Sporting brilliance
Freshwater key in landfill fight
u by Paul Campbell
Freshwater concerns have taken centre stage in ongoing court challenges to the siting of a 60-hectare landfill for Auckland’s rubbish in the Dome Valley overlooking the Kaipara Harbour.
At the centre of concern is that the approved dump site sits above a series of interconnected aquifers across an area approximately 130km long by 60km wide, stretching from Whangārei Harbour in the north to Raglan Harbour in the south.
“The Puatahi Marae has taken water since 2011 from the aquifer sitting underneath,” says secretary Jane Sherard. The marae is adjacent to the tip site and the Hōteo River. “The bore water was pristine up to 2015 and began to deteriorate for unknown reasons. In 2025, it did not meet the new water quality for drinking standards. Puatahi was funded for a new roof collection water supply and treatment system.”
The marae has now taken the tip concerns to the Māori Land Court,
and cites water concerns in affidavits it has provided. Land use has also been blamed.
Executive member of the long-running Fight the Tip Movement, Mikaera Miru says “we have obligations to ensure the mauri of freshwater is passed down to our grandchildren for their wellbeing.
“The Environment Court decision includes 400 conditions that Waste Management must comply with to address the impacts of the landfill on an essential freshwater resource for future generations. That is hideous and highlights neglect to protect our future needs,” Mikaera said.
Together with the marae court move, Forest and Bird awaits an Appeal Court date for its case. It stated ‘the landfill
would permanently destroy around 12km of streams. That level of loss is simply too great. We sought leave to appeal on two key questions of law: How protections for rivers under the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management should be interpreted; Whether riparian planting elsewhere can “avoid” the loss of rivers destroyed by a landfill.
‘Importantly, the court recognised this issue as one of general and public importance. Rivers provide habitat for threatened species, support recreation, help manage natural hazards, and sustain healthy ecosystems. We should not be risking further river loss. Our freshwater species deserve protection, not to have their remaining habitats turned into dumps.’ ¢
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Disciples in the making Knightly festival confirmed
u by Andy Bryenton
The Dargaville Mediaeval Combat Club has taken charge of plans to host a renaissance faire in west Kaipara, and support for the event is outstanding.
The Northern Wairoa A&P Show’s committee has provisionally approved the use of its showgrounds for the event, which is set to take place on January 22, 23 and 24 of 2027.
With their support, the DMCC has secured expressions of interest from dozens of other mediaeval-themed clubs, and from vendors who will make a Middle Ages market day as well as providing a kingly feast for visitors.
“We’re looking to make this into a yearly event which will draw holidaymakers into the area,” says DMCC co-captain Tristan Sample.
“The response from other clubs has been overwhelming, and this will be the only show of its kind north of Taupō; a major event for Kaipara tourism and the local economy,” says his fellow club leader Kurt Richards.
Already keen to take the field are the New Zealand Norsemen, who plan to set up an entire living Norse village, seven entire clubs that practise the knightly fighting style of Buhurt (full armoured and armed MMA), four more HEMA clubs that clash in fencing-style combat using mediaeval weapons and armour, live action roleplay groups, minstrels, troubadours and even a fortune teller.
Perhaps most excitingly, the ground will thunder as the mounted knights of the jousting arena battle for glory. International competitors have expressed early interest. There will also be archery, live blacksmithing and armour crafting, mediaeval-themed games for youngsters, prizes for the best dressed and much more.
If you’d like to get involved, please email dargavillehema@gmail.com. ¢
u by Amy Fifita
Coming to New Zealand to visit friends and family, and to meet new people, Dr John Knox took the opportunity to spread his gospel and the great commission passion with Dargaville churches.
Dr John Knox addressed churches at the Dargaville Church of the Nazarene, speaking to them about Jesus’s last commandment.
“I accepted Christ when I was 15 years old, and it changed the course of my life. I started reading and studying God’s word and came to understand the great commission, the last commandment of Jesus — to go out and make disciples of all nations,” said Dr Knox.
“As a young medical student, God called me to missions, particularly to places where the gospel had not been preached.”
Going to remote parts of a developing nation, Dr Knox was a tentmaker and missionary doctor, spreading the gospel and teaching others. While in his youth, he also pursued education and made a good life for himself, but when he received a call to mission, his life changed.
“When I was 24 years old, I planted my first church, and today, I train others to do that and help churches globally
to translate the bible into a language they can understand.”
Challenging the New Zealand church to believe that the great commission is possible, Dr Knox asks whether they think it is. For more information, visit greatcommissionmovement.org.
“Are you making believers or disciples? The goal is for every believer to be a disciple and a disciple maker.
“Every person in NZ should hear the gospel, have a bible, and have a worship group in a language they can understand, and every place should have a discipleship group or a church. Are you ready to be a great commission champion committed to completing the task?” ¢
p Pastors Moses Rao and Shanoo Moses hosted Dr John Knox at their Nazarene churches
p The knights are mustering for a major festival in Arapohue near Dargaville, thanks to the vision of the DMCC and the NW A&P Show Committee
Major power project winds up
u by Paul Campbell
The $1.5 million upgrade of the power supply on the Pahi Peninsula has all but been completed after two months of intensive work by Northpower crews and equipment, which caused power cuts for residents and some road congestion.
However, the installation of industrial generators relieved many homes and businesses during the scheduled two days a week loss of mains electricity, including public facilities at the Pahi Reserve.
“We replaced over 40 power poles along the length of Pahi Road as well as some five kilometres of wires,” a Northpower spokesman said. “As with most large infrastructure projects, there are still a small number of minor follow -up items that may need to be completed.
“These are not urgent works, and at this stage, we’re not yet able to confirm timings. If and when this work is required, we’ll be in touch with affected customers ahead of time. Together, these improvements will help make the network stronger and more reliable for the Pahi community into the future.”
The chair of the Pahi Reserve Society, Alan Reynolds has complimented
Northpower staff for keeping the wider community fully informed of the work schedule, as well as providing generator power to public toilets and the Pahi Beach Holiday Park for the majority of the project.
Last week Northpower staff invited residents to a barbecue ‘thank you’ citing “for a project of this size and scale, the way the Pahi community has supported our teams — from allowing access to properties, to stopping for a chat, or sharing feedback — has been genuinely appreciated.” ¢
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
On Pahi power
I wish to publicly commend Northpower, whose teams of linesmen and supporting staff have spent the past two months engaged on a major revamp and upgrade of electricity supply reticulation. This has taken place along the length of Pahi Road from Paparoa, up to and including the Pahi Reserve and Pahi Beach Holiday Park.
