September 29 2026
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New fire station open for business u by Paul Campbell
The new Paparoa Volunteer Fire Station is up and running as a new community emergency hub, after a formal and cultural blessing when fire officials, alongside former and serving volunteer firefighters officially took over the new facility — replacing the old Depot Road base.
Vigilantism threatens legitimate fishers The legitimate, MPI-monitored and quotacompliant Kaipara fishermen who supply the restaurants, farmers’ markets …
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Speaking out with confidence Young orators gathered to display their skills at the 2026 Northern Wairoa Schools Junior Speech Contest …
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Entrepreneurial and artistic award At the Generator National Awards evening, a celebration of small-business innovation and achievement …
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“We are now operating from the new station at 2070 Paparoa Valley Road, built by Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), as a resilient base for local emergency services and an integrated space for the whole community,” said chief fire officer Ken Ogilvie. “It features a two-bay appliance garage equipped with automatic gates, allowing trucks to drive in from behind and exit seamlessly on to the main road to service the wider Kaipara region.” The blessing of the site and crew last week was by Albie Shelford of Te Uri o Hau, who shared the message “everyone comes back safe.” The event was attended by senior staff from FENZ and Kaipara mayor Jonathan Larsen. The 298m² facility was designed to future-proof emergency response services for Kaipara. It includes aviation
and security infrastructure with an on-site helipad and automated electric perimeter gates. Additionally, it has a dedicated operations room, reception desk, locker areas, unisex bathrooms, and a purposebuilt training room featuring a kitchen and canteen. The building also has high-standard ear thquake engineering and is equipped with integrated backup power generation. The brigade serves as a lifeline alongside neighbouring crews to protect the local Kaipara communities as far out as Poutō if required. This extends the brigade’s rich 142-year history of serving its local community in Northland, against wildfires, natural disasters, and Civil Defence emergencies. The organisation once nearly folded when the Kaipara District Council
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held a public meeting to close it down. However, 150 angry Paparoa and nearby townspeople confronted the council and successfully fought to keep it open. It was run by the council until 2017, when it transitioned to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) as part of the nationwide amalgamation of rural and urban fire services. For decades, the brigade operated out of an ageing facility on Depot Road that had reached the end of its economic life. Ground was broken in late 2025 for a modern, $1.5 million purpose-built facility. In a historic footnote, ancient kauri gum was uncovered during the excavation. This was blessed by Matua Shelford and presented to Ken Ogilvy to permanently connect the land’s history with future generations of firefighters. ¢
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p Dargaville Little Theatre members are once again set to represent the artistic talent of Kaipara on the national stage. Reuben, Alyssa, Konrad, Emma and Storm, who wrote, directed and performed in the TheatreFest 2026 play, High Tea and Thievery, will take their production to the TheatreFest National Final Showcase in Masterton.
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p Children, parents and grandparents enjoyed a morning of dancing and playing last Wednesday for the Mainly Music end-of-term session at the Dargaville Baptist Church. Ten-week certificates were handed out with gifts, celebrating the term that has been, and one child was given a present and card for his recent birthday. Mainly Music will be back and ready for dancing next term from 10am on October 14 at the Dargaville Baptist Church.
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p Today we’re into daylight saving, and if you’re at work on time, it means you’ve set the clocks forward for long afternoons of sunshine and, with luck, a spot of fishing. The organisers of the 2027 Kauri Coast Surfcasting Contest would like to remind you that it’s a great time to get in practice. Their big event is confirmed for Saturday, April 3 2027 — the last day of daylight saving. With big prizes up for grabs, it’s not one to miss, so mark your calendar now.
KAIPARA LIFESTYLER September 29 2026
Vigilantism threatens legitimate fishers
3
u by Andy Bryenton
The legitimate, MPI-monitored and quota-compliant Kaipara fishermen who supply the restaurants, farmers’ markets and seafood shops of the district’s small towns say that they are being targeted by misinformed vigilantes. Last week, this publication interviewed the spokesperson for a group of north Kaipara residents who have formed to oppose what were labelled ‘raiders’, ‘outof-the-area fishermen’, and ‘harbour hoppers’. However, a group of concerned legitimate commercial fishermen from Kaipara have approached the Lifestyler citing illegal, threatening and destructive behaviour focussed not at poachers and criminals, but at themselves. The local fishers we spoke to operate within the law and quotas, and under the close supervision of the Ministry for Primary Industries, with small opentopped boats that are in-survey and GPStracked by authorities. Mario Jones is one such local, with a long family history in the industry, who fishes to support his young family and feed Kaipara locals through farmers’ markets and supplying Kaipara seafood stores. “I’m doing this legally, with the oversight of MPI, to feed my kids and feed the public,” said Mario. He said he has had his tyres slashed, equipment vandalised, and seen calls for direct confrontation and protest against his business posted online. He was able to provide screenshots of these posts, bearing the name of a prominent anti-fishing spokesman.
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Members of the action group quoted in last week’s Lifestyler also allegedly appear in a video shot by another nowretired commercial fisher of 30 years experience, Tane Waka Ika, who was confronted by what he termed a ‘gang’ of men as he went about his business at Pahi. Video footage shot by Mr Waka Ika shows anti-fishing vigilantes blocking the boat ramp with their vehicles, and an individual he identified as a local Pahi activist, the same individual from Mr Jones’ social media post images. Mr Waka Ika contends that a ‘mob mentality’ is being stirred up with misinformation, and that legitimate, law-abiding people pursuing their livelihoods are being harassed and abused. He opposes claims made in last week’s article by activist spokesman Karl Reynolds. “He (Mr Reynolds) is speaking of things he has no knowledge of,” said Mr Tane. “Why are people taking information on fishing from those who are not MPI, or local fishermen with decades of experience?” Both Mario and Tane are adamant; if there are poachers breaking the rules, they should be caught. However, they contend that vigilantism crossing the line of the law into vandalism and intimidation
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p Mario Jones and his young son; fishing is his livelihood, and despite following the law, he says he’s been the victim of overzealous vigilantes
has fallen on Kaipara locals, on lawabiding citizens, and on those who are some of the most passionate kaitiaki of the harbour. “This has happened before in the 1990s, and it led to firearms being shot at fishermen, violence and anger, then it blew over,” says Mr Waka Ika. “I have asked these people to come and have a conversation, but they don’t want to talk.
Everything is based on fear, fear of lack, fear of missing out. It’s sad.” Police have been notified of incidents in which legitimate fishermen have been subject to harassment or intimidation. For now, the message of the small number of licensed, legal commercial fishers on the harbour is clear: “we stay within the law, protestors must do the same, and de-escalate unnecessary tensions.” ¢
4 September 29 2026 KAIPARA LIFESTYLER
A winning region u by Amy Fifita
Dargaville Athletics Club hosted the Athletics Northland Road Relay Championships at the Ruawai Stopbank recently, with many local participants getting a podium finish. Northland has been gaining interest in the athletics community, with the championships a b s e n t f ro m t h e region for nearly two decades. “It is a real privilege for Dargaville Athletics to bring this iconic event back to the region,” said Dargaville Athletics’ spokesperson p Locals enjoyed competing on home turf for the Athletics Northland Road Relay Championship Photo: Ryder Halliday Lee Greer. The excitement doesn’t stop there: “Twenty teams from across Northland took to the course, with athletes competing the Colgate Games will be coming to in relay teams across a range of age Northland next year. This year, Dargaville categories. The club had a fantastic day, Athletics Club member Joel received with local teams performing strongly and silver in the grade 13 200-metre and dominating the podiums — particularly in 100-metre events, and counterpart Adriaan won bronze in the grade seven the U15 category.” The growing popularity of the sport is long jump. creating more opportunities for athletics “The club is also quickly turning its in Kaipara, with new activities being attention to the 2027 Colgate Games in Whangārei, with hopes of taking a added to the programme. “Following the success of this year’s large team of local athletes to compete event, Dargaville Athletics is already on one of New Zealand’s biggest junior looking ahead to 2027, with the Business athletics stages.” House Relay Challenge. Local businesses If you would like to get involved with the are encouraged to start getting their club, email Lee at dargavilleathletics@ gmail.com. ¢ teams together now.”
