Northland news in brief; funding rounds open

The first round of the community fund 2018-19, up to $10,000, is available for a projects including festivals, workshops and minor capital purchases.

Applications open

Three community funds administered by the Whangārei District Council are open for applications. The first round of the community fund 2018-19, up to $10,000, is available for a projects including festivals, workshops and minor capital purchases. Grants from the performing arts fund are available up to $5000. Applications for both funds close September 3. The first round of the Creative Communities Scheme 2018-19 is open, administered on behalf of Creative New Zealand for local community groups to create opportunities for access and participation in arts activities. Grants are up to $10,000; applications close August 27. A short seminar on the council's funding options is on July 30 at 12pm, Whangārei Central Library.

Caring for elderly

A new course focusing on vulnerable elderly people is being run by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, starting this month. Te Kumanu Raeroa is based on tikanga Māori and an understanding of health services. Kaiako (tutor) Olive Leonard said the 18-week course covers both Māori and non-Māori aspects of caring for the elderly and contains topics like views on ageing, effective communication, advocacy, strategies and support.
The level 3, NZQA-approved qualification can help personal caregivers, home-helpers, drivers, support workers or in-home carers. Graduates can go on to study a degree in social work. Anyone over the age of 16 can apply. Contact Olive Leonard on (09) 470-4507.

Māoriland Film Fest

The Māoriland Film Festival is in Northland to deliver free filmmaking workshop for rangatahi and screen films from the 2018 Māoriland Film Festival. Each March, the Māoriland Film Festival brings indigenous filmmakers from around the world to celebrate their work. To celebrate its fifth birthday, Māoriland will show a selection of films and hold free two-day workshop in Whangārei, today and tomorrow, and Kaitaia on Wednesday and Thursday. More information: http://maorilandfilm.co.nz/maoriland-brings-rangatahi-film-workshops-to-the-north/

Driver cut free

The driver of a motor vehicle involved in a crash had to be cut free by firefighters.
Two fire appliances from Kamo and Whangarei as well as police and St John paramedics were called to a single car crash on Matarau Rd in Kamo about 9am yesterday. The driver was transported to the Whangarei Hospital in a stable condition.

First division shared

Two players won $500,000 each in Saturday's Division One Lotto draw. Eleven players from around the country each won $22,377 in Second Division while there were no winners in Powerball. Not top tickets were sold in Northland. The winning Division One numbers were 1, 8, 10, 12, 31, 24, Bonus number 20 and Powerball 6.