Kaipara Lifestyler, July 28th 2026

World champ to local hero

u by Paul Campbell

Kaiwaka-based world shearing champion Toa Henderson also has a major

in local success off the competitive board.

The off-season sees him join the family’s Green Team Kaiwaka planting enterprise after shearing business is concluded. He became world champion last March at the Golden Shears Championships in Masterton.

“Although Toa is widely recognised for his achievements on the shearing board, he is equally valued for his strong work ethic, leadership and willingness to roll up his sleeves alongside the crew,” said managing director, and brother, Tane Henderson.

The business has grown into a well-respected native restoration company, working alongside Kauri Park Nursery to deliver large-scale environmental planting projects throughout the north. Together, they have completed numerous Kaipara Moana Remediation projects, helping restore waterways and reduce sediment run-off into the Kaipara Harbour.

“Green Team has also played a significant role in the environmental planting associated with the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway project, contributing to the long-term protection and enhancement of the region’s natural landscapes,” said Tane.

“While we operate year-round, the business receives a unique boost during the off-season. Toa joins the team each year, bringing members of his shearing crew with him for several months to assist with planting contracts. The seasonal

partnership not only provides valuable employment for the crew between shearing seasons but also strengthens the family’s commitment to supporting one another while delivering quality work for their clients.

“Although Toa is widely recognised for his achievements on the shearing board, he is equally valued within the Green Team for his strong work ethic, leadership and willingness to roll up his sleeves alongside the crew. His contribution reflects the values that have always underpinned the Henderson whānau, hard work, humility and looking after people.”

Tane says at the heart of the family’s success is their father, Mike Henderson.

“Mike manages the bookkeeping across the businesses and has long

been a trusted mentor, offering guidance, encouragement and practical business knowledge to all of his children. His steady support has helped build a strong foundation that continues to shape the family’s success today.

“For the Henderson whānau, success is measured by more than business growth. It is about creating opportunities for local people, caring for the environment, and working together as a whānau.

“Whether on the shearing board, in the planting rows, or behind the scenes keeping everything running, each member plays an important role in a shared vision that continues to benefit both the community and the landscapes they call home.” ¢

Ren-faire winner

New Kaipara homes on the way X-ray service expands

u by Paul Campbell

New homes are in the pipeline for Poutō and Arapāoa as new standards for building homes on Māori land come into effect, replacing a patchwork of council provisions with a single set of planning rules.

A $400 million budget plan for housing development has underscored construction of new papakāinga homes in Kaipara.

“I am committed to fixing housing by focussing on the fundamentals. This includes making it easier to build granny flats and papakāinga, and reforming our planning laws to create a much more enabling system,” said Housing Minister Chris Bishop.

The 14 new homes are being constructed off-site and will be transported to their new locations when earthworks and infrastructure are ready to receive them. Housing provider Te Pouahi o Te Taitokerau Trust (Te Pouahi) general manager, Kris MacDonald, said the new measures to improve council incentives for urban development would help address long-standing barriers to building homes.

“Our contracted builder Advance Build has nearly completed the duplex in their factory at Waipapa for the total six house papakāinga, and commenced civil works and infrastructure for the site in Poutō,” he said.

“Advance Build is also well down the track of building the first three of a total of eight houses for Arapāoa Trust’s

papakāinga at Arapāoa. Civil works have also commenced concurrently at Arapāoa in preparation for receiving these houses on-site.

“We are pleased to see the government investing in initiatives that will make it easier to build durable homes and communities.”

Building system reforms are set to make construction easier, faster and more affordable while also strengthening protections for homeowners, according to Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk.

“The Building Amendment Bill will deliver the most significant building system reforms in 20 years, with the express purpose of improving regulation and supporting New Zealand industry to grow and deliver the homes and buildings we need.” ¢

u by Andy Bryenton

Patients will have access to radiology services for extended hours, including weekends, as promised upgrades come online this month.

Dargaville has welcomed new weekend radiology availability, as well as X-ray services via the town’s new illness and injury clinic, for extended hours through to 8.30pm.

This advancement was promised by Health NZ regional director Alex Pimm at the Dargaville Hospital’s 70th birthday celebration, and reconfirmed at a subsequent town meeting about health infrastructure.

“Radiology is an important part of modern medicine, and a major asset to Dargaville’s health services, so we are very pleased with this expansion,” says Dargaville Medical Centre’s Dr Scott Davidson.

The Kaipara Community Health Trust has been lobbying for expanded access to local radiology for several years, and now thanks to Health New Zealand it’s arrived. With high-tech equipment and a skilled team, the radiology professionals who work as part of the Dargaville Health Hub are able to provide surety for diagnosis, without the trip to Whangārei.

“This definitely strengthens our local health services and saves people valuable travel time,” says KCHT CEO Debbie Evans. “Having this technology here, and available for extended hours, is a game-changer.”

“Having better access to radiology and X-ray services will assist our

doctors and nurses, and create greater peace of mind for patients and locals,” said Dr Davidson.

The announcement of extended radiology hours follows the opening of a new oncology department at the Dargaville Hospital, another major advancement designed to cut down on travel time and keep health services close to home for those in need. ¢

True tales of the wild west coast Charity drive on the green

u by Andy Bryenton

Maritime history author and passionate conservator of nautical heritage Don Armitage spoke at the Northern Wairoa Boating Club last week, as the topic of shipwrecks hit the public spotlight.

Mr Armitage’s address to boating club members covered a variety of topics on a maritime theme, not just the disturbance of a wreck under investigation by authorities. Notably, the author brought with him a detailed scale model of the sailing ship Daring, intended for display next to the wellpreserved vessel in Mangawhai.

This prompted discussion of the other ships at rest beneath the sands and shallow waters of the Ripirō coast; 119 known vessels wrecked during the age of sail, when Dargaville was one of the busiest ports in New Zealand. The concept of a map of all their locations on GPS was talked about, as was the surprising nature of how the shifting sands of the lower Poutō Peninsula conceal and reveal these buried treasures.

“I think that this area has many stories to tell,” said Mr Armitage. “There are so many people here with memories and family histories, about the river and the harbour.”

As the co-author of several of the popular True Tales series of books, Mr Armitage suggested to enthusiastic response that a similar volume could be

compiled for Dargaville, spanning the Mangawhare and Tunatahi areas of the town. Members of the audience offered some ideas, including details about their own experiences with shipwrecks and local maritime mysteries.

We’d like to help make a book possible. If you have an interesting true story from the history of Dargaville township, email editor@rml.nz with a brief sentence or two about the story idea, and we’ll pass them on to Don with publication in mind. ¢

u by Amy Fifita

A lifeline for the healing work Jacqui O’Connor does through her charity, the Heart Place Hospital Ambrose Golf Tournament, promises fun and allows the support to continue.

The mission seeks to care for those who care for the community, like nurses, healthcare workers, parents, educators and front-line workers.

“We invite the community to come together for what promises to be an incredible day. One that combines fun, fundraising and connection, while helping Heart Place Hospital continue its important work,” said Jacqui.

Not funded by the government, fundraisers, sponsorships and community support make all the difference. Funds from the previous golf tournament fundraiser gave people in the community access to workshops, clinics, a provider network and wellbeing initiatives.

“Every dollar raised helps us create spaces where people can pause, reconnect, and access support for their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing.”

