Stories by Peter de Graaf
News
'It's the only chance we've got': Voting at New Zealand's northernmost booth
Few New Zealanders live further from the nation's centre of political power than the residents of Te Hāpua.
'It will change my life' - new tenant of Kaikohe social housing
Having a secure roof over his head will be "life-changing" for a Kaikohe man, who is likely to become a tenant in a new social housing development.
'Everyone deserves a fair shot' - Kaikohe community housing opens
The first stage of a "groundbreaking" community housing project will open in Northland next week.
Far North mayor to receive award for being one of world's top young politicians
Moko Tepania - who was "blown away" and hoped just to be nominated - was due to receive his award in Belfast, Ireland on Wednesday evening.
Estuary pollution in Bay of Islands caused by dumped red paint
Paint dumped in a stormwater drain caused serious pollution near Paihia over the weekend.
Date set for trial over Enchanter fishing boat tragedy
The trial of a Far North man and his business over the Enchanter fishing boat tragedy will take place in Whangārei next May.
Whangārei petrol prices 'absolutely ridiculous' and 'outrageous', motorists say
Whangārei residents are demanding answers about why they are paying the highest petrol prices in the country - despite living closest to New Zealand's main fuel import terminal.
Hundreds gather to farewell Māori leader Sir Patu Hohepa
One of Ngāpuhi's greatest scholars has been laid to rest at Waimā in the Far North.
Sharp increase in number of kiwi killed by dogs in Bay of Islands
The true number of kiwi deaths is likely to be higher, as many deaths go unnoticed, the Department of Conservation says.
CAA launches investigation into chopper crash
A helicopter crash that left one person in hospital in the Far North on Sunday is being investigated by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Council agrees to change local election voting system
Whangārei district councillors have confirmed plans to switch to the Single Transferable Voting (STV) system for the upcoming local elections in 2025 and 2028.
Raucous Northland debate crowd rails at Covid, te reo Māori mentions
Northland MP Willow-Jean Prime walked into the lion's den when she took part in an election debate in Kerikeri on Tuesday night.
Woman died in Whangārei Hospital after after being given penicillin, despite allergy
A new report by the Health and Disability Commissioner blamed inadequate staffing and inconsistent processes for the death.
Kāinga Ora downscales social housing plans in Kerikeri
Government agency Kāinga Ora has scaled back its plans for social housing in central Kerikeri following community concerns. Audio
Wide-ranging benefits from post-cyclone tree clean-up
A iwi-led scheme to clean up and process trees damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle in Northland aims to create jobs, reduce the impact of future storms and provide firewood for low-income families.
'All this kindness' - Fire victim overwhelmed by community's helping hand
A Givealittle page set up to help an 80-year-old Northland man living in a shed after his house burnt down has raised more than $28,000 in just three days. Audio
Photos: Bay of Islands kapa haka festival brings together nearly 500 children
A festival that started as a way to bring children back together after the Covid pandemic has already grown into one of the biggest events on the Bay of Islands cultural calendar.
'I'm not going to feel defeated' - 80-year-old living in shed after house fire
Northlanders are rallying to help Arnold Kalnins who is sleeping on a mattress on the floor of a cold, damp shed after his house burnt to the ground.
'A big jigsaw': Tributes paid for 'legend' who proved 'extinct' bird had survived
A Northland conservationist who rediscovered one of New Zealand's most endangered and elusive seabirds has died aged 87.
Kaitāia Airport saved from closure after iwi negotiates to buy land
The deal reached earlier this month would give "absolute certainty" the airport could keep operating for at least the next 35 years, Ngāi Takoto leader Rangitane Marsden says.
Abbey Caves death: Rāhui could be extended as wider debate on access continues
A rāhui was put on Abbey Caves until the end of August following Karnin Petera's death, but the closure may be extended as it sparked a wider debate about access to caves around the district.
Raro the dog rescued from huge swells in Northland waters
Dogged determination and a local politician's surf rescue skills saved the life of a much-loved family pet that tumbled off a cliff into churning surf.
Kaitāia business ordered to pay nearly $400k after 'horrific' sand boarding death
A Northland company has been ordered to pay almost $400,000 after the death of a Korean tourist in a "horrific" sand boarding incident.
Dive company to pay $250K, avoids prosecution after school trip incident
A well-known Northland dive company has avoided prosecution over an incident in which two children were trapped in a sea cave by agreeing to a raft of measures to improve safety and help the victims.
'A real homecoming': Insect predating dinosaurs returns to NZ islands
A gigantic insect absent from New Zealand forests for almost 200 years is making a comeback in the Bay of Islands. Audio