John Dalton memorial
A memorial service for John Dalton is being held at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri from 2pm tomorrow. Mr Dalton died last week, aged 88, and was privately cremated on Tuesday. His memorial service will be low-key, according to family wishes, with speeches and music. All who knew him are welcome. Mr Dalton was highly active in the community and the arts, his many roles including community board chairman, chairman of Keri Arts Inc and manager of Kerikeri's Memorial Hall. The main auditorium at the Turner Centre is named after him.
Houdini's fate delayed
The Whangarei man dubbed "Houdini" for his escapes from authorities, including from the new Mt Eden Corrections Facility, has had his sentencing for a raft of offences put off until July. Aaron Stephen Forden, 30, fled the new prison in October, after having escaped from the old Mt Eden Prison in 2008. He was recaptured a week later and was due to be sentenced at Auckland District court yesterday on charges including escaping from custody, burglary and assault, but it has been delayed until July 26.
Write numbers
Literacy Whangarei is hosting the northern regional conference of its national association, Literacy Aotearoa. Delegates from the Far North to Taupo and Te Kuiti will be in Whangarei for the event at Pehiaweri Marae, Glenbervie, today and tomorrow, representing about 400 tutors and 3000 adult students. The Whangarei group has been helping adults read, write and add since 1978.