Stories by Susan Botting
News
Northland’s first potential coronavirus case being tested
Northland can expect 200 Covid-19 coronavirus cases with up to five deaths over the next three months, according to modelling.
Controversial civic centre upsize goes ahead
Whangarei ratepayers are to get an upsized $48 million new civic centre - without public consultation on its increased cost.
Campground lease extension angers local iwi
Far North District Council's lease extension for Houhora Heads motor camp has angered local iwi Ngai Takoto, who opposed the move from the outset.
Whananaki North baches 'an important part of NZ's history'
More than a century's heritage is continuing after Whananaki North's iconic foreshore baches recently gained another 10-year 'licence to occupy' extension. Video
Whangarei facing water use cuts
Whangarei's almost 100,000 residents will likely soon need to cut their water use as the district moves to help desperate water-shortage-hit Far North and Kaipara communities.
Northland to Auckland highway to be country's second urban growth corridor
A multimillion dollar urban growth corridor could soon stretch from Northland to Auckland in the wake of major government infrastructure spending into Northland.
Call for Northland Māori to co-drive major infrastructure spend
Northland Māori are being urged to step up and play a part in bringing the region's $1 billion central government infrastructure spend to life.
Whangarei Chamber of Commerce calls for CBD university hub
A new university hub in Whangarei's inner city is being proposed by the Northland Chamber of Commerce.
Infrastructure NZ says RMA needs to be replaced
Big changes are needed in the way regional development is managed according to New Zealand's $300 billion infrastructure industry.
Northland mayors launch social media push for infrastructure projects
Almost 180,000 Northlanders are being called on to get behind a new Kia Kaha Northland social media campaign to bring five huge infrastructure projects to the region.
Northland mayors call for more infrastructure
Northland's mayors are throwing their weight into a new joint campaign to bring more multi-million dollar infrastructure into the region.
$700m boost: Council boss heralds new era of growth for Whangarei
The face of Whangarei is set to change dramatically in the next decade in the wake of the Government's $700 million Northland roading and rail infrastructure spend.
Northland health official urges vigilence over coronavirus travel risk
Northlanders travelling or from Wuhan central China should seek immediate medical advice if they develop flu-like symptoms upon their return, says the region's top health official.
Boaties heading north urged to clean hulls to avoid carrying marine pests
Checks on more than 1000 boat hulls around Northland this summer are showing improved results in the fight against unwanted hitchhiking marine pests threatening the region's marine environment.
Call for councils to mark NZ Declaration of Independence
Councils are being called on to respect the New Zealand Declaration of Independence by not holding meetings on 28 October.
Far North to claim houses in rates clawback
Far North householders face losing their homes over unpaid rates as the District Council claws back millions under a tough new approach.
Room for improvement in Northland's democracy
Northland's democratic process has room for improvement and part of that involves better communication with the public, a student says.
How much do your local politicians cost you?
In Northland, residents will this year shell out over $3 million for the 42 local government politicians they have elected.
Call for statutory Māori seats in local government
A Northland Māori leader is calling for greater Māori representation in local government and next week, he'll be presenting his case.
Mangawhai public to give input into $15m council plan
Mangawhai locals will this summer have their chance to contribute to a $15 million Kaipara District Council management plan for their coastal settlement - one of the fastest growing centres in New…
Dargaville closer to human waste removal
Urgent removal of 3000 tonnes of treated human waste from Dargaville wastewater treatment plant's oxidation pond is a step closer.
Strong benefit for shifting Auckland port - regional council
Northland Regional Council's new chair says moving Auckland's port to Whangārei is obviously advantageous to the region, but also has to work for all three ports affected.
Northland Regional Council increases Māori input
A new climate change working party and increased Māori and independent representation are among key changes to the Northland Regional Council's freshly-agreed governance structure for the next three…