Despite the replacement of 40 power poles, and the upgrade of power lines and ancillary equipment that required extensive traffic arrangements (and, of course, power cuts), we, the residents, experienced huge consideration and accommodation from Northpower’s ‘powers that be’.
The expected long power outages spanning two days each week were, in
fact, brief for the most part, because sophisticated strategic electricity generators provided by the company ensured disruption was kept to a minimum. At the same time, the teams involved in the million-dollar job were diplomats, too, with a friendly wave and greeting as they worked at pace to keep traffic moving.
Northpower then laid on an endof-project barbecue to thank us — for being us. Thank you Northpower for a big job very well done, to future-proof our network so efficiently with the minimum of disruption.
Alan ‘TP’ Reynolds Chair, Pahi Reserve Society Incorporated
On Education
Congratulations to those people who have come together to promote education in Dargaville. Our schools do very well with the limited funding the government sees fit to give them, but our young people deserve a shot at a good future with higher learning.
They should be able to afford a house in their home town and to stay close to
their parents and friends. Hopefully the professor from Massey who spoke here will find the support he was talking about in your last week’s story.
G H Mays
Dargaville
Vigilance for drivers as rules change Abundant with eggs and honey
u by Andy Bryenton
From November 1 this year, vehicles less than 14 years old will move to requiring a warrant of fitness every two years, new cars will only need a warrant after four years on the road, and all other vehicles will move to a single WOF each year.
However the move, announced by Chris Bishop and James Meager last week, comes with a warning for drivers living in rural areas like Kaipara.
“Overall, the government’s changes align inspection effort with actual safety risk, meaning fewer unnecessary inspections, lower costs for vehicle owners, and less time spent jumping through administrative hoops, while still ensuring the cars on our roads are safe to drive,” said Mr Bishop.
The term ‘safety risk’ being based on age is relative. Cars take a hammering from rural roads, and the onus is on the driver to keep them safe between WOF inspections. For Kaipara residents, this will mean keeping a close eye on brakes, suspension, tyres, alignment and shocks.
The worry, expressed by Dargaville mechanics, is that some people will simply not check, thinking that a WOF is a guarantee of safety, even 23 months later. Observably, there are vehicles built post-2012 that are in poor repair on
Kaipara roads, as well as vintage cars in immaculate condition — age is not the only factor.
The other consideration is for those buying a second-hand car, who should not take evidence of a WOF as a guarantee that a car is without any faults. While the fiscal and operational benefit for most drivers will be clearly apparent as WOF periods extend, caution and a good knowledge of your vehicle will become more important in staying safe on the road. ¢
u by Amy Fifita
Tangowahine School has had six new avian additions to its grounds and a brand new Henpire set up alongside its gardens.
Part of the William Pike Challenge, Diana Drake chose the chicken project as her initiative. At the start of the term, six endof-lay hens were donated by a local farm, and with the generosity of the Bunnings Warehouse for the netting and recycled materials, an enclosure was made.
“They are still good layers, and the day they got here, they were popping eggs out as we were setting the nest boxes up. We had a vote for the name of the enclosure, and it was almost going to be named Cluckingham Palace, but they chose Henpire,” said Diana.
“They roam free range for part of the day, and the children lock them up after lunch, change the water dish, and collect the eggs. They are learning responsibility by caring for them.”
Using eggs for the school lunches and to sell, the children are loving the new additions to the school and enjoy inventing enrichment for the
chickens. In addition to selling eggs, honey is available for sale to fundraise for the school.
“We started the Tahi Honey Bee Friends Programme in October last year, where they put hives in schools. At the end, they test and cream the honey for the schools to sell as a fundraiser.
“It is at no cost, they provide all the suits, and winter the hives at their Pātaua North farm and bring them back in October.” ¢
p Having just finished tending to hives for the warmer months, Tangowahine School students are learning about where their food comes from, with their new Henpire complete with six
Ruawai’s festival rocks
Local visitor numbers rise
u by Paul Campbell
Kaipara visitor numbers are on the increase, with camping sites in particular having a busy post-Easter weekend reflecting an upbeat local tourism industry, and new data showing New Zealand’s international visitor numbers continue to rise.
Pahi and other Kaipara holiday venues have recently hosted multiple visits, with the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association members from Auckland stopping in Ruawai and Dargaville, as well as the Pahi Beach Holiday Park, where manager Karl Renolds says this was very welcome.
“It was great to host some visitors from France recently, and also Australia, which could indicate a return to the good days before Covid. This has also been reflected in overseas arrivals elsewhere, while we also had 30 Auckland campervans into Pahi the weekend after Easter.”
Annual figures show overseas visitor arrivals reached 3.58 million in the year to February, an increase of 229,000 on the previous year, or 92 per cent of December 2019 figures.
The most recent official statistics point to a tourism revival with Statistics New Zealand reporting over 408,000 overseas visitors here in February — an increase of 53,000 over last year’s figure at the same time.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said businesses, jobs and communities across the country are feeling the benefits of increasing visitor numbers.
“It’s great to see continued growth from our largest visitor market, Australia, with 1.54 million arrivals in the year to February — up 123,000 from the year before,” Upston said.
“Changes that allow eligible visitors from China and the Pacific to travel to New Zealand from Australia with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), rather than a visa, are also making a difference.” ¢
p Pahi Beach Holiday Park
p The Ruawai community put on a day of
p The band played traditional Dalmatian tunes as visitors from across Kaipara
Fairy tern numbers soar
u by Andy Bryenton
It’s been a great summer for the avian icon of Kaipara beaches, the fairy tern — tara iti.
From a record low of only four breeding pairs in the 1980s, the most endangered bird in New Zealand has managed to rebound, and despite wild weather and a growing human settlement, there are now 11 breeding pairs, part of a population of 50 fairy terns living across Kaipara and Bream Bay.
At the end of March, the Department of Conservation undertook a census survey and found that the species had prospered in recent times, with their numbers up by 15 per cent.
“What we’re seeing is a net increase off the back of two good seasons,” said DOC programme lead Ayla Wiles.
“Next breeding season’s numbers are looking promising with the potential for 15 (or more) pairs, in comparison to 11 this year, plus up to 10 more fledglings to join the adult population.”
