The Whangārei District Council received more than 500 different forms of feedback on the first stage of its Dog Policy and Bylaw review. Some of the matters raised - such as providing poo bags - may require additional funding to implement and will be channelled into the council’s 2024 Long-Term Plan process, strategic planning manager Bernadette Aperahama said. The council aims to finalise the new policy and bylaw before the end of June 2024.
Car ferry ramp upgrade
An urgent upgrade to the Ōkiato car ferry ramp will get under way on August 28. Far North Holdings Limited (FNHL) is investing $400,000 to replace the existing ramp and solidify the foundations. The project will require specialist commercial divers to work underwater each night between 10.30pm and 5am and will take about four weeks to complete. The upgrade will not impact the day-to-day operations of the ferry. Repairs are expected to be completed by late September.
Kapa haka festival
An estimated 480 tamariki making up 12 kapa haka groups will perform at Te Hui Ahurei o Ngāti Rēhia Kapa Haka at Whitiora Marae at Te Tii next week. The two-day kapa haka festival runs from August 30 and brings together schools from the Ngāti Rēhia hapū to celebrate cultural identity, pride, unity and respect for te ao Māori. The Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board granted $5000 to Ngāti Rēhia to assist with running costs. Entry to this celebration of Māori culture, community and whanaungatanga (kinship) is free and open to the public.
