Kaipara Lifestyler, February 24th 2026

A sailor’s day out

Bridging 50 years of history

Game

A welcome revamp

Āwhina Plunket

Fire

and rain focus tip fight

u by Paul Campbell

As the Fight the Tip movement opposed to plans for a mega-dump for Auckland’s rubbish in the Dome Valley await a decision from the Environment Court, as the eight-year legal battle continues, new concerns highlight their opposition to the Waste Management landfill plan.

This follows news that Waste Management wants to stop people dumping fire-causing lithium batteries after 20 confirmed battery fires across its New Zealand sites over the last 12 months, 10 at landfills, six on trucks “which is quite scary, and four in transfer stations. I wonder how many have been on elevated sites, with high winds, surrounded by forest?” (as in the Dome Valley), asked FTT executive member Michelle Carmichael, as fellow member Sue Crockett questions the “long legal wrangle that continues without a decision.”

FTT’s campaign centres on the threat the landfill would pose for a fragile land environment and the adjacent Kaipara Harbour.

FTT supporter and local resident Matt Lomas says this is made more urgent by the recent weather. “We have had two floods already since the beginning of 2026. Both of these flood events were above the amount that the leachate evaporation would deal with.

“As well as that there has been frequent rains, which means the groundwater is already high and adding to the overflows and erosion of the subterranean drainage system, leading to the sediment ponds. Add to that major slips occurred in the Dome Valley during Cyclone Gabrielle.

“All around the world the floods are getting more severe, landslides are happening where they are not expected. Yet Waste Management thinks they

are above the rest of us. Warning signs saying ‘Danger Leachate’ have been removed from the state highway before Waitangi weekend traffic could see it.”

It is worth noting that it is two years further on from this Lifestyler report filed in 2024:

“The Dome Valley is probably one of the most unsuitable sites for a large landfill,” Michelle Carmichael told the Environment Court closing. “We need to protect this important Wayby and Dome Valley environment because of its high rainfall, waterways, high ecological values, wetlands, extensive aquifer and connection to the Hōteo River and to the mighty Kaipara Harbour. Failure is not an option.” ¢

Anzac inclusiveness and expansion

u by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville will once again commemorate Anzac Day with a dawn parade and ceremony for 2026, but in addition to this popular time for reflection, there will now also be a second, daytime chance to honour Kiwi servicepeople.

Acknowledging that not everybody is able to attend the dawn occasion, organisers of Anzac remembrance this year have also added a 10.30am gathering at the Dargaville Band Rotunda, open to all. It’s not just a convenience for those with challenging working hours or young children — it’s also about including one of the oldest war memorials in Dargaville.

“It’s about inclusiveness, and it’s a call to everyone to come and join together in unity,” says Charlie Parkinson, who has led the move to bring Anzac commemorations out to the wider public and embrace the role of the band rotunda.

The structure overlooking the Northern Wairoa River has long been a Dargaville landmark, but some are unaware that it was commissioned in 1919, as the town and all New Zealand strove to recover psychologically from the toll of the first world war.

‘In honour of the men from Dargaville who made the supreme sacrifice’, reads a plaque on the rotunda’s base, affixed when it was completed years later in 1928.

The reason for the delay was a surfeit of goodwill and respect for the returned soldiers and their fallen compatriots; Memorial Park was envisioned and completed first. Prime minister Gordon Coates, himself a veteran, opened the rotunda on May 16 1928.

This year, the rotunda will once again fulfil its intended purpose, as the focal point for remembrance and reflection on Anzac Day. All are warmly welcomed to attend. ¢

Dog attack tragedy in Kaihū

u by Andy Bryenton

The person who was tragically killed in a dog attack in Kaihū last week has been named as Mihiata Te Rore, a well-respected member of the northwest Kaipara community.

“The mood in the community at the moment is that they are saddened by this tragic event. The people in and around Kaihū knew the person who passed away, she was well known and well loved,” said Kaipara District councillor Snow Tane.

Social media commentators and parliamentarians opined that a review of dog control laws was necessary following the incident. This may include a review of powers for animal control officers. Evidence received points to the fact that KDC animal control staff were active in pursuing a solution for these specific dogs, but that attempts to uplift the animals ‘by the book’ were problematic.

KDC staff had received four service requests relating to these dogs (first in November, December and then again this month), according to information provided by Kaipara District Council under the Official Information Act to this publication.

‘Our team responded to each service request on the same day. Staff visited the property on multiple occasions to attempt to speak to the owner,

including reaching out to family and iwi liaison. In December staff managed to speak with the owner about compliance and keeping the dogs secure, including consequences if this did not occur,’ reads the council statement.

‘In February they visited the property twice, including the day before, but were unable to talk to the owner or uplift the dogs. In between those times our officers had carried out multiple proactive patrols in the area to sight any loose dogs, including a door knock of every single property along Kaihu Wood Road.’

“I am concerned Northland is developing a reputation for being unsafe, or for being a region that does not take dog control seriously,” said Local MP Grant McCallum.

Minister of Local Government Simon Watts has been working on dog control enforcement guidelines and expects to deliver results later this year. Police Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer confirmed that the three dogs responsible for the attack were with animal management; KDC said they will be destroyed when the police finish their investigation. ¢

A district of big hearts

u by Amy Fifita

With Love Grace Handbag Appeal drop-off points in Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Dargaville, everyone has the opportunity to gather self-care items into handbags for the Women’s Refuge.

In east Kaipara, the Mangawhai Lions Club and Zonta have joined forces to bring the community together for a successful drive. Collections in Mangawhai finish on March 6.

“This is the third year we have done the appeal, and every time more people support the cause. It is a nice and easy way for people to give back,” said Mangawhai Lions spokesperson Mandy Hebben.

Dargaville coordinator Theresa Dockery says it is also her third year of running the appeal in the area. Donors can either donate items or bags, or make up a bag themselves.

Essential items for the bags include shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant and body wash or soap. Optional extras include items like sanitary items, hair brushes, face masks and so on.

“Second-hand bags are OK, as long as they are in good condition with no broken zips, rips or tears. If you go to facebook. com/lovegracenz, you can see some of the thank you letters from people who have received these bags.”

Love Grace Handbag Appeal collection points:

• Mangawhai — Mangawhai Hospice Shop, Mangawhai Community Op Shop (until March 6)

Stories that built a region

u by Amy Fifita

With milling an industry in the area in former years, five Mangawhai Museum History Group women rallied together to research and retell history — Timber Milling: Mid North Kaipara, NZ.

Janis Martin, Beverley Ross, Louise Turner, Christine Bygrave and the late Gloria Durrant delved into the region’s milling past. Featuring Charles Heaphy’s watercolour, Milling Kauri 1839, on the cover, Beverley says the artist also has ties to Mangawhai as the area’s first surveyor.

“Milling has been so huge in the area that we wanted to do it. It was a dangerous occupation and many of them were inexperienced; they just went out and made themselves a mill,” said Beverley.

of detail from the Albertland Museum and photos.”

• Kaiwaka — Four Square Kaiwaka (organised by Alicia Reynolds)

• Dargaville — Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre

“If people want to be a part of great projects like this, then maybe Lions is for you. Call Clive on 021 802 532 to have a chat.” ¢

Each taking on a portion of the project, from Louise’s Nicholson’s Mill research to Christine Bygrave’s Māori heritage research with help from Herby Skipper (Te Uri o Hau) and editing skill, the collective tells many stories.

“Robert Nicholson arrived with other Albertlanders on the Hanover and after deciding on the land at the Topuni and Te Hana River junction. It was good because I got the original story with lots

With massive Kauri stands that once populated the region and its surrounds, the book covers selected mills from mid-north east Kaipara to the south of Wellsford. The book is on sale at the Mangawhai Museum.

“It is fascinating how they lived and worked so diligently, especially some of the women. It was a difficult job; some of them lost their lives and others sustained dreadful injuries,” said Janis. ¢

u by Andy Bryenton

Bridging 50 years of history Albie’s Den grants first funding

Game historians say the card game bridge can trace its origins back to the tea houses of 1880s Turkey, Egypt and Cyprus, a twist on the older game of whist, which upped the stakes with exciting new rules.

In Dargaville, bridge has been a popular pastime and a competitive pursuit for five decades; the local bridge club will celebrate its 50th birthday on March 7. It’s an occasion for former players to gather and reminisce, as well as an opportunity to break out the cards and play.

“What makes the Dargaville bridge club so enduring is its members,” says current president Pam Brown. “We have a great group of people involved and, of course, it’s a very addictive and fun game. Once you get into it it’s a lifelong passion.”

Another enduring aspect of the bridge club’s success is the way it has brought people together. Pam says because it’s not a high-impact activity, it’s something you can enjoy forever. Playing strategic games like bridge is one of the best ways to remain sharp of mind in one’s older years.

“We are also a very close-knit club, and our members have often made lifelong friends around the bridge table,” she says.

With the reunion fast approaching, Pam and the committee organising the event wish to welcome all previous players to come along. The 50th birthday celebrations begin at 10.30am at the Light House Function Centre, Harding Park in Dargaville, with lunch at noon and the ceremonial cutting of the 50-year birthday cake. Then it’s on to Memorial Park and the bridge club for an afternoon of cards and camaraderie.

Call Dianne on 021 118 9005 to RSVP and book a place at the table. ¢

u by Paul Campbell

The wider Ōtamatea community has benefitted in the first round of funding allocated by the trust committee administering Albie’s Den, Maungatūroto’s iconic fundraising

founded by the late Albie Paton.

Den staffer Julie Massey and trust chair Graeme Slatter say they are thrilled to have financial grants going out to the first public applicants.

The disbursement comes following huge public support for the Den’s new premises in the town where donated goods and services are collected. “We have two new containers, one donated to us, to house goods before they will then pass through what we have designated a ‘man and woman’s shed’ for repair and restoration,” said Julie.

Trust chair Graeme Slatter says ”that raises hope, too, that we can attract some more volunteers to help us help others. Anyone willing can just drop by and contact one of us on site.”

Where the earlier Den in Bickerstaffe Road in Maungatūroto was a one-manband essentially, as work went on to find new premises and a formal business plan evolved, the new entity will make four tranches of funding each year, with applicants required to submit their case for a committee decision process.

The funding subcommittee has now made the first grants totalling $31,244.90 after creating a reserve account to administer the project and these go to: Maungaturoto Motorcycle Club Inc, $5,420 for medical first aid for events; Ōtamatea High School $2,000 to send four students on the R Tucker Thompson Youth Adventure Voyage; Paparoa Line Dancers, $1,000; Good News Food Bank $1,000; Kaiwaka School Library $1,000 to buy new books; North Haven Hospice, $9,574.90 to purchase medical equipment, and the Northland Rescue Helicopter, $11,250 for equipment. ¢

NRC speaks on critical reforms

u by Andy Bryenton

Details of the submission which will be sent to Wellington by the Northland Regional Council on the matter of its potential dissolution have been tabled for the input of regional councillors this week.

In a pragmatic move, surprising some observers of local government reform, the council has embraced the need for change. Rather than debating fiercely for the retention of the status quo, it has asked for a measured approach which retains the knowledge and capacity of the NRC during a local governance transition. This would still mean the end of the NRC as we know it.

‘Council agrees there is a need for local government reform and strongly supports enabling development of bespoke local government arrangements in each region. We see this as a once-ina-generation opportunity to improve the cost-effectiveness of service delivery and better support national priorities,’ says the draft submission from the NRC to the central government.’

The admission of a need for change is not a complete endorsement for the disbanding of the NRC and the establishment of Combined Territorial Boards or CTBS, however. Issues were addressed in the draft on a number of topics. ‘Replacing nine councillors with three mayors will create significant

capacity demands on the already busy portfolios of Northland mayors,’ reads the NRC draft submission. ‘It would also mean reduced democratic representation and accountability to our community for oversight of critical regional functions.’

Thus, the NRC opined that the chairs of regional councils might be appointed as members of the CTB, to support development of regional reorganisation plans. All other regional councillors would likely have their seats disestablished under central government plans.

If this occurs, and regional councillors are not retained in governance roles, the NRC’s draft indicates that it does not support the appointment of Crown commissioners, due to what they described as a ‘reduction in democratic representation within the region’.

There were further issues raised about the role of Māori and the Māori perspective in the proposed CTB-based local governance structure.

