Northland news in brief: New children’s book takes flight in Mangawhai; Mangamuka slip repair under way

Department of Conservation ranger Shelley Ogle appears in Iti – the Hungry Fairy Tern. Photo / DoC

A new children’s book, Iti – the Hungry Fairy Tern, written by Monique Rowe and illustrated by Rebecca Gibbs, will be launched at Bennetts in Mangawhai next Thursday at 5.30pm. The book, published by Duck Creek Press in collaboration with the New Zealand Fairy Tern Charitable Trust, celebrates conservation efforts and the birds’ survival.

Mangamuka Gorge repairs

Work has begun to repair an underslip on Mangamuka Gorge, which has been down to one lane since late last month. Crews are preparing the site for a 48m retaining wall near the Mangamuka River. Stop/go traffic management will remain in place for two months. Construction will pause over Christmas, with the road fully open during that time. Permanent wall construction begins in January and is expected to finish by late May.

ED to open during strike

Hospitals, emergency departments and some community services will remain open on Thursday despite a planned strike by health workers. The public is encouraged to use the ED only for genuine emergencies, as anyone non-urgent will face delays. Patients should attend their scheduled appointments unless they have been contacted directly. Senior doctors, nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants, IT workers, mental health workers, and prison nurses are part of the strike, which also includes 40,000 teachers.

New classrooms

Four Northland schools will receive new classrooms after the Government says it freed up $100m to reinvest in school property. Kerikeri High School, Kerikeri Primary School and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe will receive four classrooms each, and a satellite classroom for Blomfield Specialist School will be delivered to Oromahoe School.

Coopers Beach Lotto winner

Four Square Coopers Beach sold a $32,045 winning Lotto ticket. The ticket was one of 10 nationwide to win Lotto Second Division on Wednesday. Because of T20 cricket coverage on TVNZ 1, Saturday’s live Lotto draw will be aired on TVNZ 2 at 8pm.

Whangārei roadworks

Four Whangārei roadwork asphalting sites are scheduled: SH1/Central Ave (six nights from Oct 19, excluding Labour weekend), Kensington Sports Park (Nov), Cheviot St to Fourth Ave (Dec), and Russell Rd (one night in Jan). Work runs 9pm–5am, Sunday to Thursday.

SH1 overnight closure

SH1 will be closed overnight between Portland Rd and the SH15 roundabout for seven nights from October 20, excluding Labour weekend. The alternate route is along Loop Rd/SH15. The closure is for asphalting on the southbound lanes as part of the Loop Road Safety Improvements project.

Simply the best

TINA The Ultimate Tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll is on November 3 at Forum North, Whangārei. Tickets are available at Eventfinda.co.nz.

Scoot the Loop

Multiple Sclerosis Northland is inviting people to Scoot the Loop on November 2 at 10.30am. Walk, bike, scoot or wheelchair your way around the Town Basin Loop Walkway. Wear orange to show support for locals with MS. Meeting point is the sundial at the Quay.

Pink Ribbon appeal

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s Pink Ribbon Street Appeal is on tomorrow. More than 500 Northlanders will be out with buckets to collect donations for breast cancer research, education and patient support.