Stories by Peter de Graaf
News
Northlanders warned storm will be wilder than any in many months
A forecaster says last week's drought-breaking rain, though heavy, was delivered by a "common or garden" front.
Amputee begs thieves to return his foot
Someone has stolen Russel Blank's foot and he is, to put it mildly, "a bit pissed off about it".
'Gamechanger': Mental health and addiction facility opens in Whangārei
Services scattered Whangārei are combining under one roof called Manaia House.
'It's just scary': Couple want government buyout for home
Despite the "intolerable risk" to life, their Pupuke Valley home isn't eligible. Audio
Convicted sex offender pleads guilty to new charges
Former Northland teacher James Robertson Parker was convicted in 2013 of 74 charges.
'Safety is at risk': Warning as meth and crime crisis in Northland worsens
A drugs and social crisis afflicting Northland is deepening, a Northland iwi leader warns.
Northland water pipeline projects to receive $40 million in government loans
The funds come from the Coalition government's Regional Infrastructure Fund.
Far North firefighters save home surrounded by wildfire
The blaze was in steep terrain off Mangakahia Road, about 30 kilometres south of Kaikohe.
In pictures: Thousands celebrate kapa haka, kai, connection at Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine Festival
The biennial Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine Festival, held at Ōtiria Marae, near Moerewa, is described as "a celebration of all things Ngāti Hine".
Thousands celebrate Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine Festival
More than 5000 people are expected to descend on Northland's Ōtiria Marae as one of the region's biggest iwi celebrates its culture, kai and unique dialect.
Governor-General tour rolls through Whangārei
The Governor-General Cindy Kiro is on her first official tour of her home region, Northland - including visiting arts and community centres, marae, and taking her turn paddling on a waka.
Convicted sex offender denied parole a fourth time
The reasons for further delaying the release of former deputy principal James Parker have been suppressed.
Road workers abused, one threatened with gun
One in four road workers is verbally abused by motorists on a daily basis, and one in three says it is taking a toll on their mental health, a survey by NZTA Waka Kotahi has found
Judge rejects council's bid to halt fluoridation
Whangārei District Council has lost its bid for an injunction that would have allowed it to stop adding fluoride to the city's water supply.
'You're going to be blocked': Matariki post unleashes abuse
A mayor says his council is taking a tough stance after a social media message drew a barrage of vitriol and racist comments.
DOC calls out dog owners after spate of kiwi killings
Four of the strictly protected birds died in just three days
Fluoridation starts in Whangārei amid legal battle
It comes after the High Court reserved its decision on a the first of the council's legal challenges against Health Ministry orders.
Whangārei council bows to govt directive to add fluoride to water
But councillors also voted to stop fluoridation immediately if a legal challenge goes their way tomorrow.
Fluoridation stand-off: Councillors to meet today
Whangārei councillors are meeting later today to discuss their fluoridation stand-off with the Health Ministry.
Nine kiwi killed in the Bay of Islands
RNZ understands complaints have been lodged with the Far North District Council about roaming dogs in the Wharengaere Bay area since mid-2024.
Council locked in a battle of wills with Ministry of Health over fluoridation
Whangārei councillors will be asked to revoke an earlier decision not to fluoridate the city's water supply.
Essential water use only as Northland drought conditions worsen
Under level 4 restrictions introduced this week in Dargaville, town supply water may be used only for drinking, cooking, washing clothes and showering.
'Magnificent taonga': Joy as endangered turtles return to wild
The release also marked the start of New Zealand's biggest turtle-tracking study to date.
Residents furious over speed limit change
A small community is "angry and frustrated" it's been forced to once again fight a battle it thought it had already won.
Northland's Snapper Bonanza: Surfcasting competition winner pockets $30,000
A total of 1200 anglers from every corner of the motu took part in this year's Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza.