Northland news in brief, use Snapper credit or lose it

A smartcard ticket system is on the way for Whangārei bus users.

CityLink Whangārei bus passengers who use the service's electronic Snapper cards need to use up any outstanding credit on them by Saturday, September 29. Changes to the ticketing system means Snapper cards will no longer work from October, and unused credit can't be refunded. A consortium of nine local authorities is implementing a staged roll out of a new ''smartcard'' system which will be in place early next year. CityLink fares will be cash-only until then, and also cheaper. Interim fares will be $2 an adult and $1 per child/high school student in uniform or with secondary school ID.

Tournament week

Secondary Schools Winter Tournament Week kicks off on Monday with teams from across Northland set to do battle with those from around the country in their chosen codes. Whangārei will welcome some of the most promising young female hockey players in the country as it hosts the top tournament, the Federation Cup and Marie Fry Trophy. The tournament is being held at the Whangārei Hockey Centre at Kensington Park from September 3 to 8. Thirty-six teams from all over New Zealand will take part, including Whangārei Girls' and Kamo high schools.

Sentencing adjourned

Sentencing for a Northlander who has admitted his part in the aggravated robbery of a service station has been adjourned. Hori Lawrence, 24, of Raumanga appeared in the Whangārei District Court yesterday but sentencing could not proceed as more time is needed for a report on him to be ready. Lawrence robbed the Gas service station in Ruakākā in April. He will re-appear on Thursday next week when a new sentencing date is expected to be finalised.

Medical scholarships available

Hokianga Health Enterprise Trust provides scholarships to Hokianga students to pursue careers in the medical, nursing and allied health fields. These can help with fees, books or other costs for students already studying for these qualifications. The scholarships are based on essays about the work of Hauora Hokianga, and this year's applications will close October 31. If you know someone who may be eligible or need more information, call 09-4057 373 or go to www.hokiangahealth.org.nz.

The Pines turns 50

Whangārei's The Pines Golf Club is celebrating its 50th Anniversary over Labour Weekend next month. The club, at Whangārei Heads, will celebrate the occasion with a series of events from Friday, October 19 to Sunday, October 21. For more details go to www.pinesgolfclub.co.nz/haggles-and-events.

Kamo past v present

Kamo High School will have its Past v Present sporting contests at the school later this month. Following on from last year's successful event. the school wil hold the day on September 21. Past and present students will take part in a range of sporting contests, including volleyball, netball, basketball, rugby, hockey and football. All matches will be held at the school, apart from the hockey, which will be held at the Northland Hockey Centre at Kensington Park. Any old boys or girls wanting to take part can contact cheryl.baker@kamohigh.school.nz or at the school on 435 1688 ext 632.

Tribute to Moko Hart

Oneonesix will be the venue for the second annual Cover Up Concert to use music and dance to raise awareness on the issue of self harming. This year's concert is in tribute to a Cover Up artist who died in June, David "Moko" Hart. There is a huge line up of local artists. Expect to have an emotional inspiring evening, the organisers say.
Food, drinks and coffee will be available on at the event on Friday, September 7, from 3-7pm.