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Latest FromPeter de Graaf

NORTHLAND AGE

Right then, we're off to the moon

20 Sep, 2018 12:34pm
3 minutes to read

SPCA looking for dog owners to (collectively) walk their four-legged friends to the moon

Awadagin Pratt of the USA is the chief judge of the 2018 Kerikeri International Piano Competition, which starts a week from today. Photo / Rob Davidson

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

World's top young piano players compete

19 Sep, 2018 2:00pm
7 minutes to read

A round-up of news snippets, events and oddities from the Bay of Islands and the Mid North

Youth of the award-winning KaiMatariki Trust about to head to a festival in Italy earlier this year where they represented Maori as a

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Group reviving Māori games scoops top award

19 Sep, 2018 7:00am
2 minutes to read

Nine volunteer groups and two outstanding teens recognised in annual Far North awards.

Far North District Council chief executive Shaun Clarke. Photo / file

NORTHERN ADVOCATE | Business

Far North council boss among best paid in NZ, taxpayer group claims

19 Sep, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Report overstates council boss' pay by about $130,000 due to CEO changeover.

Paul and Kaiya Lafotanoa. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Kiwi in killer typhoon: 'Never heard wind like it'

18 Sep, 2018 6:26am
2 minutes to read

Former NZME staffer hunkering down in storm-battered Hong Kong apartment.

Kerikeri Retirement Village plans to expand from its current 87 independent living units and 66 care beds to about 300 units and 100 beds. Photo / Aerial Vision

BUSINESS

Retirement village reveals plan for 'silver tsunami'

18 Sep, 2018 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Village wants to buy up to 42 neighbouring properties and triple its number of units.

Police set up a tent on the front lawn of a house near Moerewa where a 57-year-old man died on Saturday evening. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NEW ZEALAND

Northland murder accused appears in court

17 Sep, 2018 3:12pm
2 minutes to read

The woman, 46, is accused of murdering a 57-year-old man in Moerewa on Saturday evening.

Forensic specialists set up a tent on the front lawn of a house on Taumatamakuku Crescent, near Moerewa, after a 57-year-old man died after police say he was stabbed. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NEW ZEALAND

Woman charged with murder over fatal stabbing

17 Sep, 2018 12:00pm
2 minutes to read

Woman, 46, to appear in court today on murder charge after fatal stabbing at Moerewa.

Marie Shepherd, Paul Shepherd and Denis Winters pulled a semi-conscious man from a burning van moments before it was engulfed in flames. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Neighbours drag driver from burning van

15 Sep, 2018 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Both front doors were wedged shut and flames were shooting up the driver's side.

Kerikeri Kindergarten kids perform kapa haka to mark Te Wiki o te Reo Māori and raise money for new te reo resources. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Kindy kids embrace Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

14 Sep, 2018 11:00am
Quick Read

Youngsters performed two 15-minute kapa haka brackets for appreciative audience

NORTHLAND AGE

NZs oldest oak tree succumbs to the wind after 194 years

13 Sep, 2018 10:30am
2 minutes to read

New Zealand's oldest oak tree has died, at 194.

Whangaroa residents are being urged to have a say on the future of their embattled health trust. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Report finds health trust almost out of money

13 Sep, 2018 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Whangaroa residents asked to choose between two options for health trust's future.

Seth Evans is just Year 7 at Springbank School but he already has a thriving business making garden art from old horseshoes. Photo / Debbie Beadle

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Bay News: Market day at Springbank School

12 Sep, 2018 2:00pm
7 minutes to read

A round-up of news snippets, events and oddities from the Bay of Islands and the Mid North

NEW ZEALAND

NZ's oldest oak tree dies

11 Sep, 2018 6:12pm
3 minutes to read

Oak was brought from England as an acorn in 1824 and was admired by Charles Darwin.

Northland MP Matt King outside the Kaikohe District Court after a man pleaded guilty to throwing a 'coward's punch' that left the victim unable to work a year later.

NORTHLAND AGE

Northland MP Matt King's bill drawn from ballot

11 Sep, 2018 10:30am
3 minutes to read

A private member's bill inspired by a fatal punch at a Kerikeri pub may become law.

The first stage of building Te Hononga, a project in Kawakawa which has been criticised by Act Party leader David Seymour, was the construction of this test wall in June. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NEW ZEALAND

Kawakawa trust defends cultural hub plans

11 Sep, 2018 10:00am
3 minutes to read

"Te Hononga" project aims to encourage Kawakawa visitors to stay longer and spend more.

