Far North news in brief: Kai funding; future enviro champs and library seeks new members

Far North groups can get grants of up to $5000 to help with food security across the region from the Kai Ora Fund.

Kai funding

Far North groups interested in food security can get grants of up to $5000 from the Kai Ora Fund. Applications are now open for the 2026 round of the Kai Ora Fund, a long-running initiative supporting projects that strengthen food security and community resilience across Te Tai Tokerau. The fund involves more than nine organisations working together to back a wide range of initiatives, from community gardens and food education programmes to projects that improve local food systems and resilience. Since its establishment in 2015, the fund has invested over $500,000 into more than 150 projects across the Far North, helping communities develop sustainable approaches to food access and wellbeing. Grants of up to $5000 are available per project, with an average of $130,000 distributed annually in Te Tai Tokerau. To find out more go to www.kaiorafund.com.

Enviro champs wanted

Northland’s future environmental champions can apply for funding to help their studies. The Tū 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. For more info, email scholarships@nrc.govt.nz.

Join your library

Mangonui Community Library is on the lookout for new members. The library is open from 10am to 1pm, Tuesday to Saturday, in the Mangonui Hall, opposite the wharf. It has lots of good books in its collection as well as books for sale. If interested, email secretary Lea Wase at leawase@gmail.com.

Good use of goat

Northland’s wild goat is finally getting a chance to shine, with a new dish created for the 2026 Monteith’s Wild Food Challenge. Paihia restaurant Tipsy Oyster is entering its dish called Goatfather Gone Hazy, featuring wild Northland goat slow-braised in a rich Rogan Josh-inspired curry, ghee-fried paratha, pickles and a match of Monteith’s West Coastin’ Hazy IPA. The challenge runs in 60 venues in May.

Threads displayed

The Village Arts Gallery in Kohukohu is celebrating its latest exhibition, Threads, which opens at 11am on May 2 and runs until June 7. The exhibition showcases the work of 20 local artists who explore the many ways that textiles can be used, including yarn, stitching, knitting, weaving, dyeing, printing, and embroidery. The gallery also moves to winter hours in May, which means it will be closed Mondays, and open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 3pm.