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Northland Regional Council hydrologist Alan Bee records the remaining flow in the Awanui River at Double Crossing yesterday, a few kilometres upstream of Kaitaia's water intake. Photo / Peter Jackson

THE COUNTRY

Water restrictions Far North-wide as drought looms

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

Restrictions also in Dargaville, Baylys Beach; Whangarei okay so far but careful use urged

The 130-tonne vaporiser, a key part of the geothermal power plant under construction at Ngāwhā, arrives on site just after daybreak. Photo / Tom Zink

THE COUNTRY

Monster power station load sets Northland record

21 Jan, 2020 10:00am
2 minutes to read

The 130-tonne vaporiser is the biggest load shifted on Northland roads in recent decades.

Elliot Farm owner John Elliot points out the property's boundaries while Robert Willoughby (left), Christine Elliot and Geoff Ricketts look on. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NEW ZEALAND

Final push to preserve public access to iconic Northland surf beach

21 Jan, 2020 6:00am
5 minutes to read

Trust also plans a multi-day walk from Cape Brett to Russell Forest via Elliot Bay.

Dry conditions mean kiwi, like this North Island brown kiwi on farmland on Purerua Peninsula, are turning up in unusual times and places. Photo / file

THE COUNTRY

Clumsy kiwi falls into pit — twice

19 Jan, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Archaeologists in the Bay of Islands make a surprising discovery in an excavation pit.

The drone footage was filmed at Ngawai Bay, in Helena Bay. Helena Bay Lodge, owned by Russian steel oligarch Alexander Abramov, is in the background. Photo / Facebook

NEW ZEALAND

Appeal for information after orca harassed at Helena Bay

18 Jan, 2020 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Drone footage shows boats chasing pod and driving at speed over top of an orca.

The archaeological dig at Mangahawea Bay on Moturua Island. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Photos: Is this NZ's first human settlement?

17 Jan, 2020 5:23pm
Quick Read

Northland's Mangahawea Bay may have been settled by the first wave of Polynesian arrivals.

Robyn Hall of Rawhiti (left) and Kiwi North curator Georgia Kerby excavate a trench. Photo / Peter de Graaf

PREMIUM

Bay of Islands dig a chance for NZers to learn their history

17 Jan, 2020 10:00am
3 minutes to read

Mangahawea Bay, on Moturua Island, is one of the country's oldest known inhabited sites.

Te Uri Taniwha hapū members Esther Horton and Ian Mitchell say council plans for an access road and parking at this Inlet Rd boat ramp near Kerikeri will damage an 800-year-old cultural site. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Protest planned at Kerikeri boat ramp

16 Jan, 2020 11:00am
4 minutes to read

New boat ramp access aims to take pressure off existing ramps in Kerikeri area.

The blaze is thought to have been started by a bee smoker, destroying beehives and spreading into about 4ha of scrub. Photo / FENZ

THE COUNTRY

Beekeeper taken to hospital after fierce scrub fire

15 Jan, 2020 7:00am
2 minutes to read

Fire started on Jordan Rd, Kaikohe, and quickly engulfed 4ha of scrub.

The Northland-built waka Te Hono ki Aotearoa is paddled by Dutch students during a handover ceremony in the city of Leiden in October 2010. Photo / Peter Hilz

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Waitangi event marks Dutch waka's 10th anniversary

15 Jan, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Te Hono ki Aotearoa (The Link to NZ) was built by the late Sir Hekenukumai Busby in 2010.

The Aupōuri Peninsula's avocado boom is transforming the landscape between Kaitaia and Houhora - but it's also leading to increased tension over water use. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NEW ZEALAND

Avocado orchard attacked as water tensions escalate

14 Jan, 2020 4:15pm
5 minutes to read

Houhora community sharply divided over use of vital aquifer as avocado industry booms.

