The Kerikeri Bowling Club celebrated its 75th Jubilee on April 19 The Kerikeri Bowling Club celebrated its 75th Jubilee on April 19 Club spokeswoman Sue Gillard said the event went well even though Cyclone Tam tried to dampen spirits The jubilee was a wonderful celebration to mark the Kerikeri Bowling Club’s 75-year presence in the community The event was attended by patron Don Johansen members and life members and Northland MP Grant McCallum raffles and speeches by club president Jenny James and McCallum Hokianga’s Village Arts Gallery is hosting its latest exhibition by well-known Northland painter Herb Foley. The exhibition opens on May 10 at 11am at the Kohukohu community art gallery and features Foley’s vivid forest scenes, which celebrate Northland’s native flora and fauna. The exhibition runs until June 8. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Visit www.villagearts.co.nz for more information Water restrictions in Paihia-Ōpua-Waitangi Ōpononi-Ōmāpere and Ōmanaia-Rāwene have returned to level 1 Restrictions dropped to that level last week in Kerikeri-Waipapa Kerikeri’s town centre and a daycare centre briefly went into precautionary lockdown on Monday at about 8.20am following a self-harm incident at a nearby accommodation site Visitors are encouraged to help identify people in the photographs Kerikeri and Whangārei have set new records for the wettest April ever recorded with both centres soaked by about four times their average rainfall for the month MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden said Kerikeri received a massive 593 millimetres of rain in the month just ended far higher than the April average of 151 millimetres and significantly more than the previous record of 429mm set in 1999 more than four times the city's April average of 97mm Lynden said Auckland came within millimetres of a new record with its April total of 218mm Rainfall records in Whangārei go back to 1967 and in Kerikeri to 1978 you guys have had some pretty wet conditions over the last month," Lynden said The cause was a series of weather systems drawing moisture-laden air from the tropics "We had ex-tropical Cyclone Tam earlier in the month warm air from the tropics directly down into Northland," he said "We also had some cooler temperatures moving up from the south which resulted in really good conditions for thunderstorms and downpours So it was a combination of those two squeezing features." NZTA is warning motorists there are no alternative routes for the two road closures Warnings are covering huge parts of the country Selwyn Huts residents have been asked to evacuate as rivers rise and rain lashes already sodden ground Property law expert Surrey Coombes has joined the WRMK Lawyers team in Kerikeri as a senior lawyer. Coombes spent the past six years working across the Manawatu region as a general practitioner but has a particular interest in property law. She has tackled matters involving residential conveyancing, subdivisions, and relationship property. She has also advised on issues related to asset planning, estates, rural and commercial law. According to LinkedIn, she logged stints at McIntosh & Signal as a solicitor, Treadwell Gordon as a senior solicitor, and CR Law as a solicitor. Coombes is the third permanent lawyer in WRMK Lawyers’ Kerikeri branch to focus on private client and commercial law. “We are very fortunate to welcome another experienced lawyer to our growing team in Kerikeri. Surrey’s broad private client practice experience is a wonderful complement to our existing team”, said Chloe Davenport, director of WRMK Lawyers’ Kerikeri office. NewsroomNews Company info Leadership Media assetsLocation IconMap beacon indicating location switcherSearch iconMagnifying glass indicating a search iconNew Zealand | Mar 19 2025Uber Eats Everywhere: From Kerikeri to Gore teens to retirees – Uber Eats expands to more regions and introduces a new teen feature for KiwisWritten byUber Eats More sharing optionsUber Eats is expanding its reach to more Kiwis than ever before as it launches in nine new regional towns and rolls out Eats for teens a new feature designed to give teenagers across the motu aged 14–17 the ability to order meals independently with built-in parental and guardian controls From the top of the North’s Kerikeri down to the Deep South’s Gore more Kiwis will now have access to their favourite meals and groceries while Uber Eats continues to support local businesses delivery partners and communities nationwide and Kerikeri will be able to order from local restaurants at the tap of a button – just like in New Zealand’s major cities Whether it’s enjoying a fragrant curry from Little India in Motueka grabbing a late-night kebab from Fez Kebab in Matamata or indulging in a hearty feast from Armadillo’s Greymouth locals now have even more dining options at their fingertips guardians and teens will be able to access Eats for teens a feature designed to help parents/ guardians manage busy schedules while giving teens greater independence Building on the successful launch of Uber for teens (rides for teens) which launched in New Zealand last year and is now trusted by thousands of Kiwi families this new addition allows teens to order meals themselves while parents and guardians retain full oversight Parents and guardians can set spending limits receive real-time order notifications and track deliveries ensuring peace of mind while providing teens with a safe and structured way to enjoy their favourite meals “We are energised by the opportunity to bring the convenience of Uber Eats almost everywhere and to almost everyone across Aotearoa Launching Uber Eats to more regional towns is an important step in making food delivery more accessible across New Zealand while also providing new opportunities for local restaurants and delivery people,” said General Manager of Uber Eats New Zealand we know that whānau are busier than ever and the launch of Eats for teens offers a simple and structured way for teenagers to order meals while guardians stay informed and in control Whether it’s a local business getting more orders or a parent or guardian knowing their teen can sort their own snack after school we’re excited to see more Kiwis benefit from these expansions.” This expansion strengthens the presence of Uber Eats in dozens of cities and towns across Aotearoa providing more choice and convenience while opening up new earning opportunities for delivery partners and additional revenue streams for small businesses Uber Eats has helped over two million Kiwis access food delivery supporting over 100,000 locals who have earned income through the platform The addition of these nine new towns will allow even more small businesses to offer delivery for the first time helping them reach a broader customer base and operate more efficiently Eats for teens has also been successfully piloted in US and Canada since 2022 and is already available in over 270 cities worldwide it will be available in most cities where Uber Eats operates in Uber’s regional growth will roll out in phases with additional communities set to join throughout the year By continuing to expand into new locations Uber Eats remains committed to strengthening its presence in regional New Zealand bringing greater choice and convenience to local customers while helping businesses thrive Parents can follow these 3 simple steps to get their teen’s account set up in the Uber Eats app: Teens can follow the below steps to set up their account: More sharing optionsThe latest Uber newsNew Zealand | Apr 13 Privacy Accessibility Terms Uber Eats is expanding its reach to more Kiwis than ever before as it launches in nine new regional towns and rolls out Eats for teens a new feature designed to give teenagers across the motu aged 14\u201317 the ability to order meals independently From the top of the North\u2019s Kerikeri down to the Deep South\u2019s Gore delivery partners and communities nationwide.\u00a0 and Kerikeri will be able to order from local restaurants at the tap of a button – just like in New Zealand\u2019s major cities \u201cWe are energised by the opportunity to bring the convenience of Uber Eats almost everywhere and to almost everyone across Aotearoa Launching Uber Eats to more regional towns is an important step in making food delivery more accessible across New Zealand while also providing new opportunities for local restaurants and delivery people,\u201d said General Manager of Uber Eats New Zealand we know that wh\u0101nau are busier than ever and the launch of Eats for teens offers a simple Whether it\u2019s a local business getting more orders or a parent or guardian knowing their teen can sort their own snack after school we\u2019re excited to see more Kiwis benefit from these expansions.\u201d Uber\u2019s regional growth will roll out in phases Parents can follow these 3 simple steps to get their teen\u2019s account set up in the Uber Eats app: Kerikeri River at full spate after wet weather MetService National Weather Update: May 7 - May 9 Police said emergency services were called to a Mahia Rd property just before 10am after a report of a person seriously injured Mairehau house fire: Firefighters battle two-storey house blaze 10 patients were assessed and treated by our crews in total Auckland commuters face a chaotic morning after two highways leading into the central city have been majorly disrupted by crashes NZ film industry faces uncertainty over US tariff ongoing decline in livestock numbers and questions over longer sentences reducing reoffending Reporter Sierra is at Magnificent Moa Day where experts are revealing their incredible 3.6 million year-old find Emergency services are attending the fire at a McDonald's on Pakuranga Rd A video of a dog abuse incident is circulating on social media showing a dog swinging in the air and slamming into the ground on a walk in Manurewa A memorial tree has been planted at the entrance of St John’s bush in honour of slain American entomology student Kyle Whorrall Victim of abuse is wanting a judicial review Goodman Group is upgrading Highbrook Crossing to add retail dining and public space to New Zealand’s largest business park in East Tāmaki where hip hop crews from all over the world are battling to see who’s the best and Parliament tackles alcohol and mental health The Coleman family has been melting down precious metals for more than 40 years This is the first time they've shared inside their multi-million dollar gold and silver operation The Prime Minister joins Mike Hosking in the Newstalk ZB studio to talk all the big politicial issues Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was joined by Deputy PM Winston Peters and Minister of defence Judith Collins to make a pre-budget defence announcement and 3D-printed limbs help child amputees in Gaza Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expected to be joined by Defence Minister Judith Collins and deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters make a pre-Budget defence announcement Neighbours heard explosions as a fire ripped through a Mt Roskill house Mum pays tribute after Auckland bus stop killing Australians vote early and insurance companies brace for claims Megyn Cordner and Lucas Prince started their business from the back of a van in 2022 Andrew Che lost his life savings after sending it to the wrong account Barclays Bank has refunded his money after a prolonged battle for compensation Aerial footage reveals the scale of flooding across areas of Canterbury after a destructive weather system hit the region and prompted a state of emergency North Shore real estate agency chief responds to a Real Estate Disciplinary Tribunal decision Mark Mitchell provides an update on the state of emergency in Christchurch and Selwyn A possible mini tornado was spotted about Auckland Harbour as the latest band of wild weather hits the city Fire and Emergency NZ said it responded to more than 30 callouts overnight more Kiwis turning to methamphetamine and Drs are back at the negotiating table NZSA chief executive Oliver Mander speaks about CEO pay in 2024 Waiwhetu woman Julie Paterson heard 'a loud cracking' and saw a tree branch falling towards her during Wednesday's storm Heather Keats updates the powerful system battering New Zealand breaks down why Wellington is under a rare red warning with extreme winds and Local MP Hon Nicola Grigg speak to the media on the local state of emergency in Selwyn Gisborne locals and health workers marched to Heipipi Park where speakers highlighted what they say is a regional health crisis NZ Herald Live: Simeon Brown talks to media A proposed housing development in Kerikeri could add as many as 3000 new homes to the Bay of Islands boom town - almost doubling the current 8000-strong population The development - if it goes ahead - would be built on farmland between Kerikeri township and the commercial centre of Waipapa owner of Hawke's Bay-based juice company Kiwi Fresh Brownlie bought his first block of land on State Highway 10 in 2012 He later bought several adjoining lots and now owns a total of 197ha Northland representative on the Kiwi Fresh project group said the development would make homes more affordable in Kerikeri "One of the keys is we can address affordable housing It's a major issue in the area at the moment and we'll be providing somewhere between 2500 to 3000 houses." Corbett said the development would be built in stages with enough land to meet Kerikeri's needs for the next 30 years but the way it's been planned is that Waipapa will remain the commercial centre and Kerikeri will keep its village-type atmosphere." said the project hinged on the land being rezoned from the current rural production to residential Kiwi Fresh had made a submission to the Far North District Council calling for a zoning change in the District Plan Corbett said the development would include a range of lot sizes and housing types We haven't been able to provide the housing that the market is there for We've got people travelling from out of town to work here in Kerikeri We also want to address connectivity out onto State Highway 10 and Waipapa Road and taking a little pressure off Kerikeri Road." Previous development in the area had been stymied by flood risk But Corbett said that had been addressed by plans for a 120-metre wide spillway and wetlands draining into the Kerikeri River Corbett said the spillway would protect the area from a one-in-100-year flood risk It could also reduce flooding in Waipapa and along nearby Waitotara Drive The spillway proposal is similar to a flood-prevention plan mooted by the Northland Regional Council in 2017 but abandoned after Brownlie appealed it in the Environment Court At the time Brownlie said he was keen to help the council reduce flooding but some aspects of the scheme were "wrong from the start" Another barrier to development around Kerikeri is the limited capacity and reach of the town's sewage treatment plant Corbett said during the initial stages of the project until there was capacity to connect to a council scheme The project would also include new connecting roads between Golf View Road State Highway 10 and Waipapa Road (via Waitotara Drive) as well as a new bridge over Kerikeri River and a network of walkways and cycle paths Three new golf holes would be built to replace greens lost to a new access road across golf club land Corbett said the "culturally themed" hotel near the golf course would ideally have 130-150 rooms but hotel developers would not be approached until a decision on zoning had been made the Far North District Council is considering five options for the future expansion of Kerikeri The long-awaited Kerikeri-Waipapa Spatial Plan will set out the council's preferred growth areas over the next 30 years and weighs up the potential ratepayer cost of each option The council did not respond to a question about when a decision was expected The options for future growth are (A) increased intensification in central Kerikeri and more industry around Waipapa; (B) focusing new development on the southern side of Waipapa Road; (C) the north side of Waipapa Road; (D) along Kerikeri Road between the town and SH10; (E) the eastern end of Waipapa Rd near SH10; and (F) the Kiwi Fresh proposal which the council described as the Kerikeri northwest expansion the council said option F did not align with its aim of discouraging development in flood-prone areas or away from existing infrastructure it had been included due to stakeholder feedback and high public interest Part of the Kiwi Fresh land was prone to flood hazards and it was not close to existing wastewater It was also "largely disconnected" from existing urban areas due to river boundaries The Kiwi Fresh proposal is unrelated to another major development currently underway on the so-called Bing Property in central Kerikeri between the town centre and the Heritage Bypass is already zoned residential but has been planted with gum trees for the past 90 years Felling of the gums began in earnest last month The Bing Property is now owned by Turnstone Ltd and developer Jamie Peters It is not clear what will replace the trees but an early version of the plan mooted 350 homes a "lifestyle village" and new commercial development next to the town centre now the most populous town in the Far North District other frequently cited figures include 11,000 * An information day about the Kiwi Fresh development will be held from 10am to 5pm on 20 February at the Harcourts office on the corner of Kerikeri Road and Homestead Road Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday A Northland business group is welcoming the heavy focus on infrastructure in the government's list of local projects singled out for fast-tracked consenting A major new housing development in central Kerikeri will change the face of the Bay of Islands town by removing its distinctive Working families on two incomes are increasingly among those who can no longer afford rent Hundreds of families in and around Kerikeri now face a 64km round trip for budgeting advice after the Northern Community Family Service closed its doors due to lack of funds Struggling families in and around Kerikeri face long trips to get much-needed financial advice after the town’s budgeting and family service was forced to close due to lack of funds Northern Community Family Service closed its doors on Friday after more than 25 years as it was unable to get the funds - about $70-$80,000 a year - to keep running Practice manager Glenda and financial mentor Christine (both did not want their surnames used due to the nature of the work) are upset that the vital service Northern Community Family Service was started in 1999 by Milton and Jo David Milton David still sits on the board and many of its board members have supported the agency for 10 years or more which shows their belief in the need for the services NCFS provides Community Budgeting Service changed its name to Northern Community Family Service in 2016 due to the need for not only financial mentoring due to difficulty in getting ongoing funding to meet operating costs the vital service has shut its doors at the Kerikeri Baptist Church Since the service’s plight and impending closure was highlighted they had received some emails and support from within the community but nobody could come up with the money needed to keep it going “Many of the people who come to us have real issues that they need help with and with us having to close I’m really worried what will happen,” Glenda said But now they will have to go to Kaikohe or Kaitāia for help.” Kaikohe is a 64km round trip from the Kerikeri office while Kaitāia is almost a 200km round trip Most of the service’s clients would not be able to afford to get to either place Those services were also likely to have a high demand Glenda said they were seeing more of the “working poor” but it may be that dad’s wages only cover the rent or the mortgage and power and mum’s just pays for groceries and that leaves little for anything else It’s not just the unemployed who are finding it hard out there.” the service was finding it hard to get enough to guarantee more than three months’ service It was not your typical council information evening It was more like a multimedia show sprinkled liberally with slick video presentations rousing waiata by a combined schools cultural group and a dash of self-congratulation tempered with admissions of things that still need fixing It was the first ever State of the Far North address delivered at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri on Tuesday night the key aim was reconnecting with Far North residents "Tonight is an opportunity to share the new direction this council is taking to respond to a number of significant challenges The theme of this address is the Road to Recovery so I'll be going over what we're recovering from Challenges that had hit the district "like a juggernaut" since 2019 included a record-breaking drought followed immediately by Covid lockdowns and 10 major storms between July 2022 and February 2023 The damage inflicted on Far North roads by Cyclone Gabrielle in particular was immense "We were left with 175 slips to repair at an estimated cost of $41 million that would mean a 41 percent rates increase." Paying for roads was difficult even at the best of times in the Far North which had one of the biggest road networks of any district in the country - a massive 2700 kilometres - but just 28,000 ratepayers out of a total population of 71,000 to pay for it Tepania said the council had managed to keep the average rates increase for the current year down to 4.5 percent He put that down to new and innovative ways of doing things plus a $5 million dividend from council-owned company Far North Holdings The mayor also laid out the challenges in bringing wastewater drinking water and stormwater infrastructure up to scratch with just under $170m earmarked for upgrades in the next three years He was upfront about the failures of the district's sewage treatment plants saying the council had been "yellow-carded" by the Northland Regional Council four times in recent years for breaching consent conditions "A key piece of mahi for me is how to stop flushing our toilet into our kitchen We need to find permanent alternatives to discharging treated wastewater into our beautiful streams and harbours Tepania had some bouquets for central government, including Waka Kotahi's help paying for local roads, and