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News Archive

Civil Defence Logo.

Heavy rain, strong winds Evan’s likely Northland legacy

Posted: 21 December 2012

Northlanders and visitors to the region are being warned about the possibility of heavy weekend rains and strong winds – the unwanted legacy of Tropical Cyclone Evan which earlier this week cut a swathe of destruction through the Pacific.

Adult turf grass weevil.

Seldom-seen weevil emerges in Far North

Posted: 20 December 2012

The current pre-Christmas weather conditions are right for the re-emergence of a little-seen, lawn-devouring South American weevil in the Far North, a Northland-based insect expert says.

Northland - the road ahead.

Local Government reform – Northlanders’ views to be sought

Posted: 19 December 2012

The Northland Regional Council is planning a major fact-finding exercise next year to see what form Northlanders think local government in the region should take – and says it will reserve its collective judgement until those views are known.

Flying a dive flag correctly.

Take care, keep proper watch, use dive flags boaties told

Posted: 18 December 2012

People heading out on the water in Northland over summer are being urged to take extra care, keep a proper watch and make sure they fly dive flags if they have divers in the water.

River maintenance Whangarei.

$176,000 Whangarei river maintenance work to start soon

Posted: 14 December 2012

Diggers will be a common sight in the Waiarohia Stream over the next several months as a major river maintenance project to reduce urban Whangarei flooding continues.

Proposed Regional Policy Statement.

Regional Policy Statement Commissioners appointed

Posted: 05 December 2012

An independent trio which collectively boasts about 80 years’ resource management experience has been appointed to consider hundreds of public submissions on the Northland Regional Council’s Proposed Regional Policy Statement.

Merry Christmas!.

NRC offices to close for Xmas, New Year

Posted: 04 December 2012

All Northland Regional Council offices will be closed from 2pm Monday, 24 December until 8am Thursday, 03 January 2013 for the Christmas-New Year holiday break.

Whangarei Heads School - Enviroschools Green-Gold recipient 2012.

Whangarei Heads School gains top enviro status

Posted: 04 December 2012

Whangarei Heads School has become just the second school in Northland to achieve prestigious ‘Green-Gold’ status through the national Enviroschools programme.

Ship loading woodchip.

Port could grow bulk, containerised freight business; study

Posted: 30 November 2012

Northland’s multimillion dollar port at Marsden Point has significant capacity to accommodate growth in both bulk and containerised freight, a new study looking at upper North Island ports over the next 30 years shows.

Waiparera wetlands Aupouri Peninsula.

Helping hand for Far North’s wetlands

Posted: 28 November 2012

The Far North is home to some of Northland’s biggest and best wetlands and landowners are being encouraged to look after them in a Northland Regional Council mailout.

Proposed Regional Policy Statement.

Regional Policy Statement submission deadline looms

Posted: 22 November 2012

Time is running out for Northlanders to make a formal submission on the region’s most significant planning document – the Proposed Regional Policy Statement.

Summer at Ruakaka.

Annual testing of popular swim spots to start soon

Posted: 07 November 2012

Annual Northland Regional Council summer water quality tests to indicate how safe our most popular beaches, rivers and lakes are for swimming will begin again shortly.

NRC logo.

Representation review final proposal unveiled

Posted: 30 October 2012

A single Bay of Island constituency and including all of the Tutukaka Coast in one constituency are among a number of publicly-driven changes which now form the Northland Regional Council’s ‘Representation Arrangements Review Final Proposal’.

Youth Summit 2012.

63 students attend 2012 Youth Summit

Posted: 19 October 2012

Sixty-three students from throughout Northland gathered recently for the 2012 Northland Regional Council Youth Summit in Whangarei.

Ponga frond.

Cultural concerns behind decline of water application

Posted: 17 October 2012

An independent commissioner has declined an application by a Northland company to take extra water from Whangarei’s Poroti Springs, citing an inability to properly monitor its effects on the springs and the impact of that on Maori cultural values.

Enviroschools Expo 2011.

Kaeo, Whangarei to host Enviroschools’ expos

Posted: 16 October 2012

A dozen bush experts are to share their knowledge with an estimated 200 Northland Enviroschools students and teachers in Kaeo and Whangarei shortly.