‘The absence of any reference to local government responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the draft

proposal is concerning,’ reads the draft submission. ‘Omitting any reference to Te Tiriti o Waitangi risks a reorganisation approach that could make it more difficult or costly to implement mechanisms to address Māori rights and interests.’

Of extreme importance in this entire restructure is the matter of fiscal integrity. What will happen to the rates currently collected for the NRC from all Northland citizens? What will happen to the assets held by the NRC; a considerable portfolio? The draft submission touches on the matter of assets, but not of rates.

‘We therefore consider that any significant decisions on these assets and portfolios should take place only after new local government arrangements have been approved and implemented, and following consultation with Northland ratepayers’, says the draft missive to parliament.

The draft concludes by noting that the ‘Northland Regional Council strongly supports the opportunity to develop

bespoke local government reorganisation plans, but notes that demands on councils will be significant given it is likely to coincide with implementation of resource management reforms — this will be challenging with current governance capacity and significantly more so if regional councillors are not available to support the process’. ¢

A welcome revamp Fish deaths investigated

u by Amy Fifita

Whānau Āwhina Plunket celebrated the Dargaville centre’s refresh following a full renovation, with people from the community and employees from the organisation’s past and present in attendance.

Working with local people, the revamp took about 18 months to complete, with Plunket employees, parents, councillors and kaumātua Bully Leef. The renewal included rewiring, new blinds and carpet, murals, a wheelchair accessible toilet and other renovations.

“Local people have put the work in here, including the Frieson Brothers, and the Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre,” said clinical leader Amber Morton.

“Lots of people have been involved, and this refresh has given many people with connections to this satisfaction.”

Adding a splash of colour to the renewed space, two murals are displayed on the walls inside. It tells the story of where Plunket began and the connection the organisation has with the wellbeing in the community.

“The tohu (emblem) was designed especially for us, and it is symbolic of

the work that we do here. This journey has taken about 18 months across three stages.

“It felt like nothing had been done since the 1950s, and it hadn’t had a lot of energy put into it for a long time.”

Amber says the space feels a lot lighter, and is a welcome space for families to enjoy and be cared for in.

“We are going to set this up as a family centre to run groups and services that support whānau in the community with children under five years old.” ¢

Kaipara,

Hire, buy, or modify quality shipping containers from your local spacemakers.

u by Paul Campbell

Hundred and perhaps thousands of prime snapper have been found dead on a wide sweep of the Ōtamatea River from Maungatūroto and Kaiwaka down to Batley at the Kaipara Harbour itself.

Eyewitnesses have described fish washed ashore as well as “many, many more floating on or under the surface” and samples of them have been sent for scientific analysis. Te Uri O Hau Environs manager, Cindy Hempsall has issued a notice on the development:

“Please be aware that it has come to the attention of Environs that whānau have located several dead ika (fish) from Batley north down the Ōtamatea. Environs with the support of Ōtamatea Marae, is undertaking its own investigation.

“We have sent people out to confirm what’s happened and sent samples to the Ministry of Primary industries, NIWA and the Northern Regional Council for further investigation.

“The fish have been all snapper on shorelines and in the water, according to reports we have. We would encourage those people on the water to keep us informed on any further sightings. Once the sample testing results are known, Environs will communicate this.

“At this stage, no cause has been confirmed and no direct link has been established to any consented activity. The investigation remains ongoing.

“We don’t believe it to be a commercial dumping as some of the fish being found are around 10kg. Also, we are only finding it to be snapper.” Environs will continue their independent investigations, and has asked fishers and local residents to record and report any fish found. ¢

Action on rockpool plunder

u by Andy Bryenton

Rock pools on the east coast from Auckland north have been saved from reported ‘scouring’ of all marine life, by a two-year ban imposed by Fisheries Minister Shane Jones.

“I have approved a two-year ban on the taking of a range of invertebrate and seaweed species to put an end to overcollection of marine life from rockpools and surrounding coastline and help protect these important ecosystems,” says Mr Jones.

The ban is for all of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, and further north at Kawau Bay and Ōmaha Bay.

“While most people who visit the coast do the right thing and gather only what is appropriate and legal, there are others who are exploiting it and taking so much that they are collapsing the fragile ecosystems.”

Mayor ’s Message

The wet summer we have been experiencing has brought its share of challenges, but it has also delivered some real positives for our district. Water tanks and reservoirs remain comfortably topped up, our rivers are flowing at healthy levels, and the regular rainfall has supported an excellent growing season for our farmers. With strong pricing across dairy and drystock, the rural sector is experiencing a welcome lift, with good demand. That strength flows directly into the wider Kaipara economy, supporting our local businesses and confidence and stability across our communities. I’m looking forward to attending the Northland Field Days later this week, where I’ll be talking with local farmers, industry representatives, and our rural leaders to hear first-hand how things are tracking for them.

Earlier this month, elected members came together for a strategic workshop to keep the momentum up on the early work for the Long Term Plan 2027–2037. We agreed in principle to carry forward the vision of Kaipara – the place to be! as well as the community outcomes from the current plan; healthy environment, prosperous economy, affordable living, dependable roading and vibrant communities. While the broader reform picture continues to evolve, our focus is firmly on delivering practical, tangible improvements for our ratepayers.

There has also been considerable media attention recently around the Northern Action Group’s proposal regarding

a merger between Kaipara District Council and Northern Rodney (currently part of Auckland Council) to form a predominantly rural–coastal unitary authority. As a council, we discussed their idea at a recent meeting and agreed it could be included as one of the options referenced in our own submission on the Simplifying Local Government proposals. However, despite how some reports have framed it, it is not a formal standalone proposal from us, nor is it something currently on the table in any official sense. Auckland is not part of the government’s proposed reforms and it has been confirmed that the timing of the reforms wouldn’t allow it. Kaipara remains committed to working with our Northland neighbours on both Local Water Done Well and the upcoming Simplifying Local Government reform.

Finally, I want to take a moment to acknowledge last week’s tragic incident where someone died following a dog attack on private property. Our communities are small and close-knit and this has deeply affected many in the district. I am extremely saddened by what has happened, and my thoughts and sympathy are with the family and those impacted.

Jonathan Larsen Mayor of Kaipara District

Complaints of over-fishing denuding the rockpool ecosystem reached the ministry earlier this year, and the process of implementing a ban was completed swiftly. It will come into effect on March 12, along with the promise that infringements and penalties could be levelled for repeat offenders.

The ministry has been working closely with locals, visitors and fisheries officials to understand the issues and find solutions.

“As a result, officials have been directed to explore how community volunteers can be supported to encourage visitors to do the right thing. Fisheries New Zealand

will also develop multilingual educational material to support this closure and the ongoing management of intertidal fisheries,” said Oceans and Fisheries under-secretary Jenny Marcroft.

The closure includes all seaweed species and invertebrate species, but does not apply to spiny rock lobster and scallops as there are already existing closures already in place for these species.

“I decided to allow kina to continue to be taken as managing kina barrens is a priority for me. Officials will continue to actively monitor and manage kina populations,” Jones said. ¢

Millions for community conservation

u by Andy Bryenton

Community initiatives promoting biodiversity, bust pest species and protecting the more than 1,000 native species threatened with extinction are invited to apply for a funding boost in 2026.

Local initiatives across Kaipara have had a big impact on our waterways, forests and wetlands, with previous winners of the Kaipara District Council’s environment awards showing the way. Now, the government has declared a $9.2 million contestable fund open to all community-led conservation efforts. It will be open for applications on March 31, and seeks to bolster the good work being done by an army of volunteers nationwide.

“Community groups play a pivotal role in protecting our native species and their habitats, and we know they bring a lot to the table,” says Department of Conservation deputy director — general public affairs, Sia Aston.

“By drawing on the strengths and resources of these groups, like volunteer hours, expertise or co-funding, DOC can amplify the positive change they create. This reflects DOC’s goal for New Zealanders to ‘Always Be Naturing’; we can all make a bigger difference through shared effort, with every action adding up to support the nature we all rely on.”

The first DOC contestable fund was rolled out in 2014, and since then, it has

delivered $50 million to conservation causes in Kiwi communities. If you or a group you know is working to help protect endangered flora and fauna, they could be eligible for funding. Visit doc.govt.nz to find out more, and have an application ready by the end of March.

“Together, we can achieve the best outcomes possible for our very special biodiversity. So I’m really excited to see what this round of applicants will bring to support critical conservation work around New Zealand,” Aston said. ¢

by Andy Bryenton

Mad for the Middle Ages

Recent A&P show appearances by knights, archers and warhorses have sparked the imagination of Kaipara crowds, and it appears to be part of a trend that’s popular all over.

Shows around New Zealand are experiencing a similar demand for mediaeval attractions like those seen recently in Paparoa and Arapohue. While it’s based in fantasy, not strict historic reality, Dungeons & Dragons remains the most popular board game of all time, and it’s set in a world of wizards, heroic warriors and bow-wielding rogue adventurers. As 2026 dawns, 1226 is on people’s minds. What’s the massive appeal of the Middle Ages?

Part of it may be an appreciation of history, and another might well be in the ideals of those earlier times that have become the foundation of legends. Real western European history and culture is, like that of all the peoples of our common humanity, a tapestry of heroes and villains, pragmatists and dreamers, artists and warlords.

Some of the figures we think of when we consider the age of chivalry are mythical, or may have only a tenuous link to real folk, such as Robin Hood or King Arthur. Others like Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc and Thomas Aquinas are very real cultural icons. Most of all, people seem to resonate with

the values of a simpler time, albeit one simplified by its transition into semi-legend.

Looking around the modern world, and the monoculture of globalist corporatism, it looks as if concepts of honour, valour, defending the vulnerable and being loyal to high ideals are lacking. Assuredly, there were many cruel and venal leaders in the Middle Ages too, but the light of chivalry was always about a standard of personal integrity which was literally next to divinity. Simply put, knightly aspirations to be brave and heroic are always going to appeal to good people. The knight in shining armour is a stereotype for a reason.

Add in how much fun it is to hit your mates with swords, shoot targets with a bow and arrow, or don full armour to charge into the joust, and it’s a winning formula.

Blending history with legend sometimes sands down the rough patches, but there’s a genuine desire out there to unite all the many clubs and enthusiasts who love both the real Middle Ages and its fantasy, mythic aspects too. It might be high time for a council of wizards, bards, knights and clerics to convene to give Dargaville a new festival; the only mediaeval fair in Northland. Imagine the food, the music, the excitement, the pageantry, the fun and the tourist dollars. It could be a major coup, like west Kaipara hosting the annual Northland Field Days. ¢

Times Gone By

Unveiling at Waikāretu

In 1904, Governor-General Lord Ranfurly, on his final tour, arrived at Waikāretu, near Poutō to unveil a monument to Te Uri o Hau tupuna, rangatira Haumoewhārangi.

After the unveiling, the Auckland Star (March 29 1904) reported: ‘The party was also welcomed by the Rev W Gittos, and a guard of honour was then formed by a small company of Māori volunteers, while a band played the national anthem, and other items. Further up the beach the wāhine were assembled, and waved a welcome, the whole proceeding terminating in the usual haka. The visitors then seated themselves under the flagstaff, from which two large banners floated proudly on the breeze. The natives then presented His Excellency with an address expressing appreciation of the honour of his visit on such an occasion, the high esteem in which he was held by the Māori race, and the regret felt that he was soon to leave the colony.’

Bringing kauri to the public Community policing — positive results

u by Andy Bryenton

Four Northland iwi, including Te Roroa, have helped to launch a new mobile education centre, which teaches visitors about kauri and their ecosystem.

Known as Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri, the interactive trailer is filled with information and activities. It was launched on Waitangi Day, supported by the four Iwi collectively known as the Kauri CoLab, Northland Regional Council (NRC), the Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

“The partnership has been guided by the CoLab’s whakataukī (vision); E kore te kauri e tū mokemoke. Our kauri never stand alone. The forest ecosystem stands with kauri, as do all hapū, iwi and community,” said Kauri Ora Iwi CoLab spokesperson Debbie Martin.

“Unchecked, disease caused by the pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida, would devastate kauri forests, and consequently the wellbeing of the ngahere and its people. We are all connected.”

“Protecting our kauri is something every one of us can play a part in. Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri will help grow the awareness and know-how our communities need to keep these taonga thriving,” says NRC biosecurity and biodiversity working party chair Jack Craw.

