Kaipara Lifestyler, January 20th 2026

Mussel rescue project underway

u by Paul Campbell

A Kaipara Harbour mussel restoration project is off to a fine start with a rāhui ceremony at Tinopai Hall to cement in place controls to protect five fledgling mussel sites along the local coastline.

The gathering placed a tapu over mussels, prohibiting anyone from harvesting them from the intertidal zone around Tinopai, from Bushy point on the Wairoa river to Te Kopua point on the Arapaoa river.

“The tapu shall remain until mana whenua come together to determine when to remove it,” said Tinopai Resource Management Unit kaumātua, Mikaera Miru from Waiaotea marae. “Rāhui is an important tool to manage the protection of mussels into the future.”

More than 70 locals and visitors attended the event and enjoyed a hāngī meal reception. Mina Henare from Tinopai RMU talked about the establishment of the mussel restoration programme and the establishment of five sites known as Kiita, Komiti, Torewa, Waipuna and Tou o Maruwhata currently being monitored.

“Forty years ago Tinopai was renowned for mussels, but now they have almost disappeared. Several thousand small mussels scraped off the Tinopai wharf pylons during a Kaipara District Council inspection provided the mussels for the monitoring sites. After relocating them, most mussels have attached themselves to rocks and appear to be healthy. Two octopus and two eels have been discovered at one of the monitoring sites, together with mussel shells, indicating marine life is already attracted.

Interim Tinopai primary school principal Kristeen Peters said school children are being involved with one of the monitoring sites and have made rāhui signage, and some have already started to alert people not to harvest mussels. ¢

u by Andy Bryenton

Council CEO bows out Barefoot runner wins silvers

The chief executive officer of the Kaipara District Council, Jason Marris, has advised his colleagues that he is stepping down from his leadership role in April.

Mr Marris was general manager for three and a half years before stepping up to become interim CEO in 2022, then adopting the top role permanently in 2023. During that time he has served with three different administrations.

“It has been my absolute privilege to lead an organisation of so many highly skilled people who care so deeply about the community,” says Jason. “I feel incredibly proud of the work that’s been achieved in my time here. Kaipara will always have a special place in my heart.”

That work has included achieving fiscal success in contributing to nationwide-low rates rises, as well as navigating major centralgovernment-driven reforms and natural disaster responses. It’s not in the usual workflow of a CEO to deal with a cyclone or a tornado, but Mr Marris has seen both during his tenure.

hundreds of millions of dollars in capital works across Kaipara.

Mayor Jonathan Larsen said he accepted Marris’s resignation earlier in the week. Mayor Larsen acknowledged his CEO’s tenure and looked to the future.

u by Amy Fifita

Six young Dargaville athletes travelled south to Tauranga for the North Island 2026 Colgate Games, an event that celebrates the youth sporting talents.

Two Dargaville contestants made the podium, with Joel getting silver in the Grade 13 200-metre and 100-metre events, and Adriaan getting bronze in the Grade Seven long jump. Sophie Stewart narrowly missed out on the Grade 11 200-metre final by split seconds.

“For him to win two medals at his first club level competition was a truly memorable moment. Joel was the only boy running barefoot, and it was his first time using starting blocks,” said coach Lee Greer.

speedster, his mother, Paula Browne, knows too well how much her farm boy loves running.

“Joel used to get out of the farm wagon and run to the main road as a toddler. He loves running. I am very proud of him, and his coaches have been amazing,” said Paula.

He has overseen the reintegration of roading services back in-house, helped produce a Long Term Plan focussed on recovery from those extreme weather events, and assisted in delivering a new proposed District Plan, two water service delivery models, three elections, and

“On behalf of Kaipara District Council, I wish Jason the best for this next chapter and thank him for the work he has carried out for Kaipara District,” said Mr Larsen. “The council will now be working through the process of recruiting a new chief executive.” ¢

“Despite a sliced toe from the blocks and blistered feet from the hot track, he battled hard and left everyone wondering, ‘Who’s this kid?’”

While the crowd was amazed by the efforts of the barefoot

Lee says all competed with grit and determination on the big stage. Designed for children 7–14 years old, more than 1,300 competitors attended. As the 49th year of the games approaches, next time in Whangārei, the club welcomes newcomers into its midst.

“If your children are interested in joining, reach out to us at dargavilleathletics@ gmail.com. We will look to introduce training for children over 14 in term one,” Lee says. ¢

Tunes of holiday harmony

u by Andy Bryenton

Waitangi Day on the east coast features a number of attractions this year, but the celebration of our nation’s founding, through the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, has a major musical component.

From 5pm on February 6, the Mangawhai Domain will fill up with families coming to hear some classic tunes and a picnic on the green. Event organiser Gary Loughnan says that it’s been good fun choosing a local lineup, which boosts New Zealand music on this patriotic occasion.

“We’ve got a lot of local talent on stage for 2026, including young Mangawhai artists and an excellent band from Waipu,” says the concert convenor. “There’s also going to be some ‘Garyoke’ so that everyone can join a sing-along.”

Gary’s not just putting his name into the mix, he’s also curating a hit parade of songs, which are part of New Zealand’s national identity, by artists like Dave Dobbyn and his contemporaries. Everyone knows the words to tunes by the likes of Hello

Sailor, Split Enz and legends like Sir Howard Morrison; there will be favourites and surprises on the night. Adding to the carnival atmosphere, and building on last year’s major Waitangi Day concert, will be a fleet of food trucks providing dinner as the sun sinks on a day of celebration. Grab a plate from these mobile chefs or pack a picnic, bring the whole family, and cap off a full schedule of activities in and around Mangawhai and its harbour with a free, family-friendly show. ¢

Outdoor adventure aplenty

u by Andy Bryenton

There’s so much to see and do at the 40th Northland Field Days, and this year, the world of farming is only a part of the spectacle on offer.

While the innovations and advancements in the rural sector, which make the field days great, will all be on display, there’s more going on in a new part of the three-day event’s massive site. Last year saw the debut of a big outdoor and adventure zone, and this year, it’s grown to encompass a large number of the Northland Field Days’ 400 exhibitors.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to show people the adventurous side of country life,” says show spokesperson Luciana Schwarz. “There will be lots to see, including newlydesigned off-road tracks, which have been improved for better spectator views, and the field days’ debut of Impact Off Road Group’s Sherp, which is very cool.”

The Sherp, a Ukrainian-designed offroader, which looks like the kind of thing Batman would take on a camping trip, is indeed a standout. There’s not a 4x4 like it on the market, and it’s bound to make a splash, not only because it’s amphibious and unstoppable.

