After a successful year, Northland-raised soul sensation Teeks has been signed up by two international booking agents.
Teeks (real name Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi, who went to Taipa Area School) recently released the video to his second single Never Be Apart from his debut EP, The Grapefruit Skies and also won the Te Mangai Paho Best Maori Artist award at this year's Vodafone NZ Music Awards.
The 24-year-old has just been signed to two international booking agencies, 13 Artists and Niche Productions, as he prepares to take on the world in 2018.

Kerikeri fire rules

The restricted fire season that came into effect last week covers the entire Far North, but Kerikeri has some new rules all its own.
The Northland Regional Council now requires that a resource consent be obtained before anyone sets fire to rubbish or vegetation within the Kerikeri "airshed" - the main built-up areas - less than 100m upwind, or 50m in any other direction, of a "sensitive area", which usually means a house. Barbecues, hangi, umu and bonfires organised by community groups are exempt.
The new rules put Kerikeri in line with Whangarei, the only other area in Northland where backyard burning is restricted year-round. Anyone who wants to light a fire should to go www.checkitsalright.nz, which offers information about obtaining a permit and current restrictions.

English starter course

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English Language Partners Northland will run an eight-week course for starters of the language from February 12 next year.
The course will run at its Rathbone St, Whangarei office from 1pm to 3pm. The centre has also organised a Tuck in and Talk every Monday from noon to 10pm. People should bring their own lunch. Those interested in enrolling for the eight-week course can contact the centre on 09 4382512.

Manhunt after Paihia assault and robbery

Police are appealing for help from the public as they try to track down the man behind an assault and robbery in Paihia. Sergeant Ross Laurie, of Mid North police, said the victim, 20, had been drinking in Paihia when he struck up a conversation with another man who became aggressive and wanted to fight about 2.45am on Sunday.
After assaulting the victim by punching him in the face several times the attacker demanded the victim's wallet, keys and phone. Fearful of a further attack the young man, who was from Whangarei, did as he was told. He sought help from passers-by before collapsing. He was taken to Bay of Islands Hospital and treated for swelling and pain to his face and eyes. Police want to hear from anyone who saw the incident near the corner of Marsden Rd and Williams Rd in central Paihia. Call Kerikeri police on (09) 407 9211.