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A series of talks by four wāhine Māori on their chosen Kaupapa, sharing their experiences of successfully navigating their professions. All have tribal affiliations with hapu and iwi from Te Tai Tokerau.
✨ The 2nd speaker is Dorothy Waetford ✨
Dorothy lives and works from the whānau … View moreA series of talks by four wāhine Māori on their chosen Kaupapa, sharing their experiences of successfully navigating their professions. All have tribal affiliations with hapu and iwi from Te Tai Tokerau.
✨ The 2nd speaker is Dorothy Waetford ✨
Dorothy lives and works from the whānau homestead in Matapouri. Raised in both Māori and Pakeha ways, she was encouraged by both sides of her whānau to pursue her natural creative talents. Before her tertiary training, Dorothy danced with Te Kanikani o Te Rangatahi and Taiao Māori Dance. Teaching introduced Dorothy to Ngā Kaihanga Uku Māori Clay Workers Collective, Te Ātinga Contemporary Māori Visual Arts and Toi Māori Aotearoa. She currently works for Māori and indigenous artists’ networks as a kaimahi and ringa uku, supporting cultural creative aspirations through advocacy agencies including Toi Ngāpuhi.
📆 Thursday 5 June 2025, 12:00pm
📍 Te Puawānanga, Whangārei Central Library.
🎟 Free entry.
No prior booking required. Seating on a first come, first served basis.
Sponsored by Whangarei District Council.
Please visit our website for more details
Nau mai, haere mai ki te kōrero ki a mātou!
Come and kōrero Māori with us!
📆 11am -12pm Thursdays 5, 12 & 19 June 2025,
📍 No.7 Espresso Café, Whangārei Central Library.
Reo Cafe is a fun hour of speed round kōrero where everyone can talk with others in and about te reo … View moreNau mai, haere mai ki te kōrero ki a mātou!
Come and kōrero Māori with us!
📆 11am -12pm Thursdays 5, 12 & 19 June 2025,
📍 No.7 Espresso Café, Whangārei Central Library.
Reo Cafe is a fun hour of speed round kōrero where everyone can talk with others in and about te reo Māori. It's like speed dating, but with kōrero!
People can use the reo they know or use resources we'll have as a guide.
It's also an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the courses offered at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Everyone is welcome, whether a complete beginner or fluent.
🎟 Kore utu - Entry is free.
A Puanga Matariki Festival Whangārei 2025 event, in association with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Products:
Bed Bath and Beyond Sleep kids fleece hoodies
… View moreWe are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Products:
Bed Bath and Beyond Sleep kids fleece hoodies
Toy Duck - sold on MightyApe
450R V8 Racing outboard engine and 500R V8 outboard racing engine
Anko heated elbow wrap - sold at Kmart
Bed Bath and Beyond Sleep kids microplush sherpa bath robe
Jet Black Fan Systems JBF & Diamond Series commercial fan
20pc Rubber Duck baby bath toy - sold on Kogan NZ
Magnetic Chess - sold on Holey Coley
Magnetic Chess Game
Magnetic Chess Game 20 and 28 piece sets
Kiss Beauty tangerine SPF primer - sold at Panda Mart
Giantz 6 inch Mini cordless electric chainsaw rechargeable wood cutter
Euky Bear warm steam vaporiser
Food recalls:
Summer Harvest brand bar mix and hot bhuja mix
Binggrae brand power cap watermelon flavoured ice tube
Chopped brand Pure NZ galloway beef thin beef sausages and beef traditional beef sausages
Ārepa brand The Brain Drink for Performance
Imported whole frozen anchovies
See past month's recalls here and here. Stay safe, neighbours!
The 2025 Local Elections are coming up this September - make sure you're enrolled to vote.
Before this time, locals can be nominated to be in the running for roles such as mayor, councillor, community & local board members. Could you see yourself stepping into a role like this?
There's a lot to consider - retirement homes, in-home support, independent living apartments or rest home living. And many are choosing to make the decision early for their future.
Whether you’re facing it now or far off, share with us your own plans, concerns, experiences or ideas for … View moreThere's a lot to consider - retirement homes, in-home support, independent living apartments or rest home living. And many are choosing to make the decision early for their future.
Whether you’re facing it now or far off, share with us your own plans, concerns, experiences or ideas for making aged care work better for everyone.
The regional finalists are in - and we have an incredible bunch of businesses vying for the title of this year's Local Business Hero. But we need your help to decide the winner! It'll only take a moment to vote - but it could change a small business's future.
Your vote puts them … View moreThe regional finalists are in - and we have an incredible bunch of businesses vying for the title of this year's Local Business Hero. But we need your help to decide the winner! It'll only take a moment to vote - but it could change a small business's future.
