Northland

A pedestrian has died after a crash in Northland, south of the Bay of Islands, police say.

Waka hit the water at the Treaty Grounds, while the PM was welcomed onto Ōnuku Marae in Akaroa and the Waitangi Hikoi made themselves known.

While Dame Iritana Tāwhiwhirangi's tangihanga and the Prime Minister's absence contributed, there was also a snubbing by some.

The teenage girls were swept away after jumping off Waitangi Wharf - another few minutes and it could have been a different result, police say.

Waitangi Day is the biggest day of the year on the ground in Northland - but it's also the region's busiest time in the sky.

Free car parks have been set up in Haruru, near Paihia, for people to make use of the free shuttle buses.

The 31-year-old man has been remanded in custody and was due back in court on 19 February.

It may be the final nail in the coffin of a a project that's sharply divided the small community for nearly five years.

Police say a truck rolled earlier, blocking lanes in both directions near Topuni.

A dawn ceremony was hosted by mana whenua Ngāti Rāhiri and Ngāti Kawa who welcomed iwi leaders, politicians and the masses. Audio

As the country discusses the concept of kotahitanga (unity), marae and whānau across Te Tai Tokerau have demonstrated what true unity can achieve.

An investigation has been underway since a member of the public found his body in a creek in Northland.

The man was found in a creek near Whangārei, with his motorbike parked nearby.

The twister would have killed people if it had struck during the day instead of 3am, Mark Mitchell says.

In emails, chief medical officer urged Health NZ head to make the call: "There comes a point where we have to recognise that we have reached the limit of our actions."

DOC is considering revising trap standards after the bird's bill was caught and it was killed.

It's believed he died some time between 7pm and 11pm on 28 January, in the layby opposite the entrance to Otaika Valley Scenic Reserve.

A senior Northland doctor was so worried about a lack of medical staff in Dargaville overnight she was convinced it was too risky to keep the town's hospital open.

Police have set up checkpoints and are going door to door in a small Far North village: "It's important that anyone in the community with information does the right thing."

Whangārei police are investigating the death of a motorcyclist just south of the city overnight.