Northland news in brief: Northland Regional Council approves rates rise, lower than forecast

Northland Regional Council rates will rise 3.54%. Photo / NZME

Northland Regional Council rates will rise 3.54% for the 2025/26 financial year under its annual plan adopted by councillors. The figure is less than the 5.79% increase previously forecast. Council chair Geoff Crawford says the increase - which amounts to an increase of $19.19c per rates bill on average over the next year - was originally forecast to be more than 2% higher under the council’s Long-Term Plan 2024-2034 (LTP). However, due to a combination of factors including efficiencies, savings and surpluses available to offset spending and funding shortfalls, councillors were able to approve the lower rates rise.

Gas station robbery

Police say they are investigating the burglary of G.A.S Kaihu, which was targeted twice by thieves, who took a total of 2000L of fuel. Whangārei-Kaipara area commander Maria Nordstrom asked anyone with information about the burglaries or a blue Toyota Hilux Surf to contact via 105 using reference number 250616/4514 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Writing award

Teen writer Samantha Nicholson was awarded Northland Young Writer of the Year at the National Flash Fiction Day last Sunday for her stories Whispers in the Wall and The Fading Shadows of Yesterday. The trophy was presented by the NZ Society of Authors Northland branch. Northland had one writer long-listed, and two writers highly commended in the national adult’s competition. Deb Jowitt was long listed with The Outgoing Tide while Sara Crane and Sue Barker were highly commended for How It Is and Hitler’s Elephant respectively.

Computing classes

Kaitāia NorthTec is hosting free computing classes for beginners or anyone wanting to upskill from July 21 to September 24 from 9am-11.30am. Enrol online or at the NorthTec Kaitāia office. Call 09 408 6117 to find out more.

Sausage sizzle

Bunnings Whangārei is holding a fundraising sausage sizzle this Saturday from 9am to support Motor Neuron Disease NZ with research and support. Motor neuron disease is a progressive and fatal disease which gradually strips away a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat and then breathe, says spokesperson Mark Leggett.

Māori voter rolls

Māori voters who would like to change electoral rolls before the local elections have until July 10 to make their choice. If you are Māori, you choose the Māori roll or the general roll when you first enrol to vote. After that, you can change rolls at any time except in the three months before an election. This year’s local elections are on October 11.