It's that time of year when summer and winter sports collide, when All Blacks and Black Caps mingle in hotel foyers.
On Saturday the Blues ofSuper Rugby _ hopefully withkey Northlanders such as ReneRanger on board _ tackle the Hurricanes at Toll Stadium.
It's a pre-season clash, but the desire to win won't be any less. With a 2.30pm kick-off, it will bepreceded by the annual Johnny Isaacs Maori Rugby tourney.
On Monday at 11am, the BlackCaps take on Zimbabwe in thehistoric first one-day international to be staged at Cobham Oval.
Local hero Tim Southee will hopefully get to play in front of hishome crowd, and stars such as Brendon McCullum, acting captain, and Doug Bracewell shouldline up.
But take note _ there are restrictions on what can be taken into the ground. For example, sunumbrellas and fold-out standardsize beach seats aren't allowed. So check the particulars first. Fulldetails of ground regulations will be published in Saturday's Northern Advocate.
An autograph session with sixBlack Caps will be held at Kensington Park, at the HRV tent nearthe junior cricket clubrooms, onSaturday, 5pm.
TODAY
Royal New Zealand Navy Band public concert, Turner Centre, Kerikeri, 6pm.
"Like Clockwork", exhibition by three young Kerikeri artists Danielle Terrizzi, Bridie MacInnes, Chanelle Lindsay. Works can be purchased by silent auction, opening 5.30pm, then daily 9am-5pm, until Friday February 10, Turner Centre, Kerikeri.
FRIDAY
Surfing the summer 2011/12, release of New Zealand long board surfing film, Old Library, Whangarei, 7.30pm. $10
Viva La Vintage by Virginia Guy, exhibition at Yvonne Rust Gallery, Quarry, Arts Centre. A series of photographic emulsion transfers framed in vintage frames, depicting fabrics and lacings with a taste of 1950s handbags to 1900s corset. Until February 20.
SATURDAY
Waipu Saturday market 9-1pm @ Coronation Hall ph Sue 0274586144
Dargaville Burnout Comp/Kaipara Car Show Weekend, Hoanga Rd, www.kaiparacarshow.co.nz
Paparoa Show, showgrounds Paparoa 9am, www.paparoashow.homestead.com
Super 15 pre-season match - Auckland Blues v Wellington Hurricanes, 2.30pm.
Blacksandiva, funk, soul, and jazz, evening concert at Hobson's Beach, Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
SUNDAY
Classic Hits Winery Tour - Gin Wigmore, Mutton Birds, Avalanche City, Tutukaka, pm. www.winerytour.co.nz and Ticketmaster.
Dame Melvina Major and Frankie Stevens, evening concert at Hobson's Beach, Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Dargaville Burnout Comp/Kaipara Car Show Weekend, Hoanga Road, www.kaiparacarshow.co.nz
Surfing - Hyundai Long Board competition, Sandy Bay.
MONDAY
Waitangi Day - family and cultural festival to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
Waitangi Day Celebrations.
Black Caps v Zimbabwe, one-day cricket international, Cobham Oval, 11am.
WEDNESDAY
Quarry, Northland Youth Theatre outdoor production, February 8-25, The Quarry Arts Centre. Ph. (09) 438 4453 or http://nyt.org.nz/
Whangarei Sculpture Symposium, 10-day event starts today, Hihiaua Reserve sculputre park, Town Basin.
THURSDAY
Grease, auditions for Whangarei Theatre Company production, Riverbank Centre, Reyburn House Lane, tonight 7-9pm, Saturday 10am-4pm,
Sunday 10am-1pm. No appointments, anyone unable to attend the sessions can contact Barbara Trimmer, on 021 393322.
ONGOING AND UPCOMING
Batucada Sound Machine, Old Library, March 2.
Death & Taxe$, Whangarei Theatre Company, March 2-7 at the Riverbank Centre.
Second-hand Market, Saturdays, corner John and Robert St, Whangarei. Stalls $10, Nickie Muir 021 2085 201. nickie.muir@clear.net.au
Tikipunga Market -food, arts and crafts stalls, each Sunday, Tikipunga Tavern carpark, 7am-midday.
Contemporary dance class for adults, all levels, Wednesday 7-8pm, Kamo Intermediate School, Dare to Dream Dance Space. Alys, ph 021 203 0359 or 459 7904.
Flax weaving classes - 6pm-9pm on Fridays, Old Library, Whangarei $10, Cassandra ph 4308137
Whangarei Rock-n-Roll Club, Monday: children's lessons 5.45pm-6.45pm; adults beginners 7pm-8pm, advanced lessons 8.15pm-9.15pm; Tuesday Rockers: 5.30pm-6.30pm, RnR for Special Needs. Social Nights 1st and 3rd Friday each month, 7.30pm till late.
ZUMBA! with licensed instructor Leona Burrell. St Johns Church hall, Kensington. 11am (Zumba gold), 5pm and 6.15pm. Kids Zumbatomic hip/hop 3.30pm. Phone Leona 021 0224 5306 www.zumba-northland.com
Whatitiri Clay Target Club meets on the 3rd and 5th Sunday each month, McBeth Road Poroti. Shooting begins 9:30a.m. Sausage sizzle lunch.
Whangarei Probus Club meets fourth Monday every month, Kamo Club, 10am. Regular speakers, new members welcome. Contact 436 2494 or 435 7154
Genealogy / Family history, Whangarei Family History Computer Group helps people use computers to research family history. 3rd Saturday of month, May Bain Room, Whangarei Library, 9.30am, also last Thursday evening of month. Ph: 4372881 or email: wayne@bydand.co.nz
Whangarei Lesbian Wahine Takataapui Bisexual Queer Womyn's Circle meets first Thursday of the month. Enquiries phone Denise 021-182-3926 or Heather (09) 459-4547.
Onerahi Resource Centre open days Tues and Thurs 9am - 3pm, contact Lois 4363203 or 0274294315.
Senior Net Whangarei For over 50 yr-olds having trouble with their computers, tutors willing to assist. Open Day, 1st Friday every month 1-3pm in rooms above Orr's Pharmacy. Access from James' Street arcade (lift available). Meeting 1st Thursday month Kamo Club 1.30pm. Contact Alice (09) 459-5133 or Joe (09) 435-5954.
Steam train rides, Kawakawa. 50 min round trip, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10.45am, 12pm, 1.15pm, 2.30pm. Adults $18, children aged 5-12 $7, under 5s, free. Contact Mike Bradshaw 0211 712 697, mikethesteam@hotmail.com, www.bayofislandsvintagerailway.org.nz
Hikurangi Country Market, 2nd Saturday every month. Stall fees $8.
Business and Professional Women, Whangarei, fourth Wednesday of the month, A'Fare Restaurant, 5.30pm. $25 includes meal and guest speaker.
A strong wind watch has been issued for Northland from 3pm until 10pm.