Far North news in brief: New school speed limits; fire rules change; scholarships

New speed limits will be introduced around a further 32 Far North schools by July.

Speed rules

Plans to introduce new variable speed limits around Far North schools are on track, with changes to be implemented at an additional 32 schools this year. At the Far North District Council (FNDC) meeting on March 5, elected members agreed to introduce the new variable speed limits to the schools by July 1, in accordance with a central government rule. The rule requires councils, as Road Controlling Authorities, to implement new speed limits around schools. These are not reversals of previously applied limits, but are new limits required under the rule to improve safety at these schools. The full list of schools is on the FNDC website.

Fire changes

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has moved the Muriwhenua zone of Te Tai Tokerau Northland District into a restricted fire season until further notice. The change applies to Ahipara, Awanui, the Karikari Peninsula, and the Aupouri Peninsula up to Cape Reinga. All offshore islands remain in a prohibited fire season, and the rest of the Northland District remains in an open fire season. During a restricted fire season, anyone wanting to light an outdoor fire must first obtain a fire permit from Fire and Emergency. Permits can be requested at www.checkitsalright.nz.

Water level

Water restrictions for the Ōpononi-Ōmāpere and Ōmanaia-Rāwene communities have been reduced to Level 1, marking the end of all remaining restrictions across the Far North. A wetter-than-usual summer, including several storm events, combined with steady rainfall in recent weeks, has improved river flows and replenished storage levels across the district. Lower water use has also helped ease demand on treatment plants, supporting a quicker recovery than seen in previous years. At Level 1, residents and visitors are asked to use water wisely, with no limits on outdoor use such as sprinklers and hoses.

Scholarships open

Applications for the Northland Regional Council’s Tū i te ora Scholarships have opened, with recipients set to receive financial support and paid work experience at the council next summer. Four scholarships are available, each including $5000 to assist with study costs, plus paid fulltime work experience with the NRC from mid-November to mid-February 2027. To apply, go to www.nrc.govt.nz/scholarship.