Kaipara Lifestyler, April 14th 2026

Triathlete wins silver Ruawai College student Matthew Watkins

place

Address on education hub for Kaipara

Champions of the waves

u by Amy Fifita

The under-19 males Surf Life Saving Baylys Beach team came back victorious as the top-ranked crew at the national 2026 BP NZ IRB Championships in Gisborne.

With five teams going down to compete, Hunter Schick and Wil Douglas came back as the top U19 team in NZ, along with the Dave Hickey Trophy.

“Hunter and Wil received the top U19 crew in the country. It was a surprising feat for their first time, but they are an amazing team,” said club captain Kyran Gillespie.

Last year, Matty Douglas and Sam Jenkins won the top ranking in the U19 male crew at the BP NZ IRB Championships at Waipu Cove. This year, the duo moved into the U23 age group and won second equal.

“Matty and Sam won that trophy last year at Waipu Cove, and this year they placed second-equal and brought home some medals. It is a very competitive age group, and everyone commended them for doing so well in their first year in the U23.”

With thanks to the other clubs for offering mentorship and lifeguard training, Kyran says the teams were ecstatic and surprised with their results.

“These wins show how well-trained our lifeguards are here, and that they can refine their skills in the racing setting. A fair bit of training goes into specific racing techniques.

have some external mentors from Sunset Beach, Mairangi Bay and other clubs, who have helped us out, since we’ve only been in the scene for a few years. They are doing pretty well for a small team in Baylys.”

If you would like to join Surf Life Saving Baylys Beach, visit slsbaylys.co.nz/getinvolved. You must be 14 years or older to become a lifesaver and between 5 and 13 years old to be part of the Junior Surf programme. ¢

N E W D U V E T I N N E R S

Fun and fundraising

Dual Gas Lift Base

A

Coastguard’s milestone

Volunteer legend

Marae tip move cites ‘health and safety’

u by Paul Campbell

The eight-year fight against the mega-landfill for Auckland’s rubbish in the Dome Valley continues with a ‘grassroots’ court application from the Puatahi Marae adjacent the dump site.

The Waste Management promoted landfill has Environment Court provisional approval, and local iwi leader Peter Symonds says legal opposition will continue in the Māori Land Court.

“I have been concerned as a chairman of Puatahi Marae situated on the Kaipara Harbour adjoining the Hōteo River entrance near where it’s suggested as a waste management area. In my role for our marae my biggest concern is health and safety, pollution and contamination. I am hoping to later establish a kōhanga reo for our upcoming tamariki on Puatahi Marae.

“I would like to see Waste Management New Zealand reconsider building the tip anywhere near the Kaipara Harbour as the harbour also provides food for all iwi of the land.”

In its latest decision, the court said it was satisfied consent could be granted

on modified conditions, with details of the nearly 400 conditions to be finalised.

However, the new battleground takes place at the Māori Land Court to contest a decision during the court hearings by the Ngāti Whātua Post Settlement Governance Entity (PGSE) to reverse opposition and approve the landfill without consulting rank and file members.

The applicants say this also questions the validity of the court’s decision, allowing the dump to go ahead.

Tip the Fight executive Mikaera Miru says the Māori Land Court application is seen as a more accessible and specialist forum for settlement disputes than the High Court judgement on matters of law.

“This is the only realistic option for Māori to hold PSGEs that have gone rogue over the Dome Valley landfill to be held to account — this is starting to happen.” ¢

Triathlete wins silver

u by Amy Fifita

Ruawai College student Matthew Watkins won second place to one of his heroes, Sam Ruthe, in the Bay Radiology NZ Schools Triathlon Championships turned aquathlon.

The event was changed to an aquathlon due to weather conditions, and Matthew showed his athletic skill through his swimming and running. Always looking at ways of improving, the youth athlete is dedicated to the sport.

“He is competitive with himself, not other people, and works to improve each time. Once the gun goes off, Matthew goes into race mode, and he came out in the top four for the swim and held on,” said mother Jo Forsythe.

something, he has worked hard for it. It is hard in Northland because there are not a lot of young triathletes here.”

While his sporty family are supporting him on the sidelines and at home, Jo says Matthew has supported himself to get him to where he is.

“Matthew works milking jobs on a neighbouring farm before and after school and some weekends so he can fund himself.

“He has supported himself to get there, and when he has wanted

While his location offers challenges, Matthew remains focussed on his training, so he can thrive in his sport. He is also a member of the Dargaville Swimming Club and Whangārei Triathlon Club, a step towards his goals of becoming a NZ representative and competing in an Iron Man.

“The community has really helped, and Lee Greer has been instrumental in helping him get to where he is now.” ¢

Te Korowai o Poutama kete is a response to the karanga of whānau to take care of their own loved ones when the time comes.

Our Kaiārahi will come to you and provide whānau the resources, advice, and assistance needed for preparation and ongoing cares throughout the tangihanga. We will also facilitate the logistics of ensuring all regulatory requirements of the whānau are met

Getting hitched?

u by Natalie Robinson, WRMK Lawyers

While legal matters may be the last thing on your mind when planning a wedding, it’s important to take a moment to think about how your assets will be protected.

Before tying the knot, it’s worth considering a prenuptial (contracting out) agreement. It’s also vital to know that in most cases your existing will becomes invalid when you get married. Protecting your assets now can save time, stress and uncertainty later.

Planning to marry or entering a new relationship? A pre-nuptial agreement may be right for you.

As you plan your future together, it may be beneficial to consider what happens to your property if your circumstances were

to change. While no one enjoys having that conversation, addressing issues early lets you decide as a couple what will be right for you, rather than the law dictating how your relationship property will be shared if you split.

In New Zealand the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 governs the division of property after separation or on death. Without a prenup, the presumption of equal sharing usually applies meaning your assets and liabilities are split 50/50 on separation*. This includes your family home, household chattels, relationship debt and other relationship property.

Section 21 of the act allows couples to ‘contract out’ of these rules by entering into a contracting out agreement, otherwise known as a ‘prenup’. The key benefits of a prenup include keeping finances transparent, protecting businesses, preventing disputes if the relationship comes to end, safeguarding inheritances and keeping pre-relationship assets separate.

