Far North news in brief: Old library use; top apprentices and coastal talks

Far North District Council wants feedback on what to do with the old Kaikohe Library when the town’s new library and civic hub opens later this year

Old library use

With Kaikohe’s new library and civic hub opening later this year, the Far North District Council wants public feedback on what to do with the old library, when services will shift to the new site on the corner of Broadway and Raihara St, leaving the Marino Place building vacant. The council is looking at four options – keep the building and lease it for commercial or community purposes; keep the building for other council purposes; sell the building and demolish the building, but it is keen to hear other ideas. Have your say at submissions@fndc.govt.nz.

Apprentice finalists

Two Northlanders are finalists in the Minister for Manufacturing Awards. Ben Worthington, from Bluefix Boatworks, Ōpua and Devin Givson, at Culham Engineering in Whangārei are two of four finalists in the Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year Award. They are the only two Northlanders named as finalists in the various categories. Winners will be announced at the EMEX Exhibition centre at Auckland Showgrounds on May 27.

Zentarge single

Far North brothers Zentarge have put out another new single, Life of a Mischief, before the release of a larger body of new music. Zentarge are Zenith and Targe Tawhara-Crown (Rereahu, Te Whakatōhea), who were raised in the Far North, growing up in Ahipara and Kaitāia and going to Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Pukemiro, and who are now based in Hamilton. With over a decade of live performance experience, the pair have built their journey from the ground up, from street busking at a young age to performing across the North Island. Life of a Mischief was released on May 1.

Coastal talks

How Northland coastlines are changing, and what we can do to adapt to these changes, will be the subject of two public events this month. Coastal Conversations will feature coastal scientist Jim Dahm and local presenters, run by Northland Regional, Whangārei District and Far North District Councils. The events will be held on May 27 at McLeod Bay Hall and May 28 at Taipa Beach Resort, both starting at 5pm. Registrations are encouraged at wdc.govt.nz for Whangārei Heads or nrc.govt.nz for Doubtless Bay.

Winter ready

Health New Zealand is preparing for an influx of patients over winter with a $25 million plan including expanding its hospital-in-the-home service to support discharged patients in their homes. At Whangārei Hospital ED, there will be more nurses at the front of the ED during weekdays and a new clinical nurse coordinator for after hours. Whangārei Urgent Care clinic will also be open extra hours. Health NZ is also urging people to get vaccinated and seek medical advice early if sick.