However, this is just the beginning. Dargaville’s local 4x4 club is indeed giving the Northland Field Days’ side-by-side twin off-road challenge tracks an overhaul, to make the mud crawling challenge series more exciting to watch. At the same time, full-bore dirt bike drag racing will light up the field, promising a spectacular circus of dirt, noise and speed.

All this is set against a backdrop of things to see and things to buy for your own outdoor adventure. That could mean boating, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping or hitting the trails; there’s something for everyone. ¢

New life to explore

u by Amy Fifita

Families can discover the underwater life at the Taharoa Domain as Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust returns with snorkel kits and activities ready for the Kai Iwi Lakes Snorkel Day.

Year after year, the event has amazed aquatic explorers, and 2026 is no different. Set for Saturday, January 24, with day snorkels (10am–3pm) for people aged four plus and the twilight snorkel (7pm–10pm) for 12 years and older, the underwater ecology awaits.

“People will get a safe, welcoming opportunity to explore the underwater world at Kai Iwi Lakes, many for the first time,” said Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust programme coordinator Greer Morgan.

For repeat snorkelers, there is always something new to discover, as Greer says that underwater life changes from year to year.

“Conditions like water temperature, weather patterns, and human impact influence what we see underwater. Some years, there’s more plant life, other years, certain fish species are more visible.

“That’s part of why getting people in the water is so powerful — you start to notice changes and understand why protecting these environments matters.”

To support building confidence and water skills alongside the trust’s experienced team, all gear is provided.

With learning opportunities abundant at the event, people will learn about “caring for these special places through kaitiakitanga.”

The event is funded by Water Safety NZ and delivered through the trust’s Experiencing Marine Reserves programme. Alongside the Mountains to Sea will be the Department of Conservation sharing local ecological knowledge and the Northland Regional Council with its Check, Clean, Dry initiative. Register at mountainstosea. org.nz/events. ¢

Big catches beyond the breakers

u by Andy Bryenton

It’s time to get in some practice for the Kauri Coast Surfcasting contest, a west coast classic, majorly supported this year by First National Real Estate in Dargaville.

The big day of fishing will take place on March 28 this year, as usual taking in the wide and wild sweep of the Ripirō coast to the west of Dargaville. With a positive forecast promising top catches through late summer, this charitable event, which benefits the local schools of the west Kaipara area, is sure to attract big numbers.

From 10am until 4.30pm anglers will compete to land the biggest trevally, kahawai and snapper, aiming to beat some of last year’s major weights. Shawn House took out the snapper contest in 2025 with a 7.28kg specimen, while Henry Smith, visiting from Kaitāia, topped the podium with a 2kg trevally. An impressive $3,000 prize went to RomiRomi Karaka of Te Kōpuru, who landed a 2.64kg kahawai to secure victory.

In the junior section, Anya Greer from Kai Iwi Lakes managed to reel in a 2.11kg kahawai, just narrowly beating Ricki Parore’s 2.08kg effort.

There were other winners, too. After

were able to make significant donations to several small rural schools in the area. This is the original reason for the contest’s foundation, and the yearly disbursement is gratefully received. Arapohue School, Kaihu Valley School, Saint Joseph’s School, Dargaville Intermediate School and Selwyn Park School were among the recipients for 2025.

This year there’s even more in the way of prizes up for grabs, with another $3,000 awaiting the heaviest kahawai

Council considers response on role redefinition

u by Andy Bryenton

By the first week of February, Kaipara District Council staff will have penned a first draft of a submission on the biggest changes to local democracy since 1989.

“It is about the fundamentals of democracy in the community, as well as a technical policy,” said KDC chief executive Jason Marris when councillors met at the end of December to consider their response.

“I just wonder what say we’re going to have in it,” said councillor Gordon Lambeth, by the time of summing up.

Concern has been expressed by those urging caution on democratic change, that such an important matter should not have been sent out for consultation during the holiday period. The KDC does not formally meet again until the end of February, after the date of February 20 when an official submission is required.

Proposed changes include the proposed abolition of regional councillors, and the establishment of Combined Territories Boards made up of the mayors of district councils. Plans for the development of the district would be made by this forum of mayors, but ultimately ratified by the Minister of Local Government, not by a public vote, giving extra work to mayors and extra power to Wellington. Another option tabled by the central government; regional councils could be replaced entirely by

“By removing regional councils, we can cut duplication, reduce costs and streamline decision-making. This means more efficient services, greater accountability and better value for every dollar spent. It’s about delivering a leaner, more-efficient local government that puts

A frequently asked questions paper shared with elected members of the KDC last year flatly denies that this proposed change is about the centralisation of power.

The Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill also sits at the heart of redefining local government’s role, and this document appears to

narrow the focus of district-level democracy. Significant parts of the current Local Government Act are changed, repeating the premise in legislation that councils are there to provide infrastructure, public services and regulatory functions alone. The opposition was critical of the impact this may have on local governance.

‘The bill increases ministerial influence over local government as a sector through expanded regulationmaking powers and performance measures that are prescriptive in nature,’ reads the Labour Party’s commentary on the bill.

‘Labour believes this centralisation undermines the principle of localism and local decision-making along with the ability of communities to shape their own priorities. Local councils are best placed to understand and respond to local needs, and this bill erodes that autonomy by imposing a one-size-fits-all approach from the government.’

Added to the mix are two other factors; the coalition government’s proposal of a rates cap, which would restrict council spending, and necessary changes to planning and consenting necessitated by the replacement to the Resource Management Act. ¢

Forest guardians’ next phase Team for growth

u by Andy Bryenton

Phase one of the Rākau Rangatira project came to fruition a year ago in the Waipoua Forest, and now there are new moves afoot to protect and enhance this natural treasure.

Rākau Rangatira loosely translates to ‘trees of nobility’, and this term fits with the majestic kauri of the forests north of Dargaville. Phase one of the project centred on upgrades to the area surrounding Tāne Mahuta, but the plan is ongoing, and now phase two will provide a boost to the kauri walks winding through the ancient forest.

“We are excited that now phase two is ready to continue that momentum,” says DOC’s Northern North Island regional director Sue Reed-Thomas. “We are creating the conditions the forest needs to breathe and regenerate.”

The Rākau Rangatira programme is a joint venture between the Department of Conservation and Te Roroa, which have worked closely on a multi-year pathway for the forest. During this next expansion, beginning in March, Tāne Mahuta will remain accessible to the public, but other kauri walks will be closed, until October at the earliest.