Protesters say ‘reno not demo’ u by Andy Bryenton
A group of approximately 30 impassioned Dargaville citizens met outside the condemned War Memorial Town Hall annexe last Friday to protest the Kaipara District Council’s decision to demolish the structure. “This hall was built to honour our servicepeople, who died in the first and second world wars,” said protest convenor Gordon Walker, who organised the show of civic defiance in conjunction with the town’s Ratepayers and Residents group. “There has never been a local builder in to assess fixing this facility,” he opined, to the vocal p Protestors rally to call for remediation of the condemned Dargaville town hall, taking a diametrically assent of the crowd. “They have opposite position to the KDC and challenging council no intention of building a new decision-making hall for us.” Mr Walker called for a quote from that the $1 million or more slated for a local reputable builder to repair the demolition should be retained as part ailing town hall, rather than committing of a $3 million budget, which could be to its demolition, as was decided by a poured into remediation of the hall. He vote of the KDC in November. It’s the cited the steel structure, aluminium position of the council, backed by tabled windows, sprung matai flooring and other reports, that a ground-up design and assets as undegraded by water damage build would be more cost-effective and black mould, insisting that a quote to than a remediation, and plans have repair should be presented. been discussed to have this rebuild Furthermore, Mr Walker iterated the helmed by a community trust, not by will of his group to seek a court injunction the council itself. to stop the imminent demolition, hinting This scheme was rejected by Mr that a mystery benefactor had offered to Walker and his supporters, who contend fund such a legal foray. ¢
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KAIPARA LIFESTYLER September 29 2026
5
Modernity meets tradition
Speaking out with confidence
u by Andy Bryenton
u by Andy Bryenton
It was a weekend of significant moments in Dargaville as two important waka were launched to the acclaim of locals, and visitors from around the north.
Young orators gathered to display their skills at the 2026 Northern Wairoa Schools Junior Speech Contest, hosted by the Dargaville Rotary Club.
On Saturday, September 19, the day after the waka, Te Wairoa, returned to the waters of the Northern Wairoa River in Dargaville, a second, new waka was given his name and dedicated. While Te Wairoa is fashioned from wood in the very traditional manner, this new vessel utilises modern construction, and was launched for the purpose of nurturing a new generation of p A new, double-hulled vessel for Dargaville’s growing community of waka crews and enthusiasts waka crew, introducing them to a tradition going back centuries, which is The names of the brothers came to enjoying a modern renaissance. be associated with two distinctive wave At a ceremony by the riverside, the waka patterns seen on the Northern Wairoa was given his name — Hoeroa Takutai. River, a product of its semi-tidal nature. This name carries layers of meaning, It has been written that the double wave referencing the ancestral legends that is evidence of the regular visits made by surround the Northern Wairoa River. the brothers to their marine realm from ‘Hoeroa and Takutai were ancestors their home at the river mouth. who paddled their canoes, laden with fish, Additionally, there’s a layer of literal up the Wairoa River, which was without meaning. Hoeroa means a prestigious life until then. They released kanae ‘long oar’ of status and authority, and (mullet), pātiki (flat fish) and snapper Takutai denotes the abundant foreshore into the river as a food supply for their or coastline. The double wave and the descendants,’ wrote scholar Stephen legend of two brothers reflect the doubleFordyce on the subject. hulled construction of the waka. ¢
Eleven young students came to face a three-judge panel at the Lighthouse Function Centre last week, covering topics as varied as pollution, screen time, culture, identity, and possum pests. The winner on the night was year five Matakohe School student Hunter Tullett, who presented an impassioned speech on the effects of online p The contestants in the 2026 Northern Wairoa Schools Junior Speech Contest with their certificates culture and technology on of achievement social manners. “Take a look at how much you are on the many benefits to be gained from using technology and how it is taking joining a local sports team. Young people, away your good manners,” he said, as he opined, gain coordination, confidence, part of a presentation that swayed the focus and comradeship with others by panel and earned him the top award of working together on a team — and it’s also the night. great healthy exercise. Second placegetter Nadia Cvitanovich To reach the finals, young orators had from Dargaville Intermediate also had to reach the top echelon in their respective a message of restraint, this time in the schools. Other contestants on the night arena of ecology. Her speech tackled were Stacey Harding-Gray, Alice Hulmethe issues of deforestation and habitat Taylor, Sahra Taylor, Bailey Manuel-Nikora, loss, and concluded that ignoring the Cooper MacDonald, Tupou Maama, Alayja problem was an existential threat to Tana and Reece Douglas. Earth and humanity. All received congratulations for their Third place was won by Dargaville skills and courage in public speaking, a Primary School’s Perry Foy, who spoke feat many adults face with trepidation. ¢
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6 September 29 2026 KAIPARA LIFESTYLER
Times Gone By
Railway creeps northwards The ambition of the north of Auckland is a little nearer achievement; the North Auckland Main Trunk railway is a little further opened for traffic. Yesterday a length of eight miles, 65 chains of line, between Te Hana and Kaiwaka, was formally opened by the Minister for Railways (the Hon WH Herries), and has now passed from the hands of the Public Works Department into those of the Railway Department. The section has been completed since June 1911, but owing to the desire of both departments that the full settlement of the construction works and the safety of the line should be assured, the full working of the line has been delayed. In the meantime, a goods service running to a timetable, which the settlers have been glad to have as being better than none, has been run over it. New Zealand Herald, March 19 1913 Image credit: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections
OUT OF MIND WRITTEN BY DEBORAH STEELE & JULIANNE PARKINSON DIRECTED BY ERYN WILSON-COLLINS
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Road engineering success u by Andy Bryenton
It was one of the most complex slip repair projects ever to be undertaken in Kaipara, but the major engineering and construction work between Coal Hill Road and Cames Road has finally been completed. The vital Mangawhai Road arterial has reopened following a round-the-clock closure, implemented during repairs. This inconvenience was necessary due to the sheer scope of the work, which saw road builders anchor massive H-piles in place, reinforce the road with a mesh-covered slope, and reinstate a stretch of tarmac which had been ravaged during Cyclone Gabrielle p Mayor Larsen, deputy mayor Lambeth, and councillors Canton and Williams met with project managers, KDC staff in 2023. and engineers at the Mangawhai Road site “It’s really great to see the road future-proofed and back open again. understanding while this work was carried More importantly, these extensive repairs, out. We know the closure was disruptive, which included rebuilding the north side but it was necessary to deliver a longof the road from the bottom up, help to term solution.” make this stretch of road more resilient It was a major undertaking, but utilising during severe weather events, supporting the H-piling and mesh technology reduced both the Mangawhai community and the costs while also addressing significant many other travellers who rely on this ground movement at the site. The route every day,” said Kaipara mayor project was majority-funded by NZTA Jonathan Larsen. under the Cyclone Gabrielle 92% funding “Thanks to the contractors — the assistance rate. With the road now fully reopened, teams at CLL Service & Solutions and Geonexus — and everyone else involved residents, businesses and visitors in the planning, design and delivery of can once again travel this route with this project, and to residents, businesses confidence, supported by a more resilient and road users for their patience and and reliable connection. ¢
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Entrepreneurial and artistic award u by Andy Bryenton
At the Generator National Awards evening, a celebration of smallbusiness innovation and achievement, a local Kaipara artist was recognised for his spirited determination. Liam Martyn Astbury was the recipient of the Te Tohu Toa award, which is granted for courage and resilience at the Generator organisation’s annual showcase of business start-up winners. Among those celebrated for their entrepreneurial success, Liam’s hard work across multiple strands of art and enterprise gained him a top spot. “I had no idea I was going to win,” said Liam. “I received an email that I was on the long list, and then at the awards it came as a huge surprise. It was great networking with all the p Liam Martyn Astbury, local artist and small business entrepreneur, has been acknowledged with a others on the night. People had all prestigious Generator national award kinds of businesses, in technology, fashion, science and not just the arts.” Nicola Willis, Liam was presented with Generator’s mission to mentor, guide a handsome hand-carved trophy. This and grow small businesses resonates piece was made by one of his Dargaville with Liam’s trajectory in art, which has contemporaries, acclaimed artist seen him host gallery exhibitions and work Mark Lang. with other leading Northland creators, After the big win, Liam is not slowing as well as putting in long hours to sell down. He has two workshops coming up handcrafted creations at market days and where he’ll share artistic tips with those developing his skills as a printmaker. new to printmaking, and, of course, At a gala evening, which featured a there’s the grand opening of the Kaipara guest appearance from Finance Minister Art Awards next week. ¢
KAIPARA LIFESTYLER September 29 2026
Kaipara news digest u by Andy Bryenton
Surf beach improvements “Mangawhai Heads surf beach is one of our district’s most popular destinations, particularly during the busy summer season when the carpark has thousands of visitors each day,” said mayor Jonathan Larsen, thanking staff and the construction team from Wharehine, as 67 new car parks and a bus drop-off area are opened at Mangawhai Heads. “These upgrades make it easier for people to access the area, find a car park, and make the most of their visit.” Trash and treasure week October 5 is the start of a week of bargains and community support for St John in Maungatūroto. The annual mega garage sale fills the Maungatūroto Centennial Hall with pre-
loved goodies. Come along from 9am on Monday all the way through until Friday for great deals, hidden treasures, prime pickings, retro coolness, and the chance to help raise tens of thousands of dollars for ambulance heroes.
