Update Friday 18 April, 8:57am

Kaipara District Council has lifted water restrictions for Baylys Beach and Dargaville properties on town water supply.

The announcement of a boost for water projects in Northland will provide a resilient water supply for Dargaville’s future generations. 

Dargaville and Baylys Beach residents have taken the level 4 water restrictions in their stride with daily water usage decreasing further.

A dry February has put the brakes on unsealed road maintenance, shifting our focus to wet roll grades.

Those on town supply in Baylys Beach and Dargaville are now in level 4 water restrictions – essential use only. Water can only be used for drinking, cooking, washing clothes and showering. 

Work across the 1126km unsealed network will pick back up in late March, having slowed down during the dry season. 

The works include sealing the carpark and pathway connections, as well as a concrete ramp providing safe access to the beach, along with associated kerb and channel works.

On New Year’s Day I woke to the terrific news that Mangawhai local Richard Marshall Lovelace Bull was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to conservation and the community. I know that all of Kaipara will be tremendously proud that Richard has been acknowledged on such a prestigious national platform. 

Lower than expected rainfall and extremely low river flows are edging Kaipara District closer to drought conditions.

Council is asking residents in Dargaville and Baylys Beach to reduce their water use immediately to protect the water supply.

Pre-seal repairs progressed well in November, with 71% of sites finished.