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Rascal the dog takes owner Colette Kershaw for a parasailing flight above the Bay of Islands. Photo / Jules De Rosa

THE COUNTRY

Flying dog spotted over Bay of Islands

2 Jun, 2020 6:00am
2 minutes to read

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's ... a west highland terrier named Rascal.

Robert Webb, MNZM, QSM, of Whangārei received the honour for his services to wildlife conservation. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHLAND AGE

Queen's Birthday Honours: Seven of our finest recognised

1 Jun, 2020 5:00am
14 minutes to read

Seven Northlanders have been recognised for their service to the community.

Olympians Peter Burling and Blair Tuke are among the top sailors competing in a teams racing event in Kerikeri this Queen's Birthday weekend. Photo / Nick Reed

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Nation's top sailors face off in Kerikeri

30 May, 2020 9:00am
3 minutes to read

Olympic gold medallist Blair Tuke predicts he'll 'get dusted by some young kids'.

The Duke of Marlborough is fully booked all Queen's Birthday Weekend, giving its owners a glimmer of hope for the post-Covid era. Photo / supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Long weekend boost buoys hurting hospo sector

30 May, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Some hotels are fully booked this weekend - but fears remain for the coming winter.

Whangārei tiny house builder Marcel Syron says the law change is a step in the right direction. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Law change strips red tape from sheds, sleepouts

29 May, 2020 11:00am
4 minutes to read

From August sheds and cabins up to 30sq m won't need a council building consent.

Te Rerenga Wairua will reopen this Friday in time for Queen's Birthday weekend. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

'Mangled spirituality' in Cape closure - Jones

27 May, 2020 11:00am
6 minutes to read

MPs trade barbs but both want cape open; DoC says time needed to ready it for visitors.

The injured rider was flown from Te Tii to Auckland City Hospital by the Northland Rescue Helicopter. Photo / supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Critically injured rider 'not wearing helmet'

27 May, 2020 7:00am
2 minutes to read

Rider flown to Auckland City Hospital from Te Tii with head and leg injuries.

Police are looking for the driver of a car involved in a hit and run at Taheke on Friday night. Photo / File

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Police seek hit-and-run driver after woman, child hurt

26 May, 2020 6:00am
2 minutes to read

Crash occurred as car was overtaking on SH12 at Taheke on Friday evening.

Kerikeri Retirement Village’s care facility is now home to six people aged over 100. From left, Doris Robertson, 104, Lorraine Robson, 100, John Comely, 101, Una Harrison, 102, Dorothy Evans, 100, and Gwen Webb, 100. Nell Graveson, 103, lives in her own home at the village and couldn’t be in the photo due to Covid-19 restrictions. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

New member welcomed to Kerikeri village's burgeoning '100 Club'

23 May, 2020 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Gwen Webb's 100th birthday one of the best ever, despite Covid-19 restrictions.

Keith Hawkins backs a decision to lower the speed limit on Waimate North Rd, saying it has become an access route between Kaikohe and Kerikeri since the road was sealed about 10 years ago.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Speed limits to be slashed in Far North

23 May, 2020 5:00am
8 minutes to read

Most unsealed rural roads will be cut from 100km/h to 60km/h, sealed roads to 80km/h.

Kerikeri Steam Trust volunteers, from left, Dave Collins, Ian Faulkner, Doug Dysart, Mike Collins and Alan Strang check out the

THE COUNTRY

Steam engine find brings ferry restoration a step closer

22 May, 2020 10:00am
3 minutes to read

The 110-year-old ferry will be part of a Bay of Islands train and boat steam excursion.

Wiremu Wiremu was a central figure at almost every event around the Mid North. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Kaumātua, mentor, waka leader farewelled as iwi navigate Covid-19

22 May, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Wiremu Wiremu, 80, was laid to rest near his marae at Rahiri on Monday.

A scene from The Great Return, a video about nature’s rebound during the Covid-19 lockdown made by conservation group Project Island Song and voiced by Northland actor Rachel House. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Video showcases resurgence of nature, calls for 'new normal'

21 May, 2020 10:00am
3 minutes to read

The lockdown has been tough on business but a boon for Bay of Islands wildlife.

The worst fire of the 2019-20 season occurred on Karikari Peninsula when a car crashed into a power pole, sparking a blaze that swept through 130ha of conservation land and forced the evacuation of half a dozen houses. Photo / FENZ

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

'Don't burn just because you can': Fire restrictions ease in Whangārei

21 May, 2020 8:00am
2 minutes to read

Flurry of scrub fires on Tuesday highlight underlying dryness despite recent rain.

Kerikeri's new sportshub will be built on farmland on State Highway 10 opposite the Waipapa retail area. Photo / James Coleman

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

$5m land purchase for Kerikeri sportsfields

20 May, 2020 8:00am
4 minutes to read

The Bay of Islands has been crying out for more sportsfields for years.

Dogs are allowed on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail but only if they're on a leash. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Cycle trail attack dog 'put down by owner'

19 May, 2020 10:00am
3 minutes to read

Owner fined for failing to control or register his dog.

The passenger in this stationwagon suffered critical injuries after being thrown through the windscreen in a crash at Paihia's main intersection on Sunday night. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Passenger critically injured in Paihia crash

19 May, 2020 6:00am
2 minutes to read

Car hit bollards on wrong side of road; neither driver nor passenger wearing seatbelts.

The busy Karikari Fire Brigade will get a new, purpose-built fire station to replace the current two-bay shed. Photo / Malcolm McLeod

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

New fire station planned for busy Karikari brigade

18 May, 2020 11:00am
3 minutes to read

'Go-to brigade' is located in one of the most fire-prone areas of Northland.

Kaharau Neho from the Far North and Joziah Neho from Whangārei at Onerahi jetty about to head out yesterday for their first fish since lockdown. The cousins were stoked to catch up with each other and hoped bring back a feed. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Care urged on water, roads this weekend as freedom returns

16 May, 2020 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Coastguard expects high number of boaties making most of lockdown's end.

Kaumatua Wiremu Wiremu instructs kaihoe (paddlers) during Waitangi Day festivities in 2008. Photo / Tania Webb

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Revered kaumātua Wiremu Wiremu dies

16 May, 2020 7:00am
4 minutes to read

He was one of the last keepers of waka knowledge of his generation.

Kerikeri's Gill Tubbs is reunited with her daughter Louise Payne, son-in-law Andrew Payne and grandchildren Paxton, 3, and Sofia, 1, for the first time in seven weeks. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHLAND AGE

Northland awakes from lockdown hibernation as NZ moves into level 2

15 May, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Family reunions, haircuts and a caffeine fix – it was a big day for Northland in level 2.

Andy Hancox from Whangārei has been pulling his hair out for eight weeks waiting for a trim at the Barbers in Bank St. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHLAND AGE

Oh, the places we go: Northlanders welcome level 2

14 May, 2020 8:14am
4 minutes to read

Northlanders out and about as country goes into level 2.

The view from a Barrier Air flight between Auckland and Kaitaia. Photo / Kohu Inch

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Kaitaia flights to resume as level 2 begins

14 May, 2020 6:00am
2 minutes to read

Barrier Air service had been 'picking up steam' before Covid-19 hit.

La Taza Del Diablo front-of-house staff Matene Dixon, left, and Poppy Lovell, with head chef Liam Davis, get ready for the Kerikeri restaurant's reopening at 4pm today. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northlanders 'amped' as life returns to semi-normal

14 May, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

Shops, cafes, hairdressers reopen and domestic travel permitted from today.

