Northland Conservation Board members (seated from left): Judi Gilbert, Ian McGill, Mita Harris, Richard Robbins, Hori Parata, Tracey Andrews-Smith and Piet Nieuwland - DoC (standing in the middle).
Northland Conservation Board members (seated from left): Judi Gilbert, Ian McGill, Mita Harris, Richard Robbins, Hori Parata, Tracey Andrews-Smith and Piet Nieuwland - DoC (standing in the middle).
The Northland Conservation Board is pleased to report that the Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) for Northland has been approved by the New Zealand Conservation Authority and became operational on September 29.
It's been 10 years in the making and CMS Board chair, Mita Harris said the people of Northland should be proud to have participated in the development of the CMS: "This is your handshake with the Department of Conservation (DoC) on outcomes for the places within Northland for the next ten years," he said.
The board welcomes the opportunity to monitor implementation of the strategy on behalf of the people of Te Taitokerau/Northland and is extending an 'open door' invitation to all Northland stakeholders to engage with them and members to discuss the implementation and acknowledge their valued contribution.
The board acknowledges the passion and work undertaken by DoC staff in the development of the CMS and, in particular, Piet Nieuwland.
• For more information give your local board members a call, or visit the board's page on the DoC website: www.doc.govt.nz/ncb.
Whangarei Friendship Force tour leader Gwendolyn Needham reports that 20 New Zealand ambassadors for world peace through friendship were home-hosted in China recently, having their horizons widened, as well as feasting daily on interesting gourmet cuisine.
Gwendolyn Needham and Keith Thomas experience transport Beijing-style.
Gwendolyn had negotiated with Vicky Huang Yanfei, of Liuzhou People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries to provide homestays with families keen to befriend New Zealanders. She said that hosts were varied in ages and occupations. Mutual interest in education forged links for future visits because, "Helping children improve their English was high on our hosts agendas".
The tour included taking in cultural experiences and sights in Liuzhou, Shanghai, a four-day Yangtze River Cruise, the World Panda Centre at Chengdu, the wonders of Xian and a visit to China's Great Wall and Beijing City.
This month Whangarei Friendship Force is hosting guests from Japan and Sarasota, Florida, USA. Outward exchanges are confirmed for 2015 to Taiwan; also a three-stop visit to Texas, Manchester and Hamburg. Club meetings and outings are held at VCC, Maunu, every third Sunday afternoon. All interested are very welcome to be a guest for two meetings.
• For more information contact Brian Currie (publicity) on (09) 436-1194, or Keith Thomas, (president) on (09) 437-3240.
Not just jazz
Support a great cause while having a great time at Multiple Sclerosis Northland's jazz concert on November 15 from 2pm. Take your blanket, a chair, a picnic and settle into a garden environment for an afternoon of middle of the road and easy listening music care of That Life and Sweet Escape.
To be held at 436 Mangakahia Road, Poroti - look for signs and balloons. Tickets: $25 - additional costs for food and drinks, bar available.
• For tickets and more information contact Wende on (09) 432-9677, or email nthlndms@xtra.co.nz.
Speak easy
Are you scared of public speaking? Keep calm and join Toastmasters where you will gain confidence, develop better speaking and presentation skills, learn to think quickly and clearly on your feet, and build your leadership style.
Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.
Pop along to to the Free Taster Meeting on October 15 from 7pm to 9pm in the Masonic Hall, Maunu Road.
For more information contact Claire via mobile: 021 736 164; or Keith on (09) 974-8021.
Feed on a budgetHands-on cooking with a pinch of budgeting is the theme for the Anglican Care Centre's course coming up on October 22. Learn how to make a list, shop wisely and cook tasty, nutritious food without blowing the budget.
• For more information and to register (places are limited) contact the Anglican Care Centre, 1b Deveron Street, on (09) 437-6397.
Free publicity
Are you a club, group, community organisation, business, or individual contributing positively to Whangarei District? Do you want to share your news and information with the public for free?
