Northland news briefs

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 8:25

Man arrested, charged

A Whangarei man has been charged with several offences after allegedly hitting his partner during a domestic dispute. Acting Sergeant Melissa White said the 20-year-old man and his partner were involved in an argument in the Whangarei CBD about 2.30pm on Sunday. The man allegedly threatened and assaulted the woman. He was charged with assault with intent to injure, threatening to kill and wilful damage.

Pace car prizes to be won

Northlanders keen to keep apace with road safety could find themselves navigating their way to a prize. The Pace Car Project is a community-based traffic calming initiative paving the way for a safer road environment in Whangarei. The aim is to make the streets safer by asking motorists to drive responsibly and within the speed limits to create a more pleasant environment on the roads. There are 44 Whangarei organisations involved and more than 800 pace cars on the roads around Whangarei. From today to February 28, anyone who signs up to be a Pace Car will go in the draw to win a vehicle GPS system, ASICS shoes and MTA fuel vouchers. Prizes will be drawn March 1. Visit www.pacecars.co.nz to register and be in to win.

Communicating non-violently

A two-day course on non-violent communication is being held in Whangarei later this month. The course, at Harmony House Gathering, 1506 Ngunguru Rd, on February 18-19, is being run by Susie Spiller, who believes non-violent communication is more than a compassionate way of communicating - it is a way of being. To register email: susie@susiespiller.com or visit www.susiespiller.com

Biodiversity fund opens

The Kaipara District Council's Biodiversity Fund for 2012 is open to receive applications from individuals and/or communities who have a project that will enhance or protect the environment. The council has allocated $15,000 to the fund for 2012. In the past, the fund has assisted a wide variety of projects, ranging from fencing bush blocks and stream banks (to protect precious waterways) to pest and weed control. The council has guidelines and application forms available from its offices in Dargaville and Kaiwaka, and on its website www.kaipara.govt.nz. Applications close on March 16 with the decision on the successful applicants made in April.

Families to hold reunion

A reunion of the Ruddell/Gough families is being held from February 10-12 at Treasure Island Camping Ground, Pataua South. All descendants of Samuel Watts Ruddell and his wife Alexandrina (nee Stuart) born St Ann's Glen, Nova Scotia, and George Kenneth Ruddell and his wife Annie (nee Gough) formerly of Mangakahia and Pataua South are invited. For more information contact: Natalie Taplin (09 524 9249) or Nell Stanley (09 480 5600).