Stories by Lois Williams
News
Ngāpuhi negotiations falter as board members resign
Four Ngāpuhi trustees have resigned from the board tasked with negotiating the iwi's treaty settlement, effectively ending hopes of unity under its mandate.
Crunch time for crucial Ngāpuhi mandate
It's decision time for the Ngāpuhi mandate today, with opposing factions in the long-running dispute set for a show down.
Legal action 'possible' over Ngāpuhi negotiations
Court action is possible if the Ministry of Treaty Negotiations transfers a mandate to negotiate on behalf of Ngāpuhi, an iwi leader says.
Tūhoronuku mandate row reaches crisis point
The row over Ngāpuhi's problematic Tūhoronuku mandate has reached crisis point, with some hapū leaders imploring the Minister for Treaty Negotiations to scrap it.
Northland rates rebels win partial victory
The rebel ratepayers of Mangawhai in Northland have won a partial victory in their fight over certain rates, imposed for a wastewater scheme. Audio
Mayoral candidate says Whangarei needs his business experience
Whangarei's mayor Sheryl Mai is rejecting a claim by David Blackley that Whangarei is missing out on growth because the council lacks business experience. Audio
Tuhoronuku rebellion threatens Ngapuhi Treaty negotiations
The group holding the mandate to negotiate the massive Ngapuhi Treaty settlement is on the verge of losing it.
'Sonny Tau should move on' - Treaty Negotiations Minister
It's time for Ngāpuhi leader Sonny Tau to bow out, the Treaty Negotiations Minister says, and let younger talent take the helm of the tribe's affairs.
Far North criminals becoming brazen, says local
Far North criminals are getting bolder by the day because they know there's little risk of being caught, a Kaitaia farmer and retailer says.
'We don't raise people who are that thick'
Locals in the picturesque Northland town of Mangonui are upset at the Far North District Council's $200,000 plan to put a safety rail on their waterfront boardwalk. Audio
Northland power price hike an economic 'disaster' - mayors
Northland councils are warning that new transmission prices planned by the Electricity Authority would be a deadly blow to the region's economic development.
Swamp kauri exports are 'fossils', court told
A Far North conservation group has argued in court that swamp kauri is a fossil and cannot legally be exported.
MPI had kauri export concerns, say conservationists
Ministry for Primary Industries staff were concerned about the legality of some swamp kauri exports and considered asking for legal clarification.
Northland DHB to continue to fund pepi pods
Wahakura, or pepi pods, for young babies will continue to be funded in Northland, despite Ministry of Health uncertainty over their effectiveness. Video
Northland rugby sideline abuse 'gone way too far'
Sideline abuse is making rugby referees quit - and jeopardising the future of the senior game in Northland.
New residents putting pressure on Northland
Record migration levels are pushing up rents and putting the squeeze on housing in Whangarei.
Kauri disease found in ancient forest
A Far North community that helped save an ancient forest from pests now has a new enemy to contend with - kauri dieback.
Kauri dieback treatment 'shows promise'
Scientists working on ways to fight kauri dieback say field trials using a common horticultural chemical are showing promising results.
Thousands march in support of jogging victim
At least 2000 people gathered at Hatea Loop in Whangarei this evening to show solidarity after a woman was abducted and assaulted on Friday.
Speeding drivers, bad roads blamed for truck crashes
Three log truck crashes in the space of a week is causing alarm in the Northland community and the road freight industry. Audio
Sympathy for mauled dog shrinks vet bill
Offers of help are pouring in for a 92-year-old Northland man and his small dog, injured in a dog attack.
Kiwirail to front over Northland rail future
Organisers are expecting a big turnout tonight for a public meeting on the future of rail in Northland.
Tensions smoulder over Mangawhai fire chief
The Northland town of Mangawhai has its old volunteer fire brigade back after the departure of its controversial former chief, Mike McEnaney, but tension remains. Audio
Te Kotahitanga 'overjoyed' at Crown offer
Ngāpuhi hapū fighting for the right to settle their own treaty claims have taken a step towards talks with the Crown. Audio
Ngāpuhi request clarify on sovereignty
Māori claimants from the North have asked the Waitangi Tribunal to spell out its position on sovereignty - and who holds it now.