Letter to the Editor: Tuesday March 7, 2017

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'Far North' misused

As the editor will no doubt recall, I have long railed against the misuse of the term Far North (deputy Mayor proposes change of name to FNDC).

In the past the Far North tag has been linked by broadcasters and meteorologists from Orewa northwards.

Historically Northland was basically drawn from the southern boundary of the then Whangarei District Council, which from memory took in Wellsford and ran across, adjoining the Kaipara District Council boundary.

Seemingly the big ranges, Brynderwyns in the south and Maungataniwha in the north, split Northland into three, Whangarei (identifying with the city), the Mid North and Far North.

The Northland Regional Council got it right, because they serve the whole of Northland.

Tania is correct. Far North District Council is somewhat of a misnomer, and perhaps just Far should be dropped - North District Council, or Great Northern Districts Council.

To me the term Far North should be synonymous with the mystique the area evokes historically, geologically and geographically, and should be guarded by those lucky enough to live in the area.

Maybe three or four strategically placed signs on the roads leading to the area, such as Kaeo and the top of the Mangamukas, reading Far Out, Far North, or vice versa would be good.

PETE BROUGHTON
RD1 Kaitaia