Kaipara Lifestyler, May 5th 2026

Honour at dawn Council backs Dargaville education

u by Andy Bryenton

The Kaipara District Council has voted unanimously to throw its support behind plans to build a tertiary education hub in Dargaville, committing to fund a necessary tranche of research needed to advance the project.

At last week’s council meeting the mayor and elected members debated spending $14,000 on a workplace needs study; a paper laying out the courses the Kaipara business community needs to help employ more local young people in jobs that have skills shortages.

Professor Doug Sutton of Massey University has indicated that such a study would provide a powerful argument for the establishment of a tertiary hub in Dargaville, a project he has championed, and now looks to be a step closer to fruition.

Councillor Canton proposed having the council fund this work; a survey of

industry needs, which will add weight to claims that Kaipara needs education for future prosperity.

“What skills will Kaipara need this decade? Right now we do not have an answer. This is part of ensuring Kaipara is at the front of the queue for any regional plan,” said Mr Canton.

“There is a willingness from the driver of this project (Massey University and Professor Sutton) and from the general public,” said deputy mayor Lambeth.

“We are lucky to have the opportunity to have this. Massey is an amazing institution, and I wholeheartedly support this,” said councillor Nathan.

The mayor and councillor Tane concurred. Both helped host a meeting between Dargaville’s business and civic leadership with Professor Sutton that established grassroots approval for the education project.

If Professor Sutton’s application is successful, it will not be the council, nor ratepayers, which fund the establishment of a tertiary training provider in west Kaipara. However, the support of councillors adds weight to a growing call for the central government to mobilise its ministries to assist in getting students and tutors in class, in Dargaville, by 2027. ¢

An Anzac wartime revelation

u by Paul Campbell

A simple phone call opened up a surprising joint wartime history journey last week for two Pahi neighbours.

In our Lifestyler Anzac edition, I recounted my father’s 1943 escape from an Italian POW camp with three other prisoners. The next thing my phone rang. Sue Skelton, also living in Pahi Road, read my story and had a surprise for us both. Her own father had joined mine to flee their Italian captors to spend 41 days on the run and reach safety. For many years, we have passed each other by without knowing of the uncanny link. Very soon we were sitting with a cup of tea and fresh scones comparing notes on a remarkable wartime connection.

My late father was Robert ‘Bobby’ Campbell, an RAF pilot who had often spoken of his fellow escapee, ‘Cliff’ as I grew up — so I was no stranger to the name. There’s a faded photo he had that includes them both in a group of four escapers in an Italian vineyard with the caption penned with ‘On the run from the Hun’. Its origins, though, remain a mystery.

Now, I learnt that Sue’s father was Lieutenant-Colonel Clifford George who commanded the 25th Battalion, New Zealand Infantry. He led the 25th through operations in Syria and the Western Desert and was taken prisoner of war on July 22, 1942 during a difficult action at El Mreir, part of the First Battle of El Alamein, where the battalion suffered heavy losses during the fighting.

Like many captured officers, he was transported to Italy, where New Zealand POWs were held in various camps,

including at Modena and Poppi. Campbell and George were, in fact, part of an Italian Armistice ‘blitz’ escape that is recorded in New Zealand’s military history for the high proportion of all successful escapes by New Zealanders during the second world war.

p Sue Skelton and the writer with their respective wartime POW records troops. They were helped by friendly Italians, who risked brutal reprisals if they were caught doing so. Among their adventures were encounters with local partisan fighters and a 16-hour train ride clinging to carriage buffer links to arrive in an Allied bombing raid at a railway station. After having covered 400 dangerous miles, the four men reached Allied lines by swimming the southern Italian Biferno River at night as fighting raged nearby.

Both men and two companions climbed over the prison camp back wall barbed wire, while the Italian commander turned a Nelsonian eye as German occupation troops arrived at the front gate. The four Kiwis feared harsher German POW regimes and over the next 41 days, with a price on their heads, they evaded German

Panel appointed

u by Andy Bryenton

A panel of three experts has been appointed, and held their first meeting regarding the fate of a contentious sand mining project off the east coast of Northland.

The application under new government fasttrack legislation by sand mining company McCallum Brothers has been followed with interest by Mangawhai and Te Ārai locals, as the same firm were denied resource consent to continue removing sand from Pākiri-Te Ārai embayment following an Environment Court ruling two years ago.

The decision on a Bream Bay sand mining project will be made by a panel of three, who are expected to deliberate until October 1.

Chairing the panel is Catherine Somerville-Frost, a specialist resource management lawyer with 25 years of experience and a curriculum vitae spanning several leading legal practices. Ms Somerville-Frost was an environmental and resource management partner at well-known law firm Chapman Tripp for 15 years, and brings experience in reviewing projects as diverse as residential housing and solar farms.

Troy Brockbank is Te Mana o te Wai lead at Beca, and comes to the panel with two decades of experience in water and

environmental systems. Mr Brockbank is a certified RMA decision-maker and has provided expert evidence in the Environment Court, as well as working extensively with iwi, local government and the private sector on projects pertaining to his area of qualification in engineering.

Dr Malcolm Green completes the panel, bringing 45 years of marine science knowledge and academic achievement with him. Dr Green is an alumnus of the University of Sydney, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in the US, and Cambridge in the UK. He has served as principal scientist for estuarine and coastal physical processes at NIWA. ¢

Mayoral address on Anzac spirit

u by Andy Bryenton

Kaipara mayor Jonathan Larsen delivered a powerful speech on the meaning of Anzac Day when he officiated at commemorations last week, reflecting on the legacy of those who served.

