Northland news in briefs

Cheeky thieves are selling stolen vintage railway tickets door-to-door in Kawakawa. The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway's Gabriel Club has issued a warning saying "someone is knocking on doors purporting to sell family tickets for the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway.

Stolen rail tickets sold

Cheeky thieves are selling stolen vintage railway tickets door-to-door in Kawakawa. The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway's Gabriel Club has issued a warning saying "someone is knocking on doors purporting to sell family tickets for the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. These tickets have been stolen from us, and therefore anyone buying them is also being robbed. We only sell our tickets at the station." The iconic steam train Gabriel is regularly seen on the streets of Kawakawa, which has a railway line running through the town.

Kaikohe man heads Freemasons

A man who spent his early years in Kaikohe is the 79th Grand Master of Freemasons New Zealand, becoming the most senior officer within the 7000-strong organisation. Mark Winger, a lawyer, of Sandringham, Auckland, was installed on Saturday succeeding John Litton of Waikanae. Mr Winger spent his early childhood in Kaikohe, and on the death of his father moved to Auckland where he was supported by his aunt and uncle, who was a Freemason. He is a senior partner with law firm, Holmden Horrocks, and became a Freemason in 1975

Helpline for quake concerns

Northlanders worried about loved ones in earthquake-hit regions are being encouraged to call a special support helpline. Northland District Health Board said it and the Ministry of Health and Civil Defence were aware that people in Northland may be worrying about loved ones in those regions, especially as aftershocks continue. Anyone in need of support from the qualified mental health experts at the 24/7 Earthquake Support Line could call 0800 777846.

Students off to Cook Islands

Year 9 students at Huanui College will take flight on Sunday and head to Rarotonga for two weeks. This inaugural trip was instigated by head of English, Brenda Rudolph, who taught in Rarotonga for two years and is aware of how much the students will get out of this experience. The main purpose of the trip is educational. The students will be working on a sustainability project with students from Titikaveka College. They will look at what impact our modern way of life has on the environment - water, land and consumables, and investigating ways to make a difference. They will then use this information and apply it to the New Zealand situation in Year 10.