This will give the partnership time to install approximately $8 million of new

infrastructure, enhancing the visitor experience and, importantly, crafting raised walkways to keep the delicate root systems of the trees safe.

“This is about protecting taonga tuku iho that can never be replaced,” says Te Roroa board representative Piripi Moore.

“Visitors from across the motu and around the world come to stand beneath these ancient rākau rangatira. Our responsibility is to act as good tūpuna today, so our mokopuna can experience the same wonder we do.” ¢

u by Amy Fifita

Maungatūroto Edible Village Project founder Josie Gritten is appealing to the community to join her on the project and become part of the steering group.

After starting the project last year, Josie and volunteers have planted citrus trees beside the Good News Church, an orchard by the Centennial Hall and a food forest at the Maungatūroto Country Club. Now she is seeking people with leadership skills who are passionate about gardening, community and creativity.

“I am pulling together a steering group to help me come up with ideas and enact projects,” said Josie.

“Volunteers who want to steer the project with me will help figure out how to build on what we’ve started. Ideally we’ll get together for an hour meeting followed by an hour of gardening once a month.”

Since the inception of the project, the community has benefitted from workshops like the Fast Track You Food workshop run by James Samuel, James Andrew and Twin Falls Nursery director Arthur McInnes. October saw the final

of three workshops, which led to the creation of the food forest.

With a similar but smaller-scale edible village scheme completed in Wales, Josie is still excited about this project and its possibilities.

“The pairing of professional photographers and videographers, and young people interested in learning, has given us material to start a website to promote what we’re doing. I am so grateful for the fabulous support I’ve had from funding bodies and the community.”

To get involved contact Josie on 021 234 0519. ¢

u by Andy Bryenton

Ruapekapeka remembered Call for writers to join weekend celebration

On January 9, hundreds of people gathered on one of the most significant pieces of historic ground in the north, to commemorate the battle of Ruapekapeka Pā, 180 years ago.

Themes of healing, reconciliation and remembrance dominated the discourse, as pou were unveiled and speakers emphasised the legacy of the battle which ended the Northern War in a truce.

Ngāti Hine leader Te Ruki Kawiti and the majority of his forces escaped from the intricately designed trench and palisade network of Ruapekapeka, the bat’s nest, despite concentrated bombardment and a campaign of asymmetrical warfare, which sometimes baffled governor George Grey’s soldiery.

“It’s part of who we are. It’s part of how we got to where we are, and how we resolved problems back then,” he said. “We battled amongst ourselves but then made peace.”

u by Andy Bryenton

On February 7 and 8, a gathering of fans of the written word will take place at Good Life in Dargaville, and the invitation is out for all kinds of artists to join in.

Drew Wardle will host the writers’ festival event across two days, with a cafe venue, hot coffee and cold drinks. Meanwhile, novelists, poets, songwriters, nonfiction writers and more are encouraged to get in touch and book in for a series of talks about the craft and its many aspects.

“These northern wars, like those across the country, are an important part of our patchwork of local stories. We have to recognise the loss that occurred, but also the opportunity for restoration, restitution and respecting what happened then as well as what we can learn for the future,” said Hūhana Lyndon, one of the organisers of the major Ruapekapeka 180 event.

Local MP Grant McCallum was among the hundreds who attended, and he spoke of the mood of reconciliation that prevailed.

Descendants of fighters on both sides of the battle spoke, and the site was blessed with the installation of 13 new pou, including a colossal 10-metre artwork located on State Highway One pointing the way to the historic battlefield.

The very full day of commemorations, oratory and remembrance necessitated a 3am start. It included a 300-warrior haka representing all parts of Northland, a ceremonial raising of the flag, and a religious service led by Bishop Te Kitohi Pikaahu. ¢

You might want to share your work and talk about the nuts and bolts of crafting a narrative. You might want to know more about creating worlds and lore for games, or want to explore fan fiction, scriptwriting or lyrics to accompany your own original music. These topics, along with how to get published and how to beat writer’s block, will all go on the blackboard and be given a time based on public feedback.

Additionally, local writers will read excerpts from their works, across all kinds of genres, from comical books for kids to serious literature, speculative fiction and poetry. Nothing inspires like getting together with other people who

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share your passion, and that is part of why Drew has teamed up with a group of core local authors to make the event happen. If you’re keen to take part, it doesn’t matter what you write or what level you’ve taken your work to. The literary community wants you to be there. Talk to Drew at the Good Life store in Dargaville, message them on Facebook (under Good Life Stores) or drop an email to the Kaipara Lifestyler as we liaise to put a schedule together for the weekend; andy.bryenton@ rml.nz. ¢

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Grant McCallum MP for Northland

Bravery promotes safety

u by Amy Fifita

A firearms event, traffic enforcement, community engagement and new staff have been the focus of the Dargaville Police recently.

A 48-year-old man has been remanded in custody with bail successfully opposed after the offender allegedly fired an air rifle at police on January 11.

“The man is facing serious charges and is reappearing in court next month. We offer reassurance that it is an isolated incident and involved people known to each other,” said Sergeant Kiley Dalbeth.

“It is always concerning if firearms or weapons are present or used in public, and we recognise our staff’s bravery to make the community safe. We are grateful our staff were unharmed.”

With the summer policing team out and about patrolling beaches and campsites, local enforcement is engaging with the community on the street and footpaths.

“We are focussed on speeding, distractions and alcohol impairment while driving, and ensure people are wearing restraints,” said Sergeant Bevan Te Kaha Hati.

Bevan says there have been low offending volumes. A relief to our frontline

responders, four permanent officers have been stationed in Dargaville, adding to the already dedicated team.

“One, a born and bred local, has come from police college, and the others have come to live here; it is a big celebration for us. If you see us out there or visit the station, we’re happy to have a chat. We want to connect more with the community.”

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

EDITORIAL by Andy Bryenton

Knowledge, power and potential

What is the foundation of a real meritocracy, a prosperous future and a region that isn’t just self-sustaining but a national leader? Education.

As many school-age locals await the new academic year, and some either celebrate or commiserate over exam results, it’s a good time to think about the next stage of education, and what Kaipara is doing to fill an obvious and potentially costly gap.

Tertiary and vocational study need not be something which our best and brightest young citizens have to leave the north to take part in. In fact, one of the most remembered legacies of the late, recently passed Tim Shadbolt was the foundation of a tertiary institute that put Invercargill on the map.

