Lois Williams

A new report has confirmed that a quarter of New Zealand children are now living in poverty - and 10% of them suffer extreme hardship. Audio

The leaders of the Kaipara rates rebellion are defying a call to end their action, and pay their rates. Audio

An apology from the Auditor General has fuelled calls for the government to bail out Kaipara ratepayers - groaning under a 63 million dollar debt for a bungled sewerage scheme. Audio

The Auditor General will front up to ratepayers in Kaipara today - to present two long-awaited reports on their Council's debt fiasco. Audio

Anti-mining protestors who blocked the highway north of Whangarei today - say they'll do it again if the Government refuses to listen to their objections to hard-rock mining. Audio

The emergency due to a gas leak in Kamo in Northland has been called off as the situation has been brought under control. Audio

An anti-mining protest north of Whangarei will close State Highway One to all traffic except emergency vehicles this morning. Audio

Allan Titford's ex-wife Sue Cochrane says her husband told her soon after they married that he'd sunk his own fishing boat to collect the insurance pay-out. Audio

The former wife of Allan Titford, Sue Cochrane has paid tribute to Womens Refuge, the police and her eldest daughter - for their part in helping the family escape her husband and put an end to more… Audio

The well-known Northland farmer and anti-Treaty activist, Allan Titford has been sent to prison for 24 years, for the violent abuse of his wife and family over more than two decades - and other… Audio

He was a church youth worker, and approved foster parent and he sexually abused the child in his care for almost a year, as well as another four boys he was giving religious instruction to. Audio

The Local Government Commission's revealed its preferred option for local government in Northland is a single council for the whole region. Audio

The Principals' Federation is calling for an overhaul of the way commissioners and statutory managers are appointed to run schools. Audio

Northland school principals are challenging the Ministry of Education to explain why a Commissioner is still collecting nearly $150-thousand a year to run a school part-time. Audio

The leaders of the Kaipara rates rebellion are cranking up their fund-raising efforts as they prepare to take their debt-ridden council to court. Audio

Students at a Northland school have reacted with shock today to news that their former principal's been charged with sex crimes against boys. Audio

A Northland polytech tutor is now facing 24 charges of sexual offending against young girls, including two of sexual violation. Audio

Maori living south of Whangarei harbour are fighting plans for a racecourse expansion at Ruakaka. Audio

Claimants recounting their histories to the Waitangi Tribunal in Whangarei this week have told of the lethal impact of mercury mining on Maori families. Audio

The untold stories of European settlement in Whangarei - and their impact on Maori - are unfolding this week in the Waitangi Tribunal. Audio