Comment: Close encounters suggest planet not so lonely after all
The world really is a small place, writes Kevin Page.
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Latest fromNorthern Advocate
'The rubber band will only stretch so far': Burnt out teachers set to strike
Pat Newman says teachers and principals need proactive action by the Ministry of Education
Northland news in brief: Rock musician's cyclone fundraiser; excavator operator competition
The latest news bites from around the region.
A family's pain: Their father passed then the cyclone came
The cyclone further fuelled a whānau's grief as they mourned the loss of 'chief'.
Large parts of Far North still without census papers a week after Census 2023 date
People in Doubtless Bay, Kaitāia, Ahipara say they’re still in the dark about Census 2023.
Enchanter sinking: Charges laid over fishing tragedy after five die at sea
Five men died when a fishing charter boat sank one year ago.
Whangārei team clinches Waitangi Mountain Bike Park’s first major event
Competitors pitted against the clock in challenging eight-hour mountain bike relay race.
'We're still in shock': Retired couple's life-changing Lotto win
The woman was on the edge of her seat as each number began to line up on their ticket.
Family escapes as fire destroys home in Ōtāngarei
Cause uncertain, but child playing with cigarette lighter a possibility.
Northland boxer Lani Daniels wins to set up IBF title fight
Heavyweight claims ANBF Australasian title in victory over Sequita Hemingway.
Whangārei teen flying high after winning multiple titles at Model Flying NZ Nationals
His love affair with model planes started when he was young.
Northland councils speak out in New Zealand’s local government review
“We need to give councils the power to make the right decisions for our mokopuna.”
Northland news in brief: Alleged tomahawk robbery; and Lucky Lotto player
Snippets of news from around the region.
Vince Cocurullo: What do the Three Waters reform proposals mean?
It might be helpful to summarise them in this column.
Habitat for Humanity opens community housing project in 'our flashest town'
The need for housing has soared due to factors like skyrocketing property prices.
Third time's the charm: Masters cross country champ claims another victory
World cross-country title for Whangārei runner as he prepares to race in Poland.
‘We’re over the moon’: Fritter fest makes welcome return after three-year absence
Whangārei event combines music, postive vibes and good kai — especially fritters.
Third time lucky: Record crowd as Waterfront Festival returns to Mangōnui
More than 7000 people packed the Doubtless Bay town to celebrate event’s 10th anniversary.
'It’s devastating': Couple scammed into paying bond for property that wasn't for rent
The family lost $3,600 to the fraud, and is living separately while trying to find a home
Wild cats and legal fights: Lion park's tumultuous history
Down memory lane. Key events at the lion park over the last two decades
Musical instruments to soothe the soul
The melodeon was played in the trenches of the First World War to boost morale.
Wildlife park operator tells all about its troubles and the future
The operator of big-cat park speaks about liquidation and the way forward.
Hundreds of horses and humans take part in epic Trek for Life event
A trek organised by a Far North charitable trust is fundraising for first responders.
'This is my family now': Community hub helps addicts reclaim lives
Clients share harrowing tales of how they ended up on drugs — and their hopes for future.
Joe Bennett: Has our push to be smokefree made every smoker a 'social leper'?
Joe Bennett says smokers used to be widely accepted but are now social outcasts.
Brent Eastwood: Massive thank you to Top Energy for the generous support
It’s always nice when those sponsors are local ones.
Additional fuel storage for domestic reserves on track
More than $100m spent on decommissioning of the refinery
Solar farm being built in Northland to supply retirement villages NZ-wide
The $35m facility will be exclusively used to power retirement villages across NZ.
Housing complex ablaze in Otangarei
A fire has engulfed a duplex property in Whangārei.
High school students hospitalised after eating raw chicken
Principal sends urgent letter to parents, alerting them to situation.
Kaitāia College to start own school lunch programme following food poisoning debacle
"It should have been done a long time before this," one student said.
Lotto shop robbed, reportedly by person with tomahawk
Social media users reported the offender had a tomahawk.
Whangārei courthouse a 'powder keg': lawyer calls for inquiry into assault
Small spaces and blind spots in the building create security issues, one lawyer says.
Emergency waiting times show no improvement - report
The Health Minister says the correct data for ED wait times shows no improvements.