Far North news in brief: Christmas concert; shopping success and present workshop

A Christmas Concert will be held at Horeke’s Māngungu Mission on Friday.

Christmas concert

Everyone’s invited to an evening of laughter, connection and carols under the evening sky at Māngungu Mission, the historic tohu whenua at Horeke cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, on Friday. As well as traditional Christmas songs, there will be karaoke, kids’ activities, a free sausage sizzle, hot and cold drinks available and spot prizes for the best dressed, most creative and even the weirdest Christmas outfit. People are encouraged to bring a chair or mat for outdoor seating – and if they want to, a plate to contribute to the dessert table. The smoke, alcohol and drug-free event is at Māngungu Mission on December 5, from 6pm-9.30pm, Motukiore Rd, Horeke. Admission free – all welcome.

Shopping success

Last Thursday’s late-night shopping in Kaitāia was so successful it’s being done again later this month. Kaitāia was buzzing with good vibes, chilled tunes, and seriously talented performers on the night, with plenty of shopping done and so many happy faces. More than 20 retailers and food vendors took part and Kaitāia Business Association has organised another late-night shopping event just before Christmas, on December 18.

Christmas workshops

Kaitāia’s Ano Ano is hosting make your own Christmas presents and festive gifts workshops in the lead-up to the big day to help ease those yuletide expenses. The workshops, run by EcoSolutions, a CBEC enterprise, will be held at Ano Ano, on Bank St, every Wednesday until Christmas from 1pm to 7pm. People can pop in to make their own Christmas presents or decorations or bring their own creative ideas to help others.

Swift experience

Swifties rejoice: Following hot on the heels of Taylor Swift’s 12th album release, The Life of a Showgirl, on October 3, the unofficial tribute show Taylor: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift Music will perform in the Far North and Whangārei. Taylor: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift Music, will be at Kerikeri’s Turner Centre, from 6pm on Sunday, December 7, with tickets at iTicket.co.nz, and Whangārei’s Forum North the following night from 7pm with tickets at Eventfinder.co.nz.

Pets rule

New rules allowing renters to keep pets take effect December 1. From that date, tenants in homes without current pets can request written consent, and landlords must agree unless they have valid grounds such as property suitability or bylaw restrictions. Landlords have 21 days to respond or face fines up to $1500. They may charge a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent and set reasonable conditions but cannot apply bonds or new conditions to pets approved before December 1. Tenants are still responsible for any damage caused.