Commercial carbon control
Local councils will have more power to decide where new commercial forests – including carbon forests – are located, to reduce impacts on communities and the environment, Environment Minister David Parker announced on Tuesday. He said new national standards give councils greater control over commercial forestry, including clear rules on harvesting practices and new requirements to remove slash from erosion-prone land. Under the changes, non-indigenous forests planted for carbon sequestration will now be managed in the same way as plantation forests. Forestry Minister Peeni Henare said slash provisions were tightened to reduce the risks of damage to downstream communities, as was experienced in Tairāwhiti and Wairoa during Cyclone Gabrielle.
Checks for children
Children who have turned 4 are eligible for a Well Child Check. A nurse will provide information on a child’s health and development such as their height, weight, teeth, social and emotional wellbeing, as well as immunisations. Ngāti Hine Health Trust Tamariki Ora will hold clinics in Whangārei on October 12, November 9, and December 7 from 9am until 3.30pm at 5 Walton St. To book, call 0800 737 573. If you live between Ruakākā and Kāeo, home visits are available.
