News in brief: Fishery patrols carried out along Northland coast

Two Fishery Officers carried out a combined sea patrol with New Zealand Customs Service in Northland. Photo/ Supplied

Fishery patrols in Northland

Two Fishery Officers carried out a combined sea patrol with New Zealand Customs Service focused on the commercial fishing fleet as well as any inshore static gear sitting in the small nooks and crannies of Northland. The five-day patrol saw them head from Whangarei to Houhora, pulling a number of commercial and recreational crayfish pots and nets and checking all the closed areas. Only one unmarked commercial crayfish pot was seized, which was pleasing to see. There was a number of unmarked recreational nets and pots seized for various reasons.

Cultural history on show at Pehiaweri Marae workshop

Punters can gain an insight into the cultural history of Aotearoa through a workshop on the Treaty of Waitangi. The workshop, held at Pehiaweri Marae in Glenbervie this month, involves activity-based learning and will enable attendees to learn what the Treaty is. The Declaration of Independence will also be compared to the Treaty texts. The workshop dates are October 18 and 25 and November 1 and 8. The cost of the workshop is $10 per week and a certificate will be available on completion. Email kathrynmckenzie468@gmail.com or call 027 2766597.

Bug Man coming to Whangārei

If you're a nature lover with an interest in creepy crawlies, you can learn from the Bug Man. Ruud Kleinpaste aka the Bug Man is in Whangārei on Friday for a day packed with events and activities.

He will start by giving a presentation at the Onerahi Community Centre from 10.30am, and at 11.30am he will head to Dragonfly Spring Wetlands Reserve to host a free workshop for educators where he will take people around the ponds and plantings. The afternoon activities at the reserve kick of at 2.30pm with a family focused event where people can follow him for a bug hunt, have a look at his bugs and take part in challenges.

At 4pm he will pack up his bugs and head to Forum North for the Whangarei Library's Spring into Summer Talk Series from 5.30pm to 7.30pm where he will talk about the value of biodiversity and what people can learn from bugs and other organisms.

Diwali to be celebrated at Forum North

The popular Indian festival of Diwali will be celebrated at Forum North this Saturday. Organised by the Northland Indian Association, the event will include lunch from 11.30am to 1pm followed by cultural programmes until 4pm. Entry is $12 per person and free for children under 5. Tickets can be bought from Shiraz Restaurant on Walton St in Whangarei. Organisers are expecting about 500 people at the festival of lights.