June 18 2024
YOUR LOCAL HELICOPTER OPERATOR
AERIAL WORK & HELICOPTER LIFTING
Kaipara’s Only Regional Newspaper | Kaipara owned and Operated
0800 435 684
10,510 Copies DELIVERED FREE throughout the Kaipara
A community united in celebration Capital or land value for rates?
The Kaipara District Council will undertake a review on the fundamental basis of rating, pending a decision …
P3
p From the children of Poutō School through to government ministers, the mayor and former mayor of Kaipara, Waikāretu Marae’s respected kaumātua and enthusiastic locals; all were unanimous in their enthusiasm as Poutō Point’s new wharf finally opened, triumphantly closing a chapter of development more than two decades long.
A rising legend of rock
Young Dargaville musician Te Timatanga Henare has won a prestigious title at Northland’s Rockquest, opening …
P5
New beginnings at Whānau Focus
Joesephine Nathan has taken up the role of manager at Dargaville’s Whānau Focus Centre, bringing her …
P7
Regional Infrastructure Fund starts here u by Andy Bryenton
Last month’s budget saw the announcement of the new Regional Infrastructure Fund, and while it’s been called by some the ‘spiritual successor’ to the Provincial Growth Fund, its focus is more precise. Helmed by outspoken proponent of regional development Shane Jones, the new RIF is designed to build resilience infrastructure, enhancing a region’s ability to weather storms and disasters. It’s also designed to fund enabling infrastructure; the kind of big projects which unlock tangible economic benefits with wide knock-on effects. “The coalition government is committed to building a stronger, more productive economy, and this fund will help support our regional economies to grow,” Mr Jones says.
BUY - SELL - RENT
“Building infrastructure for growth and resilience is one of the government’s five pillars for rebuilding the economy. This fund, $1.2 billion over three years, will invest in new and existing infrastructure across regional New Zealand.” In good news for Kaipara, part of the initial $200 million allocated from the fund will go to local flood resilience works on the Northern Wairoa River. The stopbanks between Dargaville and Te Kōpuru will be strengthened at a cost of $13 million, to prevent flooding in serious storm events, such as those of early 2023.
“Extreme weather events such as cyclones Hale and Gabrielle last year highlighted the critical need for this infrastructure,” said Mr Jones. “Stopbanks are often the only thing standing between a deluge and economic devastation for a region. While we see councils as responsible for flood protection, this fund will provide valuable one-off support to address critical gaps across the country.” More local projects could be funded by the RIF. Further information on the assessment criteria for the fund will be announced at the end of June. ¢
RESIDENTIAL - RURAL - COMMERCIAL
Let one of our trusted award winning team members look after you. For everything real estate - we Cover the Kaipara
Craig 021 461 668 Sales
Adrianne
Michael
0204 076 2650 027 278 8122 Sales Sales
Kathy
Gary
027 436 4750 Sales
021 902 087 Sales
Rhoda 0274 800 691 Sales
Karyn 029 779 9019 Sales
Nicole
Roper & Jones Licensed under REAA 2008
Dargaville Realty Limited
Jill
021 505 712 0211 251 576 Principal Officer Sales Sales
roperandjones.co.nz
Inez
Simone
Corey
Property Manager
Property Manager
Senior Property Manager
09 431 1016
09 439 7295
143 Hurndall Street Maungaturoto 0520
110 Victoria Street Dargaville 0310