News briefs from Northland: Night market dates and battle of the bands

Whangārei's Canopy Night Markets will be held monthly until April, except in January when there will be two markets.

Canopy Night Markets to be held until April

Whangārei's popular Canopy Night Markets, which started for the summer again last Friday, will be held monthly until April, apart from January, which will have two night markets. The markets, a mecca for gourmet food, will be held on November 30; December 21; January 25 and January 28; February 22; March 29 and April 22. The markets will run from 5pm to 9pm all days.

Bands battle

A ''battle of the bands'' being staged in Kerikeri next month has been opened up to all musicians aged 18 and under from as far away as Whangārei. The event, at the Turner Centre on November 10, is organised by the Be Free Youth instead of the music mentoring group's usual spring concert. The winning band will be chosen by a panel of music professionals while the audience will vote for the people's choice winner. Go to befreeplaymusic.wordpress.com/battle-of-the-bands for more information or to register. Entries close on October 31.

Crime prevention

Police in Kerikeri are erecting their gazebo at Bunnings Kerikeri from 10am to 2pm today to offer free engraving of tools, and screws which make the removal of vehicle registration plates more difficult, as their contribution to Crime Prevention Week, without the need for drivers to even get out of their cars. The Community Patrol will be there too, offering tips and information on how to create a safer community and sizzling sausages, proceeds going to the patrol.

Tanks guys

Rescuing a woman trapped on top of a water tank was all in a day's service for the Kawakawa Volunteer Fire Brigade yesterday. The woman was alone when she became stuck about 10.20am at a rural property near Waiomio but was fortunately able to reach her phone and call for help. Firefighters placed a rescue harness on her and helped her down a ladder to safety.

Give life

The New Zealand Blood Service will be collecting in the Far North next week - Kaitaia on Tuesday, Kerikeri on Wednesday and Thursday, Kaikohe on Friday. The service is keen to boost its donor numbers, currently 2.5 per cent of the adult population, particularly after experiencing a shortage of some blood types earlier this year. Call 0800 448 325 or go to www.nzblood.co.nz