News Archive

Public views sought on rail joint venture

Posted: 19 December 2007

The public is being asked for its views on plans for a joint venture to secure land for a proposed Marsden Pt rail corridor.

NRC offices to close for Christmas, New Year

Posted: 10 December 2007

All Northland Regional Council offices are to close from 2pm Monday, 24 December until the morning of Thursday, 3 January for the Christmas-New Year holiday break.

Eight recognised at Regional Enviroschools Awards

Posted: 06 December 2007

Eight Northland schools have been recognised for a range of environmental initiatives - including releasing rare native snails on an island reserve - at the region’s second annual Enviroschools Awards.

Annual tests begin at popular north swim spots

Posted: 03 December 2007

Summer water quality tests to check whether some of Northland’s most popular beaches and rivers are suitable for swimming are underway again.

Time running out to help run $12.3m NRC trust

Posted: 29 November 2007

Time is running out for Northlanders with business development know-how and good connections to apply to help run a $12.3 million regional economic development body.

Joint venture to be formed to advance Marsden Point rail link

Posted: 27 November 2007

ONTRACK and the Northland Regional Council will enter into a joint venture arrangement to progress the designation of land for a rail link between the existing North Auckland Line and Marsden Point, the two organisations confirmed today.

156 projects to share $500,000-plus NRC environment fund

Posted: 21 November 2007

More than 150 projects ranging from planting eroding sand dunes to protecting kiwi have been awarded a share of this year’s $500,000-plus Northland Regional Council Environment Award.

Consents widen inlet boat launching options

Posted: 20 November 2007

Resource consents have been granted for local authority plans for a new causeway, road and parking bay that will give an alternative boat launching option to residents on the south side of the Kerikeri Inlet.

Hunt for computer system partner under way

Posted: 14 November 2007

Expressions of interest are being sought for the development of a customised computer system that could transform the way the country’s Regional Councils manage their information.

Three trustees sought for $12.3m NRC trust

Posted: 13 November 2007

Northlanders with business development know-how and good connections are needed to help run a $12.3 million trust fund expected to play a key role in the region’s future.

Seed workshops offer chance to protect dunes

Posted: 12 November 2007

People interested in learning how to grow and plant sand-binding native plants to help protect Northland’s sand dunes are being urged to attend public workshops at Ruakaka and Taipa early next month.

No change to NRC Chairman, Deputy

Posted: 31 October 2007

Kaipara-based Northland Regional Councillor Mark Farnsworth has been unanimously re-elected for a third consecutive term as Council Chairman.

38 attend 2007 NRC Youth Summit

Posted: 23 October 2007

38 pupils from all over Northland who gathered at a special Regional Council Youth Summit in Whangarei recently.

Final Regional Council election results in

Posted: 18 October 2007

John Bain and Joe Carr will be the only two new faces on the Northland Regional Council with final election results confirming a line-up unchanged from election day.

Big plans to reduce Kaeo flood risk

Posted: 16 October 2007

Several million dollars worth of works – including new and improved stopbanks, channel-widening and raising homes, school and commercial buildings – are being proposed in a bid to reduce the risks to flood-prone Kaeo properties

Register jetskis, Northlanders told

Posted: 08 October 2007

Anyone using a jetski in Northland waters must ensure it is registered from next month as local authorities crack down on bad behaviour by users.

$20,000 fine for serious Mamaranui dairy pollution

Posted: 04 October 2007

A Mamaranui dairy farmer has been fined $20,000 for what the sentencing judge described as one of the most serious and persistent cases of dairy effluent pollution he had seen.

Bylaws tipped to address beach driving concerns

Posted: 03 October 2007

New bylaws could be developed to address ongoing public concerns about risky and environmentally harmful driving on Northland’s beaches.

Annual NRC Youth Summit in Whāngārei next month

Posted: 26 September 2007

Forty students from 19 Northland schools will gather for a special Youth Summit at Whāngārei’s Onerahi foreshore next month to discuss coastal environmental issues – and what they can do to make a difference.

Earthworm research earns student NRC award

Posted: 28 August 2007

A 17-year-old Kerikeri High School student’s study on the effects of a popular herbicide on earthworms has earned him this year’s Northland Regional Council ‘Excellence Award’ at the Top Energy Far North Science and Technology Fair.

