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Tuesday 12 November 2024

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Mayor's Message 21 October 2024
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 21 October 2024

  • October 21, 2024

A key focus of conversations around the council table recently has been the review of our Revenue and Financing Policy. 

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Mayor's Message 23 September
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 23 September

  • September 23, 2024

Every day, as I pass, I look to see what progress has been made on the shared path and the new wooden bridge. I like to check it out and see how it’s taking shape.

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Mayor's Message 26 August
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 26 August

  • August 26, 2024

Last month we adopted the Long Term Plan (LTP), and it is now up on the council website (printed copies available soon). If you haven’t had a chance to have a read yet, head along to www.kaipara.govt.nz/ltp and check it out. The LTP outlines our plans for the next three years, the services we will provide, the projects we will undertake, the cost of doing this work and how it will be paid for.

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Mayor's Message 22 July
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 22 July

  • July 22, 2024

The Kaipara roading network has always been a hot topic of mine. It is a core council service and recently we have taken a magnifying glass to it so we can improve how we deliver it for Kaipara.

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Mayor's Message 24 June
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 24 June

  • June 24, 2024

The blanket power cuts for Northland at the end of last week were a good reminder to check our household supplies and make sure we were all well prepared for events like these. 

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Mayor's Message 20 May
Mayor's Message Community Mangawhai

Mayor's Message 20 May

  • May 20, 2024

I am the proud patron of The Daring Trophy. The trophy is awarded to children who each year achieve noteworthy restoration of a sailing craft.

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Mayor's Message 26 March
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 26 March

  • March 26, 2024

First of all I want to acknowledge the deeply sad news that one of our Council roading contractors was fatally injured in an accident whilst working last week. My thoughts are with their family, their work colleagues, and their friends.

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Mayor's Message 27 February
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 27 February

  • February 27, 2024

I have to say, February has been a bonanza of celebrations and I have been attending all I can.

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Mayor's Message: At Waitangi
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message: At Waitangi

  • February 09, 2024

Last Tuesday I attended celebrations at Waitangi. It is some years since I have attended and it was good to reconnect with the events of the day.

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Mayor's Message 18 December
Long Term Plan 2024-2027 Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 18 December

  • December 18, 2023

The end of the year is certainly a time for reflection, and I have been doing plenty of that as we approach the summer break. It’s been a huge year for the Council and for all of us here in Kaipara District. 

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Mayor's Message
Mayor's Message Long Term Plan 2024-2027

Mayor's Message

  • November 20, 2023

It’s been fantastic to have so many locals engaging with Elected Members and Council staff at the recent market events. In the last month we’ve had stands at Mangawhai Tavern Market, Dargaville Community Market, and Maungaturoto Night Market. We also hosted a Dargaville Business Meet and Mingle in partnership with Dargaville Community Development Board.

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Mayor's Message 10 October
Mayor's Message Long Term Plan 2024-2027

Mayor's Message 10 October

  • October 10, 2023

This month I have been really enjoying this drier sunnier weather and the promise it’s bringing of a classic Northland summer. You can feel it in the air. Out and about, it’s been a month full of happenings.  

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Mayor's Message 04 September
Mayor's Message Long Term Plan 2024-2027

Mayor's Message 04 September

  • September 04, 2023

I said in my last message that I would be checking my bike and getting ready for the opening of the Mangawhai boardwalk soon. And true to my word, I did! 

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Mayor's Message 07 August
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 07 August

  • August 07, 2023

I love hosting people in our beautiful district and I had the recent pleasure of welcoming the other Northland mayors down to Mangawhai for the Forward Together Forum (work programme for all four Northland Councils working together).

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Mayor's Message 11 July
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 11 July

  • July 11, 2023

At the June Council Meeting the Annual Plan for 2023-204 was unanimously adopted, agreeing to an average general rates rise of 4.96 percent.

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Mayor's Message 6 June
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 6 June

  • June 06, 2023

Firstly, a hearty warm welcome to our recently anointed citizens. I was proud to be part of the ceremony in Dargaville celebrating and recognising fourteen Kaipara residents of different nationalities.

