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Latest FromSusan Botting

Kowharewa Bay on the Tutukaka coast is a popular spot for freedom campers. Photo / File

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Problem freedom camping hotspots could be shut down

13 Jul, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

A huge increase of freedom campers sparks bylaw review.

Whangārei mayor Sheryl Mai greets Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones at the funding announcement. Photo / Michael Cunningham

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Whangārei projects to get $26 million from Covid recovery fund

10 Jul, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Whangārei welcomes $26 million for projects from Covid recovery fund.

Ryan Welsh (left) chairman of the Hihiaua Culture Trust, Janet and Te Warihi Hetaraka at the Hihiaua Cultural Centre.

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Proposals for two new 850-seat city theatres for Whangārei

9 Jul, 2020 5:52am
3 minutes to read

Council to decide whether city needs two new theatres.

Whangaroa Māori say some settlements in their rohe are having significant growth, such as Taupo Bay, above, and they want Far North District Council to plan better for future growth.

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Whangaroa Māori want better plan for growth

8 Jul, 2020 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Whangaroa Māori want better council planning to manage growth

About $1.6 million of vegetation clearance and cleanup will begin at Kai Iwi Lakes, north of Dargaville, as $9.32m worth of the Government's shovel-ready projects get under way in Northland.

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165 jobs as work starts on Covid recovery package

8 Jul, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Workers will spend 3-6 months on 15 projects with economic and environmental benefits.

Top Energy's generator farm it has installed in Kaitaia while it waits to build a $40 million power line from Kerikeri to Kaitaia.

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Top Energy's power line battle to go to Court of Appeal

4 Jul, 2020 11:00am
4 minutes to read

Top Energy's power line battle to go to Court of Appeal

One of 70 pre-cast concrete panels for Kerikeri's new wastewater treatment plant last year. Photo / FNDC

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Wastewater plant delays felt in Kerikeri

2 Jul, 2020 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Delays on the project have upset locals.

Whangārei has vast areas of outstanding natural landscapes. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Ratepayers could carry the can in job creation projects

30 Jun, 2020 10:00am
3 minutes to read

Ratepayers could be left with the bill if new legislation passes.

Maungaturoto, in the heart of the Kaipara District, could boom with another 7230 homes possible for the township and surrounds over the next 30 years.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

30,000 new homes possible in lower Northland

9 Jun, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Lower Northland set to boom with 30,000 new homes possible.

FNDC had been exploring ways to reduce costs to minimise rate increases after the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown. Photo / Peter de Graaf

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Jobs would be at risk if council rates increase cut

5 Jun, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

A decision is still to be made about rates.

Commuting medical specialists Dr Nicole McGrath (left) physician medical services, Roshika Lal, community dentist, and Megan Carlsson, dietitian. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northland's flying doctors take off again

3 Jun, 2020 12:00pm
2 minutes to read

The Northland medical flying service is the one of only two in the country.

Keeping the region safe during the Covid-19 lockdown cost more than $2 million. Photo / Michael Cunningham

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Covid response costs more than $2m

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

Keeping the region safe came at a cost.

Weekend surgeries will be done to clear the backlog due to Covid-19. Photo / Michael Cunningham

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Extra surgeries planned to clear backlog

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

Maori patients to be given clinical priority for treatment in a health board trial.

Far North District Council's councillor Moko Tepania. Photo / Susan Botting

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Call for stronger Māori voice in decision making

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

The council would benefit from having a more culturally diverse perspective.

The Kawakawa Water Treatment plant supplies drinking water to Kawakawa and Moerewa residents. Photo / Michael Cunningham

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Kawakawa water treatment plant fails health and safety audit

25 May, 2020 7:00am
Quick Read

Far North water plants need significant upgrades.

Bruce and Heather Rogan made their $115,000 payment to Kaipara council on Friday morning. Photo / Michael Cunningham

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Mangawhai resident pays up after 10-year battle with council

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

Retired ratepayer Bruce Rogan paid $115,000 to Kaipara District Council yesterday.

Kaipara mayor Jason Smith said they are pleased to have direction on remuneration Photo / File

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northland councillors could soon take up to 20 per cent pay cuts

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

The Remuneration Authority would now be able to set short term specific reductions.

