Far North news in brief: Blood Service here; volunteers rewarded and movie fundraiser

The NZ Blood Service is in Northland this month, collecting donations of the vital, life-saving fluid.

Blood Service visiting North

The NZ Blood Service will be in Northland collecting valuable donations over coming weeks. The Blood Service will be at the Turner Centre, Kerikeri, on November 10, from 1pm to 6pm, November 11 from midday to 6pm and on November 14 from 8.30am to 12.30pm. It will be at Te Ahu Centre in Kaitāia on November 12 from midday to 6pm and on November 13 from 8.30am to 2.30pm. The service will then be at Whangārei’s Semenoff Stadium on November 24 from midday to 5pm, on November 25-27 from 1pm to 7pm and on November 28 from 9am to 1pm. For more info on how to give blood go to www.nzblood.co.nz.

Volunteers recognised

Nominations are now open to honour local champions whose lifetime volunteer contributions make a positive difference in the Far North. Te Kaunihera o Te Hiku o te Ika, Te Tohu Tutuki – Far North District Council Lifetime Achievement Awards have five categories that recognise both individuals and organisations for their work. These are contributions to positive outcomes for Māori; culture and history; economic development; resilient communities; and proud, vibrant communities. Those nominating a person or organisation should be able to describe the role, why the nominee deserves an award and the long-term impacts of their work. To nominate a deserving Far Northerner go to www.fndc.govt.nz

Movie fundraiser

Business and Professional Women Kaitāia is hosting a Fundraiser Movie Night in support of the Sharon Rider Memorial Scholarship, which helps local women further their education and professional development, tonight from 5.30pm at Te Ahu Cinema. BPW will be showing the movie Prime Minister, the new documentary on Jacinda Ardern and her time in office as Prime Minister. To book tickets email bpwkaitaia.movie@gmail.com.

Stormwater sorted

A new stormwater system at Ōmāpere that will reduce foreshore erosion, increase capacity and filter storm sediment before it reaches the Hokianga Harbour has been completed. Far North District Council said the new system has been engineered to increase the amount of water it can carry during weather events and has improved inlet and outlet structures to better control water discharged into the harbour. The measures will reduce erosion and scouring on the foreshore at Ōmāpere and reduce sediment plumes that can occur during weather events. Previously, stormwater and groundwater was captured in two culverts and piped under SH12 into a drain. During weather events, this drain was prone to scouring, which happens when fast-moving water removes sediment around a structure and can add to erosion issues.