Hokianga residents can get access to free public Wi-Fi following a rollout of the Far North District Council’s Nothing-But-Net programme. The programme has been running since 2021 and coordinates the installation of high-speed fibre by Chorus along with Wi-Fi access points, allowing anyone to connect to the internet wirelessly. In the coming months, the programme will continue to extend Wi-Fi access to Far North residents and visitors with plans to create community hubs at marae, town squares, along cycle trials, and at health centres.
Court rules on units
A court has ruled 87 sections in the Marsden City subdivision, south of Whangārei, should be valued as separate units. Owner Marsden City Limited Partnership tried to argue the land should be valued as one farming operation, worth $13 million, rather than as individual sections worth a total of $32m, because the area is currently farmed. But Whangārei District Council argued the land has value in its subdivision, which has been created with services including new roads and streetlights. The Land Valuation Tribunal recently sided with the council, finding the farming operation was relatively temporary and the land was likely bought by Marsden City Limited Partnership in 2017 for its subdivision potential. The council says the higher value represents a rates bill of about $50,000 more than the lower value.
Missing memorial plaque
Northland Police are appealing to members of the public to assist them in locating the memorial plaque of Constable Neil Mcleod, which was taken from the Maungawhare Wharf sight. The plaque bears details of how the constable was shot and killed by drunken gumdigger Henry Funcke in 1890. If you have any information on the plaque’s whereabouts contact 105 and reference file number 240330/4165.
