Far North briefs: Keith Athol Fergusson Memorial Bursary, tsunami siren test

Hard to look past: Homeowners Jared Russell and Sarah Clinker no longer have an unobstructed view of the sea from their house. Instead they see this giant tsunami warning siren, which will be even bigger when it is fitted with its solar panel and battery. Photo / Karina Cooper

Northland’s six-monthly outdoor tsunami siren test will take place at 10am on September 28, marking the start of daylight saving. The recently upgraded network of more than 90 outdoor sirens is tested twice a year to ensure it remains ready to alert communities in the event of a tsunami. While it’s hoped such an emergency never occurs, regular testing helps ensure the system can respond effectively if needed and raises awareness of Northland’s tsunami risk. During the test, sirens will sound for about two minutes, emitting the familiar siren tone followed by a voice message. To hear Northland’s new outdoor sirens online, visit: www.nrc.govt.nz/tsunamisirens.

Bursary applications

Applications are now open to students who attend either Kaitaia or Taipa Area School for the 2025 Keith Athol Fergusson Memorial Bursary. Full details and application forms are available from the Far North RSA office or bar. Applications must be received by no later than 5pm on Friday, October 31.

Shifts understaffed

About a third of shifts in Northland hospitals have understaffing of nurses, according to a report by Infometrics for the NZ Nurses Organisation. Using data supplied by Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, the report shows 32% of Northland hospital shifts between January 2022 and November 2024 were understaffed. Earlier this month, Health NZ apologised to the union for delaying the release of the safe staffing data.

Northland 14th in prosperity

Northland continues to linger near the bottom of regional prosperity, according to the ASB Regional Scoreboard. The latest scoreboard ranks Te Tai Tokerau 14th out of 16 regions nationwide, mostly due to subdued construction activity across the region, with residential building consents dropping 6.9% over the last year, while non-residential consents dropped 28% year-on-year. Bay of Plenty was number one on the scoreboard thanks to a strong kiwifruit season.

Fundings boost

Emergency departments will receive a $20 million boost to increase frontline staffing across hospitals nationwide over the next nine months, Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced. This investment is aimed at delivering more staff on the frontline, faster care for patients and relieving pressure on hospitals.