Northland news in brief: Boat rescued, Utilities director, Fritter Festival and more

The junk-rigged Zebedee was blown onto rocks near Russell yesterday. Photo / File

Boat rescued

A 40-foot junk-rigged vessel had to rescued after it was blown onto rocks near Russell yesterday. A member of the public saw Zebedee in trouble in the Opito Bay/Paroa Bay area, then got his own boat and managed to tow the vessel away from rocks. Russell police said the boat was undamaged and the one man on board at the time was uninjured. A brisk westerly was blowing at the time.

Gatland new Utilities director

Former Northpower chairman Mark Gatland is one of two new directors on the board of free and independent dispute resolution service, Utilities Disputes.

"Mark Gatland and Kyle Christensen have extensive strategic and leadership experience in the energy, broadband and water sectors. We're delighted to welcome them to help steer our future direction," Board Chair, Hon Heather Roy said.

Gatland began his career as an electrical engineer, and has extensive energy sector experience. As chief executive of Northpower for 17 years he led significant development and growth initiatives, including the establishment of network services contracts in New Zealand and abroad. Gatland was also director of Northpower Fibre Ltd, Northpower Solutions Ltd, West Coast Energy Pty, and the Electricity Networks Association.

Drax Project at festival

Drax Project is the second act to be announced to perform at next year's Whangārei Fritter Festival. In the space of a few years the group have quickly become one to watch coming out of New Zealand. They will join Dragon at the festival, which will be held at Toll Stadium on March 16. Earlybird tickets are available now. Go to https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/go/frittertickets

Kamo Shared Path

An open afternoon for people interested in the development of the Kamo Shared Path is on tomorrow at Kamo Intermediate School from 4pm-6pm. It is an opportunity for those interested to learn, view the progress, understand what construction will be taking place and direct questions to the supervising and managing engineers of the project. Stage three of the Kamo Shared Path from Kamo Rd to Jack St, is due to start construction this month.

Northern Wars Tour

A Northern Wars Tour hosted by Heritage Northland will visit the battle sites of Te Ahuahu, Puketutu and Ohaeawai on Saturday.

The trip will start from Te Waimate Mission Grounds at 10am, with morning tea at the Sunday School Hall from 9.30am. On-board and site commentary will be provided by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga staff. Back at Te Waimate Mission around 12.30pm, a picnic lunch will be served, and guests can view the historic building, adjacent St John the Baptist Church and graveyard. $45 per person includes transport, morning/afternoon teas and lunch. Bookings essential: Merle Newlove, 09 439 7492 or m.r.newlove@xtra.co.nz