the $100m-plus the agency was pumping into reopening State Highway 1 through Mangamuka Gorge notably for the uncertainty caused by changes to Three Waters legislation and moves to impose binding referenda on Māori wards at councils around the country That was one of the issues driving the current national Hīkoi mō te Tiriti which has been closed on and off for the past four years drew one of the biggest cheers of the evening the gorge is now set to reopen on Friday the 20th of December," he said There were also promises of an announcement next month securing the future and a name change for Kaitāia airport which has long been in limbo due to a dispute over land ownership and a breakthrough on Kaitāia's troubled Sweetwater project The plan to draw water from the Sweetwater aquifer to supplement the drought-prone Awanui River has so far cost the council more than $17 million without delivering a drop of drinking water for the town Tepania said many promises had been made about the scheme in the past but in December it really would start supplying water While the mayor insisted he was just the frontman for the council's 400-odd staff Tuesday night's event really was the Moko show The only other performance to take the limelight was a rousing set of waiata by a kapa haka group made up of students from three kura kaupapa around Northland Tepania said he was delighted with the turnout "Our goal as an organisation was to use this as the springboard to reconnect with our communities and showing the incredible importance that we place on partnership I didn't know that we'd have anyone turn up on a random Tuesday but we did but key movers and shakers in the Far North." The impetus for the event came from chief executive Guy Holroyd who said wherever he went the council had a "bad rep" - so he wanted something done to improve the council's connection with Far North residents The idea for a state-of-the-nation-style address came from a council staffer who had worked for mayors in Arizona Audience members spoken to by RNZ were positive about the event said her town had been particularly hard hit by storms and road closures in recent years She said the presentation was fair in that it covered every part of the Far North "I thought that was an amazing presentation to remind is of the awful challenges that we've had and the positive outcomes that are planned," she said Perhaps the most important critics in the audience on Tuesday were the mayor's mum and dad known in the family as Mokopedia for his knack of soaking up knowledge But I take my hat off also to the staff that worked behind the scenes They're the ones that put it all together." The State of the Far North address is expected to become an annual event Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday The early introduction of the Treaty Principles Bill hasn't deterred a planned hīkoi to Parliament in protest Toitū te Tiriti have mobilised Māori around the country this year The latest wave of sign vandalism in the Far North is believed to be connected to new speed limits It comes ahead of his council deciding to lower speed limits for more than 300 local roads Far North District Council is developing a spatial plan for Kerikeri A spatial plan looking at further development of Kerikeri and neighbouring Waipapa is out for public consultation with community groups urging residents to have their say Far North District Council says the spatial plan – Te Pātukurea – will redirect housing and commercial growth to the centres of Kerikeri and Waipapa protect the rural environment and increase employment opportunities It could see the population of Kerikeri and surrounds increase massively The council is seeking public submissions on Te Pātukure which will shape how these areas grow over the next 30 plus years setting direction for everything from housing choices and infrastructure investment to environmental protection said the draft plan has been developed over the past three years with Hapū Rōpū partners after extensive stakeholder and community engagement we sought feedback on a series of growth options for Kerikeri and Waipapa we received more than 700 pieces of feedback which we have used to develop the draft plan,’’ Ackers said “Now we are coming back to our communities to make sure we’ve got it right.” The draft plan would provide for more than 4000 new homes in the centres of Kerikeri and Waipapa as well as 18 hectares of new commercial land it also priorities new infrastructure and waters connection and proposes improvements to the health of waterways and biodiversity green spaces and investment in recreational and community facilities Community groups Our Kerikeri and Vision Kerikeri are urging the public to have their say to ensure there is widespread feedback Both groups were involved in initial consultation with the council over the plan said the spatial plan is a crucial document that will guide where and how the community develops over the next 30 years “It’s essential that locals take the time to engage .. this is their chance to help shape the future of the towns,” Dickey said “This spatial plan process has been underway since 2021/22 and Our Kerikeri is glad to see this finally in the final stages.” However, Vision Kerikeri’s Rolf Muelle-Glodde said while something needs to be done to ease congestion and help the towns grow more consultation was needed and the group felt the council planners had already ruled out its preferred option - Option F Option F, Muelle-Glodde said, included a plan by a private developer to build a link road from Kerikeri to Waipapa and a new access to State Highway 10 “In the spatial plan Option D and E is ranked highest in data received from the public consultation The number of responses received was only a tiny fraction of the current population of at least 14,000 people each with numbers of members and reasonably well informed but this is not mentioned in the spatial plan - only as a note in the Growth Scenarios Evaluation Report “Option F when first submitted for approval by staff to council was omitted entirely and therefore not considered but was included subsequently following dismay expressed by community groups before going out for public consultation in October.” He said the plan ranks Option F lowest due to comparatively higher infrastructure costs impacts on highly productive land and environmental constraints Option F is not highly productive horticultural land which the spatial plan seeks to preserve; it is pastoral land “Infrastructure costs would be a cost to the developer and because greenfield development is lower cost than piecemeal brown field development the cost of land would be cheaper and more likely to lower the cost of housing that we agree is a significant problem in Kerikeri.” The Spatial Plan is intended for a 30-year planning horizon; the population is estimated to increase to 24,000 people within 25 years and Options B to E will put more traffic onto Waipapa and Kerikeri Roads Ackers said the council wants to know whether residents support the plan and whether they agree with how the council plans to implement it “I would strongly encourage each and every person who calls Kerikeri and Waipapa home or spends time here “We’ll use the feedback we receive on the draft plan to update and refine Te Pātukurea “It will then be finalised and presented to councillors for adoption in mid-2025 Te Pātukurea will inform our district-wide spatial plan.” View the plan and give feedback at www.fndc.govt.nz/spatialplan Feedback can also be provided by email - kwsp@fndc.govt.nz - or a submission form at the Kerikeri Customer Service Centre or Procter Library including two built for those living with disabilities have opened in Kerikeri following a whakawātea (blessing) by Ngāti Rēhia hapū leaders The Far North’s newest social housing development, delivered by Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, completes the second and final stage of the 22-home development in central Kerikeri which includes an onsite communal park space for residents Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia chairman Kipa Munro said the finished development had stayed true to the name ‘Te Tira’ gifted by their hapū “Te Tira has not only lived up to its name the homes also represent a small but important step towards addressing the housing shortage facing whānau in the Far North.” Kāinga Ora regional director Jeff Murray said the homes had been built for people of all ages and abilities “The development is a mix of two- and three-bedroom homes two of the ground-floor homes are accessible providing those living with disabilities greater independence.” Accessible homes provide greater independence for those with disabilities injury or impairments through design features power points and light switches at suitable heights wet bathrooms with handrails and level access development director at build partner Gemscott said Te Tira had been a collaborative project focussed on well-built and well-designed homes we have worked in close partnership with the community Kainga Ora and the Far North District Council and the finished product is testament to these partnerships We have taken great care to deliver high-quality homes as well as access to outdoor living and the opportunity to connect and socialise at the onsite park space.” Suitable whānau on the Ministry of Social Development’s housing register will be matched to the homes over the coming weeks almost 500 people are registered on the social housing waiting list The new homes come as Far North District Council has put its 30-year Kerikeri spatial plan out for public consultation It will see Kerikeri and Waipapa almost double over the next three decades Police say the 18-year-old failed to stop when signalled and was later found with cannabis and LSD in his possession An 18-year-old who failed to stop for police in Northland had his car searched and was found with cannabis and LSD Officers in Kerikeri came across a speeding vehicle about 7pm on Sunday Relieving Far North Area Commander acting Inspector Kylie Newton said they signalled the vehicle to stop “The driver disregarded the blue and red lights and carried on at speed and was not pursued further given the manner of driving.” After finding the vehicle on Keridale Lane staff approached the vehicle and could smell a “strong odour” of cannabis The man was arrested on the roadside and the vehicleimpounded He was due to appear in Kaikohe District Court today charged with possession for supply of cannabis and LSD “Possession for supply is a serious offence so it’s a pleasing outcome that these illegal substances are out of circulation in the community,” Newton said Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond Four Kerikeri High School students have been referred to Youth Aid after reportedly assaulting classmates on school grounds Police were notified about a fight between students at the school on the afternoon of April 1 The Northern Advocate understands the first fight unfolded when a student was set upon by at least two others A second fight broke out later in the day involving two of the alleged attackers from the earlier altercation four students were suspended and referred to Youth Aid Two students received minor injuries that did not require hospital treatment Principal Mike Clent said staff and students were “shocked and upset” by the incident He confirmed the school did not go into lockdown as a result of the fights The two teenagers who were allegedly assaulted returned to school last week and were receiving support from the school Clent said the immediate concern was for the wellbeing of the victims who received prompt care The caregivers reported the incident to police Clent said the school had encouraged this action and for the students to receive medical attention Clent confirmed in an email sent to parents last Thursday that the fights had taken place “We are all deeply upset by this unprovoked violence and utterly condemn such behaviour.” He said the actions of those allegedly responsible did not reflect the values of Kerikeri High School The matter had been referred to the school board disciplinary committee Clent said the school was worried a video of the attack may be circulating on social media We are concerned about that as it only adds to the trauma experienced by the victims and their friends.” Clent added that an incident such as this was rare but “extremely disturbing” for all involved “We understand that such events can shake everyone’s sense of security and wellbeing and our team are here to support our students in any way we can.” School community officer Senior Constable Rob Drummond said police were working closely with the school regarding the fights He said police had a zero tolerance policy for violence of any kind *This story has been updated to clarify that police were not called to the school and that the incident was instead reported later by the injured students’ caregivers Meat lovers are in for a treat when Northland’s smokin’ hot new food event Those who like their meat marinated, seasoned and smothered in sauce will find plenty on offer at the event, which is Northland’s newest food festival Organiser Jackie Sanders, from Jacman Entertainment said there will be barbecue-style food from around the world the Tai Tokerau Low and Slow Barbecue Competition the Fired Up Barbecue Expo Zone and Kids' Burger Competition the SCA Steak Competition and music and entertainment And if that isn’t hot enough for punters, there’ll also be the 2025 New Zealand Chilli Eating Championships taking place testing brave souls to see just how much heat they can really handle “We are not talking a sausage sizzle and some beersies,” Sanders said “This epic BBQ showcases styles from around the world Head along with the whole family for a whole heap of fun with Dad Bod ‘Beauty’ Contests plus the SCA Steak Cookoff with a $1000 top prize Our young budding grillers can compete too in the Kids' Burger Competition.” The event combines with the annual Tai Tokerau Low & Slow Barbecue Competition, hosted by local pitmaster Ken Van Mackelbergh, Barbecue BOI This is part of the New Zealand Barbecue Alliance roster of official competition events and attracts around 25 teams from all across New Zealand It ain’t a good barbie without some sweet sounds – and a bit of reggae with some rock mixed in and a good dose of your favourite classics will be delivered with Ngati Soul Limited Early Bird tickets are on sale now. To book, go to Eventfinda.co.nz All competition registration links can also be found on the Eventfinda listing and social media channels Capacity is limited so book early to avoid disappointment This event has been made possible thanks to funding from Northland Inc and MBIE A young gardener had to run for his life when a large redwood tree in Kerikeri fell on to his gardening sheds during high winds on Thursday who works as a gardener for Kerikeri Retirement Village ran for his life when he heard a loud cracking from the falling redwood situated on Far North District Council land next to the village said village chief executive Hilary Sumpter The village has filed a report with WorkSafe classifying the incident as a near fatality it could have been a completely different outcome,” Sumpter said a large branch from one of the neighbouring redwoods fell on to a vacant room in the village’s hospital wing while another weighty branch fell on to a resident’s parked and unoccupied car Sumpter said the village has now had three close calls but it wants the trees removed for safety It has long petitioned both the Bay of Islands - Whangaroa Community Board and the Far North District Council to have the redwoods removed and replaced with natives and citrus trees In 2014, the community board petitioned residents, but 147 submitters, or 84%, opposed removing the trees The council later decided to have annual inspections to identify any dangerous trees to be felled Councillor Steve McNally said the arborist’s annual inspections failed to identify that the tree that has fallen was rotten inside and had a small root ball for the safety not only of the retirement village but also for the others who walk through the area including students on their way to school and dog walkers He is calling on the Kerikeri community to support emergency services had to rescue a man whose Mini stopped in floodwaters on State Highway 1 Blair Campbell from Ōkaihau Volunteer Fire Brigade said the incident was dealt with by Fire and Emergency’s swift-water rescue team who were stationed in Northland due to the bad weather Two experts with poles and ropes managed to wade through the thigh-high water to rescue the man toppled in the high winds in the early hours of Thursday damaging the front of a home on Plunket St police helped rescue a person who fell down the riverbank on Princes Rd about 5.30pm on Thursday The person was found uninjured and given a lift home The severe weather led to several extreme weather records being set according to MetService meteorologist Gerard Bellam The highest winds were recorded at Cape Rēinga on Thursday with gusts of 156km/h – which is listed as hurricane-strength on the Beaufort Wind Scale 100km/h in the Bay of Islands and 96km/h in Whangārei Whangārei recorded more than a month’s worth of rain on Thursday but has recorded 234mm so far this month The severe winds caused numerous power cuts across Northland with a peak of more than 24,000 homes and businesses without electricity on Thursday Top Energy warned people to stay clear of fallen power lines after receiving reports of people trying to move them If people see fallen lines in the Far North they are advised to stay clear and contact Top Energy on 0800 867 363 more than 1770 customers were without power in the Far North with the company warning repairs in isolated areas could take days Northpower – the lines company for Whangārei and Kaipara – had a helicopter and crews from as far away as Hamilton working to repair the faults yesterday some smaller and more remote areas could still take some time to fix numerous roads and highways in Northland were closed by flooding or fallen trees but SH11 at Paihia – also known as Marsden Rd – remained closed due to coastal inundation with high wind and waves undermining the road and the services underneath it The road is not expected to be stabilised until Tuesday Northland MP Grant McCallum (National) said the storm damage is unacceptable both for tourism businesses and local residents and an urgent solution is needed to stop the ongoing closures Motorists are able to pass through Paihia with a small detour the Far North District Council is urging all residents and businesses in Paihia Waitangi and Ōpua to conserve water while a water main in Paihia The council initially expected the water main to be fixed within 24 hours but it has now found the road needs to be stabilised first Finlayson Brook Rd is also closed by underslips that are making the road dangerous The Whangārei District Council was also reporting partial road closures yesterday due to flooding The Kaipara District Council was also reporting road closures yesterday but it expected them to be open by the end of the day The Far North District Council reported five road closures due to flooding on Thursday night: Horeke Rd Pukepoto Rd (Ōkaihau) and Waikare Rd – although they were likely to reopen as the flooding subsided Greenacres Drive was closed by a fallen tree The weather forecast for the weekend promises the end of severe weather Today in Northland is expected to be cloudy with scattered rain although there could be thunderstorms south of Whangārei before midday Fresh northerlies will ease in the afternoon becoming widespread across Northland into the evening The humidity will continue to bring warm temperatures The easing of the severe weather means events can run Organisers say participants should come prepared for wind Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference The NZ Herald today launches On The Up — a national campaign showcasing amazing stories of inspiration a brave 14-year-old who has been learning to walk and jog again after losing part of her leg to aggressive bone cancer Annabel’s positivity and determination shine brightly as she shares her story — and dreams of sprinting thanks to a new hi-tech blade Annabel Knight removes her prosthetic foot and swaps it for a sleek just as she did before bone cancer claimed her leg Annabel has gone from an 11-year-old girl diagnosed with aggressive osteosarcoma to a teenager in remission embracing every day with a new leg and new hope and a life-changing procedure called rotationplasty This innovative surgery involves removing the diseased bone and reattaching the foot to the thigh bone but flipped over so it acts as a knee joint When faced with a choice between attempting to save some of her leg Annabel and her family chose rotationplasty for the best potential for movement and growth “I just wanted to do whatever I could to get back to normal as fast as possible,” Annabel says and I didn’t want to give up anything else.” It’s the same procedure that fellow amputee Jess Quinn Jess had to relearn how to walk and progressed to dancing like a star Annabel is mastering jogging and dreams of learning to sprint Because Annabel lost her leg to illness, not an accident, she only received one prosthetic through the public healthcare system. But funding from Barfoot and Thompson, through the Starship Foundation a state-of-the-art “activity limb” — a blade specifically designed for sports and high-energy movement Annabel’s new blade has unlocked a world of possibilities a West Auckland facility designed for athletes with prosthetics “It’s so cool because everyone plays as hard as they can because everyone has a prosthetic — and there’s no holding back because I’m a kid but I want to get faster and more confident.” Össur also produces “cool new prosthetics” including ones that can hold onto a Jandal or slide without slipping off At Kerikeri High School Annabel casually pops her blade into her bag like any other student carrying sports shoes She’s now getting top marks in PE but admits she gets a little frustrated when others in her class hold back when playing alongside her sometimes people go out of their way to make things easier for me like hopping on one leg or avoiding bumping into me because they’re worried about hurting the kid with the prosthetic,” she says The benefits of her new