It was a milestone day for six new cadets last week (21 September), as Far North District Council Chambers rang with waiata to mark the start of a potentially life-changing 10-month work programme.

Collaboration, innovative thinking and a willingness to challenge conventional approaches to wastewater treatment at Ahipara has earned the 2026 Ronald Hicks Memorial Award from Water New Zealand.

Kaikohe road users are advised of a temporary detour that will be in place from Monday 28 September while council contractor United Civil reinstates the large concrete raised pedestrian crossing on Recreation Street.

Work at Hokianga Harbour will begin today (Monday 28 September) with all in-water and heavy vehicle works scheduled at night outside ferry operating hours.

Repeated faults at the Blue Dolphin sewage pump station are prompting a reminder for people connected to the Ōpononi wastewater network to flush only three Ps - pee, poo and toilet paper.

Community groups planning Christmas parades and festive events across the Far North are being encouraged to start planning early, with road safety, venue bookings, funding and other approvals all potentially needing to be arranged well in advance of the big day.