The rain makers are mostly giving New Zealand a miss this week and the cloudy, gloomy, weather for some western areas should also clear up as winds shift from the west to the east over much of the North Island. Last weeks rain was hugely welcomed by gardeners and farmers who tell WeatherWatch.co.nz that conditions 10 days ago were drier than they were 12 months ago (ahead of the big drought) – now farmers are smiling as we head towards summer with good grass growth and potentially another rain maker on the horizon before the month is done.
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Students perform haka in support of Whangārei District Council’s Māori ward
Students from Te Kāpehu Whetū school and the Leadership Academy of A Company performed a haka when the decision to keep the Whangārei District Council’s Māori ward was announced.
Southern right whale in Northland
This southern right whale spotted at the entrance of Whangārei Harbour on August 22 is a promising sign for the species. Video / Alan Hall
Feeding sharks in the Mangonui harbour
Feeding sharks in the Mangonui harbour has raised concerns and divided opinion. Video / Auditing New Zealand
A rat eating shortjaw kōkopu eggs in Waipoua Forest
Footage captures a rat eating shortjaw kōkopu eggs in Waipoua Forest, Northland. Video / Fern Donovan
Kaipara Harbour's newest wharf opens at Pouto
New $2.9 million wharf opens, offering new opportunity for Northland, Auckland and beyond. Video / Susan Botting
Thousands march in Whangārei for Budget Day national protest
Thousands marched through Whangārei as part of Budget Day national protest against some of the coalition Government’s policies relating to Māori and the environment.
Kākāriki chicks
A pair of Kakariki that moved into predator-proofed historic bush in Glenbervie, Whangarei, are now raising chicks there. Video / Ethan Benney
How do seagliders work?
How on earth will seagliders work? Shah Aslam, chief executive of Ocean Flyer, sits down with Northern Advocate journalist Denise Piper to answer your questions about seagliders.
Whangārei social worker Carolyn Procter on son Blaine's autism journey
Social worker Carolyn Procter shares her parenting story with son, Blaine. Video / Northern Advocate
Bream Bay College steel band the 'Panimals' heading to Australia
Bream Bay College steel band the 'Panimals' are heading to Australia.
Learn the NZSL Alphabet
Deaf Action New Zealand chairperson Kim Robinson & Northland sign language tutor Eddie Hokianga teach the NZSL alphabet. Video / Michael Cunningham
Fatal fire Whangārei
Police and Fire & Emergency investigate the fatal car and house fire on Thomas St, Tikipunga on Monday. Video / Northern Advocate
The Surge debut their first vinyl with Vine Street Vinyl
Three-piece band The Surge in collaboration with Vine Street Vinyl in Whangārei debut their first ever vinyl on World Record Store Day on April 20. Video / Northern Advocate
Guard of honour for Police officer Gail Shepherd
Guard of honour for Northland police officer Gail Shepherd killed while out walking her dogs in Helena Bay. Video / The Northern Advocate
The message rough sleeper Jason Poutai wants Whangārei District Council to hear
Rough sleeper Jason Poutai has a message he wants Whangārei District Council to hear. Video / Michael Cunningham
Funding woes at Hundertwasser Art Centre
The Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangārei made a six-month loss last year of $765,000. Video / Denise Piper and Sarah Curtis
Brynderwyns timelapse
Timelapse shows roading work done on the Brynderwyns. Video / NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Truck nearly collides head-on with Northland couple on one-lane bridge
An elderly Northland couple are grateful to be alive after a near head-on collision with truck. Video / Danielle Adams
From benefit to self-employment
Inspiring Northlanders reveal how they got off the benefit and into self-employment. Video / Michael Cunningham
Northland surfer to represent New Zealand
Northern Advocate reporter Denise Piper interviews Indi-Lee Ruddell, 14, who is representing New Zealand at the World Junior Surf Championships in El Salvador in May. Video / Denise Piper, photos / PhotoCPL
A new industry for Northland?
Behind the scenes at the Northland peanut trials. Video / Michael Cunningham
Mangawhai Heads rescue successful
The rescue of surfer Matthew Scott by Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service was fortunate to not be hindered by locked gates and containers. Video / Givealittle, Michael Cunningham, Elevated Media, Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service
Tailgater's frightening behaviour
Footage taken from inside the forestry workers' ute shows the tailgater's frightening behaviour. Video / Supplied
Waka arrive at Waitangi
The waka crews landed ashore after the procession at Waitangi. Video / Natasha Hill / Paridi Bakshi
Toitū te Tiriti hīkoi is welcomed on to Te Tii Marae
A hīkoi with an estimated 600 people marched from Paihia to Waitangi, and they were welcomed on to Te Tii Marae this morning. Video / Denise Piper / Merewai Durutalo / Michael Cunningham / Lois Turei
Cruise ship Regatta docks at North Port, Marsden Point Whangarei
Cruise ship Regatta docks at North Port, Marsden Point Whangarei. Video / The Northern Advocate
National and Act MPs speak to the media
PM Christopher Luxon, National MP Tama Potaka, and Act leader David Seymour spoke to the media after arriving in Northland for the Iwi Chairs Forum. Video / David Fisher
Stranded pilot whale on Baylys Beach in Northland
On Monday Locals attempted to save a stranded pilot whale on Baylys Beach in Northland. The whale did not survive. Video / Robyn Preston
Travel trouble in Northland
Air New Zealand cancels about 6.5% of its flights between Auckland and Northland airports in Whangārei and the Bay of Islands. Video / 123rf / Air NZ / Tania Whyte / Tania Whyte / Alex Cairns
Seagliders take flight
The seagliders are being developed by US company Regent and brought to New Zealand by Ocean Flyer. Regent has successfully tested a quarter-scale prototype and launched a full-size prototype. Video / Supplied
Operation Flotation
Northlander Pat Millar took it upon herself to put flotation devices at beaches nationwide after Wairongoa ‘Magoo’ Renata drowned at a Far North beach Video / Michael Cunningham
Mr T's new mobility scooter
After recovering from his injuries in a hit-and-run in October, Mr T is finally back busking on the streets on his new mobility scooter. Video / Michael Cunningham
What are the best beaches in Northland?
Locals say why they think Ruakākā Beach is one of the best beaches in Northland. Video / Northern Advocate
Hikoi mo Te Tiriti O Waitangi, Whangarei
Protesters join the hikoi in Whangārei. Video / Northern Advocate
Friday’s weigh in for Wahine Toa II
The double female world boxing bout event being held in Whangārei on Saturday night, December 2. Video / Northern Advocate
Countdown to fight night
Mea Motu, Lani Daniels and Wahine Toa II fight night opponents welcomed. Video / Michael Cunningham
Scott Perry rebuilds WWII wooden patrol craft
Scott Perry needed a project to help rebuild himself and Kuparu - a 72-foot WWII wooden patrol craft - was it. Video / The Northern Advocate
Northland's only finalist for New Zealand Television Awards
Northland larger-than-life celebrity Luke Bird considers himself to be a strong contender to win this year's best television personality honour at the New Zealand Television Awards this year. Video / The Northern Advocate
Ex-cyclone Lola lashes New Zealand
Thousands of people are without power as ex-cyclone Lola lashes the country. Video / Supplied / NZ Herald / Greg Reed