Mayor meeting chief executive

Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai is due to meet NorthTec chief executive Mark Ewen today about the tertiary educator's proposal to axe visual arts and other courses. Ms Mai said she would advocate for continued provision of the courses, but was hoping to gain an understanding of how NorthTec came to be in its current position and what the council could do to influence it. Removing any educational option was counter-productive to the economy, and the arts was one of the points of difference visitors to Northland were looking for. On Monday Ms Mai met tutors on the threatened arts degree to hear their concerns.

Govt wants new start
The new Government is signalling a desire for a fresh start in the stalled Ngapuhi Treaty negotiations with a series of hui planned around the North. Minister for Treaty Negotiations Andrew Little said the Ngapuhi settlement was a top priority. He would meet the main claimant groups, Tuhoronuku and Te Kotahitanga, on Friday before attending an open hui from 9am to noon on Saturday at the Copthorne in Waitangi. He planned to return in December and February. In June former Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson and the Office of Treaty Settlements withdrew from the process until Ngapuhi worked out a way forward. The move was welcomed by Tuhoronuku, which said there had been too much Government intervention already.

Foster a pup
Whangarei SPCA are on the lookout for more foster homes for their puppies.
Foster parents will need to be home most parts of the day, have an empty spare room, a contained deck or similar area and be able to provide lots of love and cuddles. All the food and gear is provided. If you can provide a safe and temporary home to one of the large number of unwanted puppies the SPCA gets, apply at http://whangareispca.co.nz/whg/index.php?page=fostering
Any questions call Ani on 094389161 ext 5.

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Man arrested
A 35-year-old Kawakawa man was arrested on Sunday afternoon after allegedly hitting his partner on the head with an object. The woman required six stitches to close the head wound. The man was charged with contravening a protection order and assault with a blunt instrument. He was held in custody to appear in the Kaikohe District Court on Monday.

Denby by-election
Voting packs for the Denby Ward by-election should be turning up in letterboxes from today. A by-election is being held following the resignation of a councillor. Voting will close at noon on December 7. Voting documents can be returned by post or hand delivered to Customer Services, Whangarei District Council, Forum North, Rust Ave, Whangarei between November 15 and December 6. For more information please contact the Electoral Office on 0800 922 822.