Northland news in brief: disabled surf day postponed and solar in the spotlight

The Ruakākā Surf Day for disabled people planned for today has been postponed due to predicted foul weather. It will now go ahead on March 2.

Foul weather predicted for today has seen the postponement of the Ruakākā Surf Day for disabled people today. Taiho Trust said it had decided to postpone the Ruakākā Surf Day due to the forecast. While Cyclone Oma is not likely to reach New Zealand, Northland is still in for high winds and heaps of rain and to add to that there will be a high tide. The new date for the event is Next Saturday, March 2.

Candidates apply for roles

Forty-five people have applied to fill a maximum of 24 spaces available on Whangārei District Council's Positive Ageing Advisory Group and Disability Advisory Group. Council community development adviser Nicole Stanton said 24 people had applied for a place on the Positive Ageing Group and 21 had applied for a place on the Disability Advisory Group and she said the council was heartened by the level of interest. All applicants will be interviewed over the next three weeks. The council is aiming to have all selections made by March 1 so applicants can attend a joint Induction Day on March 9.

Solar power information event

Everything about solar power will be explained at a Vision Kerikeri-hosted evening at the St John hall in Kerikeri on Wednesday March 6. "Solar Power: Truth, Lies and Bright Futures", from 6.30pm, would be the opportunity for anyone who was interested to learn about many aspects of solar power, Vision Kerikeri spokesman David Clendon said, from Hubands Energy consultant Steve Sangster, who would address many of the common "unknowns" and answer questions, in layman's language. Those attending would learn how solar power would help reduce their carbon footprint and save money.

Inquries into baby's death continue

The investigation into the death of a baby girl in Kaitaia is continuing, but police say the inquiry is still in its early stages. Police were called to a Kaitaia home on Tuesday and the infant was found dead. A post mortem and other information the police have gathered indicate the baby died of ''non-accidental injuries", Acting Detective Inspector Lloyd Schmid, from Northland CIB, said. Schmid said the homicide investigation into the girl's death is continuing and is still in the early stages and no arrests have been made. The scene examination at an address in Kaitaia was due to be completed late yesterday. Anyone with information regarding the death of the baby in Kaitaia is asked to contact Kaitaia Police on (09) 408 6500 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Graduation parade

NorthTec degree and diploma graduates will once again parade through Whangārei's CBD on Friday. There will be two ceremonies at Forum North, the first, at 10am, for those who have graduated in applied arts, applied writing, conservation and environmental management, agribusiness management, sport and recreation, applied science, te reo me ngā tikanga, maunga kura toi (Māori arts) and nursing. The second, at 2pm, will be for graduates in information systems, software development, architectural technology, business, construction, cookery, civil engineering, web development and design, applied management and applied social services. The parade will take place between the ceremonies, leaving the rose gardens in Water St at 1pm, following the traditional route along Vine St, Quality St, Cameron St and Rust Avenue, returning to Forum North. The student valedictorian will be Bachelor of Applied Arts Walter Ching.

Rugby club milestone

Hikurangi Rugby Club is one of Northland's oldest, and the most successful, and this year is celebrating its 125th anniversary. The club has planned a weekend of events to celebrate the jubilee at the club over Easter Weekend, April 19-21. It's hoped as many past and present members as possible will be able to attend the celebrations and people wanting more information can email hrcjubilee@gmail.com.

Outages affect thousands

More than 4000 homes in two separate parts of Northland were without power for a period on yesterday morning. Northpower spokesperson Steve Macmillan said 220 customers in Maretu and Whakapirau were out for an hour from 10.15am while crews replaced a fuse on the network. At 10.21am, 3932 customers in the Onerahi, Mt Tiger, Riverside and Tamaterau areas lost power due to a fault at the Onerahi substation. Macmillan said power was partially restored by 10.45am, with most restored by 11.12am and the last customer back on at 11.33am.

Correction

In Thursday's Property Guide the incorrect Open Homes Guide and map was published. The current Open Homes Guide is published in today's 48 Hours on pages 24-25. We apologise for the error.