15 nominated for Regional Council

Posted: 24 August 2007

Fourteen people are to fight for seven remaining seats on the Northland Regional Council at this year’s 13 October local authority elections.

Week left for Regional Councillor nominations

Posted: 17 August 2007

Would-be Northland Regional Council members have just one week left to get their nominations in if they wish to stand as a candidate in the 13 October local authority elections.

Pilot programme for busy Mangawhai harbour

Posted: 16 August 2007

A pilot management programme that will guide everything from mooring numbers to the types of vessels that can use them is to be drawn up for one of Northland’s most popular harbours.

Lizard relocation, seagrass trial funded

Posted: 16 August 2007

Plans to relocate eight lizard species to a local island and work to restore a beneficial undersea grass have secured more than $60,000 from a special fund designed to improve the health of Whangarei Harbour.

Heavy rain may cause surface flooding in North

Posted: 15 August 2007

Eastern and central parts of Northland may face up to 150mm of rain in 24 hours tomorrow with surface flooding possible, forecasters are warning.

Consent granted for boat cleaning facility

Posted: 14 August 2007

The Northland Regional Council has granted resource consents for a proposed Totara North facility that will clean down boats before anti-fouling.

New regional study points economic way forward

Posted: 13 August 2007

Northland’s route towards a vibrant, growing regional economy has been mapped out with the release of an updated strategy designed to guide sustainable economic development in the North until 2011.

Negotiations for rail link land under way

Posted: 09 August 2007

Negotiations are under way to buy the land needed for a proposed multimillion dollar Marsden Point rail link.

New scheme to recycle farm silage bale wrap

Posted: 03 August 2007

The backers of a new Northland-wide silage bale wrap recycling scheme aim to recover the more than 40 tonnes of waste wrap generated in the region annually.

Proposal to ban backyard burning in Whāngārei

Posted: 01 August 2007

Up to 14 people die in Whangarei each year from preventable air pollution, according to local authority staff proposing a ban on backyard waste burning in the District.

Nominations open for Regional Councillor hopefuls

Posted: 31 July 2007

Now is your chance to give local politics a go and have a say in the future of the Northland region. Nominations for candidates wishing to stand in the October 13 local authority elections – held every three years - have now opened.

Forecasters warn of more heavy rain for North

Posted: 27 July 2007

Rain-weary Northland faces another drenching with forecasters warning up to 70mm rain could fall on the region in nine hours from 9pm tomorrow.

Lake Omapere planting days postponed

Posted: 26 July 2007

Due to the high water level of Lake Omapere caused by the recent rain, organisers have had to postpone the planting days scheduled for Friday 27 and Saturday 28 July 2007.

50 to gather at Regional Enviroschools hui

Posted: 24 July 2007

About 50 students, teachers and environmental educators from around Northland are to gather in Whangarei this week (subs: Thurs 26 July) for the second of two annual Enviroschools’ hui.

Navigation Bylaw changes proposed

Posted: 24 July 2007

The community is being asked for its views on proposed changes to a Northland Regional Council bylaw that has set the rules for maritime navigation and safety in the region since late 2001.

Northland Civil Defence Group wins award

Posted: 19 July 2007

Civil Defence officials dealing with the aftermath of latest storm to batter Northland have been recognised for their work during the previous big floods in March.

Region-wide recovery plan activated

Posted: 18 July 2007

Civil Defence officials have activated a special recovery plan designed to help storm-ravaged Northland get back on its feet.

Shepherd to chair proposed Events Centre Trust

Posted: 17 July 2007

Businessman Bill Shepherd has been appointed as Chairman of the seven-strong trust tasked with establishing a multimillion dollar proposed regional events centre in Whangarei.

Friday cutoff for $500,000 fund applications

Posted: 17 July 2007

Would-be applicants have until Friday 20th July to apply for a share of a $500,000 Northland Regional Council fund designed to help protect and enhance the region’s natural environment.

More native plants for Lake Omapere

Posted: 17 July 2007

Organisers hope several thousand new native trees and flaxes will grace the shores of Northland’s largest lake by the end of this month.

Millionth bus passenger carried

Posted: 17 July 2007

A Whangarei library assistant has been officially recognised as the one millionth passenger carried by the Whangarei Bus Service.

