News briefs: Covid outbreak closes hospital wards, Ōtaua house fire, car spiked in Kawakawa
The latest news bites from around the region.
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Latest fromDargaville
Overnight drenching adds to huge July rainfall
More wet weather is on the way, although July rainfall is already far higher than average.
Dargaville Hospital closes general ward amid Covid-19 outbreak
The outbreak is the second in less than a week in a Northland hospital ward.
Afghan families learn how to swim
Afghan families settled in Whananaki find their first swim lessons fun and exciting.
More heavy rain expected this week after downpour
The heavy rain for the week is not over, MetService is warning.
My car can't take it any longer: Motorists bemoan the state of Northland roads
Gaping holes in our state highways and local roads have sparked a new social media group.
Save Our Sands protest: 'When every grain of the sand is gone, it will never be replaced'
Around 300 people protest against renewal of sand mining resource consent in Mangawhai.
Horses' happy place: Northland couple provide haven for neglected equines
Retired horses have the run of Tracy Croucher's Northland horse sanctuary
'My 4yo understands Dad's not coming back': Brian Harding to be farewelled
The crash victim will be farewelled by family and friends in Dargaville this weekend.
Far North meth lab at centre of nationwide police operation
Seven people were arrested across the country following Operation Campbell.
Three arrests as drugs, ammunition seized
Operation Cobalt has begun in Northland as police search Dargaville properties.
'I could feel my teeth cracking': Man assaulted after confronting teen troublemakers
A man was left badly bruised after an encounter with a group of youths on a bus.
$17m Lotto winner alleges woman spent $2.8m on properties for herself
Mark Lipsham gave Kim Helmbright nearly $3m within two months of meeting her
Father and daughter honoured at Surf Life Saving awards
Nicky Howes is the youngest person in the region to receive a life membership.
Motorcyclist died after driver failed to see him
Police release name of the motorcyclist who died on Matapouri Rd over the weekend.
'People are appreciative and down to earth': rural GP on why Northland is an exciting work place
Moerewa doctor says the current health staff shortage is the worst in 50 years.
Northland property prices fall for first time in nearly three years
Northland house prices are predicted to continue dipping, a property expert says.
Kāinga Ora spends nearly $10m on 13 standalone houses
Kāinga Ora has plans to buy more standalone houses in Northland.
US President Joe Biden gets Whangārei woodturner's kauri bowl as gift from Jacinda Ardern
US President gets kauri bowl by Whangārei woodturner as gift from Jacinda Ardern
News snippets from Northland
Sir Hek movie screening; and Ken Rintoul officially made MNZM.
After 21 years Northland District Health Board is no longer
The Northern Advocate looks back at Northland District Health Board's notable moments.
It's here: Twindemic of flu and Covid, patients in tents and corridors
A double drub of flu and Covid has patients waiting in the cold at Whangārei Hospital ED.
Kiwi racing legend Shane van Gisbergen big drawcard as Far North Rally returns
Kiwi racing legend Shane van Gisbergen to put Far North roads to the test.
Two arrests after commercial burglary
Two youths were arrested after a commercial burglary last night.
Robert Webb talks giant petrel and other 'oddball' birds in Northland
Northland bird expert explains why more seabirds seem to be washing up on land.
'We are basically in a crisis': Northland's ECE centre director on the Teaching Council fee and levy changes
Northland's education leaders ponder upon the effects of the Teaching Council fee changes.
Two arrests after alleged shooting in Kaikohe
Two men were arrested after a gun was allegedly discharged, police said.
Increase in anti-social behaviour in Whangārei CBD
A small group of young people are responsible for the increase in anti-social behaviour.
Road reopened after crash on SH1, Mata
Diversions were in place until the scene was cleared.
Gang numbers decreasing on paper, not in reality, expert warns
There are fewer Northlanders on the police's gang list, despite recent gang violence.