Latest news with #FarNorthDistrictCouncil
NZ Herald
20-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Far North news in brief: Major recycling change for Kerikeri; Paihia firefighters win big
Kerikeri residents will soon need to adapt to a new way of recycling, as local waste operators shift from taking bagged recycling in favour of bin-only collections. Far North District Council said the change was part of a move to 'improve efficiency and reduce contamination in the recycling stream'. This means branded recycling bags are no longer available for purchase in Kerikeri stores. Kerikeri residents can still recycle a broad range of items at the Waipapa Re:Sort Station, located at 1913 State Highway 10. Visit Waste Management and Northland Waste for more information. Dietitian for mid-north Health NZ's first dietitian permanently based in the mid-north is offering dietetic care for acute patients at Bay of Islands Hospital, as well as support for outpatients and those in the community. Rachel Keane started her role in January, which involves providing specialised nutritional support for patients with serious or complex health conditions. These plans help manage these conditions, promote recovery and improve overall health outcomes. Big winners The Paihia firefighters team took part in the Northland Fire Brigades Sub Association Drivers Challenge and achieved a clean sweep of awards. Heath Taylor secured first place, Kaine Joyce was runner-up, and Paihia Fire Brigade won the team competition.
NZ Herald
13-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Northland news in brief: Homicide investigation launched
Police were also seeking any CCTV along Mangakahia Rd, Otaika Valley Rd and State Highway 14 towards Whangārei. Police would particularly like any dashcam footage on the same route between 2pm-8pm. Anyone with information should make a report online, or call 105, quoting the reference number 250509/6749. Information could also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Reserve feedback Far North District Council wants feedback about Rangitoto Reserve, on the Hihi Peninsula in Doubtless Bay. Rangitoto Reserve was classified as a Historic Reserve in October 2024 to recognise its cultural and historical importance. The site includes an impressive pā with visible features such as terracing and kumara pits. The name comes from rangi, meaning 'day,' and toto, meaning 'blood' – understood to signify a 'day of blood.' It may have been the location of a battle, adding to its historic and cultural significance. The council is developing a Reserve Management Plan, with input from local hapū, to ensure it is protected. Council also wants to understand the natural environment and other values connected to the reserve. Submissions can be made via email at submissions@ in person at any FNDC service centre or library, or by mail, by June 2. Rural health roadshow Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey will be going to 12 rural locations across the country on a Rural Health Roadshow, including Kaitāia. The Rural Health Strategy was published in 2023 and sets the direction for improving the health of people who live in rural communities. Doocey says the rural health road show is an opportunity to hear from the public and those working in rural health about how well the strategy is being implemented. The roadshow will be in Kaitāia on August 7 and to register go to Māori-influenced playground Work is now under way on Te Amo Pūtoro, the first council-owned māra hūpara in the Far North, located at the Kerikeri Sports Complex. Rather than a traditional playground, Te Amo Pūtoro is a māra hūpara – a play space inspired by traditional Māori design using natural materials like logs, rocks and plants. It's a space for all ages to move, explore, and reconnect with te taiao (the natural world). Festival seeks bigger centre The country's premier kapa haka festival has grown so much, organisers have had to cancel plans for this year's event to be hosted in Nelson, and are now looking for a larger centre to take it on. The board of Te Matatini Society Incorporated decided on Friday not to hold the 2027 festival in Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Māui (Nelson), tiamana (chairperson) Tā Herewini Parata saying it was no reflection on the city but a result of concerns over smaller regions' ability to accommodate burgeoning numbers of kaihaka and supporters. Unesco site call The Conservation Department is calling for suggestions of places that are worthy of being added to New Zealand's existing Unesco World Heritage sites. DoC's international manager, Danica Stent, said New Zealand had some of the most remarkable sites of natural and cultural heritage in the world, worthy of global recognition. Anyone interested in submitting a nomination should do so by July 31, allowing DoC to provide any advice needed to support development of applications. The final closing date for applications is January, 30, 2026. Visit DOC's website
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Signs Of Progress In Tobacco Control Sector: New Bill And Council Action Offer Hope
Amid recent setbacks in New Zealand's Smokefree efforts, two new developments bring fresh momentum to tobacco harm reduction that have renewed hope in our goals for a healthier Aotearoa. Health spokesperson Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall has launched the Tobacco Transparency Bill, aimed at stopping tobacco industry lobbying in health policy. "Around the world, tobacco companies have a long history of influencing and weakening health policies to better suit their bottom line. This Bill will address those influences and help us protect people's health…," said Dr Verrall.[1] This Bill follows growing calls for stronger lobbying regulations in New Zealand politics. There is a pressing need for greater transparency and accountability, especially among those whose decisions directly impact public health outcomes. If passed, the Tobacco Transparency Bill would help the government understand its duties under international law and could lead to stronger rules around emerging nicotine products. Similarly, Far North District Council votes to develop a Smokefree/Vapefree policy for public spaces. The council's decision follows a new study linking vaping to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), adding urgency to calls for regulation.[2] These developments offer timely encouragement for Smokefree and Vapefree advocates across Aotearoa as we mark World Smokefree May. Jasmine Graham, National Tobacco Control Manager at Hāpai te Hauora says, "While major challenges remain, these steps offer hope that momentum toward a healthier, smokefree Aotearoa is not lost." Notes: [2] "Far North Council Moves to Adopt Smokefree and Vape-free Policy," NZ Herald, last modified May 8, 2025,