Training to ensure that Kaipara has future professionals right now rests with those laudable local businesses who have taken on apprentices; these deserve our full support. However, there’s a crunch coming in terms of what the North will need, and it’s exacerbated by an ageing population.

New Zealand has a skills shortage, and Kaipara has an opportunity. Look at the central government’s Green List of job types being filled through immigration, and you might wonder why we are not

matching up the large number of young people afloat in a terrible job market (or the unsurvivable ‘gig economy’) with training.

We need tradespeople of all kinds, IT professionals, and medical staff across the board. Mechanics, chefs, fabricators, welders, engineers; if centralised, studentdebt-based cityside education isn’t doing it, why not go regional, go local, and reap the benefits?

Things look even more urgent when one considers the massive opportunity for growth which looms on the edge of Kaipara. The motorway is coming. Who will build it? Who will build the homes and lifestyle blocks that come with it? Who will staff and manage the factories and businesses that should attend both this and the expansion of Northport, of local electricity generation and freight by rail direct to Auckland?

We’ve seen what can be done locally with initiatives such as Dargaville High School’s building academy. We know locals can teach, because local apprentices have risen up to become successful business owners, passing the hardest exam of all; the free market test. Why not formalise the process? We can teach people right here, keep families together, build prosperous futures, and raise the whole district on a tide of knowledge and skill. It will take leadership and community support, but the alternative is a status quo that is not working. ¢

A building promise kept

u by Andy Bryenton

There’s an entrenched housing crisis to beat, and new laws which came into effect last week will do their bit, says a triumvirate of parliamentarians.

‘Granny flats’ will now be able to be constructed in New Zealand backyards without building or resource consents, meaning that flexible choices for housing multiple generations on one property just became simpler to access.

The new rules mean it could cost thousands of dollars less to construct a small building, and they also slash up to 14 weeks from the building process. That’s critical in areas where accommodation is needed badly, such as Northland, and will have an impact on both residential and rural properties. Small, standalone dwellings with a footprint of up to 70 square metres fall under the new rule.

“We know Kiwis have been feeling the strain of the cost of living, so it’s great to see this long-awaited change, which will provide practical housing solutions that reduce costs for extended families, small communities and even businesses that provide staff accommodation, such as farms,” said Shane Jones, who has strongly advocated for this red-tape-beating measure.

“For too long, it has been overly difficult and expensive to provide the housing solutions New Zealanders need. Red tape has increased the workload for local

councils and blocked simple, affordable dwellings that meet families’ housing needs,” said building and construction minister Chris Bishop.

The government expects 13,000 new granny flats to be built in the next ten years, which is not just a boost for housing stocks, but also for the building industry itself. New jobs all along the supply and construction chain will be generated by this simple law change.

Classics roll out

u by Andy Bryenton

It’s the start of a big season of hot rod and classic car events across the North, with the huge Kumeu show making a splash on the far shore of the Kaipara Harbour last weekend.

It’s only the beginning for local fans of automotive history, design and custom i sation, as the shows just keep coming as the summer months swing toward autumn.

Next on the list is the Rodders Beach Festival in Orewa, a rescue chopper fundraiser which sees all kinds of machines hit the seaside on January 24 and 25.

Hot on its heels is the Waipu car and bike show, taking Caledonian Park by storm on Sunday, February 8 and inviting hot rod and muscle car fans to share some Scots hospitality in the east.

Then it’s time for fans of European and British classics to head down to East Auckland for the massive 2026 Brit and Euro classics show, held at Lloyd Ellesmore Park in Pakuranga on March 1. The week after, it’s time to go Cruz’n the Bays; that’s the name

5 to 8 with all kinds of automotivethemed events.

Dargaville will host the bigger, louder, more exciting than ever Hot Rods and Harleys festival on March 14 at the Field Days site, bringing together fans of big horsepower and classic design across cars, trucks, bikes and more.

A trek through auto history

u by Andy Bryenton

This year marks the 60th birthday of a real Kiwi battler; the little off-road machine they called the Trekka.

It was bold and boxy, innovative and ahead of its time. The crossover SUV before either of those terms existed, the Trekka was the brainchild of Phil Andrews and Noel Turner, who saw the Kiwi public being squeezed by hard-line vehicle importing laws in 1966. Their answer was to build vehicles here, and the recipe they cooked up combined a knowledge of local conditions with tech from behind the iron curtain of the Soviet Bloc.

Under its skin, which resembled a Land Rover in more ways than one, the Trekka was built on the mechanicals of a Skoda Octavia station wagon. A Czech product, in a time when that nation lay under the red empire of cold-war communism, the Skoda was not a common sight on western roads. However, it was built to be simple and tough. These qualities lent themselves well to the design philosophy of the Trekka.

Trekka team acknowledged the reality of Kiwi roads in 1966, and called for a light but capable machine. They aimed for the exact qualities, which have made Toyota’s Rav 4 a bestseller in 2025; economy, practicality and the ability to tackle a range of surfaces.

interior locally meant that 70 per cent of the Trekka was Kiwi, and that sidestepped the crushing import rules holding 1960s New Zealand in a kind of automotive limbo. Rural folk who had been forced to carve up Morris Minors into utes or thrash Prefects and Wolseleys down gravel roads were delighted.

The Australians took 50, in exchange for Holdens. The Indonesian government took 100, but allegedly then lost their wallet. Five Trekkas served with distinction at Quy Nhon during the Vietnam War, as part of New Zealand’s civilian hospital mission. All the while, people were buying the little go-anywhere machines in their hundreds. In the end, 2,500 were made.

museum in the Czech Republic, as an example of how innovation could span the rifts of the cold war. Oddly, the police drive Skoda Octavia station wagons of a more modern type today. ¢

The body design, which was mated to that Czech running gear, was purely Kiwi; in fact, it originated in Kawerau. The

The styling was unapologetically an homage to the ‘landy’, because that’s what worked. Making the entire body and

The 1973 oil crisis, the relaxation of import laws, and the Japanese car boom that followed signalled the end for this bold experiment in local design. Rust and time took their toll, and 60 years on the Trekka is an elusive beast, coveted by collectors. One sits in the Skoda factory

Holiday rescue milestone

u by Paul Campbell

Northern Rescue Helicopter crews completed well over 100 missions in just 16 days over an exceptionally busy

and New Year period.

A total of 111 missions alone were undertaken from December 22 2025, to January 5 2026, and a further 19 flights were completed on January 6 and 7 by the Northland and Auckland Northern Rescue Helicopters.

Chief operating officer Karl Taylor, cited the workload as hectic, due to serious road crashes, water and land-based

accidents, medical complaints and interhospital transfers.

“We are proud to stand alongside our fellow first responders and work for the good of the community day and night,” said Taylor. “What is important to note is that first responders see each other as equals, there to deliver high levels of care they are so well trained to provide — when people in our community need help the most.”

Taylor cites serious vehicle crashes on the Brynderwyns and at Pukenui in the Far North as prime examples. Numerous patients were flown to Kaitaia, Whangārei and Auckland Hospitals in the aftermath of the two incidents — some in critical and serious condition.

“Everyone played a part in helping those injured, from the motorists first on scene who helped, to police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Hato Hone St John and our Northern Rescue Helicopters.

“We had helicopters from our Northland and Auckland bases attend both road crashes and fly injured patients to hospital.

“Obviously, the Whangārei-based choppers were first on-scene given the location, but once our Auckland choppers landed the crews both worked together as one, because we are a combined operation covering from Coromandel to Cape Rēinga.

“I think it’s really important people understand that the Whangārei and

Auckland rescue helicopter operations merged some years back and we are one combined service still with the same mission.”

Flights have involved inter-hospital transfers throughout Northland, Auckland, Coromandel and other parts of the North Island where support has been required. ¢

Weather favours new year’s projects

u by Andy Bryenton

The weather pattern known as La Niña has prevailed through early

north of New Zealand, but all of that looks set to change.

The wet holiday period had its origins off the coast of South America, according to meteorologists. When the sea warms in the western Pacific and cools in the east, Northland can expect thunder and rain, despite the time of year.

A higher-than-normal sea temperature also means more evaporation, and water that goes up must come down. However, a rapid weakening of La Niña conditions is expected as summer continues, meaning that the time to plan for sunny, productive days is here.

As January turns to February, the heat and sunshine we would likely have appreciated during the Christmas break are predicted to appear, and that means it’s time to think about roofing, concreting, painting and outdoor improvements.

The relative humidity, scattered rain and interspersed sunshine have also been a power boost for lawns and gardens, meaning that there’s lots to achieve out in the yard as well as around the house. Most Kaipara residents can recall the dry and brittle lawns of last year, when water restrictions and the merciless sunshine decimated gardens.

This year there are no bans in place, and even the usual summer fire ban has

not been declared at the time of print. Instead, mowers, brush cutters and weed trimmers are getting an extended workout; if yours are failing under the pressure, it might be time to talk to your local outdoor power equipment pro for an upgrade or a seasonal service.

Thankfully, with the change of weather comes a new year for your local tradespeople and building suppliers. By the time you read this, a majority of these hard-working locals will be back on the job

Our top tip: there will be lots of other people who see the sunny days of late summer as a window of opportunity, so talk to your local professionals today and beat the rush! Balmy days are better late than never, but waiting too long to

strike while the weather is on your side might mean it’s autumn before you know it! ¢

From tariffs to quotas

u by Andy Bryenton

The end of 2025 saw a major trade deal inked between New Zealand and India, with tariffs eliminated on all but five per cent of exports leaving for the

The deal capped a year in which tariffs were the buzzword, thanks to sometimes unpredictable moves from the US government, which caused instability in some spheres of international trade.

New Zealand proved to be nimble and well positioned to take advantage;

other deals with the United Arab Emirates and the EU deepened economic ties.

In January the talk shifted from tariffs to quotas, with China announcing strict beef import numbers, designed to help its own domestic market with a form of protectionism. New Zealand has been allocated a quota of 206,000 tonnes of beef each year, rising to 214,000 tonnes. Any tonnage above this figure would face duties.

On the face of it, this sounds like a return to some of the restrictive policies of yesteryear, but the devil is in the details of this potentially $1.75 billion development.

“This quota, whilst unwelcome, is larger than the last two years’ beef exports to China of around 150,000 tonnes per year, and New Zealand exports are unlikely to face restraint under the arrangements,” says trade and investment minister Todd McClay.

“I’ve been able to make the case to my Chinese counterparts on three occasions last year that New Zealand exporters are not harming the Chinese beef market and therefore should not be adversely affected p Beef exports to China face a new quota cap — but it’s one which actually exceeds the amount we send there annually

by any safeguard measures. Our quota allocation means beef exports under the China NZ FTA are, in practice, unaffected.”

This means that Kiwi beef headed for China will not be impacted unless output grows; good news for Mr McClay to deliver, as he’s also responsible for the agriculture portfolio. That export tonnage may be needed, though; other nations may well exceed their quotas, meaning that the headroom New Zealand has been afforded could be a blessing.

China is New Zealand’s second-largest beef market after the United States. In the 12 months to November 2025, 19 per cent of New Zealand’s beef exports by value, $961 million, went to China, representing approximately 4 per cent of China’s total beef imports. The appetite for high-quality meat in China continues to grow along with that nation’s growing middle class, with 11 million tonnes of beef destined for Chinese supermarkets and restaurants this year. ¢

A dog’s tail … Lotta water everwear ona propitty

“Darn Dog, the blimmin’ road front paddick is unnerwater and we aint seen that fer a wile,” seda Boss an’ I hada ’gree, readas, ’cos I cood hardly sleep in me kennel las’ nite ’cos of the heavy rein bangin’ an crashin’ on me roof.

After tha rein eased off las’ weeken’ me ana Boss was checkin’ the propitty an froma troff feeder tank ona big hiil an’ we cood see water everwhere ona low country. The boundry creek was blimmin ten feet wide an’ it was flowin’ rite over tha culvert too. Boss had look in his far-lookin’ glasses in sed he reckined it would soon drain away okay.

Wen’ we went back down fer smoko, Boss’s gerfren’ Sharlene was lookin’ at her komuta lappytop and tole Boss the rein had caused problims everwear. She read in her skoolteecher voice: “Parts of Northland have been hit by significant flooding overnight, with the worst rain they reckon in 60 years. MetService sez about 150-200mm of rain has fallen.”

Boss pored cupptees an’ sed “We got a fair bit of water hear ona proppitty too deah, but in the good side, tha farm troff tanks and homested’s are fill up so not wurries there.”

But Sharlene was still readin her lappytop an’ she slipped me hal ofa scone with wipped cream too. Yum. Then she tole Boss she was more wurried about wot that Donild chump was doin’ in Greenland.

“The latest flagrant disregard for international law is a warning small countries like New Zealand can expect no favours from the United States.”

