The "seal silly season" is in full swing and the Department of Conservation is urging caution around the marine mammals as they come ashore to rest. Yesterday a healthy seal spent several hours relaxing on the banks of the Hatea River, beside the Whangārei Aquatic Centre, providing a talking point for many in the area. From May to August it's common for young seals to come ashore. But DoC warns that while seals are cute, they can also bite, and urged people to stay around 20 metres away from any seal they see. When the pups – and sometimes even older seals such as sub-adults – are exploring, they can follow rivers and streams and end up many kilometres inland. Generally speaking, if they got themselves in there, they are capable of getting back. In some places they have been found as far as 15km inland. If you come across a seal that you think is in danger, the best thing to do is give a call to 0800 DOC HOT.
Comics convention coming
The first Plunge! Studios indie comics convention is coming to Whangārei on July 13. Taking place across one day at OneOneSix, on Bank St, the Plunge! Indie Comic Convention is aimed at promoting pop culture in Whangārei. Organiser Aru Singh has been involved with comic books and pop culture for most of his life, including running a Whangārei comic book store from 2014 to 2017. After the store closed, Singh remained involved in comics and pop culture in Northland, including the Itchy Trigger Finger gaming and cosplay expo, in Whangārei last year.
New trustees formally welcomed
Foundation North has welcomed four new trustees. Chairman of Foundation North, John Slater, gave a warm welcome in te reo Māori to those coming on board: Maxine Shortland, David Whyte, Naisi Chen and Vanushi Walters. The Foundation's trustees are appointed by Associate Minister of Finance David Clark, and joined the organisation's governing board on June 1. Foundation North makes millions of dollars in grants each year to not-for-profit groups in Auckland and Northland.
