Decision due on axed courses
NorthTec are yet to release details on what courses are being cut as a result of major restructuring. Last October the tertiary education provider announced it was reviewing its structure and also some of its programmes.
A spokesman said NorthTec has been making final decisions on what programmes will be offered this year have been based primarily on student demand. However, the programmes strategic importance to NorthTec and Northland, and the previous educational outcomes of students have also been considered.
Enrolments closed on February 5 and decisions were due to be made last week. In some cases, final decisions have been deferred while recently received applications are processed. Any prospective students who have applied for programmes which will not go ahead are being contacted individually and, where possible, offered an alternative option.
All staff affected by changes to programmes are being contacted by managers.
Brigades busy in deluge
The weekend's heavy rain sparked a number of weather-related callouts for emergency services. Kohukohu firefighters were occupied for more than four hours, much of which was spent waiting for contractors, after a large tree fell across Rakautapu Rd about 6pm on Saturday.
The Kerikeri brigade was called to a flooding incident in Jacaranda Place about 7.10pm on Saturday but left it in the hands of the property owner and a plumber; while at 10.50pm on Sunday the Omapere Brigade was called out to cut up a tree which had fallen across State Highway 12 at Opononi. The rain also brought down a slip which partly blocked the northbound lane of State Highway 11 at Lemon's Hill, near Kawakawa. The road was cleared by contractors yesterday.
Friendship gathering
Whangarei members are hosting the International Friendship Force's 33rd annual conference this week, with 150 people attending from New Zealand and overseas.
IFF members pledge to make a global, peaceful difference through exchange hospitality and cultural experiences, and being worthy ambassadors of their countries.
Events will include a marae visit and scenic tours. Whangarei member Gwendolyn Needham is the conference's chairwoman. The Whangarei friendship group has 80 members and is the largest in New Zealand. The conference is at Barge Park from tomorrow until Friday.
Help for tourists after crash
A pair of not-so-lucky tourists in a Lucky Rentals vehicle slid off Mataraua Rd, south of Kaikohe, about 4.30pm on Sunday and slammed in a bridge, extensively damaging the vehicle. Luck was, however, on their side when a hospitable local gave the travellers a place to sleep for the night while they arranged alternative transport.
