Ōpua will receive a tourism boost as the starting point for the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge, with competitors setting sail for Southport on Queensland's Gold Coast on May 30.
Ōpua will receive a tourism boost as the starting point for the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge, with competitors setting sail for Southport on Queensland's Gold Coast on May 30.
The 2026 events calendar is full steam ahead, with Ōpua set to shine as the Solo Trans‑Tasman Challenge receives Government backing through the shared $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. The investment aims to boost regional economies and visitor numbers, adding vibrancy from May to December. While many eventsare established favourites, new elements will attract wider audiences. Officials say the programme will deliver lasting benefits for local businesses, tourism operators and communities nationwide. The race to Southport on Queensland’s Gold Coast begins on May 30.
Business video competition
Business insurance comparison and purchase site BizCover has launched a new competition open to all New Zealand small business owners. To enter the $2000 BizGiver competition, participants must create a one-minute video talking about their business and how they plan to use the grant to help improve it. Since 2014, BizCover has awarded more than $100,000 in prizes across New Zealand and Australia. The BizGiver competition runs until March 3.
Big barbecue bash in Bay of Islands
Northland’s smokin’ hot celebration of barbecue, music and community returns to the Bay of Islands in March, bringing global barbecue styles, entertainment and iconic Kiwi music to Kerikeri. The Fired Up Barbecue Festival will take place at The Old Packhouse on Saturday, March 28, from 1pm to 9pm. It will celebrate cooking over flame – from low and slow smoking to charcoal grilling, earth cooking, wood-fired and open-flame traditions – alongside a full programme of live music, entertainment, backyard games, competitions and eating challenges. Tickets are available from Eventfinda, with the first release of earlybird tickets almost sold out.
Kaipara District Council is calling on the community to help celebrate the district’s everyday heroes, with nominations open for its 2026 Citizens Awards. From valuable volunteers to inspiring community leaders, the annual awards recognise those whose outstanding service, leadership and commitment strengthens and enriches lives across the district. Nominations are open until April 30, with forms available at kaipara.govt.nz/funding.
Southland farmer Murray Donald has been appointed chairman of Safer Farms, replacing Lindy Nelson, who stays on as a director and Farm Without Harm ambassador. Donald, who has been farming for more than 40 years and has extensive governance experience, says too many farmers are still being seriously hurt or killed on the job. He aims to drive cultural change through the Farm Without Harm strategy, now backed by 170 organisations engaging with over 40,000 farmers and workers.
