Far North news in brief: Inter Council Sports Tournament, water restrictions

The Far North District Council will host the Inter Council Sports Tournament next month.

Far North District Council will host the Inter Council Sports Tournament next month and is keen for businesses to become sponsors. Players pay a registration fee that covers most costs and the council is looking for help to cover essential services such as the Hato Hone St John ambulance service, venue hire, referees and trophies. Far North District Council last hosted the tournament in 2014 and placed first overall. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can email LGSports@fndc.govt.nz for further information.

Power maintenance

Top Energy customers in Kaitaia and surrounding areas have been asked to limit power use to prevent overloading of the generators and potentially causing a widespread outage on Saturday and Sunday between 6am and 6pm, as Top Energy undertakes major network maintenance. Power will be supplied by network generators during the work. For more information, visit outages.topenergy.co.nz or call 0800 867 363.

Water restrictions

Recent heavy rain has boosted water flows for all water sources across the district and at the same time consumption has fallen, easing pressure on water treatment plants and prompting Far North District Council to ease water restrictions in Kerikeri-Waipapa back to Level 1. Under Level 1, customers should use water sensibly but can use outdoor sprinklers and hoses. Level 2 water restrictions will remain in place for Ōpononi-Ōmāpere and Ōmanaia-Rāwene for the time being. Supplies in Kaitāia, Kaikohe, Kawakawa–Moerewa and Ōkaihau remain at Level 1.

Willow ordering

Northland Regional Council’s poplar- and willow-ordering season is now open. A contestable fund is available to subsidise the planting of poplars and willows for erosion control on highly erodible grazed land. The best time of year to plant the trees is during the winter months of June, July and early August, but time is needed in advance for ordering, delivery and creating a site plan. Poles can be ordered through the council from now until the end of May. Phone 0800 002 002 or email landadmin@nrc.govt.nz.

Diversity awards

Northland Regional Council has been named a finalist in three categories of the 2026 Diversity Awards NZ, which recognise organisations and individuals leading workplace inclusion across Aotearoa. The council is shortlisted for Inclusive Workplace, while Auriole Ruka is a finalist for Inclusive Leader of the Year and Einnee Facey is a finalist for Emerging Inclusion Champion of the Year. Ruka, the council’s Pou Manawhakahaere – Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, is recognised for driving systemic change and strengthening Māori representation. Facey, from Maritime Operational Support, is acknowledged for championing neurodiversity inclusion and helping create safer, more understanding workplaces.