Amalgamation on hold Council amalgamation plans, which were slated to be approved or disapproved before parliament rose for elections, have been put on hold. “While the overall quality of proposals was high, none came with the unanimous view of the region, and
some needed further analysis before they could progress,” said Chris Bishop. “Rather than asking councils to commit further time and resources to finalise proposals now, the government will now work to fill in these gaps over the next few months. Cabinet will consider these proposals in early 2027.”
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8 September 29 2026 KAIPARA LIFESTYLER
EDITORIAL by Andy Bryenton
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
An empty Beehive
The business of statehood
The deadline for submitting council amalgamation plans came and went last month, with Kaipara among a large contingent of ‘rebels’ who either opted out of the entire process, submitted an application that did not propose amalgamation, or were included in a proposal that they did not agree with. When the August time clock ticked over, the next phase was announced: a review of the submitted proposals by government ministers, to be completed before parliament broke up for electioneering in September. That deadline quietly passed us by last week. Now the parliamentarians who forwarded the amalgamation plan have confirmed that 18 proposals under their Head Start programme were received, but that none of them had unanimous regional support. They’ve hit pause on council mergers, saying they will consider these proposals in early 2027. However, there’s an election between now and then. The polls point to change. They also indicate a tightly run race between a coalition of the centre-right that does not see eye to eye on all matters, and a chaotic centre-left with similar crosspurposes, but with the momentum of a biting cost-of-living crisis behind it. The big question is this: Is amalgamation to be left on the shelf for now because it’s simply too unpopular? A clue comes from Manawatū, where the district council did
its own research and found that 90 per cent of locals opposed a council merger. The term ‘attack on democracy’ is not one we like to hear in New Zealand. It’s one you don’t want hung around your neck like the proverbial albatross in a vicious election campaign. Indeed, the man who has been at the forefront of amalgamation discussions, Chris Bishop, has every reason to let the deadline drift gently into the distance and instead concentrate the spotlight on his meisterwerk, the replacement for the Resource Management Act. It’s passed its third reading and is headed into practice soon. It’s been highly anticipated, and there’s a lot to unpack for councils. So much, in fact, that it might be an owngoal to attempt to restructure consenting and land-use rules while also chopping and stitching local authorities. No matter which way you slice it, amalgamation has run out the clock for this government. The Beehive is empty, and polls are so close that RNZ has used the feared term ‘hung parliament’ — an effective no-win draw — in coverage this month. In such a climate, you don’t lean on a divisive issue and hammer it home under urgency. Whether you oppose or support the concept of amalgamation, it’s still an election issue, because the next government will have to bring the debate to a definitive conclusion. Vote smart. ¢
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Aotearoa Inc, New Zealand, is not a business. However, it can be tried to be run as a business adopting business ethics and business aims. Let’s try. Firstly, there is the need for a charter for this business. Let’s borrow one, and call it Te Tiriti; we need a catchy title — so why not? We can flesh this out later. It doesn’t matter if we step on a few toes as long as we look good for business. Also we need to attract investors — we can call them ‘voters’ — and give them a sense of belonging and influence. These investors will choose a board of directors, which we can call parliament. This parliament will guarantee to hold triennial board meetings for interested people with the ability to attend. To help ensure good outcomes, let’s make some restrictions and rules. At these meetings everyone’s position on the ‘board’ will be open for contest. Annual fiscal statements called budgets will be legislated so as to keep people informed of monetary intentions. Here, we’ll disclose statistics and intended spending in areas that guarantee the continued direction of the business. I have neglected to say what that direction is, and so do many of our
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‘board members’ in real life. It’s obviously the same as any business: to make money for the shareholder or shareholders. So now we come to the tricky bit. Who are the shareholders? How do they become shareholders? Obviously, they have to invest in something, but the problem is that most citizens don’t have governmentinvestment sums of money. So we use other private businesses to pay the voters; their wages allow them to buy things and pay taxes, and that’s their investment in Aotearoa Inc. The problem here is that the firms paying the voters need to make money, too. This means they have to charge more than the cost to make any profit. At this point, the analogy of the country as a company gets too convoluted to work — or, indeed, to understand. Many of our noble ‘directors’ seem to think we’re their employees, not their shareholders. The purpose of Aotearoa Inc is not to make money. It’s to provide a quality of life for all citizens that will enable them to ensure the continued health and wellbeing of Aotearoa Inc. Aipotu Won Dargaville
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Rally racing action in the west
KAIPARA LIFESTYLER September 29 2026
9
u by Andy Bryenton
Rally action took to the roads around Dargaville on Saturday, as drivers tested their skills against the challenging Kaipara gravel and dirt in the 2026 Rally of Whangārei.
p Classics like this Ford Escort were joined by modern rally monsters and luminaries from all the big names, such as BMW, Skoda, Toyota, Subaru and Mitsubishi.
p Spectators braved springtime showers to catch the skilled racers getting sideways on local roads — safely closed, of course
p Speeding through the scenery: human fans got excited by the rally action, while cattle found it to be just another day ‘at the office’
C Call all Call
E Entries ntries Entries for
p Taking a prestigious Porsche and letting it loose on Dargaville’s country lanes? That’s recipe for fun, with a howling petrol soundtrack
p When the rain descended the special stages became even more technical — racers took in tight corners and winding sections in Ruawai, Tokatoka, Waihue, Houto and Kirikopuni
p A home-grown RX8 unleashes a blazing ‘blap-blap’ on the downshift; racing machines were pushed to their limit in the chase for glory
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Courtyard, Bennetts Cafe, entry Mangawhai Close 5pm Friday 18 September
Awards 9 October 2026
Nathan Hutchinson
Steve Guthrie
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Open to Members of recognised Kaipara Art Groups
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2D Painting 2D Other 3D Emerging Artist Geoff Award Ruthe
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10 September 29 2026 KAIPARA LIFESTYLER
One Year at Arizto.
30 HOMES SOLD. Celebrating 30 homes sold and proudly serving our community, smarter. What an incredible first year! As I celebrate one year with Arizto this month, I’d like to thank the wonderful clients who trusted me to help them buy and sell their homes. I’m proud to have achieved 30 successful sales and look forward to helping many more local families. Thinking of selling? Contact Keegan today for friendly advice and a smarter way to sell.
Keegan Dalbeth 027 250 7575 | keegan.d@arizto.co.nz Arizto Ltd. Licensed REAA 2008
KAIPARA LIFESTYLER September 29 2026
Rescue chopper appeal underway
11
u by Paul Campbell
Northern Rescue’s Annual Appeal is underway, with the regional dedicated air ambulance service asking for public generosity as it targets a fundraising total of over $300,000 through a vibrant programme of community fundraising initiatives in the lead-up to Christmas. Long-time Northland Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew members — paramedic Paul Davis and pilot Steve Couchman — believe the $300,000 fundraising target is something the community can definitely achieve. For 24 years, Couchman has devoted his flying career to the emergency medical services sector — all of them with Northern Rescue. Since 1988, the service has carried out over 40,000 missions — vitally important in an area with a vast, sparsely populated rural heartland and kilometres of isolated coastline. “It is a privilege doing the work we do and knowing we are making a difference to someone during what could be the worst day of their life,” said Steve. Mr Couchman is urging Northlanders to look skyward, as the bold, new red and yellow Northern Rescue fleet of AW169 helicopters will soon be in action across Northland. Fundraising and development manager Jan Hewitt says this year, the More FM Big Breakfast Chopper Appeal returns from 6am on Thursday, October 29, inviting listeners and supporters to share breakfast and celebrate community spirit at three locations: Kerikeri, Dargaville and Whangārei.
