State of the Far North 2026 presentation now available to watch online

The full recording of Far North District Council’s second State of the Far North Address – Te Taumata o Te Hiku o te Ika is now available to watch online, following last week’s event at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri.

Held on Thursday 26 February 2026, the address brought together community, business, iwi, hapū and government representatives to hear directly from Kahika|Mayor Moko Tepania and elected members about the district’s progress, priorities and the roadmap ahead.

With this year’s theme, Shifting Gears – The Road Ahead, the presentation reflected on the significant work completed over the past year and outlined how the council is moving from reactive responses to more proactive, long-term planning across roading, water, growth, waste management, housing and financial sustainability.

The event included video updates on major projects such as the Kaitāia water supply, the start of construction of Te Āta Haere – the Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub, and regional water reform work, alongside discussion about rates, development contributions, illegal dumping, animal management and legislative change.

Far North District Council Group Manager – Community & Engagement, Ruben Garcia, said making the full presentation available online ensures all Far Northerners can access the information, whether they attended in person or not.

“The State of the Far North is about transparency and connection,” Garcia said.

“We want our communities to see not just what council is delivering, but why certain decisions are made and how it all fits together. Making the full address available online means anyone can watch it in their own time, revisit key sections, and share it with whānau, colleagues and community networks.”

He said the event continues to set a benchmark nationally for how councils engage directly with their communities in a comprehensive, accessible format.

“This is about lifting the curtain on council operations, the successes, the challenges, and the trade-offs. When people understand the full picture, it builds trust and enables better conversations about the future of our district.”

The full 2026 State of the Far North Address is now available to watch on the council’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.

Residents are also encouraged to provide feedback via the council’s short post-event survey to help shape future events and priorities.