Northland news in brief

An aerial view of a kauri tree affected by kauri dieback in Waipoua Forest.

Survey to identify kauri dieback due

The annual aerial survey is due to identify where kauri dieback is in Northland.

The survey, between December and March, will cover the Kaitaia and Whangarei areas, Aupouri Peninsula, southern Northland and Pouto Peninsula.

Northland Regional Council biosecurity manager, Kane McElrea said identifying where kauri dieback is will ensure landowners, tangata whenua and agencies can better manage the disease.

The information also helps with decisions such as which tracks to upgrade first and other steps to reduce the risk of the disease being spread. Surveillance is with an aircraft flying in a grid pattern, taking high-definition stills of the ground. Kauri that look diseased are then visited by ground crews.

International Day of People with Disabilities next week

International Day of People with Disabilities will be celebrated next week with lots of free activities for families. An event is being held at Whangarei's Forum North on Friday, December 8 from 10am to 2.30pm. There will be performances from dance crews and kapa haka groups, and activities like mini jeep rides. The event is run in conjunction with the Getting Out There Expo which is being held the same day, and the following day, from 10am to 4pm.

Whangarei student wins industry award

A Whangarei student has won two awards in a competition to find New Zealand's engineers and furniture makers of the future. Bernadine Nash, from Whangarei Girls High School, won best video portfolio and also the furniture category for her project, a laminated bedside table. Miss Nash was up against students from 34 other schools and at national judging she was one of eight finalists in the furniture category. She won a Go Pro and a socket set as a prize.

Iwi Idol coming to the North

Online voting opens on Monday for a competition where the winner will sing with soul/rnb superstar Aaradhna. The Ngapuhi Festival, being held in Whangarei next year, has launched a singing competition called Iwi Idol - where young singers can record and submit a video of themselves to win a chance to perform with Aaradhna at the event. Entries closed yesterday at 5pm. Videos are to be uploaded to Facebook for online voting on Monday. The 10 finalists with the most votes will be invited to perform at the Ngapuhi Festival on January 27 and the ultimate winner - who will be chosen by a panel - will perform with Aaradhna.

Road works in Waipu

Cove Rd at Waipu will be closed between the intersection of Nova Scotia Dr and McLean Rd on Wednesday night from midnight until 4am. The bridge on Cove Rd along that stretch is being resurfaced. A detour is available via McLean Rd and South Rd. Traffic management will be on site.

Denby Ward byelection voting closes soon

Voting for the Whangarei District Council's Denby Ward byelection closes next week. If voting by post, voting documents must be received by the electoral officer by 12 noon, on Thursday, December 7. If mailing locally, it is recommended that your voting document be posted by tomorrow to ensure it is delivered on time.

A polling place will be available for hand delivery and the issuing and receiving of special voting documents at Customer Services, Whangarei District Council, Forum North, Rust Ave, Whangarei

Correction

A story in Thursday's Northern Advocate stated the Northland Rescue Helicopter Trust was taking part in next year's Rescue Run team-building race and fundraiser.
Unfortunately, the trust has had to withdraw from this event due to unforeseen
circumstances.