Latest from Whangarei

Musical instruments to soothe the soul

The melodeon was played in the trenches of the First World War to boost morale.

Wildlife park operator tells all about its troubles and the future

The operator of big-cat park speaks about liquidation and the way forward.

Brent Eastwood: Massive thank you to Top Energy for the generous support

It’s always nice when those sponsors are local ones.

Solar farm being built in Northland to supply retirement villages NZ-wide

The $35m facility will be exclusively used to power retirement villages across NZ.

Housing complex ablaze in Otangarei

A fire has engulfed a duplex property in Whangārei.

Lotto shop robbed, reportedly by person with tomahawk

Social media users reported the offender had a tomahawk.

Whangārei courthouse a 'powder keg': lawyer calls for inquiry into assault

Small spaces and blind spots in the building create security issues, one lawyer says.

Lawyers fear for their safety after 'shocking' court lift attack

A 36-year-old travel agent is charged with injuring with intent to injure over the assault

Truck and trailer units restricted: Vital Brynderwyn detour to reopen

Trucks and trailers are not able to travel via the Kaiwaka, Mangawhai and Waipū detours.

The new $59 million civic centre a former mayoral candidate labels a 'leaking monstrosity'

Former mayoral candidate Alex Wright is concerned the centre will be a leaky building.

Big cats from closed Whangārei lion park unsuitable for the wild

It's unlikely the big cats will be taken by a zoo in New Zealand, an expert believes.

Northland news in brief: Slip stabilised; toy gun call-out and SH10 resealing

News snippets from across Northland and surrounds.

Canned plans for roadside drug testing a blow to Northland - the region most at risk

Police will have to continue to use an "archaic" test to ping drug impaired drivers.

Council rules out stepping in to save iconic lion park

Whangārei mayor rules out council help for lion park at this stage

‘I know you don’t have a bad heart’: Victim forgives woman who violently robbed him

The offender became emotional as her victim offered her forgiveness.

'Someone else put it there': Convicted meth cook successfully claims gun was planted

The man said an acquaintance had set him up after a car deal between them soured.

Northland's Fritter Festival is back: Here's how you can win tickets

Thousands expected for Northland Fritter Festival in Whangārei on Saturday

Snapchat upload of child sexual abuse exposes offender

Deemed a low risk for reoffending, the man was given nine months' home detention.