Nineteen jobs were in limbo after the sudden closure of Paihia restaurant 35 Degrees South and the adjoining Alongside bar. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Jobs rescued after restaurant closure

10 Sep, 2018 2:00pm
3 minutes to read

Closure of 35 Degrees South was a "bolt from the blue" for staff.

The third Rainbow Warrior at anchor among the Cavalli Islands during a visit in 2013. Photo / Peter de Graaf

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New Rainbow Warrior heading to Matauri Bay

8 Sep, 2018 1:00pm
3 minutes to read

Crew to lay wreath where original Rainbow Warrior laid to rest

Northland MP Matt King outside Kaikohe District Court after a Northland man pleaded guilty to a

NEW ZEALAND

Northland MP's 'coward's punch' Bill drawn

8 Sep, 2018 10:00am
3 minutes to read

The bill would create a new offence covering fatal unprovoked assaults.

A fire investigator at the scene of a blaze which destroyed R&S Auto Services just two weeks after the business opened. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Haruru fire victims thank firefighters, neighbours

6 Sep, 2018 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Auto workshop had been open only two weeks when it was destroyed by fire

Far North Mayor John Carter (pictured) and councillor Sally Macauley are heading to China next month to talk business. Photo / File

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Far North Mayor, councillor head to China to talk business

5 Sep, 2018 9:00am
3 minutes to read

Council reps to meet company behind what could be NZ's biggest ever tourism investment.

Joint senior premier winner Annette Pilapil, of Kerikeri High School, investigated the anti-bacterial properties of various natural remedies. Photo / Peter de Graaf

THE COUNTRY

Budding scientists scoop Far North awards

4 Sep, 2018 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Projects about bee mites, horse nutrition and natural remedies the big winners.

The Hurricanes' Julian Savea is wrapped up by the Blues duo of Jared Payne and Rene Ranger during a Super Rugby pre-season game in Kerikeri in 2011. Photo / Ron Burgin

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Super Rugby game coming to Mid North

3 Sep, 2018 10:30am
3 minutes to read

Rugby bosses to choose between Kerikeri and Kaikohe, if council agrees to underwrite event

NEW ZEALAND

Northland SAS soldier's bones brought home after 62 years

1 Sep, 2018 1:00pm
7 minutes to read

Paul Thomas was finally able to fulfil a promise made to his mother more than 40 years ago

Paul Thomas at the grave of his brother, Adrian Raymond Thomas, who was laid to rest at a Northland marae last week 62 years after he died in action in Malaya. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NEW ZEALAND

Northland NZSAS trooper buried at home - 62 years after he was killed in action

1 Sep, 2018 6:00am
2 minutes to read

Paul Thomas promised his mum to bring her son home. He didn't think it would take so long.

New Vision Kerikeri chairman David Clendon presents founder and outgoing chairman Rod Brown with life membership. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Bay News: Vision Kerikeri founder retires after 14 years

29 Aug, 2018 2:00pm
11 minutes to read

A round-up of news snippets, events and oddities from the Bay of Islands and the Mid North

The workshop was burning fiercely when firefighters arrived. Photo / supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Roller doors glow red hot as workshop razed by fire

28 Aug, 2018 6:50am
2 minutes to read

Firefighters managed to stop the flames spreading to an adjoining workshop.

The burglary at the Kerikeri RSA on Cobham Rd occurred about 4am on Monday. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Thieves 'hit new low' as Kerikeri RSA burgled

25 Aug, 2018 6:30am
2 minutes to read

Police, RSA appeal for information after weekend's takings stolen.

Plastic-free Kerikeri members Barbara Belger (left), Helen Moorhouse, Laura Jerome and Zoe Edmonds produce reusable fabric bags during a Saturday sewing bee. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Plastic-free group celebrates Govt bag ban

23 Aug, 2018 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Proceeds from reusable cloth bag sales fund other plastic-reduction projects.

''The Granddaddy of Puketi'', a North Island robin released in Puketi Forest in 2009, is at least 10 years old - three times his species' normal lifespan. Photo / Tricia Hodgson

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Bay News: Puketi Forest resident thrills Trust members

22 Aug, 2018 2:00pm
10 minutes to read

A round-up of news snippets, events and oddities from the Bay of Islands and Mid North.

For the second year in a row police bosses have pledged to boost Northland's thin blue line. Photo / File

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87 new frontline police for Northland

21 Aug, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Northland's percentage increase is the second-biggest in the country.

Regional economic development minister Shane Jones, here speaking at Waitangi this year, said the Waitangi National Trust needs to restructure before it can get government money for a new museum.

