contractors.
In the next term, I will work to continuously improve roading delivery by collaborating with Downer, council staff, and elected members via the Roading Governance Group.
This approach has already proven effective — identifying efficiencies, working smarter and building greater resilience into our network.
Regarding rates, I believe the council must be firmly focussed on serving ratepayers’ interests. During the last three years, we’ve worked hard to implement savings and keep rate increases manageable despite rising costs of living. Moving forward, I will lead a comprehensive, line-byline review of all council expenditure, aiming to eliminate waste. This review will address procurement processes,
tighten contract management, utilise reserves prudently, control borrowing and reprioritise capital projects.
My belief is that we can deliver much more for the same money. Any efficiencies discovered will directly support core services and road maintenance, ensuring your rates provide real value.
Finally, rebuilding trust and unity within the district is vital. I will treat all residents equally, and implement regular, ongoing communication. I want residents to clearly understand where council’s revenue is from and where it is being spent. If I am elected mayor, and if councillor Gordon Lambeth is re-elected, I have made a firm commitment upfront to appoint him as deputy mayor, further strengthening experience and leadership in our district.
Jonathan Larsen ¢
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Ash Nayyar
Mr Nayyar addresses future challenges and opportunities for Kaipara.
Standing again for both the mayoralty and Wairoa Ward Councillor seat, I see three major challenges facing Kaipara.
First, is the ongoing burden on ratepayers. Years of mismanagement have seen millions poured into ‘pet projects’ without proper public consultation. Cost blowouts and unnecessary schemes, such as the $90 million Mangawhai Wastewater pipe expansion and Redhill pipework’s/water supply tripartite partnership threaten to lock residents into a debt servicing spiral doubling their general rates every four years. Freezing rates while maintaining essential services will be a significant test for me.
The second challenge is infrastructure strain from rapid growth, especially in Mangawhai. Reckless private plan changes risk overwhelming roading, water and wastewater systems. Kaipara still carries debt of $44 million from the last Mangawhai wastewater scheme, with ratepayers still paying the price through higher water/rates bills. We cannot continue to build growth on a foundation of debt and failing infrastructure.
The third challenge is restoring public trust. Too many major decisions have been made behind closed doors. Communities feel ignored and left out, eroding faith in the council. Rebuilding transparency and accountability is essential. Yet, within these challenges lie real opportunities. By
stopping unaffordable, non-consulted projects and redirecting funds to essentials, we can freeze the rates and finally deliver safer roads, flood resilience, and reliable water systems. Through genuine partnerships with iwi and hapū, we can unlock land, forest, and water resources to secure water supplies, create local jobs, and grow tourism. Most importantly, with my strong, responsible leadership, we can build a united and affordable Kaipara — a district where young families and elderly residents alike can thrive without fear of being priced out of their homes. My commitment is simple: openness, inclusiveness and financial responsibility. Together, we can create a council that works for its people, not against them.
Ash Nayyar ¢
Jason Smith
Dr Jason Smith addresses future challenges and opportunities for Kaipara.
Infrastructure challenges
For the east, there are ongoing growth and infrastructure upgrade challenges. In the west, there’s failing infrastructure. Dargaville’s drinking water system and the Dargaville Town Hall spring to mind (and spring leaks!). As ordinary situations, the current council’s eastern creep has been mismanaged into becoming challenges.
For security of water supply to western towns, and much more, picking up pace on integrating the Redhill Te Taitokerau Water Trust dam, Kai for Kaipara and Te Kōpuru—Mt Wesley stopbank projects would be smart, and deliver bold longterm solutions. For Dargaville Town Hall I would bring together, and champion, smart and capable community leaders for a clear vision and action plan for the place and better civic pride. This would be a catalyst to better opportunities yet unseen.
Water challenges
A substantial transformation for KDC is ahead with Local Water Done Well, and the new drinking and wastewater CCO due to be taking over in 2027. KDC’s large debt for the Mangawhai Wastewater Scheme will be removed from the books, at the same time as water assets, associated costs and revenues. The council will need a fine balance between holding on and
C H A N G E I S C O M I N G, A N D W E A R E A H E A D O F I T
From 1st S eptember, every Arizto listing will move to Trade Me Platinum with no upfront costs. More visibility. More buyer interest. More momentum. We’re not waiting for the market to catch up, we’re leading it.
letting go. With inexperienced leadership it would become a mess; with me, this transition would be steady and clearly communicated to all people. It will bring closer regionwide council partnerships and a KDC balance sheet with very little debt — more freedom to serve the people better.
Growth and disunity challenges
Kaipara District is the fastest growing council area in Northland, with a 36.6% population increase 2013–23. Steady population increase affects housing demands, infrastructure planning and local services, and changes ‘who we are’. Growing our Kaipara distinctiveness and character as growth increases, and focussing on what unites us all, rather than what divides us, are key to the better Kaipara I would bring.
Jason Smith ¢
021 209 7194 glen.p@arizto co.nz
I’m Jonathan Larsen and I am standing to be your new Mayor in the upcoming elections in October. As your current Deputy Mayor, and four term Councillor, I bring experience, stability, and strong leadership with a track record of delivering results for Kaipara’s ratepayers.
In my last column I asked you to let me know what your issues and aspirations are, and what you want to see from the new Council after the October election. Thank you to everyone who has been in contact – I really appreciate it.
