Far North briefs: Lifetime achievement award nominations open, Māngungu Mission celebration

Hundreds of visitors are expected to descend on Māngungu Mission, near Hōreke.

Lifetime legends

The search for the next Far North community hero is on, as nominations for the Far North District Council Lifetime Achievement Awards have opened. The awards recognised individuals and organisations who have consistently gone above and beyond, dedicating years of service to uplift, protect, and strengthen their communities. Nomination forms can be downloaded or collected from any council service centre. Completed forms must be submitted by 5pm, Monday, May 25, 2026, either by email to governance@fndc.govt.nz or dropped off in person.

Mission celebration

Hundreds of visitors are expected to descend on Māngungu Mission near Hōreke today to mark the historic signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. On February 12, 1840, a crowd of around 3000, representing many different hapū within Ngāpuhi, gathered at the South Hokianga site to discuss New Zealand’s founding document and witness its signing by 64 rangatira. It was the third and largest signing of the Treaty. Those wanting to attend celebrations can view a map that explains how to get to the mission, which roads are closed and where parking is available on the Far North District Council website. Shuttle buses will be running all day from nearby Hōreke School to the mission site.

New appointment

Southland farmer Murray Donald has been appointed chair of Safer Farms, replacing Lindy Nelson, who stays on as a director and Farm Without Harm ambassador. Donald, who has more than 40 years in farming and extensive governance experience, says too many farmers are still being seriously hurt or killed on the job. He aims to drive cultural change through the Farm Without Harm strategy, now backed by 170 organisations engaging with over 40,000 farmers and workers.

BizGiver $2000 prize

Business insurance comparison and buy site, BizCover, has launched a new competition open to all New Zealand small business owners. To enter the $2000 BizGiver competition, participants must create a one-minute video talking about their business and how they plan to use the grant to help improve it. Since 2014, BizCover has awarded more than $100,000 in prizes across New Zealand and Australia. The BizGiver competition runs until March 3.