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Message from the Mayor - 09 May weather event
Mayor's Message

Message from the Mayor - 09 May weather event

  • May 09, 2023

We are on the tail end of what has been yet another significant weather event. We have seen a huge amount of rain again, soaking ground that is already saturated and filling rivers already high.

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Mayor's Message 8 May
Mayor's Message Long Term Plan 2024-2027

Mayor's Message 8 May

  • May 08, 2023

Plenty happening around the Council table. A Notice of Motion raised by Deputy Mayor Larsen to investigate options for a waste to energy plant was supported by Council

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Mayor's Message 11 April
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 11 April

  • April 11, 2023

Already it is mid-April. Our delayed summer weather has brought a rush of visitors to the district recently, and we expect even more during this school holiday period. Welcome to you all.

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Mayor's Message 14 March
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 14 March

  • March 14, 2023

There’s not much to say about the extreme weather events of last month that hasn’t already been said, so I’ll keep it short.

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Message from the Mayor - one step back, two steps forward
Community Hakaru Kaiwaka Mangawhai Mayor's Message Emergency Management

Message from the Mayor - one step back, two steps forward

  • February 27, 2023

I am not sure anyone would have believed me had I said we would have to contend with another extreme weather event during the on-going aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.

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Message from Mayor Craig Jepson: Starting recovery
Community Dargaville Mayor's Message Paparoa Stormwater Emergency Management

Message from Mayor Craig Jepson: Starting recovery

  • February 15, 2023

When you see the sun come out and the wind has dropped, it could be difficult to believe what we have experienced in the last few days.

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Message from Mayor Craig Jepson - Dargaville flooding
Community Dargaville Mayor's Message Water Emergency Management

Message from Mayor Craig Jepson - Dargaville flooding

  • February 14, 2023

In the early hours of this morning Awakino River on the northern outskirts of Dargaville breached its banks. 

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Message from Mayor Craig Jepson: Kaipara is well prepared
Community Mayor's Message

Message from Mayor Craig Jepson: Kaipara is well prepared

  • February 13, 2023

This is the second State of Emergency for Northland in two weeks. Again, as a precautionary measure, the State of Emergency was called early so we could be well prepared for Cyclone Gabrielle before it hits.

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Mayor's Message 13 February
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 13 February

  • February 06, 2023

It’s been a wild ride with the weather, with rain, rain and more rain. Kaipara is still feeling effects from the Auckland Anniversary weekend weather event.

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Mayor's Message 16 January
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 16 January

  • January 16, 2023

As I write this, bouts of wind and rain are lashing the district. The La Nina weather pattern is certainly delivering a wet summer.

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Mayor's Message 20 December
Mayor's Message Roads

Mayor's Message 20 December

  • December 20, 2022

It’s been a busy month as the new Council gets its feet under the table. In November we agreed on the committee structures for the next three years, many of which remain the same from the previous triennium.

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Mayor's Message 8 November
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 8 November

  • November 08, 2022

This is my first message as your Mayor. It is very humbling to be asked to represent you all. It’s a deep responsibility that I take seriously.

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Mayor's Message 27 September
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 27 September

  • September 27, 2022

What a journey it’s been since I was elected to serve the people of Kaipara in 2018. Thank you to everyone who supported my vision for this place.

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Mayor's Message 13 September 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 13 September 2022

  • September 13, 2022

The long shadow of debt for Kaipara District Council has been a defining characteristic of the last decade. As at 30 June 2012 Council had internal loans of $83.4 million with the Mangawhai Community Wastewater Scheme component of that internal debt at $58.5 million.

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Mayor's Message 16 August 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 16 August 2022

  • August 16, 2022

Busy times in recent weeks marked by exceptional moments have kept me well-occupied.

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Mayor's Message 2 August 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 2 August 2022

  • August 02, 2022

Success has come for Kaipara District Council at the recent AGM of Local Government New Zealand where our remit to limit and better regulate vape stores was voted upon

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Mayor's Message 19 July 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 19 July 2022

  • July 19, 2022

Nominations are now open for the election process for Mayor and Councillors of the next Kaipara District Council.  I am keen for Kaipara people to have many great candidates from whom to choose our next Council.