There were three dominant district-wide themes expressed to be. The following is what you’ve told me and how I intend to address these issues in the next term of Council.
Roading
Many ratepayers have told me that one of their biggest issues is the state of our roads. I agree with you and roading is also Council’s biggest expense. In the past term we have worked hard to improve Council’s performance in this space. We disestablished the Northland Transportation Alliance and brought our roading delivery back in-house. We retendered our roading work and appointed new contractor Downer. We require through the maintenance contract that 30 percent of the work be carried out by local contractors thereby creating more employment and keeping more money in the local economy. We have also established a roading governance group to ensure collaboration between Downer, Council staff and elected member leadership.
In the new term I will be pushing this work forward, to ensure we continue to build resilience into our roading network, and find more cost efficient ways of delivering roading so that ratepayers are getting the best value for their money.
Rate affordability
Many have expressed their concerns to me about rates affordability.
In the past term Council managed to keep each year’s average rates increase below 9 percent
compared to a national average of 15 percent. In my opinion even 9 percent is just too high. With high cost of living and a tentative economy we need to ensure we are prioritising core services and delivering them well, minimising cost to ratepayers, and delivering as much as possible for the ratepayer dollar.
In the next term I will be leading a further full lineby-line review of all of our budgets to keep rates increases down. I will ensure that all expenditure is firstly necessary and secondly delivering the best value possible to you, the ratepayers.
Unity
Many people have commented on how our society has become more polarised and divided and that this needs addressing.
In the new term I will address this in three main ways. Firstly, I believe that all of Kaipara’s citizens should have the same rights and opportunities regardless of their background. As mayor I will respect all cultures and spread my time evenly across the district.
Secondly, rumour and supposition about where the money is coming from and where it is being spent Is eroding our unity. In the new term I will insist on clear reporting of both where our revenue is coming from and where it is being spent to ensure everyone is getting a fair deal.
Thirdly, Dargaville and greater Wairoa ward ratepayers have made it very clear. If the right person is elected they would prefer strong, experienced leadership from the west of the district included in the senior leadership at the Council table. I have heard you loud and clear.
On that basis I have made an upfront commitment before the election. If I am elected as Mayor, and Councillor Gordon Lambeth is re-elected (which he almost certainly will be) I will use my statutory powers to appoint Councillor Lambeth as the Deputy Mayor. Kaipara is an amazing district. We need to work together to make it even greater.
Under the influence
u by Andy Bryenton
It’s a sign of the times that the numberone job longed for by many young people is that of an ‘influencer’. For some, this term means being an engaging media personality in a new, innovative space.
For others, however, there’s a very dark side to the influence of Internet celebrities. Talking heads, who are effectively there to groom folks into radicalised loneliness for profit are out there, and they want new victims. Vitriolic gasbags pushing vicious ideologies (from hardline communism to literal Nazism and everything in between) are nothing new, and of course, religious extremists and vile sexual predators also find the Internet a fertile hunting ground for insecure targets.
Male loneliness exploiters are just the latest wave of those looking to make a quick buck from the desperate. The harm they cause means nothing to them compared to the profits they stand to make, and the sense of power, which comes from commanding obedience in what is, effectively, a cult.
In this, the supplement and self-helpbook sellers in a race to the crass and performatively callous bottom of the barrel are not a cause, but a symptom of social dislocation and atomisation.
In the same way that pyramid scheme con men can only exist amid financial desperation, toxic influencers can only leverage existing loneliness and a sense of aggrieved isolation. They wouldn’t exist if society wasn’t self-cancelling under the weight of the all-pervasive hustle.
The cure lies in initiatives like those you see at the absolute grassroots. Clubs, which offer something to do that’s not terminally online, whether that’s art or sports or chess or custom cars, or even learning to fight with swords like medieval knights. Those are all Dargaville examples. All are the tonic to loneliness, and deserve wholehearted support. It’s no use complaining about bad influences on the Internet unless we’re willing to support and join in positive influences from down the street.
To refute one of the most famous analogies of the masculinity grift; lone wolves quickly weaken and die. Building with and having fun with your mates robs all kinds of ideological predators of the bitterness they need to ruin your life. ¢
Funding farming futures
u by Amy Fifita
Students with their eyes set on an agriculture or farming-related career have the opportunity to apply to the $9,000 Whangārei A&P Society 2025 Primary Industries Scholarship.
Since 2002, the society has been helping young hopefuls from across Northland achieve their dreams of joining the primary industry workforce. The scholarship funds are given across three years providing grades remain satisfactory.
“Helping young people to achieve their goals in the primary sector is something the society has been doing for decades,” said chief executive Chris Mason.
Students can have aspirations in forestry, veterinary studies, research and develop ment, farm management, economics and finance, farm management and more to apply. The scholarship is open to members and their children of the Northern District A&P Societies.
have also been winners from Dargaville, Paparoa and Maungatūroto.”
“This scholarship is about recognising and supporting young people with a passion for New Zealand’s primary industries. We want to support Northland students who are committed to the future of New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.
“I know one of the past winners, Karla Frost, is in Kaipara now, and there
VOTE
John
Blackwell
Northland Regional Council
Kaipara District
• Inclusive Governance.
• Keeping local in local government.
• Bring costs under control.
• Committed to being a loud voice to Wellington.
• Making Northland business friendly.
• Keep environmental work practical and supported.
