Northland News in Brief: Bus Terminal Upgrade; Tangihua Lodge open day and free literacy classes

Modernization of the bus station
Work on a $1.5 million upgrade to Whangārei’s Rose St bus terminal will begin next week.
The upgrade is due to begin on Monday, with bus operations moving to Vine St for the next three months.
For the duration of the work, the terminal area of ​​Rose Street will be closed.
CityLink buses will operate from Vine St, where some parking lots will be turned into bus stops and temporary seating will be installed.
The first stage of the two-stage project is due for completion at the end of May and will include new, modern bus shelters with improved weather protection; raised crosswalks on Rose and Bank streets to improve pedestrian safety; a wider sidewalk so that buses can pass each other safely inside the terminal; more bus stops at the terminal to serve more bus services in the future; and a new bus stop on Bank Street.
The second stage of the project will include upgrading the main terminal building and the pathway alongside it, which will be done when funding becomes available.

Open day at Tangihua Lions Lodge

Tangihua Lions Lodge has an open day today with a fun day in the bush for visitors.
The road to the lodge – Omana Rd, Waiotira – will be open from 9am to 3pm as the road is not open often.
”We are regularly asked if people can use the road from the lodges to get there, especially if they have young children. Because we rent it exclusively, the answer is usually no.”
The Trust and Mid Western Lions will be hosting the following activities today: 9:30 am – 12:00 noon, Trust Class; 11:30 a.m., walk to the kauri grove; 11:30 a.m., orientation course, meeting at the lodge; 11:30 am, conservation walk to check mustelid traps and bait stations; from noon to 1:30 p.m., swim at the swimming hole; 1:30 p.m., a lecture on the conservation program and the lodge at the lodge.
For more information see www.thelionslodge.co.nz/open-day

Free literacy and numeracy training

Free literacy and numeracy classes are available in Kaitaia through Far North REAP.
Classes, led by Allan Daun, are held Mondays from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Far North REAP at 33 Puckey Ave.
Daun has helped many students in their careers in New Zealand trades and services – many are now working in their chosen fields.
For more information, visit the Far North REAP Facebook page, contact Simone Edwards on 09 408 1380 ext. 718 or simonee@farnorthreap.org.nz.

Bike ride on the Marua Trail

The Marua Hall Fundraising Trail bike ride will take place tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The hike is from Browns Farm on Jubilee Rd, Marua, and there are trails for adults, 16 and under, and children.
All proceeds from this ride go towards maintaining the Marua Community Hall. Specifically to replace windows and repaint, as the room is in constant need of maintenance and repair. This event is the hall’s main fundraiser for the year and is organized by a group of local volunteers.
It will be executed according to the current rules of the Covid-19 vaccine passport.
For more details, visit www.facebook.com/groups/3040687962836210/?ref=share

No bail for meth defendants

Facing 15 charges related to alleged methamphetamine trafficking, Paul Gillespie, 41, was denied electronically monitored bail when he appeared in Whangārei District Court via audio-visual link from jail.
The Crown opposed the request. Gillespie’s offense allegedly involves 114g of methamphetamine.
He is charged with eight counts of supplying methamphetamine; three of possession of methamphetamine for supply; one charge of possession of methamphetamine and three of possession of equipment, materials or precursor substances for the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Gillespie had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges and elected a jury trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for a case review hearing, again via an AV link, on March 1.

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