News briefs from Northland: tsunami siren test and health trust meetings

Northland's tsunami siren network will be tested later this month.

Northland tsunami sirens

Northland's tsunami sirens throughout will be tested on Sunday, September 30, as part of twice-yearly checks at the start and finish of daylight saving. The siren network, from Te Hapua in the north to Mangawhai in the south and Ruawai in the west, will sound at 10am for 10 minutes and again at 10.30am for 30 seconds, and will be monitored for any faults. Northland has 190 outdoor tsunami sirens, more than any other region in the country. New plug-in indoor tsunami sirens synchronised with the outdoor sirens will also be part of the safety check. The indoor sirens have been available since June for those who, for whatever reason, are unable to hear local outdoor tsunami sirens.

Health feedback meetings

Public meetings are being held around the Whangaroa area to seek feedback on options for the future of the Whangaroa Health Services Trust. So far meetings have been held in Totara North, Pupuke and Otangaroa, with more to follow at Karangahape Marae, Matangirau, from 6.30-8.30pm on September 10; Tapui Marae at Matauri Bay from 6.30-8.30pm on September 11; and Whangaroa Memorial Hall in Kaeo from 1-3pm and 6.30-8.30pm on September 13. A review by consulting firm EY of the trust's services, which include free GP visits and an aged care facility, has come up with two options described as a ''strengthened status quo'' and splitting the trust's aged care and primary health functions, with another organisation taking over GP services.

Orchid Show

The Whangārei Orchid Society is holding an Orchid Show at Forum North next week. The spring show, in the Cafler Suite on September 14-15, will be open from 9am to 4pm. The Orchid Society says there will be exciting displays of orchids and bromeliads, as well as raffles and plants for sale.

Blind Week collectors needed

The Blind Foundation is putting out the call for Northlanders to sign up as volunteers for the nationwide Blind Week street collection October 26/27. Every year, thousands of volunteers give up a few hours of their time to help raise funds for New Zealanders who are blind or have low vision. The Blind Foundation's vital work is made possible thanks to the generous support of the public around the country. Northlanders can show their support for people in your community who have lost their sight by volunteering a couple of hours this Blind Week. Sign up today at blindweek.org.nz.