Latest from Far North District

From couch potato to PhD

When Blaine Rakena's 5-year-old son told his class all his Dad did was stay home and watch television the Kaikohe man knew he had to change.

Thief takes TV from dying patients

Property is stolen from Kaitaia Hospital on a regular basis.

Search for Kiwifruit saboteur

Northland farmer who lost hundreds of thousands in income is offering a $50,000 reward for evidence that leads to a conviction.

Chinese snatch up local wine

Local winemakers get harvest boost

More arrests likely in record meth seizure

More people may be arrested as a team of more than 20 detectives continue to investigate a record methamphetamine bust in the Far North.

Northland tipster fearful of retribution

A Northland fisherman who tipped police off to suspicious boaties on 90 Mile Beach which led to a record seizure of methamphetamine is fearful of gang retribution.

Mum foils son's plan to take murder rap

When Lee Rata was severely beaten last year, Seddon Beazley took the opportunity to further his standing with the Mongrel Mob. However, his mother knew different.

Alarming videos show forest collapse

Two dramatic videos have been released showing how Northland's forests are collapsing due to chronic underfunding of the Department of Conservation and lack of pest control.

Hundreds attend Maori economic hui

Treaty settlement stalled by concerns

The completion of a settlement of major Treaty of Waitangi claims is in the balance after a hui was held to resolve issues over its management.

The adrenaline-rush burglars

Young men full of bravado stole boats, fishing gear, outboard motors and tools worth nearly $80,000 for an adrenaline rush.

Man denies attempt to blackmail insurance firm

Tourist admits careless driving causing deaths

An American tourist has admitted careless driving causing the deaths of two women, and injuring a man, near Kerikeri on Saturday.

Gang brawl sentence appeal

Driver charged after deaths

The driver of a vehicle involved in a double fatality in Northland has been charged with causing the deaths and will appear in court this morning.

Bust-up follows hearing for Rata murder accused

A man wielding a hammer and advancing towards another person during a scuffle outside the Whangarei courthouse was stopped in his tracks by security officers.

Dog attacks need action - residents (+video)

For a decade Garry and Cynthia Moran have seen first-hand the human carnage created by vicious dog attacks in their Northland street.