The on-leash rule, and the $20,000 maximum penalty, is clearly marked at every entrance to the Twin Coast Cycle Trail. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Cycle trail scene of another dog incident

13 May, 2020 12:00pm
4 minutes to read

Councillor says a few are "ruining it for everybody" by ignoring trail's on-leash rule.

North Indian Food co-owner Natesh Prakash, of Kawakawa (right), with staff Vsiva Kumar and Karthikeyan Karuppassamy. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Level 3 spices up sales for Kawakawa's Indian takeaway

13 May, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Owners thought business would be quiet. Instead they've had busiest two weeks in 17 years.

Artist's impression of the Ventnor monument, which was to have been built near the entrance to Rawene cemetery. IMAGE / SUPPLIED

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

New location chosen for monument honouring Chinese miners lost at sea

12 May, 2020 10:00am
3 minutes to read

Memorial will honour miners whose remains were lost at sea and iwi who looked after them.

The Far North District Council wishlist includes replacing the water treatment plant supplying Paihia, Waitangi and Haruru Falls, which is old and vulnerable to floods. Photo / Peter de Graaf

THE COUNTRY

'Shovel-ready' projects focus on water supplies, wastewater

12 May, 2020 9:00am
3 minutes to read

Govt looking for infrastructure projects creating the most jobs in the shortest time.

Alaskan-born Northlander David Vann is in the running for New Zealand's top literary prize. Photo / supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northlander shocks literary set by making final of NZ's top fiction award

12 May, 2020 7:00am
2 minutes to read

David Vann has been a New Zealander since 2003 and lived in the Far North until last year.

Paihia Four Square owner-operator Scott Jackson with a Kidney Kids donation box and staff Macklin Wilson, Kimberly Church and Megan Greenwood. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Donation more than makes up for charity-box theft

12 May, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Charity was struggling due to lockdown when thief ran off with a Paihia donation box.

Businesses such as Warehouse Stationery in Kerikeri (with Zoe Kempthorne and Aroha O'Leary) allow customers to pick up pre-ordered items from a footpath counter to meet Covid-19 alert level 3 rules.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Far North businesses reminded of alert level 3 rules

9 May, 2020 1:00pm
3 minutes to read

Only 'essential' shops can allow customers inside, mostly with a one-in, one-out rule.

Moerewa's Rangi McGregor, right, receives a kete koha (gift basket) from Pamela-Anne Ngohe-Simon, of He Iwi Kotahi Tatou Trust. Photo / Supplied

LIFESTYLE | Food & Drink

Ngāti Hine spreads aroha with food, hygiene packs

9 May, 2020 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

More than 1500 "kete koha" and 1300 hygiene packs have been distributed so far.

The tunnel-boring machine will be similar to this one built for the Waterview tunnel at the Herrenknecht factory at Guangzhou, China, in 2013. Photo / file

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Giant tunnel-boring machine to be named after Dame Whina Cooper

9 May, 2020 9:00am
3 minutes to read

Dame Whina's name topped nationwide poll of 300 influential women.

A man who stole a donation box from Paihia Four Square was nabbed by an off-duty police officer. Photo / File

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Swift justice: Off-duty cop chases down donation box thief

9 May, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

The 27-year-old suspect tried to flee the scene but didn't stand a chance.

Normally you’d struggle to fit all 497 kids at Kerikeri Primary School into one photo. This was almost the entire turnout on Wednesday with all but the children of essential workers required to stay at home. From left, Jayarna Tuwhangai, Olivia Livingston, Wiremu Herbert, Manu Herbert, Kendall McNaught, Kobi Nock, Harrison Brown, Lincoln Stanley, Jaron Merib-McLellan, Stella Nock, Ezra McNaught, Gina Merib-McLellan, Aiden Stanley and Keeghan Botha. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Primary school down from 497 kids to 17 at alert level 3

9 May, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Under alert level 3 schools are open to Year 10 but only for children of essential workers

Dogs are permitted on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail but only if they’re on a leash. Photo / Greg Bowker

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Cyclist attacked by dog on Twin Coast trail, needs 14 stitches

8 May, 2020 9:00am
2 minutes to read

Man knocked off bike, bitten three times by off-leash pitbull-type dog.