Heavy rain warning lifted, rain to ease

Posted: 16 July 2007

Overnight rain has again caused surface flooding in Northland  – mainly south of Whangarei – but a heavy rain warning issued for that area has now been lifted.

Clean up continues, pleasing progress made

Posted: 13 July 2007

Clean-up work in flood-affected Northland communities will need to continue for some time but officials say the region has already made pleasing progress and its people have demonstrated remarkable resilience.

Services resuming as storm mop-up continues

Posted: 12 July 2007

MEDIA RELEASE No.8 - 1000hrs: Improving weather and extra staff are speeding attempts to restore power to an estimated 6000 Northpower customers in the Whangarei and Kaipara Districts still without electricity today.

Prepare for flooding, Dargaville warned

Posted: 11 July 2007

MEDIA RELEASE No.7 - 1600hrs: Dargaville residents are being warned to prepare themselves for the possibility of the Northern Wairoa River flooding the town.

Second night without power for many in North

Posted: 11 July 2007

MEDIA RELEASE No.6 - 1230hrs: Thousands of Northpower customers in the Whangarei District face a second night without electricity as the power company struggles to restore a network reportedly hit harder by this week’s storm than 1988’s infamous Cyclone Bola.

Rivers dropping, mop-up begins

Posted: 11 July 2007

MEDIA RELEASE No.5 - 0800hrs: River levels in the Mid and Far North are already dropping – in some cases by several metres - after the worst of the torrential rain which lashed Northland moved south overnight.

State of emergency declared for Far North District

Posted: 10 July 2007

FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE: Far North Mayor Yvonne Sharp has declared a Civil Defence Emergency in the Far North district as heavy rain and strong wind continues to batter the area.

Power may be off until tomorrow, North warned

Posted: 10 July 2007

MEDIA RELEASE No.4 - 1630hrs: Thousands of Northlanders are being warned they may be without electricity until tomorrow as power company workers fight an uphill battle against increasing numbers of storm-related outages.

Weather taking toll on storm-battered north

Posted: 10 July 2007

MEDIA RELEASE No.3 - 1415hrs: Ongoing torrential downpours and strong winds are taking an increasing toll on rain-weary Northland with a number of communities isolated by floodwaters and thousands of homes without power.

Flooding likely to be worse than March storm

Posted: 10 July 2007

Kaeo township has been cut off by floodwaters and authorities dealing with the torrential rain and gale force winds lashing Northland are warning flooding and other damage could potentially exceed that of the devastating late March storm.

Flooding highly likely as rain worsens

Posted: 10 July 2007

MEDIA RELEASE No.1 - 0940hrs: Northlanders are being warned to brace for widespread flooding with the torrential rain falling on the region likely to be even heavier than previously forecast and gale force winds also expected.

Month's rain in one day possible, North warned

Posted: 09 July 2007

A month’s worth of rain is expected to fall on Northland in just 24 hours from tomorrow morning – posing a risk of surface flooding - with gale force winds also expected to buffet the region.

Illegal dumping sparks NRC warning

Posted: 05 July 2007

Contractors have recovered more than 40 chicken carcasses and the remains of dozens of fish illegally dumped into the sea at Whangarei Heads.

Consents granted for Awanui flood scheme

Posted: 02 July 2007

Independent Commissioners have granted eight resource consents designed to allow the Northland Regional Council to restore, manage and maintain one of the region’s biggest flood management schemes.

Further submissions sought on marine farm plans

Posted: 29 June 2007

Concerns about potential impacts on existing uses and a lack of certainty about where marine farms will be allowed dominate submissions on proposals to establish an aquaculture planning framework for Northland.

Environmental Curriculum Awards winners

Posted: 27 June 2007

Replicating an ancient local ecosystem and combating noise and air pollution are among 17 school projects that will receive $15,000 funding from this year’s Northland Regional Council Environmental Curriculum Awards.

1000 trees planted at Ocean Beach

Posted: 21 June 2007

More than 1000 trees have been planted at Whangarei’s Ocean Beach as part of a ongoing joint revegetation project now into its second year.

Last chance for $500,000 Environment Fund

Posted: 21 June 2007

Would-be applicants have a month left to seek a slice of a $500,000 Northland Regional Council fund designed to help protect and enhance the region’s natural environment.

