Far North news in brief: Tāne Mahuta reopening; holiday scam warning; donate to the Sallies

The reopening of Tāne Mahuta in Northland has been rescheduled to December 21.

The reopening of Tāne Mahuta in Northland has been rescheduled to December 21 after a blessing. Access to Tāne Mahuta will be fully available from this date, although some areas of the site may still be under construction as finishing touches are completed. The delay, caused by challenging weather and difficulties sourcing specialist materials, was necessary to ensure the safety of the forest and quality of the project. Please continue to check the DoC website for updates as the reopening date approaches.

Holiday scam warning

With Christmas fast approaching, police are encouraging people to be aware of online phishing scams. The holiday season can be a stressful time and the last thing you want is to lose large sums of money to a scam. Police have received several phishing scam reports with offenders targeting people who are selling items or services online on platforms such as Trade Me and Facebook Marketplace. The offenders pretend to be buyers and send the seller a fake link that asks for personal details, which are then used to access the victim’s bank account. If you think you have been scammed (provided your banking details and/or suffered a loss), gather as much information you can and make a report to police online through 105.police.govt.nz or call 105. You can also make a report to Netsafe at report.netsafe.org.nz.

Choir’s diamond jubilee

The Bay of Islands Singers have reached yet another milestone. It is 60 years since the choir’s early beginning in Kaikohe in 1964. From a small vocal ensemble to a choir of more than 50 singers, they have performed everything from the great choral masterpieces to pop classics in venues around Northland and lately at its home in the Kerikeri Turner Centre.

Promoting inclusion

Three Northland projects are getting grants from the Office for Seniors’ latest Age-Friendly Fund. Whangārei District Council received $10,000 to develop an age-friendly plan to promote the inclusion of older people. The Whangārei Māori Women’s Welfare League received $10,000 for gathering information about rural residents with dementia and how best to support them. Te Whai Community Trust received $11,350 for its Manaaki Transport Programme, which provides free transport for older people in rural Mangawhai three days a week.

Donate to the Sallies

The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas appeal, Give A Little Joy This Christmas, is looking for donations. The money raised will go to wrap-around services for people and whānau, including access to nutritious food, budgeting advice, counselling, positive lifestyle programmes, gifts and more. Donate via SalvationArmy.org.nz/Christmas or by calling 0800 53 00 00.

Warbirds over Northland

A full contingent of warbirds from NZ Warbirds Association is coming to Northland. Dargaville is the first stop, on January 11, with Whangārei the next day. The visiting aircraft are expected to include a DH Tiger Moth, DH Chipmunk, Boeing Stearman, AESL AirTourer and North American Harvard T6. Rides are available. Age restrictions apply. For more information or to book, email office@nzwarbirds.org.nz