“E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karanga tanga maha. Nā koutou I whakarauika mei nei. Mō te kaupapa hira hira. Tenā koutou tenā koutou tenā tatou katoa,” said mayor Larsen; (many authorities, powers and voices have brought us to this place, gathered here for a great purpose. Greetings, greetings, respectful greetings to all).

“Today, we stand in quiet reflection, joined not only by place, but by purpose. We honour those who served, those who sacrificed, and those who never returned. We remember the courage shown on distant shores, beginning at Gallipoli, and carried through every conflict since.

“Anzac Day is not only about history; it is about the values that endure. It is about service before self. It’s about duty, resilience, and comradeship. It’s about the cost of peace, a cost paid in full by others in the past, so that we might live in freedom today.

“They stood not for conquest, but for the right of people to live freely, to speak openly, and to build better futures for themselves. They fought so that future generations — us, and those who follow

— could live in a country defined not by fear and restriction, but by opportunity and freedom.

“In districts like Kaipara, those values are not abstract. They live on in our communities, in the way we support one another, in the quiet strength of our rural towns, and in the respect we show for those who came before us.” ¢

The only GAS station between Dargaville & the Hokianga 15min Drive from the Kai Iwi Lakes Campground

Council votes yes on water entity

u by Andy Bryenton

The Kaipara District Council has voted to establish Northland Waters Limited, the new water services entity, which will take control of the water infrastructure of Kaipara, the Far North and Whangārei under new, nationally-mandated rules.

The formation of the councilcontrolled organisation (CCO) and the strengthening of drinking water and wastewater services delivery across the region are positive milestones. The prospect of harmonisation for Kaipara water users in the early years of the CCO’s operation is still very much in the discussion — a measure leveraging economies of scale.

p Councillors voted last week to press ahead with the formation of a Northland water services provider

“Our aims are very clear: to get the best deal we can for Kaipara ratepayers, while realising at the same time that getting a strong delivery for all of Northland is vitally important,” said mayor Jonathan Larsen.

The mayor accepted in his comments that the mandate from Wellington to complete this work was absolute, but the role of his administration is to achieve the best possible outcome for ratepayers.

“We have reached a point where the walls have closed in somewhat,” said Mr Larsen, “and we would need some extreme and exceptional circumstances to change course.”

As part of the decision, the council also approved the Shareholders Agreement,

Constitution and Transition Agreement for Northland Waters Limited. These documents set out how the company will be governed, and how councils get from the status quo to CCO control of water amenities. The KDC is the first of the three Northland councils to approve the formation of the new CCO, with the Far North and Whangārei tipped to follow soon.

In last week’s meeting, elected members appointed mayor Larsen and councillor Luke Canton to represent the KDC on the Shareholder Representative Group, with Deputy Mayor Gordon Lambeth and Councillor Snow Tane as alternates. ¢

Shane Jones speaks in Dargaville

New Zealand First parliamentarian Shane Jones delivered a forceful address to a packed Lighthouse Function Centre crowd on Sunday, doubling down on his commitment to regional growth.

“My mission of boosting the infrastructure of regional New Zealand will continue,” said Mr Jones, who seeks re-election in this year’s general election.

“Today, before speaking to you, we’ve been visiting the projects, which we promised to deliver. When you hear from other politicians, ask yourself: what have they actually done in practice?”

These included major flood protection works, some of which had been shelved since 1938, but have been completed thanks to local knowhow, Regional Infrastructure Fund fiscal support and Kaipara District Council facilitation.

Mr Jones raised several points during his address which evoked applause from the audience; opposition to mass immigration, the current genetically modified organisms bill, and the need to find independent solutions to fuel dependency, were just a few of these.

The minister also confirmed full support from his party for a proposed tertiary education hub in Dargaville, saying “of course we will back you.

Northland deserves exposure and opportunity in post secondary education.”

Mr Jones fired a broadside at energy companies reaping big profits from the public, using terms like ‘gouging’ to describe their practices and vowing, should he return to parliament after the election, they would be brought into line. Another major promise was that he would volunteer to take charge of finalising all outstanding Northland claims under the Treaty of Waitangi.

Question time touched on matters of United Nations interference, Marsden Point’s fate, the war in Iran and roading methodology, before Mr Jones signed off, encouraging his well-wishers to back him at the ballot box. ¢

Nurturing sailing dreams A heart for feathered fancies

u by Andy Bryenton

Young sailors in east Kaipara may have a new venue for their sport and training if plans put forward by the Mangawhai Sailing Club gain council approval.

Councillors noted it was a positive revelation to see two sporting codes presenting at the public forum part of April’s council meeting. Alongside the Kaipara Basketball Association, the Mangawhai Sailing Club also spoke to elected members, seeking facilities to advance their sport.

“Our aim is to become a permanent sporting club for Mangawhai sailors,” said Craig Whitehead, presenting the case for a sail training base on Sellars Reserve.

“Our primary reason for founding the club was the number of kids coming out of the Rotary Club’s learn to sail programme, and sailing programmes in schools. They have had no way to progress. Our intention is not to be an elitist sailing club, but a community asset.”

The number of young people taking up sailing is noteworthy. Mangawhai Rotarians have tutored 140 local children in solo sailing, while a further 200 have received sailing training in school. The

numbers were on display during recent Waitangi Day celebrations, when Sellars Reserve hosted a major sailing event, well patronised by young folk.

Mr Whitehead told councillors that the impediment to pushing on with the sport’s success comes down to the logistical issues of having no fixed base. Volunteers must move boats and gear for every event and training.