NEW ZEALAND

Jones wants Treaty grounds trust change

20 Aug, 2018 6:00am
2 minutes to read

Trust's commercial arm a "superfluous appendage", Minister says

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Pumping his way back to health

18 Aug, 2018 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Six months ago GJ Hill could barely walk. Now he's off to the bodybuilding world champs.

A Honda Civic wheel-bearing hub. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Er, not that kind of civic hub

16 Aug, 2018 7:00am
2 minutes to read

Submitter applauds plans for an $11m "giant Honda Civic wheel-bearing hub" in Kaikohe.

The civic hub will be built on the former Kaikohe Hotel site, now owned by Te Rūnanga-ā-iwi o Ngāpuhi. Photo / Debbie Beadle

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

$11m 'civic hub' for Kaikohe's main street

16 Aug, 2018 6:00am
3 minutes to read

New facility could combine council offices, a cultural centre, library, i-Site and more.

A fight featuring Kerikeri gym trainer Leah-May Morrow and Mangamuka farmer Rachael MacCarthy was regarded as the best bout of the night when the NZCB Charity Boxing Event was first held back in 2012. Photo / Nathalie Giacomeli

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Bay News: Kerikeri boxing event target $20k

15 Aug, 2018 2:00pm
9 minutes to read

A round-up of news snippets, events and oddities from the Bay of Islands and the Mid North

Security is now in place on the Northland College grounds. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Second arrest imminent for College assaults

13 Aug, 2018 10:53am
2 minutes to read

A teacher, a tutor and a student assaulted by group of youths on the school grounds.

Grant Bullot, of Tauranga blues band Kokomo, jams with American slide guitar maestro Austin Walkin' Cane. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE | Lifestyle

Big names pull crowds at jazz and blues fest

13 Aug, 2018 9:00am
2 minutes to read

Veteran festival organiser says she'll keep going as long as she can

The new Kerikeri retirement village could look similar to this artist's impression of a facility in Nelson being built by the same company. Image / Supplied

BUSINESS

Developer to spend $130m building Kerikeri's biggest retirement village

13 Aug, 2018 7:00am
4 minutes to read

New Hall Rd development will include about 200 villas and apartments and 60-80 care beds.

Department of Conservation staff with the body of a leopard seal shot at point-blank range at Glinks Gully. Photo / LeopardSeals.org

THE COUNTRY

Police arrest four youths over leopard seal shooting

9 Aug, 2018 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Boy shooters caught as news emerges of a fur seal pup run over on Ninety Mile Beach

American slide guitar maestro Austin Walkin' Cane is headlining the Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival for the second year in a row. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Bay News Bites: Jazz and blues fest back

8 Aug, 2018 2:00pm
10 minutes to read

A round-up of news snippets, events and oddities from the Bay of Islands and Mid North.

Moerewa GP Graeme Fenton has been awarded one of his profession's highest honours, the Eric Elder Memorial Medal.

THE COUNTRY

Moerewa's 'ultimate family doctor' honoured

7 Aug, 2018 2:30pm
2 minutes to read

A Far North GP has received one of the medical profession's highest honours.

Newly ordained priest Chris Swannell moments before Sunday's historic service at Christ Church in Russell. Photo / Sandy Mhyre

NORTHLAND AGE

History made at Russell's Christ Church with first gay priest

7 Aug, 2018 11:30am
3 minutes to read

A Far North man has made history as the first gay man to be ordained an Anglican priest.

NEW ZEALAND

NZ's first openly gay Anglican priest ordained

7 Aug, 2018 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Northland man Chris Swannell first openly gay Anglican priest in NZ.

Moerewa GP Graeme Fenton has been awarded one of his profession's top honours, the Eric Elder Memorial Medal. Photo / File

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Top award for Moerewa GP

4 Aug, 2018 12:00pm
2 minutes to read

Medal winner Graeme Fenton described by his peers as "the ultimate family doctor"

The ambulance crashed on State Highway 1 north of Ōhaeawai. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Medics, patient hurt as ambulance rolls

4 Aug, 2018 10:00am
2 minutes to read

The cause of the crash, on SH1 north of Ōhaeawai, is not yet known

Debbie and Ben Leduc are opening New Zealand's biggest Mitre 10 store at Waipapa, in the Bay of Islands, next week. Photo / Peter de Graaf

BUSINESS

$13m hardware store to open as economy surges

3 Aug, 2018 6:00am
4 minutes to read

The Mitre 10 store opening in Waipapa next week will be the biggest in the country

Simon Reed is one of several St John volunteers whose training was funded by a charity boxing event in Kerikeri. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Bay News: Boxing event boosts coffers, skills for St John

25 Jul, 2018 2:00pm
8 minutes to read

A round-up of news snippets, events and oddities from the Bay of Islands and the Mid North

An overview of the project and above, a pier pile is installed.

