Mike Dinsdale is the editor of the Northland Age
Mike Dinsdale is the Editor of the Northland Age and also writes for the Northern Advocate. He has been a journalist in Northland for almost 35 years, working mostly at the Advocate, where he was News Director before moving to the Age. In that time he has covered most general news topics and has managed to cover virtually all of the region and visit almost all of its communities. He has interviewed thousands of Northlanders to tell their stories and is always eager to hold those in power to account. Mike has a passion for Northland and loves living in the region, after arriving from the UK in the 1980s. He enjoys the North’s stunning scenery and amazing people, and its world-class beaches. He loves music, football - and sport in general - and his family and friends. If you have a story to tell or something that needs investigating contact Mike at mike.dinsdale@nzme.co.nz OR editor@northlandage.co.nz
Turtles strand more in Northland than anywhere else in NZ, says DoC
Ten of 19 turtles stranded in Far North survive to be released back into ocean
Sweetwater from aquifer in Kaitāia taps after five years and $17m
After 5 years and $17 million Kaitāia gets Sweetwater from aquifer
Far North’s latest museum telling story of NZ maritime history
Chucks Cove Maritime Experience has a container shipload of exhibits.
Isolated Far North communities get funding for solar and wind projects
Far North's Te Kao and Waimamaku communities to get green power to aid development.
Far North council promises Sweetwater into taps from Tuesday
After several false starts Kaitāia to get Sweetwater into taps
Crown to return significant pā site to Far North hapū
Ngāti Rēhia will celebrate the return of its historic Kororipo Pā in Kerikeri.
Whangaroa hapū get support from Greenpeace for chasing off mining
Whangaroa hapū's successful anti-mining opposition praised
Kaitāia homes could tap Sweetwater this week
Kaitāia residents to soon get water from controversial Sweetwaters project.
Northland’s Waipu Car and Bike Show has 800 cars, 200 bikes
Plenty of classic cars and bikes at Waipu Car and Bike Show.
Kaitāia’s Bike and Hike Backpackers becoming apartments after local couple buy building
Kaitāia's Juan and Rachel Heemi are developing former backpackers into accommodation
Aussie company ends plans to mine Whangaroa as hapū celebrate
Party time for Whangaroa hapū as mining plans shelved
Kaikohe home building helped by council $39m water infrastructure spend
Upgrade will permit the construction of new homes.
Retiring Hercules say farewell to Northland in twin fly over
Northland gets farewell fly over from NZ's retiring workhorse Hercules planes
Waitangi Day commemorations to draw thousands to Bay of Islands
Waitangi Day to be fine in the Far North with plenty of sun
Plans for Whangārei four-star hotel kept under wraps – for now
An international hotel chain is staying mum on its Whangārei hotel plans – it has to.
No hanging around for Far North’s new national champ hang glider Tom Kellner
Flying like a bird sees Far North man win national hang gliding title
Mangamuka road repairs survive first major storm since reopening
Despite heavy rain, Mangamuka Gorge repairs in Far North survive first big storm
Sweetwater Aquifer getting water into Kaitāia homes soon – council
After two false starts, water from Sweetwater Aquifer is set to flow into Kaitāia homes.
Thermal curtains for Far North homes from $70k energy wellness fund
Far North Energy Wellness Fund putting thermal curtains into homes to make them warmer.
Hokianga club of James Fisher-Harris wants his stolen boots and other taonga back
"To take what he gave us is like taking from him."
Kawakawa’s world famous Hundertwasser loos finalist in national awards
Far North's famous loos only Northland finalist in national competition.
Kaitāia’s Te Hiku Sports Centre hailed a success after first six months
Around 9000 a month using Kaitāia’s Te Hiku Sports Centre.
Far North’s huge ‘historic’ privet tree faces the chop
Privet is noxious pest, but NZ's oldest example is in the Far North.
Far North businesses rejoice after reopening of SH1 after two years
Mangamuka Gorge reopening delights Far North businesses as visitors pour in.
Whangārei’s Lani Daniels to defend world boxing title in April
Daniels heading for rematch with tough Tongan.
Help keep Treaty Grounds clean during Waitangi Day - volunteers needed
Volunteers wanted to keep Waitangi Day commemorations clean in Bay of Islands
Fire restrictions in Far North follow summer water restrictions
Far North under fire and water restrictions
Innovative solution to swans hitting powerlines at Far North lake
Top Energy's solution prevents lines being wiped out by birds' swansong.
Charity close to man‘s heart to gain from 1000km cycle ride from Cape Rēinga
A child charity saved Nuk Korako's family being split up, he's now raising funds for it
Pylon collapse shows need for upgrade of Northland's electricity network
Plans to boost Northland's power network after pylon collapse.
Northland on alert after fruit fly found in Auckland
The main horticulture areas are around Kerikeri and Maungatapere.
Homecoming for Far North tenor on NZ Youth Choir tour
NZ Youth Choir gives Far North tenor chance to perform close to home
Taupō Bay Tractor Spectacular rocks Far North holiday spot
Far North's unique Tractor Spectacular motors into bay
Kaitāia’s Sweetwaters Aquifer project held up by abatement notice
The Environmental Protection Agency stops work on the Far North water supply project.
Kaitāia market stall gathering views and questions for 2025 Far North District Council election
Kaitāia man seeking voter feedback ahead of next year's local body elections
'The world is starting to take notice': Māori sporting champs inspiring next generation
Kaitāia boxing world champ Mea Motu part of nine-strong Māori sports stars panel M9
Two Northland vets part of Voluntary Bonding Scheme to work in rural practices
The scheme supports graduate vets working in rural practices.
Kerikeri Street Party set to finish half-marathon event in style
Thousands expected to let their hair down post-race.
