Rural West Whangarei news is brought to you by the team at Whangārei Leader
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This year, our hard working volunteers have fielded over 2,000 inquiries covering a wide range of issues. We hope our support has helped and we look forward to serving you again next year.
We will be open (reduced hours) on Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd December from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We … View moreThis year, our hard working volunteers have fielded over 2,000 inquiries covering a wide range of issues. We hope our support has helped and we look forward to serving you again next year.
We will be open (reduced hours) on Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd December from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We will be closed for the holiday period - Wednesday 24 December and will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026.
If you need information during our closure, we recommend you use our valuable website - www.cab.org.nz... , and for our young people - youth.cab.org.nz...
Have a very Merry Christmas from your Citizens Advice Bureau Far North team.
Mags4gifts.co.nz is having a Christmas sale with up to 40% off best-selling magazine subscriptions, including NZ Gardener, NZ House & Garden and TV Guide. Add a free e-card at checkout and schedule it to arrive on Christmas morning for a perfectly timed surprise! Make Christmas thoughtful this … View moreMags4gifts.co.nz is having a Christmas sale with up to 40% off best-selling magazine subscriptions, including NZ Gardener, NZ House & Garden and TV Guide. Add a free e-card at checkout and schedule it to arrive on Christmas morning for a perfectly timed surprise! Make Christmas thoughtful this year with a gift that lasts long after the holidays are over.
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer … View morePolice are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Police are working to locate Tehau Ernest Creeks-McNiff, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.
Creeks-McNiff, 19, is wanted in relation to a number of vehicle-related offences and is known to frequent the wider Northland region.
It’s believed he is actively avoiding … View morePolice are working to locate Tehau Ernest Creeks-McNiff, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.
Creeks-McNiff, 19, is wanted in relation to a number of vehicle-related offences and is known to frequent the wider Northland region.
It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.
If you have seen him or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 251008/0746.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please note that the Northland Justices of the Peace Association's Service Desks in the Whangarei urban area will be closed from 12.00 noon on Wednesday 24 December and will reopen again the week commencing Monday 5 January 2026.
The attached document shows our Whangarei Service Desk … View morePlease note that the Northland Justices of the Peace Association's Service Desks in the Whangarei urban area will be closed from 12.00 noon on Wednesday 24 December and will reopen again the week commencing Monday 5 January 2026.
The attached document shows our Whangarei Service Desk venues and hours as from 5 January 2026.
Our other Service desks' Christmas / New Year hours are as follows:
Kaiwaka: Closed from 6pm 22 December and reopening 4 pm 5 January 2026;
Dargaville: Open 11 / 18 December for the usual hours at Dargaville Library (note change of venue) and reopening 8 January 2026, back at Whanau Focus;
Mangawhai: Closed from 12 noon 20 December and reopening 10 January 2026 at 10 am;
Ruakaka: Closed from 12 noon 20 December and reopening 10 January 2026 at 10 am.
If you urgently need a JP over this period, please go to www.justiceofthepeace.org.nz... and use the "Find a JP" button to find the closest JP to you.
Best wishes to all for a safe and happy festive season.
We’re gathering the community’s very best festive tips, to-dos, and treasured traditions all in one cheerful place!
🎄 Got a shortcut that saves your sanity?
🎄 A recipe that must make an appearance every year?
🎄 Or a clever idea that makes the holidays smoother, warmer, or a … View moreWe’re gathering the community’s very best festive tips, to-dos, and treasured traditions all in one cheerful place!
🎄 Got a shortcut that saves your sanity?
🎄 A recipe that must make an appearance every year?
🎄 Or a clever idea that makes the holidays smoother, warmer, or a whole lot more magical?
🎄 Got a time-saving holiday hack?
🎄 A tradition that fills your home with cheer?
🎄 Or a crafty idea that turns simple moments into magical memories?
Share your festive wisdom with your neighbours and help make this season brighter for everyone!
Garden Chair handcrafted in Eucalyptus. Finished in marine grade resin for full weather proofing and long life.
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Crafted from Tasmanian Blackwood with a green resin insert resembling Jade with highlights that sparkle in the light. 1200 x 600mm
Quality High end hard wax finish.
This is an unusual and very unique piece. Timeless quality that will still appeal to your grandchildren.
Free delivery between … View moreCrafted from Tasmanian Blackwood with a green resin insert resembling Jade with highlights that sparkle in the light. 1200 x 600mm
Quality High end hard wax finish.
This is an unusual and very unique piece. Timeless quality that will still appeal to your grandchildren.
Free delivery between Whangarei and Kaitaia
027 840 4499
Join us this Wednesday and explore our lifestyle, show homes and amenities.
More than just a place to live, Ryman villages are places where friendships grow, hobbies flourish and a genuine sense of community thrives.
The best way is to experience it for yourself. No appointment necessary!
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to … View moreThe Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
Wednesday 10 December, 10am - 3pm
Join us this Wednesday and explore our lifestyle, show homes and amenities.
More than just a place to live, Ryman villages are places where friendships grow, hobbies flourish and a genuine sense of community thrives.
The best way is to experience it for … View moreWednesday 10 December, 10am - 3pm
Join us this Wednesday and explore our lifestyle, show homes and amenities.
More than just a place to live, Ryman villages are places where friendships grow, hobbies flourish and a genuine sense of community thrives.
The best way is to experience it for yourself. No appointment necessary!
Senior business reporter Rob Stock tackles a big question many of us have wondered about: “What are the pros and cons of cutting back on insurance?”
So we’re curious… What are your thoughts on trimming your insurance cover? Have you ever considered it?
Want to dive deeper? Rob Stock … View moreSenior business reporter Rob Stock tackles a big question many of us have wondered about: “What are the pros and cons of cutting back on insurance?”
So we’re curious… What are your thoughts on trimming your insurance cover? Have you ever considered it?
Want to dive deeper? Rob Stock has the full breakdown.
When tourists take over the streets and parking disappears, where do you find your calm?
Or is summer’s hustle something to enjoy rather than escape?
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways… View moreAs Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
We’ve pulled together a few clever Christmas hacks thanks to Ryman resident, Sullen - simple ideas to save time and stress so you can enjoy more of the festive fun.
A few favourites:
- Hang tree lights vertically for an even glow
- Use reusable gift bags for quick, eco-friendly wrapping
- … View moreWe’ve pulled together a few clever Christmas hacks thanks to Ryman resident, Sullen - simple ideas to save time and stress so you can enjoy more of the festive fun.
A few favourites:
- Hang tree lights vertically for an even glow
- Use reusable gift bags for quick, eco-friendly wrapping
- Prep food ahead to keep Christmas Day relaxed
Click read more for the full list of tips.
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