Far North news in brief: Boatie alert, water restricted due to dry weather, scholarship entries opened

Members of the Northland Corridor project team chatting with visitors to the Managawhai Community Market. Four more roadshows are planned for around Northland.

Boaties, particularly those heading to Middle Ground/Centre Foul for fishing, have been warned to avoid anchoring within the Waitangi Sector light area when cruise ships are approaching or departing (this is the area from Hermione Rock out to 3nm from Tapeka Point). These big ships need this channel clear for safe navigation. If you see a large vessel approaching or the pilot boat signals you, please lift your anchor and move clear of the sector light area.

Water restricted

Dry weather has prompted Kaipara District Council to introduce level 2 water restrictions for Dargaville and Baylys Beach. This means those on town supply must not use sprinklers or an irrigation system to water their garden. Hoses with a trigger nozzle, watering cans, water blasters and buckets can still be used. Water flows over the Kaihu weirs have reduced rapidly over the past week and there is little rain forecast prior to Christmas, with the council saying further restrictions are a very real prospect.

Scholarships call

Applications for Northland Regional Council’s Tū i te ora Scholarships are open. Six scholarships worth $4000 each are available to assist with study costs, plus paid fulltime work experience with NRC from mid-November 2025 to mid-February 2026. Applications close on February 13. Visit scholarships.nrc.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and application forms.

Northland Corridor Summer Roadshows

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has kicked off its Northland Corridor Summer Roadshow series, with more than 250 people dropping in to chat to the project team, find out the latest progress on the project and share their local insights at the first two events. There are four more roadshow locations planned, on Dcember 14 at the Matakana Original Market, january 11 at the Mangawhai Tavern Market, January 26 at the Waipū Street Market and on February 1 at the Paparoa A&P Show.

Christmas cheer

More than 6000 families across New Zealand will receive essential support these holidays with the delivery of $1.4 million worth of food from KidsCan. The food packs are being offered to the families of every child the charity supports though its 203 partner early childhood centres including those in Northland. The initiative was made possible thanks to the generous support of philanthropists Graeme and Robyn Hart. It is the first time KidsCan has had the funding to provide food support to families during the holidays. The charity typically provides support during the school term.