Black Grace on tour
Back by popular demand, New Zealand dance company Black Grace is starting its 20for20, a 20-centre tour of NZ in Northland for $20 a ticket. Led by Neil Ieremia, internationally renowned dance company Black Grace shares a mix of iconic favourites and brand new works presented in the relative comfort of local community halls and other such informal spaces. The tour kicks off at Kaitaia's Te Ahu Centre on May 2, followed by dates at Whangārei's Forum North on May 3 and Waipū's Cetic Barn on May 4. All shows start at 7.30pm. Door sales only, $20 from https://www.facebook.com/blackgracedanceco
Annual Plan submissions
More than 60 people presented to the Whangārei District Council during the Annual Plan submission hearings this week. The council received written feedback from 178 members of the public, organisations, groups or businesses via email, hard copy or online submissions. Sixty-one of those opted to speak to their submission. Issues ranged from funding requests to support projects and calls to seal roads across the district to toilet blocks and wetlands. The council will now deliberate on submissions, along with feedback from community meetings and social media.
Sick trees to be felled
Five overgrown and ailing casuarina trees in Matai St in Ōtangarei are set to be removed. The 20-metre tall trees have been dropping dead needles and blocking spouting for residents, while the roots have been damaging water and storm pipes under the ground causing leaks, blockages and road flooding. The trees are also a threat to power and telephone services overhead. Casuarina trees have relatively short life-spans and when they get overgrown and start to fade like these ones, it is time for them to come out. Smaller branches will be chipped and used as mulch, while the larger branches will be put somewhere for locals to chop up for firewood. The council will speak with residents and plant more suitable trees in the area this winter.
Officer's name supressed
A police officer accused of indecently assaulting a fellow officer in Northland will keep his name secret for now. The 28-year-old appeared in the Auckland District Court this week before Judge David Sharp, who continued the man's interim name suppression.
The policeman was arrested last month and charged with indecent assault and sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection. He had already pleaded not guilty to both charges and was remanded on bail until next month. The alleged offences occurred on February 5 at Waitangi.
Civil Defence expo
Whangārei Heads Civil Defence Support Group is holding a mini expo at the McLeod Bay Fire Station this month. All are welcome to the event on Saturday, April 27, from 1pm-4pm.