A large part of that success has come down to the partnerships with locals and experts further afield who have given their time, expertise and skill to help save the tara iti from the brink of extinction.
“As part of this collective mahi for tara iti, Auckland Zoo’s Head Start programme has had its most successful year to date; hatching, rearing and releasing 10 chicks,” says Auckland Zoo’s curator of birds Dr Juan Cornejo, who has played a key role in hatching fairy tern eggs in captivity.
Despite the overall gains of the 2026 breeding season, there were also challenges and losses, says DOC. Rats and harrier hawks, weather events and people and dogs entering nesting areas meant that eggs needed rescuing on occasion. ¢
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Upgrading the top of the town
u by Andy Bryenton
Two big projects have wrapped up in Dargaville, with safety upgrades and a new road layout in Selwyn Park coming to a conclusion at the same time as a major upgrade for Victoria Street’s top end.
“These projects are part of our ongoing work to improve Dargaville, build flood resilience and make this a better place to live,” said mayor Jonathan Larsen.
New fences make Selwyn Park’s playground area more secure and give peace of mind to parents, while there’s added parking off the busy main road for park users. Meanwhile, drivers have been thanked for their patience as the northern end of Victoria Street has undergone extensive rehabilitation.
Investigations during the strengthening and drainage work showed that a buried former road was causing issues for the new, modern one. A layer of old seal situated two metres below the existing surface was trapping moisture between the layers, contributing to a weakened pavement structure; this has now been addressed.
It was also found that an old stormwater culvert running under Victoria Street, near the state highway, had been blocked with concrete, causing the saturation of the street’s lower end during heavy rain. New drainage upgrades have been installed to address this.
The overall cost of the project was approximately $880,000, with 62 per cent subsidised by the New Zealand Transport Agency. This includes around $750,000 for pavement works and $130,000 for drainage renewals.
Line marking and sweeping will put the capstone on this big refurbishment when the new seal is fully cured. It’s not the end of work to boost Dargaville’s drainage system. A further $250,000 in additional drainage improvements is planned for Victoria Street near Dargaville’s central business district. ¢
p Back-to-back breeding seasons have spelt success for fairy tern numbers in the wild
p Deputy mayor Gordon Lambeth, Kaipara mayor Jonathan Larsen and Wairoa ward councillor Joesephine Nathan check out the new, safer Selwyn Park amenities
Big plans for critical breakwater Making mum’s day special
u by Andy Bryenton
One of the iconic features of Mangawhai has been working quietly to preserve the health of the harbour for one and a half centuries, and now it’s due for an upgrade.
Representatives of the Northland Regional Council, Kaipara District Council and the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society gathered to inspect the breakwater at Mangawhai Heads last week, following on from news that the MHRS would undertake dredging work to clear a sand buildup from the harbour entrance this autumn. The two matters are intertwined.
“The breakwater has protected this harbour for over 150 years,” says MHRS chair Peter Wethey. “However, time and tides have seen the rocks fall away to the point where full tides now wash over the top. This degradation is causing significant sand build-up at the harbour entrance and impacting our surf beach.”
The MHRS has hands-on knowledge of the dynamics of the harbour, and they have shared this with the NRC and KDC representatives who attended. Their plan is to raise and repair the breakwater, which was constructed in the 1860s and is now sometimes overtopped by high seas.
Harbour restoration society members are seeking support from both councils
to allow the society to take an active role in the management and repair of this critical infrastructure. This is complicated by the issue of jurisdiction and ownership of the breakwater — its colonial-era origins make its status a grey area.
The meeting last week between all parties led to a positive outcome, with NRC and KDC representatives agreeing to explore plans for the MHRS to have the right to repair and maintain this vintage bulwark of harbour protection in the future. ¢
u by Andy Bryenton
Mother’s Day is a time to thank the person who was looking out for you and supporting you nine months before you were even born, and through history people have gone to immense lengths to show their gratitude.
Roman emperor Nero may have had a bad end, but his devotion to his mother Agrippina was fierce in the early years of his reign. She reputedly saved his life from assassination when his murderous relatives tussled for the throne. In response, he issued coins with her face on them and even declared that his mother counted officially as the widow of the preceding Emperor Claudius, making her a goddess.
When the last Tsesarevich (heir apparent) of Russia, Alexei was born, his mother and grandmother both received elaborate jewelled Easter egg sculptures by renowned jewellers Fabergé; each one is worth at least US$30 million today.
Perhaps the biggest gift of all time was the gift Temujin, Genghis Khan, gave to his mother Hoelun on his ascension to rulership of all Mongolia. For aiding his rise to power, the great Khan gave his mum an army of 10,000 followers, and eventually the title of empress of all of China, where she is known as Empress Xuanyi of the Yuan Dynasty.
You might not be able to give gifts on this scale, but when Mother’s Day comes
around on May 10, you can give the greatest gift of all — your time, your best wishes, your love and your presence. Even if she’s halfway around the world, take the time to call or send a card or letter. Let’s face it, your mum would probably find the entire country of China a bit of work to administer anyway. ¢
p NRC chair Pita Tipene, NRC councillors and CEO Jonathan Gibbard, with Kaipara mayor Jonathan Larsen and Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society representatives
p Queen Victoria wore orange blossoms for her wedding, and her husband Albert gave her orange-themed jewellery on her children’s birthdays for the rest of his life
by Andy Bryenton
Lost in space
The Hungarian election of mid-April is closer to home than you might think. Then again, so is the recent Artemis mission to slingshot around the moon; literally the furthest away from home that human beings have ever travelled.
The first saw the historic overthrow of long-seated national leader Viktor Orban, who ruled with a blend of populism and state-sanctioned authoritarian force, but also notably with a voter mandate. He weaponised what we know all too bitterly and well as ‘the culture war’ to leverage power, and from 2010 to just last week that served him well.
You might find some of his rants familiar. He was nationalist and xenophobic, worked hard to make the justice system a tool of the executive, blamed ‘the media’ for exposing problems and then legislated to censor and silence debate. He brought a brand of cruel and performative religion into politics, railing against any deviation from his own brand of family values. If you were born different, or wanted certain freedoms that harmed nobody, you were an enemy.
The gas ran out this month, however. It seems that people can have enough, even through the smokescreen of a culture war. No amount of memes and trumpedup fake existential threats could save Orban from a drubbing at the polls. Kiwi
politicians who think they will carry this year’s election on personality politics, glib AI content churned out by PR agencies and ‘influencers’, and the repetition of the words ‘woke’ or ‘fascist’ should take note. People appear to be shedding the delusion that the online partisan echo chamber has any relation to reality.
