We are very lucky to have bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins, orca, and lots of different types of whales that visit our waters.

There’s no escaping the truncated little critters known as acronyms, initializing, pseudo-blends and text speak.

Nearly all the major wine growers in the Far North have picked their grapes by now, although what week of the month they picked depends on where the vineyard is situated and, like all farms everywhere, was weather dependent.

Mangonui senior club rugby kicked off on Saturday in fine autumn conditions, and in traditional fashion with all four games being played at Arnold Rae Park.

An up-and-coming golfer from Rotorua who has started making a name for himself on the professional circuit won the Harcourts Waitangi Pro-Am title on Friday.

We want action - now

Many tributes were paid to Murray Arnold Rae at Wednesday's funeral, but perhaps the most fitting of them was the venue.

Who cares?

It wasn't too long ago that the Far North was collectively concerned about the migration of its people to Australia, heading there in search of jobs and opportunities that weren't available at home.

Kaitaia's protest against the continuing sale of 'legal highs' wasn't the biggest of the 24 that took place simultaneously around the country on Saturday, but it was passionate.

So a Kaitaia man thought moments after he took action to foil, then catch, three people who burgled a neighbour's home last week.

It's very hot in Kawakawa in February as the historic rail station hosts an afternoon of music

The fledgling Far North Cavy Club will host a pet show and most things fluffy and cuddly, along with some not so much, will be very welcome.

Many of the Far North's most talented junior sportsfolk are once again facing the long and cold road into winter to play the sport they love.

SO there he was, The Offsider, headbanging himself into a virtual standstill before an AC/DC covers band at a local pub on Saturday night.

A long-serving member of the Kaitaia Volunteer Fire Brigade is farewelled.

Selling trouble

Kaitaia Veterinary Services and TopVets have launched an agricultural scholarship in memory of the late Heath Harris.

An accomplished local swimming athlete is currently in training as he prepares to take on the 1km distance at the King of the Bays swim on Auckland's North Shore later this month.

Friday night fighting returned to downtown Kaitaia as the Howling Wolves' March Madness boxing and kickboxing tournament took place at 103 Gym Central last week.

Stars of New Zealand's sporting and music worlds spent the day at a small Far North school recently, as the forerunners of what is hoped will become a regular event.

Cricket too

Dob in the mongrels

The death last week of Murray Rae, one of the original Te Ahu trustees and who was elected to Te Hiku Community Board last year, was described by Mayor John Carter as a huge loss to the North.

The Far North is still home to a thriving cannabis cultivating industry judging by Operation Lucy, which wound up last week.

Dr Lance O'Sullivan confessed to being more nervous at Friday's civic reception at Te Ahu in Kaitaia, in recognition of his being named New Zealander of the Year, than he was immediately prior to receiving the award.

The true identity of Ironman has been revealed and it's not some fictional character - as in the case of billionaire playboy, industrialist, and ingenious engineer Tony Stark - but Jill Bloggs!

Organisers of a successful junior tennis programme in Kaitaia said plans are in place to grow the event to cater to the unprecedented and overwhelming demand they experienced last summer.

No deal.

The pilots and crew of the Northland Electricity rescue helicopter had an extraordinarily busy 48 hours last weekend, flying a dozen emergency missions virtually from Cape Reinga to Wellington.