sports blade have been life-changing from improved balance and range of motion to muscle growth and a surge in confidence the blade means she can go in and out of the water without taking the prosthetic off and drying it “The daily prosthetic requires so much maintenance — taking it apart What’s the point of feeling bad about it?” Annabel’s compassion extends to others. Even when she was having treatment, she gave back and raised funds for the Starship Foundation and the Child Cancer Foundation. “I wanted to help the people who helped me I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through Her family and friends have also given her much-needed support Hugs from big sister Elliott and support from family including Abbey and Abbey’s partner Ant Van Gessel “One of the big things is having the right support,” she says “I can be a typical moody teenage girl like ‘Ugh I don’t want to do this’ or ‘I don’t want to do that’ but my family and friends are always there “My school friends are always watching out for me reminding me to keep my posture right and helping me reach my goals Humour and acceptance have also helped Annabel get through her cancer journey “When she started losing her hair during chemotherapy and she ended up with a matted mess like a beaver tail,” Abbey says Humour has also helped Annabel cope with the unprovoked interest from others in her new leg “I didn’t realise how much people stare until you are the people they are staring at,” says Abbey “When Annabel went out without her prosthetic people would look at her backward foot and then throw their heads back when they figured out what they had seen “I think I just actually made someone’s brain explode.” Annabel’s advice to others facing similar challenges is simple: you’ll appreciate everything so much more.” “You’ll realise you can do whatever the heck you want.” Sign up to The Daily H a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday An ambulance and rapid response vehicle are on-site Simulated laser strike on a flying aircraft shows how difficult it is for pilots to see the equipment Laser strikes targeting aircraft over Northland have made it difficult for pilots to read their instruments in the cockpit Police say they were recently made aware of two incidents earlier this month Far North District Council said laser strikes had impacted aircraft bound for landing at Kerikeri Airport in the Bay of Islands The council previously said police were investigating the incidents police have since confirmed they had been providing advice If any future reports were made to police they would be assessed for any appropriate action to be taken According to the Far North District Council the most recent attacks happened twice within the same week Based on the laser’s colour and ground location officials believed the same person may be responsible the cockpit was completely illuminated by the laser making it difficult for pilots to read their instruments,” a Far North District Council spokesperson said “Passengers also reported seeing the beam flickering along the fuselage and shining through the windows.” Pilots had to turn off the aircraft’s external and internal lights; however the lights had to be turned back on the maintain visibility Bay of Islands Kerikeri Airport manager Daniel Alexander described the attacks as “incredibly dangerous” “The consequences of pilots being temporarily blinded and rendered unable to fly and land their aircraft are potentially catastrophic to stop what they are doing before a major tragedy occurs.” The lasers were believed to be high-powered with an optical attachment capable of reaching aircraft flying at altitudes as high as 13,000ft The Health (High-power Laser Pointers) Regulations 2013 restrict any sale and supply of laser devices exceeding 1 milliwatt in output It is also an offence under the Summary Offences Act 1981 to carry such devices in public without a reasonable excuse Barrier Air and Air New Zealand have been approached for comment A gourmet oyster farm in the Kerikeri inlet has lost $60,000 of business after 24,000 oysters were stolen They were probably stolen between 8pm and 10pm the previous evening A demoralised Gregory said they had just been harvested after a nine-month process “They were just ready to go out the door.” He believed the prize-winning product would most likely be dumped because of its branding and the publicity of the theft He thought a group of people were responsible “It would have taken a number of people to do it I don’t believe you could even do it with two people.” The thieves used the business' barge to empty the oysters into nearby bins Gregory said the discovery of the sheer volume lost felt “gut-wrenching” He said there was no possibility of claiming on insurance as it did not cover loss of produce Police were notified of the theft on Wednesday and Gregory understood they were trawling through CCTV to find those responsible He said oyster farmers were extremely vulnerable to theft because it was difficult to monitor farms 24 hours a day the Marine Farmers' Association was discussing how to address the issue “The way of thinking at the moment is that oyster farmers are going to start putting signs up making it very clear to thieves [that] you will be prosecuted.” Another method to stop oyster farmers being targeted was the possibility of land-based oysters Gregory said clients had been hugely understanding of the firm’s current situation “We’ve had great feedback from high-end restaurants “They’ve been very supportive but it is disruptive to them [because] they rely on consistency “We won’t be able to produce any oysters for a while.” He said the theft had put the business back at least a month “There’s no cashflow at all and we’ve still got to maintain our staff and meet the overheads Northland Police acting Detective Senior Sergeant Christan Fouhy said inquiries were being made into the theft He asked anyone with information to make contact by calling 105 using reference number 250206/2212 Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"/2025/02/06/gourmet-oysters-worth-an-estimated-60k-stolen-from-kerikeri-farm/"},"datePublished":"2025-02-06T00:25:59.181Z","dateModified":"2025-02-06T00:25:59.181Z","headline":"Gourmet oysters worth an estimated $60k stolen from Kerikeri farm","description":"Bereft bivalve grower says the high number of oysters taken means many are likely to be ruined before they can be opened high-end oysters – valued at around $60,000 The gourmet Pacific oysters were nurtured in floating pods and grown in moulds, giving them a distinctively smooth shell branded with a "Q" Qyster founder Shaun Gregory told 1News he discovered a "whole line of bags of oysters were taken" in Kerikeri between 8pm and 10pm last night He said the line taken was about 100m long Gregory said "half a dozen people would be needed to open them before they go off" "I dare say a lot of them are likely to go to waste." Gregory said he would be reporting the theft to police An oyster grower has been left devastated following the theft of dozens of his distinctive The gourmet Pacific oysters were nurtured in floating pods and grown in moulds, giving them a distinctively smooth shell branded with a "Q". A 'Q' moulded oyster from the Qyster farm in Kerikeri. (Source: Supplied) Qyster founder Shaun Gregory told 1News he discovered a "whole line of bags of oysters were taken" in Kerikeri between 8pm and 10pm last night. He said the line taken was about 100m long. "It would have been a team of them, as it was 2000 dozen of oysters." Gregory said "half a dozen people would be needed to open them before they go off". Gregory said he would be reporting the theft to police. Crooks culture first order of business for Mike Bush in Victoria Bush picked to take over as Victoria's chief commissioner after months of top-level staffing woes Crime and Justice Police experts warn 'emerging risk' of 3D-printed firearms rising Technology has outpaced a currently underway review of the Arms Act and criminals are already taking advantage US prisons bureau has challenges — reopening Alcatraz is now another Juliana Herrera's family tell inquest: 'Stop repeating avoidable mistakes' was murdered in January 2022 by her neighbour Health Arrest after person assaulted A nurse leaving her shift last month was held up at gunpoint outside the grounds of the hospital More than 25kg cocaine seizure leads to four arrests across NZ Tauranga and Auckland as a result of the six-week investigation Film industry anxiously awaits details on Trump's 100% movie tariff 7:17pm Search underway for Masterton man, 74, missing since Sunday 7:07pm Crooks, culture first order of business for Mike Bush in Victoria 7:05pm Charges filed against Woolworths over pricing, misleading specials 6:45pm Police, experts warn 'emerging risk' of 3D-printed firearms rising 6:33pm Trade war: Sir John Key's 'optimism' on Trump's next tariff moves 7:28pm 1US woman who disappeared for more than six decades found safe Sole survivor of poisoned beef Wellington takes the stand Two men's shared name brings years of trouble and a hefty bill to one Govt halts all current pay equity claims, makes it harder to lodge new ones Photos: Lorde among stars at 2025 Met Gala A$AP Rocky and Rihanna also revealed they are expecting their third child. Two arrested over alleged plot targeting Lady Gaga concert in RioBrazilian police said they thwarted an alleged bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga's concert on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. Lady Gaga rocks Copacabana Beach with free concert for over 2 million fans Sun, May 4 Lorde announces new album name, date Thu, May 1 Kim Kardashian to testify in Paris trial over 2016 armed robbery Mon, Apr 28 Chubby Checker, Outkast, Cyndi Lauper join Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Mon, Apr 28 Kim Kardashian to testify in Paris trial over 2016 armed robbery Mon The next top cop of the troubled Victoria police force embraces his "outsider" status to curb its leadership malaise and has a stern warning for crooks Former New Zealand Police commissioner Mike Bush won the race to become Victoria's chief commissioner after months of top-level staffing woes The 40-year police veteran steps into the role on June 27 with a five-year contract The Kiwi conceded the job will be no picnic with Victoria's crime rate hitting an almost decade-high in 2024 everyone knows that," he told reporters today "These crime issues are actually global they are quite similar wherever you go but it's not good enough just to turn up after the act Rising youth crime and high-profile cases of alleged offenders committing crimes while on bail spurred the Victorian government to strengthen laws in March Bush said he was familiar with the crackdown but bail laws were just one part of the solution to tackling youth crime along with a "prevention mindset" He retired from the NZ police force in 2020 after joining in 1978 and spending his final six years in the top job Whakaari/White Island volcano eruption and Covid-19 pandemic were among the biggest crises Bush confronted during his tenure Bush also made headlines in 2022 after it emerged he had a past drink-driving conviction when unsuccessfully applying to become head of the UK's Metropolitan Police Former New Zealand police minister Stuart Nash describedr Bush as hard but fair He said Bush regularly met with police forces across the Tasman in his previous role and recalled travelling with him to every district across New Zealand once a year to chew the fat with communities and then we all had biscuits and a cup of tea," Nash told AAP "Mike is someone who had deep credibility in policing." The state government has not handed the reins of Victoria Police to an outsider since former NSW Police assistant commissioner Christine Nixon in 2001 The Kiwi was happy to wear the "outsider" tag and is already hatching plans to hit the ground running "I've got a lot to do to come up to speed," Bush said "Culture is a consequence of leadership." establishing relationships with community groups amid rising tensions and increasing police visibility on the beat were among his other top initial priorities Victoria Police was thrust into leadership turmoil in February with a no-confidence vote from officers costing chief commissioner Shane Patton his job Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent became acting chief and expressed an interest in making the move permanent before throwing in the towel in April Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill will serve in an acting capacity until Bush takes over Bush intends to speak with Patton before starting and said he wouldn't shy away from pushing back if he disagreed with the government Premier Jacinta Allan said a recruitment agency was hired and instructed to find a leader capable of addressing the "challenges" plaguing the force "Mike Bush is the best person for the job," she said whose union led the no-confidence vote against Patton following a bitter pay dispute admitted there was a disconnect between members and leaders The state police union secretary welcomed Mr Bush's appointment and pledge to listen to the mounting workforce concerns "We have a police force that is currently under-resourced that needs fresh officers," he said Eleven inmate deaths in less than two months A US$3 billion (NZ$5 billion) repair backlog a stunning directive from President Donald Trump for the crisis-plagued federal Bureau of Prisons to “REBUILD AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!” — the notorious penitentiary on an island in San Francisco Bay that last held inmates more than 60 years ago Even as the Bureau of Prisons struggles with short staffing chronic violence and crumbling infrastructure at its current facilities Trump is counting on the agency to fulfill his vision of rebooting the infamously inescapable prison known in movies and pop culture as The Rock Trump declared in a social media post that a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt” Alcatraz will house the nation’s “most ruthless and violent Offenders” Newly appointed Bureau of Prisons Director William K Marshall III said that the agency “will vigorously pursue all avenues to support and implement the President’s agenda” and that he has ordered “an immediate assessment to determine our needs and the next steps” We look forward to restoring this powerful symbol of law and justice,” Marshall said in a statement “We will be actively working with our law enforcement and other federal partners to reinstate this very important mission.” an 8.9-hectare spit of land with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline was once the crown jewel of the federal prison system and home to some of the nation’s most notorious criminals including gangsters Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly But skyrocketing repair and supply costs compelled the Justice Department to close the prison in 1963 and the Bureau of Prisons has long since replaced Alcatraz with modern penitentiaries including a maximum-security prison in Florence The former and perhaps future penitentiary is now a popular tourist attraction and a national historic landmark It’s controlled by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area meaning the Bureau of Prisons could be in for an interagency tug of war if it tries to wrest away control of the island Trump’s Alcatraz directive is yet another challenge for the Bureau of Prisons as it struggles to fix lingering problems while responding to the president’s priorities on incarceration and immigrant detention includes taking in thousands of immigration detainees under an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security The problems at the Bureau of Prisons transcend administrations and facilities An ongoing Associated Press investigation has uncovered deep previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons over the last few years including widespread criminal activity by employees and severe understaffing that has hampered responses to emergencies then-President Joe Biden signed a law strengthening oversight of the agency It remains the Justice Department’s largest agency 155,000 inmates and an annual budget of about US$8 billion (NZ$13.4 billion) but the Trump administration’s cost-cutting measures have eliminated some pay bonuses that were credited with retaining and attracting new staff That has resulted in long overtime shifts for some workers and the continued use of a policy known as augmentation teachers and other workers are pressed into duty to guard inmates A Bureau of Prisons official told Congress at a hearing in February that more than 4000 beds within the system — the equivalent of at least two full prisons — are unusable because of dangerous conditions like leaking or failing roofs a 37-year-old Florida businessman who was found dead April 28 in a suspected suicide at a federal jail in Miami He was awaiting trial on charges that he kidnapped and killed his estranged wife in Spain inmate Ramadhan Jaabir Justice was killed in a fight at the federal penitentiary in Pollock where he was serving a nearly 11-year sentence for a conviction related to an armed robbery As Trump was ordering Alcatraz’s reopening correctional officers at the same Miami jail were fighting to curb the spread of tuberculosis and Covid-19 isolating inmates after they tested positive for the diseases immigration detainees at the facility ripped out a fire sprinkler and flooded a holding cell during a lengthy intake process the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin has sat idle for more than a year after the Bureau of Prisons cleared it of inmates in the wake of rampant sexual abuse by employees the agency made the closure permanent and idled six prison camps across the country to address “significant challenges crumbling infrastructure and limited budgetary resources” While Trump hails Alcatraz as a paragon of the federal prison system’s cherished past other facilities stand as reminders of its recent troubles They include the federal jail in Manhattan which remains idle after Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide there in 2019 exposed deep flaws in its operations where 23 inmates have been charged in recent months with crimes ranging from smuggling weapons in a Doritos bag to the stabbing last month of a man convicted in the killing of hip-hop legend Jam Master Jay A person is in custody after an alleged theft which left a person injured on the grounds of Palmerston North Hospital Police said officers were called to a Ruahine St carpark about 1.30pm on Tuesday Police said the alleged offender left the scene and was found a short time later "Police would like to thank the members of the public who witnessed the incident and intervened to assist the victim," a police spokesperson said That same night a staff member was knocked unconscious Staff have been calling for security improvements Health NZ MidCentral operations group director Sarah Fenwick previously told RNZ it was committed to making staff feel safer She said these included a security escort to vehicles increasing security services on hospital grounds and "opening up" access to the staff carpark for people working afternoon and night shifts "Lighting has been audited in all outside carparking areas to ensure it is well maintained," she said "Interim access to well-lit parking onsite with dedicated security for staff working afternoon and night shifts while a more permanent solution for out-of-hours carparking is developed." rnz.co.nz More than 25kg of cocaine has been seized and four men arrested following an joint investigation into the importation of the drug into Christchurch Police and Customs received information about a "significant importation" of cocaine that had come through Lyttelton Port on March 29 Search warrants were then executed across the country by specialist teams to support investigators with evidence gathering including possession of cocaine for supply and burglary and will appear in various district courts across a range of dates Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Sparks said the seizure equated to more than 250,000 doses of cocaine and $9 million of harm "That is an enormous amount of damage and misery that had been heading into our communities that has now been halted through this investigation." Sparks said the success of the investigation was partly down to the "excellent partnership" between Customs and the police "We continue to have a focus on engaging with businesses and supporting their legitimate services by keeping them safe with prevention advice to deter drug trafficking organisations’ attempts to exploit their people and premises." Customs acting investigations manager Rachael Manning said the investigation resulted from quick action and close collaboration between the agencies as well as industry partners "We know that transnational and serious organised crime groups are actively targeting New Zealand to drive up both demand and supply of illegal drugs such as cocaine for maximum profit They’re using every method possible to exploit any vulnerabilities within international supply chains in secure areas or on vessels themselves." A search and rescue operation is underway for a Masterton man in his 70s missing since Sunday John Rafferty was last seen at Masterton Railway Station about midday on May 4 The 74-year-old did not board a train and left on foot about 20 minutes later Matheson said it was possible Rafferty was staying with a friend but police and loved ones "want to know he’s safe" and John doesn’t have his cell phone or wallet," he said A search team and a helicopter has been out looking for the missing man "We are really keen to know that he’s safe." Police have released an image from CCTV showing Rafferty on a station platform on the day of his disappearance He was wearing a blue jacket with 'NASA' written on the back Anyone who saw him was asked to contact police on 111 or online at 105 if there was Information after the fact The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against Woolworths NZ for alleged inaccurate pricing and misleading specials that may have breached the Fair Trading Act The commission filed the charges against Woolworths in the Auckland District Court It indicated in December last year that it would be filing separate criminal charges against Woolworths and two Pak'nSave supermarkets the commission said there were ongoing issues with pricing in the supermarket sector and the operators may have breached the Fair Trading Act deputy chair Anne Callinan said operators should know what the expectations were "Supermarkets have long been on notice about the importance of accurate and clear pricing and specials and we're not satisfied with the continuing issues we're seeing across the industry "Pricing accuracy is a consumer right and an expectation of a competitive market well-resourced businesses that should invest the time and effort to get pricing and promotions right." She said the charges were filed to remind all supermarkets that they are expected to fix the pricing accuracy issues and implement better processes In a statement when the charges were announced Woolworths managing director Spencer Sonn said it was important customers could trust prices advertised at their supermarkets Woolworths said it has cooperated with the Commerce Commission's pricing investigation for some time rnz.co.nz Former prime minister Sir John Key says he remains optimistic about Donald Trump's domestic economic policy despite opposing the tariff strategy that has sent global markets into turmoil in recent months who served as prime minister for eight years was the keynote speaker at an Auckland business summit earlier today Sir John told 1News he believed Trump would ultimately take a more moderate approach to tariffs than initially proposed "I'm not a fan of tariff policies I don't think they really work," he said as I think the stock market is telling you at the moment that actually there will be a more sensible landing place for the tariffs that he's wanting to impose." Sir John said he "wasn't entirely surprised" at Trump's call to go ahead with the policy "They're just a negotiating point I think he simply put on widespread and high rates of tariffs on every country to give himself a leverage point and a negotiating point "What I think he actually grossly underestimated was the stock market reaction You can actually make the case that his own strategy hasn't worked The reason the markets have recovered is because he's taken those tariffs off the most part 'I'm going to negotiate case by case'." Sir John suggested Trump's economic policies could still generally be positive for the US but the tariffs could be trickier for the global economy Asked whether he stood by his October comments that Trump would be good for the economy he said: "Do I think he's going to reduce regulatory burden in the United States It depends on where things shake down in terms of tariffs." Sir John acknowledged that for certain industries Trump's policies could be "a really negative thing" particularly if the president's proposed 100% tariff on the film industry were to be implemented "I can't see how it would be cost-competitive to make a movie in New Zealand with a 100% tariff on it," he said noting that films such as The Hobbit would not have been made in New Zealand without government subsidies who now served as a director of US tech company Palo Alto Networks said he had "always been opposed" to Trump's tariff policies but believes they won't be the "dominant part of his economic solutions" "I don't think it's perfect from New Zealand's point of view but I don't think we should panic either and America will still be a very big market for us to sell things to," he said "There are growing markets around the world It's not a great thing from New Zealand's point of view We've got a very sound economy with lots of options in front of us." Sir John suggested a belief that the Republican Trump was was better "on balance" for the US economy than Democratic opponent Kamala Harris he expressed concerns about Trump's tariff approach: "China doesn't pay those tariffs middle-income consumers or consumers in America do because when a tariff goes on a good that you bring into a country He added: "I don't agree with the massive tariffs and I don't think you'll follow through with all of that and I certainly don't agree with this view on trade." Audrey Backeberg disappeared from a small city in south-central Wisconsin after reportedly hitchhiking with her family’s babysitter and catching a bus to Indianapolis Nobody ever knew where she went or what happened to her All that changed last week when she was found alive and safe in another state thanks to the fresh eyes from a deputy who took over the case in February Detective Isaac Hanson discovered an out-of-state arrest record that matched Backeberg which triggered a series of investigative moves that led to finding her alive and safe in another state Turns out Backeberg chose to leave the town of Reedsburg on her own accord – likely due to an abusive husband safe and secure; And just kind of lived under the radar for that long,” he said Hanson was assigned the case in late February and he and other officials met with Backeberg’s family to see if they had a connection with that region They also started digging through Backeberg's sister's Ancestry.com account obituaries and marriage licenses from that region they found an address where a woman was living that Hanson said shared a lot of similarities with Backeberg including date of birth and social security number Hanson was able to get a deputy from that jurisdiction to go to the address "I was expecting the deputy to call me back and say ‘Oh nobody answered the door.’ And I thought it was the deputy calling me I could sense that she obviously had her reasons for leaving.” Most of the information he learned during that call he declined to share saying that it was still important to Backeberg that she not be found “I think it overwhelmed her of course with the emotions that she had having a deputy show up at her house and then kind of call her out and talk with her about what happened and kind of relive 62 years in 45 minutes,” he said Hanson described discovering her safe after more than six decades practically unheard of And while he doesn't know what will happen next in terms of her family reconnecting he said he was happy that she can reach out if she wants to so she has my contact number if she ever wants to reach out or needs anything any phone numbers of family members back here," he said "Ultimately she kind of holds the cards for that.” Shane William Pritchard has been charged with crimes he didn’t commit and chased for debts he doesn’t owe That’s because the Dunedin man is not the only Shane William Pritchard in town While the duo’s shared name and age has sometimes been a handy loophole for one Shane for the other it has caused problems for 36 years It’s been years of fearing every knock on the door Years of wondering if he’ll be hand-cuffed and taken to jail to be honest,” says Shane William Pritchard a scout and a member of the Air Training Corp remembers getting quite a shock when her friend called one evening She'd been acting as a referee for a gun licence for Shane whose friend informed her that the police had a long list of offences against Shane’s name Not long after that the police turned up to where Shane was working at the local tannery to arrest him “You're scrambling in your head to think of ways that you can prove it's not you.” Another Shane William Pritchard had been born in Otago They were separated by just two weeks and about 50 miles – one growing up in Mosgiel the other in Milton – but also by the lives they’d been leading To watch the full video story go to TVNZ+ Shane from Milton had huge problems focusing at school He was raised in foster care and then boys’ homes I just wanted to look cool and get in trouble,” he tells Fair Go Milton Shane was used to run-ins with police he got pulled over in his car and asked about his driving licence one’s got a licence and the other hasn’t.’ And I’m like ‘obviously it must be the one with a licence’.” he went to his bank to draw out an ACC payment and was asked which bank account was his He says that at that point he was trying to figure out what was going on “I thought it was just an error.” But he took advantage of the situation and withdrew a large sum of cash Mosgiel Shane became aware of the withdrawal when a scheduled car payment was declined and when Milton Shane turned up at the bank to withdraw more money Identity fraud was considered but Milton Shane was legitimately expecting an ACC payment so the withdrawal appeared to be a genuine mistake and the police couldn’t take any action 'Anything I could get away with Mosgiel Shane thought the bank incident would have alerted police to the problem But his nemesis had cottoned on to the advantages of having a second identity to use Milton Shane acquired a suite of furniture on hire-purchase Milton-Shane clocked up more driving offences Mosgiel Shane thought about changing his name but realised he’d have to provide his previous name in the process the courts and debt collectors such as Baycorp should be able to distinguish between himself and Milton Shane The police first addressed the issue in the 1990s after Mosgiel Shane went to the media He was given a letter to carry with him should he be apprehended He and his parents felt his situation wasn’t being taken seriously Mosgiel Shane went to the media a second time in the mid-2000s the police gave their word that a record in their system would stop the misidentification from happening again This does appear to have worked as far as police action goes But while Mosgiel Shane was given the same reassurance by the Ministry of Justice he continued to receive demands from the courts for unpaid fines He’d also get stopped and questioned whenever he left the country for work trips or holidays It took a huge toll on Mosgiel Shane’s mental health not realising the constant stress it placed on his life John Pritchard says that at times his son felt his life wasn’t worth living worrying about what he was going to do to himself and that really ate me up.” he and his son were in tears as Shane admitted he was at breaking point He described going for days at a time unable to eat or sleep wondering what might happen next "Am I going to be in a position where they've got me in handcuffs or I've got debt collectors coming to the door?" ...You're spiralling into this black hole." He started taking anti-anxiety medication which helped And events regarding Milton Shane seemed to settle Milton Shane was charged for fishing without a licence in Twizel and failing to comply with fisheries officers But a court registrar incorrectly entered the birth date of Mosgiel Shane in the system both Shanes were being chased to pay the $1530 fine It was Mosgiel Shane who spotted the error and rang the court He also sent a statement from his manager saying he’d not been fishing in Twizel that day The reply he got was to say he’d been given the wrong form and that they wouldn’t accept his proof They just wanted to know how I was going to pay the fine.” The first Milton Shane knew about this was when Fair Go told him Mosgiel Shane had been chased for the fine He was told to pay up or face the consequences feeling he shouldn’t have to pay good money to correct someone else’s mistake But it cost Mosgiel Shane over $5000 in legal fees and took months of back and forth between him “Why should anybody have to pay their own money to right somebody else's wrongs and prove who they are I’m sick and tired of proving who I am all the time.” He wanted the Ministry of Justice to take responsibility and reimburse him for his legal costs saying court staff such as the registrar in this case have immunity if they make mistakes such as the one made here and if I make a mistake and it's affecting my client that it's going to cost them money to rectify a mistake that I've made.” he deserves a million apologies from those guys,” she says Milton Shane told Fair Go he still gets in trouble but wants the other Shane to know he doesn’t use his birth date anymore And he had a message for him: “We’ve got to get it sorted for you so you can have a good life with you and your family because I’m trying to get my life together with my son and my grandson” He offers to meet to see if they can sort it out together but I’m not interested in meeting him,.” says Mosgiel Shane He says he doesn’t hold any grudges and accepts Milton Shane’s apology And he believes the only way for that to happen is for the courts and the Ministry of Justice to give him a guarantee that mix-ups won’t occur in the future Fair Go asked the Ministry of Justice to appear in person to apologise and provide reassurance to Shane of its plans to guard against these mistakes The Ministry declined our request to be on camera saying any comment on an individual case would compromise the independence of the courts as the Ministry operates separately But it did send a written apology directly to Mosgiel Shane It also admitted mistakes can occur in clerical records but said instructions were clear and the importance of getting things right had been emphasised to staff Mosgiel Shane isn’t totally convinced that’s the end of it “All I want is for the Ministry of Justice and the courts to do their job I'd like to live without this hanging over me all the time his criminal check has come back showing a clean slate The government is making it harder to make a claim for pay equity that will cut costs There have been massive pay equity claims in recent years for nurses and resthome workers Workplace Minister Brooke van Velden announced the moves to raise the threshold for proving work has been historically undervalued to support a claim on Tuesday saying changes back in 2020 had created problems "Claims have been able to progress without strong evidence of undervaluation and there have been very broad claims where it is difficult to tell whether differences in pay are due to sex-based discrimination or other factors." Claims were concentrated in the public sector with costs to the Crown of all settlements so far totalling $1.78 billion a year "The changes I am proposing will significantly reduce costs to the Crown," she said "The changes will discontinue current pay equity claims." Van Velden told Midday Report she believes in pay equity but the current thresholds were "a bit too loose" Asked how she ensure women were not hurt by this the minister said "I'm a woman and I support women who work" "I also support removing gender based discriminations from our workforces but what I don't support are muddied laws and unclear laws," she said "So these changes are better for all women who are working where we can genuinely say hand on heart that what they are finding with their claims is genuine gender based discrimination." Van Velden told reporters at Parliament any current claims would be stopped and need to restart under the new threshold to show "genuine" gender discrimination and make sure the comparators were right She gave a figure of 33 current claims that would be stopped as the legislation was put through under urgency "You have librarians who've been comparing themselves to transport engineers We have admin and clerical staff at Health New Zealand comparing themselves to mechanical engineers." Social workers had compared themselves to air traffic controllers "We don't believe we have that setting right." Any comparison would now be between female employees and male employees at the same employer "But you cannot go fishing for discrimination across the New Zealand workforce." All current settled claims would continue but the government was drawing "a line in the sand" "We're not stopping claims." The nurse's union has this year had at least 10 pay equity claims in play The PSA union has said pay equity claims and settlements had resulted in significant improvements in pay and working conditions for many workers The union said the changes would make it "impossible for people in female-dominated professions to be paid fairly" "Women across the country will pay the price for this," PSA national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said "The government's changes today are a dark day for New Zealand women as the government says it will repeal the pay equity law and extinguish 33 existing claims in a constitutional overreach "The PSA is exploring all possible avenues to oppose these unconstitutional amendments and stop this attack on women We will not be deterred in our fight to achieve pay equity for all." "This is a blatant and shameful attack on women," New Zealand Nurses organisation chief executive Paul Goulter said "Women in workforces predominantly performed by female employees have been underpaid and undervalued for generations That is what pay equity claims seek to rectify," he said "This move by the government will widen the pay gap between men and women." The union had at least 10 pay current pay claims across Aged Care These cover many nurses and support workers The E tū union also called the changes an attack on women and a green light to pay them less for work of equal value The government was pulling the rug out from under a 13-year-long fight in aged care "These changes are not about evidence — they are about saving money by keeping women underpaid," national secretary Rachel Mackintosh said in a statement A number of unions have called a snap rally at Parliament at 1pm today in light of the announcement the Council of Trade Unions and representatives of other unions say they will be "protesting the government's attack on women and the destruction of progress on pay equity..." rnz.co.nz Lady Gaga gave a free concert Saturday night in front of 2 million fans who poured onto Copacabana Beach for the biggest show of her career (...) Thank you for making history with me,” Lady Gaga told a screaming crowd kicked off the show at around 22.10pm local time with her 2011 song Bloody Mary Cries of joy rose from the tightly-packed fans who sang and danced shoulder-to-shoulder on the vast stretch of sand Concert organisers said 2.1 million people attended the show switching between an array of dresses including one with the colours of the Brazilian flag Some fans – many of them young – arrived on the beach at the crack of dawn to secure a good spot “Today is the best day of my life,” said Manoela Dobes a 27-year-old designer who was wearing a dress plastered with a photograph from when she met Lady Gaga in the United States in 2019 Madonna also turned Copacabana Beach into a massive dance floor last year The large-scale performances are part of an effort led by City Hall to boost economic activity after Carnival and New Years’ Eve festivities and the upcoming month-long Saint John’s Day celebrations in June “It brings activity to the city during what was previously considered the low season – filling hotels and increasing spending in bars generating jobs and income for the population,” said Osmar Lima the city’s secretary of economic development in a statement released by Rio City Hall’s tourism department last month Rio’s City Hall said in a recent report that around 1.6 million people were expected to attend Lady Gaga's concert and that the show should inject at least 600 million reais (NZ$178.3 million) into Rio’s economy Similar concerts are scheduled to take place every year in May at least until 2028 Lady Gaga arrived in Rio in the early hours of Tuesday The city has been alive with Gaga-mania since as it geared up to welcome the pop star for her first show in the country since 2012 Rio’s metro employees danced to Lady Gaga’s 2008 hit song LoveGame and gave instructions for today in a video A free exhibition celebrating her career sold out While the vast majority of attendees were from Rio the event also attracted Brazilians from across the country and international visitors More than 500,000 tourists poured into the city in the days leading up to the show according to data from the local bus station and Tom Jobim airport Rio’s City Hall said in a statement yesterday made a cross-continent trip from Colombia to Brazil to attend the show “I’ve been a 100% fan of Lady Gaga my whole life,” said Serrano who was wearing a T-shirt featuring Lady Gaga’s outlandish costumes over the years the mega-star represents “total freedom of expression – being who one wants without shame” Rio officials have a history of organising huge concerts on Copacabana Beach Madonna’s show drew an estimated 1.6 million fans last year while 4 million people flooded onto the beach for a 1994 New Year’s Eve show by Rod Stewart in 1994 that was the biggest free rock concert in history sixteen sound towers were spread along the beach Rio state’s security plan included the presence of 3300 military and 1500 police officers Among those present were Lady Gaga admirers who remember their disappointment in 2017 when the artist cancelled a performance scheduled in Rio at the last minute due to health issues “She's the best artist in the world,” the 25-year-old said I love you” in Portuguese rose from the crowd behind him whose real name is Ella Yelich O'Connor which also displayed what appears to be the album cover art — an X-ray of a pelvis "100% written in blood," the website read The new album's announcement came a week after she released her latest single What Was That The song's music video was filmed at a mysterious pop-up event in New York City's Washington Square Park that was initially shut down by police. The event ended up going ahead after all, and fans who stayed got to hear the new song for the first time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lorde (@lorde) It was the first sign of a follow-up to Lorde's previous album Her other albums were 2013's Pure Heroine and 2017's Melodrama she collaborated with British singer Charli XCX on a remix of Girl so confusing — on a re-release of the Grammy award-winning Brat Kim Kardashian thought she was going to be raped and killed when criminals broke into her bedroom in central Paris tied her up and stole more than US$6 million in jewellery 10 people will go on trial in Paris over the robbery abduction and kidnapping of the media personality and the concierge of the residence where she was staying during Paris Fashion Week the night of October 2 Kardashian’s lawyers said she will testify in person at the trial starting Monday and scheduled to run through May 23 "Ms Kardashian is reserving her testimony for the court and jury and does not wish to elaborate further at this time," they said "She has great respect and admiration for the French justice system and has been treated with great respect by the French authorities "She wishes