Suitable for golfers of all abilities, the day will feature a DJ, sausage sizzle and

over $10,000 worth of prizes. The drive is at Omaha Beach Golf Club on Thursday, September 24, from 11am until 3pm. Visit heartplacehospital.org.nz to book a team or to offer sponsorship for the event.

“We would like to extend a huge thank you to Omaha Beach Golf Club for welcoming us and helping make this event possible. The generosity of our community has helped us reach thousands of people and continue building a sustainable model of care for carers across New Zealand.

“We are looking forward to creating a fun, memorable day of golf, connection, laughter and community spirit.” ¢

Team Vegetation refreshed Amalgamation insights

u by Andy Bryenton

Following the decision by the Kaipara District Council last week to reject a proposal for voluntary Northland governance amalgamation plans, a closer look at what the ratepayers think reveals a range of insights.

Elected members across the Far North District Council, Whangārei District Council and Kaipara District Council referenced the Simplifying Local Government for Northland survey in their deliberations, at a trio of meetings in mid-July. In these meetings, the Far North and Whangārei voted to progress plans under the central government’s Head Start programme for voluntary council amalgamation, which would also enfold the Northland Regional Council in a speculative twostage merger process.

The survey was run for only two weeks, on average, in each district. In total, 2,305 responses were submitted. In a structural oddity, all three councils asked different questions, which may have led to different interpretations of the people’s will. Whangārei asked ‘do you have a preference for the number of councils in Northland’, with multiple-choice answers. One-third voted for a single unitary council, while 26.9% voted for a KDCWDC merger leaving the FNDC solo, and 21.7% chose a solo WDC, with the KDC and FNDC merged. The rest preferred other options or the status quo.

The FNDC asked two questions; on the matter of approval for government

plans for combining Northland councils, 40.3% were in support, 35% in opposition, and 24% were unsure. When it came to council combination strategies, roughly half wanted to keep the FNDC but merge other councils, while 11.9% wanted a FNDC-WDC merger leaving Kaipara out, and 24.6% voted for a single unitary authority.

Kaipara asked ‘do you support the removal of regional councils’, a slight but significant change in wording; 50.6% were in support, with 28.1% opposing. When asked ‘do you support transferring regional council functions to the district councils’, support went up to 58.6%, with 20.5% in opposition.

Most telling was the way in which local people voted overwhelmingly to amalgamate the two other councils to which they did not pay rates, and retain their own. Whangārei respondents massively favoured a KDC-FNDC merger, Far North ratepayers wanted to see the FNDC go it alone but WDC and KDC merge, and Kaipara residents wanted FNDC and WDC to amalgamate, leaving Kaipara out. ¢

u by Andy Bryenton

Dargaville-based rural support company Team Vegetation has returned to its original ownership, emerging from a period of uncertainty revitalised.

Following fiscal troubles which struck the company’s former owners, Team Vegetation is pleased to announce that the business has been successfully purchased from the receivers, and is now back under the ownership and management of its founder, Hamish Campion.

Hamish originally established the venture, and he says he’s delighted to once again be leading the business, alongside an experienced team. Due to this new ownership model, the full complement of local staff has been retained, with all of their skills and expertise.

“Operations will continue as normal, with the business focussed on supporting its valued customers, staff and suppliers, while continuing to provide safe, reliable and professional vegetation management services throughout the region,” says Hamish. “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to lead Team Vegetation once again.

“We’re excited about the future and committed to rebuilding from the strong foundations that made Team Vegetation a trusted name in our industry. Our focus is on our people, our customers, and delivering quality they can continue to rely on.”

Hamish and his staff would like to sincerely thank everyone who has

continued to support the business. He looks forward to reconnecting with customers, suppliers and the wider community as the company enters this exciting new chapter.

If you have mowing, weed control, vegetation management and tree care maintenance to tackle, the local team is at your service. Give them a call soon and be ready for a green and growing springtime. ¢

Local Tree Services

Calling all artists Kaipara role in oil plan

u by Andy Bryenton

The biannual Kaipara Art Awards are on the way, and with artists invited to enter the prestigious competition in early September, the time to create a masterpiece is right now.

This year, the Kaipara Art Awards will be hosted in Mangawhai, and will showcase the best of local talent across four categories. Traditional two-dimensional paintings of no more than one metre by one metre in size, and two-dimensional art in other mediums of a similar size (including fabric and textile art, photography and printing) make up the first half of the awards.

Sculpture and three-dimensional art of a size no greater than one metre cubed makes up the next category, while an emerging artist award is chosen from across all mediums, for the most promising new creator in the competition.

“The Kaipara Art Awards offers a chance to celebrate the creativity and talent which abound in our district,” says John Pickworth of the Dargaville Arts Association, co-hosts of the awards. “Not only is this an opportunity for Kaipara artists to bring new works to the public, it’s also a showcase of the best in local

art, exemplified by one of the most exciting gallery exhibitions of the year.”

That exhibition, which collects together all of the award entrants in one place, will be open to the public in Mangawhai this October, after a gala prizegiving on October 9. For now, artists are encouraged to begin work on their entries, ahead of the official window for registration, between September 1 and September 18.

For more information please contact Belinda Vernon on 027 557 0845, or John Pickworth 027 525 8189 or by email kaiparaartawards@gmail.com. ¢

u by Paul Campbell

Election campaigns launch many promises, but the newest has come from Winston Peters, who says a $1 billion search of the sea bed could completely transform our economy.

Previous research has identified the RēingaNorthland Basin, a largely unexplored area of more than 140,000 square kilometres off the west coast from Dargaville, for potential petroleum resources.

“New Zealand has one of the greatest potentials in the world to have ownership of our own supply of oil and natural gas and the country is totally susceptible to the geopolitical choices made by other nations on energy and this needs to change,” he says.

offers some of the highest average salaries in New Zealand, historically double the national average.

“Analysis shows that the odds of New Zealand having a major commercial discovery in our basins is well above 90 per cent. Most likely, we hold something that would be transformational for our country, and potentially the equivalent of Norway in scale. It has been done elsewhere.”

Existing economic research suggests Dargaville as a search hub and as an oil discovery base could expect local engineering, manufacturing and construction sectors to grow to provide mechanical and fabrication support. Multimillion-dollar operational budgets flow directly down to regional engineering shops, transport operators and equipment hire companies. The petroleum sector

However, opposition to more oil has already emerged from environmentalist support for solar and wind power supply without considering the overall boost Peters sees in our economic future.

“This is about New Zealand’s economic sovereignty and security, we cannot wait and continue to be beholden to international interests and decisionmaking. After a major discovery, Guyana’s GDP per capita increased by 500 per cent in a decade and is now among the 20 richest countries in the world on a per capita basis,” Mr Peters says.

“We can no longer ignore this potential we have here in New Zealand in our deepsea basins. This is about future-proofing New Zealand in a world of uncertainty.” ¢

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Sharing fresh family ideas Wholehearted in one

u by Andy Bryenton

Parents and children can share time together and explore insightful ideas in parenting at the Early Years Hub in Dargaville.

The bright and spacious hub is situated on Hokianga Road, and it’s packed with toys and games for the youngsters, as well as valuable resources for parents.

“Parents and kids can come here for some family time,” says Early Years Hub spokesperson Kris Sullivan. “I’ve had at least one mum say that it’s good for her mental health. Parenting can often be a bit isolating, and it’s good to have a place where you can come and connect with others.”