What’s needed, especially now, are policies that will make a real change. Hard questions must be asked and answered about the direction we’re going to take. Do we look at other nations where wealth and wage equality have created massive division as cautionary tales or paragons of the free market? Do we choose to maintain the egalitarian health and education systems which soldiers returning from the second world war demanded, or accept a kind of watereddown feudalism as inevitable?
After that warning from halfway around the world, it’s good to reflect on the colossal achievement of the Artemis astronauts, who circumnavigated the moon in a feat sadly overshadowed by an aimless, fruitless war. It’s proof that in these times of venal spite and engineered division, humanity can still accomplish heroic deeds. It’s a reminder of those times not long ago when the future was going to be better than today, or the past. That’s worth holding on to. ¢
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Times Gone By
Grabbing a cold one
In the 1930s, photographer Tudor Collins captured these gentlemen with their vehicles stopping in at what is now the Mangawhai Tavern to get a cold beer and a good meal before heading off again. Back then, it was still known as the Mangawhai Hotel, and as iconic as it is today. The building in the photo was the second incarnation, after a fire burned the first hotel down in 1890. Prominent Auckland-based architect Charles Le Neve Arnold designed the new version that rose out of the ashes of the old. Since that time, with many publicans and owners, the hotel was altered to suit changing use. More recently, it was restored back to near-original condition by its current owners.
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A distinguished occasion
u by Andy Bryenton
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride brings together well-dressed blokes on bikes to raise money and awareness for men’s health.
This year the mid-north event will take place in Ruakākā on May 17, with riders heading out from Bream Bay College on a loop, which takes in some stunning scenery. The ride is great fun, and a chance to break out some dapper threads, too. Still, it’s hosted for a serious cause, and Northland’s most recent chapter of the worldwide phenomenon is already punching above its weight.
“This is a worldwide event that runs the same day around the world,” says local organiser John Pearce. “Last year, this small group of 66 riders raised more than $15,000, and all of that money goes directly to New Zealand charities. The number of motorcycles and riders will be a lot larger this year as more people are becoming aware of the cause.”
John moved to One Tree Point on the east coast just over a year ago, and he says the cause of the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride is close to his heart, as he’s lost a few mates and wants to make a difference.
He kicked off an inaugural DGR for Ruakākā last year, following on from very successful events in Auckland and the other main centres. Now, he’s aiming to invite classic bikes and classy lads and ladies from all over the north to make 2026 a year to remember.
The cause they ride for is a major one. Prostate cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in New Zealand men, and 10 people are diagnosed each day. Two of those 10 will succumb to the disease.
Research is the key to a cure, and support for those who are battling prostate cancer costs money, too. Men’s mental health is similarly a core area of concern. A topic that still evades true definition as reticence about being open about such issues is a factor of unhealthy, marketed masculinity.
The DGR movement has grown to encompass 1,070 cities worldwide, and has raised US$60 million internationally. This year, riders attending the Ruakākā DGR will meet at Bream Bay College at 9am, joining riders from 12 other regions of New Zealand and nations as far apart as Nigeria, Malta and Ukraine. Care to get involved? Visit gentlemansride.com to register your bike today. ¢
p Distinguished gents and ladies get ready to roll out for the 2025 DGR, raising funds for men’s health
Health & Wellbeing
Call to support pink
u by Amy Fifita
Across Kaipara, businesses and organisations are getting behind the Breast Cancer Foundation with a Pink Ribbon High Tea event scheduled for Mangawhai and Dargaville.
Mangawhai Lions and Zonta are collaborating again with the Pink Ribbon High Tea and Bling a Bra competition on Saturday, May 23, from 2pm–5pm at the Mangawhai Library Hall.
“We will be running our Pink Ribbon High Tea Fundraiser again. Last year, we donated $6,000 to the Breast Cancer Foundation, which was amazing,” said spokesperson Mandy Hebben.
While the event is raising money for a serious cause, the day has plenty of fun activities planned from Best Dressed in Pink to a bra bling competition and raffles.
“There will be prizes for Best Dressed in Pink, and we are running the Bling a Bra competition for a $2 entry.”
Supported by people and businesses in the local community, the seaside town rallied around the clubs to make the fundraiser a success. This year, they are reaching out to locals for donations again.
“We are looking for raffle prizes, products or vouchers, to help us raise funds. If anyone would like to donate, please contact Shannon.”
Businesses and individuals can call Shannon on 021 509 482 to arrange donations, prizes and products. Wanting to match last year’s contribution, people can donate funds to the cause by visiting fundraise.bcf.org.nz and searching Mangawhai Lions Club and Zonta Mangawhai.
Book tickets online at trybooking.com/ nz/BCXV. With plenty of initiatives and events put on to benefit the community, the Mangawhai Lions welcome people into the fold. If you would like to join the organisation, contact Clive on 021 802 532.
Dargaville’s Century 21 Jean Johnson Realty is organising its Pretty in Pink High Tea for Sunday, May 17, from 2pm–4pm at the Northern Wairoa Hotel. Taking on the legacy of her grandmother, Jean Johnson, Jasmine French is organising the event.
“There are so many people who are affected by breast cancer and other cancers, and if we can give people a nice afternoon, it can uplift the community. I
With 60 tickets available, people can call 09 439 7575 or 021 439 629 to book a spot or scan the QR code on the advertisement. ¢
am excited to see everyone, because I was overseas for 15 years,” said Jasmine. With Jean having taught her family how to bake, the team is set for baked goods, but is reaching out to the community for some savoury treats. Still bringing together the community to support the cause, the Dargaville Rotary Club and Janelle Reynish have hopped on board to help.
p Last year, Danielle Hebben won third place and Ros Austen won first place with their vibrantly decorated bras
50 Reasons to support your locals
1. Local tradespeople and business owners are trustworthy — their word is
are from just down the road.
3. Local businesses support local sports teams, schools, clubs and societies — spending with them means you’re helping to support charitable giving.
4. Local business owners and their staff are customers for other businesses — including yours. Money going around doesn’t go away, it makes us all richer.
5. Local companies work with local schools to select and train apprentices, keeping young folks near their families and providing them with careers.
6. Local companies often have a long history with their communities, and are part of local heritage.
7. Local business leaders are often called upon to advise on new projects for council, for education and for making their towns better places to live.
