News in brief: Kaipara District Council appoints interim chief; Lotto win in Northland

Michael Day has been appointed interim chief executive of Kaipara District Council. Photo / KDC

Michael Day has been appointed interim chief executive of Kaipara District Council after the resignation of Jason Marris. The chief executive oversees all council staff, advises elected members, and leads service delivery. Day, currently general manager of planning and development, brings more than 20 years of local government experience in New Zealand and the UK, including over five years with Kaipara District Council. Mayor Jonathan Larsen says Day’s appointment ensures continuity and stability until a permanent chief executive is selected.

Lotto winner

A Northland MyLotto player won $33,464 in Saturday night’s draw. They were one of two people to strike Second Division and Powerball Second Division. The other winner was from Christchurch. The winning numbers were 10, 21, 37, 14, 4, and 38. The Bonus ball was 26 and the Powerball number was 3.

Tree orders

Northland Regional Council’s poplar and willow ordering season is open. A contestable fund can subsidise planting on highly erodible grazed land. Winter — June to early August — is the ideal planting time, but ordering, delivery, and site planning must be arranged early. Poles can be ordered through NRC until the end of May. For more information or to place an order, contact NRC on 0800 002 002 or landadmin@nrc.govt.nz

Conserve power

Top Energy is asking customers in Kaitāia and surrounding areas to limit power use this weekend between 6am and 6pm while it undertakes maintenance on the network. Power will be supplied by network generators during the work and Top Energy wants to avoid overloading the generators, potentially causing a widespread outage.

Water restrictions eased

Far North District Council has eased water restrictions in Kerikeri-Waipapa back to level 1 following recent wet weather. People can use outdoor sprinklers and hoses but are encouraged to still use water sensibly. Level 2 restrictions remain in place for Ōpononi-Ōmāpere and Ōmanaia-Rāwene. Kaitāia, Kaikohe, Kawakawa–Moerewa and Ōkaihau are at Level 1.

Diversity awards finalists

Northland Regional Council (NRC) is a finalist in three categories of the 2026 Diversity Awards NZ, recognising leadership in workplace inclusion. NRC is shortlisted for Inclusive Workplace, while Auriole Ruka is a finalist for Inclusive Leader of the Year and Einnee Facey for Emerging Inclusion Champion. Ruka, pou manawhakahaere – strategic partnerships and engagement, is acknowledged for driving systemic change and strengthening Māori representation. Facey, from Maritime Operational Support, is recognised for championing neurodiversity and creating safer, more inclusive workplaces.