MEMO to self: Don't accept what politicians say when passions are running high, especially if a general election is looming.

The government appears to be backing away from a pre-election pledge to cover at least 90 per cent of the repair bill for road damage inflicted by winter storms in the Far North.

The respect and affection that John Terrence (Terry) Tepania earned over the 63 years before he lost his battle with his final illness last week was displayed on Saturday.

The police and Fire Service are investigating the fire that destroyed a house at Taipa early on Sunday morning as arson.

Although the changeable weather has been playing havoc with the opening events of the new croquet season, a large number of students from Kaitaia College enjoyed a marvellous day at a local club.

All arrangements are in place for the inaugural Whanau Tryathlon being held at Lake Ngatu this Saturday and while organisers noted there was, unfortunately, a bit of a clash with Awanui Day.

Bree, who despite her young age is an active patchworker, found a bargain of her own at the fair in the form of a small dinosaur.

Northland secondary school students have a well-earned reputation for their ability to think innovatively, and the best of another very impressive crop were rewarded.

Reading the New Zealand Herald and watching Parliament this week, one could be forgiven for thinking that the 2014 election hadn't yet taken place.

The struggle was definitely the blessing for the Sports Muriwhenua team who finished the Far Mazing Race held in pouring rain along 90 Mile Beach earlier this month in fourth place overall.

Three Kaitaia teenagers found themselves competing against the best gymsports competitors from all over New Zealand for medals and trophies at the national gymnastic championships.

The Department of Conservation holds grave fears for the safety of New Zealand's most endangered indigenous breeding bird, the New Zealand fairy tern (tara-iti).

I am so upset having learned that Specsavers are closing. My letter to you is the best way of protest I know. A knock to our lovely town we could well do without.

SMALL towns don't like seeing businesses close, so it is hardly surprising that one Northland Age reader (so far) has taken exception to seeing time called for Kaitaia's Specsavers.

Five medals, plus the prize for the nation's best supermarket plunger coffee, is proof that the Far North can foot it with the big boys.

Te Hiku Community Board unveiled plans for a make-over of Kaitaia's Remembrance Park, home of the town's war memorial.

A head for heights helps when it comes to safeguarding the future of a glorious New Zealand native.

It's been a bit of a surprise that Kaitaia - with its proximity to two coastlines offering an abundance of pumping waves and perfect offshore winds.

It is unbelievable, the haste with which TVNZ chased up Hone Harawira to ask if he knew anything about Patrick Awarau's charges.

The New Zealand Defence Force's Operation Wisdom Tooth, which winds up in Kaitaia today, had been a real success according to Major Suzanne Halligan.

The 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I was marked last week with the planting of 57 crosses, one for each person from the district who served in the Great War, in a Lawn of Remembrance.

A record five players from the Far North featured in the 10-strong Northland team which represented the province in the girls' division of the annual Weir Rose Bowl Tournament in Cambridge.

The Far North has done well in national apprentice competitions over the years, and last week Coastal Homes (Doubtless Bay) added to the record.

It came out this week that Treasury had advised the government that school breakfasts had no measurable impact on educational performance.

THE recent spate of boating mishaps has once again prompted calls from some quarters to make the wearing of life jackets compulsory.

A promise made 30 years ago is taking shape on the banks of a Far North river.

The single most important feature of Te Aupouri's pou, which was unveiled in the atrium at Te Ahu on Friday, was its dedication to the tamariki/mokopuna who were the iwi's future.

Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium and Auckland Zoo are making every effort to ensure that three sea turtles that came into their care in critically ill condition.

Kyle Chen won a gold medal in the 63kg Cadet Male Division at the 2014 New Zealand Boxing Championships, in Queenstown last weekend.

The Kaitaia Athletic Club officially began for the summer season in balmy conditions on Tuesday night which had some suggesting summer was well on its way.