the trial to proceed in an orderly fashion in accordance with French law and with respect for all parties to the case." In interviews and on her family’s reality TV show Kardashian has described being terrified as robbers pointed a gun at her In a 2020 appearance on David Letterman’s Netflix show she tearfully recalled thinking: "This is the time I’m going to get raped Twelve people were originally expected in the defendants’ box and another is seriously ill and can't be tried five of the 10 defendants were present at the scene of the robbery The French press has dubbed them The Granddad Robbers because the main defendants are elderly and have careers as bank robbers with long criminal records Kardashian told investigators she was taken to a bathroom next to her bedroom and placed in the bathtub Her attackers fled on bicycles or on foot and she managed to free herself by removing the tape from her hands and mouth She had also removed the tape from her feet and rushed to her stylist’s room She called her sister Kourtney to tell her about the theft Kardashian told investigators that she had not been injured adding that she wanted to leave France as soon as possible to be reunited with her children According to her testimony and that of the concierge at least one of the suspects had a handgun The gangsters stole many pieces of jewellery estimated to be worth more than US$6 million (NZ$10 million) Only one piece of jewellery — a diamond cross on platinum that was lost during the suspects' escape — has been recovered Two of the accused have partially confessed to the crime is one of two suspected robbers who allegedly entered the apartment his genetic profile was found on the tape used to gag Kardashian who was waiting for him in a parked car at a nearby train station The second robber said he tied up the concierge with cables but did not go up to Kardashian’s apartment said he acted as a lookout in the ground-floor reception area He said he was unarmed and did not personally threaten Kardashian but admitted he shared responsibility for the crime Abbas was arrested in January 2017 and spent 21 months in prison before being released under judicial supervision he co-authored a French-language book titled I Sequestered Kim Kardashian is the second alleged robber suspected of entering the flat although he was filmed by CCTV cameras and numerous telephone contacts with the other co-defendants show his involvement The other defendants are suspected of providing information about Kardashian’s presence in the apartment Others are accused of playing a role in the resale of the jewellery in Antwerp Joe Cocker and Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — in a class that also includes pop star Cyndi Lauper the rock duo the White Stripes and grunge masters Soundgarden the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status and the late singer-songwriter Warren Zevon will get the Musical Influence Award pianist Nicky Hopkins and bassist Carol Kaye will each get the Musical Excellence Award who sang at Woodstock and was best known for his cover of The Beatles’ With a Little Help From My Friends a member of Elvis Costello & The Attractions who argued that Cocker is "about as rock and roll as it gets" Soundgarden — with the late Chris Cornell as singer — get into the Hall on their third nomination They follow two other grunge acts in the Hall — Nirvana and Pearl Jam Bad Company get in having become radio fixtures with such arena-rock staples as Feel Like Makin’ Love Can’t Get Enough and Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy The Ahmet Ertegun Award — given to nonperforming industry professionals who had a major influence on music — will go to Lenny Waronker Some nominees that didn't get in this year included Mariah Carey and subsequent Let’s Twist Again are considered among the most popular songs in the history of rock 'n' roll The 83-year-old has expressed frustration that he hadn't been granted entry before including telling the AP in 2014: "I don’t want to get in there when I’m 85 years old so you better do it quick while I’m still smiling." Lauper rose to fame in the 1980s with hits such as Time After Time and Girls Just Want To Have Fun and went on to win a Tony Award for Kinky Boots have six Grammys and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of hip-hop The White Stripes — made up of Jack White and Meg White — were indie darlings in the early 2000s with such songs as Seven Nation Army Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before they’re eligible for induction The induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this fall Nominees were voted on by more than 1200 artists historians and music industry professionals The selection criteria include "an artist’s impact on other musicians the scope and longevity of their career and body of work as well as their innovation and excellence in style and technique" Dave Matthews Band and singer-guitarist Peter Frampton were inducted It's been an incredibly wet April in Kerikeri. So far this month they have reported 528mm of rain, that's more than they normally see in the first four months of the year. pic.twitter.com/7uC0IY93wB A cleanup is under way at the slip site on State Highway 1 in the Mangamuka Gorge Northland has swung from one extreme to the other after drought conditions in March quickly turned to record-breaking rainfall Kerikeri was doused by 528mm of rain in April surpassing the amount of rainfall the Far North town usually sees in the first four months of the year Whangārei received 402mm of rain that same month more than quadruple the average rainfall of 96mm MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said April had been the wettest month for Whangārei since records began in 1943 and for Kerikeri since records began in 1978 Weather systems from the north were behind the downpours moist air and heavy rain that caused slips and floods throughout Northland Floodwaters caused by heavy rain closed State Highway 1 at Cape Rēinga for five hours on Tuesday afternoon Later that evening, State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge closed after a slip blocked the main route north to Kaitāia The first was during Sunday’s torrential rain NZ Transport Agency Northland and Auckland regional manager for maintenance and operations said minor overslips were expected from time to time because of the gorge’s challenging geology and varying terrain She said they were generally easier to manage than the more complex underslips that were repaired after severe storms closed the gorge in 2022 The road was still closed yesterday afternoon with SH10 an available detour The Mangamuka Gorge was not the only portion of SH1 to suffer from April’s weather Ex-tropical Cyclone Tam caused a slip on the Brynderwyn Hills on Easter Sunday A vehicle was hit by falling debris, leaving the driver shaken but unhurt rural roads appeared to bear the brunt of April’s rains flooded as rivers swelled from three weeks of rain but already people were feeling the strain of the unusually heavy downpours Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board member Roddy Hapati Pihema said the wet weather was particularly stressful for people in rural areas As they can often become cut off from the main towns and family “No roads often means there is no way to see doctors or do shopping Children can’t make it to school or course then there’s the fact that they can’t get to their place of employment.” Pihema said communities were working with Civil Defence to prepare for different weather events Locals with a strong knowledge of their areas and made welfare checks at freedom camping spots He said while residents were a “strong breed” who knew how to sustain themselves more could be done to provide future resilience Pihema believed a lot of stress would be relieved if more funding for capital works was available to seal and lift roads in rural communities Hori-Hoult said NZTA planned to undertake resealing and resurfacing at a large number of sites She said crews would monitor the network for potholes and damage and respond as quickly as possible Pihema praised local government’s efforts to ensure resilience State and NZI Wild Weather Tracker showed more than half of New Zealanders have experienced anxiety over storms and heavy rainfall The research showed Northlanders had lodged the fourth-most claims for natural hazard events nationwide between last September and February Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group spokesman Zachary Woods said many areas in Northland had flood-prone roads and farms He encouraged people to know the risks and have a plan Woods said there were community-led Civil Defence centres and other Civil Defence centres that opened during adverse weather if required *This story has been updated to clarify that Kerikeri’s rainfall records began in 1978 The Hunting & Fishing store in Kerikeri was targeted overnight Police are investigating an overnight burglary at Kerikeri Hunting & Fishing The burglary was reported about 6.30am Owner Byron Smith said the glass storefront was found smashed early today I mean you’ve got however many staff in that store and it’s our workplace which is our second home.” He said the burglary was a sign of the times and felt those responsible were fairly organised They targeted top-end clothing and lighting equipment such as head torches “The precautions we have make it very difficult to try and get into that area.” “When something like this happens it does hit home a bit because a lot of our customers do call this place ‘church’.” “It’s their place to come and enjoy and when their holy ground gets tampered with the store was open for customers through another entrance “If everything goes well I was planning on being out fishing tomorrow,” Smith said A police spokesman said anyone with information could contact 105 using the reference number P061440057 Leaflets have been distributed to properties bordering an almost 30-hectare block of gum trees alerting residents that logging is about to start The mature eucalypts occupy the last significant area of undeveloped residential-zoned land in central Kerikeri The trees are also a major feature of the town's skyline The land was owned by the Bing family for more than 60 years but was sold in 2021 for an undisclosed sum Logging was to have started two years ago but the land transfer was held up by a legal dispute with the purchaser going to court to enforce the sale Land Information New Zealand records show the property was transferred to new owners The Companies Office shows Turnstone is owned by Matakana-based James Mathew Peters Felling of the trees is due to start in mid-October in the area behind Fairy Pools Lane Trees on the council reserve at Fairy Pools along with many other gums and redwoods around Kerikeri were planted in the 1930s when Kerikeri was being developed as a horticultural area Some were planted for timber but many were intended as wind breaks to protect newly planted orchards The Far North District Council has previously granted consent for the so-called Bing Property to be subdivided into five "super lots" Felling of the trees is a permitted activity so does not require consent there has been no blanket protection of trees in urban New Zealand except in areas subject to conservation plans Individual trees can still be protected by being listed on the notable trees register Logging of the property has sparked mixed views in Kerikeri with some saying the gums are a fire hazard and nearing the end of their lives while others lament the loss of the town's distinctive arboreal backdrop and an area of untouched eucalyptus forest next to the town centre No resource consent application has been lodged for the housing development as yet a local liaison for the project said it would be a "fairly intensive" 300-home residential development with green space and preserved wetlands The poisoning of gum trees has shocked Kerikeri residents and forced the Department of Conservation to close a popular track to keep walkers safe The discovery of myrtle rust in Northland is being described as devastating with the potential to damage New Zealand's native trees and economic position My Vaccine Pass requirements have not been set for this event we're coming back this March to celebrate the release of our new album 'FAR FROM SURE' We can't wait to see you all again!---------------Join us at TURNER CENTRE for an unforgettable night of laughter & dancing Opening the night is powerhouse: SHMONE.---------------HOT POTATO BANDHot Potato Band’s larger-than-life brass collective is a breath of fresh air with a focus on setting the bar for energetic and interactive musical performances they continue to explore the sonic possibilities of acoustic instrumentation they have spent the last 10 years independently curating and touring shows across Australia They have reinvented the traditional brass band as a modern day dance machine and visual spectacle to complement their strong sense of pride for their fun-loving and quirky musical nature.PREVIEW: 'Far From Sure':www.hotpotatoband.com/streamMERCHANDISE:www.hotpotatoband.com/store-------------SHMONEShmoné musical inspiration is drawn from the people and places his journey has taken him to and this is largely reflected in his always evolving and captivating performances as well as revolving door of band members.Idan Shoham (aka Shmoné ) is a super talented Saxophonist singer & a loop artist who travels the world to find collaborations with local artists Some thought it was AI and others believed it was an April Fool’s joke Two kiwi birds duking it out in broad daylight the birds are seen running around the garden and kicking and bashing into each other Matthews told 1News that seeing them so often was “fantastic” and that seeing them in fight mode was comical She said seeing kiwi often was not unusual at her home but seeing them during the day was not usual The Department of Conservation (DoC) said in a statement the video was fascinating and gave more insight into the distribution of kiwi We can’t really know specifically why these two kiwis were out during daylight – it could be related to conditions like drought or it could just be that they got distracted by their fight.” DoC added that kiwi are primarily nocturnal and sightings of them fighting during the day are unusual but not unheard of and they may be seen during the day particularly if they have been disturbed or if environmental conditions influence their behaviour DoC has received reports of increased daytime kiwi activity “These reports were during times where kiwi were influenced by several factors including dry conditions affecting food availability disturbance from human activity or individual variation in behaviour.” “Fighting between kiwi is a natural part of their territorial behaviour especially during the breeding season or when kiwi compete for territories or resources such as food Both males and females display this type of behaviour Backyard Kiwi’s Todd Hamilton said kiwi are pretty territorial and the dry conditions are pushing them further out of their territory “The big problem is that they are exposing themselves to standard dangers that might be a danger for them.” He said more kiwi being sighted was a good sign and showed there was a healthy population Save the Kiwi Northland regional co-ordinator Emma Craig said it was typical of them to be fighting as they are tough birds “It’s typical of what is captured in that video they ignored everything around them when they were fighting.” “With Northland experiencing so many dry months they are coming closer to homes in hopes to getting to damper grounds to they can be turning up in unexpected places and that could mean they encounter dogs A 20ha block of gum trees between the Heritage Bypass (left) and the town centre has long formed part of Kerikeri's skyline By Peter de Graaf - RNZ The felling of a large stand of mature gum trees next to Kerikeri’s town centre appears to be on hold after concerns were raised that kiwi could be living in the area Work had been due to start in mid-October to cut down a roughly 24-hectare block of trees known as the Bing Property The trees are mostly 90-year-old eucalypts and redwoods and no permission is required to fell the trees The Department of Conservation has confirmed it has asked the developer to check the property for kiwi before felling starts Bay of Islands operations manager Bronwyn Bauer-Hunt said DoC had contacted the planners with a suggestion they put a kiwi-detecting dog through the property “We have had reports of kiwi being heard in that area Our concern is if they are going to check in case there are taonga species in there.” Bauer-Hunt said it was standard procedure for forestry companies to check an area for kiwi before felling “And we believe that is their responsibility,” she said DoC had no comment on the development itself The department’s concern was about the species that could be living in the area DoC would support the developers with translocating the birds to a safe location RNZ understands a formal letter was sent to the developer on Wednesday requesting a sweep of the area with a kiwi dog The wider Kerikeri area is a stronghold for kiwi holds the record for New Zealand’s highest kiwi call count The Kerikeri suburbs of Rangitane and Opito Bay are known for some of the highest kiwi densities of any residential area in the country though in 2010 a kiwi was spotted running around in the Mill Lane industrial area There were reportedly still a few in the Bing Property in 2008 when the Heritage Bypass was built There have also been anecdotal reports of a solitary kiwi in the DoC reserve on the other side of Kerikeri River Felling of the trees is a permitted activity so does not require council consent A law change in 2012 removed all blanket protection of trees in urban New Zealand It is not known if the Bing Property is home to other endangered species such as native bats work is continuing to plan the housing developments that could replace the gum trees A concept plan prepared last year by the Planning Collective shows a new road through the property running parallel to Kerikeri Rd and linking Homestead Rd with the Heritage Bypass that would create the town centre bypass long called for by councillors and local planning advocates and a “lifestyle village” at the southern end adjoining the town centre with a reception building and a café overlooking Kerikeri River A “green link” would connect the new bypass road to the river The idea is to create a mixed-use precinct connecting the town centre with the river with a variety of retail and commercial premises only shows broad concepts and may have been superseded The entire property is currently zoned residential The planners have applied to the council for an extension to the town centre in the District Plan A plan to redirect housing and commercial growth to the centres of Kerikeri and Waipapa protect the rural environment and increase employment opportunities is now open for feedback The Far North District Council is seeking public submissions on its draft spatial plan – Te Pātukurea – which will shape how these areas grow over the next 30+ years setting the direction for everything from housing choices and infrastructure investment to the protection of the natural environment Roger Ackers says the draft plan has been developed over the past three years together with Hapū Rōpū partners and following extensive engagement with stakeholders and the wider community we received more than 700 pieces of feedback which we have used to develop the draft plan,” said Mr Ackers The draft plan would provide for more than 4,000 new homes Mr Ackers says the Council wants to know whether residents support the plan “I would strongly encourage each and every person who calls Kerikeri and Waipapa home or spends time here to have their say on this plan but that of generations to come,” he said It will then be finalised and presented to councillors for adoption in mid-2025 Te Pātukurea will inform our district-wide spatial plan “This blueprint is not just about Kerikeri and Waipapa— the future district-wide spatial plan will help guide the future growth of other fast-growing towns in the Far North ensuring they also benefit from well-planned development.” The draft spatial plan can be viewed online at www.fndc.govt.nz/spatialplan Submissions are open from 20 March to 22 April 2025 Information and Events for the New Zealand Public Service Contact us: newsdesk@insidegovernment.co.nz One of the eight new Kāinga Ora homes opened recently on Clark Rd with 14 homes planned in stage two of the development Eight new Kāinga Ora homes have opened in Kerikeri to help meet the demand in the Far North where almost 500 households are on the social housing waiting list were opened in a ceremony with local hapū Ngāti Rēhia which gifted the name Te Tira for the two-stage 22-home Clark Rd project Representatives and leaders from Ngāti Rēhia were on site for the formal opening The new homes in stage one of the development were designed and built by Gemscott for Kāinga Ora with stage two Kāinga Ora Northland regional director Jeff Murray said the homes will help meet the demand for housing in the Far North where almost 500 households are registered on the social housing waiting list Murray said in stage one of Te Tira all the two-level homes had two bedrooms making them suitable for couples and small families Homestar is a holistic tool that awards points across various credits to rate a home’s performance and environmental impact There are mandatory minimum requirements focused on keeping the home The four ground-floor homes have enclosed outdoor patio areas while the four upstairs homes have enclosed decks will have 14 new two and three-bedroom homes and is due to be finished in the first half of 2025 The site will include a shared outdoor space and children’s play area A bike shed and carparking will be available for residents with the development a two minute drive or five minute walk from central Kerikeri and within walking distance of childcare and schools Clark Rd is also about five minutes walk from Kerikeri Domain Leaders from the hapū of Ngāti Rēhia conducted a whakawātea (blessing ceremony) to open the new homes Kipa Munro, chairman of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia said housing in Kerikeri is out of reach for many “The name Te Tira reflects the vision