Doug's Opua Boatyard owner Doug Schmuck has won a legal payout totalling tens of thousands of dollars. Photo / Peter de Graaf

THE COUNTRY

Legal battle ends in hefty payout for Opua boatyard owner

14 Jan, 2020 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Battle over beachfront reserve started in 1995 - and it's not quite over.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Much-loved 'Cowboy of Te Kapotai' dies aged 92

13 Jan, 2020 9:00am
Quick Read

"Papa Hau" Hereora will be farewelled at Waikare Marae on Saturday.

Vessels of every shape and size jostle for space at the starting line off Russell. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Photos: Russell Tall Ships race 2020

13 Jan, 2020 8:00am
Quick Read

More than 100 boats of all shapes, sizes and vintages competed in Saturday's race.

The 18.5m wooden yawl Pantagruel celebrates its 100th birthday this year. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

'Miracle' as wind springs up bang on time for tall ships race

13 Jan, 2020 5:30am
3 minutes to read

About 100 boats took part in Saturday's race, a highlight of the Bay's sailing calendar.

A police car was rammed twice and written off after officers spotted a stolen vehicle on Te Pua Rd near Kaikohe. Photo / file

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Police car rammed twice as alleged serial burglar tries to flee

11 Jan, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Cop car rammer the suspect in a spree of rural burglaries around the Mid North.

Boats of all shapes, sizes and vintages jostle for space at the start of last year's Tall Ships and Classic Invitational Race in the Bay of Islands. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Spectacle of sail in Russell this weekend

10 Jan, 2020 7:00am
2 minutes to read

The 45th Tall Ships and Classic Invitational Race is expected to draw 80-plus entrants.

Feijoa growers in Kerikeri are facing a double whammy of guava moth and what is thought to be an aggressive new fungus. Photo / file

THE COUNTRY

Year in Review: Kerikeri feijoa growers devastated by 'double whammy'

10 Jan, 2020 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Looking back at one of the most popular stories on The Country in the past 12 months.

Rev Dr Robyn McPhail during the opening of the new Cornerstone Church/Te Whare Karakia o Manako in 2016. Photo / Supplied

PREMIUM

Kāeo-Kerikeri minister trades church for ambulance

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

Robyn McPhail has led the Kaeo-Kerikeri Union Church for 15 years.

Firefighters battle a blaze, Northland's biggest so far this summer, which started on on Karikari Peninsula on December 12. Photo / Fire and Emergency

PREMIUM

All fire permits scrapped, total fire ban 'within days'

8 Jan, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

"The district's ready to burn and we want to make sure it doesn't"

The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway Trust hopes to run steam trains to a new station near Ōpua, where passengers will be able to transfer to a steam-powered ferry. Photo / file

PREMIUM

'Bitter disappointment' as PGF rejects steam train, ferry project

7 Jan, 2020 9:00am
4 minutes to read

Railway trust says 'unique' steam and cycle tourism project would benefit region.

Police at the Tokerau Beach property early on New Year’s Day. Photo / TVNZ

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Tent death 'horrifically unfortunate accident'

4 Jan, 2020 7:00am
2 minutes to read

Whangārei woman, 43, killed after parked car rolled downhill onto her tent.

The bridge impact ripped off both right-hand wheels and most of the panelling down the right-hand side of the Maserati Quattroporte sports car. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

High-speed Maserati crash 'the height of stupidity'

3 Jan, 2020 6:00pm
3 minutes to read

Police: New Year's Day crash example of ''everything you shouldn't do'' behind the wheel.

The accident occurred at a propery on Virtue Cres in Tokerau Beach. Photo / Google Earth

NEW ZEALAND

New Year's tent death 'horrifically unfortunate accident'

3 Jan, 2020 11:56am
Quick Read

Northland woman, 43, killed after parked car rolled downhill onto her tent.

A pou marking the significance of Mangahawea Bay is blessed while the waka hourua Haunui waits at anchor in November last year. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Open day at Bay of Islands archaeological dig

3 Jan, 2020 10:00am
2 minutes to read

Mangahawea Bay, on Moturua Island, is one of the oldest known inhabited sites in Aotearoa.