Visitors to the caravan, which will travel the north, will be able to find out more

about the fight against kauri dieback, the flora and fauna living alongside the kauri in its natural habitat, and even take a virtual reality tour of a kauri forest.

“It has been fantastic working together in collaboration on an advocacy initiative to help our communities understand the impact the disease has on kauri, and the behaviours required to ensure the trees are protected,” DOC plant pathogen manager Martin Akroyd said. ¢

u by Amy Fifita

From tackling youth crime to the upcoming Northland Field Days, February has brought celebration to the Dargaville Police.

Sergeant Bevan Te Kaha Hati says he is pleased to bring a result to the community following months of unlawful breaking into and taking vehicles.

“It is good because I know the community has been concerned about the cars being broken into, and we are finally holding him to account,” Sergeant Te Kaha Hati said.

“The young person responsible has been put before our Youth Aid team and is also the likely suspect for other occurrences over the last few months. They will go through the youth justice process, with family group conferences and alternative resolutions to try to get them on the right track.”

As February comes to a close, police will be having a presence on the roads as people flock to town for the Northland Field Days.

“With expected high volumes of people in the community, we are going to have high visibility and will target traffic offences accordingly,” said Sergeant Kiley Dalbeth.

Sergeant Dalbeth has asked the public to be patient with the extra volume of traffic in the area as they celebrate the event.

“We will be out and about not only enforcing, but also to be part of the community enjoying the 40th field days’ celebration, too,” said Sergeant Te Kaha Hati.

Report crimes to 111 in an emergency, or call 105 for non-urgent matters to help keep the community safe. ¢

Guardians of the harbour

u by Amy Fifita

The Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society celebrated 35 years of

ecology

harbour through dredging, planting, fencing and community efforts.

February 11 2026, marks 35 years since the first works began. The day was celebrated by volunteers, the Northland Regional Council, Kaipara District councillors and families of the original Big Dig heroes.

“The most important story of Mangawhai isn’t found in any display case in a museum; it is actually written in the harbour. In early 1991, our harbour was at a crisis point,” said chair Peter Wethey.

“Going back to the 1978 storm, when the first big storm tore a 600-metre breach through the Mangawhai sand spit. Following on from that, Cyclone Bola broke the bank of the harbour, closing the entrance point with a sand bridge between the Sentinel Rock and the north end of the spit.

p Families of the original Big Dig crew attended the event and celebrated 35 years with councillors and volunteers

it unfit for recreational activities that we have today.”

“The only way out of the harbour was at the breach, midway down the spit. It was a wide but shallow breach, meaning the boating activities going in and out of the harbour were treacherous. The tidal flow, which we rely on today to keep the estuary clean, was significantly reduced, resulting in the water beginning to putrefy, making

With bureaucracy initially deciding that reclaiming the harbour was a lost cause, the locals were not prepared to allow things to stay the way they were, and the Big Dig was conceived. Very much a team effort from everyone, with the men on the machinery, the women ensured they were fed and watered.

“We are getting much more of a collaborative approach nowadays with the Department of Conservation and the Northland Regional Council.”

What started as a group of rebels using 40 pieces of heavy machinery to open up the sand bridge has turned into a healthy harbour and a group of volunteers willing

to maintain it. “The Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society is the guardian of the harbour. Successive committees over the years have organised the dredging operations, keeping the channel open and harbour flows going and stabilising the sand on the sand spit through planting and fencing,” said Peter.

“It is all run by volunteers, but we do get a targeted rate collected through the Kaipara District Council, which helps us fund the dredging operations and maintenance. Without those activities that we undertake each year, the harbour wouldn’t be in the healthy state it is today.”

While providing continued recreational activities, the society also maintains the sand spit, a nesting ground for shore birds such as the endangered fairy tern.

“We see ourselves as creating a balance between maintaining the ecology, shorebird life and providing the community with a safe harbour, good for recreational activity.” ¢

Field Days deals are exciting… Good planning today means less stress tomorrow We’re here to help you plan with confidence.

Origins of a local favourite

by Andy Bryenton

In the beginning it was a small committee, made up of members of Dargaville’s Jaycees club, who laid the foundations for the Northland Field Days.

It was 1985. Madonna and Dire Straits were in the charts, David Lange led the charge on anti-nuclear policy, and mullet haircuts were having their first time around. While Kiwis enjoyed Georgie Pies and a booming share market, Athol Frost, Lex Gilmour, Murray Bruce, Colin Finlayson, Roger Gillat, Lyn Fenwick, Bruce Stallworthy and Dot Huggins made plans for an agricultural festival in west Kaipara.

The Jaycees were part of an international movement promoting civic service, and what they came up with

symposium for farmers, and an acknowledgement that farming is a technical, skilled and multidisciplinary profession.

There was even a prize in that first year for the best agricultural invention, a concept still enjoying prominence each year at the national field days as the innovation award.

“We organised it because it hadn’t been done before”

certainly fit the bill of that organisation’s pro-social charter. They also knew they were making history. The first-ever advert for the NW Agricultural Field Days acclaimed it as the ‘first annual’ running of the event, stating that the idea was built to last.

The committee had an idea of what was popular, too. They touted not just a celebration of agriculture, as was already common to local A&P Shows with their prize livestock and giant veggies, but live displays of new technology, machinery and innovation. It was a trade show and

“We organised it because it hadn’t been done before, and to create enthusiasm among our members. Our chapter membership has grown from 10 to 20 in three months because we are doing something,” said Roger Gillat.

The site chosen for the first Northland Field Days was the Dargaville racecourse, an equestrian centre with ample room in the midfield for machinery displays, tents and stalls. While the venue was a great fit, the weather was not; a deluge soaked the event, but did not dampen spirits. Swandris and gumboots won the day, and the mud didn’t slow down the tractors and utes on display in the slightest.

Energ y, protein , f ibre and minerals .

We’re here for the whole stor y.

At SealesWinslow, we align your farm’s goals with a tailored nutrition strateg y to drive herd per formance Smar t , sciencebased calf nutrition is about investing early, feeding young stock properly through the tough months , and set ting your herd up for stronger lifetime returns

The Northern Farming World publication called the first field days ‘a great hit’, and while it erroneously predicted that it would ‘never reach the standard of the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek’, the Jaycees were recorded as ‘mightily pleased’.

The mud of that first event became a bit of a local legend, recounted with typical

Ask our Nutrition Speclialists about the whole nutrition stor y at Nor thland Field Days site K10.

Dargaville good humour, and plans were afoot for the second event before the ground was dry.

By the time that next show rolled around, machinery and equipment demonstrations were queued up and ready to go. Kubota, Land Rover, Yamaha, Kuhn, Lely and Claas are all names familiar to field days’ visitors down through the years. Also making a debut was a staple of Northland Field Days fun; helicopter rides to view west Kaipara from the air.

By 1989 there were 75 sites at the event for exhibitors of machinery and farming technology, and an area with bouncy castles and entertainment for youngsters was a fixture, too. There was even a tractor skills contest, just like the one soon to test the mettle of show patrons this year. The bounds of the racecourse were starting to be stretched, and as the rural sector led the charge back from the late 1980s stock market crash, options were being considered for a move to wider pastures. In 1994, as 10 years of Northland Field Days approached, there were 240 sites in total.

came through the gates, and it was estimated that the number was growing by an order of thousands every year.

“We’re just about booked out, but we are trying to squeeze them in,” said Dave Philips, the president of the show. That year, more than 15,000 people

The sports section of the event was also heating up. This was the year that tractor pull prizes topped $3,000, and Barry Townshend of Waikato made his third trip to the north to take a three-year run as champion. When 1996 came around, Saturday visitor numbers smashed through the

10,000 mark, exhibitors’ numbers 400, and the whole central racecourse was taken up with three days of farming action each February. It was time for an expansion, but it would take a decade

“We’re just about booked out, but we are trying to squeeze them in”

for it to finally fall into place, when in 2006 the society, which had taken over from those original Jaycees, purchased a large plot of land in Awakino Point, and established the site that has since played host to this massive rural showcase. ¢

STEVE WOOD CONTRACTING

Four decades of memories

by Andy Bryenton

A walk down Northland Field Days’ memory lane shows that this big festival of farming has always attracted fresh ideas, including some technologies that were science fiction in 1985, but solid fact today.

• Electrical stimulation for accelerated rigor mortis - improving the PH levels & aging process on the bone

• Offal & Hide disposal by arrangement (extra fee)

• All beasts weighed on-siteMeat returned & weighed back

• All beasts vac packed & hung on the bone minimum of 10 days

• Operating for 25 years

• We know our job well

• No Retail - Homekill Only

- ANDREW & SOMMAI HUDSONSurgery: 11 Hood Street, Wellsford 0900 Ph: 09 423 7213 e: info@drhudshomekill.co.nz w: www.drhudshomekill.co.nz

Kaipara Kōrero

News from Kaipara District Council

Aotearoa Bike Challenge

The Aotearoa Bike Challenge is a fun, free and friendly challenge open to riders of all levels. Whether you’re getting back into cycling or are a regular rider, everyone is invited to register You can register any time during the month of February to go in the draw to win some awesome prizes. Register to ride at lovetoride net/nz

Victoria Street works

Work is set to begin on Dargaville’s Victoria Street to strengthen the road and improve its storm resilience.

Investigations found that a culvert running under Victoria Street had been blocked with concrete, causing stormwater to build up during wet weather in recent years. This caused water to seep into the road structure, weakening it over time and leaving the road surface more vulnerable to damage from road traffic

Starting in the second week of March, road crews will dig up the damaged part of the road to put in new stormwater pipes and drains This will improve drainage and help stop water from building up again and is expected to take around four weeks to complete Separately, the road will then be rebuilt with new aggregate and resurfaced

During this work Victoria Street will be closed between Onslow Street and SH12 with short detours in place

Floodgate upgrades

Major upgrades on two floodgates have been completed recently, improving the resilience of our local waterways and reducing flood risk for nearby homes, farmland, and roads

A new, larger floodgate and connecting culvert for Beach Road in Dargaville is designed to handle future high intensity weather events, greatly reducing the likelihood of flooding in the area.

South of Te Kopūru, the Owairangi floodgate has been replaced after the old culvert began leaking last year The stopbank at this site was also raised and the outlet area stabilised using pine log piling.

Both of the new floodgates have ropes installed that slow water flow to support tuna (eel) moving through the culvert. These upgrades make sure our infrastructure is better prepared for future extreme weather and help safeguard our local roads, farmland, and properties.

A fresh set of pipes for water supply

Council’s planned programme of water infrastructure renewals rolls on this month, with $3 6 million of new watermains for Dargaville and Maungatūroto.

Replacement of 825 metres of watermain pipes in Maungatūroto starts this week, from Griffin Road down Gorge Road to Matai Drive. The works are expected to take up to 14 weeks and will be staged to minimise disruption to residents

In Dargaville, approximately 2.4km of watermains will be replaced between the treatment plant and Logan Street – via Station Road, Edward Street, Day Street, Beach Road and the Kaihu River bridge on SH12 An additional 300 metres of water lines exiting the treatment plant at Hokianga Road will also be replaced

The new watermain pipes will improve the performance and reliability of our water supply network and reduce the frequency of breaks and emergency repairs

Installation of new pumps at the pumpstation in Rotu and in Parore West in March is part of council’s regular maintenance programme to keep Dargaville’s water network resilient

In Ruawai, a new bore is currently being tested to provide a second water source for the treatment plant. Once commissioned, the new bore will provide extra security for the town’s water supply

Mayor’s message of congratulations

A message from Jonathan Larsen, Mayor of Kaipara, on the 40th anniversary of the Northland Field Days.

Forty years is a memorable occasion when it is the birthday of a family member or friend, but when it is a celebration for one of the most significant annual events held in Kaipara, it is even more special.

The Northland Field Days came from humble beginnings to rise in prominence, becoming the second-largest agricultural showcase of its kind, second only to the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.

Just as the mayor and elected councillors who are my colleagues in Waikato governance must feel immense pride at hosting that colossal event, so too have successive mayors of Kaipara been proud to see the continued growth and importance of our own Northland Field Days. It is a highlight of my tenure to be the one to offer congratulations to the president and committee, and to all of those who have made the field days possible, at this important milestone.