Cafe Cinema barista Shujing Piao with a couple of the Covid-19 themed gingerbread men the business has been giving away. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Even gingerbread men are taking precautions

8 May, 2020 8:00am
2 minutes to read

Cafe also giving away "coronavirus biscuits" in the spiky shape of the Covid-19 virus.

The fatal crash occurred on Mataraua Rd, about 3km southwest of Kaikohe. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Driver, 66, in fatal Northland crash not wearing seatbelt, police say

8 May, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

So far four Northlanders have died on the region's roads during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The fatal crash occurred on Mataraua Rd, about 3km southwest of Kaikohe. Photo / file

NEW ZEALAND

Man killed in crash near Kaikohe not wearing seatbelt, police say

7 May, 2020 11:24am
3 minutes to read

Single-vehicle crash occurred on Mataraua Rd about 12.40am today.

Tara Iti Golf Club, just south of Mangawhai, has been rated the second best golf course in the world outside the US. Photo / supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

US billionaire gets green light for two more golf courses

6 May, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Ric Kayne has already developed Tara Iti Golf Club, rated one of the best in the world.

The new operator of Kohu Ra Tuarua, the Hokianga ferry, says ferry fares and timings won't change. Photo / FNDC

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Plain sailing: New operator's plan for Hokianga ferry fares

5 May, 2020 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Bay of Islands-based Fullers GreatSights now running the Hokianga ferry.

An illuminated road sign outside Kaikohe's drive-through Community-Based Assessment Centre. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Iwi clocks up over 300 Covid-19 checks

4 May, 2020 9:00am
4 minutes to read

More than 150 people turned up daily after the Kaikohe New World case was reported.

Volunteers at the Waiomio checkpoint on State Highway 1 interview a driver. Photo / Pita Tipene

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Most checkpoints gone, Covid-19 patrols are next

4 May, 2020 6:00am
4 minutes to read

Matt King takes up invitation to visit Waiomio; Harawira says checkpoints will go mobile.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Spiritual retreats plan for north thwarted

2 May, 2020 9:00am
5 minutes to read

He bought seven properties - but then the Overseas Investment Office said no.

Farmland around Kaikohe is known for its fertility but the lack of a reliable water supply hampers development of horticulture. Photo / Peter de Graaf

THE COUNTRY

Work on Kaikohe water storage dam to start in summer

1 May, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Project paid for by $30m PGF grant for Mid North and Kaipara water storage.

A relocated Whangārei airport is one of two big-ticket items on the Whangarei District Council's wishlist. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northland councils make case for $1b infrastructure 'mega-spend'

1 May, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

Government planning huge spend-up to offset economic havoc, job losses wrought by virus.

The R Tucker Thompson's tender was stolen from the tall ship at Opua wharf during the Covid-19 lockdown. Photo / supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northland sail training trust heartened by help after boat stolen

30 Apr, 2020 11:00am
2 minutes to read

Firms offer to replace stolen tender and outboard; boaties urged to still keep an eye out.

All traffic heading to the Far North is being stopped at a joint iwi/police checkpoint at Waiomio, south of Kawakawa. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHLAND AGE

Driver turned back at checkpoint after 600km trip for 'a bit of fishing'

30 Apr, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

The end of level 4 doesn't mean an end to the ban on unnecessary travel.

Traffic management had to be put in place on Bank St, Whangārei, after queues started forming for McDonald's and KFC. Photo / Micheal Cunningham

PREMIUM

Rush on fast food, water sports as Covid-19 alert level drops

28 Apr, 2020 3:16pm
9 minutes to read

Traffic management called in after fast food fans rush Whangārei outlets.

