Powhiri for Maungatautari kiwi and welcome
Burglar active
King Country police want to hear from residents who could help them solve a series of daytime burglaries across the district. See: Off the Beat
Thieves strike
Tables and seating for kaumatua, set up ahead of the blessing of the Mangaokewa Walkway cultural storyboards last week, were stolen by thieves before the event.
New unit
A new first response unit is being established in Maniaiti-Benneydale following training of eight volunteer firefighters. St John is the lead agency for medical calls, but the collaboration with Fire and Emergency will strengthen responses in rural and remote areas around Benneydale.
Kiwi head south
Arriving from Maungatautari for Kiwi Transfer to Ngaati Rangi
The first 10 of 40 Sanctuary Mountain kiwi have been taken to Karioi Rāhui, a 5300-hectare ecological project in southern Ruapehu. The birds were released into the care of Ngāti Rangi at Rangataua, near Ohakune as part of the national kiwi repopulation strategy.
One of the kiwi being transferred from Maungatautari. Photo: Lucy Schultz
Maungatautari Kiwi arriving to Ngaati Rangi
Game changer
Federated Farmers have welcomed the announcement of a $4 million rural wellbeing fund for rural mental health and wellbeing. President Wayne Langford says mental health is a major issue for farmers and rural communities, and many factors contribute to that.
Airport bonus
Hamilton Airport says a $6.5 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will be used to extend its runway by up to 255 meters and expand the terminal apron and taxiway. The airport will contribute $3.3m to the project which will enable a wider range of aircraft to land and depart.
Roadworks
Waka Kotahi says motorists should allow an extra 40 to 60 minutes for journeys between Piopio and New Plymouth while renewals and improvements on SH3 are completed. Work is also being carried out on SH3 near Piopio Hunt and Wall and at Te Mapara.