Volunteering at Paihia St John's relocated sausage sizzle, from left, Rob van der Wetering, Ann-Marie Kingi and Jackson Campbell. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

'Massive' response as St John sausage sizzle returns

3 Jan, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

New location on private land gets around bylaw limiting St John to two sizzles a year.

Enjoying their last drinks, from left, Kahu Kauwhata, former bar manager Margaret McMullien, Jerry Kauwhata and committee member Phil Bell. Photo / Peter de Graaf

PREMIUM

Best of 2019: Last drinks at the Kaikohe RSA

2 Jan, 2020 4:00pm
8 minutes to read

June 30 was the last night at the Kaikohe RSA. Regulars talk about what they'll miss most.

Business Paihia's midnight fireworks show as seen from Russell. Photo / Stephen Western

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Police praise for 'best New Year's Eve' yet

2 Jan, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Thousands greet new decade in Northland with little trouble, even in hotspots like Paihia.

A Salt Air helicopter fights an earlier fire in South Hokianga. Photo / file

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Blaze threatens homes in early hours of 2020

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

Fire's timing - minutes after midnight - suggests fireworks as the cause.

The Rev Kuini Matene blesses the 40,000-year-old swamp kauri log at Ngāwhā Marae. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NEW ZEALAND

Best of 2019: Giant Ngāwhā kauri log dated to 40,500 years old

1 Jan, 2020 6:00pm
4 minutes to read

Ngāwhā Marae trustees will discuss what to do with the 60-tonne, 16-metre tree

It's safety first for Roady McCone Face (Rebekah Dunick) and Nuffield Racing of Auckland. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Photos: Taupō Bay's Tractor Spectacular

1 Jan, 2020 11:00am
2 minutes to read

A creative, quirky salute to the tractor turns into a giant water fight.

This Honda CRF110 off-road bike was one of many items, including guns and farm tools, taken in the raid. Photo / Supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Property cleaned out in 'heart wrenching' burglary

1 Jan, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Burglary believed to be part of a crime spree targeting rural Mid North properties.

A Meditation Tours group member takes a selfie with a cut-out of Ilchi Lee. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NEW ZEALAND

Best of 2019: Spiritual leader's global HQ plans taking shape

31 Dec, 2019 4:00pm
11 minutes to read

Two years ago Kerikeri's rumour mill went into overdrive when a spiritual leader arrived.

Riders compete in the Dollar Murray and Harold Leef Memorial Race during last year's Pawarenga United Marae Sports Day. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Pawarenga gears up for biggest sports day of the year

31 Dec, 2019 8:00am
2 minutes to read

Highlights include bareback horse races on the beach and a gruelling cross-country race.

Rod Brown has been awarded a Queen's Service Medal for services to conservation. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Tireless habitat restorer Rod Brown awarded QSM

31 Dec, 2019 5:30am
3 minutes to read

Rod Brown's volunteers have grown 310,000 trees, created tracks and replanted forests.

Workers repair a roof peeled open like a sardine can by a tornado at Coopers Beach.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Best Far North images of 2019

30 Dec, 2019 1:00pm
Quick Read

A new Knight, a tornado and a celebration of ocean voyaging - 2019 had it all.

Waipapa group Stranger Paradise - including, from left, Khalila Strevens (vocals), Sarah Doherty (baritone sax) and Ishmael Strevens (guitar) - is one of 10 youth bands featured on a new Be Free Youth CD. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Far North youth music scheme releases first CD

28 Dec, 2019 1:00pm
2 minutes to read

CD boasts 10 original tracks by 10 bands in Be Free Youth music mentoring programme.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northland man's unusual gift for PM inspires art show

26 Dec, 2019 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Owen Kingi's gift included six sheep carcasses, corn, watermelons and sacks of potatoes.

Maitai Bay is a safe and hugely popular beach on the Karikari Peninsula but concerns about drivers

NEW ZEALAND

Land owners block vehicle access to beach amid 'hoon' concerns

26 Dec, 2019 9:00am
3 minutes to read

Waikato Bay, next to Maitai Bay on Karikari Peninsula, is a popular boat-launching spot.

