June 2 2026
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For those about to rock Tertiary hub needs business input Plans to build a tertiary education hub in Dargaville require input from local business leaders …
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p Tangowahine School achieved outstanding success at the Te Tai Tokerau Showquest competition with their original performance, Ngā Pī Kaha – Guardians of Growth. Focussed on the importance of bees, which students actively care for as junior apiarists at school, the performance reflected Tangowahine School’s strong values and won them first place in Showquest’s junior category. It’s a victory for the entire small rural school, under the leadership of principal George Pickering, and proof that a ‘small but mighty’ school can stand tall on the national stage. The school would like to thank Hot Printz Whangārei for their kind support.
Historic vessel may be lost One of Dargaville’s maritime icons has been set adrift off Ninety Mile Beach, following a dramatic rescue …
Kaipara takes seat at amalgamation table P5
u by Andy Bryenton
The Kaipara District Council has taken a pragmatic approach to the question of amalgamation, joining with other Northland civic authorities to steer the three-month process of voluntary restructuring, instead of risking a mandated outcome without a strong Kaipara voice at the table.
Matariki rising for Plunket A charity gala event is planned for Dargaville in June, to coincide with the rising of Matariki and to align …
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At the February Northland Mayoral Forum, it was agreed that a ‘by Northland, for Northland’ proposal to establish a local government reform programme would be taken back to individual councils for consideration. Whangārei and Far North district councils and Northland Regional Council agreed to join the steering group last month. Kaipara took the matter to last week’s open meeting, to allow time for feedback and give councillors the chance to state their positions.
These unanimously leaned toward joining the steering group with the FNDC, WDC and NRC members, avoiding Chris Bishop’s undefined but promised ‘backstop’ provision for uncooperative councils. “I support going ahead with working with our Northland council colleagues on proposals for reform,” said mayor Jonathan Larsen. “Two main focusses for me through this process are getting the best outcome
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for Kaipara ratepayers, and finding opportunities to work together for the benefit of the whole of Northland. I think this steering group is the right platform to achieve both.” “There’s nothing set in stone yet,” said councillor Jepson, who was named alongside Wairoa Ward councillor Gordon Lambeth and the mayor as delegates to the Local Government Reform Elected Member Steering Group.
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