Northland news in brief: Baylys Beach boardwalk opens; visitors can see Tāne Mahuta once again

Darren and Bev along the newly opened Baylys Beach boardwalk. Photo / KDC

The boardwalk extension at Baylys Beach is open. The extension joins up to the original boardwalk constructed in late 2020, connecting pedestrian access to Baylys Beach and significantly improving accessibility with ramps and handrails. The boardwalk now spans around 200m, linking the beach to the carpark.

Tāne Mahuta open for visitors

Access to the world’s biggest kauri was restored on Saturday after an almost three-month project to upgrade visitor infrastructure and protect the tree from kauri dieback. Tāne Mahuta, in the Waipoua Forest, has been off-limits since late September while contractors replaced a 30-year-old walkway described by DoC Kauri Coast operations direction Stephen Soole as run-down and past its use-by date.

Health scholarships

Three Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau employees have been awarded a 2025 JR.BM Scholarship. The scholarship is generously funded through an anonymous donation by a member of the public. Josephine Wehi, Karangatai Piripi and Katey Robinson have been offered a 2025 JR.BM Scholarship that funds up to 65% of their remaining educational study fees if they continue to make satisfactory progress with their studies until completion.

Beach driving banned

Northland Regional Council is reminding motorists that driving on the beach is banned in some areas. The rules are in place to protect ecologically sensitive areas. To report dangerous driving on beaches call police; or the Department of Conservation’s 0800 DOCHOT number if wildlife is being disturbed, and NRC if there is damage to sand dunes/destruction of vegetation.

Peanut trials end

The Northland Peanut Trials project came to an end this year following a variety of trial activity occurring across both the Far North and Kaipara districts over the last three growing seasons. The project tested the commercial viability of growing hi-oleic peanuts in Northland. In the final season of the trial about 5ha of peanuts were planted across six sites located in Houhora, Awanui, Pouto, Kai Iwi Lakes and two in Te Kopuru. Northland Inc says the project yielded positive results.

More vehicle stops

Whangārei District Council says police told council they will be carrying out more drink-driving and vehicle-check stops this summer than ever before.

Kiwi sculptures

From January 6, Whangārei will be visited by 20 metre high kiwi sculptures painted by New Zealand artists. The kiwi - two of which were completed by Whangārei artists Briar van Ameringen and Jesse Card - will be placed on a trail around the Town Basin and city centre.