Far North news in brief: Tractor Spectacular; Waitangi exhibition and late-night shopping

One of Northland’s quirkiest events - the Taupō Bay Tractor Spectacular - returns on December 30 at the Far North seaside community.

Tractor Spectacular

The Taupō Bay Tractor Spectacular that pays homage to that humble beast, the tractor, is back for the 11th edition at the end of this month. The event will see dozens of tractors parade along the beachfront community on December 30, from 5pm. There will be prizes for various categories and a sausage sizzle for the kids. For more details, check the event out on Facebook.

Waitangi Exhibition

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is hosting a new exhibition, Kupe Sites: Landmarks of the great voyager | Ngā tapuwae o Kupe. The touring exhibition is from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and explores the landscapes, stories and enduring legacy of Kupe through a photographic journey. The exhibition features a series of black and white photographic images depicting the landmarks and places associated with Kupe, regarded by many iwi as the tupuna or ancestor who discovered Aotearoa New Zealand. The exhibition will run until February 13.

Late-night shopping

Late-night shopping is on again in Kaitāia this Thursday in the lead-up to Christmas. The town was buzzing with good vibes on the November late-night shopping evening. More than 20 retailers and food vendors took part and Kaitāia Business Association has organised another late-night shopping event for Thursday.

Disabled parking

Far North District Council is reminding motorists that if Santa can park right, so can they, in a plea for able-bodied drivers not to park in disabled parking spaces this festive season. Mobility parks are a lifeline for many in the community – especially during the holiday rush – and when these spaces are taken, disabled people can’t get to the shops, pick up gifts, or join in the festive fun, the council said.

Fatal crash

A motorbike rider has died in a single-vehicle crash in the Far North. The crash took place on State Highway 1 in Kaitāia, near Victoria Valley Rd, just before 8.50pm on Friday. Serious crash investigators have examined the scene and are looking into how and why the crash took place.

Ōpua repairs end early

Work to repair a slip on Ōpua’s Franklin St has been completed more than a week ahead of schedule, allowing the ferry lane and footpath to reopen to the public as the busy summer season gets underway. The first phase of the project began on November 19 and focused on drainage improvements, temporary piling and restoring safe access around the ferry lane for both vehicles and pedestrians. The next phase of work will resume in March 2026 when traffic volumes are lower to minimise disruption.