July 16 2024
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Knights by night Envisioning new heights
Geotechnical engineers are on the ground at the planned Moonlight Heights development in Dargaville, and designs for its streets and houses are on …
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p Evening classes in the art of the longsword kicked off in Dargaville last week, with new participants of all ages getting into the action. Freshly minted knights reported having lots of fun getting to grips with mediaeval-style combat. Classes are held each Wednesday at the Kaipara Community Hall from 6.30pm, and all are welcome to join.
Stand strong as a community
Joesephine Nathan, Dargaville Whānau Focus Centre manager, is once again hosting a fun challenge for the …
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Kaipara water’s future u by Andy Bryenton
Amalgamation amongst Northland councils on water services has been posited as a distinct possibility.
Drawcard for connection
After seeing a need for social connection, Ōtamatea Community Services financial mentor Kim Brewer began a Maungatūroto board games club.
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By September 2025 the Kaipara District Council and its neighbours in Whangārei and the Far North will need a water services delivery plan, and financial calculations seem to point towards an inevitable need for a joint response. KDC infrastructure manager Anin Nama informed elected members in late June that the district was looking at a $600 million bill just to modernise water systems. “From 16,000 ratepayers, that’s just not an affordable position,” he said.
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“The minister (Simeon Brown) has indicated a desire for the councils to work together, to have a regional aspect to solutions here. Can you provide an insight into how that’s progressing?” asked councillor Mike Howard. “We are working with the other councils on the financial modelling; of ourselves independently but collectively as well. That will be part of the discussion at the mayoral forum,” replied Mr Nama. He then elaborated on the need for scale in delivering water solutions and mentioned the delta, or difference,
between what Kaipara needs and what the district can afford. “We are the poor cousins. Why would anyone want to join with us?” asked councillor Mark Vincent. The councillor also noted the inclusion in forthcoming water legislation of a clause, which may allow a government minister to directly intervene in a council’s water affairs. “Is there a possibility that a government minister may prescribe what they think is a ‘financially sustainable’ rates increase?” he enquired. ¢
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