“Yer kin say that in blimmin spades,” seda Boss, witch got me confused about spades and diggin’ stuff, but I waited for Sharlene ter make sinse of it. But she had big smile an’ she read more: “More favourable for us is the Free Trade Agreement with India. Benefits should be far greater than an unlikely agreement with the United States.”

Boss said “Deah, the yanks git thereselves a big problim an’ I rekin all we kin hope for is that US Congress wins elections this year an’ put the kybosh on the chump.”

Sharlene give me a pat to say kybosh meant a rap ona knuckles so I figgered that was a good thing.

But Boss was thinkin’ and then he said: “Deah, it’s a pity they other countries are lettin’ the chump get away with stuff.” An Sharlene, cos she a skooteecher hada las’ word.

“As Winston Churchill once warned, an appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last. So let’s hope

other countries discover that feeding Trump has achieved nothing.”

Boss was tryin’ to work out wot crocodiles was dooin’ like I was, but Sharlene picked up tha cupptees tray. “Tha suns comin’ out ana wind is getting’ up sp betta get sum washin’ ona line Deah. An you an Billy got the run-off dairy farm stock ter check on too. If that Chump wants ter rule the werld an’ get a Noble peace prise, so be it. We still gotta keep on carryin’ on. That Winston Churchill said sumthin’ like that once too.”

That’s Sharlene readas, she brings us down ta earth stock patrol time.

Cheers Billy. ¢

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Set on a flat 8882sqm section just minutes from Dargaville, this property offers space, practicality, and endless potential. Fully fenced with horse rail, it features a new 19m horse training ring and paddock The home is warm and welcoming with a bright kitchen, spacious lounge, three double bedrooms plus a large master opening to a covered veranda Outside includes a powered container, chicken runs, and lush gardens framing a north-facing lawn. Perfectly located near town and beaches, this lifestyle opportunity is ready to move into - don’t miss out.

MAHUTA 378 Notorious West Road

Modern Living with Charm Tastefully renovated three bedroom home plus office on 8050sqm lifestyle block. Features polished timber floors, kauri accents and a contemporary kitchen with island, gas oven and ample storage. Comfort assured with wood burner, heat pump, HRV and insulation. Bathroom includes shower-over-bath and separate toilet. Outdoors: covered deck, water tanks, fruit trees, paddocks, chook pen, and double garage.

WHAT’S ON?

January

TeamUp 2 CleanUp — Dargaville, Saturday 24 January, 10am–12pm. Volunteers Wanted. Join us for the very first community cleanup to help protect our streets and roadsides from litter. Bring your energy — we’ll supply the tools and refreshments. Let’s show what Dargaville can do when we team up for Papatūānuku. Register your interest: info@ earthactiontrust.org.nz.

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).

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.

Dargaville Mainly Music — Interactive music and movement for preschoolers and their carers. Wednesdays 10am Baptist church, Victoria St, during term time. Contact Rebecca 021 969 626.

Dargaville Man Up — every Monday 6.30pm at Te Arohanui Hall, Victoria St. Phone David 021 0849 3670.

Dargaville Medieval Combat Club — Wednesday each week 6.30–8.30pm, Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road. $15 per lesson. Equipment provided. Contact Kurt 022 622 7809.

Dargaville Menz Shed — Tuesday and Thursday each week from 10am to 3pm and Saturday from 10am to noon. For more info phone Paul 027 459 3098 or Brian 09 439 6175.

Dargaville Museum — Open 7 days per week. Hours 9am–4pm April to October, 9am–5pm October to April. Phone 09 439 7555.

Dargaville Plunket Playgroup — 10am–midday. Held every Thursday, 29 Hokianga Rd at the Dargaville Plunket Rooms. Free service, coffee and tea provided. Check our FB page for further details.

Dargaville Public Library — Get Help from a DigiCoach. Mon–Fri 10am–2pm. 1:1 Support. Friendly local trainers. FREE.

Dargaville Riverside Taha Awa Garden Trust Join them in overseeing the running of the Garden. Contact Sheena 021 439 157 or email dargavilleriversidegarden@gmail.com.

Dargaville Scout Group — For boys and girls aged 5–99 years at 23 Onslow St. All info on door or phone Johnnita 027 296 5889.

Dargaville Tabletop Wargames and RPGs — Games like Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer or other strategy games. Thursdays 6.30pm, Hokianga Road, upstairs above the cinema.

Dargaville Yoga — Yoga for every Bodhi at the Pono lodge. Tuesday mornings 9.30am. Thursdays evenings 6pm. Mats available, everyone welcomed. Find us on Facebook @stretchyourbodhi. Contact Diane 027 371 5274.

Drop in meditation — 5.30–6pm Thursdays at Bring Balance, Kaipara Community Centre (side entrance), 38 Hokianga Rd. The room is open from 5pm, all welcome. Koha/Dana. www.bringbalance.co.nz, 021 0231 8008.

Girls’ Brigade — Thursdays 3–5pm at the Lighthouse Church, for girls 5–18 years. Register online at 1st Dargaville Girls Brigade 2025 registrations. Find us on FB & Instagram or phone 021 263 7446.

Hikuwai O Kaipara Waka Ama Club — NW Boating Club, 5pm Mondays and Thursdays from 5pm for Awa training.

Housie — Every third Monday of the month at 1.30pm, Dargaville Bowling Club. Janice Allan 027 355 7434.

JP Service — Every Thursday at the Whanau Focus Office, 12–1pm, walk in only. Come and have your documents verified and we also photocopy important documents like Passports, Birth Certificates and Driver Licences free of charge. Call 021 245 3765 or 09 439 7009, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville.

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

Kaihu Valley Music Club — 3rd Sunday of the Month at Kaihu Hall on Woods Road. 1pm–4pm. Enquires to John or May 09 439 0827.

Kaipara Cycling — Calendar of Rides — Thursday 3.45pm–5.30pm Junior Mountainbike Coaching. Contact Sadie 022 453 4475. Friday Ride-day 10am–noon. Social Ride on road and gravel roads. E-bike and analogue welcome. Phone Karen 021 0226 4001. Riding from Dargaville… call the above to find out more details.

Kaipara Grey Power — third Friday of each month February to November. Contact 09 439 7801 or 09 439 4452.

Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club — Open 7 days. Something to interest both men and women, come and get involved. Phone 021 106 3635 or 027 472 1269.

