Northland news in brief: Touch a Truck fundraiser on this weekend

Whangārei’s Touch a Truck event is on this Saturday.

Kamo Touch a Truck is on this Saturday, May 2, at 325 Port Rd (Port Nikau) in Whangārei. The event was postponed earlier this year because of adverse weather. Running from 9am until 2pm, the biggest truck show in Northland will have a display of emergency vehicles, and opportunities for families to get close to diggers, trucks, graders, rollers, cranes and tractors. Entry is a gold coin donation, and fundraises to support the Kamo and Ngunguru volunteer fire brigades.

Clothes for homeless

A winter gear donation drive is calling for donations to keep Whangārei’s homeless community warm as the colder months loom. Clean sleeping bags, beanies and gloves, warm jackets, winter clothing, and socks can be dropped off to the Jesus is Lord Barbershop at 134 Cameron St.

Kaikohe Library kitchen

Expressions of interest are being sought for a proposed commercial kitchen or food-related business in the new Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub. The hub facility, located on the corner of Broadway and Raihara Streets, is under construction and expected to be completed later this year. The food business or café will supply to Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub customers, with opening times likely to align with library hours. The target date for commencing operation is October 2026. Interested parties can call 0800 920 029 to ask the Property Management Team for more information.

Injuries in crash

One person was critically injured and another seriously hurt in a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 14 near Pukeatua Rd on Sunday morning. Police received a report of the crash around 1.40am. Fire and Emergency crews from Whangārei attended the scene.

Identify boats

Northland boat owners are being reminded to display contact details on vessels at moorings so they can be reached if problems arise. Deputy Harbourmaster Peter Thomas says unattended boats often break free, take on water or suffer damage, especially after bad weather. Navigation safety bylaws require a visible phone number or email, with a $50 fine for non-compliance. Thomas warned council staff will be stepping up enforcement on this issue.

Mayoral fund demand

The Far North District Council has thanked those who applied for the mayoral relief fund, Te Tahua Toka Tū Moana, which is emergency financial support for those impacted by major disasters. The council said there were a “very large number” of applications and it would be in touch once they were processed. Most applications would receive between $500-$1500. Each will be considered alongside others to ensure fairness, balance and supporting as many as possible.