Whangarei District Council's first live-streamed council meeting. Photo/ Susan Botting

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Northland council meetings to continue online

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

Level 2 restrictions mean meetings will continue to be live-streamed

Bruce Rogan has spent a decade battling over the Mangawhai ecocare sewerage reticulation scheme in a journey that reached New Zealand's Supreme Court. Photo / File

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Mangawhai ratepayer told to pay $115,000, faces losing house

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

Couple may have to sell their Mangawhai Heads home.

Whangārei District Council has extended the rates payment deadline. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Relief possible for some Northland ratepayers

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

Ratepayers are being encouraged to talk to their local councils.

Rates reset being debated during Whangārei District Council's first live streamed council meeting. Photo/ Susan Botting

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Whangārei District Council slashes planned rates rise

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

Whangārei District Council slashes planned rates rise.

Northland Regional Council chairwoman Penny Smart.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northland Regional Council slashes planned rates rise

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

It's wiped $2.4m from its proposed next year's budget.

Whangārei's economy is set to take a $197 million hit from the impact of the coronavirus crisis over the next 12 months. Photo / Michael Cunningham

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Whangārei economy to take $197 million hit in next year

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

The stark news is in a hard-hitting report about pandemic's impact on the local economy.

Kaipara mayor Jason Smith said a lower than planned rates rise was the best option for the district.

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Kaipara District Council cuts planned rates rise

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

Kaipara District Council to go ahead with a 3.97 per cent rates reset

The Whangārei District Council wants to cut $2 million from staff running costs to help deal with the fallout from Covid-19.

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Whangārei council to cut $2m from staff running costs

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

There will be fewer employees in 12 months, says Whangārei District Council CEO.

Whangārei District Council will meet on Thursday to discuss setting up a $3 million Covid-19 relief package with ratepayers money.

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Whangārei District Council wants ratepayer-funded $3M relief package

28 Apr, 2020 2:00pm
2 minutes to read

Whangārei District Council wants ratepayer-funded $3M relief package

Whangārei District councillors will this week discuss reducing the impending 5.2 per cent rates rise. Photo / File

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Whangārei District Council to consider slashing impending rates rise

28 Apr, 2020 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Whangārei District Council to consider slashing impending rates rise.

Northland's local body councillors and leaders are being called on to give part of their salaries to a Covid-19 relief fund.

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Northland local body politicians asked to pledge some of salary to virus relief fund

25 Apr, 2020 2:00pm
3 minutes to read

Northland local body politicians asked to pledge some of salary to virus relief fund.

Kaipara District mayor Dr Jason Smith said Northland councils would not be taking a blanket 20 per cent pay cut. Photo / File

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Councillors not taking pay cut but encouraged to make donations

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

But councillors are encouraged to make donations within their communities

A rates freeze isn't necessarily the best solution. Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Short-term rates gain could cause long-term pain

13 Apr, 2020 11:24am
3 minutes to read

Councils across the region are looking for solutions.

Kaipara District Council Mayor Jason Smith opens Northland's first online live-streamed council meeting, which he chaired from his Matakohe home. Photo / Susan Botting

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Kaipara leads the way with online live-streamed meeting

10 Apr, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Nation-leading Kaipara District Council is the first to live-stream a meeting online.

Civil Defence Emergency Management Director Sarah Stuart-Black stepped in to stop the testing of Northland's tsunami siren network on Sunday.

NORTHLAND AGE

Northland's tsunami siren testing stopped on orders of CD head

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

Northland's tsunami siren testing stopped on orders of Civil Defence head.

The lockdown means more time for pest control across Northland, with stoats firmly in the sights.

THE COUNTRY

Northland pest control continues during Covid 19 lockdown

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

Northland pest control continues during Covid 19 lockdown

Civil Defence Emergency Management director Sarah Stuart-Black says an emergency helpline is for Northlanders in hardship needing essentials during the lockdown.

NORTHLAND AGE

New Civil Defence number for Northlanders needing help during lockdown

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

New Civil Defence number for Northlanders needing help during lockdown

Whangārei Mayor Sheryl Mai, right, or Deputy Mayor Greg Innes - and the chair of the relevant council committees - have been given power to make urgent decisions during the Covid-19 lockdown.

