Far North news briefs: Storms erode part of beach, breast cancer breakfast, Salvos appeal

Far North District Council teams are working to ensure the safety of an area leading to Paihia Beach. Photo / FNDC

Far North District Council teams are working to ensure the safety of an area leading to Paihia Beach, where recent storms have eroded the land around an access ramp. The ramp is now detached from the bank. Council staff have arranged free storage for it nearby and are assessing the stability of surrounding land. This will allow them to decide how to remove the ramp while causing as little additional damage to the area as possible. People using the gathering space are asked to stay inside safety netting that council contractor Citycare Property has put up along the affected part of the bank.

Well done on conserving water

Residents using the council’s Ōmanaia–Rāwene water supply have done a great job of conserving water, with levels at the Rāwene reservoir now back to 77%. On Sunday, the call went out to residents to conserve water, after a break in the mains pipe at the intersection of Parnell and Mariner Sts led to reservoir levels of 15%. While people no longer have to conserve water, the council is asking them to remain mindful of how much they are using while supplies continue to recover. The mains pipe is fixed and works are continuing at the section of Parnell St that slumped, causing the break.

Pink Ribbon Breakfast

A Bay of Islands woman who is hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast to raise funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is encouraging others to get involved. Haruru resident Jenny Baker said the fundraiser was her way of giving back, having had friends diagnosed with breast cancer and seeing what great care they received. Around 170 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year across Northland. Pink Ribbon Breakfast Day is May 21, but events can be held any time from March to June. Once registered, people will be sent a free host kit with ideas and resources to get them started. Visit pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz for more information.

Red Shield Appeal

The Salvation Army is launching its 2026 Red Shield Appeal, calling on everyday Kiwis to stand up for their communities by donating to support people facing hardship across Aotearoa New Zealand. The appeal helps fund essential community-based services including food support and kai plans, budgeting and financial mentoring, hardship grants and addiction services. From May 4–10, volunteers will be out in their communities collecting vital donations as the cost-of‑living crisis continues to stretch household budgets. To sign up to volunteer, visit www.salvationarmy.org.nz/collect.

Reach out

Civil Defence New Zealand is encouraging anyone feeling overwhelmed, upset or physically drained following the last few months’ severe weather events to text or phone 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor. They can help give support for feelings of anxiety, stress, prolonged fear, hopelessness or anger. In a post on Facebook, Civil Defence New Zealand said now was the time to check in with friends, family and the wider community.