My name is John Blackwell and I was born, raised and work here in Kaipara all my life. I farm with my family on 1850-acre sheep and beef farm. My governance history includes being the Ruawai College chairman, Northland beef Council chairman, Beef & Lamb Northland
Forms can be downloaded online at whangareiap.org.nz/education/ #scholarship, collected at the Whangārei office, 127 Bank Street, Whangārei, or requested by calling 09 438 3109. All applicants must apply by Friday, September 19.
“Providing a scholarship takes a little financial pressure off, especially as students starting at university are away from home. Having a helping hand can make that transition less stressful.” ¢
farmers Council chairman, Kaipara district Councillor, 5 years as Northland Federated farmers President, and Northland field days treasurer.
I am re-standing for Northland Regional Council to build on the work we have done, which includes a sound working relationship with many members of parliament.
I would bring to the table an understanding of the Northland economy, the need for our state highways to be improved, Northland flooding, fresh water challenges, and the huge issues with weeds and pests we are facing in Northland. I am a supporter of rates capping, not empire building.
I am a supporter of the democratic processes of New Zealand.
p Whangārei A&P Society president Evan Smeath and 2024 scholarship winner Esther Wiegersma
u by Andy Bryenton
The Auckland Home Show is unquestionably the biggest event of its kind in New Zealand. A showcase of innovation, technology, design, aesthetics and inspiration, which brings together thousands of people each year. For 2025, the organisers of this extravaganza have really pulled out all the stops, with all manner of things to see and experience.
With more than 450 leading brands, experts and suppliers to talk to, you’ll find a wealth of great advice, as well as some fresh ideas to incorporate into your building or renovation plans.
Major sponsor Resene has taken things a step further, with its Design Renovate Decorate series of seminars adding the chance for home show visitors to take a deep dive into topics of interest and expertise. There are 14 seminar engagements on each of the four days of the show, spanning subjects as diverse as energy efficiency, kitchen renovations, outdoor space design and many more. All are hosted by experts in their fields, and free to attend for show patrons.
The Ryobi Make + Take Zone also returns, giving visitors a chance to use Ryobi tools to complete their own takehome project. Meanwhile, the popular How-To Workshop Series will run daily in Hall 8, covering upcycling, wallpapering, deck building, cocktail shaking and more.
The Street of Tiny Houses is back for 2025 with a new name: Tiny Living Lane. This feature lets visitors explore fully-furnished tiny homes, learn about zoning, financing and off-grid living, and gather ideas for stylish and sustainable small-space living.
At the centre of the Tiny Living Lane precinct, The Garden Feature, presented
From September 11 until September 14, the Auckland Showgrounds in Greenlane will become a feast for the imaginations and the eyes of homeowners planning big things for spring.
in partnership with Parrot Landscaping, brings together tropical, sustainable native, and outdoor entertainer themes in a lush, landscaped space.
The Marketplace and Outdoor Ideas Zone in Hall 8 is a vibrant hub of home décor, artisan pieces, lighting, pottery, textiles and backyard inspiration, including turf, paving, landscaping, decking and louvres.
With so much to see and do, there’s a lot to pack into your Auckland Home Show visit, so a check-in with their information-packed website at aucklandhomeshow.co.nz is a must. That’s also one of the ways to get your tickets to the biggest home and decor event in the nation, but there’s another — take a look at this. ¢
Auckland Home Show promises inspiration
Home show giveaway
Thanks to the organisers of this year’s Auckland Home Show, we have double passes to give away to the big event on September 11, 12, 13 and 14. You’ll get full access to all the exhibits, seminars, competitions and workshops, which make up this immense show, as well as on-site discounts and lots of fresh ideas.
Just email your name and the words ‘home show’ to comp@integrity.nz by Friday this week and you’ll go into the draw to win. We’ll draw the winners next Monday and tell them that they’re off to the show. ¢
p Are you ready for the Auckland Home Show — the biggest building and renovation event in the annual calendar?
CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS
u by Amy Fifita
Spring Spruce Up
Summer sneaks up in no time, so while we’re all warm inside, planning can begin to ensure a refreshing dip is in the backyard. Yes, the holiday period is a great time to explore nature, but having a pool in the backyard is convenient and provides endless fun.
There is no need to pack a lunch and wrangle the children into the car or spend money travelling; sometimes, a homebased summer is more therapeutic. When planning a pool, there are various options to select from what type and size to colour and landscaping.
Fibreglass pools generally have quicker installation times than concrete, but each has its advantages and disadvantages. If you want a custom pool, the concrete option is a likelier choice. The benefit of a concrete pool is the flexibility of having customisable shapes and sizes.
To ensure safety for unattended children, all residential pools with more than 40cm of water require fencing or barriers. Regulations require pool fences to be at least 1.2 metres high or for the pool to be 1.2 metres from the ground.
For a refreshing summer
With the weather still nippy, being poolside and enjoying the cooling waters is a
The gap under the fence and gate, and between vertical cladding, must not be less than 100 millimetres, and the mesh fence openings cannot be more than 10mm. Gates must open outward with an automatic and self-locking latch. A pool specialist can talk you through the finer points of the regulations.
but now is a great time to start preparing.
When creating a pool space, having good lighting, seating, hardscaping and softscaping are handy considerations. Having flooring, be it a patio, concrete or paving and areas for seating makes the area more usable.