Contracting out agreements must meet strict requirements under the act. Informal agreements without proper legal

advice will not be legally enforceable — there are no shortcuts.

If you have a business, inheritance or significant personal assets you may want to have an initial conversation with a lawyer about what is considered relationship property — even if you’re not ready to enter into a prenup just yet.

Newly married? Make sure your will complies with New Zealand Law

Under New Zealand Law your will is generally void once you get married or enter into a civil union, unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage or civil union. This is something to consider if you are signing a will before marriage and anticipate marrying your current partner.

If you have recently married or have entered into a civil union without updating your will we recommend speaking with a lawyer to confirm whether your will is still valid.

If a will is invalid, intestacy applies meaning the law, not you, will decide what happens to your estate. Under the

Administration Act 1969, your estate would be dealt with according to a strict legal formula, which can be significantly different to your wishes.

If you are contemplating marriage or are newly married, a professionally drafted will provides peace of mind that your treasured items and assets will be distributed as intended, the people you care about are protected and your funeral arrangements are followed.

*The presumption of equal sharing generally applies to marriages, civil unions and de facto relationships of three years or more, taking into account the circumstances of the relationship. ¢

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19A Andromeda Crescent, East Tamaki, Auckland Phone 09 431 6400

Email: info@terrasaw.com www.terrasaw.com

“TerraTrencher” is a registered trademark

Address on education hub for Kaipara

u by Andy Bryenton

By the time you receive this publication, Professor Doug Sutton of Massey University will have already presented his plan to establish a tertiary education centre in Dargaville to a public meeting of primary producers and interested parties.

Ahead of the meeting, and to broadcast his important message, which could be pivotal in securing a more prosperous future for west Kaipara, Professor Sutton sent the Kaipara Lifestyler the content of his prepared address. This is what meeting attendees heard on Monday night.

Professor Sutton noted that in terms of tertiary education, advanced trades training and research, Northland has been the least well-resourced major region in New Zealand for decades. Kaipara has long been the least well-resourced district in Northland.

“It’s proven, all over the world, that inaccessibility of tertiary education, training and research reduces incomes, increases unemployment and underemployment, intensifies poverty and intergenerational inequality, lowers GDP per capita, weakens innovation, economic resilience and self-determination, and increases the already high costs of health care, social support, incarceration, various dependencies and co-morbidities,” he said. “We need to reverse those effects.

“The news tonight is that we’re here to decide whether to unbuckle that lead blanket and throw it off. If you choose to engage, we can do this jointly by creating sustainable, powerful and accountable tertiary education, trades training and research in and for Kaipara.”

Then came confirmation that Massey is reviewing its current teaching models. The university’s delivery group, led by Hoana Paul, is writing a proposal for improvements designed with Kaipara in mind, soon to be submitted to the Massey Review for its consideration.

This will require three plans to be written: a Kaipara Tertiary Education Plan, a business plan to quantify the economic benefits of stronger local education, and a combined plan showing how these aims work together. Massey University needs these plans written by July 15.

To make them accurate, Professor Sutton needs collaboration from Dargaville and Kaipara producers.

“Business owners and operators will know what gaps there are between the workforce you have now and the workforce you need to grow your businesses, to increase productivity, profitability and self-determination. Workers will know what additional skills they need,” he said.

Gaps are known to exist in animal agriculture, dairy, horticulture, food processing, product development and livestock genetics. They exist in construction, health services, IT and manufacturing. These fields are likely to produce more than 70 per cent of GDP by 2030.

“There is recognition of the need to make tertiary education and advanced trades training available to a large number of Kaipara residents,” said Professor Sutton.

“Both now and in future, these people may be unemployed, in part-time or full-time work, seeking employment, seeking more rewarding employment, or

interested in technical skills acquisition through short bespoke courses and qualifications. They may want business, executive and management skills to support career advancement.”

With a willingness to collaborate, local businesses could see a Massey-led tertiary hub established and teaching by 2027. ¢

Easter hamper winner drawn Programme turning lives around

u by Andy Bryenton

Easter is a time for winning in Dargaville, with the 2026 Easter Hamper Draw seeing huge support from a roll call of local businesses.

With Easter weekend behind us and all the chocolate eggs mysteriously vanished from the fridge, all that remained was for the Kaipara Lifestyler to draw a winner for Dargaville’s biggest seasonal hamper prize ever.

The immense hamper contains gift vouchers, products and prizes from Snazzi Gifts, the Dargaville Warrant and Repair Centre, Shiney Beauty and Jewellery, the Empire Luncheonette, the Health Spa, MOA Bakery and Cafe, Godfrey’s Mowers and Chainsaws, 100% McKay’s, Hammer Hardware, Supahn Thai Restaurant, Laser Electrical, the Kauri Computer Company, Fosters Home Decorating, Dargaville Motors, CarMech Services, B’arch Wear the Funk Store, Morfett Autos, Matich’s Fish Shop, Farrand and Mason, House of Lash and Brows, the Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre, Dargaville Honda, Century 21, Boarding House Antiques and Collectables, Kauri Coast Pizzeria and Jon Matich Surfwear.

As is traditional, all of these goodies go to one lucky contestant, who tracked down the bunnies in Dargaville shops, and also provided proof of two receipts from participating retailers.

This year that winner was Maddison Mathews, who will take home an absolutely stupendous prize thanks to our local business community. It’s because of generosity like this that you should always support your locals.

Many thanks to everyone who participated in our big bunny hunt and prize draw. There might be another chance to score a colossal prize coming when you hear the sleigh bells jingle later in the year, but you’ll have to wait for the word from the big fellow in red to find out more. ¢

u by Amy Fifita

Coming from a life of crime, violence, alcohol and drugs, Toa Duncan has turned his life around using programmes like Celebrate Recovery.

With an upbringing of crime and addiction, that’s all he thought he was going to be, until God stepped in. Using community programmes like Celebrate Recovery, amongst others, Toa is now clean, sober and living a life of faith.