“Round up your team for a lively night at The Judge House of Ale on October 13. Bid on fantastic auction items, put your knowledge to the test, and enjoy fabulous food, all in support of our lifesaving service. People can also make a splash on Labour Weekend at the Whangaroa Fishing Contest by getting out on the water, reeling in a great catch, and fishing for a cause that helps keep our helicopters flying.” A lucky escape for a Mangawhai couple illustrated the choppers in action when Geraldine Lum and Kevin Corles were just minutes from home after a weekend away. “Coming the other way was a car that was travelling too fast for the corner and hit us head-on. Emergency services, in the form of two fire trucks, an ambulance and police, were quickly there to help when the rescue helicopter landed in the paddock next to the scene. “We were flown to Whangārei Hospital. We are aware of a couple of times people from Mangawhai have required a Northern Rescue Helicopter, particularly following the tornado two years ago. “People should support the rescue services whenever they are able.” Donations to the 2026 Annual Appeal can be made at donate.northernrescue. org.nz/northlandappeal. ¢
p Left to Right: Northern Rescue critical care paramedic Ronen Lahav, crash survivors Kevin Corles and Geraldine Lum, along with critical care paramedic Zac Hoffman
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12 September 29 2026 KAIPARA LIFESTYLER
TWELVE WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS
Arguments about trifle and other fun topics u by Amy Fifita
It’s almost October, and people are already bracing for the financial expense, children with the possibility of happiness or tantrums, and family joy and disagreements — Christmas is coming, folks. We’re almost at the busy, fun, chaotic and festive time of year. No doubt retailers have already started revising the Christmas playlist, and families have started their debates about trifle. In my family, there was always a face-off between my aunt and greatgrandfather over who got to do the trifle and how it was done. The battle between the chef and the geriatric traditionalist was always amusing to watch, and secretly this writer was biased towards her aunt’s trifle. Out will come the threats that Santa will bring their children coal ‘if you don’t stop misbehaving’. One fine Christmas morning, this mother took the liberty to prank her son with a bag full of charcoal and, using flour, a sieve, and boots, to make him think ‘Santa’ had stomped through the house to deliver it. A fun fact for parents with unruly children: there are apps you can install that pose as Father Christmas
for various situations, be it a warning, an encouraging ‘well done’, or a ‘that’s it, no presents for you’. It’s a good way to rein them in and to divert from the truth about the jolly fellow. You Get What You Get and You Don’t Get Upset by Heath McKenzie is a good educational tool for children. Firstly, reading is great for your children, and it helps drive the message that Christmas is not all about the gifts. On a more caring note, and perhaps more in a festive tune, perhaps now is a good time to start preparing for Christmas shoebox projects run locally, or Operation Christmas Child run through Samaritan’s Purse. Christmas is not here yet, but now is the time to start preparing, making plans, organising travel and locations, and buying gifts. Remember to have fun and make sure the best cook gets the trifle job this year. ¢
p As October nears, brace for early Christmas music and festive jokes
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KAIPARA LIFESTYLER September 29 2026
13
TWELVE WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS
Basketball rising in popularity u by Andy Bryenton
Blake Worsfold, chair of the Kaipara Basketball Association, has seen the sport he loves go from strength to strength in recent years, and is enthusiastic about plans to build new venues for players to enjoy. “We’ve seen steady growth in recent years with good club numbers, public visibility of stars like Steven Adams, and lots of pathways for young players to achieve scholarships to US colleges,” said Blake. “At the same time, there’s a nationwide issue with a lack of facilities for basketball. It’s a growing sport, and what we need in Kaiwaka is similar to what’s been proposed for Sportsville in Dargaville, which is excellent. We’re working with different sports groups on a feasibility study to find out what suits everyone best and to do the financial groundwork.” Sportsville’s recently touted phase two expansion is tipped to include a modern twin-court indoor area, suitable for basketball and other court-based sports. In Kaiwaka, the 40-year legacy of the local sports association means that there’s already a strong recreational hub in the town, and there’s ample land for a similar facility. Blake says that it’s not just about basketball, but it will be able to accommodate badminton, indoor cricket, netball, volleyball, and the fast-growing
p Basketball is growing fast, and now sports leaders in Kaipara are exploring the idea of a new indoor facility for Kaiwaka, mirroring one planned for Dargaville
sport of pickleball, as well as cultural and artistic pursuits like kapa haka. Outdoor basketball options — including the forthcoming expanded 3v3 courts at the MAZ in Mangawhai and a new hoop and court in Te Kōpuru — have been a welcome response to the growing popular culture reach and sporting appeal of basketball. As clubs grow, and a generation of former players comes out to volunteer as coaches and referees for their kids, Blake sees a bold future for the game. ¢
Swim safe for summer u by Andy Bryenton
Thanks to the Te Kōpuru Swimming Club, there’s a chance for youngsters in west Kaipara to learn valuable water safety skills before the Christmas holidays and summer. For the second year in a row, the club and event organiser Kaye Moffett, invite young people ages 8–14 to a free day of fun and education at the heated indoor pool at Dargaville High School. On Friday, October 9, the pool will host an interactive day of swimming and boating safety classes, interspersed with plenty of time to enjoy getting back in the water 12 weeks before the Christmas break. “It’s back by popular demand,” said Kaye. “Last year, we had more than 50 kids come and join in, and they enjoyed it so much that many went on to join our swimming club. It’s very important to learn water safety in Northland as we all live and play near the water.” Beaches, rivers and lakes, streams and pools all count, and all will be covered, with Joanna Beckett from the Royal Lifesaving Society of New Zealand sharing top tips and knowledge. There’s even an inflatable boat in the action to teach youngsters what to do in a
maritime emergency. Other coaches are on hand to help and advise; all of them are experienced, professional swimmers. “My inspiration is that a hot summer is on its way, and we need more people — especially young people — to be aware of safety around water,” Kaye said. She invites parents who wish their children to take part to send her a text message to RSVP on 021 063 7557 — the day itself will be free to attend. ¢
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p Swimmers have fun learning boat safety basics at last year’s event
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14 September 29 2026 KAIPARA LIFESTYLER
HOME SHOW INSPIRATION
Mastering bedroom décor u by Liz Clark
Creating the ultimate master bedroom can seem daunting — still, even the smallest of bedrooms can be made into an elegant statement. Bedroom furniture is the main feature of any sleeping space. Mismatched or cluttered furniture can make a room look untidy and unwelcoming. Keep it simple. Choose furniture that complements rather than detracts from your bed base and headboard. The latter are also important. If your bed is older, use a fitted sheet with a valance to hide any unsightly tears or
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fading on the base or a larger-sized duvet that will cover both sides and the end of the bed. Old and tired bedroom furniture can be given new life by repainting, stripping back to the base timber or even decoupaging to make a unique statement. The same can be applied to the headboard, which can be used as a centrepiece for a new look design. Alternatively, the headboard could be covered with upholstery material available from retailers. Contemporary design has trended in ever-changing styles — still, make your room yours. Wall colour is also crucial. It can make a difference between a welcoming, intimate private space or an absolute decorating disaster. We all love a splash of colour but how far do you go? Using white or cream can make a small room look much bigger and airier compared to dark shades, making it look smaller. Use a colour wheel to help coordinate your paint or wallpaper tones. Green, for instance, can give the room a restful feel, whereas darker shades can make it feel more cosy. The look and feel of a room
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p The main bedroom is a space where you can make it more personal to suit your taste
is up to individual aesthetics rather than necessarily following what is trending in the home decorating magazines. If unsure about taking it too far with the colour ideas on your walls, keep the tones neutral, then complement with colour using throws, frames, pillows and cushions to create a bright room without the colour screaming off the walls, so to speak. Curtains, too, can be matched
to create your preferred look. Lighting is another consideration. Take time to decide what kind of lights you would like to have. For high ceilings, using a pendant light is ideal. There are many options to choose from, or even engage a lighting designer to help make the room more special. Use tall lamp stands for each side of the bed, or bedside lamps are also another choice. ¢
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KAIPARA LIFESTYLER September 29 2026
15
HOME SHOW INSPIRATION
Planning for growth u by Paul Campbell
