News stories

Preliminary works for the Kaitāia Airport runway upgrade started this week, with council contractor, Downer, preparing for a full reseal scheduled later this month. Local contractors will be used wherever possible, and this was a key consideration during the procurement process.

**UPDATE as of 3.30pm Sunday 12 April**

Cyclone Vaianu is now moving away from Northland. The MetService heavy rain warning for our region has been lifted, and the wind warning also expired at 3pm today.

Whangārei, Kaipara and Far North district councils have reaffirmed their shared commitment to establishing a Northland-wide council-controlled organisation (CCO) to deliver drinking water and wastewater services for the region from July 2027.

Councillor Hilda Halkyard-Harawira gives a progress update on the upgrade to Kaitāia Airport after an agreement with the council confirmed a 35-year lease to local hapū of the airport site.

Far North District Council (FNDC) is continuing to lead the charge for climate action across Te Tai Tokerau, taking over the administrative role for the Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee from Northland Regional Council.

**UPDATE as of 11am Wednesday 8 April**

All but one of eight Far North District roads impacted by yesterday’s severe rain have now reopened, with Waikare Road due to reopen to traffic later this morning.

Water restrictions for the Ōpononi-Ōmāpere and Ōmanaia-Rāwene communities have today (Tuesday 7 April) reduced to Level 1, marking the end of all remaining restrictions across the Far North.

Plans to introduce new variable speed limits around Far North schools are on track, with changes to be implemented at an additional 32 schools this year.

Manaaki Recovery Hubs are being set up across the Far North to provide multi-agency support directly to communities and whānau affected by the recent severe weather.