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
![Five gold medals at major international awards for Kiwi winery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Five gold medals at major international awards for Kiwi winery
Northland winery The Landing Wine wins big at international awards.
![Work starts on another Far North solar farm](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Work starts on another Far North solar farm
Pukenui Solar Farm set to power up next year.
![Whangārei contractor's 20-year fight with council to continue with appeal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whangārei contractor's 20-year fight with council to continue with appeal
A Whangārei contractor's 20-year legal battle with the council is set to continue.
![Cold North - region suffers chilliest day of year - so far](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cold North - region suffers chilliest day of year - so far
Chilly winter morning for Northland is 6C below norm
![Anzac Day is muse for Far North mouth painter Kevin Griffiths](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Anzac Day is muse for Far North mouth painter Kevin Griffiths
'I’ve always loved poppies because of the association with Anzac Day.'
![Too much! It's raining wild cats and kittens in Far North pensioner's garden](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Too much! It's raining wild cats and kittens in Far North pensioner's garden
50 wild cats too much for Far North pensioner in council flat
![Te Hiku Community Board grants more than $85k for projects](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te Hiku Community Board grants more than $85k for projects
The funding includes $20k for sports hub pool equipment.
![Heroes, bigots, football and rugby - Chase star Shaun Wallace ahead of his Kerikeri show](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Heroes, bigots, football and rugby - Chase star Shaun Wallace ahead of his Kerikeri show
The Dark Destroyer might even come face-to-face with the Egg Cups.
![Far North's Got Talent final highlights district's fabulous youth](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Far North's Got Talent final highlights district's fabulous youth
Youth show their skills at Far North's Got Talent final.
![Dry July: Far North couple who went through cancer journeys at same time speak in support](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dry July: Far North couple who went through cancer journeys at same time speak in support
Far North cancer survivors Steve and Valerie Smith are getting behind Dry July.
![Still no Sweetwater for Kaitāia as project is believed to top $20m](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Still no Sweetwater for Kaitāia as project is believed to top $20m
Costs of Kaitāia's new water source soar, but no water yet.
![Far North could be best place to see Matariki stars this week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Far North could be best place to see Matariki stars this week
Matariki star system visible from Far North this week
![Big slip won't stop Mangamuka Gorge reopening by Christmas - NZTA](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Big slip won't stop Mangamuka Gorge reopening by Christmas - NZTA
New large slip won't stop SH1 over gorge reopening by Christmas.
![Kaitāia Primary School could have longest running education site in the country](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kaitāia Primary School could have longest running education site in the country
190 years of education at Kaitāia Primary site recognised
![Big Shout Out to Far North's army of volunteers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Big Shout Out to Far North's army of volunteers
Volunteers from the Far North honoured for National Volunteer Week
![$150k spent clearing illegal dump sites could pay for community infrastructure instead](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
$150k spent clearing illegal dump sites could pay for community infrastructure instead
Fly-tipping is a problem the district council is struggling to deal with.
![School helps put in plants at Far North's Little Gem dune lake](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
School helps put in plants at Far North's Little Gem dune lake
Arbour Day in Far North sees 1400 plants put in around dune lake
![SH10 roadworks in Far North should end farmer's safety concerns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
SH10 roadworks in Far North should end farmer's safety concerns
Far North farmer delighted highway work finally under way on dangerous surface.
![Hundreds of spaces in Northland for National Volunteer Week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hundreds of spaces in Northland for National Volunteer Week
Far North volunteers say helping others brings great rewards.
![Every dog has its (work)day in Kaitāia ahead of National Take Your Dog To Work Day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Every dog has its (work)day in Kaitāia ahead of National Take Your Dog To Work Day
The Far North town is already leading the pack.
![Lights, camera, action: Far North's Got Talent youth gear up for final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lights, camera, action: Far North's Got Talent youth gear up for final
12 talented youngsters in Saturday's Far North's Got Talent final.
![Far North farmer wants urgent work on slippery highway after three vehicles crash into paddock in a week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Far North farmer wants urgent work on slippery highway after three vehicles crash into paddock in a week
In the latest crash, three children are believed to have been in the vehicle,
![Zonta Book Fair in Whangārei has new venue as call for donations goes out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Zonta Book Fair in Whangārei has new venue as call for donations goes out
Whangārei’s popular Zonta Book Fair on again after new venue found.
![Kerikeri quiz team have their own 'destroyer' to take on The Chase's Shaun Wallace](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kerikeri quiz team have their own 'destroyer' to take on The Chase's Shaun Wallace
Top Far North quiz team keen to take on The Chase star Shaun Wallace
![Far North rail line mothballed until port rail link finalised](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Far North rail line mothballed until port rail link finalised
Delays to upgrade of Far North rail link to Otiria.