Successful landscaping always starts with a good plan, and if you take a good walk around before heading to the garden centre, you should form a mind’s-eye plan that will stand you in good stead later. By analysing your site’s unique first, as planting can easily be done conditions first, a look at wind in phases later. and sunshine should inspire plant When it is time to visit the local choices that will thrive and be low garden centre, it is also time to maintenance. Whether you want consult a local expert. If you know to overhaul your entire property of a good gardener, seek them or just refresh a single garden out; spending a small amount on bed, breaking the project down consultation can prevent expensive into manageable steps makes ideas that turn into pitfalls later on. the process far more enjoyable. Avoid the ‘one of everything’ trap, That walk-through before which often makes a yard look decisions means you can disorganised and cluttered. map out your property’s daily Planting large, repeating groups patterns. Note where the sun hits of the same species makes life during the hottest parts of the a bit easier in setting up and afternoon, identify boggy patches continuing care. As a good rule that drain poorly, and check for of thumb, layering helps, with strong wind corridors. Moreover, tall plants at the boundary, then it pays to take stock and figure descending order through to the out how much time you want lawn border area. Perhaps use p Healthy soil is the single-most important foundation, so to spend actually working to meandering pathways too, to open composting and plant food from your garden centre is a good start maintain your creation. Low new glimpses on an afternoon maintenance is good so you might Hardscaping features like retaining wander through the section. consider rockery sections, or timber walls, decks and proper drainage systems Strategic screens like trellis work can accents such as decking, stone paving, form the skeleton of your garden. Allocate interrupt lines of sight, inviting a new vista and slow-growing plants. your budget to these structural elements at a turn. If you feel adventurous, so be
it — perhaps with a tree, water features or even a garden gnome popping out of somewhere — imagination can run riot. ¢
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16 September 29 2026 KAIPARA LIFESTYLER
FARMING
Preparing for El Niño u by Andy Bryenton
Farming advocacy and support organisations are rallying behind their constituents to prepare for the unpredictable outcomes of the most extreme El Niño weather event ever seen. ‘The 2026-27 El Niño is forecast to be one of the strongest in decades. This means that early preparation is needed for potentially extreme weather — from flooding to drought-like conditions — and other impacts like potential transport disruptions,’ said Horticulture NZ, which has dedicated a section of its website to address preparedness. With information about irrigation resilience, water storage capacity,
and how to interpret meteorological data as the predicted hot, dry summer approaches, this uptick in interest is not confined to the horticultural sector. DairyNZ has analysed the fiscal implications of an extended or severe El Niño, and its modelling shows that a hot, dry weather scenario this summer could push farm working expenses to $6.78/ kgMS and the national breakeven milk price to $9.07/kgMS.
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DairyNZ head of economics Mark Storey noted that the dairy sector is currently in a strong position and dairy farmers are adept at overcoming challenges such as El Niño. However, forewarned is forearmed. “Pasture will take the first hit, creating the biggest driver of the additional cost pressure, with national feed expenses modelled to increase from $1.56/kgMS under the baseline scenario to $2.02/ kgMS under a very strong El Niño,” Storey said. “Milk production is also expected to dip rather than collapse, with national production modelled to be around 2.1% lower under a strong El Niño and around 3.3% lower under a very strong El Niño.” Similar pressures will fall on the red meat sector, prompting Beef + Lamb New Zealand to deploy scientific know-how to make every drop of rainfall count. Taking the long view, B+LNZ has pioneered the Catch the Rain research project that has yielded valuable data. “The value of Catch the Rain is that it has tested practical management changes in real farm environments. Farmers can now see where there is potential to improve rainfall infiltration and, importantly, have a way to test what works for their own farm,” says B+LNZ head of science and research, Dr Suzi Keeling.
p Meteorological data has been collated from around the world to determine the extent of the coming El Niño summer
Longer recovery periods for pasture were shown to produce the best results, over and above methods that required additional capital investment. On three farms, infiltration rates almost doubled on average within nine months compared with control areas. Longer recovery periods are a relatively low-cost change that can be introduced into existing farm systems without capital investment. During the trials, farmers compared standard rotation lengths (for example, 30 days) with extended recovery periods ranging from 60 to more than 90 days. ¢
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KAIPARA LIFESTYLER September 29 2026
FARMING
17
RMA replacement’s third reading u by Andy Bryenton
Parliamentarians are calling it the most significant overhaul of New Zealand’s planning system in more than three decades: the Resource Management Act is to be no more, as the bills replacing it pass their third reading in the Beehive. “Today is a major milestone. After 35 years of the RMA, Parliament has passed legislation for a fundamentally different way of planning for New Zealand’s future,” says RMA reform architect Chris Bishop. “For too long, the RMA has made it harder and more expensive to build the homes and infrastructure New Zealand needs, develop renewable energy, produce food and fibre, and invest with confidence. “At the same time, it has failed to deliver the environmental outcomes New Zealanders should expect. We have ended up with the worst of both worlds: a system that is costly, complex and difficult to navigate, without delivering effectively for either growth or the environment.” More than 100 planning documents, required under the RMA and varying wildly in their provisions across regions, councils and civic boundaries, will be replaced with 17 regional combined plans. The upshot, say supporters of the new Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, will be a dramatic reduction in variation of the rules, duplication of the rules, paperwork proliferation, and the ‘open to interpretation’ nature of regulations that saw the RMA bloat into what opponents
called an ‘unworkable’, ‘Frankenstein’ piece of unwieldy legislation. “Officials estimate around 45 per cent of consent and permit applications currently required under the RMA could be removed under the new system. Based on 2023/24 volumes, that represents between 15,000 and 22,000 applications that would no longer be required,” says Mr Bishop. “The new system will also give much greater recognition to the enjoyment of land, and require a more deliberate and proportionate approach when planning rules significantly restrict what people can do with their property.” Mr Bishop and parliamentary undersecretary Simon Court opine that better regulation means less time and money spent navigating unnecessary processes, and more investment going into homes, infrastructure, businesses and productive activity. They’ve run the numbers on how the RMA’s demise and replacement might impact the economy, and estimate significant gains. Independent analysis projects the new planning system will boost GDP by an additional 0.56 per cent every year by 2050, worth up to $3.1 billion annually. A
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cost-benefit analysis also estimates $13.3 billion in savings over 30 years through lower administrative and compliance costs. As resource management affects the fundamental primary production engine room of the New Zealand economy — and this is the sector seeing the greatest fiscal traction in the ongoing economic recovery — replacing this one piece of legislation could leverage a disproportionate impact. The transition will happen in stages. Existing RMA plans, consents and processes will continue while national instruments, regional plans, digital tools and data systems are developed, with the new system intended to be operational by 2030. ¢
p Simon Court, pictured with fellow ACT campaigner Paul Henry, is buoyant about the prospects of a new resource management system
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FARMING
A dog’s tail …
Boss hasa choice — ’lections an’ footy “Help, Dog, it’s just a few weeks ago now, an’ we gonna find out who gonna be runnin’ tha country, an’ if we gonna see sum sense about things.” That wasa Boss readas, as we was checkin’ the sheeps for late lambies and lookin’ atta other stock ona propitty. I wundered wot Boss was about but then I ’membered his gerfren’ Sharlene tellin’ him that he betta have sum thoughts about tha govmint ’cos it gonna be chosen ina ’lection again soon. Boss must read my mine, too, ’cos he sed “November 7 is tha big day Dog.” So I hada think about that ’cos I ’membered
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that November 5th was usually a bit noisy ona farm wen Boss an’ Sharlene had wot they call ‘cracka nite’ for sum reasin, ana kneesup ina woolshed wiv there mates. So I wundered if the ’lection was gonna be a kneesup instead. But we headed down ter smoko an’ met Sharlene wiv her cuppatees tray atta wooolshed steps. She hada papa froma road gate kattil stop I got fer her an’ she pored cuppatees, an’ told Boss he hada think about tha ’lection ana farm as well. “Ya no Deah, our Fed Farmers got our intrests looked afta an’ I reckin we gotta vote ter keep the current blokes in charge.” Then she read in her skoolteecher voice: “Federated Farmers wields good policy because they say the current coalition government has successfully set in motion all 12 priorities from its previous election manifesto, including scrapping the ‘ute tax’ and reforming freshwater rules.” Boss hada cuppatee slurp an’ a pikelit but didn’t even look my way. Hah, Sharlene saw him so she slipped me half her pikelit. Love her I do. But Boss went on. “Wot about them other blokes, Deah, wot wanta get a bit complikated about stuff like blimmin’ climite changes an’ that stuff. So Sharlen hada ’nother read. “The Joint Coalition
group, which claims 424,000 members, is demanding clear positions on the Paris Agreement, the Zero Carbon Act, emissions pricing, and the conversion of productive farmland into carbon forestry.” “Blimmin’ heck,” seda Boss. “Why don’ they keep things simpil, because like ya say them Fed Farmers blokes got things goin’ along pritty well an’ good. Why komplicate stuff like carbon and Paris. Every one I talk to sez us Kiwis don’t evon make a teaspoon of carbon stuff wen we look atta countries like India, ’Merica an’ China, an’ so on. Trubble is sum peeple gotta get carried away wot don’t hava clue about life ona land.” But Sharlene said she was more intrestid ina footy coming up. “Saturday, October 10, Deah, we might have a few over for a barbie ana Bledislow game.” Boss looked happy then. “Yer rite Deah, Eden Park Fortress.” An’ Sharlene read again: “History is overwhelmingly on New Zealand’s side for the opener. The All Blacks only need a drawn series to retain the cup so winning the first match in Auckland means it all be over. But captain Ardie Savea is ruled out of both matches for shoulder surgery.”
