Kaipara news: Kauri dieback publicity has some visitors thinking Tane Mahuta is off-limits to public

Sue Taylor, manager of the Visitor Information Centre Dargaville and the Kauri Coast, wants people to know the forests in the region are still open to the public and you can still visit Tane Mahuta.

Tourists think Waipoua Forest is closed – it's not
A large number of tourists think the Waipoua Forest has closed for good but it hasn't, says Visitor Information Centre Dargaville and the Kauri Coast manager Sue Taylor.

"We have been getting visitors say they have heard that the tracks are closed. But they are definitely open here on the Kauri Coast."

Taylor said media coverage on the spread of kauri dieback has led many to think the forest has closed.

"We need visitors, we need them to know we are open. The visitor season is coming soon and Dargaville, Paparoa, Matakohe and Maungaturoto hospitality businesses all rely on visitors coming to see Tane Mahuta.

"If they come to the forest, they will often go to the Kauri Museum, the Dargaville Museum, then we get them into the woodturner's gallery and then they head up to the forest, plus they will stop and get food in towns and stay in the hotels.

"So there's a lot of flow-on effect in terms of economic benefits to our towns on the west coast."

Taylor said they've had at least 6-7 visitors in recent days saying the forest is closed.

"With the bumper summer tourism season upon us, we don't want tourists bypassing us."

Taylor also said she has been advised that there are no plans to close Tane Mahuta in the foreseeable future.

New recruits desperately needed to maintain Fire Service
A call has been made to those keen to protect and serve their community to join the Dargaville Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Deputy chief fire officer Michael Ross said the situation is critical.

"We are finding it hard to man two trucks at certain times of the day. We currently have about 20 volunteers but really we need at least another 10 to fill the gaps."

The brigade recently held a free community open day which included a live fire demonstration, virtual reality fire tours, kids' fire engine rides, as well as information stands on how to join the brigade.

Ross said despite a lot of interest from the community, nothing yet has come to fruition from it.

He said there are many benefits to being a member of the fire brigade.

"From the brigade competitions that you get to go to, which are held all over New Zealand, to the great people you get to meet. Also just helping the community is a real buzz. Not to mention the excitement of riding in a big red truck with sirens blasting."

New volunteer brigade member LeeAnn Kerr said she hoped more people would come on board and reap the same benefits she has, since she joined the service earlier this year.

"I have been training for a few weeks and I'm really enjoying myself, there's great friendships to be made, there's comraderie and lots to learn, it's a great role and I'm really enjoying it.

"If you want to make a difference in your community, then join today," she said.

If you want to make a positive difference in your community by joining the Dargaville Volunteer Fire Brigade, then get in touch with Michael Ross:
Email: Michael.ross@fireandemergency.nz or get in touch via the station's Facebook page. Alternatively turn up at the fire station any Tuesday night at 7pm.

Cook and eat healthy
Free cooking classes that include the food are being held in Dargaville to teach participants how to cook and eat healthy.

Course manager Sarah Searle said the course is 10 weeks long and all the resources needed are provided free of charge.

Student Jaye Anania, who partook in the most recent cooking day where she made Nasi Goreng, posted to Facebook saying she really enjoyed the day's cooking. "All the food was yummy."

Searle said it's all about healthy eating on a budget.

The 10 week course is run by a trained chef and requires a minimum of 10 participants to operate.

Searle said her business, Sarah's Solutions. funds some of the students and the rest is government funded.

Those interested in participating in the course can find out more information via Sarah's Solutions Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Sarahs-Solutions-1793857420864273/