His plea to councillors was for a licence to occupy a piece of land at Sellars Reserve, which the club would use to erect a tidy, functional base. This would not be at ratepayers’ expense, but a long-term commitment by the KDC to provide land would expedite its construction. ¢

u by Amy Fifita

Hidden among the bush and gravel roads at Donnellys Crossing, Jessica Simmonds tends to the animals at the Old Mill Stables, a sanctuary for parrots.

What once used to be an old saw mill is now a place for various critters, including goats, axolotls, fish, a lizard, horses, calves and mostly birds.

“I was retraining and breaking in horses, but I got out of it after being shot in the leg with a shotgun,” said Jessica.

“Birds are a lot less physical. I bought a couple of birds from the pet shop, and started researching them online, and got to meet a few breeders, and it piqued my interest. We must breed these birds to keep aviculture alive, because birds are not allowed to be imported into New Zealand.”

With not many bird sanctuaries in the area, Jessica desired to help those in her area and started rescuing parrots two years ago. Jessica enjoys sharing her love for animals and offers tours of the enclosures for a small fee to help support the sanctuary.

“I purchased a couple of breeding birds, and then people would call me

Help us save lives in Northland.

up wanting to send their birds here. There is a huge sense of responsibility with birds and, depending on the species, birds can live for 30–100 years.

“Two of my birds will probably outlive me. They are so intelligent and absolutely beautiful and special.”

Donations can be made to Jessica Simmonds 38-9024-0789510-00 with the reference DONATION. For more information, visit facebook.com/ oldmillstable. ¢

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

Road toll highlighted

u by Paul Campbell

A road crash awareness event focussed on seatbelts and child restraints will be held in Dargaville this Thursday as part of Northland Road Safety Week.

Northland Road Safety Trust (NRST) and Northland Road Policing want drivers to wake up to road safety. There have been 102 deaths nationwide.

On May 7, NRST, police and Plunket will be holding a child restraint check at The Warehouse. Northland Road Safety Trust Manager Ashley Johnston says many child restraints are not installed correctly, placing children at unnecessary risk.

“That’s why we’re providing free car restraint checks — to support parents and caregivers with practical guidance, share knowledge, and build confidence when navigating car seats, so tamariki are safer on our roads,” says Johnston.

Road Safety week will culminate with the annual Road Safety Hero run/walk of the Hātea Loop in Whangārei at 1pm on Friday, May 8, where the 24 lives lost in Northland road crashes in 2025 will be acknowledged.

“Ultimately, we all need to be heroes on our roads. We need to look out for one another, have some patience, have a plan for journeys if alcohol or drugs are involved, and make sure everyone is buckled up. This way, everyone can get to where they need to be safely.”

Johnston says the ongoing road toll is deeply concerning. Since 2021, there have been 973 death and serious injury crashes in Northland, with 670 (69%) occurring on roads with speed limits of 80km/h or higher. Looking at fatalities alone, 128 deaths (77%) happened on open roads, compared to 38 (23%) on urban roads.

“These are lives that didn’t need to be lost. In 2025, Northland recorded 24 road deaths. In 18 of those cases, a restraint was available, yet 12 people chose not to wear one,” says Johnston.

“Seatbelts and child restraints are one of the simplest ways to save lives, yet we’re still seeing people take that risk. We continue to encourage everyone to use them every trip, every time.” ¢

Helping hands for hospice

u by Andy Bryenton

One of the many roles of Hospice Kaipara is to provide more than just clinical care for those facing the end of their lives; their volunteers offer a personal helping hand and a positive presence too.

As Hospice Awareness Week begins, the people who make the many aspects of Hospice Kaipara work in harmony are planning a special event in Paparoa, seeking home support volunteers in the Ōtamatea area.

These are the locals who pay a visit to Hospice patients to give their carers a break, who help write down their stories to preserve for their families, who drop in to offer a little help or drive them to appointments (though all travel expenses are paid for). It’s not a clinical role and no medical care is required.

“We’re looking for people who care about people,” says Hospice Kaipara spokesperson Josie Scott. “When I look at our volunteers, we have such a range of ages and stages of life, backgrounds and experiences, because all of our patients come from all walks of life, too.”

Paparoa has a greatly valued contingent of such home support volunteers, many of whom have served their community in this way for several

years. It’s time for a large number of them to step down from active roles, and new helping hands are sought to bring the care of the Paparoa community to those in need.

An information day is being held at the Haven Cafe in Paparoa village, from 11am to noon, on Thursday, May 14. Meet up with current volunteers and hospice staff, and hear more about this rewarding volunteer role which has a deeply positive effect on local families. Email support@ hospicekaipara.org.nz to find out more. ¢

Last call for best neighbours Where creativity meets life

u by Andy Bryenton

The Kaipara Citizens Awards are a celebration of civic and community pride, and previous winners have shown us all what it means to be a great neighbour and an all-round good sort.

Nominations for 2026 have already garnered some notable names for the judges to consider. However, with two weeks to go until the end of the nomination period, the panel which decides on our local heroes would love to see more, especially those who may sometimes be overlooked.

“Across Kaipara there are incredible people quietly giving their time and energy to make our communities stronger. The Citizens Awards are about shining a light on those unsung heroes and give us a chance to say thank you,” says councillor Rachael Williams, chair of the committee which has the pleasure of choosing the district’s top citizens to receive accolades.

Nominations are open until May 14, and it’s easy to put forward the name of a sports coach, community fundraiser, committee volunteer or willing helper. Visit kaipara.govt.nz and on the home page, in the blue box to the far left, there’s an option to nominate a local for

the awards. You can also type ‘citizens awards’ into the search bar at the top of the page. Offline, you can visit your local council office or library to suggest a worthy winner.

