Marni Stewart with daughters Danica and Sophie. Photo / Supplied
Marni Stewart with daughters Danica and Sophie. Photo / Supplied
A Facebook page has helped hundreds of mums and dads in the Kaipara region thanks to community spirit and generosity.
The page entitled "Kaipara Helping Mums & Dads" was set up three years ago by Dargaville's Marni Stewart who saw a need in her community to support families.
"Since becoming a mum, I started looking at things differently and saw the number of kids walking to school with no shoes on. I thought no one should have to be like that and it just grew from there."
The page boasts 500 members and lists giveaways on an almost daily basis, with items being donated by anonymous supporters, members of the page and local business owners.
In recent weeks the page has gifted to parents in need items such as couches, food items, cooking books, school stationery as well as luxury items such as organic make-up and chocolate.
"I am extremely surprised and proud of how far we have come. I am so glad I started this page and I'm also very lucky to have Chelsea Wells and Michelle Parlane as my backups.
"I don't get anything out of it personally, but just knowing that families are getting help in the Kaipara region is rewarding enough."
Funeral home man had heart of gold A man whose body has been in a Dargaville funeral home for eight months may not have had any family but he did have friends.
Dargaville resident Annemarie Vanderhast said Thomas Brugman was a friend of the family and would regularly join them for dinner on a Sunday when she was a child.
"He would turn up at whatever time he felt like turning up. He was a character all of his own, he had a heart of gold too."
Ms Vanderhast who is of Dutch descent said Mr Brugman was very outspoken and could get grumpy when trying to prove his point and discussing subjects close to his heart.
"Oh yes he and my Oma used to have debates about some subjects when she would come stay with us."
However she said that over the years the family lost touch and she hadn't seen him in many many years.
"It's so sad he died alone, we never saw each other after I grew up."
She did not believe Mr Brugman had any family.
"He did have a brother, however he passed away."
Perpetual Guardian has offered to apply to the High Court to execute his estate and put him to rest at its own cost.
Baylys Beach Seaweek Seaweek celebrations will kick off this Saturday from 3pm-5pm at Baylys Beach.
Activities include sand sculpture competitions, horse rides with Baylys Beach Horse Treks, a treasure hunt, volleyball, cricket, touch rugby and a barbecue.
Seaweek is an annual marine education and engagement week co-ordinated by the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE).
Seaweek national co-ordinator Dr Mels Barton is delighted at the response.
Looking south from the entrance to Baylys Beach where Seaweek celebrations will he held on Saturday. Photo / Nick Unkovich
"We are getting more groups organising events every year, and many more repeating events year after year. It's great to have so many opportunities around the country for families to learn about the amazing marine environment we have in New Zealand and how to protect it."
The theme for this year's Seaweek, which runs from March 3-11, is "Toiora te Moana - Toiora te Tangata, Healthy Seas - Healthy People".
The celebrations will be at the main entrance to Baylys Beach. Drive to the bottom of Seaview Rd and walk or drive on to the beach, you will see our event set up on the beach.
Libraries join nationwide network Kaipara district libraries will turn a new digital page next month with the launch of their new library system, Kotui.
Dargaville Librarians Jo Talijanicich and Simie Simpson are letting customers know of the temporary closure, while new technology is installed. Photo / Supplied
The Kaipara District Libraries group is joining other libraries nationwide already using Kotui - a shared library system offering benefits to customers.
As the system changeover takes place, library users are advised that Kaipara libraries will be closed from Tuesday, March 13 till Wednesday, March 14.
Kaipara District Council acting chief executive Peter Tynan said training for the new software has been intensive and he would like to thank the staff and volunteers across the district for the time and effort they have put in.
"We also want to thank our customers for their patience as we adapt to the new system. Because it's a database that is nationwide, we'll have better information about our resources available to the customers.
"It's about libraries working together to provide all of their customers with easy, fast and effective access to the local, national and international resources they need to live, learn and earn.
"The catalogue is easy to use and an improvement on what we currently have, so anyone wanting to make the most of it can let us know."
Kotui is owned and operated by the National Library of New Zealand in conjunction with the Aotearoa Peoples Network - Kaharoa. Currently 35 councils use the Kotui system. Kotui will be available at Kaipara district libraries from March 15.
There are five library locations in the Kaipara district: Dargaville, Kaiwaka, Mangawhai, Maungaturoto and Paparoa.
Together the libraries stock more than 56,000 items for borrowing, including books and DVDs.
■ Email rose.stirling@gmail.com or editor@northernadvocate.co.nz if you have news you would like share from the Kaipara District with Northern Advocate readers.