The Northland Field Days contributes more than a sense of civic pride, however. This is the largest and most significant outdoor event in the north, the most significant gathering of our hard-working Northland farming community, and the most significant display of technological and agricultural innovation the entire region sees each year.

To have it hosted here, in Dargaville, reflects the heritage of our farming ancestors, and the contribution to the

local economy of our farming citizens today. Farming has been called the engine room of our economy, and this three-day festival shows that it is more powerful than ever.

If you are a visitor to Kaipara for the 40th birthday Northland Field Days, welcome! Enjoy your stay and the

Kaipara Kōrero

News from Kaipara District Council

Nominate your local legend

With the new year comes your chance to celebrate the amazing people who make Kaipara such a special place

We’re on the hunt for our everyday heroes who go above and beyond for others, with nominations now open for the 2026 Kaipara Citizens Awards Nominations are open until 30 April Find out more at kaipara govt nz/funding

Apply now for arts funding

Passionate about the arts? The Creative Communities Scheme is now open for funding applications! The Creative Communities Scheme provides funding for communities to be involved in local arts projects that encourage community participation, celebrate cultural diversity and engage young people in the arts

Previous recipients include:

• Dargaville Arts Association for ceramics workshops

• Kumarani Productions Trust for Community Circus Jams

• Ruawai Community Events for the Ruawai 25 Festival

Applications close 1 March Details on how to apply and application forms are available at kaipara.govt.nz/funding.

Latest roading report

Over the summer period our roading teams have been focussed on delivering this year’s reseal programme. Read the latest report at kaipara.govt.nz/kaipara-roads

hospitality of the district. If you live here and have helped in some way to build the tremendous legacy of the field days through your sponsorship, support, volunteer hours, hard work or innovative ideas, your fellow citizens thank you. Happy birthday, Northland Field Days. May there be many, many more. ¢

Come see us at the Northland Field Days!

Our team will be at site B13, ready to talk all things council including what we do, key projects happening in your community and how to give us your feedback on the Long Term Plan There will be activities for the kids and your elected members will be there too – drop by for a chat and tell them what’s important to you

Enjoyment of adventure

by Amy Fifta

The Kauri Coast Mud Drags is making a second appearance this year at the Northland Field Days, showcasing what four-wheel driving is about, challenging terrain, fun and family.

For Kauri Coast 4WD Club president

Sam Whalley, the sport is not just an activity that brings excitement to faces — it represents adventure and family.

“For me, four-wheel-driving has always been about adventure and community. I love that a 4WD can take you places you simply can’t get to otherwise, beaches, forests and parts of New Zealand that most people never see,” said Sam.

“I was lucky enough to grow up around it, tagging along with my dad on trips in his Suzuki. Those early experiences really stuck with me.”

The club is part of the New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association, created to draw people to mud sports and to work towards accessible off-roading together.

“The association has been around since the 1970s. It was formed to bring clubs together, advocate for fair access to

public land, promote safety, and create a national voice for off-roaders.

“Over the decades, the association has played a key role in conservation projects, emergency response work, land- access negotiations, and building a nationwide community of people who enjoy responsible off-road recreation.

“Today it’s made up of three regional zones, dozens of clubs, and thousands of members, all volunteers

who put in countless hours to support the sport.”

Northland Field Days’ visitors will be getting a glimpse of the excitement of driving. With logs, deep dips and rough terrain part of last year’s track, this year there are hopes to improve it even more.

“This is still a fairly new event for us, and this year is only our second time running it. It’s proving to be a great learning experience for the club as we

figure out what works well for both the entrants and spectators.

“While there’s definitely some fierce competition, it’s not a formal competition or part of a series. The whole idea is getting out there and having a good time in all sorts of vehicles.

“The focus is really on enjoyment and the community side of being in a club, rather than who takes home a trophy.

“It is more than just vehicles on display. It’s an opportunity to talk to real people who use their four-wheel drives for family trips, club events and exploring New Zealand’s back country safely.”

A showcase of the mud sport, the event allows newcomers to ask drivers about the fun behind the wheel. “Newcomers can ask anything they want to know

without feeling judged. We’re always happy to help. The question I’m asked most often is, ‘How do I get started?’ My answer is always to join a club. You’ll learn safely, meet great people, and avoid expensive mistakes.

“A lot of people assume four-wheeldriving is just jumping in and giving it a go, but there is a safe, environmentally responsible way to do it. That’s what clubs help people learn.

“The easiest way is to connect with a local four-wheel-drive club. We’re based in Dargaville, but there are clubs right across the country, and people are welcome whether they’re brand new or experienced.

“Clubs offer trips, beginner training days, social events and plenty of

opportunities to learn how to use a fourwheel-drive responsibly off-road. Anyone interested can chat to us at the stand, or find us on Facebook under Kauri Coast 4WD Club.”

People wanting to witness the excitement of the mud drags and explore what the sport is like can find the local club exhibition across from the kids’ entertainment area on Gillatt Lane.

“We’re a small club, so it takes a lot of organising to pull everything together, and we simply couldn’t do it without our volunteers. Each year, the event gets a bit more polished as we learn what people enjoy and how to make the course fun, safe and engaging.

“At the heart of all this, the most important part is the friendships you make and the fun you have getting out there together. That’s really what fourwheel-driving is all about.” ¢

Let’s work together! KMR can fund and support sediment reduction projects in the Kaipara catchment area.

We offer

• Free advice - we walk the land with you and discuss your options

• Funding - KMR typically pays up to 50% of eligible costs

• Planning and support - we prepare a plan to access funding and provide project support

We fund

• Fencing to protect waterways and regeneration of native forests

• Native planting near waterways, coastal margins, around wetlands and on erodible hill country

Assisted native regeneration and afforestation with native and a selection of exotic trees

Visit kmr.org.nz or scan the QR code to learn more and complete an expression of interest.

Come and have a chat to our team at the Northland Field Days!

No bull — they’re the biggest ever

u by Andy Bryenton

Before domestication, the giant auroch, great-great-grandsire of

tipping the scales at 1,500kg.

Scientists now think that this huge prehistoric cattle beast was domesticated twice, once in the Middle East and once in India, giving rise to the many varied traits typifying modern cattle breeds. The main aim of those early humans was to turn the ferocious wild aurochs into a more docile farmyard animal. However, one aspect of the aurochs farmers have longed to recover for thousands of years is their titanic size.

Breeding for good traits, such as resistance to disease, mild temperament and muscle mass went on through the Middle Ages, but it was not until the rise of agricultural societies and a scientific look at bloodlines that huge progress began toward the giant cattle of the present day.

From the 1700s onwards, the principles of natural philosophy were applied to livestock, delivering breeds such as the Belgian Blue, which was developed in the low countries in the 19th century. At the time, farmers would not have known that a genetic mutation affecting the

chemical myostatin was responsible for these cattle’s powerful physique, but they did know how to

breed for it. Other big examples arose at a similar time, as the potential of what could be done with crossbreeding of regional cattle breeds was realised. In Italy, the publication of the Libro Genealogico in 1933 led to the development of the alreadypowerful Chianina breed.

By 1955, despite the ravages of the second world war on local agriculture, the Chianina breed had become world-leading giants. In that year, a bull named Donetto was shown in Siena, with a weight of 1,745kg. His home town of La Fratta became famous, and his owner reported that he kept growing until he hit a whopping 1,800kg.

In older times, one had to physically introduce a big bull to an equally hefty cow to blend bloodlines and breed for size. Modern techniques have added flexibility to selective breeding, and the size of modern bulls on show reflects this. However, the happy outcome of a cross-channel match in the 1880s has led to the biggest bull ever taken to a livestock show.

The Durham cattle of England were crossbred with the Mancell of France, creating the Maine Anjou breed by 1909. These large and characterful cattle are to be found here in New Zealand, too, but it was in Paris that the biggest ever specimen of their kind became a legend.

Presented to the 2016 Paris International Agriculture Show, Fetard was a true giant, weighing in at 1,950kg. He was raised by Earl Frédéric Jaffré, and may have achieved the landmark figure of 2,000kg had he not perished in an accident not long after his show day triumph. ¢

A need for tough outdoor furniture

When Pam and Martin Shead first settled on the edge of the Kaipara Harbour, they realised that outdoor living was far easier when your tables and chairs don’t blow away in the wind or rust away in a salty sea breeze.

Coming from the UK, in 2004, the couple was accompanied not only by their three children but, amongst other things, their favourite trusty set of Oxley’s outdoor furniture made from recycled aluminium.

They had already owned the furniture for 10 years and it had withstood the wet and cold of English winters, and now, it was being subjected to the extremes of the New Zealand climate, too. Fast-forward another 15 years and the furniture had survived a coastal environment, complete with Kaipara winds and summer sun.

“We came to realise that our Oxley’s furniture was pretty unique here in NZ, and many friends and neighbours were keen to know where they could buy some.

“That’s when we realised that there was a real market for tough outdoor furniture that would withstand our climate. We decided to contact Oxley’s UK and, to cut a long story short, in 2020 we became the sole importers of Oxley’s Furniture into New Zealand.”

Roll on another five years, and Oxley’s NZ has supplied over 150 sets of furniture to clients far and wide.

“We have delivered to pretty much every part of the country from Dunedin, Christchurch, New Plymouth and Wellington to the Far North,” says Pam.

“Although being based in Kaiwaka, the majority of our clients are between Auckland

and Whangārei. We enjoy delivering ourselves to most places as it gives us a chance to explore other parts of the country while we are working.”

“A great measure of the success of our range is that many clients buy a set of furniture and then add to it with extra items year after year,” says Martin. “You can never have too much of a good thing. We are both extremely proud to supply a product that really lives up

to its reputation of being tough, durable and long-lasting.

“The furniture is produced in the UK and sustainably made using 100% recycled aluminium, which is also highly sustainable as you are not replacing it every two or three years. This furniture is made to last generations.”

Sustainable outdoor furniture is not a trend — it’s the future. ¢

MCCALLUM'S MEMO

As Northland’s MP, I want to update you on the two major RMA reform bills currently before Parliament the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill. Together, they represent some of the most important legislation this Government will pass, finally replacing the outdated Resource Management Act with a system that is clearer, more consistent, and far more practical for communities, councils, and businesses.

The Planning Bill focuses on enabling things to get done simplifying consents, reducing delays, and cutting back the red tape that has frustrated people for years. Alongside it, the Natural Environment Bill provides the guardrails by setting national limits for air, water, soil, and biodiversity Separating these responsibilities brings much‐needed clarity after decades of confusion where environmental protection and land‐use rules were lumped together. For farmers, developers, and local families, this means certainty and rules that stay steady, regardless of who is in government.

I’ve spent a lot of time with rural families who are worried about the cost and stress of simply trying to continue long‐standing, responsible farming practices. These reforms are about restoring confidence so people can plan ahead, invest, and know the ground isn’t going to shift beneath them By 2029, the full system will be in place, delivering consistency nationwide and better outcomes for both prosperity and the environment. With submissions now closed, the Environment Committee will soon begin hearings As deputy chair, I’m looking forward to working through that feedback to ensure the system works for communities, for business, for farmers, and for the environment.

NORTHLAND FIELD DAYS 2026 – MAP & SITE LISTINGS

r a y i n g - G o r s e , P a s t u r e / C r o p , & F o r e s t r y

A e r i a l To p d r e s s i n g - B a g g e d , B u l k , o r L i q u i d

A e r i a l L i f t i n g - U p t o 1 4 0 0 k g O u r h e l i c o p

A u t o f l o w c o n t r o l m e t r e

D i f f e r e n t i a l G P S A c c u r a c y ( l e s s t h a n 1 - m e t r e )

Northland Field Days HQ

Northland Fish and Game Council M2

Northland Machinery 2023 Ltd B15

Northland Mobile Windscreens E15

Northland Motor Sports

Dargaville Motors F9, F8, F7, E8, E7

Northland Regional Council I1, I2 Northland

Ombro Leather Goods E18a

Oxley’s

To Go / DAE Group I18

Pasta Lovers ITM Food Court

Perkinz E12a

PGG Wrightson Ltd H18, H19, G18, G19

Piako Tractors Northland Ltd C23, C24, D23, D24

Platinum Ventures T/A Smartbrands Market – 20

Pohutukawa Cotton Linen Lace Market – 2

Polaris NZ I19

Port Nikau LP103

Power and Earth B22

Power Farming Northland A6, A7, A8, A9, B6, B7, B8, B9

PPP Industries Ltd H8b

Precision Seeding Solutions Ltd E16a

Prolan Ltd E12b

Property Brokers G3a

Q – QBrew Market – 23

R – Rabobank F13

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Dargavile and Surrounds L11b

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Bridge tolls blasted

u by Andy Bryenton

Suggestions by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop that a $9 one-way toll on the Auckland Harbour Bridge may be necessary to fund a second harbour crossing have been met with derision and anger.