Last year, community leaders honoured included Chris Fife, Gary Dallas, Jacqui O’Connor, Joyce Martin, Kenny Finlayson and Jim Wintle; people active in community building, in sports, in charity and in ecology. Please put forward the names of similar friends and neighbours to be recognised; those who inspire us, support us, guide us and work in small but significant ways. ¢

u by Amy Fifita

Loosely inspired by real-life events, Heidi Baker used her creative mind to write her self-published hit — A Digger Ate My Neighbour’s House.

“My neighbour’s house was getting knocked down to build a new one. A group of us neighbours were taking pictures of the progress and when it was finally knocked down,” said Heidi.

“Poems go around in my head. I went to bed, and it started going around and around again, so I wrote it down, and I sent it to my neighbours the next morning, and they enjoyed it.”

Using AI, Heidi used the photos to make cartoon images, so she could make books as Christmas gifts for her neighbours. Before long, others showed interest, so Heidi decided to self-publish 200 copies.

“I reached out to the digger companies that were in the book to ensure they were OK with featuring in it, and wanted to buy copies.”

No stranger to putting her creativity on the page, Heidi has written articles and media releases before, but says this is her first book. Heidi has another book idea in the pipeline.

“One of my neighbours bought and read the book to his grandson, and he told him to read it again. He took the book to school and read it to his class.

over $410,000^

I am stoked that I have one dedicated fan, and am hoping that more people reach out.”

To order a copy, visit the Heidi Baker Writer Facebook page, squirrelsrock.co.nz or email heidi@squirrelsrock.co.nz. ¢

A retirement village that feels like a village, not a retirement city.

Bupa Merrivale Retirement Village is warm and welcoming Our one bedroom serviced apartments feature an ensuite, kitchen, and open plan living Enjoy the freedom of independent living with a domestic services package, which includes weekly housekeeping, linen laundry, and a midday meal daily

• Fixed or variable weekly fees available

• Small and friendly Contact Karen on 09 942 7461 or visit bupa.co.nz/merrivale for more information. Bupa Merrivale Retirement Village | 61 Winger Crescent, Te Kamo

• 24/7 emergency alarm system (monitored off site) • Care Home located on site (subject to availability)

u by Andy Bryenton

Kade Tiro of the Maungarongo Foundation Trust is concerned that, without assistance, the community trust which administers the old Te Kōpuru hospital will be unable to keep the landmark from demolition.

The hospital closed in 1971, and from the mid-70s an outreach programme was hosted there. The Marsden family helped to purchase the land, and people already working at the hospital became the foundation to the trust, says Mr Tiro, who has maintained the grounds and buildings, and covered all bills and rates for the past five years as sole trustee, following the passing of his aunt, the former chair.

By the 1980s, with loan repayments unable to be met, the government took over, though their tenure ended with the Bolger administration, beyond which the Maungarongo Foundation Trust bought the land outright via a consortium of local contributors. The trust is still active and owns the title deed, says Mr Tiro.

However, attempts to claim the land have recurred. Mr Tiro says that some

have been rejected by the courts, and others have resulted in police having to escort claimants from the premises. Currently, the hospital buildings are in use as emergency housing under the auspices of Mr Tiro and the trust, providing refuge for people referred by government and medical authorities.

“It’s unfortunate it’s unaffordable out there; these people have nowhere else to go,” he says. “Now we’re fighting to keep this place a community asset in court again, and if it’s taken over, a private owner will bulldoze it.”

What’s important now is to find other civic-minded locals who can join as trustees and keep the old hospital in public hands. If you can assist, or even if you were born there like many locals, please visit Kade at the hospital grounds in Te Kōpuru to discuss the future of this historic place. ¢

Times Gone By

A vintner’s paradise

James Smith was the first settler on the Omaru block in the early 1860s, where he established his farm under the 40-acre system. With the help of his two sons, Russell and Ernest, Smith gradually felled the surrounding bush, which was turned into a productive farm growing wheat, maize and providing pasture for the livestock. He also managed to build a large greenhouse where grapes thrived. This image was taken in the early 1900s on his property at Ararua. Pictured: James Smith on the steps, his wife in the back, with Edith and Jessie Cooksey, Frank Pheasant (seated right), and Osborne Tudehope lying on the ground.

Image credit: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections

Prelude’s sixth symphony

u by Andy Bryenton

The Honda Prelude was first conceived of as a sports coupe to sit next to the Civic in a revitalised range, all the way back in 1978.

Brock Yates of Motor Trend called it “a splendid automobile. The machine, like all Hondas, embodies fabrication that is, in my opinion, surpassed only by the narrowest of margins by MercedesBenz.” Then — it got even better.

The most iconic Preludes, to those of a certain age, are the series three and series four, cars which come at the peak of JDM coupe dominance, and cemented Honda as a maker of exciting vehicles on four wheels as well as two.

The third-generation Prelude was a baby NSX, all sharp lines and pop-up headlights, with innovative four-wheel steering and a punchy two-litre inline four. The fourth generation upped the ante, with more displacement and horsepower, as well as the magic of VTEC

from 1994 onward. Up until 1999 there was a more angular fifth evolution as well, and it found a similarly large fanbase. All were a pleasure to drive, and remain so for collectors lucky enough to have an immaculate example in their garages Up until very recently, that was the only way to get behind the wheel of a Prelude and see what all the fuss was about — but no more.

Once again, there’s a hint of the modern NSX about the new liftback lines of the sixth-generation Prelude, but also a nod to the rounded, slippery contours of the fourth-generation car. There’s 200 horsepower on tap from a hybrid petrolelectric system under the hood, and the chassis layout is identical to the firebreathing Civic Type R.

