Northland's network of tsunami sirens in coastal communities will be tested on April 7. The sirens will sound twice - firstly at 10am for 10 minutes and then again at 10.30am for 30 seconds. The twice-yearly checks are carried out at the beginning and end of daylight saving. A message will also be sent to users of the free Red Cross Hazard app.
Muddy fun at school
Maungatapere School is hosting a muddy, exciting fundraiser this weekend with the Maunga Mayhem Adventure Race. Maunga Mayhem is an adventure race with 12 different obstacles to complete. It is set on farm land at the base of Maungatapere Mountain off Snooks Rd. The vision behind Maunga Mayhem is to provide good old-fashioned country fun. It is an opportunity for kids to be active outdoors, get outside their comfort zone, build confidence and get muddy. For more details see www.maungamayhem.co.nz
Teacher pay offer vote
Primary teachers and principals will vote online whether to accept the Ministry of Education's latest collective agreement offers, following the cancellation of last week's paid union meetings. The national executive of the primary teachers' union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, cancelled the meetings as a mark of respect to those killed in the March 15 terrorist attacks, and so members could be in their schools to provide continuity and stability for their pupils. The online ballot will run to Friday next week.
Social housing plan changes sought
Whangārei district councillor Stu Bell has filed a notice of motion ahead of Thursday's full council meeting. The notice relates to Housing New Zealand's plan to build social housing on a section of land on Puriri Park Rd in Maunu. The notice of motion will ask councillors to effectively tell Parliament it does not welcome the development of social housing projects similar to the artist impression for Puriri Park, and ask the Government to implement measures to mitigate contributing factors influencing the demand for housing and housing affordability. Several members of the public will also speak during the public forum about Puriri Park issues and concerns. The meeting starts at 10.30am in the council chambers in Forum North.