The Infrastructure Commission’s latest plans, released last week, posited a toll of $9 each way on the ageing but iconic bridge, to help with raising $9 billion required toward another crossing, either a bridge or a tunnel.

“Whatever ends up being built (a bridge or a tunnel) will be tolled. The question is whether or not the existing connection is tolled — that’s a very big decision and we’re taking advice on it,” said Mr Bishop.

Northland would face a big part of this toll burden, with anyone from Kaipara, Whangārei and the Far North having to pay up to cross either tolled access route to the city. A trip necessary for many Northlanders to

access services not available in the region. Road transport costs could also push up the price of anything on Northland shop shelves, of petrol, and of groceries, say opponents. Tourism would also likely be impacted.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown was also highly critical of the toll proposal, though he’s still enthusiastic on a plan to build a second bridge, utilising the Meola Reef structure, which extends two kilometres into the harbour, as a foundation.

Proponents say that a user-pays model is the only fair way to cover the immense cost of a new crossing. Tolls were levied on the harbour bridge when it was built, but ceased in the 1980s; in those times, the fee was 25 cents. ¢

Unlocking Northland’s land potential

Last year was Buckton Surveyors and Planners’ first time attending the Northland Field Days, and it quickly became clear just how special the event is for the region.

For our team, it was a valuable opportunity to meet people face to face, have genuine conversations, and hear first-hand about the goals landowners have for their properties. We’re genuinely looking forward to being back again this year.

Buckton director Richard Cullen says the company is well established in Rodney, with its presence continuing to grow across Northland. With an office space in Dargaville, and capability across Mangawhai, Kaipara, Whangārei and the Far North, Buckton is committed to providing trusted, locallyinformed advice throughout the area.

“We have a strong foundation with our clients — built on trust and long-standing relationships,” says Richard. “We’re now focussed on building that same connection here in Northland, working alongside landowners and helping them move forward with confidence.”

At last year’s field days, several of our surveyors and planners were on-site throughout the event, offering practical

advice, answering questions and discussing land development opportunities. Those conversations led to meaningful outcomes, with the team supporting a number of clients through subdivision projects successfully.

Our collaborative team, including experienced Northland surveyor Elliot Clarke, brings together expertise in land development consulting, surveying, planning, ecology and engineering — supporting projects from concept through to completion.

Buckton looks forward to returning to the Northland Field Days 2026. Visit us at Site G3. ¢

A dog’s tail …

It’s Feel Daze hear ona farm

Well, gidday readas, is me Billy Borda Colly wot the Boss just calls me Dog, like always wen we workin’ ana proppitty. But rite now, I home alone again ’cos Boss an’ his gerlfren’ Sharlene have gone ofta the Feel Daze in town, an’ they don’t blimmin’ let us dogs go just fer fun.

But it’s not all bad, ’cos Boss’s mum is here ter feed the chooks an’ me, an’ keep an eye ona proppitty. Well, sorta, ’cos keepin’ an eye ona farm is rilly down ter me, yours truly. I get roun’ tha stock better than Mum, an’ I like her busy ina kitchen ’cos one thing I do get is blimmin’ good feeds wen she’s in charge. Specially pork craclin ’cos she like a bita roastin’, an’ if it isn’t pork, it’ll be chook or muttin, and I quite happy with everthing.

Mine you, every year atta Feel Daze, I gotta hope that Sharlene is keepin’ hold ofa farm checker book.

Boss sumtimes gets a bit carried away, an’ I rekin that might happin this year in Dargyville, ’cos Sharlene was lookin’ at the papa froma kattil stop atta road gate at smoko before they left, and she read in her skoolteecher voice:

“Kiwi farmers, growers, and primary producers are driving New Zealand’s economy with food and fibre exports set to reach a record $62 billion this year. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has forecast for the year to June 30 2026 building on last year’s recordsetting $60.4 billion. From meat and wool to kiwifruit and cherries, our producers

are remarkable and the world wants New Zealand’s high-quality, sustainable, safe food and fibre, Mr McClay says.”

Well readas, Boss rilly perked up wen he herd that, an’ nek thing he was ona John Dear tracta towin’ a bunch heavy stuff practicin’ fer tha tracta pull contest, an’ plannin’ a cupla days and staying ina pub in town and enjoying alla stuff atta show. Trubbil is wen he hooked the tractor for a last test he pulled out a straina post ina bull paddick. We took half-a-day fixin’ tha fince back up.

An’ Boss can be another problim. If he’s gotta checking book from Sharlene ya never knows wot he’ll bring home. I was looking atta big space unner that woolshed wear I have the odd kip ina hot day and there’s still stuff there from las’ year. Like that big carton wot Boss brouht, ’cos it hada Fergie tractor disc brake cleaning system. Trouble was Boss shooda knowed we gotta John Dear tracta ona proppitty, not a Fergie.

Over ina corner is another box wiv some ’lectric gate opiners. But boss didnit thinks; we got no electrickery wear he wanted ter use it. Like I sed readas, I jus’ hope Sharlene gotta checking book

Tane Aperahama M: 022-412 4608 | E: tane@kauricoastconcrete.co.nz www.kauricoastconcrete.co.nz

locked in her purse wen Boss has bin ina bear tent wiv his mates.

But anyway, I shood reely be happy wile I gotta bit ofa hollyday too, I kin here Mum busy ina kitchin and theresa pritty good smell driftin’ across ta tha woolshed. Time ter go and be friendly ter mum atta back door. Always good for a wee sample of dinner stuff eh?

Hava good show though, readas. Take yer time too, Boss. All fine ona farm so no rush eh?

Cheers — Billy ¢

facebook.com/noboundariesfencing.co.nz jared@nbfencing.co.nz www.noboundariesfencing.co.nz

Field days supports education

u by Andy Bryenton

The Northland Field Days has confirmed its commitment to the future of agriculture in New Zealand, by

funds to three exceptional young individuals pursuing their studies in agricultural science at university.

This initiative is part of the field days committee’s effort to support education and innovation in the rural sector, a stance that has seen them disburse financial assistance for study this year, as in previous years.

The recipients of the 2026 scholarship round are Alyssa Bishop, Kaley France and Jessica Meyer, who have each demonstrated a passion for agriculture and a dedication to advancing the industry. These scholarships will assist them in covering tuition fees and other

It’s a natural extension of the Northland Field Days event itself, which from its inception in 1985 has focussed on innovation and learning. Through supporting scholars, the organisation aims to foster a meaningful connection between the agricultural community and educational institutions, and promote smart answers to the challenges and opportunities of future farming.

“This scholarship means a lot and reinforces my commitment to the industry”

educational expenses as they embark on their academic journeys. The end result — generational leadership in Northland agriculture, driven by locals.

“Investing in the education of our youth is vital for the sustainability and growth of the agricultural sector,” said Northland Field Days president John Phillips. “We believe in nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders, and we are thrilled to support these talented students as they work towards their degrees in agricultural science.”

The recipients expressed gratitude for the support, and are excited about the opportunity to further their education in a field vital to New Zealand’s economy.

“Coming from a strong agricultural background, this scholarship means a lot and reinforces my commitment to the industry,” said recipient Alyssa Bishop.

“I am incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship from Northland Field Days. It will allow me to focus on achieving my academic and career goals, and it will

“I’m truly thankful for Northland Field Days in supporting me as I head into my studies at Massey University, studying the Bachelor of Veterinary Science PreSelection. I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

“I would like to thank the Northland Field Days Committee for supporting

myself and the fellow recipients in providing us financial assistance for us to pursue our dreams in the agricultural industry,” said Jessica Meyer.

The Northland Field Days encourages other local businesses and community members to consider supporting educational initiatives and scholarships that empower young people to pursue careers in agriculture. ¢

Future fuel ready to flow

u by Andy Bryenton

Hydrogen fuel has been described as the ‘logical step beyond EVs’, and is slowly gaining momentum as an alternative to fossil fuels for road freight, generators, maritime applications and tractors.

The issue with hydrogen is not its scarcity; it’s the most common element in the universe. There’s also no problem with emissions, and the hydrogen fuel process generates water as its output. The real problem is the infrastructure needed to deliver it to the pump for motor vehicles, a supply chain from producing hydrogen to its delivery and sale.

Part of that chain is being forged in Taranaki this year, with construction starting soon on a sustainable green hydrogen facility in the region, supported by a $19.9 million government investment. The project includes supplying renewable electricity to the Ballance Agri-Nutrients’ Kapuni facility in South Taranaki for their site operations and producing green hydrogen for emissions-free transport at Hiringa Energy’s refuelling operations.

“We’ve waited more than five years for this project to begin, after it was delayed by years of red tape and appeals under the previous Resource Management Act consent process,” said Regional Development Minister Shane Jones. “A delay like this, for a project so important to a regional economy, shouldn’t have happened. I welcome the economic benefits, jobs and alternative energy source this initiative will bring to Taranaki.” The impact will be felt beyond the borders of the Taranaki region too. Proof

p Hydrogen tractors like this one by New Holland could be a major force in future agriculture, but the key to unlocking this power is the infrastructure to let hydrogen fuel flow

that green or renewable hydrogen fuel can be made at scale in New Zealand is important, as it means that the nation is a step closer to offering hydrogen as an alternative to diesel or petrol in suburban fuel stations and farming and industry. The machines exist, and are far from experimental; big names in tractors such as New Holland, Fendt and Kubota all offer hydrogen models.

“This will be one of the first projects in New Zealand to integrate wind, industrial renewable electricity supply and zerocarbon green hydrogen fuel production at scale the initiative unlocks significant local investment and will be a vital contributor to long-term development in the region, and will help diversify the Taranaki economy by supporting new, innovative clean energy industries.” said Mr Jones. ¢

THE STORY BEHIND NEWS IS CLEAR. PEOPLE TRUST PRINT JOURNALISM

Empowering with knowledge

u by Andy Bryenton

Kat Kalynchuk of KnowYourStuffNZ will be on-site for the Northland Field Days in

use harm reduction through education and destigmatised conversation in the Kaipara.

“At field days we will have our iconic yellow signage up so that people can find us easily,” says Kat.

“We’ll also be around all weekend to speak with the community and offer science-based stigma-free information regarding substance use, including how to support those experiencing overdose, how to recognise different overdose symptoms and the importance of awareness around polysubstance use with prescription and non-prescription drugs.

“We are excited to announce that field days is just the start for us this year, with community

Their stance is that the drug war has failed to manage the supply or demand for drugs. It has failed to protect society, but instead has caused untold levels of harm fuelling overdose, disease, stigma, criminalisation, fear of seeking treatment, inappropriate treatment, organised crime and violence.

With solid statistical evidence showing that prisons worldwide are dominated by people from vulnerable communities, incarcerated for drug-defined crimes, such as possession and intent to supply, it’s the HRCA’s mission to affect change. When even the United Nations

“At field days we will have our iconic yellow signage up so that people can find us easily”

workshops and educational seminars planned for 2026, as well as the ability for schools, community groups, marae and more to book us for private educational sessions tailored to their needs.”

It’s an important topic touching many lives, and too important, say supporters of harm reduction, to be left to the mechanisms of crime and punishment. Hence, Kat also works as part of the Harm Reduction Coalition Aotearoa, an organisation seeking to fundamentally change the legislation, which has led to a fiscally and societally costly war on drugs.

Office of Drugs and Crime’s own data shows that the supply and demand for prohibited drugs continues to increase, and has done for half a century, an open discussion about a different approach is timely.

“If drug use harm reduction and community change through honest conversation and education sound like your thing, come talk to one of our community leaders in yellow to get in on the 2026 training sessions and become one of our star volunteers, leading the change you want to see in your community,” says Kat.

“See you at the show.” ¢

Native forest gets a helping hand

u by Paul Campbell

A project to restore 110 hectares of native forest on Northland’s remote Kōwhairoa Peninsula Historic Reserve is on track, says Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.

