The Northern Advocate

Tiny jellyfish bring unwelcome sting for swimmers

Dozens of Bream Bay swimmers are being stung by microscopic jellyfish as the sea temperature climbs to more than 22C. The tiny stingers, called hydromedusae, are only a few millimetres in diameter, but have up to 100 tentacles that can inflict a nasty...

‘Left to disappear’

Overgrown footpaths are pushing pedestrians onto a busy Far North highway, after the council confirmed vegetation control in parts of pononi and māpere is not covered by its maintenance contract. Residents in pononi and māpere said they have raised...

Far North residents left in ‘anxious state’ after frequent outages Power cuts ‘beyond a joke’

Frequent power cuts in the Far North have left some residents, including a medically dependent resident and a couple who need reliable electricity for their IT work, living in an “anxious state”. There have been numerous unplanned outages in the Far...

‘It’s a waiting game’

Northlanders are demanding to know which of the region’s 45 GP practices were impacted by the ransomware attack on medical portal Manage My Health. About 430,000 patient documents, some dating back to 2017, were stolen in the cyber attack detected on...

‘A game-changer’

Northland’s taonga species like kiwi now have new tools in the war against possums and rats, including AI pest traps, thermal drones and a possum scat-detection dog. The technology is part of the arsenal being used by Northland Regional Council’s...

Runaway bull sparks panic at rodeo

An errant 800kg bull named Thunder struck panic when he ran through the crowd at a Far North Rodeo event. A video shared online showed spectators on a grassy knoll outside the arena scattering as Thunder forced a weak spot in the fence and fled up the...

Bed squeeze costs city major hockey event

Whangārei is missing out on an international hockey tournament set to offer $5.1 million in economic benefit, due to a lack of accommodation in Northland. Hockey New Zealand considered Whangārei to host the Vantage Black Sticks Tri-Series 2026 from...

Big-name shows bypass Northland stages

When UK comedian Bill Bailey toured New Zealand in October and November, his itinerary included Invercargill, Nelson, Hawke’s Bay, New Plymouth and Palmerston North. Even tiny Oamaru got a visit, alongside Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. UK...

Summer tourist influx to swell North numbers

Northland’s population is likely to quadruple with more than 800,000 visitors pouring into the region for the summer holiday peak. Northland Mayoral Forum chairman Moko Tepania said Northlanders welcomed hundreds of thousands of manuhiri (visitors) and...

Boaties brave rough seas to save skipper Search continues for pet dog lost in capsized yacht

ANorthland man who took his small boat into dangerous seas to rescue a yacht skipper says the conditions were “pretty hairy” and that his own vessel could easily have capsized too. The police were called to the incident near Elizabeth Reef at around...

Northlanders recognised in New Year Honours

Te Warihi Kokowai Hetaraka has been made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to Māori and art Te Warihi Hetaraka (Ngāti Wai, Ngāpuhi, Tainui) was shocked and humbled to receive his honour. Since being chosen to represent...

Dog terror leaves community on edge

AOpen Justice — Te Pātītī An NZME initiative partially funded with help from NZ On Air brutal dog mauling that left three people injured was not an isolated event, but the culmination of years of warnings one victim says were repeatedly ignored. “It’s...

Regional council proposes 0% rates increase

Northland local government leaders are reacting cautiously to news of Te Tai Tokerau’s first proposed rates freeze in a decade. The zero-rate increase has been put forward by Northland Regional Council for its 2026/2027 financial year and would affect...

Locked in: Ryan defies the odds

AWhangārei man is defying the odds as he battles locked-in syndrome, a rare condition where he is fully cognitive but unable to move his body. Ryan Scott, 41, was healthy, active and working as a building contractor when, in June, he had a severe...

Where to find real bargains on Boxing Day

Hero’s message for beach goers this summer

Adecade has passed since Dudley Andrews risked his life by rushing into the waves at a Far North beach to save two young cousins from drowning. But the Northland dad says his experience isn’t outdated and is especially relevant as Kiwis flock to the...

Mumma’s Kitchen vlogger targets grocery prices

After five years of teaching Kiwis how to cook nutritious, budget-friendly food, Whangārei vlogger Kirsten Holtz is shifting gears — vowing to confront New Zealand’s supermarket duopoly head-on. Holtz, host of the popular Mumma’s Kitchen platform with...

‘It’s a balancing act’

A challenging year has seen Whangārei District Council miss statutory requirements, such as processing building consents and non-notified resource consents within the required timeframe. But new mayor Ken Couper said the council has to balance a whole...