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Mayor's Message 05 July 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 05 July 2022

  • July 05, 2022

Big news in Kaipara is that Deputy Mayor Anna Curnow will not be seeking re-election at the upcoming Council elections.

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Mayor's Message 21 June 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 21 June 2022

  • June 21, 2022

Matariki marks the start of the new year on the Māori calendar, when the constellation of stars with that name appears in the sky and the new planting and growing season begins.

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Mayor's Message 7 June 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 7 June 2022

  • June 07, 2022

At the 25 May Kaipara District Council meeting the Exposure Draft of the Kaipara District Plan was discussed and a decision made to hold back on the official release and consultation of that “rule book” document.

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Mayor's Message 23 May 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 23 May 2022

  • May 23, 2022
Read more
Mayor's Message 9 May 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 9 May 2022

  • May 09, 2022

Slashing next year’s rates by 2.27% looks to be on the cards for Kaipara District Council, following a Council Briefing last week where staff updated elected members on progress with the draft Annual Plan.

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Mayor's Message 26 April 2022
Funding Mayor's Message Three Waters Review Water Supply

Mayor's Message 26 April 2022

  • April 26, 2022

Complex problems for councils seldom come as neatly packaged as the “Better Off” funding which is part of the Three Waters Reforms.

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Mayor's Message 11 April 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 11 April 2022

  • April 11, 2022

Knocking off the big things as the season turns, daylight savings ends and the autumn equinox has passed, Kaipara District Council has just had confirmation the Mangawhai Central Private Plan Change has been resolved by all the concerned parties without the need for a costly Environment Court hearing.

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Mayor's Message 28 March 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 28 March 2022

  • March 28, 2022

Even lower expectations for KDC rates in the 2022-23 Annual Plan year, commencing 1 July, are now firmly on the cards as Council gets closer to its June finalisation of what will be in the Annual Plan. 

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Mayor's Message 14 March 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 14 March 2022

  • March 14, 2022

Getting clear results is a good thing, but when they’re excellent as well as clear then that’s simply great!

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Mayor's Message 22 February 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 22 February 2022

  • February 22, 2022

Future-focused energies for the finish of February are helping set up Kaipara District Council for a busy time ahead.

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Mayor's Message 15 February 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 15 February 2022

  • February 15, 2022

Covid Omicron case numbers are increasing across New Zealand and in other parts of Northland but not in Kaipara District.

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Mayor's Message 01 February 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 01 February 2022

  • February 01, 2022

Two years ago last week the Government started its rollout of the first responses to the Covid-19 coronavirus. We’ve been living in a pandemic since then.

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Mayor's Message 18 January 2022
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 18 January 2022

  • January 18, 2022

Standing at the gate of the year, as I look ahead I see a colourful year for Kaipara District Council.

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Mayor's Message 20 December 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 20 December 2021

  • December 21, 2021

Taking a moment to reflect on the positive things from the year that’s coming to its end soon is my best advice for right now. Well, it’s what’s helping me get through.

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Mayor's Message - 7 December 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - 7 December 2021

  • December 07, 2021

Resilience and taking some time to breath easily are important for us all in the busiest few weeks of the year, starting now.

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Mayor's Message 30 November 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message 30 November 2021

  • November 30, 2021

As November turns into December the pace of things quickens around the Kaipara.

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Mayor's Newsletter - 16 November 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Newsletter - 16 November 2021

  • November 16, 2021

As already reported, Government has mandated the Three Waters Reforms and there’s no way to wriggle off the hook.

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Mayor's Message - 16 November 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - 16 November 2021

  • November 16, 2021

As already reported, Government has mandated the Three Waters Reforms and there’s no way to wriggle off the hook.

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Mayor's Message - 2 November 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - 2 November 2021

  • November 02, 2021

In a flash the Three Waters Reforms have gone from looking reasonable to being radical reform, with Mayors across the country panning the announcement by Minister Mahuta that Government will, after all, be compelling all Councils across New Zealand to surrender their drinking water, wastewater and stormwater assets to be reorganised into mega-entities.

