Northland news in brief: Successful snorkelling event; Whangārei Lotto winners

The snorkel event at Kai Iwi Lakes. Photo / Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust

About 150 people took part in the annual community snorkel day at Kai Iwi Lakes on March 14, organised by Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust. Families explored the clear waters, learned about water safety and environmental care, and joined a night snorkel to spot after-dark aquatic life. Northland Regional Council promoted its Check, Clean, Dry campaign to protect the lakes from pests.

Lotto wins for Whangarei

Saturday and Wednesday nights’ Lotto draws proved winners for three players from Whangārei. Two each won $13,923 in Lotto Second Division on Saturday. The tickets were bought at Otaika Lotto & Post and MyLotto. On Wednesday, a Whangārei MyLotto player won $333,333 with Lotto First Division.

Banks offer support

ASB and BNZ are offering targeted support to customers affected by severe weather across the upper North Island. ASB says personal, farming and business customers can seek options such as deferred or interest-only home loan repayments, emergency credit card limit increases and working capital of up to $100,000. BNZ is encouraging affected customers to get in touch for loan reviews and temporary overdrafts.

Balloon Dog takes flight

Indian Ink Theatre Company is launching its world premiere of Balloon Dog - a new work by Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis. The production is on at Forum North, Whangārei, on May 16 and 17. The show blends humour, heart and live music in a contemporary adaptation of Tagore’s Kabuliwala, exploring the bond between a child and a migrant worker.

Talks for developing authors

NZSA Northland is running a day of talks and panel sessions with top indie authors, focusing on publishing books successfully. The event is on May 9 at NorthTec in Raumanga and costs $60. Food is included. Four free places are available for writers aged 18 and under. For more information and to book visit: northlandauthors.co.nz/northwrite-2026-pathways-to-indie-publishing/

Houstoun to come to Kerikeri

Renowned New Zealand pianist Michael Houstoun will perform a Masterpiece Concert at Kerikeri’s Turner Centre at 7.30pm on April 14. Houstoun, whose career spans more than 50 years, will present works by Bach and Beethoven, followed by Ravel and Bach‑Busoni. The concert is presented by the Aroha Music Society. Tickets are available from the Turner Centre box office and online.