Well readas, footy is my best mate, ’cos Boss’ll hava barbie no doubt, an’ that meens sum bits fer me. Good leffovers. Roll ona footy. See ya — Billy ¢
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KAIPARA LIFESTYLER September 29 2026
19
The rise of the Celtic dance
Awards gala celebrates creativity
u by Andy Bryenton
u by Andy Bryenton
Photo albums of early times in Kaipara often feature images of Celtic dance events — a way for the diaspora of the Scots and Irish to maintain the bonds of clan and culture far from their ancestral home.
The Kaipara Art Awards brings together the best of local creative talent in a celebration of art inspired by — and cultivated in — Kaipara.
While Waipu is the famous Caledonian town of the mid-north, Celtic barn dance or ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) action was widespread, and today it’s experiencing a bit of a renaissance. Dargaville and Kaiwaka have hosted successful and well-attended ceilidh events this year, boosting the popularity of this tradition. Now there’s another being planned by one of the groups that has enjoyed major success with its Celtic barn dance get-togethers — the Dargaville Scouts. “We’re hosting another ceilidh on October 10 as a fundraiser for the Scouts,” says organiser Jess Rota. “Previous dances have been lots of fun because you don’t need any experience in Highland or Celtic dancing. It’s enough to just follow the music and give it a go.” The lively music, laid-back atmosphere, friendly attitude, and casual nature of a ceilidh are all well-renowned, and there’s another aspect of this grand tradition also well represented in Dargaville. It wouldn’t be a true Celtic get-together without good food, and this time around the Scouts have decided to bend the rules just a little,
p A Celtic ceilidh the hot trend for 2026, with multiple events across Kaipara this year attracting crowds
delivering a decidedly different match-up that’s the exact opposite of haggis. Mexican-inspired chicken enchiladas are on the menu when the dance whirls into action on October 10, alongside gluten-free and vegetarian options and, of course, a very Kiwi sausage sizzle. Want to come along? Call 021 056 0573 or come down to 23 Onslow Street at 5.30pm on October 10. Everyone’s welcome. ¢
WHAT’S ON? What’s On is compiled by local community organisations. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the Kaipara Lifestyler accepts no responsibility for errors or late changes.
October
James Nokise: One Night Rant 2026 — Thu 1 October, 7pm (doors 6.30pm), approximately 60 minutes. Stand-up comedy, live at the Lighthouse Function Centre, Dargaville Museum, 32 Mount Wesley Coast Road, Harding Park, Dargaville. JP Services — 1 Oct, 12pm–1pm @ Dargaville Library, 71 Normanby St. Sewing and Upcycling Workshop — 1 Oct 10am– 12pm @ Dargaville Sewing Centre, 51 Normanby St. Lower waste. Get creative and upcycle. $2pp. Children to be accompanied by an adult. Kumarani Community — 2 Oct 10am–2pm @ Paparoa Memorial Hall. Run away with the circus these school holidays and learn fun, confidence and coordination boosting skills. Programmes are aimed at 8–18yrs but keen younger students can be included. Email community@circuskumarani.co.nz.
Rubicon Monday — 5 Oct & 19 Oct 8.30am–12pm @ Whanau Focus Centre, 61 Victoria St. Offering confidential support to young people experiencing addictive behaviours. Fiona is here to listen, support and help young people make positive changes. Contact 021 245 3765. Kumarani Community — 5 Oct 10am–2pm @ Selwyn Park School Dargaville. Run away with the circus these school holidays and learn fun, confidence and coordination boosting skills. Programmes are aimed at 8–18yrs but keen younger students can be included. Email community@circuskumarani.co.nz. Kumarani Community — 6 Oct 10am–2pm @ Mangawhai Library Hall. Run away with the circus these school holidays and learn fun, confidence and coordination boosting skills. Programmes are aimed at 8–18yrs but keen younger students can be included. Email community@circuskumarani.co.nz.
THE KAIPARA LIFESTYLER IS PUBLISHED WITH PRIDE BY RURAL MATTERS LTD, A PRIVATELY OWNED KAIPARA COMPANY. 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 Opinions expressed in this publication and in advertising inserts, by contributors or advertisers, are not necessarily those of Rural Matters Ltd. All inserts delivered with the publication are not produced by Rural Matters Ltd.
11,510 copies, distributed on Tuesday to every residential and rural home throughout the district including Dargaville, Ruawai, Paparoa, Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka, Mangawhai and Wellsford.
This year, the gala opening ceremony for the awards will take place on Friday, October 9 with a gallery exhibition of the top artworks in the district open to the public free of charge from October 10 to October 22. Commentators on the biennial arts event have noted that it just p Patrons gather at the 2024 Kaipara Art Awards, viewing a selection of works by local artists in a variety of media keeps getting better. “We were amazed by the variety three-dimensional sculpture — and a of works, and the quality of work fourth award for an emerging artist falls which has increased over time,” said to a panel of three judges. one of the judges engaged in 2024, Artists Stephen M Davies of Matakohe, Megan Corbett. Miriam van Wezel of Auckland, and Pete There are more than 55 works Panyoczki of Kaiwaka will deliberate and on display this year, spanning many make the final call ahead of the opening different media and artistic traditions, night festivities, which begin at 6pm at composed in paint and canvas, Bennetts, opposite the Mangawhai Artists photography, metal, wood and even Gallery in Moir Street, Mangawhai. The spider silk. The task of deciding which public is invited to attend the awards will take home the three major awards presentation, then view the collected — for two-dimensional painting, two- works with many of the artists themselves dimensional work in alternative media, in attendance. ¢ FOR EVENT LISTINGS
FOR SPORT LISTINGS
FOR CLUB/ORGANISATION LISTINGS
EMAIL info@dcdb.nz
EMAIL helenat@sportnorth.co.nz
EMAIL dargaville@cab.org.nz
Whare Awhina – Community Law — 7 Oct 10am–1pm. Free legal advice clinic. Drop into Whanau Focus Centre for more information Contact 021 245 3765.
Tiakina Te Kaitiaki Caring for Carers — 13 Oct 9.30am–12.30pm. Westy is here to help support you while you care for your loved ones. Drop into the office or call us 021 245 3765.
