The Ashburton Pipe Band is sending a group of newcomers to compete at the 2025 New Zealand Pipe Band Championships in Invercargill. Pipers Charlotte McDowell and Nickola Forde, along with side drummers Ma’ake Vaipulu and Tisi Vaipulu, are all under 12 and will be participating in the street march event for the first time. Despite their age, the band is proud of their progress and looks forward to their future growth in all three competition categories.
Full Article
Appalling racist language from Northland police officer – Race Relations Commissioner
Race Relations commissioner Dr. Melissa Derby condemned a Northland police officer for sending an email referring to a suspect as a “little black 1,” stating it was inappropriate and unacceptable. The officer, who is Māori, sent this offensive remark in response to a routine internal request for assistance in identifying suspects, which was distributed to all Northland officers. Want More Context? 🔎
Read more