Proposed Regional Policy Statement.

Public views sought on proposed regional maps

Posted: 12 October 2012

Roughly 23,000 Northland landowners are being contacted this week as the Northland Regional Council seeks public feedback on maps linked to the region’s most significant planning document.

Tanker entering Whangarei Harbour.

Stay clear of wave measuring equipment, boaties warned

Posted: 12 October 2012

A special directive has been issued requiring all vessels to stay at least 100 metres clear of sensitive wave measuring equipment used to decide whether oil tankers and other large vessels can safely enter Whangarei Harbour.

Loquat fruit bagged to protect from guava moth.

Act now to protect fruit from guava moth, Northlanders urged

Posted: 09 October 2012

Now is the time to practise good orchard hygiene and take other steps to protect Northland fruit crops favoured by the unwanted Aussie insect invader the guava moth, biosecurity experts say.

Northland Regional Council logo.

Oct 17 hearings for NRC representation review submitters

Posted: 05 October 2012

Public submissions on regional council plans for a more community-focussed way on how Northlanders are represented around the council table will be heard at Kaikohe and Whangarei on October 17.

Queen Mary 2 in Bay of Islands.

Safety concerns prompt Bay anchor ban reminder

Posted: 03 October 2012

Ongoing concerns over boaties stopping in the way of cruise ships has prompted a reminder of the ban on anchoring in part of the Bay of Islands when the huge vessels are moving within the harbour.

Forestry, Northland.

Free workshops to help landowners better manage forests

Posted: 02 October 2012

Northland plantation forestry owners and contractors keen to better manage their earthworks and harvesting are being urged to attend one of five free local authority workshops being offered around the region next week.

Wakeboarding.

Public views sought on revised Pataua ski area proposal

Posted: 02 October 2012

Public feedback is being sought on a revised proposal to modify Pataua’s two existing ski lanes for a single ‘speed uplifting area’ and restrict high speed activities to a roughly 1.4km long section.

Youth Summit 2011.

Annual NRC Youth Summit looms

Posted: 26 September 2012

A record 60 students from 17 Northland schools will gather for a special Youth Summit at Whangarei’s Onerahi foreshore shortly to discuss coastal environmental issues – and what they can do to make a difference.

Northland Regional Council.

Time running out to have say on NRC representation review

Posted: 26 September 2012

Time is running out for Northlanders to have their say on regional council plans for a more community-focussed way on how they are represented around the council table.

Colin Mitten, Northland Inc.

Three new appointees to help guide Northland Inc

Posted: 25 September 2012

Three new appointees are to join Executive Chairman Colin Mitten at the helm of the region’s newly-integrated economic development and tourism body Northland Inc.

Proposed Regional Policy Statement.

Proposed Regional Policy Statement approved

Posted: 25 September 2012

Northlanders will soon be able to make a formal submission on the region’s most significant planning document – the Proposed Regional Policy Statement – which sets out how our natural and physical resources are managed.

New CityLink trial bus route fans at Jane Mander Retirement Village .

Public demand prompts Kamo west to CBD bus trial

Posted: 24 September 2012

Public demand has prompted Whangarei’s CityLink public bus service to begin trialling a twice-daily service linking the Kamo west area with the city’s central business district from October.

PSAv bud burst.

‘Bud burst’ crucial time in local fight against kiwifruit disease

Posted: 21 September 2012

Northland’s battle to remain free of the kiwifruit vine-killing PSAv takes on a special urgency over the next few weeks as vines enter a stage of their life cycle that makes them vulnerable to the disease.

Mediterranean fanworm.

Beating marine pests in Northland

Posted: 11 September 2012

Northlanders can find out what marine pests are - and how they can help stop their spread - at free workshops being offered to local communities throughout the region.

ECA winner 2012 - Ruawai Primary.

Kaipara schools receive $1750 NRC environmental awards

Posted: 10 September 2012

The Northland Regional Council has presented cheques to two Kaipara schools which have shared a $1750 slice of this year’s Environmental Curriculum Awards (ECAs).

Business fire, Northland.

