Northland's four councils have agreed to support the replacement of the tsunami sirens, with the Civil Defence Northland Emergency Management Group coordinating the project.
The new tsunami warning sirens will have greater reach, more backups - such as solar power - and voice instruction functionality, allowing specific messages about the tsunami threat and the required actions to be provided in addition to a siren sound.
The $5 million project is expected to take place over the next three to five years - starting early 2023. The existing siren network will be maintained continuously throughout and consultation with coastal communities will be held to support the selection of the siren locations.
Powerball rolls over
Northlanders missed out on Wednesday's Lotto winnings. Instead, a lucky player from Nelson won $200,000 with Strike Four. Powerball was not struck and rolled over to Saturday where the jackpot will be $5 million. Lotto First Division will be $1 million.
Slug gun injury
A man reportedly received a minor injury from a slug gun in Ōtangarei on Wednesday evening. He turned up hurt at Whangārei Hospital around 5.30pm.