The New Zealand Government has committed up to $60 million to Golden Bay Cement to ensure the continued operation of its Portland plant in Northland until at least 2040. According to Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis, the funding provides a domestic supply safeguard for 60% of the country’s cement, preventing a shift to an import-only … Read more
Alice Bayley and Sione Teu took over the Four Square store in Ōtaika in September 2024, aiming to revitalize the business and engage the local community. Since their arrival, the pair has expanded the staff from five to more than a dozen employees and introduced new community-focused initiatives, including hot meal services and school attendance … Read more
Juken New Zealand Ltd (JNL) has launched a formal consultation process to close its Northland Mill in Kaitāia after failing to secure a buyer for the facility. The move puts approximately 60 jobs at risk as the company cites unsustainable market conditions, including high operational costs and weakening demand for timber products. Why is the … Read more
JNL has proposed closing its Northland Mill, citing a combination of falling market demand, rising operational costs, and insufficient work to maintain sustainable output. The potential closure threatens approximately 60 jobs, with a consultation period scheduled to begin July 8 and a final decision expected by July 16. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has linked the … Read more
A worker was hospitalized in critical condition on Thursday after suffering a medical event at the bottom of a 20-metre-deep fuel storage tank at the former Marsden Point oil refinery. Emergency crews, including a rescue helicopter and fire brigades, responded to the site—now operated by Channel Infrastructure—at approximately 3.30pm. WorkSafe has confirmed it will not … Read more
WHANGAREI — A significant milestone in regional social housing has been reached with the completion of the Kauika Road development in the Avenues. The $75 million project, which represents the largest social housing development to date in the region, has officially opened, providing 95 new apartments and standalone homes for residents in need. The project … Read more
The community of the Far North is in mourning following the death of Tārati Buckley, a 76-year-old former school principal described as a “treasured taonga of Hokianga” and a dedicated champion of te reo Māori. Known to many as Dorothy or Nanny Dot, Mrs. Buckley died during King’s Birthday Weekend. Far North deputy mayor Chicky … Read more
Community Mourns as Homicide Investigation Progresses in Northland Police have formally identified the victim of a homicide in Northland earlier this week as 76-year-old Tārati (Dorothy) Buckley of Ōpononi. Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston of the Northland CIB confirmed that post-mortem and formal identification procedures have concluded, marking a somber milestone in an investigation that began … Read more
The Rising Tide of Maritime Crime: Protecting Your Floating Sanctuary For the Ross family in Northland, their houseboat was more than just a vessel; it was a generational gathering spot, a place to reconnect with whānau and live off the fruits of the sea. But that sanctuary was shattered when thieves stripped the boat of … Read more
New Zealand is bracing for a significant weather event as a slow-moving, humid trough prepares to sweep across the country, bringing prolonged heavy rain to the North and South Islands. MetService has expanded its alert network, issuing fresh orange heavy rain warnings for Northland and Taranaki Maunga, while placing several regions under new watches. The … Read more