Kaipara Bootscooters (Beginner line dancing classes) — Every Monday 5.30pm to 7.30pm and Thursday 10am to noon. First hour is beginner and second hour is higher beginner. Dalmation Hall, Normanby St, Dargaville. Contact Donna 021 729 955.

Lions Club of Ruawai — 3rd Thursday of the month (social) and 1st Thursday of the month (business). Contact Dorothy on 09 439 2557.

Lions Dargaville — 2nd Wednesday of the month in Lions Den, Hokianga Road. Contact John 09 439 5937.

Maungaturoto AA Meeting — Mondays 7pm at the Maungaturoto Community House, 155 Hurndall St, Maungaturoto. Contact Carolyn 021 828 055.

Maungaturoto Gardening Club — 3rd Thursday of every month. In winter. Centennial Hall, Maungaturoto.

Other months visit gardens in the area. New members welcome. $15 to join — first 3 visits FREE. Please contact Gloria 021 100 8153 for more info.

Maungaturoto High Tea — Good food and company with a dash of fun. 14th Feb, then every 1st Saturday of the month. Book with Kirsten 021 180 7321.

Northern Wairoa Country Music Club — 1st Sunday of the month at the Scout Hall, 23 Onslow Street 1–4pm. Enquiries to Kathleen 021 077 7697.

Northern Wairoa Genealogy Society — Learn how to trace your family history or understand DNA at Dargaville Museum, 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, 12.30–2pm and at other times by appointments. Phone Sue 021 608 606.

Northern Wairoa Golf Club — Twilight Golf every Thursday. Tee off 4–6pm.

Northern Wairoa Indoor Bowls Assn — 7pm Mondays at Anglican Church Hall, Tuesdays at Ruawai-Tokatoka Hall, Wednesdays at Dalmatian Hall. Contact Warren Younger 027 478 5102 or evenings 09 439 6155.

NZ 60s Up Movement — Dargaville Social Meetings held at the Lighthouse Function Centre on 1st Tuesday of the month. Contact Margaret Pinny 09 439 4560.

Paparoa Box Fit — $10. Stretching/cardio/boxing.

Paparoa Memorial Hall, every Wednesday 6–7pm. Paparoa Dance to Music — $5. Stretching/balance/ resistance bands/Zumba, Paparoa Memorial Hall, every Tuesday 10.30–11.30am.

Paparoa Kids Fun Class — $5. Learning/Music/ Dodge Ball/Limbo, Paparoa Memorial Hall, Every Friday 3–4pm.

Parkinson’s Support Group — Saturdays 8am–9am @ Selwyn Park School Hall. Counterpunch Boxing $5. Ph 022 424 6685 email: amrapboxing@gmail.com.

POUTO POINT

Peggy Purls in our Community — Every 3rd Wednesday 10.30am at Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre, 59 Normanby St. Ring Charlene 09 439 6120. Petanque — social play. Mondays 9.15 till 11.30, $2, fun exercise, all equipment supplied at Sportsville. Judy 09 439 7920.

Recovery Support Group — Mondays 6.30pm– 9pm. 1/12 Kapia Street, Dargaville. Chrissy 09 601 4153 or 021 564 618.

Rock ’n’ Roll Lessons — Thursdays, 6.30pm–7.30pm at Dalmatian Hall, 20 Normanby St. $2 per person. Text Kirsty 021 0818 7902 for more info.

Rotary Club of Dargaville — Weekly on Wednesdays, 11.30am –1pm at the Lions Centre in Hokianga Road. Men and women. Phone Brian 09 439 6175. RSA Women’s Section — Social meeting held at the Clubrooms, 4th Monday of the month. Contact Noeline Wright 027 733 7396.

Ruawai Bowling Club — new members welcome. For info call Alison 027 243 5454.

Ruawai Gardening Club — 3rd Thursday of every month, Feb to Nov at the Ruawai Bowling Club, 10am start. Phone Merle 09 439 2335.

Scottish Country Dancing Kaiwaka — Memorial Hall beginning 9.30am Wed 28th January. Great fun, great group, any age, no partner required, bring a friend, morning tea provided, first two weeks are free. Do try it. Phone Elaine 027 432 0032.

Stepping Out Leisure Marching Team — Tuesday 4pm–5pm at the Dargaville Dalmatian Hall, 20 Normanby St. Contact Sharon 027 439 5634 or 09 439 5634.

Stitches and Crafts — 31 Logan St, Dargaville. 10.30am–4pm, Tuesday and Friday. Contact Edith & Mike 021 439 675.

Strength & Conditioning — Baylys Beach Community Centre, Mondays and Fridays. 9am–10am, $10 per session. Call Tony 022 311 8447.

Tangiteroria Community Complex — Mondays: Pickleball 6pm, phone Sarah 021 772 822. Tuesdays: Yoga 6pm, phone Sharon 021 981 135, $15 per session. Wednesdays: Indoor Bowls (fortnightly in summer, weekly in winter) 6pm, phone Mel 021 772 822; Squash, phone Donna 021 761 022; Exercise Room, phone Mel 021 772 822. We ask participants are a Complex Member for all above activities. For Pickleball and Bowls it’s a gold coin donation.

Te Kopuru Community Library — access through St Peters Hall. Open Wednesday 10am–noon and Sunday 3pm–4pm.

Te Kopuru Sewing & Craft Group — Coronation Hall, Norton Street, Te Kopuru every Saturday from 9am–noon. Gold coin koha for the hall. Contact Grace on 021 0858 2455.

The Wellness Rooms/BioVibe — Contact CARE (student practitioner) BioPulse, Reiki, Absent Healing, Atlantis Crystal Healing, Sound Healing, Family Constellation, Intuitive Light Worker. Pono Lodge, Hokianga Rd. Mon-Fri walk-ins welcome/by appointment. Sat appointments required. Text Angela 021 121 9923.

Wednesday Crafts — Every Wednesday 10am. Variety of crafts. The Kiosk at Memorial Park. All welcome. $10 per session. Contact Judy 027 316 3940.

