Stories by Peter de Graaf
News
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.
'Hugely significant': Report into land loss, Treaty breaches suffered by Ngāpuhi to be presented
A historic Waitangi Tribunal report expected to call for the return of all Crown-owned land across much of Northland will be handed over to the country's largest iwi this morning.
'It's pretty broken': Fix for Brynderwyns the priority as National charts new path on Northland roading
Coalition negotiations and damage inflicted by extreme weather have forced a change in National's long-standing roading priorities for Northland.
Kinetic sculpture represents Northland's efforts to protect environment - artist
A controversial climate-change-themed public artwork 13 years in the making is due to be completed in Kerikeri this week.
'A task in itself': Country's largest solar power station built in Kaitāia
New Zealand's biggest solar power station to date has started producing electricity in the Far North.
Brynderwyns State Highway 1 closure announcement again delayed
National transport agency Waka Kotahi has deferred a decision about when to close State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyns for urgent repairs.
Appeal for return of Māori Battalion's stolen taonga heard
A precious taonga stolen from a museum dedicated to the memory of the legendary 28th Māori Battalion has been recovered.
Police hunting 'wannabe' gang member who beat up the wrong guy
An Auckland holidaymaker is recovering from a serious assault after being mistaken for someone else at a Kaitāia supermarket.
Pōhutukawa that predated Europeans' arrival topples into the sea
A small coastal town in the Bay of Islands is mourning the loss of a much-loved member of the community.