![Far North kiwifruit crop up by half to 3.3 million trays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Far North kiwifruit crop up by half to 3.3 million trays
Kerikeri kiwifruit growers produce bumper crop worth $35.5m
![Kaitāia to host final of Far North's Got Talent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kaitāia to host final of Far North's Got Talent
Future stars to shine at Far North's Got Talent final
![Wanted: New upholsterer to cover MenzShed Kaitāia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wanted: New upholsterer to cover MenzShed Kaitāia
Vacancy for skilled upholsterer — and others — at MenzShed Kaitāia.
![Northland's autumn weather — wetter, drier, sunnier or warmer than normal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northland's autumn weather — wetter, drier, sunnier or warmer than normal
Whangārei recorded its second-highest total of May sunshine hours.
![Far North rates: 16.5% rise slashed to 5.1%](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Far North rates: 16.5% rise slashed to 5.1%
“Residents told us ... the increase for our first year was far too high,” says mayor.
![Tough economic times, state highway closures bring end to Far North cafe with eight jobs gone](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tough economic times, state highway closures bring end to Far North cafe with eight jobs gone
Awanui’s Big River Cafe closing as freight and visitor traffic dries up
![Community infrastructure award for $40 million Kāeo Bridge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Community infrastructure award for $40 million Kāeo Bridge
Kāeo Bridge project recognised as an important community asset.
![New facilities welcomed by community and leaders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New facilities welcomed by community and leaders
Kaitāia Town Square and Te Hiku Sports Hub open for community enjoyment.
![Store owner welcomes Mangamuka Gorge reopening after tough two years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Store owner welcomes Mangamuka Gorge reopening after tough two years
Eliza Kete has kept the store operating despite SH1 outside the store being closed.
![Kaitāia celebrating opening of new sports hub and town square](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kaitāia celebrating opening of new sports hub and town square
The big day will kick off at 5.30am when the town square officially opens.
![King’s Birthday Honours 2024: Seven Northlanders recognised for their work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
King’s Birthday Honours 2024: Seven Northlanders recognised for their work
Our reporters caught up with the recipients.
![Askoy II restored 30 years after being wrecked on a Northland beach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Askoy II restored 30 years after being wrecked on a Northland beach
The boat was tossed onto the sand about 2km south of Baylys Beach in a huge storm.
![Complex repair job on Mangamuka Gorge nears completion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Complex repair job on Mangamuka Gorge nears completion
After years of disruption, Far North's Mangamuka Gorge to reopen before Christmas.
![Northlanders react with mixed feelings on 2024 Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northlanders react with mixed feelings on 2024 Budget
Mixed feelings on Budget even though some say Willis delivered what she promised.
![One of largest protests for years in Whangārei for national protest hīkoi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
One of largest protests for years in Whangārei for national protest hīkoi
National protest hīkoi draws thousand across Northland.
![Racing industry in Northland in good health as new report finds it brings in $16.4m annually](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Racing industry in Northland in good health as new report finds it brings in $16.4m annually
New report sheds light on value of Northland's racing industry
![Far North District Council calls for Gaza ceasefire and opposes Māori ward disestablishment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Far North District Council calls for Gaza ceasefire and opposes Māori ward disestablishment
Around 60 members of the public turned out to support the motion tabled by the mayor.
![Charity delighted with Far North woodchoppers' $400k of donations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Charity delighted with Far North woodchoppers' $400k of donations
Far North woodchopping team have helped the Fred Hollows Foundation for years.
![Northland emergency services secure ongoing funding after public speaks up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northland emergency services secure ongoing funding after public speaks up
Regional council backs down from proposal to cut support after consultation backlash.
![Fast turnover forestry for green energy could transform Northland economy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fast turnover forestry for green energy could transform Northland economy
Short rotation forestry could help reignite Marsden Pt.
![Far North council to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Far North council to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza
Far North councillors to vote on call for immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
![World War II relic found in Kerikeri op shop](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
World War II relic found in Kerikeri op shop
Kerikeri Hospice Green Shed uncovers historic WWII relic
![The Chase quiz star Shaun Wallace to visit Far North](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The Chase quiz star Shaun Wallace to visit Far North
Quiz master Shaun Wallace to take on Far North fans at Kerikeri event.
![Another solar farm for Northland, with 4.8MW produced by new Ruawai facility](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Another solar farm for Northland, with 4.8MW produced by new Ruawai facility
'As New Zealand’s weather becomes more volatile, engineering at this level is a must.'
![Youths arrested over Far North car-thefts - police thank public for their help](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Youths arrested over Far North car-thefts - police thank public for their help
Far North car-theft sprees ended with arrest of four youths
![Cause of Whangārei house fire being investigated](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cause of Whangārei house fire being investigated
Fire badly damages Hikurangi, Whangārei home.
![Art on tour as Northland Vintage Car Club’s annual motorcycle rally hits the road](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Art on tour as Northland Vintage Car Club’s annual motorcycle rally hits the road
70-plus on Northland Vintage Car Club’s annual motorcycle rally
![Opening date set for Kaitāia’s Te Hiku Sports Hub and new town square](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Opening date set for Kaitāia’s Te Hiku Sports Hub and new town square
The hub is expected to be a tremendous asset for the community.
