News stories

Homeowners can now build a granny flat on their property without a building consent if specific conditions are met. A new building consent exemption aims to remove barriers to building small dwellings while ensuring the homes are safe, durable, and compliant.

See how the 180th year commemoration of one of Northland's most famous battles was remembered by iwi and manuhiri.

Are you interested in taking a leadership role in local decision making? Far North District Council is inviting expressions of interest from experienced leaders to serve as chairpersons, deputy chairpersons on select council committees.

Check out the council priorities for 2026 and upcoming summer events and activities that make our district unique.

A new video series launches this week featuring Far Northerners from Pawarenga, Te Paki and Te Hāpua discussing the importance of mobile sites to rural communities, where connectivity is positively changing lives – and saving them too.

Recent rainfall across the Far North – although welcome – hasn’t been enough to ease pressure on local water supplies this summer.

The Far North’s three community boards wrapped up the year in mid-December, approving funding for a wide range of events and initiatives aimed at strengthening community connection and wellbeing across the district.

A new partnership providing dog desexing and microchipping vouchers to eligible owners in the Far North aims to reduce the number of unwanted animals entering local shelters and support responsible pet ownership.

Water is again flowing to residents and businesses in Kāeo this week after the council completed repairs to a privately-owned supply that was cut off in October.