Northland stories
Lightning-triggered fires and power cuts have hit parts of Auckland, while heavy rain continues to threaten flash flooding across the region.
Three weeks after a drought crossroads warning, rainfall has slumped to 36% of normal and soils, rivers and aquifers are already drying out.
Fire crews have already dealt with 13 avoidable blaze reports nationwide as Guy Fawkes displays spark safety warnings across New Zealand.
More than four-fifths of a $1.2 million closed-landfill fund remains unspent as Kaipara Council says further work may not be needed by June next year.
Rising demand and patchy coverage prompted the operator to add 5G at 22 sites and build six rural towers, backed by NZD $100 million spent in FY26.
Higher sales helped New Zealand small businesses lift hiring 2.5% in the September quarter, though payment times also lengthened.
Six spectators needed treatment as sweltering conditions inside Christchurch's One New Zealand Stadium raised fears for fans and workers alike.
Boaties launching at Lake Taharoa must use a new automated gate and PIN system as Northland steps up action against the invasive freshwater clam.
Households could face higher bills as Northland's councils push the new water provider to prioritise affordability over investment pressures.
Council staff have proposed a smaller Uretiti South exclusion zone after public backlash, preserving more vehicle access on Whangārei's beaches.
The latest disruption left 750 homes and businesses unable to take electronic payments, deepening pain for Bay of Islands operators after a slow winter.
Motorists face fines and higher sign-changing costs as NZTA resets five Northland stretches after repeated reversals on safety grounds.
The rise has pushed cocaine to its highest share of workplace drug positives in a year, with Auckland's North Shore hit hardest.
Farmers are being urged to plan early as the predicted El Niño threatens drought, lower pasture growth and milk output across the Waikato.
Fears over noise, dust and air quality have prompted calls to shift the fast-tracked project away from homes in Marsden Bay.
Waiting times remain starkly uneven, with Northland and Southern lagging on planned care while other regions meet health targets.
Households could get better solar export prices under ACT's plan to widen electricity competition and let private firms build grid links.
Drier spring weather is now the most likely outcome for Northland as a strengthening El Niño starts to bite, the regional council says.
Councillors face a petition-backed push to spend GBP £100,000 on design for a safety fix at Waipu's busiest junction.
Noise complaints and lease talks are mounting as a Whangārei intensive care specialist says the airport base adds delays without improving transfers.