“These programmes have helped me a lot. A lot of men and sometimes women don’t want to ask for help, but no one is helping you — you’re helping yourself,” said Toa.

“It is a space for people to overcome the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol with the king of the universe. If you want to be a good builder, you surround yourself with builders, or if you aim for being a good artist, you hang around artists — it’s the same mentality with recovery.”

With a criminal, drug and alcohol lifestyle behind him, Toa has set his eyes on the future. A trained arborist, he wants to establish his own property maintenance business and hire bornagain believers who are coming out of rehabilitation and prison.

Two Celebrate Recovery sessions are run out of the Dargaville Church of the Nazarene on 5.30pm–7.30pm for

the mixed group and a women’s group starting on Friday, April 24 at 10am–noon. For more information, contact Gary — 021 174 8737.

“If anyone wants to know about Celebrate Recovery, all you have to do is walk through the door, and God will do the rest.” ¢

2026 EASTER COLOURING COMPETITION WINNERS

1st

Dog control discussion

u by Andy Bryenton

Kaipara deputy mayor Gordon Lambeth has

for public discussion.

“The growing complexity of dog-related issues, particularly dangerous dogs, unregistered animals and dogs associated with gangs and criminal activity, has highlighted the limitations of a purely local regulatory approach,” said Mr Lambeth.

He highlights the high per-capita dog ownership rate across New Zealand, and serious incidents demand police involvement to uplift or secure dangerous dogs from uncooperative owners. While Mr Lambeth confirms that local council staff, including those in Kaipara, are doing a sterling job despite the limitations of their investigative and legal powers, his solution proposes that the police should take over dog control under a new, consistent nationwide system.

As a former officer, Lambeth opines the warrant powers, national database potential and strong legal authority to seize dangerous dogs, even from belligerent owners, make law enforcement a good fit to either entirely manage dog control, or employ a hybrid model.

“Police could handle dangerous dog cases, criminally-linked dogs and highrisk enforcement, while councils retain responsibility for registration, minor complaints and community education under this model,” Lambeth said.

A third option is a nationwide dog control agency, operating under the police but staffed by trained civilians. Any of these options would help councils focus on the core functions and capped rates the prime minister has insisted on, while taking definitive action on dangerous dogs.

“A hybrid model or a police-aligned national agency may offer the most balanced approach, combining the strengths of police authority with the efficiency of specialised civilian enforcement,” Lambeth said. ¢

Call for new knights

u by Andy Bryenton

The Dargaville Mediaeval Combat Club is

open now for new members to learn the sword-fighting

mediaeval heroes and warriors.

The club’s beginner longsword intake is the perfect way to get started, in an exciting historic martial art supervised and taught by experienced locals in a safe environment.

“It’s suitable for everyone, no previous experience is needed, and we can teach those with a wide range of fitness and mobility levels, all ages and genders,” says club captain Kurt Richards.

“To make sure it’s affordable to take part, we have invested in a large amount of equipment such as helmets and safe practice swords, to cut the upfront cost for new knights. It’s only $15 for each lesson to take part. For beginners, we use foam swords, so it’s low impact, but it’s still an exciting western martial art, which provides exercise, education and engagement with history.”

More than a dozen current knights have taken up this challenge, and the club captains are certain that you can learn, too.

“If you have ever had a great time sword fighting with sticks or just want

to ‘bonk your friends’, this is a great club to be part of.”

There’s a similar club in Whangārei, and others around New Zealand. Plans are even afoot to organise a medieval renaissance faire locally in the coming summer.

Come along to the Kaipara Community Centre hall on Hokianga Road (opposite the cinema) on Wednesdays, 6.30pm to 8.30pm if you’d like to learn more, talk to the club captains and sign up for a life of knightly adventure. ¢

RUAWAI 132 Access Road

Your Next Project Awaits

If you've been searching for a home with space this country bungalow is ready for your creativity. Set on a generous 7770sqm (approximately) lifestyle section, this property offers room to breathe, play and create the rural haven you've always imagined. With four bedrooms the bungalow is ready for someone with vision to restore it to its former glory. Double garage and also a large shed suitable for storage and workshop needs. Currently being subdivided and awaiting title, this property offers an exciting opportunity to secure your slice of countryside with plenty of potential to add value.

Inclusive (Unless Sold Prior)

DARGAVILLE A Standout Home With Exceptional Views

A standout 34.67ha lifestyle property with stunning rural views and a warm, character-filled four bedroom, two bathroom home. Timber features, open plan living, wood fire, heat pumps, and great indoor-outdoor flow. Impressive 9x18m four-bay shed with concrete and power. Native bush, grazing land, well setup cattle yards, and a gravity-fed spring and water system. A private, well-set-up property that’s hard to beat. Enquiries welcome. 4 2 4

DARGAVILLE 1067 Hoanga Road

Dairy Farm With Scale, Potential & Infrastructure

An exceptional opportunity awaits with this 203 hectare low-input dairy farm, offered across five titles and presenting genuine potential for increased production and diversified land use. Currently milking 400 cows, this property has demonstrated consistent production thanks to fertile soils, strong pasture performance, and productive flats, some of which have been laser drained for improved efficiency. Farm Infrastructure includes, 35 ASHB cowshed with yarding, abundant calf sheds and implement sheds, Reliable layout with good access to support buildings, Proven history under long-term family ownership in the past with now operated as a lease farm Accommodation on farm is a brick and tile homestead on its own title, elevated with views across the farm. Two additional four bedroom homes, both with garaging and convenient access to the dairy shed. Only 11 kilometres from a rural town and supportive community, providing schooling, services, and essential amenities within easy reach. This is a property with versatility and upside. Suitable for dairy, cropping, horticulture, grazing, or mixed farming - or continue with the current leasee, who is interested in staying on to milk for another year.