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Mayor's Message - 18 October 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - 18 October 2021

  • October 18, 2021

Congratulations to people in Kaipara District who’ve responded to the Kaipara Call To Arms and have rolled up their sleeves to get vaccinated in the last two weeks.

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Mayor's Message - 04 October 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - 04 October 2021

  • October 04, 2021

Local Councils across New Zealand have been heavily focused in recent weeks on the Government’s Three Waters Reform program and what it may mean for us all.

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Mayor's Message - 20 September 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - 20 September 2021

  • September 20, 2021

Current Covid Rules around Kaipara District Council

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Mayor's Message - August 2021
Mayor's Message Rubbish and Recycling Taumata Arowai

Mayor's Message - August 2021

  • August 23, 2021

At the time of writing, we have just entered our first Level 4 lockdown since March of last year.

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Mayor's Message - July 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - July 2021

  • July 14, 2021

Fast-paced times for Kaipara District Council will be the flavour of the period ahead.

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Mayor's Message - June 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - June 2021

  • June 21, 2021

Keeping connected with friends and family is important for each of us, it’s part of what keeps us healthy, resilient and having an enjoyable life. Connections for small Kaipara District Council are likewise important.

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Mayor's Message - May 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - May 2021

  • May 25, 2021

Records have been tumbling at Kaipara District Council and I expect a new level has just been set for the longest single-day Council Meeting

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Mayor's Message - April 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - April 2021

  • April 26, 2021

Roads are the most significant part of the business of Council, and something about which locals are justifiably passionate.

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Mayor's Message - March 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - March 2021

  • March 22, 2021

A surprise season of tsunami sirens is upon us. A real evacuation-level alert, a false alarm and then a scheduled test all within one month – that’s a bit to get your head around! On 5 March there was a legitimate tsunami evacuation for communities of Mangawhai and Ruawai. 

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Mayor's Message - February 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - February 2021

  • February 22, 2021

In the last month the COVID-19 pandemic has directly impacted Kaipara District twice – once with the 'Northland case' who visited tourism hotspots from Mangawhai to Matakohe and then with the 14/15 Feb checkpoint/boundary confusion which affected large numbers of Kaipara people and for a day effectively cut Kaipara District in half.

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Mayor's Message - January 2021
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - January 2021

  • January 21, 2021

Happy new year greetings to you as we roar on further into the Twenties. Already it’s lining up to be a cracker of a year for Kaipara District Council, and our summer season is well underway.

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Mayor's Message - November 2020
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - November 2020

  • November 18, 2020

Summer is now upon us, and the days are warmer and longer.

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Mayor's Message - October 2020
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - October 2020

  • October 15, 2020

Spring is fully here, the kowhai has bloomed, daffodils are done

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Mayor's Message - September 2020
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - September 2020

  • September 17, 2020

“Kaipara’s getting hotter” is a perfect phrase for the season – winter is now over but, also, the attractiveness of Kaipara for new residents is reaching new levels of popularity.

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Mayor's Message - August 2020
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - August 2020

  • August 13, 2020

Lockdown #2 is literally at the doorstep of Kaipara District right now

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Mayor's Message - July 2020
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - July 2020

  • July 15, 2020

The darkest part of winter is here and yet there is so much light in Kaipara District

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Mayor's Message - June 2020
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - June 2020

  • June 19, 2020

At hand we have a story of a halving, a doubling and a balancing. 

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Mayor's Message - May 2020
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - May 2020

  • May 22, 2020

High and dry times continue across Kaipara District, as the worst-in-70-years drought rolls on.

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Mayor's Message - April 2020
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - April 2020

  • April 24, 2020

Alert Level 4 has been extraordinary

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Mayor's Message - March 2020
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - March 2020

  • March 19, 2020

Unprecedented events are unfolding around us.

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Mayor's Message - February 2020
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - February 2020

  • February 21, 2020

Drought concerns are high on everyone’s minds.

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Mayor's Message - January 2020
Mayor's Message

Mayor's Message - January 2020

  • January 24, 2020

Parched soils, hot temperatures and dry days make it clear summer’s here in Kaipara.

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