Sealing work being done on Puckey Ave roadworks, Kaitāia, is only a temporary, the council says, with final sealing planned for February
Sealing work being done on Puckey Ave roadworks, Kaitāia, is only a temporary, the council says, with final sealing planned for February
Seal only temporary
Despite concern from some residents, Far North District Council says the seal on roadworks on Puckey Ave, Kaitāia, is only a temporary surface. Residents asked whether the road seal applied is complete. The chip seal currently in place was applied as a temporary surface toallow the road to reopen while nearby wastewater network upgrades continue. The work is part of a larger project to reduce wastewater overflows and strengthen Kaitāia’s wastewater network. Following trenching work on Puckey Ave, temporary chip seal was applied to minimise disruption to residents and local businesses so the road could reopen with limited traffic management. Final resealing is scheduled for early February.
Indigenous leaders forum
Waitangi will become a focal point for Indigenous Ocean leadership next month, with the return of Taiātea: Gathering of the Oceans Voices, Views and Leadership Symposium – a wānanga focused on the protection and restoration of the shared ancestor, Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, the Pacific Ocean. Taking place over 10 days across Te Ika a Māui - the North Island, more than 20 of the world’s most renowned indigenous leaders, marine scientists and researchers from Canada, Australia, Hawai’i, Niue, Rapa Nui and the Cook Islands, will share knowledge on marine protection, ocean resilience and climate change, weaving indigenous wisdom into decision making and future planning. This year’s event is centred around a public forum held at Te Tiriti o Waitangi Marae, also known as Te Tii Marae, on February 4, coinciding with Waitangi Celebrations in Paihia.
Ngāpuhi Asset Holding Company, the commercial entity of Ngāpuhi, has appointed Māori investment professional Matthew Mudford as its chief executive. Mudford (Ngāpuhi-Ngāti Whararā, Te Rarawa-Ngāi Tūpoto) was an investment manager at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, supporting Māori businesses and entities to build long-term investments. He will start in February, with outgoing chief executive Stewart Otene available to ensure a smooth transition.
Waitangi Day live
Northland leader Peter-Lucas Jones will co-host Waitangi Day coverage on Whakaata Māori and MĀORI+, which begins with karakia at 5am from Te Tii Marae in Waitangi, and ends with the world exclusive television premiere of the blockbuster film, Ka Whawhai Tonu – Struggle Without End. Waitangi 2026 – Kei ō Ringa, It’s in Your Hands, recognises the important choice New Zealanders will need to make later this year as to who will lead the nation. Broadcaster John Campbell has been confirmed to front the live Waitangi Day coverage, with co-hosts Jones and Blake Ihimaera. Campbell will put politicians through their paces as the country heads into the general election year. Leaders of political parties will be required to appear live.
