News stories

**UPDATE 2pm 18 Jan**

Read the full story for latest details

A Rawhiti Road bridge has been washed out by heavy downpours that hit the coastal area east of Russell overnight. Sudden flood waters have washed out the road abutment on a single-lane bridge located just south of Whangaruru North Road.

Record temperatures and a spike in demand for water mean that Level 2 water restrictions will be applied to households and businesses connected to the council supply in Kerikeri and Waipapa from Monday 19 January. Level 2 restrictions ban the use of outdoor sprinklers and irrigation systems.

The new extension to the Kororāreka / Russell Cemetery was officially opened last month, marking an important milestone for the local community and providing much needed additional burial space.

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.