05 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
223 views
The Environmental Protection Authority has accepted the Fast-track application for the Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock project, which will now be reviewed by an independent expert panel. The government has allocated $100 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support this nationally significant facility, aiming to reduce reliance on overseas dry docks and boost New Zealand's economy. The project is expected to create hundreds of permanent jobs, enhance vessel maintenance efficiency, and deliver substantial economic benefits to Northland and the country.
11 Sep 2026
1 month ago
477 views
Work has begun on the Whangārei Hospital redevelopment, featuring a new acute services building and a 158-bed ward tower to expand capacity and modernize healthcare facilities. The project aims to improve emergency care, increase bed availability, and support government health targets, while also laying the foundation for future expansion. Additionally, the redevelopment is a major economic boost for Northland, expected to contribute $233 million to the regional GDP and create over 2,700 jobs.
11 Sep 2026
1 month ago
333 views
Whangārei Hospital officially opened a $35 million Child Health Centre, providing modern outpatient and community services tailored for children and young people in Northland. Alongside this, an $18.5 million Car Park 14 extension was completed, adding 573 parking spaces to support the growing hospital campus. These projects are key milestones in the wider hospital redevelopment, enabling the construction of a new acute services building while maintaining effective hospital operations.
27 Aug 2026
1 month ago
519 views
A new Crisis Recovery Café called Te Whare Tau has opened in Kaitaia to provide a calm, peer-led support environment for people experiencing mental health or addiction distress, offering an alternative to emergency departments. Delivered by Rakau Ora, the café builds on existing community services and aims to connect individuals with further support, operating during after-hours with trained peer support workers. This café is the first of three planned in Northland, reflecting growing demand for accessible crisis support, with over 100 people accessing the service in its first two weekends.
24 Aug 2026
2 months ago
512 views
Fisheries New Zealand is consulting the public on proposals to reopen limited recreational scallop fishing in Whangārei Harbour after a four-year closure, following surveys indicating sustainable scallop levels. The proposals include maintaining the current closure until broader management plans are finalized, allowing a limited seasonal scallop fishing starting this spring or summer, and establishing ongoing seasonal fishing from 2027 or 2028 with new fishing rules. Commercial scallop fishing will remain prohibited, and feedback is sought by 18 September to balance community benefits with sustainability.
22 Aug 2026
2 months ago
626 views
The Northland Shipyard and Dry Dock project at Marsden Point has lodged a fast-track consent application under the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024, aiming to provide domestic maintenance for large vessels and reduce reliance on overseas dry docks. The facility is expected to boost the economy by $1.05 billion over 38 years, create significant jobs during construction and operation, and support New Zealand’s maritime sector and regional development. Located near Northport with deep-water access, the project aligns with national infrastructure goals and is part of the National-NZ First coalition agreement.
19 Aug 2026
2 months ago
649 views
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced $9.2 million from the Department of Conservation Community Fund will support 20 community-led conservation projects across New Zealand. These projects focus on protecting threatened ecosystems and species, leveraging local knowledge, community effort, and partnerships with Iwi. The fund attracted 121 applications totaling over $69 million, with additional contributions expected from community groups to enhance conservation outcomes.
05 Aug 2026
2 months ago
622 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is seeking public feedback on proposals to manage rock lobster fishing around Aotea-Great Barrier Island, aiming to ensure long-term sustainability as requested by local boards and iwi trusts. Proposed measures include establishing recreational-only zones, reducing daily catch limits, introducing closed seasons during breeding, setting maximum legal sizes, and limiting accumulation of catch to protect lobster populations. These efforts, supported by community groups and Fisheries New Zealand, are part of broader protections to rebuild lobster stocks and address local concerns, with consultation open until 4 September 2026.
13 Jul 2026
3 months ago
819 views
The submersible dredge planer (SDP), a remotely operated device developed by Northland Regional Council and Johnson Brothers Ltd, has successfully passed recent tests for removing invasive caulerpa seaweed in Omākiwi Cove. This custom-designed equipment, part of a $10 million initiative including UV-C light treatment and a chlorine sealing system, features unique screw propulsion for effective operation on sandy seabeds and is ready for deployment despite current low seaweed presence. The SDP represents a significant advancement in New Zealand’s biosecurity efforts, offering scalable mechanical removal capabilities adaptable to other invasive species in various aquatic environments.
09 Jul 2026
3 months ago
771 views
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed NZTA's Major Transport Projects Pipeline, outlining the phased delivery of key Roads of National Significance and major public transport projects to support economic growth and job creation. The pipeline details three phases: current construction and procurement of major roads and regional projects, preparation and route protection for upcoming projects, and slower progress on longer-term initiatives, ensuring a balanced investment across new corridors and existing infrastructure maintenance. Despite challenges like rising construction costs and reduced fuel excise duty, the government maintains an ambitious, responsible transport program aimed at building a safe, reliable, and resilient transport system nationwide.
03 Jul 2026
3 months ago
848 views
Judge La-Verne King has been appointed as the new Principal Family Court Judge, starting in November after Judge Jackie Moran's retirement. With a legal career beginning in 1989, she co-founded the first Māori and Pasifika women law firm and has held various roles including Youth Advocate and District Inspector for Mental Health. Since her appointment to the District Court Bench in 2019, she has primarily served in Family and Youth Courts in Northland and became the Family Court Liaison Judge for the region in 2021.
08 Jun 2026
4 months ago
812 views
The Government has completed the recommissioning of 93 million litres of diesel storage capacity at Marsden Point to store newly purchased diesel reserves. Two shipments, arriving soon and in July, will provide about nine days’ average diesel consumption to safeguard New Zealand’s fuel supply amid global uncertainties. Funded by $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, this measure aims to maintain economic stability despite ongoing Middle East conflicts affecting fuel supply and prices.
04 Jun 2026
4 months ago
983 views
The new radiation oncology service at Whangārei Hospital, featuring Northland's first Linear Accelerator, is now complete, allowing most local cancer patients to receive radiation treatment closer to home and reducing lengthy travel to Auckland. This $60.9 million facility will initially treat around 370 patients annually, with capacity to expand, and includes expanded chemotherapy services and plans to become a training site for radiation therapists by 2027. The project, part of the Whangārei Hospital Master Plan and supported by 35 staff, aims to improve timely access to cancer care in Northland and ease pressure on Auckland’s services.
06 May 2026
5 months ago
1137 views
Northland is receiving improved youth mental health support with the launch of a dedicated Youth Acute Respite Service and three additional Youth Suicide Prevention Coordination roles, backed by $1.7 million in annual funding. This initiative responds to a coroner’s report on the loss of six young people, aiming to provide earlier crisis intervention and reduce hospital admissions by creating a more connected support system. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible mental health services nationwide and addressing identified regional needs.
28 Apr 2026
5 months ago
928 views
Kaitaia Hospital has introduced a local scar therapy clinic and expanded audiology services, significantly improving access to specialist care for Far North residents. These enhancements reduce travel burdens, increase appointment availability, and shorten wait times from up to 12 months to around four months. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that these upgrades align with Health New Zealand’s commitment to providing timely, quality healthcare closer to home, especially in rural and underserved areas.