NZ Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Erosion threatens to wash away Russell's waterfront
'Then Cyclone Tam came along and coincided with some very high spring tides and an onshore wind. There's been a very big impact in the last three weeks,' she said. As a short-term measure, the Far North District Council had sandbagged and placed rock fill in the worst area, just below the cannon. Shipley said a working group had already been discussing possible solutions with the council and Far North Holdings. 'We thought we had time… and of course it never goes as fast as I would like it to, but this is not a straightforward question. We do need to get best advice, then try and find money to remediate it.' If nothing was done, the beachfront road and buildings would eventually be threatened. 'With every high tide that's got an onshore wind, it's posing more risk to the road reserve.' Shipley said there were many theories in Russell about what was contributing to the erosion. Those theories included rainwater from buildings running across the road instead of going into stormwater drains, or changes to tidal action caused by the wharf's floating pontoons. Expert advice so far was that there was no single significant factor, she said. The working group included representatives of the Russell Wharf Trust, the local community board and placemaking group, Kororāreka Marae, businesses, the council and Far North Holdings, with herself as chair representing the Russell Destination Management Team. They hoped to come up with a medium-term solution in July or August, which would then be discussed with Russell residents and stakeholder groups. How quickly it could be implemented would depend on the cost, she said. The council was also investigating whether central government assistance would be available, given that it involved storm damage to a road. Ultimately, the working group aimed to restore the gentle slope that used to run down on to the shingle beach. 'It is a long term issue. It will be potentially costly, so we have to be mindful that we've got to then find those funds or take our turn,' Shipley said.
NZ Herald
12-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Far North news in brief: Reserve feedback; rural roadshow and te reo champ
The Far North District Council wants feedback on Rangitoto Reserve, on the Hihi Peninsula in Doubtless Bay. Reserve feedback Far North District Council wants feedback about Rangitoto Reserve, on the Hihi Peninsula in Doubtless Bay. Rangitoto Reserve was classified as a historic reserve in October 2024 to recognise its cultural and historical importance. The site includes an impressive pā with visible features such as terracing and kūmara pits. The name comes from rangi, meaning 'day', and toto, meaning 'blood' – understood to signify a 'day of blood'. It may have been the location of a battle, adding to its historical and cultural significance. The council is developing a Reserve Management Plan, with input from local hapū, to ensure it is protected. The council also wants to understand the natural environment and other values connected to the reserve. Submissions can be made via email at submissions@ in person at any FNDC service centre or library, or by mail, by June 2. Rural roadshow Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey will be going to 12 rural locations across the country on a Rural Health Roadshow, including Kaitāia. The Rural Health Strategy was published in 2023 and sets the direction for improving the health of people who live in rural communities. The rural health road show is an opportunity for me to hear from the public and those working in rural health about how well the strategy is being implemented. The roadshow will be in Kaitāia on August 7. To register, go to Te reo champs wanted Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, the Māori Language Commission, is calling for nominations for Ngā Tohu Reo Māori 2025 – a celebration of those who are championing the normalisation and revitalisation of te reo Māori. Nominations are open until 11.59pm on June 29 and can be made via First-home buyers back CBRE valuers are reporting a steady lift in buyer activity across Northland, with first-home buyers and lifestyle seekers driving much of the momentum. The latest Residential Valuer Insights report shows improving sentiment across the region – particularly in coastal and lifestyle locations – and ongoing appeal for recently renovated properties. The quarterly report, which gathers sentiment from 44 CBRE valuers who collectively assess and value over 850 properties nationwide every month, provides an independent and data-driven view of the market. It found first-home buyers are active across Northland and other regional centres, helping lead market activity in 2025. Craig Russell, CBRE's national director of residential valuations and advisory services, said the presence of first-home buyers in nearly every market is one of the most encouraging signs for 2025. 'In Northland, we're seeing a healthy number of first-home buyers back in the market – part of a broader national trend that's seen around 25-27% of sales going to this group.'