With the discontinuation of the Civic and Accord coupe variants, Honda needed a badge to revive which encapsulated speed, refinement and innovation. Hence a brand-new Prelude, teased at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023, and now on its way to New Zealand.

Before it even lands in New Zealand, it’s picked up the best coupe award at the 2025–2026 New Car World Championships. What stunned the judges in Europe should work very well on Kiwi twists and turns, too.

“We’re fortunate to experience some of the world’s best driving roads in New

Zealand, and now with the all-new Prelude, Kiwis will have a car that promises an elevated, connected and fun driving experience,” says Honda New Zealand managing director, Carolyn McMahon. She and her team will be expecting major interest as the new Prelude goes on sale this May, with a base price of $69,990. That puts this exciting Honda firmly in the sports car segment, battling it out with the Toyota GR86, Mazda MX5 and the Nissan Z in a new era of Japanesemanufactured driver’s machines. If you are keen on an engaging, exciting drive, the recommendation echoes down from 1988; you simply have to give the Honda Prelude a try. ¢

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Set on an elevated 809m² section, this solid 1940s brick and tile home at 28 Plunket Street, Dargaville blends classic charm with modern comfort Currently set up as an office, it can easily transform back to a family home. It offers three double bedrooms plus one single, heat pumps throughout, upgraded wiring and newer flooring. The modernised kitchen provides excellent bench space and light, with laundry off the kitchen. Extras include a double carport, near new single garage and a versatile studio with heat pump and deck Fully fenced and close to schools and town.

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Located just 6.7km from Ruawai and approx. 21km from Dargaville, this 31.9932ha (more or less) property offers some of the area's finest flat pastoral land. With a proven history of kumara, pumpkin and squash cropping, quality soils, effective drainage, lamb finishing and grass silage production, it is well set up for farming. Features include a dammed drain water supply, native bush, a pumpkin storage shed and two older sheds. Multiple income options and several ideal house sites make this a rare opportunity. Call today to view. DEADLINE SALE

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Your power is their priority

by Andy Bryenton

Alister Bain is on a mission to ensure safer power supply on Northland farms, and his team at Northland Power Services is out in the field, making it easy for rural customers.

Alister drew together a skilled team in 2021, based out of Whangārei but serving the entire north. They know that reliable, safe power supply is what keeps the dairy sheds, pump houses and chillers of Kiwi farms working hard. With a group of skilled local linemen adding a combined 50 years of expertise to the crew, he’s out there this autumn supporting the cause of safety and power security.

“Wooden poles are super dangerous and can rot from the inside out. Old wire can drop down from old age and kill cows, and of course, there’s the danger to anyone working around these unsafe poles and wire, too,” says Alister.

“We offer a free power line inspection and free quote for any works required. If wooden poles and their associated wires have been on a farm for more than a decade with no inspection, it’s important to investigate. We can provide that service free of charge, then quote for replacement, making it easy to keep your farm or lifestyle block safe.”

“We install new poles, run new wire, we can also remove old overhead wires and run new underground cable to remove hazards around the farmyard,” says Alister.

“It’s worrying how many lines have been accidentally ripped down by diggers, tractors and other farm equipment.”

While helping to ensure an uninterrupted, safe supply for Northland farms is a big part of the Northland Power Services’ mission, there’s much more as well. From high voltage cable jointing to a superlative service for those considering subdivision of their land, and into top-level power line maintenance, Alister and his team have the ability to tackle even the biggest electrical jobs.

“We basically can do everything Northpower can offer, just through a locallyowned, growing business,” says Alister. “We’d encourage anyone to call us first, and put our experience and skills to the test.”

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Kaipara Kōrero

News from Kaipara District Council

Ngā whare pukapuka o Kaipara Maungatūroto Library update

Following on from our earlier update about the water leak next door, we now have the results of air quality testing at Maungatūroto Library

Unfortunately, it’s not good news. The testing shows the building isn’t safe to reopen to the public For everyone’s health and safety, the library will remain fully closed We know this is frustrating and appreciate your patience while we work through the next steps

At the same time, we’re actively looking for temporary solutions and would love any ideas from the community. If you know of a suitable space in Maungatūroto that could be used temporarily as a small library, we’d really like to hear from you If you’re able to help, or know of a space that might work, please get in touch at council@kaipara.govt.nz

While Maungatūroto Library is closed the following services remain available:

• My Book Bag is available for Maungatūroto Library users, with Realtor First National kindly offering their office as a pick-up and drop-off point for returns (shout out Realtor First National!). The library team will deliver your bag on a Wednesday on the library run

• My Book Bag is a click-and-collect service, with each bag holding 6 to 8 books (or other items from the collection like DVDs etc ) You’re welcome to place multiple orders for different readers in your household.

• Click on the My Book Bag tile on the Kaipara Libraries’ website and fill out the form to request your next reads: ent kotui org nz/client/en AU/kaipara/

• You can also visit Paparoa or Kaiwaka Community Library, or head to Mangawhai or Dargaville Library. Items can be borrowed, returned or collected at any location Please note: Paparoa does not currently have an after hours returns slot.

