Far North news in brief: Far North iwi co-chair; waka ama nationals and Metalfest addition
Police are investigating an alleged robbery in Kaingaora on Sunday evening. Police were called to Church Rd at 5.45pm. After following lines of inquiry, police identified and found four alleged offenders. Four young people were due to appear in Kaitāia Youth Court this week.
Waka ama nationals
Three teams from Te Tai Tokerau will take place in the Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals from today until Sunday, in Porirua. Nga Hoe Horo Outrigger Canoe Club, from Kaitāia, Tirohanga Waka Ama, Kawakawa and Mitamitaga o le Pasefika Va'a-alo Canoe Club, Whangārei are among 59 clubs from around the country taking part in Wellington.
The event at Ngāti Toa Domain will host 1050 paddlers competing on a circuit racecourse completing distances of 8km, 16km, or 24km, depending on their respective divisions. The event includes paddlers from J16 up to Master 75, inclusive of adaptive paddlers.
Far North assault
Police were called to reports of a serious assault in Te Tapui Rd, Matauri Bay, on Sunday evening. One person was arrested but there were no reports of injuries.
Health staff backpay
Health NZ Te Whatu Ora has paid $31.1 million in Holidays Act backpay to current Te Tai Tokerau staff. The remediation payment was needed because staff were not paid correctly for their holidays since 2010. A total of 3776 Northland nurses, doctors, allied health staff, healthcare assistants, cleaners and administrators were paid the remediation last week. Former workers are expected to be paid by the end of the year.
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CNA
3 minutes ago
- CNA
National Day Parade 2025: SCDF to field guard of honour contingent for the first time
SINGAPORE: For the first time in Singapore's National Day Parade (NDP) history, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will march alongside the armed forces and police as one of six guard of honour contingents. The guard of honour contingent units will also include the Republic of Singapore Navy, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Digital and Intelligence Service. The inclusion of SCDF in this year's guard of honour contingent is an affirmation of their key role in safeguarding the lives of Singaporeans, Deputy Commissioner Ling Young Ern told members of the media on Thursday (Jun 12). 'SCDF has always worked very closely with the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) and the SPF (Singapore Police Force) in our Total Defence strategy, so this inclusion … really reflects how the three uniform services come together in protecting our country,' he said. After celebrating 40 years of Total Defence last year, the Ministry of Defence and SCDF reviewed suggestions from members of the public to include the latter, Mr Ling said. They thought it would be 'fitting', as this year's parade, to be held at the Padang, celebrates Singapore's 60th year of independence. SCDF members participating in the guard of honour contingent had to learn how to handle arms for the feu-de-joi or rifle salute, Mr Ling said. 'This is something that they will have to pick up, but they are working hard, and they are practising every week to do it well,' he said. For the first time, the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) will also field a full contingent. Volunteer Pang Xuehui Arlene, a contingent commander, said this was significant as the SAFVC celebrates its 10th anniversary. 'Being able to field an entire contingent on our own speaks about how the SAFVC has grown over the past 10 years, that we are able to earn a spot in the parade,' said Ms Pang, who volunteers as a bridge watch keeper in the SAFVC. LARGEST CONTINGENT IN OVER 30 YEARS This year's parade will also feature the largest number of contingents for parades held at the Padang since 1990, with 40 marching contingents and 18 civilian contingents. In total, there will be around 2,100 participants in the parade and ceremony segment. Besides contingents from the SAF, SCDF and SPF, 10 contingents from uniformed youth organisations and 18 civilian contingents from local social and economic groups will participate in the parade. Having more contingents adds 'a bit of complexity' in terms of the way they move and how fast they can march, said Colonel (COL) Lim Yu Sing, the chairman of the parade and ceremony segment. But the contingents were able to overcome challenges through 'very detailed planning' led by the regimental sergeant major team, trainers, and guidance from the SAF, COL Lim said. 'The trainers, every Saturday, together with the current regimental sergeant major, will progressively train up the contingents to make sure that the complexities are well-drilled, well-rehearsed,' he said. This year's parade will be led by first-time parade commander, Lieutenant Colonel Firdaus Ghazali. 'I'm truly humbled that what began as a young boy's dream at Kallang National Stadium has now become a reality on the Padang parade ground,' said the 38-year-old. He first participated in the parade in 2002, as a student at Temasek Secondary School. 'The parade in itself is a melting pot of people from all walks of life, all coming together to move in unison and in perfect harmony and with one shared goal, which is to deliver an excellent parade,' he added. WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE PARADE Besides traditional crowd favourites such as the presidential ceremonial vehicle drive-past and the aerial display by the RSAF's fighter aircraft, this year's parade and ceremony segment will bring elements closer to members of the public and audiences, COL Lim said. The public will be able to get up close to the uncasing ceremony of the SAF colours, which will take place at an open area at Marina Square, opposite the Esplanade. A 127-strong live choir comprising students from Greendale Secondary School and musicians from Voices of Singapore will also perform 2021's NDP theme song The Road Ahead, from "island" stages placed at locations closer to the seating gallery around the Padang.


AsiaOne
3 minutes ago
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Australian accused of mushroom murders denies poisoning lunch as cross-examination ends, World News
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North Wales Chronicle
3 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
UK consumers urged not to buy ‘unsafe' American sweets amid cancer concerns
Candies from the Jolly Rancher brand contain mineral oils, a food additive which can pose health risks if consumed regularly over a sustained period of time, the agency said. The chemical compounds in the products: mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (Moah); and mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons, (Mosh); are used in confectionary to prevent stickiness and create a glossy appearance, but do not comply with UK law. US producer, Hershey, which owns the brand, has been working with the FSA to remove all Jolly Rancher products from the UK market since 2024 – but some businesses in Britain continue to import their products, the agency added. The affected products include the Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, 'Misfits' Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies, the FSA said. A food alert published by the FSA on Wednesday said: 'Consumption of the affected sweets is of toxicological concern, especially in younger age groups and where consumers eat a lot of the products or eat them regularly. 'Moah can cause damage to DNA and has the potential to increase the risk of cancer, particularly if consumed in high quantities over a prolonged period of time. Moah is a genotoxic carcinogen, therefore no exposure is without risk to human health.' Wednesday 11 June 2025. Food Alert "For Action": To Consumers who have purchased and Food Businesses who have purchased and sold Jolly Rancher products manufactured by The Hershey Company #FoodAlert — Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) June 11, 2025 It added: 'If you have bought any of the above products, do not eat them. 'Instead, dispose of them at home. If you are concerned, notify your Trading Standards department or environmental health department in the local authority you purchased it. 'For consumers, don't buy them, and if you've eaten these products, there should be no immediate cause for concern, as food safety risk is low, but don't eat any more.' The agency has also urged UK retailers and food businesses to cease all imports and sales of the candy brand, and asked enforcement authorities to ensure the products are removed from the shelves. The FSA said: 'Food businesses who import these products are advised to discontinue import and distribution of products. 'Food businesses selling these products in the UK are advised to immediately stop sales, undertake product withdrawals and where there have been retail sales, to undertake product recalls. 'The Hershey Company, who is the brand owner, has taken action to remove these products from the UK market. 'We are asking enforcement authorities to make immediate contact with businesses who may have been supplied with or received the affected products, and to take action to ensure that the non-compliant and potentially unsafe products are withdrawn from the market and where sold at retail, recalled. 'We are also asking the local authorities to inform the FSA of product recall and withdrawal actions.'