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.

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.

Organisers of the Russell to Paihia Snorkel Scuba Race last month noted the event was not only one of the best in recent memory but it also raised $3900.

Tony Makiha has had more than his share of health issues over recent years, and is not yet entirely out of the woods, but that hasn't slowed him down.

Northlanders have been reassured that a Northland nurse and midwife who has returned from volunteering to care for Ebola victims in Sierra Leone is not contagious.

It's certainly good to read of the co-operation at the Mayoral Forum between our Northland councils as described by Mayor John Carter in his Northland Age column.

The future of Kaitaia's town clock will be one of the subjects on the agenda at a public meeting called by Te Hiku Community Board next week.

Northland MP Mike Sabin has joined Health Minister Jonathan Coleman in applauding Northland's decision to fund free doctors' visits and prescriptions for children up to 13 years.

He's the captain of both the Kaitaia rugby and senior cricket teams, and also cuts a mean deck in bridge by all accounts.

A new type of exercise class has opened up in Doubtless Bay and has local residents kicking up their heels (or more aptly, their bare feet).

WHATEVER the benefits of the so-called social media might turn out to be, it is doubtful that they will outweigh the negatives.

A Far North District councillor has hit back at claims by Finance Minister Bill English that councils are to blame for soaring house costs, and thereby contributing to poverty.

It might be one of the smallest wineries in the North, but what Sandra and Eric Shackleton's Waitapu Estate lacks in size it makes up for with quality.

The dental health of more than 300 Far North residents who hold a community service card is in for a boost this week and next, thanks to a New Zealand Defence Force training exercise.

There would be few motoring brands in the Southern Hemisphere as instantly recognizable as Isuzu.

To be greeted traditionally on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the company of overseas guests is to literally see ourselves through the eyes of others.

A newly established community garden aims to revive the lost art of growing healthy food while helping people in need.

It's been said the health of a community can be measured in the arts. That being so, Kerikeri's heart is beating well.

Kerikeri sailor Blair Tuke, along with fellow Kiwi Peter Burling, are among the finalists for 2014 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year.

Kaitaia resident Gwenyth Cossey always knew her grandfather, Michael Victor Lindberg, had been involved in swimming sports but had no idea to what degree until earlier this year.

Northland College hosted this year's Kaikohe and Districts Cultural Festival, 13 groups and schools taking their turn to perform before a large and appreciative audience of supporters.

Kaitaia's (and the Real Far North's) town clock should be restored immediately!