If you have any questions, would prefer to place your order by phone, or need help with your options, please contact our library team on 0800 532 542, or email library@kaipara.govt.nz

We’ll continue to keep you updated as soon as we have more information to share

Girls High School Road slip repair

Work has begun on Girls High School Road to repair a slip The road will be closed from 29 April to enable contractors to compete the repair, with a detour in place via Omana Road and Pukehuia Road (added time is approximately 18 minutes) The road will be open between 5pm and 9am to allow for school traffic and haulage to pass through. Work is expected to be completed by 13 May

District Licensing Committee Members and Chairs

Great decision-making skills? Former alcohol licensing experience? We are calling for applications from persons interested in making alcohol licensing decisions to be part of the Kaipara Licensing Committee Find out more at: kaiparadc.recruitmenthub.co.nz

Kai Ora Fund applications open now

Got an idea that helps your community grow, share, or access healthy kai? The Kai Ora Fund is back for 2026 and ready to support community-led projects across Northland. Grants of up to $5,000 are available per project Have a chat with your group, whānau or neighbours – if your initiative is about food and community, it could be a great fit.

Keen to apply or want to learn more? Head to kaiorafund.com

Applications close 17 May

We need your help recognising

local legends

Know someone who goes above and beyond for their community? Maybe they’re a mentor, volunteer or coach? The Citizens Awards celebrate the people doing incredible mahi across Kaipara - but we need your help to find them. So far we’ve only received a small number of nominations for this year’s awards, so the deadline for nominations has been extended to 14 May. Don’t leave it to someone else - if someone comes to mind, now’s the time to nominate them

Let’s make sure the people who help make our communities stronger get the recognition they deserve. Head to kaipara govt nz/funding to nominate

May

Strategic Planning Workshop for Community Organisations — 23rd May. At the end of the workshop you will have created a Strategic Plan for your organisation. Bookings essential, $20 per person. suec@dcdb.nz.

New Residents Welcome Event — Tuesday, 26th May at the Lighthouse Function Centre 10am–noon. New to the area? Come along, meet your community, and start feeling at home. Please RSVP to suec@dcdb.nz for catering purposes.

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

1st Dargaville Girls’ Brigade — Register online now for after school. Terms 2 & 3, Thursdays from 3pm–5pm. Girls aged 5–18. Contact 021 263 7446. 57 Squadron (Dargaville) Air Training Corps — Mondays 6pm–8pm at the Dargaville Aero Club. For boys and girls 13–18 years. 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 — 10.30am last Monday of month, alternatively at Dargaville and Ruawai. Noelene 09 439 0033 for more info. Chess Club — Wednesdays 6.30pm Dargaville, gold coin donation. Phone Stephen 09 439 8819. Circus Kumarani All Ages Circus Class — Learn some circus, casual or full term. 15 Onslow St, Dargaville, Tuesdays 3.30–4.30pm; and Paparoa Memorial Hall, Thursdays 4–5pm. www.circuskumarani.co.nz/classes. Check out the School Holiday programmes. Free trials. Citizens Advice Bureau — Dargaville & districts now at Parenga Street (between the Menz Shed and My Accountants).

Dancing Kaiwaka — Wed mornings from 9.30am. Keep fit mentally and physically, great crowd, morning tea, first 2 sessions free. Wear soft shoes, nothing else required. Bevan Lawrence 027 617 652.

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

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

Dargaville Brain Injury Support Group — 2nd Thursday of month. Northern Wairoa Hotel dining room foyer. 10am–2pm.

Dargaville Club — Wednesdays and Fridays from 5pm, 55 Victoria Street. Jam Night every 2nd Friday, starts 5.30pm. Members and guests welcome.

Dargaville Contract Bridge Club — Tuesdays 12.45pm, 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 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 — Mondays 6.30pm at Te Arohanui Hall, Victoria St. 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 — Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am–3pm, Saturday 10am–noon. For more info phone Paul 027 459 3098 or Brian 09 439 6175.

Dargaville Museum — Open 7 days, 9am–4pm Apr–Oct, 9am–5pm Oct–Apr. 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. Tuesdays 9.30am. Thursdays 6pm. Mats available, everyone welcome. Find us on Facebook @ stretchyourbodhi. Diane 027 371 5274. Grow and Grow — Mondays 9.30am–12pm.

Maungaturoto Country Club. Part of the Edible Village Project. Plant, sow, weed and grow together. Josie Gritten 021 234 0519.

Hikuwai O Kaipara Waka Ama Club — NW Boating Club, 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 — Thursdays 12–1pm at Whanau Focus Office, 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville. Come and have your important documents verified or copied, free of charge. Call 021 245 3765 or 09 439 7009.

Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 Email: info@rml.nz

Kaihu Valley Music Club — 3rd Sunday of month, Kaihu Hall, Woods Road. 1pm–4pm. John or May 09 439 0827.

Kaipara Cycling — Thursdays 3.45pm–5.30pm Junior Mountainbike Coaching, Sadie 022 453 4475. Friday Ride-day 10am–noon. Social ride on road and gravel roads. E-bike and analogue welcome. Karen 021 0226 4001. Riding from Dargaville.

Kaipara Grey Power — 3rd Friday of month, February–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) — Mondays 5.30pm–7.30pm, Thursdays 10am–noon. First hour is beginner and second hour is higher beginner. Dalmation Hall, Normanby St, Dargaville. Donna 021 729 955.

Lions Club of Ruawai — 3rd Thursday of month (social) and 1st Thursday of 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 month in winter. Centennial Hall, Maungaturoto. Other months visit gardens in the area. $15 to join, first 3 visits free. Gloria 021 100 8153.

Maungaturoto Edible Village Project — Meet every 4th Sunday of the month. Maungaturoto Centennial Hall. 1 hour planning/inspiration meeting followed by 1 hour gardening. 4pm–6pm Josie Gritten 021 234 0519.

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 month at the Scout Hall, 23 Onslow Street 1–4pm. Kathleen 021 077 7697.

