Far North news briefs: Speedway back; Waitangi Day live; free health checks

The action at Taipa Speedway is back on the track on Sunday.

Speedway action

There will be plenty of crash, bang and wallop on Sunday when the Taipa Speedway gets underway. After last week’s event was cancelled due to heavy rain the track has cleared out for speedway action from 1pm on Sunday. Organisers are promising an epic day at 132 Oruru Rd, Taipa, with entry $10 for adults and $5 for children 5-14. For more information go to Taipa Speedway on social media.

Waitangi Day live

Northland leader Peter-Lucas Jones will co-host Waitangi Day coverage on Whakaata Māori and MĀORI+, beginning with karakia at 5am from Te Tii Marae in Waitangi, and ending with the world exclusive television premiere of the blockbuster film, Ka Whawhai Tonu – Struggle Without End. Broadcaster John Campbell has been confirmed to front the live Waitangi Day coverage, with co-hosts Jones and Blake Ihimaera. Campbell will put politicians through their paces as the country heads into the general election year. Leaders of political parties will be required to appear live.

Free heritage

Five Far North heritage sites cared for by Heritage NZ Pouhere Taonga will be open to the public for free on Waitangi Day. They are the Kerikeri Mission Station (Kerikeri); Clendon House (Rawene); Māngungu Mission (Horeke); Pompallier Mission (Kororāreka/Russell) and Te Waimate Mission (Waimate North). These special places will open their doors for free, inviting all New Zealanders to connect with the people, events, and stories that have shaped our nation’s journey to the present.

Health checks

Nurses from Whare Manaaki Clinic are conducting free health checks in Ahipara tomorrow, Friday. The free health checks are available to everyone, with no GP enrolment required. The nurses’ clinic will be at 15 Takahe Rd, Ahipara, from 10am to 2pm.

Kayak workshop

The Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (Kask) is running a free kayaking safety workshop in the Bay of Islands in February. The workshops aim to help paddlers, on any type of kayak, learn how to be safe on the water and avoid getting into trouble. They are made possible by Safer Boating Forum funding support from Maritime NZ. The upcoming workshop will be held at Waitangi on Sunday, February 22 but free online courses are also available. For more info go to the Kask website and look up KayakSafe NZ under “events”.