Far North news in brief: Christmas fireworks, youth funding and free bus travel

Kaitāia’s Christmas in the Sky event is on this Saturday with plenty of festive fun to be had at the A&P Showgrounds from 4pm.

Christmas in the Sky

Kaitāia’s Christmas in the Sky festive event is on this Saturday, with music, Yuletide fun and fireworks to light up the sky. Live music will start from 4pm, with plenty of family festive fun and entertainment, including stalls, bouncy castles, games, giveaways and the fireworks display from 9pm. Entry to the drug and alcohol-free event is by gold coin donation.

Youth funding

Five Northland organisations got a slice of $20.7million in funding from the Ministry of Youth Development focused on early prevention/intervention support for at-risk young people. Altogether, 53 organisations received up to three years’ funding to deliver evidence-based programmes supporting at-risk young people to remain in or re-engage with education, and develop skills and qualifications. The package comprises of two funds to support those aged 12 to 24: the Place-Based Youth Development Fund and The Youth Development Contributory Fund for organisations providing shorter-term programmes. Awanui’s Tuhiata Mahi Ora Trust will get $247,500, Kaikohe’s Regent Training Centre $110,000, Kaitāia’s Far North Safety Community Council $577,500, Kawakawa’s Bay Budgeting and Community Services Trust $82,500 and Whangārei-based Te Hau Ora Northland $750,000.

Free travel

Northland Regional Council’s BusLink team is celebrating another Christmas with free travel on all BusLink bus services on Friday December 19. CityLink Whangārei and Far North Link buses will be free all day, so passengers can go Christmas shopping, visit friends and whānau and spread some Christmas cheer. BusLink services do not operate on public holidays, so passengers need to be aware there will be no BusLink or CityLink buses on December 25 and 26, and January 1 and 2. CityLink buses will run as usual on December 27 and January 3. All regional BusLink services will operate according to their standard timetables, outside the public holidays. More information is at buslink.co.nz or on CityLink’s Facebook page.

Super fit

Paihia-based fitness studio Outfit North was awarded New Zealand’s Studio Facility of the Year at this year’s Exercise New Zealand Awards. Held at the Hilton Auckland on November 29, the awards celebrated the people, facilities, and programmes that demonstrated excellence and innovation across Aotearoa’s exercise industry. Owned by personal trainer Nadine Nel, Outfit North opened in October 2024 and offers group strength and fitness classes, dedicated stretch and mobility spaces, and on-site services such as physiotherapy and massage.

Success to Savour

A survey shows Savour Northland capped off its second year with strong participation, high engagement and growing national attention. The annual celebration of Te Tai Tokerau’s food and beverage industry is held over one month in October. This year, more than 54 food events were delivered across the region and over 2400 Savour Northland Challenge dishes were sold across 24 participating venues. Survey results show that 97% of attendees plan to return to a Savour Northland event in future years, with over 80% saying they would consider planning a trip specifically to attend the event in the years ahead.