Stories by Peter de Graaf
News
How a Northland drug park became a family-friendly destination
People power has triumphed in a once-neglected corner of Northland's top tourist town, where locals have succeeded in driving out drug dealers and "unsavoury" activity.
On your marks, get set ... oink! Pig racing tries to steal the show
Pig racing with contestants named after politicians is expected to be one of the highlights of the Kaikohe A&P Show.
From boat-mad boy to superyacht captain
It has been quite a homecoming for Aaron Clark, who grew up sailing Optimists and left school aged 15 to become a commercial fisherman.
Property listings hit record low
One website has recorded its lowest monthly figure in 16 years, but some regions are still bucking the trend.
'It took out a wheel': Calls to fix SH1 potholes 'pronto'
Vik Olliver was going 100km/h on State Highway 1 when he hit a hole that left him with a $4000 bill. He's not alone. Audio
Gallery owner defends selling historical photos back to NZ
Part of a treasure trove of photos has been saved from ending up in an American landfill. Audio
What's behind Northland's dramatic drop in drownings?
A dramatic drop in Northland's drowning toll is due to in part to a new strategy of identifying hotspots and working with locals to come up with solutions, a leading water safety advocate says.
Tall Ships Regatta: Classic sailing boats to return to Northland waters this weekend
The Bay of Islands will be transformed into a sea of sails this weekend as one of the highlights of Northland's boating calendar returns to the waters off Russell.
Axing of planned Kerikeri road safety upgrades 'devastating' - councillor
Community leaders in the Bay of Islands say they are devastated the new government has cancelled a project designed to improve road safety for children heading to school in Kerikeri.
'Shattered hearts' - Family of young boys killed in accident flooded with support
The cousins, aged 6 and 4, died when a utility terrain vehicle they were on struck a boulder and fell into a waterhole.
Six-month-old baby was final death in official holiday period toll
The final death of the official holiday period toll - and the first in Northland of 2024 - was a baby boy who had only recently turned six months old.
Annual road toll down but still nearly a death every day
The Automobile Association is welcoming a drop in the nation's road toll - but says it's still far too high relative to other countries and significantly more than a decade ago.
'It's chock-a-block' - Bay welcomes holiday crowds after cyclone, Covid setbacks
Bay of Islands tourist towns, such as Paihia and Russell, are filling up with international visitors and New Year's revellers.
SH1 blocked by milk and cheese spill; road toll hits 11
State Highway 1 has reopened after being blocked this afternoon north of Kaitāia after a milk delivery truck rolled, while people have died in crashes near Russell, and in Buller District.
Northland campgrounds filling up to ring in 2024
Department of Conservation campgrounds around Northland are packed as holidaymakers count down to the New Year in some of the region's most scenic spots.
Woman finds napping kiwi in chicken coop
It's not quite a baby in a manger - but finding a kiwi asleep in her coop was the ultimate Christmas gift for Jane Jackets.
Pōhutukawa flowering most spectacular conservationist has seen in 20 years
The explosion of colour isn't confined just to the region's most-loved coastal trees, a leading conservationist says.
$240 million superyacht berths in Northland
One of the world's most exclusive superyachts has berthed in a Northland port for a two-week stay.
Far North dog attack death: Accused granted bail
A man accused of owning the dogs that killed a friend has been granted bail after initially being locked in the cells for refusing to follow court instructions.
'A sanctuary': Rare look inside Hundertwasser's Northland home
The New Zealand home of an acclaimed Austrian artist, architect and environmentalist is due to open to the public for the first time early next year.
Doctors feel fobbed off after smokefree protest letter referred to associate minister
They feel they have been fobbed off after a letter to the Health Minister highlighting their concerns about plans to repeal smokefree legislation was passed on to an associate minister instead.
Bay of Islands ferry sinking: Court appearance for boatie delayed
A 48-year-old Remuera man was to have appeared in Auckland District Court on two charges of operating a vessel dangerously.
Whangārei petrol prices drop as companies forced to match competition
Petrol prices have plummeted in Whangārei following the arrival of a cut-price outlet in what used to be New Zealand's most expensive city for tanking up.
Another march if new government lets Ngāpuhi down?
Dame Whina Cooper's daughter says her mum would have urged Ngāpuhi to never give up the struggle for justice.
'It's a day we have waited a long time for' - Ngāpuhi receive Tribunal report
A landmark Waitangi Tribunal report into injustices suffered by Ngāpuhi will strengthen the iwi's case as it looks to restart its stalled Treaty settlement negotiations, a hapū leader says.