It was hailed by police as a new, more effective means of maintaining law and order in the Mid North, but the 'flying squad' system isn't working according to the communities it is supposed to be serving.

A small crowd gathered outside Kaitaia's courthouse yesterday, as the two people who had admitted the manslaughter of three-year-old Moko Rangitoheriri were appearing before the High Court at Rotorua for sentence.

A seventh person has been arrested in relation to the country's biggest meth bust in Northland two weeks ago.

The Patu fitness movement continues to enjoy strong growth in the Far North judging by the interest generated at the opening of a new facility in Kaikohe last Saturday.

There's a little way to go yet, but Kaitaia rest home Switzer Residential Care is well on the way to becoming fully compliant with the Eden Alternative.

Your correspondent Peter Dunne (Letters, June 21), continues to demonstrate his long-standing vacuity.

The Maori Party has paid a warm tribute to Ngati Hine Health Trust Emeritus Executive Robin John (Rob) Cooper, who passed away overnight on Monday.

Kaikohe and Kaitaia will join communities around the country when they march for 'Justice for Moko' and an end to the murdering of children, on Monday when Tania Shailer and David William Haerewa will be sentenced in the High Court.

Their school is being pulled apart and put together again around them, but the $14 million rebuild of Northland College is not distracting the kapa haka party.

The days of getting a mate with some building experience to check over a property before buying it are over according to Harcourts CEO Chris Kennedy.

THE BADDIES always seemed to outwit the Keystone Kops in the silent movie era, but the Far North's latest claim to crime fame was more a case of Keystone Krooks, judging by the evidence so far.

Recently we were advised that a property over the road from us, on Col Mould Drive, was to be built upon, and that the building could be a source of irritation given that it had the potential to affect our view and general outlook.

Mana Movement leader Hone Harawira has confirmed that he will take on Labour's Kelvin Davis next year in a bid to win back Te Tai Tokerau.

Rikki Nathan is a young man with everything to live for. Much-loved by his family and a huge circle of friends, he's a fighter. Twice he has successfully stared down cancer, but now he's facing the biggest battle of all.

The Far North's infamous winterless conditions came to the fore over Queens Birthday weekend and the fine weather contributed to another very successful 90 Mile Beach Kahawai Bonanza Tournament.

WWF New Zealand and the New Zealand Landcare Trust's Reconnecting Northland ecological restoration project won the philanthropic and partnership category in the 2016 Green Ribbon awards.

Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Stephanie Clare says her organisation will continue to do all it can to prevent elder abuse. But it cannot do the job alone.

Kathleen Rudolph's car and Harley motorcycle stays in their garage at this time of year.

The seizure of almost half a tonne of methamphetamine in the Far North with a street value of $500 million, earned praise from Police Minister Judith Collins and Customs Minister Nicky Wagner for the community, the police and Customs.

More police dedicated to targeting drugs and organised criminal groups are needed to stem the flood of methamphetamine into Northland.

Mechanic asked to help launch boat says rising unease drove him to involve cops.

A Northland fisherman who tipped police off to suspicious boaties on 90 Mile Beach which led to a record seizure of methamphetamine is fearful of gang retribution.

Inside the police operation that led to record seizure of drugs.

Authorities will decide this morning whether to resume the search for a man washed overboard from a yacht in huge seas north of New Zealand.

More methamphetamine has been found by police among sand dunes in Northland, adding to what is already the largest meth seizure in New Zealand history.

Three men charged in connection with what police say is the nation's biggest ever methamphetamine haul have appeared in Kaitaia District Court.

The Far North woke to wonderfully fine weather on Saturday morning, a welcome break following the past week of rain and overcast skies.

Of all the attractions at Sunday's Russell School fair, the prospect of seeing Northland MP Winston Peters performing a haka just might be the biggest.

With Tomorrow's Schools, I often feel David Lange threw the baby out with the bath water.