Notably, in these challenging financial times, there’s also a whole section of free clothes for children available, along with accessories like car safety seats and warm, handknitted blankets.

“There’s no training manual for being a parent,” says Kris. “Early Years has information to share that’s worked well for others, but of course, one size doesn’t fit all — it’s a conversation.”

As well as space to play and socialise in a safe, caring environment, the Early Years Hub is a hub for parents to compare notes and learn. One popular source of

parenting know-how is the Incredible Years programme. It’s a course that charts a path through childhood and parenting with ideas to make this important time harmonious and positive for mums, dads and children alike.

The next intake for this free course is on now. Drop in to the Early Years Hub, 28 Hokianga Road, any time between Monday and Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm to sign up, or just to enjoy a cuppa and a chat while your youngsters play. ¢

u by Amy Fifita

The Paparoa Golf Club recently had the honour of recognising one of its own members by presenting Brian McLeod with a Sport Northland Volunteer Award.

Nominated for the award for his efforts and dedication to the club, Brian has spent a great deal of time ensuring the facility’s success.

“Brian is a highly deserving recipient of this award in recognition of his outstanding contribution and dedication to Paparoa Golf Club,” said club secretary Jas Futter.

“Through the many hours he has volunteered, Brian has helped deliver significant improvements to the golf course, maintenance facilities, and the overall operation of the club.”

Jas says Brian has done a lot for the club and has been in all positions on the committee, making him an asset to the club, and a worthy recipient of the volunteer award. With a farming background and a young family to look after, the passionate golfer has always made time for the club.

“As a full-time dairy farmer with a young family, Brian’s commitment to supporting the club is especially

Help us save lives in Northland.

commendable. His extensive knowledge of golf and club operations has been an invaluable resource, and his willingness to share that expertise has benefitted both the club and its members.”

Brian was presented the award by club president Athol Cartwright earlier this month, a token of gratitude to the hard work he has put into the club himself.

“Brian’s dedication, generosity and service have made a lasting impact on Paparoa Golf Club, making him a worthy recipient of this recognition.” ¢

D O N A T E T O D A Y N E S T . O R G . N Z

u by Andy Bryenton

New motorway imminent Changes in store at hospice shop

The road through Dome Valley will no longer be the main arterial to the north, as work is set to begin on the multibillion-dollar Northland Expressway late this year.

The next stage of the Northland motorway system, the link from the Warkworth roundabout to Te Hana, bypassing the treacherous Dome crossing, is set to begin construction before Christmas. However, the Whangārei to Brynderwyn connection has been put on a list of roading projects which will not be delivered with the same urgency.

“The first stage of the Northland Expressway is in the final stages of procurement and due to start construction before the end of the year,” said transport minister Chris Bishop, speaking on the Roads of National Significance programme Simeon Brown launched during his tenure in the transport portfolio.

At the same time, another major roading project affecting the prosperity and accessibility of Kaipara has passed beyond the pre-planning stage and is now deep into what road builders call ‘route

protection’; securing where the tarmac and concrete will go down. This time it’s for the alternative to the Bryderwyn Hills traverse, an area prone to slips when adverse weather hits the north.

“We’ve always seen the roads and public transport projects as part of a multi-year pipeline to drive jobs and growth around the country, and today’s pipeline release reflects that,” says Mr Bishop.

“The pipeline shows why a phased approach to delivering the Roads of National Significance is important. As I’ve said many times, not all projects can start immediately. It takes time to get projects ready for construction, with route protection (designations and consenting), detailed design, and property acquisition all needing to be completed before main construction works can begin.” ¢

Kaipara Kōrero

News from Kaipara District Council

A summer like no other at Kai Iwi Lakes

Imagine swapping the daily commute for crystal-clear lakes, native bush and the chance to spend your summer living and working at Kai Iwi Lakes in Taharoa Domain

Kaipara District Council is seeking proposals from experienced contractors or operators to manage Pine Beach Campground at Kai Iwi Lakes for the 2026/2027 summer season

This is a live-in contract for services opportunity, with on-site accommodation provided

The successful contractor or operator will help welcome thousands of visitors, oversee the day-to-day operation of the campground and play a key role in delivering a memorable summer experience at one of the region’s most iconic destinations

A copy of the Request for Quote documentation, service specifications and draft contract can be obtained from Kaipara District Council

For more information or to apply visit seek co nz

Funding available

Is your rural junior sports team hitting the road for competitions? Applications for the Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund are open 1 August through to 31 August The fund helps with travel costs, making it easier for young Kaipara athletes to get to the games they love

For projects that benefit the Mangawhai district, especially

u by Andy Bryenton

The Dargaville Hospice Shop has a new manager, and the volunteer team which helps to turn pre-loved items into funding for Hospice is looking forward to an imminent move.

Debra van Leeuwerden has taken up the role of manager, leading a determined team of volunteers at the popular opportunity shop in the town’s main street. The former proprietor of AD Focus has extensive experience in retail, and is looking forward to the new challenge of raising funds for the good work Hospice Kaipara performs.

“It’s great to be here, and to be doing something important for the community,” says Debra, who took over from interim manager Ian Hallmond last week.

“There’s a great group of people who work here, and we are very grateful for the public’s generous donations.”

Despite an imminent move to new premises, in the former pharmacy building just around the corner on lower Hokianga Road, Debra and the team ask that big-hearted locals keep those donations coming in. Builders are working hard right now to make the new site ready, but there’s still some time to go before the shop makes a move.

In the interim, good-quality used items, clothes, furniture and homewares are warmly welcomed. So, too, are new volunteers who can give a little of their time to assist in the hospice shop, especially anyone fit and strong enough to assist in handling larger furniture items, such as chests of drawers and lounge suites.

The final message from the new shop manager and her team is to stop by often to see what’s new. The ever-changing selection on display is sure to have some tempting surprises and bargains on offer. ¢

Hōngongoi July

those enhancing the harbour and surrounds – check out the Mangawhai Endowment Lands Account (MELA) Fund (open 1 August through to 31 August)

And a final call for Kaipara creatives! Applications for the Creative Communities Scheme close this week. Got a creative idea? Get your applications in by Friday 31 July

Visit kaipara.govt.nz/funding for more information

The case for local democracy Council merger

I listened to the council meeting where our councillors voted unanimously not to support either option for the amalgamation of Northland councils. I commend them all on their rationale for that decision and their kōrero.

The central government directive is hard to understand. It has a very short timeframe within which councils must come up with an alternative structure. The rationale given by the government is removing duplication and lowering costs through less bureaucracy. Removing the regional council meets the duplication objective.

As to cost savings through less bureaucracy — I would seriously challenge it. My experience is that cost escalation is the more likely outcome. Councils typically have weak measures to judge efficient delivery for our ratepayer dollar. They do not have the normal business disciplines that come with competition.

Around 80% of what councils do is infrastructure; a purely commercial function. In commerce form (structure) should follow function (strategy), not the other way around. A starting point should be to identify key council functions and then decide if they are more efficiently delivered locally or regionally. The Northland Transportation Alliance was a failure, but some seem happy to repeat that.

Culture also matters. Northland’s DNA is still largely rural. Ask any farmer on the outskirts of the Auckland Region how well their needs are understood by the Auckland Council.