Your vote puts them in the running to win a prize package worth over $30,000. Be a good neighbour and make your vote today.
Do you need help using technology?
Come along to a free drop-in session for help using your smartphone, iPad, tablet, laptop or computer at Whangārei Central Library
📆 Tuesday 3 June 2025
🕙 10:00am to 12:30pm.
⭐ Free no booking required.
Spend up to 30 minutes with a librarian or … View moreDo you need help using technology?
Come along to a free drop-in session for help using your smartphone, iPad, tablet, laptop or computer at Whangārei Central Library
📆 Tuesday 3 June 2025
🕙 10:00am to 12:30pm.
⭐ Free no booking required.
Spend up to 30 minutes with a librarian or volunteer coach who can help you with things such as:
• General use of smartphone, tablets and laptops.
• Library services and access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, online newspapers and magazines.
• Tips for searching the internet.
• Scams.
Supported by Citizens Advice Bureau Whangārei and Whangarei District Libraries.
Samsung Galaxy Repair! 📱
Whether you have an A Series, S Series, or Note Series device, we are here to help with any issues you may encounter, including:
- Smashed Screen
- Display Issues
- Damaged Back Glass
- Battery Problems
- Water Damage
📞 Contact Us: 0228888297
Also do visit … View moreSamsung Galaxy Repair! 📱
Whether you have an A Series, S Series, or Note Series device, we are here to help with any issues you may encounter, including:
- Smashed Screen
- Display Issues
- Damaged Back Glass
- Battery Problems
- Water Damage
📞 Contact Us: 0228888297
Also do visit for any Mobile and Laptop Repair Service
Northland Society of Arts Annual General Meeting
Saturday 31st May 2025, 11:00am
Reyburn House Art Studio, Town Basin, Whangarei
Setting a Goal
Creating New Zealand's most accessible playground at Pohe Island Whangārei, making it a beacon for accessible tourism.
Inspired by photos shared by visitors like Kylee Ostermann, we’ve studied Hamilton’s Magical Bridge Playground considered New Zealand's best … View moreSetting a Goal
Creating New Zealand's most accessible playground at Pohe Island Whangārei, making it a beacon for accessible tourism.
Inspired by photos shared by visitors like Kylee Ostermann, we’ve studied Hamilton’s Magical Bridge Playground considered New Zealand's best accessible playground—and we believe Pohe Island can be even better. With ample space in Area 7, we have the opportunity to create something truly special. Now, we need the support of those who can help turn this vision into reality.
♿ Area 7 – A Perfect Place for Inclusive Play
Area 7 at Pohe Island offers a unique opportunity to further enhance Whangārei’s most celebrated play space. This wide, open, and level area sits adjacent to the existing Pohe Island Destination Playground and is ideally suited for expansion—especially with accessible play equipment that welcomes children of all abilities.
🌿 Why Area 7 Is Perfect
This naturally flat terrain provides an ideal foundation for inclusive infrastructure. Its proximity to the main playground, walking paths, and parking makes it highly accessible for families using wheelchairs, mobility devices, or prams. The area is already cleared and lightly landscaped, reducing preparation costs while allowing for seamless integration with the surrounding green space.
💡 Proposed Accessible Features
To build on our vision of New Zealand’s most inclusive playground, we plan to introduce thoughtfully chosen equipment that ensures every child can play, connect, and thrive. Proposed additions include:
✅ Wheelchair-Accessible Seesaw
Allows children with and without mobility devices to play together in balance and cooperation.
✅ Inclusive Swing with High-Back Support
A secure and comfortable swing option for children who need additional trunk or head support.
✅ Sensory Play Panels
Interactive panels at wheelchair height to engage touch, sight, and sound—supporting neurodiverse children and sensory learning.
✅ Smooth Rubber Safety Surfacing
A continuous, wheelchair-friendly surface ensuring safe and easy movement across the play zone.
✅ Shaded Quiet Zones
Calm areas with seating for rest or regulation, designed for children who may be easily overwhelmed or overstimulated.
✅ All-Access Carousel
A roundabout designed to include children in wheelchairs alongside their peers for shared spinning fun.
🧭 A Natural Extension of the Playground
By expanding into Area 7, we can reduce congestion in the main playground while creating a space that truly reflects universal design principles. It’s about more than equipment—it’s about building a future where every child, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of play.
Area 7 is ready. The need is clear. The opportunity is now.
Let’s build a space where inclusion is not just possible—it’s permanent.
poheislandwhangarei.co.nz...
Northland Police investigating the death of a Horeke man are seeking information from the public in the case.
