The 200th anniversary of the first recorded Christian service in New Zealand - and the beginning of a nation where Maori and Pakeha lived side by side - will be marked with two major events.

The Prime Minister says he wants to bring the new Minister for Roading to Northland for a first-hand look at the state of the region's roads.

A bond formed almost 30 years ago between two Pacific peoples has been renewed by the arrival of two voyaging canoes from Hawaii.

Another aviation firm has put its hand up to fly the Kaitaia-Auckland route in the wake of Air New Zealand's shock announcement it plans to pull out of the Far North town.

Residents on three unsealed Far North roads whose health is at risk from clouds of dust thrown up by passing logging trucks can look forward to some relief this summer.

The Kerikeri Croquet Club recently hosted 10 students from Bay of Islands College as part of a Croquet New Zealand initiative.

Earlier this month, the Year 7/8 girls of the Kaitaia Intermediate School netball team celebrated a memorable season contested at home and away.

Cherry picking

THE END was clearly coming when Air New Zealand announced a few weeks ago that it would was preparing to introduce 50-seat aircraft for its Kerikeri-Auckland service.

Maori chiefs never agreed to give up their sovereignty when they signed Te Tiriti in 1840.

Two aviation companies are now vying for the right to fly from Kaitaia after Air New Zealand's shock decision to quit the Far North town.

A plucky 61-year-old from Northland is returning to the State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series for a fourth time, to continue to show the world that physical disabilities can't stop her.

West coast weather and sea conditions have proved very testing of late for local anglers with large, sweepy seas putting a damper on two recent field days.

John Foster has taken his leave from the Kaitaia Rotary Club, after setting a longevity record that might never be broken.

Regarding Air New Zealand's decision to cancel flights in various locations, I have to say this is an extremely poor business decision on Air NZ's part.

Two ocean-going waka arrived at Opua on Tuesday, one year into a four-year around-the-world voyage.

Paihia's Village Green has taken on a more vibrant look with the completion of Stage 1 of a planned enhancement, thanks once again to a huge effort by the community.

Air New Zealand's review of its regional aircraft operations will cost Kaitaia its twice-daily service to and from Auckland. Whakatane and Westport will also lose their services.

Stuff of politicians

Whatever soothing noises Treaty Settlements Minister Chris Finlayson might make, some will be fearing the worst now that the issue of traffic on 90 Mile Beach has been raised once again.

Hemi Rapata just had time to get his five children, aged from 2 to 9 years, out of their house at Matauri Bay late on Thursday night before it went up like an inferno.

Last year printing.com Kaitaia was unofficially one of the five best franchises in the country. On Friday night it was named the best bar none (of 42) at a function in Wellington.

Betty King has been knitting since she was 8 years old and living on the Coromandel Peninsula.

'Ebola of bee industry' has hit, November 6 - drew a quick response from some of the most experienced people in the industry.

The new season of racing at Taipa Speedway got under way in fine and sunny conditions on Sunday.

SO there he was, The Offsider, checking out one of the biggest cleanest swells seen in some time as it rocked along the point breaks of Ahipara last week.

Joining the Koa Rebekah IOOF Lodge in Kaitaia in 1950 was the best thing she had ever done, Margaret Marshall told a small gathering at the town's heritage museum.

I just have to remind you that I told you so.

Music, all manner of stalls and enough food to feed an army all played their part in Saturday's 2014 Awanui Day, but once again it was the memories that attracted many people.

A warning yesterday that the Te Oneroa a Tohe (90 Mile Beach) governance board that will be formed as part of Te Hiku iwi Treaty claim settlements would be looking at making "cultural and physical changes".