8. Local business owners contribute more to grassroots charities than any other group; help them out to help out good causes in your neighbourhood.
9. Local companies give you a chance to see real things on real shelves, not AI pictures online that could be faked.
10. Local companies employ your friends, relatives and neighbours.
11. Locally-based small businesses are the biggest employers in the country, and on average they pay better wages than some large international chains.
12. Local companies innovate, with that Kiwi number eight wire mentality. It’s local folks who have come up with ideas that have changed the world more often than big research labs.
13. Local tradespeople know the local conditions well, and when you ask them their advice about what would work best in our climate, soil or weather, they’ll give you a straight answer.
14. A local firm that’s been here a long time has only been here a long time because they have made generations of customers happy.
15. A town with a visibly vibrant main street is likely to experience less crime.
16. If you buy a product from a local business, you know exactly who to talk to if something goes wrong or you want to buy accessories for that product.
p Keep the skills you need to maintain your home local, and they’ll be there when you need them
17. If you buy a product from a local business, they don’t have to drive far to install it for you, which could be impossible if it’s bought out of town.
18. In a real shop, you can try things on or hold them in your hands before you buy.
19. Local businesses make sports possible in your town; check out the sponsors’ boards at every major sports field and the logos on the uniforms of your favourite teams.
20. When important life-saving causes like the Northland rescue chopper
need a hand to fundraise, it’s local businesses that take the lead.
21. There’s no food fresher than that which has been baked, cooked or prepared for you by a chef or cook in your home town.
22. Locally owned businesses can have between two and four times the positive economic impact of multinational chains in their local communities — ‘the local multiplier effect’.
23. A thriving business community creates a vibrant, well-maintained
shopping centre or main street, which is good for civic pride.
24. Every raffle, prize draw and giveaway in small-town New Zealand has prizes from local shops.
25. If you buy something you really like from a local business, you know who to talk to about other things in the range.
26. Local companies can order things from all over the world, combining the best thing about internet shopping with the excellence of having someone to talk to locally who you can trust.
27. Cut down on the miles products and produce have to travel; it’s good for the environment to shop for locallymade goods.
28. There are hundreds of years of cumulative skills in your local business community, some of them passed down for generations.
29. A vibrant business community and a bustling main street are good for tourism, which also boosts the local economy.
30. You don’t have to drive far to find excellent local stores, cafes, restaurants and professionals, which saves you on time and on fuel.
31. This newspaper exists, and provides local views, news and information every week to your letterbox free of charge, thanks to support from local businesspeople and tradies.
32. Local tradespeople are resourceful, and you’ll often find they can come up with clever solutions to your problems.
33. Profits from local companies don’t go overseas, so it’s patriotic as well as smart to shop local.
34. Buying from local artists and artisans promotes truly Kiwi, truly Kaipara culture. u
p Local companies train new staff for the future, giving local young people opportunities
SUPPORT LOCAL
35. The Consumer Guarantees Act ensures that goods and services meet certain standards and sets out remedies from retailers and manufacturers if they don’t. When buying from offshore websites, customers may not have such assurances.
36. Local businesses nurture and assist new local businesses; help and advice to get new shops and tradespeople up and running often comes from other locals who have succeeded already.
37. The half a million small locally-owned businesses in New Zealand produce roughly 30 per cent of our gross domestic product.
38. The people who work for and run your local businesses are probably your friends — and in a small town, they easily could be.
39. Local businesspeople and their employees are more likely to volunteer for unpaid jobs in organisations around town, such as coaching kids’ sport or working in a food bank.
40. Local businesses as a rule don’t employ the complex international profit-shifting and tax avoidance
schemes some less scrupulous multinationals have access to; that means that local businesses pay for roads, schools and hospitals for New Zealanders.
41. Rather than selling products designed for a homogenised global market, local businesses develop to fit niches catering to what you want.
42. Smaller, more specialised local companies thrive by doing what they do very well. You can count on good advice from a person who has made their livelihood understanding their trade or their field of expertise in great detail.
43. When you talk to a person over the counter they cannot put you on hold listening to robot adverts and tinny recorded music.
44. Shopping local gives you more options to customise and be involved in the design process for things you want and need.
45. If you buy a product from a local business, you know just where to go for parts, and if that business has been around for years, you know they provide good after-sales service.
COVERS LTD
46. If you’re reading this, it’s very likely you work for or own a local business, too. Do unto others as you’d have them do for you.
47. Local tradespeople are very likely to be part of some kind of professional organisation, meaning that they have recognised credentials and standards you can trust.
48. It’s just more fun to shop at small stores with character, run by people with their own vision.
49. The hugely important agricultural sector is supported by small towns, and a huge network of local businesses. There can be no huge export gains without small towns and their business to back them up.
50. It feels good to know all the other 49 reasons and know that you’re helping make a difference by supporting your locals; that good feeling releases chemicals that relieve stress and make you healthier.
New horizons for CFMoto
u by Andy Bryenton
It’s been a month of new arrivals and big announcements for CFMoto, as the manufacturer embarks on
for machines for on and off the tarmac.
It began in France, where CFMoto has achieved the title of best-selling off-road vehicle brand. To celebrate, their French vice president Markus Ferch and his team took to the beaches, debuting a new CForce C4m, C5 and C6. Six trails for customers to try out showed off the power of the new generation of CForce quads, which has been optimised for farm work.
Then came the 139th Canton Fair, a showcase of industry and manufacturing, which is held in China for more than 300,000 buyers across a range of automotive products. CFMoto coverage puts the Canton Fair in the same bracket as the prestigious EICMA motorcycle show in Italy. This year, CFMoto used the occasion to debut a range of interesting new models, from 250cc road bikes for commuters and learners, through to the 675SR-R, a race-bred ‘adrenaline bike’ with a proprietary-designed threecylinder engine.
Also on the stand was a bold foray into adventure bike design. The 1000MX-T develops 111hp alongside 103Nm of torque, but that’s not the whole story. Cornering antilock brakes and three levels of traction control come standard, as does a heated seat and heated grips.
That’s a big portfolio of new machines, but the best has been left for last, and for us. New Zealand now has delivery of the ZForce 950 Sport, a side-by-side offroader, which shows off some of the durability and zest that allowed the company to do so well in recent Paris to Dakar rally events.