With forestry having a recent boost due to the New Zealand-India Free Trade deal the industry also admires the local vision and volunteer hard work that has grown into a thriving restoration project. “Thanks to the Provincial Growth Fund boost in 2020 there has been 94,000 native plants established from locallysourced seeds and pests brought under control,” Mr Jones says.

The project received government funding of $1.54 million under the former Provincial Growth Fund’s One Billion Trees programme, administered by the New Zealand Forest Service.

The project, led by Te Komanga Marae Trust, involves planting 132,000 native trees and controlling pests to recreate a native forest on steep, deforested coastal land.

“The Kōwhairoa Peninsula is a significant site for Māori and was remarkable for its diverse flora and fauna, and old-growth forests, which were unfortunately cleared for their timber by early settlers. This project is restoring the old forest species that once dominated the area.”

Mr Jones travelled by boat to the remote Whangaroa Harbour reserve late last month to plant a tree and celebrate the forest restoration progress, five years after first visiting at the project’s launch.

The reserve land was returned to the Te Komanga Marae Trust to manage, as part of Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa’s 2017 Treaty settlement. Te Komanga Marae trustee Roger Kingi has led the project with guidance from ecologist Dr Adam Forbes and early assistance from the Department of Conservation.

“The Kōwhairoa Peninsula Historic Reserve is culturally and ecologically significant to New Zealand, it is great to be a part of the restoration of such a site,” Mr Jones said.

The project is on track for completion at the end of this year.

The NZ Forest Service said New Zealand’s indigenous timber resources are among the best managed in the world, but stipulates timber can only be legally harvested from native forests on private land and subject to strict controls. Where timber is milled from natural forests, it must be produced sustainably as defined by the Forests Act (1949) as Amended (1993).

Sustainable forest management (SFM) is defined by New Zealand’s Forests Act 1949 as ‘the management of an area of indigenous forests land in a way that maintains the ability of the forest on that land to continue to provide a full range of products and amenities in perpetuity while maintaining the forest’s natural values’. ¢

Resurrecting a giant

u by Andy Bryenton

The first tractor sold at the Northland Field Days was a Case IH, a 1985 model, which will return to the hallowed ground of the agricultural show this year to celebrate the event’s 40th birthday.

However, this vintage farm machine is not the genesis of the Case name; the company was involved with tractors long before the reign of diesel and turbochargers. Perhaps the crowning achievement of Case in those early years was a tractor so huge and imposing that it gained the name ‘the road locomotive’ — the colossal Case 150hp.

Every metric confirmed it as a giant, and its job was to mechanise agriculture on the great plains of the US in the days of steam. Even the modern Case IH tracked

were ever made back in 1905. There was a limited need for such a huge and powerful steam tractor. The wideopen fields of the midwest were its natural home, and with most farms in those days being smaller than the big mechanised operations of the present day, the Case 150hp was ahead of its time. Sadly, all nine machines were destroyed as they became seen as outdated and inefficient, replaced by fleets of smaller tractors using internal combustion.

The pinnacle of steam technology and might, only nine of the huge machines were ever made back in 1905

tractor units only approach its massive size; 35 tons of hand-crafted iron and steel, driven by 180psi of boiler pressure chugging to spin a 1.27-metre flywheel. The road locomotive was more than eight metres long, as tall as a house, and could reach a top speed of just 10km/h. That sounds unimpressive, until you realise that it could hit this speed while drawing 40 giant plowshares through the soil.

The pinnacle of steam technology and might, only nine of the huge machines

Then came Kory Anderson, a visionary engineer who grew up with steam traction engines. His parents took him to his first steam engine show when he was only five days old, and his parents Kevin and Donna supported his passion for the preservation of agricultural machinery heritage with their own. At the age of ten he met a man named George Hedtke, who owned the boiler of a very special machine; the prototype Case 150hp. It became Kory’s ambition to rebuild the giant.

From the age of 16 he embarked on his plan, talking to veteran fabricators, learning old techniques, building his skills and aiming to remake the big 150hp from scratch. By the age of 22 he’d founded a metalworking company that could help fund and accomplish his dream. In 2016, he hand-picked

a team of friends and began the task, completing the rebuild in just 16 months. It was the culmination of an idea sparked when he was still in primary school, and it worked. The new Case 150hp is a huge attraction today, and holds the record for the biggest steam tractor on earth. ¢

Where the field days phenomenon all began

u by Andy Bryenton

Harvest fairs and village fetes had been part of the landscape in England since the Middle Ages, or perhaps even beyond when the firstever real rural show was conceived of.

These countryside celebrations have given the world many odd and interesting traditions, such as the rolling of the cheeses, catching greased pigs and the steeplechase ‘wife carry’ run. However, it was not until the days of the industrial revolution that true agricultural shows as we know them today arose.

The Salford Agricultural Society in Lancashire wanted to prove that farming was as go-ahead and progressive as any of the steam-powered industries dominating Britain at the time. Their aim was to banish the myth of bucolic simplicity, and celebrate animal breeding, new practices and equipment, and the knowledge inherent in the rural sector. In 1768 they hosted the first A&P show, with ribbons for the cream of the crop and discussions on farming practices, as well as ample good food, cider and merriment.

The US claims they beat the UK to the punch, with records showing that a Pennsylvania show in 1765 was also the site of livestock competitions and the now-ubiquitous giant vegetables and prize pies of the indoor section. More solid is the claim of Elkanah Watson of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, who founded the Berkshire Agricultural Society and held a show very similar to the Salford,

Lancashire one in 1811. This had the stated aim of sharing farming knowledge and awarding the best breeders and growers. Ontario, Canada, hosted an early show at Niagara Falls in 1792.

The idea became a phenomenon very quickly. Farming communities loved the idea of celebrating their own, and it was also a chance for town and city dwellers to come and see a snapshot of rural excellence. Those tourist dollars were

very welcome. Soon the US was hosting mammoth state fairs, some of which cover hectares today and boast 2 million visitors annually.

By 1842, the idea of a rural show was cemented in the public consciousness, to the extent that people coming to forge a new life in New Zealand wanted to carry on the British tradition here. The first such show on Kiwi soil was celebrated in the Bay of Islands in 1842. The first official

Auckland Agricultural and Horticultural Society show was held on December 19 1843.

The transition from an A&P Show to what we’d now call a field days’ event came as machinery and technology became dominant forces in farming. Early field days arose in the US, where they were differentiated from other country shows and fairs by a focus on future farming science, networking and learning. Today, going to a field days’ event in New Zealand combines many aspects of all of these traditions, into a real showcase of rural productivity and potential. ¢

Plain sailing in Dargaville

u by Andy Bryenton

Looking back from the future

u by Andy Bryenton

In the 1980s, two important cultural icons got behind the wheel of a Toyota Hilux.

The first was Marty McFly, Michael J Fox’s character from the movie Back to the Future. He had a DeLorean time machine to drive already, but what he wanted, and eventually got, was an old-school SR5 Extra Cab Hilux in gloss black. The other, more important to Kiwi audiences, was author and ‘good keen man’ Barry Crump, who teamed up with Lloyd Scott to define his role as a spokesman for Toyota’s go-anywhere ute.

“It became a perfect match,” said former Toyota New Zealand head Bob Field.

prices for examples with up to half a million kilometres on the clock, and they’re north of $12,000. The term ‘indestructible’ gets thrown about, but the proof is in how many of these utes are still on the road, still on the farm, still working and quietly becoming appreciating classics.

Of course, time does not stand still. The people who make new Toyota utes have had 40 years since Marty and Barry blazed onto the screen, and they’ve evolved the Hilux into a modern reimagining of those

“The new generation proudly carries that legacy forward as we approach a milestone”

“I’d like to say it was the result of a lot of detailed research and analysis, but basically he [Barry Crump] rang us out of the blue and put a proposition on the table, which when we looked at it, made a lot of sense.”

The vehicle was the star of Barry and Lloyd’s iconic series of advertisements, and it delivered what the duo promised in their on-screen adventures. The third and fourth generations of the Hilux didn’t just become legendary; they remain so. Check out the

qualities that made the 1980s edition so well-loved. The new 2026 Hilux has been four years in development, but it’s got the feedback of decades of driver experience folded into its DNA. Under the bold ‘cyber sumo’ styling is the same Hilux heart, and a whole lot of clever engineering as well. The Hilux has defined itself through the years as a ute for all seasons, so the 2026 model has been optimised for farmers and tradies, boat-towing holidaymakers and off-road

“For generations, Kiwis have trusted Hilux to deliver strength, reliability, and near-unbreakable performance through the toughest conditions this country can throw at it,” said Toyota New Zealand CEO Tatsuya Ishikawa.

“The new generation proudly carries that legacy forward as we approach a milestone — 50 years of Hilux in New Zealand in 2026. This evolution is more than a celebration of heritage; it’s a statement of Toyota’s vision for the future, with a multi-pathway approach that includes a BEV and a hydrogen fuel cell Hilux variant scheduled for 2028.” ¢

AUTO & MARINE

Tank reloaded for victory

u by Andy Bryenton

Test driving the GWM Tank 300 late in 2025, we were impressed by its presence, its clever attention to detail, its design homage to some of the greatest ever 4x4 machines and, of course, the amount of vehicle on offer for a very sharp

Driving on crowded urban streets and navigating the maze of one of Northland’s busiest supermarkets during the hours after school got out was one big test. Hitting the winding country lanes in a full-sized SUV was another. The Tank 300 passed both, thanks to a battery of cameras and smart little helpers, and a steering and handling profile which makes this large, voluminous and capable machine seem smaller than its apparent footprint.

Underneath, it was well worth noting the proper, adventure-grade underpinnings of the Tank, with its underbody protection, locking differentials, chunky tyres and serious suspension. IT was obviously not made for posing, but for getting things done. Under the hood, we were impressed with the unfussy, easy delivery of torque from the two-litre petrol turbo motor, and equally pleased with the intuitive interior layout.

It was all good news for this characterful addition to the Kiwi SUV market. Smarter looking than most, a savvy buy and a machine with real abilities when the tarmac came to an end. In a world of front-wheel-drive faux 4x4s, this stood out almost as much as the endearing styling.

Since that time, GWM has engineered another reason to take a look at the Tank 300. A hybrid was already part of the range, but now there’s a plug-in hybrid variant, able to deliver 115 kilometres of range on electric power alone, or blend power sources for exceptional fuel economy. They’re calling it a Hi4T system;

Hybrid Intelligent 4WD Technology in longhand. The upshot is a plug-in still boasting a 3,000kg towing capacity, and with all vehicles soon to face road user charges, the plug-in segment is about to get attractive.

If you’re not sold on voltage, there’s that excellent petrol turbo and a 2.4-litre

diesel turbo to choose from as well, all wrapped up in the same bodywork, which we called ‘endearing and tough at the same time’.

Add in some peace of mind from a fivestar ANCAP rating for safety, and seven years of warranty coverage, spanning however many kilometres you care to drive, and you’ve got a pretty neat formula. The GWM Tank 300 is coming to the Northland Field Days, so you can get a closer look there at this surprising 4x4 machine. ¢

Stop rust with lanolin

Prolan, a New Zealand-made lanolin-based lubricant and corrosion inhibitor, is becoming increasingly popular with farmers, engineers, panel beaters, motor-homers, and boaties for its unique ability to adhere to metal and stop rust in its tracks. Whether it be a much–cherished Land Rover or a new vehicle showing surface rust on purchase.

“Prolan Extreme is attracting much interest from those with machinery and equipment exposed to harsh environments, such as salt, sand and mud,” says Murray.

“The results are excellent. We’ve trialled it within industries throughout New Zealand from mussel spat farmers to Great Barrier Island engineers.”

A coating of Prolan on a vehicle chassis will provide a long-term environmentallyfriendly protective coating that will help it pass WOF and COF checks.

“Many vehicle stations are now recommending a coating of Prolan to cover existing rust and seal it off from air and moisture. Prolan cannot be removed by cold-water blasting — this allows vehicle chassis to be cleaned without removing the rust protection.”

Prolan is best applied on a warm day or on cooler days: the product tin can be warmed in a bucket of hot water before application. The beauty of the Prolan being a natural product is that it is safe and easy to apply.

With minimal preparation required before coating, wash the chassis down, allow to dry off before coating with Prolan. A coating can even be applied over existing rust — just a quick brush off if flaky rust is present.

For larger areas, Prolan is best applied using an airless spray gun or compressed air type system. Prolan is safe around electrical, electronics and rubbers; it will not break them down or cause perishing.

In the past chassis have been sprayed with used engine oil, fish oil among other

things, inside the chassis rails and underneath. Prolan’s main ingredient lanolin (from sheep’s wool) adheres to metal surfaces, blocking off air and moisture and stops rust in its tracks. The ability of the Prolan to creep into hardto-reach areas makes it a winner over a paint-type system where if the paint cracks — corrosion can creep in.

In coastal environments Prolan is excellent for hinges, tools, seized locks, bolts, chains, winch ropes, radio antennas, alternators, starter motors, squeaky door hinges, garage doors, lawn mower chassis, garden ornaments and fishing gear. A spray on to a metal surface, with a quick wipe off with a rag, ensures the surface is wellcoated and will prevent corrosion from the environment.

With a coverage rate of 1 litre for 8–10 square metres, Prolan is economically a winner protecting your assets, reducing maintenance and preventing expensive parts replacement down the track.

As a result, Prolan will increase asset life and resale value. “It is hard to believe it is off the sheep’s back — taken from nature to protect nature. With the added bonus, it is made in NZ by Kiwis,” Murray said. ¢

AUTO & MARINE

Lucky number seven

u by Andy Bryenton

An observation from a friend, as happy off-road drivers in their modified utes and SUVs poured north across the Auckland border for summer; “petrolheads below a certain age all want trucks, because there are no more interesting, affordable cars like the ones we got.”

On reflection, growing up in the crossover SUV age must seem dire indeed, compared to the golden elysium of the 1990s, when Japan produced so many fun, pretty, modifiable sedans, coupes and hatches. Of course, there’s nothing at all wrong with wanting to build a great off-roader, either. It’s just that nobody’s dream car is a front-wheel-drive faux SUV in resale silver or white.

So, it’s a wonderful surprise to see that there’s a new sedan in town, and it’s not a pricey European model. It’s a smart, trim four-door that looks like something Jaguar might have made, if they hadn’t apparently lost their glasses recently. Of further note; this is a two-litre turbo fourpot with 227 horsepower, quad exhausts and an automatic rear spoiler.

All right, you might ask, what badge has Toyota brought back this time? Is this a new Chaser or a Celica with extra seats? Aha. There’s the trap, because despite their new mantra of ‘no more boring cars’, this new sedan is a competitor to the Camry, not its stablemate.

It’s called the MG7, and it’s being called the MG company’s ‘Stinger’ moment. MG has a long history, but its rebirth in modern times has seen the brand start

off with practical and inexpensive offerings. Kia, maker of the Stinger that gives the turn of phrase its name, dropped a blisteringly quick grand tourer, which beat the big V8s, right at the turning of the tide of public perception for their brand. The MG7 might well do the same for the artists formerly known as Morrie.

Again, there’s the looks. On a street full of econo-boxes and crossovers this thing will stand out like fully costumed Ziggy Stardustera Bowie at a village church service. You can have it in metallic, beetlewing green with a green leather interior, or white with red leather. It’s a bit special in there, too, and looks sporty and retro-futuristic. It sits on Michelin tyres. It’s packed with Bose speakers. They even talk about the MG7 being inspired by the brand’s racing heritage. It’s not coming to the market with the pitch that it’s frugal or quirky or electric. It’s a proper two-litre turbo like they used to make, back when call cars aspired to frameless doors like a hot Subaru. Oh, yes. It’s got those, too.

The Aussies have already got a hold of the MG7, and the reviews are good. Even better, across the ditch this sporty medium-sized sedan can reignite the fun of driving for you, for less than A$50,000. When will it arrive here? Only time will tell. When it does, expect some serious attention. ¢

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.

DARGAVILLE 132 Hokianga Road

Deadline Sale - Act Now

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DARGAVILLE 29 Keer Road

Productive Dairy Farm With Quality Infrastructure 206 hectare dairy farm at 29 Keer Road, just 15km from Dargaville. Four titles, milking 325 cows. Two renovated homes: a spacious four bedroom brick and tile main home with garaging and solar, plus a three bedroom split level second home. Quality infrastructure includes a 40 ASHB shed, 400 cow feed pad, 24 bay calf shed, covered standoff, cattle

rgrbin@pggwrightson.co.nz

Lulich

WHAT’S ON?

February

Tupuna Parenting Foundations Dargaville — Mon 2 Feb to 30 Mar Dargaville Plunket Clinic, 29 Hokianga Rd. Join us for an 8-week wananga series exploring matauranga Maori through whakatauki purakau, learn practical ways to indigenise your parenting and strengthen your connection to your whakapapa. Contact Whaea Cherrie at cherrie.christy-hita@plunket. org.nz.

Inland Revenue Clinic — Tues 24 Feb Heartland Sevices, Whanau Focus Bldg, 61 Victoria St. Bookings essential. 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765.

Northland Field Days — 26, 27, 28 Feb. Gate times: Thu & Fri 9am to 4pm Sat 9am to 3.30pm. Adults $13, Child $5, under 5 free, Family $30. Friday Jam Night — 27 Feb from 5.30pm. Bar & meals available. Members and guests welcome. Dargaville Club, 53–55 Victoria St. Ph 09 439 8211.

March

Maungaturoto Edible Village Project — Sun 1 Mar, Visionary Meeting. Come along and join in with strategic decisions making and inspirational planning! Maungaturoto Country Club (or Centennial Hall if it’s running). 3pm start. Joie Gritten 021 234 0519. Dargaville ANZAC Theatre — Hokianga Rd, 2 Mar @ 6.30pm. Short movies collection, geared to inspire with a breathtaking range of short cycling films that celebrate the fun, adventure and inspiration that cycling brings. Everything a cycle-centric audience could want.

SPCA — 4 Mar cnr SH12 & Victoria St. LOOK FOR THE FLAG flea treatment $10, worm treatment $3. Pet care advice. Emergency Pet Food.

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.

Clubs/Organisations

57 Squadron (Dargaville) Air Training Corps — Mondays 6pm–8pm at the Dargaville Aero Club. For boys and girls aged 13–18 years Phone Gordon 021 262 0547.

Alcoholics Anonymous — Dargaville meetings, Lighthouse Church, cnr Parore St and Normanby St, Monday 4.30pm & Anglican Church hall, 58 Hokianga Rd, Thursday 7.30pm. Top of drive, parking available. More help 0800 229 6757.

Alzheimer’s ‘Carer’ Support Group — Contact Maxine on 022 691 6068.

AMRAP Boxfit — Saturdays 7am–8am @ Selwyn Park School Hall. $10. If you have your own gloves and wraps please bring them with you. Ph: 022 424 6685, email: amrapboxing@gmail.com.

Anger Management Group — Thursdays 6pm–7.30pm 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Helena 021 564 618 or 09 601 4153.

Baylys & Beyond Gardeners — 2nd Monday of each month. Garden ramble, shared lunch, trading table phone 021 063 3444.

Blind Low Vision Support Group — Meets 10.30am, last Monday of the month, alternatively at Dargaville and Ruawai. Phone Noelene 09 439 0033 for more info.

Chess Club — All welcome, Wednesdays 6.30pm Dargaville, gold coin donation. Phone Stephen 09 439 8819.

Circus Kumarani All Ages Circus Class — Come along and learn some circus, casual or full term. 15 Onslow St, Dargaville, Tuesdays 3.45–4.45pm; and Paparoa Memorial Hall, Thursdays 4–5pm. www. circuskumarani.co.nz/classes. Check out the School Holiday programs.

Citizens Advice Bureau — Dargaville & districts now at Parenga Street (between the Menz Shed and My Accountants).

Dancing Kaiwaka — Wed mornings from 9.30am. Keep fit mentally and physically, great crowd, morning tea, first 2 sessions free. Come try it, it’s fun. Wear soft shoes, nothing else required except a smile. Bevan Lawrence 027 617 652.

Dargaville Aero Club — Learn to fly, free of tuition charges, Gyrocopter, Texan, Stork. Contact Peter 022 025 0235 for further info.

Dargaville Bowling Club Tuesday Bowls — Names by 9.30am, start 10am, finish 2.30pm. Contact Ray King 09 439 5509

Dargaville Club Jam Nights — every second Friday, 5.30pm start.

Dargaville Club — 55 Victoria Street, open Wednesday and Friday from 5pm. Members and guests welcome.

Dargaville Community Garden — at Kumarani Creative Centre, 15 Onslow St. Open day 2nd Saturday of the month, come along from 10am–1pm for a cuppa, swap crops, seeds and ideas. Email classes@ circuskumarani.co.nz to find out more.

Dargaville Contact Bridge Club — Tuesdays 12.45pm and Wednesdays 6.45pm at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan St, Dargaville. dargavillebridge@gmail.com or phone Peter 09 439 2437 or 022 405 6439.

Dargaville Darts Club — Every Wednesday, 6pm start, at Dargaville Club, 55 Victoria Street.

Dargaville Firearm & Military Collectors Club — 3rd Friday of every second month at Lions Club Hall, Hokianga Road, at 7.30pm. Phone Alec Melville 027 215 1833.

Dargaville Friendship Club for seniors — 2nd Tuesday of month at 10am at the Kiosk, Memorial Park, Logan Street. Phone Brian or Barbara 09 439 5959.

WED 25 4:57am (2.9m) 11:12am (1.0m) 5:28pm (2.8m) 11:44pm (1.0m) THU 26 6:12am (2.8m) 12:31pm (1.1m) 6:47pm (2.7m) FRI 27 1:05am (1.0m) 7:38am (2.8m) 1:57pm (1.0m) 8:12pm (2.8m)

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 THE KAIPARA

6:50pm (2.4m) MON 2 12:54am (0.6m) 7:20am (2.6m) 1:26pm (0.7m) 7:49pm (2.5m) TUE 3 1:48am (0.6m) 8:12am (2.6m) 2:18pm (0.6m) 8:41pm (2.6m)

PUZZLE TIME

66 Partner (6)

67 Signal fire (6)

69 Construct (9)

72 Sniffs (6)

73 Bowed and scraped (9)

75 Small flute (7)

77 Racket (3)

80 Legal expenses (5)

Fit to sail (9)

