Latest from Kaipara District

'A lot of tears': Concerns over changes to post-mortem examinations
Health NZ plans for autopsies to remain in Whangārei, with a two-year contract extension.

Koru stolen from community leader's grave back with whānau
The koru was taken from a grave sometime last week, leaving the family devastated.

'Too late': Principals critique vaping ban amid school challenges
Vape suppliers breaching the ban face a fine of up to $400,000.

Hot rod round-up to feature nine-year passion project for charity
Wade Nisbet said the event was an opportunity to share his passion with the community.

Horse dies after collision with vehicle on SH12
The horse did not survive Sunday night's collision near Kaikohe.

'Sacrilege': Family anger over theft from Dargaville grave
The $2000 koru was sawn off Michael Mudford’s headstone.

Opinion: The struggles of finding peace in a shared hot pool
One day, a stray ball hit me in the head, interrupting my peaceful soak. Photo / 123rf

'Really sad' - Fully ablaze kitchen damages Tikipunga home
One person was taken to Whangārei Hospital to be checked over.

Vince Cocurullo: Volunteers are the heartbeat of our community
National Volunteer Week runs from June 15 to 21, celebrating community service.

News in brief: Community clean-up at Tui fire site invites volunteers
The latest news bites from around the region.

Middle-aged thieves stealing kilos of lollies from family-run store
Store manager Jayden Aben says regular customers are targeting the family-run business.

John Williamson: Driver demerit point system needs to be timely to work
OPINION: The system aims to reduce repeat offences by targeting high-risk drivers.

Man accused of murdering Daniel Hepehi appears in court
Daniel Hepehi was found with critical injuries at a Waikerikeri Rd property in Hōreke.

'A long hard-fought dream': Fire destroys vessel but vision remains
Early on Saturday over 50 people gathered for a blessing ceremony at the site of the fire.

Kaipara’s ‘Trump of the North’ Jepson exits mayoral race, endorses deputy
Craig Jepson won't seek a second term as Kaipara Mayor in October.

'Winterless North' revisited: Snow-like sightings stir memories of snowfall
A couple saw white patches on the road near Dargaville over the weekend.

'It's a total loss': Fire reignites, destroying home and car
The owner stayed in his home days after a fire, but it reignited early on Monday.

73-year-old man charged with Northland murder
Police said the 73-year-old would appear at Kaikohe District Court via video link today.

'A lot of rain' - Severe thunderstorm watch in place for Northland
MetService said peak rates of between 25-40mm per hour were possible.

News in brief: SPCA seeks cutest pets for annual calendar competition
The latest news bites from around the region.

Snow-like sighting creates a flurry as temperatures plummet
A bitterly cold front moving north delivered temperatures of less than 4C.