Dianne McKinstry has initiated Whānau Talk in the Paparoa area.
Dianne McKinstry has initiated Whānau Talk in the Paparoa area.
Free food stand takes off in Dargaville A free food stand has paved the way for fresh fruit and vegetables to land on the plates of locals instead of in the trash can.
The community of Dargaville has embraced the zero waste free food stand and there are days when it is full to overflowing thanks to the generosity of locals.
Resident Belinda Gummer recently instigated the project.
"It has been really successful, and everyone seems to be using it as intended, which is just fantastic.
The concept came about when I saw a similar stand in Raglan, so I decided to ask the community here if they wanted one and the feedback was that they did."
Carter's Dargaville supplied the wooden pallets, Belinda the tin for the roof and NorthTec Dargaville students, overseen by their tutor, helped build it and supplied some of the timber and now the creation stands proudly on Gladstone St.
"We wanted it in town so people and kids going past could just pop in and help themselves or drop things off.
"It's being very regularly used and not just fresh produce is being dropped off, but people are also bringing in canned goods and making jams and dropping them off for people to enjoy.
"Books and magazines have been a hit, just limited space so Sharon from Ideal Demo on Gladstone St has put some aside so they don't get wet and she stocks it up when needed."
More information is available at facebook.com/groups/communityfruitandvegstands.
New support group has residents talking A new talking group aims to increase community connections and collaboration.
Dianne McKinstry has initiated what's called Whānau Talk as a way of bringing the people of Paparoa and other nearby communities to talk share, listen, encourage and support each other.
Dianne McKinstry has initiated Whānau Talk in the Paparoa area.
"The idea for Whānau Talk came to me as a way that I could serve the community. It is a platform for all, especially families, to come together for gatherings and events, of varying shapes and sizes, where we can offer and receive support, have input into the community and enjoy social occasions."
McKinstry, who is a registered school teacher and a parent/foster parent as well as the organiser of a music and movement classes for young children, said she felt her new role running the group would draw strongly on her work as well as personal life experiences.
"It is hoped that Whānau Talk will grow and develop to meet the interests and needs of our participants and the wider community. This will happen by engaging in conversation, making plans and working alongside each other."
The group held its first meeting last week.
"We talked about some ideas while the children played. It is wonderful to pause, think about what we need and talk about it.
"Anyone who has ideas, suggestions and offers of support are welcome to contact me."
McKinstry said she hoped to have more gatherings on different days, times and locations to cater for as many people as possible.
For more information contact: Diane McKinstry 0212924105 whanautalk@gmail.com
The support group is free, however koha koha/donations being gratefully received. Website: https://whanautalk.wixsite.com/website Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/whanautalk/
Kaipara District Council is looking for outstanding Kaipara citizens Last year saw the reinstatement of the Kaipara Citizens Awards to recognise some of the outstanding contributions and achievements of individuals across the district.
Citizens awards are awarded in recognition of substantial service, usually of a voluntary nature or beyond normal employment, benefiting Kaipara and its people.
The nominees will have generally carried out predominantly voluntary work, but payment for services will not necessarily disqualify receiving an award.
Applications will be assessed on their personal leadership, inspiration, sacrifice or devotion to a cause or made a significant contribution to the wellbeing of the Kaipara district and its citizens.
Last year's recipients were Bev Ross, Valerie Mann, Lilian Radich, Colleen Preston and Stella Woolnough.
Kaipara District mayor Dr Jason Smith said, "Kaipara Citizens Awards are an opportunity to celebrate local people who contribute deeply to our life in Kaipara.
"Please nominate long-serving volunteers, visible heroes or quiet back-room workers. They're not going to nominate themselves - as the Māori whakatauki goes, the kūmara doesn't talk of its own sweetness."
Nominations open on August 1 and close 4pm on Friday, August 31. Nomination forms are available at www.kaipara.govt.nz or at council service centres and libraries. For more information about nominations, please email jrooney@kaipara.govt.nz
Dog registrations due It's that time of year when your dog registrations are due. All dogs over the age of 12 weeks old must be registered by August 31.
A Kaipara District Council spokesman said if your dog has been registered with the council previously, then a registration renewal notice has been posted to the last recorded address on council's records recently.
Any dog owner who has not received their notice can contact council to update their current address and contact details.
Regulatory services manager Dean Nuralli said council did not want to add a 50 per cent late payment penalty or any other infringement fee. He said they would rather talk with dog owners now to address any issues that people may be facing with dog registrations.
Payments can be made online via Reg the Dog (www.regthedog.co.nz) or at council's office in Dargaville or Mangawhai.
Email Rose if you have news that you would like to share with Northern Advocate readers. Rose.stirling@gmail.com.
