Dream come true for Kāeo-raised All Black
Tamaiti Williams has become All Black No. 1209 and just the fifth Northland-born All Black in the past two decades. The Whangārei-born, Kāeo-raised 22-year-old made a dream debut against the Springboks in the Rugby Championship on Saturday night. Williams said he’d grown up dreaming of doing the haka for the All Blacks, and this was a highlight of his debut. He also said representing Northland on the team was something he was proud of. Fellow Northland-born All Black and his uncle, Eric Rush, said Williams cracking into the ABs was huge for Kāeo and a hugely happy day for their whānau. Following the match — which the AB’s won 35-20 — Williams was “happy to have the win”, although the reality of it hadn’t yet sunk in.
NRC urges considerate burning and earthworks avoidance
Anyone seeking to undertake earthworks during winter is being advised to first contact NRC for advice. Chairwoman Tui Shortland said earthworks were typically not recommended over winter months because wet ground prevented soil from compacting well. She said people should also seek advice at any time that a property could be subject to a flood hazard zone, on erosion-prone land, close to a wetland or in proximity to a waterway, where erosion and sediment control measures were required prior to earthworks. As for burning — even in rural areas — a smoke or odour nuisance must not be caused beyond the property boundary. She said people were permitted to burn only untreated wood, paper, cardboard or vegetation, and materials such as plastic, rubber, carpet or treated timber must not be burned. For more — including ways to dispose of waste without burning — go to: nrc.govt.nz/backyardburning. Those seeking to conduct earthworks can receive advice by emailing: info@nrc.govt.nz
Aroha Island closure
