Finding a safe, healthy and affordable place to call home is becoming increasingly difficult for many people in the Far North. He Kāinga Mana, the council’s new housing strategy, sets out how the council will work with iwi, hapū, communities, housing providers and other partners to improve housing outcomes across the district.

Social media is fast becoming the preferred way to follow Far North District Council, with the organisation seeing a 32 per cent growth in followers over the past year – the third highest increase among New Zealand councils.

Russell Tennis Club officially opened its new clubrooms on Saturday (3 October), marking the end of a four-year journey to deliver improved facilities for the local community.

Hihi residents and visitors should expect travel delays while repairs are carried out on the Hihi Road bridge, which provides the only road access to the community. Work will begin on Monday 12 October.

A section of Duncan Road in Kaitāia will be closed to traffic for one day on Thursday 8 October while contractors install a new culvert as part of slip repairs between Metcalfe Road and Kupuokai Road.