Civil Defence offers help to ‘ill-prepared’ North businesses

Posted: 05 September 2012

Lessons from Christchurch’s devastating earthquakes show most Northland business owners are ill-prepared to survive and recover from an emergency, the region’s Civil Defence officials say.

Possum.

Specialist poison training latest addition to ‘Project Possum’

Posted: 05 September 2012

Twenty-one Northlanders are to gain specialist poison training as part of the latest addition to the ground-breaking ‘Project Possum’ initiative.

Far North Science Fair NRC award winner 2012 .

Dune plant research wins NRC award

Posted: 03 September 2012

A 15-year-old Kerikeri High School student’s study into dune plant growth has earned her this year’s Northland Regional Council ‘Excellence Award’ at the Top Energy Far North Science and Technology Fair.

Central Northland Science and Technology NRC Award winner.

Snail behaviour research wins student NRC award

Posted: 30 August 2012

Studying snail behaviour has earned a Whangarei student a $1000 Northland Regional Council award at the Refining NZ Central Northland Science and Technology Fair.

Graduating council cadets - 2012.

14 graduate from Northland councils’ cadet scheme

Posted: 30 August 2012

Fourteen people aged 18 to 24 have today become the latest young Northlanders to officially graduate from an innovative local authority cadetship scheme designed to help them find fulltime work.

Koi carp.

Banned koi carp found in Northland

Posted: 29 August 2012

Biosecurity officials are working to try to contain a large infestation of banned koi carp - one of Australasia’s worst freshwater pest fish - found in two Kaipara farm ponds.

Diver and dive flag.

Scallop season start prompts safety warning

Posted: 24 August 2012

September 01 hails the official start of both Spring and the scallop season – but it also comes with a safety warning for those seeking the seasonal delicacy in Northland.

Northland Events Centre.

$1m NRC tax refund to help early pay off of events centre

Posted: 24 August 2012

A $1 million Northland Regional Council tax refund will eventually go back into ratepayer’s pockets – and cut the period over which rates are levied for the Northland Events Centre by more than a year.

NRC logo.

Regional council changes look to empower communities

Posted: 21 August 2012

Northland’s regional councillors are suggesting a more community-focussed way to how they represent Northlanders – abandoning an ‘outdated’ current model based on the three district boundaries and replacing it with eight, smaller constituencies.

Tsunami light, siren at Tutukaka marina.

Tsunami warning light, siren installed at Tutukaka marina

Posted: 15 August 2012

A Northland marina that has suffered strong tsunami-related tidal movements in recent years now has its own tsunami siren and warning light.

Enviroschools caretakers workshop 2011.

Enviroschools’ workshop for caretakers

Posted: 07 August 2012

More than 20 school caretakers from around Northland are to gather in Whangarei next week for a special Enviroschools Northland workshop.

Cape Maria Van Diemen.

Mapping project rolled out in Far North

Posted: 06 August 2012

A Northland-wide mapping project to meet latest government requirements for identifying outstanding natural areas and coastal land is currently being rolled out in the Far North.

Te Uri o Hau MoU signing.

Significant agreement for NRC and Te Uri o Hau

Posted: 06 August 2012

The Northland Regional Council and Te Uri o Hau have rekindled their ongoing relationship, signing a special agreement giving the Kaipara hapū a more active role in the management of its tribal area.

Environmental Curriculum Awards delivered to Far North schools..

Five Far North schools win $5550 NRC environmental awards

Posted: 20 July 2012

The Northland Regional Council has begun presenting cheques to the five Far North schools which are sharing a $5550 slice of this year’s Environmental Curriculum Awards (ECAs).

ECA award winner Otaika Valley School.

Whangarei district schools win $12,700 environmental awards

Posted: 18 July 2012

The Northland Regional Council has begun presenting cheques to the 11 schools in the Whangarei district which are sharing a $12,700 slice of this year’s Environmental Curriculum Awards (ECAs).

Te Uri o Hau environmental management plan launch.

Te Uri o Hau launches milestone environmental plan

Posted: 13 July 2012

A new environmental plan launched yesterday by Te Uri o Hau marks an historic milestone for the Kaipara hapū’s role in managing its natural and physical resources.

Dairy cow.