Regional Council adopts $30m-plus annual plan

Posted: 20 June 2007

Part-subsidising a Marsden Pt rail link designation and a revised scheme to fund river protection work on the Kaihu River are among projects included in a $30 million-plus annual budget passed by Northland Regional Councillors today.

Thousands of plants for Lake Omapere

Posted: 25 May 2007

Organisers poised to begin their annual planting programme of thousands of native trees and flaxes at Lake Omapere hope the community will once again turn out in numbers to support them.

More than 40 involved in national 'oil spill' exercise

Posted: 24 May 2007

Experts from around New Zealand are to gather in Northland next week for one of the country’s biggest oil spill exercises in years.

Whāngārei, Kaipara Hearings on NRC Draft Plan

Posted: 24 May 2007

Submitters to the Northland Regional Council’s Draft Annual Plan will get the chance to outline their views to Councillors in person at hearings in Dargaville and Whāngārei next week.

Aquaculture work to gather pace

Posted: 23 May 2007

Local authority moves to establish a framework to allow for marine farming in Northland are expected to gather pace from next month (June).

40 to gather for tsunami workshop

Posted: 23 May 2007

About 40 people are expected to gather in Whangarei tomorrow for a workshop detailing the latest research into tsunami risks in Northland.

Proposed Events Centre trustees confirmed

Posted: 15 May 2007

Six of the seven people nominated as trustees for a proposed regional events centre in Whangarei have confirmed they will take up the role and have been formally appointed to the position.

Community goodwill key to moth plant control

Posted: 15 May 2007

The goodwill of landowners plays a crucial role in efforts to control a highly invasive and toxic vine that ranks among Northland’s worst pest plants.

One Tree Point ‘beach renourishment’ approved

Posted: 11 May 2007

Ongoing work to build-up eroding Marsden Bay and One Tree Point beaches with tens of thousands of cubic metres of sand can continue, a Northland Regional Council Hearings Committee has decided.

Proposed Events Centre trustees meet

Posted: 03 May 2007

Members of a seven-strong team suggested as future trustees of a proposed multimillion dollar regional events centre have met for the first time in Whangarei.

Time running out to comment on Draft NRC Plan

Posted: 30 April 2007

Less than a fortnight remains for Northlanders to have their say on a variety of Northland Regional Council projects proposed for the next year, including one to part-fund a Marsden Pt rail link designation.

Free Lantana eradication service for isolated plants

Posted: 27 April 2007

Biosecurity experts are once again offering Northland landowners help to identify and control small, isolated infestations of the aggressive pest plant ‘Lantana camara’.

$500,000 for 2007 NRC Environment Fund

Posted: 27 April 2007

Applications open soon for a $500,000 Northland Regional Council fund designed to help people protect and enhance the region’s precious natural environment.

Time running out to secure share of $15,000 schools fund

Posted: 24 April 2007

Only a few days remain for schools to apply for a slice of a $15,000 Northland Regional Council environmental education award fund.

Harbour focus for NRC teacher workshops

Posted: 20 April 2007

More than 40 teachers are to attend special Northland Regional Council workshops highlighting the environmental education teaching opportunities offered by one of the region’s busiest harbours.

Comment sought on $22m draft NRC budget

Posted: 11 April 2007

Northlanders have a month from today (Weds 11 April) to comment on a variety of planned projects – including part funding a Marsden Pt rail link designation – as detailed in the Northland Regional Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2007/08.

$15,000 NRC environmental funding available to schools

Posted: 03 April 2007

A $15,000 special annual award that aims to boost environmental education is up for grabs again – and Northland schools are being urged to get in quick to secure their slice of it.

Flooding update 5 - 1400hrs

Posted: 30 March 2007

Northland CDEM Group Update - 1400 hours:
Officials say clean-up and recovery crews are making pleasing initial progress restoring Northland’s roading links and key infrastructure like power, water and sewage treatment.

Flooding update 4 - 0900hrs

Posted: 30 March 2007

Northland CDEM Group Update - 0900 hours:
Officials from both the Far North and Whangarei District Councils are to make aerial sweeps of their respective Districts this morning as they work to ascertain the extent of the storm that lashed the region.