WED 21 12:54am (3.1m) 6:58am (0.6m) 1:11pm (3.3m) 7:24pm (0.6m) THU 22 1:32am (3.2m) 7:35am (0.6m) 1:48pm (3.3m) 8:01pm (0.6m) FRI 23 2:09am (3.2m) 8:13am (0.6m) 2:26pm (3.3m) 8:40pm (0.6m) SAT 24 2:49am (3.1m) 8:53am (0.6m) 3:07pm (3.2m) 9:22pm (0.6m) SUN 25 3:31am (3.1m) 9:37am (0.7m) 3:52pm (3.1m) 10:08pm (0.7m)

12:39am (2.5m) 6:35am (0.6m) 1:06pm (2.6m) 7:10pm (0.6m) MON 26 1:26am (2.5m) 7:25am (0.7m) 1:54pm (2.6m) 7:59pm (0.6m) TUE 27 2:19am (2.4m) 8:22am (0.8m) 2:47pm (2.5m) 8:54pm (0.6m)

PUZZLE TIME

66 Water down (6)

67 Wisdom after the event (9)

72 Speedway (9)

73 Open-mouthed (5)

74 Post-Impressionist French painter (7)

79 Fortress troops (8)

80 Ramshackle (11)

81 Arms, legs (5)

82 Synthetic fibre (5)

(5)

39 Sword (6)

(3,4)

40 Pungent bulbs (6)

41 Reverberate (4)

42 Foamed (7)

45 Something newly introduced (10)

50 Hooked needle threadwork (7)

54 Toy figure (4)

55 Frozen drip (6)

56 Table-top drink container (6)

57 List of employees and their salaries (7)

60 Moving ahead (10)

61 Snubbing (8)

62 Pilot’s badge (5)

65 Unlocked (6)

83 Totally indifferent (3,6,1,4)

84 Playing card (5) DOWN

2 Pangs of conscience (6)

3 Asian country (5)

5 North African river (4)

6 Breathing spasms (7)

7 Previously (6)

8 Nobleman (4)

9 Gives up all hope (8)

10 Board ship, aircraft (6)

11 Unfounded (10)

12 Weapons (4)

13 Struck out (7)

17 Intensive bombing raid (5)

18 Step-up in intensity (10)

22 Spinning blade (5)

23 Surprise greatly (8)

25 Pariah (7)

26 European country (7)

28 Biased (6)

29 Spanish-speaking country (6)

30 Medical centre (6)

33 Shrimp-like creature (5)

35 Darkness (5)

36 Passenger’s charge (4)

37 Hindu philosopher (4)

42 Very discontented (3,2)

43 Spectator (8)

44 Settle on (6)

45 Firebomb (10)

46 Negative votes (4)

47 Inoculation material (7)

48 Chair of state (6)

49 Volunteer (5)

51 Thoroughfare (4)

52 Of Cornwall (7)

53 Speech of praise (6)

58 Meat abstainer (10)

59 Supercilious (5)

63 Courgette (8)

64 Swooped (5)

65 Eight-sided figure (7)

68 Charge with treason (7)

69 Fame (6)

70 Maturing (6)

71 Incapable (6)

75 Spanish friend (5)

76 Spoken (4)

77 Indian garment (4)

78 Nought (4)

Sudoku

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

ACROSS: 1 Tedious, 4 Jump the gun, 9 Approve, 13 Cost, 14 Avenue, 15 Armada, 16 Cobbler, 19 Self-denial, 20 Handrail, 21 Dined, 24 Ironic, 25 Mother, 27 Associate, 32 Pinafore, 33 Flaunt, 34 Acerbic, 38 Eternity, 39 Afraid, 40 Ahoy, 41 Inlet, 42 Gruel, 45 Castles in Spain, 52 Aeons, 55 Sneer, 56 Flan, 57 Greedy, 58 Stoppage, 61 Contain, 62 Midget, 63 Wondered, 66 Ballpoint, 68 Waylay, 69 Citric, 73 Gaudy, 74 Trespass, 76 Assistance, 81 Cutting, 82 Offset, 83 Stilts, 84 Club, 85 Umbrage, 86 Draw a blank, 87 Divided.

DOWN: 1 Tacks, 2 Disallow, 3 Saving, 4 Junta, 5 Meek, 6 Teacher, 7 Ermine, 8 Under, 10 Prow, 11 Rebuilt, 12 Viewer, 17 Additional, 18 Piton, 22 Cheerful, 23 Pinch, 24 Iceberg, 26 Oboe, 28 Sunlamp, 29 Tactic, 30 Harden, 31 Pigeon, 33 Flaws, 35 Rinse, 36 Menu, 37 Gobi, 43 Random, 44 Erect, 46 Ally, 47 Tension, 48 Engage, 49 Inept, 50 Sideways, 51 Natter, 52 Appreciate, 53 Opal, 54 Shellac, 59 Silly, 60 Anna, 64 Worry, 65 Wrinkled, 67 Auditor, 68 Washtub, 70 Vacuum, 71 Warsaw, 72 Jilted, 75 So far, 77 Slick, 78 Embed, 79 Snag, 80 Asia.

5x5

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

KAIPARA SERVICE DIRECTORY

KAIPARA SERVICE DIRECTORY

CLASSIFIEDS

30 HAY STANDARD Bales. January 2026 hay for sale. Baylys Beach Area. Phone 027 525 8189.

CARAVAN EWOF (and marine). Call your local inspector today at A+ Electrical Inspections and Security on 021 240 6764.

TOP SOIL, conditioned top quality. 100% suitable for vege gardens or new lawns. $95 per m³ onto your trailer, or truck deliveries available for larger orders. Phone 021 132 4107 or 09 439 5141.

CHURCH NOTICES

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.

FENCING

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

PERSONAL

SINGLE? OVER 40? Meet other interesting, intelligent, genuine people just like yourself. Dine out ‘Dinner for Six’. Phone 021 639 552.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

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

SECURITY

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

SEPTIC TANK SERVICES

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

TRADES & SERVICES

CARPENTER/RENOVATOR specialising in General Repairs & Maintenance, and Kitchen Installs. (30yrs senior experience). Contact Mark 027 603 8323 or info@alteredestates.co.nz.

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

MARINE PLYWOOD, New Prices 4, 6, 9, 12, 18mm. Scooters Plywood and joinery 09 438 6565.

CLASSIFIEDS

SITUATIONS VACANT

POSITION AVAILABLE on 900-cow dairy farm in Ruawai. Excellent facilities including a 60-bale rotary cowshed milking once a day. Experience required. Possibly a single person or couple. Would consider a permanent relief milker and a part time position for a couple. Freshly renovated 2 bedroom Portacom with heat pump available or a 3 Bedroom home. Flexible start date. Phone 021 049 0695 or 021 2166 833.

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

NETBALL RODNEY Centre 2026 Annual General Meeting will be held Thursday 26th February 2026, 7pm at the Netball Rodney Centre office in Centennial Park, Wellsford. For more information please email netballrodneycenter@xtra.co.nz.

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