In Kaipara, we have been through a lot of pain. In the last decade, great progress has been made. If amalgamation went ahead Kaipara would enter the arrangement with no debt. That is not the case for both Whangārei and the Far North. The latter I would describe as a train wreck. If I were them, I would also support the change; it would be in their interests, but that’s not in Kaipara’s interests.

The Ruawai flats drainage system is overseen by local volunteers. It’s been like that for a century, and is the best example I know of keeping the ‘local’ in local government. We have managed to keep that structure through a number of historic mergers. We will need to have that fight again if this restructure proceeds. Ruawai with a drainage system operated from Whangārei is terrifying.

Well done again to our councillors wanting to make an evidence-based decision and not being bullied by an ideology driven by the central government, nor wanting to sanction Kaipara’s strong balance sheet being spread amongst the weak in wider Northland.

Greg Gent, Ruawai

For all the noise about “simplifying” local government in Northland, one question remains unanswered: where has bigger ever proven better? No one can point to a single example in New Zealand where amalgamation has delivered lower costs, better services, or stronger communities. What we can point to are the failures — and Northland is being pushed down the same path.

Kaipara District Council is one of the strongest arguments against amalgamation. While Whangārei District Council and Far North District Council carry significant debt, Kaipara has next to none. We have kept rates comparatively low, invested wisely, and delivered real results; not through empire - building, but through being small, nimble and accountable.

Our roading success is the clearest example. When Kaipara brought roading back in-house, we proved what local control can achieve. This is what small councils can do: act quickly, fix problems, and stay close to the people they serve.

Amalgamation would bury that success under layers of bureaucracy, consultants and corporate directors — the very structures that failed Auckland. Auckland’s super city is a warning, not a model. Northland is being told to follow the same blueprint. We should be running in the opposite direction.

Kaipara’s low debt is not an accident. It is the result of disciplined governance. If the three councils merge, Kaipara becomes a cash cow, forced to subsidise

decades of financial decisions made in Whangārei and the Far North.

Additionally, the tyranny of distance makes a single mayor absurd. Local democracy only works when leaders are close enough to know the roads, the people, the industries, and the challenges. A super council would sever that connection.

Shared services make sense — empire building does not. “Amalgamate or we’ll do it for you” is not reform — it’s coercion. This rushed process is already attracting competing interests, each seeking advantage. Some iwi proposals even suggest reorganising communities along tribal boundaries — a move that risks dividing rather than uniting Northlanders. Structural reform should be thoughtful, independent, and community-driven — not forced.

If anything needs reform, it is the imbalance of power between elected members and council staff. Too often, CEs and bureaucracies hold more influence than the people voters actually elect. Fix procurement rules. Fix consultant engagement. Fix accountability, but don’t blow up councils that are working.

Northland is not one community — it is many. Northland deserves better than a super council.

We can strengthen local government without destroying it. We can share services without surrendering democracy. We can fix what isn’t working without tearing apart what is.

Craig Jepson

Kaipara District councillor and former mayor

Times Gone By

Memorial church opened

Coinciding with the anniversary of his death on May 27 1943, the official opening of the memorial church erected at Matakohe in memory of the late Right Honourable JG Coates, a former prime minister and member for the old Kaipara electorate for about 30 years, took place this afternoon in the presence of a representative gathering. In attendance were the prime minister, Mr Holland, the leader of the opposition, Mr Fraser, members of government departments and the Rev WJ Simkin, Bishop of Auckland. Upon arrival the prime minister placed a wreath on Mr Coates’ grave. The architect was Mr HL Massey, who presented an album of photographs after the church service. Mr Holland unveiled the memorial and plaque at the church entrance in the presence of Mrs Coates.

Waikato Times, May 27 1950

Image credit: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections

EDITORIAL by Andy Bryenton

The saw’s not the

Chainsaw austerity doesn’t work. What’s more, selling austerity to the people who will suffer as it makes things worse is hard, unless you dress it up as a culture war. Austerity peddlers talk a big game about government inefficiency, and how ‘running things like a business’ will leverage great results.

It’s clear that when some people say ‘run the country like a business’ they mean it’s time for a hostile takeover, asset stripping and mass layoffs. We’re the employees to them, not the shareholders. Perhaps we’re just the assets to be liquidated.

In the recent past, two famous figures have bombastically pushed this narrative while waving chainsaws around. One was Elon Musk, who has hopefully decided that his foray into US politics was like the proverbial wrestling match with a pig; everyone gets dirty and nobody wins. I’d rather the richest man alive indulged his passion for spaceflight, an area where he employs geniuses and achieves wonders.

Instead we got DOGE, which lost billions, fired people who knew what they were doing, generated lawsuits, installed yes-men, and found no massive savings. The Centre for Economic and Policy Research called it a ‘heist’ which, through eliminating aid to poor people, will ‘likely kill tens of thousands’. Funny how a lot of those layoffs were tax fraud investigators.

law

Then there’s the poster boy of ultraobjectivist far-right economic theory, Argentina’s Javier Milei. Not to rub it in after Argentina’s spirited but failed world cup football final, but the nation’s economy has collapsed under the chainsaw austerity of his reign. This is a ‘leader’ who tried to cut disability benefits, perhaps as a form of economic eugenics, but was blocked by his own disgusted senate.

Reports of record unemployment, and of a currency now worth less than imaginary money from the video game Fortnite have been capped by comments made by soccer superstar Lionel Messi, who said he was playing to bring some hope back to his inflation-wracked, socialservice-gutted homeland, where half of households are now in poverty.

“We are well aware that there are people for whom the situation is difficult, who have no jobs, and who find it hard to make their salaries last until the end of the month,” Messi said. “Even if only for a moment, we feel proud to be able to give the people this joy.”

Argentina is a great nation. It deserves better than being an experiment in economic witchcraft, pushed by foreign ‘think tanks’.

Remember these failures when our own austerity-sellers flap their gums. It could happen here. ¢

Home is where the heart is

Serviced apartment living was the perfect choice for Bupa Merrivale Retirement Village resident Noelene.

After her husband passed away, Bupa resident Noelene moved from her home in Dannevirke to Merrivale Retirement Village to be closer to family.

“I looked at nearly every retirement village in the area, and they all felt very clinical,” says Noelene. “When I visited Merrivale, the Village Assistant Erica was so helpful and kind, and the whole atmosphere just felt like home.

“My little dog Gabby and I moved into a serviced apartment, and we really couldn’t have made a better choice. My apartment

allowed me to make it lovely and homely, just on a smaller scale.”

When she’s not pottering around the garden, Noelene enjoys life in and around the village, playing bingo once a week and catching up with friends.

“All the residents here love Gabby. She comes with me to village activities like morning teas and happy hour, and everyone fights over her. When we’re out for a walk during the day, it’s often a case of who’s going to pat her first,” said Noelene.

“My little dog Gabby and I moved into a serviced apartment, and we really couldn’t have made a better choice”

is bright and modern, with enough room for all my treasures, and the housekeeping and meals provided are of a high standard. Nothing is too much trouble.

“The home I chose was very similar to my previous home in Dannevirke with its layout, as well as having its own private garden. I had a big garden previously, and lots of birds, so when I came to Merrivale I really wanted something similar.

