Exhibit 23(a)


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement on Form S-8 of our report dated
January 25, 2001 incorporated by reference into the MDU Resources Group, Inc.
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, and to all
references to our Firm included in this registration statement.





                                                     /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
                                                     ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 13, 2001