Vandalised sign annoys volunteers
The volunteer group which built a walkway along Kerikeri's Wairoa Stream is urging the public to be vigilant after vandalism resumed along the popular track. Project leader Rod Brown said in the latest incidents a historic sign explaining the track's part in the Northern War of 1845 was damaged and a botanic sign was uprooted and defaced with rocks. Like last year, when boardwalks were ripped up and dumped in the stream, the vandalism coincided with summer holidays. The damage was disheartening for Vision Kerikeri and Friends of Wairoa Stream volunteers and the cost of replacing the signs meant less money available for track building. ''Such moronic idiocy adversely affects all the thousands of sensible track users,'' Brown said. Call Kerikeri police on 105 with any information.
Northland shares in Lotto win
A ticket sold in Northland was among 17 nationally that each won $15,772 with Lotto Second Division in Saturday's draw. The winning Northland ticket was sold at Kerikeri New World. The winning numbers were 04, 15, 20, 29, 36 and 39 with the bonus number 40 and Powerball number 8. The winning Strike numbers were 29, 20, 04 and 15.
Tall ships come sailing in
The Bay of Islands Tall Ships Extravaganza is on again this Saturday, January 9. The Russell Boating Club is organising three races, one for tall ships (monohulls 30ft (9.1m) on deck), a classics event for monohulls 22ft (6.7m), and a third for all-comers race. All three races start off Russell at noon. Go to https://russellboatingclub.org.nz/tall-ships/.
Jetskiers cause problems
Surf lifeguards in the upper North Island were busy on New Year's Day, with Mangawhai guards kept on their toes by wayward jetskiers. Surf Life Saving Northern Region lifesaving manager Ari Peach said lifeguards carried out almost 800 preventative actions on its 22 beaches - including Ahipara, Baylys Beach, Whangārei Heads, Waipū Cove, Ruakaka and Mangawhai Heads - during the day involving more than 4300 beachgoers, and carried out 36 first-aid actions including nine major interventions. At Mangawhai Heads, wayward jetskiers proved a problem operating at high speed near swimmers, Peach said. The Maritime Police Unit was informed. Mangawhai guards also helped a man who suffered neck and head injuries after falling down the dunes.
Money for coastal work
The Ministry of Business Employment and Innovation (MBIE) has confirmed $2.45 million in funding for proposed Rangitane maritime facilities development near Kerikeri. Mayor John Carter welcomed the news, saying it would provide much-needed enhancement of access to the marine environment in the Bay of Islands, with other projects in Paihia, the Hokianga, Pukenui and Unahi. The money will help improve access, increase parking and provide safer launching for Far North boaties. Plans include 16 trailer parks and 12 car parks, and a double-width boat ramp with a launching pontoon. Also included is $384,000 to upgrade the jetty. Jetty consent holders are being consulted, as are iwi partners, local residents, and community groups. The project's total cost is $3.6m, with Far North District Council contributing $1.2m.
