Hip-hop artists at Pasifika Fusion
Two of New Zealand hip-hop's best artists, Che Fu and King Kapisi, will take the stage at the Northland Pasifika Fusion Festival 2018 in Whangarei later this month. With MCs John Tui and Pua Magasiva, the dynamic duo will add another dimension to the popular Northland festival. Performing together as Hedlok, Che Fu and Kapisi will take the stage during the festival at Hihiaua Peninsula Reserve on Saturday, February 24. Che Fu performed at last year's Pasifika Fusion Festival.
Axemen are back
After a 30-year plus absence axemen will return to Mangakahia next Saturday. The axeman's carnival is a jointly organised event with Mangakahia Sports Complex, Maungarongo Marae and Poroti School. The event on February 10 will run from 10am - 2pm and promises lots of fun and entertainment for families. Mangakahia Sports Complex and the marae and the school are all neighbours and this is the first time they have put their heads together to organise an event. People in the community remember the axeman events Mangakahia used to host and it is hoped to become an annual event again. There will be food and craft stalls, kidzone and competitions, music and of course the axeman, with free parking and entry.
Plea for Red Puppy Appeal
The Blind Foundation is calling for Northland volunteers to support its Red Puppy Appeal street collection on March 23-24 to raise funds for the breeding and training of guide dogs. Blind Foundation guide dogs offer freedom and independence by acting as the eyes for those in our communities who are blind or have low vision. The costs for breeding and training a guide dog are fully funded by public donations and sponsorships, which is why the Red Puppy Appeal is so important. To support the Blind Foundation, volunteer a couple of hours for Red Puppy Appeal on March 23-24. To sign up visit redpuppy.org.nz or phone 0800 PUPPIES.
Shooter faces sentencing
A man who shot at three police officers before driving off in a police car will be sentenced next week. Joshua Kite, 35, pleaded guilty in the Whangarei District Court in December last year to three charges of using a firearm against police - one for each officer - in an incident on Kamo Rd in August last year. Other charges relating to the same date are two of kidnapping and impersonating a police officer. There are two additional charges of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, including a $50,000 police patrol car. He will be sentenced on Friday.
Advocacy group to meet
The Whangarei branch of an advocacy group for Pacific women living in New Zealand is hosting a national conference next weekend. Members of the P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A or Pacific (Women's) Council Inspiring Faith in Ideals Concerning All will converge at the A'Fare Restaurant on Lower Dent St between Friday to Sunday. Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy and Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue will be among the speakers at the conference. Delegates from Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Palmerston North, Tokoroa and Auckland are expected to attend.
The cost is $180 for three days or $80 per day and includes lunch and dinner. Those interested can email pacificawhangarei@hotmail.com or contact Venee Mortimer on 021 150 8565.
