Far North news in brief: Free composting; head support and Pink Breakfasts

A good composting bin is crucial to good gardening and a free composting course being held in Kaitāia tomorrow will give all the tips on how to compost efficiently.

Composting course

The importance of composting for good gardening will be outlined at a free hands-on composting workshop in Kaitāia tomorrow. Composting with Jen is on at Māra Kai o te Hapori, in Puckey Ave, from 12.30pm–2.30pm. Attendees will learn how to turn everyday scraps into rich, living soil, covering the basics in a simple, doable way – perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to improve their current setup. It covers why composting matters, what to compost (and what to avoid), easy composting methods for home, tips, tricks and troubleshooting and real-life examples. For more info go to www.tiaki-taiao.org/events

New loos

Two public toilet blocks at Waipapa are getting an upgrade. The facilities at Klinac Lane and Waipapa Landing are closed while the long-term work takes place. Residents and visitors won’t find themselves caught short, however, with porta-loos in place at both sites until the upgrades are completed. Hilary Sumpter, group manager – delivery and operations at the Far North District Council, says a lot has changed since the construction of the two toilet blocks, which are at least 10 years old. The upgrades include expanding the irrigation system at the Klinac Lane site and re-engineering the septic tanks at Waipapa Landing.

Head support

Far North people living with brain injury have a new support group to attend. Headway Trust, the Auckland-based service taking over the functions of the now-disbanded Northland Brain Injury Association, is extending into Kaitāia. After almost three decades providing vital support to people suffering head injuries and their families, the Northland Brain Injury Association closed at the end of October. Headway will now hold a support group for people with brain injury and their families, on the third Thursday of every month in Kaitāia RSA, Matthews Ave, from 10am to 12pm. To register go to headway.org.nz or email pj@headway.org.nz.

In the pink

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ urgently needs more Northlanders to get involved in Pink Ribbon Breakfasts to make sure women affected by breast cancer can get the support they need. Throughout May, and even into June, the breakfasts are held around the country to raise funds for breast cancer education, research, and patient support services. These play a crucial role in improving outcomes for Kiwis affected by breast cancer. Each year, around 170 women across Northland are diagnosed with breast cancer, and Pink Ribbon Breakfasts help fund vital support, research and education. For more information and to register, visit pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz.