Latest from Kaipara District

Working Justice systems behind Northland's drop in ram raids
80 per cent of the ram raids were committed by young people aged 10 to 17.

Severe thunderstorm watch: Possible thunderstorms and rain for Northland this evening
The watch is in place from 6pm until midnight tonight.

New satellite classrooms announced for high-needs students in mid-north
It's part of $89m put aside for special school funding and upgrades announced on Friday.

Roaming wild cattle: Fears someone will die
Up to 100 wild cattle are damaging bush around Waikaraka and endangering drivers.

Zonta Book Fair in Whangārei has new venue as call for donations goes out
Whangārei’s popular Zonta Book Fair on again after new venue found.

Commuter warning ahead of heavy rain, thunderstorms, localised flooding fears
Local flooding and water pooling are expected, most likely in north and east Auckland.

Kerikeri quiz team have their own 'destroyer' to take on The Chase's Shaun Wallace
Top Far North quiz team keen to take on The Chase star Shaun Wallace

News in brief from the Far North - Matariki stars, FNDC submissions close and deceased named
News snippets from the Far North

Parents asked to keep students home as staff sickness takes hold in ECEs, schools.
Tikipunga High School made the decision to roster senior students home last month.

Far North rail line mothballed until port rail link finalised
Delays to upgrade of Far North rail link to Otiria.

Stolen vehicles used in Whangārei dairy robbery
Police have recovered the vehicles associated with the incident for forensic inquiries.

New-look Whale Tail Park to open on Friday
Students at the local school picked the playground design - and requested some changes.

Kaipara Harbour's newest wharf opens at Pouto
New $2.9 million wharf opens, offering new opportunity for Northland, Auckland and beyond. Video / Susan Botting

Music to their ears: Truckies and motorists welcome pothole repair funding boost
Northland is getting a funding boost to deal with a scourge of potholes on state highways.

Unborn baby killed, others critically injured in crash with stolen vehicle
Police are investigating a serious crash on State Highway 1 in Okaihau on Monday evening.

Year 7 and 8 students exposed to objectionable image on pest monitoring camera, source unknown
An investigation into the incident has left the school and NRC with little clarity

Kaitāia to host final of Far North's Got Talent
Future stars to shine at Far North's Got Talent final

'These kids are falling through the gaps' - Learning support in schools not enough, educators worry
The current model is negligent principals say, but Erica Stanford says change is coming.

'It feels like theft': Customers lose thousands as fire business liquidated
One customer paid $7500 for a fireplace in October but was kept waiting for installation.

Increasing prison beds will not reduce crime, say experts
'Using prisons to deter crime or reoffending doesn’t work.'

One person dies after coming off jet ski on remote stretch of Northland's west coast
Emergency services were unable to revive the person after they came off a jet ski.

‘Zombie’ snapper caught in Auckland suggests disease more widespread
The sick snapper caught near Port Albert suggest the problem is widespread.

'I’m not totally a head-banger': Taking on Smokefreerockquest solo
Ethan Worthington was part of last year's winning band Ready, Set!

Northland's autumn weather — wetter, drier, sunnier or warmer than normal
Whangārei recorded its second-highest total of May sunshine hours.

Rongoā on the rise - Northland practitioner on resurgence of customary healing
A rongoā Māori practitioner from Northland speaks about the traditional method's upsurge.

Far North rates: 16.5% rise slashed to 5.1%
“Residents told us ... the increase for our first year was far too high,” says mayor.

Tough economic times, state highway closures bring end to Far North cafe with eight jobs gone
Awanui’s Big River Cafe closing as freight and visitor traffic dries up

Awakino Precinct in Dargaville approved to allow 384 new houses
The Awakino Precinct will allow up to 384 new homes on a 39ha rural block.

Steady roll growth sees Portland School placed under enrolment scheme
The school says it's the only way to manage roll growth which grew 140 per cent since 2022