The southern end of Paihia Beach has failed the latest water quality tests, though heavy rain in preceding days may have affected the results. Photo / Peter de Graaf

PREMIUM

Four Northland swim spots fail water quality tests

24 Dec, 2019 8:00am
4 minutes to read

One end of Paihia Beach 'unsuitable' plus Onerahi, and Waimamaku and Waitangi Rivers.

Bruce Thorpe of Kohukohu and his fox terrier Susu join a dog lovers' protest ahead of Thursday's Far North District Council meeting in Kaitaia. Photo / Peter de Graaf

PREMIUM

Dogged protest calls for full review of council pounds

23 Dec, 2019 8:00am
3 minutes to read

Council has requested a review of Rosie case but that's unlikely to satisfy protesters.

Horticulture spray campaigner John Levers. Photo / Peter de Graaf

PREMIUM

Kiwifruit spray campaigner gets his Christmas wish

20 Dec, 2019 4:30pm
3 minutes to read

Levers hopes the Hi-Cane reassessment will be complete before next spray season starts.

The Davis-Tane whānau with their tyre snowman, from left, Legacy Davis, 7, Tisayah Davis, 6, Tyran Tane with Amiyah Davis, 2, Piripi Davis, 5, and Pauline Davis, 8. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Photos: Christmas comes to Ōhaeawai

20 Dec, 2019 12:00pm
Quick Read

Every year Ōhaeawai residents compete to create the most Christmassy letterbox.

Matt Abercrombie (Kerikeri), Jayden and Renee Foster (Kaitaia), and Ben Stewart (Kerikeri) of the charity Rapid Relief Team get ready to feed hungry firefighters during a blaze on Karikari Peninsula. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Far North: Volunteer team feeds famished firefighters

19 Dec, 2019 12:00pm
2 minutes to read

You can't fight a fire on an empty stomach.

Hundertwasser's famous toilets have transformed Kawakawa since they opened in 1999. Photo / supplied

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Kawakawa's Hundertwasser loos turn 20

18 Dec, 2019 1:00pm
2 minutes to read

Party time in Kawakawa as iconic toilet marks 20-year milestone.

Rural fire trucks line up on Inland Rd at the height of the Karikari Peninsula fire. Photo / Ann Williams

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Drone to search for hotspots at Karikari fire

18 Dec, 2019 9:00am
2 minutes to read

Yesterday's rain a relief for weary firefighters but won't lower the fire danger for long.

The supertruck and its 90-tonne load rumbles through Moerewa on Tuesday afternoon. Photo / Peter de Graaf

THE COUNTRY

Monster 90-tonne load sets Northland transport record

17 Dec, 2019 11:00am
2 minutes to read

The 20.5m-long heat exchanger is a key part of the new geothermal power station at Ngāwhā.

Celebrating the princess' 16th birthday, from left, Princess Aurora (Bella Mason), King Henry (Phil Hill), Jolly Jack (Adam Parmenter) and Queen Henrietta (Miriam Collins). Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Photos: Sleeping Beauty comes to Kerikeri

16 Dec, 2019 9:00am
Quick Read

Slapstick, songs, magic, a doomed princess and Bruce from Australia meet in a pantomime.

Campervans evacuate a Ramp Rd freedom camping area near on Thursday evening. Photo / Francis Malley

NORTHLAND AGE

Residents brace for second evacuation as fire rages in Far North

13 Dec, 2019 5:40pm
4 minutes to read

"Whatever we threw at it, it just kept going. It was a monster and it was hungry."

At the current entrance to Te Waiariki Ngāwhā hot pools are, from left, Manu Burkhardt Macrae (Far North Roading), Teremoana Jones (Te Waiariki Ngawha Springs manager), Nicole Butler (trustee), Mark Henwood (Far North Holdings project manager) and Derek Kawiti (architect). Photo / supplied

PREMIUM

Long-awaited $4.3m upgrade of Ngāwhā hot pools begins

13 Dec, 2019 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Hot springs' "unique look and feel" will be preserved while revamp focuses on facilities.

