Latest fromWhangarei

News in brief: Homicide investigation launched
The latest news bites from around the region.

Move Over Cancer collaboration supports cancer survivors
Mobility classes on May 21 and 23 will raise money for Pinc & Steel programmes.

Schools reimbursed $76k after school lunch programme mishaps
Northland schools got $2877 as Ministry of Education reimburses more than $76,000.

Cannabis advocate's supporters rally as 'Gandalf' appears in court
Paul Smith, known as ‘Gandalf’, faces new charges in Whangārei District Court.

'Ridiculous': Teen's Melbourne health check at risk due to flight assistance limits
Jetstar can't provide wheelchair assistance for Carrie’s return flight.

Police name Parakao homicide victim
Police say the 55-year-old lived at the Mangakahia Rd address where he died.

Erosion threatens to wash away historic NZ town
Council had sandbagged and placed rock fill in the worst area.

Far North news – reserve comment wanted, te reo champ sought and rural roadshow
News snippets from the Far North.

The call-out conundrum: Police and mental health services at odds over changes
Police have delayed withdrawing from mental health callouts in Northland.

Council votes for independent review of Far North Sweetwater project
FNDC Sweetwater project - council calls for independent examination of project

Smooth recovery: Emergency services stood down after Whangārei plane crash
The light plane took a nose dive on landing, but the pilot was not seriously hurt.

'Life and death': Northland road safety plea as toll hits eight
Road Safety Week 2025 starts today, urging motorists to drive safely.

Opinion: Observing drama between two girls on the street
'How quick we are to take such things in, to read physical cues.'

'Doctor-less' hospital: Alarm raised after stroke patient assessed by telehealth
Sharon's husband was assessed via a digital consult with a US-based doctor after a stroke.

'Trying to survive': Woman alleges years of daily sexual violence by 'sadistic' ex
The man is defending physical and sexual violence allegations made by five exes.

$10k compensation awarded after rosters changed to separate couple
The organisation argued that it was a health and safety risk.

Stunning art on show at Whangārei's Sculpture Northland this weekend
Sculpture Northland brings 45 artists and 125 works to Whangārei Quarry Gardens.

Sweet success: Northland gelato chain's national expansion
Bocky Boo Gelato opened in Whangārei in 2019 and quickly became a local favourite.

Social media a 'lethal' tool in young people's hands, principal says
Cyber-bullying has led to students avoiding school due to anxiety.

Sculpture Northland images
Images from this year's Sculpture Northland event at Whangārei Quarry Gardens

German tourist stabbed by drunk man who couldn't find his car keys
Kenneth Green swung a knife 35 times, stabbing the victim he had been drinking with twice.