Northern Wairoa Genealogy Society — Trace your family history at Dargaville Museum, 2nd and 4th Sundays of 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 month. Contact Margaret Pinny 09 439 4560.

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

Paparoa Memorial Hall, Wednesdays 6–7pm.

Paparoa Dance to Music — $5. Stretching/balance/ resistance bands/Zumba, Paparoa Memorial Hall, Tuesdays 10.30–11.30am.

Paparoa Kids Fun Class — Fridays 3–4pm, Paparoa Memorial Hall, $5. Learning/music/dodge ball/limbo.

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

Peggy Purls in our Community — Every 3rd Wednesday 10.30am at Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre, 59 Normanby St. Charlene 09 439 6120.

Petanque — social play. Mondays 9.15–11.30, $2, 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 — Tuesdays 6.30pm–7.30pm at Northern Wairoa Boating Club $5pp. Text Kirsty 021 0818 7902 for more info.

Rotary Club of Dargaville — 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 month, Feb–Nov at the Ruawai Bowling Club, 10am start. 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 — Tuesdays 4pm–5pm, Dargaville Dalmatian Hall, 20 Normanby St. 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, Sarah 021 772 822. Tuesdays: Yoga 6pm, Sharon 021 981 135, $15 per session. Wednesdays: Indoor Bowls (fortnightly in summer, weekly in winter) 6pm, Mel 021 772 822; Squash, Donna 021 761 022; Exercise Room, Mel 021 772 822. We ask participants are a Complex Member. For Pickleball and Bowls it’s a gold coin donation. Te Kopuru Community Library — Wed 10am–noon and Sun 3pm–4pm. Access through St Peters Hall. 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 appt. Sat appt required. Text Angela 021 121 9923. Wednesday Crafts — Wednesdays 10am. Variety of crafts. The Kiosk at Memorial Park. All welcome. $10 per session. Contact Judy 027 316 3940.

WED 6 12:50am (3.0m) 6:59am (0.9m) 1:06pm (2.9m) 7:13pm (0.8m) THU 7 1:28am (3.0m) 7:40am (1.0m) 1:47pm (2.8m) 7:54pm (0.9m) FRI 8 2:11am (2.9m) 8:26am (1.0m) 2:34pm (2.7m) 8:41pm (1.0m) SAT 9 3:00am (2.8m) 9:18am (1.1m) 3:27pm (2.6m) 9:35pm (1.1m) SUN 10 3:56am (2.8m) 10:17am (1.1m) 4:28pm (2.6m) 10:36pm (1.1m) MON 11 4:59am (2.8m) 11:19am (1.0m) 5:34pm (2.7m) 11:43pm (1.0m) TUE 12 6:03am (2.9m) 12:22pm (0.9m) 6:39pm (2.8m)

Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville

Editor: Andy Bryenton

Journalists: Andy Bryenton 021 439 947 | Amy Fifita 027 259 6455 | Paul Campbell

Advertising: Olivia Green 027 525 8197 | Sue Girven 027 525 7984

Classifieds: 09 439 6933 | info@rml.nz

Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Marnie Fuller | Daniel Foster | Liz Clark

Accounts: accounts@rml.nz

Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME Website: kaiparalifestyler.co.nz THE KAIPARA LIFESTYLER IS PUBLISHED WITH PRIDE BY RURAL MATTERS LTD, A PRIVATELY OWNED KAIPARA COMPANY.

SAT 9 12:20am (2.3m) 6:24am (1.0m) 12:33pm (2.2m) 6:31pm (1.0m) SUN 10 1:09am (2.3m) 7:15am (1.0m) 1:22pm (2.2m) 7:24pm (1.0m) MON 11 2:00am (2.3m) 8:07am (1.0m) 2:15pm (2.2m) 8:23pm (1.0m)

TUE 12 2:53am (2.3m) 9:00am (0.9m) 3:13pm (2.2m) 9:23pm (1.0m)