![New kina regulations likely after Far North meeting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New kina regulations likely after Far North meeting
Far North meeting shows depth of concern over kina barrens, says Fisheries Minister.
![Cameron Leslie headiing swim team to Paris](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cameron Leslie headiing swim team to Paris
'It’s my fourth Paralympics, but my first in eight years, so it’s very exciting.'
![Students to honour Māori Battalion's war efforts in Italy, Greece and Crete](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Students to honour Māori Battalion's war efforts in Italy, Greece and Crete
The trip will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them all.
![Can you help find Whangārei’s Zonta Book Fair a new venue?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Can you help find Whangārei’s Zonta Book Fair a new venue?
New venue needed Whangārei’s popular Zonta Book Fair sale.
![Dairy couple and sharemilker convicted of animal welfare charges give up farming](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dairy couple and sharemilker convicted of animal welfare charges give up farming
Whangārei dairy farmers and sharemilker end long careers after guilty verdicts
![Top Energy giving Far North power users up to $300 credit on electricity bills](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Top Energy giving Far North power users up to $300 credit on electricity bills
Top Energy is owned by the people of the Far North.
![Science fair steers path towards bright future for students](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Science fair steers path towards bright future for students
Far North science fair ignites passion for scientific exploration.
![Kiwi music great Troy Kingi mentoring Far North’s Got Talent contestants](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi music great Troy Kingi mentoring Far North’s Got Talent contestants
Northland musician keen to nurture Far North's budding stars.
![Far North keeps reputation with hottest April temperature recorded in Kaikohe](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Far North keeps reputation with hottest April temperature recorded in Kaikohe
Kaikohe recorded a temperature of 29.1C in April - the hottest in the country.
![Carver Renata Tane wants tapu chisels stolen from Kerikeri back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Carver Renata Tane wants tapu chisels stolen from Kerikeri back
A Kerikeri carver warns chisel thieves the irreplaceable items are tapu.
![Former Kaitāia College music teacher Opeloge Ah Sam bringing his powerful stage show north](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Former Kaitāia College music teacher Opeloge Ah Sam bringing his powerful stage show north
Powerful stage show Aua e te tagi coming to Far North.
![Lower rates rises for Northlanders and extra $40m if GST on rates given back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lower rates rises for Northlanders and extra $40m if GST on rates given back
Northland councils would get extra $40 million annually if GST on rates were returned.
![Slow-speed police chase on Far North's 90 Mile Beach nabs suspected ATV thief](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Slow-speed police chase on Far North's 90 Mile Beach nabs suspected ATV thief
The not-so-high-speed pursuit along the beach reached speeds of 30km/h.
![June opening likely for Kaitāia’s $11.5 million Te Hiku Sports Hub](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
June opening likely for Kaitāia’s $11.5 million Te Hiku Sports Hub
$11.5 million sports hub valued at $20 million.
![Groundbreaking soil research earns student prestigious award](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Groundbreaking soil research earns student prestigious award
Kerikeri's Sunny Perry wins Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize for soil research.
![US space agency NASA helping fight Far North's drought risk](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
US space agency NASA helping fight Far North's drought risk
US space agency helps research into Far North drought risk
![New boiler for 114-year-old Bay of Islands ferry Minerva brings unique steam experience closer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New boiler for 114-year-old Bay of Islands ferry Minerva brings unique steam experience closer
Visitors soon will be able to travel by steam rail and ferry from Kawakawa to Russell.
![Kaitāia former hostel closed down after it was deemed dangerous now for sale](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kaitāia former hostel closed down after it was deemed dangerous now for sale
Kaitāia hostel closed by council as dangerous building being sold.
![RSA hands torch to younger people at Kerikeri event](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
RSA hands torch to younger people at Kerikeri event
Students to run Anzac Day in town as Far North remembers.
![After $13.5m, still no drinking water for Kaitāia from Sweetwaters aquifer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
After $13.5m, still no drinking water for Kaitāia from Sweetwaters aquifer
Kaitāia's Sweetwaters project still not producing clear water.
![Delay to opening of Kaitāia’s new town square](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Delay to opening of Kaitāia’s new town square
Structural design issues have caused the hold-up.
![Controversial Kaitāia hostel closed after Dangerous Building notice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Controversial Kaitāia hostel closed after Dangerous Building notice
The Hike and Bike has been subject to several complaints to council.
![Kaitāia loses cellphone and broadband services after fibre cable cut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kaitāia loses cellphone and broadband services after fibre cable cut
Work being done to install a fence post caused the outage.
![Northland's Mea Motu defending world title against Thai opponent in Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Northland's Mea Motu defending world title against Thai opponent in Auckland
The title defence for Kaitāia’s world boxing champ Mea Motu is on April 26.
![Leela Brown inspiring next generation of Far North Air Force hopefuls](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Leela Brown inspiring next generation of Far North Air Force hopefuls
The Kaitāia-raised comms and info systems technician shares her career steps.