Today, Police are also formally releasing the victim’s name.
Daniel Hepehi, also known as Danny Whiston, was found with critical injuries at a property in Waikerikeri Road in the early … View moreNorthland Police investigating the death of a Horeke man are seeking information from the public in the case.
Today, Police are also formally releasing the victim’s name.
Daniel Hepehi, also known as Danny Whiston, was found with critical injuries at a property in Waikerikeri Road in the early hours of May 22.
The 77-year-old sadly died at the scene.
Police are now appealing for sightings of Mr Hepehi on Wednesday May 21.
“Police have confirmed that Mr Hepehi shopped for groceries in Kaikohe around 10.30am on that morning,” Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston, Northland CIB, says.
“We would like to hear from anyone who saw Mr Hepehi or interacted with him over this time to assist in the investigation.”
“We are aware he frequently rode long distances on his bike around Horeke, Ōkaihau and Kaikohe,” Detective Inspector Johnston says.
Sightings in the area of a green and gold 4-wheel drive SUV vehicle with the number plate LCP129 are also being sought.
Northland Police launched homicide enquiry ‘Operation Dime’ after Mr Hepehi’s death on May 22.
Detective Inspector Johnston says: “As we have advised, we are not seeking anyone in connection with the homicide, but we are doing everything we can to find out what happened. Additional Police from other areas have joined the investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or by calling 105.
Please quote the reference number 250522/0155.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Te Korowai o Poutama kete is a response to the karanga of whānau to take care of their own loved ones when the time comes.
Our kaiārahi will come to you and provide whānau the resources, advice and assistance needed for preparation and ongoing care throughout the tangihanga. We will also … View moreTe Korowai o Poutama kete is a response to the karanga of whānau to take care of their own loved ones when the time comes.
Our kaiārahi will come to you and provide whānau the resources, advice and assistance needed for preparation and ongoing care throughout the tangihanga. We will also facilitate the logistics of ensuring all regulatory requirements of the whānau are met.
To korero further about this kete with our kaiārahi Phone, Email or visit Haven Falls Funeral Home - Poutama Tangihanga at 139 Bank Street, Whangārei
📆 Rāpare 29 Haratua | Thursday 29 May, 6:30pm to 9:00pm.
📍 Wānanga Whakatupu Mātauranga | Whangārei Central Library
🎟 Free entry.
The Night Café Whangārei's Night Library is back with a special Puanga Matariki edition.
Spend the evening at the library exploring He … View more📆 Rāpare 29 Haratua | Thursday 29 May, 6:30pm to 9:00pm.
📍 Wānanga Whakatupu Mātauranga | Whangārei Central Library
🎟 Free entry.
The Night Café Whangārei's Night Library is back with a special Puanga Matariki edition.
Spend the evening at the library exploring He Puawānanga and the new He Kākano collection of things. Listen to Puanga Matariki stories and waiata about rest, remembrance, transformation and the power of community.
There will be lots of fun and engaging activities for all ages, such as lantern and kite making, library tours, hot drinks from No.7 Espresso Café, cosy reading nooks, board games and more.
Bonus points to whoever shows up in their jammies!
❗️ Only limited library services will be available (no public computers).
This event is part of the Puanga Matariki Festival Whangārei.
Sponsored by Whangarei District Council.
Ka korerotia e ngā wāhine o rātou kaupapa nui.
To celebrate Puanga Matariki, Whangarei District Libraries are holding another series of weekly talks by four wāhine Māori on their chosen Kaupapa, sharing their experiences of successfully navigating their professions. All have tribal … View moreKa korerotia e ngā wāhine o rātou kaupapa nui.
To celebrate Puanga Matariki, Whangarei District Libraries are holding another series of weekly talks by four wāhine Māori on their chosen Kaupapa, sharing their experiences of successfully navigating their professions. All have tribal affiliations with hapu and iwi from Te Tai Tokerau.
✨ The first speaker is Geva Ngāpō Downey ✨
An art educator with a music degree from Otago University. She has worked in Aotearoa’s Public Art Gallery sector for over 20 years and is the Kaimānga Mātauranga for Wairau Māori Art Gallery, in Whangārei. She is passionate about contemporary Māori art and loves hearing the stories people share when they are moved by works of art.
📆 Thursday 29 May 2025, 12:00pm
📍 Te Puawānanga, Whangārei Central Library, 5 Rust Avenue, Whangārei.
🎟 Free entry.
No prior booking required. Seating on a first come, first served basis.
This event is part of the Puanga Matariki Festival Whangārei.
Sponsored by Whangarei District Council.
© Neighbourly 2025
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