Who gets the kids on Christmas Day?

For thousands of Kiwi kids, the season of joy is split between court orders and family traditions. As parents battle it out in the Family Court to win precious time with their children, experts say certainty and compromise is key to ensuring a...

Council backs sand fight

The Whangārei District Council is formally backing Bream Bay marine sand mining opponents in the face of the fast-track consent application process. The council yesterday unanimously voted to call on the Government to make sure the voices of Bream Bay...

‘Our children were failed by the services’

WARNING: This article discusses suicide and may be upsetting to some readers. Six rangatahi (youth) who never knew each other walked the same troubled path, marked by bullying, loneliness, abuse, and fractured relationships. Despite being identified...

Māori site set for historic return

Abill returning one of New Zealand's most historic sites to Māori is due to be passed by Parliament today , ending a 20-year quest by Northland iwi Ngāpuhi. To the untrained eye Kororipo Pā, at Kerikeri Basin, looks like a modest headland across the...

‘Pack some patience’

With more people travelling on Northland roads over the holidays, road safety advocates and NZ Transport Agency are urging motorists to plan ahead and drive with care. To date, 23 people have died on Northland roads this year, according to Ministry of...

North business booming

While the number of registered businesses in Northland is at a record high, unemployment continues to climb. The Northland Regional Council’s economic quarterly update released this week revealed that in the past five years, Northland has had the...

Counting the cost

Whangārei’s Hundertwasser Art Centre made a loss of $1.4 million in the last financial year but its chairman said much of that can be blamed on depreciation on the unique building. The controversial centre, which opened in 2022, continues to...

Power lessons learned

Most of the 26 recommendations from the report into the collapse of a transmission tower that left 88,000 Northland customers — 180,000 residents and 20,000 businesses — without power last year are now complete. After the collapse near Glorit, south...

High price tech shuts out blind Kiwis

Adaptive technology is considered “revolutionary” for enabling people with disabilities to communicate independently, but high costs mean many still miss out. Most specialised technology for blind users in New Zealand costs from $1000 to $9500,...

Funding woes force music charity shut

ANorthland charity that provides free music lessons to children is the latest charity to close because of a lack of funding. Sistema Whangārei – Toi Akorangi’s operating costs near $250,000 a year, and no guarantee of any future funding – despite...

‘People are on edge’

Awoman enjoying the sunshine ended up being flown to hospital after four dogs set upon her, attacking her arms and legs. Then, when a neighbour tried to intervene the dogs turned on him, resulting in him also being sent to hospital with bite marks...

Over-40s shut out of jobs

When 40-year-old Rory Thomas left his job in January, he thought finding new work would be simple. More than 11 months later, he’s living the harsh reality experienced by many older people in Northland. Thomas is on the Supported Living Payment but...

‘WE’RE ALL DEVASTATED’

A Northland family is devastated their farm and “forever home” passed down through generations will be sold to make room for the four-lane highway from Auckland to Whangārei. Linda Bryham and her family are “in limbo” after being notified by NZ...

‘Our little miracle’

The parents of a Northland baby who suffered convulsions and flatlined while suffering from whooping cough are warning other parents to be aware of the potentially fatal disease. Zara Taylor-Gillespie said her 3-month-old daughter, Eden, was still...

‘Only got one chance’

Northland Regional Council’s deputy chair is urging Kaipara District Council to reconsider its decision to keep Kai Iwi Lakes’ boat ramp open, as the threat of invasive freshwater gold clams grows. “We want the Kai Iwi Lakes boat ramp to be closed...

‘The CBD needs support’

Online shopping and a lack of vibrancy in Whangārei’s central business district are being cited as the reasons for a well-known pharmacy closing after 80 years. Life Pharmacy Orrs in Cameron Street Mall will close its dispensary on December 24 and its...

Farmers back plan to end regional councils

Northland farmers say the Government’s proposal to scrap the country’s 11 regional councils is long overdue. They say farmers cannot sustain the huge costs regularly being presented to them by local authorities. Federated Farmers Northland president...

Neighbour to the rescue

AWhangārei woman has praised her neighbour’s heroism after he rescued her dog from a blaze that burned her home of 40 years to the ground. The morning of November 22 had been run of the mill for Sue Shand. She left her Kensington home about 8am to...

Man banned from taking seafood

Aman has been handed a threeyear ban on collecting seafood after being caught extending his customary authority to issue permits well beyond its boundaries for the last 10 years. Jonathan Moon, 47, appeared in the Whangā rei District Court as the...

