More than 1000 people turned out in the pouring rain for Kerikeri's half-marathon street party on Saturday night. Those who braved the weather sampled wine from nine vineyards, tasted food from 25 restaurants and cafes, watched fire breathers and a MasterChef NZ finalist at work, and danced in the rain to three top Northland bands.
The Bay of Islands Pastoral and Industrial Show celebrated its 170th birthday on Saturday with glorious weather and a record 11,500-strong crowd. Held in Waimate North every spring since 1842, it is New Zealand's oldest country show by a country mile.
More than 60 Northlanders had their heads shaved on Sunday night to raise money for kids in the care of Hospice Mid-Northland. The "Bald Angels" included Kerikeri's "hippy GP" and his wife (not entirely voluntarily), a St John paramedic, a local politician, a policeman, a 13-year-old heart patient and many more. The fundraiser, the brainchild of Cafe Cinema co-owner Therese Wickbom of Kerikeri and Inky Storms of Takou Bay, has so far made $25,000 with plenty more to come.
The Bay of Islands was invaded by giant fruit and vegetables as Opua School held its annual show day on Monday with a 5+ a day theme, part of a national campaign to encourage Kiwis to eat five or more helpings of fruit and vege a day. The kids came dressed as everything from carrots to strawberries; even a parsnip and a head of broccoli put in an appearance.
A 1600-strong crowd turned out to Springbank School's annual fireworks show held in the Kerikeri school's field on Saturday night. As well as the pyrotechnic show, the evening's entertainment included a monster bonfire, jump jam and water walkers for the kids, and classic Kiwi rock by Far North band Late Night Meat sandwich.
The people of Mitimiti in North Hokianga celebrated all things kutai on Saturday, with everything from wontons to sausages and Taniwha burgers made from the west coast's famously sweet mussels. Comedian Pio Terei MC'd the Matihetihe School fundraiser, which also featured a kutai-shelling contest, tugs-of-war, chainsaw carving and a Humvee-pulling challenge.
All Black fever hit Kerikeri this week as four members of the squad spent the day signing autographs and reffing rippa rugby in the Bay of Islands town. Four players named in the team for the European tour - Conrad Smith, Sam Cane, Corey Jane and Liam Messam - joined a mix and mingle at Procter Library on Tuesday morning, attended a function for Bay of Islands coaches and administrators at the Kerikeri Sports Complex, and finally joined in a couple of games of rippa rugby and signed yet more autographs at Kerikeri High School. Reporter Peter de Graaf was in the line too.
The Far North iwi of Ngai Takoto hailed the signing of its deed of settlement in Awanui on Saturday as a new dawn, both for the tribe and for Northland's economy. Among those to sign were Ngai Takoto negotiator Rangitane Marsden, whose late father, the Rev Maori Marsden, started negotiating with the Crown almost 30 years ago.
Kerikeri's Turner Centre hosted a spectacle of dance, elaborate sets and sumptuous costumes as the Northern Dance Company staged La Fille Mal Gardee (The Rebellious Daughter) over the weekend. The light-hearted ballet featured 100 children from Whangarei to Kaitaia (and one pony) with dancers ranging in age from 3 to 60-plus. The story centres on the wayward Lise, who is in love with the dashing Colas but is betrothed to the wealthy but gormless Alain. After many months of practice, set building and costume sewing, the show was staged four times on Friday and Saturday. The classic ballet comedy, which translates literally as "The Badly Guarded Daughter", was first performed in France in 1789.
Child Cancer fundraiser, Renee Hayes, Whangarei Primary
The first boats in the 2012 Coastal Classic arrive at Russell after a record-breaking sprint from Auckland. Images by Stephen Western
Charles St Reunion, Kamo High School sportsfield.
Some of the action from the BMX North Island Champs, Pohe Island, Whangarei.
A record 1500 people turned out to Saturday's "It" Bay of Islands Food and Wine festival in Paihia, where they soaked up the sunshine, tucked into tasty Northland treats, and enjoyed acts like the Jordan Luck Band.
Whananaki Primary School celebrated 125 years on Labour weekend. On Saturday the guest speakers included former teacher Mike Pocklington, 91-year-old former student Verdon Symmans, Sue Rata and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters. Here are some photos from the great day of celebration.