(if any) (Unless Sold Prior)

2.00pm, Wednesday 29 April

By Appointment Only

Nellwyn Lulich

M 029 127 4729

E nellwyn.lulich@pggwrightson.co.nz

Megan Browning

M 027 668 8468

E mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz

2 2

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Thursday 30 April VIEW By Appointment Only

mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz M 027 668 8468 Megan Browning

A cavalcade of classics

u by Andy Bryenton

Times Gone By

Underwood family goes to war

Fred Underwood (rear) and his cousins, brothers Ernest (left) and Frank Percy Underwood, were in the 15th North Auckland regiment from Maungaturoto. Before they left to fight in the first world war, this portrait was taken of them by photographer Herman John Schmidt in Auckland. All three served at Gallipoli. Fred was injured early in the campaign and was sent home. Frank and Ernest went on to fight in the Somme, and both were injured on September 25 1916. Frank died from his injuries on October 2 1916 and was buried at St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France. Ernest was later discharged as unfit for further service.

Image credit: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections

EDITORIAL by Andy Bryenton

Living in interesting times

It’s one of those famous little facts presented in speeches about business and self-help in general, that the Chinese word for a crisis is the same one used by that ancient language to mean an opportunity. While linguists fluent in the 5,000-year development of language in China would quibble that the word weiji doesn’t quite mean both at once, it is made up of pictograms meaning ‘danger’ and ‘a pivotal moment of decision’.

The upshot is that every emergency has within it the potential to show one’s character, and decide which future is embraced. Certainly, it’s only when trouble comes knocking that we can exhibit bravery, and when misfortune strikes, we can choose either to stand together and overcome, or trample the women and children to get to the lifeboats.

We saw it after Cyclone Gabrielle battered the north. As flood waters rose, farmers with tractor-mounted pumps rolled out to help keep them down. Trees fallen across roads and driveways were tackled by can-do folks driving the streets with chainsaws and a good attitude. The offers of hot food, blankets, assistance and help clearing debris were everywhere.

Now we’re in the teeth of another crisis, and while it’s caused by geopolitics and war, not natural forces, the weiji is the same. With fuel prices climbing to record

highs and everyone feeling the pinch, it’s a chance to show what we’re made of. There were people (and to successive governments’ shame, many of them working full-time) already in dire need before war erupted over the Straits of Hormuz. Now, thousands face a situation you can’t budget your way out of, glib smarm about avocado toast and cutting back on coffee notwithstanding.

We even have a template of how it could go. The canonical reason behind the dystopian wasteland of the famous Mad Max films is that oil wars brought on social collapse. If it’s every warlord for themselves in this current crisis, that might be the bellwether moment that makes us realise we’re headed for inappropriate leatherwear and demolition derbies in the desert.

The alternative is to embrace the ‘ji’ part of that old Chinese word. In a real way, ‘what can we do to survive’ and ‘what can we do to help each other’ are the same thing. If we can do simple things like carpooling with our neighbours, sharing and swapping our own produce, trading our skills to save money and pooling what resources we can, it’s a rejection of the false division that would have us all competing to enrich those who, let’s be fair, will not feel this crisis as keenly. ¢

LEST WE FORGET ANZAC Day 25th April

Tribute to brothers in arms

u by Andy Bryenton

A century ago, Gordon Coates was New Zealand’s prime minister, but before he took up the mantle of that office he was a soldier, and a special Anzac Day event at his homestead of Ruatuna will pay tribute to his family’s sacrifice and service in wartime.

Cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Ruatuna near Matakohe was the home of Gordon Coates and his brother William, both of whom served in the first world war. Gordon rose to the rank of major, and his political supporters lauded his exemplary record of service as he sought high office. He fought in Ypres, La Basseville, the Somme, MailleyMaillet and in Germany as the war came to an end; some of the most brutal trench warfare in history.

He returned to his home, and embarked on a career in politics that would see him become prime minister. His brother William, however, was not so lucky, and never again came back to Ruatuna. He’d volunteered to serve with the Auckland Mounted Rifles, and attained the rank of sergeant major, fighting in the Gallipoli campaign.

“Eventually William was able to transfer to the Royal Flying Corps where

he thought he would be able to better use his engineering skills, and perhaps develop a flying career after the war,” says Ruatuna visitor services coordinator Mary Stevens.

“After earning his wings in 1917, William was posted to the Front. He and Gordon managed to meet up in early July and spend a day together, but after three weeks on active flying duties William was shot down after turning back to help a fellow pilot who was under attack.”

The bravery of those early pilots was legendary. All knew that they were fighting in a whole new arena of war, and that the life expectancy of a pilot was measured in hours. William was initially listed as missing though a Court of Inquiry confirmed his death a few months later.

“Both the Coates brothers served with distinction during the first world war, as did hundreds of other men and women from the Kaipara,” says Mary. “Our exhibition

is a way to honour and remember the sacrifice of these men and women.”

War memorabilia relating to both William and Gordon will be on display as part of a special exhibition on Anzac Day, at Ruatuna from 10am until 2.30pm, 441 Tinopai Road, Matakohe. ¢

LEST WE FORGET ANZAC Day 25th April

A wartime escape saga

u by Paul Campbell

In November 1940, Royal Airforce 211 Squadron equipped with Blenheim bombers moved from Egypt to Greece and flew from the base of Mt Olympus to raid Albania across the Adriatic Sea. My late father Robert Douglas ‘Bob’ Campbell, a Kiwi RAF pilot, was a veteran of 25 raids when his luck ran out.

I have this first-hand account of an unsung and amazing wartime adventure from RAF archives in this (edited for length) 1944 debriefing.

“I was shot down during a daylight raid on Valona port by a G-50 fighter, which forced me to crash land into the sea. I broke my leg when we hit the water and had to swim about a mile and a half to the shore. I crawled four thousand feet and finally collapsed on the top of a ridge.

“I was found by Albanians and, during the night, captured by Italian Alpini troops. I was tied to a donkey and after an allnight ride I arrived at a first-aid post and my leg was set. At a naval hospital, Valona, I was interrogated. They offered me wine and bread, which was then taken from me in an effort to break down my spirit. After fainting during this questioning a doctor put me to bed and I was given food.

“A day later, I was shifted to a military hospital at Tirana where I spent a month

and a half. I was shifted to a concentration camp at Fieri in southern Albania. Although it might have been possible to escape, I was unable to attempt it because of my leg. The Greeks were treated as dogs at this place.

