Northland news in brief: Runway back in action as Kaitāia Airport reopens after 10-day reseal

Kaitāia Airport is back in service after runway resealing.

Kaitāia Airport has reopened after a 10‑day runway reseal, with flights resuming hours after work finished. The project, managed by Far North Holdings and delivered by Downer, relied on favourable weather to meet tight timeframes. Officials thanked airlines for co-operation during closures. Attention now shifts to further upgrades, including reinstating fuel services, new airfield lighting, expanded parking and a future terminal redevelopment in partnership with local hapū. Plans also include a manager’s house and ongoing collaboration with community partners.

SH1 Raumanga crossing checks

Investigation works will be taking place at a controversial crossing on State Highway 1 at Raumanga between 7pm and 5am for up to four nights this week. Traffic management will be in place. The investigations will check beneath the road surface, so that the design of a new crossing can be finalised. The changes come after multiple pedestrians were hit at the site, including one incident in March last year that resulted in serious injuries.

Teen charged after store incident

A teen has been charged after allegedly leaving a retail store in Okara Drive, Whangārei without paying late on Monday. Police said they were called about 10.20pm. They found the alleged offender inside a vehicle parked at the front of the store. When police searched the vehicle, they allegedly found several rounds of ammunition. The teenager appeared in Whangārei Youth Court on Tuesday.

Ahuwhenua Awards next month

Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust’s kiwifruit venture is one of three finalists for the prestigious Ahuwhenua Awards, which this year focus on horticulture. Since 1933, the awards have encouraged skill in Māori farming and now alternate each year between dairy, sheep and beef, and horticulture. Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust in Whangaruru won in 2025 for sheep and beef, so Te Tai Tokerau will host this year’s awards on June 5. The event will start with a pōwhiri at Whangārei Terenga Parāoa Marae and include an evening ceremony at McKay Stadium.

Third accolade for Bay retailer

Bay of Islands fashion and lifestyle retailer Kaleo Designs has received Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award for 2026, marking the third consecutive year the locally owned business has earned the recognition. The award celebrates businesses that consistently receive outstanding reviews from travellers and places Kaleo Designs among Tripadvisor’s top-rated listings worldwide. Known for its distinctive New Zealand-designed fashion and gifts, Kaleo collaborates with Kiwi artists to create original prints inspired by Aotearoa’s landscapes, coastal lifestyle, flora and culture.

Explosive callout for NZDF

Police received a report before 10am on Monday after unexploded ordnance was found on Kamo Rd in Te Kamo. The New Zealand Defence Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron attended the scene.

Cancer charity name change

Cancer charity Look Good Feel Better is changing its name to Cancer Support New Zealand to better reflect its work. The organisation delivers more than 20 programmes nationwide offering free, practical, non-medical support for people living with cancer. The name change, effective mid-May, will allow Cancer Support NZ to amplify its impact through upcoming campaigns, including Dry July and Feel Better Month.

Nurses reach collective deal

Health NZ Te Whatu Ora and the NZ Nurses Organisation have agreed on a new collective contract for more than 35,000 nurses and healthcare workers after 18 months of negotiations. Safe staffing levels for hospital nurses have been addressed with a Safe Patient Care Statement of intent to be jointly developed, and Health NZ agreeing to make its Care Capacity Demand Management staffing tool more transparent and accountable. Nurses will also receive salary increases of 2.5%, then 2% over 20 months, plus other salary and allowance increases.

Dog care firm earns international kudos

Northland-based natural dog care business Holistic Hound has received two international honours in the Lux Life 2026 Pet Products & Services Awards. The awards recognise excellence, innovation and leadership in the pet industry. Holistic Hound co-founder Erica Wells said she was honoured to receive the Best Natural Luxury Hound Care Brand and the Pet Care Innovation Excellence Award. Founded by Wells and natural skincare pioneer Suzanne Hall MNZM, Holistic Hound focuses on natural grooming solutions for dogs with itchy and sensitive skin.