PURCHASE A SELECTED AK BATTERY SYSTEM August KIT 18 2026 AND RECEIVE A SECOND ak BATTERY HALF PRICE –––
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Valid on selected products from 01 September – 01 December11,510 2025 or while stocksDELIVERED last. Terms and conditions apply. See in store online for details. Kaipara’s Only Regional Newspaper | Kaipara owned and Operated Copies FREE throughout theorKaipara
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Sailing with radio waves A half century of support Farrand and Mason, the long-established firm of Dargaville engineers, has celebrated a 50-year anniversary …
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p A squadron of radio-controlled scale model yachts from Mangawhai headed to Rarotonga recently, captained by a team of Kaipara locals at the forefront of a growing sport. Electron model yachts, all of the same design, gathered in Rarotonga for an Australasian championship, and among the 40 vessels vying for victory were those flying local colours. Find out more about the Electron class and its Mangawhai connection on page seven.
Reverence in a name The Mangawhai Museum is planning its next exhibition, a celebration of the town’s namesake, with the Teihana Whai Stingray Station display …
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Local creatives for charity Crafters can revel in a week of fun at the Ōtamatea Quilters Spring Show later this month, at the Dargaville Sewing …
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Solar for scholars u by Andy Bryenton
Aranga School, Dargaville Primary School, Matakohe School, Maungatūroto School and Ruawai College have all been listed as eligible for the government’s new programme, which will see photovoltaic solar installed across 500 schools nationwide. Each of these learning institutions has been recommended for a 10kWp solar power system to cut electricity bills and boost resilience and sustainability. Solar on School was announced as part of this year’s central government budget, and has an initial roll-out valued at $30 million. “Today’s announcement moves the programme from planning into delivery to help lower power costs for schools,” said Energy Minister Simeon Brown. “Three hundred and forty schools in the North Island and one hundred and
sixty in the South Island will benefit from this practical, forward-looking initiative that turns sunshine into savings and gives power back to schools. “The announcement not only provides certainty to schools across the country who are eager to get on with adopting solar power, it will support regional and local businesses and presents a significant opportunity for the industry to build capability and showcase the value of smart energy technologies.” Schools on the list were picked because they are due for gas or diesel
boiler replacements, or are facing high power bills. The roll-out of installation will take up to three years, with no indication as to the order in which Kaipara schools will receive their solar boost. “Large schools are expected to save around $8,000 a year, on average, on electricity, freeing up money that can be spent on teaching and learning,” Education Minister Erica Stanford said. “It will also give students a real-world example of renewable energy in action, right there at their own school.” ¢
Palm Kernel Cartage We are now available to deliver Palm Kernel to farms across the Kaipara Book directly with Farm Source Dargaville on 09 439 3080
Call the yard on 09 439 4788 (weekdays) or email office@harrisoncontracting.co.nz
www.harrisoncontracting.co.nz • 25 Station Road, Dargaville