“Bupa was quite happy for me to bring my own garden statues and plants, which

While Gabby takes time out from socialising, Noelene pops out to visit her sister for lunch every Sunday, with a spot of shopping afterwards.

The peace of mind of knowing Bupa Merrivale had a care home on-site was another deciding factor for Noelene when choosing a retirement village.

“If, in the future, I need rest home or hospital care, it is right here,” she said.

Visit Bupa for more information about retirement village living — bupa.co.nz. p

Proud to support our local St John Ambulance

09 431 4393 support@computersplus.net.nz computersplus.net.nz

Join in a firefighting legacy

u by Andy Bryenton

Volunteers have been the heart and soul of local fire brigades, in towns around New Zealand, for almost 160 years.

In 1854 the Auckland volunteer bucket brigade came into being, ready to fight the threat of fire in that all-wooden early city. The concept caught on, but the resources, equipment and even uniforms of different town brigades were wildly different, sometimes coming for private donations or corporate sponsors. Those early volunteers included many ex-military men, and a large number of sailors, who knew about how to fight a fire in the most dangerous conditions, at sea.

Christchurch was the first city to found a proper volunteer brigade, in 1860. Their equipment was donated by the Liverpool, London & Globe Insurance Company, and included manual pumps, helmets and heavy coats to protect the wearer from flames. The brigade was made up of men from all walks of life who heeded the call to action when an alarm was sounded.

Smaller towns at the time made their own arrangements, with many unable to afford equipment of the kind donated by big companies to their city counterparts. Some brigades relied on citizens keeping buckets of water handy, while others were augmented by Fencible soldiers, church

parishioners or policemen. Firefighters were hampered by a lack of real authority. They were sometimes stopped short by being unable to demolish burning structures, source water from private tanks or impose rules to stop fire hazards before they caused tragedy.

Parliament was called to take action, as news stories of brave volunteers putting themselves in danger to save lives, without adequate financial support, galvanised public opinion.

In 1867 politicians voted on the Municipal Corporation Act, making new rules for councils and, notably, for fire brigades.

‘The act empowers the council to deal with fires, to lay on any works necessary for this purpose, to appoint fire inspectors and to remunerate any association for the extinguishment of fires. A fire inspector may take command of any fire brigade and enter on any premises, or order any building pulled down with a view to

reports from

From that day forward, volunteer firefighters have been citizens who step up to undertake training and commit their time and effort to serve their neighbours. It’s a great way to give back to the community, and one of the best things you can do for the safety of your town. If you have ever thought about joining in the proud 160-year history of volunteer firefighting, please contact your local brigade today — they would love to hear from you. ¢

Answering the call

u by Paul Campbell

The Coastguard was out and in action recently, with an air patrol over the Wairoa River in Kaipara as a search was underway, and highlighted the volunteers that make up the guardianship of our coastal environment.

Without the thousands of volunteers nationwide answering the call of their communities, New Zealand would have no maritime search and rescue service. In Kaipara, we have Coastguard North Kaipara based at Tinopai on the harbour, and at Mangawhai, where volunteers are dedicating their time to something hugely rewarding, helping save lives on the water. Joining Coastguard opens up a world of experiences, be it a member of a wet crew: where boat crew members handle marine rescues, dry crew who are shore-based radio operators, incident monitors, and shore controllers who coordinate communications. For support and governance, local unit managers, fundraisers and administration officers are needed.

Basic requirements to join a wet crew or operational unit are generally needing to be 18 years or older, able to swim confidently, pass a police check and live within a 15- to 20-minute drive of a unit base to be on-call in an emergency. On the front line or in the back room — there’s a fulfilling role to serve in.

For the keen fisherman or weekend boatie, there is a maritime guardian oncall by becoming a financial member of Coastguard. For a $150 membership you get comprehensive, year-round assistance on the water for you, your partner, and any children under 18 across any vessel you are on. Non-membership will also get help; however, it may cost $400 an hour for a tow to the safety of

land. There is also the option of lifetime membership of a one-time payment of $2,250.

For more information on volunteering and associated membership, contact Coastguard New Zealand or your local Kaipara-based unit to experience comradeship, development challenges and the priceless opportunity to save lives on the water.

Phone: Wayne 0800 263 896 or 022 648 5713 www.kaiparait.co.nz support@kaiparait.co.nz

Local care saves lives

u by Amy Fifita

Since its establishment in New Zealand in 1885, Hato Hone St John has been the saving grace for many in medical need, and as always, they need our support, too.

An organisation that once taught first aid and home nursing skills, it quickly became a glimpse of what we know it for today — medical care and transportation for ill and injured people.

While the time of the horse-drawn ambulance is gone, the mission continues to connect people in medical need with care and hospitals. When life is on the line, these people turn up, they deal with the hard situations, they save lives, and they may even save yours one day.

021 263 1710 www.drmichelemcvie.com drmcvie@gmail.com

With three ambulance stations in Kaipara and one close by in Wellsford, we as a community can support them in several ways. Whether it’s choosing to give your custom to the local St John Opportunity Shop, supporting a local fundraiser, or volunteering, there are ways we can support our community heroes. Operational volunteers work in the ambulances and provide help and care to those in the community needing medical care. Volunteering doesn’t stop at manning the ambulances. There are roles for retail shop staff, events, youth leaders, caring callers or being on the major incident support team. Visit stjohn. org.nz/support-us/volunteering-for-us to

find out more or to donate your time.

Hospital Friends is another volunteer opportunity working in hospital wards, providing comfort and support to patients, families and friends. Friends of the Emergency Department is a similar role, where volunteers offer emotional support in hospital EDs, making the experience easier to go through.

With ambulance crews manning fit-for-purpose stations to provide the community with vital medical care, there are ways to donate or create fundraisers.

Donors can choose the area they want to donate to or let the funds go towards where it is needed most. Keen fundraisers can create a fundraiser for their school or workplace, and donors can donate at lighttheway.org.nz.

However you choose to support, signing up to a first aid course can make the difference when waiting for the ambulance. There are multiple courses to choose from, including a first aid refresher programme, one specified to caring for children and online options. ¢

How you can help emergency heroes

u by Andy Bryenton

On land, sea and in the air, emergency teams rely on volunteers and donations from people like you to keep up their good work.

Hato Hone St John New Zealand treats and transports more than 400,000 people every year. The ambulance crews at the front line are just part of the picture.

How you can help — Volunteer for Hato Hone St John, in roles going beyond the vital work of ambulance services, and into community education, fundraising through retail stores and youth leadership. Take a First Aid Course, so your skills can help others in an emergency. Donate now online to help fund the 10 new ambulance stations New Zealand crucially needs, and to keep your local ambulance crew rolling out on lifesaving missions. Shop at a St John opportunity store, grab a bargain and help the cause. All the info is at stjohn.org.nz.

Coastguard NZ provides aid to those in trouble out at sea, and ensures boaties have the knowledge they need to sail safely. Vessels and crews across the nation swing into action when there’s trouble on the waves.

How you can help — become a Coastguard member, paying a small annual fee to support the people who will come to your aid if your boating trip runs into trouble. This is a must for every boat owner. Book a course to learn more about being a safe and responsible sailor or skipper. Volunteer to be part of your local Coastguard, helping on or off the water to keep the service sailing. Look out for fundraising events like the big Coastguard lottery to chip in, or donate online. More info is available at coastguard.nz.

