Northlanders' appreciation of the pōhutukawa tree is well known, and Whangārei residents can get two free pōhutukawa to plant courtesy of Whangārei District Council.
The council's Pōhutukawa Coast free plants programme has opened again, with residents able to get two free trees per property to plant. This year council has had to increase the plant numbers to cater for the demand, but given previous years' demand the 4280 plants will go fast so people will need to be quick.
Where to get your free trees:
Central - Botanica, 2 - 4 First Ave, Whangārei, 9am - 4pm from June 7-9 (10am - 4pm on other days)
Tutukaka - Tawapou Coastal Natives, 606 Matapouri Rd, 10am - 3pm Tuesday to Saturday
Whangārei Heads, Please contact Alan Willis and Rona Mahy–Willis on 4362808 to arrange a time to visit.
One Tree Point, Please contact Robbie Jones, on 027-2462026 or 09-4327329 to arrange a time to visit.
Local lotto winner
A Northland Lotto player was among seven nationally that each won $35,165 with Lotto Second Division on Saturday night. The winning Northland ticket was sold online on My Lotto to a player from the region.
Walkway bridge repairs
Construction of a new bridge to allow the reopening of the Paihia-Ōpua Walkway is due to start in August and take about six weeks, the Far North District Council says. The popular coastal track — which also forms part of the Te Araroa long-distance trail — has been closed since December when a routine inspection found a section of boardwalk was in danger of collapse due to rot and marine worms. Originally the council hoped work would start in March this year. Chief executive Blair King said specialist walkway firm Frame Group had been hired to design a new bridge and boardwalk and obtain approvals, and he expected a contract would be awarded on July 4. Once the new bridge was built there would be further minor disruptions to the track as other improvements such as track realignment, handrails, boardwalks and steps were completed.