Farmer fined $24,000 for Kaipara farm pollution offences

Posted: 09 July 2012

A judge has ordered a Northland farmer to pay $24,000 for illegal discharges of dairy effluent from a storage tank and pond at the man’s Donnelly’s Crossing property in 2010.

Sediment control workshop.

Sediment seminars aim to better protect water

Posted: 04 July 2012

About 50 Northland contractors and consultants are attending a series of Whangarei-based seminars designed to better protect the region’s waterways from harmful sediment runoff.

Colin Mitten, Destination Northland chairman, acting CEO.

Businessman to guide council’s new economic direction

Posted: 03 July 2012

Experienced businessman and Northland Port Corporation chairman Colin Mitten has been appointed to spearhead a new direction for the region’s newly-integrated economic development and tourism body.

Long Term Plan 2012-2022.

Long Term Plan adopted

Posted: 27 June 2012

Better flood protection for the Kerikeri-Waipapa area and funding for Kaitaia’s public bus service are among a variety of measures that will take effect under the Northland Regional Council’s newly-adopted Long Term Plan 2012-2022.

Judging 2012 ECA applications.

18 schools share $20,000 NRC awards

Posted: 25 June 2012

Projects from a mobile henhouse to creating a heritage garden are among 19 school initiatives to share this year’s $20,000 Northland Regional Council Environmental Curriculum Awards (ECAs).

Navigation Safety Bylaw 2012.

Navigation Safety Bylaw changes to take effect 1 July

Posted: 22 June 2012

Bylaw changes designed to make Northland’s harbours and estuaries safer – and which reflect changes in recreational use – will take effect from 01 July, 2012.

Enviroschools sustainable business bus tour..

Enviroschools road trips to learn sustainable business tips

Posted: 21 June 2012

Dozens of teachers and students have been on the road taking a first-hand look at some of Northland’s sustainable businesses as part of an Enviroschools Northland bus tour.

Pre-meeting cuppa.

Councillors keen for pre-meeting coffee, chat

Posted: 20 June 2012

Northland Regional Council members are hoping members of the public will take advantage of an offer to catch up with them for an informal chat and a coffee ahead of their regular monthly meetings.

Dumped sheep remains Kaikohe..

Rustlers spark pollution, prosecution warning

Posted: 12 June 2012

Sheep rustlers are being blamed for dumping animal remains in Northland streams, putting water quality at risk and costing the region’s ratepayers hundreds of dollars a time in clean-up costs.

Young kiwi released at Whangarei Heads.

Growing kiwi population at Whangarei Heads

Posted: 07 June 2012

Hard work by the local community has led to growing numbers of kiwi at Whangarei Heads according to research published recently in the online journal Conservation Evidence.

Mediterranean fanworm.

Vigilance urged after two marine pests found in Whangarei

Posted: 06 June 2012

Northlanders are being asked to report sightings of any new or unusual marine life after the discovery of two unwanted pest species on the hulls of several commercial vessels moored in Whangarei.

Coastal-themed workshop for teachers.

24 teachers attend coastal workshop

Posted: 01 June 2012

The many environmental education opportunities offered by Northland’s coast have been highlighted to 24 teachers at Te Moana, a special Northland Regional Council workshop in Taipa this week.

CityLink bus .

Morningside roadworks to affect CityLink bus route

Posted: 25 May 2012

CityLink’s Raumanga and Morningside bus service will be temporarily re-routed from Monday 28 May 2012 due to roadworks along the route.

Wild ginger.

Free weed workshops back

Posted: 17 May 2012

Northlanders keen to learn more about some of the worst weeds threatening our region – and how best to tackle them – are being urged to register now for one of a series of free workshops.

Project Possum.

Hands-on possum control back for North students

Posted: 11 May 2012

More than 80 Northland students are to gain hands-on knowledge of possum trapping, fur and pelt recovery in the latest ‘Project Possum’ training run under the umbrella of the popular Enviroschools Programme.

Taikirau wetland.

Helping hand for Whangarei’s wetlands

Posted: 03 May 2012

Whangarei is home to some of Northland best wetlands and landowners are being encouraged to look after them in a new Northland Regional Council mailout.

Cow.

