Stories by Peter de Graaf
News
Ōkaihau Branch Railway remembered on centenary
Plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of New Zealand's northernmost railway are picking up steam.
Far North occupation highlights wider problem of hoons on dunes, iwi ranger says
An iwi ranger on the Far North's Karikari Peninsula says a furore over a beach access road is highlighting wider problems of vehicle damage to dunes and sacred places.
Locals welcome bridge rebuild after years of floods
Residents of a Northland valley hope they will be safe from future storms after the demolition of a bridge they blame for flooding.
'We were horrified': Hapū occupy site to stop access road
An occupation is under way in the Far North where hapū are upset about a landowner's plans to put an access road through sand dunes they say are wāhi tapu.
Woman killed by dog in Northland attack
A family member at the scene in the town of Moerewa told RNZ his aunt has been killed. It is understood two other people were injured.
'It's the only chance we've got': Voting at New Zealand's northernmost booth
Few New Zealanders live further from the nation's centre of political power than the residents of Te Hāpua.
'It will change my life' - new tenant of Kaikohe social housing
Having a secure roof over his head will be "life-changing" for a Kaikohe man, who is likely to become a tenant in a new social housing development.
'Everyone deserves a fair shot' - Kaikohe community housing opens
The first stage of a "groundbreaking" community housing project will open in Northland next week.
Far North mayor to receive award for being one of world's top young politicians
Moko Tepania - who was "blown away" and hoped just to be nominated - was due to receive his award in Belfast, Ireland on Wednesday evening.
Estuary pollution in Bay of Islands caused by dumped red paint
Paint dumped in a stormwater drain caused serious pollution near Paihia over the weekend.
Date set for trial over Enchanter fishing boat tragedy
The trial of a Far North man and his business over the Enchanter fishing boat tragedy will take place in Whangārei next May.
Whangārei petrol prices 'absolutely ridiculous' and 'outrageous', motorists say
Whangārei residents are demanding answers about why they are paying the highest petrol prices in the country - despite living closest to New Zealand's main fuel import terminal.
Hundreds gather to farewell Māori leader Sir Patu Hohepa
One of Ngāpuhi's greatest scholars has been laid to rest at Waimā in the Far North.
Sharp increase in number of kiwi killed by dogs in Bay of Islands
The true number of kiwi deaths is likely to be higher, as many deaths go unnoticed, the Department of Conservation says.
CAA launches investigation into chopper crash
A helicopter crash that left one person in hospital in the Far North on Sunday is being investigated by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Council agrees to change local election voting system
Whangārei district councillors have confirmed plans to switch to the Single Transferable Voting (STV) system for the upcoming local elections in 2025 and 2028.
Raucous Northland debate crowd rails at Covid, te reo Māori mentions
Northland MP Willow-Jean Prime walked into the lion's den when she took part in an election debate in Kerikeri on Tuesday night.
Woman died in Whangārei Hospital after after being given penicillin, despite allergy
A new report by the Health and Disability Commissioner blamed inadequate staffing and inconsistent processes for the death.
Kāinga Ora downscales social housing plans in Kerikeri
Government agency Kāinga Ora has scaled back its plans for social housing in central Kerikeri following community concerns. Audio
Wide-ranging benefits from post-cyclone tree clean-up
A iwi-led scheme to clean up and process trees damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle in Northland aims to create jobs, reduce the impact of future storms and provide firewood for low-income families.
'All this kindness' - Fire victim overwhelmed by community's helping hand
A Givealittle page set up to help an 80-year-old Northland man living in a shed after his house burnt down has raised more than $28,000 in just three days. Audio
Photos: Bay of Islands kapa haka festival brings together nearly 500 children
A festival that started as a way to bring children back together after the Covid pandemic has already grown into one of the biggest events on the Bay of Islands cultural calendar.
'I'm not going to feel defeated' - 80-year-old living in shed after house fire
Northlanders are rallying to help Arnold Kalnins who is sleeping on a mattress on the floor of a cold, damp shed after his house burnt to the ground.
'A big jigsaw': Tributes paid for 'legend' who proved 'extinct' bird had survived
A Northland conservationist who rediscovered one of New Zealand's most endangered and elusive seabirds has died aged 87.
Kaitāia Airport saved from closure after iwi negotiates to buy land
The deal reached earlier this month would give "absolute certainty" the airport could keep operating for at least the next 35 years, Ngāi Takoto leader Rangitane Marsden says.