Spring spruce-up for Kaitāia to welcome summer visitors after Mangamuka reopens
Kaitāia gearing up for big town spring clean for state highway reopening.
Bowel cancers detected at early stage in successful Te Tai Tokerau Bowel Screening Programme
Te Tai Tokerau Bowel Screening Programme saving lives with 89 cancer cases detected
Kiwi Christmas Books wants Northlanders to donate new books for region's kids
The charity has three Northland stores collecting books this festive season.
Beautiful Bay of Islands backdrop for Graeme Dingle Foundation's Drop For Youth skydive
The Far North's Courtney Keenan does a skydive for the Graeme Dingle Foundation.
Big turnout to Far North historic site Edmonds Ruins on open day
400 at Edmonds Ruins open day show interest in historic sites still there
Far North pensioner's 'anxious' after council suspends upgrade work, considers selling up
Far North council puts pensioner flat upgrades on hold, considers selling them.
Bay of Islands P&I Show is the oldest in NZ and back on Saturday
Bay of Islands Pastoral & Industrial Show on this Saturday.
National hīkoi opposed to Government bill to start in Far North
Anti-Treaty Principles Bill hīkoi starts at Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua on Monday.
Revealed: True value of cruise ship visits to Northland economy
Full value of cruise ship industry to Northland revealed.
In national first, Far North hosting te reo Māori Inspiring the Future course
Te reo Māori Inspiring the Future course held in Kaikohe for first time.
Massive Far North wetlands fire produced 515,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions
The 2022 Kaimaumau wetlands fire released a huge amount of carbon into the air.
Awanui shines on annual Awanui Day celebrations at new venue
Annual Awanui Day celebrated as thousands flock to Far North town.
Obit: Kerikeri's Doug Turner remembered as man behind town's performing arts centre
Huge efforts of Kerikeri performing arts legend Doug Turner recalled
Far North woman plunging 3.6km for Drop for Youth charity event
Graeme Dingle Foundation Far North staffer jumping from plane for youth charity.
Awanui Day on Saturday to celebrate tiny Far North town
The event sees the population of the Far North town swell from 600 to 6000.
New plan to get most of Northland's land use and manufacturing sector
Northland’s land use and manufacturing potential under spotlight in new initiative.
Great news for Far North: Date confirmed for Mangamuka Gorge highway reopening
An event of some sort will be held to coincide with the reopening.
Top Australian medical exam result award for former Kaitāia College old boy John Ward
Kaitāia-born Dr John Ward gets top Australasian award for top exam results
Far North iwi Ngāti Kuri's indigenous knowledge on kuaka/godwit heard at world-first Chinese forum
Ngāti Kuri at groundbreaking indigenous godwit - kuaka - conference in China
Northland historic site investigation into DoC's alleged role in destruction
Northland coach road allegedly destroyed after consent from DoC.
Kerikeri's Edmonds Ruins planted with historic fruit trees ahead of open day
Orchard at Kerikeri's Edmonds Ruins propagated from near 200-year-old trees.
Campgrounds getting ready for busy summer, some nearly booked out
DoC campgrounds in Northland are open for bookings, but some have no space left.
Trouble in paradise: Beach's disintegrating cliff highlights region's coastal erosion issues
Crumbling cliff threatens luxury properties
Far North's Ahipara surf break draws competitors for Aotearoa Māori Surfing Titles
The comp brings hundreds to Ahipara over Labour Weekend.
Far North, the drama on 90 Mile Beach meth bust, up for 7 NZ Television Awards
Drama series on massive Ninety Mile drug up for seven NZ TV awards
Care of woman by Kaitaia Hospital and others inadequate, breached rights
The type 2 diabetes sufferer underwent two amputations but died from bacterial infection.
Highest ever ranking for Kaitāia boxing world champion Mea Motu
Number two world ranking for Far North boxing world champion Mea Motu
Northland oysters feature in Bay of Islands' Oktoberfest X Oysterfest event
German-style Oktoberfest and Oysterfest for Bay of Islands this month
Big celebration for Awanui Day in Far North town
Far North town celebrates big time at annual Awanui Day.
Community pride: Working bee to clean up town for summer visitors
Kaitāia in line for big spring clean to welcome reopening of SH1 over Mangamukas.
Proposed cat control bylaw backed by national pet advocacy group
Companion Animals New Zealand backs Far North cat bylaw.
Eight new Kerikeri social houses open to help meet demand
New Kerikeri Kāinga Ora homes to ease housing crisis
'Link to the world' Iwi leaders want airport's future finalised and land returned
An MP says a solution can be found ‘that makes everybody happy'.
Whangārei, Kaitāia and Kaikohe first stops in Mike King's I Am Climate Hope Tour
The tour aims to help youth mental health around climate anxiety.
Locals watch from the beach while NZ/US navies hunt for mines in Tauranga Bay
Far North bay the scene of a joint mine-clearing exercise.
Mangamuka repairs: Major piling work ends and pre-Christmas reopening planned
SH1 over the Mangamukas in the Far North is on track for a pre-Christmas opening.
Mea Motu's world boxing title unification bout off but Aussie opponent lined up instead
Champ stays active after boxing world title unification bout postponed.
Far North pensioner delighted after 32 feral cats removed from around her flat
32 feral cats removed from Far North pensioner flats
Far North barn find motor auction attracts hundreds to Pakaraka
Everything goes at a Far North barn-find auction of classic cars and machinery.
Plenty of experience behind new operators of Far North holiday parks at Ahipara and Hihi
Far North's Hihi and Ahipara holiday parks have new operators with big plans.
Te Papa hosting exhibition with Far North students' work included
Artwork from Far North students part of Ringa Toi exhibit in Wellington
Far North man wants views on local body issues from public
Views wanted from Far North folk ahead of 2025 local body elections