With a powerful 963cc four-stroke v-twin tucked low in the middle, and a healthy 85 horsepower on tap, the latest iteration of the ZForce name is compact and aggressive at the same time. There are two power modes for the driver to access; normal mode for lowspeed manoeuvres and sport for when it’s time to let loose. The little 950 Sport sits on 14-inch alloys with grippy, mudfriendly tyres, and boasts 305mm of ground clearance.
the addition of tool-free compression damping adjustment and adjustable tie rods on the quadralink rear suspension set-up, the lightness and torque of the new ZForce shine through across multiple types of terrain. ¢
Of course, the fine detail for any machine like this is in its suspension set-up, and CFMoto engineers have worked hard to evolve the previous platform beyond what was already reckoned a point of nimble balance. With
p CFMoto keeps on creating new ways to enjoy horsepower and put it to work
Send salmonella packing
u by Rory Dean, rural veterinarian
Salmonella is worse than what people may originally think when it gets loose on the farm; here’s why this illness is a crucial threat and how we’re fighting back.
Throughout New Zealand, there has been an increase in the number of cases of salmonella on farms. The uptick in cases is concerning, as it’s an affliction with serious consequences. Salmonella can cause illness and abortion in sheep, but the real cause for concern is in cattle.
Cattle can be affected at any stage of life, but seem to suffer different syndromes depending on age. Young calves often show a high fever, poor appetite and dehydration as the organism circulates in the system.
Sadly, this is then often followed by death unless timely treatment is instigated. This is difficult as the disease typically progresses rapidly in younger animals. Diarrhoea may be seen but isn’t the main clinical sign.
In adult cows, there is a sudden drastic reduction in milk production
followed by violent, often bloody, diarrhoea. The cow typically has a high fever (this can reach 39.5C), then quickly becomes dehydrated and loses weight rapidly. Again, there can be high mortality rates if treatment is not started early.
The veterinary profession is working hard to understand why we are seeing more salmonella on our farms. Luckily, a cost-effective vaccine is available that many farmers choose to use despite not having seen disease on their property. Kaipara Farm Vets’ team of five experienced veterinarians can help you prevent salmonella on your farm. Biosecurity, vaccination and immune support can all be useful in these cases, as well as farm specific factors. Give Kaipara Farm Vets a call today, and safeguard your herd from this emergent threat. ¢
FARM VETS
33 Jellicoe Road, Ruawai, 0530 . 09 439 0783 PO Box 241, Dargaville, 0310 . 14 Normanby Street, Dargaville . 09 439 0007
Payback theme in planting project
u by Paul Campbell
To protect the Kaipara Harbour, farmer Hamish Alexander has overseen the planting of 70,000 native trees and 30,000 redwoods on his 125-hectare block near Kaiwaka.
There were established stands of natives on the land but plantings have doubled that area. Hamish has been working with Kaipara Moana Remediation officers who contributed 6,500 trees, which have been planted on hillsides and riparian strips with support from Kaiwaka nursery Rural Design.
“We have planted all the wettest land and stream edges with natives, significantly reducing silt run-off,” says Hamish. “A further 700 metres of stream edge will be planted by natives this winter.
“On our own account we have planted the balance of the property in coastal redwood trees, and are looking to protect these in perpetuity as a property for future recreation. We are looking to have the property available to those with disabilities to access in the future and enjoy.
“Being from a farming family, I want to acknowledge how much the primary sector has boosted New Zealand over the decades and continues to do so.
“I am fully aware of the damage agriculture has done to the Kaipara in the form of silt build-up. So, for us, this is a pay it forward project for past damage.
“We have always had a strong environmental commitment in the way we have grown our businesses in the past. So, it is very natural for us to be involved with KMR and believe this programme is long overdue.
“We have all benefitted as landowners on the land that drains to the Kaipara. At some stage, we all have to acknowledge that and be prepared to put back into the land and protect the future of the Kaipara Harbour. I guess I am trying to create an example of what can be done by those who can afford it, simply to pay back what we have benefitted in life from this land.” ¢
p Hamish Alexander — giving back to protect the Kaipara Harbour
A dog’s tail …
Anzac an’ a dog wot was a legind
“Well Billy, thanks for lookin’ after the farm while we went off to the lovely service at The Kauri Museum.”
Gidday readas, Billy Borda Colly hear an’ yep, that was Boss’s gerfren’ Sharlene speakin’ in her skoolteecher voice. She an’ Boss left me in charge ova propitty wile they went ter Anzac stuff I didint wurry though, ’cos I hada kennil lie-in beside tha woolshed.
But Sharlene anna Boss decidid ter have afternoon smoko ona woolshed steps, an’ Sharlene was givin’ me a bit ofa cuddle, an’ then she told me that some of my cuzzies were mentioned ina Anzac Day talk atta RSA cuppatees after tha service. An’ she looked at her lappytop komputa she lets me write me kolum on. She said in her skoolteecher voice agen about a dog wot became a hero ina wartime. I prickt up me ears, ’cos I reckin we dogs are blimmin’ brave anyway. Look at me havin’ ter deal with Bruisa tha Bull hear ona farm!
But she then tole me: “Caesar the bulldog was a trained Red Cross dog and helped rescue wounded troops during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Dogs were especially useful for helping stretcher-bearers find wounded soldiers in no man’s land at night. His name was misspelled originally, as: Ceaser, not Caesar.”
Well readas, I cooda tole ya that we dogs don’t do spellin’ anyhow. But she read sum more, too.
“Modern support dogs often German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois track, detect, and apprehend enemies. Explosive
detection dogs — identify explosive odours. The service dogs may wear stabproof harnesses, protective goggles, hearing protection and cameras.”
So readas that gived me a think. Work hear ona farm can be a bit dicey, so mite jus’ ask Boss fer a bit of gear nek time we gotta deal with Bruisa tha Bull wen’ he has a look atta heffer paddick. Last time, he give me a blimmin’ kick ina ribs. I give Boss tha eye ter see if he was lissining to me an’ Sharlene, but he was ina bit ofa daze slurpin’ his cuppatees like usual.
But Sharlene was readin’ a bit more. “In New Zealand, because farm dogs often have less body fat, insulated kennels or dog cover coats are recommended on cold nights to reduce energy loss and maintain condition.”
Well, I give Boss a nudge ter make sure he herd Sharlene, an’ he had, ’cos he acterly give me a pat ona head. “Nah Dog,” he sed, “yer not ina South Island; yer ina winterless north, an’ yer fine with a fadge froma woolshed ter sleep on eh?”
