1867 days ago

Ahipara fire highlights fire risks

Alison Shrigley Reporter from Whangārei Leader

Far North District Council is paying tribute to the magnificent work carried out by Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) in tackling a very significant blaze at Ahipara Tuesday night.


Far North Mayor, John Carter QSO, says it was a very significant fire for the coastal settlement. “I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding work carried out by FENZ and the other emergency services. Without their intervention I shudder to think what might have happened. I also want to thank the many individuals and organisations in the area that provided a wonderful level of support to those in the community who were evacuated at the height of the emergency.”

Mayor Carter also has a strong fire safety message to visitors and residents alike: “It is so important that advice and instructions offered by FENZ is followed – to do otherwise is both foolhardy and dangerous. This fire was a warning to us. Fortunately, we've escaped without loss of life, loss of property or injury this time. Every resident and every visitor to Northland has a responsibility to make sure this sort of thing doesn't happen again. This has been a massive warning.”

A total fire ban has been in place for Whangārei and Kaipara since Thursday 24 December. The Far North remains in a restricted fire season meaning a permit is needed for all outdoor fires. However, fire permits are suspended in the area until further notice due to the weather conditions. For the latest details on where and when you can light a fire, go to the FENZ www.checkitsalright.nz... webpage.

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More messages from your neighbours
21 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.4% Complete
  • 43.6% I want to be able to choose.
    43.6% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2427 votes
19 days ago

Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

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5 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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