Far North news in brief: Build a stone wall or rock on; nominate enviro champs

Kerikeri stonemason Ian McDiarmid, at left, will lead a two-day course focused on Edmonds Ruins.

Stonewalling

People keen to learn about the ancient art of dry-stone walling – a skill that goes back thousands of years – will have the opportunity in a hands-on workshop organised by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga in Northland. The two-day course will be focused on Edmonds Ruins – a historic ruin cared for by Heritage New Zealand about 15 minutes’ drive from Kerikeri – and will be led by Kerikeri stonemason Ian McDiarmid. The course will run May 9-10. Participants will use practical skills learned on the course to repair a stretch of Edmonds Ruins’ stone wall and will need to have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. People will need to wear working clothes, boots and gloves. To book, or for more information, contact bedwards@heritage.org.nz. The course is part of New Zealand Archaeology Week and more detail can be found on nzarchaeology.org.

Rock on

For those who love to rock there’ll be something special in the air in Kerikeri next week, when five powerhouse voices and a live rock band – Rock Tenors – bring their Anthems Reloaded Tour to the Turner Centre for a high-energy night of the greatest rock hits, performed live with full theatrical flair. Expect soaring harmonies, epic guitar solos and the anthems that defined generations, from Queen, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, U2 and more. Anthems Reloaded is in the John Dalton Auditorium from 7.30pm on May 14 with tickets from www.iticket.co.nz.

Enviro champs

Northland’s future environmental champions can apply for funding to help their studies. The Tu i te ora Scholarship recognises and supports students to undertake study, research or training that relates to the council’s environmental and regulatory operations. There are four scholarships available, each includes $5000 to assist with study costs, plus paid work experience at Northland Regional Council during summer 2026/27. Work experience opportunities will take place within Te Tiriti Partnerships & Engagement, Climate Action, Biodiversity & Science, Rivers and Natural Hazards/Civil Defence. Applications close May 11 at www.nrc.govt.nz/scholarship.

Young writer scholarships

Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) and the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (NZSA) have launched a significant new initiative for young writers: the CLNZ | NZSA Secondary School Leavers Scholarship. Designed to nurture the next generation of New Zealand writers, this inaugural scholarship offers five grants of $2000 each, split between the successful student and their school. The scholarship aims to provide a foundation for students transitioning from secondary school to a tertiary arts degree. For details go to www.copyright.co.nz.