Russell Top 10 Holiday Park manager Einnee Facey (left), with assistant manager Tabatha Bird, Laura Tuukkanen (Finland) and Celina Brauns (Germany). Photo / Supplied

NORTHLAND AGE

Stranded backpackers invited to join Russell family bubble

28 Apr, 2020 8:00am
3 minutes to read

The two women were lucky to have jobs but faced spending four weeks alone in lockdown.

Nine-year-old Anika Beren with a Lego tribute to Anzac Day and her grandfather Arthur Beren, a Vietnam veteran. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHLAND AGE

Kerikeri veteran, granddaughter mark Anzac Day

28 Apr, 2020 8:00am
4 minutes to read

'We need to keep remembering because it was awful and we have learnt absolutely nothing.'

Dawn breaks over the Yorke Rd Anzac Day ceremony in Haruru Falls. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHLAND AGE

Haruru Falls street marks Anzac Day its own way

27 Apr, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

'As we stand two metres apart we stand together as one', street service organiser says.

Volunteers wave traffic through an iwi-run Covid-19 checkpoint in Kaikohe on Friday. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHLAND AGE

Kaikohe checkpoint still operating as police spell out rules

27 Apr, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Northland MP Matt King declines Hone Harawira's invitation to join checkpoint for a day.

Kayla Taituha lays a wreath during the Yorke Rd ceremony with daughter Maia Taituha-Harrison. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northlanders proudly honour Anzac Day

27 Apr, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Yorke Rd residents brought together by Covid-19 held their own dawn service.

Bay Bush Action trustee Brad Windust said there's been an increase in birdsong in Northland during the Covid-19 lockdown.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Lockdown's silence could help tūī reclaim musical mojo

25 Apr, 2020 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Biggest winner of lockdown likely to be little blue penguin because of drop in boat noise.

Alexa Bell and Anita Jakich, photographed here before the lockdown, have been trying to keep their efforts quiet. Photo / supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Kerikeri duo give away 1700 meals to essential workers

25 Apr, 2020 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Pair tried to keep their lockdown efforts quiet but have been outed by grateful cop.

The R Tucker Thompson's tender, photographed before the lockdown. Photo / supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

'Lowlifes' steal youth training ship's rescue boat

24 Apr, 2020 11:00am
2 minutes to read

Stolen boat one of only two or three Naiads in the Bay of Islands so will be easy to spot.

A Tai Tokerau Border Control volunteer hands an information leaflet to a motorist passing through the Kaikohe checkpoint. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHLAND AGE

Harawira: Covid-19 checkpoints need to stay

24 Apr, 2020 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Level 3 will mean easing of travel restrictions but Harawira says it's not safe yet.

Russell Landcare chairman David McKenzie smells a rat in one of his traps. Photo / Supplied

THE COUNTRY

400,000 fewer pests munching Northland kiwi, forests

23 Apr, 2020 10:00am
3 minutes to read

About 150 groups working Northland-wide to protect kiwi by trapping invasive pests.

Northland MP Matt King and local volunteers unload a truckload of food at Waikare. Photo / Sara King

NORTHLAND AGE

Kai packs ease lockdown pain

23 Apr, 2020 7:00am
2 minutes to read

The lockdown is compounding existing transport and poverty issues, kaumatua says.

Ex-Army Unimogs are loaded up with food, water and disinfectant at the former Kaikohe RSA as part of a Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi project to deliver supplies to whānau around Northland. Photo / Mita Harris

NORTHLAND AGE

Ngāpuhi delivers 8000 food packs to vulnerable whānau

23 Apr, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Goal is to make sure the elderly don't have to leave home, even to go to the supermarket.

Social worker Kim Ellice talks to a motorist at the Kaikohe checkpoint. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Ngāpuhi defends Covid-19 checkpoints after shutdown call

22 Apr, 2020 6:00pm
3 minutes to read

Iwi boss says no one has complained to rūnanga to back up checkpoint intimidation claims.