Family Court Navigator — 13 Oct 10am–2pm @ @ Heartlands Services Whanau Focus Centre. Josephine provides support and guidance to help individuals understand and prepare for Family Court processes. Contact 021 245 3765.
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS NEWS YOU CAN TRUST
TIDE CHART Dargaville High +1:50 Low +3:10 Ruawai High +1:16 Low +0:57 Kellys Bay High +0:10 Low +0:06 Tinopai High +0:17 Low +0:21 Pahi High +0:44 Low +0:30
POUTO POINT DAY
HIGH
WED 30
LOW
HIGH
LOW
HIGH
4:25am (0.3m)
10:47am (2.6m)
4:43pm (0.4m)
11:10pm (2.6m)
THU 1
1:58am (3.3m)
8:10am (0.5m)
2:24pm (3.2m)
8:34pm (0.7m)
FRI 2
2:45am (3.1m)
8:57am (0.7m)
3:13pm (3.1m)
9:27pm (0.8m)
SAT 3
3:39am (2.9m)
9:51am (0.8m)
4:13pm (3.0m)
10:31pm (0.9m) 11:47pm (1.0m)
SUN 4
4:44am (2.8m)
10:57am (1.0m)
5:25pm (2.9m)
MON 5
6:02am (2.7m)
12:16pm (1.0m)
6:46pm (2.9m)
1:08am (1.0m)
7:23am (2.8m)
1:36pm (0.9m)
7:27am (0.4m)
1:40pm (3.3m)
7:47pm (0.5m)
TUE 6
8:00pm (3.0m)
MANGAWHAI HEADS WED 30
1:15am (3.4m)
THU 1
5:10am (0.3m)
11:33am (2.6m)
5:32pm (0.5m)
FRI 2
5:58am (0.3m)
12:23pm (2.6m)
6:25pm (0.6m)
6:49am (0.4m)
1:18pm (2.5m)
7:24pm (0.7m)
SAT 3
12:50am (2.5m)
SUN 4
1:46am (2.4m)
7:46am (0.6m)
2:18pm (2.5m)
8:28pm (0.8m)
MON 5
2:47am (2.3m)
8:49am (0.7m)
3:24pm (2.4m)
9:35pm (0.8m)
TUE 6
3:53am (2.3m)
9:59am (0.7m)
4:30pm (2.4m)
10:41pm (0.7m)
Dargaville Arts Association www.dargavillearts.co.nz
11:58pm (2.6m)
20 September 29 2026 KAIPARA LIFESTYLER
PUZZLE TIME
Jumbo crossword ACROSS 1 Small fragment (5) 4 Likens (8) 9 Tattered (6) 14 European capital (5) 15 From one place to another (4,6,2,4) 17 Natural talent (5) 18 Court (3) 19 Battle plans (7) 20 Road users (9) 21 Signal fire (6) 24 One standing for election (9) 25 Accident (6) 26 Related (6) 29 Dishonourable, shameful (10) 31 Racket (3) 32 Wrap as if with bandages (6) 33 Consumed (4) 35 Pair (3) 37 Passenger’s charge (4) 39 Trio (9) 40 Put in, fitted (9) 41 Play (5) 42 Adulterated (8) 47 Encroach on (8) 51 Dried seabird excrement (5) 55 Having or relating to two sides (9) 56 Practical joker (9) 58 Rope fibre (4) 59 Pretend (3) 60 Hue (4) 61 Captained (6) 62 Road danger (3) 63 Literary pirate (10)
66 Imperial liquid measure (6) 67 Invisible (6) 69 Nonconformist, rebel (9) 72 Wept hugely (6) 73 Sacking (9) 75 Six-sided figure (7) 77 Chart (3) 80 Ooze out (5) 81 Appearing to have length, breadth, and depth (5-11) 82 Cutlass (5) 83 Interfere (6) 84 Roof window (8) 85 Chamfered edge (5) DOWN 2 Buttonhole flower (9) 3 Confess to (5) 5 Unctuous (4) 6 Trellised garden arbour (7) 7 Evergreen flowering shrub (12) 8 Japanese screen (5) 9 Turns (7) 10 Present (4) 11 Thrilled (6) 12 Aquatic creature (5) 13 Stun (7) 14 Small thorn (7) 16 Furnace (11) 22 Energy (6) 23 Tropical disease (7) 24 Water channel under road, railway (7) 25 Cared (6) 27 Pancreas product (7) 28 Picked (6)
498
30 Cast off (4) 32 Up until now (2,3) 34 Sidestep (5) 36 Impartial (4) 38 Fuss (3) 42 Left side of an account (5) 43 Military officer (7) 44 Makes a choice (4) 45 Gained by work (6) 46 Cold dish (5) 48 The act of excusing a mistake or offence (11) 49 Be bequeathed (7) 50 Resin (3) 51 Flying unpowered (7) 52 Alternative (6) 53 Shop selling dressmaking and sewing goods (12) 54 Miss out (4) 57 Extremely distressing or sad (6) 64 Smother (9) 65 Had suspicions about (7) 66 Soldier’s accessory (3,4) 68 Long formal letter (7) 70 African language (7) 71 Say no to (6) 72 Animal scent or track (5) 74 Points awarded for correct answers (5) 76 Solo (5) 78 Bawdy (4) 79 Netting (4)
Sudoku
Previous crossword solution
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
Previous solution
Previous solution
ACROSS: 1 Scare, 4 At the drop of a hat, 14 Fauna, 15 Title, 16 Insatiable, 17 Tiger, 19 Toe, 20 Massive, 21 Directory, 22 Troika, 25 Chicanery, 27 Vanish, 28 Shaped, 33 Motivation, 35 War, 36 Kelpie, 37 Less, 39 Try, 41 Lanolin, 42 Salami, 43 Sincerity, 44 Gates, 45 Reasoned, 50 Co, 51 Speedway, 55 Add to, 58 Disgusted, 59 Manila, 60 Seismic, 61 Ebb, 63 Rile, 64 Hamper, 65 Inn, 66 Theatrical, 68 Caesar, 69 Centre, 71 Irrigated, 76 Doomed, 77 Grievance, 79 Blocked, 81 Lie, 84 Enrol, 85 Auspicious, 86 Grout, 87 Night, 88 Pour cold water on, 89 Stays. DOWN: 2 Climax, 3 Rules, 5 Tint, 6 Heavier, 7 Driver, 8 Orbit, 9 Overrun, 10 Ants, 11 Angora, 12 Junta, 13 Catered, 14 Freight, 18 Evacuation, 23 Unfit, 24 Useless, 26 Heinous, 27 Vertigo, 29 Preview, 30 Locate, 31 Sweat, 32 Kidnap, 34 Neat, 36 Kyoto, 38 Slyly, 40 Fete, 45 Radar, 46 Absolve, 47 Onus, 48 Extras, 49 Adder, 50 Combine, 52 Eventually, 53 Despise, 54 Animal, 55 Adapted, 56 Inane, 57 Plot, 62 Tepid, 67 Bayonet, 68 Calling, 70 Tornado, 72 Receive, 73 Weirdo, 74 Marina, 75 Beauty, 76 Deign, 78 Eased, 80 Carat, 82 Blur, 83 Ludo.
5x5 E T
All puzzles © The Puzzle Company www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz
M L E
R N
L F R
S M A L T E E R I E C L E F S
E T
B S E Insert the missing letters B E to complete ten words K the A — five across grid A and five down.V L More than one solution S N E may be possible.
Previous solution
B A S T E A B L E R K O A L A E V I L S S E N S E
KAIPARA LIFESTYLER September 29 2026
21
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KAIPARA LIFESTYLER September 29 2026
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CARAVAN EWOF (and marine). Call your local inspector today at A+ Electrical Inspections and Security on 021 240 6764.
PET DOORS — Cat Doors, Dog Doors for Glass or Timber — supplied and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 Kevin Sowter or visit my website: windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.
