1920 days ago

We Say, You Say: Northland Tooth Fairy

Neighbourly.co.nz

Do you think the charges laid against the Northland "tooth fairy" are fair?

Northland woman Claire Wihongi-Matene is facing seven charges brought forward by the Ministry of Health due to manufacturing illegal dentures.

The charges include one of claiming to be a health practitioner and another six charges of performing a restricted activity. The Kaikohe woman could potentially face a maximum of a $190,000 fine and is currently awaiting trial.

Wihongi-Matene is defending the charges stating that she only wishes to help those that cannot afford basic dental care in her community.

"It started off with like aunties and uncles and you know the whānau and just helping them out and then, of course, word of mouth - they told their friends and next minute like I just had people coming from all over."

Share your thoughts in the reply section and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comment featured in the Conversations section of your local community paper.

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More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

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K
6 hours ago

The Whangārei Monthly Crafts Market is Back!

Kristi from Tikipunga

Join us for a vibrant celebration of local creativity at the Whangārei Crafts Market!

🗓 Sunday 29 March 2026
⏰ 9:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Reyburn House Art Studio, Town Basin
🎟 FREE ENTRY

Come along and support talented local artists, makers and creative entrepreneurs. You’ll discover:

✨ Handmade arts & crafts
✨ Pickles, jams & homemade goodies
✨ Crocheted treasures & baby clothes
✨ Blankets, toys & soaps
✨ Jewellery & unique gifts
✨ T-shirts and so much more

This is your chance to shop local, connect with our creative community, and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning by the water at the Town Basin.

Bring your friends, bring your whānau, and help us support local artists and crafters.

#WhangareiCraftsMarket #ShopLocalNZ #SupportLocalArtists #NorthlandEvents #CreativeCommunity

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K
6 hours ago

Northland Pasifika Fusion Festival - Saturday, 7 March 2026,10:00am - 3:00pm, Kensington Sports Park

Kristi from Tikipunga

Get ready, whānau! We’re celebrating 11 incredible years of culture, connection, and community at the Northland Pasifika Fusion Festival, and this year’s theme says it all:
✨ “Nurturing Our Cultures by Strengthening Our Health.” ✨
Join us for a vibrant day filled with:

🌴 Cultural performances
🥥 Pasifika food and flavours
🎶 Music, dance, and storytelling
🤝 Community pride and connection
💙 Health, wellbeing, and whānau-focused activities
Let’s honour our Pasifika roots, celebrate our diversity, and uplift the wellbeing of our people together.
Save the date, bring the aiga, and be part of something beautiful.
🌺 Pacific pride. Northland heart. 🌺
📅 When: Saturday, 7 March 2026 | 10:00am - 3:00pm
📍 Where: Kensington Sports Park, 97 Kensington Ave, Whangārei
💰 Entry: FREE
👉 More info: FALE Pasifika

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