“After ten days, I was moved to Italy via Valona and Brindisi by boat and was finally taken to Sulmona in Abruzzi. In February 1942, in a very weak condition from lack of food, I was moved to Poppi near Florence. I pretended to contract TB, and with the help of two British doctors got myself admitted to a civil hospital at Arezzo.

in

was

went back the way I came out. I was then moved to Modena in north Italy.

“I managed to get out via a lavatory window on the roof and could find no place to tie my sheets. After two hours, I

“The Allies landed in southern Italy and the camp was occupied by Germans. Three other officers and I escaped by climbing the wall at the rear of the camp and crawling through the barbed wire. A German sentry shot at several

officers who followed us, and I know three were wounded [9 September 1943].

“We ran for about two miles and were hidden in a patch of corn by three Italian girls. We decided to attempt to walk to the south of Italy and connect with the 8th Army, a distance of about 400 miles. We walked for four days dressed as Italian farm workers.

“We went to a small station and, during the night, scrambled on to a train going south. I managed to hang on to the bumpers between trucks and the other three clung on wherever they could. We stayed there for eighteen hours and finally arrived at Pescara where a large British bombing had just taken place.

“This enabled us to pass through the station where we counted seven trains destroyed.

“The Italians were looting these German supply trains and complete havoc was the order of the day. When Germans passed near us we tried to look cheerful and smiling and said ‘buon giorno’. They usually looked at us with scorn and walked on. German control of bridges, road junctions, stations, etc was becoming

tighter, so we decided to abandon the rail and take to the hills and found a small coal shed in a vineyard. We stayed there, closely surrounded by Germans who were building fortifications, and were fed by friendly Italians.

“The Germans put a price of thirty pounds on our heads and brought pressure to bear on the Italians, making it extremely dangerous to stay longer. We left one night at midnight and walked for sixteen hours.

“We discarded everything, except bare necessities in the way of food and clothing, and set off to cross the Bifferno River about forty miles away. We walked solidly by night and carried out reconnaissance by day.

“On the fourth night we reached a point in the hills overlooking the Bifferno river and watched the artillery duels between the Allies and the Germans. From this point we established the exact position of our troops and decided we could reach them in one night.

“We crossed the river while the Germans in the immediate vicinity were otherwise engaged.

“We stripped off and our white skins blended with the rocks of the riverbed. Once across, we were safe.”

My father was flown via Gibraltar to London and returned to New Zealand and RNZAF service, as fears were at that time focussed on a possible Japanese attack. ¢

A loving tribute

u by Amy Fifita

In honour of his brother, Lance Corporal Christopher John Robinson, army number 41348, Evan Robinson is hosting a memorial for those who knew him at his Ruawai property on Monday, May 4.

Attending the local schools, Chris was raised alongside his sister Janet Bryant and brothers, Mark and Evan Robinson, in Ruawai. In 1965, he left to serve in the army with his friend Paul Thomas.

“Nothing would stop my brother. He could do anything he set his mind to, making him a good military person. Chris and Paul left Ruawai together and joined the army, and they went all over the world, including Fiji,” said Evan.

Trained as part of the 1965 regular force cadet school intake, Chris travelled to Fiji and other places, and served for 12 months in active service during the Vietnam War. With Chris returning to Ruawai from time to time to see his family and friends, Evan holds many fond memories of his brother.

“One time, he came home with some thunder flashes. They cause huge explosions, but they are harmless, so we went out in the front paddock with one of his army helmets.

“They put the explosive down, lit it and put the army helmet over the top of it, and boom, she went, as far up as you’d wish to see. We did it a few times, before my father came out telling us to stop it, because if it went down onto his fibrelite roof — it would break it.”

Married to Leslie and the father of their two children, Dion and Tracey, Chris was tragically killed at the age of 28. On May 4 1976, while at Waiouru, Chris was tragically killed in a training accident involving an armoured personnel carrier.

“Chris was killed in a military accident at Waiouru in what they now call the Robinson Memorial Pond, named after him. They swim the armoured personnel carriers on it because they can go into the water to the other side and keep going.”

Marking the 50th year since his passing, Evan is holding a memorial at 143 Dunn Road, Ruawai, at 2.30pm on Monday, May 4. Afternoon tea is included. ¢

The ship that carried our name

u by Andy Bryenton

She was built as a gift from New Zealand to Britain, but the HMS New Zealand became more than just a pledge of fealty when the first world war broke out.

The HMS New Zealand was the first battlecruiser funded by the New Zealand government, but ironically not for our own defence. The Indefatigable-class warship was paid for by local taxes, but was built and owned by the British Royal Navy; a symbol of the colonial relationship existing in 1911.

There’s the opinion among military historians that New Zealand came of age as a nation during the Gallipoli campaign, and the reality of war also deeply affected the sailors and officers of the HMS New Zealand, which became known as one of the luckiest warships in the British fleet.

The real test of the battlecruiser which carried our nation’s name came in 1914, when Admiral John Jellicoe’s fleet struck against German patrols in the Heligoland Bight. On August 28 a flotilla, including the HMS New Zealand attacked, sinking three German warships and a torpedo boat.

On January 24 1915, Royal Navy ships, including the HMS New Zealand, caught

up with a German squadron and chased them down in a long-range firefight. The German battleship Blucher was sunk and the squadron chased back to port, with no British casualties.

Retaliation came in late May 1916. The German navy executed a plan to entrap the British, aiming to divide their ships and smash the blockade of the English Channel. The HMS New Zealand was part of the force assembled to feint into the trap and then hammer the German fleet. Signals had been intercepted, and the British knew that an ambush was planned. Their counterstrike developed into the Battle of Jutland, as Admiral Jellicoe’s fleet steamed right over the unprepared German U-boats and his fellow commander, Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty, lured the German ships into thinking their ruse had worked.

It became a pitched naval battle, with more than 250 heavily armed vessels in full engagement. By the time the fighting

p HMS New Zealand fought in all of the major naval battles of that conflict, but suffered only a single direct hit

was over, 14 British and 11 German warships were sunk, and almost 10,000 sailors lost their lives.

