Northland news in brief: New Consul General of India in Auckland visits Whangārei

Consul General Dr Madan Mohan Sethi (centre right), visited Whangārei on December 5 with consul and head of chancery Sanjeev Kumar (left), meeting with Mayor Vince Cocurullo (centre left) and Northland Indian Association chairman Ralph Correa (right).

Growing ties with India

A Whangārei visit by the newly appointed Consul General of India in Auckland is helping foster connections between Northland and India. Consul General Dr Madan Mohan Sethi visited Whangārei on December 5 meeting with Mayor Vince Cocurullo, Northland Indian Association chairman Ralph Correa and members of the Northland Chamber of Commerce. The visit was deemed a resounding success, with Sethi committed to fostering closer connections with the Indian community and supporting initiatives that bring economic and cultural benefits to Northland.

Te Kopuru fire

A person is in custody after a fire in Te Kopuru on Wednesday afternoon. The fire - reported to police at about 12.45pm as an arson - involved the fence of a property on Hospital Rd. Police said no one was injured in the fire, which Fire and Emergency staff were quick to put out. Someone located near the scene was taken into custody. Charges are being considered.

Death not suspicious

The body found on Tuesday in Northland’s Waipoua Forest was a 70-year-old man, a police spokesman says. Police were notified of the sudden death near Waipoua River Rd at around 3pm. The death was not suspicious and had been referred to the coroner.

Community award

Amelie Jansen, pictured with Girls’ Brigade National Commissioner Sue Cammel, received her Girls’ Brigade Queen’s Award at Government House in Wellington after two years of dedication.

Whangārei’s Amelie Jansen was recently presented with a Girls’ Brigade Queen’s Award at Government House in Wellington. The international award, for young women aged 15 to 25, recognises leadership, dedication and excellence in areas of community life over two years. Among a wide range of actions, Amelie volunteered at Dragonfly Springs Wetlands Sanctuary, hosted an 80th birthday party for her grandfather, fundraised for Give a Girl A Hope and did a photography assignment.

KidsCan holiday help

More than 6000 families across New Zealand will receive essential support these holidays with the delivery of $1.4 million worth of food from KidsCan. The food packs are being offered to the families of every child the charity supports through its 203 partner early childhood centres, including those in Northland. The initiative was made possible thanks to the generous support of philanthropists Graeme and Robyn Hart. It is the first time KidsCan has had the funding to provide food support to families during the holidays, with the charity typically providing support during the school term.