News in brief: KiwiRail, Fonterra celebrate Northland rail return after $130m repairs

KiwiRail and Fonterra are celebrating a full return of rail volume to Northland rail. Photo / KiwiRail

KiwiRail and Fonterra are celebrating a full return of rail volume in Northland, after the North Auckland Line was closed for 20 months by weather damage. The rail line reopened in September after $130 million in repairs. Since then, Fonterra has gradually increased its rail volume and is now loading 16 wagons a day from its factory in Kauri, just north of Whangārei. Each tonne of freight moved by rail results in a 70% reduction in carbon emissions compared to road transport, said Fonterra director Santiago Aon.

Auto Centre opens

The AA has opened a new Auto Centre on Dent St, Whangārei, after the city went more than a year without one. Chief mobility officer Jonathan Sergel says the community can now access the AA’s motoring service without driving a significant distance south towards Auckland.

Grant boost

Two Northland Māori economic development projects have received funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund. Te Kao will receive a $3 million grant to build a solar- and wind-powered microgrid connected to a community battery. Waimamaku will receive $1.3m to install solar power and batteries to multiple businesses and community facilities. Both projects will provide consistent and reliable power, and come after Waitangi Treaty Grounds received $10.2m from the same fund last year.

New appointment

Northland barrister Amanda Courtney has been appointed one of seven Family Court Associates nationwide. Courtney has worked as a sole practitioner in Whangārei, Napier, Wellington and, most recently, Rawene. She was previously a partner at Burnard Bull and Co in Gisborne, a senior supervising solicitor with the Public Defence Service and a District Inspector for Mental Health in Wellington and Northland. She will take up the role between February and late March and will be based in Whangārei.

Pink Campervan visits

People in Kaipara are invited to visit Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s Pink Campervan for free breast health advice. The big pink campervan tours the country with two specialist breast nurses on board. The aim is to spread breast cancer awareness in communities that may not have access to specialist health services, with a focus on visiting hard-to-reach, rural locations. The campervan will be parked up at Woolworths Dargaville today and Maungaturoto Main St tomorrow, from 9am to 2pm.

Chipsealing work

Upcoming chipsealing work on State Highway 10 between Mangōnui and Taipa, will delay travel from Thursday. Work will be carried out over seven nights, and stop/go traffic management will be in place.