Far North news in brief: Ocean swimmers brave chilly race, NRC rates rise

Bay of Islands Ocean Swimmers club member Crystal Brierly won the club's 15th annual Shortest Sunday of the Year swim with a time of 4m 41s.

Bay of Islands Ocean Swimmers club members took a chilly dip on the weekend as they completed their 15th annual Shortest Sunday of the Year swim in Paihia. Participants plunged into the 15C water as they hustled in a 200m bareskin sprint race. This year’s champion was Crystal Brierly of Ōpua, with a time of 4m 41s.

NRC rates incease

Northland Regional Council [NRC] rates will rise 3.54% for the 2025/26 financial year under its annual plan adopted by councillors recently. That’s less than the 5.79% increase previously forecast. Council chair Geoff Crawford said the increase – which accounts to an increase of $19.19 per rates bill on average over the next year – was originally forecast to be more than 2% higher under the council’s Long-Term Plan 2024-2034. However, due to a combination of factors including efficiencies, savings and surpluses available to offset spending and funding shortfalls, the councillors were able to approve the lower rates rise.

Free computer lessons

Keen to build your digital confidence or learn something new? Join Kaitāia NorthTec’s practical computing classes, which are perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to brush up on skills. The lessons will be held from July 21 to September 24 and range from an introduction to computers to how to use different software, such as spreadsheets and presentation software. The lessons are free to attend and open to all ages and experience levels. They will be at Room 2 at NorthTec, Oxford St, Kaitāia from 9am till 11.30am. Enrol online or at the NorthTec Kaitāia office. Call 09 408 6117 to find out more.

Runway show a hit

Kaikohe businesswoman Bo-Deene Stephens is rapt with the turnout for her first runway show, which was held at the Kaikohe Memorial Hall. Stephens said about 200 people attended the June 15 event, which included a professional stage with lighting, dance performance and a runway competition featuring local small businesses. Four businesses were judged as part of the runway competition, including Hapua, Outhouse Studio, 405 Elite Bullies and Elegant Aesthetic. Māori clothing design business Hapua won the $1000 prize. Stephens, who owns Hush Beauty Lounge and Hush Dance Studio, said she put on the event to promote local businesses, promote positivity and creativity, and showcase everyone’s talents. She thanked the sponsors, who included Ataahua Noa, Kia Tupato, Wilson Motors, Sage Party & Co, Māmā Neke Maunga, Wot Matters, AV Northland, Ngāti Rangi Taiao, E Tu Whānau, Ngāti Hine Health Trust and Main Events.

SMS scams

The Department of Internal Affairs has reported a 62% drop in reports of SMS (text message) scams in 2024 from 2023. The department credited the decline to its crackdown on scammers. Last year, the department received more than 103,000 reports of SMS scams, conducted six search warrants and seized almost $400,000 worth of scam equipment as well as $162,000 in cash.