of the development To be considered for one of the kāinga at Te Tira whānau must be on the Ministry of Social Development’s Housing Register so I encourage anyone who needs housing support to reach out to MSD to discuss whether they are eligible.” Far North District Mayor/Kahika Moko Tepania “Initial research for our Far North Housing Strategy has shown our region has the worst quality housing in the country and hundreds of families on the Housing Register Te Tira is a welcome step in the right direction to address this and I am stoked for the whānau who will move into these homes which are close to all the amenities of our Kerikeri Town Centre,” Tepania said Murray said the new homes are built to high standard and feedback from locals was positive “Following the blessing we opened the homes and invited the community to come down and take a look for themselves Over 100 Kerikeri locals looked through the homes and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive Gemscott and their contractors are now hard at work on stage two of the development which will deliver an additional 14 homes,” he said Research for the Far North Housing Strategy found that 15.5% of residents live in overcrowded conditions The Far North population is projected to peak at 83,200 in 2049 but already 15.5% of the Far North population were living in overcrowded conditions overcrowding in the Far North was at 27.6% In March last year there were 480 applicants on the Public Housing Register The Far North district has a housing affordability index of 6.6 Developing the strategy is expected to cost $150,000 over a two-year span and $75,000 annually has been proposed in the Long Term Plan 2024-27 Kāinga Ora is spending nearly $150 million on new and revamped state houses in Northland Kerikeri which destroyed Harrison's business When Anthony Harrison tried to explain how linseed oil caused a fire that destroyed his work shed a judge said his story was unworthy of belief and found him guilty of arson The High Court has now ruled Harrison’s explanation was plausible and overturned his conviction a well-known technician in the music scene was charged and pleaded not guilty to two charges of arson The Crown alleged he lit the fire to claim insurance but his lawyers argued he had no reason to burn it down given the business was thriving with gigs fully booked for the season and healthy bank accounts The first two attempts at a jury trial were abandoned after the foreman of the jury quit on the first day and then a fire service witness failed to disclose evidence After lengthy delays with Covid and the sheer volume of evidence a five-week judge-alone trial commenced in Kaikohe District Court in 2022 before Judge John McDonald Judge McDonald found Harrison guilty and sentenced him to 10 months home detention Harrison continued to maintain the fire was not deliberately lit and appealed the conviction In a recently released High Court decision Justice Laura O’Gorman ruled a miscarriage of justice had occurred for multiple reasons CCTV evidence had been produced at trial showing Harrison and his wife walking in and out of the shed moments before the blaze started At 12.47pm smoke was visible wafting under a roller door about the same time Harrison and his wife left in a vehicle to travel to Auckland The Crown submitted this was circumstantial evidence as Harrison was “walking with purpose” “Although I agree that Mr Harrison was walking with purpose I would not describe him as ‘hurriedly leaving’ His pace was in the context of the time pressures of their commitments in Auckland “My assessment is that this factor does not have any evidential value,” she said Three experts gave evidence at trial but only one concluded the fire was deliberately lit Although the two other experts could not conclude the fire was deliberate Justice O’Gorman found that Judge McDonald failed to explain why greater weight was given to the evidence of just one expert over the others The focus of the trial came down to the use of linseed oil which Harrison said was commonly used in the industry to clean equipment It was the defence case that linseed oil can spontaneously combust Harrison gave evidence that on October 22 a bowl of linseed oil was spilt by his toddler He cleaned it up with rags that were then placed in a plastic bag and left in a corner Harrison’s wife gave evidence she observed the spill while three other witnesses told the court they had smelt a putrid smell in the days before the fire and likened it to the smell of linseed oil In Judge McDonald’s decision he concluded the linseed story was “unworthy of belief” and implied the wife had lied to go along with Harrison’s motive to obtain insurance Justice O’Gorman disagreed and said errors had been made in the cross-examination of the wife and the linseed explanation was not implausible “Ms Lim was never given the opportunity to respond to such allegations “I consider this is an error that cannot be explained by the Judge’s written reasons since there was no express finding that Ms Lim had lied and therefore no analysis of why the Judge rejected her evidence on those aspects “My assessment is that these explanations were potentially plausible such that there remained an entirely credible possibility that Mr Harrison and Ms Lim were telling the truth about the linseed oil spill “Had the Judge not dismissed that evidence and taking into account the other factors relied on as circumstantial evidence and signs of erroneous probability reasoning such that miscarriage of justice has occurred.” Harrison’s conviction was quashed and Justice O’Gorman directed that it was not in the interests of justice to order a retrial a person who has had their conviction quashed or set aside by the court can apply for compensation for the time they’ve been detained as a result of that wrongful conviction Harrison had served a nine-month home detention sentence Compensation is at the discretion of the Government and can include payments for each year of detention time spent on restrictive bail and assistance for reintegration into the community Harrison did not wish to comment when contacted by NZME Shannon Pitman is a Whangārei-based reporter for Open Justice covering courts in the Te Tai Tokerau region She is of Ngāpuhi/ Ngāti Pūkenga descent and has worked in digital media for the past five years No one knew he'd fallen after a guard rail gave way while he was loading containers Competition has arrived on Northland's busiest air route with the inaugural Barrier Air flight from Auckland to Kerikeri landing at Bay of Islands Airport just before 7pm on Sunday The first passenger off the plane was Kerikeri man Chris Hoffman who was delighted to be able to choose which airline to fly with for the first time in many years I chose Barrier Air to support a new airline and more competition coming in to Kerikeri I fly with them out of Kaitāia quite regularly so it's great to see them having a new location here in the North," Hoffmann said Another passenger said she'd planned to drive to Kerikeri to visit her best friend but changed her mind when she discovered she could fly with Barrier Air for a third the cost of flying with Air New Zealand After overnighting at Kerikeri the airline's 12-seater Cessna Grand Caravan will make two return trips Monday; departing Kerikeri at 6.45am and 1.45pm Initially Barrier Air will operate 11 return flights a week but could ramp that up if there's enough demand The airline already flies 15,000 passengers a year between Kaitāia and Auckland - a route it took on when Air New Zealand pulled out of the country's northernmost airport in 2015 - but the Kerikeri service is the first time it has gone head-to-head with the national carrier in Northland Also on the inaugural flight to Kerikeri was Barrier Air general manager Karen Pascoe who was "very excited" to be increasing the links between Northland and Auckland "The reason for us coming to Kerikeri was our customers asking us to give it a go It's giving folk choices to get up to Northland on holiday or down to Auckland to see whānau or travel overseas." Pascoe acknowledged taking on Air New Zealand would not be easy "Big brother's always there but we're just listening to the North chief executive Grant Bacon told RNZ it made sense to expand Barrier Air's service to the Far North's biggest town "We figure that to continue our trajectory It's still quite a distance to get to Auckland and there's a need for choice in the Far North market Feedback from the market was that Bay of Islands residents wanted more choice and another option when Air New Zealand flights were cancelled Bacon said if the Kerikeri service went well the airline would consider expanding to Whangārei Northlanders have become frustrated in recent years with Air New Zealand's high cancellation rate 6.5 percent of the national airline's Northland flights The Kerikeri figure was just under 5 percent Air New Zealand said in the first four months of this year its Kerikeri cancellation rate was just 1.7 percent Moves to improve reliability included adding a 68-seater ATR-72 aircraft to the Kerikeri schedule in April this year The last time there was competition on the Auckland-Kerikeri route was in 2008-12 when Paihia company Salt Air operated daily return flights between Bay of Islands and North Shore airports Flight Hauraki and North Shore Air offered similar but short-lived services in 2012 and 2015 and its birthplace on Aotea Great Barrier Island Barrier Air has announced it plans up to four return flights a day between Auckland and Kerikeri The Commerce Commission found the airport would make $200m in excess profits over five years The government has pledged more than $5 million to do urgent maintenance and upgrade work at Kaitāia Airport In both a literal and figurative sense, New Zealand is merely the tip of what happens to be a very large iceberg. The visible landmass of the island country is only the highest part of Zealandia, a mostly submerged continent concealed beneath the Pacific for millions of years Its magnificent terrain rises above the cloud lines and plunges below the ocean's surface for miles lies an extraordinary range of surroundings that capture serenity These are not merely communities for adventure or tourism but some of the most fitting towns for sustained habitation these places provide long-term peace and the purest form of nature without requiring any compromise in accessibility Compared to metropolitan hubs like the capital these smaller towns maintain adequate infrastructure and reliable access to healthcare and community essentials at a much lower housing cost transforms them into practical retirement ventures in 2025 With winsome views of the northernmost part of New Zealand's Bay of Islands Kerikeri allows its residents to experience a subtropical climate that contrasts with the cooler temperatures in the country’s hillier regions The townscape features the Kerikeri River flowing into the Pacific Ocean Kerikeri is home to popular spots like Charlie’s Rock Waterfall and Opito Bay Beach The region features Wharau Road Beach and preserves historic structures such as the over 200-year-old Mission House the oldest surviving building in the country sustaining the much sought-after countryside character Kerikeri Retirement Village offers various living arrangements and continues expanding to accommodate growing demand among older residents The Department of Social Services also aids the senior population The town celebrates its creative tradition through the annual Kerikeri Open Art Studios Trail (KOAST) during Labour Weekend presenting work from local artists and galleries with nearly one in four people aged 65 or older contributing to a median age slightly above 51 the Far North District recorded its lowest crime rate in a decade (according to Infometrics) The heart of Marlborough's wine country, Blenheim, contains one of the largest clusters of vineyards in New Zealand. Long before colonial settlement, Māori communities flourished here for almost a millennium particularly near the riverbanks where food and trade routes thrived many of whom prefer its dryness and relaxed pace Lake Grassmere not only meets a large part of the nation’s salt requirements but also serves as a recreational site Pollard Park provides open green relief while Seymour Square delivers symmetry and detail with its central clock tower Seniors find extra comfort in the Blenheim Golf Club and the nearby tennis and croquet clubs and well-maintained walking routes reinforcing the town’s pedestrian friendliness Wairau Bar Recreation Area opens to the South Pacific and lies at the mouth of the Wairau River while the nearby Wairau Lagoons Walkway adds wetland beauty The Richmond Range and Wither Hills stand guard around the Wairau Valley blocking thunderstorms and helping Blenheim register one of the sunniest climates in the country This consistent weather pattern supports year-round agriculture and explains why so many retirees settle here permanently both the Pollution Index and the Traffic Commute Time Index registered a "very low" rating The Property Price to Income Ratio was also rated "low," while the Healthcare Index received a "high" rating the weather earned an almost perfect score of 97.24 Taupō surrounds New Zealand’s largest lake and invites those who prefer distance from commercial clutter Mount Tauhara’s dormant volcanic form and geothermal undercurrents throughout the basin sustain multiple hot springs where bathing spots remain consistent year-round Walkways run along the Waikato River and through Hipapatua Reserve Tongariro National Park remains conveniently accessible and forms a regular destination Taupō Museum contains many preserved documents and skeletal remains of extinct birds Recreational activities in Taupō do not cease with natural sites known as the Tauhara Course and the Centennial Course These grounds regularly attract elderly residents for recreation and social bonding The climate in Taupō follows a stable oceanic pattern has grown into a major subdivision in Taupō with its full-scale retirement villages proving monumental in raising the local median age above 57 by the 2018 census The town also hosts a Senior Services division under Social Services attending to elderly-focused assistance across its limits A part of the Wellington Region and about 80km (50 miles) from the national capital The land here was purchased from the namesake tribe in the 19th century the population here has increased by nearly 35% Elderly individuals make up 30% of its residents It lies just a short drive away from the exquisite Lake Wairarapa and the lagoons and beaches of Lake Ferry The area is particularly appealing for seniors due to its horticultural richness and fruit-bearing lands with the country’s first tree-planting festival organized here in 1890 the Wairarapa Line runs through Woodside Railway Station linking Greytown to Wellington and other major cities across the North Island For older adults fond of traditional sports like Test cricket and rugby Greytown carries a magnificent legacy dating back over 150 years with enthusiasts often enjoying full-day summer matches The Wairarapa Times-Age has noted that with the lowest crime rate in the Wairarapa the town may go for weeks without a single reported incident with averages between zero and two reported crimes weekly suburban communities include Greytown Orchards Lifestyle Retirement while Ultimate Care Palliser House provides dedicated aged care Tākaka in New Zealand's Tasman District maintains a mild climate and a community-driven lifestyle that appeals to many retirees Cultural and recreational options are plentiful The Golden Bay Museum - Te Waka Huia o Mohua presents exhibits on Abel Tasman's 1642 encounter with Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri Local points of interest include Tākaka Hill Such natural spots reflect New Zealand’s signature character providing outdoor engagement and coastal scenery The nearly century-old Golden Bay theatre now functions as a neighborhood café the township's population includes 23% aged 65 or older and 46.5% aged 30 to 64 The Bank of New Zealand keeps a branch in Tākaka Facilities suited to seniors include the Senior Citizen Hall and Memorial Library which encourage interaction and enrichment The Golden Bay Community Gardens & Sustainable Living Centre encourages cross-generational collaboration emphasizing practical skills and community wellness Part of Greater Tauranga, one of New Zealand’s largest cities Ōmokoroa’s oceanic views over the Bay of Plenty region elevate the spirits of all who pass through The area stretches in a strip-like formation with the towering island of Matakana looming to the east visible across the splendid vistas from Minden’s lookout spots and the Puketoki Reserve Medical provisions remain within easy reach with Tauranga Hospital and Grace Hospital in the city and Omokoroa Medical Centre handling immediate healthcare needs With a median age of 58 (according to the 2018 New Zealand census) the township reflects the lifestyle preferences of its older residents Ōmokoroa Country Estate functions as a retirement village within walking distance from the beach and Cooney Reserve’s bird roosting habitat The national reserve protects species such as the Australasian swamphen while allowing visitors controlled access includes resort-style living arrangements and on-site care uninterrupted retirement along Tauranga Harbour’s lush edge Alexandra stands out as a quintessential retirement destination Bordered on three sides by the Manuherikia and Clutha (Mata-Au) Rivers the town occupies an almost insular terrain The neoclassical Alexandra Bridge is a prominent spot to observe their confluence where the Clyde Dam presents another notable sight Stone fruit orchards also remain integral to Alexandra’s identity incorporating the Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery alongside a botanical garden that transforms during the Blossom Festival when the area becomes a large flowering meadow which is more affordable than neighboring Clyde Clyde's medical facilities include a helipad for emergencies to Dunstan Hospital Alexandra itself hosts the Central Otago Maternity Unit and Centennial Health Preferred aged care facilities in town include Castlewood Nursing Home and Ranui Court Retirement Village both accommodating dependable care with built-in comfort Retirees often select Richmond for its balance between small-town calm and easy access to urban facilities being part of the wider Nelson metropolitan area a neighborhood particularly popular among older adults reported a median age of 56.4 years as of 2018 statistics the NZ Town Directory cites a safety score of 8.4 on a scale of one to ten drastically lower than the national average of 4.86% Richmond maintains proximity to several leisurely landmarks and classic relaxation spots such as Gardens of the World and the bayside overlooks near Waimea Inlet The local greenery and favorable weather conditions contribute to cleaner air reinforcing wellness and making morning and evening walks more inviting for seniors The Richmond Fire Lookout helps monitor potential threats during dry seasons proving crucial for early wildfire prevention including Stillwater Lifecare & Village maintain pleasant atmospheres and well-kept grounds and additional medical institutes in the town’s center for general and urgent care Nelson Hospital in the namesake city remains a short drive away for advanced care when required Pauanui rests beside the Tairua River in such a way that the narrow inlet carves the settlement into what resembles an inland island. Among the oldest holiday locales in the Polynesian country Pauanui now attracts a largely older population Nearly half the residents exceed the median age of 62 around 60% higher than the national median This status comfortably places both the township and the wider Thames-Coromandel District among the most preferred destinations for the aging population The gorgeous settlement's roots stretch back to the 1960s when it became the first New Zealand township designed entirely with families in mind This planning included consciously laid red roads intended to alert oncoming drivers and favour foot traffic The setup naturally assists older inhabitants making their mobility far easier than in conventional suburbs the beaches of Pauanui face the outer edge of the Coromandel Peninsula and the Pacific beyond On the west and north lie riverside reserves The Mount Pauanui ascent begins from the southern side following the Tangiteroria Stream towards its namesake waterfall and the broader Tairua Forest The Lakes Resort Golf and Country Club at the southwestern corner remains a staple in the everyday routine of most longtime inhabitants each one steadily contributing to the settlement's elder appeal Sporting activities hold priority across all age brackets not just among golfing regulars but also those involved in aquatic pursuits like surfing While the permanent population scarcely crosses 1,100 summer inflow can raise the headcount more than tenfold Collingwood rests along Golden Bay / Mohua where a gentle sea breeze moves through the aging township the Tasman District town has eased into dairy farming aligning with the growing presence of older residents nearly 80% of residents are aged 30 or older The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) recorded a median sale price of NZD 587K reflecting moderate demand within a sparse population acts as a regular meeting ground for elderly residents hosting social moments in a familiar setting Bodywork service provider David Wakeling offers Shiatsu therapy nearby filling a niche need within the senior community Farewell Spit stretches in golden sand while Aorere and Tākaka rivers carry echoes of Collingwood’s past the Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park is accessible from the town These natural fixtures continue to partake in everyday life just as citizens maintain long-standing customs Pukekohe lies in a fertile valley between the Bombay Hills and the remnants of ancient volcanoes from the South Auckland Volcanic Field The eruptions between 500,000 and 1.5 million years ago enriched the soil and sculpted the landscape The Tāmaki Māori and various Waiohua tribes had cultivated life across the region with habitation dating back to the 13th or 14th century The Bombay Hills derive their name from the ship Bombay which brought