Volunteer fire brigades across Kaipara, and the nation, are ordinary people who do an extraordinary job for their communities. When disaster strikes and fire threatens, these volunteers answer the call. How you can help — the biggest need local fire brigades face is greater membership. Volunteer to become a firefighter, and join a great team doing tangible, impactful good in the world. Support local businesses that donate to your local brigade, or those which have staff or owners who drop tools and roll out when the fire siren rings. Make sure your home and workplace are fire safe, with working smoke alarms, extinguishers and plan to get out safely if a fire breaks out. Find out more at fireandemergency.nz.

Northland Westpac Rescue Helicopters and Northern Rescue — The new red and yellow painted choppers are working with Northern Rescue, an alliance built on work going back to 1988, which ensures rapid, airborne aid is on hand for medical and search and rescue emergencies.

The rescue helicopter service flew to 110 accidents, 134 medical emergencies and 10 search and rescue missions in the year between 2025 and 2026.

How you can help — Visit nest.org.nz to donate to the rescue choppers, and look out for the big rescue helicopter appeal, coming later this year, as a chance to show your support for this important lifesaving initiative.

Salute to our First Responders

A closer look at a new rescue hero

u by Andy Bryenton

The distinctive white Northern Rescue choppers are being retired and replaced with new red-andyellow liveried machines — but what’s underneath the paintwork?

The rescue helicopter service flew to 110 accidents, 134 medical emergencies and 10 search and rescue missions in the year between 2025 and 2026, as well as transferring 418 patients between hospitals. This kind of workload means that the replacement to the venerable Sikorsky fleet needed to be durable, fast and reliable.

The chosen machine is the Leonardo AW169, built by a company named for the genius who invented the concept of the helicopter, Leonardo da Vinci. Under their former name of Agusta Westland these chopper builders made some memorable models, but the AW169 stands out as a versatile next-generation aircraft, perfect for multi-role emergency services work.

First of all, it’s spacious, able to seat 10 people. That’s space which can be used to transport medical patients, and carry equipment that saves lives. A special backup power system allows the AW169 to keep one of its two Pratt and Whitney turbine engines spinning with the rotors disengaged, to provide power for medical apparatus while the helicopter is on the ground.

Speaking of its engines, the Leonardo boasts speed and power which would be the envy of any supercar. Its pair of PW210 A1 turboshaft engines are good for more than 1,000 horsepower each, and all that force spins a 12-metrewide five-blade rotor. This delivers a cruising speed of 261km/h, a top speed in excess of 300km/h and a massive 815-kilometre range.

Knowing that their creation might have to run in adverse conditions, every precaution has been made to ensure that the AW169 can fly on, no matter what. Even if an oil system failure stops lubricant pumping through the helicopter’s gearbox, it will still function for more than half an hour.

This speed and range make the Leonardo versatile, and it’s found a role with rescue services not just here in New Zealand, but also in Sweden and the UK. The Italian army uses the AW169 as a troop transport, while the Norwegian police and their Indonesian counterparts use them for fighting crime. In Japan, AW169 choppers work for fire departments, as traffic news spotter

and a platform for inspecting power lines.

Having proven its worth in roles around the world, flying in conditions ranging from freezing cold to tropical heat, the Leonardo AW169 is a great addition

to the rescue helicopter fleet for Northland. Look out for the distinctive yellow and red machines, and join us in saluting the crews who maintain and fly them on their lifesaving missions. ¢

Twin turbos and tuned for toughness

u by Andy Bryenton

Nissan’s new Navara comes with a legendary name, a fresh, rugged

The Navara badge rose to prominence in the 1980s with the unbreakable D21, but refinement has been the byword for successive generations since. In this spirit, the current Navara comes with more technology and smarter engineering, making it both a more relaxed place to spend those highway hours, and a dependable co-worker for farmers and tradies.

Nissan, Mitsubishi and Renault share design and development know-how in this era of big-budget new-vehicle innovation, but to set the Navara apart there’s been some substantial man-hours of research put into the new ute’s suspension set-up. This took place in the gruelling proving grounds of Australia, and has resulted in a measured, substantial steering feel, transitioning from tarmac to unpaved surfaces. It’s an option on every one of the four grades of Navara, right up to the range-topping Pro-4X, and it’s one country drivers will appreciate.

Under the hood you’ll find a 2.4-litre diesel producing a handy 201 horsepower, and an even more appreciable 470 Newton-metres of torque. This engine comes with not one but two turbochargers; one to build fast boost and another to feed the motor for maximum power. The upshot

is smooth, motive force without any waiting around — this certainly adds to the Navara’s crisp on-road manners. Nissan knows a thing or two about turbos, especially when they come in pairs; just ask anyone who loves the legendary Skyline.

While in this case it’s a ute that’s received the benefit of Nissan’s technical knowledge, the result is equally tuned for its specific niche. The Navara is designed to work, designed to haul tools and equipment, camping gear and materials. It’s designed to tow a hefty 3.5 tonnes, too, so your powerboat or your small excavator can come along for the ride. Better yet, this voluminous ute does it all while delivering fuel economy of just 8.8 litres for every 100 kilometres.

Now we get to the impression, the looks, and the way in which form mirrors function in this new generation. While all of the Navara range comes with sleek new steel, it’s the flagship Pro-4X which wears it best, boasting lava-red exterior flashes, big, aggressively stanced alloy wheels, custom red accents and stitching in the well-appointed cabin. Creature comforts include a nine-inch

infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control, heated seats and support for Apple and Android phones. Your local Nissan dealership has examples on display right now, and a test drive is well recommended to see just how far the Navara has advanced in this latest generation. ¢

Kaipara Kōrero

News from Kaipara District Council

Rates due

The first instalment of rates for the 2026/2027 rating year is due on Thursday 20 August.

Please make sure you pay your invoice with the correct reference number, located at the bottom of your invoice If you need help with paying your rates or haven’t yet received your invoice, you can contact the team by phone on 0800 727 059 or by emailing revenue@kaipara govt nz

Find out more at kaipara govt nz/rates

Rates rebates

Rebate forms for the new rating year (1 July 2026-30 June 2027) are available from council offices if you did not receive one with your rates account

The rates rebate scheme has been updated for 2026/2027, with changes to both the income thresholds and maximum rebate amounts Key changes:

• The maximum rates rebate will increase from $805 to $830.

• The income threshold for SuperGold cardholders will increase from $45,000 to $46,400

• The income threshold for other ratepayers will increase from $32,210 to $33,210

Roadworks on Paparoa Oakleigh Road

Roading crews will soon carry out improvements on Paparoa Oakleigh Road and rehabilitate the section of road between 3065 and 3208 Paparoa Oakleigh Road Work is scheduled to start on Tuesday 28 July and be completed by Friday 2 October (weather permitting).

During construction there will be stop/go traffic management and lane closures in place, so please allow extra travel time

New speed limits have now been rolled out across Kaipara outside schools during drop-off and pick-up times. Thanks for slowing down around schools and helping to keep our tamariki safe!

