Northland - severe weather
Northland is dealing with severe weather and this only looks to ease by tomorrow morning.
What you need to know:
- Until 8:00am Tue 31 Oct there'll be periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
- Vince Cocurullo, Mayor of Whangārei, is asking people to drive carefully as the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Lola continue to be felt.
- At least 6000 homes were left without power in Northland on Monday morning.
- Schools across Northland are closed on Monday as they cope with the power cuts and weather. These include Matauri Bay School, Whangaroa College, Kaeo School and Kaikohe Intermediate.
- In Northland, the Kaeo River has been also rising fast, according to Northland's regional council's webcams. If the river floods, it could overflow to State Highway 10.
Keep up to date with weather on the MetService website.
Christmas / New Year Hours for JP Service Desks
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 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.
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
What are some of your Festive Tips?
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 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!
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