Northland news in brief, short story competition and libraries want musicians

Writer Diana Menefy will be one of the judges for the Northland section of the National Short Story Competition

National short story competition

The Northland branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA) wants writers to enter a new National Short Story Competition.

Entrants are asked to submit a short story of up to 1500 words on any theme or subject. First prize is $300 plus publication on the NorthWrite website (www.northwrite.co.nz), second prize is editing of a short story of up to 3000 words and third prize is a $50 book token. Entries close on July 31 and the winners will be announced on September 1.

The competition will be judged by writer Diana Menefy, founding chair of the Northland branch of NZSA, and Justine Payen, a published children's book author and member of the branch. More details including rules can be found on the NZSA website at www.authors.org.nz/event/national-short-story-competition-run-by-northland-branch-nzsa

Call out to budding musicians

The Kaikohe Library will host local musicians to encourage up-and-coming talent throughout next month.

The call has gone out via posters, social media and invitations for school music students to take the opportunity to perform in public for music credits, or just for fun. Musicians will be welcome to borrow the library's guitar or use their own instruments, and iPod Touches will be available to record their performances.

The Kawakawa Library will also have an acoustic guitar for anyone to use, and iPod Touches to record performances and garage bands throughout the month. Contact either library to book a 30-minute or one-hour session.

Tourist in crash

A French tourist survived unscathed when he lost control of the vehicle he was driving on Rarawa Beach Rd on Sunday after braking to avoid an unidentified animal, but his passenger was taken to Kaitaia Hospital suffering shock and a sore neck. The vehicle crashed into a drain, coming to rest on its side.

St John fundraiser

A scavenger hunt to raise money for St John will be held in Paihia this weekend.
The Thirty30 Paihia Scavenger Hunt starts from 12.30pm on Sunday for teams of four. Each team must have at least one adult and a digital camera or smart phone.
Money raised goes to St John and to register, or for more information see www.thirty30.co.nz.