Well-lit paths for visibility to avoid tripping, or any premature dips in the
pool, and adds to the atmosphere. Softscaping with shrubs or trees creates privacy, and a splash of nature makes for a grounding area.
If you get the summer preparation done now, by the time the humidity comes, there will be no need to worry. With a pool already on your property, you have a great setting to entertain and relax in. ¢
p Enjoy your summer by planning early and getting a pool installed now
Laser focus on better bales
u by Andy Bryenton
A technology, first developed for the Apollo 15 space missions, has made its way into agriculture, with the deployment of laser radar by Case IH in its automated square balers.
The new innovation broke cover last year in the US, and it’s been well received by those who have to turn windrows of hay into tidy bales for later feed-out. While the initial deployment of lidar, (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) was aboard a square baler set-up towed by a paired Case IH tractor, the principle is
sound when it comes to round bales, too, of the kind more often seen in rural New Zealand.
Discing, Power Harrowing with airseeder & Drilling Effluent, Lime & Fert Spreading Digger, Scoop & Trailer Work
laser beams, which scan out from atop the cab of the tractor, analysing the density and orientation of the swath in a series of rapid pulses. The upshot is that less experienced operators in the cab can still turn out a flawless set of bales, with less stress and less pressure on the entire haymaking chain.
Spraying, Mulching & Mole Ploughing
“Productivity is the name of the game when it comes to the tight operating windows hay producers face,” says Case IH hay and forage marketing manager Brian Spencer. “Baler automation is the perfect example of purposeful technology from Case IH. It aims to tackle efficiencies by taking the duty off the operator to steer and make adjustments in the field, allowing them to add productivity while in the cab.”
Case technicians came up with the idea when thinking about hands-free total automation of the baling process. Driving along a sometimes irregular swath means long hours of repetitive work, and in an ideal world a steady and even quantity of hay would be fed into the machine for compaction and binding. By deploying lidar, Case IH gave
STEVE WOOD CONTRACTING
• Silage Loader Wagons
• Fixed & Variable Chamber Balers
• Triple mowers
• Medium Square Baler
• Undersower/Air-seeder
• Strip Till with Fert Application
their tractor-baler combo electronic eyes, allowing it to adjust its own speed and minutely angle its own steering, ensuring that the feed to the baler was constant, maximising throughput with no overloads.
Lidar was developed shortly after lasers themselves, and works like the radar systems common to ships and planes. In the case of the Case, it takes the form of
“This technology is built for the unpredictable, yet expected challenges in baling with crooked windrows, and inconsistent widths and heights,” said Spencer. “The automatic adjustments in steering and speed ensure the bales are consistent and the baler is running at peak performance, avoiding blockages and overfilling.”
The other applications for lidar in tractor autonomy are limitless. From forage harvesters to seed drills, all kinds of agricultural implements could benefit from a tractor that literally knows the lie of the land.
p Case IH tractors equipped with laser eyes have shown the potential of laser imaging in baling, with more tasks yet to come
Buzzing with benefits
u by Amy Fifita
With bee month now here, New Zealand Bee Health and Biosecurity (NZBB) North Island operations manager Dwayne Hill talks about the advantage of hives on farms and safe apiarist practices.
With all beekeepers and hives in New Zealand required to be registered by NZBB under the Biosecurity Act 1993, the company is a source of information with farmers and apiarists alike.
While urea is one way for farmers to apply nitrogen to the soil, clover and natural pollination provide a more costeffective and sustainable method. The technique also makes farms an attractive possibility to beekeepers wanting to place hives on the land.
“Most sprays on farms are insecticides or herbicides that don’t affect the bees, but hives may have to be removed if spraying an orchard,” said Dwayne.
A farm can gain more benefits than the natural ones. Often, beekeepers offer landowners compensation, financially or with jars of honey.
“Northland’s beekeeping population has decreased dramatically over the last two years. The definition of mānuka changed in terms of certain chemical markers in the honey. Northland honey no longer meets all the definitions of monofloral mānuka, so many commercial beekeepers took their hives away.
“Beekeepers were starting in Northland and moving down the country, but with the costs involved, it wasn’t economically
viable, and because the honey wasn’t sustainable, they moved out of the area.”
Dwayne says other factors that beekeepers started to notice were certain climate changes, wetter winters, and harder springs. Bee season in Northland is earlier than the rest of the country.
“In Northland, many small familyrun operations make a living by placing hives on farms. There is probably space for having hives, but it is better to have smaller operators’ hives on the land than the larger ones. Looking at the North Island as a whole, the Northland mānuka flowers in around October and as you
GRASS SILAGE - MAIZE PLANTING
nzbb.org.nz, about derelict or neglected hives or concerns about beekeepers on their property.
“It is worth noting that somebody else may gain access to the hive without the beekeeper being there. We do inspections and removals in cooperation with beekeepers and farmers.” ¢
move down the country, it gets later and later, with Taranaki being the last from December through to March.
“There are still lots of hives in Northland, predominantly for pollination first, and honey second.”
With the benefits bees bring, another side of the industry includes taking care of American foulbrood (AFB). If detected, the hive must be burnt within seven days, either on-site or at a better location by agreement. The burnt hives must then be buried to reduce the spread of AFB.
Dwayne encourages farmers to call NZBB on 0800 232 767 or email info@
p Dwayne Hill, New Zealand Bee Health and Biosecurity North Island operations manager
Fencing pros cross swords
u by Andy Bryenton
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the stars of their industry this August, with a gala awards night highlighting the professionals out there on the land making farming possible.
