Northland news in brief, sewage leak repaired and walking weekend preview

A sewage leak near Russell, above, was repaired yesterday.

A sewage leak on Tapeka Rd, Russell, has been repaired. The leak was caused by a split in a urethane pipe taking wastewater from a pump station at Tapeka over the hill to Russell's treatment plant and caused sewage to bubble up through the asphalt. It was reported to the district council early on Thursday but contractors were sent out again for a closer look after calls to the regional council's environmental hotline that evening. The district council said the pipe only leaked when the pump was activated once a day and initially estimated the leak was a litre a day, later conceding the volume was greater. Contractors repaired the pipe yesterday morning. It is understood the delay in carrying out repairs was due not to contractor availability but the requirement under health and safety laws for a traffic management plan.

Onerahi fire investigation continues

A fire investigator has found the area where a fire started in an Onerahi three-bay garage but continues to investigate what sparked the blaze.
Fire and Emergency were called to the property on Thursday about 5.30pm after a black column of smoke could be seen by people in central Whangarei. Fire investigator Craig Bain said he was waiting for the owners to return form a sailing trip to establish what was stored in that section of the garage. Firefighters were able to stop the fire spreading to a nearby house.

New events at walking weekend

The 19th annual Mangawhai Walking Weekend will be on March 15-18 and feature some stunning walks to suit all abilities.
Most walks will have three local guides, who will pass on their knowledge. For regular Mangawhai Walking Weekenders looking for something different, five new events have been added to the programme this year.
There is a walk for all abilities and interests, and for non-walkers there will be plenty of beach and water activities.
• See www.mangawhaiwalking.co.nz for information on all walks and how to book. Some walks are expected to sell out, so booking is essential.

Indigenous Canadian schoolkids visit

The teacher leading a group of indigenous Canadian schoolchildren to Waitangi says he wants to show them they can go anywhere in the world, no matter how far from their reservation. Lamarr Oksasikewiyin is bringing a group of 19 students and seven adults from Chief Little Pine School in Saskatchewan to New Zealand from February 2-8. After a visit to the central North Island they will be based in Kawakawa and will spend February 6 at Waitangi, including seeing a performance on the Treaty Grounds main stage at 4.15pm. Mr Oksasikewiyin said he had taught about treaties in various schools and was on the speakers bureau for the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in Saskatchewan. ''Aside from international treaties being in the curriculum, I want to show the indigenous students here on the reserve that it is possible to see the world, no matter how far,'' he said. ''There are things out there that no lesson plan created that can match experience. I also want them to see the ties between the Maori and their own culture that they live. The Maori have similar stories.''

A&P show fun for all the family

The 142nd Paparoa A&P Show will be held at the Paparoa Showgrounds on Saturday, February 3.
It's guaranteed to be a fun day for the whole family, with side shows, equestrian events – showing and jumping – harness ring, wood chopping, shearing, team roping, cattle and dairy goat sections. There will also be market stalls and trade sites, live band, food and drink stalls and lots of children and teenager attractions. There will be a young farmers' dunking tank, petting zoo and free sawdust dig for children under 7.
• Gates open at 9am with free parking. Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for children, children under 5 are free. For schedules and more details visit www.paparoashow.org.nz. Inquiries to show secretary at secretary@paparoashow.org.nz E2011.

Ngawha Prison inmates graduate

Eight inmates from Ngawha Prison graduated with the Level 3 Certificate in Construction Trade Skills and Painting from NorthTec yesterday.
The graduation ceremony was held at Northland Region Corrections Facility - Ngawha Prison. Corrections Minister and Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis was the keynote speaker and presented graduates with their certificates. The achievement equips the men with skills and qualifications that will help them find sustainable employment on their release.

Don Speake home clarification

A story on Wednesday which reported that Waipapa identity Don Speake had died, mentioned that his Waipapa Loop Rd home was rebuilt by volunteers after it burned down in 2013. To clarify, the home was destroyed and Mr Speake purchased a one-bedroom unit from Sunshine homes for a generous discount. A massive volunteer effort built a deck, connected power, installing the wiring and plumbing and a myriad other jobs.