settlers to the area in the 1860s Pukekohe includes broad representation from Māori There are dozens of retirement options in Pukekohe the last overlooking the stream of Whangapouri Creek Though motorsports and mountain biking dominate Pukekohe's public identity its quieter facilities hold greater appeal for the elderly The Auckland Metropolitan Clay Target Club remains a standout with activities ranging from shooting sports to leisure gatherings Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre caters to swimming markedly below the regional Auckland standard Auckland lies nearly 39 miles north of Pukekohe reachable across gorgeous corridors flanking the Pahurehure Inlet effortlessly pulls in everyone from retirees to tourists and young adventurers While the dramatic ridges and volcanic plateaus of the North and South Islands defined cinematic juggernauts like "The Lord of the Rings" and "Avatar," there's equal value in the slower quieter topographical scale its towns preserve As one of the southernmost inhabited regions near the edge of Antarctica New Zealand offers a unique place to arrive and resume the best living The country is also unimaginably broader than being acknowledged as Australia’s cooler cousin or a temperate stand-in for Hawai‘i It exists as its own presence in the South Pacific Ocean with the Māori people forming its culture for centuries before global attention ever arrived not just as visitors but as residents who value space Whether settling in the orchard towns of Alexandra or by the shores of the Bay of Plenty there’s a grounded quality to life awaiting those looking beyond the obvious photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com Kerikeri High School went into lockdown this afternoon Kerikeri High School was forced into an 18-minute lockdown this afternoon after two intruders confronted three students on the school boundary In an email to parents, principal Mike Clent said a “very aggressive” verbal confrontation had occurred which staff were unable to de-escalate and a number of teachers managed to keep the two parties apart “Two steel workshop files were then produced by one person who continued to remain aggressive and non-compliant and at that point I made the decision to put the school in lockdown as a precaution for student and staff safety.” “I appreciate how distressing these situations can be both for those of us at school – students and staff and for parents when the email and app messages go out advising we are in lockdown “I want to commend our students and staff for the outstanding way they quickly and calmly responded to the lockdown announcement.” A police spokesperson said they responded to the incident at around 2pm “Two men had entered the grounds and were behaving in an aggressive manner Police located both men and they were spoken to “The school self-initiated a short precautionary lockdown while police resolved the matter.” said it was not the first time the school had gone into a lockdown but the school had moved quickly to get it right Earlier this year a lockdown ensued over what turned out to be a toy gun “It’s never a good thing to hear a school has gone into lockdown and you always fear the worst “Parents were told almost straight away - I got the message even before a string of messages landed from a frightened child locked in a classroom.” Clent said those who are upset or distressed should let their year-level dean know so that the correct support could be put into place and caregivers for your response – trusting us to have the safety of your children as our priority and allowing us the space to deal with the situation in those difficult and confronting moments.” Clent said the school would be conducting an investigation into the incident as well as reviewing processes He asked for any feedback, concerns or queries to be directed to enquiries@kerikerihigh.ac.nz Earlier this year the school was placed into lockdown after reports a person was seen in the area with a firearm Brodie Stone is an education and general news reporter at the Advocate Brodie has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond Then Prime Minister Helen Clark with Kerikeri Civic Trust chairman Doug Turner outside the new $7.5 million entertainment and event centre in August 2005 The venue is named The Turner Centre in his honour The Far North – and country’s – performing arts community is in mourning at the death of Kerikeri Civic Trust chairman Doug Turner who was the driving force behind the town’s Turner Centre that was opened in 2005 after a huge $7.5 million fundraising effort Turner died on Wednesday night and the Turner Centre staff and trustees have led tributes to him He was a driving force behind the creation of the Turner Centre he transformed Kerikeri from a place where performances happened in a converted passionfruit packhouse to a hub that boasts one of New Zealand’s finest regional arts and events centres In 2005, Doug opened the centre alongside the Honourable Helen Clark, then Prime Minister of New Zealand the centre has hosted over 2000 events from community theatre to kapa haka performances but also in the countless performances and memories we’ve all enjoyed here The centre stands as a testament to his passion for the arts and his dedication to our community I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Doug many times at events at the Turner Centre over the past few years and always enjoyed his eagerness to share a piece of the centre’s history with Gerry and I or an idea he had for a show or performance “Doug stayed connected with us right to the end, attending events like Michael Houstoun at Upsurge Festival this year He often stopped by on Fridays to catch up with Gerry ensuring things were running smoothly and checking on ticket sales for various shows A celebration of Doug Turner’s life will be held at the Turner Centre in December and we appreciate everything he has done for us all The Turner Centre is a multi-purpose community hub conference facility and performing arts centre that serves the Far North region whose vision for the Turner Centre is: “Te Ranga Toi Waka – To be the waka that weaves all of the arts together – for our community.” the Turner Centre has hosted over 2000 events – from kapa haka It is Northland’s premiere performing arts venue with a theatre that seats 408 people and an events space that can host 970 people the Turner Centre offers Northlanders the opportunity to experience locally produced events and programmes and high-quality touring acts It programmes events and activities for all ages who come from all over Northland – from Kaitāia and Hokianga to Whangārei ownership of the Turner Centre’s building was officially transferred to the Far North District Council (FNDC) Acrobats will perform death-defying feats when the Weber Bros Circus visits Kerikeri and Kaitāia in March Far North folk considering running away to join the circus won’t have to go too far, with Weber Bros Circus coming to Kerikeri and Kaitāia before it packs up and heads north in March It will be at Kerikeri Domain from March 6-9 and Kaitāia A&P Showgrounds from March 21-23 This spectacular national tour promises to deliver world-class family entertainment featuring thrilling acts that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats Under the guidance of Harry and Marie Weber audiences can expect to be dazzled by an array of exhilarating performances the jaw-dropping Human Cannonball and the heart-stopping Extreme Globe of Death Having captured the hearts of viewers on Bravo’s hit reality TV series The Circus it will bring a vibrant and dynamic show that combines tradition with innovation This year’s tour will showcase a lineup of awe-inspiring acts ensuring that every performance is unique and unforgettable ‘‘We are thrilled to be bringing the magic of the circus back to our fans across New Zealand,” said Harry Weber “Our team has been working tirelessly to create a show that not only entertains but also inspires and captivates audiences of all ages.” To get tickets, go to iticket.co.nz/go-to/the-circus The Weber family are the proprietors and stars of Weber Bros Circus which began in Germany but has been based in New Zealand since the early 1990s Marie and husband Harry have eight children and the family’s circus legacy goes back several generations The circus promises to captivate audiences with an awe-inspiring animal-free performances featuring some of the best circus performers from around the globe Irish singer-songwriter Susan O’Neill brings her soulful voice and captivating presence to New Zealand for the first time on her debut headline tour With a sound described as “exquisite” (Sunday Times) and “superb” (Clash) Susan has garnered international acclaim through her chart-topping album Now in a Minute and collaborations with Mick Flannery.A festival favorite at WOMAD 2019 Susan returns to New Zealand to showcase her powerful blend of intimacy and audacity honed on stages across Europe and North America alongside artists like Phoebe Bridgers and The Teskey Brothers Don’t miss this chance to experience one of Ireland’s most exciting contemporary artists live The Oakridge Villas Care Home in Kerikeri will become home to new residents in mid-September A newly constructed, multimillion-dollar aged care facility in the Far North will be an “asset to the community” That’s what Health Minister Shane Reti and Northland MP Grant McCallum reckoned when they visited Metlifecare’s Oakridge Villas Care Home in Kerikeri for the first time on Friday two-storey building in Cobham Rd contains 65 luxury care suites 50 of which are a mix of rest home and hospital-level care There is also a range of resident amenity spaces such as a cafe and support spaces such as a commercial kitchen and on-site laundry About 520 jobs have been created throughout the various development phases the care home will employ a team of 46 in permanent and part-time roles New residents can move in from mid-September Reti said the facility was a “good thing for the Far North” “We know across all of New Zealand we have a shortage of residential aged care beds “Anything in the way of beds coming into the area is a good thing “We know the Far North struggles with aged care beds particularly dementia where there are substantially more resources needed I’m particularly pleased to have that offering in Kerikeri and Northland.” The new Kerikeri care home was constructed on the site of the former Kerikeri RSA building which closed in 2019 because of dwindling memberships and rising costs and is next to the Metlifecare Oakridge Villas which consists of 137 two and three-bedroom independent living units and a centralised amenities pavilion Metlifecare chief executive Earl Gasparich said the new facility was “an asset to the community” Each suite in the care home required a deposit of about $300,000 while the “daily care fee” was funded by the Government A “huge amount” of people were interested in the rooms including people in the community and Oakridge residents Oakridge Villas manager Craig White said though there were 65 care suites they could accommodate a maximum of 70 residents because five rooms could be used as doubles The building has been designed to a 6 Greenstar rating to provide a sustainable and healthy environment for residents Throughout the building are “Northland iconic photos and paintings” “It’s all about trying to keep it familiar with the region,” White said residents are allowed visits from pet cats and dogs This year, major risks to the future of New Zealand’s aged care sector were highlighted in a damning report released by Health New Zealand Its analysis found if historic building rates continued there could be a shortage of almost 12,000 aged residential care beds by 2032 Jenny Ling is a news reporter and features writer for the Northern Advocate She has a special interest in covering roading The blaze had to be put out by Fire and Emergency staff Police are investigating after a motorist was robbed of his van and left by the roadside near Kerikeri overnight Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Fouhy of Mid-North CIB said the robbery on State Highway 10, happened about 11pm Two men in an unknown vehicle signalled to the driver One of the unknown men got out and assaulted the driver The alleged victim was left on the roadside The van was found early this morning in Kerikeri but had been set alight Police took what was left of the vehicle for forensic testing “We are working to identify and locate the men believed responsible “If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105 Please use the reference number 241223/3192,” Fouhy said Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 Sarah Curtis is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate She has nearly 20 years experience in journalism She is passionate about covering stories that make a difference Police are carrying out a scene examination following a collision between a vehicle and cyclist A cyclist has been seriously injured in a collision with a vehicle in the Far North The crash happened at the intersection of Waipapa Rd and Matau Pl in Kerikeri at about 7.30am today The cyclist was taken to Whangārei Hospital in a serious condition Police’s Serious Crash Investigation Unit was notified and will carry out a scene examination The Amokura was a training ship for young men A chance discovery of a headstone in a Kerikeri cemetery has highlighted a New Zealand naval “tradition” started more than 115 years ago Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Northland manager Bill Edwards was researching a public talk on cemeteries and cyphers - looking at the hidden language of grave symbolism - when he came across the headstone of William Cruller in the St James Church cemetery Cruller was a Kerikeri local who died onboard the Amokura Cruller’s headstone piqued Edward’s interest and he began to undertake more research into the little-known vessel The ship’s story began in October 1906 when a notice appeared in the New Zealand Gazette advising that HMS Sparrow – a 17-year-old gunboat that had survived several skirmishes in Africa – would be renamed the Amokura A further notice advised she would be a training ship A new era of maritime training was about to begin – one that continues today with the New Zealand Navy’s investment in training young people “The Government bought the Amokura from the Admiralty for £800 and placed it under the New Zealand Marine Department,” Edwards said “A sailing ship was chosen so the teenage boys could experience climbing aloft and reefing sails as well as navigation Cruller died from pneumonia and pericarditis – though the Amokura offered many other ways for young men to meet their demise James Gaby was a maritime cadet who spent 18 months on the Amokura He recalled his experiences in his book Mate in Sail Gaby joined “eight barefoot boys of 15 and 16 clad in oilskins and sou’westers” on the Amokura The teenage trainee told of a hair-raising experience furling a topsail during a Southern Ocean gale Clinging to ropes more than 20m above deck with the Amokura pitching and yawing in a freezing tempest 20 cadets attempted to wrangle the flapping topsail and furl it “What are you boys doing down here,” Gaby quoted the captain as saying “Why did you come down before that sail was furled?” Gaby wrote that the boys protested – to no avail – and were sent up the rigging again to finish the job The discipline taught then was unimaginable today swearing or smoking carried a penalty of at least six lashes on the backside with all hands mustered on deck to witness the punishment Despite conditions that would be considered abuse by today’s standards the Amokura instructors were well regarded by graduates many of whom earned certificates entitling them to sail as officers Most entered the mercantile marine or the Navy 530 boys served on the Amokura between 1907 and 1921 when it was decomissioned Edwards said the headstone was the perfect example of how cemeteries and other historic places can unlock other aspects of history an intriguing aspect of our naval heritage.” James Robinson of Heritage New Zealand planting one of the fruit trees at Edmonds Ruins near Kerikeri An orchard of heritage trees descended from some of the country’s oldest fruit trees are thriving at a historic Bay of Islands site They have been planted at the historic Edmonds Ruins site near the Kerikeri Inlet Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Northland staff recently planted the fruit trees at the historic property Edmonds Ruins incorporates the remains of stonemason John Edmonds’ house which he and his sons built between 1840 and 1858 and the surrounding landscape which made up the original Edmonds farm The site is cared for today by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga The tree stock for the new orchard was sourced from remnant plantings that still exist at Paetae Reserve - the site where the Edmonds family first established themselves in 1837-38 The trees were almost certainly planted by Edmonds The new trees at Edmonds Ruins – which include peach and fig saplings – were propagated from this original stock by Heritage New Zealand staff member Alex Bell as a project during the national Covid-19 lockdown As well as eventually producing a source of fresh fruit the orchard will also be part of a plan to reduce the number of pests in the area according to Edwards Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Northland manager “Because Edmonds Ruins backs on to large areas of bush pests and animals like wild pigs are a problem Local people have also replanted a lot of native trees close by which are also in danger from pests,” he said “Eventually, once the orchard starts producing fruit, this will attract pests and wild animals to the orchard area where they will be humanely trapped and disposed of by the Kerikeri Peninsula Conservation Charitable Trust to help protect the native bush and plantings in the area.” An open day will be held at Edmonds Ruins on the Sunday of Labour Weekend from 11am-4pm on Edmonds Road where people will be able to enjoy guided tours of the ruins while learning more about the work that has been carried out on-site over the past 10 months – including the repair of the front wall by local stonemason Ian McDiamard Parking is available close to the ruins – though no campervans or trucks are permitted due to the narrow entrance to the site. Parking also available on the main road for larger vehicles, an easy 100m walk from the ruins. For more information visit www.visitheritage.co.nz/whats-on/northland-events/edmonds-ruins-open-day held in the main street after the annual half marathon sees thousands enjoy the town’s entertainment extravaganza There’ll be dancing in the streets in Kerikeri as thousands are expected to be in the town on Saturday for the Kerikeri Street Party held after the annual half marathon event The Bay of Islands’ much-loved annual street party is returning to Kerikeri town centre on November 16 delicious food and non-stop entertainment across three zones After the Kerikeri Half Marathon which attracts up to 16,000 runners and walkers the central shopping precinct is closed to traffic and transformed into a vibrant party venue The Barfoot & Thompson Kerikeri Street Party is possibly the biggest street party in New Zealand with over 4000 partygoers annually It brings together locally-based producers and organisers are looking forward to welcoming cafe owners artisan food trucks and beverage-makers back to the event hard iced tea and the new addition of the Black Collar Distillery Cocktail Bar featuring their award-winning spirits There are plenty of food options to choose from with over 20 food stalls plus cafes located within the CBD this has been the go-to event for Kerikeri in the annual calendar,” Hayden Clarke Barfoot & Thompson Kerikeri Branch Manager said “A mix of new and regular visitors to our fantastic town as well as a loyal local following makes this a great night out.” A packed schedule of entertainment is on the menu across three different zones Top local cover bands take to the One NZ Main Stage including the legendary antics of Dogfather and the vibrant rock DJ VanDeBelle brings his popular French house Eurogroove and funk mixes to the outrageously fun Holy Roller DJ Zone The ever-popular Sound Loungers and Thelonious Punk will be hitting the Jazz and Blues Stage plus dancers and roving street entertainment and more great artists to be announced One NZ will also have a zone with games and giveaways “This event is always a hit” event organiser Jackie Sanders, of Jacman Entertainment, said. “We couldn’t continue without the support of our sponsors and the local Kerikeri District Business Association. Lock in a great night out, we guarantee to bring the street alive.” Tickets are $10 for those 14+ if booked in advance from Eventfinda or The Sound Lounge. This includes the booking fee and a koha to local charities to support their community projects. Kids under 14 and seniors are free or by koha, with gate sales $15. An ambulance and rapid response vehicle are on-site. Far NorthAsking price $1,425,0005334.11haDual Living – Your Versatile Lifestyle Starts HereSeize the chance to embrace the best of both worlds on this rare 4-hectare lifestyle estate designed for dual living Whether you’re seeking a multi-generational haven this unique property offers two distinct homes that work harmoniously together amidst a peaceful lifestyle setting The primary residence exudes a welcoming charm with three bedrooms and an open-plan space that unites the living Enjoy relaxed evenings on the covered north-facing front deck and a sizable high-stud shed complete with workshop space this home is both comfortable and practical the second dwelling is a modern retreat with two bedrooms and a bright open-plan layout that spills onto a private front patio equipped with roller blinds perfect for creating your own outdoor sanctuary and ample parking for your campervan or boat it’s a ready-to-rent gem with a rental appraisal of $480-$520 per week Positioned just 8 km from Waipapa shops and 14 km from Kerikeri CBD this property offers the perfect fusion of rural serenity and urban convenience With four fenced paddocks available for your livestock needs or to continue a current grazing arrangement and zoned for renowned Riverview Primary School and Kerikeri High School there’s plenty to explore