Last Friday evening, Bernina and the Rotary Club of Whangarei South put on an amazing display of lights, glamour and entertainment at Forum North, a forerunner to NZ Fashion Week (August 24-30.)

Over the past month I have talked about Whangarei District Council’s rates increases.  Not a lot of people truly understand what effect increasing rates has on businesses within our district.

PHOTO - Whangarei City Rotary http://www.whangareicityrotary.org.nz/galleries

I often get asked why we need service clubs. 

Right now, you should be receiving your new annual rates invoice from your favourite Council. Most of you will be asking “How much is it?!”  

If you have older family members who have their own home, it’s important they are aware of the new rates rebates they could be eligible for.

Life is cheap in Whangarei – no, not like that! What I mean is Whangarei suffers less inflation and overpriced goods than the rest of the country. We benefit from trees heavy with fruit, fewer heating costs due to our warm climate, and plenty of houses under $300,000.

What happens when you get 12 Whangarei people in a room with loads of government data to play with and unlimited internet access?

Our local council is in the process of removing the poor from this district.  “What?!” you say…

Apparently, the working class part of the community does not matter to the majority of Whangarei Councillors.  The Whangarei District Council, like the Auckland Council, are planning to enforce a 9% increase in the rates.  Along with the increase by the Northland Regional Council, this will bring some increases of rates to 15%.

Matariki was June 18 this year. Around the country, we responded with icy ocean dips, waiata and waka ama. Where has Matariki come from, and why have we embraced it?