Whangārei cafe Logan MacLean has seen one of its vegan pies win a category in the Vegan Pie Award. The Waipū cafe entered pies in five of eight categories in this year's Vegan Pie Award. In 2019 its Cock-a-Leekie pie came second runner-up in the Vegan Chicken category. After the pies were judged on Friday, Logan MacLean won the Café boutique – any sort of pastry, shape, open or closed category for its Korean BBQ pie.
The judges said of the Korean BBQ pie: "flavour and texture beautiful".
Deck fire at bach
A deck fire in Mitimiti sparked an early morning response from five Far North volunteer fire brigades. The alarm was raised about the fire at a bach at around 5.44am, to which crews from Kohukohu, Broadwood, Ahipara, Ōkaihau and Kaitaia responded. Ahipara chief fire officer Dave Ross said Kohukohu successfully extinguished the fire that burned through around 1m-by-4m of deck. He said there was no damage to the bach.
Student trapped in gate
It was a rough end to the school day for a Whangārei Girls High School student who got herself caught in a steel gate on Monday. The Advocate understands the student had put her head and arms through a gap at the top of the steel gate near the school's entrance and became stuck. Whangārei fire brigade senior station officer Paul Ballantine said it only took five minutes to cut the student free using rescue equipment. The student reportedly remained in high spirits and even took the opportunity for photos with her rescuers.
Mangonui carol service
Carols in Mangonui will be held this Saturday (December 11) at 10am outside Little Kitchen. Feel free to bring along an instrument and/or your voice. Carols will include Te Aroha in C, Te Harinui in C, Jingle Bells in C and Felice Navidad in G, as well as many other popular favourites. The event will be run by Whakaaro Tahi Community Trust tutors, local school students and the Pohutuleles. All relevant Covid-19 restrictions will be in place.
Free GP service to get jabs
Northlanders unsure about the Covid-19 vaccine are again able to make the most of free GP appointments in Tai Tokerau. The Mahitahi Hauora Primary Health Entity initiative has been extended for a second time and is available until January 31. Northlanders either unvaccinated or who have only had their first jab can book a free appointment at any general practice in the region, even if they are not enrolled. Chief executive Jensen Webber said the PHE wanted to let people have in-depth talks with health professionals about the benefits and side effects of the vaccine.
