Water Restriction Notice
Water restrictions relaxed for Paihia
Level 4 water restrictions for the Far North District Council’s Paihia-Opua-Waitangi supply will be reduced to Level 3 from today. All other restrictions in the district remain unchanged.
Paihia-Opua-Waitangi was one of five council supplies placed on the highest possible Level 4 restrictions allowing for essential water use only. The reduction to Level 3 still bans the use of outdoor hoses, but permits households and businesses connected to Council supplies to water gardens and wash cars or boats from a bucket. Filling private swimming pools from Council supplies is not permitted.
General Manager – Infrastructure and Asset Management, Andy Finch says relaxing restrictions for this one supply was possible because the Waitangi River is a substantial waterway and the one water source not subject Northland Regional Council water flow consent limits. Paihia has also seen a reduction in the number of tourists reducing the overall demand.
“Our water treatment plant was working at capacity, so we needed residents and businesses to significantly reduce their water consumption. They have achieved that, and we can now relax restrictions on this supply. Unfortunately, all our other water sources remain seriously depleted and are running well below consented limits. We cannot relax restrictions on these until they have recovered. This will require significant rainfall.”
Water supplies that remain on Level 4 restrictions are Omanaia-Rawene, Kawakawa-Moerewa, Kaikohe-Ngawha, and Kaitaia. The Paihia-Opua-Waitangi supply joins Kerikeri-Waipapa and Opononi-Omapere on Level 3 restrictions. Okaihau remains the only supply on Level 2 restrictions.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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60% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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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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