They say there's no such thing as a free lunch but the pupils at Whangarei's Manaia View School have a few choice words to say to that old adage. Photographer John Stone was there too.
Fighters stepped into the ring for a good cause in the Spartan Night of the Champions Services Charity Boxing event at Forum North on Saturday night. The money raised will go towards the Child Cancer Foundation and Debra New Zealand, which is a charity supporting families with children born with EpidermolysisBullosa, a rare disease where the skin fails to attach to the muscles, which results in blistering. Here are some great action shots taken by Travis Bull.
The Taniwha were knocked out of playoff contention by a more clinical Counties-Manukau 44-31 on Saturday at Toll Stadium. Although Northland scored five great tries, they lacked composure at important moments in the match something that has been a feature of their three win-seven loss record. Photographer Ron Burgin captured the action.
For the first time in 11 years the New Zealand Defence's 3rd Auckland and Northland Battalion Group staged a charter parade through central Whangarei. Photographer Ron Burgin marched along with the troops and got these great pictures.
A star-studded sporting panel including Sir John Kirwan provided plenty of entertainment as part of a night that raised about $55,000 for Project Promise. Photographer Ron Burgin was there too.
Dogs of every size and shape – plus a miniature pony named Shadow – turned out at St James Church in Kerikeri for the Blessing of the Animals on October 7. The annual blessing, organised by the Bay of Islands SPCA, commemorates the patron saint of animals, St Francis of Assisi. Photos by Peter de Graaf.
Northern Advocate photographer John Stone checks out the Whangarei District Council's new Youth Advisory Group in Cameron St Mall, under-15s hockey and golfing action at The Pines.
More than 560 entries competed for floral glory in the Kerikeri Garden Club's Spring Flower Show, held at the Turner Centre on September 14-15. Coordinator Lyn Read said all 47 sections were well supported this year, despite the less than ideal weather leading up to the show. The supreme bloom trophy went to a surprised club president Ian Robertson for a pale double iris. Many children took part, competing in classic competitions such as vegetable animal, decorated plate and unusual container. Photos by Peter de Graaf.
Hot favourites Canterbury maintained their charge towards the number one seeding in the playoffs with a 56-11 over Northland at Toll Stadium. Photos by John Stone of the Northern Advocate.
Thirteen teams from as far away as Auckland entered the 30th annual Russell-Paihia Snorkel Scuba Race on Saturday, an eccentric event which sees teams of snorkellers and scuba divers race across the Veronica Chanel towing a decoy duck. This year's race was won, for the seventh year in a row, by Port Valley Opua. The event included a spearfishing contest and charity fish auction, children's icebreaker swim and formal dinner. Photos by Peter de Graaf.
The kids of Kaikohe Intermediate stole the show and showed why they are the current Tai Tokerau champions at the recent Kaikohe and Districts Cultural Festival. Hosted by Northland College and organised by Kaikohe East principal Chicky Rudkin, the September 13 event featured seven primary schools performing kapa haka, hip hop and drama. The Kaikohe Intermediate group Te Herenga o Te Aroha performed a mix of classic kapa haka and contemporary choral pieces including the crowd favourite Hareruia, their version of the Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah. Kaikohe Intermediate principal Desirei Davis said she was proud of the children's achievements and the huge whanau support behind them. The organisers had done a great job of celebrating Kaikohe's tamariki, she said. Te Herenga o Te Aroha co-leader Brooke Howard, 12, said the secret to the group's success was discipline and lots of practice, up to six hours a day ahead of competitions, even during the holidays.
At least 30 hardy kids braved cold water and an icy onshore wind to take part in an icebreaker children's swim on Septmber 22 as the grown-ups competed in the annual Russell-Paihia Snorkel Scuba Race. Photos by Peter de Graaf.
Twenty-four first-time fighters put their bodies on the line for a good cause in the Fighting Cancer boxing tournament at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri on September 22. The Certified Builders Association event raised more than $8000 for a cancer charity and featured Northland identities such as ITM Fishing Show star Matt Watson, St John paramedic Nick Scott and Kawakawa's burly top cop Nathan Davis - but the judges said the best fight of the night was the match-up between Mangamuka farmer Rachael MacCarthy and Kerikeri gym trainer Leah-May Morrow. Photos by Nathalie Giacomelli and Peter de Graaf.