Lawsuit filed against Transpower

Aclass action has been filed against national power grid operator Transpower and its lines maintenance contractor Omexom over the outage in June last year that left much of Northland without power for days. The class action seeks to recover losses on...

Channel Infrastructure buys stake in Aussie jet fuel pipeline

Whā nau mourn boy lost in fishing trip

The family of an 11-year-old who died after a fishing trip turned to tragedy in Northland have paid tribute to their clever, cheeky and loving boy. Jason Paul Wharerau, from Auckland, left on a fishing trip in Patāua South, Whangārei Heads, with his...

Housing plan promises but doubts still linger

The Government says the Far North will be among the biggest winners in its new Housing Investment Plan. But critics argue the strategy leaves glaring gaps for Northland communities still waiting on cancelled Kāinga Ora projects. Housing Minister Chris...

Traffic lights approved for danger spot

Govt eyes private model

Northland’s Marsden Point Rail Link could be the country’s first to be built with a public-private partnership, with companies showing keen interest in the project. The rail link is a 19km spur from the main North Auckland Line in Oakleigh to...

Govt project cuts leave whānau without homes

Not enough social houses are being built to meet Northland’s needs, housing advocates say. They are asking the coalition Government to reinstate 40 scrapped Kāinga Ora projects in Northland. But Housing Minister Chris Bishop said changes had to be...

MP vows to challenge expulsion

Te Pāti Māori is down two MPs after expelling Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris, following several turbulent months that have split the party in two. The MPs are expected to be moved from their offices within Te Pāti Māori corridors this week...

Race is on to save last lions from euthanasia

While time is running out to save the big cats at Whangārei’s famous lion park, the hope they may yet be spared remains. Animal welfare charity Huha NZ reached out to the Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary last week after learning of its plans to euthanise the...

Families rethink food budgets

Northlanders are swapping milk for milk powder, going without mince and eggs, and making sixhour round trips to Auckland for butter in a bid to make food budgets stretch. As supermarket prices and other expenses continue to climb, residents are...

Fight to save last of the lions

Whangārei’s lion park and its remaining five big cats have been offered a “glimmer of hope”. The Northern Advocate broke the news on Tuesday that the last seven and elderly lions at the Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary were to be put down. While two of the...

Foodbank closure deepens hunger gap

ANorthland charity is calling on the community to help vulnerable whānau after the closure of a Kerikeri foodbank and budgeting service. Bald Angels Charitable Trust founder Therese Wickbom said a lack of food security has become a major issue since...

‘No real options left’

The last seven surviving big cats at Whangārei’s famous lion park will be euthanised this week. Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary facility operator Janette Vallance said the difficult decision had been made by owners Bolton Equities. “This has been an...

Biosecurity under fire

northland conservationist Brad Windust has slammed Biosecurity New Zealand’s response to the arrival of yellow-legged hornets, calling it “hopelessly inadequate”. The former Far North beekeeper and pest trapper said he’s sounding the alarm over what...

Cost questions over $18b expressway

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has questioned the multibillion-dollar costs of the Northland Corridor, saying a cheaper alternative is needed sooner. But Transport Minister Chris Bishop said it was a long-term project with national benefits, while NZ...

‘Silver lining’ to SH1 closures

While most Northlanders — and visitors to the region — will be dreading the upcoming Brynderwyns closures, a couple of towns are celebrating the “silver lining” of the essential roadworks. Mangawhai and Waipu have been put firmly “on the map” as...

$152m boost for farmers

Northland dairy farmers could get a $150 million financial fillip if Fonterra sells its most recognised brands to French giant Lactalis in a proposed $4.2 billion deal. But while the windfall will be welcomed, a local farming leader doesn’t think...

Fireworks Spectacular lights up for cancer

The Northern Advocate has two family passes to give away to our readers. Email your name and contact phone number to [email protected]. nz with “fireworks” in the subject line by 1pm Friday. By entering, you agree to the NZME Standard...

Record-breaking ‘mana wāhine’ council

The Far North is likely to step into the record books among New Zealand’s newlyelected 78 councils with the country’s highest ratio of women to men. A record eight newly-elected Far North District Council (FNDC) politicians are women – 73% of the...

Carer finds truth in LOVING LIES

Maria Nicol says being brought up Christian, she was taught to never lie. But the Kerikeri resident learnt a “loving lie” was better than an argument when helping care for her parents who both had dementia. While it is quite a strain for both parents...