NORTHLAND AGE

New Taipa Bridge lane to open for summer

24 Jul, 2018 1:30pm
2 minutes to read

One lane of the new Taipa Bridge on State Highway 10 will open in time for summer.

Joop Mijnders and then Northland MP Winston Peters share a laugh after the Dutch war veteran received the War Mobilisation Medal. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northland Dutch war veteran dies aged 94

21 Jul, 2018 2:00pm
3 minutes to read

Joop Mijnders was officially recognised last year, 75 years after Burma railroad ordeal.

An earlier protest, in 2014, against a decision to recognise Tuhoronuku as the mandated body to negotiate Ngāpuhi's Treaty settlement. Photo / File

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Call for Ngāpuhi leadership change

21 Jul, 2018 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Group's claim meeting shifted to avoid protest denied by Ngāpuhi rūnanga

Wiremu Keretene and Erana Paraone outside the Coin Save store in Kawakawa, one of two in the Mid North which has pulled P pipes from its shelves. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NEW ZEALAND

Couple urges others to rid their towns of P pipes

19 Jul, 2018 6:00am
5 minutes to read

Discount stores pull meth pipes after approach by Moerewa couple

Matt Dudley and Rikihana Waipouri from Hikurangi leap from the wharf in a Fred Flintstone-themed entry. Russell Birdman Festival, 14 July 2018.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Birdmen brave rain, icy water in wharf jump

18 Jul, 2018 12:00pm
2 minutes to read

This year's supreme winner had a message about plastic waste harming marine life.

Moerewa man Wiremu Keretene asking a shop worker whether he was aware of the harm methamphetamine was causing in the community. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

People power forces stores to pull P pipes

18 Jul, 2018 10:11am
2 minutes to read

Northland couple shame a discount chain store into taking pipes off the shelves.

NORTHLAND AGE

Former DHB head to run Whangaroa Health Services Trust

17 Jul, 2018 4:30pm
2 minutes to read

A retired senior manager has taken over the troubled Whangaroa Health Services Trust.

With a freshly planted kauri at Takou Bay are, from left, Daniel Komene with daughter Kyra, 6, and Tip the dog, Rata Fletcher-Cornelius, Nora Rameka and Harry Hawkes.

THE COUNTRY

Kauri sanctuary planned to combat die-back in north

17 Jul, 2018 10:30am
3 minutes to read

Maori land near Kerikeri may be turned into a kauri sanctuary to help protect the species.

The Coastguard Bay of Islands vessel Bay Rescue II in action. Photo: Peter de Graaf

NEW ZEALAND

Scammer 'fundraising for Coastguard'

16 Jul, 2018 2:49pm
2 minutes to read

The scam has angered Coastguard volunteers who say it could tarnish their good name

Planting a kauri on land at Takou Bay until recently covered in gorse are, from left, Daniel Komene, Kyra Komene, 6, Rata Fletcher-Cornelius and Nora Rameka. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF

NEW ZEALAND

Kauri sanctuary plan to save species

16 Jul, 2018 8:21am
3 minutes to read

As many as 50,000 kauri could be planted on 45ha now covered in gorse and pine

Laura Stevenson of Paihia takes flight during last year's Birdman festival in a costume inspired by the kākāriki, a native parakeet. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Bay News: Birdman swoops back to Russell

11 Jul, 2018 2:00pm
7 minutes to read

A round-up of news snippets, events and oddities from the Bay of Islands and Mid North.

DoC marine mammal ranger Cat Peters and French veterinary student Coline Peters measure the ''super rare'' pygmy right whale. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF

'Super-rare' whales wash up

9 Jul, 2018 5:12pm
3 minutes to read

Antarctic-dwelling pygmy right whales have only been seen 30 times at sea.

Hokianga Health Enterprise Trust chief executive John Wigglesworth. PHOTO / FILE

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Quitting acute care 'added to trust woes'

9 Jul, 2018 8:00am
2 minutes to read

Hokianga's health trust keen to help keep services running in Whangaroa

The Northland-made TV series The Hunters Club stars five top hunters. Photo / supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northland-made hunting show goes global

7 Jul, 2018 11:00am
4 minutes to read

TV series produced in Kerikeri bedroom will be streamed to a potential 96 million viewers.