So there it is readas, us dogs hava hard life rilly. But I s’pose I don’t do too bad. At least I dunno have ter go ter war.
Sharlene musta read my thought, ’cos she lookt atta papa froma road gate kattilstop an’ told boss that that
bloke Chump in ’Merica was still causing war stuff. Then she sed: “Never you mind, Billy. Home is where you belong an’ where you’ll be happy eh.”
Yep readas, she’s got that rite, an’ wile some of us might be having aventure, Bruisa Bull is plinty of war stuff for me ter deel with.
Cheers readas — Billy ¢
RUAWAI Rehia Road
Country Lifestyle with Privacy and Outlook
If you’re seeking a peaceful rural setting with space, outlook and privacy, this 1.57ha bare block on Rehia Road presents an excellent opportunity. Nicely positioned above road level, the land lays predominantly to the north, offering an ideal aspect for a future home. A potential building site could capture expansive views across the Ruawai flats, with the Kaipara Harbour visible in the distance - a superb backdrop for country living. Power is located some distance away, so buyers may wish to consider a solar power solution as part of any future build.
$280,000
Inclusive
M 027 471 6388 Ron Grbin
E rgrbin@pggwrightson.co.nz
M 022 312 7704
E dennis.wallace@pggwrightson.co.nz
OPEN HOME
DARGAVILLE 132 Hokianga Road
Perfect for Large and Extended Families
DARGAVILLE 6320 State Highway 12
Outstanding Support Block, Hobby Farm
Versatile 42ha property ideal as a support block, hobby farm or dream home site. Elevated areas offer stunning rural, river and Dargaville township views. Currently a dairy support block, it has wintered up to 126 young cattle and produces grass silage. Two separate titles each with their own road access provide future flexibility. Features include dam water reticulated to a tank, central race, cattle yards, hay barn, old cowshed, flat to easy rolling contour, and beautiful outlooksclose to town yet private
SALE Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Thursday 4 June VIEW By Appointment Only
027 471 6388 Ron Grbin
rgrbin@pggwrightson.co.nz
Nestled on a generous 979m² section, this expansive five bedroom home presents an exciting opportunity for buyers ready to unlock its full potential. With space, character and versatility, this is your chance to bring your offers and your imagination. Kitchen flowing seamlessly into the dining room and spacious lounge with ranch slider that opens onto the deck perfect for indoor outdoor living. Master bedroom with deck and ensuite. Downstairs an open garage and second garage with workshop/storage. Large rumpus room, shower, toilet, small kitchenette, bedroom and lounge area. 5 3 2
pggwre.co.nz/DAG41358
$530,000 VIEW 11.00-11.30am, Sunday 3 May
Erin Grbin
E erin.grbin@pggwrightson.co.nz M 021 716 388
DARGAVILLE 6673 State Highway 12
The Ultimate Family Lifestyle Property
Privately set behind timber gates and palm-lined driveway, this 3.0760ha lifestyle haven offers warmth, character and exceptional outdoor living. The home features macrocarpa ceilings, a cosy gas fire, and great flow to a covered deck overlooking landscaped grounds. Four double bedrooms include master with ensuite, supported by a functional kitchen and internal double garage. A fully self-contained one-bedroom unit adds excellent versatility for guests, extended family, or hobbies. With fruit trees, vegetable garden, eight paddocks, this property delivers space, privacy, and true rural living. 4 2 5
Megan Browning
$890,000 GST Inclusive VIEW By Appointment Only E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz M 027 668 8468
pggwre.co.nz/DAG43050
Research for a fertile future
u by Andy Bryenton
Fertility is of vital importance on dairy farms, with proven downstream effects on
and sustainability.
That’s why research into better management of fertility in the national dairy herd is critical, and why a group of industry leaders has banded together to form the Resilient Dairy Programme, a joint venture with DairyNZ and its subsidiary New Zealand Animal Evaluation, breeding company LIC, and the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Their aim is to improve animal wellbeing and health diagnostics, promote genetic innovations and genomic advancements. Scientists have compiled extensive research during the past 10 years, exploring new methods of cattle pregnancy diagnosis, including wearable technology. This technology can also be used to monitor the time from calving to first heat more accurately.
“Most New Zealand dairy herds calve seasonally, so timing matters. When cows don’t conceive early in the mating period, they calve later the following season, produce less milk early in lactation, and are more likely to be carried over,” said DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Susanne Meier.
“The fertility breeding value (BV) estimates how desirable an animal’s traits are when passed down to offspring. Genetics is one of the tools available to farmers to help improve herd reproductive performance. Every season’s mating decisions shape the future of the herd.”
Fitting better pregnancy diagnosis and ways to measure calving-to-first-heat chronology into the way farms operate is fundamental, but has strong potential. Wearable technology for cattle has come a long way and is now unobtrusive, durable
and affordable. As these traits are influenced by genetics, measuring them accurately can lead to insights and advancements which benefit the entire sector.
“DairyNZ is well placed to act as a ‘trait development accelerator’, bringing the right people together early on — geneticists, sire selection and sales teams, and data custodians early in the development cycle,” Dr Meier said.
“By coordinating this work early, it reduces risk and avoids duplication. Importantly, valuable new traits can be developed faster and are ready to be used on farms, for the benefit of the whole industry.” ¢
WHAT’S ON?
For outside of Dargaville events email info@rml.nz
April
Inland Revenue Clinic — Tue 28 Apr, Heartland Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria St. Bookings essential. 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765. 1st Dargaville Girls’ Brigade 40th Birthday Party — 30 Apr, 3pm–5pm, The Lighthouse Church, 78 Normanby St. Contact Team Leader Pauline 021 263 7446. 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.
