Northland news in brief: Sandbox Fandom Festival 2025 returns to Whangārei in July

Sephiroth Thackray dresses up as a character from Final Fantasy 10 for the Sandbox Fandom Festival 2024, which is returning to Whangārei this year. Photo / NZME

The world of geek culture and creativity is returning to Whangārei with the Sandbox Fandom Festival 2025. The event is returning to Forum North on July 12, celebrating art, games, cosplay, animation, comics, music, tech and more. Participants are encouraged to flaunt their cosplay, compete in contests, explore the artist alley, watch performances and immerse themselves in all aspects of pop culture. For tickets, go to eventfinda.co.nz.

Advice for hospital patients

Northland patients should attend their hospital appointments during senior doctors’ strike action unless they have been contacted, according to Health NZ. Senior doctors and dentists in Northland, who are members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, are striking for 24 hours from 10am Wednesday. Health NZ said all hospitals will remain open during the strike. Some planned treatments may be disrupted but patients should attend appointments unless they have been contacted for a reschedule.

Insight into life of councillors

Find out what’s involved in becoming an elected member for Northland Regional Council and Kaipara District Council during a Q&A session at Maungaturoto Centennial Hall on June 19. The session, from 5.30pm, will provide insight into the role of an elected member and the election process. There will be a panel of local government experts to answer questions, including the chief executives of both councils and electoral officer Dale Ofsoske. Maungaturoto Centennial Hall is at 44 View St, or join via the livestream www.kaipara.govt.nz/elections

Film crew hits Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands will be the starring location for a three-week film shoot understood to be a “Kiwi police drama”. In a social media post, the Far North District Council says Lippy Pictures is bringing a 70-strong crew to the region, with filming scheduled from Wednesday, June 18, to Thursday, July 10. Several road closures are planned:

• Today – Bayview Rd, Paihia
• June 19 – Tau Henare Drive, Waitangi
• June 22 – SH11 Tohitapu Rd, Paihia
• June 25–27 – Cass St, York St, and The Strand, Russell-Kororāreka

Ōpua is also on the filming schedule, though no road closures are expected there. The council says the production team is staying locally and working closely with it, iwi and community stakeholders to minimise disruption. The council says it strongly supports the project, which is expected to showcase the region and provide a boost to the local economy. Meanwhile, Kerikeri Theatre Company has advertised that the production wants to hire Northlanders of all ethnicities, sizes and looks for paid work as extras and body doubles.

Horse dies after highway accident

A horse died and a vehicle was significantly damaged after the two collided on State Highway 12 near Kaikohe on Sunday. Police attended the crash about 10pm. The driver was heading west, and another car approaching from the opposite direction reportedly received minor damage. Police said neither drivers were injured but the horse died at the scene.

Car crash knocks out power

Police are investigating a crash at a Ruakākā property on Monday. About 9pm, a car hit a tree and fence, before coming to rest against a house at Tamure Place. A police spokeswoman said the car hit the home’s power box, which caused an outage. There were no reports of injury to the driver and the house did not sustain major damage.