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Councils making decisions despite lockdown

2 Apr, 2020 12:00pm
4 minutes to read

Northland's district councils still making decisions despite lockdown.

People have headed to Matapouri on the Tutukaka coast for the lockdown period.

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Lockdown boltholes a popular choice

30 Mar, 2020 8:00am
4 minutes to read

Many people have gone to their baches for the lockdown period.

Russell, Bay of Islands, with Top 10 Holiday Park in the foreground.

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Russell tourism operator wants action on private homes rented out over internet

21 Mar, 2020 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

Holiday Park owner operator wants action on private homes rented out over web platforms.

Far North District Council CEO Shaun Clarke, right, and Ngati Hine Festival organising committee member Pita Tipene at Te Ahuareka o Ngati Hine Festival outside Otiria Marae's wharenui.

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Team set up for Far North council's CEO performance review

12 Mar, 2020 11:00am
2 minutes to read

Team set up for Far North council's CEO performance review

Catherine Jackson, medical officer of health for Northland, says coronavirus would be only a mild illness for most Northlanders. Photo / File

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Covid-19: GPs are the key to mitigating 'nasty consequences'

11 Mar, 2020 5:00am
6 minutes to read

GPs and aged care providers are concerned that Covid-19 could bring on a staff shortage.

Dr Catherine Jackson, a Northland DHB medical officer of health, explains coronarivirus at yesterday's NDHB board meeting. Photo / Susan Botting

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Northland should expect 200 coronavirus cases and up to five deaths - NDHB

10 Mar, 2020 6:00am
4 minutes to read

Northland should expect 200 coronavirus cases and up to five deaths.

Kingfish swim in a tank at the Niwa Marine Research Centre at Bream Bay. A $19.8m facility is to be set up at the site to see if yellowtail kingfish can be farmed on land. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

$20 million for Northland kingfish farm

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

$20 million for Northland kingfish farm.

Opening the Kaipara Kai hub in Ruawai was a family affair for Shane Jones, Minister of Regional Economic Development and granddaughter Leahcim Skye Flavell, 8, about to cut the ribbon at the centre.

THE COUNTRY

Kaipara Kai to expand food options

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

Hemp, peanuts, soybeans and seaweed are among the new land use options being considered.

Far North District Council's drought bill is $6 million-plus and could get closer to $9m by May. Photo / Chris Tarpey

THE COUNTRY

Drought 'crisis costs' expected to rise

2 Mar, 2020 7:00am
5 minutes to read

The drought is the worst the district has ever faced.

Whangārei District Council has voted to go ahead with a $48 million new civic centre - costing $10m more than the original plan - on the old RSA site in Rust Ave.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Whangārei to get $48m civic centre - but no more public consultation

28 Feb, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Council voted 10-3 to go ahead with $10m extra funding.

Kaikohe's three 30,000 litre emergency water tanks have been installed in case they need to be filled in a water shortage.

THE COUNTRY

Far North District Council hopes to tap into water storage

27 Feb, 2020 12:00pm
4 minutes to read

Far North District Council hopes to tap into water storage funding

Far North Youth Council councillors and Far North District Council staff at the council's final meeting last year at Cooper's Beach.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Call for youth council members

26 Feb, 2020 2:00pm
2 minutes to read

The youth council is a great way to get interested in local democracy

Prime Minister Winston Peter and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones at the Dargaville wharf after announcing more than $18 million of Provincial Growth funding.

THE COUNTRY

Peters defends multi-million dollar PGF money

26 Feb, 2020 12:00pm
4 minutes to read

It's about ensuring Northland has a reliable water supply, deputy PM says.

Mediation is the next step in the long-running fight about GMOs. Photo / 123rf

THE COUNTRY

Mediation next step in GMO debate

24 Feb, 2020 7:00am
3 minutes to read

The GMO debate heads to mediation.

