Far North news briefs: Library feedback; hort scholarships and power cut concerns

Kaitāia’s public library is in the town’s Te Ahu Centre, and Far North District Council is running a survey for feedback on its library services across the district.

Library feedback

He Puna Mārama – Far North District Libraries wants to hear from its users as part of the annual Public Libraries New Zealand (PLNZ) Community Impact Survey. This is your chance to say what you value most about the services and activities. People can complete the survey online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/9YRW5C7 or by visiting any of the Far North libraries for a paper version or assistance. The survey is open until Friday, December 5, and the feedback will help the council continue to create great spaces and services for communities.

Horticulture scholarships

Applications have opened for Horticulture New Zealand’s (HortNZ) 2026 scholarship programme, with 20 funding opportunities available.

Each year, the organisation, which represents New Zealand’s more than 4300 commercial growers, offers a range of scholarships to students who are studying towards undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. The scholarships are aimed at students with a special interest in the commercial fruit and vegetable industry. Horticulture New Zealand and the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust each offer a postgraduate scholarship, with each providing $10,000 cash to a student studying in New Zealand. Nine scholarships will be awarded to applicants from New Zealand’s major growing regions, including Northland. For further details and to apply, visit www.hortnz.co.nz.

MP meets Top Energy

Northland MP Grant McCallum has met with Top Energy in an effort to establish additional safeguards and improve electricity supply security in Northland.

This follows recent incidents in which about 22,000 customers experienced two major outages, significantly affecting households and businesses. The first, on October 31, was in the Mount Pokaka area when a tree fell on overhead power lines, cutting electricity. The second, on November 6, caused by an unrelated equipment failure at the Kaikohe substation. McCallum, who described the outages as “incredibly frustrating and disruptive”, has already met informally with Top Energy chief executive Russell Shaw to discuss the issue, with another meeting planned. “I will provide a further update following our meeting,” McCallum said.

Vegan pie success

Northland’s Logan Maclean Cafe, in Waipu, has again had success at the national Vegan Pie Awards. The awards were held at Crave Cafe in Auckland last week and Logan Maclean took out the Cafe Boutique category with its “Carne Asada” pie. Describing the pie, the judges said: “Creative. Glossy appearance and generous filling with a curious citrus flavour.” The overall winning pie was a Nacho Pie by Auckland’s Richoux Patisserie. Logan Maclean has won a number of categories at previous awards, including the Cafe Boutique section in 2021 for its Korean BBQ pie. November is International Vegan Month.