Work starts on Dargaville watermain renewals

Watermain renewal works will start this week in Logan Street, Beach Road, Day Street, Edward Street and Station Road. Contractors Northern Pipe and Civil Limited will replace ageing watermains to improve the reliability and long-term performance of Dargaville’s water network. Work is expected to continue through to June 2027

The project will be completed in stages to help keep roads open, although temporary traffic management and occasional one-way sections will be in place. We thank residents and road users for their patience while these important upgrades are carried out

Welcome to all our newest citizens! We were delighted to welcome new citizens at the 15 July citizenship ceremony, with people joining the Kaipara community from the United Kingdom, Australia, China, Finland, Tonga, Canada and the Netherlands

Don’t let bird flu

take flight

H5 bird flu has been detected in individual wild birds in New Zealand, but the risk to human health remains very low Chicken and eggs are safe to eat.

We have a response plan ready if bird flu is detected in Kaipara While the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) continues to actively monitor and respond to the situation with its partners, we encourage everyone to stay alert and follow good hygiene practices to help prevent the spread of disease

Keep your distance Stay away from sick or dead wildlife, and keep pets away too

Keep clean. Wash hands and clean gear after being outdoors. Know when to report. Report three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66

MPI has lots of resources and information on its website Go to mpi.govt.nz/HPAI

Council warning on older boats

u by Andy Bryenton

Winter is a time when maritime repairs are often in full swing, anticipating a summer of sailing and fishing, but the Northland Regional Council has warned potential buyers to beware the allure of ‘fixer uppers’.

The number of vessels being disposed of by the NRC’s maritime department is high, with at least one every month going to the wreckers after new buyers realise that their ambition has outstripped their budget or skill.

“Many vessels that were built between the 1960s and 1980s are coming to the end of their life and are sold at ever-reducing prices as owners seek to limit their liability and offload what can effectively be a costly and time-consuming problem,” said NRC deputy harbourmaster Peter Thomas.

Question quest success

u by Andy Bryenton

The Northern Wairoa Boating Club was packed with patrons supporting their local Coastguard on Saturday, as a lively quiz night brought out a spirit of friendly competition.

He says vessels are sold to people — many on a budget — who are then unable to keep up with the costs of maintaining the vessel to a seaworthy standard.

“A lot of money can be spent on getting one of these vessels into good condition but even then you still have an old vessel that requires a lot of maintenance.”

Sadly, many boats and yachts that cannot be repaired are left rotting on

moorings or in waterways, and have to be disposed of by the NRC, which looks to recover its costs from the owner. These can prove considerable, as the eventual fate of many derelict vessels is that they must be removed from the water and broken up for scrap and landfill.

“The owner is fully liable for costs that the council may incur in dealing with their vessel,” says Mr Thomas.

Potential boat buyers are warned to be wary and look at the whole rebuild and its cost before buying — to avoid a costly mistake. ¢

WHAT’S ON?

July

Inland Revenue Clinic — Tue 28 Jul. Bookings Essential! Heartland Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria St. 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765.

August

Tiakina Te Kaitiaki – Caring for carers — Tuesday 4th August 10am–2pm. Westy is here to help support you while you care for your loved ones. Drop into the office or call us for further information. Ph 021 245 3765. Whare Awhine – Community Law — Wednesday 5th August from 10am until 1pm. Free legal advice clinic. Drop into the office for further information. SPCA — 5th August, 10am–11.30am cnr SH12 and Victoria St parking. 12.30pm–1.30pm Ruawai Village Green. Look for the Flag! Flea treatment $10, worm treatment $3, pet care advice, emergency pet food.

Governance Workshop — Thursday, 6th August for Community Organisations. A full day, bookings essential, $20 per person. Great for new committee members as well as a refresher for those more seasoned. suec@dcdb.nz.

Kia Roha — Tuesday 11th August 9am–1.30pm. Free hearing checks and subsidised equipment options. Meet lovely Dani from Your Way Kia Roha.

Family Court Navigator — Tuesday 18th August 10am–2pm. Josephine provides support and guidance to help individuals understand and prepare for Family Court processes.

Inland Revenue Clinic — Tuesday 25th August. Heartland Services, Whanau Focus Building, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville Bookings Essential. Phone 09 439 7009 or 021 245 3765.

With eight hard-fought rounds of trivia on the table, teams from around west Kaipara gathered to win both bragging rights and prizes provided by generous donors. Also up for grabs was a grocery hamper raffle, and an auction raising funds for the vital work of the Coastguard crew protecting boaties on the Kaipara Harbour.

The turnout was excellent for a wintry, rainy evening, and part of this may also have been due to the new team in the Northern Wairoa Boating Club kitchen. Matich’s restaurant has taken up the challenge of feeding

hungry boating club patrons, and their menu, notably including fresh Pahi oysters by the dozen, was a hit.

Coastguard North Kaipara was the real winner, as the event raised funds to support their ongoing mission of maritime rescue and support, but it was the Hash Harriers, which scored the most correct answers and took home the quiz master’s title.

This quiz night is only the first of many, which usually come this time of year, so teams are encouraged to look out for other trivia-packed evenings coming soon. ¢

helenat@sportnorth.co.nz

Markets

Monthly Market — 1st Saturday of each month, 8am–noon at the Kaipara Community Centre, Hokianga Road (opposite the Town Hall).

Paparoa Farmers’ Market — Saturdays 9am–noon. Genuine local produce, vegetables, seafood, olive

oils, meats, patisserie, plants and more. Village Green, Paparoa.

Te Kopuru Market — 2nd Saturday of each month, 9am–noon at Coronation Hall. Stall holders ring Rachel on 021 133 7560.

TIDE CHART

THE KAIPARA LIFESTYLER

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

POUTO POINT

WED 29 4:12am (0.8m) 10:19am (3.0m) 4:24 pm (0.7m) 10:39 pm (3.2m) THU 30 4:50am (0.7m) 10:58am (3.1m) 5:02 pm (0.6m) 11:16 pm (3.3m) FRI 31 5:27am (0.6m) 11:35am (3.1m) 5:38 pm (0.6m) 11:51 pm (3.3m)

MANGAWHAI HEADS

3:46pm (0.6m) 10:15pm (2.6m)

3 4:17am (0.6m) 10:32am (2.5m) 4:26pm (0.6m) 10:56pm (2.6m) TUE 4 4:59am (0.6m) 11:14am (2.5m) 5:09pm (0.7m) 11:40pm (2.6m)

PUZZLE TIME

(7)

(8)

Mouth-watering (10) 38 Idea (7)

39 Aide (6)

40 Crops up (6)

41 Summon (4)

42 Tramp (7)

45 Change (10)

50 Arrow-firing sport (7)

54 Shoemaker’s model (4)

55 Kowtow (6)

56 Sea robber (6)

57 Mysterious or obscure in meaning (7)

60 On tour (10)

Roundabout, circuitous (8)