Owner fined $50,000-plus for farm pollution offences

Posted: 03 May 2012

Illegal discharges of farm effluent from two feedpads at a Ruawai farm in 2009 have cost a Northland man just under $60,000 in fines and court-ordered costs and expenses.

Teacher workshop.

Coastal focus for NRC teacher workshop

Posted: 03 May 2012

Twenty-eight teachers are set to attend a special Northland Regional Council workshop highlighting the environmental education teaching opportunities offered by the region’s 3200 kilometre coastline.

Draft Long Term Plan.

974 have say on NRC Draft Long Term Plan

Posted: 01 May 2012

About 974 submissions have been received on the Northland Regional Council’s Draft Long Term Plan 2012-2022, with proposals for flood protection works and ongoing support for the region’s rescue helicopter service common themes.

Poplars.

Plant poplars, willows for erosion control

Posted: 01 May 2012

Northlanders keen to protect their properties from erosion are being reminded the annual planting season for poplars and willows is now upon us.

Have your say.

Time running out to have say on Draft Long Term Plan

Posted: 05 April 2012

Time’s running out for people to have their say on Northland Regional Council’s proposed plans for the coming decade, which include some major flood reduction works and criteria for a multimillion dollar economic development fund.

Draft Long Term Plan 2012-2022 cover.

Dargaville bus service costs could be shared more widely

Posted: 28 March 2012

The costs of establishing a local public bus service could be shared among hundreds of extra urban Dargaville households, drastically reducing the bill to individual ratepayers.

One of the Environmental Curriculum Award winners 2011.

$20,000 Schools’ Environmental Curriculum Awards open

Posted: 27 March 2012

Schools are being urged to act quickly to try to win a share of this year’s $20,000 Northland Regional Council Environmental Curriculum Awards.

Salvinia.

Banned aquatic weed ‘Salvinia’ found in Northland

Posted: 26 March 2012

A banned aquatic weed that forms dense mats that can double in size in days and pose a drowning risk has been discovered in two home garden ponds in Northland, prompting a warning from biosecurity experts.

Draft Long Term Plan 2012-2022.

Have say on Draft Long Term Plan, including flood proposals

Posted: 22 March 2012

This week’s torrential rain and the flooding it caused is a timely reminder for Northlanders to have their say proposals for millions of dollars of flood protection work around the region, the Northland Regional Council says.

Enviroschools in the Early Years Expo.

Enviroschools’ preschoolers project unveiled

Posted: 21 March 2012

An expo showcasing a new environmental education pilot programme targeting Northland pre-schoolers is being hailed a success by organisers.

Civil Defence logo.

Rain warning lifted, but care still needed in rain-battered north (Update 5, 0945hrs)

Posted: 20 March 2012

MetService forecasters say the worst of the torrential rain that has battered Northland appears to be over, however, Civil Defence officials are urging people to continue to take extreme care over the next 24 hours until flood-swollen rivers recede.

Civil Defence logo.

Further heavy rain expected overnight in Northland (Update 4, 1715hrs)

Posted: 19 March 2012

A new MetService forecast shows another 70mm to 90mm of rain may be on its way for Northland, with people warned to be vigilant and stay off the region’s roads overnight.

Civil Defence logo.

Floods mean caution still needed, Northlanders told (Update 3, 1415hrs)

Posted: 19 March 2012

Civil Defence officials say Northlanders cannot afford to be complacent about today’s weather, with rain-swollen rivers expected to continue to flood in places and a number of roads still impassable.

Civil Defence logo.

Brace for widespread flooding, Northlanders warned (Update 2, 1030hrs)

Posted: 19 March 2012

Civil Defence officials are warning Northlanders to brace themselves for widespread flooding over the next day in the wake of a new heavy rain warning issued for the region.

Flooding.

Heavy rain, gales and flooding likely for Northland (Update 1, 1045hrs)

Posted: 18 March 2012

Northlanders are being warned to brace themselves for heavy rain, gales and likely flooding as a deep sub-tropical low which could deliver a month’s worth of rain in just 24 hours bears down on the region.

Gum Leaf Skeletoniser caterpillar.

Poisonous caterpillar reaches Kerikeri

Posted: 16 March 2012

The Gum Leaf Skeletoniser – a pest caterpillar bristling with poisonous spines – has now been discovered in Kerikeri, prompting a warning for adults to keep an eye on curious children.