Without fencing there would be no modern agricultural sector as we know it, and fencers have been integral to the development of the engine room of the Kiwi economy for decades. However, they have only gathered to acclaim the best of the best for the past three years. It’s a long-awaited and popular night
of recognition for those pushing the boundaries in this trade.
“These awards recognise more than just skill — they celebrate dedication, leadership, and the willingness to give back. Every finalist and winner is making the industry stronger, and it’s a privilege to acknowledge their work,” said FCANZ president Phil Cornelius.
Trainees led out the night’s awards, with Tom Rathgen taking home the Level Three Trainee of the year. The judges noted his consistent commitment to excellence and his willingness to help others succeed. Dan French took out the Level Four Excellence Award, the next step up in industry training, with adjudicators citing his consistently high marks through the year’s course, and his exceptional leadership.
Outside of training and into the young up-and-comers of the fencing industry, Galen Monks was granted the Emerging Talent Award for a combination of skill, professionalism and reliability.
The Industry Contribution Award honoured Mike Billinghurst, given in recognition of his three decades in the fencing industry. Mike has also spent a tenure as NZFC president, and has been a mentor to others starting out in the trade,
promoting a gold standard of best practice nationwide.
The Women of Influence Award went to Donna Upton, an accolade reflecting her instrumental involvement in delivering the level three and level four fencing qualifications that now produce young fencing leaders for the future.
The evening concluded with the Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement, one of the highest honours FCANZ can bestow. This year, it went to Wayne Newdick, whose engineering expertise, competition leadership and role as a co-founder of FCANZ have left an indelible mark on the industry. Wayne’s innovations in fencing tools and his ability to share knowledge have influenced generations of contractors.
The winners took home prizes from Farmlands, PGG Wrightson, Bunnings, Stockade and Delfast, as well as the gratitude of their peers and the wider farming community. Industry awards
like these help to raise the profile of the industries that make a productive rural sector possible, and reflect a growing pride in the skills keeping regional New Zealand at the top of its game.
TRACTOR TYRE CLEARANCE
p Award winner Tom Rathgen is one of the up-and-coming stars of fencing in New Zealand, acclaimed by a panel of his peers in the industry
A dog’s tail …
Footy time an’ spring time ona farm
“Typical spring wether, eh Dog?” seda Boss as we headed down the stock race for smoko. The wind was blowin’ and the rein was fallin’, an’ we was headin’ for the homested kitchin ’stead ofa woolshed steps, ’cos there was no sunshine.
“Yep,” seda Boss. “We be lookin’ forward to things gettin’ a bit warmer ana grass boomin’ up soon, but ina meentime, at least we saw the Black Ferns girls hava good win over those Japanese lassies. Still got tha ABs ter play the Boks, too. A feast of spring footies.” Boss was talkin’ as we arrived atta homestead, an’ his gerlfrend Sharlene was getting scones outta tha oven. Smells good, too, so I gave her my best little farm dog hard-workin’ hungry look. It worked as they sat atta kitchin table with cuppatees. Half a warm scone gone in a flash.
Then Sharlene tole Boss he was lucky to have lota footy goin’ on. “I mean, too, deah, that tha werld cup ladies are top of the pops right now.” I wundered wot was popping, but she sed: “I mean a 62–19 win to move up to the knockout stages. Ten tries to three — Portia the first to 50 test tries. That Jorja Miller slicing through tackles like a knife thru butta.”
Boss chortled, too. “Yep, the girls’ playin’ well.” But Sharlene said in her skoolteecher voice: “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.”
Well, Boss an’ me both looked puzzled then, but Sharlene looked at her computer screen and read sum more. “Ruby Tui did not make the squad in the world
cup and that surprised many fans. But it took another country to give her high recognition. She’s hired by the BBC. And she was typical Tui, and said: ‘in New Zealand, there’s a couple of people there — but BBC viewership was like 2.5 million or something, which is half the population of the country I live in’.”
Boss hada more scone but none for me for o’course, and reckined he agreed. “You’d think we woulda hired Ruby first. I see wot yer men about prophets and honor eh Deah?
Sharlene giva big smile an’ read sum more. “It’s truly real-life magic that the Women’s Rugby World Cup can be viewed by anyone who turns on their TV.”
Boss reckined Ruby “is far from finished shaping the future of the Black Ferns footy.” Then he looked atta papa ona table. “Hey Deah, nek Satiday is Dad’s Day, an’ you sed you was going to spend time with old Dave, your old father, in the nursin’ home in town. Guess me ana Dog will be bachin’?
Darn readas — I hope Sharlene fills me dinna bowl fullup before she leaves.
Boss has memry problims wen she’s not hear. She musta heard me
thinkin’ ’cos she give me a pat. Ana wink, too. “Got a specal helpin’ bag of Tux fer your kennel Billy.”
That’s Sharlene, the best team player. Cheers — Billy ¢
YOU 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.
• Operating for 24 years.