21 Insufficiency, scarcity (6)

24 Wig (9)

25 Brass instrument (6)

26 Notoriety (6)

29 Cold saunas (anag) (10)

31 Staff (3)

32 Damaged (6)

33 Crypt (4)

35 Day before (3)

37 Threesome (4)

39 Cut across (9)

40 Mooring (9)

41 Sleeved garment (5)

42 Steals the limelight (8)

47 Enormous creature (8)

51 Bush (5)

55 Clerical tasks (9)

56 Translucent white gypsum (9)

58 Two-wheeled carriage (4)

59 Black sealant (3)

60 Tangible (4)

61 Defer indefinitely (6)

62 Rodent (3)

63 Feelings of warmth and affection (10)

81 Inexperienced and naive (3,6,3,4)

82 Intact (5)

83 Security (6)

84 Anxious expectation (8)

85 Supporting struts (5) DOWN

2 Operated by compressed air (9)

3 Figure out (5)

5 Fluff (4)

6 One trained to compete in sports (7)

7 Sweet fleshy red fruits (12)

8 Underwater worker (5)

9 To a greater degree (7)

10 Encourage (4)

11 Euphoric (6)

12 Melting snow (5)

13 Progress (7)

14 Demeanour (7)

16 Inventing (11)

22 Growing shoot (6)

23 Strategic withdrawal (7)

24 Charity (7)

25 Trainees (6)

27 Green-fleshed fruit (7)

28 Save from danger (6)

30 Father (4)

32 Spiral (5)

34 Tree (5)

36 Seep out (4)

38 Tear (3)

42 Pep pill (5)

43 High singer (7)

44 Crooked (4)

45 Ages (6)

46 Correspond (5)

48 Hot sauce made from a root (11)

49 Afternoon performance (7)

50 Beverage (3)

51 Adept (7)

52 Desert-like (6)

53 Loyalty (12)

54 Walk (4)

57 Court game (6)

64 Academic (9)

65 Crux (7)

66 Follows secretly (7)

68 Flavouring seed (7)

70 The most direct route (7)

71 Cold US state (6)

72 Pry (5)

74 Stove (anag) (5)

76 Swindler (5)

78 Small island (4)

79 Probability (4)

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

ACROSS: 1 Screw, 4 Not in the running, 14 Brawl, 15 Value, 16 Repetition, 17 Excel, 19 Ass, 20 Stalked, 21 Necessary, 22 Teased, 25 Sovereign, 27 Poetic, 28 Tomcat, 33 Chopsticks, 35 Ran, 36 Smoker, 37 Glad, 39 Doc, 41 Benefit, 42 Potato, 43 Archivist, 44 Rural, 45 Seasoned, 50 Ra, 51 Unbiased, 55 Igloo, 58 Stagehand, 59 Abated, 60 Trudged, 61 SOS, 63 Nets, 64 Zealot, 65 Toe, 66 Auctioneer, 68 Gadget, 69 Pitied, 71 Frying pan, 76 Butler, 77 Slaphappy, 79 Vagrant, 81 Nil, 84 Sleet, 85 Correction, 86 Enemy, 87 Exact, 88 As white as a sheet, 89 Whale. DOWN: 2 Crafty, 3 Equal, 5 Open, 6 Iceberg, 7 Trivet, 8 Exits, 9 Unnerve, 10 Need, 11 Nuclei, 12 Salad, 13 Old salt, 14 Blossom, 18 Pedestrian, 23 Perch, 24 Pivotal, 26 Oppress, 27 Pandora, 29 Celsius, 30 Cheese, 31 Trial, 32 Deacon, 34 Soot, 36 Scorn, 38 Dated, 40 Mini, 45 Susan, 46 Adapted, 47 Owes, 48 Erased, 49 Blast, 50 Roasted, 52 Birmingham, 53 Addenda, 54 Eleven, 55 Idyllic, 56 Caber, 57 Beta, 62 Acrid, 67 Dentist, 68 Grinned, 70 Illicit, 72 Repatch, 73 Jewels, 74 Camera, 75 Enamel, 76 Bloat, 78 Parka, 80 Ranch, 82 Itch, 83 Hope.

5x5

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

CARAVAN

SINGLE?

HUGE

CLEARING AUCTION

T.W.IRAIA WAIMAMAKU

7206 State Highway 12, Waimamaku

(over 45 years in business)

Saturday 28th February 2026

Viewing on the day or by appt. only Auction starts 10am

• Trucks, Vehicles & Trailers

• Contracting equipment

• Diggers

• Quads

• Machinery & Tools

• Boats

• Building materials

Drinks

• Catering & butchery equipment

• Large quantity of sundries SALE of the Century

- something for everybody Too much to list ALL enquiries: Ph: 022 693 4450

E: clearingauctions@gmail.com Cash or Eftpos

CHURCH NOTICES

TE KOROWAI O IHU KARAITI, Dargaville Church of the Nazarene, 4 Grey Street. Church service every Sunday at 3pm. Bible study/prayer Wednesday from 4.30pm–7pm, call Moses 021 248 8910. Celebrate Recovery, for hurts, habits and hang-ups Friday 5.30pm–8pm, call George 022 498 5681.

WORLD DAY of Prayer. Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Friday 6th March at 1pm. (All Welcome)

EQUESTRIAN

ONE OF New Zealand’s leading and experienced Equine Instructors coming to the heart of Dargaville 14th and 15th March — an opportunity not to be missed. (SIMPLY THE BEST). Enquiries & Bookings Phone or text 021 209 3982.

FENCING

FENCING, ALL types of fencing, pool, stockyards, post & rail, boundary plus… call Jeff 027 476 5458.

GARAGE SALE

GARAGE SALE – 5 Church Street, Aratapu. Saturday 28th February, 8am–12pm.

NURSERIES & PLANTS

GOT2GO PLANTS Shelter, hedging, grasses, bottlebrush green, red, white, pink, lemon flowers and much more at wholesale prices. Got2Go Plants, 55 West Coast Road, Te Kopuru. EFTPOS available. Phone 09 439 5556 or 027 488 3400.

PET SUPPLIES

TuChristey MassageTherapist

Relaxation,MyofascialRelease,LymphaticDrainage, CranioSacralTherapy,*Ortho-BionomyasPractitionerintraining.

Mobile:0211169425 Email:tuthemt@gmail.com www.handyhandsmassage.co.nz

PERSONAL

SEPTIC TANK SERVICES

MAGIC PROPERTY Services Ltd. SEPTIC TANK CLEANING. UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S POO LATE! PH: 021 290 0442.

TRADES & SERVICES

Who is able to diagnose &repair motorcycles of all makes & models and can work closely with customers to ensure satisfaction.

We require from you:

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.

CUSTOM FRAMING - Artwork, Needlework, Medals, Diamond Art, Glass Repair & More. By Appointment only, Phone Debra 021 549 427.

PLYWOOD 7MM Untreated $29, 20+ $26.10 or Pack(75) $23. Scooters Plywood & Joinery 09 438 6565.

WINDOW & DOOR Repairs & Glazing, Insect Screens, Security and more — call me today. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458. Kevin Sowter or visit my website: windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.

•

• Proven experience as a motorbike technician

Knowledge of electrical systems & engine diagnostics

• Strong problem-solving skills & mechanical aptitude

Ability to work independently or in a team

We offer a competitive hourly rate based on experience, ability & qualifications. With a friendly, supportive workshop environment. Call in & discuss with Anthony West Northland Motor Sports Ltd 59 / 61 Normanby Street, Dargaville E: anthony@northlandmotorsports.co.nz M: 027 439 7015

CLASSIFIEDS

SITUATIONS VACANT

CLINICAL NURSE TEAM LEADER

An experienced Nurse Team Leader to provide clinical leadership within our busy rural practice.

• 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday (Flexibility available for the right candidate)

• No shift work, Sundays or public holidays

• Occasional Saturday mornings

• Competitive remuneration package and benefits

If you’re ready to take on new opportunities we would love to hear from you. For more information or to apply see our website https://www.dargmed.co.nz/vacancies

PUBLIC NOTICE:

Northland Regional Council (NRC) is publicly notifying its intent to apply aquatic herbicides Aquathol K and Aquathol Super K (active ingredient endothall) to two Far North lakes and two lakes and a pond on the Poutō Peninsula to control the pest plant hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) The lakes are on private land, except Lake Tutaki and Lake Tutaki Southern Pond which are on public conservation land Aquathol K is a selective herbicide that only affects the target plant hornwort, breaks down into natural elements and doesn’t affect other native plants, fish or invertebrates

The application is scheduled to take place between 3 March and 30 April 2026 The application will likely take place early in the morning and is weather dependent

Contact with the lake water (including swimming) is banned for 24 hours, fishing is banned for 72 hours and there will be a restriction on water-takes for 10 days, after the application of the herbicide Affected landowners have been contacted and signs will be up at lakes

For more information, please contact Northland Regional Council on 0800 002 004 For 24hour emergency contact, please phone 0800 504 639

w w w.nrc.govt.nz

Closing date for for the March 3 2026 edition is Monday, March 2 2026

IN MEMORIAM

Gough, Gwendolen (Gwen)

A memorial service for our dear Mum is to be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 58 Hokianga Rd, Dargaville. Friday 6th March, 1 pm.

Refreshments at hall then interment of Bernard and Gwen’s ashes at New Mt Wesley cemetery. Communications to: A Price 021 437788

TREE SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIED arborists. For all your tree needs — removal, chipping, trimming. Get the right team for the job. TEAM VEGETATION 09 439 0050.

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

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. THE LEABOURN FAMILY wishes to advise that we no longer own or operate the business Leabourn Passengers Service. This business was sold to Ritchies Transport Holdings in 2024.

Women’s Section AGM

Meeting 16th March 2026 will be held at the RSA Clubrooms at 1pm. All Welcome.

RUAWAI PROMOTIONS & DEVELOPMENT GROUP

AGM Wednesday 11th March Ruawai Tokatoka War Memorial Hall 6.00pm Followed by Ruawai 2030 Workshop Bring your Ideas to the meeting. rpdg0530@gmail.com

TAMA TE UAUA MARAE PANUI

Nau Mai - Haere Mai WHAKATUWHERATANGA ANŌ Reopening

28th February 2026

Pōwhiri 10:30am

5 Kaihu Wood Road, Kaihu RSVP: tamateuauamarae@outlook.com

Public notice

(Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012)

Akshar Grocer Ltd of Dargaville, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the issue of an off licence in respect of the premises situated at 113 Victoria St, Dargaville known as West Coast Grocer

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Grocery Store

The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is intended to be sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 7am to 10pm.

The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the Kaipara District Licensing Committee at 32 Hokianga Road, Dargaville or Unit 5, 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai.

Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the first publication of this public notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville 0340.

No objection to the issue of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105(1) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

This is the second publication of this notice.

February 2026.

Two-year fishery closure in the Hauraki Gulf

Under section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996, notification is given of the Fisheries (Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay, and Whangaparāoa Peninsula Temporary Closure) Notice 2026.

The notice closes the Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay, and Whangaparāoa Peninsula coastlines from 12 March 2026 until 11 March 2028. The closure was requested by the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust.

The temporary closure includes these fisheries waters:

• Ōmaha Bay: between the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve and the Tāwharanui Marine Reserve, extending offshore to 200 metres. This closure also includes a 200-metre radius around Panetiki Island/The Outpost and the island in Te Kohuroa/Mathesons Bay

• Kawau Bay: between the Tāwharanui Marine Reserve and the Kawau Bay High Protection Area, extending offshore to 200 metres.

• Whangaparāoa Peninsula: between the mouth of the Ōrewa River and the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve, extending offshore for approximately 200 metres. This area also includes all of Ōkoromai Bay and Te Haruhi Bay

The temporary closure prohibits the taking of all seaweeds and invertebrates.

An invertebrate means any aquatic life that is a multicellular animal without a backbone or a dorsal spinal column. This includes but is not limited to barnacles cat’s eyes, chitons, cockles, crabs, jellyfish, limpets, mussels, octopus, oysters, pāua, pipi, sea anemones, sea cucumbers, sea snails, sea squirts, sponges, squid, star fish, and tuatua

The closure does not apply to spiny rock lobster and scallops as there are already closures in place for these species Kina (sea urchin) is also excluded from the closure and can still be taken within the current recreational fishing limits.

Further information about temporary closures, including a map of this temporary closure is available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website (www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/) or by contacting Fisheries New Zealand

FURTHER SUBMISSIONS

– THE PROPOSED KAIPARA DISTRICT PLAN

Kaipara District Council is notifying specific submission points from two submissions and two new complete submissions on the Proposed District Plan (PDP). This is to provide the public an opportunity to either oppose or support points that were either not included in the original summary of submissions notified by Council on 1 December 2025 or require corrections. The submissions are: Submission # 366 – NZ Pork

• Submission # 367 – Te Uri o Hau

• Submission # 144.10 – Pacific Coast Surveyors

• Submission # 217.71 – Cato Bolam Consultants Limited

This is your opportunity to support or oppose the above listed submissions on the PDP, and to explain why. Further submissions must relate only to the matters raised in the submissions listed above — no new issues can be introduced during the further submission process. Further submissions can only be accepted on the submissions / submission points listed above.

Who Can Make a Further Submission?

You can make a further submission if you are:

• A person or group representing a relevant aspect of the public interest;

• A person with an interest in the PDP that is greater than the general public’s; or Kaipara District Council itself.

What You Need to Know

• A further submission must clearly state which original submission it relates to (include the submission number).

You must use Form 6, as prescribed in Clause 8, Schedule 1 of the Resource Management Act 1991.

• Refer to the Summary of Decisions: additional notification report on our website to view the original submissions made on this topic.

How to Make a Further Submission

You can submit your completed Form 6 in any of the following ways:

• Online: Fill out the form or download it from www.kaipara.govt.nz/kaipara-district-planreview (then go to Submissions)

• Email: Send to districtplanreview@kaipara.govt.nz

Post to: District Planning Team, Kaipara District Council, Private Bag 1001, Dargaville, 0340

• In Person: Drop off your completed form at Council offices in Dargaville or Mangawhai Important Requirement

If you make a further submission, you must also send a copy to the person who made the original submission within five (5) working days of lodging it with Council. Submitter contact details are available on our website under the Submissions section: www. kaipara.govt.nz/kaipara-district-plan-review Submission Period

Further