Tinopai wharf, just two kilometres across the water from Puketotara Peninsula and a roading link to nearby Kaiwaka and SH1 then eastwards to Mangawhai. Photo / Susan Botting

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Kaipara communities want thoroughly planned wharf upgrade

24 Feb, 2020 7:00am
7 minutes to read

Tinopai residents want improvements to their 30yo wharf while retaining the village feel.

As well as being told to save water, people in the Far North and Kaipara are also encouraged to dob in any water wasters they see.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Call to dob in water wasters

22 Feb, 2020 9:00am
4 minutes to read

An average Northland household uses 20 to 300 litres of water a day.

The proposed Whangārei Civic Centre, which will be built on the old RSA site in Rust Ave, above, could have its budget balloon 26 per cent to $48 million.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Supersized civic centre could blow budget out to $48m

21 Feb, 2020 6:00am
4 minutes to read

"It's a matter of pain now for future gain": Whangarei District Council CEO Rob Forlong.

Blair Kapa-Peters (right) at Waitangi sharing a hongi with Lamarr Oksasikewiyin, a teacher from Chief Little Pine School on a Cree reservation in Canada during Waitangi Day celebrations in 2018.

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Northland UNESCO Aotearoa Youth Leader wants voting age lowered

18 Feb, 2020 11:00am
4 minutes to read

Lowering the voting age would increase participation, Youth Leader says.

Dirty cars are becoming a badge of honour in Whangārei as locals cut back on water use Photo / Susan Botting

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Dirty cars 'de rigeur' for Whangārei residents helping Far North users

18 Feb, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Whangārei residents have cut their water use by 2 per cent since Monday.

Northland Chamber of Commerce boss Steve Smith wants a new university hub in Whangarei's inner city, above, but where would it go?

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Uni hub for Whangārei is Chamber of Commerce boss' vision

17 Feb, 2020 10:00am
2 minutes to read

The creation of a governing body and a feasibility study are planned for mid-year.

Graham and Sandi Dunn in their Whananaki North bach. Photos / Susan Botting

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

A century of heritage at iconic Northland baches

17 Feb, 2020 5:01am
4 minutes to read

A century of heritage at iconic Northland baches.

Northlanders are facing 10 years of roadworks on SH1 south of Whangārei as the new highway takes shape. Photo / File

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Northland infrastructure spend could see 10 years of SH1 roadworks

14 Feb, 2020 11:00am
5 minutes to read

Northland infrastructure spend could see 10 years of SH1 roadworks

The Northland to Auckland corridor's already being described as the Whangarei-Auckland corridor or Marsden Point-Auckland corridor.

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Multi-million dollar urban growth corridor Northland to Auckland on the cards

13 Feb, 2020 8:00am
3 minutes to read

The corridor would be the second in NZ.

Whau Valley dam is currently 69 per cent full Photo / John Stone

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Mayor: Current water situation likely to become normal

12 Feb, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Whangārei District Council may impose level 2 water restrictions.

Infrastructure New Zealand leaders and sector participants about to look over the Hundertwasser Art Centre development shaping up behind them behind them in Whangārei's Town Basin. Photo / Susan Botting

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Big changes needed for regional development: Infrastructure NZ

11 Feb, 2020 6:00am
6 minutes to read

INZ CEO Paul Blair says Northlanders need vision for the future of their region.

Wiremu Puriri, Tai Tokerau District Māori Council chairman in Whangārei, is urging Māori to step up and be part of bringing major infrastructure projects to the region. Photo / Susan Botting

THE COUNTRY

Māori urged to get behind Northland infrastructure projects

10 Feb, 2020 6:00am
3 minutes to read

Māori urged to get behind Northland infrastructure projects.

Northland orca expert Dr Ingrid Visser has met with Northport to discuss how the whales could be taken into consideration if the port expands in Whangārei Harbour. Photo / File

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Northport meets with orca expert about port move

8 Feb, 2020 11:00am
3 minutes to read

CEO of port meets with orca expert to discuss issues about possible Auckland port shift.

Whangarei's Laurie Hall Park and others around the district are now on watering starvation diets as the region's big dry bites Photo / Tania Whyte

NORTHERN ADVOCATE

Whangārei may need to step in with water supplies

6 Feb, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

The district will support its neighbours by supplying water.