Northland news in brief, night market cancelled and crash victim named

It is the second time this month weather has forced organisers to pull the pin on Whangarei's Gourmet Night Market.

Market cancelled again

Whangarei's Gourmet Night Market was cancelled again last night because of an earlier forecast of heavy rain and strong winds. It is the second time this month weather has forced organisers to pull the pin.

Organisers apologised but looked forward to returning very soon. The Friday food market began in October last year and was a huge success with many vendors selling out on the first night.

On offer have been cuisines from around the word including Spanish, Mexican, Hungarian, Italian, American, Thai and Dutch, along with some good, old-fashioned "Puha and Pakeha" dishes with more of a gourmet twist. The markets will continue every second Friday until March.

Triathlon tomorrow

Keen triathletes will brave the conditions to take part in the Onerahi Foreshore Triathlon tomorrow. The Whangarei Triathlon Club is hosting the event which includes a short course (100m swim, 5km bike, 1km run/walk); medium course (300m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run/walk, and long course (600m swim, 20km bike, 5km run/walk).

The races start at 10am, from Onerahi Foreshore and the club said the water temperature is swimmable with or without wetsuit.

Dead woman named

The woman killed in the first fatal crash on Northland's roads this year was Heather Mary Baume, of Kerikeri, police say. The 62-year-old was the sole occupant of a car that struck a power pole and flipped on Mangakahia Rd, (State Highway 15), about 30km south of Kaikohe, last Wednesday.

Police believe the driver was overtaking near Nukutawhiti, about 3km south of Twin Bridges, when she lost control. The late-model Nissan sedan came to rest on its roof beside the road.

Art concerning nature

A new exhibition will open at Te Kongahu Museum of Waitangi on February 3, showcasing the work of New Zealand's leading narrative artist Nigel Brown. Concerning Nurture is a collection of Brown's work completed between 2015 and 2017.

All up 32 pieces will be exhibited, the majority acrylic paint on linen. Exhibition catalogue author Angela Middleton said: "The centrepiece of this exhibition, Concerning Our Earth Nurturing, spells out the theme of these paintings and Brown's current focus, a point he has reached through the decades of his work.

This painting repeats earlier themes of women, men, and the 'living landscape' of Aotearoa, but the message has grown bigger, stronger." Concerning Nurture is free for Friends of Waitangi and Day Pass holders and will be open to the public until May 19.

Big Heart Appeal

The Heart Foundation is offering Northlanders the opportunity to kickstart a happier 2018 by taking part in its Big Heart Appeal.

Collectors will not only help stop New Zealanders dying prematurely of the country's single biggest killer, heart disease, but research proves volunteering also increases a person's happiness and wellbeing.

As the Heart Foundation prepares for the Big Heart Appeal, its biggest fundraiser of the year, it wants volunteers to be part of its nationwide street appeal on February 23 and 24.

The Heart Foundation is inviting the public to join its street collection for 90 minutes, because every 90 minutes another New Zealander dies from heart disease. Those keen to help can visit heartfoundation.org.nz/volunteer.

Crash victim critical

The woman airlifted to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition on Thursday night after a crash on Ngunguru Rd remained in a critical condition at edition time yesterday, police said. The crash, involving two cars, happened about 2.15pm on Thursday near Murphy's Corner on Ngunguru Rd. Two other people received serious and moderate injuries.