THIS IS notification of a Special General Meeting to be held on the 6 October 2026 at 6pm at the Sanctuary. The meeting is to discuss the amendments required to the 2017 Donnellys Crossing Community Group constitution to align the said constitution with those of incorporation as required by the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
CORRUGATED AND Ribbed sheets 2 metres long, 760 coverage. Mixed colours, endless supply. $18 per sheet. Woolworths Carpark. Saturday mornings or phone 021 254 6320. DRONE FISHING gear. Backbones, traces, sinkers etc. All new gear. For more information phone or text Trevor 022 596 0265. SUZUKI ESCUDO Vitara/Grand Vitara — car parts, WOF parts, 4x4 parts etc. Good parts, good prices. Phone Derek 09 439 7573.
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PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
BOBCAT, TRUCK & EXCAVATOR HIRE DRIVEWAYS RACEWAYS SITEWORKS METAL SUPPLIES ASPHALT WORKS POST HOLE BORING ROLLER COMPACTOR
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.
CHURCH NOTICES DARGAVILLE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE, 4 Grey Street. Church service on every Sunday at 3pm. Bible study/prayer Wednesday from 4.30pm–7pm, call Moses 021 248 8910. Support group: Celebrate Recovery from all addictions. Friday 5.30pm–8pm, call Gary 021 174 8737.
FENCING FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458.
FREE QUOTES EST. 1992
Kaipara
MATAKOHE COMMUNITY GROUP INC
AGM
PUBLIC NOTICES
Community Health Trust HEALTH SHUTTLE
Tuesday 13th October 7.30pm at the Matakohe Memorial Hall 10 Church Road, Matakohe
Need transport to a health appointment? Please phone: Te Ha Oranga
439 3013
(who kindly manages bookings for our health trust)
ALL WELCOME
PHONE ROY 021 153 5000 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.
Monthly Market Saturday 3rd October 2026
Community Hall Hokianga Road Dargaville, opposite the Anzac Theatre. 8am till noon, Something for everyone.
09 439 7243 NURSERIES & PLANTS GOT2GO PLANTS – Shrubs, Trees, Shelter and Hedging. Ready now from $1. Cycads only $5. Lamandra Tamika x200, special $5. Lamandra little con .30x30cm only $5. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia Nicolai) white and black flowers tui food only $10. .500+ high. GOT2GO PLANTS, 55 West Coast Road. Open 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday. Eftpos available. 09 439 5556 or 027 488 3400.
KAIPARA SEPTIC Services – Commercial and Domestic Septic Tank cleaning. Fully compliant with Kaipara and Whangarei Councils. Prompt, Professional service. Phone 027 246 8791. MAGIC PROPERTY Services Ltd. SEPTIC TANK CLEANING. UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S POO LATE! PH: 021 290 0442.
TRADES & SERVICES 18MM H3.2 Plywood @ $101+gst or 5 sheets @ $86+gst. Scooters Plywood & Joinery 09 438 6565. 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. ROOFING & SPOUTING repairs, Gutter cleans. Phone 021 271 2065.
TREE SERVICES TREE REMOVAL, pruning, chipping & stump grinding. Qualified & insured. Phone Scott 0800 468 9663 Arborcare Tree Maintenance.
PERSONAL
WANTED TO BUY
SINGLE? OVER 40? Meet other interesting, intelligent, genuine people just like yourself. Dine out ‘Dinner for Six’. Phone 021 639 552.
SUZUKI 4X4 Wanted to buy — parked, damaged or unwanted, Escudo Vitara/Grand Vitara. Phone Derek 09 439 7573.
ENTERTAINMENT At the old church just up from Adults $15 Mangawhai Museum Under 15s $5 To book go to www.mangawhaimovies.com
Public notice
(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012) Three Oaks Retail Ltd of Dargaville, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the issue 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 intended to be 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.
SPORTSVILLE AGM Thursday 8th October 2026 5.30pm start. 5pm Doors Open - Light snacks provided. Sportsville, Robin Branch Room, Dargaville ALL WELCOME TO ATTEND!
No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the first publication of this notice.
Public notice
SEPTIC TANK SERVICES
GARAGE SALE
23
(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)
Public notice
(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012) Absolutely Fab Toka Toka Ltd of Ruawai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an off licence & on licence in respect of the premises situated at 5370 SH 12, Ruawai known as Toka Toka Tavern. The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Tavern & Off licence.
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.
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.
The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Grocery Store. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is intended to be sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 7am to 9pm.
The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Off Licence - Monday to Sunday 9am to 10pm. On Licence - Monday to Sunday 9am to 1am.
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.
Myradhe Ltd of Paparoa, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the issue of an off licence in respect of the premises situated at 2024 Paparoa Valley Road, Paparoa known as Paparoa Store.
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 issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the first publication of this notice.
This is the second publication of this notice. The first was published 22nd of September 2026.
FOR RENT
BEAT FUEL COSTS
MOVE YOUR OFFICE TO DARGAVILLE Office Space inclusive of: • electricity • broadband • kitchen facilities • water • bathroom facilities • parking • secure site - controlled entry
Offices from 1–5 desks available. Central Dargaville. MINIONS & MONSTERS Wednesday 30 Sept 2pm 2026| Kids | 1h 30m
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 Saturday 3 Oct 7 pm
HOPPERS
PRIMA VERA
Wednesday 7 Oct 2pm
Saturday 10 Oct 7 pm
2026 | Family Comedy | 1h 44m
2025 | Period Drama | 1h 50m
Contact JOHN • 027 525 8189
2026| Comedy drama| 1h 59m
Supported by Kaipara Lifestyler
Advertise in the Kaipara Lifestyler Classifieds 09 439 6933
24 September 29 2026 KAIPARA LIFESTYLER DO
O
UR
AP
P
+ Erectile Dysfunction Consultations (Sildenafil)
MMR, Shingles & more + Extended Pharmacy
+ Smoking Cessation Service (Habitrol)
Services which cover acute conditions like Pain & Fever, Dehydration, Eye Conjunctivitis, Minor Skin Infections, Mild Dermatitis, Oral Thrush, Head-lice & Scabies (for under 14 year old)*
+ Ear Piercing + Self-Administered Hearing Test + Passport photos
+ We also sell Mobility supports like Walkers, Wheelchairs, Mobility scooters and aids for daily living like Crutches, Walking sticks, Shower stools, Grab rails etc.
+ Emergency Contraception, Oral Contraception, Urinary Tract Infection UTI & Vaginal Thrush *
+ Medicine Management Service (Sachet packs and Blister packs)
D
A
14 years old, over 65 years old and CSC card holders between 14 - 65 years)
LO
+ Free Prescriptions (for under
WN
We provide Essential Health Services & more, get sorted on the spot.
+ Blood Pressure Check + Vitamin B12 Injections
+ Vaccinations to protect
against Influenza, COVID-19,
Delivery options available For Maungaturoto customers (Free Delivery option to Depot in Paparoa) For Dargaville customers (Free Delivery option to Depot in Ruawai) Local Delivery and RD delivery options available, Ring or email to discuss..
Unichem Orrs Dargaville 69 Victoria St, Dargaville Mon - Fri 8.30am -5.30pm Sat 9am - 1pm 09 439 8325 I orrsdargdisp@gmail.com
DRYERS FROM
Unichem Orrs Maungaturoto 144 Hurndall St East, Maungaturoto Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm 09 431 8045 I maungaturoto@orrs.co.nz
ERS AIR FRY M O R F
$429
$109
SHOP + EARN + REWARD www.livingrewards.co.nz
*Eligibility Criteria and Pharmacist discretion applies for these services.
T
LLOU
T SE U O L SEL
BLACK FRIDAY
TVS
Mitsubishi Electric 421L ON Bottom Mount NOW Refrigerator
FROM
$399 T LOU
MRHS421EXSSA
LO
SEL
RRP $3,299 SPECIAL PRICE
$1,899
OVER 40% OFF WASHIN G MACHIN ES FROM
$649
5 YEAR WARRANTY SUPER QUIET • ICE MAKER SHERS DISHWA FROM
$779
FRIDGES FROM
$497
421 LITRE CAPACITY Width: 699mm, Height: 1720mm, Depth: 720mm
AVES MICROW M FRO
Plus more deals in store!
McKAY’S
87 VICTORIA STREET PH: 09 439 8305 www.100percent.co.nz
EL UT S
$99
We're always checking price Talk to us.