THE KAIPARA LIFESTYLER IS PUBLISHED WITH PRIDE BY RURAL MATTERS
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
POUTO POINT
TIDE CHART
MANGAWHAI HEADS
p Wearable technology can provide valuable real-time data to help boost research into cattle fertility
PUZZLE TIME
Oscillate (5)
(5,3,7)
Small tree (5)
Craze (5)
Dispute mediator (10)
Sitter (5)
Large hard-shelled seed (3)
Army head (7) 21 Medicine from foxglove (9)
22 Settle in advance (6)
25 Manly (9)
27 Filter (6)
28 One from Berlin (6)
33 Controlling the rate of (10)
35 Prehistoric Danish S-shaped trumpet (3)
36 Awning (6)
37 Lacklustre (4)
39 Long fish (3)
41 Analgesic drug (7)
42 Equip (6) 43 Stammering (9)
44 Tea container (5)
45 Most resilient (8)
50 Acidity-alkalinity measure (2)
51 Breathing holes (8)
55 Rider (anag)(5)
58 Sudden bright idea (9)
59 Ribald (6)
60 Agony (7)
61 Wager (3)
63 Departure (4)
65 Day before (3)
66 Crude prose (anag) (10)
68 Beer maker (6)
69 Shut (6)
71 Writer of plays (9)
76 Drank cautiously (6)
77 Parade around (9)
79 Cold block (3,4)
81 Short sleep (3)
84 Proportion (5)
85 Heartened (10)
86 Old-fashioned (5)
87 Elbow (5)
88 Shortly (2,3,4,6)
89 Lovers’ meeting (5)
2 Water down (6)
3 Sound (5)
5 Require (4)
6 Feeling (7)
7 Minutiae (6)
8 Additional (5)
9 Previously (7)
10 Domesticate (4)
11 Put up with (6)
12 Companion (5)
13 Refrain from (7)
14 Light shoe (7)
18 Overly sweet (10)
23 Pigtail (5)
24 Denote (7)
26 Witty (7)
27 Expand (7)
29 Cocktail (7)
30 Reaches (4,2)
31 Up in the air (5)
32 Son of Zeus (6)
64 Musically, smooth and connected (6)
34 Adhesive (4)
36 River in Scotland (5)
38 Fake (5)
40 Adroit (4)
45 Furniture item (5)
46 Different (7)
47 Dangle (4)
48 Mutual (6)
49 Back-bending dance (5)
50 Act (7)
52 Chimney (10)
53 Hearsay (7)
54 Connected (6)
55 Fail to meet a financial obligation (7)
56 Command (5)
57 Sever (4)
62 Spacious (5)
67 Breathe (7)
68 Combustion (7)
70 Operating doctor (7)
72 Aglow (7)
73 Defeated (6)
74 Swamp (6)
75 Convent head (6)
76 Garden tool (5)
78 Mohammed’s birthplace (5)
80 Professorship (5)
82 Night-flying insect (4)
83 Alcoholic drink (4)
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
ACROSS: 1 Assay, 4 Hold one’s tongue, 11 Egypt, 14 Scoop, 15 Probability, 16 Abdicate, 19 Aniseed, 20 Aisle, 21 Guesswork, 24 Surcharge, 26 Instil, 27 Strong, 31 Coast, 32 Dandruff, 34 Stereotype, 38 Shorten, 39 Bunker, 40 Lining, 41 Hand, 42 Greeted, 45 Chromosome, 50 Hassled, 54 Edit, 55 Client, 56 Shriek, 57 Bewitch, 60 Mayonnaise, 61 Colossal, 62 Troth, 65 Hinges, 66 Compel, 67 Imaginary, 72 Itinerary, 73 Mourn, 74 Quashed, 79 Hygienic, 80 Stethoscope, 81 Trust, 82 Theft, 83 Out of this world, 84 Spiny. DOWN: 2 Second, 3 Atoms, 5 Oars, 6 Dubbing, 7 Nibble, 8 Silk, 9 Outburst, 10 Elbows, 11 Emigration, 12 Year, 13 Teeming, 17 Bench, 18 Assistance, 22 Macaw, 23 Ponytail, 25 Upsurge, 26 Inferno, 28 Mother, 29 Cuckoo, 30 Wrench, 33 Dough, 35 Ended, 36 Cede, 37 Alto, 42 Gleam, 43 Edifying, 44 Dollar, 45 Chessboard, 46 Rate, 47 Musical, 48 Scroll, 49 Meets, 51 Apex, 52 Stirrer, 53 Excite, 58 Investment, 59 Tango, 63 Aperitif, 64 Ensue, 65 Hatchet, 68 Morocco, 69 Indigo, 70 Robots, 71 Person, 75 Syrup, 76 Ogle, 77 Etch, 78 Opal.
Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.
CARAVAN EWOF (and marine). Call your local inspector today at A+ Electrical Inspections and Security on 021 240 6764. SUZUKI ESCUDO Vitara/Grand Vitara — car parts, WOF parts, 4x4 parts etc. Good parts, good prices. Phone Derek 09 439 7573. TOP SOIL, conditioned
FARM CLEARANCE SALE
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.
SINGLE? OVER 40? Meet other interesting, intelligent, genuine people just like yourself. Dine out ‘Dinner for Six’. Phone 021 639 552. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
PERSONAL
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.
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
KAIPARA SEPTIC Services - Commercial and Domestic Septic Tank cleaning. Fully compliant with Kaipara and Whangarei Councils. Prompt, Professional service. Phone 027 2468 791.
MAGIC PROPERTY Services Ltd. SEPTIC TANK CLEANING. UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S POO LATE! PH: 021 290 0442.
TRADES & SERVICES
CARPENTER/RENOVATOR specialising in General Repairs & Maintenance, and Kitchen Installs. (30yrs senior experience). Contact Mark 027 603 8323 or info@alteredestates.co.nz.
CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09 439
SITUATIONS VACANT
Dargaville High School (DHS) is seeking confident fully licensed drivers to volunteer as MENTOR DRIVERS.
Many students in our school community struggle to get the practical driving experience needed to pass their Restricted Licence - a vital step for employability, especially in rural areas like Dargaville. Can you help?
• Commitment: between 2-4 hours a week (at a regular time).
• We Provide: A vehicle to use (manual) and basic training.
• Requirements: You must be a fully licensed driver and willing to undergo a full Police Vetting.
Interested in getting involved? Contact DHS for more information on 09 439 7229.
Permanent | Y0–8 | Start 2 June 2026
Seeking a versatile, high-energy kaiako for our “one room, one whānau” kura, just 25 mins from Dargaville. Experience the magic of a true multi-level, tuakana-teina environment.
• Schedule: 0.3 FTTE
(Odd weeks: Thu/Fri | Even weeks: Fri). Days negotiable for the right candidate.
• Requirements: NZ Registration
(Beginning Kaiako welcome). Must value whanaungatanga and thrive in a flexible, rural community setting.
Applications close: 4pm, Friday 8 May 2026
To apply:
Email CV and cover letter to Principal Te Paea Adams principal@kaihu.school.nz