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• No Retail - Homekill Only
DARGAVILLE 84 Awakino Road
Live and Work from Home
This charming 1970s three bedroom home on a 1198sqm section offers flexible family living. Open-plan living flows to a large deck - great for entertaining. Features include a tidy kitchen, family bathroom, separate laundry, air conditioning, fireplace and aluminium joinery Downstairs you will love this converted space, currently set up as a business with its own entrance, air conditioning, water and kitchenetteideal for any home business. The modern 2010 built double garage has power, toilet and plenty of space. Tucked down a driveway, the home is close to the hospital and schools. 3 1 2
OVER $630,000
10.30-11.00am Saturday 6 September E erin.grbin@pggwrightson.co.nz M 021 716
Vendor
Welcome
DARGAVILLE 43 Jervois Street A Home With Promise
This three-bedroom home is a classic do-up, offering a great opportunity for those ready to roll up their sleeves and unlock its full potential. Three double bedrooms, with one opening through French doors to a light-filled conservatory. Cosy and comfortable lounge, featuring an open fire and heat pump Open plan to combined dining and kitchen area, which is functional as-is but ready for a refresh to suit your style. A super-wide hallway connects two of the bedrooms to the family bathroom. Flat section with mature trees. Great location close to schools, pools and town. Packed with potential!
pggwre.co.nz/DAG41998
1.15-1.45pm Sunday 7 & 14 September E cindy.younger@pggwrightson.co.nz
DARGAVILLE
Fall in Love With This Character Classic
Vendor says "bring your offers"
Being
WHAT’S ON?
For outside of Dargaville events email info@integrity.nz
September
Dargaville Quilters Spring Show — 1–6 September, 9am–5pm Monday–Friday, 10am–midday Saturday, Dargaville Sewing Centre, 51 Normanby St. Don’t forget to buy a raffle ticket – proceeds to Breast Cancer. Tiakina te Kaitiaki — Caring for Carers. Tuesday 2nd September from 9.30am at Whanau Focus, 61 Victoria Street. Are you caring for someone? Drop into the office and speak to Christine (Westy) West about support and options.
Creatives After 5 — 9th September, 5pm to 6.30pm, Northern Wairoa Boating Club to discuss ArtBeat Dargville 2026, RSVP to events@creativenorthland. com.
Tangiteroria Community Complex — 12 September BISTRO. Open 6pm.
Compost Workshop & Introduction to the Maungaturoto Edible Village Project — 13 September, 2pm to 4pm followed by shared kai. Centennial Hall, 44 View St, Maungaturoto. Charlie Priestley 027 486 5796 or charlie@sustainablekaipara.org.
Mangawhai Garden Workshops — 20 September, 2–4pm, Mangawhai Community Garden, Mangawhai Domain, $30 per workshop or all three for $85 (subsidy available). Compost & Soil Health. Next 2 workshops are in October. Charlie Priestley 027 486 5796 or charlie@sustainablekaipara.org.
Inland Revenue Clinic — Tuesday 30 September, Heartland Services Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville. Bookings Essential. Phone 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765.
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. 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 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 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 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 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. New Beginners class starting 15 July. Pono Lodge. Mats available. Find us on FB Stretch Your Bodhi Yoga. Contact Diane 027 371 5274.
THE KAIPARA LIFESTYLER IS PUBLISHED WITH PRIDE BY INTEGRITY COMMUNITY MEDIA, A PRIVATELY OWNED KAIPARA COMPANY.
Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 Email: info@thelifestyler.co.nz
Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville
Journalists: Andy Bryenton 021 439 947 | Amy Fifita 027 259 6455 | Paul Campbell
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Drop in meditation — 5.30–6pm Thursdays at Bring Balance, Kaipara Community Centre (side entrance), 38 Hokianga Rd. Room open from 5pm, all welcome.
Koha/Dana. www.bringbalance.co.nz, 021 0231 8008.
Girls’ Brigade — Thursdays 3–5pm at the Lighthouse Church, for girls 5–18 years. Register online at 1st Dargaville Girls Brigade 2025 registrations. Find us on FB & Instagram or phone 021 263 7446.
Hikuwai O Kaipara Waka Ama Club — NW Boating Club, 5pm Mondays and Thursdays from 5pm for Awa training.
Housie — Every third Monday of the month at 1.30pm, Dargaville Bowling Club. Janice Allan 027 355 7434. JP Service — Every Thursday at the Whanau Focus Office, 12–1pm, walk in only. Come and have your documents verified and we also photocopy important documents like Passports, Birth Certificates and Driver Licences free of charge. Call 021 245 3765 or 09 439 7009, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville.
Kaihu Valley Music Club — 3rd Sunday of the Month at Kaihu Hall on Woods Road. 1pm–4pm. Enquires to John or May 09 439 0827.
Kaipara Bootscooters (Beginner line dancing classes) — Every Monday 5.30pm to 7.30pm and Thursday 10am to noon. First hour is beginner and second hour is higher beginner. Dalmation Hall, Normanby St, Dargaville. Contact Donna 021 729 955.
Kaipara Cycling — Calendar of Rides — Thursdays 3.15pm–5.15pm Junior Rides 10 years and older; 5.30pm–7pm Women’s Rides; 5.30pm–7pm Adult Rides. Meet at Time To, Normanby Street.
Kaipara Grey Power — third Friday of each month February to November. Contact 09 439 7801 or 09 439 4452.
Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club — Open 7 days. Something to interest both men and women, come and get involved. Phone 021 106 3635 or 027 472 1269.
Lions Club of Ruawai — 3rd Thursday of the month (social) and 1st Thursday of the month (business). Contact Dorothy on 09 439 2557.
