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Kaipara Lifestyler, December 9th 2025

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FootRest

December 9 2025

FootRest

Podiatry

Podiatry Clinic

FootRest Podiatry wishes all a Happy Christmas and New Year “To guide our feet into the path of peace” Luke 1:79 For clinic bookings contact:

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Parade

Fun run to the rescue The Lions Club of Ruawai held an eightkilometre fun run, walk and cycle along part of the Ruawai stopbank supported by club representatives from …

P3 p Saint Nick waved and passed out lollies to excited children ahead of Christmas day goodies, on December 25 later this month

Major new reset for Kauri Museum u by Paul Campbell

Pool solution could be a new trust The Kauri Coast Community Pool opens for the 2025 season on December 12, and this late date, along with a …

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The path to reconstruction A summary by consultants White Associates, dated November 11 2025, has informed the KDC that the …

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There is a revitalisation underway at The Kauri Museum as a refreshed board of trustees seeks a new administration and management role to help counter a sharp decline in attendance revenue. The last appointed museum director, Dr Jason Smith has left the position after first taking leave of absence to contest the October Kaipara mayoral election. As a former mayor he was pipped at the post in vote counting. He told the Lifestyler: “I have moved on from the Kauri Museum and I am seeking new opportunities.” A marked fall in visitor numbers as well as other external influences, including tourism, the economy and last year’s long closure of the Brynderwyn highway, have impacted museum revenues. The chair of the trust board, Hinurewa te Hau, says it has recently reshaped the leadership structure and is now recruiting a general manager — operations. “This role is focussed on supporting our staff and volunteers, strengthening dayto-day operations, and leading the next

stage of the museum’s development,” she said. “The role is advertised, and we are hopeful of attracting strong candidates from within Northland, the wider region and nationally. “Following our November AGM, we’re also pleased to welcome three new trustees. Dr Jonathan Palmer, who brings expertise in environmental systems, sustainability and long-term climate thinking, Stephanie Spraggon, bringing education sector leadership, commercial and operational capability, and Grace Le Gros, who is mana whenua, and brings governance and financial expertise, strengthening the museum’s cultural grounding at board level. “They join our existing trustees Philip Ashton, Anna Curnow and Amanda Bennett, alongside myself. Together, the board brings a strong mix of cultural,

commercial and community leadership as we move into this next phase. “The museum, like many community institutions, has navigated a number of operational and financial challenges. These appointments are part of a deliberate reset, bringing fresh capability, strong governance thinking, and practical experience into the boardroom. “As part of the recent organisational review and restructure, the director role concluded. We acknowledge Dr Jason Smith’s leadership and the work he carried out, and we wish him well. Right now, the board’s focus is very much on looking after our people, staff and volunteers, strengthening our systems and internal capability, keeping visitor numbers strong through exhibitions, events and storytelling, and building longterm financial sustainability.” ¢

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