One of Northland’s last surviving World War II veterans celebrates his 100th birthday today in North Hokianga. Bill Guest, of Motukauri, started farming at the age of 13. He signed up with the army as soon as he turned 18 and, after more than two years with the Territorials in Northland, was shipped first to Egypt and then to Italy, where the Allies were pushing German forces north. He survived serious illness and battles that claimed many of his friends. Once he returned to New Zealand he went back to farming at Motukauri, married district nurse Nani Ellison (Ngāi Tahu), built his own house, and had five children. He lived independently to the age of 99 when he moved into a rest home at Hauora Hokianga in Rawene. He celebrated his birthday milestone on Thursday with a small gathering of whānau and a card from King Charles III. Today his descendants are holding a much bigger celebration with a hāngi and get-together at the family farm in Motukauri. He has 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Green waste accepted
Kaipara District Council is accepting, free of charge, flood-damaged green waste, vegetation and items at its Dargaville and Hakaru transfer stations. Personal belongings are also being accepted. If people have insurance coverage and are able to claim back their disposal fees, council is urging them to do so. If they don’t, people need to let the council know when they arrive at the transfer station and a staff member will be there to process their items. Items to be disposed of may include carpets, bedding, furniture and soft furnishings, electronic equipment and personal goods. Normal fees apply for general household rubbish and recycling. Operating hours for the stations can be found at kaipara.govt.nz/services/rubbish-recycling/recycling-park-and-transfer-stations.
Artisans Market
The Artisans Market at the Canopy Bridge in Whangārei will be going ahead today, from 9am until 1.30pm. Artisan food and a range of stalls will feature.
