Today's latest news

'A lot of tears': Concerns over changes to post-mortem examinations
Health NZ plans for autopsies to remain in Whangārei, with a two-year contract extension.

'You and cars are a bad mix': Man who hit oncoming motorist high on dangerous levels of meth
Driver: 'I had a heavy addiction and that was a huge part of what happened. I apologise.'

Northland's six-month weather rollercoaster: Cyclones, droughts, floods
Cyclone Tam left 24,000 Northland homes without power on April 17.

'Posed little to no risk': Sand mining company defends operations
The sandspit has lost 420,000 tonnes of sand in six years.

Hot rod round-up to feature nine-year passion project for charity
Wade Nisbet said the event was an opportunity to share his passion with the community.

Horse dies after collision with vehicle on SH12
The horse did not survive Sunday night's collision near Kaikohe.

Matariki-themed film by Māori director set to premiere in Northland
The film 'Kōkā' is set against the backdrop of Matariki in Northland.

'Sacrilege': Family anger over theft from Dargaville grave
The $2000 koru was sawn off Michael Mudford’s headstone.

Opinion: The struggles of finding peace in a shared hot pool
One day, a stray ball hit me in the head, interrupting my peaceful soak. Photo / 123rf

'Good Samaritan': Off-duty officer sucker-punched while trying to stop shoplifters
Judge: 'It's behaviour that is wrong and at your age, you should know better'.

'Really sad' - Fully ablaze kitchen damages Tikipunga home
One person was taken to Whangārei Hospital to be checked over.

‘Economic disaster’: $100m threat if Mangawhai sandspit breaches
Mangawhai sandspit has lost more than 420,000 tonnes of non-replenishing sand.

Editorial: Rotorua's homeless dilemma highlights deeper social issues
OPINION: A business owner nearby lost revenue as customers avoided the encampment.

Vince Cocurullo: Volunteers are the heartbeat of our community
National Volunteer Week runs from June 15 to 21, celebrating community service.

Mud and cheers: Whangārei hailed for hosting cross country event
World record holder Sam Ruthe finished second in the Senior Boys 6000m race.

'My heart goes out': Cafe feeds homeless with pay it forward meals
Each week on Koha Monday the cafe offers free meals, funded by a 'pay it forward' system.

Opinion: Our minds work in mysterious ways
Opinion: Answers are needed when the head is full of questions.

'Foundation for stability': Habitat's Whangārei housing project wins big
The 22-home Warren Place development was named the best affordable housing project.

Opinion: Embracing the hot-cold dance of Northland winters
I know that disabled people are agile when it comes to adjusting to the environment.

Northland police adopt new limits for mental health callouts
Northland begins phase two of national changes to mental health callouts.

Northland chaplain leads way to help homeless move from tent to cabin
John has been living in a tent for nearly three months with his two dogs.

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Divers remove 130,000 sea urchins to protect marine reserve
The trial aims to protect the Poor Knights Islands’ underwater ecosystems.

High-profile investigator re-examines ex-cop's sexual assault case
Tim McKinnel is investigating ex-cop Jamie Foster's conviction.

News in brief: Community clean-up at Tui fire site invites volunteers
The latest news bites from around the region.

Middle-aged thieves stealing kilos of lollies from family-run store
Store manager Jayden Aben says regular customers are targeting the family-run business.

'An honour': Far North cafe's triple victory at national awards
Peekaboo Backyard Eatery won the Supreme Award at the Lion Hospitality Awards.

World's fastest teen descends on Whangārei for cross country champs
Sam Ruthe is among the 700 young athletes competing at Whangārei's Barge Park.

Watch: Discover top talent at this year's Smokefreerockquest and Showquest
Behind the scenes action and talented performers captured in this week's webisodes.