PUZZLE TIME

69 Related (9)

72 Petrified relic (6)

73 Workmate (9)

75 Show (7)

77 Total (3)

80 Senior tribe member (5)

81 Begin with no advantages or resources (5,4,7)

82 Went astray (5)

83 Stick up for (6)

84 Edge of playing field (8)

85 High temperature (5) DOWN

2 Doctor (9)

3 Foe (5)

5 And others (2,2)

6 Supplementary additions to a book (7)

7 Evergreen flowering shrub (12)

8 Durable fabric (5)

9 Non-existance (7)

10 Tangible (4)

11 Polluted (6)

12 Military fur hat (5)

13 Came to rest (7)

14 Plume (7)

16 Exert personal influence unofficially (4,7)

22 War (6)

23 Jumping marsupial (7)

24 Wordage (anag)(7)

25 Most modern (6)

27 Make a face (7)

28 Grand residence (6)

30 Cereal heads (4)

32 Lodging and meals (5)

34 Accounts check (5)

36 Largest continent (4)

38 Intention (3)

42 Drive forward (5)

43 Advertise (7)

44 Thought (4)

45 Rectangular (6)

46 Long seat (5)

48 Laser-read record (7,4)

49 Soiled (7)

50 Remaining after all deductions (3)

51 One trip (anag)(7)

52 Reaping implement (6)

53 Disillusioned, let down (12)

54 Movie (4)

57 Moved very slowly (6)

64 Landslide (9)

65 Ironed (7)

66 Widened (7)

68 Traversed (7)

70 Impartial (7)

71 Conundrum (6)

72 Plant life (5)

74 Power cables (5)

76 Serenity (5)

78 Strong desire (4)

79 Forewarning (4)

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

ACROSS: 1 Swing, 4 Under the weather, 14 Shrub, 15 Mania, 16 Negotiator, 17 Model, 19 Nut, 20 General, 21 Digitalis, 22 Prepay, 25 Masculine, 27 Strain, 28 German, 33 Regulating, 35 Lur, 36 Canopy, 37 Drab, 39 Eel, 41 Aspirin, 42 Outfit, 43 Faltering, 44 Caddy, 45 Toughest, 50 Ph, 51 Nostrils, 55 Drier, 58 Brainwave, 59 Earthy, 60 Torment, 61 Bet, 63 Exit, 64 Legato, 65 Eve, 66 Procedures, 68 Brewer, 69 Closed, 71 Dramatist, 76 Sipped, 77 Promenade, 79 Ice cube, 81 Nap, 84 Ratio, 85 Encouraged, 86 Dated, 87 Nudge, 88 In the near future, 89 Tryst. DOWN: 2 Weaken, 3 Noise, 5 Need, 6 Emotion, 7 Trivia, 8 Extra, 9 Earlier, 10 Tame, 11 Endure, 12 Crony, 13 Abstain, 14 Slipper, 18 Saccharine, 23 Plait, 24 Signify, 26 Amusing, 27 Stretch, 29 Martini, 30 Gets to, 31 Aloft, 32 Apollo, 34 Glue, 36 Clyde, 38 Bogus, 40 Deft, 45 Table, 46 Unalike, 47 Hang, 48 Shared, 49 Limbo, 50 Pretend, 52 Smokestack, 53 Rumours, 54 Linked, 55 Default, 56 Order, 57 Chop, 62 Roomy, 67 Respire, 68 Burning, 70 Surgeon, 72 Radiant, 73 Beaten, 74 Engulf, 75 Abbess, 76 Spade, 78 Mecca, 80 Chair, 82 Moth, 83 Beer.

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

SALE

EWOF (and marine). Call your local inspector today at A+ Electrical Inspections and Security on 021 240 6764. FREE FISHER and Paykel double-wall oven in working order. Pick up only. Phone or text 027 499 2726. FREE HELMET 53–55cm. Good condition. Pick up Dargaville. Phone 021 230 0900.

FREE TODDLER Car seat. Edinburgh 15–36kg. Never been in an accident. Pick up Dargaville. Phone 021 230 0900.

FREE TODDLER Car seat/Booster 15–36kg. Never been in an accident. Pick up Dargaville. Phone 021 230 0900. 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.

NURSERIES & PLANTS

GOT2GO PLANTS will be closed from 5th May until 10th May. May reopen again on the 14th May.

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

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 2468 791.

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

ONE-BEDROOM UNIT or flat for a female. Preferably in town. Please phone 027 741 3145.

CLASSIFIEDS PHONE 09 439 6933

Closing date for classified advertising for the May 12 2026 edition is Monday, May 11 2026

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.

PUBLIC NOTICES

CERTIFIED WEDDING Celebrant “Ngaa Ringa Mahana” (Warm Hands). For all enquiries, call Connie NoperaPaniora. Phone 027 335 4768 ngaaringamahana@ gmail.com.

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

TINOPAI POOL Club AGM Sunday 24th May 2pm at Tinopai Community Hall.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Administration role

• Be able to work under pressure

• Be competent in computer/data entry with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

• Excellent face to face customer service skills and phone manner

Please send your CV and a cover letter to Dallas Taylor – dallas@dargavilledocs.co.nz

close 8th May 2026

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

TREE SERVICES

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

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

Please visit our walker site to apply:

Great decision-making skills? Former alcohol licensing experience? We are calling for applications from persons interested in making alcohol licensing decisions to be part of the Kaipara Licensing Committee.

The District Licensing Committee is responsible for determining all alcohol licences and manager’s certificates in Kaipara. We are looking for applicants with strong skills and experience, including:

• Relevant alcohol licensing experience in previous roles

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and how it is applied

• Highly developed decision-making skills and investigative ability

Demonstrated knowledge of the hearing process

An understanding of Kaipara communities and their expectations around alcohol licensing

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Some knowledge of alcohol-related harm in Kaipara. Please note that applicants must not have any involvement, or the appearance of involvement, in the alcohol industry or alcohol retail business.

Applicants should be prepared for flexible working hours, noting that this is not a full-time role.

Successful candidates will be contracted to Kaipara District Council and will not be employees of the council. Work will be on an ‘as required’ basis at the remuneration rate set by the Minister of Justice for a term that expires in June 2026.

Preference will be given to candidates that live in the Kaipara area.

Any enquiries please contact Gillian on 09 439 9273 or 021 952 056.

Applications close on Sunday 17 May 2026.

Applicants must apply via our website kaipara.govt.nz under Job Vacancies, and include a recent copy of their curriculum vitae. If you are applying to be chair please include examples of recent decisions you have written.

Thursday Nights

– 9pm | $3 per night Dargaville High School Gym,

Concrete Blocks for

• Retaining Banks

• Silage Pits

• Storage Bays

• Fertiliser & Feed Bins

SMALL BLOCK

Length: 600mm

Width: 600mm

Height: 600mm

Weight Approx: 490kg

10 Hiko Rd, Kamo, Whangarei Ph. (09) 435 5044 orders / (09) 435 5043 accounts Email info@virginconcrete.co.nz

BLOCK

Length: 1500mm

Width: 600mm

Height: 600mm

Weight Approx: 1260kg

Length: 900mm

Width: 600mm

Height: 600mm

Weight Approx: 750kg

Length: 900/1500mm

Width: 600mm

Height: 600mm

Weight Approx: 1000kg