Little angels, from left, Vienna Booth, 6, Ruby Petterd, 3, and Lucy Blake, 11, in the Mainly Music nativity float. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Photos: Kerikeri Christmas Parade 2019

12 Dec, 2019 8:00am
Quick Read

Check out our photos form this year's bumper Kerikeir Christmas Parade.

The hotel is built into the hillside and is said to have the Southern Hemisphere's biggest living roof. Photo / supplied

THE COUNTRY

Russell inn named world's best eco-hotel

11 Dec, 2019 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

Originally a home, Donkey Bay Inn is owned by Italian winemaker Antonio Pasquale.

The evil fairy Malvoleena, played by Vivian Thonger, in the upcoming pantomime Sleeping Beauty. Photo / Claire Flash Gordon

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Sleeping Beauty comes to Kerikeri

10 Dec, 2019 12:00pm
2 minutes to read

Pantomimes packed with slapstick and audience participation becoming a Kerikeri tradition

Brad Windust checks a stoat trap at Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Photo / Peter de Graaf

THE COUNTRY

Kiwi's hotel room visit a sign pest control paying off, Treaty Grounds boss says

10 Dec, 2019 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Wildlife returning to Waitangi with a kiwi in a hotel room and penguins by the pool.

An Auckland company is applying for consent for a landing pad near Russell township with up to 11 movements a day by helicopters such as the Eurocopter EC130. Photo / Peter de Graaf

THE COUNTRY

Russell residents fear chopper landing pad will end their 'peace and quiet'

10 Dec, 2019 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Auckland firm seeking permission for up to 11 helicopter movements a day at Russell site.

Wallace Te Ahuru during sentencing at the Manukau District Court in November 2018. Photo / file

ROTORUA DAILY POST

Waitangi National Trust fraudster denied parole

9 Dec, 2019 3:24pm
3 minutes to read

Wallace Te Ahuru will be able to re-apply for parole in February.

Opua residents Ron and Patti Cooke are leading opposition to a subdivision Far North Holdings is planning on a ridge next to Opua's Franklin St. Photo / Peter de Graaf

THE COUNTRY

Opua residents demand a say over controversial subdivision

9 Dec, 2019 11:00am
4 minutes to read

Opponents say 16-house Kellet St development should have been publicly notified.

The parade featured dozens of Thing 1s and Thing 2s - and that was just in the Bay of Islands Rotary Club entry. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Photos: Paihia Christmas Parade 2019

9 Dec, 2019 7:00am
Quick Read

Is this New Zealand's most sustainable Christmas parade?

A cellphone photo shows the kiwi in the corner by the hotel room door, before it tried the bathroom and finally shot out the ranchslider. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Northland hotel room intruder turns out to be a kiwi

9 Dec, 2019 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Extras at a hotel room in Waitangi included a free visit by national icon.

Far North transport firm Petricevich Buses placed a sign on its buses warning motorists of the 20km/h speed after a boy's death at Houhora in 2008. Photo / Peter de Graaf

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Ministry rules out mandatory school bus warning lights despite coroner's call

8 Dec, 2019 9:00am
4 minutes to read

Trials of flashing speed limit signs on buses yielded mixed safety results, MOT says.

Waka ama is just one of the events at next week's Wiki Hā, described as the Olympics of Māori-language schools, hosted by Te Rangi Āniwniwa at Awanui. Photo / Garrick Cameron

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Māori sports, culture celebrated as 1400 students arrive in Kaitaia

7 Dec, 2019 6:00am
3 minutes to read

A once-in-a-generation event, Wiki Hā won't be back in Muriwhenua until 2050.

Great Barrier wife and husband team Sarah Matthew, with Tui, and Chris Giblin, with Max. The labrador-border collie-huntaway crosses are trained to sniff out feral cats. Photo / Peter de Graaf

THE COUNTRY

NZ's top noses defending Bay of Islands wildlife

6 Dec, 2019 7:00am
5 minutes to read

Nineteen highly-trained conservation dogs have been sniffing around the Bay of Islands.