Northland news in brief: Investigation into unauthorised earthworks at Church Bay continues

The unauthorised earthworks at Church Bay.

A digger carrying out unauthorised earthworks on the beach in Church Bay, near Tutukākā, is still under investigation by Northland Regional Council. NRC group manager regulatory services Colin Dall says it is considering what further action to take regarding remediation of the works.

Police name fatal crash victim

Police named the person killed in a crash near Whangārei on Saturday evening. He was Rondy Pedrido Sepaya, 38, of Ruatangata West. Emergency services were called to a single-vehicle crash on Knight Rd in Ruatangata West about 10.50pm.

Reminder for rock fishermen

Surf Life Saving New Zealand has reminded people to wear the appropriate safety equipment when rock fishing. So far this patrol season, surf lifeguards have responded to one fatality of a rock fisher in Northland. A fisherman was swept off the rocks at Tapotupotu Bay near Cape Reinga on November 23 last year, with the search eventually being called off.

Handbag appeal returns

The Love Grace Handbag Appeal, created in memory of British traveller Grace Millane, is helping women across Aotearoa escaping domestic violence. Each year between February 14 and March 8, people donate handbags filled with new essential items for women arriving at Women’s Refuges with very little. Now in its fifth year, the volunteer‑led initiative has gifted more than 15,000 handbags nationwide. The drop-off point in Whangārei is Kensington Health on Kensington Ave, open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Sail sculpture revived

The sail sculpture at the southern entrance to Whangārei has been temporarily removed for reconditioning. It was originally installed in 2002 by local artists Chris Carey and Justin Murfitt, and now local contractors Culham Engineering – who fabricated the Camera Obscura sculpture on the Hātea Loop – will be stripping it back to the original shape and fully restoring the metal fabric of the sail. The work is expected to take about six weeks, with the sculpture to be reinstalled in April.

Council seeks sponsors

Far North District Council will host the 2026 Inter Council Sports Tournament next month and is keen for businesses to get on board as official sponsors. Players pay a registration fee that covers most event costs, and the council is looking for sponsorship support to help with essential services such as St John Ambulance cover, venue hire, referees and trophies. For more information email: LGSports@fndc.govt.nz