Northland farmers under threat from Significant Natural Areas policy
18 May, 2021 05:23 PM
5 minutes to read
Almost 250,000 hectares of land in the Far North District has been tentatively zoned as a Significant Natural Area. Photo / Supplied
Almost 250,000 hectares of land in the Far North District has been tentatively zoned as a Significant Natural Area. Photo / Supplied
Te Tai Tokerau farmers are increasingly anxious about a push from central Government to protect sections of land deemed to be Significant Natural Areas (SNA). They fear the widespread implementation of SNA could force them out of business and off their farms. It s sort of death by a thousand cuts . All of the small things are adding up and we re already seeing in Northland, a lot of land going from farming into pine trees, said Federated Farmers Far North branch chairman Dave Wilson.
Kaitaia fire brigade stalwart Grant Baker serves 25 years
13 May, 2021 05:00 PM
4 minutes to read
Kaitaia Fire Brigade Operational Support Officer Grant Baker receiving his 25-year Gold Star from Ray Topia, past president of the United Fire Brigades Association. Photo / Peter Jackson
Kaitaia Fire Brigade Operational Support Officer Grant Baker receiving his 25-year Gold Star from Ray Topia, past president of the United Fire Brigades Association. Photo / Peter Jackson
Northern Advocate
One of the stalwarts of the Kaitaia Fire Brigade, Grant Baker, was honoured for 25 years service with a Gold Star on Saturday night.
The station was packed with fellow firefighters and guests when he received the brigade s 25th Gold Star - the first, No1480, was awarded in October 1963; his was No8910.
Call to step up and fill Maori seats 06 May 2021 12:51 PM Ngātiwai Trust Board
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Ngāti Hine chair Te Waihoroi Shortland was one of those who spoke before Tuesday’s vote.
He was impressed with the work of councillor Moko Tepania, who co-sponsored the motion, and says he represents the new face of Māori in local government. I think it behoves Māori now to get involved in local politics, We haven t fought to get these things over the line for us now to take our usual lackadaisical approach. If we are honest about our rangatiratanga, it is now time for Māori to step up and participate, Mr Shortland says.
Supporters tip vote for Far North Maori seats 05 May 2021 07:57 AM Photo: Ngapuhi Facebook.
Moko Tepania - Supporters tip vote for Far North Maori seats.
A Far North District councillor says overwhelming support from Maori helped shift enough votes to secure Maori seats in time for next year’s local government election.
The council yesterday voted narrowly in favour of the move, overturning last October’s 5-5 stalemate.
Moko Tepania says councillors heard impassioned speeches from iwi leaders including Waihoroi Shortland from Ngāti Hine and Aperahama Edwards from Ngāti Wai.
There was record turnout by the public at the meeting, with proceedings also streamed to the reception area and the Kaikohe Memorial Hall.
Far North to revisit Maori ward vote 03 May 2021 14:03 PM
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Far North District councillor Moko Tepania hopes his fellow councillors come with open minds to an extraordinary meeting tomorrow on Māori wards.
The council is revisiting the issue after a split vote last October and a compromise decision to hold a referendum at next year s election.
Moko Tepania, who forced the motion, says there is keen interest in the district. We just might get some really decent korero and wānanga come to our council meeting tomorrow in the form of delegations, and then the debate itself, that could see six of us decide to establish Māori wards or even more but until it happens I am still nervous about this, he says.