Young weed warriors from Hurupaki School discovered of a large infestation of the highly invasive pest plant batwing passionflower and set off a killer attack on it. Members of the school's DIP (Dive into Passions) group, which is supported by the Enviroschools programme, found one seedling while foraging for weeds
Northland news in brief: Weed warriors, firearms collection and bbq lunch
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A Hurupaki School weed warrior with the unwanted batwing passionflower. Photo / NRC
Gun buyback events
Police are encouraging firearms holders in Northland not to leave it to the last moment and to hand in their prohibited firearms and parts at collection events in the region this month. The next one is in Kerikeri on September 17 at Kerikeri St John, from 3pm-7pm then at Dargaville Rugby Club on September 18 from 3pm-7pm. The collection events are also a chance for anyone to hand in any firearm – no questions asked – under amnesty. If you hand in firearm/s under amnesty no personal details will be recorded as the amnesty is entirely anonymous. If you do want to hand in firearm/s or part/s for buyback, complete the online form at www.police.govt.nz before coming to an event – including listing each firearm and/or each part you are bringing along.
Country and city meet at BBQ
Farmers will be cooking up a barbecue lunch for townies in Whangārei's Laurie Hall Park on Friday as part of a nationwide awareness-raising campaign by Ag Proud NZ. Titoki farmer Andrew Booth, one of the organisers of the local event, said the neighbourly occasion aims to bring town and country closer together. Booth said while one aim is to highlight farmers' mental health issues and other pressures, the Ag Proud NZ barbecue will be a chance to share information about all the good things happening in the rural sector. The event will be between 11am and 2pm, with all welcome.