New Zealand
Strengthening El Niño already being felt across Northland
Peak conditions were expected in late spring or early summer.
Latest from Susan Botting
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
‘Dumping ground for Auckland’s wastewater?’ Alarm over plan to truck waste north
Proposal to truck Delmore wastewater to Whangārei raises concerns.
Wheelchair user still fears city centre after brazen daytime incident
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith told Whangārei residents a safety overhaul is underway.
World-first underwater caulerpa seaweed-eating machine launches in Bay
Built in Ōpua over 18 months, the $5m ROV began final sea trials on June 22.
Struggling to make ends meet: Rates squeeze drives retiree from 'forever home'
Oromahoe retiree Gail Olliver is selling her 'forever home' as rates hit $5000.
'Deeply disappointed': Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown slams Kaitāia flood protection work
Brown says Kaitāia’s NorthPark has suffered millions in flood damage.
'Potentially saved lives': Kaitāia flood scheme holds in extraordinary deluge
Awanui River flows peaked at 410cu m a second, almost double the 1958 flood.
Far North mayor urges whānau to seek help after floods hit district
More rain on the way for Far North as fragile roads struggle after floods.
Mangawhai sandspit breach ‘urgent reality’ within next 15 years: Community leader
The spit has lost 420,000 tonnes of sand in just six years.
New aerial photos reveal scale of Helena Bay hill slip damage
The Helena Bay hill slip is expected to take 15,000 truckloads to clear.
North must not be sidelined in Govt infrastructure plan, business group says
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says the region is not being left off the table.
Dog owner demands PM do more in wake of attacks
Northland has an estimated 50,000 dogs for a population of about 200,000.
'Good luck': Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown slams Kaipara-Rodney breakaway pitch
The plan would merge North Rodney’s 50,000 people with Kaipara’s 30,000.
Far North Mayor shuts down rumour after councillor’s 'false' MP candidacy claim
Tepania plans to pursue a Doctor of Education after his current mayoral term.
Super City split? Kaipara-Rodney breakaway council idea floated
The new unitary authority would take over district and regional functions.
'A lot of preparation work being done': Removal of giant Helena Bay Hill slip challenging
The slip may need between 10,000 and 20,000 truckloads cleared from site.
Residents facing weeks of isolation by massive Helena Bay slip, flooding
Hundreds have been cut off by a slip featuring a 100-tonne boulder.
The area that got more than a whole summer’s rain in weekend downpour
Te Tai Tokerau’s east coast had significant rainfall from midnight Saturday.
'The rain was absolutely deafening': Northland communities praised for resilience as more heavy rain looms
Some coastal settlements were hit by 340mm of rain in just five hours.
Microscopic jellyfish bring unwelcome sting for Bream Bay swimmers
The tiny hydromedusae are invisible to swimmers but carry up to 100 tentacles.
The council proposing a 0% rates increase for 2026/27
Northland last held rates at zero in 2014, also under the regional council.
‘Only one chance’: Northland council urges Kaipara to shut Kai Iwi boat ramp
Jack Craw warns one contaminated boat visit could permanently alter the lakes.
Kaipara leader calls for boat ban at Kai Iwi Lakes over invasive clam threat
Nearly 19,000 people are expected at Kai Iwi Lakes this year, many with boats.
Every vote counts: Kaipara council recount bids settled at last
Three Kaipara candidates sought judicial recounts, the most of any NZ council.
‘Humbled to gain the top job’: Māori leader Pita Tipene takes helm of Northland council
NRC becomes the first regional council to have had two chairs from Māori wards.
Kaipara Mayor Jonathan Larsen survives recount challenge from councillor Snow Tane
Judge Kevin Kelly rejected a recount bid over the mayoral election's 21-vote gap.
Close call: Snow Tane seeks recount after 21-vote Kaipara mayoral loss
The contender would be filing today at Whangārei District Court for a judicial recount.
‘The work now begins’: Couper takes Whangārei’s top job after election win
Vince Cocurullo exits after 12 years on council and one term as mayor.
Kaipara council backs mayor’s complaint over how election was run
Ōtamatea councillor Mark Vincent walked out, calling the meeting a farce.
‘Democracy is alive and well’: Whangārei Heads locals proud of top voter turnout
Whangārei Heads' 58.9% turnout leads all wards in the district this election.
Whangārei waits: Mayoral rivals' lead switch in election-race nail-biter
Ken Couper and Vince Cocurullo have swapped places in the tight mayoral contest.
Far North clear, Whangārei and Kaipara uncertain: How Northland’s local elections are shaping up
Far North mayor Moko Tepania is 3600 votes ahead of challenger Ann Court.