Social media is fast becoming the preferred way to follow Far North District Council, with the organisation seeing a 32 per cent growth in followers over the past year – the third highest increase among New Zealand councils.

Russell Tennis Club officially opened its new clubrooms on Saturday (3 October), marking the end of a four-year journey to deliver improved facilities for the local community.

Hihi residents and visitors should expect travel delays while repairs are carried out on the Hihi Road bridge, which provides the only road access to the community. Work will begin on Monday 12 October.

A section of Duncan Road in Kaitāia will be closed to traffic for one day on Thursday 8 October while contractors install a new culvert as part of slip repairs between Metcalfe Road and Kupuokai Road.

The dog registration year is off to a great start, with caring owners registering more than 7000 of their canine companions in the first three months.

Motorists on Ngawha Springs Road are being urged to drive with caution as work on stage two of the Ngawha Power Station extension gets underway today (5 October).