Lions Dargaville — 2nd Wednesday of the month in Lions Den, Hokianga Road. Contact John 09 439 5937. Maungaturoto AA Meeting — Mondays 7pm at the Maungaturoto Community House, 155 Hurndall St, Maungaturoto. Contact Carolyn 021 828 055. Maungaturoto Gardening Club — 3rd Thursday of every month. In winter Centennial Hall, Maungaturoto. Other months visit gardens in the area. New members welcome. $15 to join — first 3 visits FREE. Please contact Gloria 021 100 8153 for more info.
Northern Wairoa Country Music Club — 1st Sunday of the month at the Scout Hall, 23 Onslow Street 1–4pm. Enquiries to 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 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 at 11.30–1pm at the Lions Centre in Hokianga Road. Men and women. Phone Brian 09 439 6175.
RSA Women’s Section — Social meeting held at the Clubrooms, 4th Monday of the month. Contact Noeline Wright 027 733 7396.
Ruawai Bowling Club — new members welcome. For info call Alison 027 243 5454.
Ruawai Gardening Club — 3rd Thursday of every month, Feb to Nov at the Ruawai Bowling Club, 10am start. Phone Merele 09 439 2335.
Stepping Out Leisure Marching Team — Tuesday 4pm–5pm at the Dargaville Dalmatian Hall, 20 Normanby St. Contact Sharon 027 439 5634 or 09 439 5634.
Stitches and Crafts — 31 Logan St, Dargaville. 10.30am–4pm, Tuesday and Friday. Contact Edith & Mike 021 439 675.
Strength & Conditioning — Baylys Beach Community Centre, Mondays and Fridays. 9am–10am, $10 per session. Call Tony 022 311 8447.
Tangiteroria Community Complex — Mondays: Pickleball 6pm, phone Sarah 021 772 822. Tuesdays: Yoga 6pm, phone Sharon 021 981 135, $15 per session. Wednesdays: Indoor Bowls (fortnightly in summer, weekly in winter) 6pm, phone Mel 021 772 822; Squash, phone Donna 021 761 022; Exercise Room, phone Mel 021 772 822. We ask participants are a Complex Member for all above activities. For Pickleball and Bowls it’s a gold coin donation. Te Kopuru Community Library — access through St Peters Hall. Open Wednesday 10am–noon and Sunday 3pm–4pm.
Te Kopuru Sewing & Craft Group — Coronation Hall, Norton Street, Te Kopuru every Saturday from 9am–noon. Gold coin koha for the hall. Contact Grace on 021 0858 2455.
Wednesday Crafts — Every Wednesday 10am. Variety of crafts. The Kiosk at Memorial Park. All welcome. $10 per session. Contact Judy 027 316 3940.
TIDE CHART
3
MANGAWHAI HEADS
8 1:10 am
7:31 am (2.5m) 1:31
(0.4m) 7:55 pm (2.6m) TUE 9 1:57 am (0.4m) 8:18 am (2.6m) 2:16 pm (0.3m) 8:41 pm (2.7m)
PUZZLE TIME
67
size or extent (6)
27 Moral philosophy (6)
31 Dislodged turf piece (5)
32 Fixed (8)
34 Strengthened (10)
38 Mailing charge (7)
39 Gesture (6)
40 Girl’s name (6)
41 Incinerate (4)
79 Every year (8)
80 Work together on a common project (11)
81 Overly eager speed (5)
82 Bird of prey (5) 83 Money obtained dishonestly (3-6,5)
Hard rock (5)
Haphazard (6)
Fried potato wafer (5) 5 Naming word (4)
6 Time off (7)
7 Recently (6)
8 Principal (4)
9 Illumination (8)
10 Student’s dissertation (6)
11 Claim (10)
12 Quarrels (4)
13 Unceasing (7)
17 Line up (5)
18 Strewing over an area (10)
22 Lobby (5)
23 Price reduction (8)
25 Light motorcycle (7)
26 Violin player (7)
28 Paid male companion (6)
29 Paradoxical (6)
30 Long-haired goat, rabbit (6)
33 Spanish friend (5)
35 Restaurant customer (5)
36 Evil giant (4)
37 Hired car (4)
42 Cluster (5)
43 Wobbly (8)
44 Three-legged stand (6)
45 Maritime force aiding shipping, saving lives, preventing smuggling (10)
46 Poverty (4)
47 Thriftiness (7)
48 Spice (6)
49 Unworldly (5)
51 Second-hand (4)
52 Pancreas product (7)
53 Smells (6)
58 Deter (10)
59 Examine in detail (5)
63 Skilled musician (8)
64 Long-legged bird (5)
65 Flying charge (7)
68 European country (7)
69 Hot-tasting pod (6)
70 Narrow fabric strip (6)
71 Defeated (6)
75 Move on hands and knees (5)
76 Hitch (4)
77 Level (4)
78 Astound (4)
Last week’s CodeCracker
ACROSS: 1 Conceal, 4 Wet blanket, 9 Balance, 13 Path, 14 Marina, 15 Umpire, 16 Carried, 19 Stonehenge, 20 Delusion, 21 Snake, 24 Crease, 25 Unfair, 27 Overtaken, 32 Headline, 33 Truant, 34 Orderly, 38 Doubtful, 39 Strafe, 40 Load, 41 Scene, 42 Rider, 45 Tread the boards, 52 Slash, 55 Scrap, 56 Gong, 57 Murmur, 58 Tapestry, 61 Receded, 62 Signed, 63 Egg white, 66 Genealogy, 68 Secret, 69 Arrest, 73 Clubs, 74 Mastodon, 76 Guaranteed, 81 Snarled, 82 Pagoda, 83 Rising, 84 Jazz, 85 Heroism, 86 Persistent, 87 Success.
DOWN: 1 Copes, 2 Nitrogen, 3 Leader, 4 Wring, 5 Teak, 6 Launder, 7 Napalm, 8 Earns, 10 Away, 11 Arrange, 12 Cheeky, 17 Newsletter, 18 Worry, 22 Lamented, 23 Laird, 24 Cheddar, 26 Nail, 28 Vanilla, 29 Adjust, 30 Superb, 31 Blanks, 33 Teach, 35 Excel, 36 Sued, 37 Card, 43 Inched, 44 Elate, 46 Room, 47 Angling, 48 Taming, 49 Erred, 50 Opulence, 51 Swathe, 52 Sweltering, 53 Ante, 54 Hayloft, 59 Defer, 60 Ogle, 64 Float, 65 Delegate, 67 Embargo, 68 Sandals, 70 Glance, 71 Odious, 72 Uranus, 75 Trace, 77 Upset, 78 Dozes, 79 Lens, 80 Urge.
Last week’s crossword solution 5x5
Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.
Jumbo crossword
KAIPARA SERVICE DIRECTORY
KAIPARA SERVICE DIRECTORY
CHURCH NOTICES
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 has Shelter trees, tall growing white bottlebrush, shrubs, climbers, grass and many more from $1 to $8 all ready now. Got2Go Plants, 55 West Coast Road, Te Kopuru. EFTPOS available, phone 09 439 5556 or 027 4883 400.
K FLOWER HEREFORD
BULLS SALE
Tuesday 9th September 2025
Dargaville Saleyards 12.30pm A/C K FLOWER
Bred for Beef and Dairy Farmers.
61 years of purchasing Top Quality Stud Bulls. Breeding for temperament, feet, ease of calving length and colour.
24 x 2 Year Olds 20 x Yearlings
All Bulls guaranteed, BVD tested negative and vaccinated twice. Closed Herd.
Viewing by appointment: Kevin Flower 027 433 2407 Carrfields Livestock Rep: Haydn Evans: 021 985 863 or 09 439 6534
5% overriding commission to non-participating stock and station companies introducing purchases prior to sale.
PERSONAL
SINGLE? OVER 40? Meet other interesting, intelligent, genuine people just like yourself. Dine out ‘Dinner for Six’. Phone 021 639 552.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
1 STOP Window & Door Repairs — seals, latches, stays, wheels, hinges, locks, glass & glazing. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
GARDEN MAINTENANCE — Garden Cleanups, Vegetation removal, Rubbish removal, Weed matting, Planting and barking, Trees and shrubs available. Kaipara West. Garden2Go. Phone 021 021 8111.
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
2NDS SHADOWCLAD ungrooved ply 2440x1200 $99. Scooters Plywood 09 438 6565. 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.
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.
WANTED TO
BUY
SUZUKI 4X4 Wanted to buy — parked, damaged or unwanted, Escudo Vitara/Grand Vitara. Phone Derek 09 439 7573.
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
PROFESSIONAL FULL time working female, looking to rent farm house or two bedroom house in or around Dargaville. Very house proud, mow the lawns, maintain the gardens and any other jobs that need doing. Have experience on the farm, milking, fencing, calf feeding. Always pay my rent on time, and live a quiet lifestyle. References available, Anything considered please call Jenn 021 264 9205.
CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09 439 6933
WORK WANTED
DENISE CLARK
Toenail & Fingernail Cutting Service
Phone 09 439 6068
PUBLIC NOTICES
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS both Dargaville AA Meetings are held at the church, corner Parore and Normanby Streets. Use Parore St entrance. Monday 4.30pm & Thursday 7.30pm. Phone Bernie 027 212 2148, Ladies 020 4082 1373, Murray 09 439 5248.
DARGAVILLE HEALING rooms 7pm Tuesdays. No charge & no appointment necessary. Lion of Judah Building, River Road. All Welcome. Check us out on Facebook.
Closing date for classified advertising for the September 9 2025 edition is Monday, September 8 2025
Public notice
(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)
Dutch Cheese Ltd of Kaiwaka, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an off-licence in respect of the premises situated at 1957 State
Highway 1, Kaiwaka known as Kaiwaka Cheese
Shop
6.30pm Wednesday 17th of September 2025
Agenda: Election of officers and financial report. Supper will be served at
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 9am to 5pm.
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. This notice was first published on 26th of August
PUBLIC NOTICES
Public notice
(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)
Mangawhai Tavern Trading Ltd of Mangawhai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an off-licence in respect of the premises situated at 2 Moir Street, Mangawhai known as Mangawhai Tavern
The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Tavern
The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 11am 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 first publication of this notice.
Public notice
(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)
Mangawhai Tavern Trading Ltd of Mangawhai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an On Licence in respect of the premises situated at 2 Moir St, Mangawhai known as Mangawhai Tavern
The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Tavern
The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 10.30am to 1am the following day.
The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 5, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai.
Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the first publication of this public notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville 0340.
No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
This is the first publication of this notice.