The HMS New Zealand was in the thick of it, but only suffered a single direct hit and no casualties; testament to the aura of good luck sailors ascribed to the ship. The captain and crew attributed some of this good fortune to two tāonga sent by New Zealanders to accompany them in battle; a greenstone hei tiki and a warrior’s piupiu. ¢

Election issues manifested

u by Andy Bryenton

With the goal of doubling export revenue in mind, and following a year of successes around the trade negotiations table and in fiscal returns, the government seems well placed to tick all the boxes in Horticulture New Zealand’s recently released election priorities report.

Every time the nation goes to the polls, the HortNZ manifesto focusses on what’s of vital importance to this big sector of the rural economy, and this year is no different. The top points on the list include matters of growth, resilience and the massive part the horticultural sector plays in local food security. Added to that is the sheer fiscal power of horticultural exports, and the potential for even more global recognition.

“The horticulture sector is essential to the health of New Zealanders and

contributes significantly to our economy,” said HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott, as the manifesto went out for public discussion, and the inevitable scrutiny of parliamentarians.

“The Ministry for Primary Industries’ latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report forecasts horticulture export revenue will rise five per cent to $9.2 billion in the year to 30 June 2026. Together with government, industry, Māori and science partners, the sector aims to double the farmgate value of horticulture production by 2035.”

It’s a lofty goal, but one which is in sight, and the sector’s leadership have a plan to achieve. What’s needed, says Ms Scott, is a commitment by lawmakers to facilitate efficiency amid Kiwi orchards, groves and fields.

“To achieve this, we need practical policy settings including strengthening biosecurity and crop protection access, cutting red tape, ensuring sustainable water security, building a skilled workforce, supporting fair grocery markets and investing in critical infrastructure,” Scott said.

That means strengthening biosecurity, for swift and effective responses as

recently seen with the prompt eradication of invasive fruit fly in Papatoetoe, Auckland. It means cutting red tape and bureaucratic duplication, with an emphasis made on water security; two factors tied inextricably with the replacement to the Resource Management Act. There’s also a strong emphasis in the manifesto for fair and competitive grocery markets. Something highlighted as problematic during the Ardern administration and still a sore point with many producers and consumers.

“A future-focussed horticulture sector underpins New Zealand’s long-

term economic goals, from increasing productivity and diversifying exports to building a low-emissions economy with strong international competitiveness,” says Ms Scott.

“With consistent policy, fair markets, secure water and workforce settings, and access to modern tools, horticulture can remain one of New Zealand’s standout sectors.”

It’s now up to parliamentary hopefuls, in what is shaping up to be an election defined by the cost of living, to decide if the horticultural export powerhouse deserves their full attention. ¢

A dog’s tail …

Neva mine tha wether says tha Boss

“Goodness me Dog, good thing we headid home wen we did, ‘cosa that blimmin’ tiefoon thingy,” seda Boss wile we was ina wooshed lookin’ atta rein fallin’ ouside, an’ waitin’ for the big widescreen telly ter play them Back Ferns ladies ina ‘Merica.

Y’see readas, Boss an’ his gerlfren’ Sharlene shot thru ter Te Kūiti ter see there mate from downa road ina sharing wile I was left to look afta tha proppitty. Well, they arrived back ina farm unit, an’ reckind it was a wet an’ windy drive. Sharlene tole me in her skoolteecher voice about how that Toa Henderson bloke went atta NZ Sharing Champs downa country. “The final was dominated by New Zealand teammates Jack Fagan and Toa Henderson,” she reckind.

“It was Henderson first off the board by less than three seconds, completing the country’s longest shearing final in 18m 57.25s, but it was Fagan who claimed the title, which had been won 17 times by his father Sir David Fagan.”

Well, Boss sed he new that his mate Toa “gonna do tha bizniss.” I wasint shore wot doing sum one’s bizniss hada do with sharin’ champs but Sharlene heard, an’ sed: “The new champion Fagan had been dreaming of winning the New Zealand open for the 12 years he’d been in the top grade.”

But Boss looked outta door an’ seda rein had stopped. “Looks like we missed tha werst weather hear eh?” An’ Sharlene looked atta lappy top, an’ sed a few roads

got closed ina floodin’, and there was a cupla slips ona Brinderwin hills again, but that was sumpthin’ about being par for tha course — but no reel damage.

But the people downa country got the brunt ofa storm. Boss reckind it was a bit of a big blow alright but then he said “its bark was worse than its bite.” Now, that had me puzzild as usual, ‘cos barkin’ an’ maybe bitin’ Bruiser tha Bull ona hind legs wen he needs a hurry up away froma heffers’ paddick is wot I do for a livin’, an’ nothing ter do with tha whether. But then Boss looked atta telly. “There’s a girls playing now. Time to watch footy.”

Well Boss an’ Sharlene was soon sayin’ they was “happy as Larry” about the game. I dunno who Larry is. But she gave me a hand to finish this kolum ona lappy top an’ wrote:

“The Black Ferns won against the USA by 48–15 with a charge through the middle and letting the wings do the speed stuff, and right wing Mererangi Paul scored a hat-trick and fullback Renee Holmes two tries. A bit like those sevens girls, the 15 players had plenty of attacking pace to carry them through the Americans.”

So, there ya goes readas, whether tha tiefoon thingy gone an’ our mate sharing guns havin’ wins, an’ the ladies footy goin’ strong, we still gotta All Blacks ter look forward to. Never mine tha whether, wile we got tha footy on tap.

Cheers readas — Billy ¢

u by Rory Dean, rural veterinarian

Teat spraying; it’s not that simple. Preventing

and application.

Teat spraying cows after milking is a cornerstone of mastitis control in New Zealand. This is a safe practice that can significantly reduce the risk of mastitis and high cell counts throughout the year, as well as improve teat skin condition. However, when the Kaipara Farm Vets team carry out visits to assess milking time visits, there are often issues with teat spray.

Commonly, application and teat coverage is a major issue. Either automated systems that are not registering the cow properly, or manual teat sprayers that are not being used appropriately. One way to combat this is to encourage all staff to use the ‘dinner plate’ technique.