Farm dairy monitoring.

Owners fined $67,000 for farm pollution offences

Posted: 16 March 2012

Discharging farm effluent and silage leachate into tributaries of the Wairoa River at Ruawai has cost a Northland farming couple almost $70,000 in fines and court costs.

Draft Long Term Plan 2012-2022.

NRC’s Draft Long Term Plan approved

Posted: 08 March 2012

Northlanders are being encouraged to have their say on council plans for the region’s future – including proposals for economic development funding and some big flood protection works.

GLS infected with parasitic wasp .

Parasitic wasp tackling poisonous caterpillar

Posted: 27 February 2012

A parasitic wasp released in the Whangarei area to target a newly-discovered pest caterpillar bristling with poisonous spines is the latest addition to more than two dozen biocontrol agents now at work in Northland.

Comrie Park Kindergarten pupils.

Enviroschools’ pilot to target pre-schoolers

Posted: 23 February 2012

The popular Enviroschools programme is to trial a new year-long pilot initiative targeting Northland pre-schoolers.

Best Coastal Dune Restoration Project Award.

Taipa CoastCare group wins national dune award

Posted: 22 February 2012

Several years of work transforming Taipa’s beachfront has earned a small Northland CoastCare group a national dune restoration award.

Northland’s joint Sailor of the Year 2011 Andrew Murdoch and Blair Tuke.

Olympians Murdoch, Tuke named joint Sailor of the Year 2011

Posted: 21 February 2012

Two sailors who will represent New Zealand at this year’s Olympic Games in London have been jointly named the Northland Sailor of the Year for 2011.

Karetu.

New workboat ‘Karetu’ blessed, named

Posted: 15 February 2012

A new locally-built workboat has joined the Northland Regional Council’s maritime fleet after a blessing and naming ceremony in Opua today.

Possum trapped for pie production.

Possum pies back on NRC’s field days menu

Posted: 13 February 2012

‘Pipiwai possum pies’ will be on the menu as a tasty treat designed to entice visitors to the Northland Regional Council marquee at next month’s Northland Field Days in Dargaville.

Surveying dunes.

Northland to host national dune conference

Posted: 31 January 2012

Organisers are expecting more than 80 people from as far as Southland to attend the Dune Restoration Trust of New Zealand’s fifth annual national conference in the Far North.

New NRC CEO powhiri.

Powhiri for new Northland Regional Council CEO

Posted: 23 January 2012

Northland Regional Council’s new chief executive has been formally welcomed to his new position with a powhiri by local kaumatua and kuia in Whangarei today.

5-knot sign Mangawhai inlet .

Stay safe on the water this summer

Posted: 18 January 2012

With the summer sunshine finally arriving and the busy boating season upon us, Northland’s Deputy Harbourmaster is reminding people of local rules for keeping our waters safe.

Maritime staff on patrol.

Proposed navigation safety changes feedback deadline looms

Posted: 13 January 2012

Time is running out for people to have their say on proposed bylaw changes designed to make Northland’s harbours and estuaries safer and reflect changing recreational use of them.

Bus shelter.

Month left to fill in Ruakaka bus service survey

Posted: 13 January 2012

Bream Bay residents keen to take part in a survey gauging demand for the possible reintroduction of a public bus service between Ruakaka and Whangarei have a month left to do so.

Manchurian wild rice at Dargaville.

Help stop spread of Manchurian wild rice, landowners urged

Posted: 11 January 2012

Landowners are being urged to report any sightings of one of Northland’s worst plant pests – Manchurian wild rice - and help stop its spread by cleaning and checking farm machinery.

CityLink 10-trip transfer tickets..

New 10-trip CityLink transfer tickets for New Year

Posted: 11 January 2012

New 10-trip transfer tickets designed to take some of the hassle out of making longer cross-town trips are now available for Whangarei’s CityLink public bus service.

River works.

Whangarei river works starting soon

Posted: 10 January 2012

Diggers will be a common sight in the Waiarohia Stream and Hatea River over the next two months as a major river maintenance project to reduce urban Whangarei flooding gets underway.