Latest fromWhangarei

Preschool: We want our hippopotamus back
Owen was shocked to find only the hippo's tutu remaining after it had been stolen.

Mayor urges Govt action on local housing crisis
Northland is under pressure as the second-fastest-growing region by population in NZ.

New Northland roundabouts will make traffic go more smoothly this holiday period
Northland festive traffic to be smoother thanks to 3 new roundabouts

Mangawhai to host Bowls3Five qualifying spectacle
The winner of this event will then play the winner from the Far North Centre.

'It's too risky': Fires banned in Whangārei and Kaipara from Christmas Eve
Total fire ban is in place in Whangārei and Kaipara from Christmas Eve

Eight candidates want place at regional council table
The candidates have varied views on Māori seats.

60-year-old bach sells for more than $5m
There were more than 70 inquiries about the property.

Real life elves: Whangārei couriers deliver thousands of parcels
The New Zealand Post team are doing their best to get presents delivered before Christmas

International travel restrictions cancel Waipū Highland Games
Waipū Community Festival organised to enjoy a positive start to the new year.

Christmas forecast for Northland generally fine
Northland will be generally fine, weatherwise, this Christmas weekend

Farrands allege breach of contract
Irrigation company's strike out application Northland kiwifruit grower's claim dismissed.

Russell's Pompallier Mission hosting annual Carols @ Pompallier concert
Carols @ Pompallier concert going ahead in Russell

News snippets from Northland
Santa at Waipū Christmas Parade; and three candidates so far for byelection.

High Court reduces sentence of five years for aggravated robbery
Whangārei District Court didn't give enough discount for robber's guilty plea.

Police investigating cause of suspicious Kaitaia house fire
Police and FENZ are investigating the fire that destroyed a Kaitaia house

Daly faces $42,000 bill for alleged house-moving damage
Council insists the total cost for the damages will be repaid by those responsible.

Kevin Page: Just when I thought it was all sorted
We have already had the best Christmas present we could ask for.

Toxic cocktail of speed and too many vehicles threatening lives on Northland beach
Fears that it will only be a matter of time before another person is killed.

Christmas lunch at Sallies' new Whangārei HQ
All services under one roof at the Salvation Army in Whangārei.

Turbulent childhood no barrier for Whangārei scholar
Skyla Anderson-Wynn will study law as well as arts and commerce at university next year.

New $27m wastewater treatment plant opens in Kerikeri
The long-awaited $27m wastewater treatment plant in Kerikeri was opened on Friday.

Some trucks taking containers from Northport have safety issues
Police continue to check trucks leaving Northport after 1-in-5 fail checks.

Russell community stalwart dies aged 69
Few events happened in Russell without Stephen Western's help, usually as photographer.

Smoke and vape-free public spaces for Whangārei
All council-owned public spaces smoke and vape-free in 2021.

How to see Monday's 400-year celestial reunion in Great Conjunction
Northlanders can see Monday's 400-year celestial reunion in Great Conjunction

Kaiwaka couple's Christmas lights keep getting bigger
Electric colour and twinkling lights for night-time travellers through Kaiwaka.

Flautist brings yuletide cheer to rest home residents
Ousted from his busking spot, Jane Mander Retirement Village offered teen a paid gig.

Retirement village going back to its roots
The village is carrying on a tradition it started in the late 1960s.