Black Grace on tour
Back by popular demand, New Zealand dance company Black Grace is starting its 20for20, a 20-centre tour of NZ in Northland for $20 a ticket. Led by Neil Ieremia, internationally renowned dance company Black Grace shares a mix of iconic favourites and brand new works presented in the relative comfort of local community halls and other such informal spaces. The tour kicks off at Kaitaia's Te Ahu Centre on May 2, followed by dates at Whangārei's Forum North on May 3 and Waipū's Cetic Barn on May 4. All shows start at 7.30pm. Door sales only, $20 from https://www.facebook.com/blackgracedanceco
Annual Plan submissions
More than 60 people presented to the Whangārei District Council during the Annual Plan submission hearings this week. The council received written feedback from 178 members of the public, organisations, groups or businesses via email, hard copy or online submissions. Sixty-one of those opted to speak to their submission. Issues ranged from funding requests to support projects and calls to seal roads across the district to toilet blocks and wetlands. The council will now deliberate on submissions, along with feedback from community meetings and social media.
Sick trees to be felled
Five overgrown and ailing casuarina trees in Matai St in Ōtangarei are set to be removed. The 20-metre tall trees have been dropping dead needles and blocking spouting for residents, while the roots have been damaging water and storm pipes under the ground causing leaks, blockages and road flooding. The trees are also a threat to power and telephone services overhead. Casuarina trees have relatively short life-spans and when they get overgrown and start to fade like these ones, it is time for them to come out. Smaller branches will be chipped and used as mulch, while the larger branches will be put somewhere for locals to chop up for firewood. The council will speak with residents and plant more suitable trees in the area this winter.
Officer's name supressed
A police officer accused of indecently assaulting a fellow officer in Northland will keep his name secret for now. The 28-year-old appeared in the Auckland District Court this week before Judge David Sharp, who continued the man's interim name suppression.
The policeman was arrested last month and charged with indecent assault and sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection. He had already pleaded not guilty to both charges and was remanded on bail until next month. The alleged offences occurred on February 5 at Waitangi.
Civil Defence expo
Whangārei Heads Civil Defence Support Group is holding a mini expo at the McLeod Bay Fire Station this month. All are welcome to the event on Saturday, April 27, from 1pm-4pm.
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The lastCanopy Night Market of the season is on Easter Monday. The final market will run 5pm to 9pm. The Canopy Night Market was launched by Leeann de Vries in 2017 under the name Gourmet Night Market and has become a popular event for Whangarovians. This season's markets have been running since October. A separate Street Food Station will be held at the Old Railway Station on Saturday, May 18, from 1pm to 6pm.
Active recreation feedback
A strategy that aims to make sure 80 per cent of people in the Whangarei District can get to active recreation facilities without having to use a car is up for discussion and your feedback is wanted. The draft Active Recreation and Sport Strategy was developed by the Whangarei District Council, Sport New Zealand and Sport Northland working in partnership and talking to the community. The council's parks and recreation manager, Sue Hodge, said the aim of the work was to identify and prioritise active recreation and sport needs across the District. Read more about the Active Recreation and Sport Strategy at www.wdc.govt.nz/PlansPoliciesandBylaws/Plans/Active-Recreation-and-Sport-Strategy/Pages/default.aspx. Feedback closes on June 5.
CAB volunteers wanted
Citizens Advice Bureau Whangārei is looking for new volunteer interviewers with the savvy to find the answers to any question. They don't need people who know it all, just people who know how to find it all. Co-ordinator Moea Armstrong said the voluntary role is becoming increasingly demanding as clients arrive with complex and interlinked issues. Budding volunteers should call the bureau on 438 8046 to ask for an application form.