Far North Briefs: RDA sessions resume, Fired-Up Barbecue Festival returns

Meat lovers are in for a treat when Northland's smokin' hot new food event – the Fired Up Barbecue Festival – takes place in Kerikeri next month.

RDA resumes

Kaitāia Riding for the Disabled recommences sessions on Tuesday February 17 and Wednesday February 18 after the summer break. New volunteers are always welcome – if you enjoy working with children or horses, this is an opportunity to get involved and see the positive outcomes riding has on the children. Sessions are from 9am to 12 midday. All inquiries to Chris Timmins – phone 09 408 4196 (evenings).

Kiwifruit boost

The Regional Infrastructure Fund is investing in the Mid-North Kiwifruit Project – a $20.7 million development by the Oromahoe and Rangihamama Omapere trusts. The funding of a $4m loan and a $200,000 grant will be used on irrigation, drainage, access tracks, orchard structures, shelter belts and orchard preparation. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka said it will transform underutilised land into high-value horticulture, delivering long-term economic benefits for whānau in Te Tai Tokerau.

Get fired up

The Fired-Up Barbecue Festival returns to the Bay of Islands in March, bringing global barbecue styles, non-stop entertainment and iconic Kiwi music to Kerikeri. The event will take place at The Old Packhouse on March 28 from 1pm to 9pm. It celebrates cooking over flame, from low and slow smoking to charcoal grilling, earth cooking, wood-fired and open flame traditions. Festival-goers can feast on incredible food from some of New Zealand’s top barbecue vendors, showcasing flavours and techniques from around the world. For tickets and more information visit Eventfinda, or visit Barbecue BOI, 5 Fairway Drive, Kerikeri or The Old Packhouse Market Café.

Ocean views

The Ocean Film Festival World Tour returns with inspiring stories from the sea on the big screen. It’s a powerful two-hour programme of short films celebrating ocean adventure, marine life, coastal cultures and the people working to protect our oceans. Curated from independent filmmakers across the globe, this internationally acclaimed festival blends breathtaking cinematography with inspiring, thought-provoking storytelling. Currently touring worldwide and sold-out here last year, it’s a must-see for ocean lovers, adventurers, and anyone who cares about the future of our seas: Thursday March 26 from 7pm at the Turner Centre. Kerikeri earlybird is $17.50 and per person $22.50 (plus booking fee).

Hunger for colour

February marks the return of Hunger for Colour, the annual partnership between Resene and the Salvation Army that invites Kiwis to swap two cans of food for a free 60ml or 80ml Resene testpot. Now in its 12th year, the campaign has added more than 300,000 cans to Salvation Army foodbank shelves, while customers have received over $1.5 million worth of free paint in return for their generosity.