News stories

Far North District Council has opened its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), following Metservice warnings that severe weather is set to worsen.

Residents and visitors are being warned to remain cautious around Far North rivers and streams despite Heavy Rain Warnings being lifted, as drenched hillsides continue to feed overnight rainfall into already swollen waterways.

A highly qualified team of five has been appointed to provide independent assurance and professional advice to elected members and operational teams for the establishment of Northland’s new water organisation.

The council is seeking feedback on a proposed wording change to its Revenue and Financing Policy 2024.

**UPDATE 8pm 18 Jan**

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A Rawhiti Road bridge has been washed out by heavy downpours that hit the coastal area east of Russell overnight. Sudden flood waters have washed out the road abutment on a single-lane bridge located just south of Whangaruru North Road.

Record temperatures and a spike in demand for water mean that Level 2 water restrictions will be applied to households and businesses connected to the council supply in Kerikeri and Waipapa from Monday 19 January. Level 2 restrictions ban the use of outdoor sprinklers and irrigation systems.

The new extension to the Kororāreka / Russell Cemetery was officially opened last month, marking an important milestone for the local community and providing much needed additional burial space.

Homeowners can now build a granny flat on their property without a building consent if specific conditions are met. A new building consent exemption aims to remove barriers to building small dwellings while ensuring the homes are safe, durable, and compliant.

See how the 180th year commemoration of one of Northland's most famous battles was remembered by iwi and manuhiri.