Flooding update 3 - 2015hrs

Posted: 29 March 2007

Northland CDEM Group Update - 2015hrs:
The worst of the rain that has battered much of Northland has now passed although its effects – including widespread flooding – are expected to be felt for some time.

Flooding update 2 - 1600hrs

Posted: 29 March 2007

Northland CDEM Group Update - 1600 hours:
Rain has eased in western areas of Northland and from the Bay of Islands north but officials are keeping a wary eye on river levels – especially near Whangarei’s Central Business District - as high tide looms.

Flooding update 1 - 1200hrs

Posted: 29 March 2007

Northland CDEM Group Update - 1200 hours:
Northlanders are being warned to brace themselves for more heavy rain, expected to coincide with high tide at about 5pm today.

Flooding, more rain to come, North warned

Posted: 29 March 2007

Two hundred and forty five millimetres of rain - almost two entire months’ worth – has already fallen in the Far North in a little over a day, but the worst is far from over with even more rain - and flooding - expected in Northland today.

Bus service Easter, Anzac Day hours

Posted: 28 March 2007

Whangarei Bus Services patrons are reminded buses will be operating – but to a Saturday timetable - on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Designation, consents granted for Mangawhai ecocare project

Posted: 23 March 2007

A designation and resource consents have been granted for a new multimillion dollar community sewerage system designed to cater for thousands of Mangawhai residents.

Proposed $3.3m rail link spend in draft NRC budget

Posted: 22 March 2007

Northland Regional Councillors have approved a $22.01 million draft 2007/08 budget which includes new plans to pay for a one-third share of a proposed $10M Marsden Pt rail link designation.

Public help sought on black swan future

Posted: 16 March 2007

Local authorities are hoping a $20,000 Government grant will identify gaps in their knowledge about the environmental and economic impacts black swan are having in Northland.

Text messages to warn of impending disaster

Posted: 12 March 2007

Northlanders can now be warned of impending flood, tsunami or other civil defence emergencies via text message.

Floating ‘container’ is long lost fishing boat

Posted: 12 March 2007

Wreckage from a Taiwanese fishing boat lost in the Pacific five years ago has been recovered from the sea in the Bay of Islands after initially being mistaken for a lost shipping container.

Regional Council approves extension to Hokianga wharves

Posted: 08 March 2007

Resource consent has been granted to extend the wharves at Kohukohu and The Narrows in the upper Hokianga Harbour.

Parasitic wasps unusual field days giveaway

Posted: 28 February 2007

Clover root weevils infected with a tiny parasitic Irish wasp will be among the most unusual giveaways at this week’s March 1-3 Northland Field Days in Dargaville.

Community day highlights river project

Posted: 22 February 2007

Poroti’s Waimarie Marae is to a host community day to showcase the early successes of a project to improve the health of the local Waipao Catchment, which feeds into the Northern Wairoa river.

Inmates help protect North’s biggest lake

Posted: 16 February 2007

Inmates from Northland’s only prison are helping grow thousands of native plants designed to improve the health of the region‘s biggest lake.

Possum pate on field days menu

Posted: 15 February 2007

300 submissions on marine farm plans

Posted: 15 February 2007

About 300 submissions have been lodged with the Northland Regional Council on criteria to determine where new marine farms are placed in the region.

Watch for flooding, Northlanders warned

Posted: 07 February 2007

Northlanders are being warned to keep a watchful eye on rain-swollen creeks and rivers with flooding tipped in the Far North and Kaipara today. (Weds 07 February)

Relief as magpie breeding season ends

Posted: 02 February 2007

Marsden Pt stormwater plan consents granted

Posted: 01 February 2007

Committee rejects Parua Bay reclamation

Posted: 19 January 2007

A Regional Council committee has declined an application to reclaim an almost 120-metre long section of coast to allow road access to a proposed Parua Bay subdivision – and is recommending the Conservation Minister do the same.

Late run of marine farm comments expected

Posted: 18 January 2007

Time is running out for Northlanders to have their say on criteria to determine where new marine farms are placed in Northland.

Summer beach driving behaviour under scrutiny

Posted: 12 January 2007

Public concern about risky and environmentally harmful driving on Northland beaches has prompted plans for a joint summer crackdown by local authorities, police and the Department of Conservation.