Stories by Lois Williams
News
Deep-sea oil drilling protest in Northland
Security was tight at the Northland Regional Council today after protesters occupied the building's carpark to object to deep-sea oil drilling. Audio
Sale could salvage ancestral land at Matauri Bay
Māori landowners at Matauri Bay in Northland are hoping to regain control of their whenua - by selling off an ill-fated subdivision.
Sam Napia to contest Tūhoronuku leadership
Tūhoronuku's acting chair Sam Napia hopes to confirm his position as leader of the iwi's independent mandated authority in elections this month.
'Incredible potential' for telemedicine project
A company headed by Kaitaia GP Lance O'Sullivan wants to expand its pioneering service beyond Northland - and possibly beyond New Zealand. Audio
Historian: Cultural take could help kererū
The kererū might have a better chance of survival if Māori were permitted a cultural take of the protected bird, says historian Paul Moon.
Ngāpuhi authority Tūhoronuku claims more support
Tāmaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare says he is heartened to hear that more hapu are ready to negotiate a treaty settlement in the north.
Waitangi Tribunal to consider TPP inquiry
The Waitangi Tribunal has asked to hear further argument on whether it should hold an urgent inquiry into the Trans Pacific Partnership.
Consents a sore point for Northland Māori
Māori from around Te Taitokerau have told the Northland Regional Council it must find better ways to involve tāngata whenua in vetting resource consents.
Iwi groups join Tribunal's TPP claim
At least 10 groups from iwi around the country have asked to join a Waitangi Tribunal claim challenging New Zealand's involvement in the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement.
Kuia: Sonny Tau apology accepted by elders
A prominent Ngāpuhi kuia says Sonny Tau has apologised to his elders for the kererū incident. Audio
Global boost for traditional Māori sport
Some quick thinking by Kerikeri man Harko Brown at a conference in Brazil has led to a global publicity boost for traditional Māori ball game ki-o-rahi. Audio
Knock-on effects from counselling service closure
Relationships Aotearoa says the suddenness of its closure is causing confusion for whānau from Kaitaia to Gisborne.
Minister urged to taihoa on negotiations
A steam-roller approach to treaty settlement is not working for Ngapuhi, Northland MP Winston Peters says.
Maori Council to jump into mandate row
The Tai Tokerau Māori Council is set to enter the fray over the Ngāpuhi Treaty settlement.
Iwi dismisses fears of imported labour
A Far North iwi leader is dismissing fears the Chinese company expanding a luxury resort on the Karikari Peninsula will import Chinese labour to build it.
Kaipara rate rebels remain defiant
Many Mangawhai people are still refusing to pay rate arrears in protest at the Kaipara District Council's borrowing without their consent.
Public asked to help protect rare bird
The Conservation Department is making a plea to the public about New Zealand's most endangered bird as visitors pour into Northland for Labour Weekend.
Changes pose 'major risk' to women
Changes to the Family Court system advocating mediation potentially increase the stress and risk to women in abusive relationships, an educator at Women's Refuge says. Audio
Claimants tell of pain of clearances
Northland's Ngati Hine people have spoken publicly for the first time of government clearances that forced them off their land in the Pipiwai area in the 1960s.
Big funding call for Northland roads
Northland council and business leaders have told the NZTA the region is overdue a major investment in its roading networks and wants an urgent review. Audio
Kaipara ratepayers 'liable' for debt
The High Court has ruled that Kaipara ratepayers must pay for debts the council ran up for the $60 million Mangawhai sewerage scheme, which they didn't know about. Audio
Council boss admits perception of bias
The chief executive of the Whangarei District Council has admitted his treatment of two staff during last year's election has left an impression of bias and double standards. Audio