Museum's big reveal
Dargaville Museum is undergoing exciting changes this week with the film company, Top Shelf Productions. But the changes are being kept under wraps until a big reveal tomorrow. Volunteers and community members have been filmed as they work together to make big changes. At the same the film crew have been interviewing locals about the history of the Kaipara for a documentary TV show Heritage Rescue. Everyone is invited to the big reveal at the museum, in Harding Park, Mt Wesley Coast Rd at 1pm tomorrow. This event will also be filmed and the museum board, staff and volunteers are hoping lots of people turn up to celebrate this community event.
House destroyed in blaze
A single-storey house has been completely destroyed in a fire at Pawarenga, 79km west of Okaihau. Fire appliances from Kaitaia, Ahipara, Broadwood and Kohukohu were called to the house about 1pm yesterday but the fire was well involved when they arrived. The house was unoccupied at the time of the fire. Firefighters wet surrounding grass to stop the fire spreading on vegetation. Fire investigator Michael Champtaloup was at the scene about 2pm.
Davis speaks at rally
Te Tai Tokerau's Labour MP Kelvin Davis will talk at a public rally in Auckland today organised by prison abolitionist group No Pride in Prisons to protest the prison population reaching 10,000 people. The group wants two changes - the repeal of the Bail Amendment Act 2013, which it says has led to an increase in prisoners being held without conviction, and a halt to the construction of a new facility at Waikeria Prison. The rally will gather in Aotea Square at noon, before leaving for Mount Eden Corrections Facility. There will be public speakers and live music played for marchers and prisoners. Speakers include Mr Davis and Green Party MP Marama Davidson.
Treaty questions?
While Waitangi Day has passed punters will be able to gain an insight into the cultural history of Aotearoa and in doing so, learn the answers to fundamental questions such as What is Te Tiriti o Waitangi? The workshop, from 6.30pm on Monday, involves activity-based learning techniques. Facilitators will work with participants to create a safe environment to enable full and free discussion. The course will be held at Pehiaweri Marae in Glenbervie. Call Tania on 09 437 0833 to register or email info.pehiawerimarae@gmail.com.
Technology for teachers
The largest postgraduate programme in New Zealand is returning to Whangarei with $2000 scholarships in tow. Unitec's The Mind Lab Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Practice (digital and collaborative learning) is a 32-week part-time course designed for educators. It offers teachers the chance to learn practical strategies for bringing technology into the classroom. Open labs, held at Whangarei Primary School from 4.30pm on February 21 and March 8, will explore what the course offers. Visit www.themindlab.com for more information.
deVine offering
A play that aims to leave audiences with the sense they are seen, heard, and are not alone in coping during tough times, will be touring Northland. With support from the Mental Health Foundation and Creative Northland, RECollective are touring deVine to Whangarei, Kerikeri and Kaitaia. The actors, who have struggled with periods of mental distress, will use their skills to bring these stories to life and highlight how common it is to suffer from bouts of the blues, the importance of reaching out for help, and how the actors have overcome these challenges. The play will be at Whangarei's ONEONESIX from February 14 to 16, Kerikeri's Turner Centre from February 17 and 18 and Kaitaia's Te Ahu Little Theatre from February 21 to 23.
Top shop awards
Retail NZ is inviting all retailers in Northland and Auckland to enter the revamped 2017 Top Shop Retail Awards. The awards have been revamped to focus on what retailers did, rather than what they sold, focusing on overall customer experience, investment and people, visual merchandising and innovation. For entries go to www.retail.kiwi/topshop. They close on March 17 and one entry can cover up to three categories. Award categories are: best small and best large retailer, customer experience, investment in people, innovation, visual merchandising, up and coming retailer, Omichannel, Pureplay e-tailer, people's choice and the supreme national award.