62 Following (5) 65 Picturesque (6)

66 Archimedes’ shout (6)

67 Clearly (9)

72 Self-service restaurant (9)

73 Indian instrument (5)

74 Large bird (7)

79 Huge hill (8)

80 Of good social reputation (11)

81 Yarn (5)

82 Healthily red (5)

83 Elderly (4,2,3,5)

84 Contains (5)

2 Meal outdoors (6)

3 Bumpy (5)

5 Flower (4)

6 Oinked (7)

7 Private teachers (6)

8 Knowledge test (4)

9 Branch of mathematics (8)

10 Orb (6)

11 Disorder resulting in loss of voice (10)

12 Pen (4)

13 Russian tea urn (7)

17 With cunning (5)

18 Something taken for granted (10)

22 Pounce suddenly (5)

23 Mutilate (anag)(8)

25 Police member (7)

26 Tropical disease (7)

28 Eastern temple (6)

29 Black-and-white bird (6)

30 Swiss city (6)

33 Death-announcing bell (5)

35 Cricket fielding position (5)

36 Twirl (4)

37 Hired car (4)

42 South African grassland (5)

43 Filmy cobweb floating in the air (8)

44 Elate (6)

45 Unusual, exciting exploits (10)

46 Charge for passing (4)

47 Copy (7)

48 Stream of abuse (6)

49 Exterior (5)

51 Uncommon (4)

52 Optimistic (7)

53 Brought up (6)

58 Any thistle (anag)(10)

59 Pungent (5)

63 Vitamin deficiency disease (8)

64 Visitor (5)

65 Wet athlete (7)

68 Bold front, swagger (7)

69 Story in episodes (6)

70 Ring (6)

71 Frightened (6)

75 Proportion (5)

76 Money reserve (4)

77 Small mark (4)

78 Secret plan (4)

Sudoku

Fill

ACROSS: 1 Speaker, 4 Cumbersome, 9 Caustic, 13 Mope, 14 Evicts, 15 Clowns, 16 Fatigue, 19 Apologetic, 20 Upgraded, 21 Agent, 24 Theory, 25 Entrée, 27 Proceeded, 32 Ecstatic, 33 Shabby, 34 Popular, 38 Skydiver, 39 Coyote, 40 Idle, 41 Swabs, 42 Ocean, 45 Not giving a hoot, 52 Added, 55 Elope, 56 Fail, 57 Rotund, 58 Distinct, 61 Peacock, 62 Behead, 63 Reckless, 66 Affecting, 68 Blamed, 69 Uphill, 73 Fence, 74 Gambling, 76 Apparition, 81 Cumulus, 82 Quaint, 83 Leader, 84 Shed, 85 Stylish, 86 Depend upon, 87 Abridge. Down: 1 Samba, 2 Employed, 3 Review, 4 Cacti, 5 Moss, 6 Exclude, 7 Sponge, 8 Mania, 10 Away, 11 Shingle, 12 Iguana, 17 Correction, 18 Reach, 22 Broccoli, 23 Lemon, 24 Tabasco, 26 Note, 28 Rubbish, 29 Strewn, 30 Bad egg, 31 Bauble, 33 Shoji, 35 Unwed, 36 Tyre, 37 Alto, 43 Called, 44 Aspic, 46 Opal, 47 Galleon, 48 Varied, 49 Noted, 50 Abnormal, 51 Trills, 52 Antiseptic, 53 Done, 54 Dutiful, 59 Screw, 60 Acre, 64 Straw, 65 Finished, 67 Factual, 68 Bigoted, 70 Deduct, 71 Divide, 72 Camera, 75 Brute, 77 Prawn, 78 Nudge, 79 Cubs, 80 Clap.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

FOR SALE

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

CORRUGATED AND Ribbed sheets 2 metres long, 760 coverage. Mixed colours, endless supply. $18 per sheet. Woolworths carpark Saturday mornings or phone 021 254 6320.

DRONE FISHING gear. Backbones, traces, sinkers etc. All new gear. For more information phone or text Trevor 022 596 0265.

SINGLE BED purchased 2025 at Ruawai Beds, excellent condition $150. Phone 027 459 4528.

SUZUKI ESCUDO Vitara/Grand Vitara — car parts, WOF parts, 4x4 parts etc. Good parts, good prices. Phone Derek 09 439 7573.

THREE YEARLING bull calves for sale – 13 months old, good condition. Phone Max 027 425 7881.

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

CHURCH NOTICES

DARGAVILLE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE, 4 Grey Street. Church service on every Sunday at 3pm. Bible study/prayer Wednesday from 4.30pm–7pm, call Moses 021 248 8910. Support group: Celebrate Recovery from all addictions. Friday 5.30pm–8pm, call Gary 021 174 8737.

FENCING

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

FIREWOOD FOR SALE

FIREWOOD — dry hot mix

$120/m³, delivered free to Dargaville & surrounding areas. Phone or TXT Henry 021 734 906.

PHONE

09 439 6933

Closing date for classified advertising for the August 4 2026 edition is Monday, August 3 2026

NURSERIES & PLANTS

GOT2GO PLANTS — Shrubs, Trees, Shelter and Hedging ready now from $1. Proteas and leucospermums only $15. Lamandra tamika x 200, just arrived special $5. Lamandra little con .30 x .30 special $5. Got2Go Plants, 55 West Coast Road. Open 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday. EFTPOS available. 09 439 5556 or 027 488 3400.

PET SUPPLIES

PET DOORS — Cat Doors, Dog Doors for Glass or Timber — supplied and installed. Phone 027 275 0918 or 09 439 6458 Kevin Sowter or visit my website: windowanddoors.co.nz — Window & Door Services Ltd.

SEPTIC TANK SERVICES

KAIPARA SEPTIC Services – Commercial and Domestic Septic Tank cleaning. Fully compliant with Kaipara and Whangarei Councils. Prompt, Professional service. Phone 027 246 8791.

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.

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

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.

TREE SERVICES

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

WANTED TO BUY

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

DARGAVILLE MUSEUM: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Kevin Friedrich concert on December 6th 2026 has been postponed. New date is March 21st 2027. Keep this date free. Enquiries to Dargaville Museum phone: 09 439 7555.

NZ IS now a world leader in natural, affordable home dentistry. If people want to save their teeth, write to Lance Bullock, PO Box 196, Dargaville 0340, for full information on this matter. This knowledge is life changing.

RIMA HAIRA AGM Public Notice. Sunday 2nd August at 1pm.

Field Archery Club AGM Sunday 2nd August 2026 at 1:00pm at the Dargaville Field Archery Club, State highway 14. All welcome.

RANIERA WHĀNAU TRUST AGM notification 23rd August, 2026 223 Woods Road, Kaihu, Dargaville Time 11.00 am

Public notice

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

Adams Family Enterprises Ltd of Mangawhai, has made application to the Kaipara District Licensing Committee for the renewal of an off licence in respect of the premises situated at Shop 1&2, 41 Moir St, Mangawhai known as Super Liquor Mangawhai Village

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Bottle store

The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 9am 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 renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

This is the first publication of this notice.

DEATH NOTICES

WARREN, Ann Margaret

Much-loved

to

Nana to

of

for

and

and Nathan. A Memorial Service for Ann will be held at the Holy Trinity Church, Hokianga Road, Dargaville on 6th August 2026, at 11 am. God has you in his keeping. We have you in our hearts

KERSSENS, Elizabeth (Betty) Maria

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our much loved mum Betty aged 94, on 24 July 2026 . Dearly beloved Mother of Maria, Margo, Janet, Ellen and the late Teresa. Cherished wife of the late John Kerssens. Much loved mother-in-law, adored grandmother (Oma), treasured great grandmother (Oma Betsy),

our condolences and respects to the family of Richard on his passing. He will be greatly missed for his work as Chairman, Committee member and volunteer; for his bright shirts, his plants and his flowers.

Laird, Malcolm 29/07/16

10 years has passed in a blink. Remembering you with respect and