When using a manual teat-spraying wand, the operator’s hand movement should create the shape of a dinner plate, ensuring all surfaces of all four teats are covered effectively with the disinfectant.

Just recently, the Kaipara Farm Vets team attended a milking where less than five per cent of teats were adequately covered, despite gallons of teat spray being used. What a waste. A little care and attention to technique

can therefore boost productivity by slashing the cost of materials, while also guaranteeing a better guard against mastitis.

Some other key points the Kaipara Farm Vets team regularly advise on include ensuring the water used to make up teat spray is clean and healthy. A cooled hot water cylinder is great for ensuring that water has been raised to a temperature that’s bad for bugs, then cooled to a comfortable level. We’ve also seen teat spray being stored for too long or in open containers, or the product not being made up correctly. All of these factors can mean that the spray is less effective, and that’s not optimum.

The two main disinfectants used are iodine and chlorhexidine, although there are others. Importantly, emollients such as glycerine can be added, and these are very useful in wet weather when teat condition can deteriorate quickly. Getting the formula right means better results, and your local farm vet can help. Your cows’ teats are their first line of defence against infection, so discuss your teat spraying practice with the Kaipara Farm Vets team today. ¢

Top Kaipara library picks for April

u by Ella Merrick

The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wounden

It is 1961, and the rural Dutch province of Overijssel is quiet. Bomb craters have been filled, buildings reconstructed, and the war is truly over. Living alone in her late mother’s country home, Isabel knows her life is as it should be — led by routine and discipline. But all is upended when her brother Louis brings his graceless new girlfriend Eva, to stay for the season. In this short book, Wounden masterfully tackles a myriad of historical themes. The building of tension in the house between Isabel and Eva was a highlight. This book really shows the power of silence and subtlety in crafting a plot with an intense, twisty ending.

Toto Among the Murderers by

Sally J Morgan

It is 1973, and Jude, known to her friends as Toto, has just graduated from art school and moves into a house in a run-down part of Leeds. Jude is a chaotic wild child who flirts with the wrong kind of people, drinks too much and gets high too often. Never happy to stay in one place for very long, her restlessness takes her on hitchhiking jaunts up and down the country. Her best friend, Nel, is the only steady influence Jude has, but Nel’s life isn’t as perfect as it seems. A heartfelt, queer, coming-of-age story based on the author’s own run-in with infamous murderers Fred and Rosemary West. This story takes you on a weird and wonderful ride, embracing all the wonderful complexities of womanhood.

April

Circus Kumarani — Free Circus Holiday Programmes (8–18yrs) 15 April 10am–2pm at Paparoa Memorial Hall. 16 April 12pm–4pm at Mangawhai Library Hall. Ruawai Festival 26 — 18 April 9am–2pm, koha entry, Ruawai Tokatoka War Memorial Hall. Food, info, crafts. 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 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

Paparoa, Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka, Mangawhai and Wellsford.

I Who Have Never Known Men by

Jacqueline Harpman

Deep underground, 40 women live imprisoned in a cage. Watched over by guards, the women have no memory of how they got there, no notion of time, and only a vague recollection of their lives before. I Who Have Never Known Men is a novel that delves into the hearts and minds of a group of women facing the unimaginable. This book is a masterful character study that delves into how different environments shape us and how love and friendship can still blossom in the darkest of places.

The Cedar Cutter by Tea Cooper

When Roisin Ogilvie moves to Wollombi, her thoughts are only of protecting her illegitimate son, Ruan, from his powerful and dangerous father. Posing as an impoverished widow, she settles into a quiet existence as a local dressmaker. She doesn’t expect to catch the attention of Irish champion cedar cutter Carrick O’Connor. From the first page, the author shows her amazing descriptive powers. The plot’s background unfolds throughout the story, culminating in an exciting, happy ending. A clever, spellbinding story with historical interest.

WED 15 2:28am (0.8m) 8:40am (3.1m) 2:54pm (0.6m) 9:09pm (3.2m) THU 16 3:15am (0.6m) 9:26am (3.3m) 3:39pm (0.5m) 9:54pm (3.3m) FRI 17 4:00am (0.5m) 10:11am (3.4m) 4:23pm (0.3m) 10:38pm (3.4m) SAT 18 4:45am

18 1:26am (0.5m) 7:47am (2.7m) 1:52pm (0.4m) 8:16pm (2.8m)

19 2:13am (0.5m) 8:37am (2.7m) 2:40pm (0.3m) 9:05pm (2.8m)

20 3:03am (0.4m) 9:28am (2.8m) 3:29pm (0.3m) 9:54pm (2.8m)

TUE 21 3:54am (0.5m) 10:20am (2.7m) 4:19pm (0.3m) 10:46pm (2.8m)

