Far North news in brief: Pressure checks, seawall work, free buses, touch hero and Dry July

High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" and the Heart Foundation is holding free blood pressure checks in the Far North this month.

Pressure checks

Far North folk can get free blood pressure checks at pop-up events, giving a quick and easy way to check a condition that quietly puts more than a million Kiwis at risk of heart disease. Often called the “silent killer”, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the single biggest risk factor behind New Zealand’s leading cause of death – heart disease. The Heart Foundation check-ups are at The Old Packhouse Market, Kerikeri from 8am to 1pm on Saturday and at Pak’nSave Kaitāia from 10am to 2pm on May 28.

Seawall works

Road users travelling through Kohukohu should allow extra travel time due to seawall construction and rehabilitation works near the Hokianga ferry terminal. Contractors will construct and rehabilitate around 1km of rock seawall along West Coast Rd, from just past the ferry ramp to approximately 114 West Coast Road. The project is expected to continue through to mid-September. Traffic management will be in place throughout the project, with alternating stop/go lane closures operating along approximately 200m of road at a time. Contractors plan to complete around 20m of seawall each day.

To reduce disruption for ferry users, priority will be given to traffic travelling east towards Kohukohu to help motorists avoid missing ferry crossings. Work is scheduled for Monday to Friday between 6am and 7pm, with some Saturday work possible if required.

Far North hero

Northlander Takoha Ropati has been recognised for his work to rebuild touch rugby in Te Tai Tokerau. Over the past few years, Ropati has taken Ngāti Hine touch from a single team into a full, multi-grade set-up that caters to all ages. The improvements include clinics, wānanga, and a focus on bringing rangatahi (youth) through and keeping people connected. Ropati was one of five volunteers from across the country recognised under the Bunnings and Touch New Zealand’s Home Ground Heroes programme. Each volunteer received $5000 to put back into their local touch community.

Free buses

Northland youth will be able to ride Northland Regional Council’s BusLink services for free from May 18 to 23, to help mark Youth Week. The free rides will be available to all young people aged 5 to 24, on all CityLink, SchoolLink and regional BusLink services. Free tickets will be available as digital downloads or paper tickets to be shown to the driver. Go to buslink.co.nz for more information.

Dry July

This July, hundreds of Northlanders are expected to give up alcohol to help raise money for cancer research during Dry July. Kiwis are being asked to go alcohol-free for 31 days in July to raise funds to support people affected by cancer. Funds raised support the charities Look Good Feel Better, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand and the Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation across the country. For more info, go to www.dryjuly.co.nz.