News in brief: Northland stays warm with mid-20s temps due to high-pressure system

A week's worth of fine weather is forecast for Northland. Photo / NZME

Northland will remain warm this week due to a persistent high-pressure weather system, MetService says. From Monday, fairly light winds are expected throughout the week, with showers possible at the start and end of the week. Maximum temperatures across the region are forecast to be in the mid-20s and are unlikely to vary by more than 2°C over consecutive days, a MetService spokesperson said.

Youth beaten

A Whangārei youth was taken to hospital in a serious condition after being beaten by people they knew, police say. Inquiries into Saturday’s assault on Ōtaika Rd are under way. Police confirmed the incident was not related to the death of Kyle Jenkins, 18, who was found dead in a creek near Ōtaika Rd on Wednesday. Jenkins had been shot.

Eat the garden

The fourth Northland Edible Garden Trail will run from Friday to February 16. This year’s trail features more than 40 edible gardens that are open for the public to meet the gardeners and be inspired to sustainably grow fruit and vegetables. Admission is $3 a garden and children are free. Workshops and presentations are also available. Visit northlandediblegardentrail.org.nz for more information.

Moerewa roadworks

Overnight asphalt resurfacing works on State Highway 1 at Turntable Hill, Moerewa, start tonight before pausing for Waitangi Day holiday traffic. Works will resume on Sunday and last until February 13. Traffic between 8pm and 5am will be affected.

Region’s newest school open

Northland’s newest charter school Te Kura Taiao, in Doubtless Bay, officially began the school year yesterday. Thirty-five students were enrolled with the school, which offers a full immersion kaupapa reo Māori option for the Far North.

Nominations open

Kaipara District Council is taking nominations for the 2025 Citizens Awards and Environmental Awards. The Citizens Awards recognise those who have given substantial service via volunteering or beyond normal employment to Kaipara. The Environmental Awards acknowledge individuals and organisations who protect and enhance Kaipara’s environment. Place a nomination before April 30 via kaipara.govt.nz/funding.

Crash sparks grass fire

A small grass fire was started on Sunday after a car crashed into a power pole on Puketona Rd, bringing down the power lines. No one was hurt. Firefighters extinguished the fire.

Un-permitted blaze

An unpermitted fire in two piles of forestry slash kept Far North fire crews busy on Saturday night. The fires, on a hillside on West Coast Rd in Panguru, covered areas of about 16m x 10m and 4m x 5m, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) spokesman said. Three fire trucks responded about 9.45pm and had the flames under control within half an hour. The crews left about 12.30am.