PUZZLE TIME

74 Call time (anag)(8)

76 Setting loose (10)

81 Absconder (7)

82 Debacle (6)

83 Wild feline (6)

84 Outdoor fund-raising function (4)

85 Mocking remark (7)

86 Unvarying (10)

87 Passed on (7) DOWN

1 Dashed (5)

2 Freshwater turtle (8)

3 Plays (6)

4 Christmas song (5)

5 Tidings (4)

6 Hearing distance (7)

7 Split up (6)

8 Siren (anag)(5)

10 Weaving apparatus (4)

11 Put in danger (7)

12 Free from a liability (6)

17 Mail centre head (10)

18 Stage whisper (5)

22 Manacle (8)

23 Taken in (5)

24 Tempted (7)

26 Decisive defeat (4)

28 Ignorant of (7)

29 Paid male lover (6)

30 Builds (6)

31 Got married to (6)

33 Hairdresser’s premises (5)

35 Flat round cheese (5)

36 Tight-fisted (4)

37 Left at sea (4)

43 Beginning (6)

44 Oily fruit (5)

46 Second-hand (4)

47 Police member (7)

48 Proprietors (6)

49 Diary note (5)

50 Fragile (8)

51 Stalked (6)

52 Printed stationery (10)

53 Undiluted (4)

54 Horizon (7)

59 Arousing suspicion (5)

60 Broad smile (4)

64 Inn (5)

65 Completely (8)

67 Very old (7)

68 Savage (7)

70 Mythical woman with hair of serpents (6)

71 Shuts (6)

72 French painter (6)

75 Spanish friend (5)

77 Bungling (5)

78 Gluttony (5)

79 Admirers (4)

80 Mast (4)

Sudoku

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

ACROSS: 1 Ached, 4 Out of commission, 14 Mitre, 15 Inept, 16 Forthright, 17 Title, 19 Elk, 20 Outlook, 21 Hailstone, 22 Looted, 25 Suspended, 27 Pedals, 28 Popped, 33 Whispering, 35 Duo, 36 Pewter, 37 Brig, 39 Cue, 41 Gourmet, 42 Marine, 43 Reference, 44 Stays, 45 Inverted, 50 PS, 51 Drawback, 55 Extra, 58 Erroneous, 59 Rotate, 60 Epitaph, 61 Eat, 63 Lair, 64 Liquor, 65 All, 66 Retirement, 68 Rotten, 69 Crèche, 71 Splitting, 76 Hyphen, 77 Brochures, 79 Nomadic, 81 Pie, 84 Sated, 85 Vaudeville, 86 Jetty, 87 Nudge, 88 Once in a blue moon, 89 Steps. DOWN: 2 Concur, 3 Expel, 5 Upon, 6 Outrage, 7 Circle, 8 Might, 9 Intoned, 10 Site, 11 Option, 12 Steed, 13 Heckled, 14 Mention, 18 Complement, 23 Snail, 24 Flowers, 26 Upsurge, 27 Process, 29 Piranha, 30 Thrown, 31 Ad-lib, 32 Heifer, 34 Grab, 36 Penal, 38 Greek, 40 Brow, 45 Ideal, 46 Verdict, 47 Rink, 48 Erotic, 49 Ether, 50 Partake, 52 Apparition, 53 Bitumen, 54 Coping, 55 Estuary, 56 Stall, 57 Star, 62 Attic, 67 Despise, 68 Respond, 70 Caravan, 72 Premium, 73 Beaten, 74 Bureau, 75 Big top, 76 Heeds, 78 Crumb, 80 Adept, 82 Edge, 83 Also.

5x5

Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.

KAIPARA SERVICE DIRECTORY

KAIPARA SERVICE DIRECTORY

CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09

4x4 parts etc. Good parts, good prices. Phone Derek 09 439 7573.

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.

NURSERIES & PLANTS

GOT2GO PLANTS are open this week from Thursday to Saturday. Just grab a trolley and gather what you need. See you at the back door. GOT2GO plants, 55 West Coast Road, Te Kopuru. Eftpos available. Phone 09 439 5556 or 027 488 3400.

or visit my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.

SECURITY

SECURE YOUR Home — security doors, grills, locks, bolts, stays, latches — supplied and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 — Kevin Sowter or visit my website: www.windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.

SEPTIC TANK SERVICES

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.

CARPET CLEANING, repairs, re-stretching, and patching. Flood drying and small carpet laying work and upholstery cleaning. Very fussy and reasonable prices. Phone Darren, Alltrades Carpet Services 0800 425 587 or 027 286 8584. Dargaville & surrounds.

TREE SERVICES

TREE REMOVAL, pruning, chipping & stump grinding. Qualified & insured. Phone Scott 0800 468 9663 Arborcare Tree Maintenance.

WANTED TO BUY

SUZUKI 4X4 Wanted to buy — parked, damaged or unwanted, Escudo Vitara/Grand Vitara. Phone Derek 09 439 7573.

WANTED TO RENT

MATURE FULL-TIME working woman seeking one or two bedroom farmhouse/cottage. Quiet, house proud, honest and reliable. Long Term. Please call 021 264 9205.

ONE-BEDROOM UNIT or flat for a female. Preferably in town. Please phone 027 741 3145.

CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09 439 6933

Closing date for classified advertising for the April 21 2026 edition is Monday, April 20 2026

SITUATIONS VACANT

DARGAVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

DHS VOLUNTEER MENTOR DRIVERS WANTED

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.

Manager

22.5 hours per week - $40,950 gross

We are looking for a superstar manager to join our team.

The successful applicant will have excellent communication, sound financial management, and strong employment management skills. They will be responsible for seeking and maintaining funding opportunities and meeting reporting obligations. They will work with the governance board reporting and advising. They will meet organisation administration responsibilities. Some face-to-face client contact will be required.

Whānau Focus Centre is funded to provide Heartland Services.

Applications close: 16 April 2026 (applications may be reviewed as received) Apply: Manager@whanaufocus.co.nz

PUBLIC NOTICES

DARGAVILLE HEALING rooms 7pm Tuesdays. No charge & no appointment necessary. Lion of Judah Building, River Road. All Welcome. Check us out on Facebook.

KAIPRARA GREY Power invites everyone to our next Public Meeting on 17th April. We are pleased to have Graeme Ramsey as our guest speaker. Graeme will talk about some of his World travels and share the progress of improving the sanitation of part of Ghana, a project that, along with Josie, they have supported for many years. The meeting starts at 1.00pm, and Graeme will speak at 1.15pm.

Sunday 19th April 2026

Location: Oturei

DEATH NOTICES

PANUI

Ngahere Hone Tana Whānau Trust & Waru Tana Whānau Trust beneficiaries and trustees

Date: Saturday, 9th May 2026

Time: 11am

Venue: Parirau Marae - Tana Road, Matakohe Agenda: Application for Occupancy order by Anaru Tana of Lot

Southern Portion Allotment 26 Parish of Matakohe Block Bellamy Road, Ruawai (LINZ RT 510540)

Contact: Anaru Tana - Ph 021 159 6319 Email: anarruu@hotmail.com

NORTHERN WAIROA MEMORIAL RSA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Sunday 24th May 2026 at 11.00am at the RSA Club Rooms, Hokianga Road

Any Notices of Motion to be lodged with administrator by the 1st May. Nominations for the Committee close on Friday 15th May at 7.00pm

Nomination forms available at RSA Club rooms during opening hours.

Lesley Adams, Administrator Northern Wairoa Memorial RSA.