nearby - from Puketi Forest and Onekura Reserve to scenic walking tracks leading to Lake Manuwai With motivated vendors keen to share this extraordinary opportunity now is your chance to own a flexible property where comfort meets versatility Call us today to learn more and arrange your viewing See this listing on Barfoot & Thompson Get a renovation loan up to $70K and bring your vision to life we can approve your home improvement loan quickly and get your renovation started Northland’s connectivity via air may take a major hit, after Air New Zealand announced cuts to key flights connecting Kerikeri and Whangārei to Auckland and beyond has sparked concerns over the long-term impacts on tourism and connectivity for one of NZ’s most vibrant regions Air NZ announced changes last week, with the Northland routes revealed this week. The changes take effect between February and June 2025 The decision came after regular network reviews Northland changes include the removal of four off-peak flights from Auckland to Kerikeri and four off-peak flights from Kerikeri to Auckland (Monday Four off-peak flights from Auckland to Whangārei will end along with four off-peak flights from Whangārei to Auckland (Monday Saturday and Sunday) for services between March 30 to June 29 For services between February 17 to March 29 said the airline had been responding to the domestic economy for several months The airline had to adapt to the changing market while still meeting service demand our domestic business continues to be impacted by challenging conditions including high operating costs and soft domestic demand particularly across corporate and government customers we’ve made some changes to our services in the areas where we are seeing the most impact from less flying The reductions gave the airline “a small amount of resilience to improve recovery options” for regional flight disruptions The changes will result in 2% fewer seats on the domestic network over a four-month period “We will continue to monitor domestic demand and will review the schedule from July onwards closer to the time.” Northland Inc chief executive Paul Linton said strong air connectivity plays a vital role in supporting the region’s businesses “The reduction in Air NZ services into Kerikeri and Whangārei is disappointing as reliable transport links are essential for ensuring business travellers and visitors can easily access Northland’s experiences “Convenient air travel is a key driver for economic growth and visitor satisfaction the scheduling change impacts air access into the Bay of Islands a key business hub and gateway for regional travel.” Linton said Northland Inc would continue engaging with Air NZ to share concerns regarding the changes and said they remain committed to ensuring Northland stays connected He added that Northland was fortunate to have multiple airline carriers connecting the region to ports across the country Barrier Air said they will continue to provide services to passengers coming to Northland Barrier Air chief executive Grant Bacon said the changes were unfortunate for the region but added that they continue to go from strength to strength as they continue to provide the service for passengers “We have flights to Kaitāia and Kerikeri and we are about to announce that we are going to increase our schedule…we are growing with the market.” “We have had great support from the market It’s inevitable that people are looking for reliable and friendly service to come to Northland.” “Northland gets visitors from all over and it’s important to have services bringing them to the region We have seen customers from Wellington and further down the South Island A lot of people are from Kerikeri and the Bay of Islands It’s good to see people are coming back on regular trips.” Yolisa Tswanya is deputy news director at the Northern Advocate based in Whangārei Kerikeri’s mainstreets are packed with vehicles during the day something a concerned Kerikeri resident warned almost 50 years ago would take way the town’s ‘relaxed and pleasant’ atmosphere You probably couldn’t get a more civilised place in Northland than Kerikeri But 50 years ago, a resident of the town was so upset about the impact of the motor vehicle on the “relaxed and pleasant” atmosphere of Kerikeri that they wrote a document for a vision of Kerikeri for the future to stop it becoming “characterless and uninteresting” This nearly 50-year-old visionary document outlining a far-sighted and innovative concept for the township of Kerikeri has been found among items in the Collections storage facility based in the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Northland office Signed “A Kerikeri resident” and dated July 1974 bemoans the impact of the motor car on the “relaxed and pleasant” atmosphere of Kerikeri and comes up with some intriguing ideas on how to adapt the town for the future “The perfectly typed four-page document was found in the Kemp House collection though very little else is known about it,” Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga’s collections advisor “Some of the issues identified by the unknown author are still likely to resonate with many locals today.” whose importance was grudgingly acknowledged in the document was also the chief culprit according to the writer robbing Kerikeri of its peace and tranquillity “Already the main street of Kerikeri is crowded with cars can be difficult and even dangerous to cross especially for children and the elderly,” it stated “The atmosphere of the town is less relaxed Instead it is increasingly polluted with noise The writer also warned against the evils of “ribbon development” – increased commercial and housing activity hanging off a single main arterial road If the people of Kerikeri did not change their ways uninteresting like myriads of others [...] a place where agreeable social contact after completing business is virtually impossible because it has to compete with the noise and perils of endless herds of motor vehicles.” This dystopian view of Kerikeri in the new millennium – driven by “international problems of fuel and peace” – would result in “the possibility that the heart of Kerikeri may be carried with the new roads to drift away from its present location” “...exclude the motor car from these parts of the city where people would like to do their shopping chat with friends and bring their children in reasonable peace and safety especially in beautiful and restful surroundings.” “The car would still be in the vicinity but the plan would direct it to regions where it can easily be parked but still close enough to the car-free sanctuary to enable people to get there quickly and comfortably on foot.” “What’s intriguing about this document is that it’s very ‘current’ in its outlook identifying cars as being a major contributor to pollution and dysfunction in terms of the workability of towns like Kerikeri,” Maingay said “The author also identifies – quite presciently – fuel costs and global instability as destabilising factors, and even foreshadows the concept of urban centres where cars are excluded in favour of pedestrians There are a couple of things that the author could never have known – or even anticipated “The ‘big box’ retail phenomenon which has gutted so many main streets around the world isn’t mentioned for example the growing use of bicycles as alternatives to cars isn’t mentioned either.” And although attempts to streamline traffic flow through Kerikeri using one-way roads – first trialled by the FNDC in 2006 – doesn’t appear to have created the peaceful utopia envisaged by the writer half a century ago beautification initiatives like tree planting have helped create an environment that goes some way towards creating beautiful and restful surroundings The last word belongs to the anonymous writer who took time to record their thoughts five decades ago: “There is no doubt that Kerikeri is quite capable of making itself a unique and remarkably civilised place Far North District Council is inviting residents to shape the future of the district’s fastest-growing towns – Kerikeri and Waipapa – through Te Pātukurea – the Kerikeri-Waipapa Spatial Plan The Council says Te Pātukurea will be a long-term 30-plus years blueprint for the development of these towns and services evolve to meet the needs of the community The plan will set the direction for everything from housing choices and transport networks to how the natural environment is protected the focus is on identifying the best location for the additional housing and business zoned land needed as these communities grow over the next 30 years it will inform future versions of the Far North District Plan Te Patukurea will be used to inform the proposed district plan hearings currently underway “We want the people of Kerikeri and Waipapa to help choose the best growth scenario for their towns,” says Council’s Group Manager – Planning and Policy it’s important that future growth reflects the needs and aspirations of the community.” Six possible growth scenarios have been developed each presenting a different vision for the future Options range from maintaining the status quo to more ambitious plans that reshape the towns with increased housing Residents are encouraged to explore detailed maps and descriptions of the scenarios on the council’s website Feedback can be submitted through an online survey the community will help shape a sustainable and thriving future for Kerikeri and Waipapa Submissions are open until Friday 29 November 2024 Several pop-up events will be held throughout November giving residents the chance to ask councillors and council planning staff questions and provide input in person For more information and to view the growth scenarios, visit the Far North District Council website or contact the Growth Planning and Placemaking team on 0800 920 029 or email kwsp@fndc.govt.nz Recently completed work to the Kerikeri Cemetery in Wiroa Road includes the addition of 52 new ash burial plots which provide a dedicated space for those seeking cremation burial options The Far North District Council has completed expansion work at the Kerikeri Cemetery, adding 52 new ash burial plots and 164 new burial plots. Kerikeri’s population has been steadily growing for years and since the 2023 census has seen a jump of almost 300 people. The current estimated number of people in the Far North’s largest town is now 8360. More information about council-run cemeteries can be found here Kerikeri’s free Christmas Variety Show is on Friday at 6pm at the Kerikeri Domain Lights on the 8-metre Christmas tree will be switched on at 8.45pm The Northland Stingrays Inline Hockey club is offering free beginner skating lessons on Friday afternoons Bring your own skates or borrow from the club Please note Sunday public skate session has finished for this year New Zealanders made a record 1003 complaints to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner in the last financial year The Office of the Privacy Commissioner says complaints were most likely because of poor practices According to a Buy NZ Made survey of its small business members 59% are still dealing with rising costs and 42% are concerned about cash flow Just over half are optimistic about the Christmas trading period and a third say staying afloat will be their priority in 2025 All those wanting to learn about preserving and managing Māori-owned land are reminded to attend Ōtiria Marae in Moerewa on December 16 for the second in a series of hui aimed at providing information on whenua Māori in the Far North The Ōtiria Marae hui will build on the success of the first whenua Māori information session held at Panguru last month Far North District Council staff will also be available for one-on-one discussions to answer specific questions at the hui Residents are encouraged to head straight inside the marae upon arrival in time for a pōwhiri to be held at 10am sharp The sight of a crop never grown before in New Zealand has been puzzling residents north of Kerikeri The conversion of former dairy paddocks alongside State Highway 10 at Kapiro has sparked much conjecture in recent months about what the plants are It turns out there's a good reason even seasoned horticulturalists don't recognise the young trees - hwangchil The trees are being grown on a farm bought by Kerikeri resident Ilchi Lee His business interests in the Bay of Islands are centred on tourism - he is developing an "eco village" on the edge of Puketi Forest and he owns a motel and a holiday resort - but he also has an education centre and a hobby farm catering to his international visitors The hwangchil orchard is his first attempt at creating a new industry in Northland is a shrub native to the Korean peninsula used in traditional medicine Lee already uses hwangchil grown in Korea to make skincare products with claimed anti-ageing effects is to use New Zealand-grown hwangchil in a range of food products said so far 25,000 trees had been planted on 7ha It had taken three years to work out how to get biosecurity clearance to import the seeds The trees had been raised in pots before being planted in paddocks and were now about two years old Hwang said growing the trees in New Zealand conditions was a case of trial and error "We are still learning about how they grow here We are always experimenting and learning," she said Kikuyu was proving to be one of their biggest challenges especially given their reluctance to use chemical sprays In Korea the young trees were planted directly into pasture but Korean growers did not have to reckon with Northland's vigorous she said the trees themselves did not need much care "They like well-draining soil but they're not too fussy so they could be planted on marginal farmland as an extra source of income." Ilchi Lee said the trees grew slowly in Korea where they were confined to the warmer south coast which was not entirely surprising - kiwifruit originally came from Asia and only became a major commercial crop when grown in New Zealand the space and the growth rate to make a hwangchil industry work though there were also new challenges to overcome All parts of the plant could be used but mostly the leaves were harvested Lee said there was already demand for hwangchil products in Korea He planned to keep expanding the area planted in hwangchil and create a "healing park" on the 119ha former dairy farm Lee said he had applied to NZTA for permission to hold events on the property For 16 years Hugh and Linda Findlay have been selling their cherries from a shed near Napier Agriculture classes at school sometimes get a bad rap based on a borrower’s individual credit assessment.Canstar's Most Awarded Personal LoanGet a renovation loan up to $70K and bring your vision to life Barrier Air general manager Karen Pascoe (left) was excited about the first flight departing from Kerikeri to Auckland Northland passengers on Barrier Air’s first flight departing from Kerikeri to Auckland were excited about the prospect of having more airline options to choose from Barrier Air recently began flights linking Kerikeri with Auckland with the inaugural flight arriving at Bay of Islands Airport in Kerikeri on August 4 around 6.40pm The aircraft overnighted in Kerikeri before flying back to Auckland on August 5 at 6.40am said she was travelling to Auckland for her work as a beauty therapist she said it was a convenient and reasonable airline which allowed people more choice “It’s easier when you’ve got work stuff on,” she said said he was travelling to Auckland to pick up a car “I was going to book with Air New Zealand and my wife found this flight,” he said “I will do it again and probably bring my son.” Barrier Air will operate 22 trips each week between Kerikeri and Auckland opening up competition and opportunities for Northland residents and visitors Barrier Air chief executive Grant Bacon said it was “an exciting thing for air travellers” A couple of days before the inaugural flight “We seem to be selling more and more seats every day “It’s quite a compelling option to fly as opposed to driving “The flight time is relatively short from Kerikeri.” Bacon said the feedback from the market was that Bay of Islands residents wanted more choice, fair prices, and another option when Air New Zealand flights have been cancelled Kerikeri to Auckland fares start from $69 one way and voucher options are also available The airline is best known in Northland for flying between Kaitāia and Auckland after Air NZ stopped its northernmost service in 2015 It flies almost 15,000 passengers a year between Kaitāia and Auckland and recently added extra flights on Friday and Sunday nights to allow for a weekend getaway “The reality is our Kaitāia service turned into a very strong route and we have a lot of incentives we offer passengers to fly with us and avoid the Northland roads and we want to do the same for Kerikeri,” Bacon said “The feedback we get from customers in Kaitāia is they are trying to avoid the roads.” the airline would consider expanding to Whangārei in the next 18 months to two years Air NZ regional affairs manager Jason Dawson said the national carrier welcomed competition and already competes daily on a number of domestic routes this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read Little Ones founders Amanda Snedden and Nicky Barker have pioneered a sleep app for babies a company that pioneered sleep help and nutrition for babies has introduced a baby sleep app called the Sleep-o-Rhythm The Little Ones founders say their app isn’t only another option but rather a guide to help baby sleep soundly night after night The company has a community of over 500,000 families Australian personal trainer and mother Kayla Itsines used the app and endorsed it on her website That’s considerable given there are other baby sleep apps and websites available such as Huckleberry tired parents can get stuck in a loop of googling methods and trying various tips and tricks before giving up completely There is much information available that often gives conflicting messages The company’s signature sleep app offers scientifically backed adaptable schedules and real-time sleep tracking that evolves as babies grow Sleep-o-Rhythm is available to all app users with an innovative feature that customises daily schedules automatically based on real-time data that guides parents even when the day doesn’t go as planned The functionality of the app ensures babies stay on track and maximises the chance for restorative sleep “Our journey started with a personal need to find sustainable sleep solutions and we’ve been committed to helping families worldwide ever since,” Barker said the women lead a team of certified sleep consultants and provide round-the-clock support to parents It means parents don’t have to rely on fragmented advice or temporary solutions A not-for-profit dance group in Kerikeri is celebrating Christmas with The 60 or so regular members of the Kerikeri Social Dance Group will get together with five-piece Auckland band Steeplechase and expect up to 100 people to attend The troupe started in May 2022 and has grown steadily The group ranges in age from 20-year-olds to those in their 70s Classes are held every Tuesday at Kingston House in Hone Heke Rd As a group, they travel to dances in Russell, Whangār ei Hokianga and Auckland and at various other events such as Cruz‘n the Bayz The group has some experienced dancers and principal organiser Bob Turner said everyone steps up to help the beginners If you want to join the group or are keen to learn a bit of dancing or if you want to attend the Christmas dance party on Saturday from 7pm-11pm contact Bob 0220 200 497 The children of Russell School recently learned about the activities of Predator Free Russell and took the time to write letters of thanks and acknowledgment The organisation’s Fletcher Sunde said they were “touched” to receive so many letters and drawings “They loved seeing the traps in action and discovering rats just don’t roam the ground and learning these fun facts has sparked their curiosity and a passion for conservation “These letters are a reminder that we are not only protecting Russell’s biodiversity today Predator Free Russell activated a network of traps and bait stations in what is known as the Korarāreka expansion zone It’s a 118-hectare area that stretches from Wellington St in the north to the transfer station in the south and bordered by the sea from Tahapuke to Long Beach When food supplies such as compost bins are present This activation is done during spring when rats are typically on the move and the strategy is to intercept them on their journey In the first two weeks of the Kororāreka knockdown phase bringing the total caught in the Kororāreka zone including those caught in the buffer lines to Tapeka No possums or mustelids have been caught except for a few possums caught this year in the Matauwhi Bay Reserve Predator Free Russell is now pushing the servicing of traps from seven days to 14 days in some areas The Russell School children’s letters can be viewed on: Predator Free NZ Trust Predator Free 2050 Limited Northland Regional Council Vinnie from Taupō walking for Project Island Song It’s hard enough to raise money locally in the Bay of Islands but Vinne Klein is determined to fundraise for Project Island Song and she’s doing it in Taupo She is running or walking 12km a day for 12 days (the 12 days of Christmas) “There are 144 islands in the Bay of Islands seven of which are pest-free thanks to Project Island Song,” Klein said the project has eliminated pests from those seven islands reintroduced eight vulnerable native species and engaged thousands of tamariki with the unique natural environment Klein is legally blind and doing the walk-and-run effort with her guide dog “I will see how she goes and if she doesn’t do the whole 12km a day I will finish off the distance on the treadmill.” Vinnie and husband Andrew are regular visitors to the Bay She decided to raise funds for Project Island Song because she was impressed with what it was doing “Since I couldn’t do anything up there in Russell I am doing it down here in Taupō and I’m involving friends and family but I think it will pick up when I get going on the walks,” she said She is using mainly Facebook to publicise her efforts and she will also “drag a few friends along” Her undertaking starts on December 1 and will end on December 12 Visitors are encouraged to help identify people in the photographs.