Road a ‘game-changer’

Anew Northland Expressway will cut 38 minutes off the drive between Auckland’s Te Hana and Whangārei, according to a recently approved investment case. The new road will also reduce deaths and serious injuries on State Highway 1 by 66%. The NZ...

LIFE & LOVE tested Inside one couples long goodbye to memory and marriage

At her most raw and honest, Peggy Rangi admits marriage was not a very good contract for her to sign. While she and husband Mike have had 50 happy years together, including raising three daughters and building their house on the edge of the Kaipara...

‘It’s about the future of our country’

Safe staffing levels, better recruitment and protecting their professions’ futures were the key reasons public service workers went on strike yesterday. The Northland teachers, nurses, dental staff, ACC workers, prison nurses, social workers, mental...

Downtown death in city not suspicious

The death of a 56-year-old woman in downtown Whangārei is not being treated as suspicious. Part of the city centre was closed to the public yesterday after the woman was found dead on a footpath. Northland Area Investigations manager, Detective Senior...

Vote count challenged

Would-be Kaipara Mayor Snow Tane is seeking a vote recount. Tane is just 21 votes behind incoming new Mayor Jonathan Larsen after Friday’s local election results. Dargaville’s Tane has 3117 mayoral votes, compared with Topuni’s Larsen on 3138...

‘You chose violence’

ANorthland woman who murdered her cousin in an “alcohol-fuelled jealous, angry rage” has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Kaytee Ngaire Tahau, 48, of Kaitāia, previously admitted murdering Saralee Moke and assaulting her then partner, Renee Bevan,...

Whangārei weaves path to Unesco global stage

Art and craft are at the heart of Whangārei’s identity, and now the city is applying for global recognition of its creativity. Creative Northland, backed by Whangārei District Council, is applying for Whangārei to become a Unesco City of Creativity for...

Couper ousts Whangārei incumbent

Waipu dairy farmer Ken Couper has been elected Whangārei’s new Mayor, ousting incumbent Vince Cocurullo. Couper yesterday won the election to run New Zealand’s seventh-largest city toppling outgoing one-term Mayor Cocurullo. Couper thanked the people...

Tension and heartbreak in High Court

A grieving mother had some parting words of pain and anger for the man who caused the death of her 3-year-old son as he was sentenced to home detention. “You’re over, kiddy killer,” Tyla Simona yelled at Aitua Kino Puriri. It ended an intense court...

Petition urges action on roaming dog crisis

ANorthland woman who has been repeatedly rushed at by aggressive roaming dogs has started a petition calling on the Government to remedy the region’s “roaming dog crisis”. Tracy Clarke stopped walking around her Whangārei neighbourhood several years...

‘Farewell dear Isey’

Heartfelt tributes are pouring in for Northland identity Isey Cross, the star of one of New Zealand’s most successful documentaries, who has died at the grand old age of 106. Whānau and friends have remembered the much-loved kuia as “beautiful” and...

Frustrating closures

Just when Northlanders thought it was over, two more “frustrating” closures of the Brynderwyn Hills are on the cards for motorists next month. NZTA Transport Agency [NZTA] has confirmed the portion of State Highway 1 will close for two, fourday “super...

‘It’s still anyone’s game’

It’s anyone’s race for the Kaipara leadership as Deputy Mayor Jonathan Larsen, Snow Tane and Dr Jason Smith remain locked in a tight battle until the special votes are tallied on Friday. Progress results on Saturday had the three separated by only 74...

Downturn in new builds and Govt work sees tradies struggling

Ahefty drop in building consents issued in Northland mixed with stubbornly high building costs and canned Government commercial projects are putting the squeeze on the region’s construction workforce. The latest Stats NZ figures show that overall,...

‘His imprint remains’

Prominent Northland businessman and philanthropist Walter Yovich QSM is being remembered as a man of deep conviction and generous spirit whose life brimmed with accomplishment. Yovich, affectionately known as Wally, died on Wednesday aged 86. His...

What a Spot, Farm and Home

• An exceptional 144-hectare (more or less) property in two titles • A beautifully presented four-bedroom GJ Gardner family home • Tidy land and well fenced with three bores • Excellent infrastructure

Controversial marina proposal challenged

ABay of Islands residents’ group is challenging a Government decision to allow a controversial marina proposal to go through the fast-track consent process. Hopper Developments and Azuma Property are planning a 250-berth marina at isolated Waipiro...

PORT EXPANSION

Northland’s port company has been granted consent for a major expansion by the Environment Court, after the company committed to new conditions to mitigate the project’s adverse effects on cultural and recreational values — following consultation and...